👶Lots of food for thought about family dynamics👍

4.5🌟 stars
Hildy and her family's story was pretty riveting. From Hildy's decision as a girl to buck her family's aspirations for her future and follow her heart by marrying Hank and quickly starting a family, to the way each of her children react to her parenting and their position in the sibling pecking order. Hildy professes her intention of seeing that each child gets to decide his or her own future yet she does not realize how her actions impact on their choices. Each of her seven children's stories were touching, but my favorites were Henry Junior, a middle child who felt unnoticed in the crush of the family; Holly, who fears disappointing Hildy even as a child when her play does not jive with her mother's expectations; and Hester, who is haunted by trauma she has pushed to the back of her conscience and doesn't recall. And the way the loss of one child touches all of their lives.

I loved the way the author made me care about each and every character. This is the second of Kathie Giorgio's novels that I've read and the original plots and execution have impressed me.

Certain elements got a bit repetitive, but otherwise a great story.

Thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

3.5 Stars Rounded Up to 4

I have mixed feelings about this novel. On one hand there are beautifully crafted passages when the protagonist bonds with each of her newborn children in the hospital. On the other, there is so much redundancy in repetitive phrases and mathematical references that I became annoyed and skipped over whole passages to avoid the tedium.

What I thoroughly enjoyed about the book was its ability to chronicle the lives of a large family, shifting perspectives and time periods without losing the continuity of the family dynamics. It also highlighted how attempting to parent by consciously making different choices in contrast one’s own childhood is not a guarantee of “success.” Even with the best intentions, the protagonist misses understanding her children’s unique needs. And yet, the love shines through this family, even in the face of tragedy.

Overall, the characters are likeable and relatable, the pacing is good, and the conclusion is realistic and satisfying.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

“Don’t Let Me Keep You” by Kathie Giorgio begins in 1979 when Hildy is just twelve years old. A mathematical prodigy, her mother is determined that Hildy will succeed in a male chauvinistic world. She is determined that nothing will derail her daughter’s chances. However, on that day, Hildy is given the opportunity to hold a newborn baby, and her future is set. Her only goal now is to become the mother of a huge family. She elopes at the age of twenty, planning that day on her ovulation so she can get on with the life she envisions for herself. Now, it is her body that will carry on the mathematical equations of life-making.

This was such a unique story that moved back and forth across time and told from the viewpoints of Hildy the mother, and her six children at various stages of their lives. We see Hildy’s transformation with each birth and the love and sadness that comes with motherhood. As in real life, everyone’s experiences within a family are different. I felt so invested in the characters I wished there was a book for each one. Certainly, there would’ve been enough material to keep this reader interested! Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC. My opinions are my own.