I don't know where to start as honestly what I kept thinking of while reading this great book was "And this almost didn't make it to print? How sad that would have been!" As with most industries, book publishing is no different and I knew of the hoops Barbara's agent jumped through for this book when plans changed for its publishing. And what happened? Her best book so far is doing awesome!

So, back to the book... if you'd have told me in the beginning of the book that I'd fall in love with Felix Fitzwilliam, I'd have said you were crazy. But Barbara has a way of peeling back the thin layers of her characters little by little so that as time goes on, we understand why they have molded into the person they are.

We all have our own "quirks" in our personalities, but once you understand Felix, you can't help but love him, along with so many other quirky characters in this story. It is a great insight to family dynamics, our expectations of others and ourselves, and overcoming insecurities. ( )

3.5 stars

This is the story of a family in crisis. The son has turrets and ADHD. The mother makes him her entire life. She ends up so stressed she has a heart attack. The father is obsessed with working to provide for his family and being perfect. He has some issues of his own mentally as in needing things perfect. It's great at giving perspective if you don't have experience with these neurodiversities. Also, the mother and father do not have good communication skills with each other. All members of the family don't address issues, and ignoring them makes them worse and leads to compounding problems. They all love each other but no one really knows how the other feels. It's a great example of being honest and open with the people you love. I enjoyed it. ( )

A nice easy read with likeable characters and a good storyline ( )

Full-time mother Ella devotes all her time to caring for and protecting Harry, her son with Tourette's and ADHD. Husband and father Felix spends all his time working. When Ella has a heart attack it turns their lives upside down. She can no longer care for Harry, Felix has to become a parent, and Harry worries about his mother while trying to impress his father and figure out his future.

The ending was not very well crafted at all. Some parts dragged on and on. ( )

Barbara Claypole White is the master at complex family relationships - and never moreso than in this beautifully real story. She tackles Tourette's syndrome and perfectionism, child abuse and physical failings with a delicate touch and fully rounded characters.

Sigh. Loved this book.
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