27 June 2019

A Family of Strangers | Book Review + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK


Could a lifetime of memories…be a lifetime of lies?

All her life, Ryan Gracey watched her perfect older sister from afar. Knowing she could never top Wendy’s achievements, she didn’t even try. Instead Ryan forged her own path while her family barely seemed to notice.

Now Wendy shares two little girls with her perfect husband, while Ryan mourns the man she lost after a nearly fatal mistake in judgment. The sisters’ choices have taken them in different directions, which is why Ryan is stunned when Wendy calls, begging for her help. There’s been a murder—and Wendy believes she’ll be wrongfully accused.

While Wendy lies low, Ryan moves back to their hometown to care for the nieces she hardly knows. The sleuthing skills she’s refined as a true-crime podcaster quickly rise to the surface as she digs for answers with the help of an unexpected ally. Yet the trail of clues Wendy’s left behind leads to nothing but questions. Blood may be thicker than water, but what does Ryan owe a sister who becomes more and more a stranger with every revelation?

Is Wendy, who always seemed so perfect, just a perfect liar—or worse?

Publisher: MIRA
Release Date: June 25, 2019


MY REVIEW

Ryan Gracey has always felt on the outskirts of her family, never able to live up to the example of her sister Wendy. Their lives have taken very different paths, but when Ryan receives a call asking for help, she cannot help but return home. Now, in taking the time to delve into all her family’s baggage, she is realizing just how much she has not known all these years.

A Family of Strangers focuses heavily on family relationships, as the title suggests. Though the blurb leans heavily on the mystery Ryan encounters, I felt like it was not as much the primary focus I expected. The relationships—with plenty of drama—drive the story forward, making for a light, entertaining read. I enjoyed reading it, even though it was different than I anticipated.

★★

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emilie Richards’s many novels feature complex characterizations and in-depth explorations of social issues. Both are a result of her training and experience as a family counselor, which contribute to her fascination with relationships of all kinds. Emilie and her husband enjoy dividing their time between the Florida Gulf Coast and Chautauqua County, New York. She is currently working on her next novel for MIRA Books.


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4 comments:

  1. The cover drew me in to this book. I think this would make a great summer read based on your review. I enjoy finding family relationship drama in the books I read.

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  2. I'm glad you still enjoyed this even if it wasn't what you thought it was going to be. Thank you for being on this tour! Sara @ TLC Book Tours

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  3. Great review! I'll be adding this to my TBR. Family relations can be entertaining and thought provoking.

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