Always Something There to Remind Me

Twenty years after her breakup with Nate Lawson, Erin Edwards has a successful career, a beautiful daughter, and a stable relationship. But when her boyfriend pops the question, Erin is surprised to find herself haunted by the past and the first love she thought was lost forever. Orlagh Cassidy—who has read many of Harbison previous titles—again turns in a fine performance. But her emotive, leisurely narration can’t disguise the book’s obvious weaknesses, abundant clichés, and absurd plot points. Cassidy portrays Erin’s conflicted emotions with empathy and sincerity and displays excellent comedic timing, particularly in scenes involving a spoiled rich girl’s birthday party and a reality television show. But in the end, Cassidy’s fine effort can’t overcome the banality of the prose. A St. Martin’s Press hardcover. (July)