Favorite Daughters

Thank you to #NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Elyse, a Columbia student and aspiring journalist, is adopted by two privileged daughters of celebrities (Marina and Aubrey, respectively Ivanka Trump and Chelsea Clinton stand-ins) and the handsome student body president she falls for. We watch as she builds a future based on these new connections with the connected, and see it play out after the group has graduated. When things begin to go less smoothly, and Elyse begins to separate from the group, the plot picks up, especially as she enters the political realm (with AOC energy). “American Wife” meets “Gossip Girl.”

Thank you #NetGalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the book and recommend it to those who enjoy novels with a political story line. I was rooting for the protagonist, Elyse, as she progressed from a Columbia undergraduate to a young political figure. Yes, she made some "bad/questionable" decisions along the way; but, her actions were always framed within the context of the internal and external pressures she faced as she navigated young adulthood and pursued her goals. As I read, it was hard not to make comparisons to political figures and "powerful" families in the U.S. Once I read the author's notes at the end of the book, it became clear that the characters were inspired by such figures. This did not take away from my enjoyment of the book as it actually made the actions of the characters more believable. Overall, I enjoyed the tensions between the characters, as well as the family drama that drove much of the decisions and actions of the characters. I could see, however, that some may not like the book, particularly those who are more right-leaning on the political spectrum as Elyse is a very progressive character; however, faults were evident in characters on both sides of the political spectrum.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I found this to be an interesting read, convoluted. What is the truth? What is real? It has a lot of politics. This was a different type read for me. Friendship, using each other?? who knows. I have found that we truly never know anyone. Your best friend, the man you marry-they are never really who you think. People play roles and pretend and so who knows what they are really like. 4 stars Well worth a read.