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The Favorite Daughter
\Ten years ago, Lena Donohue experienced a wedding-day betrayal so painful that she fled the small town of Watersend, South Carolina, and reinvented herself in New York City. Though now a freelance travel writer, the one place she rarely goes is home--until she learns of her dad's failing health.
Returning to Watersend means seeing the sister she has avoided for a decade and the brother who runs the family's Irish pub and has borne the burden of his sisters' rift. While Alzheimer's slowly steals their father's memories, the siblings rush to preserve his life in stories and in photographs. As his secret past brings Lena's own childhood into focus, it sends her on a journey to discover the true meaning of home.
Returning to Watersend means seeing the sister she has avoided for a decade and the brother who runs the family's Irish pub and has borne the burden of his sisters' rift. While Alzheimer's slowly steals their father's memories, the siblings rush to preserve his life in stories and in photographs. As his secret past brings Lena's own childhood into focus, it sends her on a journey to discover the true meaning of home.
369 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2019
578 people are currently reading
10749 people want to read
About the author
Patti Callahan Henry
34 books6,776 followersPatti Callahan Henry is a New York Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels, including her newest, The Secret Book of Flora Lea. She’s also a podcast host of original content for her novels, Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
She is the recipient of The Christy Award “Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for Becoming Mrs. Lewis. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. Patti also was a contributor to the monthly life lesson essay column for Parade Magazine. She’s published in numerous anthologies, articles, and short story collections, including an Audible Original about Florence Nightingale, titled Wild Swan narrated by the Tony Award winner, Cynthia Erivo.
A full-time author, mother of three, and grandmother of two, she lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with her husband, Pat Henry.
She is the recipient of The Christy Award “Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for Becoming Mrs. Lewis. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. Patti also was a contributor to the monthly life lesson essay column for Parade Magazine. She’s published in numerous anthologies, articles, and short story collections, including an Audible Original about Florence Nightingale, titled Wild Swan narrated by the Tony Award winner, Cynthia Erivo.
A full-time author, mother of three, and grandmother of two, she lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with her husband, Pat Henry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 663 reviews
October 14, 2020
The Favorite Daughter, by Patti Callahan Henry, pulls at my heartstrings and has me thinking about how I would have reacted to the events in the story. On Lena's wedding day, right before she'd walk down the aisle, she experiences a betrayal of the worst kind. Immediately, Lena flees her lifetime home, her family, and all the plans she has for her future. Lena makes a successful life for herself as a travel writer, makes new friends, has many lovers but never allows anyone to break through her emotional barriers. Lena has moved on and she is never going back to her old life, except to visit her mother, father, and brother. For ten years Lena avoids any contact with her sister, Hallie, once as close to her as a twin...a sister that has tried to contact Lena in every way possible, throughout the years.
Then Lena receives a call from her brother Shane, telling her that their dad had been diagnosed with Alzheimers and that she must come home and help him deal with the situation. So Lena enters the world she was only going to visit briefly, a world that requires her to communicate with and be around her sister Hallie, as the siblings decide what is best for their dad. Not only is Lena angry, but to her surprise and disgust, her sister Hallie is angry for Lena abandoning the family, something Lena feels she had every right to do.
As the siblings make a memory book for their dad, they discover gaps in his life story, from around the time that Lena was conceived and born. While their dad has even a trace of memories left, the siblings attempt to pry the past from their dad, a past that has never been spoken of before. Lena learns that betrayal can come from everywhere and that people handle betrayal in different and strange ways.
There is so much going on in this book, dealing with betrayal, family, lies, love of home that may not be the place where one grew up and was born, forgiveness and forgetting. Gavin, the father of the siblings is a special character, with such strong feelings concerning his loves, his memories, his family, and he was one of my favorite parts of this book.
Published June 4th 2019
Thank you to Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for this ARC.
Then Lena receives a call from her brother Shane, telling her that their dad had been diagnosed with Alzheimers and that she must come home and help him deal with the situation. So Lena enters the world she was only going to visit briefly, a world that requires her to communicate with and be around her sister Hallie, as the siblings decide what is best for their dad. Not only is Lena angry, but to her surprise and disgust, her sister Hallie is angry for Lena abandoning the family, something Lena feels she had every right to do.
As the siblings make a memory book for their dad, they discover gaps in his life story, from around the time that Lena was conceived and born. While their dad has even a trace of memories left, the siblings attempt to pry the past from their dad, a past that has never been spoken of before. Lena learns that betrayal can come from everywhere and that people handle betrayal in different and strange ways.
There is so much going on in this book, dealing with betrayal, family, lies, love of home that may not be the place where one grew up and was born, forgiveness and forgetting. Gavin, the father of the siblings is a special character, with such strong feelings concerning his loves, his memories, his family, and he was one of my favorite parts of this book.
Published June 4th 2019
Thank you to Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for this ARC.
May 30, 2019
Slipping inside a Patti Callahan Henry novel is like book comfort food. I was spoiled because this year she published two books! Becoming Mrs. Lewis was absolutely out-of-this-world good, and I’ll let you know now, so was The Favorite Daughter!
Lena Donohue is set to marry on her 25th birthday, what she had planned her whole life. On her wedding day, she experiences a huge betrayal. One so horrific, she has to leave her quaint hometown of Watersend, South Carolina to live in New York City.
It’s over tens years later, and Lena is a successful travel writer. She doesn’t visit home often enough, and one day her brother calls to let her know about her father’s declining condition.
If she returns home, which she must, she’ll have to face both her brother and sister, whom she’s avoided for different reasons for all this time. Her father’s Alzheimer’s is progressing, and she must join forces with her siblings to preserve his memories. It is then that they uncover secrets that shock their family.
The Favorite Daughter is a story of family and coming home. It’s about secrets, lies, betrayal, and working to mend broken bonds. I found Lena likable and authentic. I felt her pain and mix of emotions as she traveled “home.” Lena’s relationship with her father was so endearing and special it melted my heart.
The Favorite Daughter is a gorgeous and emotional story from one of my favorite southern storytellers. It ends in a moving way that truly was a gift. Ultimately, The Favorite Daughter explores if family is more important than the secrets and hurt that lie beneath it.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Lena Donohue is set to marry on her 25th birthday, what she had planned her whole life. On her wedding day, she experiences a huge betrayal. One so horrific, she has to leave her quaint hometown of Watersend, South Carolina to live in New York City.
It’s over tens years later, and Lena is a successful travel writer. She doesn’t visit home often enough, and one day her brother calls to let her know about her father’s declining condition.
If she returns home, which she must, she’ll have to face both her brother and sister, whom she’s avoided for different reasons for all this time. Her father’s Alzheimer’s is progressing, and she must join forces with her siblings to preserve his memories. It is then that they uncover secrets that shock their family.
The Favorite Daughter is a story of family and coming home. It’s about secrets, lies, betrayal, and working to mend broken bonds. I found Lena likable and authentic. I felt her pain and mix of emotions as she traveled “home.” Lena’s relationship with her father was so endearing and special it melted my heart.
The Favorite Daughter is a gorgeous and emotional story from one of my favorite southern storytellers. It ends in a moving way that truly was a gift. Ultimately, The Favorite Daughter explores if family is more important than the secrets and hurt that lie beneath it.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
June 5, 2019
The Favorite Daughter is a moving, heartfelt story that delves into the power of memories, learning to forgive when betrayal rips you apart and discovering what home means to you. The story explores a family separated by betrayal and brought together by their father's illness. We see the effect of betrayal, secrets and heartache had on this family that left me with so much to think about.
From the first pages, I was completely immersed in this family drama and fascinated by how betrayal affected this family and how the power of memories shaped them. The family explores the past by creating a memory book of their father’s past and secrets start to come out. Through the layers in the story, Patti Callahan Henry shows us the meaning of forgiveness and had me thinking about how that can shape us and how memories can define what home means to us. It had me thinking about the memories we might want to forget, the importance of family secrets being revealed or not, and about time lost within a family.
The ending came together so well for me and pulled on a few of my heartstrings. I was left thinking about forgiveness and memories in a different way than I have before. I highly recommend this well-done story!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing for my complimentary copy
From the first pages, I was completely immersed in this family drama and fascinated by how betrayal affected this family and how the power of memories shaped them. The family explores the past by creating a memory book of their father’s past and secrets start to come out. Through the layers in the story, Patti Callahan Henry shows us the meaning of forgiveness and had me thinking about how that can shape us and how memories can define what home means to us. It had me thinking about the memories we might want to forget, the importance of family secrets being revealed or not, and about time lost within a family.
The ending came together so well for me and pulled on a few of my heartstrings. I was left thinking about forgiveness and memories in a different way than I have before. I highly recommend this well-done story!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing for my complimentary copy
April 17, 2019
2.5 stars
Even though I'm giving this book a fairly low rating, it's not a case of me thinking this is a horrible book and nobody should like it. I believe it will appeal to many readers but I had a few problems with the characters and storyline which prevented me from fully enjoying the book.
Lena Donohue has avoided seeing her sister, Hallie, for a decade. Let's just say Lena's wedding years ago didn't go exactly as planned and even though so much time has passed she still has unresolved issues with Hallie. Unfortunately their father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease so she returns to her hometown to help Hallie and their brother document his life story. But when you flee your past can you ever truly come back home?
Unfortunately, I had just read a book with similar storylines and that one just worked better for me than this one. I didn't really care for the two sisters so it was hard to feel fully invested in their relationship. When you start the book you have a pretty good idea about the end game, but I was disappointed in how the author chose to get there. I wish she would have gone in a completely different direction in regards to Hallie and her husband's marriage as it just felt tired, stale, and exactly the same plot as every other love triangle type story. I also thought the romance between Lena and her love interest was kinda boring and fell flat.
I really enjoyed the author's previous novel, The Bookshop at Water's End, so I wish this book would have been a better read for me. But just because it wasn't a good fit for me, doesn't mean others won't find more positive things to take away from the novel.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
Even though I'm giving this book a fairly low rating, it's not a case of me thinking this is a horrible book and nobody should like it. I believe it will appeal to many readers but I had a few problems with the characters and storyline which prevented me from fully enjoying the book.
Lena Donohue has avoided seeing her sister, Hallie, for a decade. Let's just say Lena's wedding years ago didn't go exactly as planned and even though so much time has passed she still has unresolved issues with Hallie. Unfortunately their father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease so she returns to her hometown to help Hallie and their brother document his life story. But when you flee your past can you ever truly come back home?
Unfortunately, I had just read a book with similar storylines and that one just worked better for me than this one. I didn't really care for the two sisters so it was hard to feel fully invested in their relationship. When you start the book you have a pretty good idea about the end game, but I was disappointed in how the author chose to get there. I wish she would have gone in a completely different direction in regards to Hallie and her husband's marriage as it just felt tired, stale, and exactly the same plot as every other love triangle type story. I also thought the romance between Lena and her love interest was kinda boring and fell flat.
I really enjoyed the author's previous novel, The Bookshop at Water's End, so I wish this book would have been a better read for me. But just because it wasn't a good fit for me, doesn't mean others won't find more positive things to take away from the novel.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
May 31, 2019
An emotional and heartfelt story about family, regrets, loss, and forgiveness.
This story took off right away in the first chapter. The author's writing pulled me in and had me invested in the two sisters relationship.
The protagonist, Lena receives sad news about her father. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and she must return home before he gets worse. I loved the message of capturing moments in life that bring family together and letting go of the past.
The story is multi-layered and the characters all felt so real. I loved following Lena on her journey and where she was at the end.
I'm thrilled to have found a new author I enjoy and look forward to reading more from her.
Recommend to fans of the genre.
Thanks Berkley for my review copy. Available 6/4/2019
This story took off right away in the first chapter. The author's writing pulled me in and had me invested in the two sisters relationship.
The protagonist, Lena receives sad news about her father. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and she must return home before he gets worse. I loved the message of capturing moments in life that bring family together and letting go of the past.
The story is multi-layered and the characters all felt so real. I loved following Lena on her journey and where she was at the end.
I'm thrilled to have found a new author I enjoy and look forward to reading more from her.
Recommend to fans of the genre.
Thanks Berkley for my review copy. Available 6/4/2019
February 12, 2021
𝒮𝓉𝓇𝓊𝑔𝑔𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓇𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇. 𝒯𝓇𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝓉.
Patti Callahan Henry has written a beautiful story full of memories, family, and forgiveness. A decade ago Lena was devastatingly betrayed right before she was about to walk down the aisle. Completely destroyed and mortified Lena packs her bags and heads to New York to lick her wounds and start over. Lena gets a job as a travel journalist, traveling the country and the world, but rarely returning home to Water’s End South Carolina. After receiving a phone call from her brother Shane Lena realizes she needs to return home and face her past. Lena’s beloved father Gavin has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and it is only a matter of time before he will lose all his memories. What transpires is a lovely story about the struggle to remember and the desire to forget.
This story completely captured my heart. These characters, this family, I was completely invested. Lena’s struggle to face her sister Hallie after 10 years of animosity was heartbreaking and uncomfortable. Some things are hard to forgive and even harder to forget and I am not certain if I would be capable myself. I really felt for Lena and understood her actions. HallieWas a bit of a hypocrite and really frustrated me. And poor Shane was so caught in the middle just trying to keep the peace between his sisters. Loved how the siblings were working together to create a book of memories for their dad, they really wanted to do just about anything to keep his memories alive. Gavin had a big personality and a big heart and it was heartbreaking to see his health and memories deteriorate.
So many pieces to the story that when put together were pure magic. The story was captivating, the setting was stunning, and the characters were authentic. The ending was so touching and it hit me right in the heart! Another remarkable story that you definitely need to add to your summer TVR!
*** Big thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
Patti Callahan Henry has written a beautiful story full of memories, family, and forgiveness. A decade ago Lena was devastatingly betrayed right before she was about to walk down the aisle. Completely destroyed and mortified Lena packs her bags and heads to New York to lick her wounds and start over. Lena gets a job as a travel journalist, traveling the country and the world, but rarely returning home to Water’s End South Carolina. After receiving a phone call from her brother Shane Lena realizes she needs to return home and face her past. Lena’s beloved father Gavin has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and it is only a matter of time before he will lose all his memories. What transpires is a lovely story about the struggle to remember and the desire to forget.
This story completely captured my heart. These characters, this family, I was completely invested. Lena’s struggle to face her sister Hallie after 10 years of animosity was heartbreaking and uncomfortable. Some things are hard to forgive and even harder to forget and I am not certain if I would be capable myself. I really felt for Lena and understood her actions. HallieWas a bit of a hypocrite and really frustrated me. And poor Shane was so caught in the middle just trying to keep the peace between his sisters. Loved how the siblings were working together to create a book of memories for their dad, they really wanted to do just about anything to keep his memories alive. Gavin had a big personality and a big heart and it was heartbreaking to see his health and memories deteriorate.
So many pieces to the story that when put together were pure magic. The story was captivating, the setting was stunning, and the characters were authentic. The ending was so touching and it hit me right in the heart! Another remarkable story that you definitely need to add to your summer TVR!
*** Big thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
May 30, 2019
I'm so glad that I picked up The Favorite Daughter to read and review right now since I'd originally added it to my TBR to read at a later date. I owe my dear friend, Jennifer @ Tar Heel Reader Blog a huge thanks for making me pick this one up when I did not only because she loves Patti Callahan Henry so much but as soon as she mentioned it was set in the South Carolina Lowcountry, I knew I had to drop all my other reads and pick this one up!
Ten years ago, Lena Donohue experienced the worst betrayal imaginable on her wedding day. She fled from her home in Watersend, S.C., her family, her ex-fiance and headed to NYC. Once there, she started calling herself by her full name Colleen and became a successful travel writer. Since then, she's barely had any contact with the family she left behind.
Her younger brother Shane has been running the family pub, The Lark, and holding the family together for the past couple of years, and one day he calls to tell Lena that it's time she stopped running and she has to come home because their dad has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and is declining quickly. Lena has no choice, no matter how reluctant she might be, to return home to help Shane and her sister Hallie care for the dad she so adores even though that means she must finally face head-on―and deal with the issues of her past.
When the three of them decide to make their dad a memory book in the hopes that it will help save his memories, they discover not only some shocking secrets but Lena discovers that you can't always run from the past or your memories like she has been all these years, which leads her on a journey of self-discovery.
I was immediately captivated by this story of family, memories, secrets, and forgiveness and didn't want it to end. This book immediately felt like going home to me―I might have grown up in the mountains of East Tennessee and lived all my adult life in North Carolina, but no place on earth feels more like home to me than the South Carolina Lowcountry, the place where I have spent every summer since I was born. Henry's gorgeous, vivid writing immediately immersed me in the place where mossy trees hang low, the sound of birds, frogs, and crickets seem ever present and even the smell is different than any other on earth because of the pluff mud left behind by the tide of the many rivers snaking and twisting through the land. Just like its graceful, beautiful Southern setting, The Favorite Daughter is a book to be savored and taken in slowly.
I found the characters to be genuine, and I liked all of them (except Lena's ex-fiance). Lena's struggle to find meaning in where exactly is "home" resonated with me for several reasons, and the pain all three Donohue siblings felt while watching their dad's decline due to Alzheimer's struck me to the core as I've watched that horrible disease ravage both of my maternal grandparent's minds, as well as an uncle's. It's devastating to watch someone you love lose their memories, and Henry captured the feelings so poignantly. I sobbed more than once reading this beautiful, emotional novel.
The Favorite Daughter is a gorgeous, moving story about whether the power of family, love, and forgiveness is stronger than secrets and lies. It's definitely one to add to your summer reading list.
**Thank you Edelweiss and Berkley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.**
Ten years ago, Lena Donohue experienced the worst betrayal imaginable on her wedding day. She fled from her home in Watersend, S.C., her family, her ex-fiance and headed to NYC. Once there, she started calling herself by her full name Colleen and became a successful travel writer. Since then, she's barely had any contact with the family she left behind.
Her younger brother Shane has been running the family pub, The Lark, and holding the family together for the past couple of years, and one day he calls to tell Lena that it's time she stopped running and she has to come home because their dad has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and is declining quickly. Lena has no choice, no matter how reluctant she might be, to return home to help Shane and her sister Hallie care for the dad she so adores even though that means she must finally face head-on―and deal with the issues of her past.
When the three of them decide to make their dad a memory book in the hopes that it will help save his memories, they discover not only some shocking secrets but Lena discovers that you can't always run from the past or your memories like she has been all these years, which leads her on a journey of self-discovery.
I was immediately captivated by this story of family, memories, secrets, and forgiveness and didn't want it to end. This book immediately felt like going home to me―I might have grown up in the mountains of East Tennessee and lived all my adult life in North Carolina, but no place on earth feels more like home to me than the South Carolina Lowcountry, the place where I have spent every summer since I was born. Henry's gorgeous, vivid writing immediately immersed me in the place where mossy trees hang low, the sound of birds, frogs, and crickets seem ever present and even the smell is different than any other on earth because of the pluff mud left behind by the tide of the many rivers snaking and twisting through the land. Just like its graceful, beautiful Southern setting, The Favorite Daughter is a book to be savored and taken in slowly.
I found the characters to be genuine, and I liked all of them (except Lena's ex-fiance). Lena's struggle to find meaning in where exactly is "home" resonated with me for several reasons, and the pain all three Donohue siblings felt while watching their dad's decline due to Alzheimer's struck me to the core as I've watched that horrible disease ravage both of my maternal grandparent's minds, as well as an uncle's. It's devastating to watch someone you love lose their memories, and Henry captured the feelings so poignantly. I sobbed more than once reading this beautiful, emotional novel.
The Favorite Daughter is a gorgeous, moving story about whether the power of family, love, and forgiveness is stronger than secrets and lies. It's definitely one to add to your summer reading list.
**Thank you Edelweiss and Berkley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.**
January 3, 2020
Emotional, heartfelt, and powerful—Patti Callahan Henry’s The Favorite Daughter is a story of the complexity of families, the anguish of loss, and the profound healing power of forgiveness.
Patti Callahan Henry has published quite a catalog of work, but this was actually the first book I have read by her. The story opens with the protagonist Lena walking in on one of the worst things imaginable on her wedding day. Panicked and devastated, Lena flees her hometown and moves to New York City, where she is a travel writer and goes by the name Colleen.
This is so much more than a betrayed-on-her-wedding-day novel. It begins at that point, but it is actually a story about a family and about regret, loss, forgiveness, and the power of love. Colleen does return home from New York nearly ten years after leaving when she receives a call from her brother Shane. Her brother is a beacon of support and peacemaking (he actually reminded me of my own brother in that way), staying steady through the fracture in their family, running the family pub in South Carolina, and taking care of their father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
This was such an emotional book for me, having known loved ones who had Alzheimer’s. I really felt for this family as Lena and her sister struggle with their relationship and as Shane tries to keep the peace at home while keeping their pub afloat. I also really felt for their father as he tries to come to terms with the progression of his illness.
The family dynamics felt authentic and the emotions were raw. I am admittedly a crier, but I cried a lot through this one. It’s emotional and beautiful and touching. The theme of forgiveness is powerful throughout, and this is certainly a thought-provoking story. What are we able to forgive and move on from in the face of losing everything? How do we know whether to turn away or to stay?
A book that I won’t soon forget.
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Patti Callahan Henry has published quite a catalog of work, but this was actually the first book I have read by her. The story opens with the protagonist Lena walking in on one of the worst things imaginable on her wedding day. Panicked and devastated, Lena flees her hometown and moves to New York City, where she is a travel writer and goes by the name Colleen.
This is so much more than a betrayed-on-her-wedding-day novel. It begins at that point, but it is actually a story about a family and about regret, loss, forgiveness, and the power of love. Colleen does return home from New York nearly ten years after leaving when she receives a call from her brother Shane. Her brother is a beacon of support and peacemaking (he actually reminded me of my own brother in that way), staying steady through the fracture in their family, running the family pub in South Carolina, and taking care of their father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
This was such an emotional book for me, having known loved ones who had Alzheimer’s. I really felt for this family as Lena and her sister struggle with their relationship and as Shane tries to keep the peace at home while keeping their pub afloat. I also really felt for their father as he tries to come to terms with the progression of his illness.
The family dynamics felt authentic and the emotions were raw. I am admittedly a crier, but I cried a lot through this one. It’s emotional and beautiful and touching. The theme of forgiveness is powerful throughout, and this is certainly a thought-provoking story. What are we able to forgive and move on from in the face of losing everything? How do we know whether to turn away or to stay?
A book that I won’t soon forget.
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
May 23, 2019
Patti Callahan Henry is a truly gifted writer.
In this women’s fiction novel, Colleen is horribly betrayed on her wedding day in South Carolina. She runs away to New York City and, as a travel writer, more or less stays constantly running (as in, away from her feelings) for a decade until her brother calls her and tells her to come home since it appears her father has Alzheimer’s, and his health is declining rapidly.
The book is about memory, how it gets warped and how it can wound but also how it ties us to family and history. The characters are all likeable and believable. This is not fast-paced or heavy on plot, but it’s beautiful, and no matter what your family and romance story, you’ll relate.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Berkley Books for allowing me an advance look at this book, which RELEASES JUNE 4, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit htttp://www.theresaalan.net/blog
In this women’s fiction novel, Colleen is horribly betrayed on her wedding day in South Carolina. She runs away to New York City and, as a travel writer, more or less stays constantly running (as in, away from her feelings) for a decade until her brother calls her and tells her to come home since it appears her father has Alzheimer’s, and his health is declining rapidly.
The book is about memory, how it gets warped and how it can wound but also how it ties us to family and history. The characters are all likeable and believable. This is not fast-paced or heavy on plot, but it’s beautiful, and no matter what your family and romance story, you’ll relate.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Berkley Books for allowing me an advance look at this book, which RELEASES JUNE 4, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit htttp://www.theresaalan.net/blog
October 18, 2023
4.25⭐
Genre ~ family fiction
Publication date ~ June 4, 2019
Page Count ~ 364
Audio length ~ 11 hours 24 minutes
Narrator ~ Joshilyn Jackson
Featuring ~ betrayal, lies
*some quick thoughts*
Heartstrings officially yanked. The journey to find the true meaning of 'home' results in a compelling, heartbreaking and emotional read that shows the true meaning of family. The author does a good job of bringing in the reality of Alzheimer's. I hope someday soon there will be a day that families do not have to endure the terrible effects this disease.
Narration notes:
I listened a while ago, so I can't really comment on this.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ family fiction
Publication date ~ June 4, 2019
Page Count ~ 364
Audio length ~ 11 hours 24 minutes
Narrator ~ Joshilyn Jackson
Featuring ~ betrayal, lies
*some quick thoughts*
Heartstrings officially yanked. The journey to find the true meaning of 'home' results in a compelling, heartbreaking and emotional read that shows the true meaning of family. The author does a good job of bringing in the reality of Alzheimer's. I hope someday soon there will be a day that families do not have to endure the terrible effects this disease.
Narration notes:
I listened a while ago, so I can't really comment on this.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
June 4, 2019
4 Irish pub stars to this sibling tale
I truly love Southern fiction and really enjoyed this story. I haven’t read anything else by Patti Callahan Henry, but I will definitely do so in the future. Her writing just flowed for me as a reader and I was swept away by this story.
We meet Lena right before her wedding to the seemingly wonderful Walter in small town South Carolina. Unfortunately, Lena is horribly betrayed right before the ceremony and flees her hometown for New York. Lena becomes a travel writer and definitely keeps her distance from her family (and any other relationships) for ten years. She’s finally called home when her father’s Alzheimer’s quickly takes a turn for the worse.
Lena and her siblings – Hallie and Shane – band together to plan a birthday party and create a memory book for their father. The book is filled with old photos and stories written by Lena and Hallie. Some surprising family secrets are unearthed putting the book together and the family must grapple with the truth over that as well as the betrayal from ten years ago. There are some excellent thoughts about can you forgive but not forget? Can forgiveness help you get past betrayal? I pondered those thoughts as I wondered what I would do in these situations. This book also made me think about memories and how those shape our lives.
The father is a wonderful character, running the local pub in town. The townspeople rally to help the family cope with the advancing Alzheimer’s symptoms and that was heart-breaking to read about. There are some fun Irish elements in the book, making me long to visit and drink a Guinness in a genuine Irish pub! Overall these characters were authentic and memorable. This book poses the questions of what is home, and can you go home again? I was pleased (mostly) with how this one wrapped up and I feel like I’ve found a new go-to author.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Berkley, and Patti Callahan Henry for an early copy of the book to read in return for a fair review.
I truly love Southern fiction and really enjoyed this story. I haven’t read anything else by Patti Callahan Henry, but I will definitely do so in the future. Her writing just flowed for me as a reader and I was swept away by this story.
We meet Lena right before her wedding to the seemingly wonderful Walter in small town South Carolina. Unfortunately, Lena is horribly betrayed right before the ceremony and flees her hometown for New York. Lena becomes a travel writer and definitely keeps her distance from her family (and any other relationships) for ten years. She’s finally called home when her father’s Alzheimer’s quickly takes a turn for the worse.
Lena and her siblings – Hallie and Shane – band together to plan a birthday party and create a memory book for their father. The book is filled with old photos and stories written by Lena and Hallie. Some surprising family secrets are unearthed putting the book together and the family must grapple with the truth over that as well as the betrayal from ten years ago. There are some excellent thoughts about can you forgive but not forget? Can forgiveness help you get past betrayal? I pondered those thoughts as I wondered what I would do in these situations. This book also made me think about memories and how those shape our lives.
The father is a wonderful character, running the local pub in town. The townspeople rally to help the family cope with the advancing Alzheimer’s symptoms and that was heart-breaking to read about. There are some fun Irish elements in the book, making me long to visit and drink a Guinness in a genuine Irish pub! Overall these characters were authentic and memorable. This book poses the questions of what is home, and can you go home again? I was pleased (mostly) with how this one wrapped up and I feel like I’ve found a new go-to author.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Berkley, and Patti Callahan Henry for an early copy of the book to read in return for a fair review.
May 27, 2019
Absorbing, heartfelt, and tender!
The Favorite Daughter is a touching, hopeful novel that delves into the complicated relationship between members of a family and highlights that there really is no place like home.
The prose is evocative and warm. The characters are troubled, supportive, and genuine. And the plot is an affecting tale about life, love, family, friendship, deception, betrayal, heartbreak, community, romance, and the difficulties and struggles Alzheimer’s presents.
Overall, The Favorite Daughter is a compelling, satisfying, lovely tale by Callahan Henry that ultimately reminds us that sharing, capturing, and remembering all those special moments in time, good or bad, is truly what life is all about.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Favorite Daughter is a touching, hopeful novel that delves into the complicated relationship between members of a family and highlights that there really is no place like home.
The prose is evocative and warm. The characters are troubled, supportive, and genuine. And the plot is an affecting tale about life, love, family, friendship, deception, betrayal, heartbreak, community, romance, and the difficulties and struggles Alzheimer’s presents.
Overall, The Favorite Daughter is a compelling, satisfying, lovely tale by Callahan Henry that ultimately reminds us that sharing, capturing, and remembering all those special moments in time, good or bad, is truly what life is all about.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2019
I won this via goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own:).
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How have I not gotten to this author before now? ? Wow..
This was a beautiful story of Family, forgiveness, and the ties that make us who we are.
Memories are important, so what happens when someone starts to lose who they are? Its one of the scariest things we can imagine.
And what also happens when a bond is broken and what you have been avoiding is thrust back into your life again... and you have to face it head on, along with your father's failing health?
A story that had me reluctant to leave it each time I had to put it down. I kept it close by even when I wasn't reading it, just in case I could snatch it up for a few stolen moments.
I'm gushing but this is one of the ones that deserves it :).
Diving into the Donohue family, it was an experience. You are pulled in from the beginning with the "old cliche" as some might call it (not a spoiler, its in the book summary) with Colleen fleeing from her sister's betrayal and not looking back.
Gavin was a delight, I could have read (and would read) a whole book devoted to him and his life. He did his best to make a wonderful life for his family and provide for them. He has a Presence that makes him feel/look larger than life. He reminded me of my Pop-Pop that way.
Shane I liked right away.. Hallie took a little longer, my perspective of her changing as the story developed. I understood her more as things went on.
Colleen: there were times I sympathized with her and times I just wanted to shake her to get to see things clearly, even though I understood where she was coming from. I liked her right away though.
Walter: Well you'll see but my opinion never changed of him, despite one good quality about him.
One scene in the story was both heartbreaking and touching.. and reminded me of something with my pop-pop/grandpa too.
I don't want to spoil it too much but would highly recommend this one.
Side Note: loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter:).
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How have I not gotten to this author before now? ? Wow..
This was a beautiful story of Family, forgiveness, and the ties that make us who we are.
Memories are important, so what happens when someone starts to lose who they are? Its one of the scariest things we can imagine.
And what also happens when a bond is broken and what you have been avoiding is thrust back into your life again... and you have to face it head on, along with your father's failing health?
A story that had me reluctant to leave it each time I had to put it down. I kept it close by even when I wasn't reading it, just in case I could snatch it up for a few stolen moments.
I'm gushing but this is one of the ones that deserves it :).
Diving into the Donohue family, it was an experience. You are pulled in from the beginning with the "old cliche" as some might call it (not a spoiler, its in the book summary) with Colleen fleeing from her sister's betrayal and not looking back.
Gavin was a delight, I could have read (and would read) a whole book devoted to him and his life. He did his best to make a wonderful life for his family and provide for them. He has a Presence that makes him feel/look larger than life. He reminded me of my Pop-Pop that way.
Shane I liked right away.. Hallie took a little longer, my perspective of her changing as the story developed. I understood her more as things went on.
Colleen: there were times I sympathized with her and times I just wanted to shake her to get to see things clearly, even though I understood where she was coming from. I liked her right away though.
Walter: Well you'll see but my opinion never changed of him, despite one good quality about him.
One scene in the story was both heartbreaking and touching.. and reminded me of something with my pop-pop/grandpa too.
I don't want to spoil it too much but would highly recommend this one.
Side Note: loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter:).
June 20, 2019
5 ☆ I love southern novels with Lowcountry settings. I enjoyed how the author describes her story so vividly you feel as if you’ve escaped into a deep southern marsh surrounded by fauna, wildlife, earthly smells and changing of the tides. And Colleen’s trip to the gorgeous isle of Ireland.. now I want to visit there and see it for myself. This is my 2nd book by this author and she’s remarkable at placing the reader into her story’s surroundings (as with The Bookshop at Water’s End, loved it.)
The story’s backdrop is their fathers Alzheimer’s bringing Colleen back to South Carolina after living in NYC for the last ten years. It’s storyline sizzles with a sisters betrayal, the aftermath and a father’s shocking secret. Family drama, yes, but the memories of home and love of family are the emotional touching sentiments that keep you hoping for this family’s second-chance.
I enjoyed the Irish references throughout and the fun Irish quotes as told by their father Gavin. A top ten for me, highly recommend!
The story’s backdrop is their fathers Alzheimer’s bringing Colleen back to South Carolina after living in NYC for the last ten years. It’s storyline sizzles with a sisters betrayal, the aftermath and a father’s shocking secret. Family drama, yes, but the memories of home and love of family are the emotional touching sentiments that keep you hoping for this family’s second-chance.
I enjoyed the Irish references throughout and the fun Irish quotes as told by their father Gavin. A top ten for me, highly recommend!
June 29, 2019
At times, the most drama you ever have in your life revolves around family, and in this book this is no exception. For on her wedding day, a day for only happiness and unbounded love, Colleen (Lena) Donohue experiences the very worst thing possible. She finds her sister, Hallie, kissing the man who Lena had intended to marry in a few minutes time. Lena flees, leaves her family, escaping to New York, and becoming a fairly successful travel writer, but never finding a true love because of her fear of betrayal. Gone ten years from her family and the South Carolina town she so loved, Lena gets terrible news which forces her to return home.
Gavin, her beloved father, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and now the family, Lena, Hallie and their brother, Shane, must confront this horrible illness and the devastation that the future will hold for Gavin. She also must deal with her sister who has married Lena's ex fiance, and the family she now has with him.
There is much family angst in this story, betrayal, secrets, and family coat its pages and the sadness and realization that family is the most important thing life has to offer is prominent among its theme. It is a fine story for those who enjoy family sagas and its told with lovely writing and story telling. The one thing I found though was that the ending was somewhat dragged out, but overall this was a tender and lovely tale.
Thank you to Patti Callahan Henry, Berkley Books, and Edelweiss for a copy of this book.
Gavin, her beloved father, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and now the family, Lena, Hallie and their brother, Shane, must confront this horrible illness and the devastation that the future will hold for Gavin. She also must deal with her sister who has married Lena's ex fiance, and the family she now has with him.
There is much family angst in this story, betrayal, secrets, and family coat its pages and the sadness and realization that family is the most important thing life has to offer is prominent among its theme. It is a fine story for those who enjoy family sagas and its told with lovely writing and story telling. The one thing I found though was that the ending was somewhat dragged out, but overall this was a tender and lovely tale.
Thank you to Patti Callahan Henry, Berkley Books, and Edelweiss for a copy of this book.
April 9, 2020
An unimaginable betrayal on her wedding day by two people she dearly loves, causes Lena Donohue to feel her home and family in Watersend South Carolina. After an absence of ten years, during which she has carved a new identity as Colleen and made a life for herself in New York, she is drawn back to Watersend. Her brother Shane urgently calls her home as the family needs to do something, for their father who has Alzheimer’s. But how can Colleen turn her back on events of the past and face those who betrayed her? Siblings, Colleen, Shane and Hallie seek to work together to create a memory book for Gavin, their father. But when they try and create a time line of events from photographs and stories, some things just don’t add up. Tensions flare. What secrets has Gavin been keeping and what effect will they have on the lives of the Donohue family?
The beginning of each chapter has a quote from a book, some fiction, some essays, some memoir. After I finished the story it sent me hunting up those books I didn’t recognise. While reading I was too engrossed in the tale being told to take time for that. It was easy to feel sympathy for Lena/ Colleen. Hard to imagine how you would ever recover from such a betrayal. Is forgiveness even possible? It was also heartbreaking seeing the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s where Gavin is lucid on moment and completely lacking in memory the next.
The idea of the memory book and stories was a lovely one. I really liked Shane and Hallie’s twins were cute as they reminded Colleen too often of her and Hallie growing up. Beckett who is attracted to Colleen is a lovely character too. If I have one quibble it is that I would rather Gavin had told the secret himself rather than just getting the condensed version and then Colleen writing about it in the second person. But that is a minor things in what is an involving and emotional story. I really enjoyed this one. Nice to get back to some books that have complex and relatable characters and an engaging story. The thread of memory, what a person remembers and what they may need to forget or choose to forgive is a thread that run through the narrative. A book to savour and enjoy and make you think about family stories and memory.
The beginning of each chapter has a quote from a book, some fiction, some essays, some memoir. After I finished the story it sent me hunting up those books I didn’t recognise. While reading I was too engrossed in the tale being told to take time for that. It was easy to feel sympathy for Lena/ Colleen. Hard to imagine how you would ever recover from such a betrayal. Is forgiveness even possible? It was also heartbreaking seeing the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s where Gavin is lucid on moment and completely lacking in memory the next.
The idea of the memory book and stories was a lovely one. I really liked Shane and Hallie’s twins were cute as they reminded Colleen too often of her and Hallie growing up. Beckett who is attracted to Colleen is a lovely character too. If I have one quibble it is that I would rather Gavin had told the secret himself rather than just getting the condensed version and then Colleen writing about it in the second person. But that is a minor things in what is an involving and emotional story. I really enjoyed this one. Nice to get back to some books that have complex and relatable characters and an engaging story. The thread of memory, what a person remembers and what they may need to forget or choose to forgive is a thread that run through the narrative. A book to savour and enjoy and make you think about family stories and memory.
June 14, 2019
Colleen (Lena) Donahue has made a point of not returning to her childhood home where her parents own an Irish pub in North Carolina for over 10 years. As a travel writer living in New York, she has tried to forget her past, especially her own sister's betrayal on Lena's wedding day.
But unfortunately for Lena, she cannot hide from her family anymore. With her father Gavin's recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's she must return to face a sister she has not spoken to in years, a brother who loves them both but is overwhelmed with keeping their business afloat, and a father who is slipping slowly away from them.
They decide to give their dad a party and are putting together a memory book of stories and pictures to hopefully assist him with his memory. The book is to be filled with past memories from when they first bought the Irish pub when Colleen was born.
But then Lena begins to discover some of the stories and dates don't match and that just doesn't make sense. Are they just mistakes or is something else going on? Are there family secrets that have never been told?
Lena, Hallie and Shane must act quickly to find out the truth before their dad looses those memories. And are any of them really ready for what he might reveal if he can even remember them?
The Favorite Daughter is the story about sibling rivalry, grudges, disappointment and hurt. It's also about family secrets and coming together as only family can no matter what the circumstances. It's about the bon between brothers and sisters that no one can break.
It's also about the reality of what happens as a brain begins to be ravaged by Alzheimer's and how it affects not only the person, but everyone around them.
Thank you Goodreads for the advanced copy. The Favorite Daughter is out right now.
But unfortunately for Lena, she cannot hide from her family anymore. With her father Gavin's recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's she must return to face a sister she has not spoken to in years, a brother who loves them both but is overwhelmed with keeping their business afloat, and a father who is slipping slowly away from them.
They decide to give their dad a party and are putting together a memory book of stories and pictures to hopefully assist him with his memory. The book is to be filled with past memories from when they first bought the Irish pub when Colleen was born.
But then Lena begins to discover some of the stories and dates don't match and that just doesn't make sense. Are they just mistakes or is something else going on? Are there family secrets that have never been told?
Lena, Hallie and Shane must act quickly to find out the truth before their dad looses those memories. And are any of them really ready for what he might reveal if he can even remember them?
The Favorite Daughter is the story about sibling rivalry, grudges, disappointment and hurt. It's also about family secrets and coming together as only family can no matter what the circumstances. It's about the bon between brothers and sisters that no one can break.
It's also about the reality of what happens as a brain begins to be ravaged by Alzheimer's and how it affects not only the person, but everyone around them.
Thank you Goodreads for the advanced copy. The Favorite Daughter is out right now.
July 2, 2019
The Favorite Daughter
Patti Callahan Henry
THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER is the first book I've ever read by Patti Callahan Henry. The twists and turns keep coming and I had to know how it was going to end! Every time I thought I knew where this story was going, a few pages later, Patti Callahan Henry threw me for a loop and I knew I was wrong! I'm kicking myself for not reading this wonderful novel sooner even though it practically shredded my heart! Lena Donohue has been planning to marry on her twenty fifth birthday except on her big day, the unthinkable happens and destroys her. Oh my goodness, hold on tight everyone! It is a wild and crazy ride of emotions!
THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I was holding my breath, waiting for what I surely knew was coming. Lena ran away to New York City after her twenty fifth birthday and ten years later she finds herself back in Watersend, South Carolina. Her brother, Shane has called her home to help with their dad. He has Alzheimer's and Shane needs to figure out what to do next. They come up with an idea to make a memory book for their dad so he can keep his memories with him. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER. Patti Callahan Henry is now one of my auto buy authors.
The twists and turns in THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out. One minute you believe you know where Lena is going with her life and the next you are sitting there shaking your head, wondering what the heck just happened. I had my ideas, I had it all figured out, or so I thought, and BAM.......wrong again! Once you start reading, trust me, you aren't going to be able to stop! When everything is finally revealed, well, you won't believe it! The secrets, holy cow, you won't believe the secrets that get revealed! That's all I'm saying about this emotional story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER. All of the characters are on their own spiritual journey, not just Lena. It is heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Patti Callahan Henry does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be there with my new found friends! Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book and then packing your bags for Watersend South Carolina and heading straight to The Lark! That is the family's Irish pub.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
Patti Callahan Henry
THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER is the first book I've ever read by Patti Callahan Henry. The twists and turns keep coming and I had to know how it was going to end! Every time I thought I knew where this story was going, a few pages later, Patti Callahan Henry threw me for a loop and I knew I was wrong! I'm kicking myself for not reading this wonderful novel sooner even though it practically shredded my heart! Lena Donohue has been planning to marry on her twenty fifth birthday except on her big day, the unthinkable happens and destroys her. Oh my goodness, hold on tight everyone! It is a wild and crazy ride of emotions!
THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I was holding my breath, waiting for what I surely knew was coming. Lena ran away to New York City after her twenty fifth birthday and ten years later she finds herself back in Watersend, South Carolina. Her brother, Shane has called her home to help with their dad. He has Alzheimer's and Shane needs to figure out what to do next. They come up with an idea to make a memory book for their dad so he can keep his memories with him. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER. Patti Callahan Henry is now one of my auto buy authors.
The twists and turns in THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out. One minute you believe you know where Lena is going with her life and the next you are sitting there shaking your head, wondering what the heck just happened. I had my ideas, I had it all figured out, or so I thought, and BAM.......wrong again! Once you start reading, trust me, you aren't going to be able to stop! When everything is finally revealed, well, you won't believe it! The secrets, holy cow, you won't believe the secrets that get revealed! That's all I'm saying about this emotional story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER. All of the characters are on their own spiritual journey, not just Lena. It is heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Patti Callahan Henry does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be there with my new found friends! Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book and then packing your bags for Watersend South Carolina and heading straight to The Lark! That is the family's Irish pub.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
June 9, 2021
As I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I think of my own family and how much our shared and individual memories of our lives shape us into the people we are.
Henry's latest is a gorgeously rendered tale with so many profound thoughts about one family's past, present, and future and how their experiences affect them depending on the lens through which they view those experiences.
I feel like this book is wrongly titled for a few reasons. One of which is unfortunate, that a thriller of the same title was released just a couple of weeks ago. Another is that it doesn't capture the essence of this book at all, because although it is somewhat focused on the sisters (each of whom believes the other is the favorite daughter), it is truly the story of a family: two sisters, estranged by terrible circumstances in the past, their brother who kind of runs interference, and their dad, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Nothing about this book is predictable, every time I thought I knew where the author was going with the story she takes it a different, but wholly right for the tale, direction. There are heartbreaks, betrayals, secrets, discoveries, and love. I thought the author would have the characters take the easy way out of various situations so many times and she never does--the characters own their pain, their missteps, their choices, even if those choices seem wrong to everyone else. They don't forgive too quickly, others or themselves (which would have tied the story up in a pretty bow, but isn't realistic) yet the love is still there, still waiting just beneath the surface.
Such a beautiful, beautiful story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Henry's latest is a gorgeously rendered tale with so many profound thoughts about one family's past, present, and future and how their experiences affect them depending on the lens through which they view those experiences.
I feel like this book is wrongly titled for a few reasons. One of which is unfortunate, that a thriller of the same title was released just a couple of weeks ago. Another is that it doesn't capture the essence of this book at all, because although it is somewhat focused on the sisters (each of whom believes the other is the favorite daughter), it is truly the story of a family: two sisters, estranged by terrible circumstances in the past, their brother who kind of runs interference, and their dad, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Nothing about this book is predictable, every time I thought I knew where the author was going with the story she takes it a different, but wholly right for the tale, direction. There are heartbreaks, betrayals, secrets, discoveries, and love. I thought the author would have the characters take the easy way out of various situations so many times and she never does--the characters own their pain, their missteps, their choices, even if those choices seem wrong to everyone else. They don't forgive too quickly, others or themselves (which would have tied the story up in a pretty bow, but isn't realistic) yet the love is still there, still waiting just beneath the surface.
Such a beautiful, beautiful story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 4, 2019
****4 STAR****
The Favorite Daughter is an intriguing, complex, and provocative novel. This was my first book by Patti Callahan Henry and it won't be my last.
Throughout the story, I felt many emotions ranging from anger to joy. That's what makes a good book you know. One that makes you feel and maybe even question yourself.
After I read the prologue, I was hooked. I wanted, better yet, needed to know what was going to happen. As a sister myself, there was no way I could not continue. It's rare for an author to hook me so quickly. I normally need at least two chapters before that happens.
Read more
HERE
Remember to follow all things messy. . .
The Favorite Daughter is an intriguing, complex, and provocative novel. This was my first book by Patti Callahan Henry and it won't be my last.
Throughout the story, I felt many emotions ranging from anger to joy. That's what makes a good book you know. One that makes you feel and maybe even question yourself.
After I read the prologue, I was hooked. I wanted, better yet, needed to know what was going to happen. As a sister myself, there was no way I could not continue. It's rare for an author to hook me so quickly. I normally need at least two chapters before that happens.
Read more
HERE
Remember to follow all things messy. . .
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May 21, 2019
This one got to me over and over!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one wants to admit that their parent(s) are getting older. Slowing down. Maybe even fighting an invisible battle. Maybe that means we are getting older. More likely, it means that we will feel like we are alone in the world and without the connection or support we can only get from our parents.
The author took on many family issues in this book. Health. Broken bonds. Betrayal. Secrets. Loss of family connections.
But she also wrote about healing and understanding. Forgiveness and the strength of the family unit. Something that is stronger than any other relationship, it seems.
This book was probably not a great one for me to read at this time. My Dad is aging quickly and parts of this story really hit me hard. I related to so much of this story. I see myself in Lena in so many ways. I understood her heartbreak and pain.
But, family is more important than the other problems and her connection with her father is super special. The why is foreshadowed and not a big surprise to me. However, it explains so much of the story too.
I love that Henry is able to understand the family connection so well as to be able to write a story that grabs you in the heart and doesn’t let you go until the very end. It is written with such deep emotion, she totally got to me over and over.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-favorite...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one wants to admit that their parent(s) are getting older. Slowing down. Maybe even fighting an invisible battle. Maybe that means we are getting older. More likely, it means that we will feel like we are alone in the world and without the connection or support we can only get from our parents.
The author took on many family issues in this book. Health. Broken bonds. Betrayal. Secrets. Loss of family connections.
But she also wrote about healing and understanding. Forgiveness and the strength of the family unit. Something that is stronger than any other relationship, it seems.
This book was probably not a great one for me to read at this time. My Dad is aging quickly and parts of this story really hit me hard. I related to so much of this story. I see myself in Lena in so many ways. I understood her heartbreak and pain.
But, family is more important than the other problems and her connection with her father is super special. The why is foreshadowed and not a big surprise to me. However, it explains so much of the story too.
I love that Henry is able to understand the family connection so well as to be able to write a story that grabs you in the heart and doesn’t let you go until the very end. It is written with such deep emotion, she totally got to me over and over.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-favorite...
June 23, 2019
Disappointing book. Supposedly there are mysterious secrets, but there is nothing surprising as it is all clearly obvious almost from the beginning.
Characters didn't resonate with me and the story was trite.
All of these summer book authors have lost their appeal. Years ago I eagerly awaited their publications, but not any longer. Either they have declined in ability or I have become more difficult to please. I think it's a bit of both.
Characters didn't resonate with me and the story was trite.
All of these summer book authors have lost their appeal. Years ago I eagerly awaited their publications, but not any longer. Either they have declined in ability or I have become more difficult to please. I think it's a bit of both.
July 31, 2019
This book started a bit slow for me but got me much more attached to it as it went on - loved the writing about memories and the neuroscience behind it and the quotes before each chapter - very well done - it’s my first book from this author but I will definitely read more
June 9, 2019
" Memory is never a precise duplicate of the original....it is a continuing act of creation." This is an exquisite, beautiful portrayal of love, family dynamics and Alzheimer's disease. This is the story of the Donohue family. The main characters are Colleen, Hallie, Shaun and their Dad. These characters are true to life and I loved them all. They are complex and relatable. The Dad is diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the children are trying to preserve his memories in a memory book. They learn so much while doing this. I had to put this book down on several occasions to cry my eyes out, so you will definitely need tissues. It brought back memories of my childhood and my own Dad. I was there. I felt so much emotion reading this book. I could picture the family pub and hear the laughter, feel the tears. This was a richly descriptive story that captured me heart and soul. It is absolutely heartbreaking. It's a book about the complexities of family and is so emotionally charged throughout. You will not want to stop turning the pages. It is about life and our memories. We may have experienced the same thing but our memories are selective. My favorite quote is, " Memories are alive, and they can take over; they have their own life apart from us. But what are they really? Just some amorphous, dreamy things that shift with time, almost like ghosts. Still they cause us pain or happiness or they keep us from doing things or cause us to shiver inside and wake us in the middle of the night." You must read this amazing book. Absolutely a must read for all. Thank you Patti Callahan Henry for writing this book. It brought out so many memories in me. Hold on to your memories for one day they will be all you have.
June 4, 2019
From the NYT bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry (one of my favorite authors) of the award-winning historical fiction: Becoming Mrs. Lewis Top Books of 2018 — comes THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER. A beautifully written heartfelt story of the importance of memories, home, family and loyalty.
"May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten." —Irish Proverb
From betrayal, loss, joy, forgiveness, dark hidden secrets, and love. A search for answers before it is too late. From Virginia to Ireland, from New York to the Low Country (Watersend, South Carolina)—two sisters, a brother, and a father with Alzheimer's and the power to preserve life in stories.
"Memory, once waked, will play the tyrant." —C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces.
Colleen (Lena) was getting married. However, something occurred that day and she ran. The wedding was to be held in the church and all the Donohues would be attending. Her younger sister, Hallie had helped plan the wedding. One single mistake that day changed the course of things to come for many years.
Then ten years later, Colleen Donohue was returning from NYC to the Lowcountry. Her brother, Shane, tells her their father is getting worse due to dementia and she needs to come home. She and her sister are estranged.
"The problems with memories, Colleen Donohue often thoughts, wasn't with the ones she couldn't let go of, but with those that wouldn't let go of her."
Colleen was never the favorite daughter. She did not know why, but she always had the sense there were hidden secrets. Her sister Hallie is upset that her older sister abandoned the family.
However, there are secrets that slowly unravel. Colleen has managed to put the events of the past behind her until she comes to face to face with what drove her away.
The siblings come together to create a memory book for their dad. They want him to remember as much as he can before losing his memories to his battle with Alzheimer's. In the process, some of the hidden secrets from the past will surface.
Each chapter begins with a beautiful and thought-provoking quote. The master storyteller once again dazzles her readers with spellbinding prose and a powerful message of forgiveness.
A "must read" bittersweet novel of the strong bonds of family and defining "home" and what it truly means. When it is more than just a place.
"If you want to keep a memory pristine, you must not call upon it too often." —Sally Mann, Hold Still
Highly recommend! Move this gem to the top of your summer beach reads. Character-driven with lots of heart and an ideal choice for book clubs. (discussion guide included).
For fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey's Lies and Other Acts of Love
A special thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Also purchased the audiobook narrated by Joshilyn Jackson (awesome)!
JDCMustReadBooks
Check out Patti's THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER page to learn more about the inspiration behind this extraordinary book, book club, video, Alzheimer's Women's movement, book tour, plus more.
"May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten." —Irish Proverb
From betrayal, loss, joy, forgiveness, dark hidden secrets, and love. A search for answers before it is too late. From Virginia to Ireland, from New York to the Low Country (Watersend, South Carolina)—two sisters, a brother, and a father with Alzheimer's and the power to preserve life in stories.
"Memory, once waked, will play the tyrant." —C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces.
Colleen (Lena) was getting married. However, something occurred that day and she ran. The wedding was to be held in the church and all the Donohues would be attending. Her younger sister, Hallie had helped plan the wedding. One single mistake that day changed the course of things to come for many years.
Then ten years later, Colleen Donohue was returning from NYC to the Lowcountry. Her brother, Shane, tells her their father is getting worse due to dementia and she needs to come home. She and her sister are estranged.
"The problems with memories, Colleen Donohue often thoughts, wasn't with the ones she couldn't let go of, but with those that wouldn't let go of her."
Colleen was never the favorite daughter. She did not know why, but she always had the sense there were hidden secrets. Her sister Hallie is upset that her older sister abandoned the family.
However, there are secrets that slowly unravel. Colleen has managed to put the events of the past behind her until she comes to face to face with what drove her away.
The siblings come together to create a memory book for their dad. They want him to remember as much as he can before losing his memories to his battle with Alzheimer's. In the process, some of the hidden secrets from the past will surface.
Each chapter begins with a beautiful and thought-provoking quote. The master storyteller once again dazzles her readers with spellbinding prose and a powerful message of forgiveness.
A "must read" bittersweet novel of the strong bonds of family and defining "home" and what it truly means. When it is more than just a place.
"If you want to keep a memory pristine, you must not call upon it too often." —Sally Mann, Hold Still
Highly recommend! Move this gem to the top of your summer beach reads. Character-driven with lots of heart and an ideal choice for book clubs. (discussion guide included).
For fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey's Lies and Other Acts of Love
A special thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Also purchased the audiobook narrated by Joshilyn Jackson (awesome)!
JDCMustReadBooks
Check out Patti's THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER page to learn more about the inspiration behind this extraordinary book, book club, video, Alzheimer's Women's movement, book tour, plus more.
August 13, 2020
A beautifully written novel steeped in family drama of betrayal, secrets and forgiveness.
SUMMARY
There is nothing as painful as the wedding-day betrayal Lena experienced ten years ago. When she left the church on that horrific day she also left the small town of Watersend, South Carolina, and hasn’t been back since.
She reinvented herself as a travel writer in New York City. But now she has gotten a call that her father is not doing well and her family needs help. Returning to Watersend means seeing her sister, Hallie, who she has successfully avoided for a decade, and her baby brother, Shane who runs the family’s Irish pub. While Alzheimer’s steals their father’s memories, the siblings attempt to preserve his life stories and in photographs. But her dad’s secret past brings Lena’s own childhood into focus, and sends her on a journey to discover the true meaning of home and family.
REVIEW
What is home? Is it just the place where you live or is there something more to it than that? THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER is a brilliantly written, emotional novel steeped in a family drama of betrayal, secrets and forgiveness. The characters are delightfully well-developed and you can’t help but feel their angst and pain.
Author Patti Callahan Henry’s writing is stellar. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and didn’t want it to end. Her word choices and dialog make the story come alive on the page. My favorite part was Lena’s exploration of the meaning of forgiveness, family and home.
Henry is a New York Times bestselling author of fifteen books, including the historical novel, BECOMING MRS. LEWIS. She is a full-time author and mother of three children, she now resides in both Mountain Brook, Alabama and Bluffton, South Carolina with her husband.
Publisher Berkley Books
Published June 4 2019
Narrated Joycelyn Jackson
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
There is nothing as painful as the wedding-day betrayal Lena experienced ten years ago. When she left the church on that horrific day she also left the small town of Watersend, South Carolina, and hasn’t been back since.
She reinvented herself as a travel writer in New York City. But now she has gotten a call that her father is not doing well and her family needs help. Returning to Watersend means seeing her sister, Hallie, who she has successfully avoided for a decade, and her baby brother, Shane who runs the family’s Irish pub. While Alzheimer’s steals their father’s memories, the siblings attempt to preserve his life stories and in photographs. But her dad’s secret past brings Lena’s own childhood into focus, and sends her on a journey to discover the true meaning of home and family.
REVIEW
What is home? Is it just the place where you live or is there something more to it than that? THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER is a brilliantly written, emotional novel steeped in a family drama of betrayal, secrets and forgiveness. The characters are delightfully well-developed and you can’t help but feel their angst and pain.
Author Patti Callahan Henry’s writing is stellar. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and didn’t want it to end. Her word choices and dialog make the story come alive on the page. My favorite part was Lena’s exploration of the meaning of forgiveness, family and home.
Henry is a New York Times bestselling author of fifteen books, including the historical novel, BECOMING MRS. LEWIS. She is a full-time author and mother of three children, she now resides in both Mountain Brook, Alabama and Bluffton, South Carolina with her husband.
Publisher Berkley Books
Published June 4 2019
Narrated Joycelyn Jackson
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
June 20, 2019
Last year I reviewed the author’s BECOMING MRS. LEWIS and loved her fictionalized take on Joy Davidman, the woman who married C.S. Lewis. It’s only my second book of Patti’s but her work is adored by my English professor stepdaughter. It’s so clear why!
GRIPPING
THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER is written in poetic style, the narrative gripping about Lena, who left South Carolina after being spectacularly betrayed on her wedding day, returning home only now when her father is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She’s forced to face a sister she’s avoided for a decade and her brother, who’s kept afloat the family’s business, an Irish pub.
FAMILY TRUTH
The reunited sibs do all they can to record their dad’s memories and while they do, learn of his secret past. Oh my goodness does Patti know how to capture the challenge of family relationships, and the terrible losses caused by memory disorders, in dialogue that rings with the truest truth.
I loved THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER and will be reading all the author’s books. Her next can’t come soon enough!
Pub Date 04 Jun 2019.
Thanks to Patti Callahan Henry, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#TheFavoriteDaughter #NetGalley
GRIPPING
THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER is written in poetic style, the narrative gripping about Lena, who left South Carolina after being spectacularly betrayed on her wedding day, returning home only now when her father is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She’s forced to face a sister she’s avoided for a decade and her brother, who’s kept afloat the family’s business, an Irish pub.
FAMILY TRUTH
The reunited sibs do all they can to record their dad’s memories and while they do, learn of his secret past. Oh my goodness does Patti know how to capture the challenge of family relationships, and the terrible losses caused by memory disorders, in dialogue that rings with the truest truth.
I loved THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER and will be reading all the author’s books. Her next can’t come soon enough!
Pub Date 04 Jun 2019.
Thanks to Patti Callahan Henry, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#TheFavoriteDaughter #NetGalley
August 24, 2019
I was going to give it 2 stars and move on but I think I need to vent. Possibly the worst book I have read this year.
It is a story of estranged sisters, a low country family and a father who has dementia
I am a fan of good womens fiction but this isn't it. The whole writing style is ponderous and dull, and she makes the same few points over and over and over like she was trying to stretch it to reach a word count or explain things to someone who is slow.
Characters are not likeable or even interesting. Don't waste your time, I wish I had followed my impulse to stop on page 50......this is the first book by this author I have read and it will probably be my last.
It is a story of estranged sisters, a low country family and a father who has dementia
I am a fan of good womens fiction but this isn't it. The whole writing style is ponderous and dull, and she makes the same few points over and over and over like she was trying to stretch it to reach a word count or explain things to someone who is slow.
Characters are not likeable or even interesting. Don't waste your time, I wish I had followed my impulse to stop on page 50......this is the first book by this author I have read and it will probably be my last.
May 23, 2019
*I was a Goodreads giveaway recipient*
All I can say is that all y’all who highly rated this book have some embarrassingly low standards. The entirety of this book reeked of a ridiculously low-budget film.
Or, better yet, it was like a sitcom that has been running approximately 4 seasons too long, and they’re scrambling for ANY ideas (“Well, if it’s the best we’ve got...” kind of attitude.) But it is so so so not the best...
I hated everything about it, from the shallow characters to the really REALLY bad dialogue and interactions (ugh, so bad) and everything in between.
The only saving grace of this novel, for me, was the lovely quotes about memory from famous, adored authors.... ay-ay-aye...!!!
Thank you for my free copy. Just VERY not for me. And no, I don’t recommend it.
All I can say is that all y’all who highly rated this book have some embarrassingly low standards. The entirety of this book reeked of a ridiculously low-budget film.
Or, better yet, it was like a sitcom that has been running approximately 4 seasons too long, and they’re scrambling for ANY ideas (“Well, if it’s the best we’ve got...” kind of attitude.) But it is so so so not the best...
I hated everything about it, from the shallow characters to the really REALLY bad dialogue and interactions (ugh, so bad) and everything in between.
The only saving grace of this novel, for me, was the lovely quotes about memory from famous, adored authors.... ay-ay-aye...!!!
Thank you for my free copy. Just VERY not for me. And no, I don’t recommend it.
June 5, 2019
In Patti Callahan Henry's most recent return to the Lowcountry, we meet the Donohue sisters on big sister Lena's wedding day - but when she finds her sister Hallie kissing the groom, clearly the wedding is called off. We pick up ten years later when Lena (now Colleen) has not spoken to her sister in ten years and has not returned home, until now - when their father is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
The Favorite Daughter is a beautifully written story about love, betrayal, family, rebuilding and most of all, coming home. It's about the bonds of blood and those formed by the truest love. Doing what she does best, Henry brings all the emotion and heart as we navigate these bonds with the Donohues and find out if its truly possible to move on and come together once again.
Thank you to Berkley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
The Favorite Daughter is a beautifully written story about love, betrayal, family, rebuilding and most of all, coming home. It's about the bonds of blood and those formed by the truest love. Doing what she does best, Henry brings all the emotion and heart as we navigate these bonds with the Donohues and find out if its truly possible to move on and come together once again.
Thank you to Berkley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
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