Four Weekends and a Funeral

DEBUT Thirty-year-old Alison, a BRCA 1 carrier, dodged breast cancer by electing to have a double mastectomy. Her surgical wounds have healed, but mental and physical scars remain, though life goes on. For her, anyway. While attending her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral, it becomes apparent that her ex didn’t tell anyone that they broke up, and the grieving family wants to keep Alison in their lives. Sam’s best friend Adam, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with Alison. Long hours packing up Sam’s apartment together, though, prove they have too much chemistry to ignore. But for Adam, Alison will always be Sam’s girlfriend and therefore off-limits. These protagonists are realistic and likable and have sizzling chemistry even when they are barely interacting. Their banter is amusing and witty, and Alison’s interior life is both frustrating and hilarious. Alison’s and Adam’s mental and physical health issues are treated sympathetically and don’t dominate the romantic plot.