This book delved deep into uncharted territories for me as a reader, given my unfamiliarity with the author's work. What unfolded was a rich tapestry of familial dysfunction, intricately woven into a character-driven narrative that held me spellbound from start to finish. Amy Jo Burns masterfully unraveled the complexities of each character, leaving me eager to understand their motivations and the forces that shaped them.
The story begins with Marley, a teenage newcomer to the town of Mercury, accompanied by her mother Ruth. Marley's swift entanglement with Baylor Joseph grants her a coveted place at the Joseph family dinner table, introducing her to a world dominated by the enigmatic Joseph clan—comprised of brothers Baylor, Waylon, and Shay, under the watchful eye of parents Mick and Elise. Amidst the backdrop of the Joseph men's roofing business and Elise's relentless pursuit of family prestige, a web of secrets begins to unfurl.
As the narrative unfolds, we are drawn into the tangled web of the Joseph family's hidden truths. Marley, despite Elise's apparent disdain, finds herself inexorably intertwined with the Josephs, raising questions about her choices and the nature of her relationships with each brother. Is there a right or wrong choice among them? Could Marley's influence over Shay surpass even that of his own mother? And what compels the unwavering loyalty between the Joseph brothers?
In its unapologetic grittiness and raw emotional depth, this tale held me captive from its opening lines to its poignant conclusion. The characters breathed life into every page, their complexities and struggles resonating long after I turned the final page. For those who relish intricately crafted, character-driven narratives, this book is a must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend delving into this story and eagerly anticipate exploring more of Amy Jo Burns' work in the future.
The story begins with Marley, a teenage newcomer to the town of Mercury, accompanied by her mother Ruth. Marley's swift entanglement with Baylor Joseph grants her a coveted place at the Joseph family dinner table, introducing her to a world dominated by the enigmatic Joseph clan—comprised of brothers Baylor, Waylon, and Shay, under the watchful eye of parents Mick and Elise. Amidst the backdrop of the Joseph men's roofing business and Elise's relentless pursuit of family prestige, a web of secrets begins to unfurl.
As the narrative unfolds, we are drawn into the tangled web of the Joseph family's hidden truths. Marley, despite Elise's apparent disdain, finds herself inexorably intertwined with the Josephs, raising questions about her choices and the nature of her relationships with each brother. Is there a right or wrong choice among them? Could Marley's influence over Shay surpass even that of his own mother? And what compels the unwavering loyalty between the Joseph brothers?
In its unapologetic grittiness and raw emotional depth, this tale held me captive from its opening lines to its poignant conclusion. The characters breathed life into every page, their complexities and struggles resonating long after I turned the final page. For those who relish intricately crafted, character-driven narratives, this book is a must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend delving into this story and eagerly anticipate exploring more of Amy Jo Burns' work in the future.