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Arrivals and Departures: A Novel
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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Jetsetters comes a witty and wonderful new novel about one unforgettable family and the journeys we take—across oceans and through heartbreak—to find our way back to love.
The Perkins family has problems. They’re scattered across the globe. Lee, a glamorous reality-TV star, is struggling with her mental health in the spotlight. Reagan, her younger sister, has fallen for a romance scammer and vanished overseas. Cord, their charming brother, is one drink away from losing it all. And their mother, Charlotte, still longs for the love she let slip away a decade ago, a lover who sailed off with her heart to a remote island in Greece.
When Reagan disappears, Lee flies first-class to Athens to save her family—again. There, against the glittering Mediterranean and the shadow of the Acropolis, Lee contends with emotional nieces, relentless paparazzi, and her own fragile heart. Lee is desperately searching—for her sister, and for the hope and joy she thought was gone forever.
Across continents and crises, each member of the Perkins family must face the same is it ever too late to choose love?
Featuring characters from Ward’s bestselling novel The Jetsetters, Arrivals and Departures is brimming with humor, honesty, and hope. It’s the story of a family finding the courage to say the only words that can save us—I love you.
The Perkins family has problems. They’re scattered across the globe. Lee, a glamorous reality-TV star, is struggling with her mental health in the spotlight. Reagan, her younger sister, has fallen for a romance scammer and vanished overseas. Cord, their charming brother, is one drink away from losing it all. And their mother, Charlotte, still longs for the love she let slip away a decade ago, a lover who sailed off with her heart to a remote island in Greece.
When Reagan disappears, Lee flies first-class to Athens to save her family—again. There, against the glittering Mediterranean and the shadow of the Acropolis, Lee contends with emotional nieces, relentless paparazzi, and her own fragile heart. Lee is desperately searching—for her sister, and for the hope and joy she thought was gone forever.
Across continents and crises, each member of the Perkins family must face the same is it ever too late to choose love?
Featuring characters from Ward’s bestselling novel The Jetsetters, Arrivals and Departures is brimming with humor, honesty, and hope. It’s the story of a family finding the courage to say the only words that can save us—I love you.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 16, 2026
About the author
Amanda Eyre Ward
16 books1,442 followersAmanda Eyre Ward’s new novel. LOVERS AND LIARS, will be published in May, 2024! It is the story of a librarian in love.
Here is a very long bio: Amanda was born in New York City in 1972. Her family mved to Rye, New York when she was four. Amanda attended Kent School in Kent, CT, where she wrote for the Kent News.
Amanda majored in English and American Studies at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. She studied fiction writing with Jim Shepard and spent her junior fall in coastal Kenya. She worked part-time at the Williamstown Public Library. After graduation, Amanda taught at Athens College in Greece for a year, and then moved to Missoula, Montana.
Amanda studied fiction writing at the University of Montana with Bill Kittredge, Dierdre McNamer, Debra Earling, and Kevin Canty, receiving her MFA. After traveling to Egypt, she took a job at the University of Montana Mansfield Library, working in Inter Library Loan.
In 1998, Amanda moved to Austin, Texas where she began working on Sleep Toward Heaven. Amanda finished Sleep Toward Heaven, which was published in 2003. Sleep Toward Heaven won the Violet Crown Book Award and was optioned for film by Sandra Bullock and Fox Searchlight. To promote Sleep Toward Heaven, Amanda, her baby, and her mother Mary-Anne Westley traveled to London and Paris.
Amanda moved to Waterville, Maine, where she wrote in an attic filled with books. Amanda’s second novel, How to Be Lost, was published in 2004. How to Be Lost was selected as a Target Bookmarked pick, and has been published in fifteen countries.
After one year in Maine and two years on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Amanda and her family returned to Austin, Texas.
To research her third novel, Forgive Me, Amanda traveled with her sister, Liza Ward Bennigson, to Cape Town, South Africa. Forgive Me was published in 2007.
Amanda's short story collection, Love Stories in This Town, was published in April, 2009.
Her fourth novel, Close Your Eyes, published in July, 2011, received a four-star reiew in People Magazine, won the Elle Lettres Readers' Prize for September, and inspired the Dallas Morning News to write, "With CLOSE YOUR EYES, Austin novelist Amanda Eyre Ward puts another jewel in her crown as the reigning doyenne of 'dark secrets' literary fiction."
Close Your Eyes was named in Kirkus' Best Books of 2011, and won the Elle Magazine Fiction Book of the Year. It was released in paperback in August, 2012.
Amanda's fifth novel, The Same Sky, was published on January 20, 2015. It was named one of the most anticipated books for 2015 by BookPeople and Book of the Week by People Magazine. Dallas Morning News writes, "Ward has written a novel that brilliantly attaches us to broader perspectives. It is a needed respite from the angry politics surrounding border issues that, instead of dividing us, connects us to our humanity."
The Same Sky was chosen as a Target Bookmarked pick.
Amanda's new novel, The Nearness of You, was published on Valentine's Day, 2017.
Amanda's new novel, THE JETSETTERS, was chosen by Reese's Book Club and Hello Sunshine and became a New York Times bestseller. Her novel THE LIFEGUARDS was published in 2022.
Ask me anything and stay tuned for news about LOVERS AND LIARS and TV and film projects based on Amanda's work!
Here is a very long bio: Amanda was born in New York City in 1972. Her family mved to Rye, New York when she was four. Amanda attended Kent School in Kent, CT, where she wrote for the Kent News.
Amanda majored in English and American Studies at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. She studied fiction writing with Jim Shepard and spent her junior fall in coastal Kenya. She worked part-time at the Williamstown Public Library. After graduation, Amanda taught at Athens College in Greece for a year, and then moved to Missoula, Montana.
Amanda studied fiction writing at the University of Montana with Bill Kittredge, Dierdre McNamer, Debra Earling, and Kevin Canty, receiving her MFA. After traveling to Egypt, she took a job at the University of Montana Mansfield Library, working in Inter Library Loan.
In 1998, Amanda moved to Austin, Texas where she began working on Sleep Toward Heaven. Amanda finished Sleep Toward Heaven, which was published in 2003. Sleep Toward Heaven won the Violet Crown Book Award and was optioned for film by Sandra Bullock and Fox Searchlight. To promote Sleep Toward Heaven, Amanda, her baby, and her mother Mary-Anne Westley traveled to London and Paris.
Amanda moved to Waterville, Maine, where she wrote in an attic filled with books. Amanda’s second novel, How to Be Lost, was published in 2004. How to Be Lost was selected as a Target Bookmarked pick, and has been published in fifteen countries.
After one year in Maine and two years on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Amanda and her family returned to Austin, Texas.
To research her third novel, Forgive Me, Amanda traveled with her sister, Liza Ward Bennigson, to Cape Town, South Africa. Forgive Me was published in 2007.
Amanda's short story collection, Love Stories in This Town, was published in April, 2009.
Her fourth novel, Close Your Eyes, published in July, 2011, received a four-star reiew in People Magazine, won the Elle Lettres Readers' Prize for September, and inspired the Dallas Morning News to write, "With CLOSE YOUR EYES, Austin novelist Amanda Eyre Ward puts another jewel in her crown as the reigning doyenne of 'dark secrets' literary fiction."
Close Your Eyes was named in Kirkus' Best Books of 2011, and won the Elle Magazine Fiction Book of the Year. It was released in paperback in August, 2012.
Amanda's fifth novel, The Same Sky, was published on January 20, 2015. It was named one of the most anticipated books for 2015 by BookPeople and Book of the Week by People Magazine. Dallas Morning News writes, "Ward has written a novel that brilliantly attaches us to broader perspectives. It is a needed respite from the angry politics surrounding border issues that, instead of dividing us, connects us to our humanity."
The Same Sky was chosen as a Target Bookmarked pick.
Amanda's new novel, The Nearness of You, was published on Valentine's Day, 2017.
Amanda's new novel, THE JETSETTERS, was chosen by Reese's Book Club and Hello Sunshine and became a New York Times bestseller. Her novel THE LIFEGUARDS was published in 2022.
Ask me anything and stay tuned for news about LOVERS AND LIARS and TV and film projects based on Amanda's work!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the advance copy of Arrivals and Departures. I throughly enjoyed the storyline of each member of this family. The author had a realistic and sensitive insight into mental health and the effect on the individual as well as the family. I could not put this book down ( and also want to book a trip to Greece).
May 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an opportunity to read this ARC.
Arrivals and Departures follows three generations of the Perkins family, set among the beautiful backgrounds of Greece and Savannah, GA. This book delves into the complexities and uniqueness of mental health struggles faced at a multigenerational level in this family. While exploring some dark themes, Ward manages to keep the tone light at times and allows the reader to learn what pushes these characters to their breaking point while also maintaining hope through a familial bond.
With fast paced chapters that alternate between the viewpoints of Lee, Charlotte, Flora, Cord, Isabelle, and Reagan, this gripping story had me hooked to see where these characters would end up. In the opening chapter, we learn that Reagan, mother to Flora and Isabelle, is leaving for what seems to be a happy art retreat in Santorini, but there turns out to be something more sinister at play. Soon, Flora and Isabelle turn to their Aunt Lee and Grandma Charlotte for guidance and hope when their mother goes missing. Through the alternating perspectives, we learn how each member in this family has been affected by previous trauma and how that shaped their decisions, vulnerabilities, and challenges with depression. Even though these characters can be flawed, messy and frustrating at times, their battles with insecurities and ability to turn towards family for help left me rooting for them to find happiness in the darkness.
For anyone who wants to explore more of Greek culture and likes to read about family drama and authentic, complex characters with imperfections, failings, dark themes, resilience and growth, I would recommend this book.
Arrivals and Departures follows three generations of the Perkins family, set among the beautiful backgrounds of Greece and Savannah, GA. This book delves into the complexities and uniqueness of mental health struggles faced at a multigenerational level in this family. While exploring some dark themes, Ward manages to keep the tone light at times and allows the reader to learn what pushes these characters to their breaking point while also maintaining hope through a familial bond.
With fast paced chapters that alternate between the viewpoints of Lee, Charlotte, Flora, Cord, Isabelle, and Reagan, this gripping story had me hooked to see where these characters would end up. In the opening chapter, we learn that Reagan, mother to Flora and Isabelle, is leaving for what seems to be a happy art retreat in Santorini, but there turns out to be something more sinister at play. Soon, Flora and Isabelle turn to their Aunt Lee and Grandma Charlotte for guidance and hope when their mother goes missing. Through the alternating perspectives, we learn how each member in this family has been affected by previous trauma and how that shaped their decisions, vulnerabilities, and challenges with depression. Even though these characters can be flawed, messy and frustrating at times, their battles with insecurities and ability to turn towards family for help left me rooting for them to find happiness in the darkness.
For anyone who wants to explore more of Greek culture and likes to read about family drama and authentic, complex characters with imperfections, failings, dark themes, resilience and growth, I would recommend this book.
April 19, 2026
Arrivals and Departures brings readers back to the Perkins family from The Jetsetters—and this time, things are far from glamorous.
Charlotte and her three adult children—Lee, Regan, and Cord—are all struggling in their own ways. Lee is quietly battling depression, Regan finds herself entangled in an online scam, and Cord’s relationship is unraveling. Each of them feels stuck, unhappy, and, in many ways, responsible for their own circumstances.
At its core, this is a story about a family in crisis—deeply flawed, often frustrating, yet still trying to love one another. It unfolds almost like a quiet tragedy, as each character grapples with their own choices and consequences.
Despite tackling heavy themes, Ward has a gift for keeping the story accessible and even lightly toned at times. She handles difficult topics with care and nuance, never letting the narrative feel overwhelming.
With short chapters and a quick pace, it’s an engaging, fast read that still manages to carry emotional weight.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.
Charlotte and her three adult children—Lee, Regan, and Cord—are all struggling in their own ways. Lee is quietly battling depression, Regan finds herself entangled in an online scam, and Cord’s relationship is unraveling. Each of them feels stuck, unhappy, and, in many ways, responsible for their own circumstances.
At its core, this is a story about a family in crisis—deeply flawed, often frustrating, yet still trying to love one another. It unfolds almost like a quiet tragedy, as each character grapples with their own choices and consequences.
Despite tackling heavy themes, Ward has a gift for keeping the story accessible and even lightly toned at times. She handles difficult topics with care and nuance, never letting the narrative feel overwhelming.
With short chapters and a quick pace, it’s an engaging, fast read that still manages to carry emotional weight.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2026
This novel, a follow-up to one of the author’s earlier works (which I had not read), centers on Lee Perkins, a glamorous reality television star whose life has been shaped as much by public scrutiny as by her own ongoing mental health struggles. After a very public behavioral health crisis, Lee retreats to her mother Charlotte’s home in Savannah, hoping for quiet and recovery. That peace is quickly disrupted when her teenage nieces reach out, worried about their mother—Lee’s sister, Reagan—who has abruptly disappeared on a so-called “momcation,” cutting off all contact.
Recognizing that her fractured family once again needs her, Lee sets off for Greece to find Reagan and restore some sense of stability. What she uncovers is troubling: Reagan has fallen victim to an online romance scam, sending thousands of dollars to someone she believes is her true love. As Lee searches across Athens and beyond, she must navigate not only the physical challenge of locating her sister, but also the emotional strain of holding her family together.
Complicating matters further are Lee’s strained relationships with her nieces, who remain wary of her and are quick to weaponize her past mental health struggles—even as Lee begins to recognize similar issues emerging in one of them. Meanwhile, their brother Cord battles alcoholism, adding another layer of instability, and their 82-year-old mother Charlotte unexpectedly follows Lee to Greece, hoping to reconnect with a long-lost love on a remote island.
Set against the vivid backdrop of the Mediterranean, from the energy of Athens to the timeless presence of the Acropolis, the novel weaves together themes of family dysfunction, resilience, grief, and second chances. Lee must contend not only with intrusive paparazzi and her fragile emotional state, but also with the weight of being the one everyone depends on.
While the premise is compelling and the stakes—particularly Reagan’s disappearance—kept me wanting to know how it would all resolve, the pacing felt uneven at times. Despite the rich setting and layered characters, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story, as certain sections moved slowly and lacked the emotional pull I expected.
Overall, the novel offers an engaging exploration of family bonds and personal redemption, even if it doesn’t entirely sustain its momentum throughout.
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this ARC.
Recognizing that her fractured family once again needs her, Lee sets off for Greece to find Reagan and restore some sense of stability. What she uncovers is troubling: Reagan has fallen victim to an online romance scam, sending thousands of dollars to someone she believes is her true love. As Lee searches across Athens and beyond, she must navigate not only the physical challenge of locating her sister, but also the emotional strain of holding her family together.
Complicating matters further are Lee’s strained relationships with her nieces, who remain wary of her and are quick to weaponize her past mental health struggles—even as Lee begins to recognize similar issues emerging in one of them. Meanwhile, their brother Cord battles alcoholism, adding another layer of instability, and their 82-year-old mother Charlotte unexpectedly follows Lee to Greece, hoping to reconnect with a long-lost love on a remote island.
Set against the vivid backdrop of the Mediterranean, from the energy of Athens to the timeless presence of the Acropolis, the novel weaves together themes of family dysfunction, resilience, grief, and second chances. Lee must contend not only with intrusive paparazzi and her fragile emotional state, but also with the weight of being the one everyone depends on.
While the premise is compelling and the stakes—particularly Reagan’s disappearance—kept me wanting to know how it would all resolve, the pacing felt uneven at times. Despite the rich setting and layered characters, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story, as certain sections moved slowly and lacked the emotional pull I expected.
Overall, the novel offers an engaging exploration of family bonds and personal redemption, even if it doesn’t entirely sustain its momentum throughout.
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this ARC.
April 16, 2026
Set in the dreamy streets of Greece, this is a layered family drama about the messy, complicated ties that bind us. The story follows the Perkins family as they navigate distance, heartbreak, and long-buried regrets. When one sister goes missing overseas, the others are pulled back together, forcing each of them to confront their own struggles, past choices, and what it really means to love and forgive.
While I enjoyed the setting of Greece, unfortunately that’s all I enjoyed. The story felt very jumbled and chaotic. It seemed like these were all individual side stories versus a cohesive novel. I really struggled to connect with any of the characters. The premise of this book really piqued my interest as I know someone with these exact mental health diagnoses. Unfortunately, this aspect of the book fell completely flat for me.
Loved the Greek vibes, though! Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
While I enjoyed the setting of Greece, unfortunately that’s all I enjoyed. The story felt very jumbled and chaotic. It seemed like these were all individual side stories versus a cohesive novel. I really struggled to connect with any of the characters. The premise of this book really piqued my interest as I know someone with these exact mental health diagnoses. Unfortunately, this aspect of the book fell completely flat for me.
Loved the Greek vibes, though! Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was...a book!
Arrivals and Departures is the third book I read from this author and it is easily my favourite.
Fun fact #1: this book contains several characters from one of Ward's previous novels: The Jetsetters. However, this isn't exactly a sequel to that book, and it can easily be read as a standalone.
To be frank, I read The Jetsetters 4 or 5 years ago. I barely remember that book. And it is also my least favourite that I've read from this author.
Yet, I feel like I missed nothing going into this new book. I recognised some names but it was perfectly readable without having the 'previous' book fresh in my mind.
Fun fact#2: out ouf those, now, 3 novels I've read from Amanda Eyre Ward, this one is easily the heaviest in tone and context. Don't be fooled by the cozy and sunny art cover! The content of this book is heavy! There are some very serious and dark topics being discussed here, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, addictions, underage sexual exploration, online scammers, and others. This is NOT a fun and cozy summer read! Be aware of that before going into this book.
The Greek islands setting do indeed bring a lighter tone to the narrative. But in general this book is not easy to read.
I personally cared for all the characters, so I could feel their pain and despair in certain moments. I would root for them constantly and be very annoyed when things went south and some characters kept making the wrong choices over and over again. But I'd say that is why these characters within these scenarios seem so realistic. Because what these people go through are real struggles and vices anyone can go through.
As I've said above, online scamming is one of the topics discussed in this book. And that hit harder for me, because I was once a victim of online scamming. It triggered me. And yet I couldn't stop reading it. I actually read this book in...a little more than 24 hours. I was emotionally invested in it all.
I picked this book up thinking I was going to read a light breezy summery, even maybe silly, romance-ish story about a family vacationing in Greece.
Well, I was wrong. LoL And yet, I felt happily wrong about my expectations. I really really liked this book. It spoke to me. It moved me. It bothered me. It triggered me. It even scared me a little, but I connected to these characters in such a level that I know I won't forget about them so soon.
And they are not so deep! This book is, in my opinion, too short to have such depth in character development. But it was enough to speak to me. I loved it!
However, I don't believe this book will speak to many other readers. So I would recommend this novel to readers who usually enjoy reading and following characters with realistic vices and struggles, and don't mind novels with heavy and dark topics. Read with caution.
*The conclusion is hopeful and sweet* - just so you'll know.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Arrivals and Departures is the third book I read from this author and it is easily my favourite.
Fun fact #1: this book contains several characters from one of Ward's previous novels: The Jetsetters. However, this isn't exactly a sequel to that book, and it can easily be read as a standalone.
To be frank, I read The Jetsetters 4 or 5 years ago. I barely remember that book. And it is also my least favourite that I've read from this author.
Yet, I feel like I missed nothing going into this new book. I recognised some names but it was perfectly readable without having the 'previous' book fresh in my mind.
Fun fact#2: out ouf those, now, 3 novels I've read from Amanda Eyre Ward, this one is easily the heaviest in tone and context. Don't be fooled by the cozy and sunny art cover! The content of this book is heavy! There are some very serious and dark topics being discussed here, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, addictions, underage sexual exploration, online scammers, and others. This is NOT a fun and cozy summer read! Be aware of that before going into this book.
The Greek islands setting do indeed bring a lighter tone to the narrative. But in general this book is not easy to read.
I personally cared for all the characters, so I could feel their pain and despair in certain moments. I would root for them constantly and be very annoyed when things went south and some characters kept making the wrong choices over and over again. But I'd say that is why these characters within these scenarios seem so realistic. Because what these people go through are real struggles and vices anyone can go through.
As I've said above, online scamming is one of the topics discussed in this book. And that hit harder for me, because I was once a victim of online scamming. It triggered me. And yet I couldn't stop reading it. I actually read this book in...a little more than 24 hours. I was emotionally invested in it all.
I picked this book up thinking I was going to read a light breezy summery, even maybe silly, romance-ish story about a family vacationing in Greece.
Well, I was wrong. LoL And yet, I felt happily wrong about my expectations. I really really liked this book. It spoke to me. It moved me. It bothered me. It triggered me. It even scared me a little, but I connected to these characters in such a level that I know I won't forget about them so soon.
And they are not so deep! This book is, in my opinion, too short to have such depth in character development. But it was enough to speak to me. I loved it!
However, I don't believe this book will speak to many other readers. So I would recommend this novel to readers who usually enjoy reading and following characters with realistic vices and struggles, and don't mind novels with heavy and dark topics. Read with caution.
*The conclusion is hopeful and sweet* - just so you'll know.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Eyre Ward, and Ballantine Books for a copy of Arrivals and Departures in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book unsure how I’d land… and honestly, I stayed unsure right up until the final page. But somewhere along the way, it won me over anyway.
The characters? That’s where this book shines. Fiona and Charlotte absolutely stole the spotlight for me, no contest. Their storylines had depth, heart, and just enough edge to keep me fully invested. I also really appreciated Lee. In fact, half the time I felt like Lee was the only one making any sense while everything else was quietly unraveling.
The author’s take on mental health was compelling, especially with how depression doesn’t just affect one person, it ripples through the entire family like a quiet storm. That said… I do think the story leaned very heavily on Lee’s depression when there were so many other emotional and mental layers happening with the rest of the characters that could’ve been explored more.
And then there’s Regan’s storyline. Important? Yes. Necessary? Probably. But it started to feel like the emotional “plaster” holding everything together, and at times, it took over in a way that pulled focus from what felt like the true heartbeat of the novel.
But here’s the thing: even with those frustrations, I couldn’t put it down. It’s well written, engaging, and moves at a pace that keeps you turning pages without realizing it.
So while it didn’t quite hit that 5-star, “I will scream about this from the rooftops” level for me… it still felt real, grounded, and worth the journey.
Final Verdict: Not flawless, but undeniably compelling. A solid 4 stars for strong characters, emotional depth, and a story that lingers just enough to keep you thinking after the last page.
I went into this book unsure how I’d land… and honestly, I stayed unsure right up until the final page. But somewhere along the way, it won me over anyway.
The characters? That’s where this book shines. Fiona and Charlotte absolutely stole the spotlight for me, no contest. Their storylines had depth, heart, and just enough edge to keep me fully invested. I also really appreciated Lee. In fact, half the time I felt like Lee was the only one making any sense while everything else was quietly unraveling.
The author’s take on mental health was compelling, especially with how depression doesn’t just affect one person, it ripples through the entire family like a quiet storm. That said… I do think the story leaned very heavily on Lee’s depression when there were so many other emotional and mental layers happening with the rest of the characters that could’ve been explored more.
And then there’s Regan’s storyline. Important? Yes. Necessary? Probably. But it started to feel like the emotional “plaster” holding everything together, and at times, it took over in a way that pulled focus from what felt like the true heartbeat of the novel.
But here’s the thing: even with those frustrations, I couldn’t put it down. It’s well written, engaging, and moves at a pace that keeps you turning pages without realizing it.
So while it didn’t quite hit that 5-star, “I will scream about this from the rooftops” level for me… it still felt real, grounded, and worth the journey.
Final Verdict: Not flawless, but undeniably compelling. A solid 4 stars for strong characters, emotional depth, and a story that lingers just enough to keep you thinking after the last page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Though they all have problems of their own, when Reagan disappears, the Perkins family rally to find her.
Arrivals and Departures is not the first book I have read by Ward, but I had not read The Jetsetters. After learning this book is a follow up on the family at the center of The Jetsetters, you can bet I will be reading it soon.
The Perkins family were a messy bunch, but there was something about them that made me care. There was Reagan who was missing after falling for a romance scam, Lee who was lying low after a public struggle with her bipolar disorder, Cord who was battling for his sobriety, Charlotte who was overwhelmed with loneliness, and Reagan's daughters were also victims the same generational trauma.
Though the family was kind of a mess, and they kept way too many secrets, in the end, they loved each other. When things really mattered, they showed up. Reagan, Lee, and Cord were all products of their abusive alcoholic father. Though he was dead, the scars were still there. Each one of them dealt with that pain in a different way, and here, it seemed they were finally confronting it and looking to each other for support.
The story was quite fast paced, flipping from character to character with me wholly absorbed in their drama. I definitely shook my head many times as these characters made some questionable decisions, but Ward came through in the end. The epilogue was everything for me leaving me with lots of hope for these characters.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Arrivals and Departures is not the first book I have read by Ward, but I had not read The Jetsetters. After learning this book is a follow up on the family at the center of The Jetsetters, you can bet I will be reading it soon.
The Perkins family were a messy bunch, but there was something about them that made me care. There was Reagan who was missing after falling for a romance scam, Lee who was lying low after a public struggle with her bipolar disorder, Cord who was battling for his sobriety, Charlotte who was overwhelmed with loneliness, and Reagan's daughters were also victims the same generational trauma.
Though the family was kind of a mess, and they kept way too many secrets, in the end, they loved each other. When things really mattered, they showed up. Reagan, Lee, and Cord were all products of their abusive alcoholic father. Though he was dead, the scars were still there. Each one of them dealt with that pain in a different way, and here, it seemed they were finally confronting it and looking to each other for support.
The story was quite fast paced, flipping from character to character with me wholly absorbed in their drama. I definitely shook my head many times as these characters made some questionable decisions, but Ward came through in the end. The epilogue was everything for me leaving me with lots of hope for these characters.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
April 24, 2026
Don’t be fooled by the beautiful and soothing Greek view on this cover. This is not your typical, romantic beach read. Amanda Eyre Ward deals up some heavy themes in this book, including mental illness and addiction. Definitely read the author’s note if these are potential triggers, as they are prevalent throughout the entirety (as they, obviously, also tend to be in real life).
This book follows a southern family, the Perkins - a matriarch (Charlotte), her three children (Lee, Cord, and Regan), and two grandchildren (Isabelle and Flora, Regan’s daughters) - who are all living in different parts of the globe. We get to see events unfolding from all of their POV, which adds extra depth to an already complex story. I found myself highlighting so many of Lee’s words and thoughts, especially the last sentences to a lot of chapters. They put a perspective on situations that I have been very fortunate to not have experienced, and may not have known otherwise.
“You’d have to have personally been trapped and felt flames to really understand a terror way beyond falling.”
Not personally knowing anyone who has these particular struggles, this book gave me so much insight into the psyche of someone who does. Though fiction, I’m sure a lot of the ideas presented are an every day reality to millions of people worldwide. I was constantly catching myself trying to sneak peaks at the text on the next page, anxious to find out where the story would go. This has given me more compassion and understanding for others, as you truly do not know what anyone else has gone or is going through.
[Also, I love Markos!]
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book!
This book follows a southern family, the Perkins - a matriarch (Charlotte), her three children (Lee, Cord, and Regan), and two grandchildren (Isabelle and Flora, Regan’s daughters) - who are all living in different parts of the globe. We get to see events unfolding from all of their POV, which adds extra depth to an already complex story. I found myself highlighting so many of Lee’s words and thoughts, especially the last sentences to a lot of chapters. They put a perspective on situations that I have been very fortunate to not have experienced, and may not have known otherwise.
“You’d have to have personally been trapped and felt flames to really understand a terror way beyond falling.”
Not personally knowing anyone who has these particular struggles, this book gave me so much insight into the psyche of someone who does. Though fiction, I’m sure a lot of the ideas presented are an every day reality to millions of people worldwide. I was constantly catching myself trying to sneak peaks at the text on the next page, anxious to find out where the story would go. This has given me more compassion and understanding for others, as you truly do not know what anyone else has gone or is going through.
[Also, I love Markos!]
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Perkins family is fractured. Each of them believes they have everything under control. It takes the disappearance of Regan to pull them back together. Regan is divorced and raising two daughters. Her fresh start involves selling her home and moving to Greece. The move doesn't have the desired effect. Regan is searching for a way to be seen again. She falls for a man online whom she believes really sees her. She is so blinded by this connection that she misses danger signs. When she fails to return home from a weekend crafting workshop, her daughters contact their grandmother for help. Regan's sister Lee arrives to care for the girls and work with the local authorities. Lee has baggage of her own. Regan's family reunites in Greece and begins the difficult work of healing.
The lure of the internet plays a major role in this book. Regan, her brother Cord, and her daughters all have unhealthy online obsessions. Regan's sister Lee is suicidal, and their mother, Charlotte, can't face reality. Each member of the family will reach a breaking point, and it is fascinating to see each person's solution. This is a timely story, as many families currently face technology addiction. While this is not a step-by-step recipe for overcoming addiction, there is encouragement and hope that healing is possible. In the end, family ties can unite again.
This modern-day family drama will appeal to readers concerned with or currently battling technology addiction in their lives. It is a cautionary tale, reminding us of how easy it is to be deceived. I appreciate the advanced reader copy from NetGalley, Ballentine Books, and Amanda Eyre Ward.
The lure of the internet plays a major role in this book. Regan, her brother Cord, and her daughters all have unhealthy online obsessions. Regan's sister Lee is suicidal, and their mother, Charlotte, can't face reality. Each member of the family will reach a breaking point, and it is fascinating to see each person's solution. This is a timely story, as many families currently face technology addiction. While this is not a step-by-step recipe for overcoming addiction, there is encouragement and hope that healing is possible. In the end, family ties can unite again.
This modern-day family drama will appeal to readers concerned with or currently battling technology addiction in their lives. It is a cautionary tale, reminding us of how easy it is to be deceived. I appreciate the advanced reader copy from NetGalley, Ballentine Books, and Amanda Eyre Ward.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Through the character of Lee, the author does a good job of portraying bipolar disorder — the depressive and hypomanic/manic episodes; the importance of medication compliance; the recognition when episodes are starting but not always being able to do something about it; the uncertainty when things seem to be going well as to whether things are really going well or whether it is the start of mania; how you are treated by others.
I liked when Flora opened up to Lee about her depressive thoughts and they were able to connect over their mutual struggles with mental illness, and Lee was able to provide advice to her niece about treating mental illness. Granted it did not seem to do much good given later events.
For much of the story, Cord didn’t seem to have much of a purpose in the story beyond being a member of the dysfunctional family around which the story is centered. However, his (unintentional) participation in an Alateen meeting and what he shared about his experience with an alcoholic parent and then becoming an alcoholic himself was one of the most meaningful moments in the story.
The romance scammer plot line was interesting. One of my favorite aspects of the story was Flora’s school project on romance scams and what she learned and shared about such scams.
The inclusion of the medical report from Regan’s hospitalization, in Greek with English translation, complete with lab tests and the significance of certain findings, was an interesting addition. While I have read books that included details about hospital admissions or medical procedures or tests, I don’t recall a work of fiction containing a medical report like the one in this story.
I liked when Flora opened up to Lee about her depressive thoughts and they were able to connect over their mutual struggles with mental illness, and Lee was able to provide advice to her niece about treating mental illness. Granted it did not seem to do much good given later events.
For much of the story, Cord didn’t seem to have much of a purpose in the story beyond being a member of the dysfunctional family around which the story is centered. However, his (unintentional) participation in an Alateen meeting and what he shared about his experience with an alcoholic parent and then becoming an alcoholic himself was one of the most meaningful moments in the story.
The romance scammer plot line was interesting. One of my favorite aspects of the story was Flora’s school project on romance scams and what she learned and shared about such scams.
The inclusion of the medical report from Regan’s hospitalization, in Greek with English translation, complete with lab tests and the significance of certain findings, was an interesting addition. While I have read books that included details about hospital admissions or medical procedures or tests, I don’t recall a work of fiction containing a medical report like the one in this story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There was a lot that could have been good in this book, but it was not developed enough. It was initially fun to return to the familiar characters from The Jetsetters and see where they are now. But it was disappointing to see that none of them had really evolved from where they had last been. It seemed like ten years in, there should have been some improvement in their lives and in the way they behaved, but there wasn't.
Also, in this story itself, there were too many storylines that were just not developed enough; for example, what happened with Isabelle and Flora at the end: their aunt finds them in that house where they are clearly being used by older men, and then the story just ends. There is truly no resolution to that part at all. It just jumps ahead a year into the future to show them all happy at Easter; it just wasn't plausible. Also, the story within a story that Flora was working on - it wasn't interesting, but what was the point of it, how did it contribute to the plot, and what happened with it? And lastly, the story of Regan and her bot could have been so fascinating and been such a good lesson for the reader, but it just fizzled out, and she was all fine because she daily started texting her brother - no therapy - nothing, it all just worked out.
This is why I am giving this book 3 stars - too many plots not developed, too many flat characters, too disappointing as a follow-up novel. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Also, in this story itself, there were too many storylines that were just not developed enough; for example, what happened with Isabelle and Flora at the end: their aunt finds them in that house where they are clearly being used by older men, and then the story just ends. There is truly no resolution to that part at all. It just jumps ahead a year into the future to show them all happy at Easter; it just wasn't plausible. Also, the story within a story that Flora was working on - it wasn't interesting, but what was the point of it, how did it contribute to the plot, and what happened with it? And lastly, the story of Regan and her bot could have been so fascinating and been such a good lesson for the reader, but it just fizzled out, and she was all fine because she daily started texting her brother - no therapy - nothing, it all just worked out.
This is why I am giving this book 3 stars - too many plots not developed, too many flat characters, too disappointing as a follow-up novel. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Eyre Ward, and Penguin Random House for the ARC!
This story follows the Perkins family, each navigating their own struggles across different corners of the world, and ultimately finding their way back to one another. At its core, it’s a story about family, forgiveness, and the complicated, messy nature of love.
I really enjoyed the emotional depth of this book and the way it explored multiple perspectives within the same family. Each character felt layered and I appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from heavier topics like mental health, addiction, and grief. The setting added a picturesque backdrop, and I liked how the external journey mirrored what each character was working through internally.
For me, the more challenging part of this story was connecting with the characters. Many of them felt difficult to root for at times, and the emotional weight of their choices and circumstances made the reading experience feel heavier than I typically gravitate toward. As someone who often reads for a sense of joy and escape, this felt less like stepping into a new world and more like sitting with the harsher realities of life.
That said, I can absolutely see how this would resonate with readers who enjoy deeply character-driven stories that lean into complexity and imperfection.
Overall, Arrivals and Departures is a thoughtful, character-driven novel about the ways we lose and find each other again, and the courage it takes to choose love, even when it’s complicated.
This story follows the Perkins family, each navigating their own struggles across different corners of the world, and ultimately finding their way back to one another. At its core, it’s a story about family, forgiveness, and the complicated, messy nature of love.
I really enjoyed the emotional depth of this book and the way it explored multiple perspectives within the same family. Each character felt layered and I appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from heavier topics like mental health, addiction, and grief. The setting added a picturesque backdrop, and I liked how the external journey mirrored what each character was working through internally.
For me, the more challenging part of this story was connecting with the characters. Many of them felt difficult to root for at times, and the emotional weight of their choices and circumstances made the reading experience feel heavier than I typically gravitate toward. As someone who often reads for a sense of joy and escape, this felt less like stepping into a new world and more like sitting with the harsher realities of life.
That said, I can absolutely see how this would resonate with readers who enjoy deeply character-driven stories that lean into complexity and imperfection.
Overall, Arrivals and Departures is a thoughtful, character-driven novel about the ways we lose and find each other again, and the courage it takes to choose love, even when it’s complicated.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank Ne Galley for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. This book is the sequel to The Jetsetters, which came out in 2020. I read the Jetsetters , and though it was an ok book.It had a dysfunctional family, and, sunce it was set on a Med Cruise, glamorous locations.This sequel, again has the same dysfunctional family and a glamorous location ( Greece). I really did not like this book. If anything, the 10 year gap for the Perkins family has increased their dysfunction as well as their like-ability. I kept wanting to shout at several of the characters-"O just knock it off". Charlotte, the matriarch is in her 80's. She lives in Savannah and misses a man she met on her cruise, a Greek named Parros. She still loves him, but did not want to leave her home. Her daughter Lee is an actress, but seems more known for her mental health problems than her career. Her daughter Regan has divorced her husband, packed up her teenage girls and moved to Athens. She has been texting with a man she has never met who is asking for money. Regan takes off one day for what she tells her daughters is an art workshop and disappears. Her son Cord, is a successful, workaholic, recovering alcoholic, who is engaged to Giovanni, but can't find time to pick a wedding date.The story revolves around Regan's disappearance. Her daughters reach out to Charlotte, who sends Lee to help look for Regan and take care of the girls. The whole plot is jumbled and scattered. I just did not like it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Perkins family is back in Amanda Eyre Ward’s spectacular novel, “Arrivals and Departures.”
Ten years has passed since Charlotte and her kids went on a Mediterranean cruise. Charotte said no to true love, Paros, to remain in Savannah while Lee battles with gripping depression. Cord has found love but cannot let go of his work obsession (no turn away from the seduction of a drink). Regan, who escaped with her two daughters to Greece, has developed her own obsessed with an Internet lover who is not who he seems. When she suddenly disappears, Lee, who had helped to salvage her family after her father’s suicide, steps away from her own sadness to rescue her sister. But helping out others doesn’t help to solve her own problems, especially when she sees her niece, Flora, struggling with the darkness too.
Told in the alternating point of views of Charlotte and her children, I found this to be a delightful story. Ms. Ward knows her characters well. It’s hard to play favorites but I want to be matriarch, Charlotte, when I grow up. Do not be fooled by the bright and cheery cover of this novel. Though this novel has sweet (and funny) moments, it also skillfully wrestles with hefty topics such as alcoholism and suicide
For any fan of a memorable and well-written story with some picturesque Greece scenery, I highly recommend this book.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the author for providing me an advanced copy.
Ten years has passed since Charlotte and her kids went on a Mediterranean cruise. Charotte said no to true love, Paros, to remain in Savannah while Lee battles with gripping depression. Cord has found love but cannot let go of his work obsession (no turn away from the seduction of a drink). Regan, who escaped with her two daughters to Greece, has developed her own obsessed with an Internet lover who is not who he seems. When she suddenly disappears, Lee, who had helped to salvage her family after her father’s suicide, steps away from her own sadness to rescue her sister. But helping out others doesn’t help to solve her own problems, especially when she sees her niece, Flora, struggling with the darkness too.
Told in the alternating point of views of Charlotte and her children, I found this to be a delightful story. Ms. Ward knows her characters well. It’s hard to play favorites but I want to be matriarch, Charlotte, when I grow up. Do not be fooled by the bright and cheery cover of this novel. Though this novel has sweet (and funny) moments, it also skillfully wrestles with hefty topics such as alcoholism and suicide
For any fan of a memorable and well-written story with some picturesque Greece scenery, I highly recommend this book.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the author for providing me an advanced copy.
March 2, 2026
Amanda Eyre Ward revisits the Perkins family in this follow-up to Jetsetters, set ten years after Charlotte and her children’s Mediterranean cruise. Much has changed in that time. Charlotte chose to remain in Savannah rather than pursue love in Paros, staying close while her daughter Lee struggles with severe depression. Cord has found love but remains consumed by work and tempted by alcohol. Regan, living in Greece with her daughters, becomes entangled in an online relationship that turns out to be more troubling than it first appears.
When Regan suddenly disappears, Lee travels to Athens to find her, stepping away from her own pain to help her sister—something she has done before, ever since their father’s suicide left lasting scars on the family.
Told through alternating perspectives from Charlotte and her children, the novel offers an honest look at a family grappling with mental illness, addiction, and generational trauma. Ward balances these heavy themes with warmth and moments of humor, and the short chapters keep the story moving.
While the characters’ repeated poor decisions can be frustrating, their vulnerability feels authentic. The ending, however, felt somewhat abrupt and tonally different from the earlier chapters. Still, it’s a thoughtful exploration of family, resilience, and the complicated ways we try to save one another.
When Regan suddenly disappears, Lee travels to Athens to find her, stepping away from her own pain to help her sister—something she has done before, ever since their father’s suicide left lasting scars on the family.
Told through alternating perspectives from Charlotte and her children, the novel offers an honest look at a family grappling with mental illness, addiction, and generational trauma. Ward balances these heavy themes with warmth and moments of humor, and the short chapters keep the story moving.
While the characters’ repeated poor decisions can be frustrating, their vulnerability feels authentic. The ending, however, felt somewhat abrupt and tonally different from the earlier chapters. Still, it’s a thoughtful exploration of family, resilience, and the complicated ways we try to save one another.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was surprised how much I like this book. I didn’t request it, but it was offered by the publisher and I’m glad they did. Judging by the cover, I didn’t think I’d like this book. The cover makes it look like a cozy beach read, but it’s more of an in depth character/family drama.
The writing was so fluid and the plot moved along well. I had a great time and I wouldn’t have picked this book up on my own. I’m a sucker for short chapters because it’s easy for me to want to read “one more chapter” and before I knew it I was mostly finished.
This book follows the many members of the Perkins family. They’re all scattered and living their own lives around the world. When Reagan goes off to an artist retreat, no one really knows where she went. The family all come together to be with each other during this time.
This had so much plot and complex family dynamics. I found the characters compelling because they all had so much depth and flaws. This spoke a lot about mental illness, especially depression and bipolar. I felt the author wrote about these topics with care. Each character has their own crises going on and it was interesting to read how it all came together.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
The writing was so fluid and the plot moved along well. I had a great time and I wouldn’t have picked this book up on my own. I’m a sucker for short chapters because it’s easy for me to want to read “one more chapter” and before I knew it I was mostly finished.
This book follows the many members of the Perkins family. They’re all scattered and living their own lives around the world. When Reagan goes off to an artist retreat, no one really knows where she went. The family all come together to be with each other during this time.
This had so much plot and complex family dynamics. I found the characters compelling because they all had so much depth and flaws. This spoke a lot about mental illness, especially depression and bipolar. I felt the author wrote about these topics with care. Each character has their own crises going on and it was interesting to read how it all came together.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A family drama set in modern day Greece. Lee is a reality show star that dabbles in acting. She has depression and suicidal ideation. Her brother Cord struggles with alcoholism and has been engaged to Giovanni 10 years without setting a date. Their mother Charlotte wonders about the one that got away who proposed years ago. And then there is Lee’s sister Reagan, who abruptly went missing. Regan’s teen daughters are sure she has become a victim of a catfishing romance scheme. So Lee goes to Greece to help her nieces find her sister.
I definitely enjoyed this intricate character driven novel. The mystery element about Reagan being missing is what drives the novel forward, but it’s not necessarily the central plot. It very much reads like women’s fiction/family drama than a mystery or thriller. The six characters are all very well drawn and the relationships between them and their insecurities make this a really solid novel. It is set in the same universe as the authored work The Jetsetters, but works as a stand alone. I especially appreciated the character arc of Cord as he struggled with sobriety and the amends process.
If you like books set in Greece, female focused novels, and character driven works, this is worth reading.
Thank you to Ballantine and author Amanda Eyre Ward for the ARC. Book to be published June 16.
3.5/5 stars
I definitely enjoyed this intricate character driven novel. The mystery element about Reagan being missing is what drives the novel forward, but it’s not necessarily the central plot. It very much reads like women’s fiction/family drama than a mystery or thriller. The six characters are all very well drawn and the relationships between them and their insecurities make this a really solid novel. It is set in the same universe as the authored work The Jetsetters, but works as a stand alone. I especially appreciated the character arc of Cord as he struggled with sobriety and the amends process.
If you like books set in Greece, female focused novels, and character driven works, this is worth reading.
Thank you to Ballantine and author Amanda Eyre Ward for the ARC. Book to be published June 16.
3.5/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Perkins family is a can of mixed nuts and they all have issues. Lee is a reality TV star struggling with her mental health. Reagan is desperately in love with a cat fisher, sinking into mental and financial ruin. Cord is struggling with alcoholism. Charlotte, the mother, is still emotionally pining for a man who moved on years ago.
Nobody is okay, nobody! But that’s what makes this book so juicy like a reality show.
The Perkins Family saga begins with Reagan gone missing in Greece. she claimed to be taking a mom-cation, but is actually pursuing an online romance scam from a fake lover. Lee, the already emotionally fragile sister, sweeps in to fix it all. Still, Lee is the emotional backbone here, even when she is barely holding her own life together.
The setting is in Greece making the story even more alluring. I highly recommend Arrivsls and Departures especially if you, like me, enjoy juicy soap opera or a contentious episode of The Dr. Phil show.
This is my first book to read by Amanda Eyre Ward and I read that it includes some of the same jetsetters from her previous novels. I had no trouble getting to know the illustrious characters without having read earlier books,
Overs a really good read even though at tines the story moved a little slow.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for the invite to read this. Lee is a struggling actress who goes to Greece to help find her missing sister, Reagan. When Lee gets to Greece she sees her nieces, Flora and Isabelle. Both girls have changed immensely since Lee last saw them. She sees that they are both having problems and are affected in different ways by their Mom's disappearance. As Lee is trying to help find Regan, take care of Flora and Isabelle, we see her day to day struggles with depression and how it affects her feelings about herself. We also meet the other member of the family: Charlotte (the mom/grandma who is pining for her lost love), Cord (the brother who battles alcohol addiction), and Reagan (the missing sister who was catfished and scammed by online love). As we get to know each of these characters, we see more insight into the emotions and challenges that they face and how it shapes their day to day life. All the characters in this story are messy, flawed, and full of drama. This was a compelling and engaging character driven read. The characters are definitely unlikeable in parts, but still keep you rooting for them to improve. I loved seeing how each character grew, worked on healing themselves, came back to and strengthened their family bond.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arrivals and Departures swept me away to the beautiful country of Greece. However it is not what I would consider a beach read. It was part mystery, and part family drama. It absolutely captured my attention and I finished it in two days.
The novel follows the Perkins Family. The main character was Lee. She is a famous reality star, who has suffered a breakdown, and is trying to recover when she finds out that her sister, Reagan, has gone missing. Reagan is a single mother in Athens, Greece, with two teenage daughters. The daughters fear that their mother is caught up in a scam. Lee is happy to save the day but finds that she still has her own demons to fight.
This novel was fast paced and I never grew bored. I enjoyed learning about all of the Perkins family members and their particular quirks. The novel was thought provoking and addressed many issues. It definitely was not a light read but it kept me turning the pages. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The novel follows the Perkins Family. The main character was Lee. She is a famous reality star, who has suffered a breakdown, and is trying to recover when she finds out that her sister, Reagan, has gone missing. Reagan is a single mother in Athens, Greece, with two teenage daughters. The daughters fear that their mother is caught up in a scam. Lee is happy to save the day but finds that she still has her own demons to fight.
This novel was fast paced and I never grew bored. I enjoyed learning about all of the Perkins family members and their particular quirks. The novel was thought provoking and addressed many issues. It definitely was not a light read but it kept me turning the pages. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a gorgeous cover!!!
The story follows a fractured family forced to come back together when one sister goes missing in Greece, bringing buried tensions and secrets to the surface against a beautiful backdrop.
Family drama is my jam, so I went into this one really excited especially with that gorgeous setting. Unfortunately, it just didn’t land for me. The story had all the right ingredients and so much potential to be something powerful, but it never got there.
Even though it moves at a fairly fast pace, it didn’t feel cohesive, and I found myself struggling to stay invested. The author touches on complex topics like mental health and alcoholism, and I do appreciate how gently and thoughtfully they were handled. But overall, the story felt like it was skimming the surface and lacked depth. I wanted to feel more but that connection just wasn’t there for me.
A big Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Ballantine Books for gifted ARC. All opinions are mine.
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NetGalley
What a gorgeous cover!!!
The story follows a fractured family forced to come back together when one sister goes missing in Greece, bringing buried tensions and secrets to the surface against a beautiful backdrop.
Family drama is my jam, so I went into this one really excited especially with that gorgeous setting. Unfortunately, it just didn’t land for me. The story had all the right ingredients and so much potential to be something powerful, but it never got there.
Even though it moves at a fairly fast pace, it didn’t feel cohesive, and I found myself struggling to stay invested. The author touches on complex topics like mental health and alcoholism, and I do appreciate how gently and thoughtfully they were handled. But overall, the story felt like it was skimming the surface and lacked depth. I wanted to feel more but that connection just wasn’t there for me.
A big Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Ballantine Books for gifted ARC. All opinions are mine.
NetGalley
May 4, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!
Arrivals and Departures had me locked in the entire time for the family drama of it all. The endless absurdity of each of these family members bumbling (and falling apart) lives reminded me a lot of the feelings I had while reading The Road to Tender Hearts. This book deals with heavy topics of suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, addiction, child abuse, alcoholism, etc but discusses them in a lighthearted tone. So much so that you almost forget how dire some of the circumstances actually are.
While this is an incredibly quick read with characters that were enjoyable on the page, I do think that the ending felt lackluster. The ending was rushed into an epilogue that felt like the characters had growth off the page instead of letting us truly see the payout of their issues being resolved. I also think the topics and situations the characters found themselves in, deserved some more deep and heartfelt resolution. Quick apologies and art projects don’t exactly fix years of pent up resentment and misunderstanding.
Overall 3.5 stars. Many readers will love this, but I wanted some deeper exploration of the characters.
Arrivals and Departures had me locked in the entire time for the family drama of it all. The endless absurdity of each of these family members bumbling (and falling apart) lives reminded me a lot of the feelings I had while reading The Road to Tender Hearts. This book deals with heavy topics of suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, addiction, child abuse, alcoholism, etc but discusses them in a lighthearted tone. So much so that you almost forget how dire some of the circumstances actually are.
While this is an incredibly quick read with characters that were enjoyable on the page, I do think that the ending felt lackluster. The ending was rushed into an epilogue that felt like the characters had growth off the page instead of letting us truly see the payout of their issues being resolved. I also think the topics and situations the characters found themselves in, deserved some more deep and heartfelt resolution. Quick apologies and art projects don’t exactly fix years of pent up resentment and misunderstanding.
Overall 3.5 stars. Many readers will love this, but I wanted some deeper exploration of the characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'd like to thank Netgalley for an ARC. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
The premise of this book was promising: a story of family members whose lives become disjointed, but eventually they come together through various mishaps. I love a story that focuses on a family dynamic that goes through conflict together and comes out the other side for better or worse.
I enjoyed the setting for this book. I did get the sense that I was in a warmer climate, enjoying the crisp white and blue tones of Greece or the heat of Savannah. There were also moments in the book that tickled me, but unfortunately, these were few and far between.
The book overall felt disjointed, as if there were too many characters with separate stories that didn't entirely mesh well and therefore weren't cohesive. There was a lot of telling instead of showing, which left you feeling disconnected from the characters. I couldn't say I really cared too much about them. I also felt like the ending was rushed and then all wrapped up far too neatly.
This book felt more like a rough draft than a final piece.
The premise of this book was promising: a story of family members whose lives become disjointed, but eventually they come together through various mishaps. I love a story that focuses on a family dynamic that goes through conflict together and comes out the other side for better or worse.
I enjoyed the setting for this book. I did get the sense that I was in a warmer climate, enjoying the crisp white and blue tones of Greece or the heat of Savannah. There were also moments in the book that tickled me, but unfortunately, these were few and far between.
The book overall felt disjointed, as if there were too many characters with separate stories that didn't entirely mesh well and therefore weren't cohesive. There was a lot of telling instead of showing, which left you feeling disconnected from the characters. I couldn't say I really cared too much about them. I also felt like the ending was rushed and then all wrapped up far too neatly.
This book felt more like a rough draft than a final piece.
April 18, 2026
First, I will start by saying that Amanda Eyre Ward’s latest book, Arrivals and Departures, is different than what I had expected from the cover art alone.
What this book is not about: A dreamy family get-together in the Greek isles.
What this book is about: A family with members struggling with various forms of addiction and/or depression and anxiety. Several relatives in the Perkins family come together in Athens for a variety of reasons. While there, they attempt to work on their own mental health and try to lean on one another and come together as a family. The son/brother in the family stays behind in the U.S. and tries to do the same.
Ward writes this story with empathy and a bit of humor. The characters are complex and we are given the opportunity to get to know several of them in-depth. This novel is not light and breezy, nor should it be given the topic. If this is the type of book you are looking for, you will find this story an interesting read.
3.5* rounded up to 4*
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
What this book is not about: A dreamy family get-together in the Greek isles.
What this book is about: A family with members struggling with various forms of addiction and/or depression and anxiety. Several relatives in the Perkins family come together in Athens for a variety of reasons. While there, they attempt to work on their own mental health and try to lean on one another and come together as a family. The son/brother in the family stays behind in the U.S. and tries to do the same.
Ward writes this story with empathy and a bit of humor. The characters are complex and we are given the opportunity to get to know several of them in-depth. This novel is not light and breezy, nor should it be given the topic. If this is the type of book you are looking for, you will find this story an interesting read.
3.5* rounded up to 4*
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of Arrivals and Departures by Amanda Eyre Ward.
This book is about a family, each family member with their own struggles. Regan and her two daughters, Isabelle and Flora have moved to Athens, Greece for a new start. Regan is the victim of a relationship scam and is now missing. Flora contacts her Aunt Lee in Savannah for help. Lee is reality star who had a mental breakdown and is now living at home with her mom, Charlotte. Charlotte is a feisty octogenarian who missed out on love many years ago to Paros, a Greek, she met on a cruise. Cord is Regan and Lee’s alcoholic and gay brother who runs a successful venture capital firm in New York. Just your typical America family right? Lee and Charlotte come to Athens for help find Regan.
It took me a while to get into this book but once I did, the pages turned quickly. The chapters are super short which I loved, but it is the characters that keep you coming back for more.
This book is about a family, each family member with their own struggles. Regan and her two daughters, Isabelle and Flora have moved to Athens, Greece for a new start. Regan is the victim of a relationship scam and is now missing. Flora contacts her Aunt Lee in Savannah for help. Lee is reality star who had a mental breakdown and is now living at home with her mom, Charlotte. Charlotte is a feisty octogenarian who missed out on love many years ago to Paros, a Greek, she met on a cruise. Cord is Regan and Lee’s alcoholic and gay brother who runs a successful venture capital firm in New York. Just your typical America family right? Lee and Charlotte come to Athens for help find Regan.
It took me a while to get into this book but once I did, the pages turned quickly. The chapters are super short which I loved, but it is the characters that keep you coming back for more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amanda Eyre Ward has a talent for writing deeply flawed, emotionally-stunted characters that you can’t help but root for. Her new novel, Arrivals and Departures, centers on the Perkins family, where dysfunction and chaos rule. From the glitterati of LA to the Spanish moss of Savannah and across the ocean to the Mediterranean coolness of Greece, the family Perkins is scattered across the globe like confetti after a party. Each adult carries a burden mired in selfishness; unable to look up from their own personal wreckage to assist someone else. When push comes to shove, can this family check their egos to save one of their own? With multiple POV and REAL talk around mood disorders, Ward shows why she’s one of the freshest voices writing today.
Thank you, Ballantine Books, for allowing me the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#amandaeyreward #BallantineBooks #libraryninja📚
Thank you, Ballantine Books, for allowing me the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#amandaeyreward #BallantineBooks #libraryninja📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
3.5/5
Reagan is in trouble. Reagan needs help, Reagan is missing and we should all be worried. But, of course, when these messages come from the mouth of a child, they're easy to dismiss. After Lee left her daughters for a collage experience (but turned off her location tracking and isn't responding to any messages) her youngest daughter starts to sound the alarm bells, but when a family is broken whoever tries to pick up the pieces will only hurt themselves worse. Will it be their grandmother, Charlotte, who mourns the turn of her life and the splintering of her family, who comes to their aid? Or maybe their aunt, Lee, who has always held everything together despite her own fracturing mind? Or will it be Cord, the uncle who numbs his own feelings with alcohol and technology despite his life crumbling around him?
The companion novel to The Jetsetter's, ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES explores the implications of mental health, fame, and addiction with a surprising amount of tenderness and honesty. I was impressed with Ward's careful handling of such difficult topics, and was also pleased to see her realistic depictions of the strains of bad choices (and bad luck) on not only the individual, but everyone around them. Don't let this gorgeous cover fool you, ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES contains hidden, heartbreaking depths that will leave you aching.
3.5/5
Reagan is in trouble. Reagan needs help, Reagan is missing and we should all be worried. But, of course, when these messages come from the mouth of a child, they're easy to dismiss. After Lee left her daughters for a collage experience (but turned off her location tracking and isn't responding to any messages) her youngest daughter starts to sound the alarm bells, but when a family is broken whoever tries to pick up the pieces will only hurt themselves worse. Will it be their grandmother, Charlotte, who mourns the turn of her life and the splintering of her family, who comes to their aid? Or maybe their aunt, Lee, who has always held everything together despite her own fracturing mind? Or will it be Cord, the uncle who numbs his own feelings with alcohol and technology despite his life crumbling around him?
The companion novel to The Jetsetter's, ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES explores the implications of mental health, fame, and addiction with a surprising amount of tenderness and honesty. I was impressed with Ward's careful handling of such difficult topics, and was also pleased to see her realistic depictions of the strains of bad choices (and bad luck) on not only the individual, but everyone around them. Don't let this gorgeous cover fool you, ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES contains hidden, heartbreaking depths that will leave you aching.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arrivals and Departures by Amanda Eyre Ward follows the Perkins family, each of them working through their own personal struggles and flaws. The story leans into emotional journeys as every family member is pushed to confront their search for love, forgiveness and second chances.
The tone blends light humor with deeper emotional honesty, especially around mental health. Ward does a thoughtful job portraying bipolar disorder and the importance of staying on medication. One of the most touching moments comes when aunt and niece connect over their shared experiences and talk openly about managing mental illness.
The plot does wander at times as the family stumble through their choices. Their flaws can be frustrating but each of them ultimately has to face the consequences of their actions.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
The tone blends light humor with deeper emotional honesty, especially around mental health. Ward does a thoughtful job portraying bipolar disorder and the importance of staying on medication. One of the most touching moments comes when aunt and niece connect over their shared experiences and talk openly about managing mental illness.
The plot does wander at times as the family stumble through their choices. Their flaws can be frustrating but each of them ultimately has to face the consequences of their actions.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arrivals and Departures by Amanda Eyre Ward is about the Perkins family and their complicated, messy, intertwined lives. Based in Savannah and Greece, the family issues begin with the matriarch and continue down the line to the grandchildren. I loved the setting and reading about Savannah, Georgia since I live not far from there and knew all the places described. Every family member is dealing with some type of psychological issue and although very serious, it makes for fun reading. The mental tug of war of each character to be a hero and devoted to the family or just to life your own life as you wish is a common theme throughout. I enjoyed the family, the setting and the mystery was fun. This would be a great beach read since you can just sit back and be entertained by the messy lives of southerners. Recommend 4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of this novel.
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