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Last Family Standing
Twenty-five years ago, Monica Stanton gave up a baby girl for adoption. Now, the thing Monica didn’t dare hope for has happened: Jessica has reentered her life . . . and brought a little drama and competition with her. Jessica is willing to meet her birth mother, but she wants the reunion to air on a reality TV show. Monica would rather chew glass than appear on TV. But she’ll swallow her pride—and a few other unsavory items—if that’s what it takes to reconnect.
As if getting to know her grown daughter while competing on a remote island isn’t hard enough, Monica is further confused when Jessica’s long-lost birth father shows up, complicating both her relationship with her daughter and the attraction Monica has to the hunky reality show host. The fruit-basket upset of emotions, accusations, and regrets might make for good TV, but will it destroy the family in the process?
As if getting to know her grown daughter while competing on a remote island isn’t hard enough, Monica is further confused when Jessica’s long-lost birth father shows up, complicating both her relationship with her daughter and the attraction Monica has to the hunky reality show host. The fruit-basket upset of emotions, accusations, and regrets might make for good TV, but will it destroy the family in the process?
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2014
1 person is currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer AlLee
33 books153 followersJennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California, and spent the first 10 years of her life living over a mortuary one block away from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never to see the light of day again.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 7, 2017
I'm not into reality television so you might wonder what drew me to read this book. This novel was nominated for a Carol Award a couple of years ago and I delight in finding new authors.
Last Family Standing is about a reality television show, but is quite a bit more. Main character Monica gave up her daughter for adoption and her 25 year old daughter has invited her to be a contestant with her on a show called Last Family Standing. It's about their growth, but also about the dynamics between all of the contestants.
It was a good contemporary novel and I'd read other books by the author.
Last Family Standing is about a reality television show, but is quite a bit more. Main character Monica gave up her daughter for adoption and her 25 year old daughter has invited her to be a contestant with her on a show called Last Family Standing. It's about their growth, but also about the dynamics between all of the contestants.
It was a good contemporary novel and I'd read other books by the author.
February 11, 2015
This poor Mother gave up her daughter over 25 years ago, she never forgot her. Not a day went by without her thinking and worrying over her. And did she make the right decision.
She gets to go on a reality TV show to be reunited with her daughter.
We have all watched these heartbreaking shows haven't we. The ones were you need your tissues, your eyes run all down your cheeks. Well, this story is no exception.
This takes you beyond the TV show, Mother and daughter reunited, how will it work out?
These book has every emotion conceivable in it, you will love it.
I am happy to say that Abingdon Press gave me an advanced copy via Net Galley which I devoured
She gets to go on a reality TV show to be reunited with her daughter.
We have all watched these heartbreaking shows haven't we. The ones were you need your tissues, your eyes run all down your cheeks. Well, this story is no exception.
This takes you beyond the TV show, Mother and daughter reunited, how will it work out?
These book has every emotion conceivable in it, you will love it.
I am happy to say that Abingdon Press gave me an advanced copy via Net Galley which I devoured
June 15, 2022
I very much enjoyed reading this book. I am a fan of some reality TV shows so having the filming of a Survivor-like show as the setting for a novel was a perfect scenario for me. I have divided feelings about the book. I found it very entertaining and I listened to the entire audiobook in only one day, which is very unusual for me. I liked the characters, the dilemma, and the pacing.
The main plot involved a reunion between an adoptee, age 25, and her original mother. Her way of requesting an opportunity to meet her birth mother was to apply to be on a reality TV show. It was up to the show to find her mother and invite her to be on the show with her long lost daughter who she's never before met.
The show was called Last Family Standing, and it very much resembled Survivor, even to the point of using Jeff Probst's well-known phrases as part of this book. This is what I think could have been done better. As much as I like Survivor, I would rather have had the Last Family Standing TV show be more unique and original.
Did that take away from my enjoyment of the book? Well, no... I still liked the book. There were some differences with Last Family Standing, of course. All contestants entered the show with a teammate who was related, like parent-child, siblings, or cousins.
There's a bit of romance hinted at in this book but that subplot will keep you guessing until the end of the book. The main character is a strong, talented, independent woman who works as a chef, enjoys the single life, and owns a dog.
The other thing that bothers me about this book is that it is classified as Christian fiction (on Amazon and in Goodreads tags) so it begs the question, what is Christian fiction? There was no strong, meaningful blatantly Christian message in this book. There was mention of faith and prayer, but really, that was about it. The author is Christian but that alone does not qualify a novel as Christian fiction. Although I can't think of this novel as Christian fiction I do think it provides a fun, clean reading experience and would be a good book to recommend to teenagers or anyone who enjoys watching shows like Survivor.
A theme of the book is to question whether or not God is putting us exactly where we need to be, for our lives to turn out in whatever way is best. You might say this makes the novel Christian, but I didn't read anything about the Bible or Jesus. I just felt I needed a little more. Every time I read a book classified as Christian fiction I look for a strong and meaningful Christian message. I thought this book was lacking that - but still it was a fun book to read, and I enjoyed it.
I'm intrigued with this novel enough to want to read more by the same author. I haven't yet decided which of the author's other novels I'll read next - there are several to choose from. I enjoyed the writing style and the creative thought the author put into this sweet and amusing, unique novel.
The main plot involved a reunion between an adoptee, age 25, and her original mother. Her way of requesting an opportunity to meet her birth mother was to apply to be on a reality TV show. It was up to the show to find her mother and invite her to be on the show with her long lost daughter who she's never before met.
The show was called Last Family Standing, and it very much resembled Survivor, even to the point of using Jeff Probst's well-known phrases as part of this book. This is what I think could have been done better. As much as I like Survivor, I would rather have had the Last Family Standing TV show be more unique and original.
Did that take away from my enjoyment of the book? Well, no... I still liked the book. There were some differences with Last Family Standing, of course. All contestants entered the show with a teammate who was related, like parent-child, siblings, or cousins.
There's a bit of romance hinted at in this book but that subplot will keep you guessing until the end of the book. The main character is a strong, talented, independent woman who works as a chef, enjoys the single life, and owns a dog.
The other thing that bothers me about this book is that it is classified as Christian fiction (on Amazon and in Goodreads tags) so it begs the question, what is Christian fiction? There was no strong, meaningful blatantly Christian message in this book. There was mention of faith and prayer, but really, that was about it. The author is Christian but that alone does not qualify a novel as Christian fiction. Although I can't think of this novel as Christian fiction I do think it provides a fun, clean reading experience and would be a good book to recommend to teenagers or anyone who enjoys watching shows like Survivor.
A theme of the book is to question whether or not God is putting us exactly where we need to be, for our lives to turn out in whatever way is best. You might say this makes the novel Christian, but I didn't read anything about the Bible or Jesus. I just felt I needed a little more. Every time I read a book classified as Christian fiction I look for a strong and meaningful Christian message. I thought this book was lacking that - but still it was a fun book to read, and I enjoyed it.
I'm intrigued with this novel enough to want to read more by the same author. I haven't yet decided which of the author's other novels I'll read next - there are several to choose from. I enjoyed the writing style and the creative thought the author put into this sweet and amusing, unique novel.
July 27, 2014
I had planned on pacing myself on this novel, but within the first few chapters I was a goner.
The Last Family Standing starts with an older woman, content with her dull life, which consists of herself, her dog, and her best friend. Suddenly she’s staring at a screen where her daughter, whom she gave up for adoption years ago, is asking for Monica to contact her so that they can compete in the game show Last Family Standing. Monica now finds her life upside down, competing in a physically, mentally, and emotionally fatiguing game show. More importantly she’s competing for the attention of her estranged daughter Jess.
I believe that the pacing for this story was just right. We get time to get to know Monica, her feelings, and the people in her life, and the predicament that she finds herself in. It’s a rare talent to be able to write in real time, instead of a self-appointed one.
There was a moment where I was like; ‘I thought the description said something more important would happen with this character?’ I feel like the description lied to me about the relationship dynamics of the book.
I usually read novels about people closer to my own age, from 16-25 are usually the ages of the main characters in the books I read. Why? Because I can relate to them. One of the things that surprised me about this novel was how well I related to our 40-something-year old main character Monica. She is warm, nice, and thoughtful to a fault. Perhaps it’s not so much that I relate to her but that she is that fun aunt who babysat you when you were little. Or the cool mom down the street who hands out giant candy bars on Halloween. She was just overall a great and loving character, her personality really made the book.
A bothering point in the book was just a little detail in it, hunger. I’m not sure if it’s possible to really describe true hunger, but for a character that loses enough weight to not fit into any of her clothes towards the end, she was never really described as hungry. She complained about the lack of food, and the variety of food but the author made it out so that it didn’t sound like they went hungry. The physical endurance part of the book should have at least prompted some hunger pains if their food supply was so meager.
I love that this novel was so well balanced. It had these very spiritual or religious moments, but it never got preachy, never forceful it was just there, it made its presence known and left. Or take for example the romance in the book, it never got hot and heavy and yet it still makes you swoon a bit and go “Ah, I’m so jealous.” In fact the romance is more of an undertone, a very obvious undertone but still.
I really enjoyed this novel overall, can’t wait to read another Allee novel.
The Last Family Standing starts with an older woman, content with her dull life, which consists of herself, her dog, and her best friend. Suddenly she’s staring at a screen where her daughter, whom she gave up for adoption years ago, is asking for Monica to contact her so that they can compete in the game show Last Family Standing. Monica now finds her life upside down, competing in a physically, mentally, and emotionally fatiguing game show. More importantly she’s competing for the attention of her estranged daughter Jess.
I believe that the pacing for this story was just right. We get time to get to know Monica, her feelings, and the people in her life, and the predicament that she finds herself in. It’s a rare talent to be able to write in real time, instead of a self-appointed one.
There was a moment where I was like; ‘I thought the description said something more important would happen with this character?’ I feel like the description lied to me about the relationship dynamics of the book.
I usually read novels about people closer to my own age, from 16-25 are usually the ages of the main characters in the books I read. Why? Because I can relate to them. One of the things that surprised me about this novel was how well I related to our 40-something-year old main character Monica. She is warm, nice, and thoughtful to a fault. Perhaps it’s not so much that I relate to her but that she is that fun aunt who babysat you when you were little. Or the cool mom down the street who hands out giant candy bars on Halloween. She was just overall a great and loving character, her personality really made the book.
A bothering point in the book was just a little detail in it, hunger. I’m not sure if it’s possible to really describe true hunger, but for a character that loses enough weight to not fit into any of her clothes towards the end, she was never really described as hungry. She complained about the lack of food, and the variety of food but the author made it out so that it didn’t sound like they went hungry. The physical endurance part of the book should have at least prompted some hunger pains if their food supply was so meager.
I love that this novel was so well balanced. It had these very spiritual or religious moments, but it never got preachy, never forceful it was just there, it made its presence known and left. Or take for example the romance in the book, it never got hot and heavy and yet it still makes you swoon a bit and go “Ah, I’m so jealous.” In fact the romance is more of an undertone, a very obvious undertone but still.
I really enjoyed this novel overall, can’t wait to read another Allee novel.
June 8, 2015
Loved it - one of just a very small handful of books I've read in 2015 that left me interested enough to regret having to go to bed without knowing what happens next.
Monica is a very private woman in her mid-forties who enjoys working as a chef and spending time with her beloved dog, Ranger. Her quiet world is thrown for a curve ball when the daughter she lovingly gave away for a closed adoption outs her on a reality show. She has longed for years to get to know her child and decides to accept the bizarre offer.
The reunion doesn't go as well as she hoped and her daughter will barely talk to her. The show's producers also throw out a few more curve balls to the stressed duo. Why did her daughter choose reality TV, of all things, to find her birth mother? Why meet your birth mom on a "Survivor"-esque show viewed by millions instead of choosing the privacy of your own home? Why the heck are so many people so cruel to birth parents who make such an extraordinarily selfless decision? Poor Monica's been through a lot and she deserves some happiness.
My only complaint is that there was not enough initial dialogue between Monica and Jessica. It really felt like the book took a commercial break.
The book brings up some good talking points on adoption, privacy, and understandable but dangerous "if only" wishful thinking.
*Note - I would characterize this book more as inspirational fiction than Christian fiction. No one should avoid this book for fear of proselytizing, prejudice against religious-based works, etc. It is really just a women's fiction novel without curse words or sex scenes and covers some universal concepts of what it means to be a family.
Monica is a very private woman in her mid-forties who enjoys working as a chef and spending time with her beloved dog, Ranger. Her quiet world is thrown for a curve ball when the daughter she lovingly gave away for a closed adoption outs her on a reality show. She has longed for years to get to know her child and decides to accept the bizarre offer.
The reunion doesn't go as well as she hoped and her daughter will barely talk to her. The show's producers also throw out a few more curve balls to the stressed duo. Why did her daughter choose reality TV, of all things, to find her birth mother? Why meet your birth mom on a "Survivor"-esque show viewed by millions instead of choosing the privacy of your own home? Why the heck are so many people so cruel to birth parents who make such an extraordinarily selfless decision? Poor Monica's been through a lot and she deserves some happiness.
My only complaint is that there was not enough initial dialogue between Monica and Jessica. It really felt like the book took a commercial break.
The book brings up some good talking points on adoption, privacy, and understandable but dangerous "if only" wishful thinking.
*Note - I would characterize this book more as inspirational fiction than Christian fiction. No one should avoid this book for fear of proselytizing, prejudice against religious-based works, etc. It is really just a women's fiction novel without curse words or sex scenes and covers some universal concepts of what it means to be a family.
November 9, 2017
she gave her baby away when the dad left cooking school and she couldnt find him to tell him she was preg . she couldnt raise her daughter on her own and thought she would be better off with 2 parents
the girl grew up and went on a reality program on tv who contacted the birth mom to join her in the game. she wanted to meet her daughter so she went there , it was on a island and they had to do games to see who got eliminated. they also brought the birth dad and introduced him to the daughter he never knew he had
she got hurt in almost every game, ending up with a broken wrist. at the end her daughter said she only went to get the $ for her mom, the one that raised her. the birth mom was hurt until she found out the other mom had als and needed the money to do her wish list.
the birth dad turned out to have left the school when his dad had a heart attack and died. he went on to become very rich running the business. he joined the birth mom to go to the daughters house and meet her parents.
they made a new program to give the mom all her wishes before she died
the girl grew up and went on a reality program on tv who contacted the birth mom to join her in the game. she wanted to meet her daughter so she went there , it was on a island and they had to do games to see who got eliminated. they also brought the birth dad and introduced him to the daughter he never knew he had
she got hurt in almost every game, ending up with a broken wrist. at the end her daughter said she only went to get the $ for her mom, the one that raised her. the birth mom was hurt until she found out the other mom had als and needed the money to do her wish list.
the birth dad turned out to have left the school when his dad had a heart attack and died. he went on to become very rich running the business. he joined the birth mom to go to the daughters house and meet her parents.
they made a new program to give the mom all her wishes before she died
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2019
First of all, this story is very original and creative. I give it 5 stars for being delightfully different. It's easy to read, almost relaxing; but it's definitely not boring.
I like the fact that there's not an evil villain. Sometimes the bad guys in a story are so completely evil it ruins the experience. There's none of that in this book. If anything, the main characters are almost too nice and accommodating - but since the last two books I read had some very bad villains, I'm grateful for a story that's mostly NICE.
And I will say it again, this is not a boring story. It's well written, funny and heartwarming as the characters worked through difficult circumstances to understand one another better. I'm impressed that there were even a few apologies. In my opinion, people who are able to apologize show strength of character.
I do wish there had been more of Rick in the story. Perhaps another chapter or two would have felt more complete. But it was still a good ending.
I like the fact that there's not an evil villain. Sometimes the bad guys in a story are so completely evil it ruins the experience. There's none of that in this book. If anything, the main characters are almost too nice and accommodating - but since the last two books I read had some very bad villains, I'm grateful for a story that's mostly NICE.
And I will say it again, this is not a boring story. It's well written, funny and heartwarming as the characters worked through difficult circumstances to understand one another better. I'm impressed that there were even a few apologies. In my opinion, people who are able to apologize show strength of character.
I do wish there had been more of Rick in the story. Perhaps another chapter or two would have felt more complete. But it was still a good ending.
January 3, 2023
I love soo much about this story!!!
First off, the emotional issues with adoption. The main character is a 45 year old woman who gave her child up for adoption. The feelings in this story are exactly the feelings, thoughts, desires, and prayers that I have expressed and haven't been able to express regarding my own. I may be a bit older than her, and the circumstances much different but those emotions are eerily accurate!
The wild game show part of this story is so out there, yet, who wouldn't be able to relate with a reality show that is the major element in this story?! I've watched enough of them, I'm glad I'm not on one of them!
There's of course some romance, which is usually my favorite part of any great story, but the bigger romance here, is the family love and the Creator's love for us!
And wrapping it up to make the perfect story are the shock factors that are dropped throughout this book! The author has an incredible imagination or has pulled ALL of her tools of the trade into one incredible book!
And the bow on this perfect little package is the narration! Outstanding, doesn't come close!!
First off, the emotional issues with adoption. The main character is a 45 year old woman who gave her child up for adoption. The feelings in this story are exactly the feelings, thoughts, desires, and prayers that I have expressed and haven't been able to express regarding my own. I may be a bit older than her, and the circumstances much different but those emotions are eerily accurate!
The wild game show part of this story is so out there, yet, who wouldn't be able to relate with a reality show that is the major element in this story?! I've watched enough of them, I'm glad I'm not on one of them!
There's of course some romance, which is usually my favorite part of any great story, but the bigger romance here, is the family love and the Creator's love for us!
And wrapping it up to make the perfect story are the shock factors that are dropped throughout this book! The author has an incredible imagination or has pulled ALL of her tools of the trade into one incredible book!
And the bow on this perfect little package is the narration! Outstanding, doesn't come close!!
Read
February 21, 2021I wasn't sure I would like this book. Last weekend the power went out for two days and this book was on my phone so I listened to it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. No spoilers but it's the story of a mother who gives her child apart and then twenty years later the child wants to meet her.
Worth the read or listen. Good narrator that I enjoyed.
This book is definitely worth a listen or read,
Worth the read or listen. Good narrator that I enjoyed.
This book is definitely worth a listen or read,
March 8, 2022
I didn't think I was going to like this book when it began since I'm a fan of reality TV, and that is what this is based on. It turns out that it was much more than a competition on a desert island. This was a pleasant diversion from the crime novels I'm used to reading.
January 25, 2020
Choices made in life can come back to haunt you. Sometimes for good and sometimes bad. Loved the character dynamics and how the story unfolded. A good read.
December 9, 2020
What a unique novel with intriguing and complex characters and a unique plot. Glad I found this one. The narrator is outstanding. Happy reading and listening!
February 7, 2021
I thoroughly enjoy this author! She has a great sense of humor, while weaving eternal truths through her characters.
October 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It was different from others I have read and the ending was great! I'm anxious to read more by this author!
October 8, 2022
A really great read. Lots of emotions and family secrets but I highly recommend it.
March 29, 2022
What would you do when the child you gave up for adoption at birth is suddenly staring at you through a TV screen asking you to do a gameshow with her? That is the first of many challenges Monica Stanton was faced with in this novel. You follow along as Monica tries to win a Survivor like game show all awhile trying to get to know the baby girl she gave up. A woman seems to get along with everyone but Monica. This was a quick read for me and finished it within 24 hours. I have to admit the ending left me a little let down but it was still a good book and have already recommended it to a friend.
April 12, 2015
Just from the description of this book, I could tell it was going to be funny, and I was certainly NOT disappointed. From the very first page, where Monica's best friend Jules told her her daughter was on TV asking her long-lost birth mother to join her, I was hooked. Only by virtue of the fact that I have been very busy lately did it take as long as it did for me to read this novel.
The main character of the book--middle-aged, unattached chef, Monica Stanton--is a simple, self-effacing person with a dog and a few equally loyal friends. She owns her own restaurant in Las Vegas and is pretty happy with her life. When she learns about this invitation to join the daughter she placed for adoption on a survival game show, Monica is conflicted. On the one hand, she has no desire to be on TV or live on a remote island for a month, but on the other hand, she's eager to get acquainted with the child she only laid eyes on briefly before relinquishing her to her adoptive parents. The handsome and persuasive game show host tips her over to his side and convinces her to accept the invitation that will change her life forever.
It was a little awkward at first getting used to the author's use of first person singular and present tense. However, this particular book lends itself to that voice, since the subject is a reality show and it is entirely from the viewpoint of the main character. It keeps you in the moment and lets you experience everything as it happens to Monica. It also keeps you entirely "in her head," with all the details being filtered through her perception--often misinterpreting what is going on.
What makes the book so hysterical is how Monica manages to injure herself on national television, in just about as many ways as is humanly possible. At the same time, it is clear she is a born diplomat who helps bring the other players together, even though they are all competing against one another. She is attracted to the game show host, Rick, but won't admit it; neither will she even consider that he might be interested in her. Meanwhile she is frustrated in her attempts to get to know her daughter.
Even though what I read was an advance reader's copy, an uncorrected proof, I only found two small typos in the book, which says a lot about the writer's skill and her editorial team, as I do a lot of proofreading in my job. There was not one page of this book that was slow or boring. I frequently laughed out loud at Monica's verbal faux pas and spectacular accidents. I was totally unprepared for the bombshell Monica's daughter Jess dropped on the last day of their competition, which temporarily deflated her high hopes for a lasting relationship and added to her sense of failure. However, the way Jennifer Allee resolved it in the end was good.
My only complaint is the ending of the book: The author doesn't tell us who was the winning family! After reading all about the challenges and elimination rounds, the grilling of the two remaining teams, and so on, she leaves us utterly hanging. I was so disappointed, because it could have gone either way, with so many resulting consequences. I don't see any indication of a sequel, since all the other loose ends of the story were neatly tied up. It was almost like watching a real reality show, but never getting to catch the final episode where they announced the results.
Nevertheless, if you need a good laugh and enjoy situational (almost slap-stick) humor, this is the book for you. Who ever would have thought something so serious as a premarital relationship and the tough decision to place a child for adoption could have such a funny, wonderful end result? If you have a self-effacing, "mea culpa" kind of mentality or two left feet, you will certainly identify with Monica and laugh at your reflection. If you need a break from a way-too-serious or too regimented life, this may be the diversion you need.
The main character of the book--middle-aged, unattached chef, Monica Stanton--is a simple, self-effacing person with a dog and a few equally loyal friends. She owns her own restaurant in Las Vegas and is pretty happy with her life. When she learns about this invitation to join the daughter she placed for adoption on a survival game show, Monica is conflicted. On the one hand, she has no desire to be on TV or live on a remote island for a month, but on the other hand, she's eager to get acquainted with the child she only laid eyes on briefly before relinquishing her to her adoptive parents. The handsome and persuasive game show host tips her over to his side and convinces her to accept the invitation that will change her life forever.
It was a little awkward at first getting used to the author's use of first person singular and present tense. However, this particular book lends itself to that voice, since the subject is a reality show and it is entirely from the viewpoint of the main character. It keeps you in the moment and lets you experience everything as it happens to Monica. It also keeps you entirely "in her head," with all the details being filtered through her perception--often misinterpreting what is going on.
What makes the book so hysterical is how Monica manages to injure herself on national television, in just about as many ways as is humanly possible. At the same time, it is clear she is a born diplomat who helps bring the other players together, even though they are all competing against one another. She is attracted to the game show host, Rick, but won't admit it; neither will she even consider that he might be interested in her. Meanwhile she is frustrated in her attempts to get to know her daughter.
Even though what I read was an advance reader's copy, an uncorrected proof, I only found two small typos in the book, which says a lot about the writer's skill and her editorial team, as I do a lot of proofreading in my job. There was not one page of this book that was slow or boring. I frequently laughed out loud at Monica's verbal faux pas and spectacular accidents. I was totally unprepared for the bombshell Monica's daughter Jess dropped on the last day of their competition, which temporarily deflated her high hopes for a lasting relationship and added to her sense of failure. However, the way Jennifer Allee resolved it in the end was good.
My only complaint is the ending of the book: The author doesn't tell us who was the winning family! After reading all about the challenges and elimination rounds, the grilling of the two remaining teams, and so on, she leaves us utterly hanging. I was so disappointed, because it could have gone either way, with so many resulting consequences. I don't see any indication of a sequel, since all the other loose ends of the story were neatly tied up. It was almost like watching a real reality show, but never getting to catch the final episode where they announced the results.
Nevertheless, if you need a good laugh and enjoy situational (almost slap-stick) humor, this is the book for you. Who ever would have thought something so serious as a premarital relationship and the tough decision to place a child for adoption could have such a funny, wonderful end result? If you have a self-effacing, "mea culpa" kind of mentality or two left feet, you will certainly identify with Monica and laugh at your reflection. If you need a break from a way-too-serious or too regimented life, this may be the diversion you need.
November 24, 2014
I don't typically like reality shows, OK, that is an understatement. I have never watched a reality show, I think they are just a show that details how our society has become a bit to materialistic. People want to win and they don't typically care who they hurt in the process.
So, why did I even bother to order this book from the Vine Program? Well, I guess the short concise concept of a mother/daughter team who haven't ever been together except in the birthing room of the hospital got to me. I wanted to have a nice story of a mother and daughter meeting for the first time 25 years after the birth of said daughter.
What I didn't expect was to enjoy the book so much. I don't know why but the way that Jennifer Allee made the story come alive and the development of the characters really made a difference. You can't get to know a character on a tv show unless you watch multiple episodes, even then it is difficult.
But in the book you get the development of the main characters and you learn to real life struggle each of them has had in regards to not having lived their lives together. How hard is it for a mother to give up her child? How hard is it for a single mother to have the father walk out of her life and never contact her again, without even knowing he is a father? How many mothers get to meet their daughter for the first time on television in front of a huge audience?
Then the next thing that I enjoyed was the fact that faith comes in to play in some of the scenario's of the book. There is a pastor and daughter team and that helps to bring in the thought of a relationship with God. There is the couple who adopted Jessica, they are solid believers and their faith has helped them to raise a mature young woman who is amazing.
Then there is the love life of Monica, the mother, well, the lack of love life. She has not dated, not married, not been involved with anyone that we know of. But for whatever reason it appears that the host of the show is taken with her, how will that develop.
All of these things come together to make for a story that is fun to read and enjoyable to see that even in the midst of tragedy that good can come out of things.
I really hope you enjoy the book. Oh, and just an after thought, I still don't have any desire to watch a reality TV show.
Enjoy!
So, why did I even bother to order this book from the Vine Program? Well, I guess the short concise concept of a mother/daughter team who haven't ever been together except in the birthing room of the hospital got to me. I wanted to have a nice story of a mother and daughter meeting for the first time 25 years after the birth of said daughter.
What I didn't expect was to enjoy the book so much. I don't know why but the way that Jennifer Allee made the story come alive and the development of the characters really made a difference. You can't get to know a character on a tv show unless you watch multiple episodes, even then it is difficult.
But in the book you get the development of the main characters and you learn to real life struggle each of them has had in regards to not having lived their lives together. How hard is it for a mother to give up her child? How hard is it for a single mother to have the father walk out of her life and never contact her again, without even knowing he is a father? How many mothers get to meet their daughter for the first time on television in front of a huge audience?
Then the next thing that I enjoyed was the fact that faith comes in to play in some of the scenario's of the book. There is a pastor and daughter team and that helps to bring in the thought of a relationship with God. There is the couple who adopted Jessica, they are solid believers and their faith has helped them to raise a mature young woman who is amazing.
Then there is the love life of Monica, the mother, well, the lack of love life. She has not dated, not married, not been involved with anyone that we know of. But for whatever reason it appears that the host of the show is taken with her, how will that develop.
All of these things come together to make for a story that is fun to read and enjoyable to see that even in the midst of tragedy that good can come out of things.
I really hope you enjoy the book. Oh, and just an after thought, I still don't have any desire to watch a reality TV show.
Enjoy!
June 15, 2015
I discovered Last Family Standing while browsing aimlessly on Goodreads. One of the primary reasons I got into book-related fora and social media was to broaden my horizons as a reader, and certainly this novel is well outside the bounds of my preferred genres -- literary, historical, mystery. But, the story line struck me as quite fresh and interesting. Author Jennifer AlLee's novel promises more than page-turning drama with both birth parent-child reunion and reality show competition story-lines packed between the two covers. What sparked my interest was the proposed juxtaposition of a vulnerable character facing an important crossroads in her life journey with the cynical thematic perspective and the raw action and result focused narrative I would expect to find in any story told against that very particular cultural backdrop we know as reality television.
So, I entered a Goodreads giveaway, got lucky, and received a free copy of this book in exchange for posting an honest review after reading (that's what this is)! Last Family Standing was a decidedly enjoyable reading experience for me, and I expect that many readers who gravitate towards the fictional genres this book and AlLee's other works typify will be we;;=satisfied with this offering.
In the end, the clash I perceived between the two threads of the novel's plot didn't produce any literary fireworks. However, this prize was more than just an enjoyable read in a genre and style far afield from my usual haunts, Allee's novel made quite a memorable impression on me. From the very first paragraph until the end, this author's remarkably fluid prose drew me into close sympathy with the narrator and protagonist. The reader experiences the protagonist's consciousness more than she observes it from her position outside the text. At least, that's how I read it. I'm not talking about an absorbing story; what I mean is that the writing flowed so that I followed the narrator's thinking as she shifted from topic to topic and experienced specific moments in time consciously. I hope that makes some sense; I definitely liked this quality of AlLee's storytelling. I am so glad I stumbled upon this randomly; it was a rewarding read.
So, I entered a Goodreads giveaway, got lucky, and received a free copy of this book in exchange for posting an honest review after reading (that's what this is)! Last Family Standing was a decidedly enjoyable reading experience for me, and I expect that many readers who gravitate towards the fictional genres this book and AlLee's other works typify will be we;;=satisfied with this offering.
In the end, the clash I perceived between the two threads of the novel's plot didn't produce any literary fireworks. However, this prize was more than just an enjoyable read in a genre and style far afield from my usual haunts, Allee's novel made quite a memorable impression on me. From the very first paragraph until the end, this author's remarkably fluid prose drew me into close sympathy with the narrator and protagonist. The reader experiences the protagonist's consciousness more than she observes it from her position outside the text. At least, that's how I read it. I'm not talking about an absorbing story; what I mean is that the writing flowed so that I followed the narrator's thinking as she shifted from topic to topic and experienced specific moments in time consciously. I hope that makes some sense; I definitely liked this quality of AlLee's storytelling. I am so glad I stumbled upon this randomly; it was a rewarding read.
February 19, 2015
Monica is a forty five year old woman whose best friend Jules lives down the block with her family. Monica has a rather boring life aside from work, taking Ranger her beloved dog for walks and no prospective love interest or thoughts of looking for love.
Well her life is about to change and she will never be able to go back to her dull life after this. Jules calls to ask her if she was watching Last Family Standing, kind of like a survivor type reality show and of course she says no. Ok then come right over as I have something to show you that I just taped.
When Monica arrives Jules plays the tape of Jessica, the daughter she gave up for adoption twenty-five years ago. She is holding a picture (high school) of Monica and asking her to reunite with her on National TV to compete in the show.
Shock is the first word that comes to mind and secondly why now after all this time? Seems Jessica wants to compete in the show and hopes to win the grand prize along with her birth mom.
Monica is not even a fan of the show but will do anything to get a chance to reconnect with the baby girl she gave up for adoption years ago. What she is not up to are the surprises that will constantly appear once she agrees to do the show.
We will read about the reaction, acceptance and reasons why Jessica has chosen now to find her “birth mom.” Monica will be reunited with Duncan, the father of her child whom she has not seen since there daughter was conceived. Why did he leave and not say good-bye? Why not come back and look for me? These questions have haunted Monica for many years and she thought she had finally put the memories to rest when suddenly the door opens like a tidal wave with lots of surprises rushing thru.
A very emotionally touching story.
Well her life is about to change and she will never be able to go back to her dull life after this. Jules calls to ask her if she was watching Last Family Standing, kind of like a survivor type reality show and of course she says no. Ok then come right over as I have something to show you that I just taped.
When Monica arrives Jules plays the tape of Jessica, the daughter she gave up for adoption twenty-five years ago. She is holding a picture (high school) of Monica and asking her to reunite with her on National TV to compete in the show.
Shock is the first word that comes to mind and secondly why now after all this time? Seems Jessica wants to compete in the show and hopes to win the grand prize along with her birth mom.
Monica is not even a fan of the show but will do anything to get a chance to reconnect with the baby girl she gave up for adoption years ago. What she is not up to are the surprises that will constantly appear once she agrees to do the show.
We will read about the reaction, acceptance and reasons why Jessica has chosen now to find her “birth mom.” Monica will be reunited with Duncan, the father of her child whom she has not seen since there daughter was conceived. Why did he leave and not say good-bye? Why not come back and look for me? These questions have haunted Monica for many years and she thought she had finally put the memories to rest when suddenly the door opens like a tidal wave with lots of surprises rushing thru.
A very emotionally touching story.
March 23, 2015
One of my favourite Christian fiction authors is Jennifer Allee and with her book Last Family Standing it mixes adoption, family drama and reality TV together as well as a hint of romance blossoming. Twenty Five years ago Monica gave up a baby girl for adoption as she was just in her early twenties and the father had left without a goodbye and she wasn't ready or capable of raising a baby. Now years later, that girl is called Jessica and she is starring on a family TV show and she wants her birth mother to join her as her family member . The thing is she only knows her first name and has her graduation photo. Imagine Monica's shock when she sees it on TV. Soon Monica's life is thrown upside down as she is entered into the survivor type reality TV show "Last Family Standing" with a host who continues to flirt with her and a daughter who won't talk to her and seems to resent her and the guest appearance of Duncan - whom is Jessica's birth father and the big clinch is - she never told Duncan she was pregnant and hasn't seen him since the day he disappeared from her life twenty-five years ago. The other thing too is that Monica is a klutz and seems like she may very well hold the record for most injuries on a reality TV show. Can Monica and Jess put aside their differences and the past and learn to forgive one another, in order to get through the show and win the grand prize in which Jess needs as her birth mother is dying from ALS ? Find out in this inspirational and enjoyable take on the Survivor type reality show "Last Family Standing" by Jennifer Allee.
This book is worth reading if you love reading about Family Dynamics - the functional and dysfunctional as well as being a fan of the reality shows like "Survivor".
This book is worth reading if you love reading about Family Dynamics - the functional and dysfunctional as well as being a fan of the reality shows like "Survivor".
October 13, 2014
I’ve read a couple of novels recently set on or around reality TV shows—I suppose that tells you something about contemporary TV (I wouldn’t know. I’ve usually got my nose in my Kindle). Last Family is something a little different, and that’s what makes it special.
Getting a phone call from your best friend to say they’ve just seen your daughter on TV isn’t an everyday happening, but it’s something Monica Stanton never expected to hear. She gave her daughter up for adoption the day she was born, twenty-five years ago. Now her daughter wants to reunite—on a reality TV show.
Last Family Standing is close to perfect. Excellent opening. Solid writing. Well-paced. Great characters. Plenty of conflict, both internal soul-searching and the external conflict of attempting to establish a relationship with a complete stranger while participating in an elimination-style reality show on a tropical island with not enough food. A twist in the middle and another towards the end which gives it that real “wow” factor. And even a little romance (that’s the one failing. Perhaps not enough romance …).
The entire story is told by Monica in first person point of view. That’s sometimes a weakness, but Monica is a strong character, one with plenty of hidden secrets (like the identity of Jessica’s father), and a character who is well able to hold the novel without it getting boring. And the single viewpoint works well, because that way the reader is just as surprised as Monica when the twists come.
Recommended. I’ll certainly be looking out for more books from Jennifer AlLee. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Getting a phone call from your best friend to say they’ve just seen your daughter on TV isn’t an everyday happening, but it’s something Monica Stanton never expected to hear. She gave her daughter up for adoption the day she was born, twenty-five years ago. Now her daughter wants to reunite—on a reality TV show.
Last Family Standing is close to perfect. Excellent opening. Solid writing. Well-paced. Great characters. Plenty of conflict, both internal soul-searching and the external conflict of attempting to establish a relationship with a complete stranger while participating in an elimination-style reality show on a tropical island with not enough food. A twist in the middle and another towards the end which gives it that real “wow” factor. And even a little romance (that’s the one failing. Perhaps not enough romance …).
The entire story is told by Monica in first person point of view. That’s sometimes a weakness, but Monica is a strong character, one with plenty of hidden secrets (like the identity of Jessica’s father), and a character who is well able to hold the novel without it getting boring. And the single viewpoint works well, because that way the reader is just as surprised as Monica when the twists come.
Recommended. I’ll certainly be looking out for more books from Jennifer AlLee. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
March 3, 2018
Jennifer AlLee has a talent for crafting stories that blend heartfelt emotion with elements of humor and fun. When Monica Stanton makes the life-altering decision to give up her child for adoption at birth, she could never imagine the circumstances under which she will one day meet her daughter. With first-person insight, Monica narrates how she and her now twenty-five-year-old daughter, Jessica, reunite as participants on a popular survival TV show, aptly called Last Family Standing. Uprooted from her quaint lifestyle as a catering chef, Monica agrees to join the show on a remote island and fulfill Jessica’s wish of finding her birth mother to compete alongside her. Monica’s nervousness over meeting her daughter quickly turns into the challenge of working with Jessica as a teammate to outduel the other family contestants and win the game on the show. In highlighting the many dynamics that transpire on reality television, AlLee shows the different sides of human nature when pressed with competitive choices. She also explores the impact of decisions and the regrets individuals have years later. As she did with great success in her previous novel, The Mother Road, AlLee again brings along multiple storylines that develop and play out nicely. Her ability to throw in twists and surprises along the way only add to the challenges the characters face. Her refined prose makes for an enjoyable reading experience. Once you start one of AlLee’s novels, you won’t be able to put the book down.
November 19, 2014
What a wonderful story!
Monica gave up a baby for adoption 25 years ago but tell that to her heart! Monica managed to come to terms with the difficult decision she made out of love. Now, 25 years later, she is approached to be a contestant on a survivor show as a partner to her long-lost daughter. How can she say no! An opportunity to get to know her daughter, at last!
Monica is vulnerable yet tough; and motivated by love for her daughter and the hopes that they can somehow, and at last, forge a relationship. So she agrees to go on the reality show, Last Family Standing. What follows is challenging adventure. Her daughter wants to win the competition badly so Monica must delve deep to compete against nearly impossible odds. Can she prove to her daughter, Jess, how much she loves her? And, though she surrendered her precious baby to another couple to raise, it did not lesson her mother’s heart and longing to know her daughter?
The other contestants on the show make for some fun and interesting dynamics. I laughed out loud a couple of times at the dilemmas the contestants faced and Monica’s unique challenge due to a few injuries but she is no quitter and keeps on!
The author gives us humor, heart-felt emotion and some fun romance. What a great read!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Monica gave up a baby for adoption 25 years ago but tell that to her heart! Monica managed to come to terms with the difficult decision she made out of love. Now, 25 years later, she is approached to be a contestant on a survivor show as a partner to her long-lost daughter. How can she say no! An opportunity to get to know her daughter, at last!
Monica is vulnerable yet tough; and motivated by love for her daughter and the hopes that they can somehow, and at last, forge a relationship. So she agrees to go on the reality show, Last Family Standing. What follows is challenging adventure. Her daughter wants to win the competition badly so Monica must delve deep to compete against nearly impossible odds. Can she prove to her daughter, Jess, how much she loves her? And, though she surrendered her precious baby to another couple to raise, it did not lesson her mother’s heart and longing to know her daughter?
The other contestants on the show make for some fun and interesting dynamics. I laughed out loud a couple of times at the dilemmas the contestants faced and Monica’s unique challenge due to a few injuries but she is no quitter and keeps on!
The author gives us humor, heart-felt emotion and some fun romance. What a great read!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2014
I got an advance copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this one, it kept me hooked from the first page. Monica is such a sweetheart and yet she’s fragile too. Not many people would see it but I do. She’s gets the shock of her life when she’s called over to her friends house and see’s on T.V. the daughter she gave away, searching for her. Naturally following a mother’s instincts Monica wants to see her child and accepts the invitation to go on reality T.V. and the adventure takes off from there.
This book have me laughing every other page. Monica’s emotions and reactions were so really I felt like I was standing right next to her instead of reading about her. I loved the chemistry between her and Rick. From the start I was rooting for Monica and Jessica to spend time together and hopefully stay in touch after and become apart of each other’s lives. I will admit that I felt bad for Monica, everytime you turn around she’s getting some bruise or other. She was like a pincushion. All in all it was a very fascinating and exciting read and I give a big thumbs up to the author.
I really enjoyed reading this one, it kept me hooked from the first page. Monica is such a sweetheart and yet she’s fragile too. Not many people would see it but I do. She’s gets the shock of her life when she’s called over to her friends house and see’s on T.V. the daughter she gave away, searching for her. Naturally following a mother’s instincts Monica wants to see her child and accepts the invitation to go on reality T.V. and the adventure takes off from there.
This book have me laughing every other page. Monica’s emotions and reactions were so really I felt like I was standing right next to her instead of reading about her. I loved the chemistry between her and Rick. From the start I was rooting for Monica and Jessica to spend time together and hopefully stay in touch after and become apart of each other’s lives. I will admit that I felt bad for Monica, everytime you turn around she’s getting some bruise or other. She was like a pincushion. All in all it was a very fascinating and exciting read and I give a big thumbs up to the author.
October 29, 2025
AlLee's latest book takes on reality TV. This story is very similar to Survivor, and while there is an added element of family, the story is not fresh or new. All elements of the game are literally taken from the popular reality TV show. AlLee's ending to the story, while understandable, is very unsatisfying. This reader wanted much more.
Monica Stanton has spent the last 25 years of her life wondering what her life would have been like if she'd kept the daughter she gave up for adoption. Now, the unimaginable has happened. Jess, Monica's daughter, wants to reconnect with her. This isn't to be a normal re-connection, though. She wants to meet her and reconnect while playing the reality TV game Last Family Standing. Meeting her daughter for the first time makes Monica nervous enough, but to then add in meeting on a game show in front of millions of people? When Monica finds out the true reason for Jess playing the game, she knows she had to do all she can to make the win theirs.
Monica Stanton has spent the last 25 years of her life wondering what her life would have been like if she'd kept the daughter she gave up for adoption. Now, the unimaginable has happened. Jess, Monica's daughter, wants to reconnect with her. This isn't to be a normal re-connection, though. She wants to meet her and reconnect while playing the reality TV game Last Family Standing. Meeting her daughter for the first time makes Monica nervous enough, but to then add in meeting on a game show in front of millions of people? When Monica finds out the true reason for Jess playing the game, she knows she had to do all she can to make the win theirs.
November 11, 2014
What a good story.... First I would like to thank Goodreads Giveaways and Jennifer AlLee for giving me this book. Thanks!
This was a very fun book to read. It was so similar to the game show on TV , it was amazing how the show and the book match up. The story's setting takes place on an island. Mom and daughter are partners on the game show. Mom which is named Monica, made a hard choice when she was pregnant to give the baby up for adoption when she was born. Monica was at a hard time in her life and thought it best. Never had the chance to tell the dad that she was pregnant. Daughter, Jess, asks Monica to come on the game to meet her. Monica goes on the game, meets Jess, plays the game. Jess's real father also comes to the game to meet her. All a big surprise for everyone.
There was a lot of laughter while reading this book. It was an easy fast read. Kept my interest all the way through. What I didn't like was the end. Not enough INFO...
This was a very fun book to read. It was so similar to the game show on TV , it was amazing how the show and the book match up. The story's setting takes place on an island. Mom and daughter are partners on the game show. Mom which is named Monica, made a hard choice when she was pregnant to give the baby up for adoption when she was born. Monica was at a hard time in her life and thought it best. Never had the chance to tell the dad that she was pregnant. Daughter, Jess, asks Monica to come on the game to meet her. Monica goes on the game, meets Jess, plays the game. Jess's real father also comes to the game to meet her. All a big surprise for everyone.
There was a lot of laughter while reading this book. It was an easy fast read. Kept my interest all the way through. What I didn't like was the end. Not enough INFO...
August 19, 2014
This book has it all... grief, laughter, reconnecting with a child you gave up for adoption. Monica had good reason for giving up her daughter, she was unable to provide... going hungry. Though a hard thing to do she knew it was best for her baby. Now Monica has agreed to go on a reality show to meet her daughter who has been looking for her.
I enjoyed this book very much, once mother and daughter met they began an exciting adventure which had me smiling as I turned pages. This is another Alee hit!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2014
Monica Stanton's past decisions have caught up with her. When the baby she put up for adoption states on national TV she wants to do a reality TV show with her, She feels she has no choice. Monica and Jessica must face many trials physically and emotionally all while being captured on camera. Can Monica make it through the drama? Will Jessica ever let her guard down? There are many twists and turns throughout this book. I love the dialogue, the characters and details in this book. It is full of choices, forgiveness, friendship and a dash of love. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good clean contemporary christian fiction.
April 28, 2014
With all the competition and obstacles of a reality TV show, Last Family Standing by Jennifer AlLee will have you turning page after page to see who wins. AlLee does an excellent portrayal of emotions in this book. They snap with electricity and are anything but stereotypical. Novel Rocket and I give it a high recommendation. It's a perfect Spring or Summer read.
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