Book of The Month discussion

The acclaimed author of The People We Keep returns with a luminous new story of redemption, breaking generational curses, and the power of family in its truest form.

After an emergency leaves her short on rent, thirty-year-old Freya Arnalds bails on her lackluster life as bartender in Maine and returns to her suburban hometown of Somers, New York, to live in the house she inherited from her estranged parents. Despite attempts to lay low, Freya encounters childhood friends, familial enemies, and old flames—as well as her fifteen-year-old niece, Aubrey, who is secretly living in the derelict home. As they reconnect, Freya and Aubrey lean on each other, working to restore the house and come to terms with the devastating events that pulled them apart years ago.

Set in the birthplace of the American circus, this deeply moving novel is an exploration of broken families, the weight of the past, and the complicated journey of finding home

15 chapters / 102 pages

this has to be (view spoiler)[ the saddest rag tag group of found family.
I'm so sad for both Aubrey AND Freya. What a horrible person Seena is - and that she spews her hate and rage on everyone is just shocking. I hope Freya can continue to keep Aubrey safe now that she's back.

I really like Jam but I worry about his demons. I'm not sure he'll be able to keep them reigned in and I'm not sure if Freya can help him.

and OMG I Love the grumpy cat and Hans, the overly honest estate guy. I also really liked the doctor that helped.

The way Aubrey has had to find other parts of the community to be her family and support her is just awful
I can't wait to meet this sister/mom (hide spoiler)]

I'm starting this one now but it's almost 10:30 so I'm not sure how far I'll get tonight.

through Winter / 29 chapters / 200 pages

it's a very sad read so far
(view spoiler)[ I agree with Aubrey at times. it's really hard to read that Freya just turned 30 and she's still so scared of her sister and so messed up otherwise - she couldn't follow a conversation fully. It's odd, like she's on medication but she's not. . .

I'm so sad for Aubrey. I can't believe this sister has gotten to live this way and no one saw her for who she really was or stopped her. Jesus.

and Aubrey being kicked out breaks my heart. and I love Jam. he's such a sweetheart. I love how he protected her in the grocery - but honestly, her sister only has power because she gives it to her. I wish she'd told her "eff off, I'm staying"
like, it's her house. she just needs to get her shit together (hide spoiler)]

through Spring / 41 chapters / 270 pages

(view spoiler)[ I'm so glad she got Aubrey away from her mom - jeez! to now know a little more and to know that her mom still blamed her
also, it sounds like Charlie hurt Freya and no one protected her - not her terrible mom or even her dad.

being forgotten places, I can't even imagine
but I would also not be the mom that dropped a toddler off randomly with someone at my ex's place of work. Yikes!

but this all feels like there's a countdown right? like, something really bad is going to happen
I really hope it's not Jam. I really liked him (hide spoiler)]

through Summer / 49 chapters / 310 pages

(view spoiler)[
another season down and they are doing so good. that tax bill - ugh, my heart dropped. I was glad they pulled it off

I like Eddie but is it bad I don't like him as much as Jam? lol
But wasn't he still tied to a wife? or an ex? or something?

I love how she's made a found family. loved the little chat with the teacher too. I love that he knew Aubrey took the rat.

and wow, I love the art projects going and how good Aubrey is doing

but it still feels like something bad is about to happen (hide spoiler)]

Through Fall / 65 chapters / 370 pages

(view spoiler)[
well, I'm glad she and Jam seem to have made it out through even though they aren't together

and I'm so glad she got Aubrey out of that situation and that they are going to go hiking! WOW! I can't imagine making that choice but I love that they have!

and yes, they have got to get out from under that house!

also Bee and Hans is adorable! I still don't love Eddie (hide spoiler)]

and done

this one had a great ending too
(view spoiler)[ awe, I love that they were off going for that hike.
I was also glad that Freya seemed to be finally letting go of trying to understand or get her mother and father to have loved her more

and I love that she finally pushed back on Steena, to get her to sign those papers. but she also left Bee with all the information to tank Charlie. What a horrible thing they did to those home owners.

and I love the idea that she went and opened a cafe! so cute (hide spoiler)]

Through Ch. 15

(view spoiler)[I totally agree with you, Trisha! One thing though is even though it's sad what Aubrey's been through and having her "found family," I think it's good that she's found Freya and the community over her toxic biological connections, you know?

I thought Jam's name was going to be Jamie, not Ben-JAM-in lol but I like him so far, but I think he's an addict. I'm sad that he isn't as much into his piano and that it's in a "spidery basement." A baby grand? Ugh...so sad. And Hans, I like him too. I think he seems like a good support system for Freya. (hide spoiler)]

Through Winter / 29 Chapters

(view spoiler)[I know what you mean about Steena, but she is MEAN so I think I'd still be scared too or at least very intimidated by her. I don't like her AT ALL! Having to hide in the closet from her...poor Freya that she's that scared of her! What's REALLY sad is that Freya still wants Steena's acceptance. And I agree...EFF OFF, STEENA!!!

Can you imagine Steena being your mother? No wonder Freya took over Aubrey's care like she did.

Oh, and I really like Dr. Singh and how accommodating he was to take care of Freya's injury. But it's sad that now he's doing laundry when he has doctoring skills! (hide spoiler)]

Through Spring / 41 chapters / 270 pages

(view spoiler)[ I know! Such a despicable "mother"! if you can call her that! And Charlie is a PIG and a JERK! Obviously, at 15 (I think she said) she was too young and scared to say no because she didn't really fully know what was going on and what to do. Makes me sick men like that!

I love Jam too. I hope he goes unscathed but with him getting high still I don't know. Guess we'll see.

I can't fathom a mother saying the things to me like Steen said to Aubrey. She's just so freaking hateful and has been like that to Freya too. What's wrong with her? Ugh (hide spoiler)]

Through Summer / 49 chapters / 310 pages

(view spoiler)[I must've missed something if Eddie is tied to a wife or ex. But I like him a lot. I'm happy that it appears that Freya is finally getting some love from a good person so there better not be something bad going to happen or at least not with him! I'm with you though...Jam is really my favorite.

$12,000!!! I think I'd kill myself or at least think about it. lol

It's moving in the right direction. I was happy to hear Jam doing some piano again and making up a song. (hide spoiler)]

Finished

(view spoiler)[Yes, the ending left us on a positive note. I was totally surprised that both Steena and Charlie signed the papers. Good job, Freya! I was happy that she and Jam had S-E-X (as she put it).

It was good to see her stand up for her and Aubrey's rights. Just a great overall ending. :) (hide spoiler)]