Both Can Be True: A Novel

by Jessica Guerrieri

When a local mother goes missing, two estranged sisters are pulled back into each other’s lives and forced to confront old wounds, fractured trust, and the many ways a woman can disappear in plain sight.

Frankie is the funny one, full of restless energy and sharp edges, the sister who got sober, opened a bookstore, and slipped into a version of domestic life without ever fully confronting the past. Mere is the steady one, the caretaker, a mother quietly unraveling under the demands of her neurodivergent daughter and the loneliness of a marriage to a husband who sees the world through an entirely different lens.

For the Gilmore sisters, losing their mother to cancer at a young age gave them a brief window of closeness they’ve never been able to reclaim. But over the years, a mentally ill father, the unspoken trauma of sexual violence, and the different vices they turned to for survival fractured their bond and created a divide of resentment neither of them could bring themselves to cross. When a woman in Frankie’s social circle disappears, the sisters are pulled into a shared reckoning and can no longer deny the past that has shaped so much of their present.

Set against the backdrop of a quiet Northern California mountain town, this gripping and emotionally layered novel unfolds in alternating perspectives, revealing the many ways women vanish inside motherhood, addiction, marriage, and shame. Told with raw honesty and wry compassion, Jessica Guerrieri’s sophomore novel is a story of sisterhood, acceptance, the unspoken truths we carry, and the redemptive power of bridging pain into connection.

 

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Jessica Guerrieri (pronounced grrr-air-eee) is a writer and novelist who lives in Northern California with her husband and three daughters. With a background in special education, Jessica left the field to pursue a career in writing and raising her children. With over a decade of sobriety, she is a fierce advocate for addiction recovery.
Her award-winning debut book club fiction novel, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Harper Muse), is out now. Her sophomore novel, Both Can Be True (Harper Muse), will be published in May 2026.

Reviews

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down till I finished. Loved the female lead characters and loved the themes of motherhood, missing persons, estranged family, and old wounds. I was able to relate to both Frankie and Mere in different ways. This book does a great job showing how trauma in our past shows up in different ways. This book is very relevant to all women whether you’re a mother or not. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ryan Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful novel delves into the complexities of sisterhood, addiction and its aftermath. I was instantly captivated by the intricate relationship between sisters Mere and Frankie, and I found myself engrossed in the narrative, finishing the novel in less than 24 hours.

The book takes readers on a profound journey, filled with raw emotions and heartbreaking moments. I believe this novel will resonate well with fans of Demon Copperhead and The Blue Sisters when it releases in May 2026. I would also predict a Read with Jenna pick!

Please be aware of the following trigger warnings: sexual violence and addiction.

[Pasha Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me right in! I read Jessica’s first book this summer and when I learned she was writing a second I couldn’t wait to read it. I love her writing style. She doesn’t hold back. She’s real and raw. I think this book is even better than her first. Frankie and Mere are both great women in their own ways. I could relate to both of them and at some points I was like Dang! Has she been inside my head bc I felt like she ripped a page out of my daily life. Being a woman and a mother is hard in today’s world but when we can lean on each other we can make each other’s lives better and this book shows just that. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not quite seeing why this book is getting so many good reviews. The characters didn’t really grab my attention, and it felt like each chapter was just a repeat of the last.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy

[Janis Gerney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line about two sisters and the challenges in their lives. I liked the chapter at the end from the third person’s perspective. Very insightful regarding alcoholism and having a child with neurodivergence.

[Meghan Grober-Kratovil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A complex look at motherhood, relationships, and addiction is shown through rotating POVs in this novel. It is a glimpse into the lives of two sisters who are again impacted by a traumatic situation. While dealing with the current situation, there are consistent jumps to other points in their life where they tell stories about their childhood, college, early stages of marriage, having children, etc. This writing style is not for everyone and even I thought about putting the book down because of this style. In thinking of it more, the writing style really does reflect what goes on in our minds as our days unfold - present day is happening, but we are constantly reminded of the past. In this way, the book did seem repetitive and I could see people shying away from it before getting to absorb those profound moments we see later on in the novel.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.

[Rachel Floyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Both Can Be True by Jessica Guerrieri has an important message about identity and acceptance, and I appreciated what it was trying to do.

However, it didn’t fully work for me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, as they felt somewhat underdeveloped, which made it difficult to stay engaged in the story.

That said, I did appreciate the way the sisters grew closer over time, as well as the honest portrayal of how crippling addiction can be. While the themes are meaningful— the execution just didn’t resonate with me personally.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley

[Leah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guerrieri has a beautiful way of writing that peels apart all of the hidden layers of being a woman. She has perfected the themes of how women can get lost within their marriage and motherhood, how trauma can affect you for years despite ignoring or burying it, and how addiction can ruin lives.

BCBT covers a lot of ground through a lot of characters, and I have abandoned many books in the past because I couldn't keep track of all of the people in the beginning. Not this book. I truly was hooked from the first chapter, & I finished in 48 hours because I just could not stop reading.

BCBT is dual POV told through sisters, Frankie & Mere. Together, they have experienced their moms death from cancer and their dads journey with alcohol and mental illness. Individually, their adult lives are very different. Frankie is a mom to teen girls & she has been sober for 10 years. Mere has a young daughter who was recently diagnosed with autism and is consumed with keeping everything together. Their adult relationship has not always been easy, but when a woman disappears in their town, they find themselves pulled back together and are forced to revisit some of their old wounds. I spent much of this book thinking "how is this going to end?!" and I hope that you enjoy the emotional roller coaster as much as I did. It ended with me crying and 5⭐️.

🚩This book tackles topics that can be difficult for some, including sexual assault, addiction and grief. Check the trigger warnings, but also know that Guerrieri has a way of writing a fiction book that feels like a self-help book (I mean this as the best compliment).

Thank you Harper Muse for the advanced reader copy!!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, it is beautifully written. Jessica writes with such an openness it makes it so easy to care for and want the best for her characters Mere and Frankie. What they are going through or have gone through we can empathize with, if not having been through similar or the same situations. It is not easy being a Mother, Sister, Wife, Caregiver, Friend, all to others without feeling lost sometimes.

Thank you to Harper Muse and Net Galley for the advance copy.
Pub Date: May 19 2026

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

[Kelsey reviews•books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a slower paced book, but it has mystery, complex relationships, and a deeper look at the struggles of addiction as a woman with trauma. I hope more people read this!

▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★.5 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. This book comes out May 19, 2026
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○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○

– About: When a local mother goes missing, two estranged sisters are pulled back into each other’s lives and forced to confront old wounds, fractured trust, and the many ways a woman can disappear in plain sight.
Mere, the older sister, is the steady one, the caretaker, the mother quietly unraveling under the demands of a neurodivergent daughter and the loneliness of a marriage to a husband who sees the world through an entirely different lens.
Frankie, the younger sister, is the funny one, full of restless energy and sharp edges, the sister who got sober, opened a bookstore, and slipped into a version of domestic life without ever fully confronting the past.
– Location: Northern California
– POV: Dual third-person
– Spice: This is not a romance. But there are recollections of rape (not super graphic), so please check the content warnings and decide if this is something you should skip or mentally prepare yourself for.
– Tropes: estranged sisters, complex female friendships, addiction/alcohol recovery, dysfunctional family dynamics, generational trauma, healing
– Content warning: grief, missing person, substance abuse, various sexual assault mentions (briefly on-page but impactful), borderline infidelity, parental neglect, guilt, mental illness (bipolar disorder; not a MC), self-medication, accidentally hitting wildlife with your car
– Representation: Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, LGBTQ+ main character, raising a child on the Autism spectrum, main female characters in their 40s

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↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12

Now Playing: Breathe Me by Sia

╰┈➤ ❝Ouch, I have lost myself again; Lost myself and I am nowhere to be found; Yeah, I think that I might break; Lost myself again and I feel unsafe❞

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★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★

➼ The motherhood, addiction, and recovery vibes from The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff, but set in the recent past and focusing more on female recovery
➼ Literary fiction about flawed women who are self-aware because they continuously are working on themselves, even if part of that journey is/has been avoidance

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⍟»This or That«⍟

Character Driven——✧—————————Plot Driven
Light/Fluffy————————✧———Heavy/Emotional

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🎯 My Thoughts:

Wow, this was stunning. This book wasn’t flowery with its topics of complex relationships, deeply flawed characters, or the ways in which being a woman contributes to both of those things; at times it made me feel uncomfortable (but in a good way) and it certainly made me see womanhood and motherhood from a different light. Women are just so resilient.

I loved the relationship between Mere and Frankie. It wasn’t perfect nor perfected. It was realistic and the love was deep but muddied. Each of these women’s ability to look at the people around them and analyze what was needed (even if it wasn’t always right) was breathtaking. And this was all due to the way the author wrote the story.

I won’t lie though. There were times that the pacing was too slow for my attention span. But they were short spurts. I love that this was a mystery without being a true thriller. It was nuanced and layered and paralleled the ways in which a woman can lose herself, even if she’s still “around”.

Even if you don’t love books about recovery or addiction, I think this was so poignant and a great example of limitations and self-realization.

I highly recommend this one! Just be aware that if you are expecting fast-paced, this will not meet those expectations. Read this when you’re looking for a book that slowly peels back its layers.

•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Guerrieri’s Both Can Be True shattered me in the quietest, most unnerving way, like realizing the life you’ve carefully built has tiny cracks running through the foundation and you’ve been calling them “character.” Published by Harper Muse, thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.

I went in expecting a layered family drama with a thread of mystery. What I got was something far more intimate. Yes, a local mother goes missing in this small Northern California mountain town. Yes, there’s tension and unease humming in the background. But this novel isn’t really about the disappearance you can report to the police. It’s about the disappearances no one names. The slow fading of identity inside addiction. The erosion of self in motherhood. The quiet compromises in marriage that pile up like unopened mail.

Frankie and Mere are two sisters shaped by the same childhood but scarred in different ways. Frankie, sober and sharp, owns a bookstore and carries her recovery like both a shield and a burden. She’s restless, funny, a little controlling, and painfully human. Mere is the steady one, the caretaker, the mother trying to hold together a neurodivergent daughter, a strained marriage, and the unspoken weight of grief. Watching them circle each other again after years of distance felt almost voyeuristic. Their conversations are layered with history, resentment, loyalty, and a love that refuses to fully die.

What makes this story exceptional is how Jessica Guerrieri writes emotional truth. Trauma isn’t used for shock value. Addiction isn’t glamorized or simplified. Motherhood isn’t painted as either saintly or suffocating. It’s both. That’s the point. The title isn’t clever for the sake of it. It’s the thesis. Two things can exist at once. You can love your family and still feel lost inside it. You can be sober and still crave escape. You can be strong and unraveling in the same breath.

“I thought I needed to build a wall, when what I really needed was a bridge.”

I underlined that immediately. And then I sat with it. Because this book doesn’t rush you. It asks you to look inward. To consider where you’ve built walls and convinced yourself they were protection.

The missing woman becomes a mirror. Through her absence, the sisters are forced to confront their own patterns of vanishing. Frankie’s fear that sobriety is a fragile illusion. Mere’s realization that self-sacrifice can morph into self-erasure. The emotional tension isn’t explosive. It simmers. It lingers. It feels real.

Reading this, I kept thinking about how often women are praised for endurance. For holding it all together. For being the dependable one. But what happens when endurance becomes invisibility? Guerrieri doesn’t preach. She simply shows you. Scene by scene. Conversation by conversation. And somehow that hits harder.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a five-star read for me without hesitation. Not because it’s flashy or twisty, but because it’s honest. Because it made me reflect on addiction, on sisterhood, on generational trauma, on the version of myself I present versus the one I quietly protect.

If you love character-driven women’s fiction that explores complex family dynamics, recovery, motherhood, marriage, and the messy gray areas of life, this book will feel like it was written for you. If you highlight sentences. If you pause to reread paragraphs. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m fine,” while knowing you’re not entirely sure what that means anymore. This one is for you.

I already know I’ll reread it when I can hold a finished copy in my hands and fill the margins with ink. Some stories don’t just entertain you. They hold up a mirror and gently ask you to look.

Have you ever read a novel that felt less like a story and more like someone quietly telling the truth about your own life?

#BothCanBeTrue #JessicaGuerrieri #HarperMuse #BookReview #WomensFiction #Sisterhood #AddictionRecovery #MotherhoodReads #FamilyDrama #FiveStarRead #Bookstagram #EmotionalFiction

[BethOnThePage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Can Be True by Jessica Guerrieri — 4 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this devastatingly beautiful novel.

Both Can Be True follows sisters Mere and Frankie, whose mother died when they were young and whose father, struggling with mental illness and substance abuse, left them to grow up far too fast. Both girls were forced into adult roles before they were remotely equipped for them, and the damage of that kind of childhood doesn’t disappear with age. It settles deep, leaving behind trauma, grief, and emotional scars that shape the women they become.

By adulthood, both sisters are married with children of their own, but they are no longer close. Frankie married young and has two daughters. Mere married later and has one young neurodivergent daughter, and her life feels defined by constant vigilance. Mere is stretched thin by caregiving, depleted by the endless state of hyper-awareness motherhood can demand, and haunted by the feeling that she has disappeared inside her own life. She is exhausted, hollowed out, and desperate to feel like a whole person again.

Frankie, meanwhile, once turned to alcohol to steady herself when life felt unmanageable. She got sober but the disappearance of her AA mentee threatens to unravel the fragile control she has fought so hard to build. Guerrieri captures addiction and recovery with painful precision. One line in particular says so much in so few words: “Alcohol didn’t make people brave — it made people vanish.”

What makes this novel hit so hard is not just the pain these sisters carry, but how thoroughly they have buried it. Mere and Frankie have spent years pressing down their abandonment, grief, fear, and longing, building walls not only against each other, but against their spouses, their memories, and themselves. Guerrieri writes so beautifully about the cost of that emotional self-protection: “The wall kept things out. But it also kept things in. Joy. Grief. Longing. Love. It turns out walls don’t just protect you from hurt. They protect you from being known. And not being known is its own kind of loneliness.” That idea sits at the heart of this story.

Guerrieri has described her work as autofiction, drawing in part from her own experiences with addiction and sexual assault, and that truth is palpable on the page. The writing feels raw, intimate, and deeply lived-in. Nothing about this story feels manufactured. It is heartbreaking, yes, but also full of grace and insight about what unresolved trauma does to people, to families, and to the versions of ourselves we become in order to survive.

At its core, Both Can Be True is about the lasting effects of unaddressed trauma, and about what it takes to finally stop carrying old pain alone. It is about unburdening, about presence, and about the quiet but life-changing power of being truly known. As Guerrieri writes, “As long as we keep looking out for one another, as long as we stay present, we are never really alone.”

It’s a heart-wrenching and beautiful novel.

[Angie Miale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad and beautiful story about all the different ways that women disappear and how we show up for each other when the men in our lives fail us.

Told in alternating POV, this novel follows Mere, a mom to Lily, and her sister Frankie, mom to Chloe and who is sober. Together they are taking care of their ailing father and bearing the mental load of their families. Then another mom goes missing, and the story follows not only what happened to her but all the secrets and hopes the women carry.

I love Jessica Guerreri’s writing, it is a mixture of deliberate symbolism and intriguing plot. It is sneakily feminist while exploring themes of motherhood and presence. Even the minor characters stand out in this story, some of the most touching scenes belong to those on the periphery. One of the gifts that sobriety brings is the privilege of being fully present for the pain, the joy and the miracle of everyday life.

This year I celebrated 14 years of sobriety in AA, and I work an active program. The role that AA plays in this story is very respectful without being overly positive. I love how Frankie’s sobriety journey isn’t linear. It’s a tradition that goes throughout sponsorship lines, and different people have different ways of doing things, with a variety of ways to interpret the work and the overall program. I’ve sponsored many women over the years, and without spoiling the story, I can definitely attest that this can be a roller coaster. And yet, this is how we stay sober. We get to keep it by giving it away. AA isn’t the only way to get sober, but it’s the way that worked for me.

I think that women- like myself- will see themselves in these pages and will start to question of numbing the stress of motherhood is really worth it after all.

At times I found Frankie to be controlling and even cringy in her talking to her daughter Chloe about her relationship. I’m always pretty critical of “purity culture” in books and while it made me uncomfortable, it made sense for the character arc and the experiences the reader later learns about Frankie.

At the end of the day we all want to be seen and loved for who we are.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC. Book to be published May 18, 2026.

[Kristy King-Pritzl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Can Be True is a quiet, devastating novel about the ways women disappear—into addiction, into motherhood, into marriage, into the stories they tell themselves to survive. When a local mother goes missing in a small Northern California mountain town, two estranged sisters are forced back into each other’s orbit, confronting not just the mystery at hand but the long history of grief and silence that fractured their relationship years earlier.

Frankie and Mere are shaped by the same losses but hardened by different choices. Frankie—sober now, restless and sharp-edged—has built a life that looks stable on the outside without ever fully reckoning with the past. Mere, the “steady” sister, is quietly unraveling under the weight of caretaking: her neurodivergent daughter, her emotionally distant marriage, and a life that values efficiency over tenderness. Guerrieri’s writing is full of moments that land like truths you didn’t know you were carrying—at one point noting that “it turns out walls don’t just protect you from hurt. they protect you from being known,” a line that feels like a thesis for both sisters’ emotional lives.

Like Guerrieri’s first novel, this one is uncomfortable in the best way. It asks readers to sit with the things we don’t say out loud—about active addiction, sexual violence, shame, and the ways women learn to minimize themselves to survive. The story resists clean answers, instead offering hard-earned insight, including the idea (articulated beautifully in another line from the book) that partnership isn’t about perfection or efficiency, but about “building a life that could hold the fragile things—together.”

What stayed with me most is how familiar this disappearance feels. The novel returns again and again to the idea that women can vanish without ever leaving—slowly dissolving into obligation, trauma, and silence—and it does so with a compassion that never feels sentimental. Both Can Be True is raw, emotionally layered, and deeply humane, a story that breaks your heart precisely because it recognizes how common these losses really are.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Harper Muse for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Both Can Be True is one of those quietly powerful, emotionally layered reads that sneaks up on you.

This story centers on two estranged sisters pulled back together after a woman goes missing, and while there’s a mystery thread running through it, this is really a character-driven novel about sisterhood, grief, trauma, and the many ways women slowly disappear inside their lives. I found myself far more absorbed by the emotional undercurrents than the plot itself, and that’s where this book shines.

Jessica Guerrieri writes with a raw, compassionate honesty that feels intimate and deeply human. The alternating perspectives worked beautifully, adding layers to the sisters’ fractured relationship and making their pain feel authentic rather than dramatic. This isn’t a fast, twisty thriller. it’s a slower, reflective read that sits with heavy themes like motherhood, addiction, and unresolved childhood wounds.

I also loved learning that Jessica Guerrieri pulled from her own life experiences when writing this novel. That real-world perspective gives the story a grounded, heartfelt authenticity that makes the sisters’ struggles feel genuine and deeply felt.

If you enjoy thoughtful, emotionally rich stories about complicated women and strained family bonds, this one is absolutely worth picking up. It lingered with me long after I finished, in a quiet, meaningful way.

A big thank you to Harper Muse for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.


Favorite quotes:

~ …It held the weight of connection. It was the kind of inheritance passed quietly between women. Between mothers and daughters. Between the family we’re born into and the one we choose. A handoff not of possessions, but of presence. A reminder that showing up was enough.

~ …Between memory and presence, silence and care, loss and the choice to go on. Because something is passed between women. It tells us-whispers, really, whenever we are ready to listen-that as long as we we don’t allow ourselves to fully disappear, as long as we keep looking out for one another, as long as we stay present, we are never fully alone.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming soon, Both Can Be True by Jessica Guerrieri, is a story of family and friends, focusing on two sisters, one who likes control and the other a recovering alcoholic. All while trying to figure out what happened to woman they know in their town.

For some reason, I thought this was a Christian fiction book but it wasn’t so that was a a bit of a disappointment to me. There were a couple times that same-sex attraction was mentioned in the book. As I read it I thought of the many ways of what Jesus would have wanted them to know and how they can truly be saved.

However, it is still a great story worth reading. I learned more about addiction and the AA program. How these two sisters worked at overcoming the hardships they endured, having a mother who died young of cancer, an addict father, and a college sexual assault, and how each of these issues affected the sisters differently. But also how important it is to also share our story and difficulties with one another, so that not only we can learn from one another, but also be helpful, understanding, and encouraging. This is a book that will teach you humbleness and a reminder hat God can use anything to help us grow.

I took a few highlights from the book:

I thought I needed to build a wall, when what I really needed was a bridge.
And in that stillness, she understood something new: Just like he wasn’t God, she wasn’t a monster. But she was responsible for her choices…
What makes you think you have control over any of the things that happen in this life
I hate how easily our culture absorbs assault into the fabric of everyday life.

I would definitely recommend this book to adult age readers, but read with discernment.



Many thanks to Netgalley for providing this book for review! Opinions are 100% my own! I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

[Haley Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

I enjoyed this book about 2 adult sisters and the complications of their upbringing and their current lives. There are heavy themes here—it touches on addiction, neurodivergence, sexual assault, motherhood and more, but the book never felt so heavy that I dreaded picking it up. It handled the heaviness and bleakness of these themes with grace and love and care. The writing, though quiet and unfussy, felt peaceful and emotional and I always felt calm while reading this, despite the unsettling nature of the plot at times. Well, that’s not entirely true—there were a few instances where I was less calm (mainly Frankie’s instability,) but trusted the writing here.

There is also a missing person and a bit of a mystery in this story, which at times felt like it was at the forefront of the novel and at other times, felt like it was in the background. It’s interestingly woven throughout in an impactful way and though Bri’s actual scenes were brief, her part in the story has stayed with me since I finished the book. It’s clear that Guerrieri has a personal relationship with addiction, as she writes about it with such raw and beautiful emotion. That being said, the book isn’t sad in a way that many other addiction stories I’ve read have been. Yes, it’s heavy, like I mentioned, but it doesn’t rely on heaviness and sadness as its only plot devices. Though this is a sad story, it left me feeling much more contemplative, reflective, and thoughtful than sad. Ultimately, this felt like a powerful and quiet exploration of sisterhood, trauma, addiction, and resilience. I’d recommend this for fans of family dramas, especially Blue Sisters!

[Another Read by Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏕️ ARC REVIEW 🏕️

PUB DATE: May 18th 2026

My Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫 4.5 unraveling stars

“ Sometimes leaving isn’t a decision at all. It’s the final, flickering instinct of a woman trying to stay alive . A quiet kind of survival.”

“What good was choosing simple if it meant carving out the parts of herself that once reached for more ..”

“You don’t have to know all the answers right now . You just have to know what your heart is asking for .”

Jessica has done it again , and has written us a shattering novel and even though this book has ended it still echos in my mind 🖤

Jessica is an author who should not be taken lightly. She writes these beautiful passages, mastering in family drama and characters who are so raw , real and relatable to many.

This author has definitely found her niche in writing deep , compelling stories using her real life past experiences and putting them onto paper and it must be so healing every time she puts pen to paper .

Without giving too much away , this story centres around two estranged sisters who are both battling their own personal demons . Then one day a local woman goes missing who Frankie was her sponsor and feels only guilt for her disappearance.

Will past trauma reopen old memories and old habits take form again ? Or will sisterhood strengthen as the story unfolds?

If you like family dramas, blurred lines , coming undone characters, a constant foreboding dancing in the background, mystery , flawed cast and fiction that reads so realistically then definitely add this one to your TBR🖤

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse and @jessicaguerrieriauthor for this electric ARC 🫶🏼

QOTD- What was the last book that refused to let you go ?

#books #bookstagram #bookcommunity #bookworm #fyp

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A searing and complex look at identity, sobriety, loneliness and longing — centering on the internal world of women, caretaking, motherhood, and the insidious push for disappearance into societal roles that, much as they may feel that way, do not ultimately define us.

Between these pages we will follow the lives of two North Californian sisters: Frankie Marino, a mother of two daughters, who must learn to live a life, in all its fullness, without the crutch of alcohol; and her older sister, Mere, crushed and isolated by the responsibilities of caring for a daughter (and likely a husband) situated on the spectrum.

Frankie and Mere’s lives will unfold in vignettes, in tragedies, backwards and forwards in time, and in language so beautifully written that the story will settle itself in layers, as if into deep and quietly brilliant carpets of snow, — an evocative backdrop to the beginning, and the end, of a tale that includes a winter storm, a missing person, and two individual and anguished journeys, which may or may not ultimately find their way to merge into one.

As the women each explore their pasts, the challenges of their current lives, and their relationship with their essential womanhood, motherhood, sisterhood and identities, it will become clear to the reader that love can be expressed in many languages, some of which we may be “still learning to hear.”

I loved this book, — a raw and tender exploration of all that it takes to be human, and the connections that can be seen to be there, once we are open to accepting them.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully heartbreaking and heartbreakingly beautiful. Jessica Guerrieri weaves together a story full of heart and heartache, womanhood and motherhood, love and resentment, addiction and recovery, trauma and healing, neurodiversity and acceptance.

The story focuses on two very different sisters, Mere and Frankie, as they live their lives over a stressful few weeks.

Mere, who needs to provide care so no one gets hurt. Who is disappearing in her life beneath the weight of her marriage and childcare. Who appreciates the quiet, finding it a form of honest and truth.

Frankie, who needs to be loved so she’s not abandoned. Who is fading away as she chases the high to numb the pain. Who fears the quiet, finding it threatening.

However, a lot more characters come in to play. Each with her own story and struggles that intertwine and impact Mere and Frankie.

In the end, why I liked about this book is that it felt so real. The characters: all so relatable, capturing their strengths and flaws. Seeing them failing, some learning from their mistakes and others not. But ultimately showing that you can only save the people who want to be saved. The writing style: descriptive, without being slow. Carefully interwoven to pull together multiple subplots in a way that felt natural. And the underlying messages: everything from it’s never too late to change to life nor recovery being a linear path. So much can be taken from Guerrieri forcing readers to sit and think about uncomfortable yet crucial topics.

Thank you to Jessica Guerrieri, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kiza Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a book that I feel stays with you as a woman and is a raw window into not only addiction, but also motherhood, marriage and the delicate balance women are always making in their lives, the load that is there and that we many times don't even know what to do with

the main characters are Mere and Frankie, two sisters who are stranged, they have a surface level relationship because they both hold grudges towards the other, but in truth they had a rough childhoos that deeply affected theit adult lives.

Now as they are in their 40s, married and with children, the day to day of the lives they lead are not exactly equal to a life in which they lean on each other, there is a lot of hidden feelings that they haven't worked out, but then a mother in their community goes missing and everything comes unraveling for both of them in different ways

I enjoyed the development of the story I felt the pace was very well done, also there was a lot of internal diologue so if you like a character driven story over a lot actions to develope the plot, this is a great book for that.

In a lot of ways I felt that Brie, the mother who goes missing was a bit of a blending of both sisters, they both felt her loss in different ways and could relate to her experiences, towards the end of the book there is a very raw chapter from Brie's POV which I felt gutted by, so this is definateli a book that I think will stay on my mind for a long time

[Zoe Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this Advanced Copy!
4⭐️

Both can be true takes us through the complex feelings of life and death - grief and guilt. We are told these story’s through two sisters, Mere and Frankie, who become back in touch when a local women goes missing. Through this time, we see the struggles Frankie faces with her own life choices; the past and the present, and we see Mere struggle with how her life feels and the life she is living. A story of achievements, grief and breaking points, this book shows the realities of addiction and the struggles acceptance.

I will start by saying I enjoyed this book! It was not at first what I expected - I had thought it would be more of a mystery type, but I enjoyed the way it had that tied in instead of being the main focus. The characters were well written and felt quite realistic. I always enjoy when the book doesn’t glorify things like addiction or grief, and shows the true struggles that can come along. It was well thought out.

My only thing is I still am not to sure about the men’s camping trip- i just don’t really understand the overall importance of jt. I think the story would have had the same meaning without it, but it was still an interesting plot piece.

Overall, I really enjoyed the realistic feel of this book & the lessons it teaches about addiction and how it can be show in different forms. Although it’s a heavy topic, it was written with such carefulness that it felt warming to see the happy ending.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Previously, I enjoyed the author’s debut novel, “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” and was thrilled to learn about her latest work. “Both Can Be True” is narrated from the perspectives of two sisters, Frankie and Mere. Frankie is a recovering alcoholic, and the novel delves into the strained relationship between the sisters due to complex family issues during their teenage years. They discover that a local woman named Brie has gone missing in their town. This unexpected turn of events brings them together, prompting them to unravel the layers of their own relationship. Brie’s disappearance also tests Frankie in many challenging ways.

The book tackles a wide range of topics, including marriage, friendship, parenting children with special needs, parenting teenagers, addiction and sobriety, sexual assault, and dysfunctional family dynamics.

Initially, I found it challenging to keep track of all the characters and their relationships. The plot is filled with various subplots. At times, it overshadowed the main focus on Frankie and Mere’s story. In the end I believe the author skillfully intertwines it all together by the conclusion.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, Harper Muse, for providing me with an eARC of this story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

This story had hooked, the tension, the real life sisterly relationship, the ups and down of both main characters lives.

Two sisters, somewhat estranged and who are each dealing with their own set of trauma, are trying to find new ground in their relationship. Each sister has their own vice, their own troubles, their own story and background that shapes them as the very real characters that they are but also shows the deep unfailing love for each other. The story begins with a missing women and a husbands camping trip, and ends up evolving into a twisted journey for both of the sisters.

There is so much heart in this story, I really loved how the author approaches these heavy topics and gives each character the chance to breathe and live in their true authenticity. There is tension, lots of it, surrounded by pain and trauma but also a healing aspect that carries the characters through their journey. I would say this story encompasses so many different aspects of the experience of being a woman and does so in such a deep and meaningful way. Each character was so brilliantly written, both in adding to the overall story but also bringing something to the two main characters as well; a lesson, a warning and a chance to truly heal. An absolutely amazing read from start to finish.

[Shine with Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has/had family members with an addiction, Jessica Guerrieri once again captures me with a story that doesn't hold back. She managed to do that with her debut book, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, and she does it again.

I highly recommend that you check trigger warnings. This story deals with sexual abuse and addiction with brutal honesty through fictional characters...multiple characters. Each of these characters depict varying paths of addiction, which I found interesting. It shows the messy, complicated sides and the impact of past traumas. I must say. In my opinion, some of the side topics (autism) didn't feel relevant or necessary, but that may just be me missing the relevance of the author's intention.

I highly recommend reading the author's note prior to reading the story. It provides great insight into the influence that guides this author's story. I'm actually hoping that this appears at the beginning of the book at the time of publishing.

Thank you to Harper Muse for providing an advanced digital copy via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are entirely my own. This isn't a lighthearted read, but it is one that will make you think about all sides of addiction.

(3.5 stars rounded up)

[RachelHdly · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley

At first, this novel really hits you with some relatable and empowering quotes on feminism, womanhood and finding strength in yourself following trauma.

However, the where the book started strong, it slowly declined for me into a novel which felt more sterile than anything else. The two female main characters honestly didn't feel like sisters, more like strangers. And yes, it is a story which follows them on their journey to reconciliation, but along the way there was nothing really entwining the two where I felt any sort of emotional attachment to them or their story arcs.

The side characters, with the exception of one, all felt quite same-y, and 'paper-cut'- 2-dimensional, and there to push the missing-person storyline along, and give us another 'husbands are selfish' moment.

That said, there were VERY important discussions regarding addiction which I feel were handled with sensitivity and rawness, and for me this was the most impactful element of the novel.

2.5/5

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Guerrieri is a new-to-me author, and I was immediately intrigued by the premise. Both Can Be True is a poignant portrayal of women’s lives—sisterhood, motherhood, family, addiction, marriage, you name it. I felt connected from the start, and these characters and their struggles were genuinely moving.

Guerrieri’s writing is lovely, balancing warmth with the raw, heavy weight of trauma and addiction. Her prose is beautiful, and there were lines I found myself rereading simply because they were so well-crafted.

I was fully invested for most of the book, though in the final quarter I found myself slightly less satisfied. Some emotional arcs felt complete and carefully developed, while others left me wanting just a bit more, as though they weren’t quite as fully explored.

Overall, this was a compelling and emotional read, and I’m looking forward to going back and reading Guerrieri’s debut. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and publisher for my #gifted ARC. This was one of my most anticipated for 2026 and I’m honored to have read it early!

After absolutely loving The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea, I knew I had to get my hands on this asap. It was worth my begging. This story about sisters and addiction was deeply relatable as someone in recovery. While my own relationship with my sister is vastly different, and my journey through sobriety hasn’t been the same as Frankie’s, it still hit home in many ways. Jessica has a way of crafting relatable characters and plots that I believe anyone can connect with. Her writing is powerful and emotional, and the reader can feel the personal connections. All things that drew me in from the first page. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Can Be True is a poignant, beautifully written novel that stays with you long after the final page. Jessica Guerreiri handles tragedy with remarkable care, crafting a story that is emotionally honest without being overwrought. The prose is lyrical yet restrained, allowing the weight of the themes to unfold naturally. The relationships, their complexities and simplicities, are the drivers of the novel, allowing you to examine your own in a way that feels personal and important.

What makes this book exceptional is its ability to hold complexity—grief and love, pain and hope—at the same time. It’s tragic, but deeply thought-provoking, inviting the reader to sit with uncomfortable truths and recognize that contradictory emotions can coexist. A powerful, reflective read that feels both intimate and universal.

[Ann Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Can Be True is one of those books that will stay with me long after I put it down. Frankie and Mere -- two estranged sisters who are pulled back into each other’s lives -- are both so different than me, but I found myself deeply compelled by them both. Frankie’s restless energy felt real without being melodramatic, and Guerrieri crafted her journey with such care, letting challenges feel meaningful without overwhelming the story. Meanwhile, Mere’s quiet strength as a mother and caretaker, and her slow unraveling under pressure, were equally compelling.

This book thoughtfully explores how women can disappear -- not just physically, but emotionally and socially, too. It’s thoughtful, heartfelt, and full of characters who feel authentic and complicated. For those who love honest and raw literary fiction, this one is a must read.