Don’t Tell Me How It Ends

A skeptical young woman, feeling directionless and disillusioned with love, agrees to be the first client for her older sister’s matchmaking business in Thurman’s refreshing and emotionally resonant debut. Dating apps have long been Kaia Harper’s antidote for lonely nights, leading to countless meaningless hookups. After graduating from the University of Kansas with an education degree she has no desire to use, she returns to her Connecticut hometown, where her persistent sister and hopelessly romantic mother, both of whom have been unlucky in love themselves, convince her to go on three blind dates. She embarks on this quest for partnership with incredibly low expectations and a desire to quickly put an end to it, but finds an unlikely source of camaraderie and comfort in Ro Jackson, a tow truck driver who comes to her aid and proves to be the composed counterpart to her chaotic tendencies. Authentic and complex familial bonds, raw moments of past traumas explored, and flawed but endearing characters add heart. It’s especially moving to witness Kaia grow and open herself up to genuine connection. There’s enough comfort and tenderness in this warm hug of a novel to soften the heart of even the staunchest cynic. Agent: Melanie Figueroa, Root Literary. (Apr.)