From a Good, Family is a very engaging read that takes on the topic of sexual assault from the point of view of two best friends, who find themselves as the parents of the accused and the victim.

Eden and Lorrie are best friends. Raising their children together in an affluent Atlanta neighborhood, they are thrilled when they realize that two seniors- Summer and Knox are dating. Until the unthinkable happens and their friendships, marriages, past traumas, and everything they thought they knew about themselves is tested when Knox is accused of raping Summer. Thrown into the mix is Jade, Eden’s neighbor and Summer’s part-time employer who is struggling to fit into the neighborhood as the scandalized and much younger 2nd wife

This was a very interesting take on the subject of sexual assault, privilege, and money mixed together. I enjoyed the multiple POVs, including Summer Knox and Archie. I did think that the addiction angle was introduced and then never really explored as were several other elements in Lorrie’s marriage that seemed thrown in and never really explored. Overall, I think this is a though proving book that takes a hard topic and attempts to show the many nuances that often exist in these type of cases.

This book is absolutely brilliant. It is told from many different perspectives, it delves into what happened that night between the two teens and shows the effects it has on everyone around them. Their parents, siblings, neighbours and wider community. It really makes you question exactly what happened that night and whose account is the truth. As a Mother, this book really gripped me and put me in the shoes of the two mothers who children are embroiled in this terrible situation and it made me question what I would do in their shoes - heavens forbid that would ever happen. Absolutely gripping and thought provoking. Could not put it down. A fantastic read. Tough to read at times but never less than gripping.

Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy this book!

This book puts you in the dilemma of are we doing everything we can to raise our children to the best of our ability? There are definitely trigger warnings related to sexual assault in this book. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters and the feelings they each felt throughout the story were relatable, yet frustrating at the same time.

The story made you think and put yourself in their shoes to make you wonder, “is that how I would have handled that situation?” It was difficult to read at times because I felt conflicted between wanting to agree with both characters and their sides of the story. Overall, I enjoyed the book and storyline. However, just being a new parent myself, made it hard for me to read.

Thought provoking, evoking emotion, and gripping.

Lorrie and Eden have been neighbors, best friends, wives, and mothers. They joked about their children growing up and getting married, but they never saw how their lives would change when an accusation was made. Summer, Eden's daughter has made an accusation against Knox, Lorrie's son. Both women want to support their child. Both are heartbroken, shocked, and reeling. I could not help but feel for each of the women. Each loves their child, each wants to protect their child, each will make decisions, each will feel pain.

Whew! This book put me through the ringer. It is equal parts thought provoking and heartbreaking. This book is told through the POVs of various characters which made for a gripping read. Getting into the minds of various characters, knowing their thoughts, emotions, and motivations was a nice touch. I felt for the characters, even when I was shocked by their decisions. As the characters went thought various emotions, I was right there with them. Caitlin Weaver did a tremendous job of making the reader feel what the characters are feeling.

This is not a happy-go-lucky book. It is deep, evokes emotion, and deals with difficult subject matter. I found that the author handled this with care and grace.

Well thought out, well written, and gripping.

This was an easy read and man was it a bit sad! I enjoyed the different perspectives from the different characters.

I could not put this book down. Super well written and captivating while telling an important and relatable story. The character development and awareness was fantastic and kept the story easy to follow and understand.
I did find some parts a little redundant and the end was less climactic than I had been expecting, but overall a great novel that I would absolutely recommend.

Eden and Lorrie are neighbours and best friends. Their children Summer and Knox have grown up together, so when they get together in the final year of high school, their mothers couldn’t be happier... or could they? When Summer accuses Knox of raping her, their world’s come crashing down, as do those of their families and friends.

In this book, the author explores the repercussions for not just the two individuals immediately involved, but their families, friends, neighbours and the whole school community. As people inevitably take sides, the knock on effects are huge and spread outwards like ripples on a pond.

I struggled to put this one down as I was hooked from the very first page. The author uses multiple voices to tell the story and it had definite echoes of a Jodi Picoult novel. I will be looking out for further books from this author as I think she will become a firm favourite.

Absolutely loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Such a beautiful, beautiful book! At first the book has a "Desperate Housewives" feel about it but then it flows into something deeper, chaotic, sad, soulful, beautiful. My heart went out to both families. Children are a product of their parents, whether they are functional or dysfunctional. Such a pity that Knox picked up on his father's dysfunctional behavior and thought that was the way a woman should be treated. In hindsight he was also a victim, struggling above the noise to be heard, but his Dad steamrolled over him. I loved the different narratives: Eden, Lorrie, Archie, Knox, Summer, Jules. My favorite was Archie, such an old soul, almost like a fly on the wall, sweet, gentle, wisdom-filled kid. I loved Jules as well, who in the beginning had no voice, but at the end, she found her voice. Summer too found her voice and Ari as well. These sweet, brave kids towered above the adults with their courage. Looking forward to the next book by the author.

Caitlin Weaver's Such A Good Family is an engrossing entry in the women’s fiction genre, blending suspense and emotional depth to create a compelling narrative. At its core, the novel delves into the complexities of familial bonds, the shadows of hidden truths, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.

The story centers on a seemingly perfect family whose lives are upended after a single, chilling incident. Knox, the son of the protagonist, returns home from a party with mysterious scratches, setting off a chain of events that reveals the fragile facade of their family life. Weaver expertly navigates the unraveling of long-held secrets, forcing each character to confront their true selves and their relationships with one another.

Weaver's plot construction is both meticulous and immersive. The initial incident acts as a catalyst, drawing readers into a web of suspicion and emotional turmoil. The pacing is skillfully managed, with each revelation and twist adding to the mounting tension. This structure keeps readers engaged, as they are compelled to piece together the truth alongside the characters.

Character development is where Such A Good Family truly shines. The protagonist’s journey—from a mother who believes she knows her son inside out, to someone grappling with the possibility that her family is not what it seems—is both relatable and heart-wrenching. Knox's character is multifaceted, portrayed with a depth that makes readers question their own judgments. The father's transformation, from a calm figure to a man driven to extreme measures to defend his son, adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics.

The supporting characters, including the best friend and her daughter, are equally well-drawn, adding richness to the narrative. Their relationships with the main family provide a broader perspective on the themes of loyalty, trust, and the devastating impact of secrets.

Fans of women’s fiction will find much to appreciate in Weaver’s exploration of these themes. The novel's emotional resonance is its greatest strength, as it examines the strain that hidden truths place on familial bonds. Weaver’s writing is both poignant and precise, capturing the nuances of the characters’ inner struggles and the external pressures they face.

Moreover, the book addresses universal questions about identity and integrity within the context of a family crisis. It challenges readers to consider how well they truly know their loved ones and what they would do to protect them. The moral ambiguities presented in the story provoke thoughtful reflection, making it a powerful read.

Such A Good Family by Caitlin Weaver is a masterfully crafted novel that offers a deep, emotional dive into the heart of family life disrupted by unexpected revelations. Weaver’s ability to blend suspense with profound character studies makes this book a standout in the women’s fiction genre. Readers will be captivated by the intricate plot, moved by the realistic portrayals of family dynamics, and left pondering the true meaning of loyalty and love.

Eden and Lorrie have raised their children together in an upscale neighborhood. When their children, Summer and Knox, begin dating, the families are surprised but supportive. One night something awful happens and everyone’s world is blown to bits. The story is told from the viewpoints of the moms, three of their kids, and a neighbor. I always enjoy this format and Caitlin Weaver has done an exceptional job of constructing these narratives and developing multiple characters. Several of them hold secrets and their lives are far less perfect than they initially appear. I enjoyed this thoroughly and had trouble putting it down. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you, Storm Publishing & NetGalley for allowing me early access to Such a Good Family by Caitlin Weaver.
This story follows Eden & Lorrie. Best friends. Raised their kids together. Live in the same neighborhood. Book Club. Boosters. Carpools. The whole nine yards.
When Eden's daughter, Summer, accuses Lorrie's son, Knox, of S/A their senior year of high school, everything changes.
With both woman having the same goal, protecting their family, what other secrets will fall out?

I really liked that this author provoked the question, what is the right answer?
I liked the character development and the story never seemed stagnant or repetitive.

If you are looking for a thought provoking, page turner, that will stay with you for a little while, THIS IS IT.

I could not stop reading this book! I related to Eden and felt her anger. However, I also understood the anguish that Lorrie was going through. No parent wants to find themselves in either woman’s position concerning their child.
The author writes a haunting, effective story from multiple POV’s. She draws on the emotions of anger, hurt, betrayal, fear, agony and distress, love, protection to draw a very human, thought provoking story. I think this will stay with me for a while.

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

When I saw the synopsis for this book said that it was unforgettable, I was intrigued but not hopeful. Wow, was I wrong. This book plucked every chord of emotion that I had and I truly will not forget it.

In a world where women’s stories of sexual assault are always seen as fiction rather than fact, Summer chose to be brave and tell her side anyway.

This book brought light to the broad, devastating topic of sexual assault, and the even more unfathomable thought of how to proceed when your child is on either side.

When Lorrie and Eden raise their kids together on the same street, they think they will be close neighbours forever. When their teenage children start dating, Summer and Knox, their friendship will be questioned. Big topics like consent, friendship and marriage breakups keep you flicking through the pages easily. This novel is confronting, but will ultimately make you think how far would you go to protect the ones you love.

This started out as what I thought would be an ok read. Instead, by the end of my afternoons read, I was left fully engaged, teary and sad to leave the characters behind. Wow, it is definitely full on in so many ways and covers so much ground as far as friendships, relationships and also much heavier topics including rape and sexual abuse. It is not a light read at all; instead it is a well written engrossing one. Told by several different characters it would be easy to get lost, and yet somehow Caitlin manages to weave a rich story that maintains a strong connection throughout.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm publishing for letting me read this version in exchange for a personal review. Will definitely look for more books by the author in future

3.5 / 5
As a mother, this book really pulled on my heartstrings, and had me deep in thought the whole time. From beginning to end, I kept wondering what I would do as a mother, as a wife and as a friend if facing the same situations. Told by 6 different POVs, this story is about how one event can change so many intertwined lives in different ways. The best way to describe this book...it reminded me of the television show "13 Reasons Why". The conflicts the characters deal with are so real, and the author does a good job making you feel connected and sympathetic. I had such a hard time deciding who I would side with, and I kept flip flopping after reading from a different POV.

I did find myself wanting to learn more about one character, Jules, a young woman who married her professor after he got her pregnant. There wasn't much character building for her, yet she was pretty important to the story line. The ending fell a bit short for me because I was hoping for more closure between two main characters. Overall, it was well written with emotional topics that get you thinking.

**Spoilers**

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC of Such A Good Family by Caitlin Weaver.

Can I give a book 10 stars because this is it! Hands down the best read of 2024. Completely devourable in a day.

Most people dream of a perfect house in a perfect neighborhood. This comes with perfect friends and children who inevitably become life long besties who continue on to be the same carbon copies with socio-economic status and a life of with no complications and clout but also the low key drama that feeds the upper echelon. That is until they are the drama.

Summer and Knox grew up as neighbors and best friends with parents who were involved without being involved. Everything was perfect and they started dating as if the stars aligned just for them. Their mothers started planning futures and grandchildren before they could even cross the stage of their High School graduation. That is until the perfection bubble pops and everyone is at odds. Summer discloses an inappropriate sexual encounter with Knox and everyone’s world tilts. Is a muted no still a no?

Families are left at odds, friendships divided, and an entire perfect community shaken. Old trauma comes to light and things are lost among the whispers and shaming. Will another perfect all American boy take what he wants and walk away unscathed?

Weaver sets an amazing plot line. Adult responsibilities be damned I could have finished this in a day. Who is the victim .. Summer, Knox, or both? Is this a: “boys will be boys” situation or a scorned girl crying wolf? This book is an absolute must read. If you were a fan of A Good Neighbor this is the book for you.

Pub Date: June 12, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is fully on me but when I saw the genre was "mystery/thriller" and read the synopsis I thought that Knox killed Summer or something, or that the book was trying to solve a mystery. I fully got that wrong.

The book is about best friends Lorrie and Eden and their children Knox and Summer. Knox and Summer date, and one day Summer reports being sexually assaulted by Knox. The rest of the book is about the consequences of that accusation, from the perspective of the moms, children, brother, and neighbor. The book is heartbreaking but so captivating--I couldn't put it down.

The repercussions felt very real as each character dealt with it in their own way, having to navigate a complex series of emotions. I loved Archie's (Knox's brother) perspective as it added a lot to the story. I will say that I don't fully understand Jules' place in the story? The whole thing about her getting married to her professor after he got her pregnant didn't sit right with me, and that issue wasn't dealt with at all. As a character she didn't add a whole lot.

Overall, I enjoyed (probably not the right word) this book and recommend it to those who are also intrigued by it and can read the sensitive subject matter. Don't make the same mistake I did though, this book is more of a family drama than a thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley + Storm Publishing for this arc!

Book: Such A Good Family
Author: Caitlin Weaver
Publishing On: June 12th, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5(3.5/5)
Review:
⚠️ Trigger warning ⚠️ : SA. Don't read this if SA is a trigger for you. Should be in the description.

I enjoyed the writing style. The story flowed well. Lots of POVs. The characters are well-written. If I knew that the main plot point revolved around SA I probably wouldn't have picked up this book based on my own past. However, this book shines a light on topics that should be talked about more.


Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, & the author for this eARC.

#SuchaGoodFamily #NetGalley #StormPublishing