Family secrets, trauma from the past, and personal struggles afflict the Connelly family at the heart of Lange’s latest. I love stories of families coming together to deal with hardships, so this engrossing saga was an easy 4-star for me. It shows what we all know—people helping people and families working together to lift each other up are what can bring the individuals of a family up and out of struggle.

Tara Connelly is fresh out of an 18-month stint in jail for trafficking opioids for a local drug dealer. She returns home to her family’s house where her sister, brother, and nephew live. Even though Tara’s the one getting out of prison, her sister Geraldine and her brother Eddie have their own demons to deal with. Meanwhile the cop who helped arrest Tara is inexplicably drawn to her and regretful about the situation that put her in jail.

Your emotions will be tugged and you’ll stay engaged in this story as the true troubles of these characters come into focus and family secrets are revealed. I really enjoyed this book. If you’re a fan of family stories and how members of families can help and heal each other, check this one out. It’s a emotional, romantic, heartwarming summer read.

Much thanks to @celadon for the free early copy and @netgalley for the audiobook. I switched between both. Barrie Kreinik does a lovely job narrating this story, particularly Tara’s conflicting yet completely effecting portion. And kudos to Lange for another powerful and emotional family read.