I didn't know this book was going to be so political. Too political, although I do like the messages she was trying to get across. I like when a plot centers around social media for some reason. Perhaps because it is relatively new. This particular book shows a horrible use of social media - a young girl is the victim of an inappropriate photo spread throughout a private high school. The story is told from the girl as well as her father, but the main POV is the mother of the boy who took the photo. The story is more character study, and goes deeply into the differences of the rich and lower or middle classes; and the differences between men and women. I really enjoyed the story, it kept my interest from beginning to end, and I was satisfied with the ending.

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion. The cover was usual for this author, but the blurb and sneak peak caught my eye on this one. This author is known for her usually sentimental stories and this one did not disappoint.

This is one of those books that stay with you quite awhile after reading and just warms the heart. Nina and Kirk have had almost twenty years together when there son Finch get's in trouble for taking a picture of a passed out girl with a racial slur tag. Nina and Kirk have different positions on how their son will process this horrible thing which make the ordeal harrowing. Nina has a hard time with her son's behavior calling it an atrocity, she feels partly responsible and feels there lifestyle plays a big part. Kirk feels it's a boy's right of passage, and that all boys do this stuff.

The author does an amazing job of opening up both sides, and what happens to the young girl in the picture. The book takes a good look at the horrors of social media and the damage it can do to young people. I'm not sure if the parents involved helped or hurt the kids involved with their involvement. Layla just seems to want her dad to not intervene and let her handle it. Which after all is said and done is really what should have happened. All we ever wanted is a story of what parents want there children to be, safe, sane, and happy. Four huge stars of entertainment!

Beautifully written, this is women’s fiction at its best. Ms. Griffin weaves a story of wealth and privilege, and how it can affect so many lives. The story takes place in Nashville where one family is surrounded by wealth and all its trappings, and one family lives simply. They are brought together when their teenage children become involved with each other. Although mostly told from Nina’s perspective as the wife and mother of the privileged, she did not grow up with money and does not like what she is seeing in her teenage son. It is a complex, layered story told from several points of view! Think it will be a great audiobook also.

A compelling tale of two families who are thrown together due to a mistake. . . or was it? Nina has everything she could ever want; a husband, a son, and more money than she needs. When her son takes a picture of Lyla in a compromising situation and captions it with something horrible, she realizes that her perfect life isn't as wonderful as she thought. Her husband and son act like he didn't do anything wrong, but she sees it differently. Can she break through to her family or will she have to make the toughest decision of her life and end her marriage?
Tom, is Lyla's dad and he us livid by what happens. She doesn't want him to do anything, but he does anyway. He hates Kirk, Nina's husband and believes she is just as bad, until he realizes that Nina is on his and Kyle's side. Will Lyla get the justice she deserves our well money talk?
This author had me questioning if Finn was guilty or if he was covering for someone else. I cried toward the end when Finn's ex, Polly, was brought into the story a little more. I was a little disappointed by the ending, I was hoping for a little more closure. I would be interested in reading more about these characters.

Excellent book!! Five Amazing Stars!!!!!!!!! 
First I'd like to start off by saying I love Emily Giffin's books. This in no way shapes my review, I take each book individually. Having said that, she not only nails it with this book, she knocks it way out of the park!!!!

As parents, all we ever want is the best for our children. We hope our parenting will influence, mold and shape them to be the best versions of their self they can be. We aspire to provide a good life for them while still teaching morals and integrity. And as a parent you want to protect your child from the evils lurking behind every corner (or in the case of this book, every camera phone). But what if all that backfires? What if you try your best but your children don't grow up to be the men or women you envisioned? As a parent, how do you handle that? Do you keep shielding your kids from the evils or force them to face justice? 

These are just a few of the issues at the center of this extremely relevant and thought provoking book. Emily Griffins beautifully weaves the challenges kids are faced with today with peer pressure, teenage drinking, sexual activity, suicide and the added layer of social media with how parents deal with this bundle to help their kids safely navigate that deadly minefield. This isn't just a masterful storyline. Emily Griffin has taken very real problems our youth are facing today and written a book we can all learn from, or at least start having some genuine conversations with our kids.

As a young adult, read this book. You will probably be able to relate to it more than you realize. As a parent, read this book. This is the world we live in today with smart phones and social media. It's time we change the context of how we teach our kids to view someone's self worth and the world and consequences for their actions. As someone looking for a good book to read, pick this one up. You will not be disappointed!!!

My thanks to Emily Giffin and Ballentine Books at Random House Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All  We Ever Wanted, by Emily Giffin, left an odd, unsettled feeling with me. I was ready to like this book, a lot. I had not read anything by this author before, but she comes so highly regarded. Emily Giffin writes a good story in All We Ever Wanted, with a rhythm and flow that makes for a quick, effortless read. The plot and the topic are immediately engaging, so I was disconcerted by my feelings as I worked toward the climax of the book.

Instead, of feeling satisfied, All We Ever Wanted left me with a vague sense of unease and frustration.  Frankly, the author misses many opportunities to provide depth of character and shine a light on the troubling and potentially lasting impact of the central event of the story. Instead, we skim over the entire event and aftermath without ever really knowing the characters or understanding their motivation and actions.  The aggressor does what does he because he can. He's entitled. The victim reacts the way she does because she really wants to be liked. The story unfolds from the perspective of several characters, and the real or perceived impact of one particularly offensive night of high school interactions. Lyla and Finch are the high schoolers. Nina, Finch’s mother and Tom, Lyla’s father, are the parents who deal with the fall out of the actions of these young adults. 

Lyla
Lyla is an attractive young Anglo/Hispanic high schooler. Her mother makes occasional appearances, talks infrequently with Lyla, but is not a parenting influence. Tom is parenting for two. Lyla is smart; bright enough to get a scholarship to a tony private academy with an astronomical tuition. There she exists primarily as an outsider or novelty to the wealthy, privileged students she encounters. One particular boy has her eye, and she thinks she might have a chance with him. Hence the act of  sneaking out to meet him at a party.

Finch
Finch is the ultra wealthy son of Nashville’s elite, with the car, the polished good looks,  the educational advantages and the attitude to back it up. The night of the party a photo is sent from Finch’s phone which sets off a firestorm.  Finch’s parents are receiving yet another award for the obligatory charitable good works check writing, when the scandal erupts.  Finch bats his eyes and "feels bad," but ultimately does not take responsibility.

Nina
Nina is a small town, middle class mom who’s done a good job of forgetting her common folk roots as she maintains her lifestyle as the wife of a wealthy scion. Her major accomplishments over two decades of marriage and parenting are staying thin and decorating her home beautifully. She loves Finch, but from the outset of the book seems to maintain an air of ambivalence about most facets of her life.  The shocking incident  between Lyla and Finch triggers Nina's tepid emotional awakening.

Tom
Tom is the character who displays some amount of depth and more humanity than the others. He’s raising Lyla on his own, and his frustration and uncertainty are evident. In keeping with the stereotypical portrayal of the main characters, Tom works with his hands as a carpenter, very much the common man to Nina’s wealthy lady of privilege. Tom guides Lyla through the aftermath of the traumatic event as best he can. 

Opinion
Lyla and Finch’s lives intersect painfully in one evening of drunken interaction involving a cell phone. One would expect lasting consequences for both, but the entire aftermath seems contrived and almost unbelievable. Why would the victim in this case want to go out with the perpetrator the next weekend? Why would the parents of both think this is a good idea? Who’s telling the truth, who’s lying and who will suffer any consequences?  The author weaves important themes into the storyline, including date rape, digital exploitation, racism, virginity, suicide and feelings of belonging. However, the overall impression is one of ambiguity and equivocation. The story line is extremely relevant to today’s cultural conditions, but there are very few teachable moments. 

The lack of concern and emotion displayed by the teens, both victim and aggressor, is distressing. If I as the reader is more troubled by the incident and aftermath than the characters, it appears the writer missed her mark. With that being said, the story someone manages to have a “happy ending.” The adults become friends, and the teens appear to shrug off the incident and any lasting consequences or effects, and all go on with their lives. I just couldn’t buy it.

In conclusion, I will read another Emily Giffin book to see if All We Ever Wanted is an anomaly. I am hopeful! Any recommendations for the next Emily Giffin?

Many thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest, unbiased review.

The teenage years! Can you ever forget them? No matter how old you are you can flashback to those years with trepidation and the thought that god I am glad those are over. It is a time of so much that is unsure, the feelings, the emotions, the constant knowing that it always seemed as if your life was spiraling out of control. The arguments, the searching for control....yes, the teenage years were often hell, but they were also exciting as you discovered yourself, your needs, and of course the people who you loved, your first crush, the dates, the hanging out, the proms, the joy of being alive where every emotion was tingling always and life stretched out in infinite minutes.

Nina Browing has it all. She is married to a very wealthy man, has oodles of money, a fabulous house, and a son she adores. Her husband is ever so successful, a bit of a snob (well maybe more than a bit) but it is her son, Finch, where her love and adoration lies. He has been accepted to Princeton and life look very sweet for this golden boy but then....

Lyla Volpe lives with her dad. They are not even close to being in the socioeconomic stratosphere which the Brownings and others of their ilk exists and yet, Lyla attends on scholarship the prestigious academy where Finch is a senior to her sophomore status. They attend a party, unsupervised by adults and drink and then a picture is taken of Lyla that will eventually open up all the prejudices, some of them racially motivated and a series of lies that lead Nina in search of who she is married to and what her son is becoming.

This was a well developed story that pointed ever so well to what can and does happen when teenagers drink and think nothing of the consequences of their actions. It is a story of how privilege often gets in the way of what is right and how the brains and actions of teens can often prove a major downfall to themselves, their families and those who surround them. It is a story of young attractions, of social media and its sometimes harrowing effect on our teens, and how is it possible to be responsible parents when life surrounds our teens with all its allure and it very many pitfalls.

"I think the hardest part about being a teenager is dealing with other teenagers - the criticism and the ridicule, the gossip and rumors." (Beverley Mitchell) Who among us has not had to deal with this? Welcome to the teenage years. You get seven. Use them wisely.

Thank you to Emily Griffin, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this important book.

So often we look at the horrors occurring in our culture and think "my child would NEVER do X, Y, Z," but this novel explodes that naive belief and investigates the aftermath of teenagers making adult decisions.

This book explores our culture's morality through shifting perspectives from the characters and the complicated lens of wealth, privilege, and sexism. You will race through this novel to find out which truth the characters will embrace.

This novel was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Giffin proves what a perceptive author she is with her latest novel, All We Ever Wanted. Nina and Kirk Browning are extremely wealthy and living an extravagant lifestyle in Nashville. Their only child is Finch, a spoiled 18 year old who drives to private school in his own Mercedes. The Browning's are celebrating Finch's admittance to Princeton while in a less affluent area of Nashville another family is very distraught. Tom is a single parent to 16 year old Lyla. Lyla attends school with Finch and has a major crush on him. Tom is stunned to discover a lewd photo of Lyla that was taken at a party and circulated widely via text message. The photo also includes a racist comment. Finch is accused of the crime. Kirk tries to protect his son at all costs, but Nina is the brave parent. She meets with Tom and Lyla and is moved by their encounters. She takes a deep look at her husband and son and their family values. Although this story is familiar, Giffin's character's provide a unique twist. All We Ever Wanted is a fascinating novel with a strong message.

It has been a while since I've read an Emily Giffin novel and was glad to be reminded of her lovely, honest, heartfelt story telling in women's fiction. This particular book was, to me, one of second chances told from three different points of view; two parents and a child. Second chances for three different people who have all made choices for which they are not proud. It was particularly poignant to read as it's also a coming of age story for the teenage girl who holds a point of view. Having a daughter knocking on the door of teenager'dom some of the aspects Giffin deals with in our world of constantly changing technology and the various ways teenagers use it really hit home for me.

There's a lot at stake at this time in a teens life, not only for said teenager but for parents too. So much information is publicized during a time that's already so critical for adolescents it's confounding as a parent on how to navigate. What Giffin has done with All We Ever Wanted, quite boldly and brilliantly I might add, reminds those of us who are compassionate what's really important in the grand scheme of things: kindness, recognition of self worth, healthy relationships, and strong morals. Fostering the beauty in our relationships no matter the circumstances. This author reminds us of the cruelty of others while also showing how that gets convoluted with the novelty of flashy things. Giffin's empathy shining through this story is what made it that much better for me and kept me ensconced. Through the trials of these three characters I was rooted in love (although it was hidden sometimes), forgiveness, kindness, and understanding. I felt like a confused parent; judged and worried. I felt like a triumphant one; confident and compassionate.

In some areas I felt some unneeded detail or action and I also found the conflict rising and resolution overly detailed it didn't take detract from the overall experience. I do wish a few things would have been tied up a little more specifically but I also think that's my readers preference. I wouldn't call this story my favorite story I've ever read but I do wholly appreciate how it made me feel and strengthened my own view on raising a teenage girl. It's a story I won't soon forget. The joy of reading this book came from those emotions mentioned above Giffin so eloquently elicits. From this unique book and how she chose to tell this story from the multiple points of view, comes a great story that anyone who is a fan of women's fiction will relate to and appreciate.

As always, Emily Giffin delivers. The story kept me hooked and the crises that the characters were going through felt real. It made me question what I would do in the same type of situation, which made the novel all the more impactful. Obviously the book has good timing with what is taking place with current events, but I think the way that the author presented the issue makes one think about it in a new light - it frames the act in a way that I don't think many people consider to be possible. My only complaint is that I felt like it ended abruptly. I don't know if this is to make room for a second book or not, but I felt like the ending needed more.

Do you love First Comes Love, Something Borrowed or anything Emily Giffin? Then pick up this book ASAP! I am a sucker for a good girlie, light, fun read. However, Emily Giffin takes it up a notch in All We Ever Wanted, where she addresses the very timely issues of rape culture, social media, bullying and sexism.

Living in Nashville, Nina Browning appears to have the perfect life – perfect house, perfect husband and perfect son just accepted into Princeton. However, everything is turned upside down when a picture her son allegedly snapped at a party goes viral. Tom Volpe is from the other side of the tracks – he is a contractor and part-time Uber driver whose daughter, Lyla, is on a scholarship at the same high school as Nina’s son (and is the subject of his photo).

The photo in question forces Nina, Tom and Lyla to take a look at their lives, choices and values. They must also make some difficult and, at times, unpopular decisions.

I absolutely loved this book – you can ask Pasquale, I could not put it down. I flew through the pages and could not wait to see what happened next. There is deceit, drama, scandal, love, friendship and romance. It has all the makings of an amazing story! Highly recommend you pick this one up as soon as it is released on tomorrow, June 26 (Pasquale’s Birthday)!

Verdict: Read it! NOW! (5/5 stars)
Length: 400 pages
When: You love Emily Giffin books!
Quote: “I just can’t believe it. What’s happening now… And yet I do. Because sometimes you can’t see the things that are closest to you.”
Also Read: Anything and everything Emily Giffin: Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof… literally cannot go wrong!

As a parent of a 12 year old son that seems to be growing quicker than I'd like him to be I found this book to be quite terrifying. We all want to believe our children are thoughtful, empathetic, and responsible beings but that's not always the case and sometimes our children are going to disappoint us.

The entire time I was reading this novel I couldn't help but think "What would I do?" My emotions really went through the ringer with this one. I was angry, I was frustrated, I was sad, yet I was hopeful throughout.

Nina & Kirk have it all including an 18 year old son, Finch, who has recently been accepted to Princeton. They are beaming with pride for their son when the horrific happens. Their son is accused of taking a picture of a girl, exposed, while passed out at a party captioned with a racist comment. He then sends it to a couple of buddies who then send it to a couple of buddies until guess what? It's everywhere.

Lyla is the girl in the picture. She is the bi-racial daughter of single dad Tom. Tom is understandably furious while Lyla just wants it all to go away. She is embarrassed and doesn't want her entire education at Windsor Academy put at risk.

From here we follow along with alternating chapters between Nina, Lyla, and Tom and I have to say I was absolutely enthralled to see how this all played out. This book is not only topical but important. A must read, indeed!

Thank you to NetGalley & BookishFirst (giveaway win) for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have read several books by Emily Giffin, so when I received an advance copy of All We Ever Wanted I was thrilled. And this book did not disappoint. Though sometimes I feel as if multiple viewpoint stories are over used, that style worked very well for this story.

Told through the perspectives of Nina Browning, Tom Volpe, and Lyla Volpe we see the story of one drunken night among teenagers and one unfortunate photo taken.and its after effects unfold in this book. I spent most of the story wondering who to trust and whose version of the story was correct. I couldn't put this book down. The characters were well written and by the end I had my favorites.

This is a very relevant story in our digital age. One photo and one situation can spread like wildfire and have far reaching consequences. It goes to show nothing is truly private on the internet.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. If you have a chance to get your hands on it, read it. Perfect summer read!

I’m a huge fan of Emily Giffin, when she has a new book out I don’t hesitate to add to my TBR without reading the description, I always know I’ll like whatever she releases. While Something Borrowed and Something Blue will always be my firm favorites, AWEW has now landed itself a spot next to them, this was insanely good you guys!

This is told from several perspectives; Nina mother of Finch who is accused of snapping a wildly inappropriate picture of another narrator, Lyla and then you also hear from her father, Tom. I always admire an author who can not only write about timely, important issues in a relatable manner, but when they can give each character a strong and distinct voice, I’m seriously impressed. In a culture where sexual assault/harassment victims are banding together to be heard, the plot of this one could not be more relevant. I related the most to Nina, a mother who is just doing her best each and every single day who finds out that her best still may have not been enough to teach her son how to be the type of man she can be proud of.

Book clubs should go right ahead and make this your next choice, the discussion topics are endless and I would venture to guess that anyone could find at least one aspect they could relate to. Giffin explores parenthood, marriage, moral choices and how said choices can impact your life in extreme ways and so, so much more. This had a slightly darker edge than her previous work, but for me it made it all the better.

All We Ever Wanted in three words: Relevant, Thoughtful and Absorbing.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Emily Giffin for the opportunity to read her latest book - 5 stars! I've always enjoyed Giffin's books before but this one takes a turn towards the more serious side of core values, class issues, and social media - very current in this #metoo climate.

Nina is living large in Nashville - she married Kirk who sold his tech company and is now uber-wealthy. They enjoy galas, philanthropy, and want for nothing. As does their son, Finch, a senior at Windsor, in an elite private high school, driving his own Mercedes SUV, and headed for Princeton. However, one night causes her to change her views on her world and those in it.

Tom is living on the other side of the river in Nashville, a single dad raising Lyla alone after her mother took off. A carpenter who makes extra money driving for Uber, Tom is thrilled with Lyla gets an academic scholarship to attend Windsor.

One drunken night and photograph from a party changes all their worlds. What would we do for our children? Are we teaching them the right things?

Great story - this would be a great book club selection especially for those raising teenagers. Highly recommended!

Emily Giffin’s new novel All We Ever Wanted is an emotionally charged drama that deals with the wide ranging fallout from a party gone wrong. The story follows Lyla Volpe, a young woman, who through hard work and good grades, has earned herself a spot at the prestigious Windsor Academy. Because her family is not wealthy like most of the other families who have kids there, Lyla often feels she doesn’t quite fit in Overall, she’s happy but does wish that she fit in better socially with her classmates. When the opportunity to attend a big party where the boy she has a crush on is sure to be, Lyla is immediately on board. Things go south at the party though, when after having too much to drink, Lyla passes out on someone’s bed and a sexually explicit photo is taken of her, and along with a completely racist caption, is passed around on social media.

Finch Browning, who is actually the boy Lyla had a crush on, is the one who is accused of taking the photo, putting the racist caption on it, and sharing it with his friends. When Finch’s parents find out, they are understandably upset, although for very different reasons. Finch’s dad is worried that Finch’s acceptance to Princeton will be revoked if this incident goes on his school record, while Finch’s mother is appalled because what does it say about her as a parent if Finch really did do this and has so little respect for women. Add Lyla’s father, Tom, into the mix, who would probably really just like to murder Finch for messing with his little girl, or at minimum, get him kicked out of school, and you have a recipe for contentious encounters and a highly emotional and dramatic read.

What I enjoyed most about All We Ever Wanted is how realistic and relatable the overall plot of the story is. In this day and age of social media obsession, what happens to Lyla is pretty much every parent’s nightmare, whether you’re the parent of the girl in the photo or the parent of the boy who is accused of taking the photo and sharing it with all of his buddies. I could easily see what happened with these students happening at pretty much any party in any community.

Not only was the situation itself realistically portrayed and relatable, but the characters were drawn equally realistically as well, especially Tom and Nina. As a parent myself, I thought that every parent involved reacted as I expected they would. Lyla’s father wants to protect his daughter at all costs and make those responsible for humiliating her pay, while Finch’s mother, although she of course loves her son and wants to protect him, knows that he also needs to face the consequences for his actions. The reactions were dramatic and often messy, but they manage to be that way without falling into the melodramatic, soap opera category, mainly because it was just so easy to understand where each of them were coming from with their reactions. I felt the same about Lyla, who is torn between wanting to make someone pay and wanting to just forget that it even happened and move on with her life.

I also found All We Ever Wanted to be a powerful read in the sense that in addition to exploring all of the fallout from the actual incident at the party, it also exposes and explores a lot of other important and sometimes ugly issues: racism and prejudice, slut shaming and victim blaming, white privilege, and elitism. It even exposes those ugly people that we all know who thrive on other people’s problems because those problems make for good gossip.

Although I think the story would have been engaging no matter how it was presented to the reader, I really liked that Giffin has the story unfold from the perspective of three narrators: Lyla; her father, Tom; and Finch’s mom, Nina. I felt like this approach added so many layers to the story that we might otherwise not have gotten if the story had come from – say, Finch—instead. This way, we don’t hear from Finch so whether or not he actually did take the photo remains a mystery for much of the book. Instead, however, we are presented with some backstory of each of the other main characters, which further fleshes out their motivations for why they act the way they do upon learning about the photo incident. The incident dredges up a lot of painful experiences from the past and causes both Nina and Tom to really start to question themselves, past choices they’ve made, and whether the lives they are currently living are even what they want anymore. So, in this sense, the story is so much more than just the incident at the party and whether or not someone is going to be punished for it.

My only dislike, and I’m pretty sure we’re meant to dislike him, is Finch’s father. He was arrogant, obnoxious, and although I did appreciate that he didn’t want to see his son’s future destroyed by a single lapse in judgment, I still found it appalling that he thought he could just throw money at a problem and make it go away. He had no interest whatsoever in imposing any kind of real punishment on his son to teach him a lesson and he had equally no concern for Lyla who was the real victim in the whole incident. He was just a horrible person and I felt my blood pressure rise every time he appeared in the book.

This was my first time reading one of Emily Giffin’s novels and I have to say it was just overall a very enjoyable read. Giffin’s effortless writing style, along with such relatable characters and scenarios, made me breeze right through the story eager to find out how all of the characters would fare in the end. I look forward to going back and trying some of Giffin’s earlier novels now that I’ve gotten my first taste of them.

I really enjoyed this book. It was so reflective of societal issues right now. I couldn’t put the book down. I needed to know what happened. Who was lying? Enjoyable!

I’ve read all of Emily Giffin’s books, although I must admit I wasn’t a huge fan of the last couple, and was starting to reconsider whether I was still the fan I once was. This book has made me reconsider — I thought it was extremely well done. It’s a “ripped out of the headlines” book involving teenagers and a sex photo distributed to the rest of an exclusive private school, and the parents of the two teenagers’ response to the situation. It tackles some difficult issues, and at first, I expected that they would be handled in a clichéd way.

But Giffin really is careful to develop the characters and the plot in a way that was unexpectedly nuanced and sensitive — Nina and Lyla in particular. I wanted to find out what would happen next, because I couldn’t always predict what that would be. In spite of a very well-done resolution/epilogue, I still didn’t want to let go of this one.

I think it might be Giffin’s best book yet, and I have liked several of hers. She’s become a considerably more skilled author, and hasn’t tried to extend herself by straying far from what her fans expect. (No sudden pivots to suspense or YA, for example). If you like her already, then I expect you’ll love this. And if you don’t, thinking you know what kind of author she is, then this one might just surprise you.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I have yet to find a Emily Giffin book that I have not enjoyed. I love her writing style and I love the subjects that she writes about.

This book is about Nina, a small town girl that married Kirk, a man from old money who sold his tech business making a fortune. Their son Finch has just been accepted into Princeton and they seem to be the perfect family.

The other protagonist, Tom, is a single father trying to raise his headstrong daughter Lyla while barely making ends meet as a carpenter and doing odd jobs around town. Lyla doesn’t fit in with the rest of the kids at her upperclass elite school and having an overprotective father doesn’t help.

Then one picture taken at a party changes everything and the two families are thrown together in ways they never would have imagined.

This was a great book and I’m thankful to Random House Publishing Group for sending me a copy for my review.