Cheers to A First Time For Everything!
I am absolutely elated to announce that my fifth young adult novel, A First Time for Everything, is officially (because I know it has been on some shelves for weeks) out in the world.
I. FREAKING. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
Read on for some behind the scenes secrets, my super fun playlist, and a virtual conversation you won’t want to miss!
But first, ICYMI, here are the deets:
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules comes a fun new coming-of-age romance full of dating disasters, powerful firsts, and the importance of family.
Madeline has always been extremely close to her family, so she is shocked when her older brother gets engaged without including them (or even giving them a heads up!). Mads has never been the biggest fan of his fiancée, Katie, so in order to remain one happy family, she is determined to bond with Katie before the big day, which includes reluctantly agreeing to be a bridesmaid.
During a late-night bridesmaids-only game of "Truth or Dare" Mads is cornered into revealing she has never been kissed or even been on a date, which spurs the other girls to unite on a quest to find Mads the perfect plus-one for the wedding. Next thing she knows she’s navigating a series of disastrous dates that include some major misunderstandings and mishaps.
All of a sudden Mads finds her heart tugged in different directions: to Connor, the boy next door who knows her best. To Marco Álvarez, the former classmate who knows how to push all her buttons. And to some of the new suitors who surprisingly aren’t all bad.
As the wedding draws nearer, Mads has to figure out who she wants most as a forever dance partner, while also making sure her brother isn't making the biggest mistake of his life.
10 Fun Facts about AFTFE:
I brainstormed this concept while on shift at Barnes & Noble, back in 2023. I was a bookseller for four years. I remember furiously texting my agent from the philosophy section, and we had a plan by my lunch break. If any of my former bosses read this newsletter, I’m sorry for being a less than upstanding bookseller that day!
The Fisher-Michaels family’s house is based on my childhood home, but their Christmas tree farm adds a twist of Taylor. Birdie, one of my family dogs, did get “lost” for five days in the real one only .25 miles away my house, though. We couldn’t catch her.
Katie’s last name is pronounced Ga-LAUNT, not Gal-lant.
Mads’ nickname is an ode to my best friend of close to two decades, whose 2022 wedding I was a bridesmaid in. Almost three years later, she is now one of my bridesmaids!
If I’m counting on my fingers correctly, there are a combined TEN character cameos/mentions from the KLW Universe. I suspect most readers will get eight or nine.
My favorite chapter to write was chapter 18.
I played field hockey in middle school and for half of high school, but only knew the basics before drafting. The vast majority of AFTFE’s club field hockey and college recruiting content is courtesy of my cousin, who played D1 for Boston College. (Let me brag about you, Eleanor!).
Mads is one of my favorite protagonists I’ve written.
Who doesn’t love a man in glasses?
You will re-meet one of the main characters next year, in The Summer of Second Chances.
Madeline’s Mix
I had so much fun pulling together this playlist and hope you enjoy it! I always say AFTFE is “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” meets folklore’s teenage love triangle, but the reality is my work is inspired by a lot of different music. My personal favorite song here is “Garden” by The National Parks; it’s part of why the book is divided into seasons.
It also may or may not be someone’s first dance song…
Events
I’m doing my first virtual conversation with the one and only Longhand Pencils (@longhandpencils on Instagram)! LP is my favorite bookish small business, and I love Kasee—its fabulous owner—so very much. I suspect we’ll talk all things AFTFE, Taylor Swift, books, and anything and everything in the pop culture realm. And also that time we cruised around Milwaukee in her minivan.
Note: this is a ticketed event and also my only one this summer.
HAGS :)
Or, for those who haven’t flipped through their dusty middle school yearbooks in a while, “Have a great summer!” This newsletter is going on hiatus through August, but I’ll be back with more scoop (and a new government name) come September.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your unwavering enthusiasm and support this release season! I hope you all find a slice of paradise and a good book this summer. A fruity drink, too.
And, if you’d be so kind, please keep your fingers crossed for late June sunshine!
XO,
Kaethe