Every Happy Family

by Sarah Stovell

Minnie and Bert are over the moon to have their three grown-up children home for the first time in a decade. But having Lizzie, Jess, Owen and the grandchildren under one roof isn’t without its dramas.

Lizzie is off the alcohol (although mulled wine doesn’t count), Jess is juggling a toddler and a newborn, but it’s Owen who has the power to throw a grenade into everything.

It all goes back to something that happened when Owen was a teenager and it involves Nora Skelly – a name you don’t mention in front of Minnie.

With Nora also back in town, the past is about to come crashing into the present. And what better time to revisit old secrets and resentments than around the family dinner table?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Holiday, Christmas

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 30, 2023

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are all families dysfunctional? Bert thinks that might be the case. He and his wife Minnie are delighted their three children will finally be together under one roof as it’s been a decade since that last happened. They are especially pleased since it’s Christmas, a season Minnie embraces fully. Or is that full on???! There is Lizzie who alarms them with what they consider her “hippie ways“ but Minnie is glad she’s off the alcohol though apparently mulled wine does not count!! Jess their youngest daughter who is married to Anna is struggling and juggling with a newborn and an active toddler. However, it’s son Owen who has the capacity to cause incendiary chaos especially since he’s not been home from Australia in 10 years. It all dates back to when he’s 18 and dating Nora Skelly who it transpires is also back home after many years of working abroad. As Jess’s daughter Ruby asks “are all families mad or just ours?“ though all Minnie wants is a perfect Christmas around the dinner table.

This is a compelling domestic drama in which past and present are on a collision course with unpredictable results. It is very well written and an intense slow burner as you find yourself immersed in their lives wanting the best for them but fearing the worst. I love the tone at the start which is really funny especially from the perspectives of Lizzie and Minnie but you grow to appreciate this is a family that has damage and there is papering over of cracks. A few bombshell revelations drop into the storytelling and then things take a different direction.

The characterisation is excellent and though you appreciate they all have issues they are a very likeable family. Sure there is damage, pain and suffering in the past and from life experiences in this snapshot of a family over time but they’re still standing and surviving. The issues covered here are wide and diverse and some are very identifiable. It builds well and arrives at a good destination at the end.

Sarah Stovell takes us on a real journey in her latest book and if you like a family drama then this is for you.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Indieflower · Rating 3 out of 5]

A troubled family gets together at Christmas for the first time in many years, domestic drama ensues. A decent family tale, told from different POV and with likeable characters, yet somehow I didn't engage with it particularly well. It took me ages to read as I wasn't excited to pick it up, I wanted someone to tell me what happened rather than read it myself 😬. I think I was probably in the mood for something more distracting, I usually enjoy Sarah Stovell much more, Exquisite was really good. However, if you're in the mood for a gentle, dysfunctional family story, this is as good as any and it all comes together nicely in the end, it would probably make a good light TV drama, 3 stars.

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Christmas, what better time for a family reunion? Minnie and Bert can’t wait to have their three grown up kids home, particularly as it will be the first time all three have been home together in a decade. And with their grandchildren joining them it promises to be a lively and festive celebration.

Lizzie is trying to stay off the booze (unsuccessfully), Jess has just given birth so is exhausted and emotional. Then there’s Owen, the black sheep of the family who is returning to the fold after ten years. As well as being a lively celebration it also is promises to be a somewhat eventful one - when the family discover that Nora Skelley is back in town. Nora is the reason Owen left town and there are just a few skeletons waiting to be unearthed this Christmas with her arrival…

A well plotted and well paced domestic drama focusing on a small town and the secrets that have been buried within a family for almost twenty years. Gripping from the very first chapter, I was intrigued by this family; their dynamics, their history and their present. These characters are so well observed that it becomes impossible not to warm to them. I especially loved hearing the history of Nora and Owen; loves young dream - which went so horribly wrong.

Every Other Family is a wonderfully realistic snapshot of family life that is both captivating and thought provoking.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tale of a dysfunctional family. After many years, Minnie finally has her three grown up children and their families all under the same roof for Christmas. It’s a chance to reacquaint but also revisit secrets and resentments of the past. I know the majority of people seem to love this book, but it just wasn’t for me. I’m not sure what it was but I felt it struggled to hold my interest. I would reset this 2.5 stars but have rounded up to 3. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review.

[andshe.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings - alcoholism, domestic abuse, overdose, teen pregnancy.

Wow talk about family drama!! And yes I reckon every family is almost as messed up as this one at one point or another!

This story is told in both the past and the present taking us on a compelling journey through the lives of a fairly dysfunctional family. Its really well written and descriptive. Some serious topics are covered however its done with grace and the author has even added some light hearted humour along the way.

The characters all have their own issues however they are all so likable so I really wanted everything to work out for each of them.

Overall I enjoyed it and if you love a family drama then you will too.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great family saga!
All the family are home - grown up kids,teen grandkids Minnie just wants one perfect Christmas with everyone under her roof!

A quote in the book really made me smile & relate to:
‘Do you really think we’re a dysfunctional family?’
‘Of course we are. There is no other kind.’
How very very true!!!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most if not all families are dysfunctional and this book is all about that. Damaged people who happen to be related. A really good look into it.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I loved Other Parents so was really excited to read Every Happy Family.

It’s Christmas and Minnie is looking forward to welcoming her family home. Her son, Owen, is travelling from Australia with his young daughter. Why isn’t his wife coming? Her daughter Lizzie is coming with her partner Tamzin and her other daughter Jess is arriving with her 3 year old son, her new born baby and her partner, Anna. Minnie just wants a peaceful Christmas but there are so many secrets and rifts simmering below the surface..and then there is Nora..
This started off gently as the story switched between past and present, as preparations are made for the arrivals in the present and scenes from the past build up a picture of the causes of the tension and rifts in the present. i was enjoying the steady pace, the picture of family life and the relatable dynamics of families at Christmas. And then this moved into another gear as it became clear exactly what had happened and as emotions were exposed and suddenly this book drew me right in, in a different way. This became deeper and I felt the full impact of the drama taking place..
This is a powerful depiction of teenage pregnancy and parenting of teenagers. It’s a powerful depiction of post natal depression and of the way family choices impact each other. Minnie's dilemma, her choices and their impact are insightfully observed..Owen and Nora’s conflict so poignant..And then there is the drama of Christmas Day which threatens to spin this into tragedy..
I love Stovell’s writing. It’s lucid, insightful. She has a talent for evoking family relationships and for incorporating modern day styles of relationship and she’s got a real talent for setting up dilemmas and observing family conflict.
I look forward to reading more! Thank you so much to Netgalley and …HQ for a digital copy of this book.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable Christmas read about an untypical dysfunctional family.

It's written from the perspective of many of the characters and I found Lizzie to have the most wonderful sense of humour, especially from her internal monologue. The other characters are very likeable, and while they are not a typical family on the surface, underneath they are the same as any other family who like to brush their family secrets under the carpet. 4⭐️

Minnie and Bert are over the moon to have their three grown-up children home for the first time in a decade. But having Lizzie, Jess, Owen and the grandchildren under one roof isn’t without its dramas.

Lizzie is off the alcohol (although emergency gin doesn’t count), Jess is juggling a toddler and a newborn, but it’s Owen who has the power to throw a grenade into everything.

It all stems from an incident that happened years ago. And it involves Nora Skelly – a name you don't mention in front of Minnie.

With Nora also back in town, the past is about to come crashing into the present. And what better time to revisit old secrets and resentments than around the family dinner table?

[Lauren pavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

So life’s been pretty hectic , chaotic and tragic lately and i haven’t had the heart to read, you know when you just get into that mindset where you can’t focus.
Luckily for me this book has been perfect to drop into and out of and rather than books which make you and your family feel like they don’t match up to perfect and unrealistic portrays this book felt incredibly real.
Every character comes with their own history, has flaws , has heart , says things they don’t always mean and feels true love, despair and above all have hope.
Hope for a Christmas which might be better than the one before and hope for resolution.
I normally find that I connect with one main character with this sort of book and the rest become ‘supporting characters’ but with this my attention flipped back and forth wildly as each character just had so much depth.
There are two main underlying stories which run parallel but it never feels complicated to follow and the way they inter-lap compliments each story.
It’s hard to say much more without giving away spoilers but I would highly recommend this emotive read and would love to read more by Sarah Stovell as her masterful way of writing is awe inspiring!

[Giupi · Rating 4 out of 5]

reads like gossip 🍵

[KathVBtn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like a family get together at Christmas to bring out all of those unresolved issues and conflicts -and boy, there were plenty to get stuck into in Sarah Stovell's fabulous book. Minnie, the matriarch of the family, has three adult children, Lizzie, who lives with her Authentic Female Ally' and their children, Owen, who has moved to the other side of the world to avoid his family, and Jess, who's just about to have her second child with her wife Anna.
In the middle of this is a big trauma that caused the family to splinter in this way back in the mid 1990s, and this is the Christmas where its all going to come out.

I really liked this book, it read very easily, with its chatty informal style, you felt like you were in the middle of it all watching issues unravel and problems arise without being able to stop it. At the start it felt like there were a lot of characters to get to know but this soon settled down as the main family members came to the fore. The story is told from multiple viewpoints including the children's perspectives to give a brilliant picture of what is going on and how everyone misunderstands everyone else, mainly because they don't want to hurt someone else's feelings. The depiction of that first teenage love was spot on, the obsession with your partner being all you can think about. I liked the relationship between Minnie and her partner too, even when they annoyed one another, the underlying bedrock of the relationship was solid and well -depicted.

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it, 4.5 stars from me (rounded up to 5)

[Alessandra Bassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First there is the review in Italian then the English one –
Prima c'è la recensione in italiano poi quella in inglese
4,5
Letto in inglese.
Interessanti la storia e i pensieri dei protagonisti, che sono spesso affettuosamente un po’ dissacranti su cose che altri protagonisti prendono sul serio: “È solo che ogni volta che mio fratello torna a casa, succede un dramma” e “Mia madre già teme che lo yoga e la meditazione che pratico siano solo forme innocue di follia”. E poi: “Beh, disse Lizzie con tono sprezzante. “Che senso ha aver avuto un'infanzia felice? Le persone più noiose che conosco hanno avuto un'infanzia felice. Tutte quante. Sono grata per un po' di infelicità”.
Parla di argomenti molto seri e di vere sofferenze, come l’aver avuto un marito e un padre alcolista, aver provato vergogna ed essersi sentite sollevate per la sua morte; un altro tema è la violenza domestica; un’altra protagonista ha avuto una madre con problemi psichiatrici che è sparita da casa senza più dare notizie; ma tutto questo non impedisce che si possa sorridere e vedere i lati assurdi e paradossali delle esperienze. E anche che si possa discutere di come persone diverse possono vedere lati diversi delle situazioni complesse in cui si ritrovano.
Il tema dell’aiuto che le persone potrebbero darsi a vicenda è affrontato in modo interessante, senza indignazione ma mostrando che, pur non avendo l’intenzione di far del male, certe volte alcuni familiari non riescono ad aiutare i loro parenti che avrebbero bisogno di supporto e quindi si tirano indietro e alla fine peggiorano situazioni già difficili: questo tema è importante, perché è spesso la paura che porta le persone a non esserci quando servirebbe e nonostante sia un grande problema nella vita, nei libri l’ho visto trattato molto di rado.
E infatti Owen, che avrebbe avuto bisogno di aiuto da sua madre, si chiede: “Credimi, ci ho pensato molto. Ho dovuto decidere quanto fosse importante dire a mia madre che mi ha ferita più di quanto lei potrà mai capire”.


4.5
Read in English.
The story and thoughts of the protagonists are interesting, as they are often lovingly irreverent about things that other characters take seriously: “It’s just that whenever my brother comes home, a drama happens”, and “My mother already worries that my yoga and meditation habits are just benign forms of insanity”. Then, “Well, Lizzie said dismissively. “What point is there in a happy childhood? The most boring people I know had happy childhoods. All of them. I’m grateful for a bit of misery”.
It deals with very serious topics and real suffering, such as having an alcoholic husband and father, feeling ashamed and relieved by his death; another issue is domestic violence; one of the other protagonists had a mother with psychiatric problems who disappeared from home without a trace; but none of this prevents us from smiling and seeing the absurd and paradoxical sides of life. another protagonist had a mother with psychiatric problems who disappeared from home without a trace; but all this does not prevent us from smiling and seeing the absurd and paradoxical sides of the experiences. It also allows them to discuss how different people can see different sides of the complex situations in which they find themselves.
The topic of how people can help each other is handled in an interesting way, without being judgmental, but showing that, even though they don't mean any harm, sometimes family members can't help their relatives who need support, so they back off and end up making things worse: this is an important issue, because it is often fear that leads people to be absent when they are needed, and although it is a major problem in life, I have rarely seen it addressed in books.
In fact, Owen, who needed help from his mother, wonders “Believe me, I’ve thought about this a lot. I had to decide how important it is that I tell my mother she damaged me more than she can ever understand”.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minnie lives in a wealthy town with her (second) husband, Bert. She is excited to have her three grown children coming for what she hopes will be a perfect Christmas. They have not all been together for years due to something that happened when her only son and oldest child, Owen, was a young adult. He was seen as the problem child by everyone, so there were fears of how things would go with Owen at this gathering. There were some questions when he arrives without his wife and only his daughter with him.

Also at this Christmas celebration is Lizzie, the middle child. She brings her daughter, Ruby, and her 'Eternal Feminine Ally, Tamsin, with whom she shares a platonic, committed relationship in which they raise their children together, pool their resources, and create a family unit. They are also going to start a wellness business. Lizzie is misunderstood by pretty much everyone. She is trying to lose weight and give up drinking, but mulled wine doesn't count. Finally, there is Jess, who is many years younger than the other two siblings. She has just given birth to her second baby, but decides to go to the family Christmas anyway with the two children and her wife, Anna. Everyone is thrown for a loop when they discover that Nora, who was an important part of the event that caused Owen's estrangement all those years ago, is in town

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were times I laughed out loud and times when my heart ached. I enjoyed moving back and forth between the present day and decades ago as the reader is told about what led up to 'the event.' I liked the way each chapter came from a different point of view. The book deals with serious societal and personal issues, but not in a heavy-handed way. I could relate to much of the pain and many of the difficult issues the characters were dealing with in their own clumsy ways. I liked seeing them grow in self-awareness, admit mistakes, learn things about each other, and care for one another. The book is well-written and the pace is good. It's a book that ends in a way that a sequel would be quite possible and if there was one, I would happily read that, too.

I received a digital copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I thank them, the author, and the publisher.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minnie and her second husband Bert live in the affluent area of Bourton, Wiltshire and they are excited that their three grown up children; Owen, Lizzie and Jess are joining them for Christmas with their families, the first time they will all have been together, under one roof, for many years since Owen, who left under a bit of a cloud, now lives in Australia and, of course, no Christmas is without its dramas which is certainly evident with this dysfunctional family, and then there's Nora...

This is told across a dual timeline, shifting between the present day and 1995, starting with preparations being made for a family Christmas and Minnie is desperate for it to be a good one, but when she hears that Nora is also back in the UK she knows that old wounds could be opened and certain members of the family are instantly taken back to the year when it all changed. This story takes us on a journey with a family that have suffered a fair few troubles in their past, the author tells us about some delicate subjects including alcoholism, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy and mental health, all of which are written with compassion and integrity. She highlights how decisions made can have a profound impact on not just the people involved, but the wider family too and can affect them for many years after the event. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Owen and Nora, remembering that first flush of young love, and whilst I thought Minnie was sometimes a bit interfering it was clear that she thought she was always doing it with the best of intentions for her children. Every Happy Family is a poignant and emotional read, with a smattering of humour thrown in here and there. I loved her previous book, Other Parents and am pleased to say this one didn't disappoint either and let's face it, who'd want a perfect family anyway?

I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

[Julia Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. The book is about a family coming together at Christmas for the 1st time in years. There's Minnie the Mum who's had a hard life with an abusive marriage and then bringing up 2 children as a single parent but is finally happy with her new husband, Bert. Then Owen who is visiting from Australia for the first time since he left many years before. Lizzie who has issues of her own and confuses the family with her hippyish way of life. Jess the much younger daughter who has a new born and a toddler with her wife, they lead a happy life but hasn't slept in 3 years. They all have questions that need to be answered. What will happen when they all meet again after all this time. The story flips from the past to the present. In the past we learn about Owens relationship with his girlfriend Nora mainly and how that shaped the family in the future. I found this part of the story so heartbreaking. What happens to the couple and the choices they make is so sad. The present brings everyone together and all the tensions of the past.
I found the book quite slow to start with but once I'd got to know the characters it was an easy read. I was keen to pick the book up to become immersed in the story again. There is a slight twist near the latter part of the book where i made a presumption with one of the characters. Over all I really enjoyed this book and found the characters believable and easy to like. It was the first time I have read anything by this author and wouldn't hesitate to read another of her novels.

[Karen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Happy Family Sarah Stovell

5 stars

What an interesting book. Minnie and Bert have three grown-up children. Lizzie and Owen were from Minnie’s first marriage to a man who was an alcoholic and Jess is her and Bert’s child.

It is Christmas and for the first time in ten years she is going to have all her children together.

Lizzie has a 13 year old daughter, Ruby and lives with her Enduring Feminine Ally, Tamsin, who lives with them but purely as a platonic friend. Lizzie had a physical abusive husband that she finally managed to escape from.

Owen has been living in Australia for ten years, is married to Sophie and has a daughter, Layla. He has come home for Christmas but only with Layla, saying that Sophie has to remain in Sydney to work.

Jess is living with her wife Anna and they have two children, a toddler and a new born baby.

All the families’ trials and tribulations are described from various points of view but overriding everything is the story of Owen, who at the age of 19 had had a baby with his girlfriend Norah who was only 17. All the way through this book hints are made about what happened between them and what happened to their baby and the fact that it was Minnie’s fault. Then we discover that Norah’s father has died and Norah herself is in the village.

This was a lovely book to read, it was well-written and I read it in a few days. Ms Stovell is very good at describing problems within what is a fairly dysfunctional family and the reader will probably find something to relate to within their own family group.

I will look for more books from this author, highly recommended.


Karen Deborah
Netgalley

[Nat Eveleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Minnie has 3 adult children and they’re all going to Minnie’s for Christmas. Her son, Owen, who now lives in Australia, is coming over after being away for years. And everyone is excited to get together as long as no one mentions Nora Skelly is also back in town. Nora is Owens ex girlfriend from when they were teenagers. Lots of secrets and resentments manage to rear their heads over Christmas.

This was a real page turner, and was engaging right from the very first chapter. The characters were all brilliantly written and Minnie seemed a right hoot with her wit and honesty. The characters all worked so well together that it was easy to picture this whole book.

This story also touched on some real issues that aren’t spoken about often, including extreme postnatal depression and how it wasn’t noticed or treated correctly back then, and how new mums should shake it off and carry on. It was great to see a side of birth and being a parent that wasn’t all wonderful and neat, and this story would really reassure new mums that sometimes everything isn’t perfect or how you’d imagine it. It was very relatable.
We also read from two timelines - back exploring Nora and her relationship with Owen, and the present day. And this gave us a great opportunity to see what went so wrong between them, and why there’s so many secrets and resentments between them all.

Another excellent read by this author.

[Sam Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Sarah Stovell’s writing and raved about Other Parents last year. I’m delighted to report that Every Happy Family is just as good.
Minnie and Bert are eagerly awaiting the return of their children and grandchildren for their first Christmas all together for many years. Lizzie is coming with her teenage daughter and her “Enduring Female Ally” Tamsin. Jess is on the way with her girlfriend, young son and newborn daughter, and Owen is flying in from Australia having barely seen his family for years after a massive falling out when he was 19. The stage is already set for a very stressful Christmas when Minnie finds out that Nora, an intrinsic part of that fallout, is also back in town.

Sarah Stovell is brilliant at characterisation, within a few pages of their introduction, you know the characters and their motivations. The flashback to the events leading to the fallout are cleverly interwoven with the present day; the reader is soon desperate to know what actually happened. The underlying issues of alcoholism and violent marriage are handled sensitively and the way that the teenage girls view the adult world around them gives the reader another way of viewing the family drama. For all this, it isn’t a heavy book, there is a lightness of touch and the flashes of humour you would find in any family. The ending is positive and believable without being cloying.
This is a great novel, I shot through it in a couple of days, Sarah Stovell is a writer to watch.

[Ace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stovell has done it again! After the triumph that was Other Parents (which I adored) I was a little nervous to read Every Happy Family, but I was a fool to worry. Every Happy Family is equally stunning, if not better in my opinion, then again, getting me to pick a favourite book is essentially asking what the last book I read was.

I'm struggling to put into words how much I enjoyed Every Happy Family, but I hope I've done it justice.

I am absolutely blown away at how such a simple subject, one family, can have such hidden depths and dramas.
This tale pulls no punches, unafraid to get stuck in and confront the harder topics such as alcoholism, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy and (accidental) drug overdose just to name a few.

Every character has their place with no filler or unnecessary page filling, plus I found each and every character and interaction felt genuine and believable. I just about remember what being a teenager in love felt like, I was particularly impressed at how the intensity and all consuming nature was perfectly captured between Nora and Owen.

To do so much with such a tight cast of characters, without repetition or falling into tired patterns is a real triumph.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Happy Family is an enjoyable read about a family with its fair share of issues and the added pressure that times like Christmas can add to an already tense situation. Sarah Stovell does a great job of creating convincing characters who might not be perfect (and some are definitely more likeable than others!), but feel real!

We join Minnie and her husband Bert as Minnie's children join them for Christmas - Lizzie, Jess, and their brother Owen who hasn't lived in the UK for many years. His return marks a big moment for the family, though there is plenty of trepidation too about all being together in one room...

The plot jumps back in time to when Owen and Lizzie were children, to give us more details about what happened to the family leading up to Owen leaving, and back to the present day.

The way the characters interact as a family, and also with other people they're close to as well as their shared, fractured history, forms the basis of this novel and creates an absorbing read. There are emotional and humorous parts, and we see the characters grow together and go through tough times.

Every Happy Family is not an action-packed novel, but rather a fairly slow burner that builds in intensity as we learn more about their history.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Sarah Stovell, I know I am going to get a great read involving a family domestic drama. She has an astute eye when it comes to picking up the small family details. This story is told from both the past 1995 and present day. The reader also benefits from different narrators offering varying perspectives on the family dynamics.

Her writing features relationships which on the surface could appear exaggerated, however the more you read, the closer you can relate to their issues.

Minnie is delighted to have her brood home for a family Christmas, the first time in a decade. As with most families, there are a variety of characters and family secrets, a delicious mix. Spending time as a family holds the promise of revisiting and making memories but also those subjects you’d rather avoid. The skeletons in the cupboard make for interesting theorising and there were moments when I thought I’d got it sorted, only to be proved wrong. I really enjoyed following the events of Christmas and finally seeing the resolution.

The characters are developed so well that I felt I knew and cared for them all. This is a slow-burn, warm, relatable story of a family, who above all love each other and also have an instinct to survive.

[Saffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the author's previous novel Other Parents so was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Every Happy Family.
Minnie and Bert live in a Cotswold town and are thrilled to have their 3 children - Lizzie, Owen and Jess-home for Christmas. Owen has been living in Australia with his wife and daughter and his return to the UK coincides with the return of Nora Skelly who he had an intense relationship with in his teenage years.
I really enjoyed this, the characters are generally likeable and believable. The author explores with sensitivity and compassion topics such as alcoholism and domestic abuse and shows the impact of childhood trauma on most of the characters. It is a fairly slow paced novel but I found this worked well and I particularly enjoyed unfolding of the relationship between Owen and Nora. At points it was an emotional read for me and it's a novel that will stay with me.
Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Sarah Stovell, I know I am going to get a great read involving a family domestic drama. She has an astute eye when it comes to picking up the small family details. This story is told from both the past 1995 and present day. The reader also benefits from different narrators offering varying perspectives on the family dynamics.

Her writing features relationships which on the surface could appear exaggerated, however the more you read, the closer you can relate to their issues.

Minnie is delighted to have her brood home for a family Christmas, the first time in a decade. As with most families, there are a variety of characters and family secrets, a delicious mix. Spending time as a family holds the promise of revisiting and making memories but also those subjects you’d rather avoid. The skeletons in the cupboard make for interesting theorising and there were moments when I thought I’d got it sorted, only to be proved wrong. I really enjoyed following the events of Christmas and finally seeing the resolution.

The characters are developed so well that I felt I knew and cared for them all. This is a slow-burn, warm, relatable story of a family, who above all love each other and also have an instinct to survive.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, candy floss read - good to get out of a reading funk, but not much substance to it. Which is fine; it'll make a great holiday read.

Blurb:
Are all families mad, or is it just ours?
Minnie and Bert are thrilled to have their three grown-up children home for the first time in a decade. But it won't be without its dramas.
Lizzie is off the alcohol (emergency gin doesn't count), Jess is juggling a toddler and a newborn, but it's Owen who has the power to throw a grenade into everything.
It all stems from an incident that happened years ago, involving Nora Skelly - a name you don't mention in front of Minnie.
With Nora also back in town, the past is about to come crashing into the present. And what better time to revisit old secrets and resentments than around the family dinner table?

Usual chick lit fare of family drama, all (relatively) nicely resolved by the end. As I said above, a perfect candy floss read.

Thanks to A Box of Stories #ABoS for the book, but it's not a keeper. You might've already gathered that!

[Marte Haga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family drama with a dual timeline and multiple POVs . A mother finally has all three, grown, children home for christmas, which hasn't happened for years. And that off course, doesn't go ahead without a bit of drama tied to the past. The book tells the story of what happened "then" - the build up to a conflict, and what's happening now, and how the past and present crash when someone from back then shows up in town.

I liked the story once I got into it. But at the same time, it's nothing I haven't read similar versions of before and nothing really stands out that will make me remember or think about this. But a good choice if you want a Christmas themed family drama. It's not of the funny sort, and that's fine, but it also doesn't manage to be as emotionally engaging as it perhaps tried to be, at least not for me. I would have liked a bit more depth, something more original or more humor, I would need one of those three to give a higher rating and to want to read more from this author. I also found some aspects of this to be just not so believable.

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Happy Family by Sarah Stovell is a captivating audiobook that deserves four stars for its compelling narrative and intriguing characters. The story deftly switches between 1995 and the present day, where there are secrets and drama that is achingly sad in parts, although this is balanced by a sharp observational eye to provide some wry humour.

Sarah Stovell's skill in crafting complex, relatable characters shines through, making each one fascinating and engaging. The plot is filled with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked from start to finish.

A special mention goes to the narrator, Emily Pennant-Rea, whose remarkable performance truly brings the characters to life. Her ability to achieve distinct voices for each character adds an extra layer of immersion and enjoyment to the listening experience.

Every Happy Family is a moving and well-executed story that offers plenty of drama and emotional depth. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a richly woven tale with outstanding narration.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the family back home together for Christmas, is this a good idea or a recipe for disaster ?
Bert and Minnie are looking forward to having all the family together for the festive season, but will it be all they wish for? Firstly there’s Lizzie who has come with her daughter Ruby and her “feminine ally” Tamzin, then there’s Owen who lives in Australia, he arrives with his daughter Layla, his wife back in Oz, and finally their youngest daughter Jess who along with her wife Anna has just given birth to a new baby girl.
This story takes the reader on an unexpected emotional journey. While the family assemble to celebrate Christmas the author takes us back to the past, to the early life of this family. As in all families there are ups and downs but following the death of Minnie’s first husband this story expands to tell of a tough few years. Without giving too much away this is a compelling drama that had me hooked.
If you’re looking for a warm fuzzy Christmas story this isn’t it nor is it a heartbreakingly sad book, what it is, is a really well told story that just happens to be centered around Christmas. It’s a great family drama and for me it’s a 4.5 ⭐️book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley and HQ for my advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Daisy Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about family, secrets and the past meeting the present.

Minnie wants to have all her family together for Christmas and for it to be a time of happiness and healing. But everyone is on edge, and the tension ramps up even more when the family learn that Nora Skelly is back.

Lizzie eldest daughter and previously best friends with Nora.

Owen, troubled young man, brought back to happiness when he fell in love with Nora.

Nora, an independent spirit who wanted to travel the world.

Jess, half-sibling to Lizzie and Owen, and having questions about her parents.

Dealing with themes of grief, PND and DV, this is however not a overly heavy read. It's a testament to the skill of the writer that she writes with a light touch about serious subjects without ever trivialising, but also without leaving the reader too burdened.

I really became invested in this family's story and it left me with a warm heart and a big smile.