Your Soulmail Is Attached

YA author Smith’s clever adult debut (after The Other Side of Infinity) uses a fun if improbable premise to explore the concept of soulmates. Shortly after New York City network news writer Olivia Adler learns that her fiancé, Wells Stratton, is cheating on her, she gets a call from her producer telling her she’ll be going on air to deliver a breaking story in the predawn hours: an anonymous sender has sent emails to adults worldwide containing an attachment claiming to reveal the name of their soulmates. Despite some on-air gaffes, Olivia’s report on this bizarre phenomenon goes viral, leading the network to offer her a permanent slot as an on-air reporter. Olivia continues reporting on the impact of the “soulmail,” the veracity of which is confirmed by the U.S. military, as she reconnects with Caleb Mariner, her teenage boyfriend. Olivia and Caleb both refuse to open their soulmail attachments, not wanting to let fate determine their choices. But when Wells reveals the content of his soulmail, Olivia questions everything. Smith treats the somewhat silly central conceit with a straight face, making the effect the soulmail has on Olivia tangible and the stakes clear. Readers will have no trouble rooting for this affable heroine to find love, predetermined or no. (Apr.)