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We Are Family
Thirty-three-year-old Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie have some hard choices to make. Following the tragic death of Maggie’s father, they are left with a mountain of debt and broken hearts. So, despite her vow never to return home after the fall-out from her teenage pregnancy, Ruth can’t see any option other than for the two of them to move back in with her parents.
Going home means many things – finally confronting her estranged father, navigating her mother’s desperate need to make everything ok despite the wobbles in her own marriage, not to mention helping a still-grieving Maggie to settle into a new school, find new friends, and stop expressing her emotions through her ever-changing hair colour.
What Ruth needs are friends, but she abandoned her childhood ones when she left all those years ago. Luckily for Ruth, they haven’t abandoned her. Slowly she lets herself be embraced by a group of women who have always had her back – even when she didn’t know it. And as the grief and shock recede, Ruth can even begin to imagine sharing her life with someone other than just Maggie – if Maggie will let her.
No. 1 bestselling author Beth Moran writes worlds you want to live in, characters you want as friends, and heart-warming stories it’s impossible not to fall in love with. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.
This novel was first published as I Hope You Dance.
What readers say about Beth ‘This book basically has everything - I laughed a lot, I cried, I wanted the characters to be my actual friends! Not many authors have the power that Beth Moran seems to have for building a gorgeous community inside your head that feels so real that you want to pounce through your book and live in it.’
‘I absolutely adore Beth Moran novels and I sink into each one and devour it until every last word is digested.’
‘Beth Moran is a brilliant romcom writer with an ability to write really moving prose that has the power to reduce the reader to tears at times. This book is no exception. Top notch. Highly recommended.’
‘I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it, especially if you want a read that's cosy but with depth and emotion.’
‘If you’re a fan of characters that you can’t help but love and a feel good story, then this is definitely a book for you.’
Praise for Beth 'Let it Snow is so uplifting. It's cleverly written, witty and smart. A winner!' USA Today Bestseller, Judy Leigh ‘Life-affirming, joyful and tender.’ Zoe Folbigg
'Every day is a perfect day to read this.’ Shari Low
Going home means many things – finally confronting her estranged father, navigating her mother’s desperate need to make everything ok despite the wobbles in her own marriage, not to mention helping a still-grieving Maggie to settle into a new school, find new friends, and stop expressing her emotions through her ever-changing hair colour.
What Ruth needs are friends, but she abandoned her childhood ones when she left all those years ago. Luckily for Ruth, they haven’t abandoned her. Slowly she lets herself be embraced by a group of women who have always had her back – even when she didn’t know it. And as the grief and shock recede, Ruth can even begin to imagine sharing her life with someone other than just Maggie – if Maggie will let her.
No. 1 bestselling author Beth Moran writes worlds you want to live in, characters you want as friends, and heart-warming stories it’s impossible not to fall in love with. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.
This novel was first published as I Hope You Dance.
What readers say about Beth ‘This book basically has everything - I laughed a lot, I cried, I wanted the characters to be my actual friends! Not many authors have the power that Beth Moran seems to have for building a gorgeous community inside your head that feels so real that you want to pounce through your book and live in it.’
‘I absolutely adore Beth Moran novels and I sink into each one and devour it until every last word is digested.’
‘Beth Moran is a brilliant romcom writer with an ability to write really moving prose that has the power to reduce the reader to tears at times. This book is no exception. Top notch. Highly recommended.’
‘I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it, especially if you want a read that's cosy but with depth and emotion.’
‘If you’re a fan of characters that you can’t help but love and a feel good story, then this is definitely a book for you.’
Praise for Beth 'Let it Snow is so uplifting. It's cleverly written, witty and smart. A winner!' USA Today Bestseller, Judy Leigh ‘Life-affirming, joyful and tender.’ Zoe Folbigg
'Every day is a perfect day to read this.’ Shari Low
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
1562 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Beth Moran
24 books950 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
July 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. It was so u usual the story was interesting and the characters were all so brilliant. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 21, 2023
Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie are starting over. Maggie's father has died and Ruth finds out that they are buried in debt. She has no choice but to return home to her parents until she can get their affairs sorted and pay off all the debts she is responsible for. When teenage Maggie left home years earlier, there was a fallout, and Maggie had vowed never to return. Maggie is also grieving and struggling to find her way in a new school and town, and Ruth is supporting her. Ruth also needs to get a job that will support them as well as allow her to pay off the debts. Her parents are there for her, but Ruth always feels that the strings attached are too much for her. Luckily for Ruth, her friends from her past, welcome her back with open arms, even the boy she was in love with when she left.
I really enjoyed We Are Family. Beth Moran created some wonderful and flawed characters, that are totally relatable. Maggie was a typical teenager. She was grieving, she was angry, and she was self-centered. She didn't think about what Ruth needed at first, typical teen behavior. Despite that somewhat spoiled streak, I really liked her and my heart broke for her. Ruth was a great mom, and was willing to give up her own happiness for Maggie. Her friends were the best. The way they welcomed Ruth back into their group was wonderful. It is always great to have those friends that will welcome you and care for you no matter what. This book could have been heartbreaking, but Beth Moran wrote it in such a way that it was uplifting and hopeful. Ruth's parents also come through for her, which made my heart soar. With grief, friendship, family issues, lost love and new beginnings, I recommend We Are Family. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Rosalind Steele. This is the first time I have listened to a book narrated by Ms. Steele and I enjoyed her performance. I will not hesitate to listen to other books she narrates.
I really enjoyed We Are Family. Beth Moran created some wonderful and flawed characters, that are totally relatable. Maggie was a typical teenager. She was grieving, she was angry, and she was self-centered. She didn't think about what Ruth needed at first, typical teen behavior. Despite that somewhat spoiled streak, I really liked her and my heart broke for her. Ruth was a great mom, and was willing to give up her own happiness for Maggie. Her friends were the best. The way they welcomed Ruth back into their group was wonderful. It is always great to have those friends that will welcome you and care for you no matter what. This book could have been heartbreaking, but Beth Moran wrote it in such a way that it was uplifting and hopeful. Ruth's parents also come through for her, which made my heart soar. With grief, friendship, family issues, lost love and new beginnings, I recommend We Are Family. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Rosalind Steele. This is the first time I have listened to a book narrated by Ms. Steele and I enjoyed her performance. I will not hesitate to listen to other books she narrates.
June 13, 2023
Ruth never thought she would return home again after a falling out with her father.
But when her daughter, Maggie's father suddenly dies and leaves them with a mountain of unknown debt they have little choice but to return home.
After a life of feeling less than in her family, can Ruth repair the rift between her parents and sisters?
I loved this story. I loved Maggie in particular. She is a spunky teen who uses hair color to express her feelings.
A story of coming home and learning where home truly is.
If you want a feel good story then this is the one for you.
Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.
But when her daughter, Maggie's father suddenly dies and leaves them with a mountain of unknown debt they have little choice but to return home.
After a life of feeling less than in her family, can Ruth repair the rift between her parents and sisters?
I loved this story. I loved Maggie in particular. She is a spunky teen who uses hair color to express her feelings.
A story of coming home and learning where home truly is.
If you want a feel good story then this is the one for you.
Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.
June 26, 2023
I couldn't even begin to contemplate moving back to my parents, however stuck I was. I think there comes a certain point in life where they need to have no parental responsibility and enjoy their child free existence.
I've loved every single one of Moran's books and they've always been five star worthy reads for me.
We Are Family is a wonderfully written story of family, relationships, love and starting over. The characters and their family dynamic is real and I found I related with Ruth on so many levels.
It's heartwarming, uplifting and an absolute joy to read as always.
I've loved every single one of Moran's books and they've always been five star worthy reads for me.
We Are Family is a wonderfully written story of family, relationships, love and starting over. The characters and their family dynamic is real and I found I related with Ruth on so many levels.
It's heartwarming, uplifting and an absolute joy to read as always.
June 17, 2023
I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Beth Moran, Netgalley, and Rachel's Random Resources. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last! The writing style flows easily, and I found myself fully immersed from start to finish. In We are Family, we meet Ruth recently widowed and in a huge financial mess. Forced to move back in with her parents when she impulsively tells her boss off and quits. Her teenage daughter Maggie returns home from school. Feeling as if her life has fallen apart, Ruth is struggling with the ramifications of her decisions.
To make ends meet, Ruth takes on two part-time jobs. The money she earns barely scratches the surface in paying off her inherited debt. With the support of her mother, Ruth begins to find her footing and begins making new friends. As Ruth comes into her own, her relationship with her daughter improves. I loved seeing these two become closer.
I love books that dive deeply into family dynamics and how they interact with one another. The generational aspect added a depth that kept me intrigued and wanting more. The backstories brought the characters to life and gave me all the “feels”. The story plunges the reader into dark and difficult topics. The author does an excellent job of handling these topics with compassion and empathy. This story is so good, you will find yourself thinking about it long after the last page.
This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last! The writing style flows easily, and I found myself fully immersed from start to finish. In We are Family, we meet Ruth recently widowed and in a huge financial mess. Forced to move back in with her parents when she impulsively tells her boss off and quits. Her teenage daughter Maggie returns home from school. Feeling as if her life has fallen apart, Ruth is struggling with the ramifications of her decisions.
To make ends meet, Ruth takes on two part-time jobs. The money she earns barely scratches the surface in paying off her inherited debt. With the support of her mother, Ruth begins to find her footing and begins making new friends. As Ruth comes into her own, her relationship with her daughter improves. I loved seeing these two become closer.
I love books that dive deeply into family dynamics and how they interact with one another. The generational aspect added a depth that kept me intrigued and wanting more. The backstories brought the characters to life and gave me all the “feels”. The story plunges the reader into dark and difficult topics. The author does an excellent job of handling these topics with compassion and empathy. This story is so good, you will find yourself thinking about it long after the last page.
July 7, 2023
When Ruth Henderson loses her husband she’s forced to move back home and despite her grief her dad let it be known he hasn’t forgotten why he was holding a grudge but Ruth does her best to get on with things when she returned home she brought her daughter Maggie and Maggie has her own issues she’s starting A new school on top of mourning the loss of her dad. I love Beth Moran‘s books and this is a great example of why. I found Ruth to be so lovable and resilient I highly recommend this book if you love feel good fiction then We Are Family by Beth Moran that’s a great choice. I want to thank boldWoodBooks and NetGalley for my Arc copy, Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
July 21, 2023
Following the sudden death of her boyfriend, Ruth moves back to her parents' home with her teenage daughter. As she tries to put her life back together and work out how she will repay the debt that Fraser had accrued, she rediscovers friendships and re-evaluates her life.
This is a great book about friendship, family and love. It gets a bit dark towards the end but is generally an enjoyable, light read.
This is a great book about friendship, family and love. It gets a bit dark towards the end but is generally an enjoyable, light read.
January 26, 2024
The premise of the story was interesting, our main character (with daughter in tow) moves back in with her parents after the death of her partner, who left a mountain of debt to deal with. I do enjoy tales like this, where someone gets their life back together after things go pear shaped, so I was invested in the idea and keen to see where it would go. Overall this was ok, but I did feel it dragged on a little towards the end. Without giving away any spoiler, key plot events that you could tell were developing just seemed to take too long to get there, and the reasoning didn’t feel natural after a while. Conversely, some parts of the story found a rapid conclusion from one chapter to the next so the pace felt a little uneven at times.
I liked the supporting characters very much, the community feeling in the village, and the kind folks that helped get Ruth back on track, I love all of that. Sometimes we just want a feel good, inspirational hug in a book and it delivered in that respect. I just felt that the pace wasn’t quite right at times.
I liked the supporting characters very much, the community feeling in the village, and the kind folks that helped get Ruth back on track, I love all of that. Sometimes we just want a feel good, inspirational hug in a book and it delivered in that respect. I just felt that the pace wasn’t quite right at times.
June 11, 2024
My favorite Moran novel yet
Loved the characters, the friendships, the family dynamics. I’ve read quite a few of Beth Moran’s books, but this was my favorite, so far.
Loved the characters, the friendships, the family dynamics. I’ve read quite a few of Beth Moran’s books, but this was my favorite, so far.
December 24, 2024
Easy read with lots of storyline to follow. Lovely easy read.
March 29, 2024
Delightful read
December 15, 2024
Loved the characters - a very enjoyable read
June 15, 2023
Ruth Henderson has felt like the black sheep of the family almost her entire life. Brought up in a family of ballroom dancers, the youngest of four daughters she was the one with two left feet (comparatively). Pregnant by accident after a drunken one-night stand she made the best of things with her daughter Maggie's father, until his sudden death in a car accident uncovers a mountain of debt and no life insurance. After struggling for two years to make ends meet Ruth knows the only solution is to swallow her pride and move back in with her parents.
At first Ruth is inclined to wallow in grief, anger, and self-pity, until her busybody mother gets her a part-time job at a local boutique run by Ruth's school nemesis. While the blows keep coming, Maggie is in trouble at school, Ruth's parents appear to be on the verge of splitting up, more debt is uncovered, Ruth gets reacquainted with the school bully 'Meat' Harris and probably her only girl friend from school Lois Finch - and they are married!
Slowly Ruth and Maggie begin to create a life for themselves, centred around the big, happy church that Ruth's parents belong to. But is there a chance for romance for Ruth with Carl the dishy doctor, son of one of the centre's clients, or can she revive her relationship with David, her one true love and now a TV wildlife documentary star?
Isn't it funny, I complain about writers throwing the kitchen sink of issues into a book, overshadowing the relationships and yet this book, which has practically everything you could care to throw at a plot, manages to keep the reader engaged and rooting for Ruth throughout. Her family are just the right side of irritating. Maggie is rebellious, but only because she is hurting. Yes, the story revolves around the church community but it is such a joyful, friendly place even I, an atheist, wanted to join.
Wonderful, feel-good, small-town, English romance. Loved it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
At first Ruth is inclined to wallow in grief, anger, and self-pity, until her busybody mother gets her a part-time job at a local boutique run by Ruth's school nemesis. While the blows keep coming, Maggie is in trouble at school, Ruth's parents appear to be on the verge of splitting up, more debt is uncovered, Ruth gets reacquainted with the school bully 'Meat' Harris and probably her only girl friend from school Lois Finch - and they are married!
Slowly Ruth and Maggie begin to create a life for themselves, centred around the big, happy church that Ruth's parents belong to. But is there a chance for romance for Ruth with Carl the dishy doctor, son of one of the centre's clients, or can she revive her relationship with David, her one true love and now a TV wildlife documentary star?
Isn't it funny, I complain about writers throwing the kitchen sink of issues into a book, overshadowing the relationships and yet this book, which has practically everything you could care to throw at a plot, manages to keep the reader engaged and rooting for Ruth throughout. Her family are just the right side of irritating. Maggie is rebellious, but only because she is hurting. Yes, the story revolves around the church community but it is such a joyful, friendly place even I, an atheist, wanted to join.
Wonderful, feel-good, small-town, English romance. Loved it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
May 15, 2023
I absolutely love Beth Moran's books, and this one was no exception. Her style of writing and her plotlines just connect with me. I stayed up till 4am reading this one - I think that's the first time I've done that since the last Beth Moran book I read!
This one follows Ruth, who is forced to move back to her parents' with her daughter Maggie, years after vowing to get out of her childhood home. When Ruth arrives there, she's lonely, and very low on confidence. It soon becomes clear though that whatever issues they had previously, her family love her and are determined to help her through. This, coupled with making a strong group of friends, helps her find herself again. And when her childhood sweetheart arrives back home, could she be given another chance at happiness?
This was such a beautiful read, and it had everything I personally enjoy in a book. I love the way the author puts a lot of focus on family and friendships, as well as the romance. She also manages to develop all the secondary characters very well so that I end up really wanting them to be happy too!
I really loved this - highly recommended!
Thank you so much to Beth Moran, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the arc.
This one follows Ruth, who is forced to move back to her parents' with her daughter Maggie, years after vowing to get out of her childhood home. When Ruth arrives there, she's lonely, and very low on confidence. It soon becomes clear though that whatever issues they had previously, her family love her and are determined to help her through. This, coupled with making a strong group of friends, helps her find herself again. And when her childhood sweetheart arrives back home, could she be given another chance at happiness?
This was such a beautiful read, and it had everything I personally enjoy in a book. I love the way the author puts a lot of focus on family and friendships, as well as the romance. She also manages to develop all the secondary characters very well so that I end up really wanting them to be happy too!
I really loved this - highly recommended!
Thank you so much to Beth Moran, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the arc.
June 10, 2023
REVIEW (potential spoilers below)
⚠️cw: Grief, depression, bereavement, coercive behaviour, child abuse, addiction. bullying, miscarriage, debt ⚠️
When Ruth Henderson's partner dies suddenly, she's left with a mountain of debt. Forced to return home with Maggie, her teenage daughter, Ruth battles to overcome her anger and grief while creating a new life for them both. There, she reconnects with David, BAFTA-award-winning filmmaker, and Ruth's childhood best friend.
Beth Moran is very good at writing complex and exceedingly awkward family dynamics, and they are in full effect here. Ruth is the black sheep, youngest of four sisters, and steeped in disappointment as the clumsy, bookish child born without the family's dancing genes. Ruth was such a mass of contradictions. She was equal parts whiny and scatty, and then would have moments of incredible insightfulness. But I really loved the friendships she made. Ana Luisa, Lois, and Martine, in particular, were adorable and hilarious. There are also a lot of poignant moments, and in fact, at times, I felt like there was a bit TOO much going on, with so many chaotic vignettes, particularly early on. While I really enjoyed the self-love aspects, I did feel that the romance was shoehorned in, especially as David was talked about so much, but didn't appear on the page until almost halfway through the book, and both of their feelings felt heightened and rushed (even in a second chance romance). Throw in a disturbing stalker, a grieving teen and a cantankerous countess, a church and it's entire community's issues, foster parenting, debts, a marriage in crisis, another love story, a premature birth, and it all gets a little frenetic at times.
But, at some point, I stopped caring and just went with it. At the heart of the book is community, and it worked best when telling their stories. Ultimately, it is a heartwarming tale of second chances.
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating:
Emotional Rating: 💓🙈😂🙈💔👏🏻💓😢😂😬💓🤬💓😢💔💓🙄🤬😉💓😍😒🤷🏻♀️🤬😱💔💓👏🏻🥰👏🏻👏🏻💓🥰
*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review. We Are Family is published on 15th June in the UK*
⚠️cw: Grief, depression, bereavement, coercive behaviour, child abuse, addiction. bullying, miscarriage, debt ⚠️
When Ruth Henderson's partner dies suddenly, she's left with a mountain of debt. Forced to return home with Maggie, her teenage daughter, Ruth battles to overcome her anger and grief while creating a new life for them both. There, she reconnects with David, BAFTA-award-winning filmmaker, and Ruth's childhood best friend.
Beth Moran is very good at writing complex and exceedingly awkward family dynamics, and they are in full effect here. Ruth is the black sheep, youngest of four sisters, and steeped in disappointment as the clumsy, bookish child born without the family's dancing genes. Ruth was such a mass of contradictions. She was equal parts whiny and scatty, and then would have moments of incredible insightfulness. But I really loved the friendships she made. Ana Luisa, Lois, and Martine, in particular, were adorable and hilarious. There are also a lot of poignant moments, and in fact, at times, I felt like there was a bit TOO much going on, with so many chaotic vignettes, particularly early on. While I really enjoyed the self-love aspects, I did feel that the romance was shoehorned in, especially as David was talked about so much, but didn't appear on the page until almost halfway through the book, and both of their feelings felt heightened and rushed (even in a second chance romance). Throw in a disturbing stalker, a grieving teen and a cantankerous countess, a church and it's entire community's issues, foster parenting, debts, a marriage in crisis, another love story, a premature birth, and it all gets a little frenetic at times.
But, at some point, I stopped caring and just went with it. At the heart of the book is community, and it worked best when telling their stories. Ultimately, it is a heartwarming tale of second chances.
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating:
Emotional Rating: 💓🙈😂🙈💔👏🏻💓😢😂😬💓🤬💓😢💔💓🙄🤬😉💓😍😒🤷🏻♀️🤬😱💔💓👏🏻🥰👏🏻👏🏻💓🥰
*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review. We Are Family is published on 15th June in the UK*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
We Are Family written by Beth Moran is hands down my FAVORITE book by this author. This book gave me all the feels, there's nothing better than having an amazing group of friends/family standing by your side through thick and thin. (I'm getting a little emotional writing this review). Beth Moran writes her characters to be relatable to her readers, they each have their own flaws, and they are so easy to connect with. I was a bit hesitant to start this book because I haven't had the bestest luck with Beth Moran's books, but the best advice I can give y'all is just to go for it, because in the end you might end up loving that certain book. We Are Family had so much to offer, friendships, family, and love, what more could you ask for? This book brought tears to my eyes just reading the first page. I can't really describe my emotions while binge reading this book, it was heart felt, but it was heart breaking at times. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, it was just an outrageous roller coaster ride of emotions. Please do yourself a favor and pick up this beautiful book immediately. Just looking at the cover, it tells me how this loving family overcame their grief.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLDWOOD BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie are forced to move back home with Ruth's parents after losing their father and husband. Ruth's husband and Maggie's dad left them with a pile of debt after he passed away, so they are forced to move back home with Ruth's parents until they can get back up on their feet. Ruth vowed to never return home after running away from a fall out she had with her father due to her teenage pregnancy, with those vows made what other choice does Ruth have? Ruth decides to return home with Maggie despite the grudge her father holds against her, Ruth's father lets it be known that he will hold that grudge against Ruth. Despite their broken hearts and grief, Maggie and Ruth make the most out of moving back home. What Ruth needs most is an amazing support group of friends, but she lost all of her childhood friends when she ran away that day, but those same friends that Ruth thought she lost are welcoming her home with opened arms. My heart went out to Ruth, but she honestly made the most out of her situation.
Going home means many things to Ruth Henderson, finally navigating rifts with her estranged father, but how can she do that when he will forever hold that grudge above her head? Maggie was literally my favorite, she was so sweet and so shy. After losing her father, Maggie is swamped in grief, she has to start at a new school, but she expresses her emotions through her ever changing hair colors. I absolutely adore how welcoming Ruth's group of friends were, she thought she lost those friends all those years ago, but when she returns home, they want nothing but to love their friend and her daughter, and help in any possible way they can. Even in the hardest of times, you will always have that one group of friends willing to stand by your side no matter what, and this book truly shows that. The way Beth Moran wrote about grief broke my heart, but when she introduced us to Ruth's friends, my heart was overjoyed with so much happiness. I can't recommend this book enough to y'all, so please, READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!!!!!! I just can't imagine losing your husband and father to your kid, and yet your parents treat you differently over something that happened all those years ago.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLDWOOD BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie are forced to move back home with Ruth's parents after losing their father and husband. Ruth's husband and Maggie's dad left them with a pile of debt after he passed away, so they are forced to move back home with Ruth's parents until they can get back up on their feet. Ruth vowed to never return home after running away from a fall out she had with her father due to her teenage pregnancy, with those vows made what other choice does Ruth have? Ruth decides to return home with Maggie despite the grudge her father holds against her, Ruth's father lets it be known that he will hold that grudge against Ruth. Despite their broken hearts and grief, Maggie and Ruth make the most out of moving back home. What Ruth needs most is an amazing support group of friends, but she lost all of her childhood friends when she ran away that day, but those same friends that Ruth thought she lost are welcoming her home with opened arms. My heart went out to Ruth, but she honestly made the most out of her situation.
Going home means many things to Ruth Henderson, finally navigating rifts with her estranged father, but how can she do that when he will forever hold that grudge above her head? Maggie was literally my favorite, she was so sweet and so shy. After losing her father, Maggie is swamped in grief, she has to start at a new school, but she expresses her emotions through her ever changing hair colors. I absolutely adore how welcoming Ruth's group of friends were, she thought she lost those friends all those years ago, but when she returns home, they want nothing but to love their friend and her daughter, and help in any possible way they can. Even in the hardest of times, you will always have that one group of friends willing to stand by your side no matter what, and this book truly shows that. The way Beth Moran wrote about grief broke my heart, but when she introduced us to Ruth's friends, my heart was overjoyed with so much happiness. I can't recommend this book enough to y'all, so please, READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!!!!!! I just can't imagine losing your husband and father to your kid, and yet your parents treat you differently over something that happened all those years ago.
July 22, 2023
Another winner from Beth Moran. I'm never quite sure how to classify her books: are they chick lit? (Sort of, but they don't have the classic chick lit protagonist that nearly every other chick lit book I've read tends to have. The protagonist checks some of those boxes still, though--usually early 30s, down and out, and even the reader doesn't realize how wonderful she is until another character comments on how they see her... yet, they're never a caricature.) Is it just straight "literature," given the complexity of interpersonal dynamics and intergenerational characters? There's a little bit of "Hallmark channel" in there, but her books never feel cheesy, just "feel good." And then sometimes, even though the bulk of the story is about relationships and finding one's place in the world, there's some element of suspense.
Nearly all of Moran's books contain elements of the dysfunctional family in them, though it was really brought to the forefront in this one (hence the title). Ruth, 33, spent most of her life being in love with her best friend and next door neighbor, David. But David broke her heart in high school, when she caught him making out with another girl. In retaliation, Ruth ran off, hooked up with someone else, and got pregnant with her now teenage, troubled daughter Maggie (and for quite some time, there are no redeeming qualities to Maggie at all... but that's just the setup for her character arc.) Because of Maggie, Ruth stays with Frazer, Maggie's dad, even though she never really loves him. David, meanwhile, basically becomes Steve Irwin--traveling the remote and exotic natural world for TV.
Then Frazer dies unexpectedly, leaving Ruth with massive debt she didn't realize he had. This forces her to move back home, to the small town that shunned her (at least in her mind) for her shocking teenage pregnancy. She and Maggie are forced to move in with Ruth's parents, even though Ruth and her dad never repaired the rift when she got pregnant. Meanwhile, her parents' marriage is on the rocks, and Ruth's judgmental sisters whose lives are comparatively perfect come around to make her feel horrible about herself. She finds herself working for the girl David once hooked up with, and invited into a women's group at the church that once shunned her--where she, surprisingly, finds that she feels loved. Then of course, David comes home. That's not the main plot, though--just one of the plots. She also finds herself with a bona fide stalker, she and Maggie have to learn how to mend their relationship, and Ruth has to find who she truly is, without all the running away.
Absolutely heartwarming, uplifting, and always clean. However I'd classify it, I love Beth Moran's style.
Nearly all of Moran's books contain elements of the dysfunctional family in them, though it was really brought to the forefront in this one (hence the title). Ruth, 33, spent most of her life being in love with her best friend and next door neighbor, David. But David broke her heart in high school, when she caught him making out with another girl. In retaliation, Ruth ran off, hooked up with someone else, and got pregnant with her now teenage, troubled daughter Maggie (and for quite some time, there are no redeeming qualities to Maggie at all... but that's just the setup for her character arc.) Because of Maggie, Ruth stays with Frazer, Maggie's dad, even though she never really loves him. David, meanwhile, basically becomes Steve Irwin--traveling the remote and exotic natural world for TV.
Then Frazer dies unexpectedly, leaving Ruth with massive debt she didn't realize he had. This forces her to move back home, to the small town that shunned her (at least in her mind) for her shocking teenage pregnancy. She and Maggie are forced to move in with Ruth's parents, even though Ruth and her dad never repaired the rift when she got pregnant. Meanwhile, her parents' marriage is on the rocks, and Ruth's judgmental sisters whose lives are comparatively perfect come around to make her feel horrible about herself. She finds herself working for the girl David once hooked up with, and invited into a women's group at the church that once shunned her--where she, surprisingly, finds that she feels loved. Then of course, David comes home. That's not the main plot, though--just one of the plots. She also finds herself with a bona fide stalker, she and Maggie have to learn how to mend their relationship, and Ruth has to find who she truly is, without all the running away.
Absolutely heartwarming, uplifting, and always clean. However I'd classify it, I love Beth Moran's style.
June 20, 2023
After the death of her partner, the father of her teenage daughter Maggie, Ruth finds herself facing a mountain of debt she knew nothing about – and with little option but to return to the childhood home she left in her own teenage years. Her relationship with her father is a difficult one, but her bubbly mother – who glides and twirls as a lifelong ballroom dancer always should – is welcoming while steadfastly ignoring the problems in her own marriage, while her sisters are still as hostile as she remembers. Both Ruth and Maggie are hurting – while her mother copes by withdrawing under her duvet for a while, Maggie lashes out at everyone within reach and becomes increasingly out of control.
In an attempt to tackle her money problems and to try and restart her life, Ruth finds two jobs – one in the exclusive boutique owned by the woman she believes stole the love of her life, the other as a cleaner at the local community centre where individuals come for advice on life’s problems. But perhaps what most begins to change her life is rediscovering her childhood friendships – Lois, her second best friend, is now married to the much-changed childhood bully, both of them working for the church and providing a home for troubled youngsters. And finding her again brings a whole group of supportive (and wonderfully quirky) women into her life – something she really needs while coping with Maggie’s excesses, her current situation, and an obsessive admirer who brings an edge of real darkness to the story. And then there’s that former love – David, now a much-loved TV celebrity, also spending time now and then at his childhood home next door, still making her feel the way he always did. But it does seem that he’s already taken – and even if he wasn’t, Maggie has made it amply clear that she’s not ready for her mother to move on and start a new relationship.
I entirely loved this book – the wonderful characters and the way they were developed, but more than anything else the relationship between Ruth and Maggie that was so beautifully handled and felt particularly authentic. There’s plenty of laughter, and the whole book is filled with exceptional warmth – but there’s also a real chill you feel in your bones from those darker edges to the story, so very well done. The tentative rekindling of the childhood romance was something I really loved – and the repairing of the family relationships, however challenging that proves to be with such a legacy of hurt.
Every element of this book – and there are many I haven’t even mentioned – is an absolute delight. In fact, I think I must say that this book might just be my new favourite from this wonderful author – well, maybe until she writes another. Very highly recommended – and you might well love it as every bit as much as I did.
In an attempt to tackle her money problems and to try and restart her life, Ruth finds two jobs – one in the exclusive boutique owned by the woman she believes stole the love of her life, the other as a cleaner at the local community centre where individuals come for advice on life’s problems. But perhaps what most begins to change her life is rediscovering her childhood friendships – Lois, her second best friend, is now married to the much-changed childhood bully, both of them working for the church and providing a home for troubled youngsters. And finding her again brings a whole group of supportive (and wonderfully quirky) women into her life – something she really needs while coping with Maggie’s excesses, her current situation, and an obsessive admirer who brings an edge of real darkness to the story. And then there’s that former love – David, now a much-loved TV celebrity, also spending time now and then at his childhood home next door, still making her feel the way he always did. But it does seem that he’s already taken – and even if he wasn’t, Maggie has made it amply clear that she’s not ready for her mother to move on and start a new relationship.
I entirely loved this book – the wonderful characters and the way they were developed, but more than anything else the relationship between Ruth and Maggie that was so beautifully handled and felt particularly authentic. There’s plenty of laughter, and the whole book is filled with exceptional warmth – but there’s also a real chill you feel in your bones from those darker edges to the story, so very well done. The tentative rekindling of the childhood romance was something I really loved – and the repairing of the family relationships, however challenging that proves to be with such a legacy of hurt.
Every element of this book – and there are many I haven’t even mentioned – is an absolute delight. In fact, I think I must say that this book might just be my new favourite from this wonderful author – well, maybe until she writes another. Very highly recommended – and you might well love it as every bit as much as I did.
June 10, 2023
Coming out the other side from despair: great mix of characters🏘💃
4.5🌟 stars
What a great story of transition and community spirit!
Early on, I wasn't sure I could like lead Ruth Henderson, the single mother who's stuck in a morass of financial woes and depression after her partner dies in a car crash. But Ruth and the mood of her story quickly morphed and struck me as heartwarming, life-affirming and positive despite all Ruth has to face to get to the other side of her initial inertia and efforts to cocoon herself from all the changes. She's actually quite strong in character and I loved her steadfast devotion to her daughter.
Ruth's laid pretty low at the beginning and having difficulty adjusting to her drastically changed circumstances after relocating from Liverpool to her hometown, long ago left behind. Her move back into her parents' house also revives some hurtful family dynamics from the past that were never resolved. It's all very relatable: just a bit of a downer. But her effervescent, never still, baking fiend mother drags Ruth out of her funk and gets her reinvested in the community and moving on. From then on, Ruth's story was a delight, full of memorable characters, a thread of danger, new and revived tight friendship, some sweet romance, but most importantly mending family bonds and rediscovering her own strengths and pleasures. Ruth's not by a long shot the only character with problems but she eventually not only tackles her own but also starts helping others.
Maggie, Ruth's fourteen year-old daughter, was a major player and I loved her attitude, her quirky hair experiments and her developing connection with Harriet, a cantankerous senior. And I will not easily forget "Meat" Matt Harris the pastor and his wife Lois, with their chaotic brood of foster kids, or Ana Luisa, the beautiful and kind housekeeper who lives down the street and secretly causes Ruth some heartache. The sizable ensemble of secondary characters were as interesting to read about as Ruth and Maggie.
TW: stalking situation, brief mention of past child abuse.
Author Beth Moran gave me a great, solid two days of reading pleasure. Definite recommend.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
What a great story of transition and community spirit!
Early on, I wasn't sure I could like lead Ruth Henderson, the single mother who's stuck in a morass of financial woes and depression after her partner dies in a car crash. But Ruth and the mood of her story quickly morphed and struck me as heartwarming, life-affirming and positive despite all Ruth has to face to get to the other side of her initial inertia and efforts to cocoon herself from all the changes. She's actually quite strong in character and I loved her steadfast devotion to her daughter.
Ruth's laid pretty low at the beginning and having difficulty adjusting to her drastically changed circumstances after relocating from Liverpool to her hometown, long ago left behind. Her move back into her parents' house also revives some hurtful family dynamics from the past that were never resolved. It's all very relatable: just a bit of a downer. But her effervescent, never still, baking fiend mother drags Ruth out of her funk and gets her reinvested in the community and moving on. From then on, Ruth's story was a delight, full of memorable characters, a thread of danger, new and revived tight friendship, some sweet romance, but most importantly mending family bonds and rediscovering her own strengths and pleasures. Ruth's not by a long shot the only character with problems but she eventually not only tackles her own but also starts helping others.
Maggie, Ruth's fourteen year-old daughter, was a major player and I loved her attitude, her quirky hair experiments and her developing connection with Harriet, a cantankerous senior. And I will not easily forget "Meat" Matt Harris the pastor and his wife Lois, with their chaotic brood of foster kids, or Ana Luisa, the beautiful and kind housekeeper who lives down the street and secretly causes Ruth some heartache. The sizable ensemble of secondary characters were as interesting to read about as Ruth and Maggie.
TW: stalking situation, brief mention of past child abuse.
Author Beth Moran gave me a great, solid two days of reading pleasure. Definite recommend.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 11, 2023
I absolutely loved Ruth and Maggie. Their seemingly dysfunctional relationship was familiar having raised an emotional teenager myself. I could easily conjure up the emotions that Ruth had to deal with as a result of each of Maggie’s outbursts.
Still reeling from the financial fall-out of her husband’s death, Ruth and Maggie see no other option than to flee to the security of Ruth’s childhood home. Back in the bosom of her family, life should have felt safer, but the spectre of her father’s potential infidelity leaves a cloud over the reunion.
Her first discovery is that her childhood best friend is now married to the local church leader who happens to be Ruth’s tormentor from school. He’s now seemingly evolved from the Neanderthal that she remembers.
Accepting two part-time jobs, Ruth re-joins the workforce, and has to deal with the caustic personality of a former love rival, now running an exclusive boutique. Thankfully, her second job brings her into a community based on helping others deal with life’s problems, including debt. Initially, I thought that this may be how Ruth tackles her own financial worries, but that would have been too simple for a Beth Moran story.
Of course, Ruth’s childhood crush, now a famous TV celebrity, still lives next door when he’s not on location. Discovering that she has a rival for his attention along with the emphatic refusal of acceptance from her daughter, Ruth realises that she cannot explore her feelings for him.
Despite the darker elements in this story, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful for the mother and daughter. Ruth re-discovered a friendship group that she thought was far in her past. One of my favourite lines from a song refers to seeking out the company of those who knew us when we were younger, as we get older. Profound and relevant to this beautiful book.
I would love to tell you who my favourite characters were, but I honestly can’t choose, and I would hate to stray too far from the synopsis and include spoilers. What I can tell you is that this may be my favourite ensemble piece and I cannot recommend it enough.
There’s a lot going on with this story, but each element blends seamlessly with the next and helps to craft another gorgeous book.
Still reeling from the financial fall-out of her husband’s death, Ruth and Maggie see no other option than to flee to the security of Ruth’s childhood home. Back in the bosom of her family, life should have felt safer, but the spectre of her father’s potential infidelity leaves a cloud over the reunion.
Her first discovery is that her childhood best friend is now married to the local church leader who happens to be Ruth’s tormentor from school. He’s now seemingly evolved from the Neanderthal that she remembers.
Accepting two part-time jobs, Ruth re-joins the workforce, and has to deal with the caustic personality of a former love rival, now running an exclusive boutique. Thankfully, her second job brings her into a community based on helping others deal with life’s problems, including debt. Initially, I thought that this may be how Ruth tackles her own financial worries, but that would have been too simple for a Beth Moran story.
Of course, Ruth’s childhood crush, now a famous TV celebrity, still lives next door when he’s not on location. Discovering that she has a rival for his attention along with the emphatic refusal of acceptance from her daughter, Ruth realises that she cannot explore her feelings for him.
Despite the darker elements in this story, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful for the mother and daughter. Ruth re-discovered a friendship group that she thought was far in her past. One of my favourite lines from a song refers to seeking out the company of those who knew us when we were younger, as we get older. Profound and relevant to this beautiful book.
I would love to tell you who my favourite characters were, but I honestly can’t choose, and I would hate to stray too far from the synopsis and include spoilers. What I can tell you is that this may be my favourite ensemble piece and I cannot recommend it enough.
There’s a lot going on with this story, but each element blends seamlessly with the next and helps to craft another gorgeous book.
October 22, 2023
Heart-wrenching, emotional and uplifting, Beth Moran’s stunning new novel We Are Family is a superb page-turner you will want to buy copies of for all your friends and family.
The bottom has fallen out of 33 year old Ruth Henderson’s world. Her husband has just died and she has been left with a mountain of debt, a broken heart and all-consuming grief. With her daughter Maggie to think about, Ruth realises that she needs to be strong for her and when she finds herself with her back against the wall and nowhere to go, she is forced to return to the one place she swore never to set foot in: home to her parents who have never forgiven her for falling pregnant as a teenager.
Going back home means living in the same house as her estranged father, her mother who is desperate to make everything right despite the fact that her own marriage is in tatters and grief-stricken Maggie who on top of everything else she has lost has to settle into a new school and make new friends. Ruth feels adrift and alone, but could her old friends prove to be a port in a storm during this most difficult time in her life?
She might not have spoken to her old schoolfriends in decades, but they haven’t forgotten her. As they rally round her, Ruth realizes she has people in her corner who can help her with a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. As she begins to rebuild her life and find strength from her friends, Ruth begins to make plans for the next chapter in her life. Is she ready to let love back into her life? Can she build bridges with the people she had turned her back on? And can found family prove to her that they will always be there for her ready to help without judgement or censure?
Beth Moran’s We Are Family is such a great book. Hopeful, heartfelt and candid, We Are Family is a sensitive and beautiful exploration of grief, loss and love that is a beautiful celebration of friendship and family that will raise a smile and bring many a tear to your eye.
Perfect for Jojo Moyes fans, We Are Family is a wonderful book by Beth Moran you are simply going to love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The bottom has fallen out of 33 year old Ruth Henderson’s world. Her husband has just died and she has been left with a mountain of debt, a broken heart and all-consuming grief. With her daughter Maggie to think about, Ruth realises that she needs to be strong for her and when she finds herself with her back against the wall and nowhere to go, she is forced to return to the one place she swore never to set foot in: home to her parents who have never forgiven her for falling pregnant as a teenager.
Going back home means living in the same house as her estranged father, her mother who is desperate to make everything right despite the fact that her own marriage is in tatters and grief-stricken Maggie who on top of everything else she has lost has to settle into a new school and make new friends. Ruth feels adrift and alone, but could her old friends prove to be a port in a storm during this most difficult time in her life?
She might not have spoken to her old schoolfriends in decades, but they haven’t forgotten her. As they rally round her, Ruth realizes she has people in her corner who can help her with a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. As she begins to rebuild her life and find strength from her friends, Ruth begins to make plans for the next chapter in her life. Is she ready to let love back into her life? Can she build bridges with the people she had turned her back on? And can found family prove to her that they will always be there for her ready to help without judgement or censure?
Beth Moran’s We Are Family is such a great book. Hopeful, heartfelt and candid, We Are Family is a sensitive and beautiful exploration of grief, loss and love that is a beautiful celebration of friendship and family that will raise a smile and bring many a tear to your eye.
Perfect for Jojo Moyes fans, We Are Family is a wonderful book by Beth Moran you are simply going to love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 31, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of We Are Family in exchange for a review.
Ah, I always know I’m in for a treat when I settled down to start reading a Beth Moran book! This one is an updated version of an older book of Beth’s, I Hope you Dance, which I hadn’t read before.
The story centres around 33-year-old Ruth Henderson. After her husband Fraser dies in an accident, she discovers that he has amassed thousands of pounds of debt in her name and she has no choice but to move with her teenage daughter, Maggie, home with her parents whilst she can earn enough money to repay the debts.
The last thing she ever wanted to do was be stuck back in her small home town – especially next door to David, the love of her life, who broke her heart as a teenager and is now a tv wildlife expert celebrity!
Living with her parents proves a struggle, as their relationship seems to be teetering on the edge, and she’s not qualified to get a job that pays much more than the interest on the debts.
But just when everything seems hopeless and bleak, prodded by her mum, Ruth starts to make friends.
Oh my goodness… like with all Beth Moran books, the characters and the setting are everything. As Ruth’s confidence in herself begins to grow, she lets friends in and allows herself to become a part of the town’s community. Each character has her or his own troubles and back-story, no one is a tiny underdeveloped bit-part in Beth’s books. Everyone is complex like a real person! And not everything that happens to Ruth is good – there are some quite disturbing developments along her way to re-discovering herself and getting back into dating.
But the friendships, the family relationships and new connections are everything, and just brought to life so beautifully that, as always, I can’t believe these people aren’t actually real! I even ended up rooting for the grouchy Hannah!
Which is not to say that the storyline itself isn't fantastic - I was gripped from start to end following Ruth's journey.
Absolute perfection as always.
Ah, I always know I’m in for a treat when I settled down to start reading a Beth Moran book! This one is an updated version of an older book of Beth’s, I Hope you Dance, which I hadn’t read before.
The story centres around 33-year-old Ruth Henderson. After her husband Fraser dies in an accident, she discovers that he has amassed thousands of pounds of debt in her name and she has no choice but to move with her teenage daughter, Maggie, home with her parents whilst she can earn enough money to repay the debts.
The last thing she ever wanted to do was be stuck back in her small home town – especially next door to David, the love of her life, who broke her heart as a teenager and is now a tv wildlife expert celebrity!
Living with her parents proves a struggle, as their relationship seems to be teetering on the edge, and she’s not qualified to get a job that pays much more than the interest on the debts.
But just when everything seems hopeless and bleak, prodded by her mum, Ruth starts to make friends.
Oh my goodness… like with all Beth Moran books, the characters and the setting are everything. As Ruth’s confidence in herself begins to grow, she lets friends in and allows herself to become a part of the town’s community. Each character has her or his own troubles and back-story, no one is a tiny underdeveloped bit-part in Beth’s books. Everyone is complex like a real person! And not everything that happens to Ruth is good – there are some quite disturbing developments along her way to re-discovering herself and getting back into dating.
But the friendships, the family relationships and new connections are everything, and just brought to life so beautifully that, as always, I can’t believe these people aren’t actually real! I even ended up rooting for the grouchy Hannah!
Which is not to say that the storyline itself isn't fantastic - I was gripped from start to end following Ruth's journey.
Absolute perfection as always.
June 12, 2023
We Are Family by Beth Moran
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Thirty-three-year-old Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie have some hard choices to make. Following the tragic death of Maggie’s father, they are left with a mountain of debt and broken hearts. So, despite her vow never to return home after the fall-out from her teenage pregnancy, Ruth can’t see any option other than for the two of them to move back in with her parents. Going home means many things – finally confronting her estranged father, navigating her mother’s desperate need to make everything ok despite the wobbles in her own marriage, not to mention helping a still-grieving Maggie to settle into a new school, find new friends, and stop expressing her emotions through her ever-changing hair colour. What Ruth needs are friends, but she abandoned her childhood ones when she left all those years ago. Luckily for Ruth, they haven’t abandoned her. Slowly she lets herself be embraced by a group of women who have always had her back – even when she didn’t know it. And as the grief and shock recede, Ruth can even begin to imagine sharing her life with someone other than just Maggie – if Maggie will let her.
My Opinion
If you have seen my previous reviews you will know that I enjoy Beth Moran's writing so there was no hesitation when I saw her latest book. Ruth has always felt out of place in her own family, so it takes a lot for her to move back in with her parents. I read over 60% of this book in one sitting and it was nice to see Ruth find her feet again after the set back of moving back home.
This was a wonderful treat to read. Beth Moran adds grief, debt, stalking and foster care to this book which just helps to show how important family and friends are. Another great read by Beth Moran!
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Thirty-three-year-old Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie have some hard choices to make. Following the tragic death of Maggie’s father, they are left with a mountain of debt and broken hearts. So, despite her vow never to return home after the fall-out from her teenage pregnancy, Ruth can’t see any option other than for the two of them to move back in with her parents. Going home means many things – finally confronting her estranged father, navigating her mother’s desperate need to make everything ok despite the wobbles in her own marriage, not to mention helping a still-grieving Maggie to settle into a new school, find new friends, and stop expressing her emotions through her ever-changing hair colour. What Ruth needs are friends, but she abandoned her childhood ones when she left all those years ago. Luckily for Ruth, they haven’t abandoned her. Slowly she lets herself be embraced by a group of women who have always had her back – even when she didn’t know it. And as the grief and shock recede, Ruth can even begin to imagine sharing her life with someone other than just Maggie – if Maggie will let her.
My Opinion
If you have seen my previous reviews you will know that I enjoy Beth Moran's writing so there was no hesitation when I saw her latest book. Ruth has always felt out of place in her own family, so it takes a lot for her to move back in with her parents. I read over 60% of this book in one sitting and it was nice to see Ruth find her feet again after the set back of moving back home.
This was a wonderful treat to read. Beth Moran adds grief, debt, stalking and foster care to this book which just helps to show how important family and friends are. Another great read by Beth Moran!
Rating: 4/5
July 6, 2023
A rollercoaster of emotions
Overall this is a very well written, easy read, with a lot of great characters who cared for and supported their families and their wider community. All very positive.
Ruth’s life took a downward turn when she was 18, she misinterpreted something she saw that caused the end of her relationship with David, the love of her life. Soon afterwards she met Fraser, a fellow student, fell pregnant and they set up home together. Fifteen years later, Fraser is killed and she is left with a mountain of debt, no home and her only option is to return to her parents home with Maggie, her daughter.
I enjoyed reading about Ruth’s journey from a sad doormat to happy, fulfilled woman but she did irritate me. Her tendency to wallow in guilt and blame everything on herself began to irk; her pregnancy, Fraser’s fraud and excessive spending, the car accident that killed him, the loss of their house and uprooting Maggie from everything she knew, all her fault. Fraser was blameless, because he stood by her when she got pregnant. Setting up home with someone you barely know and then bringing a child into the mix is rarely a recipe for success, both are responsible for the outcome.
Life at her parents was full on, her mother was a whirlwind, always on the go supporting everyone, except her husband. Ruth was pushed into a job, then into a women’s group and just when things are improving, her daughter starts misbehaving at school and a chance encounter develops into something dangerous. I felt quite anxious at times with the volume of awful things happening, fortunately there was a fair bit of humour too, which helped to lighten the mood, but I felt it was all a bit too much. I enjoyed the book but the end felt a bit rushed, no gradual evolving of relationships, just a fait accompli.
Overall this is a very well written, easy read, with a lot of great characters who cared for and supported their families and their wider community. All very positive.
Ruth’s life took a downward turn when she was 18, she misinterpreted something she saw that caused the end of her relationship with David, the love of her life. Soon afterwards she met Fraser, a fellow student, fell pregnant and they set up home together. Fifteen years later, Fraser is killed and she is left with a mountain of debt, no home and her only option is to return to her parents home with Maggie, her daughter.
I enjoyed reading about Ruth’s journey from a sad doormat to happy, fulfilled woman but she did irritate me. Her tendency to wallow in guilt and blame everything on herself began to irk; her pregnancy, Fraser’s fraud and excessive spending, the car accident that killed him, the loss of their house and uprooting Maggie from everything she knew, all her fault. Fraser was blameless, because he stood by her when she got pregnant. Setting up home with someone you barely know and then bringing a child into the mix is rarely a recipe for success, both are responsible for the outcome.
Life at her parents was full on, her mother was a whirlwind, always on the go supporting everyone, except her husband. Ruth was pushed into a job, then into a women’s group and just when things are improving, her daughter starts misbehaving at school and a chance encounter develops into something dangerous. I felt quite anxious at times with the volume of awful things happening, fortunately there was a fair bit of humour too, which helped to lighten the mood, but I felt it was all a bit too much. I enjoyed the book but the end felt a bit rushed, no gradual evolving of relationships, just a fait accompli.
June 5, 2023
This was another lovely family-based novel by Beth Moran. 33 year old Ruth is forced to move back in with her parents after the death of her partner has left her and her teenage daughter not only penniless but thousands of pounds in debt. She is grieving not only for the loss of her partner but also the death of all the hopes that she had when she left home as a teenager.
During the novel we see Ruth gradually pick up the pieces of her life. She is supported by her mother who never gives up on her and by a group of incredibly supportive women who she gradually comes to be friends with. I loved how Ruth grows during this novel and we see her relationships with her parents and her daughter improve as she comes to terms with her life and the choices that she has made. There is romance but it is very low key and definitely not the main part of the novel. The family and friendships are the things that make this novel so good.
There is a large cast of supporting characters in this book who are generally brilliant. I loved the women’s group and each of them had a unique character that shone through. Ruth’s daughter was also brilliantly written as she deals with the loss of her father as well as being uprooted from her old life and friends.
Beth Moran deals with some more serious issues as well as family relationships. In this book she not only explores grief but also the pressures of debt, stalking and foster care. All of these add depth to the story and stop it being too fluffy.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys books about the importance of family and friendship
Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
During the novel we see Ruth gradually pick up the pieces of her life. She is supported by her mother who never gives up on her and by a group of incredibly supportive women who she gradually comes to be friends with. I loved how Ruth grows during this novel and we see her relationships with her parents and her daughter improve as she comes to terms with her life and the choices that she has made. There is romance but it is very low key and definitely not the main part of the novel. The family and friendships are the things that make this novel so good.
There is a large cast of supporting characters in this book who are generally brilliant. I loved the women’s group and each of them had a unique character that shone through. Ruth’s daughter was also brilliantly written as she deals with the loss of her father as well as being uprooted from her old life and friends.
Beth Moran deals with some more serious issues as well as family relationships. In this book she not only explores grief but also the pressures of debt, stalking and foster care. All of these add depth to the story and stop it being too fluffy.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys books about the importance of family and friendship
Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2023
I must admit to being fond of the author's works. I state this upfront because I am not exactly sure how much of my previous experiences have coloured my reading of this. That said, I have rated one or two other books lower, so I might be being fair.
Ruth was born into a family of dancers with two left feet and no interest in the performing aspect. She further alienated her father when she decided not to get married when she got pregnant. Now, thanks to her late partner's shenanigans, she has run home to find a semblance of steadiness.
I may not have revealed much more than the synopsis/blurb does, and that is on purpose. The book is all about the people and their interactions. People act out and surprise the people around them at other times. Ruth harbours feelings for her neighbour and childhood best friend in secret while making a mistake on the actual dating front.
She is also trying to fix whatever is going wrong with her parent's marriage while simultaneously trying to find common ground with her sisters.
There are also people from school days who have grown up since then, and change is the one thing that is constant in this story.
I really enjoy multi-cast narratives where everyone has a distinct personality, and everyone contributes to the plot very effectively.
This book comes back strong among the author's recent works. I liked some a lot more than others, and I already have another waiting on my virtual shelf that I am looking forward to.
This story is all about belonging and how much work individuals have to put in to maintain relationships.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Ruth was born into a family of dancers with two left feet and no interest in the performing aspect. She further alienated her father when she decided not to get married when she got pregnant. Now, thanks to her late partner's shenanigans, she has run home to find a semblance of steadiness.
I may not have revealed much more than the synopsis/blurb does, and that is on purpose. The book is all about the people and their interactions. People act out and surprise the people around them at other times. Ruth harbours feelings for her neighbour and childhood best friend in secret while making a mistake on the actual dating front.
She is also trying to fix whatever is going wrong with her parent's marriage while simultaneously trying to find common ground with her sisters.
There are also people from school days who have grown up since then, and change is the one thing that is constant in this story.
I really enjoy multi-cast narratives where everyone has a distinct personality, and everyone contributes to the plot very effectively.
This book comes back strong among the author's recent works. I liked some a lot more than others, and I already have another waiting on my virtual shelf that I am looking forward to.
This story is all about belonging and how much work individuals have to put in to maintain relationships.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
July 1, 2023
It took me a few tries to get into this, but once I pushed past the first few pages, I quite enjoyed it.
I love Ruth's mother. She's so much fun to read.
Her dad made me sad. Both her parents seemed to fall into stereotypical depictions of literary parents which is a shame because I felt a genuine heart-to-heart between Ruth and her father was needed for their relationship.
Ruth's sisters were very hard to like and I wished someone had called them out and put them in their place.
Ruth gave me pangs every time I read her name because my much beloved, late grandmother was named Ruth.
Maggie is annoying even for a grieving teenager. As a parent, I understand the misplaced anger lumped on the person one feels most safe with, but it grated after a while.
I loved Lois and the friends Ruth reluctantly made. The small group was lovely.
The entire Carl situation didn't need to be in the book. Especially toward the end. It added one more obstacle for Ruth to get her bearings after she and Maggie lost Maggie's father.
I felt the same way about the internal misunderstanding Ruth had with herself over Ana's love interest. It was so glaringly obvious to me as a reader and it really made Ruth seem clueless.
All in all, I did really like this. Once I got into it I didn't put it down until I finished it.
I liked the self-acceptance journey Ruth goes on and her small town. I liked her connections with the people in her life and the way she found strength when she didn't know she had any.
But it felt kind of like I was reading this through a window, It was good but didn't quite connect.
I received a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I love Ruth's mother. She's so much fun to read.
Her dad made me sad. Both her parents seemed to fall into stereotypical depictions of literary parents which is a shame because I felt a genuine heart-to-heart between Ruth and her father was needed for their relationship.
Ruth's sisters were very hard to like and I wished someone had called them out and put them in their place.
Ruth gave me pangs every time I read her name because my much beloved, late grandmother was named Ruth.
Maggie is annoying even for a grieving teenager. As a parent, I understand the misplaced anger lumped on the person one feels most safe with, but it grated after a while.
I loved Lois and the friends Ruth reluctantly made. The small group was lovely.
The entire Carl situation didn't need to be in the book. Especially toward the end. It added one more obstacle for Ruth to get her bearings after she and Maggie lost Maggie's father.
I felt the same way about the internal misunderstanding Ruth had with herself over Ana's love interest. It was so glaringly obvious to me as a reader and it really made Ruth seem clueless.
All in all, I did really like this. Once I got into it I didn't put it down until I finished it.
I liked the self-acceptance journey Ruth goes on and her small town. I liked her connections with the people in her life and the way she found strength when she didn't know she had any.
But it felt kind of like I was reading this through a window, It was good but didn't quite connect.
I received a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2023
I absolutely adore every Beth Moran book that I’ve had the pleasure of reading and she is easily one of my favourite authors.
In We Are Family, (as is her trademark style) there is a smattering of romance but there’s so much more. Moran writes beautiful characters and brings them to life with such passion. I’m a sucker for a book with community, family and friendship at the heart and We Are Family hit the spot smack bang in the centre!
Ruth is such an adorable character with a little bit of sass and a whole heap of trauma to deal with after losing her husband and being left in severe debt. Not to mention wild teenage daughter who is grieving herself. Returning home after becoming estranged from her family was so difficult for her and I could feel the tension and it broke my heart. Being through so much, she deserved to have her family around her. Ruth’s mum is a tour de force and at times I was a bit frustrated but I think she meant well and knew what was needed to help Ruth when Ruth herself couldn;t see it.
The whole community really welcomed her (mostly) and it warmed my heart to see women caring for each other so much. Ruth and her girls were my favourite part of the book and I adored every one of them!
We Are Family is about grief, living, moving forwards and finding your feet. It’s about friendship, trusting again, rebuilding relationships and finding somewhere to belong. It’s a joy to read, emotional and wonderful and I loved every minute of it!!
In We Are Family, (as is her trademark style) there is a smattering of romance but there’s so much more. Moran writes beautiful characters and brings them to life with such passion. I’m a sucker for a book with community, family and friendship at the heart and We Are Family hit the spot smack bang in the centre!
Ruth is such an adorable character with a little bit of sass and a whole heap of trauma to deal with after losing her husband and being left in severe debt. Not to mention wild teenage daughter who is grieving herself. Returning home after becoming estranged from her family was so difficult for her and I could feel the tension and it broke my heart. Being through so much, she deserved to have her family around her. Ruth’s mum is a tour de force and at times I was a bit frustrated but I think she meant well and knew what was needed to help Ruth when Ruth herself couldn;t see it.
The whole community really welcomed her (mostly) and it warmed my heart to see women caring for each other so much. Ruth and her girls were my favourite part of the book and I adored every one of them!
We Are Family is about grief, living, moving forwards and finding your feet. It’s about friendship, trusting again, rebuilding relationships and finding somewhere to belong. It’s a joy to read, emotional and wonderful and I loved every minute of it!!
June 17, 2023
This was a beautifully written story about lost love, ending the scarey moments in life while learning to love yourself, putting the past behind you and moving forward with life's opportunities.
This story will be familiar to lots of women, including myself, when one life ends and another single life begins with children. All the worries, financial and personal, getting a relationship back with family who have taken a back seat in your new life and you haven't really kept in touch with, until you need them. They are then there for you totally without question, and it's lovely to have a new grown up relationship where you support and love each other.
Poor Ruth had been through the ringer!. She'd lost her partner, and after his death, she found herself faced with a mountain of debt, while her partner, Fraser, kept up the illusion that they had money!. She'd had to move back home with Maggie, her emotionally struggling teenager, to a place she swore she'd never return to, Many years ago, running away from a teenage romance that had ended badly and some issues at home with her dad. Her teenage love still lives at home with his father and he is still broken hearted after a teenage romance that ended badly.......
You won't be able to help becoming invested in Ruth's life, helping her friends support and love her again after so many years apart. Join in the highs and lows of Ruth's return to Southwell.....
This arc book was given to me for free for an honest review.
#Netgalley, #bookandtonic, #bethmoranauthor.
This story will be familiar to lots of women, including myself, when one life ends and another single life begins with children. All the worries, financial and personal, getting a relationship back with family who have taken a back seat in your new life and you haven't really kept in touch with, until you need them. They are then there for you totally without question, and it's lovely to have a new grown up relationship where you support and love each other.
Poor Ruth had been through the ringer!. She'd lost her partner, and after his death, she found herself faced with a mountain of debt, while her partner, Fraser, kept up the illusion that they had money!. She'd had to move back home with Maggie, her emotionally struggling teenager, to a place she swore she'd never return to, Many years ago, running away from a teenage romance that had ended badly and some issues at home with her dad. Her teenage love still lives at home with his father and he is still broken hearted after a teenage romance that ended badly.......
You won't be able to help becoming invested in Ruth's life, helping her friends support and love her again after so many years apart. Join in the highs and lows of Ruth's return to Southwell.....
This arc book was given to me for free for an honest review.
#Netgalley, #bookandtonic, #bethmoranauthor.
June 17, 2023
Her partner's death has left her alone and with regrets
Along with a shockingly high mountain of debts.
Unsure of her welcome but desperate, too,
Ruth Henderson is unsure just what she should do.
Not speaking with her father for fifteen years,
After her teenage pregnancy fall out caused tears,
Can she - and her daughter - return home to live once more
Or will her father just show her the door?
Maggie is a teen and grieving for her father, too,
Starting a new school is the last thing she wants to do.
However, a new home, new place and new friends to find
Maybe this close community will help change her mind?
A story where returning home after so many years
Brings to the forefront friendships, worries and fears.
Can Ruth really make a fresh start here now?
And help Maggie settle in and heal somehow?
With friends she abandoned all those years ago
She's amazed they're still there and proving so
There are surprises, new friendships and old ones to renew
As Ruth learns to face the future with new things to do.
For her first love will there be a future romance -
Or will Maggie rebel and not give them a chance?
What of the new man who wants to be in her life?
Will this be roses all the way or trouble and strife?
There's family drama a plenty for everyone, too,
With betrayal, new friendships and inspirational things to do!
A moving story of community and friends
Showing life goes on and on some we can depend.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Along with a shockingly high mountain of debts.
Unsure of her welcome but desperate, too,
Ruth Henderson is unsure just what she should do.
Not speaking with her father for fifteen years,
After her teenage pregnancy fall out caused tears,
Can she - and her daughter - return home to live once more
Or will her father just show her the door?
Maggie is a teen and grieving for her father, too,
Starting a new school is the last thing she wants to do.
However, a new home, new place and new friends to find
Maybe this close community will help change her mind?
A story where returning home after so many years
Brings to the forefront friendships, worries and fears.
Can Ruth really make a fresh start here now?
And help Maggie settle in and heal somehow?
With friends she abandoned all those years ago
She's amazed they're still there and proving so
There are surprises, new friendships and old ones to renew
As Ruth learns to face the future with new things to do.
For her first love will there be a future romance -
Or will Maggie rebel and not give them a chance?
What of the new man who wants to be in her life?
Will this be roses all the way or trouble and strife?
There's family drama a plenty for everyone, too,
With betrayal, new friendships and inspirational things to do!
A moving story of community and friends
Showing life goes on and on some we can depend.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
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