I Always Cry at Weddings

Goff's debut novel stars Ava Larson, a Catholic woman with a rich, Jewish fianc%C3%A9, a glamorous job in fashion, and a disquieting feeling that her life should be more than it is. More concerned with his job and the local bar than Ava, fianc%C3%A9 Josh Copeland doesn't make it far through the book before Ava decides to call off the wedding. Her brash decision creates a cascade of misfortune, and soon she has lost her apartment, job, and her mother (to cancer) in a few short months. Counting on the reader's suspension of disbelief (a homeless man Ava befriends turns the tide of her fortunes), the novel delivers a satisfying traditional redemption story while demonstrating that what makes a perfect match has to do with shared values, mutual support, and the positive feelings that these invoke. It's unfortunate that the Jewish characters never become more than paper-thin clich%C3%A9s, but Ava's story of finding love through redemption and self-betterment will resonate with some readers. Agent : Wendy Lawton, Books and Such (Sept.)