Tess Savage-F

Heartfelt and candid writing; relatable stories of challenges in parenting; and reflections on how marriage and love is work. It was fascinating to learn Alec is OCD and Hilaria has ADHD and dyslexia. I had no idea, but appreciated Hilaria’s candor; the information provided a lens with which to read. On page 31, Hilaria made a comment that is solid couples’ therapy level: “We weren’t keeping score. We were just living our lives side-by-side, appreciating our strengths, enjoying our weaknesses, meeting at a point of partnership.“ As a mother of four, I cannot imagine tending to seven! But they are making it work - we all know there are bumps and peaks and valleys in everyone’s lives, and this book encourages to shift gears and push harder.

In short: awful. I struggled my way to page 191 and have decided I just don’t care who did what or why. The story was all over the map, with far too many characters to feel a connection. I was hoping for some spoilers as I skimmed the reviews here, so I wouldn’t have to torture myself by finishing it. This author did not seem to be the same person who wrote the clever, beloved, entertaining, giggle-and-tear-inducing Thursday Murder Club series. If Mr. Osman was trying to create a totally different vibe with these characters, he succeeded.