To Have and to Hold: First Comes Love

Though its title and opening scenario have a decided soap-opera tinge, Baker's novel is a good deal more substantial than these elements suggest. The inaugural installment of the First Comes Love series introduces two likable teenagers: Julie, who leaves Philadelphia to begin her freshman year at an Ohio college; and Matt, her boyfriend of two years, who remains at home. Each is miserable without the other, and after a late-night argument on the phone, Matt hops on his motorcycle and rides to Julie's dorm bedside--with a proposal of marriage. The usually pragmatic Julie assents, and they elope the next day. Baker gives her characters enough dimension and credibility to pull off this unlikely development--and to pull the reader into their undeniably romantic story, which is further enhanced by a diverse supporting cast and authentic dialogue. Alas, the title of the next volume in the series, For Better, for Worse , hints that it will be awhile before Julie and Matt get to live happily ever after. Ages 12-up. 150,000 first printing. (May)