The First to Know - Hardcover

"Emotions, heartache, and betrayal: Johnson's sophomore novel has it all." - Booklist"A smart, heartfelt tale that's more than its nifty high concept." - Kirkus Reviews"Beautifully told, this heartbreaking story about family betrayals and secrets will have readers easily caught up in this tale.... The romance is sweet, well done and feels genuine, and the ending is simply perfect." - RT Book Reviews"All the characters are brought to life with nuanced depiction. Filled with drama, the narrative has notes of comedy, romance, and an underlying softball theme, which makes it accessible for all kinds of readers... [H]eartwarming and satisfying. -School Library Journal

Are some things better left unknown?

Dana Fields’s father never knew his parents. When Dana secretly does a DNA test for her dad, hoping to find him some distant relatives for his birthday, her entire world implodes. Instead of a few third cousins, Dana discovers a half brother her age whose very existence means her parents’ happy marriage is a lie.

Dana’s desire to know her half brother, Brandon, and the extent of her dad’s deception clashes with her wish not to destroy her family. When she sees the opportunity to get to know Brandon through his cousin, the intense yet kind Chase, she takes it. But the more she finds out about Brandon, her father’s past and the irresistible guy who’ll never forgive her if he discovers the truth, the more she sees the inevitable fallout from her own lies. With her family crumbling around her, Dana must own up to her actions and find a way to heal the breach—for everyone—before they’re torn apart for good.