When my friends at Avon Books reached out and asked if I was interested in an early copy of How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang I couldn’t reply YES fast enough! While this is Kuang’s debut novel she’s the screenwriter for Emily Henry’s People We Meet On Vacation, as well as the director for the upcoming Beach Read feature Film. Yes please, and thank you!!

This is the story of Helen and Grant, two young professionals in LA. Helen has worked hard to get the opportunity to have her book made into a series, while Grant is at a standstill in is career but can’t go backwards so agrees to sign on as a writer on the series. Sounds fine? Notsofast. They are tied by a seismic event in their teens.

Don’t let this breezy romcom setup fool you into thinking this is a lighthearted summer read. Much like Beach Read, Kuang balances heavier elements with modern romance. There’s joy among grief, attraction lives beside pain. Khang serves up a smart, nuanced look at how trauma both propels us forward and anchors us in time. How do we forgive imperfect people who are no longer here, and moreso ourselves?

I think this is an outstanding choice for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Katherine Center. Read if you love romance that also touches on deeper themes. I’ll be watching to see what Yulin Kuang does next, and can’t wait for the other projects she’s working on! ( )