cover image Just Last Night

Just Last Night

Mhairi McFarlane. Morrow, $15.99 trade paper (416p) ISBN 978-0-06-303685-7

A woman’s rose-colored view of her tight circle of friends is shattered in this heartfelt and funny story of loss and recovery from McFarlane (If I Never Met You). Thirty-something Eve Harris’s life is turned upside down after the death of her best friend, Susie Hart. As Eve struggles to adapt to life without Susie—and contends with the sudden presence of Susie’s estranged brother, the gorgeous but gloomy Finlay, in her life—she discovers that Susie and their dear friend Ed Cooper were keeping a secret from her. Eve has always secretly loved Ed and believed they had a special connection, so the betrayal is doubly difficult. Now a reeling Eve must reevaluate their relationship and what she wants for her life. McFarlane balances sensitive observations on love, death, and friendship with an intoxicating sense of humor as Eve imagines Susie’s witty asides in her head. Eve has a way with words and her ebullient narration delights, but the extensive dialogue threads between Eve and her friends can become over-the-top and unbelievable. Still, Eve is an engaging protagonist whose complex emotions keep the pages turning. This dynamic story of friendship, forgiveness, and finding love where it’s least expected is perfect for Sara Desai fans and lovers of chick lit. [em](May) [/em]