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First Came Us
Jack and Ellie Miller have been happily married for eighteen years and lead a perfectly ordinary life with their three children in an idyllic Connecticut town. Jack is an economics professor at Yale and Ellie owns a thriving yoga studio. Although day-to-day life isn’t always carefree, they exist in a world where carpools, soccer games, and bedtimes are their biggest concerns.
However, all good things must come to an end. The Millers’ picture-perfect life gets turned upside down when Jack gets an unwelcome visit from a ghost from his past, their sixteen-year-old daughter Sydney decides to let down her hair and trade her backpack for a six-pack, and Ellie gets shocking news that requires immediate action.
Jack and Ellie can barely pull themselves away from these unexpected challenges long enough to notice that Sydney is careening downward in her own dangerous spiral; but they need to find a way to overcome their issues if they want to save their daughter and their marriage.
However, all good things must come to an end. The Millers’ picture-perfect life gets turned upside down when Jack gets an unwelcome visit from a ghost from his past, their sixteen-year-old daughter Sydney decides to let down her hair and trade her backpack for a six-pack, and Ellie gets shocking news that requires immediate action.
Jack and Ellie can barely pull themselves away from these unexpected challenges long enough to notice that Sydney is careening downward in her own dangerous spiral; but they need to find a way to overcome their issues if they want to save their daughter and their marriage.
- GenresContemporaryFiction
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2020
149 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 6, 2020
This didn't work for me.
The couple are married in the main part of the story but the first scene is the Hero cheating on the heroine just before they get engaged.
The main story deals with the consequences of those events 18 years later.
Dual POV by also a third POV from their daughter.
I felt there were alot of discussions that should have taken place between the couple that didn't.
The cheating is revealed so late that recovering from that isn't the main topic of the book.
The Hero also covers it up and then when events happen 18 years later he lies about certain things again but they end up HEA.
If you are looking for a book about a couple really working through their issues and dealing with the effects of cheating this isnt for you.
The only intimacy is in the first scene when the Hero is having fragments of memory with the other woman and becoming aroused, the morning after watching her dress.
The couple are married in the main part of the story but the first scene is the Hero cheating on the heroine just before they get engaged.
The main story deals with the consequences of those events 18 years later.
Dual POV by also a third POV from their daughter.
I felt there were alot of discussions that should have taken place between the couple that didn't.
The cheating is revealed so late that recovering from that isn't the main topic of the book.
The Hero also covers it up and then when events happen 18 years later he lies about certain things again but they end up HEA.
If you are looking for a book about a couple really working through their issues and dealing with the effects of cheating this isnt for you.
The only intimacy is in the first scene when the Hero is having fragments of memory with the other woman and becoming aroused, the morning after watching her dress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2019
I thought this one will be a good read but unfortunately I couldn't get into the story. I don't know why, maybe it's because of characters or it starts with a cheating scene. Not a bad story but didn't work out for me.
January 1, 2020
This was a really great and interesting book. a plus was that it was easy to read and the writing was easy to follow. Only minus was that some places it was too fast phased and some too slow, i wish there had been more to it - more things happening or take more time.
February 14, 2020
First Came Us by Rachel Cullen
What a great domestic drama about Jack and Ellie Miller that I enjoyed reading about very much! Cullen tells the story of a family that is about as picture perfect as it can be about Jack, a successful Yale University Professor, his wife Ellie owner of a very busy yoga studio, and their three kids.
Out of the blue, a young woman shows up in Jack’s office disrupting his life, an unexpected news finds Ellie re-evaluating her life choices and Sydney their 16yo develops a relationship with a college student after lying about her age. As life starts to spiral downhill, they have to rely on each others’ love to make their family whole again.
Cullen is an amazing writer and storyteller that knew how to tug at my heartstrings and create these great characters with depth I enjoyed reading about. Highly enjoyable read that I recommend.
What a great domestic drama about Jack and Ellie Miller that I enjoyed reading about very much! Cullen tells the story of a family that is about as picture perfect as it can be about Jack, a successful Yale University Professor, his wife Ellie owner of a very busy yoga studio, and their three kids.
Out of the blue, a young woman shows up in Jack’s office disrupting his life, an unexpected news finds Ellie re-evaluating her life choices and Sydney their 16yo develops a relationship with a college student after lying about her age. As life starts to spiral downhill, they have to rely on each others’ love to make their family whole again.
Cullen is an amazing writer and storyteller that knew how to tug at my heartstrings and create these great characters with depth I enjoyed reading about. Highly enjoyable read that I recommend.
February 4, 2020
Sincere thanks to @katerocklitchick and @rachelcullenauthor for having me on this tour! When I received the synopsis for this book I immediately knew it was one I wanted to read.
First Came Us is about Jack and Ellie who have been married for 18 years. They have three children: Sydney in 11th grade, Max in 7th grade, and Isabelle in 3rd grade. Jack is a professor at Yale and Ellie owns and runs a yoga studio. They are living the quintessential suburban life until secrets and lies begin to creep into their lives. The book focuses mainly on Jack as he faces the consequences of his actions from 18 years ago, Ellie as she discovers her own secret and is afraid to upend the family, and Sydney who creates secrets that she has to maintain and protect. The novel examines the family as it deals with the turmoil of these events and as they learn to forgive and love each other after the fallout.
As a wife of 15 years and a mother of two, I identified with so many aspects of this book. A lot of the books I read highlight women in their 20s or 30s as they fall in love -- and don't get me wrong, I will always adore a good falling in love story -- so it was refreshing to connect with a book that's similar to what my life is like right now.
The drama that this family endures within a very short span of time is unreal. Is it difficult to imagine that so much would happen all at once? Yes, but it makes for one heck of a compelling and fascinating story and who doesn't love to get caught up in the happenings of a book?
This isn't a huge surprise but I identified most with Ellie (the wife/mother) and her storyline. Her dilemma is one that every family has at least thought about at some point or another and I applaud author Rachel Cullen for addressing it so honestly and respectfully. There are a couple of trigger warnings for Ellie's story, which I will leave in the comments below.
I was very engrossed in the stories of Jack, Ellie, and Sydney (the other two children, also, but they are definitely secondary characters). When I wasn't reading First Came Us, I was thinking about it. The characters impacted me, made me think, and made me feel what they were feeling. An entertaining and enjoyable read!
TW: abortion, miscarriage
First Came Us is about Jack and Ellie who have been married for 18 years. They have three children: Sydney in 11th grade, Max in 7th grade, and Isabelle in 3rd grade. Jack is a professor at Yale and Ellie owns and runs a yoga studio. They are living the quintessential suburban life until secrets and lies begin to creep into their lives. The book focuses mainly on Jack as he faces the consequences of his actions from 18 years ago, Ellie as she discovers her own secret and is afraid to upend the family, and Sydney who creates secrets that she has to maintain and protect. The novel examines the family as it deals with the turmoil of these events and as they learn to forgive and love each other after the fallout.
As a wife of 15 years and a mother of two, I identified with so many aspects of this book. A lot of the books I read highlight women in their 20s or 30s as they fall in love -- and don't get me wrong, I will always adore a good falling in love story -- so it was refreshing to connect with a book that's similar to what my life is like right now.
The drama that this family endures within a very short span of time is unreal. Is it difficult to imagine that so much would happen all at once? Yes, but it makes for one heck of a compelling and fascinating story and who doesn't love to get caught up in the happenings of a book?
This isn't a huge surprise but I identified most with Ellie (the wife/mother) and her storyline. Her dilemma is one that every family has at least thought about at some point or another and I applaud author Rachel Cullen for addressing it so honestly and respectfully. There are a couple of trigger warnings for Ellie's story, which I will leave in the comments below.
I was very engrossed in the stories of Jack, Ellie, and Sydney (the other two children, also, but they are definitely secondary characters). When I wasn't reading First Came Us, I was thinking about it. The characters impacted me, made me think, and made me feel what they were feeling. An entertaining and enjoyable read!
TW: abortion, miscarriage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2020
Wow I absolutely adored this book. Told from multiple punts of view, which was so helpful
Since so many different things are going on in this story. The parents are ultimately too busy with their own issues, problems, lies and secrets to realize the downward sprial of their teenage daughter and everything else occurring under their own roof. Will all the secrets and deception tear there family apart or bring them back together stronger then before?
Jack, father of three a busy university professor that made a huge mistake at his friends bachelor party 19 years ago. That one crazy night has come back to haunt him when an 18 year old shows up at his office claiming to be his daughter. Jack now faces having to tell his wife about that drunken night be cheated on her that he himself doesn't remember.
Ellie, mother of three, yoga studio owner and instructor. Feeling a little off thinking she may be pregnant but could she really be at her age if 43? While dealing with the stress of figuring out what to do with the pregnancy her family takes a backseat and she begins to discover things from clients at her studio. Could her daughter really have missed the SAT test? Ellie feeling at a loss of who to talk to finds herself forming a relationship with an older woman who had been coming to the studio for awhile.
Sydney, the 16 year old daughter. Perfect 4.0 GPA and on the soccer team. Sydney testing the teenage life by going to a college party with one of her friends where she meets a boy. Here couldn't possibly Like her though, until he texts her the next day. This is when the sneaking and lies come in, but will they catch up with her. Will Brandon discover she's not a student at Yale. Will Brandon be worth all the times she's put off her friends, her bad grades and missing the SAT?
That ending was crazy a couple things I wasn't expecting to happen, definitely a binge worthy cozy read.
Since so many different things are going on in this story. The parents are ultimately too busy with their own issues, problems, lies and secrets to realize the downward sprial of their teenage daughter and everything else occurring under their own roof. Will all the secrets and deception tear there family apart or bring them back together stronger then before?
Jack, father of three a busy university professor that made a huge mistake at his friends bachelor party 19 years ago. That one crazy night has come back to haunt him when an 18 year old shows up at his office claiming to be his daughter. Jack now faces having to tell his wife about that drunken night be cheated on her that he himself doesn't remember.
Ellie, mother of three, yoga studio owner and instructor. Feeling a little off thinking she may be pregnant but could she really be at her age if 43? While dealing with the stress of figuring out what to do with the pregnancy her family takes a backseat and she begins to discover things from clients at her studio. Could her daughter really have missed the SAT test? Ellie feeling at a loss of who to talk to finds herself forming a relationship with an older woman who had been coming to the studio for awhile.
Sydney, the 16 year old daughter. Perfect 4.0 GPA and on the soccer team. Sydney testing the teenage life by going to a college party with one of her friends where she meets a boy. Here couldn't possibly Like her though, until he texts her the next day. This is when the sneaking and lies come in, but will they catch up with her. Will Brandon discover she's not a student at Yale. Will Brandon be worth all the times she's put off her friends, her bad grades and missing the SAT?
That ending was crazy a couple things I wasn't expecting to happen, definitely a binge worthy cozy read.
January 18, 2020
Ellie and Jack have everything figured out. Ellie owns a yoga studio and Jack is an economics professor at Yale. They have three kids, ranging from 16 years old to a 3rd grader. Things start coming up in their lives that draw the focus to themselves and less on their children. They must figure out how to deal with their personal surprises and continue to be parents at the same time.
This book was a very quick read at a little over 300 pages. I finished it in about half a day. I don't want to give away the surprises that come up but they have the potential to change the future of the family. Jack and Ellie deal with these surprises differently but I would say in typical fashion. It was easy to see where a little more communication would have solved a lot of the issues. The story also focuses on the eldest daughter, Sydney, as she deals with typical teenage troubles. I enjoyed Sydney's character the most in the story. She is dealing with typical teenage anxieties about appearance, school, friends, and boys and does so in a very relateable way.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It was a light read, despite all the surprises the family must deal with. What kept me from enjoying the book more was the number of surprises that came up. As I said, it was a quick read and each of the surprises could have been expanded upon by itself. It almost felt the story was trying to cover too many surprises and did not have the space to expand upon them.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. If you are looking for quick read about family dynamics and how life always surprises you, check out this book when it is released on 5February2020.
This book was a very quick read at a little over 300 pages. I finished it in about half a day. I don't want to give away the surprises that come up but they have the potential to change the future of the family. Jack and Ellie deal with these surprises differently but I would say in typical fashion. It was easy to see where a little more communication would have solved a lot of the issues. The story also focuses on the eldest daughter, Sydney, as she deals with typical teenage troubles. I enjoyed Sydney's character the most in the story. She is dealing with typical teenage anxieties about appearance, school, friends, and boys and does so in a very relateable way.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It was a light read, despite all the surprises the family must deal with. What kept me from enjoying the book more was the number of surprises that came up. As I said, it was a quick read and each of the surprises could have been expanded upon by itself. It almost felt the story was trying to cover too many surprises and did not have the space to expand upon them.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. If you are looking for quick read about family dynamics and how life always surprises you, check out this book when it is released on 5February2020.
November 8, 2019
3 estrelas (seriam 4, se não fosse pelo final)
*Contém spoiler*
Resumindo:
- a família estava vivendo normalmente
- cada um "descobre" alguma coisa sobre si que te faz pensar "agora f*deu"
- passa o livro todo naquela angustia, já que ninguém consegue resolver seu BO
- todos os BO's somem de alguma forma
- a família está vivendo normalmente
História boa que prende a atenção, já que todos os personagens são protagonistas.
Recomendo para uma leitura leve e rápida, e se não fosse pelo final, indicaria para um clima bem família, em um dia de sol gostosinho...
A história consegue nos tirar boas risadas, e ainda tem aquele clima de "será?" que não te dá certeza de nada, até os 80% do livro (devia ter parado aqui...). No final de tudo, a mulher que estava grávida, não está mais; O "pai" que descobre a filha perdida, não é pai dela; E não vou nem comentar da Sydney, que desde o começo não sabia o que estava fazendo ali.
De qualquer forma, indico mas sem muitas expectativas.
*Contém spoiler*
Resumindo:
- a família estava vivendo normalmente
- cada um "descobre" alguma coisa sobre si que te faz pensar "agora f*deu"
- passa o livro todo naquela angustia, já que ninguém consegue resolver seu BO
- todos os BO's somem de alguma forma
- a família está vivendo normalmente
História boa que prende a atenção, já que todos os personagens são protagonistas.
Recomendo para uma leitura leve e rápida, e se não fosse pelo final, indicaria para um clima bem família, em um dia de sol gostosinho...
A história consegue nos tirar boas risadas, e ainda tem aquele clima de "será?" que não te dá certeza de nada, até os 80% do livro (devia ter parado aqui...). No final de tudo, a mulher que estava grávida, não está mais; O "pai" que descobre a filha perdida, não é pai dela; E não vou nem comentar da Sydney, que desde o começo não sabia o que estava fazendo ali.
De qualquer forma, indico mas sem muitas expectativas.
January 3, 2023
You have got to be kidding me...so he finally finds out that the kid isn't his from his ONS 18 years ago WHEN HE WAS WITH THE HERIONE and instead of being relieved he's like I still want to be in her life because that's believable. What's even more believable is the h accepting this and their oldest daughter becoming best friends with her.....but my absolute favorite part was the herione just sweeping the cheating under the rug and being ok with it because he's not currently having an affair like she thought. This was some bullshit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2020
This book is trash.
February 11, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
First Came Us follows Ellie and Jack Miller and their teenage daughter Sydney. Ellie owns a yoga studio that’s finally starting to turn a profit, Jack is a renowned economics professor at Yale, and Sydney is a straight-A student. They live a relatively normal life until Ellie’s pregnancy test comes back positive, an 18-year-old girl shows up at Jack’s office claiming to be his daughter, and Sydney gets caught up in a secret relationship built on lies with a college boy.
One thing that I liked about this book was the different points of view. My favourite character and point of view was Ellie. I liked that the reader got to see the struggle behind having three children, running her own business, her personal problems, and trying to keep up the charade that everything is picture-perfect. For the most part, I liked Jack, but I did get frustrated with him at times for his lack of honesty and his cluelessness. I really wasn’t a huge fan of Sydney, but that’s because I find that recently I’ve had a difficult time relating to teenagers and their teenage problems.
One thing that annoyed me about this book is that there was so much dishonesty. I found myself wanting to yell at the characters a few times because they were lying, or they weren’t forthcoming with information. I understand that these lies helped fuel the plot and that without them, there wouldn’t be much of a story, but I still found it frustrating. Overall, this book was a reminder that honesty is the best policy and that it helps prevent a lot of major misunderstandings.
My favourite storyline in this book was the relationship between Ellie and Dorothy. Dorothy is an older woman who attends yoga classes at Ellie’s studio, and Ellie takes a special interest in her and her wellbeing. I thought that their relationship was special, and I loved how it helped lead to such a happy ending for the Miller family.
Another thing that annoyed me about this book is the amount of commentary about Ellie’s body. It felt like I was constantly reminded that Ellie was petite and skinny. I understand that part of it was because Ellie didn’t want anyone to know that she was pregnant and that Sydney had self-esteem issues, but I got annoyed with it quickly.
Overall, I liked First Came Us, but I didn’t love it. At times, it felt like it was a bit all over the place, and like there was too much going on. I liked the majority of the characters, and my issues with Sydney stem from a general lack of patience with teenagers. I liked that this book showed a family that wasn’t picture perfect and that was struggling to juggle everything that was going on. I recommend checking out this book if you’re looking for something quick with an ending that will make you smile.
First Came Us follows Ellie and Jack Miller and their teenage daughter Sydney. Ellie owns a yoga studio that’s finally starting to turn a profit, Jack is a renowned economics professor at Yale, and Sydney is a straight-A student. They live a relatively normal life until Ellie’s pregnancy test comes back positive, an 18-year-old girl shows up at Jack’s office claiming to be his daughter, and Sydney gets caught up in a secret relationship built on lies with a college boy.
One thing that I liked about this book was the different points of view. My favourite character and point of view was Ellie. I liked that the reader got to see the struggle behind having three children, running her own business, her personal problems, and trying to keep up the charade that everything is picture-perfect. For the most part, I liked Jack, but I did get frustrated with him at times for his lack of honesty and his cluelessness. I really wasn’t a huge fan of Sydney, but that’s because I find that recently I’ve had a difficult time relating to teenagers and their teenage problems.
One thing that annoyed me about this book is that there was so much dishonesty. I found myself wanting to yell at the characters a few times because they were lying, or they weren’t forthcoming with information. I understand that these lies helped fuel the plot and that without them, there wouldn’t be much of a story, but I still found it frustrating. Overall, this book was a reminder that honesty is the best policy and that it helps prevent a lot of major misunderstandings.
My favourite storyline in this book was the relationship between Ellie and Dorothy. Dorothy is an older woman who attends yoga classes at Ellie’s studio, and Ellie takes a special interest in her and her wellbeing. I thought that their relationship was special, and I loved how it helped lead to such a happy ending for the Miller family.
Another thing that annoyed me about this book is the amount of commentary about Ellie’s body. It felt like I was constantly reminded that Ellie was petite and skinny. I understand that part of it was because Ellie didn’t want anyone to know that she was pregnant and that Sydney had self-esteem issues, but I got annoyed with it quickly.
Overall, I liked First Came Us, but I didn’t love it. At times, it felt like it was a bit all over the place, and like there was too much going on. I liked the majority of the characters, and my issues with Sydney stem from a general lack of patience with teenagers. I liked that this book showed a family that wasn’t picture perfect and that was struggling to juggle everything that was going on. I recommend checking out this book if you’re looking for something quick with an ending that will make you smile.
February 9, 2020
This is the story about a family who though they appear to have it all, their core is going to be tested when the secrets they are keeping from each other begin to come out. It's a good look at a family that is falling apart and whether they will be able to keep their family intact.
Jack and Ellie are married and have three kids - a 16 year old daughter and two younger. Ellie owns a yoga studio and Jack is a professor at Yale. They both live busy lives between their jobs and child issues and even if they aren't totally happy with their lives, they are satisfied. At least until secrets emerge - Jack gets a visit from someone in his past, Ellie finds out about a life changing event and their daughter Sydney, always a good girl, starts seeing someone much older than she is. Her parents are so wrapped up in their secrets that they miss the clues of what's going on in Sydney's life. Will they be able to save their marriage and help their daughter to get back on the right path or will they secrets overwhelm the love that they had for each other?
The novel is told from three points of view - Ellie's, Jack's and Sydney's. I thought that Sydney's was the most interesting and true to life as she changed from a girl with great grades and a potential for a great college to someone who was sneaking around and seeing someone inappropriate for her. Ellie and Jack were also interesting as they worked hard to keep their secrets from each other. There were a lot of issues going on at the same time and it's surprising that this family didn't give up on each other once the secrets were revealed. Overall, it's an interesting look at how a happy family deal with major crisis in their mundane happy life. I really enjoyed it.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author as part of her book tour with Kate RockBookTours.
Jack and Ellie are married and have three kids - a 16 year old daughter and two younger. Ellie owns a yoga studio and Jack is a professor at Yale. They both live busy lives between their jobs and child issues and even if they aren't totally happy with their lives, they are satisfied. At least until secrets emerge - Jack gets a visit from someone in his past, Ellie finds out about a life changing event and their daughter Sydney, always a good girl, starts seeing someone much older than she is. Her parents are so wrapped up in their secrets that they miss the clues of what's going on in Sydney's life. Will they be able to save their marriage and help their daughter to get back on the right path or will they secrets overwhelm the love that they had for each other?
The novel is told from three points of view - Ellie's, Jack's and Sydney's. I thought that Sydney's was the most interesting and true to life as she changed from a girl with great grades and a potential for a great college to someone who was sneaking around and seeing someone inappropriate for her. Ellie and Jack were also interesting as they worked hard to keep their secrets from each other. There were a lot of issues going on at the same time and it's surprising that this family didn't give up on each other once the secrets were revealed. Overall, it's an interesting look at how a happy family deal with major crisis in their mundane happy life. I really enjoyed it.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author as part of her book tour with Kate RockBookTours.
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January 20, 2020I received a digital copy of this title, free, in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have finished this book and I have to say that I am pissed. I am can’t believe I stuck with this book for this long and this is how the author has treated me- as a reader. To be honest- I stopped reading at 90% because WTF?! I don’t even know what the point of this journey that the author took us on. Could there be something amazing that happens in the last ten percent? Quite possibly- but to have the two “main” problems resolved the way that they were? It was cheating and I truly regret reading this book. Was it predictable? Pretty much down to someone seeing Jack and Hailey together and coming to the wrong conclusion that Jack was having an affair.
I guess I should start from the beginning. The beginning shows Jack waking up from a drunken night out, and realizing that he slept with someone who is not his girlfriend- Ellie. Fast forward 19/20 years and Jack and Ellie are married with 3 kids. Jack is an Economics professor at Yale and Ellie owns and manages her own Yoga studio. At the beginning we find out that Ellie is pregnant- unexpectedly- at 43 and Jack has a visitor from his past- a daughter that he didn’t know he had.
What unfolds is a glimpse into Jack and Ellie’s life. With the bonus perspective of Sydney, their 16year old daughter who has “stumbled” into a relationship with a college junior. I really wish that I could say that I really didn’t like Jack or Ellie. But, really Jack was decent. He wasn’t impressive and didn’t move me one way or the other until he decided to not tell Ellie his secret -even after she told him hers. Then he became that guy and that was really where it started to slide downhill for me. I didn’t like Ellie - at all. She is the owner/manager of her Yoga studio but still finds it hard to address the flaky issues with one of her teachers. She is too obsessed with what everyone thinks - or will think of her. She’s too old for that. She bounces back and forth between wanting to have the baby and not. Along the way we discover that both Ellie and Jack have their secrets and these secrets have the potential to tear them apart..
But without having to really address anything, both problems are resolved/taken care of without any real action or thought from Jack and Ellie. And they go on to live their lives as they had before the story took place. And we as the readers should be grateful for the glimpse of someone else’s life and people not making decisions about their lives and ignoring their kids -constantly. If I sound bitter about this book, it would be a fair impression.
I have finished this book and I have to say that I am pissed. I am can’t believe I stuck with this book for this long and this is how the author has treated me- as a reader. To be honest- I stopped reading at 90% because WTF?! I don’t even know what the point of this journey that the author took us on. Could there be something amazing that happens in the last ten percent? Quite possibly- but to have the two “main” problems resolved the way that they were? It was cheating and I truly regret reading this book. Was it predictable? Pretty much down to someone seeing Jack and Hailey together and coming to the wrong conclusion that Jack was having an affair.
I guess I should start from the beginning. The beginning shows Jack waking up from a drunken night out, and realizing that he slept with someone who is not his girlfriend- Ellie. Fast forward 19/20 years and Jack and Ellie are married with 3 kids. Jack is an Economics professor at Yale and Ellie owns and manages her own Yoga studio. At the beginning we find out that Ellie is pregnant- unexpectedly- at 43 and Jack has a visitor from his past- a daughter that he didn’t know he had.
What unfolds is a glimpse into Jack and Ellie’s life. With the bonus perspective of Sydney, their 16year old daughter who has “stumbled” into a relationship with a college junior. I really wish that I could say that I really didn’t like Jack or Ellie. But, really Jack was decent. He wasn’t impressive and didn’t move me one way or the other until he decided to not tell Ellie his secret -even after she told him hers. Then he became that guy and that was really where it started to slide downhill for me. I didn’t like Ellie - at all. She is the owner/manager of her Yoga studio but still finds it hard to address the flaky issues with one of her teachers. She is too obsessed with what everyone thinks - or will think of her. She’s too old for that. She bounces back and forth between wanting to have the baby and not. Along the way we discover that both Ellie and Jack have their secrets and these secrets have the potential to tear them apart..
But without having to really address anything, both problems are resolved/taken care of without any real action or thought from Jack and Ellie. And they go on to live their lives as they had before the story took place. And we as the readers should be grateful for the glimpse of someone else’s life and people not making decisions about their lives and ignoring their kids -constantly. If I sound bitter about this book, it would be a fair impression.
February 4, 2020
A quick light read that is told in multiple POVs and offers a a few surprises for the family of Jack, Ellie and their children. We have typical teenage drama and anxieties about school, appearance, fitting in and of course boys. We have focuses on their marriage and mistakes made that threaten to change their life. There were a few twists that I figured out and I wish we could also know more about their other children as it only seemed to focus on only the one daughter Sydney. I would have loved to know more about some aspects of the story and less of other parts that seemed to drag and the ending seemed to be rushed. Overall, a great story and kept me engaged. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
February 5, 2020
"𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞, 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭?"
I 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 this book! It read easily, the characters were personable and easy to relate to, the storyline was something I haven't seen in a long while and brought up a lot of questions. I really enjoyed this novel and 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭!
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲!! This beauty is available on 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟓 so be sure and grab it!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 6, 2020
Well that was seriously so damn cute! Just a good family story, that explores past mistakes catching up with us.
There is talk of getting older, marriage woes, miscarriage, abortion and underage drinking to name a few but it honestly was done very well. I found myself wanting to continuously pick this one up. I’d definitely recommend this as an in between read for some of those heavier books!
There is talk of getting older, marriage woes, miscarriage, abortion and underage drinking to name a few but it honestly was done very well. I found myself wanting to continuously pick this one up. I’d definitely recommend this as an in between read for some of those heavier books!
September 4, 2020
A cute, relatable story. It involved secrets (because we all have them, and eventually the do come out) & how these secrets effect your family and those you love, the challenge of raising a teenage daughter and having to make some difficult decisions when life throws you some curve balls. A fun, easy read…. I would highly recommend.
January 15, 2026
Exactly the kind of light-hearted quick read I needed. Thanks to @Hayley for the rec! Started this in the Denver airport and stayed up til 1 am to finish (~7 hrs later (not that it was that long I just didn’t read straight thru for 7hrs)) - isnt that just the best feeling? Characters went thru a lot of ups and downs but appreciated where they wound up in the ending
February 3, 2020
Jack and Ellie are living a good life with their three children. Sometimes when you think you have it all a storm blows in. Secrets come to light and choices can have an impact. If that's not bad enough their teen daughter starts going in the wrong direction. Much happens in this story. Much! Maybe a little too much. But I enjoyed this domestic bliss gone haywire.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
January 29, 2020
First Came Us is a great story about the modern American family in all its dysfunction and glory. While the communication lapses between characters almost drove me crazy, the writing was strong and the story kept me engaged right up to the end. I do wish that the other children in the story were a bit more flushed out. It seemed really strange to me that the nine-year-old and middle schooler didn't really factor into Ellie and Jack's day to day life at all. However, that was the only real flaw in an otherwise thoughtful book.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 3, 2020
Loved this book! Highly recommend it and it’s just in time for Valentine’s Day! You won’t want to put this down!
March 6, 2020
The first half of the story is so cute, so typical mom in midlife crisis mode.. but then it takes a turn
1) Jack's full name should be Jack-ass
2) What kid willingly changes high school for their senior year?
3) Things end a little too perfectly.. That's wrong - there isn't a happy wonderful, cue the sappy music ending - but its all wrapped up neatly in a bow. Actually - scratch that... the gift at the end definitely needs some strong violin music..
That being said - it was a super cute read and I'd be interested in seeing where their next chapter takes them...
1) Jack's full name should be Jack-ass
2) What kid willingly changes high school for their senior year?
3) Things end a little too perfectly.. That's wrong - there isn't a happy wonderful, cue the sappy music ending - but its all wrapped up neatly in a bow. Actually - scratch that... the gift at the end definitely needs some strong violin music..
That being said - it was a super cute read and I'd be interested in seeing where their next chapter takes them...
February 17, 2020
I won this book as part of a giveaway and I'm glad I did. It was a light easy read and I found myself wanting to keep reading. It reminds us that our life's path can change at any moment and we should embrace that change. We should be looking forward and know that it's ok to not have everything figured out. In the end, don't they say "take the road less traveled?"
January 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this read!! I could t put it down!!! The end gave me a good cry which I love in a book, even if it was a little predictable at times. I loved how it was written with a point of view from 3 main characters!! Great book that I’d def recommend!!
January 7, 2020
First Came Us is the concept that is buried under the routine of everyday life in this delightful and very realistic novel. Communication is also forgotten in this twisty story, full of secrets and misunderstanding.
Jack is an Economics Professor at Yale and Ellie owns and teaches at a yoga studio in nearby Westport. They face the usual problems with their three children - schedules, school pick ups, sports practices - until. the cracks in their happy family start to appear. The first is a secret from Jack’s past that he doesn’t think he can explain to Ellie. The second secret is Ellie’s and she can only share it with a friend. While their three children seem problem free, teenage Sydney has her own secret and the pressure of hiding it is coming at a great cost.
As the plot careens toward a somewhat expected conclusion, all secrets are revealed and relationships are strengthened. Although the ending does tie everything up too neatly, I really enjoyed First Came Us. Told in different points of view, it is well written and the characters feel like they could be living down the street from you. This is a great rainy day read! Four stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, Independent and Rachel Cullen for this ARC.
Jack is an Economics Professor at Yale and Ellie owns and teaches at a yoga studio in nearby Westport. They face the usual problems with their three children - schedules, school pick ups, sports practices - until. the cracks in their happy family start to appear. The first is a secret from Jack’s past that he doesn’t think he can explain to Ellie. The second secret is Ellie’s and she can only share it with a friend. While their three children seem problem free, teenage Sydney has her own secret and the pressure of hiding it is coming at a great cost.
As the plot careens toward a somewhat expected conclusion, all secrets are revealed and relationships are strengthened. Although the ending does tie everything up too neatly, I really enjoyed First Came Us. Told in different points of view, it is well written and the characters feel like they could be living down the street from you. This is a great rainy day read! Four stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, Independent and Rachel Cullen for this ARC.
January 13, 2020
I enjoy reading real stories where all is not sunshine, roses and happily ever afters. I found both the characters and story to be believable. I could associate with this story. Jack & Ellie have real life problems as do their children.
Thank you Rachel Cullen and NetGalley for allowing me this advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
I highly recommend the purchase of this book.
Thank you Rachel Cullen and NetGalley for allowing me this advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
I highly recommend the purchase of this book.
March 8, 2020
First Came Us tells the tale of Jack and Ellie, along with their 3 children, experiencing the craziest few months of their lives. The book begins with Jack making one big giant mistake that comes back to haunt him 18 years later, but does it? Ellie feels stuck and confused when another bombshell is dropped on her, meanwhile their 16 year old daughter, Sydney, is experiencing high school a little too quickly. What happens when everything happens at once?
A lot happened all at once in First Came Us. There were so many issues and things going on, that it was a little hard to keep up at times. Without giving away too much detail, I felt like some things were a bit repetitive and unnecessary and added in as filler. I found the writing a little childish at times, making it hard to connect with the characters. Trigger warnings for miscarriages - as someone who has experienced a world of infertility and miscarriages, I found some of the descriptions and explanations a little upsetting and unrealistic. The ending of the book seemed to come out of nowhere, with all of the issues and problems solved at the same time, which felt strange and rushed.
I guess, overall, it was a pretty easy and cute read, but otherwise I wouldn't say rush to add it to your TBR.
A lot happened all at once in First Came Us. There were so many issues and things going on, that it was a little hard to keep up at times. Without giving away too much detail, I felt like some things were a bit repetitive and unnecessary and added in as filler. I found the writing a little childish at times, making it hard to connect with the characters. Trigger warnings for miscarriages - as someone who has experienced a world of infertility and miscarriages, I found some of the descriptions and explanations a little upsetting and unrealistic. The ending of the book seemed to come out of nowhere, with all of the issues and problems solved at the same time, which felt strange and rushed.
I guess, overall, it was a pretty easy and cute read, but otherwise I wouldn't say rush to add it to your TBR.
November 11, 2019
I received a free e-book arc of this book from Netgallery in exchange for an honest review! Overall, I liked this book. I enjoyed how the story line and characters had a wholesome feel about them in regards, that the family had a believable husband and wife with problems that were, at times, real life issues. I enjoyed the children, although I felt I got to know one of their children more than the others. I liked the multiple POVs, which helped the reader understand the character developments and made for some interesting misunderstandings. I kinda felt there was a lot of time spent on the build up and the action parts of the story all collided together for all of the characters at one time and then were easily resolved with just a couple of simple conversations. I liked how the ending turned out even if it was a little too convenient. Overall, I would definitely like to read more from this author and would highly recommend this book for a cozy weekend or beach read!
November 19, 2019
I received this book for free from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so warm and cozy, for a read on a cold winter night. It was told from three different POV’s and I enjoyed that. Getting to see what the husband, wife and daughter were thinking during certain events was wonderful. The husband and wife felt like people to me, dealing with real problems. There were a couple twists and turns in this book, even though I figured out some of them, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I feel that only hearing from one child, we didn’t really get to learn about the other two. Like what happened with max, they just kept walking by his room and never went in.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I would recommend. It was very easy to read. I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to find out what happened to the characters.
This book was so warm and cozy, for a read on a cold winter night. It was told from three different POV’s and I enjoyed that. Getting to see what the husband, wife and daughter were thinking during certain events was wonderful. The husband and wife felt like people to me, dealing with real problems. There were a couple twists and turns in this book, even though I figured out some of them, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I feel that only hearing from one child, we didn’t really get to learn about the other two. Like what happened with max, they just kept walking by his room and never went in.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I would recommend. It was very easy to read. I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to find out what happened to the characters.
November 7, 2019
4,5 stars ⭐️
I absolutely loved this adorable book!
There are, however, some controversial topics and I did find some of the plot predictable.
I loved seeing the lives of a married couple and their children and I think this is an interesting approach to romance and different from the other “typical” books! I connected with the characters and it was a very easy read, I almost didn’t want to stop reading!
*arc provided via netgalley*
I absolutely loved this adorable book!
There are, however, some controversial topics and I did find some of the plot predictable.
I loved seeing the lives of a married couple and their children and I think this is an interesting approach to romance and different from the other “typical” books! I connected with the characters and it was a very easy read, I almost didn’t want to stop reading!
*arc provided via netgalley*
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