THE FIRST LOVE MYTH

“A quick read that packs in lots of heart and familial love.”
~Kirkus Reviews

Available January 6, 2025

Liz Madden has a storybook romance—high school sweethearts, second chances, and a happily-ever-after. But when she finds out that her husband cheated on her, she is forced to make the hard decision and walk away. Unable to reveal the betrayal to those closest to her, Liz instead takes refuge with her father and half-sister, Zoey.

Zoey is nursing her own broken heart after a devastating end to her first love. But true to Reid-sister heritage, she’s courting disaster with a no-strings-attached affair with her ex.

Liz's marital discord also brings their older sister, Cecilia, back to town. But Cecilia has complicated relationship issues of her own. She’s never forgiven their father for the affair he had seventeen years ago, and she’s also never accepted Zoey as part of the family.

As their respective heartbreaks draw Liz and Zoey closer together, Liz finds she is getting tired of walking the line between her two sisters.

The Reid sisters are each in over their heads. To make it through the summer, they'll have to heal the fractures between them. Sometimes, forgiveness isn’t always a straight line, and letting go is the only way forward.


Praise for The First Love Myth

“With her distinctive, effective, and narrative-driven storytelling style, Casey Dembowski has raised "The First Love Myth" to an impressive level of literary excellence.”

~ Midwest Book Review

“Part family drama and part contemporary romance, The First Love Myth charms its way into your heart and leaves you wanting more.”

~ Readers’ Favorite