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One Beautiful Year of Normal
A must-read for fans of character-driven suspense like Liz Moore’s Long Bright River and A. J. Finn’s The Woman in the Window, One Beautiful Year of Normal is a gripping psychological thriller about a woman’s dangerous decision to unearth her family’s darkest secrets.
Some memories protect you. Others imprison you.
When August Caine receives a phone call from a Savannah attorney, she is blindsided by the news—her Aunt Helen has passed away. But how can that be, when August’s mother insisted Helen died in a car accident fifteen years ago? Determined to uncover the truth, August returns to the deep South, where the ghosts of her past—both real and imagined—await her.
Plagued by a memory splintered by her father’s unsolved murder when she was a child and further tangled by psychiatric treatments for the debilitating depression she struggles with, August realizes her survival depends on unraveling the mystery surrounding her father’s death. This means returning to the one safe place she remembers from the childhood she has mostly locked away inside her Aunt Helen’s home, and the ghost tours they created together.
A chilling exploration of mental illness, mother-daughter bonds, and generational secrets, One Beautiful Year of Normal follows August as she pieces together the long-buried truths that shaped her family’s tragic past and confronts the question that has haunted her for Can the truth set her free, or will it unravel everything she thought she knew?
Some memories protect you. Others imprison you.
When August Caine receives a phone call from a Savannah attorney, she is blindsided by the news—her Aunt Helen has passed away. But how can that be, when August’s mother insisted Helen died in a car accident fifteen years ago? Determined to uncover the truth, August returns to the deep South, where the ghosts of her past—both real and imagined—await her.
Plagued by a memory splintered by her father’s unsolved murder when she was a child and further tangled by psychiatric treatments for the debilitating depression she struggles with, August realizes her survival depends on unraveling the mystery surrounding her father’s death. This means returning to the one safe place she remembers from the childhood she has mostly locked away inside her Aunt Helen’s home, and the ghost tours they created together.
A chilling exploration of mental illness, mother-daughter bonds, and generational secrets, One Beautiful Year of Normal follows August as she pieces together the long-buried truths that shaped her family’s tragic past and confronts the question that has haunted her for Can the truth set her free, or will it unravel everything she thought she knew?
312 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
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January 2, 2026
Note: I was provided an advance reader copy of the book.
No spoilers since I intend this to be read by those considering pre-ordering or purchasing the book.
The interesting thing about family secrets is that while they’re ostensibly meant to shield the family from public scrutiny, they tend to obfuscate the truth for those within the family. In Sandra K. Griffith’s debut 2026 novel, out February 24th, One Beautiful Year of Normal, family secrets stretch taut from Paris, France to Savannah, Georgia and across 18 years, threatening to unravel the entire edifice.
August is 30 years old and living in Paris as a ghostwriter. She helps other people tell their stories, which is juxtaposed to the fact of knowing so little of her own story. When she’s notified by a lawyer in Savannah that her aunt, Helen, has died, she’s perplexed. After all, her mother told her Helen died 15 years ago. When the lawyer confirms that, no, Helen died 15 minutes ago, that aforementioned edifice of family secrets faces its first threat of teetering over.
When August was 8 years old, still living in New York City, her father was murdered on her birthday, of all days. For the next three years, she became a de facto caregiver for her mother, who had become mute and swallowed whole by her grief. Which again, it’s jarring that August became a ghostwriter, of a kind, for her mother given what her occupation as an adult would be. Then, in turn, clearly, August’s mother became a “ghostwriter” of how August understood her life, and certainly, of Helen’s, since she conjured up her fabricated death for August.
One day, again on August’s birthday as an 11 year old, Aunt Helen comes to NYC to bring August to Savannah, where she is retired after a career in the Navy. August’s mother is going to be institutionalized, at least until she returns exactly one year later to whisk August away yet again, this time back to Paris (and then on to Italy), as paranoid nomads. Hence, then, the namesake of the book, One Beautiful Year of Normal, where August experienced what it was like to have a “normal” childhood with Helen, to be loved and to love, to have fun.
Of course, “normal” is relative and dictated by what we know within the cocoon weaved by our familial structure. In the case of August, the three years spent caretaking for her mother, keeping the façade of life operational, was normal. The year with Helen then became the new, different form of normal. And then once again, becoming a paranoid nomad with her mute mother was a return to a familiar kind of normal. We only have what we know … until we don’t.
Through Griffith’s narrative, alternating between August’s year of normal at 11 years old to her unfurling the family secrets at 30 years old — with a doting, compassionate, and patient childhood crush returning to her life — August comes to understand that what we see through the lens of childhood innocence isn’t always what it seems and that even as adults, we maintain that lens to avoid painful truths. Indeed, to unfurl the secrets of the family is to hold up a mirror reflecting back upon yourself and how you are a composite of those secrets, for better or worse.
Griffith’s debut book presented a great deal of tenderness through August as she reckons with what she thought she knew about her family and her life, but never in an overly maudlin way. If anything, the cerebral moments August has in her head, and especially the conversations she has with Thomas, the boyhood crush, have the quality of being that positive kind of cringe that is endearing and affable. Positive cringe has a way of elucidating truth, too, and engendering well-earned optimism. Cringe has unnecessary connotation in that way, but I digress. I particularly enjoyed the voice Griffith brought to 11 year old August: mature because of needing to be a caregiver foisted upon her while still being a child with plentiful unknowns, but an insatiable curiosity.
I thoroughly enjoyed Griffith’s book, and found myself reading at a feverish pace as more and more secrets of August’s family were divulged and learned. And of course, the Southern setting is always going to add an inherent layer of intrigue to any story. In this case, the feel-good charm comes from Savannah and the “gothic” looms large from the Paris and NYC side of things. For those interested in books about familial drama, you have to add One Beautiful Year of Normal to your 2026 to-be-read list.
No spoilers since I intend this to be read by those considering pre-ordering or purchasing the book.
The interesting thing about family secrets is that while they’re ostensibly meant to shield the family from public scrutiny, they tend to obfuscate the truth for those within the family. In Sandra K. Griffith’s debut 2026 novel, out February 24th, One Beautiful Year of Normal, family secrets stretch taut from Paris, France to Savannah, Georgia and across 18 years, threatening to unravel the entire edifice.
August is 30 years old and living in Paris as a ghostwriter. She helps other people tell their stories, which is juxtaposed to the fact of knowing so little of her own story. When she’s notified by a lawyer in Savannah that her aunt, Helen, has died, she’s perplexed. After all, her mother told her Helen died 15 years ago. When the lawyer confirms that, no, Helen died 15 minutes ago, that aforementioned edifice of family secrets faces its first threat of teetering over.
When August was 8 years old, still living in New York City, her father was murdered on her birthday, of all days. For the next three years, she became a de facto caregiver for her mother, who had become mute and swallowed whole by her grief. Which again, it’s jarring that August became a ghostwriter, of a kind, for her mother given what her occupation as an adult would be. Then, in turn, clearly, August’s mother became a “ghostwriter” of how August understood her life, and certainly, of Helen’s, since she conjured up her fabricated death for August.
One day, again on August’s birthday as an 11 year old, Aunt Helen comes to NYC to bring August to Savannah, where she is retired after a career in the Navy. August’s mother is going to be institutionalized, at least until she returns exactly one year later to whisk August away yet again, this time back to Paris (and then on to Italy), as paranoid nomads. Hence, then, the namesake of the book, One Beautiful Year of Normal, where August experienced what it was like to have a “normal” childhood with Helen, to be loved and to love, to have fun.
Of course, “normal” is relative and dictated by what we know within the cocoon weaved by our familial structure. In the case of August, the three years spent caretaking for her mother, keeping the façade of life operational, was normal. The year with Helen then became the new, different form of normal. And then once again, becoming a paranoid nomad with her mute mother was a return to a familiar kind of normal. We only have what we know … until we don’t.
Through Griffith’s narrative, alternating between August’s year of normal at 11 years old to her unfurling the family secrets at 30 years old — with a doting, compassionate, and patient childhood crush returning to her life — August comes to understand that what we see through the lens of childhood innocence isn’t always what it seems and that even as adults, we maintain that lens to avoid painful truths. Indeed, to unfurl the secrets of the family is to hold up a mirror reflecting back upon yourself and how you are a composite of those secrets, for better or worse.
Griffith’s debut book presented a great deal of tenderness through August as she reckons with what she thought she knew about her family and her life, but never in an overly maudlin way. If anything, the cerebral moments August has in her head, and especially the conversations she has with Thomas, the boyhood crush, have the quality of being that positive kind of cringe that is endearing and affable. Positive cringe has a way of elucidating truth, too, and engendering well-earned optimism. Cringe has unnecessary connotation in that way, but I digress. I particularly enjoyed the voice Griffith brought to 11 year old August: mature because of needing to be a caregiver foisted upon her while still being a child with plentiful unknowns, but an insatiable curiosity.
I thoroughly enjoyed Griffith’s book, and found myself reading at a feverish pace as more and more secrets of August’s family were divulged and learned. And of course, the Southern setting is always going to add an inherent layer of intrigue to any story. In this case, the feel-good charm comes from Savannah and the “gothic” looms large from the Paris and NYC side of things. For those interested in books about familial drama, you have to add One Beautiful Year of Normal to your 2026 to-be-read list.
February 28, 2026
Thank you to She Writes Press and Netgalley for the gifted copy of this e-ARC...this is my honest review.
📱One Beautiful Year of Normal📱
Author: Sandra K. Griffith
Pub Date: February 24, 2026
Publisher: She Writes Press
MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay...Why is this book not being talked about everywhere?! And how does it have less than 50 reviews on GoodReads right now?! One Beautiful Year of Normal is an absolutely RIVETING character-driven literary psychological thriller about a woman's decision to unearth her family's darkest secrets. I was completely captivated by this book from start to finish, and I loved it so much that I went online and bought a physical copy for my bookshelf as soon as I finished reading.
What begins as a heavily character-driven slow burn starts revealing more of its psychological thriller undertones just past the halfway point of the story. I was already obsessed with Griffith's multi-layered character development and compelling storylines, but once the psychological thriller aspects came to the forefront, it was all over for me. I absolutely devoured the second half of this unputdownable book, Saturday morning plans be damned.
When August Caine receives a phone call from a Savannah attorney, she is blindsided by the news—her Aunt Helen has passed away. But how can that be, when August’s mother insisted Helen died in a car accident fifteen years ago? Determined to uncover the truth, August returns to the deep South, where the ghosts of her past—both real and imagined—await her. The story is told in dual timelines of past and present, which brilliantly showed how August pieces together the long-buried truths that shaped her family’s tragic past. As she does, she must confront the question that has haunted her for years: Can the truth set her free, or will it unravel everything she thought she knew?
This book explored themes of grief, regret, longing, mental illness, mother-daughter bonds, and generational secrets. I was surprised to find myself crying during several parts of the book. And not just a few tears -- I'm talking big, chest-tightening sobs. The writing was so beautiful, and the way Griffith approached some of the book's themes really seemed to connect with me. I really loved August's character, and I became both fiercely protective and incredibly proud of her journey in these pages.
If you're a fan of character-driven psychological suspense and lit fic reads - I think you'll find this book is a perfect marriage of the two. It's reminiscent of books like The Death Of Us or The Last Illusion of Paige White, both of which I similarly devoured. I am going to recommend this book to everyone, because we are not talking about it enough. One Beautiful Year of Normal will be among my favorite reads of 2026 -- and I think it will be for you too.
#OneBeautifulYearOfNormal #SandraKGriffith #SheWritesPress #gifted #eARC #Netgalley #fivestarreads #MUSTREADS #literarypsychologicalthriller #fictionalreads #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
📱One Beautiful Year of Normal📱
Author: Sandra K. Griffith
Pub Date: February 24, 2026
Publisher: She Writes Press
MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay...Why is this book not being talked about everywhere?! And how does it have less than 50 reviews on GoodReads right now?! One Beautiful Year of Normal is an absolutely RIVETING character-driven literary psychological thriller about a woman's decision to unearth her family's darkest secrets. I was completely captivated by this book from start to finish, and I loved it so much that I went online and bought a physical copy for my bookshelf as soon as I finished reading.
What begins as a heavily character-driven slow burn starts revealing more of its psychological thriller undertones just past the halfway point of the story. I was already obsessed with Griffith's multi-layered character development and compelling storylines, but once the psychological thriller aspects came to the forefront, it was all over for me. I absolutely devoured the second half of this unputdownable book, Saturday morning plans be damned.
When August Caine receives a phone call from a Savannah attorney, she is blindsided by the news—her Aunt Helen has passed away. But how can that be, when August’s mother insisted Helen died in a car accident fifteen years ago? Determined to uncover the truth, August returns to the deep South, where the ghosts of her past—both real and imagined—await her. The story is told in dual timelines of past and present, which brilliantly showed how August pieces together the long-buried truths that shaped her family’s tragic past. As she does, she must confront the question that has haunted her for years: Can the truth set her free, or will it unravel everything she thought she knew?
This book explored themes of grief, regret, longing, mental illness, mother-daughter bonds, and generational secrets. I was surprised to find myself crying during several parts of the book. And not just a few tears -- I'm talking big, chest-tightening sobs. The writing was so beautiful, and the way Griffith approached some of the book's themes really seemed to connect with me. I really loved August's character, and I became both fiercely protective and incredibly proud of her journey in these pages.
If you're a fan of character-driven psychological suspense and lit fic reads - I think you'll find this book is a perfect marriage of the two. It's reminiscent of books like The Death Of Us or The Last Illusion of Paige White, both of which I similarly devoured. I am going to recommend this book to everyone, because we are not talking about it enough. One Beautiful Year of Normal will be among my favorite reads of 2026 -- and I think it will be for you too.
#OneBeautifulYearOfNormal #SandraKGriffith #SheWritesPress #gifted #eARC #Netgalley #fivestarreads #MUSTREADS #literarypsychologicalthriller #fictionalreads #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
February 17, 2026
One Beautiful Year of Normal by Sandra K Griffith. Thanks to @shewritespress for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August Caine stayed with her aunt in Savannah when she was a kid for one year, then went back to her mother who suffered from depression and PTSD. She goes back to Savannah when her aunt dies, yet she was told her aunt died fifteen years ago. She realizes she has a lot of family secrets to unravel; including who murdered her father.
This was beautifully written and I have an entire page full of meaningful quotes from the story. I love Savannah, Georgia and it was the perfect setting for dark and deep family secrets. The family history was a little complex, so you need to pay attention carefully. I could have done with a family tree. It is a great read; lots of sadness due to missed opportunities for love and connection but it’s a great character driven story, with lots of suspense and development.
“The one thing I knew for sure, though, was it was time to set aside my newly found rage, collect more evidence, and for once, make some choices based on truth.”
Read if you like:
-Savannah or southern settings
-Family secrets
-Murder mysteries
One Beautiful Year of Normal comes out 2/24.
August Caine stayed with her aunt in Savannah when she was a kid for one year, then went back to her mother who suffered from depression and PTSD. She goes back to Savannah when her aunt dies, yet she was told her aunt died fifteen years ago. She realizes she has a lot of family secrets to unravel; including who murdered her father.
This was beautifully written and I have an entire page full of meaningful quotes from the story. I love Savannah, Georgia and it was the perfect setting for dark and deep family secrets. The family history was a little complex, so you need to pay attention carefully. I could have done with a family tree. It is a great read; lots of sadness due to missed opportunities for love and connection but it’s a great character driven story, with lots of suspense and development.
“The one thing I knew for sure, though, was it was time to set aside my newly found rage, collect more evidence, and for once, make some choices based on truth.”
Read if you like:
-Savannah or southern settings
-Family secrets
-Murder mysteries
One Beautiful Year of Normal comes out 2/24.
February 22, 2026
One Beautiful Year of Normal is a fascinating story, slowly unfolding layers of secrets as our main character starts to uncover the truth about her family.
August Caine is a ghostwriter, someone used to keeping herself hidden. One day she receives a call to tell her that her aunt has died. Only her mother told her that this aunt had died fifteen years earlier. Something very odd is going on, so August heads back to the Deep South to try and find answers.
What she uncovers is bizarre.
Alongside learning the truth about her family, August comes to understand more about her childhood and the choices those around her made. It doesn’t all make sense, and there’s a definite sense of turmoil that comes through as we reach the closing stages. The author’s background in psychology is evident throughout. Anyone who doesn’t mind a slow-burn character study will love this.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
August Caine is a ghostwriter, someone used to keeping herself hidden. One day she receives a call to tell her that her aunt has died. Only her mother told her that this aunt had died fifteen years earlier. Something very odd is going on, so August heads back to the Deep South to try and find answers.
What she uncovers is bizarre.
Alongside learning the truth about her family, August comes to understand more about her childhood and the choices those around her made. It doesn’t all make sense, and there’s a definite sense of turmoil that comes through as we reach the closing stages. The author’s background in psychology is evident throughout. Anyone who doesn’t mind a slow-burn character study will love this.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
March 13, 2026
4.5 stars
Read
January 7, 2026One Beautiful Year of Normal is a haunting, character-driven psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth. Sandra K. Griffith delivers a story where memory, mental illness, and long-buried family secrets intertwine, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and deeply human.
August Caine is a compelling and vulnerable protagonist, shaped by trauma, loss, and fractured memories stemming from her father’s unsolved murder and years of psychiatric treatment. The mystery surrounding her aunt’s supposed death and the shocking revelation that it may have been a lie pulls readers into a layered narrative where truth is elusive and memory itself becomes suspect. Griffith’s portrayal of depression and survival is handled with sensitivity and authenticity, grounding the suspense in real emotional stakes.
What makes this novel stand out is its emotional intelligence. The exploration of mother daughter bonds, generational secrecy, and the cost of protecting painful truths elevates the story beyond a traditional thriller. One Beautiful Year of Normal is chilling, intimate, and deeply reflective a novel that keeps you turning pages while asking difficult questions about whether uncovering the truth truly sets us free.
August Caine is a compelling and vulnerable protagonist, shaped by trauma, loss, and fractured memories stemming from her father’s unsolved murder and years of psychiatric treatment. The mystery surrounding her aunt’s supposed death and the shocking revelation that it may have been a lie pulls readers into a layered narrative where truth is elusive and memory itself becomes suspect. Griffith’s portrayal of depression and survival is handled with sensitivity and authenticity, grounding the suspense in real emotional stakes.
What makes this novel stand out is its emotional intelligence. The exploration of mother daughter bonds, generational secrecy, and the cost of protecting painful truths elevates the story beyond a traditional thriller. One Beautiful Year of Normal is chilling, intimate, and deeply reflective a novel that keeps you turning pages while asking difficult questions about whether uncovering the truth truly sets us free.
February 24, 2026
Huge thanks to She Writes Press for this eARC!
We learn about the main character’s (August or, as they go by now, Giselle) childhood and trauma, often bonded together. We head back to the deep south to unfold the secrets of August Caine’s family and the truth surrounding the decisions made.
Intriguing read, so well-written and the setting works perfectly, it is as descriptive as it needs to be.
We learn about the main character’s (August or, as they go by now, Giselle) childhood and trauma, often bonded together. We head back to the deep south to unfold the secrets of August Caine’s family and the truth surrounding the decisions made.
Intriguing read, so well-written and the setting works perfectly, it is as descriptive as it needs to be.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One Beautiful Year of Normal by Sandra K. Griffith is a highly recommended Southern domestic drama, with gothic and soap opera undertones, which focuses on character development while exploring family secrets.
At age eight while living in NYC, August Caine's father was murdered and her French mother retreated into silence and depression. August was caring for her mother and their home until Helen showed up on August's eleventh birthday, getting her mother help and taking August to Savannah. August spent one wonderful year with her Aunt Helen and experienced a real childhood, safety, a social life, and bonding with an adult who cared for her. Then her mentally ill mother arrived, and snatched August away to France and keeping them constantly on the move so they couldn't be found.
Then August, at age thirty, receives a shocking phone call from a Savannah attorney informing her that her Aunt Helen has passed away - but August's mother said she died fifteen years earlier. August, who was living in Paris under a new name, returns to Savannah, Georgia for her aunt Helen's funeral and to settle the estate, which August inherits. Once there she realizes she needs to solve her father's murder, address the complex relationship with her mother, dig into her family history, and even reconnects with an old friend.
This is a well-written, descriptive and atmospheric, but slow-paced, character driven drama written from August’s first-person perspective as she explores her past while dealing with her current situation. Much of her life has been filled with deception, starting with her father's unsolved murder followed closely by her mother's illness and lies, resulting in much of the soul-searching narrative focused on an examination of her life. The plot is really an introspective deep dive into the psychological effects of the trauma and deceit in her life. This exploration makes since based on Griffith’s background in psychology.
The narrative was interesting and held my attention, however, the novel also requires a huge does of disbelief to be accepted. The obvious first doubt raised is that no one questioning/noticed much sooner August, at age eight after her father was murdered, taking care of her mother and moving through the city. This includes the police officer who eventually contacted Helen. The second, which gave the novel a soap opera feeling, was the depiction of everyone seemingly recipients of great generational wealth. Finally, the end felt rushed, like an information dump.
One Beautiful Year of Normal is a great choice for those who enjoy Southern domestic dramas, and enjoy ghost stories. Thanks to She Writes Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
At age eight while living in NYC, August Caine's father was murdered and her French mother retreated into silence and depression. August was caring for her mother and their home until Helen showed up on August's eleventh birthday, getting her mother help and taking August to Savannah. August spent one wonderful year with her Aunt Helen and experienced a real childhood, safety, a social life, and bonding with an adult who cared for her. Then her mentally ill mother arrived, and snatched August away to France and keeping them constantly on the move so they couldn't be found.
Then August, at age thirty, receives a shocking phone call from a Savannah attorney informing her that her Aunt Helen has passed away - but August's mother said she died fifteen years earlier. August, who was living in Paris under a new name, returns to Savannah, Georgia for her aunt Helen's funeral and to settle the estate, which August inherits. Once there she realizes she needs to solve her father's murder, address the complex relationship with her mother, dig into her family history, and even reconnects with an old friend.
This is a well-written, descriptive and atmospheric, but slow-paced, character driven drama written from August’s first-person perspective as she explores her past while dealing with her current situation. Much of her life has been filled with deception, starting with her father's unsolved murder followed closely by her mother's illness and lies, resulting in much of the soul-searching narrative focused on an examination of her life. The plot is really an introspective deep dive into the psychological effects of the trauma and deceit in her life. This exploration makes since based on Griffith’s background in psychology.
The narrative was interesting and held my attention, however, the novel also requires a huge does of disbelief to be accepted. The obvious first doubt raised is that no one questioning/noticed much sooner August, at age eight after her father was murdered, taking care of her mother and moving through the city. This includes the police officer who eventually contacted Helen. The second, which gave the novel a soap opera feeling, was the depiction of everyone seemingly recipients of great generational wealth. Finally, the end felt rushed, like an information dump.
One Beautiful Year of Normal is a great choice for those who enjoy Southern domestic dramas, and enjoy ghost stories. Thanks to She Writes Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
One Beautiful Year of Normal by Sandra K. Griffith publishes February 24th with She Writes Press and is described as ‘character suspense…a gripping psychological thriller about a woman’s dangerous decision to unearth her family’s darkest secrets.’
August Caine has chosen to live a life very much on her own terms. With a challenging history she has attempted to deal with her demons, which have, in the past, left her institutionalised. Now living in Paris, she has created some semblance of a normal life but it is completely upended the day she receives a call from an attorney in Savannah that will alter the course of her life.
August is estranged from her mother with minimal communication. For years she was lead to believe that her Aunt Helen was dead. But now, following this unexpected phone call, she is completely flummoxed. With no choice but to return to Savannah in search of the truth, August is terrified with what she might find.
August’s father, Helen’s brother, was murdered outside the family apartment in New York when August was young. Her mother spiralled and eventually Helen came to August’s rescue and took her to live with her in Savannah. August had been through some very difficult years having to grow up before her time. Left insular and quite the loner, August found Savannah extraordinary. Initially she was very reticent of this new life presented to her but in time she got used to her Aunt Helen and her quirky ways. For one beautiful year August lived with Helen until she no longer did.
Now back in the homestead, which was also the place where her father came from, August has to deal with a whole set of lies that she has been fed. In order to uncover the truth she must dig deep but in doing so she will have to face some very dark secrets. As August attempts to unravel the mystery of her harrowing past she is faced with some unbearable and soul destroying truths. Can August conquer her fears? Can she ever live the life she hope and dreams of?
I would be slow to describe this novel as a thriller as, for me, it was more of a dramatic family mystery. The area where the book is set is well known to Sandra K. Griffith and this sense of familiarity shines through in the descriptions, with the searing heat of a hot Savannah day. August Caine is an interesting character. She has been through so much in her life but her resilience is what keeps her going, one foot in front of the other. One Beautiful Year of Normal is an atmospheric tale with quite a complicated layer of lies and secrets. Overall it is a solid debut.
August Caine has chosen to live a life very much on her own terms. With a challenging history she has attempted to deal with her demons, which have, in the past, left her institutionalised. Now living in Paris, she has created some semblance of a normal life but it is completely upended the day she receives a call from an attorney in Savannah that will alter the course of her life.
August is estranged from her mother with minimal communication. For years she was lead to believe that her Aunt Helen was dead. But now, following this unexpected phone call, she is completely flummoxed. With no choice but to return to Savannah in search of the truth, August is terrified with what she might find.
August’s father, Helen’s brother, was murdered outside the family apartment in New York when August was young. Her mother spiralled and eventually Helen came to August’s rescue and took her to live with her in Savannah. August had been through some very difficult years having to grow up before her time. Left insular and quite the loner, August found Savannah extraordinary. Initially she was very reticent of this new life presented to her but in time she got used to her Aunt Helen and her quirky ways. For one beautiful year August lived with Helen until she no longer did.
Now back in the homestead, which was also the place where her father came from, August has to deal with a whole set of lies that she has been fed. In order to uncover the truth she must dig deep but in doing so she will have to face some very dark secrets. As August attempts to unravel the mystery of her harrowing past she is faced with some unbearable and soul destroying truths. Can August conquer her fears? Can she ever live the life she hope and dreams of?
I would be slow to describe this novel as a thriller as, for me, it was more of a dramatic family mystery. The area where the book is set is well known to Sandra K. Griffith and this sense of familiarity shines through in the descriptions, with the searing heat of a hot Savannah day. August Caine is an interesting character. She has been through so much in her life but her resilience is what keeps her going, one foot in front of the other. One Beautiful Year of Normal is an atmospheric tale with quite a complicated layer of lies and secrets. Overall it is a solid debut.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a psychological thriller about a woman named August Caine who lives with her parents in New York. On her eighth birthday, August's father is murdered just outside of their home. His sudden death breaks August's mother mentally. She holes up inside of herself and only communicates by writing her daughter notes. For three years, August learns to take care of herself. She learns not to bring attention to her precarious home life so she doesn't go into foster care. She attends school online and spends her days in the library where she reads everything she can get her hands on. She shops for food, she prepares meals, she cleans the house and her mother remains silent.
When August is eleven, she comes home to a stranger in her kitchen. The woman looks remarkably like her father, and August finds out she's her aunt Helen. Helen explains that August's mother has been taken to a hospital, and August is to move to Savannah and live with Helen. She's afraid to go with this person she doesn't know, to leave the only place that's ever been home, but later, August calls this time her one beautiful year of normal.
There is so much to this tale. Griffin tells a story of mental illness, of the relationship between mothers and daughters, and of deep, family secrets that go back for generations. As August continues to remember, as she continues to put the pieces together, I found myself wondering if the truth was going to make her complete, or if it was going to break her further apart.
The narrative is simply beautiful. It's atmospheric—Savannah and Tybee Island are both gorgeously described—and I could see the inside of Helen's home and the tress on her property as if I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed Griffin's writing style.
When August is eleven, she comes home to a stranger in her kitchen. The woman looks remarkably like her father, and August finds out she's her aunt Helen. Helen explains that August's mother has been taken to a hospital, and August is to move to Savannah and live with Helen. She's afraid to go with this person she doesn't know, to leave the only place that's ever been home, but later, August calls this time her one beautiful year of normal.
There is so much to this tale. Griffin tells a story of mental illness, of the relationship between mothers and daughters, and of deep, family secrets that go back for generations. As August continues to remember, as she continues to put the pieces together, I found myself wondering if the truth was going to make her complete, or if it was going to break her further apart.
The narrative is simply beautiful. It's atmospheric—Savannah and Tybee Island are both gorgeously described—and I could see the inside of Helen's home and the tress on her property as if I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed Griffin's writing style.
Review of advance copy
Thank you, @booksparks, for the gifted ARC!
Rundown:
✨️Southern Gothic atmosphere
✨️returning home
✨️generational secrets
✨️hidden past
✨️mental illness
Synopsis ✒️
August is stunned when she receives a phone call that her Aunt Helen has passed away since she thought she had died fifteen years before. Determined to find out the truth, she returns to her hometown in the south to find answers. What she uncovers deals with the death of her father, psychiatric treatments, and depression. The further she digs, the more she learns, and the answers are shocking.
Thoughts 💭
This story unfolds slowly. The majority of it toggles between the year August lived with her Aunt Helen and the present after she returned to handle her estate. Sometimes, the jumps were confusing. There wasn't a clear indicator of what time period I was reading, and it was hard switching so freely between the two. Family secrets were the main focus. Why did her mom take her away and tell her that her Aunt Helen was dead years before she actually died? Who was responsible for killing her father? It all comes out a little rushed at the end. I would say two-thirds of the book talks about what happened when August was a child and August going through the estate even though you don't need a lot of those details to progress the story. They were either summarized or implied earlier in the book. Then, the mystery aspect is rushed and a little crazy at the end. All these new people and connections come to light. I did overall enjoy it, but I think the book could've been laid out better. August went through some interesting character development, and I enjoyed the love story between her and her former childhood friend. I think the pacing weighed it down.
Rundown:
✨️Southern Gothic atmosphere
✨️returning home
✨️generational secrets
✨️hidden past
✨️mental illness
Synopsis ✒️
August is stunned when she receives a phone call that her Aunt Helen has passed away since she thought she had died fifteen years before. Determined to find out the truth, she returns to her hometown in the south to find answers. What she uncovers deals with the death of her father, psychiatric treatments, and depression. The further she digs, the more she learns, and the answers are shocking.
Thoughts 💭
This story unfolds slowly. The majority of it toggles between the year August lived with her Aunt Helen and the present after she returned to handle her estate. Sometimes, the jumps were confusing. There wasn't a clear indicator of what time period I was reading, and it was hard switching so freely between the two. Family secrets were the main focus. Why did her mom take her away and tell her that her Aunt Helen was dead years before she actually died? Who was responsible for killing her father? It all comes out a little rushed at the end. I would say two-thirds of the book talks about what happened when August was a child and August going through the estate even though you don't need a lot of those details to progress the story. They were either summarized or implied earlier in the book. Then, the mystery aspect is rushed and a little crazy at the end. All these new people and connections come to light. I did overall enjoy it, but I think the book could've been laid out better. August went through some interesting character development, and I enjoyed the love story between her and her former childhood friend. I think the pacing weighed it down.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow! Sandra K. Griffith, the Author of “One Beautiful Year of Normal” has written an evocative, captivating, intriguing and thought-provoking novel. The genres of this well- written novel are : Women’s Psychological Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery and Suspense with a dash of Romance. What would one define “Normal” as? In this unique and provocative novel, the author explores dysfunctional family relationships, devastating secrets, betrayals, estranged mother-daughter relationships, mental illness, and searching for self and the truth. The author vividly describes the landscape and scenery, and the dark, dramatic, colorful, intense, flawed, complex and complicated characters.
August Caine, one of the female protagonists in this story, receives a phone call from an attorney about the death of her Aunt Helen. August has had a traumatic life, her father was murdered, and her mother is in a psychiatric hospital. Her mother had told her that her Aunt passed away 15 years before in an accident, but the attorney informs August that her Aunt passed away 15 minutes ago. August has been living in France, but travels to Savannah to go to the funeral and settle the estate. August also realizes that she has to unravel past memories, lies and secrets, and put the pieces of the puzzle of her family’s past together to understand the truth. August has recollections of a wonderful year with her Aunt, and now has to deal with the ghosts and realities. I highly recommend this intense, memorable and thought-provoking thriller for others.
August Caine, one of the female protagonists in this story, receives a phone call from an attorney about the death of her Aunt Helen. August has had a traumatic life, her father was murdered, and her mother is in a psychiatric hospital. Her mother had told her that her Aunt passed away 15 years before in an accident, but the attorney informs August that her Aunt passed away 15 minutes ago. August has been living in France, but travels to Savannah to go to the funeral and settle the estate. August also realizes that she has to unravel past memories, lies and secrets, and put the pieces of the puzzle of her family’s past together to understand the truth. August has recollections of a wonderful year with her Aunt, and now has to deal with the ghosts and realities. I highly recommend this intense, memorable and thought-provoking thriller for others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
I love when a story opens with a moment that completely shakes up a character’s sense of their own life, and this one does exactly that—with a premise that’s both emotional and just unsettling enough to pull you right in.
One Beautiful Year of Normal hooked me right away with its premise—August gets a call saying her Aunt Helen just died, even though she was told Helen died fifteen years ago. That alone had me instantly curious. When she heads back to her Southern hometown to finally get answers, all the messy pieces of her past start resurfacing: her father’s unsolved murder, her fractured memories, and the complicated family secrets she’s tried to outrun.
I really liked the emotional depth here. The mix of mystery, trauma, and mental-health threads gives the story a heavier, more introspective feel, and the Southern setting adds this haunting, atmospheric layer that works so well. However, some parts feel slower and more internal than I expected, and it’s definitely more of a psychological unraveling than a twist-packed thriller.
Overall, it’s a moody, character-driven story that digs deep into family and memory—a quieter kind of suspense about returning home and facing the truth, and even without big twists, the emotional unraveling and atmospheric tension make it compelling in a different way.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I love when a story opens with a moment that completely shakes up a character’s sense of their own life, and this one does exactly that—with a premise that’s both emotional and just unsettling enough to pull you right in.
One Beautiful Year of Normal hooked me right away with its premise—August gets a call saying her Aunt Helen just died, even though she was told Helen died fifteen years ago. That alone had me instantly curious. When she heads back to her Southern hometown to finally get answers, all the messy pieces of her past start resurfacing: her father’s unsolved murder, her fractured memories, and the complicated family secrets she’s tried to outrun.
I really liked the emotional depth here. The mix of mystery, trauma, and mental-health threads gives the story a heavier, more introspective feel, and the Southern setting adds this haunting, atmospheric layer that works so well. However, some parts feel slower and more internal than I expected, and it’s definitely more of a psychological unraveling than a twist-packed thriller.
Overall, it’s a moody, character-driven story that digs deep into family and memory—a quieter kind of suspense about returning home and facing the truth, and even without big twists, the emotional unraveling and atmospheric tension make it compelling in a different way.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
March 9, 2026
3.75⭐️ While I don’t think I’d personally classify this as mystery/thriller as it was listed, rather general or maybe lit fic, it did have mysterious elements. It was a beautiful story of working through the grief of loss, both death and a life you once knew, as well as struggling to find oneself within a family and life so full of secrets.
If I’m being honest, I struggled to get past its slow start, but once I did get invested and pacing evened out, I really did enjoyed this one. Eleven year old August Caine’s father has been murdered, and her mother has completely shut down. She has managed to run the household while her mother seems to sink further into what she thinks is her grief, but eventually her Aunt Helen (whom she didn’t know existed) comes to take her to Savanah, GA while her mother gets the help she needs. As she settles into her new life in Savannah, she realizes just how closed off and not normal her life had become, as well as that her family has even more secrets than she thought. Her time with her Aunt becomes the most special of her life, until she’s taken away from it. Years later, when she learns of Helen’s passing, even more questions arise.
Throughout the story we get both the present day story, and many looks into August’s past to help piece together a life that is both tragic and beautiful. We see how impactful every decision can be, and follow August as she discovers what, and who was most important all along. That the answers you seek are not always what you want to learn.
I really enjoyed seeing August come into her own, but am sad that we didn’t get more time with Helen, as I really loved her character, and given the title. That said, the importance of that time was clear. As someone who grew up in an incredibly difficult mother-daughter relationship, I was able to relate to a lot of what August was feeling. But I struggle to know if I’d make some of the same decisions if I’d been in her shoes, especially at the end of the story. If you like a very well written tragic tale full of mysterious family secrets, working through and finding oneself after grief, with a gorgeous setting, this is a great pick for your next read! Despite my thinking that I would’ve done a few things differently, I’d definitely recommend this beautiful story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, She Writes Press, and Sandra K Griffith for the eARC of One Beautiful Year of Normal!
If I’m being honest, I struggled to get past its slow start, but once I did get invested and pacing evened out, I really did enjoyed this one. Eleven year old August Caine’s father has been murdered, and her mother has completely shut down. She has managed to run the household while her mother seems to sink further into what she thinks is her grief, but eventually her Aunt Helen (whom she didn’t know existed) comes to take her to Savanah, GA while her mother gets the help she needs. As she settles into her new life in Savannah, she realizes just how closed off and not normal her life had become, as well as that her family has even more secrets than she thought. Her time with her Aunt becomes the most special of her life, until she’s taken away from it. Years later, when she learns of Helen’s passing, even more questions arise.
Throughout the story we get both the present day story, and many looks into August’s past to help piece together a life that is both tragic and beautiful. We see how impactful every decision can be, and follow August as she discovers what, and who was most important all along. That the answers you seek are not always what you want to learn.
I really enjoyed seeing August come into her own, but am sad that we didn’t get more time with Helen, as I really loved her character, and given the title. That said, the importance of that time was clear. As someone who grew up in an incredibly difficult mother-daughter relationship, I was able to relate to a lot of what August was feeling. But I struggle to know if I’d make some of the same decisions if I’d been in her shoes, especially at the end of the story. If you like a very well written tragic tale full of mysterious family secrets, working through and finding oneself after grief, with a gorgeous setting, this is a great pick for your next read! Despite my thinking that I would’ve done a few things differently, I’d definitely recommend this beautiful story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, She Writes Press, and Sandra K Griffith for the eARC of One Beautiful Year of Normal!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for review - made it in just the nick of time!
im actually (perhaps over dramatically) sick to be so disappointed with how this turned out because of how hopeful i was for a satisfying resolution for truly 90% of the book. this was also a bit of a slow-burner, but the short chapters and fast pacing served as a life raft through the cryptic exposition.
i try to stay aware of my tendency to hyper-criticize thrillers due to lofty expectations. however, despite the fact that nothing was particularly thrilling to me about this story, i feel like the main point of suspense/mystery was resolved in such a way that was both highly convoluted and underwhelming.
there were also a lot of details across the entire book that could have been fleshed out a lot more, most notably thomas's character as a whole, which ultimately fell flat as loveable as he is. i think this was the biggest disappointment of all--knowing that the groundwork was laid for something great but not fully realized makes the absence of what could have been all the more noticeable.
and my biggest gripe of all...what in the world was thomas's sixth question to august during their game????
im actually (perhaps over dramatically) sick to be so disappointed with how this turned out because of how hopeful i was for a satisfying resolution for truly 90% of the book. this was also a bit of a slow-burner, but the short chapters and fast pacing served as a life raft through the cryptic exposition.
i try to stay aware of my tendency to hyper-criticize thrillers due to lofty expectations. however, despite the fact that nothing was particularly thrilling to me about this story, i feel like the main point of suspense/mystery was resolved in such a way that was both highly convoluted and underwhelming.
there were also a lot of details across the entire book that could have been fleshed out a lot more, most notably thomas's character as a whole, which ultimately fell flat as loveable as he is. i think this was the biggest disappointment of all--knowing that the groundwork was laid for something great but not fully realized makes the absence of what could have been all the more noticeable.
and my biggest gripe of all...what in the world was thomas's sixth question to august during their game????
March 14, 2026
This novel blends family secrets, grief, and long buried trauma into a story that unfolds across past and present timelines. When August learns that her Aunt Helen has died, she is shocked, especially because she had always been told Helen died years earlier. Returning to Savannah forces her to confront painful memories, unanswered questions, and the mystery surrounding her father’s murder.
For me, the setting of Savannah was truly the star of the show. The atmosphere, the history, and the connection to ghost tours and the city’s layered past created a really great backdrop for August’s journey.
That said, I did find the pacing quite slow at times, and parts of the book dragged for me. I also would not personally classify this as a psychological thriller. To me it felt much more like a family drama mixed with a mystery, focusing on generational secrets, grief, and complicated relationships.
The story explores heavy themes including mental illness, mother daughter relationships, regret, and the lasting impact of the past. Readers who enjoy character driven stories about uncovering family history may find a lot to connect with this one.
Thank you to Book Sparks for the gifted copy.
For me, the setting of Savannah was truly the star of the show. The atmosphere, the history, and the connection to ghost tours and the city’s layered past created a really great backdrop for August’s journey.
That said, I did find the pacing quite slow at times, and parts of the book dragged for me. I also would not personally classify this as a psychological thriller. To me it felt much more like a family drama mixed with a mystery, focusing on generational secrets, grief, and complicated relationships.
The story explores heavy themes including mental illness, mother daughter relationships, regret, and the lasting impact of the past. Readers who enjoy character driven stories about uncovering family history may find a lot to connect with this one.
Thank you to Book Sparks for the gifted copy.
January 22, 2026
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a beautiful book full of love and heart. I absolutely loved August, our main female lead, and I loved Tommy too. Aunt Helen sounded lovely too, on the whole (it was hard to completely love her after the mystery came out).
The story is about August being contacted out of the blue by a lawyer for her Aunt Helen’s estate back in Savannah, Georgia where she lived for one year when she was young following the murder of her father and hospitalisation of her mother. August is most shocked by the call as she’d always been led to believe that Aunt Helen had died 15 years ago so this discovery leads to her returning to Savannah and trying to unravel family mysteries and secrets. I would’ve given it 5/5 but I felt the part of the book where we learn of the mystery was slightly clunky and confusing, and then I felt the last couple of chapters wrapped up a little too quickly. I thought the author dealt with the mental health issues sensitively.
Tw: the book deals with murder, death, grief, mental health issues.
Thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley again for this advance copy.
I thought this was a beautiful book full of love and heart. I absolutely loved August, our main female lead, and I loved Tommy too. Aunt Helen sounded lovely too, on the whole (it was hard to completely love her after the mystery came out).
The story is about August being contacted out of the blue by a lawyer for her Aunt Helen’s estate back in Savannah, Georgia where she lived for one year when she was young following the murder of her father and hospitalisation of her mother. August is most shocked by the call as she’d always been led to believe that Aunt Helen had died 15 years ago so this discovery leads to her returning to Savannah and trying to unravel family mysteries and secrets. I would’ve given it 5/5 but I felt the part of the book where we learn of the mystery was slightly clunky and confusing, and then I felt the last couple of chapters wrapped up a little too quickly. I thought the author dealt with the mental health issues sensitively.
Tw: the book deals with murder, death, grief, mental health issues.
Thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley again for this advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received an ARC from NetGalley in lieu of an honest review
Technically I'm going to give this book a 4.75
If I had stopped at the first 2/3 this would definitely receive 5 stars from me.
The storyline of August, her mentally ill mother, and her aunt was written with such character complexity and depth that I felt so many emotions reading this book. And don't even get me started on the neighbor's grandson, little Tommy Reese. (fanning self).
The setting was so vividly presented, that haunting Savannah and Tybee Island are now on my "Must Visit Soon" list and I loved the insertion of the ghost stories.
The author managed to intrigue me with enough suspense that I had to continue page turning well into the night, but also provided some of the most beautiful writing I've read in the last year.
The 1/4 star was removed simply because the ending did leave me with more questions than I knew I had to begin with, but just a minor ding because this book will assuredly go down as one of my favorites for the year!
Please please please do yourself a favor and grab this book. It is well worth your time!
Off to find more books by this author!
Technically I'm going to give this book a 4.75
If I had stopped at the first 2/3 this would definitely receive 5 stars from me.
The storyline of August, her mentally ill mother, and her aunt was written with such character complexity and depth that I felt so many emotions reading this book. And don't even get me started on the neighbor's grandson, little Tommy Reese. (fanning self).
The setting was so vividly presented, that haunting Savannah and Tybee Island are now on my "Must Visit Soon" list and I loved the insertion of the ghost stories.
The author managed to intrigue me with enough suspense that I had to continue page turning well into the night, but also provided some of the most beautiful writing I've read in the last year.
The 1/4 star was removed simply because the ending did leave me with more questions than I knew I had to begin with, but just a minor ding because this book will assuredly go down as one of my favorites for the year!
Please please please do yourself a favor and grab this book. It is well worth your time!
Off to find more books by this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Savannah will let you leave, but she’ll never let you go.”
August Caine is living a quiet, lonely life in Paris when she receives a call that causes her world to crash in around her.
Her aunt, her father’s sister, has passed away in Savannah, Georgia. The problem is, she’d been devastated by news of the loss of her aunt fifteen years earlier. August races back to Savannah, where she tries to make sense of her world.
The story unfolds as a dual timeline narrative, both in the present and a retelling of the magical year she lived with her aunt in Savannah eighteen years earlier.
This main segment of the book is rich with imagery and emotions, as August works through the web of lies she’s been told and comes to grips with all she’s lost. I was fully invested in this painful and beautiful coming-of-age story. In contrast, the ending and the complicated family mystery felt rushed and heavy-handed. But the main story itself of a young girl maneuvering a difficult home life, and her determination in the present day to break free from her painful past make this a highly recommended read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
August Caine is living a quiet, lonely life in Paris when she receives a call that causes her world to crash in around her.
Her aunt, her father’s sister, has passed away in Savannah, Georgia. The problem is, she’d been devastated by news of the loss of her aunt fifteen years earlier. August races back to Savannah, where she tries to make sense of her world.
The story unfolds as a dual timeline narrative, both in the present and a retelling of the magical year she lived with her aunt in Savannah eighteen years earlier.
This main segment of the book is rich with imagery and emotions, as August works through the web of lies she’s been told and comes to grips with all she’s lost. I was fully invested in this painful and beautiful coming-of-age story. In contrast, the ending and the complicated family mystery felt rushed and heavy-handed. But the main story itself of a young girl maneuvering a difficult home life, and her determination in the present day to break free from her painful past make this a highly recommended read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
February 18, 2026
This was a well-written and descriptive, but slow-paced, character driven debut novel. August, our main character, is likable as she deals with the death of her aunt (who she thought had died 15 years earlier). Much of her life has been filled with lies and secrets, starting with her father's unsolved murder when she was only 12 years old, followed by her mother's struggles with mental illness. I liked that the story alternates between her current life and that one beautiful year of normal she had when she was eleven years old and lived with her Aunt Helen.
While the writing was good and I loved the relationship between August and Helen, there were aspects of the story that I struggled with. The blurb describes this books as a “gripping psychological thriller.” There was a lot of mystery though out the story, but I didn’t think it read like a thriller, but more like a family drama/soap opera/mystery. There were some plots holes throughout that left me scratching my head. Overall, it was an ok book for me.
I received a copy of this book through @netgalley and these opinions are my own.
While the writing was good and I loved the relationship between August and Helen, there were aspects of the story that I struggled with. The blurb describes this books as a “gripping psychological thriller.” There was a lot of mystery though out the story, but I didn’t think it read like a thriller, but more like a family drama/soap opera/mystery. There were some plots holes throughout that left me scratching my head. Overall, it was an ok book for me.
I received a copy of this book through @netgalley and these opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
It sounds a little cliche, but what a story! It’s the first expression that comes to mind for me when I reflect on my experience with One Beautiful Year of Normal. August is working through a lot of past trauma and familial strife–so much so, she’s opted to do as much as possible to distance herself from her former life. She’s done a great job of it for a long time, until she’s contacted in regards to her aunt’s death. As much as she’s in shock over a death that was meant to happen fifteen years prior, it also set the tone for me while reading about her experiences. I knew going in that there would be more conspiracy theories, hidden lies, and untold truths that would be divulged as chapters went on.
What August goes through in her childhood is downright scary. Aunt Helen becomes a lifeline for her, albeit a brief one, with jumps back into August’s childhood and experiences with Helen, then fast forwarding to the present time, a front row seat into the fallout of Helen’s death. The reader gets the sense that before Helen, there was no normalcy for a young girl who becomes her mother’s caregiver, moving from one place, state, and at times, countries in order for August and her mother to “stay safe.” With Helen, whenever we see the flashbacks, we see a tween who settles into the roots of her world. Into learning more about a father she doesn’t remember as well as she’d like to. Into making new friends that might possibly become future foundations for her.
A year goes by awfully fast, as August soon realizes. There are a lot of unanswered questions and even more confusion when she learns more about her aunt and various scenarios she’d been unaware of in childhood, but had an inkling to all those years ago. Maybe there is a lot more to the fears her mother had. I appreciated how the flashback chapters made me feel like I learned more about a girl who had grown up way ahead of her years, to the woman in the present who in some ways is very much still tied to that girl and hasn’t escaped the past. It made me think of how so many of us are still dictated by our own pasts and childhoods, the way we were brought up, the family relationships we had, whether for the better or for the worse.
There were a lot of twists and turns–some I could anticipate, some that were downright shocking. I don’t know that August will ever fully “get over” what she’s experienced, but it was nice to see the transitions and changes she goes through in the process of delving into the truth. One Beautiful Year of Normal was anything but ordinary. It was an extraordinary five-star experience!
It sounds a little cliche, but what a story! It’s the first expression that comes to mind for me when I reflect on my experience with One Beautiful Year of Normal. August is working through a lot of past trauma and familial strife–so much so, she’s opted to do as much as possible to distance herself from her former life. She’s done a great job of it for a long time, until she’s contacted in regards to her aunt’s death. As much as she’s in shock over a death that was meant to happen fifteen years prior, it also set the tone for me while reading about her experiences. I knew going in that there would be more conspiracy theories, hidden lies, and untold truths that would be divulged as chapters went on.
What August goes through in her childhood is downright scary. Aunt Helen becomes a lifeline for her, albeit a brief one, with jumps back into August’s childhood and experiences with Helen, then fast forwarding to the present time, a front row seat into the fallout of Helen’s death. The reader gets the sense that before Helen, there was no normalcy for a young girl who becomes her mother’s caregiver, moving from one place, state, and at times, countries in order for August and her mother to “stay safe.” With Helen, whenever we see the flashbacks, we see a tween who settles into the roots of her world. Into learning more about a father she doesn’t remember as well as she’d like to. Into making new friends that might possibly become future foundations for her.
A year goes by awfully fast, as August soon realizes. There are a lot of unanswered questions and even more confusion when she learns more about her aunt and various scenarios she’d been unaware of in childhood, but had an inkling to all those years ago. Maybe there is a lot more to the fears her mother had. I appreciated how the flashback chapters made me feel like I learned more about a girl who had grown up way ahead of her years, to the woman in the present who in some ways is very much still tied to that girl and hasn’t escaped the past. It made me think of how so many of us are still dictated by our own pasts and childhoods, the way we were brought up, the family relationships we had, whether for the better or for the worse.
There were a lot of twists and turns–some I could anticipate, some that were downright shocking. I don’t know that August will ever fully “get over” what she’s experienced, but it was nice to see the transitions and changes she goes through in the process of delving into the truth. One Beautiful Year of Normal was anything but ordinary. It was an extraordinary five-star experience!
March 15, 2026
The story unfolds from August's POV going back and forth between the past: when she had to move in with her aunt Helen, and present: 19 years later, when she's back at her aunt's house after Helen died.
The book started off really strong and hooked me from page one. I kept questioning everyone. Who killed August's dad and why? Was it Claire, her mom, or someone else entirely? And why is Claire so paranoid?
The middle of the book gets a little slow in but picks up pace after a revelation that changes everything. August tries to untangle lies told by her mom, uncover her dad's killer. As secrets unfold, I found myself questioning this family.
There's a hint of romance between August & her childhood friend, Tommy/Thomas which doesn't distract from the main plot.
The final plot twist left me feeling August. She was only eight when her life became so tangled, forced to deal with paranoid and grieving mother and family secrets she never deserved.
Overall, it is a gripping, emotionally layered psychological thriller debut from Sandra K. Griffith that explores family, trust and trauma.
The book started off really strong and hooked me from page one. I kept questioning everyone. Who killed August's dad and why? Was it Claire, her mom, or someone else entirely? And why is Claire so paranoid?
The middle of the book gets a little slow in but picks up pace after a revelation that changes everything. August tries to untangle lies told by her mom, uncover her dad's killer. As secrets unfold, I found myself questioning this family.
There's a hint of romance between August & her childhood friend, Tommy/Thomas which doesn't distract from the main plot.
The final plot twist left me feeling August. She was only eight when her life became so tangled, forced to deal with paranoid and grieving mother and family secrets she never deserved.
Overall, it is a gripping, emotionally layered psychological thriller debut from Sandra K. Griffith that explores family, trust and trauma.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Man, I don't know what expected when I requested to read and review this book from NetGalley, but I am pleasantly surprised.
It has just about every emotion one can have. Love, loss, anger, sadness, happiness....
It is wrapped up nicely even though you are still left with questions. I adore the main character and those that are closest to her (besides her mother... I couldn't find it in me to like her.)
it's a nice mystery combined with loss and love. No spice which was actually nice for a change. It absolutely didn't need it and probably would have taken away from the rest of the novel if it had been there. it left you wanting, but not in a bad way.
I will definitely check out anything else this author puts out.
I'll be thinking about this for a long while. I think this may be my favorite book I'll read all year.
Closure, but no Closure? I'm not mad about it for once.
I just want to hug little August Caine and chastise her mother. We are all a mess though, aren't we?
It has just about every emotion one can have. Love, loss, anger, sadness, happiness....
It is wrapped up nicely even though you are still left with questions. I adore the main character and those that are closest to her (besides her mother... I couldn't find it in me to like her.)
it's a nice mystery combined with loss and love. No spice which was actually nice for a change. It absolutely didn't need it and probably would have taken away from the rest of the novel if it had been there. it left you wanting, but not in a bad way.
I will definitely check out anything else this author puts out.
I'll be thinking about this for a long while. I think this may be my favorite book I'll read all year.
Closure, but no Closure? I'm not mad about it for once.
I just want to hug little August Caine and chastise her mother. We are all a mess though, aren't we?
February 25, 2026
Thank you @BookSparks for my #gifted copy of One Beautiful Year of Normal! #WRC2026
#OneBeautifulYearOfNormal #booksparks #shewritespress
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐊. 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐡
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 - 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰!
4★
One Beautiful Year of Normal was a very thought-provoking thriller full of secrets. I loved the southern setting and the atmospheric vibes that this book gave off. I think a big theme in One Beautiful Year of Normal is the focus on a sense of belonging and I loved how that was woven in throughout the book. There are so many secrets that August is trying to piece together that have shaped her past and surround her father’s death. I thought the author did a great job exploring some difficult topics and creating a suspenseful story at the same time.
📖Family Secrets
📖Southern Settings
📖Murder Mystery
📖Character Driven
📖Family Secrets
📖Mother/Daughter Bonds
📖Mental Illness
#OneBeautifulYearOfNormal #booksparks #shewritespress
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐊. 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐡
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 - 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰!
4★
One Beautiful Year of Normal was a very thought-provoking thriller full of secrets. I loved the southern setting and the atmospheric vibes that this book gave off. I think a big theme in One Beautiful Year of Normal is the focus on a sense of belonging and I loved how that was woven in throughout the book. There are so many secrets that August is trying to piece together that have shaped her past and surround her father’s death. I thought the author did a great job exploring some difficult topics and creating a suspenseful story at the same time.
📖Family Secrets
📖Southern Settings
📖Murder Mystery
📖Character Driven
📖Family Secrets
📖Mother/Daughter Bonds
📖Mental Illness
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Man, I don't know what expected when I requested to read and review this book from NetGalley, but I am pleasantly surprised.
It has just about every emotion one can have. Love, loss, anger, sadness, happiness....
It is wrapped up nicely even though you are still left with questions. I adore the main character and those that are closest to her (besides her mother... I couldn't find it in me to like her.)
it's a nice mystery combined with loss and love. No spice which was actually nice for a change. It absolutely didn't need it and probably would have taken away from the rest of the novel if it had been there. it left you wanting, but not in a bad way.
I will definitely check out anything else this author puts out.
I'll be thinking about this for a long while. I think this may be my favorite book I'll read all year.
Closure, but no Closure? I'm not mad about it for once.
It has just about every emotion one can have. Love, loss, anger, sadness, happiness....
It is wrapped up nicely even though you are still left with questions. I adore the main character and those that are closest to her (besides her mother... I couldn't find it in me to like her.)
it's a nice mystery combined with loss and love. No spice which was actually nice for a change. It absolutely didn't need it and probably would have taken away from the rest of the novel if it had been there. it left you wanting, but not in a bad way.
I will definitely check out anything else this author puts out.
I'll be thinking about this for a long while. I think this may be my favorite book I'll read all year.
Closure, but no Closure? I'm not mad about it for once.
February 2, 2026
3.5 rounded up. This is an interesting and fairly well-written story of family, trauma, and mental illness. There is a mystery at the heart of the story, but there’s very little traction on that issue until almost 75% of the way through the book. I did, however, find the resolution of the mystery satisfying.
The author’s descriptions of Savannah conjure realistic images of the American south, and her writing helped capture the wide range of emotions felt by the main character, August. There were times when the author repeated herself (for example, explaining August’s obsession with counting), and these could be tightened up a little to make a better narrative. Overall, it’s an impressive book for a debut.
Thank you to She Writes Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author’s descriptions of Savannah conjure realistic images of the American south, and her writing helped capture the wide range of emotions felt by the main character, August. There were times when the author repeated herself (for example, explaining August’s obsession with counting), and these could be tightened up a little to make a better narrative. Overall, it’s an impressive book for a debut.
Thank you to She Writes Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2026
Thank you so much @booksparks for the gifted book to wrap up the Winter Reading Challenge! #wrc2026
“Savannah will let you leave, but she’ll never let you go.”
A chilling exploration of mental illness, mother-daughter bonds, and generational secrets, One Beautiful Year of Normal follows August as she pieces together the long-buried truths that shaped her family’s tragic past and confronts the question that haunts her: Can the truth set her free, or will it unravel everything she thinks she knows?
I loved the writing and the interesting and endearing characters in this sweeping mystery. The Savannah setting was really brought to life and gave it such a rich and immersive atmosphere. While the slow-burn mystery was gripping, what will really linger in my mind are the heart-wrenching, complicated, and touching relationships and the power of forgiveness.
Rating 4⭐️
“Savannah will let you leave, but she’ll never let you go.”
A chilling exploration of mental illness, mother-daughter bonds, and generational secrets, One Beautiful Year of Normal follows August as she pieces together the long-buried truths that shaped her family’s tragic past and confronts the question that haunts her: Can the truth set her free, or will it unravel everything she thinks she knows?
I loved the writing and the interesting and endearing characters in this sweeping mystery. The Savannah setting was really brought to life and gave it such a rich and immersive atmosphere. While the slow-burn mystery was gripping, what will really linger in my mind are the heart-wrenching, complicated, and touching relationships and the power of forgiveness.
Rating 4⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you She Writes Press, Netgalley and Sandra for the ARC!
I went into this book thinking it would be a super twisty psychological thriller - it isn’t what you’d expect. What I read instead was a beautiful story about August, her hopes, her sad and tragic story, and her beautiful year of normal. This book took me completely by surprise at how much I enjoyed it, I was completely engrossed in it. I was rooting for August and Thomas the whole time. The reveals in the story are done so well, it’s such a complex story and you do really root for August and you can’t help but not just want the best outcome for her after everything she’s been through. As I write this I was considering 4.5 stars but I just loved it so much, it’s a 5*****. Incredible!
I went into this book thinking it would be a super twisty psychological thriller - it isn’t what you’d expect. What I read instead was a beautiful story about August, her hopes, her sad and tragic story, and her beautiful year of normal. This book took me completely by surprise at how much I enjoyed it, I was completely engrossed in it. I was rooting for August and Thomas the whole time. The reveals in the story are done so well, it’s such a complex story and you do really root for August and you can’t help but not just want the best outcome for her after everything she’s been through. As I write this I was considering 4.5 stars but I just loved it so much, it’s a 5*****. Incredible!
February 25, 2026
Strap in and hold on to your hats. This story will take you on a wild ride! One Beautiful Year of Normal has just about every element you could want in a book. There is plenty of family drama, mother and daughter dysfunction, murder, cover-ups, kidnappings, friendship, support, and lies—lots of lies. It goes on and on. And I loved every minute of it!
The author penned such beautiful passages that the whole book was a pleasure to read. I was totally captivated by her words. And all the drama and secrets kept me turning the pages.
I highly recommend One Beautiful Year of Normal. It is a moving family drama with amazing characters and an outstanding storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The author penned such beautiful passages that the whole book was a pleasure to read. I was totally captivated by her words. And all the drama and secrets kept me turning the pages.
I highly recommend One Beautiful Year of Normal. It is a moving family drama with amazing characters and an outstanding storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sandra K Griffith has written a haunting, emotional story about mothers and daughters. August Caine is a woman who has spent considerable time in psychiatric treatment. Her father was murdered and the case remains unsolved. When she receives a call that her Aunt Helen has died, she is pulled into a larger mystery, because she was sure her Aunt Helen died 25 years prior.
Griffith is able to create an emotional story, with a severely depressed and mentally ill main character, without turning it into a joke or a gimmick. This is a deeply intimate story about truth and family.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Griffith is able to create an emotional story, with a severely depressed and mentally ill main character, without turning it into a joke or a gimmick. This is a deeply intimate story about truth and family.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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