Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Review for The Favorite Daughter by Patti Callahan Henry



Paperback, 368 pages
Expected publication: June 4th 2019 by Berkley Books


From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop at Water's End, here is a lush, heart-wrenching novel about the power of memory, the meaning of family, and learning to forgive. 

Ten years ago, Lena Donohue experienced a wedding-day betrayal so painful that she fled the small town of Watersend, South Carolina, and reinvented herself in New York City. Though now a freelance travel writer, the one place she rarely goes is home--until she learns of her dad's failing health.

Returning to Watersend means seeing the sister she has avoided for a decade and the brother who runs the family's Irish pub and has borne the burden of his sisters' rift. While Alzheimer's slowly steals their father's memories, the siblings rush to preserve his life in stories and in photographs. As his secret past brings Lena's own childhood into focus, it sends her on a journey to discover the true meaning of home. 

My Thoughts…

So many secrets, so much family drama, and so much love.    The Donahue Family has had its ups and downs but somehow when the going gets tough they come back together.   While I hate the reason that Lena ran to New York City, I love how she never totally closed her heart off to her family and when she is needed at home she heads back to help her dad out.   

The relationship between Lena and her sister was horrible.  I wanted them to make up, to be best friends again, and to be sisters but I did understand why it wouldn’t happen easily.   Lena didn’t forget but she was working on the forgiving part, if only for the sake of her dad and brother.    I liked that her brother didn’t push them too hard but gave them gentle pushes towards each other that helped them start to mend the broken bridge.  

I love this book.  It is perfect for a summer night, a book club, or just about any time.   The Favorite Daughter is a must-read. 

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About the author
Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times bestselling author whose novels include The Bookshop at Water's EndThe Idea of LoveDriftwood SummerThe Art of Keeping Secrets, and Between the Tides.




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