A Family of Strangers: A Novel

A Family of Strangers by Emilie Richards I ended up really liking this book, At first I wondered if I would be able to wade through nearly five hundred pages and what there could be to write about BUT it all flowed easily and was a delight to read. Ryan Rose Gracey receives an unexpected call for help from her older sister. Being on a break between true crime podcast seasons she is available to go take care of her sister’s daughters until her sister returns. It is a bit of a daunting task since she doesn’t know the six and eight year old and they, at first, are not easy. As she begins to research the situation that her sister mentioned in the phone call she unearths a number of secrets and stumbles on some mysteries. While her sister stays away from home Ryan becomes invested in her nieces, rekindles a relationship that ended four years previously and gets to know her family in an entirely new light. This is a complex, well-plotted, intense story that kept me invested from beginning to end. If there is anything I might have liked that was not in the book is an epilogue...I would love to know how the characters fare a few years in the future. What I liked: * Ryan Rose’s tenacity and big heart * Teo Santiago – what a wonderful book boyfriend he was * Sophie – the woman that works with Ryan, is her sounding board and good friend * The Gracey parents – they grew on me as the story unfolded * Noelle and Holly – I loved them, felt for them and hoped their lives would all work out eventually * The relationship between Ryan and Teo * Bismark – Biz was a WONDERFUL dog! What I did not like: * The secrets kept within the family * The evil person I was meant to dislike Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more by this author? Yes Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

This may be the first book I’ve read by Emilie Richards, but it definitely won’t be my last. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, that’s how much I loved this book. This book has so much suspense and of course some romance. I really enjoyed reading about Ryan Gracey and her second chance with Mateo Santiago. Ryan returns to Seabank at the request of her sister, Wendy. Wendy needs to disappear, so she’s not arrested for murder. Mom has to take care of dad, he just had heart surgery, so Ryan is needed to take care of her two nieces, Holly and Noelle. I’m not going to leave any spoilers because I think everyone should read this amazing book. There are so many secrets that are revealed, you’ll be flipping the pages to see what happens next. I can’t wait to read many more books from this author. I’ve got twelve waiting on my kindle app, lol. I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Book Review for A Family of Strangers by Emilie Richards This is a book that is so engaging and makes one think about how well we know or think we know our own families and friends. I have read most of what Emilie Richards has written over the years but this book is her deepest one yet. I was amazed at all the twists and turns. This is not just a women's book...I know men would find it riveting also.