Series Sunday: The First Time I Saw Him

(Hannah Hall #2) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Read an installment of a series.
• Share your review/recommendation below.
• Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is The First Time I Saw Him, the second book in the Hannah Hall series by Laura Dave. Before I delve into this new book review, please read my previous pithy review of The Last Thing He Told Me then watch season one on Apple TV+. It features Jennifer Garner and is oh-so-good! Binge and catch up before season two begins on February 20, 2026.

Okay, back to our regularly scheduled review. The First Time I Saw Him picks up five years, 10 months and 24 days later. Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Just when Hannah feels well-adjusted and safe, she gets a sign that her and Bailey are in danger. Owen risks everything to deliver a warning forcing Hannah and Bailey to uproot their lives yet again and go on the run. As the thriller unfolds, there is a chance that their family can be reunited.

"Because that's the thing about faith. Even if the world decides it looks crazy, it shows up for you in the moment you need it most." ~ 32%

I love it when a sequel is perfectly executed! The First Time I Saw Him was even better than the first book. The suspense, mystery and fast pace kept me reading nonstop. More background info on the characters was revealed creating several layers to the story. Laura Dave's writing is so descriptive, I thought I was on the run right along with Hannah and Bailey holding my breath. By the time I reached the ending, I was spent...in a good way!

My only gripe is the repetitive sentences. At only 37% in, there were six sentences repeated word-for-word. By 46%, I had to take my editor hat off; otherwise, I would not have enjoyed the story. At that point, my nose stayed in the book turning pages frantically, skipping over the repetitiveness. The story was so edge-of-the-seat that I didn't realize only 30% was left in the book when I came up for air. And by 82%...WHOA! 

Let me stop my review here to avoid spoilers. The First Time I Saw Him is obviously recommended; it will be one of my top reads of books published in 2026. Reserve your copy now!

Happy Early Pub Day, Laura Dave! The First Time I Saw Him will be available Tuesday, January 6.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: The First Time I Saw Him

Author: Laura Dave

Published: January 2026

Pages: 271

Edition: Galley

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 ♡