A poignant, unforgettable novel about love, forgiveness, and the power of memory — from the bestselling author of Still Life and Grand Avenue.
 
Mattie Hart has always been the steady one — wife, mother, journalist, and anchor of her family. But when she’s diagnosed with a devastating illness, her world begins to shift in ways she never imagined. As she revisits her marriage, her choices, and the secrets she’s kept, Mattie discovers that it’s never too late to see life — and love — with new eyes.
 
In The First Time, Joy Fielding departs from her trademark psychological thrillers to deliver a moving story about marriage, loss, and rediscovery.
Told through Mattie’s intimate voice, the novel explores the emotional terrain of a woman forced to re-examine her past when her future is suddenly uncertain. As she confronts the reality of her illness, Mattie begins to understand her husband’s hidden pain, her daughter’s distance, and her own capacity for forgiveness.
 
Tender, wise, and beautifully written, The First Time is a celebration of the resilience of love — and the moments that define a life.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A powerful emotional departure from Joy Fielding’s suspense novels.
Deeply human, character-driven storytelling about love and redemption.
Honest exploration of marriage and self-forgiveness.
Perfect balance of heartbreak and hope.
A story that lingers long after the last page.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of Jodi Picoult and Nicholas Sparks.
Readers who enjoy heartfelt, realistic fiction about family and loss.
Book clubs exploring life transitions and emotional growth.
Anyone drawn to stories of resilience and second chances.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed The First Time, you might also like:
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks — enduring love through illness and memory.
Still Life by Joy Fielding — introspection and emotional strength.
The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky — love, guilt, and forgiveness.