First Comes Love by Emily Giffin | Rating: ★★★☆☆

But there is one constant, one thing you can always count on: that not only does love come first, but at the end, it is the only thing that remains. As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way. 

Emily Giffin is known for her heart wrenching and sweet novels, in fact, I daresay she has been iconic in "chick-lit". I must also admit that this kind of bugs me, because there's just something nice about her novels and it goes beyond fluffy, feel good. Does she write novels that are aimed at so-called girly readers? Yes. Is that a bad thing? No. The thing about Giffin and her writing is that she is often dismissed from discussions for this. But the fact of the matter is she sells books for a reason--she is great. First Comes Love is a definite nod to this and builds onto her already strong knack for weaving us heart warming stories with an excellently sweet prose, and strong/feminine characters.

In other words, it's the perfect addition to your summer reading list, even now as the season is winding down. In fact, it is great for all times of the year and while it is not my favorite novel from her, it is still wonderfully pleasing and fans will be grappling for a copy of their own. I was so surprised, delighted, to have received a review copy I nearly tripped over myself on the way home from work just to read it. First Comes Love is a solid addition to her catalog that fans will adore until its very last page. 


There's something very satisfying in First Comes Love that, while it is not her best novel, it still is a book you will walk away from feeling something. Giffin deserves a lot more credit for the smooth prose she weaves plotlines in and I can definitely say it is more than just a romance novel. She makes something that is full of heart even outside of romantic notions--she just gives you the warm and fuzzies through and through.

The characters in First Comes Love are fully fleshed out and delightful. They aren't entirely unique to literature but that doesn't matter because in some ways that makes them feel all the more real. Ordinary woman, strong and developed and alive. I guess that's one way of looking at it--they are everything. Everything and everyone. A pair of sisters who are seemingly opposites and while this is a tired dynamic, it's still pleasant to read about. I love how she tied everything together. I loved the mystery of secrets, the dynamic/drama of a family.

First Comes Love is a solid summery release that will captivate its audience and leaving them feeling it by the final pages. It's fast, it's smart, it's mysterious and fluffy.