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A Family Affair
Life’s biggest dilemmas can provide its sweetest rewards.
Anna McNichol knows how to take charge. Raised by a single mother, she’s worked to ensure her three children have every advantage she didn’t. And while her marriage has its problems, she values commitment and believes in "till death do us part". Now an empty nester, she’s at the peak of her career and ready to seize the opportunity to focus on her future.
But life can change in an instant, and when her husband dies suddenly, Anna’s carefully constructed world falls apart. The mysterious young woman at the memorial service confirms her husband had been keeping secrets, and Anna is determined to get to the truth.
For once, she doesn’t have the answers. Her kids are struggling with their grief, her mother’s health is in decline, and Anna needs closure. Faced with one challenge after another, she finds support from an unexpected source. And as she puts her life back together, Anna realizes the McNichols may not be perfect, but they’ll always be family, and family is forever.
Anna McNichol knows how to take charge. Raised by a single mother, she’s worked to ensure her three children have every advantage she didn’t. And while her marriage has its problems, she values commitment and believes in "till death do us part". Now an empty nester, she’s at the peak of her career and ready to seize the opportunity to focus on her future.
But life can change in an instant, and when her husband dies suddenly, Anna’s carefully constructed world falls apart. The mysterious young woman at the memorial service confirms her husband had been keeping secrets, and Anna is determined to get to the truth.
For once, she doesn’t have the answers. Her kids are struggling with their grief, her mother’s health is in decline, and Anna needs closure. Faced with one challenge after another, she finds support from an unexpected source. And as she puts her life back together, Anna realizes the McNichols may not be perfect, but they’ll always be family, and family is forever.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
1926 people are currently reading
5085 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Carr
161 books12.6k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 873 reviews
April 6, 2022
A Family Affair by Robyn Carr is a 2022 Harlequin Mira publication.
When Anna’s husband, Chad, dies suddenly her family is devastated. Her three grown children each respond in different ways, as their individual issues suddenly become exaggerated. Meanwhile, Anna reflects on her marriage, the rough patch she and Chad were going through at the time of his death, and sees an old friendship suddenly develop into something more. But the family is confused when they discover Chad doled out their inheritance is not a three-way split, which presents them with a mystery that only Anna is sure she can solve….
I’m always a sucker for family dramas and this one absolutely delivers!
This is an absorbing story about a marriage, a personal awakening, new beginnings, healing, and hope. Anna and each of her children gets a voice here, and each has a compelling story, though some have more depth than others.
There are some big surprises I never saw coming, and I loved the way the family came together and how everything worked out in the end.
This story shows how we all have things to work through, but sometimes we don’t see it until something happens that prompts us to take stock.
Sometimes this is the same for family units, with parents and their children, with siblings, and with romantic relationships, too. This book covers it all, giving the characters a chance to shine individually and as a family.
The more I read books like this one, the more I appreciate them. Hope to spend the summer reading lots of contemporary/women’s fiction, beach reads, and family dramas- which will mean reading more Robyn Carr!
4 stars
When Anna’s husband, Chad, dies suddenly her family is devastated. Her three grown children each respond in different ways, as their individual issues suddenly become exaggerated. Meanwhile, Anna reflects on her marriage, the rough patch she and Chad were going through at the time of his death, and sees an old friendship suddenly develop into something more. But the family is confused when they discover Chad doled out their inheritance is not a three-way split, which presents them with a mystery that only Anna is sure she can solve….
I’m always a sucker for family dramas and this one absolutely delivers!
This is an absorbing story about a marriage, a personal awakening, new beginnings, healing, and hope. Anna and each of her children gets a voice here, and each has a compelling story, though some have more depth than others.
There are some big surprises I never saw coming, and I loved the way the family came together and how everything worked out in the end.
This story shows how we all have things to work through, but sometimes we don’t see it until something happens that prompts us to take stock.
Sometimes this is the same for family units, with parents and their children, with siblings, and with romantic relationships, too. This book covers it all, giving the characters a chance to shine individually and as a family.
The more I read books like this one, the more I appreciate them. Hope to spend the summer reading lots of contemporary/women’s fiction, beach reads, and family dramas- which will mean reading more Robyn Carr!
4 stars
April 5, 2022
Life’s biggest dilemmas can provide its sweetest rewards
Anna McNichol has worked hard her entire life. She worked hard to be a good wife, a good mother and to have a career of her own. But things have not always been easy. Her marriage was not always a happy one and now that her husband has passed away, she is left with even more questions than answers.
I really enjoy Robyn Carr books, and this was no exception. This book touches on several things - marriage, unhappiness, betrayal, being weak, being strong, health issues, secrets, toxic relationships, family, friends, etc. Her characters feel real, and they are flawed as they deal with real life issues.
Her books are always fast reads for me. I read this one in pretty much one sitting as I typically do with her books. My only complaint is that her books tend to end fast. She always builds her story and her characters, and I am gripped then you know that you are getting to the end, but then oops - it just ends. Drat. That goes to show that I just want more of the story. This one ended at the 88% mark. I thought there was more to go then it was over and there was a chapter of another book.
Fans of Carr will not be disappointed. She writes great books and great series (Virgin River). If you are not familiar with her work, this is a nice place to start.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Anna McNichol has worked hard her entire life. She worked hard to be a good wife, a good mother and to have a career of her own. But things have not always been easy. Her marriage was not always a happy one and now that her husband has passed away, she is left with even more questions than answers.
I really enjoy Robyn Carr books, and this was no exception. This book touches on several things - marriage, unhappiness, betrayal, being weak, being strong, health issues, secrets, toxic relationships, family, friends, etc. Her characters feel real, and they are flawed as they deal with real life issues.
Her books are always fast reads for me. I read this one in pretty much one sitting as I typically do with her books. My only complaint is that her books tend to end fast. She always builds her story and her characters, and I am gripped then you know that you are getting to the end, but then oops - it just ends. Drat. That goes to show that I just want more of the story. This one ended at the 88% mark. I thought there was more to go then it was over and there was a chapter of another book.
Fans of Carr will not be disappointed. She writes great books and great series (Virgin River). If you are not familiar with her work, this is a nice place to start.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
March 13, 2022
4.5*
A very poignant look into a devoted wife and mother of 3 children that takes a sudden turn and upheaval. Anna felt her life spiraling out of control after her husband dies suddenly, and her empty nest becomes even more desolate. She not only is grieving for her husband's presence but she finds out about a life he was living outside of their marriage when a mysterious woman shows up at his funeral.
You think you have read this story before or watched it play out in a movie, but it brings a lot more to ponder. The heartache is real when the betrayal becomes apparent and secrets are exposed. The pity you feel is heartfelt and tender, but the uprising of forgiveness is more powerful and this is a story of just that....forgiveness.
Beautifully written, but does contain some steamy scenes. Nevertheless, it is worth indulging in to see the strength a mother and her children can endure.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A very poignant look into a devoted wife and mother of 3 children that takes a sudden turn and upheaval. Anna felt her life spiraling out of control after her husband dies suddenly, and her empty nest becomes even more desolate. She not only is grieving for her husband's presence but she finds out about a life he was living outside of their marriage when a mysterious woman shows up at his funeral.
You think you have read this story before or watched it play out in a movie, but it brings a lot more to ponder. The heartache is real when the betrayal becomes apparent and secrets are exposed. The pity you feel is heartfelt and tender, but the uprising of forgiveness is more powerful and this is a story of just that....forgiveness.
Beautifully written, but does contain some steamy scenes. Nevertheless, it is worth indulging in to see the strength a mother and her children can endure.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 14, 2022
Anna McNichol is a superior court judge, married with three grown children, her youngest in law school. Her marriage has been rocky for the last six months but now her husband Chad, a therapist, suddenly dies while on a whitewater rafting trip. After her husband’s services, Chad’s lawyer meets with and informs her that the newly revised will includes another recipient, unnamed and unknown to even him. The affair Chad had almost 30 years ago almost destroyed their marriage and she suspected he was recently involved with someone new. As Anna considers how to tell her children who adored, admired and respected their father, she reflects on her years with Chad and the choices she made by staying in the marriage.
I admired Anna, though there were moments when I felt some residual bitterness influencing her perceptions. It wasn’t always clear how she really felt about Chad but that was because even she was unsure. I thought the story brilliantly portrayed the destructive impact on a relationship, especially when the offended spouse ultimately chooses to stay. Rebuilding trust is tricky at the best of times and Chad didn’t make it easy. Complicating matters is how skillfully Anna shielded her children from their father’s shortcomings, bottling up her own emotions throughout the marriage. We also get the points of view of two of the children, who have their own issues. She’s not blameless either and has to go through that process of acknowledging her own complicity.
I loved the honesty of this story, even when it was difficult to take in. The family secrets that were eventually revealed reminded me of episodes in my own. It was interesting to see how the reactions and subsequent interactions compared to my experiences, both positive and less so. Anna’s oldest daughter, Jessie, was most like her charismatic father but without the finesse. She provided lots of tension and a curious situation given her father’s profession as it was clear she needed some therapy. I listened to the book as the narrator is one of my top ten favorites and delivered another outstanding performance. Plummer helped give the characters emotional definition in a story that shifted constantly. I believe I’ve read most everything Carr has written and this was unique for her. There’s no soft pedaling and I found this to be refreshing in its authenticity and frankness. And, it left me in a good place.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I admired Anna, though there were moments when I felt some residual bitterness influencing her perceptions. It wasn’t always clear how she really felt about Chad but that was because even she was unsure. I thought the story brilliantly portrayed the destructive impact on a relationship, especially when the offended spouse ultimately chooses to stay. Rebuilding trust is tricky at the best of times and Chad didn’t make it easy. Complicating matters is how skillfully Anna shielded her children from their father’s shortcomings, bottling up her own emotions throughout the marriage. We also get the points of view of two of the children, who have their own issues. She’s not blameless either and has to go through that process of acknowledging her own complicity.
I loved the honesty of this story, even when it was difficult to take in. The family secrets that were eventually revealed reminded me of episodes in my own. It was interesting to see how the reactions and subsequent interactions compared to my experiences, both positive and less so. Anna’s oldest daughter, Jessie, was most like her charismatic father but without the finesse. She provided lots of tension and a curious situation given her father’s profession as it was clear she needed some therapy. I listened to the book as the narrator is one of my top ten favorites and delivered another outstanding performance. Plummer helped give the characters emotional definition in a story that shifted constantly. I believe I’ve read most everything Carr has written and this was unique for her. There’s no soft pedaling and I found this to be refreshing in its authenticity and frankness. And, it left me in a good place.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
April 11, 2022
A Family Affair by Robyn Carr is a women’s fiction title that feels part domestic drama and part romance. The story in A Family Affair is one that mostly has the point of view from one characters but does change to others a few times in the story.
Anna McNichol knows that marriage takes a lot of work but has come to a time in her life that she is questioning is the work worth it and vowed to have a conversation with her husband after his trip. The problem with that vow though is Anna’s husband never made it home after passing away in a rafting accident.
At the funeral Anna wonders who the young pregnant woman is mourning her late husband. What Anna’s children never knew was Anna’s husband had cheated before, has he done it again? Anna struggles with wanting to know the truth and wanting her children to remember their father as the loving man they knew him to be but secrets of the past come to the surface as the family grieves.
Once diving into A Family Affair by Robyn Carr I really did think this one was quite the page turner. There are a lot of layers to all of the characters in the story and plenty of secrets to uncover from the past and present that kept me hooked into the novel. The romance side was light in this one but there was some there which also tied into the character growth that happened over the course of the read. There were also some moments really tugging at the heartstrings in this one for me. Definitely a lovely story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Anna McNichol knows that marriage takes a lot of work but has come to a time in her life that she is questioning is the work worth it and vowed to have a conversation with her husband after his trip. The problem with that vow though is Anna’s husband never made it home after passing away in a rafting accident.
At the funeral Anna wonders who the young pregnant woman is mourning her late husband. What Anna’s children never knew was Anna’s husband had cheated before, has he done it again? Anna struggles with wanting to know the truth and wanting her children to remember their father as the loving man they knew him to be but secrets of the past come to the surface as the family grieves.
Once diving into A Family Affair by Robyn Carr I really did think this one was quite the page turner. There are a lot of layers to all of the characters in the story and plenty of secrets to uncover from the past and present that kept me hooked into the novel. The romance side was light in this one but there was some there which also tied into the character growth that happened over the course of the read. There were also some moments really tugging at the heartstrings in this one for me. Definitely a lovely story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 7, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A FAMILY AFFAIR by Robyn Carr is an emotional women’s fiction family drama with romantic elements covering a year of upheaval, secrets, and revelations in the McNichol family after the sudden death of Chad McNichol. This is a standalone novel from this author.
Anna McNichol is a respected judge with three grown children. While her marriage has been rocky at times, she believes in commitment and working on problems, but she has reached a point in her life and marriage where she is ready to focus on herself. Before Anna and her husband, Chad can discuss current problems in their relationship, he dies on a rafting trip.
Anna has always been the rock of her family, but suddenly everyone is struggling with their grief and Anna does not have all the answers. Faced with one challenge after another Anna finds support in an unexpected source as she deals with not only her own problems but tries to be available as her children find their own paths to healing and happiness.
I enjoyed this quick read and was very content with the author’s handling of so many difficult issues. This family goes through so much, not only the sudden death of the husband and father, but the secrets they discover after his death, betrayal, health issues, aging, and relationships, both good and bad. The characters are all fully developed, and I felt realistically portrayed. I was fully invested in the growth and changes in this family followed over this year.
This women’s fiction family drama is a heartfelt story about many of the realities families face.
A FAMILY AFFAIR by Robyn Carr is an emotional women’s fiction family drama with romantic elements covering a year of upheaval, secrets, and revelations in the McNichol family after the sudden death of Chad McNichol. This is a standalone novel from this author.
Anna McNichol is a respected judge with three grown children. While her marriage has been rocky at times, she believes in commitment and working on problems, but she has reached a point in her life and marriage where she is ready to focus on herself. Before Anna and her husband, Chad can discuss current problems in their relationship, he dies on a rafting trip.
Anna has always been the rock of her family, but suddenly everyone is struggling with their grief and Anna does not have all the answers. Faced with one challenge after another Anna finds support in an unexpected source as she deals with not only her own problems but tries to be available as her children find their own paths to healing and happiness.
I enjoyed this quick read and was very content with the author’s handling of so many difficult issues. This family goes through so much, not only the sudden death of the husband and father, but the secrets they discover after his death, betrayal, health issues, aging, and relationships, both good and bad. The characters are all fully developed, and I felt realistically portrayed. I was fully invested in the growth and changes in this family followed over this year.
This women’s fiction family drama is a heartfelt story about many of the realities families face.
April 27, 2023
Well, after reading thirty five Robyn Carr books, A FAMILY AFFAIR is sadly, my least favorite. It was very hard for me to connect with any of the characters and the constant references to COVID, really turned me off and made it hard to finish this book. Robyn Carr has always been an auto buy author for me and she still will be. This is just one time when I couldn’t rate one of her usually wonderful stories higher than three stars. I think I will just leave my review there.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins and MIRA through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins and MIRA through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
April 6, 2022
This story seemed not be about anything. I mean, I know it was about the fallout of secrets revealed when a man (husband, father, friend) dies. But there didn’t seem to be an actual point to the story. Other than Anna, who is for all intents and purposes the main character, and the family friend Joe, the characters are not likable through most of the book. On top of that, here’s another book where the author felt the need to include the pandemic when it was not at all needed for the plot. Truly no reason to bring it up at all. Why are authors so keen on including the pandemic, especially since it’s not truly over yet?
Like I said, Anna is a very likable character. She has a lot to deal with after her husband’s death. Their adult children were all very close with their father and she knows none of them are really dealing with things very well. She has a mother who is in a nursing home and sliding into dementia more and more, she has a high stress/high profile job as a judge, and she knows her marriage was on the rocks when her husband died. That’s a lot for one person to have to handle alone. Not to mention the huge secret her husband was hiding.
It doesn’t take long for Anna to find out her husband’s secret, but it takes forever for her to tell her children. That was the main thing I had an issue with in regards to her character. It seems to me that so many of the issues her kids were having could have been solved if their father was knocked off that pedestal they had him on.
There is a lot going on in this book. Possibly too much. There are mental health issues to be dealt with, some I felt were handled well and others not so much. There is a neurodivergent character that almost seems as though she’s included to just tick a box of having said character included in the story. And again, some of her issues were dealt with and portrayed beautifully and others go a big nope from me.
I’m sorry to say that this book just didn’t do it for me. I was happy to see the characters grow, but it felt an awful lot like telling with very little showing.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
Like I said, Anna is a very likable character. She has a lot to deal with after her husband’s death. Their adult children were all very close with their father and she knows none of them are really dealing with things very well. She has a mother who is in a nursing home and sliding into dementia more and more, she has a high stress/high profile job as a judge, and she knows her marriage was on the rocks when her husband died. That’s a lot for one person to have to handle alone. Not to mention the huge secret her husband was hiding.
It doesn’t take long for Anna to find out her husband’s secret, but it takes forever for her to tell her children. That was the main thing I had an issue with in regards to her character. It seems to me that so many of the issues her kids were having could have been solved if their father was knocked off that pedestal they had him on.
There is a lot going on in this book. Possibly too much. There are mental health issues to be dealt with, some I felt were handled well and others not so much. There is a neurodivergent character that almost seems as though she’s included to just tick a box of having said character included in the story. And again, some of her issues were dealt with and portrayed beautifully and others go a big nope from me.
I’m sorry to say that this book just didn’t do it for me. I was happy to see the characters grow, but it felt an awful lot like telling with very little showing.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
February 21, 2024
A heartwarming and interesting story but definitely not one of my favourite Robyn Carr books.
June 28, 2022
The writing is disjointed and choppy. I couldn’t connect with Anna in any way. Once I put down the book, I had zero desire to finish it.
April 17, 2022
Author Robyn Carr writes one of my all-time favourite series "Virgin River". I have found her other series and stand alone novels to be wonderful as well. "A Family Affair" is no exception.
Anna McNichol, a judge and mother of three adult children loses her husband unexpectedly. He leaves behind a few secrets that Anna and her family must deal with as well as working through the issues they all currently have.
The author creates realistic and imperfect characters which make them easy for readers to connect with.
A story of family, love, loss, pain and forgiveness Robyn Carr gives us another remarkable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Anna McNichol, a judge and mother of three adult children loses her husband unexpectedly. He leaves behind a few secrets that Anna and her family must deal with as well as working through the issues they all currently have.
The author creates realistic and imperfect characters which make them easy for readers to connect with.
A story of family, love, loss, pain and forgiveness Robyn Carr gives us another remarkable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2022
This is my 9th book by Robyn Carr and I think it’s her best one yet! It opens up with Anna’s husband who recently died suddenly and they are at his funeral. He was a prominent Dr and was loved by many. They have 3 grown children, all living their own lives and they each had to come to grips with their dad’s passing. There were many challenges they faced and they discovered a few secrets he had. I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
April 27, 2022
I did not finish this book. I've read many books by this author and enjoyed them all but this was pretty terrible. The writing it terrible, certain storylines are repeated 3 times. The over all tone is grim, and the chemistry between characters is lacking. Very disappointed.
April 16, 2022
Long, drawn out, overly descriptive, and boring. It’s also the same dumb lifetime movie that’s been done too many times. I think I’ve only liked 1 or 2 of the Robyn Carr books I’ve read (for the same reasons here) so this author might not be for me.
DNF
SUMMARY: 60-something father of three dies on a midlife crisis rafting trip. Before his trip, he changed his will; instead of half being divided to his 3 adult kids, it was changed so 10% could go to a mystery person. Big surprise it was a child he fathered while having an affair when his wife was pregnant with their second child.
The grieving wife also strikes up a relationship with her dead husbands best friend. I know, it’s all the cliches. Then there’s Covid all over the place, even though it contributed nothing to the storyline. 🥱 👎
DNF
SUMMARY: 60-something father of three dies on a midlife crisis rafting trip. Before his trip, he changed his will; instead of half being divided to his 3 adult kids, it was changed so 10% could go to a mystery person. Big surprise it was a child he fathered while having an affair when his wife was pregnant with their second child.
The grieving wife also strikes up a relationship with her dead husbands best friend. I know, it’s all the cliches. Then there’s Covid all over the place, even though it contributed nothing to the storyline. 🥱 👎
May 25, 2022
I love Robyn Carr's work!! That said, I think I enjoyed this book the least of any of hers (read, I DID NOT love it!) When I read one of her books, I expect to find a good, satisfying, somewhat romantic story. This is not it. It was, IMHO, depressing and the ending was rushed. I'm going to go read Return to Virgin River and hope that this is not Ms. Carr's new normal!
April 9, 2022
Well this one opens with a bang, Anna’s husband died suddenly leaving her not only a widow, but he died keeping some pretty major secrets. The drama doesn’t stop in this one, poor Anna deals with one thing after another, from the small to the major, this woman is put through the ringer. I loved every messy second and can’t get enough of the way RC writes complicated family drama. Despite the craziness that ensues she manages to write in a believable and authentic way to the point that her characters feel larger than life. I always get the sense that I truly know the world and characters she’s created by the time I finish and this was no exception. She’s my go to for a comfort read that will not only entertain me, it will make me laugh and cry alongside the characters and always, without fail leave me with a smile on my face and a feeling of contentment.
July 12, 2023
What was Chad hiding? Who's at fault when a marriage fails? And what about the kids? Is staying together the best thing or does it have its own effect on adult children?
September 14, 2025
This book is as so good. But let me tell ya I needed to journal all the characters. She had the book organized so that the characters had their own chapters like it was a lot 😂. Thankfully I had to journal anyway for my book group! Anna’s story of personal reflection and life will compare with anyone struggling in America today.
April 8, 2022
I love Carr's books. But this one with the whole DNA thing really touched me. I loved it so much. It was the best family story I have read in a very long time. To be accepted is a dream.
5 stars and I HIGLY recommend it.
5 stars and I HIGLY recommend it.
April 8, 2022
Fifty-seven-year-old Anna has just lost her husband, Chad, in a rafting accident, and it sends her family into a swirl of chaos and change. Her husband was far from a saint, unfulfilled and unhappy, playing the blame game with Anna. She’s angry with him for his recklessness, but she doesn’t share their troubles with their kids until they get a shock with the terms of Chad’s will.
I just loved this story so much! As usual Robyn Carr grabbed my attention from the first page! There are several story lines, with Anna the main focus and her children having to deal with the loss of their father and the issues they had never examined before. Jess and Michael had the most personal growth, both were self-centered in their own way even though Jess seemed like more of a mess at first. Angry and demanding as she went about her life, she managed to self-sabotage any romantic relationship in short order. It was interesting getting to the bottom of that and I ended up really liking her!
Michael, while likable was pretty juvenile and careless with his girlfriend. Grief made him act like a jerk, but I was happy to see him turn around.
My heart went out to Anna as the details of her marriage were recounted. I was impressed by how she dealt with everything, and she was such a great example! I was thrilled she had a second chance at happiness with a love interest of her own, and I thought it was refreshing to show a mature romance fulfilling and passionate!
I alternately read and listened to A Family Affair, not wanting to put it down while I had to get things done! It was a treat to listen as Therese Plummer is one of my all-time favorite narrators. Perfection! I was filled with happiness for all the characters on finishing. Five star read all the way! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved this story so much! As usual Robyn Carr grabbed my attention from the first page! There are several story lines, with Anna the main focus and her children having to deal with the loss of their father and the issues they had never examined before. Jess and Michael had the most personal growth, both were self-centered in their own way even though Jess seemed like more of a mess at first. Angry and demanding as she went about her life, she managed to self-sabotage any romantic relationship in short order. It was interesting getting to the bottom of that and I ended up really liking her!
Michael, while likable was pretty juvenile and careless with his girlfriend. Grief made him act like a jerk, but I was happy to see him turn around.
My heart went out to Anna as the details of her marriage were recounted. I was impressed by how she dealt with everything, and she was such a great example! I was thrilled she had a second chance at happiness with a love interest of her own, and I thought it was refreshing to show a mature romance fulfilling and passionate!
I alternately read and listened to A Family Affair, not wanting to put it down while I had to get things done! It was a treat to listen as Therese Plummer is one of my all-time favorite narrators. Perfection! I was filled with happiness for all the characters on finishing. Five star read all the way! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
A Family Affair by Robyn Carr is a stand-alone novel about one family who lost one of its own, and how they came together to help each other survive the loss and examine their past. I was riveted by this family drama and wanted each of the characters to find some happiness.
Anna McNichol was raised by a single mother and is now the mother of three adult children. Her work ethic is a result of being raised on the edge of poverty, and never feeling settled. In response, Anna works hard as a judge, working her way through law school with young children. Anna’s husband Chad is a therapist and active in the community. Their marriage on the outside was perfect, but after Chad’s sudden death in a rafting accident, secrets come out that affect the entire family, and maybe their marriage wasn’t as perfect as it seemed.
I love Robyn Carr’s heartwarming style of writing, and it shines in this book as well. She has a knack for exploring families, and their dynamics and her writing is compassionate as well as compelling. The characters are well developed and I wanted them to succeed and be happy. I especially related to Anna, the main characters, and how her past dictated the decisions she’s made while raising her own family. Also, I thought it ironic how Chad was a therapist, and yet, his wife and children needed help as much as some of his clients.
I highly recommend A family Affair to anyone who loves a good family drama. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Family Affair by Robyn Carr is a stand-alone novel about one family who lost one of its own, and how they came together to help each other survive the loss and examine their past. I was riveted by this family drama and wanted each of the characters to find some happiness.
Anna McNichol was raised by a single mother and is now the mother of three adult children. Her work ethic is a result of being raised on the edge of poverty, and never feeling settled. In response, Anna works hard as a judge, working her way through law school with young children. Anna’s husband Chad is a therapist and active in the community. Their marriage on the outside was perfect, but after Chad’s sudden death in a rafting accident, secrets come out that affect the entire family, and maybe their marriage wasn’t as perfect as it seemed.
I love Robyn Carr’s heartwarming style of writing, and it shines in this book as well. She has a knack for exploring families, and their dynamics and her writing is compassionate as well as compelling. The characters are well developed and I wanted them to succeed and be happy. I especially related to Anna, the main characters, and how her past dictated the decisions she’s made while raising her own family. Also, I thought it ironic how Chad was a therapist, and yet, his wife and children needed help as much as some of his clients.
I highly recommend A family Affair to anyone who loves a good family drama. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 8, 2022
I am a big fan of Robyn Carr's writing, but I didn't love this one as much as I had hoped I would. The book begins with a celebration of the life of Chad McNichol, a man who recently died on a rafting trip. The story is not so much about Chad, but his family; wife, Anna and children, Jessie, Mike and Bess. Chad was not a perfect man, in fact he had been unfaithful to Anna and there were issues to deal with when he left on his trip, but died before he and Anna talked about them. With Chad gone, the problems in their children's lives become apparent and must be dealt with. Anna realizes that for once, she doesn’t have the answers. Her kids are struggling with grief, her mother’s health is in decline, and Anna needs closure. Leaning on Joe, Chad's best friend, she finds support, and as she puts her life back together, she realizes her family may not be perfect, but they’ll always be family.
This is a story of secrets, mental and physical health, aging, betrayal, family and healing. All the members of the McNichol family are dealing with something that is affecting their lives. Much of it related to trying to be perfect and worrying about making mistakes. This is a quick read/listen and I thought Robyn Carr did a good job handling the difficult issues. This family goes through so much, not only the sudden death of their husband/father, but the secrets they discover after his death. There were times that I liked, and times that I disliked Jessie and Mike. They acted like spoiled children, but I was glad to see that counselling was utilized and promoted when dealing with emotions and behaviour. I was interested to see how they grew and healed as individuals and as a family. Saying all that, there was just too much dysfunction for me to love this one, but that is a personal opinion. Thérèse Plummer, a performer I very much enjoy, narrates this audiobook with her wonderful voices, expression and tone. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This is a story of secrets, mental and physical health, aging, betrayal, family and healing. All the members of the McNichol family are dealing with something that is affecting their lives. Much of it related to trying to be perfect and worrying about making mistakes. This is a quick read/listen and I thought Robyn Carr did a good job handling the difficult issues. This family goes through so much, not only the sudden death of their husband/father, but the secrets they discover after his death. There were times that I liked, and times that I disliked Jessie and Mike. They acted like spoiled children, but I was glad to see that counselling was utilized and promoted when dealing with emotions and behaviour. I was interested to see how they grew and healed as individuals and as a family. Saying all that, there was just too much dysfunction for me to love this one, but that is a personal opinion. Thérèse Plummer, a performer I very much enjoy, narrates this audiobook with her wonderful voices, expression and tone. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
December 10, 2024
I usually enjoy Robyn Carr's novels, as I find her to be a talented writer. However, this particular book didn't resonate with me. Let me start with the positives!
Pros:
- I found Anna McNichol to be a very relatable character, and I appreciated her journey of self-discovery.
- The cover is absolutely gorgeous and definitely drew me in.
Cons:
- My biggest concern is the representation of the autistic character. It felt like Robyn Carr may not have conducted enough research on autism, which was disappointing. The character seemed to embody every tired stereotype associated with autism, and while the family professed their love for her, they often complained about her behavior.
- I grew weary of the constant focus on Anna's marriage and the negative portrayal of Chad. If he was truly as terrible as described—cheating and mistreating her—then why not just leave him?
- The other two children were quite frustrating, and I found it hard to care about their development. Michael, in particular, came off as a real jerk.
- I’m not a fan of explicit sex scenes in books, as I feel they often don’t contribute to the story. While the scenes in this book were handled tastefully, I still found myself uncomfortable with the descriptions of erections and breasts.
Overall, while there were elements I enjoyed, the issues I encountered overshadowed my reading experience.
Pros:
- I found Anna McNichol to be a very relatable character, and I appreciated her journey of self-discovery.
- The cover is absolutely gorgeous and definitely drew me in.
Cons:
- My biggest concern is the representation of the autistic character. It felt like Robyn Carr may not have conducted enough research on autism, which was disappointing. The character seemed to embody every tired stereotype associated with autism, and while the family professed their love for her, they often complained about her behavior.
- I grew weary of the constant focus on Anna's marriage and the negative portrayal of Chad. If he was truly as terrible as described—cheating and mistreating her—then why not just leave him?
- The other two children were quite frustrating, and I found it hard to care about their development. Michael, in particular, came off as a real jerk.
- I’m not a fan of explicit sex scenes in books, as I feel they often don’t contribute to the story. While the scenes in this book were handled tastefully, I still found myself uncomfortable with the descriptions of erections and breasts.
Overall, while there were elements I enjoyed, the issues I encountered overshadowed my reading experience.
February 10, 2023
Okay. So this would have been an okay book if there was any character development at all.
But there wasn’t. The characters were super flat and even the “development” that happened wasn’t really monumental. The dialogue was boring and had no emotion behind it (😐 for real) and the relationships were superficial.
I really wanted to like it because the plot was somewhat interesting but it got a bit redundant and the ending was super anticlimactic.
Jess was annoying and even when she starting loving herself or whatever I still didn’t like her. Michael was okay, and probably would have been likable, but again I felt zero connection to him as a character. Bess had a ton of potential but she was barely mentioned. Anna and Joe just kind of ranted about Chad all the time which was annoying.
On a scale of barf to eehhh it was in the middle.
But there wasn’t. The characters were super flat and even the “development” that happened wasn’t really monumental. The dialogue was boring and had no emotion behind it (😐 for real) and the relationships were superficial.
I really wanted to like it because the plot was somewhat interesting but it got a bit redundant and the ending was super anticlimactic.
Jess was annoying and even when she starting loving herself or whatever I still didn’t like her. Michael was okay, and probably would have been likable, but again I felt zero connection to him as a character. Bess had a ton of potential but she was barely mentioned. Anna and Joe just kind of ranted about Chad all the time which was annoying.
On a scale of barf to eehhh it was in the middle.
May 5, 2022
I didn't think this book was really about anything. I feel like it was a bunch of people whining.
August 22, 2023
A good family drama!
May 26, 2022
Anna McNichol has not only suddenly become a widow, she is also an empty nester. While sorting out her husband's affairs, she discovers that he left a certain percent of his inheritance to a young woman - a young woman who was also at his memorial services. Anna knew her husband had not always been faithful, but she wasn't aware that he had fathered a child.
Meanwhile, each of Anna's three adult children are grieving the loss of their father in different ways. For Michael, for example, losing his father was like losing his best friend. Anna's daughters also felt the pangs of their father's death quite deeply. Meanwhile, Anna is also coping with her mother's failing health.
Anna does have some support. Family friend Joe is very helpful when it comes to Anna understanding her husband's past behaviors. Other challenges face Anna, and it is the combination of everything that end up pulling this family even closer together.
What a wonderful emotionally driven story. The writing is excellent, and the characters prove very interesting, especially as each of them are dealing with things in different ways. Robyn Carr is an excellent storyteller and she has brought this family to life for this reader.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/3Q17co-WBoI
Meanwhile, each of Anna's three adult children are grieving the loss of their father in different ways. For Michael, for example, losing his father was like losing his best friend. Anna's daughters also felt the pangs of their father's death quite deeply. Meanwhile, Anna is also coping with her mother's failing health.
Anna does have some support. Family friend Joe is very helpful when it comes to Anna understanding her husband's past behaviors. Other challenges face Anna, and it is the combination of everything that end up pulling this family even closer together.
What a wonderful emotionally driven story. The writing is excellent, and the characters prove very interesting, especially as each of them are dealing with things in different ways. Robyn Carr is an excellent storyteller and she has brought this family to life for this reader.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/3Q17co-WBoI
September 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this wholesome and heartfelt book. Robyn Carr does a beautiful job of weaving together themes of grief, healing, and family with compassion and warmth. The story feels very real, capturing the complicated dynamics that come with loss and unexpected secrets, while still offering hope and growth.
Anna is a strong, relatable protagonist—juggling her roles as mother, daughter, and professional while navigating unimaginable change—and her journey of self-discovery pulled me in right away. I also appreciated the layered subplots with her adult children and mother, each adding depth and emotional resonance. Carr balances emotional highs and lows so well, keeping the pace moving while giving space for tender, reflective moments.
What stood out most was the ultimate message: even in the midst of betrayal, grief, and life’s imperfections, there can still be healing, connection, and new beginnings. The book left me with a sense of comfort and hope, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about family, resilience, and second chances.
Anna is a strong, relatable protagonist—juggling her roles as mother, daughter, and professional while navigating unimaginable change—and her journey of self-discovery pulled me in right away. I also appreciated the layered subplots with her adult children and mother, each adding depth and emotional resonance. Carr balances emotional highs and lows so well, keeping the pace moving while giving space for tender, reflective moments.
What stood out most was the ultimate message: even in the midst of betrayal, grief, and life’s imperfections, there can still be healing, connection, and new beginnings. The book left me with a sense of comfort and hope, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about family, resilience, and second chances.
January 19, 2023
I agree with many other reviewers. This one has great bones and so, so many of my fave tropes: infidelity, angst, family drama, older characters, but it just sort of petered out at the end.
February 22, 2022
As a huge fan of author Robyn Carr's work, I thought it would be fun to read her new book "A Family Affair". True to Robyn's heartfelt writing style, this book tenderly embraces heartache, loss, betrayal, and love. The story reminds us that forgiveness is a choice. Some people can achieve it, while others cannot.
Anna McNichols age-54, has just lost her husband Chad in a unexpected accident. Anna and Chad had been married over thirty years. Their children are grown and struggling with the sudden loss of their dad. Anna notices a pregnant woman at Chad's funeral she does not recognize. Anna's intuition tells her something is off about this situation. Who is this woman? Was Chad unhappy? Was he cheating on her?
This book has several stories going on at once. They alternate between chapters. It is easy to follow along and become acquainted with the main characters. The book is not associated with the "Virgin River" series, but is just as delightful. I recommend this novel, but please be aware it does contains sexual content.
"A Family Affair" will be published April 5th.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Robyn Carr, and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for allowing me to review this beautifully written book. I appreciate it!
Anna McNichols age-54, has just lost her husband Chad in a unexpected accident. Anna and Chad had been married over thirty years. Their children are grown and struggling with the sudden loss of their dad. Anna notices a pregnant woman at Chad's funeral she does not recognize. Anna's intuition tells her something is off about this situation. Who is this woman? Was Chad unhappy? Was he cheating on her?
This book has several stories going on at once. They alternate between chapters. It is easy to follow along and become acquainted with the main characters. The book is not associated with the "Virgin River" series, but is just as delightful. I recommend this novel, but please be aware it does contains sexual content.
"A Family Affair" will be published April 5th.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Robyn Carr, and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for allowing me to review this beautifully written book. I appreciate it!
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