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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
“There is more to this life than just trying to survive it.” I’m not a huge family drama reader, but this one sunk its claws in. Lots of beautiful, broken characters, and a whole lot of love stories.
I loved it so much. It was real and ugly and relatable.
I devoured this book. I got so invested in the characters. The synopsis says it perfectly "The Joseph brothers become Marley’s whole world before she can blink. Soon, she is young wife to one, The One Who Got Away to another, and adopted mother to them all." It's set in the 90s which was very nostalgic for me.
This is one of the main picks for Book of the Month, or you can get it anywhere January 2nd!
Thank you @netgalley and @celadonbooks for the earc in exchange for my honest review!
This is one of the main picks for Book of the Month, or you can get it anywhere January 2nd!
Thank you @netgalley and @celadonbooks for the earc in exchange for my honest review!
This novel really surprised me, as I had not previously explored the works of this particular author. What I discovered was a rich exploration of a dysfunctional family dynamic, with a strong emphasis on character development. The narrative drew me in from the start, as I became invested in understanding the motivations and histories of each character. Amy Jo Burns skillfully crafted a story that kept me engaged throughout.
As someone who typically gravitates towards plot-driven narratives, this character-driven approach offered a refreshing change of pace. While the initial chapters unfolded at a leisurely pace, the gradual unveiling of the characters' true selves and the evolution of the storyline held my attention completely. The intricate relationships within the Joseph family – comprising of Mick, Elise, Baylor, Waylon, and Shay – were both intricate and compelling. The exploration of a family fraught with drama and hidden truths captivated me, and I found myself forming emotional connections with each character.
The Joseph Family, proprietors of the renowned roofing company Joseph and Sons in the quaint town of Mercury, found their lives intertwined with the arrival of Marley and her mother. The journey alongside these characters was a tumultuous ride of highs and lows, as they navigated heartbreak and healing in equal measure. Their imperfections and vulnerabilities added depth to their personalities, making their stories all the more engaging. I was thoroughly engrossed in their tale and eagerly awaited the resolution of their intertwined fates.
As someone who typically gravitates towards plot-driven narratives, this character-driven approach offered a refreshing change of pace. While the initial chapters unfolded at a leisurely pace, the gradual unveiling of the characters' true selves and the evolution of the storyline held my attention completely. The intricate relationships within the Joseph family – comprising of Mick, Elise, Baylor, Waylon, and Shay – were both intricate and compelling. The exploration of a family fraught with drama and hidden truths captivated me, and I found myself forming emotional connections with each character.
The Joseph Family, proprietors of the renowned roofing company Joseph and Sons in the quaint town of Mercury, found their lives intertwined with the arrival of Marley and her mother. The journey alongside these characters was a tumultuous ride of highs and lows, as they navigated heartbreak and healing in equal measure. Their imperfections and vulnerabilities added depth to their personalities, making their stories all the more engaging. I was thoroughly engrossed in their tale and eagerly awaited the resolution of their intertwined fates.
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really liked the mother daughter relationship between the main character and her mom. I disliked the amount of times something different could have happened that would have made the story more interesting that did not happen. There is also mention of roofing on almost every page as if we could forget they have a family roofing business.
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's a straightforward portrayal of youth, pregnancy, blue-collar life, and a family entangled in secrecy. I expected more exploration of the hidden family secret, but the story didn't delve much into that aspect. Nevertheless, the novel is still enjoyable and brings a unique perspective to the intricacies of life and family.