Faking Forever

Bybee (Wife by Wednesday) spins a charming contemporary with surprising depth for the fourth and final First Wives Club novel. Shannon Wentworth, a photographer and the divorced former first lady of California, can hear her biological clock ticking. Her plan A is to stay in Tulum, Mexico, for an extra week after shooting a destination wedding, find a willing and anonymous man, and let nature take its course. She doesn’t plan on literally falling in the lap of Victor Brooks, the intended groom, on the flight down—or the bride ditching Victor at the altar. Though at first he’s devastated by her calling off the wedding, Victor realizes he dodged a bullet when he begins falling for Shannon. Despite jealous exes and uncertainty, Victor’s love gives Shannon the courage to make positive changes in every area of her life. Bybee perfectly portrays a woman trying to hold out for Mr. Right despite the pressures of time. A pitch-perfect plot and a cast of sympathetic and lovable supporting characters make this book one to add to the keeper shelf. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Mar.)