I Know How This Ends

In Smale’s whimsical follow-up to Cassandra in Reverse, a British meteorologist begins seeing visions of her own future. Margot Wayward recently broke off her engagement to the handsome but irritating Aaron after catching him with one of her closest friends, Lily. She has visions of a happy life with Henry, a waiter at the restaurant where she regularly meets dates as she attempts to move on from Aaron. After Henry observes each of Margot’s dates go awry, he tries to strike up a rapport with her. She has her guard up, however, given Aaron’s betrayal and her dates’ duplicity (one turned out to be married). Still, in her visions, Henry appears to be a key part of her future, and she becomes close to him after learning that he lost his wife, Amy, to cancer, which also upended his medical studies. Margot’s impressed to learn that Henry will soon be returning to medical school to follow his dream of becoming a doctor. Smale keeps the novel afloat with lovable characters, a few surprises, and Margot’s optimistic perspective. Readers are sure to be charmed. Agent: Allison Hellegers, Stimola Literary Studio. (Aug.)