I absolutely loved this book as much as the first! Laura Dave has such an effortless, engaging writing style that makes her stories so easy to fall into. The transition from the first book to this one felt seamless — familiar yet fresh, with characters and emotions that pulled me right back in. The plot twists kept me turning pages late into the night, and I was left wanting more in the best way possible.

Already recommending this one to everyone who enjoyed The Last Thing He Told Me — Laura Dave has done it again!

Ohhh, I seriously gobbled this book up in two sittings. It was such a great read! While it is obviously meant to be the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me, I don't think readers would struggle too much jumping right into this book. I didn't reread TLTHTM, and I did fine picking this up five years later and diving right in!

I've read several books written by Laura Dave, and I have always thoroughly enjoyed them. That said, I think she improves, skill-wise, with each novel she writes. Where Dave excels is in crafting characters that are true to life; characters the reader has empathy for and wish to see have happy endings. This book, of course, followed that recipe- I genuinely was rooting for Hannah and for Bailey. (And even Owen and Nicholas, to a lesser degree, however). I also really appreciate Dave's themes related to family- especially if it concerns how far one will go to protect the people they love and value.

This is a fast-paced, exciting book that was hard to put down. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the majority of the time I was reading it. There are a few surprises and mysteries mixed in, but I think it was more of a domestic thriller than flat out mystery. No matter what category it falls into, it is definitely worth reading. I have a feeling I won't have to really suggest this to many people; it's highly anticipated, and will do my job for me in selling itself. That said, I will still be singing its praises from the rooftop when it is released. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. You won't regret it!

I cherished my Advanced Copy of The First Time I Saw Him ~ LOVED it! The ending line/scene was perfect! Laura Dave did an amazing job of gently reminding readers about needed plot/details/happenings from the first book without stopping the action for backstory. Hannah & Bailey have grown so much in their relationship and that helped them with all they needed to shoulder/deal with in this book. Layers of family/plot were revealed at just the right moments! I really enjoyed digging deeper into the other family relationships with Owen’s in laws and their loyalties and motivations!