The Adultery Diet

Midwest-based Cassady's debut features a protagonist also named Eva, an editor for a New York shelter magazine who is a sardonic worrier about the pounds she's put on since her 20s. She's married to David, mother to Chloe (who is about to spend her junior year in Paris). When architect Michael Foresman wins the Pritzker Prize, and Eva's editor finds out that Eva once knew him—they had a passionate, one-week thing in college—Eva is assigned to snag an interview. As the two begin heavily reconnecting via e-mail, Eva starts working out (and enjoying it) in preparation for seeing Michael again. Cassady's novel has inspired moments: Eva's exchanges with best friend Liz and with Chloe are sharp and funny, and the web Eva weaves to separate her real life from her cyberlife rings frighteningly true. Diet and exercise tangents eventually tie in to this smart, hopeful entry into the mom lit market. (Aug.)