Member Reviews

Many thanks to @stormbooks_co, and @netgalley got my #gifted (free) copy. This one came out yesterday, so get your copy today!

I was shocked this was written by a debut author because the writing and the format were flawless. If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult or Liane Moriarty, you will love this author and this book! Once I started, I could not stop, and I did not want to do anything besides read. This was a tough and important subject to cover, and the author did an amazing job. This will definitely make it to my top books of the year category, so get your copy today!

Eden and Lorrie have been best friends and neighbors for fifteen years. They always dreamed of their now teenage kids growing up together and eventually dating and getting married, and then reality hits when they are found in bed together. Knox and Summer’s relationship is going as Eden and Lorrie envisioned until Eden gets a call that Summer is in the hospital. Told through multiple POVs that we get to hear everybody's side of the story as we piece together what happened that devastating night. The side characters' storylines were just as important, and I absolutely loved hearing their thoughts on the matter. Their lives are all changed forever in this heartbreaking novel.

Was this review helpful?

An impactful narrative unfolds in "Such a Good Family," delving into the lives of two intertwined families grappling with a life-altering accusation. The story navigates through the emotional turmoil faced by the mothers as they confront the harsh reality of the accusation and the lengths they are willing to go to shield their loved ones. The narrative skillfully captures the complexities of familial relationships and the profound effects of unforeseen events on seemingly harmonious families.

The author, Caitlin Weaver, exhibits exceptional prowess in character development, cultivating a deep connection between the readers and the characters. Through the lens of the characters, the novel explores themes highly pertinent to contemporary society, offering a poignant reflection on the repercussions of traumatic events within families. Weaver adeptly portrays the intricate web of emotions and decisions that emerge in the wake of adversity, prompting readers to contemplate the characters' choices and the underlying motivations that steer their actions.

Moreover, "Such a Good Family" ventures into sensitive territories, notably addressing the aftermath of sexual assault and its enduring impact on the victims. The narrative provides a raw and authentic portrayal of the multifaceted experiences of those affected by sexual violence, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of post-assault trauma. By presenting multiple perspectives on the subject, the novel offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics surrounding sexual assault, urging readers to confront the harsh realities faced by survivors in the aftermath of such traumatic events.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would.

Was this review helpful?

Book Review: Such a Good Family by Caitlin Weaver

Such a Good Family by Caitlin Weaver is a compelling exploration of the delicate balance within friendships and family dynamics. The narrative centers on two women whose close friendship faces severe trials when their teenage children, who are dating, break up amidst accusations of rape. This devastating event disrupts the lives of both families, challenging the once strong bonds between the mothers and creating a divisive "he said, she said" scenario within the high school. It also raises crucial questions about addressing rape allegations when law enforcement declines to pursue charges.

Weaver skillfully examines the complexities of human relationships and the pain of confronting uncomfortable truths. The novel adeptly portrays the fragility of individual teenagers and the vulnerabilities of a school community expected to provide safety and support. The characters' growth throughout the incident offers a thought-provoking reflection on trust, justice, and personal resilience.

Was this review helpful?

This one was intense! What happened one night managed to have a domino effect that rippled through the community. So many relationships were fractured or completely broken because of what happened between Knox and Summer. Told in muliple POVs, the story moved quickly and keeps the reader drawn in. It's a gut-wrenching but also thought-provoking story that I would certainly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced reader copy of Such a Good Family.This compelling novel is set in suburban America, where outwardly happy families navigate the daily hustle and bustle of raising children of all ages. At its heart are two best friends whose teenage children, a son and a daughter, have grown up together and are now dating. An incident one night shatters this idyllic neighborhood, sparking accusations that drive a wedge between the two families.

The novel deftly handles its heavy subject matter, offering perspectives from all the main characters, which enriches the narrative. Readers will find the characters relatable and the neighborhood vividly depicted. As the story unfolds, shocking revelations remind us that no family is perfect, no matter how flawless they appear. The book also emphasizes the importance of mental health support amidst the turmoil.

This was my first book by this author, and it certainly won't be my last. Such a Good Family is a thought-provoking read that explores the complexities of friendship, family, and the hidden struggles behind closed doors.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to the author, publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!

This book follows multiple perspectives to explore the difficult topic of sexual assault and its aftermath. The author does a wonderful job of weaving different narratives and perceptions of the event to create a complex and interesting story that will likely readers think deeply. It did take me a minute to find my footing, as the story is described a bit like a thriller while it is more of a drama. I don’t recommend it if you were expecting twists and turns, but it was well-paced and very readable.

Was this review helpful?

If you are fans of Jodi Picoult then this book is worth reading. Such a Good Family talks about how two families got devasted by an incident that involved their children.

Lorrie and Eden are best friends. Lorrie's son Knox and Eden's daughter Summer are dating. But one night, Summer accuses Knox of raping her. That's when the story starts to unfold.

The story itself is beautifully written, engaging and is also emotional to read. You can actually relate the anger that each of the mothers are going through regarding about their child. Eden feels protective of her child, angry that justice system isn't working while Lorrie wanted to protect her son. The story also outlines how one incident could actually cause division within the family. The author does a good job by writing the POVs of the character, so as a reader we would get to know what each of these characters are actually feeling and the emotional stress that each of these characters are going through. Overall, I actually liked this story and I cannot wait to read more books from this author. Worth four stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Storm publishing for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book. I really liked the multiple point of views. It had great character depth. It had real life issues in it but touched on them in a respectful way. The ending is the only part that I'm still wrapping my head around the ending. I'm still processing. Overall it was a great book and I enjoyed it!

Was this review helpful?

WOULD RECOMMEND!

Eden and Lorrie are best friends, dealing with the challenges of motherhood together. They think their dreams have come true when their kids, Summer and Knox, start a high school romance. However, a devastating accusation changes two families forever.

Only a few chapters in, I was hooked. While this was a difficult topic to cover, I loved how Weaver provided differing perspectives on the same situation throughout each chapter. The different points of view allowed each character to develop, while also reminding readers how complicated and influential one person’s actions can be.

Throughout the story, I was trying to put myself in each perspective. Despite not understanding certain points of view, I started to at least understand the characters and how each person developed into who they are present day.

I would absolutely recommend this book - very thought provoking and unique!

Was this review helpful?

The setting is an affluent community, and the main characters are primarily two families who rise one in front of the others. This book is about diving into the thoughts and perspectives of those involved in a crime, especially high school seniors and their moms, who are best friends and neighbors. The story revolves around two women living in a wealthy community, juggling their roles and aspirations for their kids. The main characters are Summer, Archie, Chloe, and Knox, the children of the two women. The book delves into how the mothers nostalgically view their children growing up and their efforts to control narratives and gossip, alongside navigating the complexities of the crime their children are involved in. Knox, one of the kids, is the perpetrator, and the book tries to make us empathize with him, though it's tricky due to his selfishness and lack of introspection. Archie, another character, stands out as a comforting presence. Meanwhile, Chloe's role seems less defined. There's a predictable plot twist involving Knox's parents, and the family dynamics are cringe-worthy, but it's understandable because there's no guide to handle such a complex situation.

Ultimately, this book is a good read and relevant to today's environment. It is a parent's worst nightmare. I give it 3.5 stars and recommend it to audiences interested in community gossip, domestic issues, high-school/young adult novels, and parent/relationship thrillers.

Was this review helpful?

Okay, this book is devilish in the way it pulls at every single one of your emotions. Hatred, despair, disgust, longing, grief. Weaver does an impeccable job at bringing her characters to life, with believable experiences engulfed in just the right amount of detail and emotion. There are many characters you want to hate, but humanity is woven into each of them. As a mother of both a girl and boy, this was a truly difficult read that I had to put down several times, merely because Weaver is incredible at connecting to the reader and making believe this situation could happen to anyone. Highly recommend, but beware, it's tough content. Thank you #NetGalley and #Storm Publishing for early access to this book!

Was this review helpful?

Caitlin Weaver really outdid herself with this book! She crafted a super intriguing and gripping story about the lengths people will go to hide family secrets. The story is beautifully told through multiple POVs, following best friends who find out their son and daughter are dating—and how one night changes everything. The writing is rich and the book’s words ring true: "blurry lines are still lines—when you love someone, no still means no." This is definitely a must-read, but be sure to check the trigger warnings since there are some heavy themes of SA. Caitlin’s writing was phenomenal and kept me on edge with a rollercoaster of emotions.

Thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! This book had me in my feels. You felt every emotion of all the characters. It made you think about how you would feel and act in this situation.

Was this review helpful?

two mothers are happy their children are dating, until an accusation is made. who is telling the truth?

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. Such a Good Family is the story of two families who have been neighbors and friends for a long time. When Knox, the son of Lorrie, and Summer, the daughter of Eve, start dating, it seems like a happy match-up. Lorrie and Eden have been best friends since they've known each other. When Eden gets a call that Summer is in the hospital and finds out Summer is accusing Knox of raping her, their world turns upside down. The one thing I liked the most about Such a Good Family is that it is not a light read and deals with many real-life issues that face young women today. I appreciated that it reflected that there is not always a winner and not always a loser and that sometimes there isn't a happy ending - we just accept what has happened and try to make the best of it and move on.

Was this review helpful?

Lorrie and Eden, best friends for 15 years, live across the street from each other and share many aspects of their lives, including raising their children, Summer and Knox. As the children start dating around their high school graduation, Eden receives a call that Summer is in the hospital. Summer's only word, "KNOX," leads to an accusation that shatters their world and their friendship. The story follows the two mothers as they navigate the ensuing family crisis and make difficult decisions to protect their loved ones. The book is a thought-provoking and emotional domestic drama that explores the ripple effects of the accusation on everyone involved, highlighting the complexities of the characters' choices and the strain on their relationships.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so gripping, I read it in 1 day, after barely putting it down.

I feel like the author did a really good job of telling the story from multiple viewpoints. It was hard to read about Summer's pain with everything that happened with Knox, but it was important too. Consent is so important in ANY relationship, so it was good to see that spoken about in this book, from all sides.

I would recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely fantastic plot! I could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

Was this review helpful?

Such a Good Family
by Caitlin Weaver
Pub Date: Jun 12 2024

Such a Good Family is very thought provoking and a very heartbreaking story to read. It brings deep emotions to your core being. The story is told from several points of view. With each persons point of view you can feel their emotions, be it anger, fear, distress, betrayal, hurt, agony and even feelings of love. This is a good story but an emotional one.

Synopsis: An unforgettable and emotionally charged story of two mothers whose lives are changed forever by a devastating accusation – and how far they’ll go to protect those they love. This addictive novel will draw you deep into the heart of seemingly happy families and expose the dark secrets that lie within them.

Many thanks to #SuchaGoodFamily #NetGalley & #StormPublishing for providing me with an E-ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

CHALLENGING, RIVETING, AND CAPTIVATING
Lorrie and Eden have been best friends for 15 years and live across the street from each other. They get coffee together at their favorite coffe shop, they have book club, hang out at each other’s houses drinking wine, carpools, and raised their kids together since they were babies. They use to joke about how their kids will grow up and get married. As their kids high school graduation approaches, Summer and Knox start dating. Everything seems to be going how they envisioned it. Then Eden gets a call from her next door neighbor that Summer is at the hospital. When Eden gets there to find out what happened, all Summer can really say is KNOX. One accusation flips everyone's world upside down in a matter of minutes. What do you do when your friendship is ripped apart and the one you count on and turn to can't be there to help you. The story follows both moms as they try to unravel their family crisis and the lengths they will go to protect the ones they love.

This story was impactful, thought-provoking, and emotional. At times it was hard to put yourself in each characters shoes and think about what you would do if you were that person. One aspect of this book that I loved is that it showed how the accusation affected everyone not just the main characters. I was so mad at Eden and even though it is not the decision I might of made I can understand why maybe she felt it was the best thing to do at the time. I would say this book is more a domestic drama than a thriller.

Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Caitlin Weaver for granting me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?