I am such a sap when it comes to found family. Knowing this, a friend insisted I read this after reading it herself. 

 

Having struggled with fertility and a failed adoption that ends in a broken marriage, Angela returns home to help revive her family’s restaurant. Losing a child, her husband, and her father all in a year has left her defeated. She once took joy in her nieces and nephews, but now she isolates herself. 

 

Lauren grew up with a mother who made it known that she was nothing more than a mistake. Most of the time, Lauren is the one left to make sure the rent is paid, all the while maintaining the highest marks in school to maintain her scholarships. The only solid thing in her life is her boyfriend, David. 

 

Eventually, Angela and Lauren’s paths cross. Angela fills the need for a mother in Lauren, and in Angela, the need for a child in Lauren. 

 

My heart did indeed melt at the found family feelings throughout this book. Apart from that, I struggled with the story itself, frequently finding myself bored. I also found the characters a bit irksome, more Angela than Lauren. I lacked any great attachment to them despite my sympathies. I felt both characters and plot lines flip-flopped, particularly around David. There were also strange narratives running through regarding pregnancy and religious organizations that I would also categorize as a flip-flop. 

 

Despite my mixed feelings, this was a very sweet story. I’m so grateful for the recommendation because this never would have been on my radar otherwise.