I requested this book as I thought it sounded something I'd like, I got Nora Roberts from the synopsis. I was delighted to be approved for the ARC so thank you to NetGalley and the publishers.

This my honest and unbiased review.

After approval I noticed the writer had written another called "in at the deep end" are a bit of googling I realised I had listened to the book as an abridged version on BBC Sounds and if I am honest wasn't overly keen on it. The fact I had to google it to be reminded I had read it showed it very much didn't hold my interest. That being said I still wanted to give this book a go and a fair review.

Told in 3rd person POV we hear from twins Lena and Alison and their father Tom in the aftermath of the girls finding out Tom isn't their biological father over Christmas dinner thanks to a DNA testing kit. The ripple effect this has on all three is life changing in so many ways. The pace of the novel is fairly quick as all of the action take place over the course of a year, however the plot lines don't fell rushed and flow well. The ending was good with everything tied up for the family, but we are left to wonder what will happen next. I found the last few pages very heart warming and really summed up the full premise of the book.

First off this isn't a Nora Roberts type of book and that doesn't make it bad at all but it wasn't what I thought it would be. It was far better.


I found this book much more interesting than the writers last novel, it has less shock value and is a lot less vulgar.Her writing has matured into something very engaging and well written both in terms of plot, style and structure.

It brings up some unique themes and points to consider. I really liked how she examined what family actually is,how it means something different to us all the reactions of the sisters to the news illustrates this perfectly . I found the journey the sisters go on in terms of trying conceive insightful and touching. It was very much a sub plot but filtered in neatly with the main plot and added deeper look at over all underlaying themes in within the book

The writer explores grief and loss in its many forms, of which she does beautifully. She subtly intertwines themes of race, sexuality without it being too in your face, which for me carries a much powerful message than it being rammed down your throat.

Character wise I loved Tom, he was a bit two dimensional but he sounded the perfect old gent and a great father. His reaction about being the girls father really touched me. The twins were very different in terms of life styles and people both had inner conflict about how they felt with regards to the situation both of which were different this added a real depth and a sense of realism to them as characters and to the plot.

This novel is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, with insightful looks into subjects that are not always easy to discuss. It offers an entertaining read but gives the reader some enlightenment into donor conception which was a unique plot written in a way you would not expect . It is full of charm and wit with a little heart break thrown in.

This is a smart novel you will reflect on your views while reading and beyond, it is a water cooler moment type of novel perfect for book groups. Would also make a great tv series.

Before reading this I had listened to a podcast about these DNA tests people are given as gifts and the fall out the can cause this book was great way to explore that further and confirm to myself that I won't be buying any test kits myself. The book made reflect on what family means and for me my family are the people who are there and raised me the people I love deeply.

Ps there is no need for DNA testing for me am unfortunately the image of my father and a mini me of my mother personality...However this book does makes you wonder

Another footnote the cover of the book is a great representation of the full novel it's very well matched well done to who designed that jacket

Loved this! Made me laugh and cry all the way through. It was an interesting look at children of donors, something I'd never thought of and how it affected their families and lives in different ways. Trigger Warning for baby loss, that did sneak up on me. But overall a brilliant heartfelt and heartwarming story.

I found this book heartbreaking and so relevant - the points of view of Tom, Lena, and Allison are given equal weight and the reader can really empathize with each of them. The story is timely but in a way that emphasizes the humanity of all involved, instead of feeling tied to a news peg. I would recommend it for any readers who are fans of family drama, queer love stories, and thorny contemporary issues.

I absolutely loved the author's previous novel In at the Deep End and so was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Nuclear Family.
Twin sisters Alison and Lena have a close relationship with their dad Tom and they are all still grieving the death of their mother and Tom's wife Sheila. When Lena buys a DNA testing kit for them all for Christmas she thinks it will be a fun way for them to explore their family history. However, Tom reveals that he isn't their biological dad and that he and Sheila used a sperm donor. The sisters react in completely different ways- Alison is focused on trying to conceive via a sperm donor with her wife and feels that Tom is still her dad. Lena feel betrayed and is determined to track down her sperm donor.
Nuclear Family is such a wonderful novel, as with the author's previous novel I loved the mix of humour, warmth and empathy. It's such an insightful book that really got me thinking about the concept of family. I am adopted but I hadn't thought about the implications of finding out that your biological parent is an unknown sperm donor and this aspect generated many conversations with friends and family. I found myself upset with Lena's response to her father's secret and it was interesting for me to explore this. The author writes so effortlessly and engagingly and I found myself completely involved in the novel, the characters and the relationships and raced through it over a 24 hour period.
A highly recommended novel that I loved.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
4.5 stars.

When Lena decides to surprise her father Tom and her twin sister Alison with DNA testing kits, she imagines it will be a fun way for them to discover their ancestry and even their Neanderthal roots. Little does she know, this well-intentioned gift will unleash a storm within her family.

Tom is faced with a daunting truth - he is not the biological father of Lena and Alison. He and his late wife Sheila had used a sperm donor to conceive their children. Filled with fear and desperation to regain the trust of his daughters, Tom is willing to do whatever it takes to repair their bond.

Alison, on the other hand, believes that DNA doesn't define a family. As she and her wife are themselves starting a family with the help of a sperm donor, she sees Tom as their true father, regardless of biology.

However, Lena becomes fixated on finding their biological father, her curiosity taking her down a rabbit hole of discovery. When she stumbles upon a half-brother, who happens to be an Instagram-famous actor, her obsession takes a whole new turn...

This novel is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, delving into themes of identity, donor conception, and the intricate dynamics of what it truly means to be a family.

Written in a refreshingly clever style, the story moves along at a lively pace, captivating readers with its raw energy and offering both entertainment and enlightenment. The author delivers an intelligent and well-crafted book that I found incredibly enjoyable to read. It masterfully explores the complexities of family relationships with a touch of wit and a dash of charm.

In conclusion, this novel is a must-read for anyone with an interest in exploring the depths of human connection and the power of familial bonds. It's a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will leave you both laughing and reflecting on the true meaning of family.