First Comes Love is a captivating standalone book that falls into the genre of adult contemporary/Chick Lit.

The narrative beautifully alternates between the perspectives of two sisters, Josie and Meredith, presented in the first person.

At the start of the book, the girls are 20 and 22 years old respectively. However, the majority of the story unfolds 15 years later, when they are 35 and 37.

This heartwarming story delves into the lives of the sisters, exploring how they interact with each other and cope with a tragic event that shakes their family to the core.

The book commences with a prologue that showcases the sisters with their parents and brother Daniel when they were younger. Then, a devastating tragedy occurs, leaving everyone in a state of shock and grief. This event casts a long shadow over the family and shapes the remainder of the story.

The subsequent chapters take place when the women are in their 30s. Josie, a single first grade teacher, finds herself at a crucial turning point in her life. Her journey is filled with self-discovery and growth, which I found truly fascinating. I also developed a soft spot for Gabe and Pete, and everything related to Will added an extra layer of interest.

Meredith, on the other hand, is a lawyer with a husband and a daughter. She too is at a crossroads in her life. Although her character can be a bit judgmental and harder to like initially, delving into her thoughts and feelings about her life was a rewarding experience.

The relationship between the sisters is one of the most compelling aspects of the book. Their bond, despite their differences, is strong and complex.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. However, there were two minor points that I felt could have been improved. Firstly, while the story was engaging, it didn't quite have that "wow" factor that I was hoping for. I am a big fan of this author, and I did like the book overall. I just think it could have benefited from a few more unexpected twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat.

The second aspect that left me a little wanting was the ending. It wasn't bad per se, but it felt a bit abrupt. I would have loved to have an epilogue that provided more details about what happened to each sister in the future. The story seemed to end rather suddenly, without giving the reader a clear sense of closure.

Overall, First Comes Love is a charming tale of two sisters who are as different as night and day. Their story is one of love, loss, and the power of family. Despite its few shortcomings, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Chick Lit novel.

4 It's Not Always Sunshine and Roses Stars

I feel compelled to begin by stating that it was Emily Giffin who rekindled my passion for reading as an adult. Something Borrowed and Something Blue were the initial ones in a lengthy list of books that I would come to adore. It has been a while since I last got my hands on a new Emily Giffin book, and I was extremely excited to obtain First Comes Love.

This is a story whose foundation truly lies in the relationship between two sisters and how their shared history, yet vastly different perspectives and lives, unfold. Josie and Meredith couldn't be more dissimilar. Josie is a free-spirited first grade teacher, while Meredith is a germaphobic attorney. Those descriptions are actually not entirely fair, as both characters were so complex and beautifully flawed. Although Meredith wasn't the most likable character at times, I found her to be so gritty and authentic. Who can say that someone who appears to "have it all" on the surface truly feels that way on the inside?

This story captures the process of grief, love among friends, family, significant others, as well as the diverse journeys we undertake to live life in our own way and on our own terms. This isn't a typically sweet and soft Chick Lit story. It is far too true and honest for that. However, it is a story of moving through grief, real commitment and love for another, and how in the end, love (in many forms) can truly conquer anything. It's also a testament to living life for oneself and no one else and forging one's own path.

I truly enjoyed this book, and I believe that anyone who loved Emily's earlier works will find this to have a similar and comfortably familiar vibe.

I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful book by Emily Giffin that vividly describes the relationship between the sisters, Meredith and Josie. The story takes place 15 years after the tragic death of their brother Daniel. The profound effects that Daniel's passing had on their lives are still palpable and firmly influence their decisions in the present. The narrative delves deep into the complex web of emotions and relationships involving their family and friends. It explores how they have coped with the loss over the years and how it continues to shape their identities and choices.

An achingly beautiful novel that embarks on a poignant search for meaning in life after such a great and devastating loss. It is a story that will tug at your heartstrings and make you reflect on the power of love, grief, and the human spirit.

This is the third book I have read of Emily Giffin, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! It is a truly great read that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Her writing is masterful, and she has a remarkable ability to bring her characters to life and make you care deeply about their fates. If you are looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel, then this is definitely one to add to your reading list.

I have a great admiration for Emily Giffen's writing style. I have relished several of her books in the past. She is a master at penning excellent and dependable women's fiction that delves into families, relationships, and the various challenges that surface in life. However, when it comes to "FIRST COMES LOVE," it was just an average read for me.

The book commences with a powerful family tragedy, and the story revolves around the consequences that unfold 20 years later. At the heart of it are the joint protagonists, Meredith and Josie, who are sisters. Picture two 8-year-old sisters bickering, and that's largely how they behave in the book, but with adult themes. I believe the reason I only found it okay was due to the juvenile nature of their relationship. I much preferred when the focus was on their individual lives.

Meredith's life is centered around her husband and child, and there is a distinct "finding yourself" theme in her story, which I quite liked. Josie's story, on the other hand, is more about achieving her goals, and she has a couple of friendships that make for enjoyable reading. However, I did find Josie's fixation on her previous failed relationships a bit annoying. The story isn't overly focused on romance but rather on relationships in general, mostly family and platonic ones.

This book did have a relatively good conclusion. Although it wasn't my favorite Emily Giffen novel, I still appreciate her writing style, and I will surely return to read more of her works.

Thank you to Hodder books and amazon vine for providing the review copy.

This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities Blog here.

Okay, so this book has been sitting on my shelf for years. I'm really happy that I finally picked it up and read it. However, I don't know. I really didn't seem to connect with the characters. The characters go through a heartbreaking event, but the two main characters are just so depressing, which I wasn't expecting. Also, the storyline would pick up plots and build them up, and then nothing. When I actually wanted something to happen to certain characters, etc., which meant there was a lot that was just left unsaid towards the end.

Overall, I just feel like I was expecting something different, more like chick lit or romance. But what we got was a pretty depressing story. It was an okay read, and it was well written, but it didn't wow me unfortunately. I think if the characters had been more relatable or if the storyline had been more developed, I might have enjoyed it more. As it is, it was just an average read for me.

4.5 stars

This is a truly poignant women's fiction that delves deep into the profound impact of grief on siblings and their complex relationships.

It is an easy read that effortlessly sweeps you into its pages. When Josie and Meredith lose their brother Daniel in a tragic and fatal car accident, their lives are forever changed. They each cope with their grief in distinct ways. Josie, who is fun-loving and single, is approaching 40 and has a desperate longing for a child. However, she has been unable to find the right man. On the other hand, Meredith is now married to Nolan, who was Daniel's best friend. She has sacrificed her dream of being an actor to pursue a career in law and raise her 4-year-old daughter.

The story takes you on a journey into the lives of each sister, exploring how grief has influenced their decisions and led to a fractured relationship. At the heart of it all lies a secret, a lie about that fateful evening. I was deeply touched by this story and found myself shedding more than a few tears. It is yet another emotionally gripping novel by Giffin that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

4 Stars!

Grief is a mystery to be lived through, not a problem to be solved.

This novel revolves around two sisters, Meredith and Josie Garland. The prologue kicks off the story with a family tragedy, yet it also reveals quite a lot about the family. Josie is impulsive and a bit of a party girl. In contrast, Meredith is more reserved and introverted. Their relationship isn't the best. Then, the tragedy strikes.

Fast forward fifteen years. Josie and Meredith are in their late thirties, and their lives have taken very different paths than they expected. Josie is a first grade teacher, single, and living with her best friend Gabe (more on him later). She can sense her maternal clock ticking and desperately wants to be a mother, regardless of whether she's found the right guy. This feeling intensifies when she realizes that her most significant ex's daughter is in her class.

Meredith appears to have a perfect life. She's a successful attorney, married to a great guy she's known since childhood, and they have a four-year-old daughter. However, Meredith feels dissatisfied, constantly wondering if she made the right choices in life. She ponders over some "what if's".

The anniversary of their family tragedy is approaching, and secrets from the past begin to surface. This story is about how Josie and Meredith face these issues and come to terms with their own life decisions. It's a tale of following your heart, no matter where it leads.

One of the reasons I'm so fond of Emily Giffin's books is that the story is always original. While some may have plots that have been explored before, her characters and their actions and thoughts are highly relatable. Then there are novels like this one, with a completely unique story that I haven't encountered before. This book delves into a whole range of topics that I haven't seen combined in a novel before, from divorce to death to artificial insemination, yet Giffin manages to make it work seamlessly. One of my favorite aspects of this novel (which I've never really seen before) is the fact that Gabe and Josie have the best friendship, a friendship that everyone should aspire to have. And the author creates this friendship between a man and a woman, both straight. I loved that not only did the author include an amazing friendship, but it was between characters of the opposite sex. There's absolutely no romance that develops AT ALL between them, none of the typical "secretly being in love with your best friend for years only to discover the feeling is mutual" scenario (which I was fully expecting), and I adored their friendship!

This was a quick and enjoyable read, despite dealing with some difficult issues. It definitely inspires you to always listen to your heart <3.

First Comes Love is a captivating standalone women's fiction novel penned by Emily Giffin. I have a rather complex relationship with her work. On one hand, she skillfully portrays real people with their flaws and reflects them in her stories, which is a unique aspect. However, for me, this style doesn't always provide the escapism I seek when reading. Nevertheless, my love for books about sisters led me to pick up this one.

As the story unfolds, a family tragedy strikes, and two sisters, Josie and Meredith, cope with their grief in distinct ways. Fifteen years later, both sisters feel the urge for change. I found that a significant portion of the book focused on Josie's pursuit of motherhood, to the extent that I sometimes forgot about the other layers of the story. When the perspective switched to Meredith, I had to quickly recalibrate. In general, Josie's storyline left me frustrated, as she seemed to overlook an obvious candidate for a sperm donor. On the other hand, Meredith's storyline resonated with me, as it highlighted the importance of women taking a break from their multiple roles.

Overall, I had a positive experience reading this novel. One of the major themes, the idea that we can control every moment and stage of our lives, really stood out to me. Although the characters' journeys were sometimes frustrating to witness, I believe they ultimately achieved growth. If you've enjoyed Giffin's previous works, this one is definitely worth a read. It may not have been a perfect book for me, but it did offer some thought-provoking ideas. And remember, if you have a sibling, reach out and let them know you care. After all, tomorrow is never guaranteed.

My favorite quote:
"Everyone creates a version of her life that she wishes were true and tries to believe. In other words, everyone lies on social media, or at least puts her best foot - and photos - forward."

Josie and Meredith are sisters, yet they have little in common aside from sharing DNA.

Both, along with their parents, are grappling with the grief of their brother's untimely death. Josie, an elementary school teacher, feels the pressure of time. She desires a family of her own but is acutely aware of the ticking of her biological clock. Moreover, she still can't move on from Will, her ex-boyfriend who ended their relationship years ago. Complicating matters, Will's daughter is in her classroom this year, serving as a constant reminder of him.

Meredith, on the other hand, appears to have it all on the surface. She has a lovely daughter, a successful career, and a handsome husband. However, she is far from happy. She despises her job as a lawyer, and her marriage to Nolan is on the verge of falling apart.

Both sisters decide to take control of their lives, despite the potential fears associated with change. Additionally, the night of Daniel's death is not as straightforward as it seems. There are numerous secrets surrounding it, and these truths will gradually come to light.

Emily Giffin's First Comes Love is a captivating beach read that fans of family drama will surely enjoy.

Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...

"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

That's precisely the sentiment I had after delving into "First Comes Love". Having been an ardent fan of Emily Giffin's initial six novels, I was deeply let down by "The One and Only". Nevertheless, I still harbored hope for "FCL" and purchased my copy on the very day of its release. However, for the second consecutive time, I find myself disillusioned.

Where should I begin? Firstly, Meredith is hands down the least likable character I have ever encountered in a book. Perhaps I'm exaggerating, but truly, what a negative and unpleasant individual with no redeeming qualities to root for. She was so mean-spirited and nasty that I actually found myself wishing she remained the same miserable person throughout her entire life because happiness seemed too good for someone like her.

Josie was marginally more likable but still a bit annoying, especially in the beginning with her obsessive fixation on Will. The relationship had ended eight years ago, for goodness sake, it was time to move on. At least I felt she showed some character growth by the end, and I did like her friendship with Gabe (and her potential with Pete).

The big secret surrounding their brother's death failed to engage me. It simply didn't warrant the suspense that Giffin painstakingly built up throughout the story.

I'm not sure what has transpired, but something has undeniably changed in Giffin's writing over the last two books. Her stories are no longer even remotely relatable, and her characters lack depth and charm. If I do decide to read her next book, I'll be borrowing it from the library and saving my hard-earned money.

I've always had a great fondness for Giffin's stories. However, I must admit that I felt less engaged and less invested in this particular one compared to any of her previous books.

I can't help but think that perhaps my tastes have undergone a change. As I've grown a little older, maybe this just isn't the kind of read that suits me at the moment.

Moreover, I really struggled to establish a connection with the characters in this story. I managed to finish it, mainly because I was intrigued enough to discover the ending. But, to be honest, for me, it simply didn't measure up to her other novels.

It's a bit disappointing, really, as I had high expectations. But sometimes, as we evolve, our reading preferences do too. Maybe I'll come back to this book at a later time and have a different perspective. For now, though, I'll be on the lookout for something that better aligns with my current literary tastes.

I have my two favorite literary genres, and I often return to family dramas. For me, these books are like an escape from the outside world and a plunge into the dramas of events that are both similar to ours and different in their drama and more or less complicated happy endings where everyone lives happily ever after. I often get the question of why I read those banal to the point of exhaustion family dramas? My answer is simple because I just need it. I like to, as it were, dissect the relationships of people, delve into the psychological aspects of their characters, I like to rejoice and grieve with them, solve their problems and guess how everything will end.

One of such authors is Emily Giffin. I read her second book "Something Borrowed" in Lithuanian completely by chance and recently. That's why I read the latest one quite quickly and with pleasure. When presenting the books I have read, I am never inclined to tell the plot because it would simply be unoriginal. When it comes to "My Sister's Secret" - it is like a dialogue between two sisters that follows throughout the whole book. After their stories, the shadow of the past is dragged along, which brings with it family pains and secrets. How difficult it is for each of them to live with what is not revealed and hidden? How to communicate with a close person when you don't know what he is silent about regarding the events that have turned everything upside down? But the most important things in life remain, and the ability to forgive always works wonders.

As the New York Times states, this is an open and true story - as if we were talking with our best friend. I really agree with that because we, women, really need such dramas so that we can enjoy other people's stories while reading, because our own are often already erased like prints or covered with the thickest layer of history and do not want to be made public because what has been experienced and tested by time remains only for us. We need such dramas also so that we can escape from everyday work and just enjoy a good time with a book.