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Spectacular Things
Two sisters examine what they owe each other and what they are willing to sacrifice to make their family dreams come true.
What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?
Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.
As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?
A sharply observed and tender portrait of sisters, love, and ambition, Spectacular Things is a sweeping story about the impossible choices we’re forced to make in pursuit of our dreams.
What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?
Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.
As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?
A sharply observed and tender portrait of sisters, love, and ambition, Spectacular Things is a sweeping story about the impossible choices we’re forced to make in pursuit of our dreams.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
5739 people are currently reading
74303 people want to read
About the author
Beck Dorey-Stein
4 books791 followersBeck Dorey-Stein is a native of Narberth, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Wesleyan University. Prior to her five years in the White House, she taught high school English in Hightstown, New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; and Seoul, South Korea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,043 reviews
July 13, 2025
Don't let this beautiful and carefree cover fool you! This book is heart-rending. I was engrossed from start to finish.
The story centres around women's soccer ⚽️ and two sisters. Mia and Cricket Lowe are raised by a single mother who unfortunately gave up her budding soccer career. She teaches her two young girls to play soccer. While Mia begins to emerge as a star she has to stop playing in order to help raise Cricket. She makes many sacrifices for her while Cricket becomes a star player. The story also goes back in time as we learn about their mother Liz and her backstory.
What the girls face is heartbreaking and thought provoking. It's a story of sisters, mothers and daughters and how the ties bond them all together. It's a good one!
This book is the July 2025 selection for Reese's book club.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.
The story centres around women's soccer ⚽️ and two sisters. Mia and Cricket Lowe are raised by a single mother who unfortunately gave up her budding soccer career. She teaches her two young girls to play soccer. While Mia begins to emerge as a star she has to stop playing in order to help raise Cricket. She makes many sacrifices for her while Cricket becomes a star player. The story also goes back in time as we learn about their mother Liz and her backstory.
What the girls face is heartbreaking and thought provoking. It's a story of sisters, mothers and daughters and how the ties bond them all together. It's a good one!
This book is the July 2025 selection for Reese's book club.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.
September 19, 2025
This wasn't spectacular for me.
I was bored. I yawned. I skimmed. Then I squirmed.
I'm not a soccer fan and these characters were just selfish; selfless and the story slow.
🤷♀️
DNF
adding the 1⭐️ because otherwise my GR friends can't see that I abandoned it.
I was bored. I yawned. I skimmed. Then I squirmed.
I'm not a soccer fan and these characters were just selfish; selfless and the story slow.
🤷♀️
DNF
adding the 1⭐️ because otherwise my GR friends can't see that I abandoned it.
July 6, 2025
4.5
Such a beautiful story!
A story of mothers and daughters, and sisters.. mostly the sisters.
Sisters who come from a family of soccer stars, and face many challenges after a huge loss.
Heartwarming story.., wonderful characters.. a big part of the story will give you insight into women’s soccer..
just loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House/Dial Press for the Arc!
Such a beautiful story!
A story of mothers and daughters, and sisters.. mostly the sisters.
Sisters who come from a family of soccer stars, and face many challenges after a huge loss.
Heartwarming story.., wonderful characters.. a big part of the story will give you insight into women’s soccer..
just loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House/Dial Press for the Arc!
December 21, 2025
a favorite read of 2025🩵
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!!
CRYING “WHAT A GIFT!” I NEED THIS AS A MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES NOWWWWWWW!!!
please check trigger warnings! (death of a parent, pedophilia, alcoholism)
holy cow, what is it with 2025 and publishing heart-wrenching books about women in sports? I DON’T EVEN LIKE SPORTS and yet i’ve read one about women in basketball (a sharp endless need) and now this one about women in soccer!!
of course, what made those books so amazing is the fact that they were so frustratingly realistic and refused to sugarcoat anything.
spectacular things was genuinely SPECTACULAR! we follow liz, a young, single teen mom who drops her budding soccer career to have her baby girl mia (born of her ADULT soccer coach). years later, the father of her child returns (only to leave again) and liz gives birth to her second baby girl cricket. liz tragically dies when both girls are still young, forcing mia to sacrifice her own life and dreams to support cricket’s life and dreams to be the best women’s soccer player.
while cricket PISSED ME OFF!!! for majority of the book, i understand the situation she was in and the pressure she felt to carry out her mother’s dream to be a successful soccer player. i’m so relieved that she realized the important things in life and especially how much mia sacrificed for her, but also how much mia needed her little sister.
overall? INFINITE STARS!!!!
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!!
CRYING “WHAT A GIFT!” I NEED THIS AS A MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES NOWWWWWWW!!!
please check trigger warnings! (death of a parent, pedophilia, alcoholism)
holy cow, what is it with 2025 and publishing heart-wrenching books about women in sports? I DON’T EVEN LIKE SPORTS and yet i’ve read one about women in basketball (a sharp endless need) and now this one about women in soccer!!
of course, what made those books so amazing is the fact that they were so frustratingly realistic and refused to sugarcoat anything.
spectacular things was genuinely SPECTACULAR! we follow liz, a young, single teen mom who drops her budding soccer career to have her baby girl mia (born of her ADULT soccer coach). years later, the father of her child returns (only to leave again) and liz gives birth to her second baby girl cricket. liz tragically dies when both girls are still young, forcing mia to sacrifice her own life and dreams to support cricket’s life and dreams to be the best women’s soccer player.
while cricket PISSED ME OFF!!! for majority of the book, i understand the situation she was in and the pressure she felt to carry out her mother’s dream to be a successful soccer player. i’m so relieved that she realized the important things in life and especially how much mia sacrificed for her, but also how much mia needed her little sister.
overall? INFINITE STARS!!!!
July 28, 2025
What a gift this book is! I fell in love with these characters immediately and felt such a kinship to them and their story. This book has so much heart and really gave me similar feelings to Malibu Rising/ Carrie Soto and Beartown— I love a sports story with really strong characters who are so passionate in what they do. But most of all I loved the sisterhood storyline and how loyal they were to each other throughout their life. I will be thinking about this book for a very long time!!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC :)
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC :)
August 31, 2025
one of my favorite books i've read all year. so special. sisters, soccer, sacrifice + what we would do (maybe not do) for those we love. i adored this book so deeply.
July 30, 2025
A good concept and good writing, but the storytelling wasn’t compelling. There was something missing and the development of the story failed to capture my interest or curiosity.
There are plenty of dramas, some heartbreaking, but I wasn’t emotionally invested, so I was untouched.
Too much talking about soccer, but at least there was some passion about it.
The dynamics between the characters didn’t work for me and I was bored most of the time.
This work was definitely not for me, so don’t mind my opinion.
There are plenty of dramas, some heartbreaking, but I wasn’t emotionally invested, so I was untouched.
Too much talking about soccer, but at least there was some passion about it.
The dynamics between the characters didn’t work for me and I was bored most of the time.
This work was definitely not for me, so don’t mind my opinion.
September 5, 2025
If you follow me you probably already know I don’t always have a lot of success with Reece’s book club picks. I’ve done a fairly good job recently avoiding the mystery/thrillers as NONE of those have worked for me. This was presented as a family story about sisters and I dig those every once in a while so I added my name to the endless library waiting list. In an attempt to not spoil things, let’s just say the story here begins with a sister in a health crisis, a decision to be made and then a backtracking for hundreds of pages about she and her sibling’s life stories. Mainly in the form of how everyone had to sacrifice so much and always take a back burner to help Cricket succeed, so it’s pretty easy to see where everything was going to end up. I had not, however, anticipated the big wrap-up to be so rushed and such a little part of the book.
Unfortunately, it was also a lot about soccer of which my opinion is . . . .
(Enter Shelby questioning why I don’t like soccer when I live for watching things like tennis, golf and even track and field on the television.) Sorry not sorry. I hate soccer. It’s boring, I don’t understand how a game can end in a tie FFS and everyone is a big dramatic flopper. If I had known this was so soccer heavy, I wouldn’t have ever attempted it (same reason I’m actively avoiding Atmosphere – no thanks space program, I am not interested in chick lit about you). I am not a DNFer, though, so once I started I had to finish. From the raiting it seems everyone else loved it, so per usual it's clearly a me issue.
(Also, even the cover is a bait and switch. These gals don’t frolic in the ocean – they do a polar plunge in Maine on New Year’s.)
Unfortunately, it was also a lot about soccer of which my opinion is . . . .
(Enter Shelby questioning why I don’t like soccer when I live for watching things like tennis, golf and even track and field on the television.) Sorry not sorry. I hate soccer. It’s boring, I don’t understand how a game can end in a tie FFS and everyone is a big dramatic flopper. If I had known this was so soccer heavy, I wouldn’t have ever attempted it (same reason I’m actively avoiding Atmosphere – no thanks space program, I am not interested in chick lit about you). I am not a DNFer, though, so once I started I had to finish. From the raiting it seems everyone else loved it, so per usual it's clearly a me issue.
(Also, even the cover is a bait and switch. These gals don’t frolic in the ocean – they do a polar plunge in Maine on New Year’s.)
September 14, 2025
3.75 rounded up! 🌟 is the cost of the dream worth the price of playing? this one’s all about sisters, soccer & sacrifice ⚽️ and what we’ll do (or maybe won’t do) for the people we love. set in a small maine town, it follows mia & cricket, two sisters who lose their mom and are left to navigate grief, ambition & family loyalty.
what they go through is heartbreaking and thought provoking. the main conflict & concept for the story was interesting but the storytelling itself didn’t always pull me in. the ending is teased in the first few chapters, and instead of building suspense, it made the middle feel kinda slow. I kept waiting to get back to that moment. I think more dual POV buildup back to it could have made it hit harder! but I did really enjoy the ending once we got there.
it’s well written and definitely enjoyable, just not a new obsession 🤷♀️
what they go through is heartbreaking and thought provoking. the main conflict & concept for the story was interesting but the storytelling itself didn’t always pull me in. the ending is teased in the first few chapters, and instead of building suspense, it made the middle feel kinda slow. I kept waiting to get back to that moment. I think more dual POV buildup back to it could have made it hit harder! but I did really enjoy the ending once we got there.
it’s well written and definitely enjoyable, just not a new obsession 🤷♀️
June 28, 2025
Reese Book Club - July ‘25 pick. 5 stars! Be still my heart.. absolutely stunning. SPECTACULAR THINGS is a heart touching, character-driven novel about two sisters, love, ambition and sacrifice. This book sets itself apart from others and what an emotional journey it was. The impossibility of the choice the girls are faced with felt true to life and pulled at my heartstrings throughout the story. This was such an inspiring read I didn’t want it to end. And I loved Beck Dorey-Stein’s incredible writing style, and in the creative way she brought it all together. So perfect. A top pick of the year for me! ❥ Pub. 7/1/25
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
The shakiest of 3.75 stars, mostly cause Goodreads will never utilize half stars. Also, because the first chapter pretty much highlights the entire book, Spectacular Things becomes a hodgepodge of the same theme throughout.
The first 60% of Spectacular Things was a fun, fast-paced story about sisterly love set against the bright lights of becoming a soccer star.
It reminded me of Ginny and Georgia, with Liz as the ultimate flawed but fierce mom. Despite everything, the love Mia and Cricket have for their mother is deep and unconditional.
Some may compare this to Carrie Soto Is Back, and I can see why. Both explore ambition, sports, and the complexities of family. But like Carrie Soto, I eventually lost interest in the overall concept. It wasn’t the writing or the strong family themes. I just found myself getting bored, as the book navigates its way in and out of Cricket's soccer world.
Still, there are parts that will absolutely make you cry. And even though the ending is revealed in the first chapter, you’ll be rooting for the sisters the entire time.
The first 60% of Spectacular Things was a fun, fast-paced story about sisterly love set against the bright lights of becoming a soccer star.
It reminded me of Ginny and Georgia, with Liz as the ultimate flawed but fierce mom. Despite everything, the love Mia and Cricket have for their mother is deep and unconditional.
Some may compare this to Carrie Soto Is Back, and I can see why. Both explore ambition, sports, and the complexities of family. But like Carrie Soto, I eventually lost interest in the overall concept. It wasn’t the writing or the strong family themes. I just found myself getting bored, as the book navigates its way in and out of Cricket's soccer world.
Still, there are parts that will absolutely make you cry. And even though the ending is revealed in the first chapter, you’ll be rooting for the sisters the entire time.
November 3, 2025
the setup…
Liz Lowe was destined to be one of the greatest soccer stars but on the cusp of her acceptance to UCLA, her dreams were shattered. She was pregnant and her life took a different course. Liz poured her dreams into daughter Mia who was on the road to maybe being that superstar. But then daughter Cricket was born and it was clear she’d inherited everything from Liz. From that moment, Liz and Mia sacrificed everything for Cricket who was destined to leave their small Maine town for soccer stardom. After all, Liz always believed in spectacular things…but at what cost?
the heart of the story…
The story opens with Cricket indeed being a member of the 2028 Olympic Team, playing in the final game. Meanwhile, sister Mia and her husband Oliver are in the labor room watching the game and rooting for her as their child is coming. They are later faced with the most heartbreaking choice. I loved the pivot back to the beginning, with their mother’s choice to have Mia, as it provided so much context for every decision these sisters later make. What originally felt selfish took on a whole new dimension.
the narration…
This was all about the storytelling and Emily Rankin delivered a great performance. Her pacing felt perfect and I enjoyed her character distinctions.
the bottom line…
I thought this would be about all the spectacular things these two sisters experienced. It was anything but as it was their mother’s mantra to always do their best at all times. Mia and Cricket were devoted to each other despite the imbalance and difficulties. The sacrifices both made were extraordinary in the midst of tragedies and the pinnacles of success as they struggled to achieve their dreams. I felt everything with this story and was on pins and needles through the end.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Liz Lowe was destined to be one of the greatest soccer stars but on the cusp of her acceptance to UCLA, her dreams were shattered. She was pregnant and her life took a different course. Liz poured her dreams into daughter Mia who was on the road to maybe being that superstar. But then daughter Cricket was born and it was clear she’d inherited everything from Liz. From that moment, Liz and Mia sacrificed everything for Cricket who was destined to leave their small Maine town for soccer stardom. After all, Liz always believed in spectacular things…but at what cost?
the heart of the story…
The story opens with Cricket indeed being a member of the 2028 Olympic Team, playing in the final game. Meanwhile, sister Mia and her husband Oliver are in the labor room watching the game and rooting for her as their child is coming. They are later faced with the most heartbreaking choice. I loved the pivot back to the beginning, with their mother’s choice to have Mia, as it provided so much context for every decision these sisters later make. What originally felt selfish took on a whole new dimension.
the narration…
This was all about the storytelling and Emily Rankin delivered a great performance. Her pacing felt perfect and I enjoyed her character distinctions.
the bottom line…
I thought this would be about all the spectacular things these two sisters experienced. It was anything but as it was their mother’s mantra to always do their best at all times. Mia and Cricket were devoted to each other despite the imbalance and difficulties. The sacrifices both made were extraordinary in the midst of tragedies and the pinnacles of success as they struggled to achieve their dreams. I felt everything with this story and was on pins and needles through the end.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 27, 2025
4.5/5
my first and forever love will always be the game of soccer and this book solidified that.
this arc has been sitting in my email for MONTHS and not a single soul told me this was about elite soccer players. the cover doesn't give that away and the synopsis doesn't either so what the actual hell. as a former competitive soccer player, i feel duped. i mean this is a family story, a soccer story, and its set in maine. perfect for me and i think it'd be perfect for you so look to the bookstores on july first! if you do pick it up, listen to the song my little love by adele. its so liz talking to her girls!
mia and cricket are the two daughters of liz lowe. a woman who got pregnant early and had to make sacrifices because of that. sacrifice and what we do for our family are the biggest themes in this story and i enjoyed every page. both daughters have different talents and different lives but in the end they have each other which is the most important thing. this spectacular (haha) family drama is told with the backdrop of soccer and that makes the book even better. life is high stakes but adding in the sports drama makes the stakes feel even higher. we follow these women through love, loss, motherhood, failure, secrets, friendships, and so much more. i feel so connected to them, mia is my girl though, older sisters unite!!
if you happen to be looking for a mix of carrie soto is back and blue sisters, you've found it. just change tennis to soccer and four sisters to two. while the pacing did struggle at times, the overall story was very dear to my heart. some of the quotes in this book made me stop, turn to my wall, and repeat them. even though no one was listening i felt like they needed to be spoken aloud. if anything i've said sounds remotely interesting to you, pick this up next week!!
as a final note, remember, "you can only use your head if you keep your eyes wide open."
*thank you lots to dial press marketing and netgalley!*
my first and forever love will always be the game of soccer and this book solidified that.
this arc has been sitting in my email for MONTHS and not a single soul told me this was about elite soccer players. the cover doesn't give that away and the synopsis doesn't either so what the actual hell. as a former competitive soccer player, i feel duped. i mean this is a family story, a soccer story, and its set in maine. perfect for me and i think it'd be perfect for you so look to the bookstores on july first! if you do pick it up, listen to the song my little love by adele. its so liz talking to her girls!
mia and cricket are the two daughters of liz lowe. a woman who got pregnant early and had to make sacrifices because of that. sacrifice and what we do for our family are the biggest themes in this story and i enjoyed every page. both daughters have different talents and different lives but in the end they have each other which is the most important thing. this spectacular (haha) family drama is told with the backdrop of soccer and that makes the book even better. life is high stakes but adding in the sports drama makes the stakes feel even higher. we follow these women through love, loss, motherhood, failure, secrets, friendships, and so much more. i feel so connected to them, mia is my girl though, older sisters unite!!
if you happen to be looking for a mix of carrie soto is back and blue sisters, you've found it. just change tennis to soccer and four sisters to two. while the pacing did struggle at times, the overall story was very dear to my heart. some of the quotes in this book made me stop, turn to my wall, and repeat them. even though no one was listening i felt like they needed to be spoken aloud. if anything i've said sounds remotely interesting to you, pick this up next week!!
as a final note, remember, "you can only use your head if you keep your eyes wide open."
*thank you lots to dial press marketing and netgalley!*
May 26, 2025
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein is nothing other than SPECTACULAR!!!! I really enjoyed this story line. The characters, the sisters, the locations, soccer … everything was great. It is close to my heart since my sister had a kidney transplant at age 35 and is still doing great at age 58! I got tested to give her a kidney but found out I was not a match. She was on dialysis for over a year and it was tough on her. This will be one of my fave books of 2025. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published July 1, 2025.
September 15, 2025
Centers on family dynamics, bonds between sisters, and the toll heavy of unspoken expectations.
November 25, 2025
"Two sisters examine what they owe each other and what they are willing to sacrifice to make their family dreams come true.
What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?"
This book was recommended to me by another reviewer before it became a Reese's Book Club pick. This book is an emotional adventure that opened my heart up wide. It examines the bond of sisterhood, grief, loss, and ambition. For those who love family dramas and books about sports stars, this is the book for you. If Carrie Soto is Back and Blue Sisters had a book baby, it would be Spectacular Things. And it is spectacular. Highly recommend adding to your TBR.
What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?"
This book was recommended to me by another reviewer before it became a Reese's Book Club pick. This book is an emotional adventure that opened my heart up wide. It examines the bond of sisterhood, grief, loss, and ambition. For those who love family dramas and books about sports stars, this is the book for you. If Carrie Soto is Back and Blue Sisters had a book baby, it would be Spectacular Things. And it is spectacular. Highly recommend adding to your TBR.
June 10, 2025
"Spectacular Things" tells the story of the Lowe girls: Liz, a young girl neglected by her parents who discovers soccer as her true passion - and then gives it up to raise her two daughters; Mia, the eldest child, raised more as a partner than as a daughter, full of responsibilities from a very young age; and Cricket, the promising young soccer star, who only sees her worth in connection with her performance.
The book is an exploration of family legacy, the sacrifices we make for the ones we love, and how to reconcile the life we want with the one we end up having. I found the premise fascinating, and the love of soccer permeated the book, making it very tangible.
That said, I think the book had several shortcomings that prevented me from fully immersing myself in the story. First of all, I found the narrative style too dramatic, and the way the story unfolded looked more like a collection of salient scenes than a proper book. There was no space to breathe, because something notable was happening in every chapter. It felt a bit like seeing a highlight reel instead of the full game, to borrow a sports metaphor. It didn't help that the narration was very focused on giving all the info and didn't leave any space for the characters to actually show themselves: it was very much a "tell, don't show", with barely any dialogue or action happening in real time. The result is that I didn't grow attached to the characters, as they never felt real.
I also felt that the story was a bit "too much" at times. Way too many tragedies befall these poor girls, and since the book only focuses on salient parts, there is no room for the reader to actually recover from the downfalls. Moreover, since everything happens so fast, I didn't really feel any emotion, even with the most tragic storylines. As said before, the characters didn't feel real, and so their suffering didn't really matter.
The other main shortcoming is the utter lack of chemistry or tension between the romantic characters, to the point that the author tells you they are in love and you have to believe her, because nothing in their interaction was leading to that. In general I felt that the characters were puppets on a string, being tossed here and there by a cruel narrator that just wanted to push them as much as she could.
I finished the book as I felt the obligation to, since it was an ARC, but had I borrowed it from the library, I would've probably DNF.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The book is an exploration of family legacy, the sacrifices we make for the ones we love, and how to reconcile the life we want with the one we end up having. I found the premise fascinating, and the love of soccer permeated the book, making it very tangible.
That said, I think the book had several shortcomings that prevented me from fully immersing myself in the story. First of all, I found the narrative style too dramatic, and the way the story unfolded looked more like a collection of salient scenes than a proper book. There was no space to breathe, because something notable was happening in every chapter. It felt a bit like seeing a highlight reel instead of the full game, to borrow a sports metaphor. It didn't help that the narration was very focused on giving all the info and didn't leave any space for the characters to actually show themselves: it was very much a "tell, don't show", with barely any dialogue or action happening in real time. The result is that I didn't grow attached to the characters, as they never felt real.
I also felt that the story was a bit "too much" at times. Way too many tragedies befall these poor girls, and since the book only focuses on salient parts, there is no room for the reader to actually recover from the downfalls. Moreover, since everything happens so fast, I didn't really feel any emotion, even with the most tragic storylines. As said before, the characters didn't feel real, and so their suffering didn't really matter.
The other main shortcoming is the utter lack of chemistry or tension between the romantic characters, to the point that the author tells you they are in love and you have to believe her, because nothing in their interaction was leading to that. In general I felt that the characters were puppets on a string, being tossed here and there by a cruel narrator that just wanted to push them as much as she could.
I finished the book as I felt the obligation to, since it was an ARC, but had I borrowed it from the library, I would've probably DNF.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2025
Mia was her mom and dad's gift to each other, and her little sister Cricket was their present to Mia. The story begins as Cricket is playing for the US Women's soccer Olympic team. Older sister Mia is giving birth at the exact time and watching Cricket play from the hospital. A health emergency occurs. Then the narrative jumps back to their mother Liz Lowe as she is a high school senior who has signed and committed to play for UCLA. It becomes apparent that Liz is pregnant with Mia and her promising soccer career ends abruptly.
What I absolutely loved about this story was the characterization, the relationship and dynamic between Mia and Cricket, the gradual way that the narrative unfolds as we find out more about Mia and Cricket's absent father, their mother's love of soccer, and how she passed along being a "team player" to her girls, both named for Women's soccer legends. Something else I loved was the interlocution of the history of the game of soccer and how it grew in culture. As a fan of women's soccer I loved this essential part of the story. Cricket, Mia and Liz were WONDERFUL characters, there are also very memorable side characters.
What I didn't like; in some ways I feel like this book glorifies codependency, but it does show the darker side. I had a professor in college that said "Gilmore Girls" was "anti-choice pro-life propaganda" and I spent hours trying to prove them wrong by highlighting some of Rory's most pro-feminist and pro-choice identity scenes. But ever since then I have always read into stories about teenagers choosing birth instead of termination with a critical eye, especially in narratives where the child's father was a predator of some sort. I don't think this is the case at all, but it did give me a lot to think about. What was a larger theme in this book is the mother and the sister giving up big parts of themselves for the other; without the person asking- so in some ways what you are willing to give up in your life for your daughter or sister.
While some of the setbacks that happen can seem like too much, there is enough drama in all of their years that you are like JEEZ WHAT ELSE CAN HAPPEN TO THESE WOMEN they deserve a break already. It can be bit much at times and you don't always agree with the decisions of the characters but you still get the feeling that things will work out for them..... particularly because in the prologue about Mia having a baby, you get a lot of what can only be described as spoilers.
This would be a great book for book clubs as it is thought provoking and allows readers to ask questions within a group. The characters are flawed yet likable. This is great for fans of sweeping family dramas like The Celebrants, Blue Sisters, Long Island Compromise and Like Mother Like Mother.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Dial Press for the ARC. Book to be published July 1, 2025.
What I absolutely loved about this story was the characterization, the relationship and dynamic between Mia and Cricket, the gradual way that the narrative unfolds as we find out more about Mia and Cricket's absent father, their mother's love of soccer, and how she passed along being a "team player" to her girls, both named for Women's soccer legends. Something else I loved was the interlocution of the history of the game of soccer and how it grew in culture. As a fan of women's soccer I loved this essential part of the story. Cricket, Mia and Liz were WONDERFUL characters, there are also very memorable side characters.
What I didn't like; in some ways I feel like this book glorifies codependency, but it does show the darker side. I had a professor in college that said "Gilmore Girls" was "anti-choice pro-life propaganda" and I spent hours trying to prove them wrong by highlighting some of Rory's most pro-feminist and pro-choice identity scenes. But ever since then I have always read into stories about teenagers choosing birth instead of termination with a critical eye, especially in narratives where the child's father was a predator of some sort. I don't think this is the case at all, but it did give me a lot to think about. What was a larger theme in this book is the mother and the sister giving up big parts of themselves for the other; without the person asking- so in some ways what you are willing to give up in your life for your daughter or sister.
While some of the setbacks that happen can seem like too much, there is enough drama in all of their years that you are like JEEZ WHAT ELSE CAN HAPPEN TO THESE WOMEN they deserve a break already. It can be bit much at times and you don't always agree with the decisions of the characters but you still get the feeling that things will work out for them..... particularly because in the prologue about Mia having a baby, you get a lot of what can only be described as spoilers.
This would be a great book for book clubs as it is thought provoking and allows readers to ask questions within a group. The characters are flawed yet likable. This is great for fans of sweeping family dramas like The Celebrants, Blue Sisters, Long Island Compromise and Like Mother Like Mother.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Dial Press for the ARC. Book to be published July 1, 2025.
July 8, 2025
Thank you to The Dial Press for inviting me to read this book via NetGalley! All opinions and statements are my own.
⚽ Blurb ⚽
“Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the 'Lowe girls' are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.
As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?
A sharply observed and tender portrait of sisters, love, and ambition, Spectacular Things is a sweeping story about the impossible choices we’re forced to make in pursuit of our dreams.”
🎀 My Thoughts 🎀
Although I had trouble figuring out what to rate this book, I think, after considering all the factors that made me like and dislike this book, it deserves an even four stars. 🌟
The relationship Mia and Cricket had with each other and with their mother, Liz, was very heartwarming and sweet. ❤ I could really relate to Mia’s sacrifice and care for her family because without family, who are we? I couldn’t, however, relate to Cricket’s and Liz’s obsession with soccer. 😂 But my dad, older brother, and nephew love the sport, so it was cool to learn all the lingo and understand some of the references and positions in it. But I think there was too much soccer talk, for me anyway. That is a me-problem, for sure. 😉
The character development, storyline, and ending were all believable and all flowed harmoniously with each other, creating a moving and captivating story about sisterhood, pursuing your dreams, and being strong when life throws lemons at you with full force.
The only problem I had with this book was how long it felt. There were short chapters (which I greatly appreciate), but it felt like I was going through so much family history and life changes in such a short span of time. I didn’t skim paragraphs because it was all interesting, but sometimes I wondered, “Where is this leading to? Is this chapter almost over?” 😅 It's possible that I'm impatient or that the story dragged a bit. Again, it might just be a me-problem because Beck Dorey-Stein can write a heck of a good story.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who love exploring family dynamics and relationships, sports dramas, and the struggle to make their dreams come true. 💫
Side Note: If you are not comfortable with sapphic relationships, I will let you know that it is present in the story. Just to let you know. ☺👍🏼
❗ Content Warnings ❗
Loss of a parent, an inappropriate romantic relationship, death, miscarriage, & mentions of couples having sex
⚽ Blurb ⚽
“Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the 'Lowe girls' are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.
As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?
A sharply observed and tender portrait of sisters, love, and ambition, Spectacular Things is a sweeping story about the impossible choices we’re forced to make in pursuit of our dreams.”
🎀 My Thoughts 🎀
Although I had trouble figuring out what to rate this book, I think, after considering all the factors that made me like and dislike this book, it deserves an even four stars. 🌟
The relationship Mia and Cricket had with each other and with their mother, Liz, was very heartwarming and sweet. ❤ I could really relate to Mia’s sacrifice and care for her family because without family, who are we? I couldn’t, however, relate to Cricket’s and Liz’s obsession with soccer. 😂 But my dad, older brother, and nephew love the sport, so it was cool to learn all the lingo and understand some of the references and positions in it. But I think there was too much soccer talk, for me anyway. That is a me-problem, for sure. 😉
The character development, storyline, and ending were all believable and all flowed harmoniously with each other, creating a moving and captivating story about sisterhood, pursuing your dreams, and being strong when life throws lemons at you with full force.
The only problem I had with this book was how long it felt. There were short chapters (which I greatly appreciate), but it felt like I was going through so much family history and life changes in such a short span of time. I didn’t skim paragraphs because it was all interesting, but sometimes I wondered, “Where is this leading to? Is this chapter almost over?” 😅 It's possible that I'm impatient or that the story dragged a bit. Again, it might just be a me-problem because Beck Dorey-Stein can write a heck of a good story.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who love exploring family dynamics and relationships, sports dramas, and the struggle to make their dreams come true. 💫
Side Note: If you are not comfortable with sapphic relationships, I will let you know that it is present in the story. Just to let you know. ☺👍🏼
❗ Content Warnings ❗
Loss of a parent, an inappropriate romantic relationship, death, miscarriage, & mentions of couples having sex
April 4, 2025
While this book was good, there wasn't much plot that had me dying to read more. While there is definitely drama and tragedy, it's very obvious that everything is going to work out for the Lowe sisters. Basically they get everything they want even though there's bumps along the way. It was very predictable.
June 30, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
„Spectacular Things“ by Beck Dorey-Stein follows the complicated, deeply heartfelt journey of the Lowe sisters - one of them a rising soccer star - as they chase their dreams on and off the pitch. With the UEFA Women’s EURO just around the corner, the timing of the story - centered on two sisters navigating ambition, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of the world of soccer - couldn’t be more perfect.
Dorey-Stein’s writing is splendid: rich with emotional depth and natural dialogue that pulls you right into the lives of the Lowe sisters, this is a beautifully written, character-driven novel that’s impossible to put down, exploring ambition, loyalty, and the deep bonds of sisterhood. It’s impossible not to root for both of these women, even as their choices challenge each other and their bond. Anyone who has a close relationship with a sister will find this story particularly moving, and find so much to relate to here.
The book asks the central, powerful question of what sacrifices we are willing to make for the ones we love, and it doesn’t shy away from the complexity of the answers.
Emotional depth, compelling characters, and a story that lingers - I really enjoyed this one. Highly recommended for fans of character-first fiction, women’s sports, and emotionally layered family stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | The Dial Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
„Spectacular Things“ publishes on July 1, 2025, and is available now.
„Spectacular Things“ by Beck Dorey-Stein follows the complicated, deeply heartfelt journey of the Lowe sisters - one of them a rising soccer star - as they chase their dreams on and off the pitch. With the UEFA Women’s EURO just around the corner, the timing of the story - centered on two sisters navigating ambition, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of the world of soccer - couldn’t be more perfect.
Dorey-Stein’s writing is splendid: rich with emotional depth and natural dialogue that pulls you right into the lives of the Lowe sisters, this is a beautifully written, character-driven novel that’s impossible to put down, exploring ambition, loyalty, and the deep bonds of sisterhood. It’s impossible not to root for both of these women, even as their choices challenge each other and their bond. Anyone who has a close relationship with a sister will find this story particularly moving, and find so much to relate to here.
The book asks the central, powerful question of what sacrifices we are willing to make for the ones we love, and it doesn’t shy away from the complexity of the answers.
Emotional depth, compelling characters, and a story that lingers - I really enjoyed this one. Highly recommended for fans of character-first fiction, women’s sports, and emotionally layered family stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | The Dial Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
„Spectacular Things“ publishes on July 1, 2025, and is available now.
October 30, 2025
Picked this up for a PS prompt (a book about soccer), and I'm so glad I did. I absolutely loved these characters and the story hit home harder than I anticipated.
Cricket and Mia Lowe are sisters, raised by a single mom with a athletic gift for soccer playing. Cricket has one goal in life, to make nationals and to play in the Olympics. Mia is the steadfast sister, making sure the family logistics are taken care of. We follow them both over the years as practices, memories and heartbreak ensue. The story completely captured my heart for these sisters.
My first book by this author, but certainly not the last. I think I'll be thinking of these characters long after closing the back cover.
Cricket and Mia Lowe are sisters, raised by a single mom with a athletic gift for soccer playing. Cricket has one goal in life, to make nationals and to play in the Olympics. Mia is the steadfast sister, making sure the family logistics are taken care of. We follow them both over the years as practices, memories and heartbreak ensue. The story completely captured my heart for these sisters.
My first book by this author, but certainly not the last. I think I'll be thinking of these characters long after closing the back cover.
September 25, 2025
Loved this book about sisters and mothers and love. The only thing I wish was that the first part of this book wasn’t at the beginning. I felt like it told too much of the story and then when the second part started by going backwards in time the reader already knew too many things which took away the mystery of what would happen.
July 25, 2025
I knew this book was going to gut me in the best possible ways!! The latest Reese/Hello Sunshine Book Club pick for July, Spectacular Things is a moving and heartwrenching story about mothers and daughters, ambition, loyalty, sacrifice and women professional athletes and all the things they and those who love them have to sacrifice in order to achieve lifelong goals.
This book follows a young single mother who gives up her dreams of soccer greatness when she gets pregnant and then the sacrifices she asks of her first daughter when her second seems to have what it takes to go all the way as a professional soccer player. Told from alternating POVs and with flashbacks, we follow Cricket's path to an Olympic gold medal and all the things her older sister Mia does to help get her there.
Amazing on audio, this story was captivating, emotional, and full of great disability rep (one main character has chronic kidney disease and needs a transplant and a side character has Type 1 diabetes). Highly, HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like California Golden or Carrie Soto is back. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This book follows a young single mother who gives up her dreams of soccer greatness when she gets pregnant and then the sacrifices she asks of her first daughter when her second seems to have what it takes to go all the way as a professional soccer player. Told from alternating POVs and with flashbacks, we follow Cricket's path to an Olympic gold medal and all the things her older sister Mia does to help get her there.
Amazing on audio, this story was captivating, emotional, and full of great disability rep (one main character has chronic kidney disease and needs a transplant and a side character has Type 1 diabetes). Highly, HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like California Golden or Carrie Soto is back. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
November 25, 2025
Sisters! Sisters! There were never such devoted sisters!. . . .
A triumph tale about sisterhood, family dynamics and expectations that complicate one's role in that family, and what about one's own dreams? eh? And then one has to factor in fate. . .damn, stupid fate.
What gets one through? really? A fantastic read! You'll get nothing further from me. . .go get it yourself. (Claim your patch of sunshine, grab a hankie, sun screen, a big hat and your favorite beverage.)
*A sincere thank you to Beck Dorey-Stein, Random House Publishing Group - Random House | The Dial Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #SpectacularThings #NetGalley 25|52:41g
A triumph tale about sisterhood, family dynamics and expectations that complicate one's role in that family, and what about one's own dreams? eh? And then one has to factor in fate. . .damn, stupid fate.
What gets one through? really? A fantastic read! You'll get nothing further from me. . .go get it yourself. (Claim your patch of sunshine, grab a hankie, sun screen, a big hat and your favorite beverage.)
*A sincere thank you to Beck Dorey-Stein, Random House Publishing Group - Random House | The Dial Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #SpectacularThings #NetGalley 25|52:41g
July 21, 2025
Spectacular Things is a moving story of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the fierce legacy of women who refuse to quit. Beck Dorey-Stein weaves a powerful coming-of-age story filled with boldness, heartbreak, and the quiet strength behind life-altering choices. It’s a reminder that true greatness isn’t always measured by the scoreboard.
July 15, 2025
calling it quits around pg 90. i'm not invested. show, don't tell. thanks to the publisher for my gifted arc
July 6, 2025
2.5 stars
Liz Lowe always had high hopes and big dreams of becoming a World Cup soccer player, but gave them up when she became pregnant with her first child. Now a single mother of two daughters, she is coaching her girls in the sport. As they grow older, both girls show extreme promise, but one begins to outshine the other. This causes Liz to make the decision to change their life styles; she will begin a second job in order to handle the costs that come with furthering the talent of a young soccer player, and running the household, doing the shopping, handing the bills, and chauffeuring her sister from practice to practice and game to game will fall to the other daughter. All three women are fine with this set-up. And then two family crises change all the dynamics that have taken so long to establish.
I was not fine with this set-up. One sister gives and gives with no regard to herself, while the other takes and takes for herself with no regard to her sister. This seemed very unbelievable to me. While the book explores family relationships and love among members, it was just too unrealistic to ring true to me. And, need I say, there is an awful lot of soccer in the book.
I am not sure how books become choices for well known book clubs (this was a Reese pick) but I would not have chosen it.
Liz Lowe always had high hopes and big dreams of becoming a World Cup soccer player, but gave them up when she became pregnant with her first child. Now a single mother of two daughters, she is coaching her girls in the sport. As they grow older, both girls show extreme promise, but one begins to outshine the other. This causes Liz to make the decision to change their life styles; she will begin a second job in order to handle the costs that come with furthering the talent of a young soccer player, and running the household, doing the shopping, handing the bills, and chauffeuring her sister from practice to practice and game to game will fall to the other daughter. All three women are fine with this set-up. And then two family crises change all the dynamics that have taken so long to establish.
I was not fine with this set-up. One sister gives and gives with no regard to herself, while the other takes and takes for herself with no regard to her sister. This seemed very unbelievable to me. While the book explores family relationships and love among members, it was just too unrealistic to ring true to me. And, need I say, there is an awful lot of soccer in the book.
I am not sure how books become choices for well known book clubs (this was a Reese pick) but I would not have chosen it.
September 27, 2025
5 ✨
If you want to cry…this one is for you!
Easily one of the most memorable books I’ve ever read.
To what end will you go to help your loved ones reach their dreams?
From the very beginning, I knew this was going to be a five-star read. The Lowe sisters—Mia and Cricket—are a powerful example of love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of loss and grief.
In the small town of Victory, Maine, we meet the “Lowe girls,” daughters of single mother Liz Lowe. Both are talented and full of potential, but as they grow older, life demands tough choices. Sacrifices must be made to support Cricket’s dream of becoming a soccer star. The weight of responsibility shifts, and Mia finds herself stepping into a caregiver role far too young, while Cricket pushes forward with relentless determination.
I absolutely fell in love with these girls. I rooted for them with everything I had and wanted nothing less than the futures they dreamed of.
I cried more times than I can count. I’ve recommended this book more times than I can count—and I’ll keep doing so. It’s an unforgettable story with memorable characters, emotional depth, and a heartfelt love for the game of soccer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House - Random House/ The Dial Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you want to cry…this one is for you!
Easily one of the most memorable books I’ve ever read.
To what end will you go to help your loved ones reach their dreams?
From the very beginning, I knew this was going to be a five-star read. The Lowe sisters—Mia and Cricket—are a powerful example of love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of loss and grief.
In the small town of Victory, Maine, we meet the “Lowe girls,” daughters of single mother Liz Lowe. Both are talented and full of potential, but as they grow older, life demands tough choices. Sacrifices must be made to support Cricket’s dream of becoming a soccer star. The weight of responsibility shifts, and Mia finds herself stepping into a caregiver role far too young, while Cricket pushes forward with relentless determination.
I absolutely fell in love with these girls. I rooted for them with everything I had and wanted nothing less than the futures they dreamed of.
I cried more times than I can count. I’ve recommended this book more times than I can count—and I’ll keep doing so. It’s an unforgettable story with memorable characters, emotional depth, and a heartfelt love for the game of soccer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House - Random House/ The Dial Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2025
What an incredibly touching read, wow!
Sisters are a strange thing to me, having been raised with only brothers, so I always find books about sisterly bonds so fascinating. This one REALLY puts you through the ringer.
These sisters, Mia (elder) and Cricket (younger) are galvanized in their love for one another, no matter what life throws at them. Growing up on the Maine coast, they have adhered to their roles in life, through some sacrifice.
The question is posed, though: what is too much to give? What would either Mia or Cricket sacrifice for one another? When these tight knit sisters are shocked with some amazing and terrible news all at once, decisions must be made. Decisions that will affect both of them for the rest of their lives.
I felt a lot of heartache while reading this. I felt that there was a distinguished power difference between the sisters. There was one that benefitted a little more, while the other sacrificed a little more. And that made me sad, because there was no malice or ill intent. It just always had been, so it just was… At the same time, I could understand it.
I spent the last fifty pages of this book pretty much straight sobbing. This was just a really beautifully written book. I adored these sisters.
Sisters are a strange thing to me, having been raised with only brothers, so I always find books about sisterly bonds so fascinating. This one REALLY puts you through the ringer.
These sisters, Mia (elder) and Cricket (younger) are galvanized in their love for one another, no matter what life throws at them. Growing up on the Maine coast, they have adhered to their roles in life, through some sacrifice.
The question is posed, though: what is too much to give? What would either Mia or Cricket sacrifice for one another? When these tight knit sisters are shocked with some amazing and terrible news all at once, decisions must be made. Decisions that will affect both of them for the rest of their lives.
I felt a lot of heartache while reading this. I felt that there was a distinguished power difference between the sisters. There was one that benefitted a little more, while the other sacrificed a little more. And that made me sad, because there was no malice or ill intent. It just always had been, so it just was… At the same time, I could understand it.
I spent the last fifty pages of this book pretty much straight sobbing. This was just a really beautifully written book. I adored these sisters.
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