First Time Ever

by Hana Laurie

When Diana’s husband, Gerald, dies without warning, the world tilts off its axis. The house is full of flowers, casseroles, and well-meaning people, but once the Irish wake ends, the silence is deafening. Everyone seems to know how she should move on except Diana.

On a dare she tries Goat Yoga. She meets Harlan. They are steady, matched well, and have a great time together. Until Diana has a nervous breakdown. She seeks help, makes up, and soon they are back where they were before the breakdown.

Soon they make it official. A no fuss, no invites, nothing fancy wedding. Tender, funny, and hopeful, First Time Ever is a story about second chances, late-in-life love, and the brave, messy work of opening your heart again when you thought it was over for good.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2026

Reviews

[Jaxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me harder than I expected. Diana’s grief felt so real that I had to pause a few times just to breathe. The little details like the house, the dogs, the memories made everything feel personal. I loved how the story didn’t rush her healing. It reminded me that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting.

[Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has experienced loss, I found this story incredibly honest. Diana’s journey isn’t dramatic, it’s quiet, slow, and deeply human. The way she rebuilds her life piece by piece felt authentic. This book speaks especially to readers in later stages of life. It’s comforting in a way that’s hard to explain.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up expecting something sad, but it surprised me with how warm it felt. Yes, it’s about grief, but there are moments that made me smile and even laugh. The goat yoga scene was such a fun twist. It’s an easy but meaningful read. Definitely worth it.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise and the emotional core, but parts of the story felt a bit repetitive. Diana’s grief is well written, but sometimes it lingered longer than necessary. That said, the character growth especially with Emma was really satisfying. It’s not perfect, but it has heart. And that matters.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, Emma’s storyline was just as powerful as Diana’s. Watching her struggle with heartbreak and health issues felt very real. The transformation wasn’t just physical it was emotional too. I appreciated how the book showed mother daughter support. That part really stayed with me.