First published 2023
Francie travels to Roswell, New Mexico for her college roommate's UFO-themed wedding. She thinks alien believers are ridiculous. Then an actual alien abducts her. The creature looks nothing like the popular image of extraterrestrials. It resembles a tumbleweed with lightning-quick tentacles. The alien also kidnaps a con man named Wade, an elderly woman who loves casinos, a retiree with an RV who enjoys Westerns, and a UFO conspiracy theorist. The theorist believes the alien plans to probe them or invade Earth. Francie begins to understand the alien better. She realizes he is not an invader but someone in serious trouble who needs her help. She cannot figure out what kind of trouble or how to assist him. Their journey involves Men in Black, Elvis impersonators, tourist attractions, rattlesnakes, chemtrails, and various types of alien encounters. Francie must save the world while wearing a bright green bridesmaid dress and still return in time for the wedding ceremony.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, contemporary, aliens, comedy
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Roswell, New Mexico
Period: contemporary
399 pages · Hardcover · Del Rey