Forever Friday

Adam Colby, a lonely divorced man searching for the secret to lasting love, happens upon a package of postcards that contains the story of Gabe and Pearl “Huck” Alexander. Readers are taken back to south Texas in the 1920s, when Gabe and Huck meet and marry within a matter of weeks. Gabe begins writing a poetic postcard to Huck every Friday as part of their agreement to protect their relationship. Years go by with plenty of drama and equal amounts of romance. Adam finds inspiration in their love story, but readers may be less inspired. While the characters of Gabe and Huck are lively and engaging, the “secret to lasting love” on what Gabe calls “the long division”—where children, jobs, and the details of life threaten their close relationship. Spiritual references are limited to Huck’s “Mister Jack,” a mysterious savior-like figure. Straddling the line between sweet and sappy, the book is Nicholas Sparks lite: engrossing and emotional but lacking enough depth to make it truly memorable. (Sept.)