The First Husband

Dave (The Divorce Party) delivers an eager to please novel in this story of travel writer Annabelle Adams, whose world is turned upside down when Nick, her boyfriend of five years, leaves her. On the rebound, she meets Griffin, a chef who quickly marries her and whisks her from Los Angeles to his tiny hometown of Williamsburg, Mass. While Griffin is pretty much the perfect husband, Annie soon develops doubts about their relationship, fueled by smalltown living, the craziness of his family, and the unresolved feelings she has surrounding her breakup with Nick. Naturally, Nick resurfaces at a very inopportune moment for Griffin and forces Annie to truly decide between "an old love offering us happily ever after" and "that chance to be our best self." Annie's voice is clear if a bit heavy on Carrie Bradshawisms, and while there isn't much in the way of surprise or actual obstacles blocking the happily-ever-after, it's a cute story, capably told. (May)