Set in Chicago, Marilyn and David fell madly in love in the 70’s. Together they raise 4 daughters that turn out to be completely different from each other.

Wendy, widowed, lives on the edge, using her looks and booze to ger what she wants.. or what she thinks she wants.

Violet once an attorney and now a stay at home mom, finds reason for doubt and anxiety at every turn.

Liza a Professor is pregnant with a baby she is not sure she wants with a man she is pretty sure she does not love.

And Grace, the youngest of the four, living a lie that no would ever suspect.

And when 15 year old Jonah Bendt enters the picture – having ties to the family that no one knew…. things get ever more twisted as the family that finds joy in the moments takes a look at what they missed.

“Everyone thinks I know what I’m doing but I actually have no idea what I’m doing and that’s the cruelest trick the universe plays on people who have their shit together, little one; the people who seem like they have it together are the most overlooked, because everyone thinks those people never need anything, but everyone needs things; I need things; thanks for listening.” ~Violet

This is one of those books I wanted to love. Thought I was going to love. I was excited to see the book be picked by Reese Witherspoon, and excited to hear the hype around the book. As one of our 2024 Wine and Words authors it just added to the “Must Read”.
And don’t get me wrong – it is a good book, and it is a family that you will enjoy diving into and learning more about. There are definitely moments in the book I loved.

Overall for myself, too many characters to keep track of – too much going on and that honestly is just my preference. Sometimes books read at certain times are not the best fit. I would honestly call it that a time when life is busy and sinking deep into a book that required a bit of work was not a great fit for the time.

The Bookies Book Club ready this book for May 2024 and turns out – many of them felt the same. The overall book club rating 3.34 out of 5 most stating the too many characters to follow.

Of course – would love to hear others opinions 🙂