If you are someone who likes multi-layered, emotionally complex novels, this one is for you!
This is my second book by Barbara Davis and this is what I have come to know...her writing, her words are simply beautiful. If this book doesn’t touch your heart, then you probably don’t have one. This is one of the most moving books I've read in a while. There are so many words of wisdom in these pages.

The book is told from 3 points of view: Mallory, Helen (Mallory's mother), and Estelle (a neighbor who is also her ex-fiance's mother). Mallory is a social worker at a facility for at-risk youth. When a tragedy happens to one of her clients, she returns home for a much needed re-set. She hasn’t been home in 10 years. Things ended badly with her ex-fiance and she and her mother haven’t seen eye-to-eye in years. Her mother is a death doula and Mallory has resented her mother’s work because of the rift it created in their relationship. Her mother spent more time with her “charges” than she did with her daughter. But Helen’s background is rife with trauma and tragedy that she hasn’t shared with her daughter. Can their time together mend what’s been broken? And can Mallory finally get the closure she needs from her breakup with Aiden?

This is a story about relationships…mother-daughter, mother-son, romantic relationships, and friendships. It touches on themes of love, loss, regret, forgiveness, and grief. There are just layers and layers of emotion and human experiences in these pages. The end of this book wrecked me. There were definitely tears with this one...so many tears. I was a blubbering fool and so glad I finished this alone or my family would have been deeply concerned about my well being. I loved these characters. Davis humanizes her characters by exposing their vulnerabilities and making them relatable. It is so hard not to fall in love with them. My one complaint (and it is not enough to steal even a half a star) is that the romance aspect felt a little slow. I didn't feel that anticipation or angst that I like with a good romance. But the exploration of human emotion made up for it.

This was just a great book and I would highly recommend it to fellow readers.

Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis is an emotional read full of past regrets and what happens when we harbor secrets. Mallory Ward is a social worker who helps at risk youth. When one of her clients is killed, Mallory decides to step away and reevaluate her life. Despite having a strained relationship with her mother, Mallory returns to her childhood home on the coast of Rhode Island to take stock of her life and how to move forward. But when she is face-to-face with her young love Aiden, the emotional scars Mallory has been hiding come to the surface.
This book was an emotional roller coaster that is expertly written with characters that are fully fleshed out. I especially liked the way that Davis explores each women's secrets and how they affect each other. I found myself sympathizing with Mallory's mother Helen the most. If you want to check out a book that pulls on your heartstrings but leaves you hoping for everyone finding happiness and healing, check out Every Precious and Fragile Thing.
Thank you to NetGalley, Barbara Davis, and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC. Expected release date is February 18th 2025.

EVERY PRECIOUS AND FRAGILE THING by Barbara Davis is a beautifully-written and heart-wrenching story of love, family and loss that will stay on my mind for a long time to come. I have loved every book I’ve read by this author, but I must say, this is the best one yet. Mallory Ward and her mother, Helen, have been at odds for a long time. Deep-seated resentments and misunderstandings have kept them mostly apart. Mallory works with at-risk youth and Helen is a death doula, something Mallory finds difficult to accept. When a devastating tragedy occurs at work, Mallory retreats to her childhood home on the Rhode Island coast despite knowing she will have to deal with her estranged mother. Helen hopes that Mallory’s unexpected visit may give her the chance to mend their strained relationship. But when Mallory uncovers a shocking secret from Helen’s past, it threatens to break their fragile bond forever. This story is so powerful and thought-provoking. It deals with many controversial and difficult themes, but does so in a compassionate and heartfelt way. I loved this emotionally-gripping story of love, loss and forgiveness and recommend it most highly. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

This is a book about relationships, both romantic and parental, and how secrets and lies confine individual lives across generations. It is told through three women’s viewpoints: those of two mothers of adult children, Helen and Estelle, and that of Helen’s daughter Mallory. The story begins with burned-out social worker Mallory taking a leave from her Boston job and returning to her widowed mother’s home in a small seaside community in Maine. Their neighbours are the imperious Estelle, also widowed, and her son Aiden, a talented concert pianist now sidelined by a serious hand injury.

This visit is already fraught because Mallory and Helen have never had a close relationship. Moreover, Estelle has always looked down on Helen, whose work as a ‘death doula’ led to her inheriting a magnificent house on the demise of one of her elderly charges, leading to much gossip. To further complicate the situation, Mallory had been greatly in love with, and engaged to marry, Aiden. A tragedy put an end to that dream. Very gradually, the truth behind that heartbreak is revealed by the dying Estelle.

There are many twists, some not that plausible, in a story about the lengths to which mothers will go to protect their children, seemingly in their best interests, but often enough with results far from what was intended. For Mallory, finding Helen’s diary brings the truth to light, demonstrating how the mother’s trauma is visited on her child.

For all the build-up to this point, the resolution seems almost too quick and easy. The ´mysteries’ are not that mysterious. Although the story is at times gripping, there is much extraneous detail that leads to repetition, stretching matters far too long. The mothers get over their grudge of many years without much difficulty once Helen discovers that Estelle has terminal cancer. The young people go back and forth emotionally until all is revealed and consequently mended. There is no doubt, however, that Barbara Davis packs an emotional punch.

There is no single word to describe this book. It is a roller coaster of emotions and deals with lost love, heartbreak, loss and grief but also hope, compassion, friendship and forgiveness all at once - the story of three women whose lives are tragically connected: Mallory, a social worker in Boston, who nearly suffers a breakdown after one of her young clients is brutally murdered. When she is put on temporary leave as a result, she decides to spend the summer with her mother, Helen, at her childhood home in a small Rhode Island town. They never had a close relationship but maybe this is the time to reconcile and come clean. Both of them have made mistakes in the past and have kept their secrets. And then there is Estelle, her mother’s bitter neighbor who has had a hand in sabotaging Mallory’s wedding to the love of her life and Estelle’s son, Aidan, 10 years ago. Turns out she has secrets of her own.
The story is told from the POV’s of the three women - Mallory and Estelle in the third person and Helen in the first person. We also gradually find out about Helen’s past from her journal entries. The writing is exquisite, and I loved the descriptions and development of the characters with all their virtues and flaws. The setting in a small New England coastal town is just beautiful and adds a nice atmospheric touch. This book is a page turner, a heartfelt tale about life and death, and I highly recommend it. The story had me hooked from the beginning and kept me engaged. The shocking plot in the end had me speechless.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Lake Union Publisshing and Ms Barbara Davis for the opportunity to read this advance copy. I truly enjoyed it and the above is my honest review and own opinion.

I didn’t know what to expect going into this, and how it started was far from how it ended. It was heavy, with themes of shame, secrets, regret, and endings, but also full of hope and love and second chances. In the end, it was a truly beautiful story full of empathy and kindness. I can tell this one will stick with me. Read this if you like stories that focus on character over plot, messy family relationships, and the struggle to be confident in life decisions.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. I will definitely be adding more of Barbara Davis’s books to my TBR.

Another awesome book by Barbara Davis!
This book is well written with fabulous characters and a great story!

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of Every Precious And Fragile Thing.

Mallory has just has just lost a client of hers to a vicious crime and her boss tells her she needs to take a break. So Mallory goes home to her hometown to stay with her mother Helen. They have a very difficult relationship but she has nowhere else to go. She finds out her ex fiancée Aiden is also back in town and next door. She tries to avoid him but they eventually talk. She also finds out things about her mother and childhood that will change everything.

This book was a roller coaster of emotions. I really liked the dual point of views. The storyline was very well written. This book really shows that you may think you know everything about a person but they can always surprise you.

An unforgettable story that stirs the emotions. A story of life, love, death, secrets, and hope. I was so full of emotions reading this. I highly recommend this for book clubs. Davis has a way of capturing you with stories that stay with you long after. Beautifully written and deeply felt.


Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

I was thrilled to be able to read Barbara Davis’s newest novel early. Entitled “Every Precious and Fragile Thing” it was the third novel I’ve read from the author. The story primarily involves Mallory Ward and the relationship she has with her mother, Helen. Also included are Mallory’s ex-fiancé, Aiden, and his mother, Estelle.

When the story begins, Mallory is living in Boston and working as a social worker with at-risk youth. After a tragedy occurs with one of her clients, Mallory returns to her childhood home in Rhode Island. Her boss (and friend) forces her to take leave over the summer because she is not processing the tragedy very well.

Her boss suggests she return home while on leave. The press coverage of the tragedy has a lot of attention on Mallory, as well as her company. Her boss also believes Mallory needs to work through things that occurred a decade ago with Aiden and Estelle.

The narrators for the book were primarily Mallory and Helen. The book also flips back-and-forth at times between present day and decades earlier. As the summer progresses, Mallory and Helen work at repairing their relationship. Mallory also begins to better understand her mother and addresses the events of her childhood, as well as what occurred a decade ago.

Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

A friend recommended Barbara Davis many moons ago and I hadn't had a chance to get to her. When this book came up, I jumped at the chance to read her and I was not disappointed. This is definitely character driven with many secrets held close to the vest. While it felt slow going at first, I realized that the information and the way it was told was essential for the secrets to have the impact they did. Told via dual timelines (1966 in journal format and present in story format) helped the mystery of Helen's life and past come alive in the end. The depth of the story grabbed me by the heart more often than not and I got the ending I'd hoped for from the beginning.

Barbara Davis is one of my favorite authors. I always look forward to a new book. She knows how to capture your heart. Your fears. Your everything. Whether it is a thriller or a love story she pulls you in and keeps your attention. This book is so good. So emotional and filled with so much. Another winner for sure...

When Mallory goes back home she has no idea what kinds of changes she is about to unfold. How much her life with me changed.

Mallory is a social worker who just lost a young client to a brutal murder. Her boss advises her to go. To get away. To take a break. Mallory doesn't want to at first. She doesn't feel like she needs too. She reluctantly goes back to where her mother is. Her mother, Helen, helps people. She helps them to transition out of this life. They are dying and alone. It was a hard life for Mallory growing up and she has some resentment toward her mother. Quite a bit of resentment it seems. But Helen is determined to make things right.

Ten years before, Mallory was engaged to marry Aiden. Aiden lived next door. He was an aspiring musician. He played the piano and was gifted. His mother, Estelle, didn't want him to marry Mallory. She wanted him to pursue the dream of playing and becoming famous. After a sudden loss he did leave. But his heart always belonged to Mallory. I didn't like Aiden a lot. To me he was a bit whiny. He should have stood up to his mother. But then there would not have been a story right. So it was written perfectly.. He left and ten years later they find themselves face to face again. What will happen now?? Can they make amends? Pick up the pieces and move forward? Or should they go their separate ways and just let that be it?

Helen and Estelle were never friends. Until they are. It takes something truly awful but they do become friends. Helen has a few secrets in her life that she needs desperately to share with her daughter Mallory. And she needs to come to terms with things also.

This is a beautiful story of love, loss, forgiveness, and starting over. A story that will keep you turning the pages. Make you believe in almost anything. Through the many tears and just as much laughter can these four make peace. Can one move on and the rest be ok with it? What secret is Helen hiding and will Mallory forgive her? Forgiveness is what matters most in some cases...

Thank you #NetGalley, #LakeUnion, #BrillianceAudio, for this ARC.

Barbara Davis has done it again with Every Precious and Fragile Thing. It was such a deeply moving work of fiction. The characters were brought to life and transformed right before my eyes. There was a lot packed into this story; mother and child relationships, lost loves, forgiveness, death, secrets. I would definitely recommend you read this story about Mallory, a social worker who recently lost a young at-risk client and her mother, Helen, a death doula.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: February 18, 2025

This story will hold you in its thrall long after you read the last page. Once again Barbara Davis spins a tale so original, so gripping, that it is impossible to put down. The dynamics between Mallory and her mother go straight to the heart and from the first time we see them together, we know there is a darkness that can't be overcome. The twist that reveals all will leave you gasping. With a unique storyline that questions some of the deepest issues we face in life to the intriguing lineup of characters, this book is headed straight to the top of the bestseller list. I highly recommend you read it.

Really enjoyed it and would give the book 3.5 stars. Helen's story was my favorite part, along with her interactions with Estelle. I liked how the book alternated between characters. Primarily it was Helen and Mallory and only a few times with Estelle. Knowing Estelle, she doesn't like to be left out and needs to control everything. Mallory was my least favorite character in the book. I didn't love her storyline with Aiden, work, her mom and pretty much everything in her life. Mallory definitely was not suited to be a counselor. She actually needed someone to talk to with all her issues. Mallory always blames everyone else for what happens in her life and is always angry. She always runs away and never deals with the problem. She only tolerates Helen. I can't believe she read her mom's journal. If Helen did that, Mallory would be furious. Mallory's reaction and response to Helen's confession is ridiculous. What she accuses Helen of is awful. Helen definitely made mistakes with her daughter and she wasn't perfect, but at least she's trying. I was definitely shocked when the truth about Helen was revealed. I never guessed who she was writing to in her journal. I was shocked when the truth about Helen was revealed. She shaped her whole life around what happened in that motel room. For all the animosity that surrounded Estelle and Helen, Helen was there for her. The story was full of love, loss, forgiveness, second chances, family dynamics and so much more.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, writing style and story. By the end of the book, I actually liked Mallory. I enjoyed Helen's collection of keepsakes from her patients, except the creepy Victorian dolls. No one wants to stumble upon a bunch of dolls staring back at them. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You know those stories that simply take your breath away?
That’s exactly how I feel every time I pick up a Barbara Davis book.

This is a story about second chances, broken souls, family secrets and the power of forgiveness that will capture your heart completely. I think I have a new favorite book from her, I loved every page.

This book touched every emotion… and was so freaking good! Relationships, traumas, families, different dynamics… it will touch or make you feel something and the ending just … is so good!

Incredible and worth the read- I would recommend to any/all readers!

This is such a complicated story. There are lots and lots of secrets. Some secrets the reader is aware of but the character who is affected does not know yet. Then there are the secrets that are hinted at but it takes time for the reader and the character(s) to learn of them.

There is a love story from the past in journal form, but pertinent details are not revealed until the time is right.

It’s about a mother/daughter relationship which is not harmonious. And, it's also about a mother/son relationship which is also on the rocks. It's about second chances. It’s about accepting the past. It's about forgiveness.

There's more, but to add it here will only make it confusing. It is a complex story with a lot going on but it is written in such a way that it is easy to follow. The characters are interesting and realistic. Certainly not perfect.

I got to a point where some of it became predictable but not all of it. But most of the plot points did not wrap up until I was approaching the end. A few surprises along the way, which is always good.

Sometimes people’s lives get messy. Sometimes there's so much going on in people's lives that is hard to know which way to turn. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. This story is an example. And it's refreshing to read a story that imitates life. And, the ending made me happy. Always good!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

This was my first Barbara Davis book and I'm so happy to say I really enjoyed it. I was really invested in these characters. A story about an estranged mother and daughter who are trying to rekindle their relationship. Mallory heads home to the Rhode Island coast to her mother's house, to try and heal from an upsetting death. Her mother, Helen, had always put her career above her daughter, which has caused the distance in their relationship. So when Mallory shows up, can they reconnect? This deals with mistakes from the past, secrets that are kept, and forgiveness. I always enjoy mother/daughter relationship plots and this one really pulled me in. At 400 pages, I actually flew through it. Such a heartfelt book and I'm happy to have found a new author that has many backlist books that I can add to my list.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Helen and Mallory have never had a good relationship- with Mallory always feeling as though she's come second to the people her mother works with. Now, though,, she's come home after one of the teens she worked with dies and the two of them confront their pasts and move to the future. Much of Helen's story is told in journal entries and it's surprising. Mallory must also deal with Aidan, the boy next door she loved once upon a time - and there's a secret there too. This was more than I expected it to be and no spoilers about the twists. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good storytelling made this a good read.