THE NO-SHOW

After three young women are stood up by the same man on Valentine’s Day, they each embark on elucidating journeys of self-discovery.

The novel opens on Valentine’s Day in London as Siobhan, an attractive and successful life coach, waits at a restaurant for Joseph Carter. Though previously she would have said he was just a fling, a breakfast date on Valentine’s Day suggests they might be moving to a new place in their relationship. At least, that’s what she thinks until he fails to show up. Next we’re introduced to Miranda, an adventurous arborist who climbs trees for a living. She’s supposed to meet Joseph for lunch, but again, he fails to appear. Finally, there's Jane, a quiet young bookworm who volunteers at a charity shop and clearly has a secret in her past. Jane has lied and told her co-workers that Joseph is her boyfriend simply to put an end to their constant attempts at matchmaking. Joseph had been game to play along, except that when he’s finally supposed to accompany Jane to a social event in his role as pretend boyfriend, he flakes, sending not so much as a text to explain his absence. As the story unfolds, O’Leary provides backstory about the connections between Joseph and each woman as well as revealing what happens to each relationship following the catastrophic Valentine’s dates. Readers will try to connect the dots to determine how the three women are related, if at all, and whether any of them really belongs with Joseph. While the story starts off as though it’s a romantic comedy, the content gradually shifts, and a clever twist toward the end may leave readers feeling they’ve read a thriller more than any sort of romance. With thoroughly likable characters—even Joseph becomes appealing—this plot-driven novel is fast-paced and engaging throughout. Full of both humorous and heart-wrenching moments, the novel is packed with the perfect mix of contradictions to keep it engaging.

An expertly plotted romantic surprise about self-forgiveness and second chances.