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When She Was Ours
Thea Erickson, a renowned surgeon, is filled with both joy and grief as her family gathers at their home on a summer night in 1995. Her elder daughter Phoebe is getting married, but even the happiness of the day feels bittersweet, as Thea grapples with a terminal cancer diagnosis. She worries she won’t be around to support her younger daughter Astra, who’s still in college, but even Thea cannot foresee what is to come—a terrible accident the night of the wedding that changes Astra’s life forever.
In a last-ditch effort to protect her family, Thea arranges a secret meeting with an old family friend and extracts a promise that will reverberate long after she’s gone.
Years after her mother’s death, Astra has moved forward with a career and relationship, but she still struggles with her grief. When a man reaches out to her and Phoebe, offering a window into their mother’s past, Astra must make a choice, and her decision forces her to face what it means to love someone after they’re gone, who we decide to forgive, and how families reckon with the past.
In a last-ditch effort to protect her family, Thea arranges a secret meeting with an old family friend and extracts a promise that will reverberate long after she’s gone.
Years after her mother’s death, Astra has moved forward with a career and relationship, but she still struggles with her grief. When a man reaches out to her and Phoebe, offering a window into their mother’s past, Astra must make a choice, and her decision forces her to face what it means to love someone after they’re gone, who we decide to forgive, and how families reckon with the past.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2026
About the author
Anna Nordberg
1 book80 followersAnna Nordberg is an author, journalist and culture writer whose essays have appeared in Slate magazine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She spent a lot of her childhood writing novels with a number 2 pencil on yellow legal pads. She actually still has these novels.
In 2015, she started writing a memoir about becoming a mother without her mom, who died when Anna was 17. This memoir never found a home, but its themes—how loss unfolds throughout a life, how we carry the memory of someone forward, the surprising legacy of grief—are all themes in Anna's debut novel, When She Was Ours, out August 1.
Anna grew up in New York City and now lives in San Francisco with her husband, son and daughter, and English cocker spaniel, Guinness (who also loves books). She loves muddling through middle school with her kids, trying to remember what the formula for the circumference of a circle is, and rereading books like Tuck Everlasting and A Wrinkle in Time. Favorite books she has read to her kids: The Hobbit, The Dark is Rising, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and Bridge to Terabithia.
It was always her dream to write a novel after watching her mother write one on an ancient Apple IIC when Anna was eight years old. When She Was Ours is dedicated to her.
In 2015, she started writing a memoir about becoming a mother without her mom, who died when Anna was 17. This memoir never found a home, but its themes—how loss unfolds throughout a life, how we carry the memory of someone forward, the surprising legacy of grief—are all themes in Anna's debut novel, When She Was Ours, out August 1.
Anna grew up in New York City and now lives in San Francisco with her husband, son and daughter, and English cocker spaniel, Guinness (who also loves books). She loves muddling through middle school with her kids, trying to remember what the formula for the circumference of a circle is, and rereading books like Tuck Everlasting and A Wrinkle in Time. Favorite books she has read to her kids: The Hobbit, The Dark is Rising, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and Bridge to Terabithia.
It was always her dream to write a novel after watching her mother write one on an ancient Apple IIC when Anna was eight years old. When She Was Ours is dedicated to her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 650 reviews
July 4, 2026
I feel horrible that I just dont understand the love others had for this book. The loss of a parent is certainly conveyed well, but it never really went beyond that. I feel this ought to have been an essay because it didn’t work as a novel for me. Nothing of note, beyond the death of a parent, ever really happened. Our main character ditches the partner of her dreams for a pretty weak reason that as a reader I didn’t understand. Later when our main character finds herself in danger, it was a nothing-burger. I just kept waiting for something to happen and it never did.
It’s one of those books that you probably have to read yourself and decide. Lots of readers have clearly loved the book. It just rang hollow for me.
It’s one of those books that you probably have to read yourself and decide. Lots of readers have clearly loved the book. It just rang hollow for me.
January 17, 2026
EVERYONE NEEDS TO GO READ THIS WHEN IT COMES OUT IN JUNE. I’m very proud to be the first one to review this ever!!! How crazy is that? Wow. This was an incredible debut novel to say the least. I’ll be honest, when I first applied for this arc, I only did it for the cover, also gorgeous by the way. But Nordberg’s storytelling and beautiful writing, characters and storyline carried throughout the book and made me want to stay there forever. I laughed, cried, and anxiously flipped to the next page, and also wanted to punch many people (don’t worry, you’ll be rooting for it). You can tell Thea was the mother to her girls that her mother was never able to be. She had such an amazing support system around her, but I wish we would’ve seen more around the time of her death, like the immediate aftermath? Even if it was just a few pages. Tom is such a rom com father, I feel like he is exactly the right kind of person for Thea. Phoebe is so eldest daughter syndrome, and Eli is so just amazing and ugh, I just love everything about both of them. Nick!!! That’s all I have to say. We were very much robbed of them (respectively, frick you, 16 year old Allie, even though you were going through all that). And Astra. Where do I start? She is like the epitome of savior complex, mixed with an unhealthy amount of people pleasing youngest daughter. But she is so strong and knows between right and wrong? Which is also her biggest weakness I think, that she has too fine of a line, too black and white. And I love, how that is illustrated throughout and honestly I wish we would’ve gotten to see it develop more, because she still has this sharp line, even after she’s forgiven Nick (and apologised obviously). I cannot reiterate this enough though, how strong she is. And that’s the front that Thea never wanted her to have, so I’m glad that after her passing, her two girls were able to lean on people for support, I wish we would’ve gotten to see that with Tom too. There are so many like warnings, especially with the dreams that I think is so good. Like there were so many plot twists, and that line after Astra ran from that bear like creature made me alert the whole time. The whole time reading this I was thinking, it has to be this scene, and then the next and then the next. And I love how all the loose ends were tied up in the end, because that usually doesn’t happen when there’s so many elements and storylines happening in the one novel. I think Anna told this story beautifully, one of trust, love, and healing. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts are my own.
July 7, 2026
(Amazon first reads Kindle selection- July 2026).
🌺 Read what you love! 🌺
🌺 Read what you love! 🌺
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was beautiful. It filled my soul with so much joy. This book was written in such a way that made me feel connected with the characters. They felt like my family. It beautifully explores how a person’s presence doesn’t simply vanish—how memory, tradition, and love can carry them forward.
For me, there was also an element of suspense woven throughout. I had no idea what was going to happen next or how the pieces of the story would connect. The unpredictability kept me invested; nothing felt formulaic or convenient.
I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait to read another book from this author!
For me, there was also an element of suspense woven throughout. I had no idea what was going to happen next or how the pieces of the story would connect. The unpredictability kept me invested; nothing felt formulaic or convenient.
I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait to read another book from this author!
August 16, 2026
This book was absolutely extraordinary. A love letter to mothers and daughters, written so delicately, tenderly, and beautifully that I have a hard time putting an into words. Just read it.
August 31, 2026
Rating - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Oh my word... absolutely no notes. This is one of those books that quietly settles into your heart before completely taking your breath away.
When She Was Ours is a deeply emotional novel that explores grief, family, friendship, and the invisible ways one life can shape so many others. At its heart, it's a story about loss, but even more, it's a story about how love and grief ripple through generations and relationships in ways we don't always recognize until much later.
This book was such a beautiful exploration of losing a parent and the lasting impact that kind of loss can have. What moved me most was how thoughtfully it showed that the seemingly small moments in our lives- the conversations we barely remember, the decisions we don't think twice about, the people who quietly show up for us—can profoundly shape not only our own lives but the lives of everyone around us. Those ripples through friends, family, and community felt incredibly authentic.
Then came the final section.
I genuinely could not stop reading. The twists and revelations kept unfolding in ways that felt surprising yet completely earned, and every chapter made me more desperate to see how everything would come together. It was one of those endings where you tell yourself, "Just one more chapter," until suddenly you've finished the entire book.
After turning the final page, I discovered this is Anna Nordberg's debut novel, and I was absolutely shocked. The emotional depth, confident storytelling, and beautifully woven character arcs felt like the work of a seasoned author. Ironically, I picked this as my final summer read because of the cover, but despite the summery appearance, it didn't really read like a summer novel, and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.
This book felt like dropping a single stone into still water and watching the ripples spread farther than you ever imagined possible. Perfect for readers who love emotionally rich literary fiction, family stories, unforgettable characters, and novels that linger long after the final page. A flawless five-star read for me and the perfect book to close out my summer before diving into my fall TBR!
Oh my word... absolutely no notes. This is one of those books that quietly settles into your heart before completely taking your breath away.
When She Was Ours is a deeply emotional novel that explores grief, family, friendship, and the invisible ways one life can shape so many others. At its heart, it's a story about loss, but even more, it's a story about how love and grief ripple through generations and relationships in ways we don't always recognize until much later.
This book was such a beautiful exploration of losing a parent and the lasting impact that kind of loss can have. What moved me most was how thoughtfully it showed that the seemingly small moments in our lives- the conversations we barely remember, the decisions we don't think twice about, the people who quietly show up for us—can profoundly shape not only our own lives but the lives of everyone around us. Those ripples through friends, family, and community felt incredibly authentic.
Then came the final section.
I genuinely could not stop reading. The twists and revelations kept unfolding in ways that felt surprising yet completely earned, and every chapter made me more desperate to see how everything would come together. It was one of those endings where you tell yourself, "Just one more chapter," until suddenly you've finished the entire book.
After turning the final page, I discovered this is Anna Nordberg's debut novel, and I was absolutely shocked. The emotional depth, confident storytelling, and beautifully woven character arcs felt like the work of a seasoned author. Ironically, I picked this as my final summer read because of the cover, but despite the summery appearance, it didn't really read like a summer novel, and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.
This book felt like dropping a single stone into still water and watching the ripples spread farther than you ever imagined possible. Perfect for readers who love emotionally rich literary fiction, family stories, unforgettable characters, and novels that linger long after the final page. A flawless five-star read for me and the perfect book to close out my summer before diving into my fall TBR!
January 18, 2026
When She Was Ours is an outstanding debut that I believe will become a favorite for readers, especially for those that appreciate stories that focus on relationships between mothers and their daughters. I laughed and cried as I watched the heartbreak unfold. Themes of feminism, love that carries on after death, and ultimately forgiveness made this an easy 5-star read. I was shocked by the plot twist (did not see it coming!)
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 10, 2026
Predictable
I guess that in a romance novel the hero is required to show up in the Nick of time. This book meets the requirement.
I guess that in a romance novel the hero is required to show up in the Nick of time. This book meets the requirement.
August 13, 2026
Thank you Anna Nordberg and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of this novel.
4.75 Stars
As soon as the book started I thought oh goodness this is likely going to make me cry. It didn't, but it definitely will have that potential for some people.
The story's direction completely went left of what I initially thought which was quite satisfying and definitely upped the intensity of the story.
I really enjoyed the development of the characters, though some of the decision making by them was frustrating, it made them undeniably human. The writing was goo, specifically the way the author allowed the story to unfold. Definitely pulls on the heartstrings.
Great read.
4.75 Stars
As soon as the book started I thought oh goodness this is likely going to make me cry. It didn't, but it definitely will have that potential for some people.
The story's direction completely went left of what I initially thought which was quite satisfying and definitely upped the intensity of the story.
I really enjoyed the development of the characters, though some of the decision making by them was frustrating, it made them undeniably human. The writing was goo, specifically the way the author allowed the story to unfold. Definitely pulls on the heartstrings.
Great read.
July 9, 2026
I seem to be in the minority here but I thought this was pretty terrible. It felt extremely juvenile.
July 25, 2026
Moving, tender, and quietly gripping!
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 is a perceptive, emotional debut that follows the Erickson family, specifically Thea, a devoted surgeon facing a terminal diagnosis, and her daughters Phoebe and Astra, as they navigate the collision of a joyful wedding day with an unimaginable loss, and the years of grief, love, and reckoning that follow.
The prose is warm and rich. The characters are flawed, troubled, and reliable. And the plot is a layered, patient tale about mothers and daughters, sisterhood, memory, forgiveness, and the strange, enduring ways the people we lose keep shaping the people we become.
Overall, 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 is an assured, pensive, touching debut by Nordberg that reminds us that grief isn't something we get over, but rather something we carry forward, woven into who we are.
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 is a perceptive, emotional debut that follows the Erickson family, specifically Thea, a devoted surgeon facing a terminal diagnosis, and her daughters Phoebe and Astra, as they navigate the collision of a joyful wedding day with an unimaginable loss, and the years of grief, love, and reckoning that follow.
The prose is warm and rich. The characters are flawed, troubled, and reliable. And the plot is a layered, patient tale about mothers and daughters, sisterhood, memory, forgiveness, and the strange, enduring ways the people we lose keep shaping the people we become.
Overall, 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 is an assured, pensive, touching debut by Nordberg that reminds us that grief isn't something we get over, but rather something we carry forward, woven into who we are.
March 3, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from NetGalley
It’s been a long while since I fell so in love with a book as I did with When She Was Ours, and it’s unbelievable that this work of art is the author’s debut.
It’s difficult to recount what this book is about, because it manages to touch on many themes, and it does so with depth and sensitivity.
It’s a story about every different kind of love (between parents and children, between siblings, friends, spouses, significant others, even between merging families), about the lives that we might have lived and the selves we might have been in a different world, about trauma and grief and rebuilding oneself after falling; it’s about women’s authority in a world that leaves little space for them; it’s about not knowing where you stop and your children begin, and where you begin and your parents stop.
Everything resonated deeply with me. I found myself in Astra, in her mother, in Nick. Their thoughts and words made me rethink so much about my own life, past and present.
The prose was “simple” enough that it made it very easy to get through, but also threw some good punches when least expected.
Reading this book was a journey, and one I encourage everyone to undertake.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s been a long while since I fell so in love with a book as I did with When She Was Ours, and it’s unbelievable that this work of art is the author’s debut.
It’s difficult to recount what this book is about, because it manages to touch on many themes, and it does so with depth and sensitivity.
It’s a story about every different kind of love (between parents and children, between siblings, friends, spouses, significant others, even between merging families), about the lives that we might have lived and the selves we might have been in a different world, about trauma and grief and rebuilding oneself after falling; it’s about women’s authority in a world that leaves little space for them; it’s about not knowing where you stop and your children begin, and where you begin and your parents stop.
Everything resonated deeply with me. I found myself in Astra, in her mother, in Nick. Their thoughts and words made me rethink so much about my own life, past and present.
The prose was “simple” enough that it made it very easy to get through, but also threw some good punches when least expected.
Reading this book was a journey, and one I encourage everyone to undertake.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2026
I don’t understand why this has such high ratings. There were 4 separate times that I felt like the climax of the book was happening or the big plot twist was around the corner. What was the point of the story?? It was easy to read, entertaining, and kept me on my toes but I kept waiting for the big idea and on the last page was just genuinely confused. It felt like a soap opera that suddenly ended.
February 19, 2026
4.5 rounded up for Goodreads
Astra is losing her mother. How does someone move on , how does someone prepare to lose someone so significant in their life, all before graduating high school?
Almost immediately this book pulled me in, it’s so moving and profound so quickly and I knew it was a book that would stick with me. Maybe it’s in part because I too lost a parent at 17 that it resonated with me so much. The characters were likable, and we got to grow with them over the years.
My favorite part of this was it didn’t stick to one track , there are so many layers to it (we even get a little thriller in there!)
Perfect for anyone looking for a comfy, nostalgic, thoughtful book and maybe looking for a good cry.
Astra is losing her mother. How does someone move on , how does someone prepare to lose someone so significant in their life, all before graduating high school?
Almost immediately this book pulled me in, it’s so moving and profound so quickly and I knew it was a book that would stick with me. Maybe it’s in part because I too lost a parent at 17 that it resonated with me so much. The characters were likable, and we got to grow with them over the years.
My favorite part of this was it didn’t stick to one track , there are so many layers to it (we even get a little thriller in there!)
Perfect for anyone looking for a comfy, nostalgic, thoughtful book and maybe looking for a good cry.
August 1, 2026
A forgettable 3-star read. The plot jumped the shark during the Los Angeles arc, but a decent twist at the end saved the finale. As an aside - I cannot stand grown adult characters referring to their mother as "mommy."
March 10, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ What a stunning debut novel! I’m excited about this one & looking forward to what Anna Nordberg writes next as well- she could easily become a favorite author!
When She Was Ours is a lovely blend of literary family drama, love story, and suspense; Nordberg thoughtfully explores loss, grief, coming of age, friendships and family ties. Think: The Family Stone meets Lily King’s Writers & Lovers. We get a wedding, a couple Thanksgivings & all of the family happenings around and in between these events. I’m LOVING these novels set in the 90s- it’s nostalgic and cozy and just feels so right for a good family drama. Nordberg elegantly and skillfully writes mother/ daughter & sister relationships, another of my favorite themes to read recently. This was exactly the sort of introspective character-driven story that I gravitate towards and it really worked for me.
This fantastic debut releases June 23, 2026 and you’re going to want to add it to your summer TBR! I will definitely be personally recommending to my friends who love to read Ann Patchett, Lily King and Ann Napolitano. Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When She Was Ours is a lovely blend of literary family drama, love story, and suspense; Nordberg thoughtfully explores loss, grief, coming of age, friendships and family ties. Think: The Family Stone meets Lily King’s Writers & Lovers. We get a wedding, a couple Thanksgivings & all of the family happenings around and in between these events. I’m LOVING these novels set in the 90s- it’s nostalgic and cozy and just feels so right for a good family drama. Nordberg elegantly and skillfully writes mother/ daughter & sister relationships, another of my favorite themes to read recently. This was exactly the sort of introspective character-driven story that I gravitate towards and it really worked for me.
This fantastic debut releases June 23, 2026 and you’re going to want to add it to your summer TBR! I will definitely be personally recommending to my friends who love to read Ann Patchett, Lily King and Ann Napolitano. Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ took until I was about 75% done to actually enjoy it, ending was good. But VERY slow beginning and middle.
August 9, 2026
This story follows a terminally ill surgeon named Thea Erickson in 1995. At her oldest daughter Phoebe's wedding, a tragic accident alters her younger daughter Astra's life. Thea makes a secret pact with a family friend, before she dies. Years later, an unexpected stranger contacts Astra and Phoebe, forcing the sisters to confront long-buried family secrets, grief, and forgiveness.
This story examines themes of love, grief, betrayal, forgiveness, family, and legacy. It also examines the bonds of mothers and daughters.
I enjoyed Thea’s storyline and the love she had for her family. This book also portrayed the grief of losing a loved one well. This is a very character driven story, and I had trouble connecting to the characters in this story. The sisters calling their mom “mommy” when they were adults made me cringe a little.
The narration of the book was performed by Sarah Beth Goer. She held my attention throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
This story examines themes of love, grief, betrayal, forgiveness, family, and legacy. It also examines the bonds of mothers and daughters.
I enjoyed Thea’s storyline and the love she had for her family. This book also portrayed the grief of losing a loved one well. This is a very character driven story, and I had trouble connecting to the characters in this story. The sisters calling their mom “mommy” when they were adults made me cringe a little.
The narration of the book was performed by Sarah Beth Goer. She held my attention throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2026
Beautiful Strength
Pheobe and Astra are two sisters blessed with a strong, capable, formidable mother and father. Their family has a reputation for their commitment, drive and strength of character. When faced with losing one of their parents many of the lessons they've been taught through their shared childhood help them to wade through their grief and ensuing hardships.
This book was a beautiful story about the strength of family. It pulls at your heart if you've suffered the loss of a parent.
Pheobe and Astra are two sisters blessed with a strong, capable, formidable mother and father. Their family has a reputation for their commitment, drive and strength of character. When faced with losing one of their parents many of the lessons they've been taught through their shared childhood help them to wade through their grief and ensuing hardships.
This book was a beautiful story about the strength of family. It pulls at your heart if you've suffered the loss of a parent.
August 26, 2026
This book was just ok - felt a little all over the place. A little odd at parts, and some hard to believe parts. I did appreciate the overarching theme and relationship between a mother and a daughter, and how some the main characters development felt so real and authentic.
The audiobook? Not great. I enjoyed reading it on my kindle 10x over listening to it.
The audiobook? Not great. I enjoyed reading it on my kindle 10x over listening to it.
August 12, 2026
2026 page turners book club pick #14
this was one of those books where the words and emotions were felt in my bones—the dread, the sadness, the regret. completely powerful debut novel!
this was one of those books where the words and emotions were felt in my bones—the dread, the sadness, the regret. completely powerful debut novel!
August 7, 2026
I read this book quickly but i cannot give it more than 2 stars for a few reasons. Maybe it’s because i don’t relate to this perfect family and perfect mother, perfect relationship with the perfect older sister and seemingly perfect relationship with the men in their lives.
The protagonist is Astra, who though grew up in this perfect family is so full of self doubt and wallowing in it, that to me feels so self involved. She is actually a fairly boring character. (I would have rather had the book be more about Phoebe or Thea.) The two men who are also seemingly perfect who fall in love with Astra are rather interchangeable and almost too hard to believe, as if the author is writing her prototype for the perfect man.
Astra breaks up with the first guy which i thought was the most stupid thing for her to do and for a reason that made her unforgiving, judgemental soul and a virginal prig! She didn’t deserve him!
The book wallows in grief for Astra and her older sister Phoebe over the death of their perfect mother, Thea. Their father is rather inconsequential to them as they focus on themselves. This goes against the way Thea raised them. They were given all the tools to be grounded and yet they were so needy, especially Astra. ( I do not like needy people unless there is a real reason to be so. )
Maybe i just have Mom Envy. Maybe i just have Family Envy. But i cannot recommend this book and i bought it thinking i would share it with friends.
The protagonist is Astra, who though grew up in this perfect family is so full of self doubt and wallowing in it, that to me feels so self involved. She is actually a fairly boring character. (I would have rather had the book be more about Phoebe or Thea.) The two men who are also seemingly perfect who fall in love with Astra are rather interchangeable and almost too hard to believe, as if the author is writing her prototype for the perfect man.
Astra breaks up with the first guy which i thought was the most stupid thing for her to do and for a reason that made her unforgiving, judgemental soul and a virginal prig! She didn’t deserve him!
The book wallows in grief for Astra and her older sister Phoebe over the death of their perfect mother, Thea. Their father is rather inconsequential to them as they focus on themselves. This goes against the way Thea raised them. They were given all the tools to be grounded and yet they were so needy, especially Astra. ( I do not like needy people unless there is a real reason to be so. )
Maybe i just have Mom Envy. Maybe i just have Family Envy. But i cannot recommend this book and i bought it thinking i would share it with friends.
February 2, 2026
huge thanks to lake union publishing + netgalley for this arc!
phew. oh boy. wowza.
it’s very rare for a book to move me to tears, yet here we are.
what a stunning debut. an immediate all-time favourite with everything i need in a book: nuanced characterization, messy, real relationships, and a quiet, compelling narrative about womanhood, loss, love, and healing.
please read this when it releases in june. anna nordberg’s future releases will absolutely be insta-buys!
phew. oh boy. wowza.
it’s very rare for a book to move me to tears, yet here we are.
what a stunning debut. an immediate all-time favourite with everything i need in a book: nuanced characterization, messy, real relationships, and a quiet, compelling narrative about womanhood, loss, love, and healing.
please read this when it releases in june. anna nordberg’s future releases will absolutely be insta-buys!
January 29, 2026
What a lovely book!! Such a heartfelt, emotion book about daughters, mothers, family, and relationships. So much vulnerability within the writing.
The cover of this book really caught my eye. Glad I was able to get the ARC from NetGalley!
The cover of this book really caught my eye. Glad I was able to get the ARC from NetGalley!
July 4, 2026
Just ok. A bit of a confusion in the plot but a good ending.
July 20, 2026
4.5 stars - for some reason I decide to read a book about a young adult women processing the years leading up to and immediately after her mom’s death—two months after my mom died! This was hard and cathartic and sad and sweet.
Despite the horrible familiarity, I really enjoyed the story. I felt very seen by Astra’s experience of grief and extremely complex emotions that come with immense loss. The death of your mom is the most frustrating and heart wrenching thing in the world. It hurts more than anything and sucks pretty much always. I also related to her struggle with trying to be “good” while everything you knew about life has changed.
I appreciated how the author shared different character povs but it mainly focused on Astra. We got to learn about everyone and see grief at different points from different people. I loved the sister dynamic. I loved the. changing family involvement. I loved seeing how loss and heartache changed everyone for the better, for the most part—which I feel like was the most unrealistic part of the book for me.
I did not expect the twists throughout the story, especially at the end! I believe that they showed how raw and vulnerable you are in loss, especially in the months immediately after. You will do anything, be anything, to feel connection to your lost person. It can make you say, feel, think, or do things you never would have before. It’s normal and understandable, but it still has consequences unfortunately.
Despite the horrible familiarity, I really enjoyed the story. I felt very seen by Astra’s experience of grief and extremely complex emotions that come with immense loss. The death of your mom is the most frustrating and heart wrenching thing in the world. It hurts more than anything and sucks pretty much always. I also related to her struggle with trying to be “good” while everything you knew about life has changed.
I appreciated how the author shared different character povs but it mainly focused on Astra. We got to learn about everyone and see grief at different points from different people. I loved the sister dynamic. I loved the. changing family involvement. I loved seeing how loss and heartache changed everyone for the better, for the most part—which I feel like was the most unrealistic part of the book for me.
I did not expect the twists throughout the story, especially at the end! I believe that they showed how raw and vulnerable you are in loss, especially in the months immediately after. You will do anything, be anything, to feel connection to your lost person. It can make you say, feel, think, or do things you never would have before. It’s normal and understandable, but it still has consequences unfortunately.
July 26, 2026
If you've sat with grief, this book will resonate. I found myself having conversations with my mom, who passed several years ago, wishing she were here to read this book, too. A beautiful love letter to living and loving and being truthful to yourself. A very special story.
August 30, 2026
I feel a bit of shame that I had no idea this was an Amazon publisher. But I liked the book just the same.
August 3, 2026
I guess maybe I didn’t understand what kind of book/what genre this book was or wanted to be, but it was fine. Confusing? Not deep enough where it should be, but not offensive or outright bad.
September 5, 2026
4/5 solid but not amazed. overall a good story that kept me hooked. wish the plot picked up a little fast but not angry that i took the time to read it
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