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Tiny Vices
For fans of Anne Tyler and Jojo Moyes, a tartly compassionate and contemporary tale of sibling love and conflict, marital challenges, and what personal fulfillment looks like—or doesn’t—in middle age.
Its obligations and demands, its petty foibles and evasions. And sometimes, its crises. Dreams are deferred, shortcomings rationalized. Like favorite old clothes, petty misdemeanors may feel comfortable, but they’re not a good look.
The Talley siblings are planning a family beach vacation—all four of them together for the first time in years. They suspect it will be their last. And God knows they all need a vacation. But wait, is it really such a good idea? Corina, with her recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s, can hardly manage to get through a day without a debacle. Pete is a just-barely-walking catalog of medical calamities stemming from his longtime addictions. Becca is reeling from her teenage son’s latest misadventure. And then there is Kathy, the eldest. After firmly avoiding going back to Rincón Bay, the beach town just a few hours south of the Arizona–Mexico border that has haunted her since a college spring break trip three decades ago, she’s determined to go back and face her ghosts—though she might be better off facing the fact that her marriage is in serious trouble.
When the Talley siblings and their entourage (two spouses, added on at the last minute, and Corina’s Mexican housekeeper/caregiver) finally land in Rincón Bay, they all encounter unexpected consequences from the wounds inflicted by careless loving—but maybe, too, the seeds of healing and hope.
Its obligations and demands, its petty foibles and evasions. And sometimes, its crises. Dreams are deferred, shortcomings rationalized. Like favorite old clothes, petty misdemeanors may feel comfortable, but they’re not a good look.
The Talley siblings are planning a family beach vacation—all four of them together for the first time in years. They suspect it will be their last. And God knows they all need a vacation. But wait, is it really such a good idea? Corina, with her recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s, can hardly manage to get through a day without a debacle. Pete is a just-barely-walking catalog of medical calamities stemming from his longtime addictions. Becca is reeling from her teenage son’s latest misadventure. And then there is Kathy, the eldest. After firmly avoiding going back to Rincón Bay, the beach town just a few hours south of the Arizona–Mexico border that has haunted her since a college spring break trip three decades ago, she’s determined to go back and face her ghosts—though she might be better off facing the fact that her marriage is in serious trouble.
When the Talley siblings and their entourage (two spouses, added on at the last minute, and Corina’s Mexican housekeeper/caregiver) finally land in Rincón Bay, they all encounter unexpected consequences from the wounds inflicted by careless loving—but maybe, too, the seeds of healing and hope.
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2025
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 18, 2025
This is a moving sibling family saga and I always find these books so interesting. Here we have the Talley siblings, Becca, Corina, Kathy, and Pete. They are going to Rincon Bay, which is a few hours south of the AZ/Mexico border, for a reunion. They believe it's going to possibly be their last, and they face their struggles together while there. I loved this very personal look into their relationships and their bonds. I felt so many emotions while reading this book. It was very heartfelt and well written and I really enjoyed these characters. I'm happy to say I enjoyed this lovely book. It will definitely be one that sticks with me!
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
July 3, 2025
Tiny Vices by Linda Dahl is a heart-rending and complex story about siblings Kathy, Becca, Corina, and Pete Talley. They have decided to embark on a journey to Rincon Bay, Mexico—potentially their final opportunity to gather as a family amidst the tumult of their lives.
Kathy, the eldest sibling, bears the heavy burden of a long-buried secret from her college spring break in Rincon Bay, a time that was supposed to be filled with carefree fun but turned into a pivotal event. As the memories flood back, she grapples with shame and regret. What happened during that trip remains a raw wound, and she knows she cannot fully move forward until she confronts the truth of her past.
Pete, once the vibrant and reckless life of the party, now finds himself battling his reflections in the sterile light of a dialysis center. His history of drug and alcohol abuse and possibly mental illness has led him down a dark path, one that has taken a toll on his body and spirit.
Becca is trying to support her son, who grapples with alcoholism. She wears a mask of resilience, striving to be strong for her son and siblings alike, often stifling her fears and frustrations.
Corina is now battling Alzheimer’s, a disease that steals not just her memories but her very identity. The progression of her condition is heartbreaking. Her siblings converge upon Rincon Bay; they feel a mix of urgency and sorrow, acutely aware that every laugh and every moment spent together might be a precious gift in the face of their impending loss.
As they arrive on Rincon Bay, the siblings approach this journey with trepidation and hope. Through laughter, tears, and shared memories, the answers lie within the struggles they must face, both as individuals and as a family, in this intimate exploration of love, loss, and the complex ties that bind them together amidst the trials of life.
I felt an emotional bond with Tiny Vices and its characters, especially Corina. My mother has been diagnosed with late-stage Alzheimer’s, which has brought on challenges that resonate deeply with those experienced by the Tally family. Every day, my siblings and I take on the responsibility of ensuring her medications are appropriately administered, that keys are safely put away and that alarms are set on doors and windows. Through it all, I do my best to create meaningful moments for her and my siblings, cherishing each day together.
Dahl has crafted a poignant yet uplifting family story about love, vices, and forgiveness. This book has the power to resonate with many readers, offering a sense of hope and a deeper understanding of the struggles people face due to their vices. Tiny Vices by Linda Dahl touched me deeply, and I wholeheartedly give it a five-star rating.
Kathy, the eldest sibling, bears the heavy burden of a long-buried secret from her college spring break in Rincon Bay, a time that was supposed to be filled with carefree fun but turned into a pivotal event. As the memories flood back, she grapples with shame and regret. What happened during that trip remains a raw wound, and she knows she cannot fully move forward until she confronts the truth of her past.
Pete, once the vibrant and reckless life of the party, now finds himself battling his reflections in the sterile light of a dialysis center. His history of drug and alcohol abuse and possibly mental illness has led him down a dark path, one that has taken a toll on his body and spirit.
Becca is trying to support her son, who grapples with alcoholism. She wears a mask of resilience, striving to be strong for her son and siblings alike, often stifling her fears and frustrations.
Corina is now battling Alzheimer’s, a disease that steals not just her memories but her very identity. The progression of her condition is heartbreaking. Her siblings converge upon Rincon Bay; they feel a mix of urgency and sorrow, acutely aware that every laugh and every moment spent together might be a precious gift in the face of their impending loss.
As they arrive on Rincon Bay, the siblings approach this journey with trepidation and hope. Through laughter, tears, and shared memories, the answers lie within the struggles they must face, both as individuals and as a family, in this intimate exploration of love, loss, and the complex ties that bind them together amidst the trials of life.
I felt an emotional bond with Tiny Vices and its characters, especially Corina. My mother has been diagnosed with late-stage Alzheimer’s, which has brought on challenges that resonate deeply with those experienced by the Tally family. Every day, my siblings and I take on the responsibility of ensuring her medications are appropriately administered, that keys are safely put away and that alarms are set on doors and windows. Through it all, I do my best to create meaningful moments for her and my siblings, cherishing each day together.
Dahl has crafted a poignant yet uplifting family story about love, vices, and forgiveness. This book has the power to resonate with many readers, offering a sense of hope and a deeper understanding of the struggles people face due to their vices. Tiny Vices by Linda Dahl touched me deeply, and I wholeheartedly give it a five-star rating.
June 26, 2025
“Tiny Vices” by Author Linda Dahl is an emotional, heartfelt and poignant novel. The Genres for this novel are Family Life Fiction, Women’s Domestic Life Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. In this well-written and thought-provoking novel, the author vividly describes her dramatic characters, and the emotional and physical destinations. The author discusses middle age siblings, and also several generations , each with their own problems. I appreciate that Linda Dahl discusses important issues such as Alzheimers, Drug Abuse and Alcoholism, and Mental Health Issues. The author also describes problems with teenage children, parents and friends.
The Talley Siblings are middle aged and are going to go on possibly the last vacation or adventure of their lives. They have baggage besides their suitcases. Corina is well to do, but is dealing with early Alzheimers. Pete has many medical issues from his former addictions. Becca is in turmoil over her adolescent son’s problems. Kathy has secrets, and can’t remember a tragedy that occurred to her many years ago. They are going to the same place where Kathy hopes to deal with the ghosts of her pasts. Two of the spouses go along, as well as Corina’s housekeeper, who has her own secrets. This crew is headed to Rincon Bay, to deal with the past, and present problems.
I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel. Linda Dahl discusses the importance of family, friends, mental health, honesty, communication, love and hope.
The Talley Siblings are middle aged and are going to go on possibly the last vacation or adventure of their lives. They have baggage besides their suitcases. Corina is well to do, but is dealing with early Alzheimers. Pete has many medical issues from his former addictions. Becca is in turmoil over her adolescent son’s problems. Kathy has secrets, and can’t remember a tragedy that occurred to her many years ago. They are going to the same place where Kathy hopes to deal with the ghosts of her pasts. Two of the spouses go along, as well as Corina’s housekeeper, who has her own secrets. This crew is headed to Rincon Bay, to deal with the past, and present problems.
I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel. Linda Dahl discusses the importance of family, friends, mental health, honesty, communication, love and hope.
July 27, 2025
I enjoy books about siblings and their dynamics with each other- man these guys are dealing with a lot and it's sometimes hard to feel sorry for them. I did enjoy this book though.
The siblings take a weekend vacation for the first time in years. Kathy wants to go to Rincón Bay to try and piece together a secret she's held onto for years. Pete is in kidney/liver failure after a lifetime of drug abuse so it's important to be at dialysis every 3 days but he reluctantly goes along. My heart felt the most for Corina as she battles with Alzheimer's and all that comes with that, the not always knowing of what's present and past. I honestly don't think about Becca much, I don't know why, she just skips my mind.. though she is dealing with a few things herself.
The siblings take a weekend vacation for the first time in years. Kathy wants to go to Rincón Bay to try and piece together a secret she's held onto for years. Pete is in kidney/liver failure after a lifetime of drug abuse so it's important to be at dialysis every 3 days but he reluctantly goes along. My heart felt the most for Corina as she battles with Alzheimer's and all that comes with that, the not always knowing of what's present and past. I honestly don't think about Becca much, I don't know why, she just skips my mind.. though she is dealing with a few things herself.
January 28, 2026
I finished reading Tiny Vices at 11:11 -- an auspicious moment this, and a study in karma if nothing else, and as I've also said, a book I found particularly enjoyable, impressive and thought-provoking, especially insofar as it brought up from my personal depths what I might call the lure of Mexico to the gringo or something along the lines of what Jorge Borges dubbed "The South," in some of his stories.
A norteamericano south of the border, at least in the '80s or thereabouts, tends to be induced into doing strange things -- one later returned, venturing further southward with each subsequent sojourn, while in between venturing eastward and westward, to ride the Orient-Express down to Istanbul and trek through Alpine valleys reading Herman Hesse.
In this respect, and others, your Tiny Vices reminds me of my own – vices, that is, perhaps tiny ones too -- its characters carried along by external forces and
human failings in a world perceived as "normal" but really chaotic, often irrational and inherently unstable where, to quote a Zen koan, the difference between heaven and hell is the thickness of a leaf.
More than once I had the creepy feeling that the characters in Tiny Vices were like Rubik’s Cube versions, avatars, of me; pieces cut and pasted / glued together in mosaics where I saw my eyes in one face, my nose in another, my discomfiture from 1981 in still another, wherewith all, like myself, embraced the sure but false perception of stability as an illusion masking constant flux, constant change, always and ever -- though they would argue otherwise -- under fire, under attack, from half-glimpsed forces within and without.
Their "tiny vices," like the innocuous-seeming mouths of deep cenotes of Tulum into which sacrificial victims of Mayan priests were flung to their doom in the insatiable maw of Chac Mool, belied the dangers surrounding them, the slippery slopes upon which they walked.
Your Tiny Vices also dredged up all kinds of riffs and hooks from my own past -- my own brand of tiny vices that collectively has carried me forward to my present and will carry me onward to my future.
The thickness of a leaf -- how this human clay, when molded by differing forces under differing circumstances, morphs into something quite different; a quantum effect where atoms stick to each other, becoming solid, then liquid, then gaseous, then fire, then ice, and on and on -- unless and until you put on the brakes.
Did Becca and Toby's hard choice with Cam reflect the decision to stop Cam's potential metamorphosis into another Peter, stop it in its tracks? Sometimes -- often -- the choice or choices are the hard ones -- for life's tidal forces would otherwise sweep and eat away at us, pitilessly and with virtually predetermined outcomes. Deflect them, halt them, or you may die on the toilet -- it's actually happened in cases I know of -- just like Peter went.
And speaking of Peter, was his DAWless DAW a riff on those who think they can produce real music with just a box? Bernard dismissed him near his tragic end when he shifted over to another CD in the car, but the critical niceties that constrained his and Toby's lives struck me as mere hairsplitting pedagogic shit; Peter, unlike them, made something happen; the others just ate up what -- and don't kill me, Linda -- the Bird shit.
Peter comes off to me as a hero, or at least a legitimate anti-hero; he's faced his failings and touched on his dreams, whereas Toby and Bernard have not; despite being critically ill he's finished his opus magnum, whereas neither had "the chops" to attempt their masterpiece, he wrapped it; Peter's a doer, a rule breaker, as wrongheaded and doomed as he may be nonetheless, be they great or small, they all die, often ignominiously, like Ace Frehley, or that asshole Eddie mentioned earlier in the book as part of Peter’s backstory.
As to Kathy, who begins and ends the novel, I wondered about her. In venturing back to the scene of her eighties crisis, was she a Siren unthinkingly luring the fragile Peter to his doom like her left-behind friend "J?" And the spike, or pinnacle, upon which is set the cartel restaurant (I'd do a Tony Montana in a place like that), what was the significance of the topography?
Was the Mexican freakout her pinnacle? Was the compulsive helper she became, obviously to ward off the ghosts of Navidad Past, a move toward healing or just a sham to compensate for the pinnacle she once, albeit tragically, ascended -- remember Kathy’s wanting to return, with all the rest that it entailed.
Be this as it may, I myself want to return to more novels by Linda Dahl. As with all really good books, a reader comes away with a lot more thoughts to share, but for want of running off at the mouth, I'll stop here with a line from Bogey -- you're good kid, you're very, very good.
A norteamericano south of the border, at least in the '80s or thereabouts, tends to be induced into doing strange things -- one later returned, venturing further southward with each subsequent sojourn, while in between venturing eastward and westward, to ride the Orient-Express down to Istanbul and trek through Alpine valleys reading Herman Hesse.
In this respect, and others, your Tiny Vices reminds me of my own – vices, that is, perhaps tiny ones too -- its characters carried along by external forces and
human failings in a world perceived as "normal" but really chaotic, often irrational and inherently unstable where, to quote a Zen koan, the difference between heaven and hell is the thickness of a leaf.
More than once I had the creepy feeling that the characters in Tiny Vices were like Rubik’s Cube versions, avatars, of me; pieces cut and pasted / glued together in mosaics where I saw my eyes in one face, my nose in another, my discomfiture from 1981 in still another, wherewith all, like myself, embraced the sure but false perception of stability as an illusion masking constant flux, constant change, always and ever -- though they would argue otherwise -- under fire, under attack, from half-glimpsed forces within and without.
Their "tiny vices," like the innocuous-seeming mouths of deep cenotes of Tulum into which sacrificial victims of Mayan priests were flung to their doom in the insatiable maw of Chac Mool, belied the dangers surrounding them, the slippery slopes upon which they walked.
Your Tiny Vices also dredged up all kinds of riffs and hooks from my own past -- my own brand of tiny vices that collectively has carried me forward to my present and will carry me onward to my future.
The thickness of a leaf -- how this human clay, when molded by differing forces under differing circumstances, morphs into something quite different; a quantum effect where atoms stick to each other, becoming solid, then liquid, then gaseous, then fire, then ice, and on and on -- unless and until you put on the brakes.
Did Becca and Toby's hard choice with Cam reflect the decision to stop Cam's potential metamorphosis into another Peter, stop it in its tracks? Sometimes -- often -- the choice or choices are the hard ones -- for life's tidal forces would otherwise sweep and eat away at us, pitilessly and with virtually predetermined outcomes. Deflect them, halt them, or you may die on the toilet -- it's actually happened in cases I know of -- just like Peter went.
And speaking of Peter, was his DAWless DAW a riff on those who think they can produce real music with just a box? Bernard dismissed him near his tragic end when he shifted over to another CD in the car, but the critical niceties that constrained his and Toby's lives struck me as mere hairsplitting pedagogic shit; Peter, unlike them, made something happen; the others just ate up what -- and don't kill me, Linda -- the Bird shit.
Peter comes off to me as a hero, or at least a legitimate anti-hero; he's faced his failings and touched on his dreams, whereas Toby and Bernard have not; despite being critically ill he's finished his opus magnum, whereas neither had "the chops" to attempt their masterpiece, he wrapped it; Peter's a doer, a rule breaker, as wrongheaded and doomed as he may be nonetheless, be they great or small, they all die, often ignominiously, like Ace Frehley, or that asshole Eddie mentioned earlier in the book as part of Peter’s backstory.
As to Kathy, who begins and ends the novel, I wondered about her. In venturing back to the scene of her eighties crisis, was she a Siren unthinkingly luring the fragile Peter to his doom like her left-behind friend "J?" And the spike, or pinnacle, upon which is set the cartel restaurant (I'd do a Tony Montana in a place like that), what was the significance of the topography?
Was the Mexican freakout her pinnacle? Was the compulsive helper she became, obviously to ward off the ghosts of Navidad Past, a move toward healing or just a sham to compensate for the pinnacle she once, albeit tragically, ascended -- remember Kathy’s wanting to return, with all the rest that it entailed.
Be this as it may, I myself want to return to more novels by Linda Dahl. As with all really good books, a reader comes away with a lot more thoughts to share, but for want of running off at the mouth, I'll stop here with a line from Bogey -- you're good kid, you're very, very good.
June 12, 2025
This family drama is set against the vivid backdrop of Rincón Bay near the Arizona–Mexico border, the novel brings together four adult siblings—Corina, Pete, Becca, and Kathy—for a beach vacation that may be their last time all together.
Each sibling arrives carrying the weight of unresolved issues: Corina is grappling with a recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Pete is living with the long-term consequences of addiction, Becca is reeling from her teenage son’s struggles, and Kathy, the eldest, returns to a place tied to painful memories and a crumbling marriage. As the family gathers—joined by spouses and Corina’s caregiver—they’re forced to confront old wounds, deep-seated resentments, and the complicated bond that still holds them together.
That said, this book ultimately wasn’t for me. While the premise had real potential ( siblings - gah!), I found the story skimmed the surface of so many subjects without diving deep enough to create the emotional impact I usually look for. I wanted to resonate with someone—anyone—in the story, but that connection never came. Just as it felt like the narrative was starting to build depth or momentum, it would abruptly shift to another storyline or character. I found the constant jumping disorienting; I was getting literally dizzy from how often the focus shifted. It kept me from fully grasping or caring about any one thread.
The writing style didn’t align with my preferences either. The humor didn’t land—I couldn’t tell if lines were meant to be sarcastic, blunt, or genuinely funny—and all four siblings shared such a similar tone that I struggled to differentiate their voices. And by the end, nothing really tied together. The ending felt abrupt, disconnected, and unearned. I walked away feeling like I’d gained nothing from the story.
I’m never here to diminish the hard work of an author—writing a novel is no small feat—but this one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Net Gallery and the Publisher ‘She Writes Press’ for letting me read this book that’s being released on July 22nd.
Each sibling arrives carrying the weight of unresolved issues: Corina is grappling with a recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Pete is living with the long-term consequences of addiction, Becca is reeling from her teenage son’s struggles, and Kathy, the eldest, returns to a place tied to painful memories and a crumbling marriage. As the family gathers—joined by spouses and Corina’s caregiver—they’re forced to confront old wounds, deep-seated resentments, and the complicated bond that still holds them together.
That said, this book ultimately wasn’t for me. While the premise had real potential ( siblings - gah!), I found the story skimmed the surface of so many subjects without diving deep enough to create the emotional impact I usually look for. I wanted to resonate with someone—anyone—in the story, but that connection never came. Just as it felt like the narrative was starting to build depth or momentum, it would abruptly shift to another storyline or character. I found the constant jumping disorienting; I was getting literally dizzy from how often the focus shifted. It kept me from fully grasping or caring about any one thread.
The writing style didn’t align with my preferences either. The humor didn’t land—I couldn’t tell if lines were meant to be sarcastic, blunt, or genuinely funny—and all four siblings shared such a similar tone that I struggled to differentiate their voices. And by the end, nothing really tied together. The ending felt abrupt, disconnected, and unearned. I walked away feeling like I’d gained nothing from the story.
I’m never here to diminish the hard work of an author—writing a novel is no small feat—but this one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Net Gallery and the Publisher ‘She Writes Press’ for letting me read this book that’s being released on July 22nd.
August 1, 2025
I’m a huge fan of family dramas, especially sibling stories, and reading Tiny Vices reminded me why I love these types of stories.
The Talley siblings, now all middle-aged, are all going through tough times that many of us can relate to. Whether it is addiction recovery, marital problems, children in crisis, or an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, they all have issues they are facing. So they decide maybe one last family trip, a reunion of sorts, might be good.
They head to Rincón Bay, a place that has memories and wounds for one of the siblings. The trip, however, becomes a transformative journey, a time of sharing truths, of reflection, and exploring fears, regrets, choices, and love.
This story and these siblings resonated with me, mainly because my brothers and I have changed and drifted apart as we have aged. We all have our struggles, and sadly, there are parts of our lives we don’t even share with each other.
Could the story have delved deeper into each sibling’s narrative? I think so, but it would have made for an incredibly heavy read. Here, we get the sense of the siblings trying to reconnect and treasure their bond of love despite their troubles, secrets, and vices. It allowed the story to be realistic and poignant, a bittersweet reflection on life's complexities, while still uplifting and hopeful.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours @shewritespress and @chsummie
for the #gifted book.
July 20, 2025
This is a novel about siblings, family, secrets and just how quickly time goes. The four siblings agree to take a long weekend trip to the beach. This may be one of the last times the four will get together like this and although each has a reason for not really wanting to go, they agree it is needed. Kathy struggles with what happened on spring break while at that beach and that her husband often reminds her she never wanted to go when the kids would ask and now she does? Becca is struggling with her teenage son's choices and money. Pete has many of his own issues, a lot medical and yet he still has no problem with his siblings paying for everything for him. Corina feels she is losing control of everything with having just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. All four with their secrets, spouses and care giver head to the beach where it might just be reckoning for secrets kept, forgiveness and what family really means. Having many siblings myself, I easily connected with this novel and how time does away from us and how all of our lives quickly can go in all different directions and before we know it, its been months or years since seeing each other. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
November 10, 2025
Linda Dahl's novel Tiny Vices is a sibling story that draws comparisons to Anne Tyler and Jojo Moyes' books. Four middle-aged siblings are dealing with their own crises-and those of their siblings. Kathy is the oldest and the one who seems to take on responsibilities of others. Corina has early-onset Alzheimer's and Kathy decides that a family vacation needs to be taken now before it's too late.
Brother Pete has a lot of medical issues as well, many of them self-inflicted from years of drug and alcohol abuse. Youngest daughter Becca and her husband are struggling with financial troubles and their own son's addiction that caused them heartache.
The only place they can all travel is to a beach town in Mexico where years ago something awful happened to Kathy on spring break, something she has never told anyone.
It's a road trip that also includes Kathy and Becca's husbands and Corina's caregiver and things get off to a difficult start and don't get better.
I raced through this story as I love a good family story, and Tiny Vices is surely one. The characters are vivid, and Kathy describes one thusly: "She knew him so well. Knew he was wearing his life like a musty old coat. And suspected that he wanted a new one." I highly recommend Tiny Vices to anyone who likes family stories.
Brother Pete has a lot of medical issues as well, many of them self-inflicted from years of drug and alcohol abuse. Youngest daughter Becca and her husband are struggling with financial troubles and their own son's addiction that caused them heartache.
The only place they can all travel is to a beach town in Mexico where years ago something awful happened to Kathy on spring break, something she has never told anyone.
It's a road trip that also includes Kathy and Becca's husbands and Corina's caregiver and things get off to a difficult start and don't get better.
I raced through this story as I love a good family story, and Tiny Vices is surely one. The characters are vivid, and Kathy describes one thusly: "She knew him so well. Knew he was wearing his life like a musty old coat. And suspected that he wanted a new one." I highly recommend Tiny Vices to anyone who likes family stories.
June 23, 2025
Who can resist the drama of a family saga circulating between four siblings of a certain age, each with their own demons? The three Talley sisters and their younger brother, now in their mid-to-late 40s, are driving from Tucson for a weekend at a Mexican beach town for a reunion which may be their last together. Their collective demons— secrets, betrayals, unfulfilled artistic ambitions, early onset dementia, substance abuse, a troubled teenager and marital problems — chase them page by page, while the family members ricochet between helping each other and causing each other more stress. We are propelled along their route by Kathy, the eldest, and her sincere wish to keep the family’s bond intact, trying to rise above their challenges. Though she appears the strongest, the trauma of her youth- her long kept secret— is what really propels them to this specific town. Author Linda Dahl, an acclaimed jazz historian and novelist, has a terrific ear for dialogue and eye for detail. Her musical acumen and knowledge of jazz are embodied by Kathy’s husband, a music professor struggling to finish his own book. Dahl compellingly interweaves the family’s complex stories and interactions, intensified by the stark beauty of the desert.
August 7, 2025
I’m not sure I like the term “middle age,” but I am certain I enjoy stories addressing the satisfaction and growth that can be part of it. The four Talley siblings are going to the beach together. It may be their last trip. Corina has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Kathy has serious marriage troubles. Pete has difficulties with mobility. Becca’s emotions are on a roller coaster thanks to her teenage son. They finally land in Rincon Bay and their time together.
Tiny Vices is an apt title for this story. It’s about those vices that harm families and their tentative dynamics. It’s also about love, and ultimately, hope and forgiveness. Corina’s storyline was especially poignant for me as I helped care for my aging dad. I appreciated how the author emphasized communication. Overall, this one really hit home, and I enjoyed it.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Tiny Vices is an apt title for this story. It’s about those vices that harm families and their tentative dynamics. It’s also about love, and ultimately, hope and forgiveness. Corina’s storyline was especially poignant for me as I helped care for my aging dad. I appreciated how the author emphasized communication. Overall, this one really hit home, and I enjoyed it.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 20, 2025
There is something that tugs at my heart while reading about family sagas. I feel this genre takes you inside family emotions and even drama that all families at one time deal with. Let me introduce you to The three Talley sisters and their younger brother, who are in their mid forties , they are going to a weekend family reunion , from from Tucson to Rincón Bay a Mexican border beach town. Suspecting it may be their last reunion each sibling is facing their own type of demon. Pete is dealing with the repercussions of his former addictions, Becca has her family drama that circles around her teenage son, Kathys marriage is in trouble, plus she has a history with Rincon Bay that stems from a college spring break , she knows it’s time to face old ghosts, and then there’s Corina who has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Each with their own issues but can their old wounds heal and possibly heal eachother?
August 13, 2025
One thing I enjoy about sibling stories is the dynamics are always going to be different. With the Talley siblings a couple seemed closer than others but you could tell they all cared deeply for everyone. All of them were either dealing with a health issue or trouble in their personal life which added some character depth while on the road trip. I liked following Kathy’s perspective the most as she had something in her past that was a secret and I liked how that information was revealed. The problems they had on the trip I related to as I have never had a vacation go as expected when I’m with my friends. It was a quick read with a lot of conversations and feelings coming to light
Thank you @shewritespress @chsummie @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @shewritespress @chsummie @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
August 4, 2025
This is one doozy of a family drama. The 4 Talley siblings, two of which have serious medical issues, take a last family trip to a Mexican beach which is driving distance from their Arizona home.
There are multiple perspectives which make the book quite page turning. The perspective of one of the siblings’ caregiver was one I really enjoyed.
Two of the siblings’ husbands end up coming on the weekend trip and I thought that added an even more complex layer to a story where everyone had some serious life events happening.
Relationships, past traumas, and current life situations make this a great book.
There are multiple perspectives which make the book quite page turning. The perspective of one of the siblings’ caregiver was one I really enjoyed.
Two of the siblings’ husbands end up coming on the weekend trip and I thought that added an even more complex layer to a story where everyone had some serious life events happening.
Relationships, past traumas, and current life situations make this a great book.
August 15, 2025
This book is one heck of a rollercoaster—family drama, heartfelt moments, and just enough chaos to keep you hooked. The Talley siblings (two dealing with serious medical challenges) and two spouses head to a Mexican beach for one last family trip, and wow… everyone’s got some major life stuff going on. With multiple perspectives, you get a front-row seat to all the drama, but I especially loved seeing it through the caregiver’s eyes. It’s raw, emotional, and full of those little moments that make family bonds so complicated and yet beautiful. By the end, I felt like I knew these characters personally—and I’m pretty sure they’re going to stick with me for a long time.
July 19, 2025
What can I say? There is something about stories centered on siblings that always gets to me.
I have three sisters, and we all live far apart. We have not been together, all four of us, since 2019. Reading Tiny Vices stirred up a lot of deep emotions.
This is a beautiful and moving story about family love, the bond we share as siblings, and the quiet strength of forgiveness. It captures the complexity of growing older, holding on to past wounds, and still finding ways to care for each other.
I have three sisters, and we all live far apart. We have not been together, all four of us, since 2019. Reading Tiny Vices stirred up a lot of deep emotions.
This is a beautiful and moving story about family love, the bond we share as siblings, and the quiet strength of forgiveness. It captures the complexity of growing older, holding on to past wounds, and still finding ways to care for each other.
August 1, 2025
Family dramas are always appealing to me because they're usually relatable in one way or another. Four siblings decide to go to the beach and possibly have their one last hurrah together. There are some heavy topics to deal with in this novel, and a few brought back challenging memories, but that can be a cleansing experience if the time is right. Despite the difficulties, you get a sense of the familial bond and hope for the future.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2025
TINY VICES was an interesting family drama and deep dive into the life of four siblings. The author did an amazing job to fully explore the characters and along the way you will get all the feels! I really appreciated the reality of this story, it was very believable and therefore drew out my emotions while reading!
Many thanks to Linda Dahl for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Linda Dahl for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
July 11, 2025
I won a copy of this book on a FB group. The story started out strong. The characters were likable and relatable. The plot, however fell a bit short for me. I struggled to get through it. Possibly a great book for readers who like this authors style of writing. Either way, I appreciate the opportunity to read it.
July 31, 2025
This family drama was a page turner for me. The four adult Tally siblings were each battling something - - health, issues with kids, marriage, career. Each of their stories was compelling as was their overall family story. I loved discovering the significance of the title and really enjoyed this book.
August 29, 2025
i approached this book because i thought it would speak to how the sibling bond changes as we age, but that connection was overshadowed by the characters’ individual storylines. these were still intriguing and kept me engaged but it almost could’ve been about 4 friends or even strangers and had the same effect
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March 29, 2025Linda Dahl ’72
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Forthcoming in July 2025.
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Forthcoming in July 2025.
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