A review by jcpdiesel21
Fun for the Whole Family: A Novel by Jennifer E. Smith

4.0

A character-driven drama that is complex, meaty and sprawling. I loved how the story here hopped back and forth between the various trips that the Endicott siblings took with their mother as well as other notable events from the past to everything unfolding in present day after they have all gathered together in North Dakota. Each of these four characters are well-rounded with interesting perspectives, and Smith does a wonderful job of conveying how strong the bonds between the four of them are, even while they are estranged over a period of time. Although the secrets add a little intrigue to the tale when they are first teased, they are somewhat predictable when eventually revealed and I didn't get emotionally invested in what happened until the very end. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this with it successfully communicating the power of both family and forgiveness.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title.