The First Time I Saw Him

by Laura Dave

A REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB SELECTION!

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Laura Dave continues Hannah Hall’s pulse-pounding journey in the riveting and deeply moving sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling blockbuster and Apple TV+ show, The Last Thing He Told Me.

How far would you go for a second chance?

Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.

But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.

Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their long-awaited second chance.

A gripping, rich, and deeply moving novel about the power of forgiveness, The First Time I Saw Him picks up right where the epilogue for the “genuinely moving” (The New York Times) The Last Thing He Told Me left off, giving readers the eagerly awaited and absolutely exhilarating sequel to Dave’s global blockbuster.

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 31, 2026

About the author

Laura Dave is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels including The Last Thing He Told Me and Eight Hundred Grapes. Her novels have sold more than six million copies and have been translated into thirty-eight languages. She resides in Santa Monica, California.

Her new novel, The First Time I Saw Him, will be released in January 2026

Website:www.lauradave.com

Instagram:www.instagram.com/lauradaveauthor

Reviews

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this two-book series. Both novels are a quick read. I liked the first book more than this one. I do like that we came back into their world and revisited the characters.

I was watching the series on Apple TV while tandem reading the novels. I enjoyed that experience! I will continue to watch the series to see where it goes.


Spoiler ahead—
This novel felt a tad rushed. I expected more with the reunion between Hannah and Owen. I wanted more of them!

[Julie Snack Mastricola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t enjoy as much as the first book. Hannah became too much of a super hero - didn’t play well.

[Debbie Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Sarah Mathisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues 5 years later and it gives you an ending! I loved it!!

[Terteach1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed it more than the first one. It gives closure. The plot gets intricate and you have to stay alert and on top of it. But the read is quick and engrossing.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it was ok,

[Cyanne Demchak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read most of this during a color appointment because I was sucked in immediately but as I was the first one. Brilliant twists and turns. Loved it.