Laws of Love and Logic

by Debra Curtis

A STUNNING DEBUT NOVEL FROM JENNA BUSH HAGER’S NEW VENTURE, THOUSAND VOICES

A woman finds herself torn between her first love and her devoted husband in this extraordinary debut novel that asks the Can one heart hold two great loves?

In the serene town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Lily Webb is deeply in love with a charismatic boy, a college-bound quarterback whose spectacular athletic talents are matched only by his fierce devotion. But their dreams of a life together are cut short one night in 1977 when his passionate protectiveness leads to an irrevocable choice—one which tears them apart and leads Lily down a path of heartbreak from which she may never recover.

Lily has already known the sting of loss, beginning with the death of her mother—a tragedy that left deep scars on both her and Jane, her gifted younger sister. Jane seeks escape in the abstract world of mathematics and quantum mechanics; that is, when she can keep the demons that fuel her addictions at bay. As the years pass, Lily buries her twin griefs deep in her heart, finding solace and a new beginning with Marshall Middleton, a renowned ornithologist whose love is as steadfast as the migration patterns he studies. Yet, the shadows of her past linger.

When the boy who was once everything to Lily reemerges, she struggles with questions around that terrible night in high school. Can she reconcile the wild wonderment of her first love with the comfort and safety of her second? Laws of Love and Logic explores love's enduring power and the human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and redemption.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adult, Adult Fiction, Audiobook, Historical

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 17, 2026

Reviews

[emilybookedup · Rating 5 out of 5]

five big beautiful stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ what an amazing book to start off my 2026 reading with!!!

read this if you like: BROKEN COUNTRY or BLUE SISTERS, litfic with a good combo of romance and family drama, “right place wrong time” tropes, etc.

this book was a perfect combination of those two books which are some of my favorite books as well so there’s no wonder why i loved it so much ❤️‍🔥

i always know im in for a good read when i see something endorsed by Jenna Bush Hager!! this is being produced by her publishing company in Feb and i personally love her taste in books bc 1) it puts books i never woulda picked up or heard about on my radar and 2) her taste in books aligns so closely with mine. this fit the bill again!!! i wouldn’t be surprised to see it as her February book club pick! its a very good one to chat with others about.

and the ending??? PUDDLE of tears. for more reason than one. that’s all i’m sayin!!! 🥹🥹🥹

this comes out in February and I’m determined to put it on more people’s radars before then!!! what you need to know is a girl has two great loves and throughout her life she’s battling with the concept of loving them both and what to do about it. but, there’s also so many other things… including a tragic accident that happened in high school that changed the projection of so many people’s lives as well as a bunch of family drama in the mix as well.

there were a few parts of it (the first 40-50pages especially) that felt random to me but hang in there bc it gets good around 60 pages in. i read 2/3s of it in one sitting and thought about it all day until i could pick it up and read again—the best feeling! and something in the ending connected with me so personally and emotionally right now so it really hit hard in a good way 💙

i simply can’t believe this is a debut novel and im so excited to see what else the author brings to the table in the future!

thank you so much to Thousand Voices to putting this on my radar 💙 this is a litfic/romance that must be on your February TBR!

[emma]

if i don't read a romance is it even mid-february

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars "A woman finds herself torn between her first love and her devoted husband in this extraordinary debut novel that asks the question: Can one heart hold two great loves?"

This book focuses on Lily and Jane Webb, two sisters coming-of-age in 1970s Portsmouth, RI. After a tragic loss Lily and Jane are navigating love and friendship. Lily falls in love with her first boyfriend but a tragic event keeps them apart. The girls pursue a college education and other relationships. Lily ends up happily married to Marshall when she is unexpectedly reunited with her first love.

Laws of Love and Logic is an emotionally intelligent and resonant debut with fully formed, relatable characters. It is literary fiction that explores coming of age, family drama, romance, sisterhood, women in STEM, and more. I highly recommend it for those who would love a book that combines the best elements of Broken Country with some of the themes of loss and grief in Blue Sisters.

The audiobook performance by Cassandra Campell breathes life into the story and its characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books - Thousand Voices, PRH Audio, and Debra Curtis for an advance reader's copy and an advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laws of Love and Logic is a smart, emotionally resonant debut that blends family drama, love, and loss into a deeply character driven story. At its heart is Lily Webb, a woman navigating the lasting impact of grief, first love, and the quiet steadiness of a second chance, all while grappling with questions about whether one heart can truly hold two great loves. I especially adored the bond between the sisters—complex, tender, and painfully real—as the novel thoughtfully explores themes of feminism, women in STEM, academic ambition, addiction, and heartbreak. Compelling and deeply touching, this is a strong debut that lingers for its emotional intelligence and humanity.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing effort for a debut novel. The relationship between sisters carries through the storyline addressing the major themes of love, loss, and grief. I was swept up into their world from the beginning to a satisfying conclusion.

Lily is the eldest of two daughters raised in a family that honored both religion and science. Additionally, their mother imparted strong beliefs in women’s rights and abilities resulting in two beautiful, intelligent young women – each with different personalities and lifepaths. Their mother’s death left wounds that never properly healed, which for Lily was compounded by the tragic loss of her first love a few years later. Subsequently, she settles for a safe, secure marriage to a good, loving man, a professor like her father. Jane, her sister, is a free spirit who is uses drugs, alcohol and sex to deal with a reality she finds tedious and treats her talent for solving mathematical theorems as a hobby rather than a career. Despite the contrast in their lifestyles, the bond between the sisters is strong and resilient.

I found myself occasionally bogged down in details of ornithology and quantum theory, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel. I particularly liked the ongoing reference to “the boy” as a literary device referring to Lily’s first and ongoing love. Overall, this book was entertaining while simultaneously making me feel and think …reflecting the words in the title: love and logic. Kudos to the author on her first novel. I look forward to more.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it. The writing style is well done. It had some great themes and explored some topics that were relevant for the time period and are still relevant now.
That’s probably all the praise I can give it. It paced slow, the format felt like a biography of someone I didn’t want to know about. I kept reading hoping something interesting would drop because it has such high praises but that moment never came for me.
It needs trigger warnings and the fact that we are never given a name for “the boy” drove me absolutely insane.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Laws of Love and Logic by Debra Curtis is a complex, thought provoking debut novel that combines romance and an emotional family drama. It’s a character driven story that features themes of sisterhood, first love, enduring love, grief, addiction, infertility, infidelity, feminism, and guilt. The main character, Lily Webb, struggles to reconcile faith and science, as she is torn between her first great love and the steady love of her husband, while also dealing with her sister’s addiction.

I resonated most strongly with the bond between Lily and her sister Jane. They are written in a deeply human and relatable way. Despite their questionable decisions, they remained steadfastly loyal to each other. I was disappointed by a few of the plot twists regarding the sisters, though they felt undeniably realistic. I loved the writing, even if it took a while to pick up, and I'm still thinking about it. 4/5⭐️

Thank you to Ballantine Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. (Pub date: 2/17/26)

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve read lots of books that follow this narrative, but it’s a long time since I’ve read one that pulled it off so well. And that summarises the book, it’s someone ordinary and spectacular at the same time.

We follow Lily throughout her life which can be read as a privileged one full of love but also one struck by tragedy and guilt and regret. There are several important relationships but the one with her sister Jane was very special and felt real.

There is a lot of science peppered throughout the book such as ornithology and quantum mechanics but she wears her research so lightly that it feels like she’s discussing something you already know rather than being lectured at and they resonate so strongly with the overall themes. There is a lot of religion which is also treated in the same way.

The gender politics and philosophy throughout was also deeply understood and went beyond what most fiction writers can do.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the arc.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional, nostalgic and unforgettable. Lily’s story pulled me in from the very first pages. The love triangle is compelling, but it is her relationship with Jane that broke me. Their bond is fierce and fragile all at once, and it carried the story far more than the romance.

It is not a light read. It is layered with grief, feminism, faith and philosophy, and it definitely made me emotional more than once. For me, that is what makes it worth reading.

👯‍♀️ Sisters
💔 Haunting first love
⚖️ Feminism and morality
📚 Coming of age
😢 Guilt and healing

Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Samantha✨ [reads everythinggggg] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.255⭐️ I received Laws of Love and Logic by Debra Curtis through a Goodreads giveaway, and I want to thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this wonderful book as an ARC.

This was such a nice and heartfelt read that beautifully portrays everyday struggles, how life simply happens, and how sometimes your true love stays with you forever.

It was sweetly written, and I found myself completely absorbed, eager to see what would happen next. I felt so happy for the characters, yet I also found myself crying with them.

This was an emotionally compelling read for me. I feel truly touched by this story and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Kara Sabbagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laws of Love and Logic is a masterpiece!!! A top book of 2026 for sure, this book takes readers from the ‘70s and school yard love, to the 2000’s. Filled with loss, growth, reflection, friendship, religion, higher education, and addiction, every page of this read is its own unique work of art. The characters are beyond realistic, and their plights will have readers itching to turn pages faster than they can finish the last. My heart was aching by the end of this story, and bursting with love through out. Growing with Lily and her family was a treat, and I can’t wait to see what else Curtis may have in store for us

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This just wasn’t for me. I didn’t feel connected to the story and got a bit bored. There were some interesting moments, but just didn’t work for me.

Thx to PRH Audio for the advanced listeners copy.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

📣🌟 SIX STAR READ ALERT! 🌟📣

Hold the front page, I’ve found my first six-star read of the year.

Kindly sent to me by Bloomsbury Publishing after winning a giveaway last year by the author Georgina Moore, I dipped into Laws of Love and Logic by Debra Curtis not knowing what to expect. What I found was my favourite book of 2026 so far.

Laws of Love and Logic is, at its centre, a book about a woman torn between her first love and her devoted husband. It’s a brilliantly heartbreaking premise that will leave you wondering what you would do in the same situation.

Beneath all of this runs grief. Grief for people, for choices, for lost potential. Grief for the ‘what could have been’. It is an examination of how we become who we are, and what it costs us along the way.

But this book reaches far beyond romance and heartbreak. In fact, it covers an awful lot, including academia, anthropology, ornithology, identity, sexuality, guilt, addiction, American football… you name it, it’s got it. And with all of this so seamlessly going on, Debra Curtis STILL finds time to fit in a twist that will make you gasp. It is brilliantly clever.

Laws of Love and Logic has such a thought provoking, original premise, and it is delivered to us with heart. Everything about it spoke to me. It took the two battling opposites of my personality and made them into art.

No review I could write could do it justice. You’ll just have to read the book for yourself.

Laws of Love and Logic by Debra Curtis is out in the UK on 17th February. It may not be a book for everyone. It was the perfect book for me.

[Christina Valastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one day. Incredible. Science, religion, love, passion, New England. Lily and Jane are so sweet and conflicting and then the men... a beautiful story I did not want to end and also could not put down.

[Nicole Bennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ - no words for how much I loved this book, it will stay with me forever. My heart is still recovering 😭

[Corryn Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodness. There’s a lot in this book. The prose makes you really think about love and if it’s possible to really love the same way twice. The poetry throughout the book is definitely thought provoking. There’s a lot to take in, sort through, and comprehend. This isn’t a usual pick for me. I thought the information about the birds was extraneous and unnecessary.

[| Emily’s Goodie Reads | · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laws of Love and Logic is a novel with a great deal to say—and some of it is worth listening to. Curtis explores heavy, compelling themes: grief, guilt, forgiveness, and the long shadow of past mistakes (all subjects that I love). On paper, this is exactly the kind of story I’m drawn to. In execution, however, the novel often struggles to hold its many threads together.

The story spans decades and moves through multiple emotional lineages, but the transitions are abrupt. Rather than flowing naturally through time, the narrative frequently stops and starts, making it difficult to fully settle into the characters’ lives. With such an expansive timeline, I found myself wishing for a different structural approach—one that allowed the story’s emotional weight to build more deliberately.

Overall, this is a tragic story about learning how to live after loss. The protagonist’s life is shaped by profound trauma: the death of her mother at a young age, her sister’s drug addiction, and a devastating event just before college. There is so much to unpack here, and when the novel slows down, these moments are genuinely powerful.

My reading experience was complicated by the romantic entanglements. I generally struggle with stories centered on affairs, and this novel includes them—twice. Jane’s relationship with a married man was something I wasn’t prepared for, and it made it difficult for me to fully connect with her choices, even when I understood the emotional logic behind them. I didn’t fully grasp the real reason why this relationship was added to the storyline.

The love triangle involving Lily, “The Boy,” and Marshall is one of the book’s most compelling elements. Lily’s heart feels large enough to hold both men, and while it’s hard to root for Marshall at first, his devotion is undeniably moving. I guess I would feel this way too if I was never told the secrets of Lily’s life. Still, I found myself wishing that the resolution allowed everyone a love that truly belonged to them.

“The Boy,” despite moments of intensity, remains oddly distant. We never learn his name—only his flaws, his anger, and his lifelong attempt at atonement. I am not I understand why a name was never given. This would have been a powerful twist if given at the end (or something of that affect). This was a powerful move for the book but never given a reason for this. I just didn’t grasp why these random letters came out of thin air and not sure if this was to show his character more but I almost didn’t buy into it and it didn’t provide me any emotional impact into liking him more.

The sisterhood at the heart of the novel is where Laws of Love and Logic shines most clearly. Two sisters, so different yet deeply connected, navigate grief together and apart. Their love for one another is palpable, even as secrets threaten to unravel them. Curtis captures the complexity of familial relationships with real insight, showing how intimacy and concealment can coexist—and how destructive that combination can be. This was my favorite relationship in the entire book — was this the point?

Ultimately, this book left me feeling that something was severely missing. The ending, in particular, felt abrupt. When I turned the page and landed suddenly in the acknowledgements, my reaction was immediate: That’s it? While the open-endedness may be intentional, it felt more unfinished than thought-provoking. I personally love a good open-ending but this was not done well

Readers who enjoy emotionally charged stories filled with secrecy, longing, and complicated love—especially love triangles—may find much to appreciate here. While the execution didn’t fully live up to the strength of its themes, Laws of Love and Logic still offers moments of depth and resonance that will still stick with me. I thoroughly enjoyed many quotes in this book that reflected nicely about life and love.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhiannon Fallows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an impressive debut novel that spans decades and tells of first loves, loves lost, missed chances and incredibly deep family bonds.

Lily thinks she has her life planned out in high school, marrying her high school sweetheart, have a family, go on to study at college and have a rewarding career. And then one horrendous night derails those plans and her life takes a different direction.

With similar themes to The Paper Palace, I was excited to delve in. I loved the premise and I really enjoyed the majority of the novel, I just haven’t been consumed by it in the way I had hoped. I most likely would have enjoyed reading from the chaotic POV of Lily’s wayward sister Jane more - I actually remembered the name of the sister over and above the main character of Lily when sitting down to write this review. I think that says something.

I know the title and whole point of the book is to focus on the inner battle raging in Lily, that of her emotional need and her trying to constantly rationalise her actions. Unfortunately for me, something about her self reflection seemed almost too studious and logical, and that took away from the deep connection to Lily’s character that I needed to feel. I wanted the same level of connection I had felt when reading The Paper Palace. Every time I felt like I was getting into it and the drama of the emotions attached, it felt like Lily was embarking on some sort of indulgent and deep self analysis but reasoning with a slightly left field combination of Catholicism, ornithology and quantum physics. Although it was certainly different and interesting, it took away from the humanity of these emotional situations for me.

All that is to say, I still really liked it (a solid 4 stars), no doubt it’s beautifully written and full of characters that I did truly care for, but it erred slightly too much on the pretentious side for me to be 100% invested.

If you liked Broken Country and The Paper Palace then definitely give this one a try. I can see a lot of people really loving this one!

Thanks to Bloomsbury for the advanced copy and I would surely read more from Debra Curtis in the future.

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to PRH Audio for the gifted advanced copy!

𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘴, 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴...

I have so many thoughts on this beautifully written, poignant, thoughtful story. I love ones like this, that force me to reflect, and wonder what I would do if I was in a character’s shoes. It keeps a slower pace, following Lily over the span of three decades, through two great loves. I enjoyed the layout of the timeline and flashbacks. The first part takes place in the 70s and tactfully touches on a myriad of social issues - I loved the historical fiction aspect. The writing style and story reminded me a bit of Delia Owens, so if you’re a fan, definitely check this out!

There are so many heartbreaking circumstances throughout the entire book, just when you think nothing else can happen, Debra delivers another gut punch. Just writing this and thinking about it all makes me want to tear up, so you may want to have some tissues handy. There are several triggers, read with caution and DM me if you want to know more!

Jane, Lily’s sister, is a controversial character. Personally I adored her, and she is one who will stay with me for a long time.

𝘚𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦.

🎙️𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 ⇣
Cassandra Campbell was expressive in her performances, and brought this story to life gracefully, She helped me connect with the characters even more.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
Small town
Historical fiction
Spans three decades
Growing up in the 70s
Grief, guilt, redemption, healing
Second chances
Fade to black spice
Lots of triggers

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel covers decades in the life of main character Lily, from her youth until middle age. One focus is on her relationship with her sister Jane, who takes their mother’s death even harder than Lily and struggles with her life path and with addiction. And the even bigger focus is on Lily’s love life - her intense teenage relationship which ends in tragedy, and then her relationship and marriage to a man who is older than her.

The writing of this one is overall excellent. Vibewise it reminds me of several books I read last year - Broken Country, Such Good People, and Shred Sisters - so if you enjoyed those I’d recommend this one and vice versa. However, I was distracted at first by the fact that her first boyfriend is only ever known throughout the book as “the boy” with no name given, even when they’re adults. I’m sure this was an intentional choice but I don’t get why. But other than that it’s a lovely moving book with terrific writing though a sad one.

This is just the second book from Jenna Bush Hager’s new imprint Thousand Voices, and it is a good one - and a debut novel by an author in her 60s! Would make a great book club book too; a lot to discuss in this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 2/17/26); all opinions are my own.

[Carol C | shelfie.queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

LAWS OF LOVE AND LOGIC
rating: 4/5
genre: litfic
out tomorrow, 3/17!

As soon as I heard the pitch for this book AND that it was a debut being published by Jenna Bush Hager's new publishing imprint, I had to read it. Talk about a genre bender - this is a literary fiction, romance, historical, coming of age mash up. I have seen a lot of early buzz comparing this to BROKEN COUNTRY, which was a hit for me. I found this book to be a slower burn for the first 50% (in comparison to BROKEN COUNTRY which was very fast paced for me) but there was definitely a turning point when I was physically unable to put it down. This is a very character driven, very complex and sophisticated novel with more layers than meets the eye.

LAWS OF LOVE AND LOGIC follows Lily Webb caught between her first love and her devoted husband. However the story is much more layered than it appears. We start from the beginning and learn about Lilly, her sister and her family growing up in Portsmouth, RI. Lily is deeply in love with her high school boyfriend and they have big plans for their future until a tragic evening changes the trajectory for those involved.

LAWS OF LOVE AND LOGIC explores passion vs reason, love vs logic, feminism and society, science and education, faith, sisterhood, addiction, guilt, and forgiveness. I went in thinking I was getting a cut and dry love triangle but found a MUCH deeper story. The sister storyline really pulled on my heart strings... and I don't even have a sister! If your book club enjoys litfic then I would suggest giving this one a go. There is so much to unpack here so I think it would make for great conversation!

[Clara Bella Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance read. I enjoyed the storyline of the two sisters.
The troubled scenario with Lily and David was disturbing in the fact that she didn’t remember what truly happened. I felt this was a bit offsetting in that David behavior the night of the attack was written as he had done something. Her being without her clothing, led the reader to believe something happened.
The parts about “the boy” was off for me, in that he was so dedicated to Lily for so many years, and she had moved on.
I felt something was missing, and I wanted more.

[lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

ouch ouch ouch

[Gemma Grainger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laws of Love and Logic by Debra Curtis is a novel that takes emotional intelligence seriously, treating love not as an irrational force that overwhelms judgement, but as something shaped by choice, timing and self-knowledge. That balance is what ultimately makes the book so compelling.
At its core, the novel explores the tension between feeling and reason, a theme that has long preoccupied romantic fiction. Curtis does not frame love as something purely instinctive, nor does she reduce it to calculation. Instead, the narrative suggests that lasting connection often emerges where emotional vulnerability meets clarity of thought. This places the book in quiet conversation with a broader literary debate about whether love is something that happens to us or something we actively sustain.
What stands out most is the treatment of first love. Rather than presenting it as naïve or disposable, Curtis allows it a kind of seriousness that many novels deny. The story recognises that first love can imprint deeply, shaping how we understand intimacy, trust and even ourselves. In this sense, the novel aligns with psychological perspectives that see early attachments not as immature rehearsals, but as formative experiences that can echo across a lifetime. First love here is not frozen in nostalgia; it evolves, recedes, resurfaces, and in doing so retains its emotional authority.
The writing itself is measured and observant. Curtis resists melodrama, favouring moments of quiet recognition over grand declarations. This restraint gives weight to the emotional turning points, particularly when characters confront the long-term consequences of earlier choices. Love is shown as enduring not because it is effortless, but because it adapts.
By the end, Laws of Love and Logic makes a persuasive case that some loves, especially the first ones, do not simply end. They settle into memory, influence later decisions, and sometimes reassert themselves when circumstances allow. That insight, handled with care and intellectual honesty, is why the novel feels both emotionally satisfying and thoughtfully constructed.
It’s an easy five-star read, not because it promises idealised romance, but because it understands how love actually lasts.
Thank you to #Netgalleyuk for my ARC.

[Cindy Trocola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC of Laws of Love and Logic. Congratulations to Debra Curtis on her first published book. The writing is a great reminder that “life can turn on a dime” and love is complicated. I enjoyed the facts of bird watching. The characters relationships kept me turning the pages hoping they find the answers to the laws of love and logic, finding happiness and light along the way.

[Maura Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated from the first page! So many inspiring and thought provoking themes: sisterhood, Catholicism, STEM, feminism, addiction, & heartbreak. I did not want this book to end. I loved Debra Curtis's writing and thought she did a brilliant job on her debut novel!

Thank you Thousand Voices Media and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

[Jane Perron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book as it is set in Rhode Island and I am from here. It isn't my typical pick. I am really glad I chose it. It took me a little to build into it, but I am glad I did. It was well written and well developed. So many emotions while I read. And the gut punch at the end.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laws of Love and Logic is a meditative, character-driven affair—rich in emotional texture and grounded by strong, soulful writing. Perfect for readers who appreciate family-centered stories that ask big questions about love, fate, and emotional endurance.

[Emily (emsalwaysreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #9 of 2026!

Four stars

Thank you to @prhaudio for this gifted copy!

What to expect in this book:

-Debut novel
-Family drama
-Sisterhood
-Literary fiction
-Set from 1970s-early 2000s
-Self-discovery

Thoughts

After seeing this debut advertised under Read with Jenna's new publishing venture, I knew it was bound to be an upcoming hot pick this year. A genre-bending novel, this story explores themes of family, friendships, first love, grief, and self-discovery. Lily Webb comes of age in the small town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire with her devoted sister, Jane. The two girls, with gifts and skills in their own right, navigate grief, loss, and the changes that accompany life as young women in the 1970s. However, when Lily finds herself in love with the school football star, tragedy occurs that changes the course of the rest of her life. As the years pass, Lily begins to forge a new life, finding solace in a new romance and stability as a wife and career woman. When the boy from her past reemerges in Lily's life, she struggles with if it is possible to love two people and who she is if this logic is true and the stories that she might have believed are not.

I do not know how I have seemed to have read three books in the past three months with such similar themes! I have read two other books recently with a female main character that has abandoned a first love for a tragic reason, moved on with another love, and then reconnected in some fashion with the first love. I am a sucker for a second chance (and that's not really what this one was about), however, I had a hard time trying to distinguish between these different reads. Combining elements of literary fiction, historical fiction, and romance, this story has something for just about every reader and has some profound moments that will stay with me for a while.

While I really enjoyed this and would highly recommend, especially to book clubs!, I do not think this is a new favorite for me. I am excited to see how other people receive this and would love to discuss with others. Be sure to look out for this one in February!

[Elisa Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. When I found out that Debra Curtis wrote this debut in her 60s, everything clicked. The kind of wisdom that understands love, regret, faith, science, grief, and forgiveness are rarely simple.

Set in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, this novel follows Lily Webb across decades. As a teenager in 1977, Lily falls deeply in love with a charismatic quarterback whose fierce devotion leads to one irrevocable night that alters both of their futures. Already marked by the loss of her mother, and shaped by her brilliant but struggling sister Jane, Lily carries grief and guilt into adulthood.

Years later, she builds a steady life with Marshall Middleton, a renowned ornithologist whose love feels safe and constant. When her first love reenters her world, Lily is forced to confront the past and the question at the heart of this novel: Can one heart hold two great loves?

This book wrestles with guilt and redemption, but what stayed with me most is its steady reminder that the human heart is not limited. You can believe in science and still hold tight to your Catholic faith. You can carry grief and still choose joy. Loving one person does not make another love less real. Our hearts are not either or. We are allowed to be layered. We are allowed to be both.

This is the second book published by Thousand Voices Media, the imprint founded by Jenna Bush Hager, and they are truly knocking it out of the park.

If you loved the emotional depth of Broken Country, the layered relationships of Heart the Lover, or the sister complexity of Blue Sisters, this one belongs on your shelf.

This is for readers who want stories that stretch them a little. Just like the Webb sisters, you might find yourself expanding too.

From the Acknowledgements:
“Many maintain that reading fiction has a multitude of psychological benefits including increasing empathy. Anthropologists view empathy as foundational to human societies. It allows us to see past our prejudices and fears. It allows us to see our interconnectedness. It allows us to love more completely, more humanly.”