THE GOD IN 3B

In Whittier’s novel, a divorced woman seeking a fresh start moves into the same building as a god.

Being the sole occupant of a building under construction wasn’t exactly what Clarey McGill had in mind, but anything is better than living under the same roof as her ex-husband and his new girlfriend. And once she gets her consulting business going, retrieves her dog from her ex, and finally gets her furniture delivered, things will be perfect; the Seattle suburb of Kirkland is beautiful, and there’s a great little shop called Goldfarb’s down the street. It’s at this shop that she sees an impossibly beautiful, blond-haired man (“the moment her eyes land on his flawlessly sculpted face, he looks up and locks eyes on her”). His name is Zack, and after Clarey embarrasses herself in front of him seeking diarrhea medication, she hopes never to see him again. But then he shows up at her building, claiming he now lives there. The two keep running into each other and slowly form a relationship, and Zack finally admits the truth: He’s an immortal god, and his presence here on earth is complicated. Narrated by both Clarey and Zack, the story follows the pair as they grow closer and try to deal with their individual problems. Clarey’s issues are relatable—she’s always been a pushover, and she’s uncomfortable in her curvy body. Meanwhile, Zack struggles with the uncertainty of his future and the punishment that has confined him to earth. The story works best when exploring its more fantastical elements; the handful of steamy moments can feel somewhat out of place. Some readers may find the latter half of the narrative mildly cringe-inducing, but the charming relationship between Clarey and Zack makes for an engaging and fun read.

An uneven but ultimately enjoyable romance between a woman and a god.