A review by boilingintrigue
The favourite child by Emma Robinson

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Erica has sacrificed everything to do what's best for her son, Ben, who needs extra support due to his autism. His twin sister, Mollie, is a quiet straight-A student who doesn't seem to need much attention or care. 
When Mollie unexpectedly runs away from the home she shares with her father, Erica is forced to work together with her estranged husband to figure out where Mollie has gone and why. 
Along the way, Erica begins to question the decisions she's made in caring for her family. She wonders if she can repair her relationships with her husband and daughter while ensuring their son gets what he needs, or if it's already too late.
This is a very Hallmark movie kind of book. You have hot-button issues like: autism, teen sexual exploitation, and ubiquitous cellphones and internet usage framing a modern family drama complete with the usual marriage struggles and intergenerational trauma. It all turns out okay in the end, with everyone having learned valuable lessons. Not a bad book, but it doesn't have anything new to say.
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