Just the Way You Are

Starred review from February 18, 2019
Childhood friends brave a new relationship while dealing with death in Brown’s emotional, heartwarming standalone set in Portland, Ore. When Ambri Jennings’s sister, Rory, married Ambri’s friend Henry Decker, it only cemented Ambri and Henry’s friendship—but when Rory died, it tore them apart. As they leaned on each other in grief, Henry started feeling romantic yearnings for Ambri for the first time. They made love only once, and then Henry, feeling guilty and depressed, left town to “start a new life.” Deeply wounded, Ambri vowed to never forgive him. Two years later, Ambri’s dating someone new, and Henry returns to Portland with a live-in girlfriend. The two must deal with the connection they now realize was never broken. Brown does a superb job of individualizing the relationships between Henry and each sister, leaving no doubts about their faithfulness or love. Witty, loyal friends add some comic relief to a sensitive subject. The flow is smooth, the pace is steady, and the plot is original; social, romantic, and work issues are masterfully balanced. Brown has created beautiful, complex characters with big hearts who will win readers over instantly. Agent: Sarah Hershman, Hershman Rights Mgmt.