The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is the latest release by Canadian author Jacqueline Firkins. Set to release on October 31, 2023 by St. Martin’s Press, The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch takes readers to coastal Oregon. Imogen Finch has been working towards being first in something, anything, most of her life. Her biggest shortfall is in her romantic relationships. Will she ever be first in someone’s life?
I want to thank St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: death, depression
Synopsis from Goodreads
Imogen Finch has just been through her seventeenth breakup. She saw it coming, so she’s not as crushed as she might be, but with all seventeen of her exes leaving her for other partners, she’s come to believe a prediction her well-intentioned and possibly clairvoyant mother made over twenty years ago: that Imogen would never come first at anything or to anyone. Is her love life failing due to a magical curse? Insufficient effort? Poor timing or personality mismatches? Everyone has opinions on the matter. Imogen’s ready to give up altogether. But when Eliot Swift, her secret high school crush, returns to their small coastal town after a decade of nomadic travels, Imogen has new motivation to try again. Eliot’s full of encouragement. He suggests that her curse is not only imagined, it’s easily breakable. All they need is one win–any win–and she can believe in love, and in herself again.
From trivia games to swimming races to corn-shucking contests, the pair sets out to snag Imogen her first first. But when victory proves more elusive than Eliot anticipated, and when his deep-seeded wanderlust compels him to depart for far away places, Imogen fears she’s destined to remain in second place forever. Fortunately for them both, sometimes magic lingers in the most unexpected places. And love is far from predictable.
Positives
- Imogen’s character growth.
- Beautiful descriptions of the Oregon coastline.
- Quick, easy read.
- The sense of community in Pitt’s Corner.
- Not preachy.
Negatives
- Imogen’s mom never has a name! She is always just Mom or Imogen’s mom.
My Opinions
The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch has been classified as a romance. Yes, the book has romantic elements (and some steamy scenes), but there’s more than that. Imogen has spent most of her life chasing the elusive first place in anything-grades, contests, romance, life! She has pursued this goal to the point that she loses herself along the way. It takes a reunion with a childhood friend to help her see that.
The book also discusses mental health, especially depression and grief. Imogen’s dad passed when she was young. Fanny is raising her niece after her sister’s passing. Eliot has been running since he graduated from high school. Each person is dealing with something, some may be a bit healthier than others. But it is all discussed openly, and with honesty. There are no quick fixes for anyone.
I feel like The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is perfect for fans of Where’d You Go Bernadette and anything by Jenny Colgan and Phaedra Patrick. There’s a certain cozy feeling in this book that just hits just so. If you need a reminder to love yourself, then you should give The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch a read!
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