I really liked this book in the very beginning, because I’m a divorced mom too and I really feel that whole, “I’m a frazzled mom trying to make ends meet and take care of my rambunctious boys” vibe. Sadly, I spent the whole rest of the book wondering what the heck was wrong with everyone while simultaneously remembering why I’ll never move to Texas. 

I won’t pretend to know anything about what life is like for an Indian-American, nor for anyone in an arranged marriage. I won’t pretend to know what life is like for any immigrant or person of color. I’m white. Privilege is the word of the day. I chose to have kids and I chose my spouse (bad choice, but hindsight, right), which at least one of these couples didn’t really have an opportunity to do. Everyone in this book is miserable in their own way, for different reasons. (Except Raj, because Raj is pretty awesome). 

(Yes, these are unhappy families that are unhappy in their own ways but they all belong to the same family cluster so let me talk).

The story here is actually very cool and lends a whole lot of added suspense to what would be an otherwise standard domestic thriller premise. The titular storm adds to the atmosphere, amps up the stress, ratchets up the anxiety, and ups the stakes at every turn. It’s a great plot device and I love how it was employed here. 

Sadly, that was about the only thing I loved out of this whole thing, because it seems like no one in this book has a brain. Anything more on that point would be a spoiler. 

I wish I liked it more. I just didn’t. 

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Due to the 3 star or lower rating this review will not be posted on social media. Thank you.