4 1/2 "xx" Stars...

It's hard to know exactly how to review You and Me and Us. Quite simply, it's a beautiful book about the parts of life that can be downright ugly. Ms. Hammer wrote a love story with multiple facets. It deals with not only the romantic love between a man and woman, but also the love between a father and his daughter, a mother and her daughter and the love present between close friends. It's loving someone else so much that you prioritize what is best for them ahead of what you want or need. Even in the midst of everything though, people are human and selfishness creeps in no matter how much we try to battle it. Sometimes, it blinds us to what the best options truly are in a certain situation because a person just can't see past their own personal desires.

"You'll always be his daughter, he'll always be your dad."

You and Me and Us deals with saying goodbye to the man who is the glue in the family. Tommy holds everything together. Alexis has relied on him for as long as she's known him because he always had her back. How will she move on without Tommy to smooth everything over for her and to keep things running well at home. Alexis and her daughter, Cece have anything but an ideal relationship. Cece has always been closer to Tommy. As Alexis and Cece prepare to say goodbye to Tommy and learn to live without him, they also have to learn to rely on and trust one another.

"I remember he told me that some things in life were worth sticking around for, and that things would be hard wherever I went. So he told me I should stay and work through the tough parts to get to the good ones."

You and Me and Us was a well-written women's fiction that chronicled the long goodbye to a loved one with cancer while helping the soon to be survivors figure out how to relate to one another again. There weren't any surprise twists and nothing catchy, it was just straight forward beautiful words that pulled you into this family's story. I was so engrossed that I really felt their anguish. Their time with Tommy was a blessing but at times it was also tortuous because they knew what was coming. The only mystery was when.

"I put the paper down - I don't need any help remembering the rest; it's the story of us."

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alison Hammer’s new novel You and Me and Us is the heartbreaking story of what happens to a family when a diagnosis of terminal cancer turns their lives upside down. Alexis and her teen daughter, CeCe, haven’t been close in years. The ad agency Alexis founded keeps her so busy that she’s rarely ever around and has missed many of her daughter’s important milestones. While Alexis and CeCe aren’t close, the opposite is true for CeCe and her dad, Tommy. Tommy is CeCe’s rock and has been there for everything her mom has missed and then some. Tommy is devoted to both Alexis and CeCe, and neither of them know what they would do without him. When Tommy, who has been nursing a nagging cough for months, finally confesses to his girls that he has cancer and only has a few months to live, they are understandably devastated but are determined to make the most of every moment they have left with him.

Oh my gosh, guys, this book is such an emotional journey! I loved that the author presents the story to us from the perspectives of both CeCe and Alexis. I thought it gave a very full picture of what each of them was feeling at every step along the way – the sadness, the anger and frustration at the situation, CeCe’s resentment of her mother, Alexis’ sorrow at having missed out on so much of her daughter’s life (and Tommy’s for that matter). The author also beautifully captured how fearful both Alexis and CeCe were of what life was going to be like once Tommy was gone. Would Alexis finally make CeCe a priority? Would CeCe actually let her mom back into her life? I felt like the range of emotions they were experiencing were portrayed very realistically, which made the story all the more heartbreaking and engrossing.

As sad as the story is, it also has some beautiful and uplifting moments that really help to balance and round out the story. I really did love watching Tommy interact with both CeCe and Alexis. He’s just such a wonderful guy and his bond with each of them was so special. I also loved the secondary cast of characters – friends who are there for both CeCe and Alexis as they get closer and closer to the end of Tommy’s life. I was also a huge fan of the ending, which although it had me in tears, it also left me with a smile on my face and hope in my heart. If books that pack an emotional punch are your thing, I highly recommend You and Me and Us. 4.5 STARS

Gah!!! Where to begin??

This would have been a brilliant story about a dysfunctional mother – daughter relationship all on its own, but in the face of a timer and loss of a loved one every emotion was elevated.

The strained relationship was so hard to read but I could feel both sides. You could feel the tension and you could feel the unspoken words.

And talking about things doesn’t always solve them, which was a huge factor in this story between Alexis and CeCe.

photo of book
Alongside the grief, CeCe is trying to find some normalcy, trying to dream about her future, navigate growing up, making friends, having dreams and boys. While she was frustrating at times she was a good kid and there was no lack of trying on her side either. Her perspective was interesting, it was a different love story to Alexis’, with her relationship with Tommy.

I truly empathized with Alexis as well. She was struggling with a lifetime of reflection, and bitterness to her future and her loss. Her relationship with Tommy was beautiful and oh how I cried on the couch.

Grief is such a tricky thing. There is no wrong or right way to experience it, and there was a range of coping strategies between the characters that clashed, but that was real for me. Things do not fit perfectly in life. I think Hammer did a fantastic job of handling this theme, and even though tears were shed, it was hard to put down this book.

Favorite Quotes:

Puppies. Rainbows. Kittens. Unicorns. Ice cream. I cycle through the list of things that should make me smile, just thinking about them. If I can fill my head with enough happy thoughts, maybe the sad ones will go away.

“Here’s to cheating, lying, stealing and drinking,” Tommy says, catching us all off guard. “Tommy.” I look over at Abigail and then back to him. “It’s okay,” he says, before continuing, “‘If you’re going to cheat, cheat death.’” He turns slightly in his chair to face Jill. “‘If you’re going to lie, lie for a friend.’” He turns back toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. “If you’re going to steal, steal a heart.” His gaze drifts over to Abigail, who meets his stare. “If you’re going to drink, drink with me.”

Like a living page of the “stars are just like us” magazine spread, Monica Whistler is standing in front of me, a prescription bag in her hand. If there is any justice in the world, I hope it’s for herpes.

I remember reading something once— if you have a boy, you only have to worry about one penis. If you have a girl, you have to worry about all the penises.

The house feels like a museum, each room an exhibit, a memory of us.


My Review:

This poignantly written and well-crafted book hit all the feels and even managed to astound me with the realization that this was the author’s debut. Alison Hammer has found her niche as she writes with a deft hand. Her words were cleverly arranged and pack an emotive punch that managed to squeeze my cold heart, stung my eyes, and wedged hot rocks in my throat several times. She also put a smirk on my face and had me grinding my teeth and stamping my little foot in irritation with the obnoxious behaviors and selfishness of the mother and daughter characters until their “aha moments” slapped them briskly in their matching faces. And they were in dire need of such stunning alterations, and being stubborn, they required repeated applications to chisel away at their thoughtless rigidity and blossom into softer and more pleasantly humanized amalgamations of themselves.

Although I initially had my doubts of their redeemability, I came to admire and even adore Ms. Hammer’s skill and agility with her characters’ development, which was beyond insightful and was richly perceptive and profoundly observant, with sensitive handling and thoughtful touches tucked in that added additional depth to the reading experience. This talented wordsmith is definitely one to watch and has been added to my list.

You know from the summary that this book will bring tears to your eyes because you know it's not going to be your typical happy ending. Alexis is a hard working wife and mother but her 14 year old daughter, CeCe doesn't see the hardworking, she just thinks her mom chooses work over their family. Luckily, Tommy doesn't mind being the keeper of the home and the CeCe whisperer.

Things change though when Tommy gets a terminal cancer diagnosis and Cece and her mother have to learn not only how to coexist but to learn to depend on each other. Tommy's last request is to spend one last summer in his hometown of Destin, Florida. Of course all of them are going through their own way of dealing what is coming while trying to be positive. It isn't all easy for Cece and Alexis as they learn their way around each other and how to relate.

This is definitely a character driven novel and while there are moments where I wanted Alexis to step up and wanted CeCe to grow up, I also understand what it's like to parent a 14 year old girl without these hellish circumstances.

Allison Hammer gets the nuances of family and how deep those threads go.

5 Stars for You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer!

I requested this book on Netgalley as something atypical of books I usually request. Most of you know I am happiest when I'm up to my earlobes in thrillers and suspense. Every few books, I like to spin the wheel and try something different.

You and Me and Us is one of those books that will set you back a bit. By that, I mean you find yourself slowly enjoying it rather than racing to the end. I'd say that if I recently lost a loved one to cancer, this book would probably wreck me in ways that only words can. On the flip side of that, Alison writes in such a way that you cannot imagine she would be able to without the story and the characters being real.

Tommy and Alexis are in their middle years, raising a teenage daughter and dealing with the juggling work, careers, life, and love like so many of us. Working late hours and rushing around to extra curricular activities and family obligations while trying to give ourselves 100% for work is a battle I relate to in a profound way. A terminal cancer diagnosis forces them to focus on what matters and deal the best they can with the time they have left.

I kept all of my emotions in check until the end, of course. I found myself openly weeping while cooking dinner at the inevitable ending. I highly recommend this one. I think Alison does a phenomenal job of communicating such powerful messages and experiences in so few pages. Unfortunately, death is one of those evergreen fabrics that weaves itself into the threads of all of our lives. I feel like I met some realistic characters and was deeply touched by the lives of Tommy, Alexis, and CeCe.

Thank you to @Netgalley, @harpercollins and @thishammer for the opportunity to get my hands on this one before the rest of the world. I think we're all a little more sensitive these days, it's the perfect time to read such a thought-provoking and lovely book. #readgoodbooks #5stars #bookreview #bookblog #bookstagram #readtoescape #coronareading #netgalley #harpercollins #readgoodbooks #loveawriter #readingismyjam #passionatelyread #lookingforareadingpartner #booksconnectus #readtoconnect #stayhomeandread

Alison Hammer created just the right amount of angst and drama and love between mom, Alexis. and daughter, CeCe. I know this because there were times I wanted to send CeCe to her room and tell Alexis to get a grip. I know this because I couldn't put this book down.

Throw in the best dad and partner ever, and you have a beautiful story.

You will cry. You will laugh. You will have your faith in humanity and family and love and friendship restored.

You and Me and Us is Ms. Hammer's debut. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for making this book available to me.

I started this book thinking “I’m only reading this because I need to review it” but now I’m already missing Alexis, Tommy, and CeCe upon finishing the book. I loved their story because it felt so real and so raw. I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved this book and I can’t wait to get a physical copy when it hits stores!

Publisher’s description: Alexis Gold knows how to put the “work” in working mom. It’s the “mom” part that she’s been struggling with lately. Since opening her own advertising agency three years ago, Alexis has all but given up on finding a good work/life balance. Instead, she’s handed over the household reins to her supportive, loving partner, Tommy. While he’s quick to say they divide and conquer, Alexis knows that Tommy does most of the heavy lifting—especially when it comes to their teenage daughter, CeCe.

Their world changes in an instant when Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, and Alexis realizes everything she’s worked relentlessly for doesn’t matter without him. So Alexis does what Tommy has done for her almost every day since they were twelve-year-old kids in Destin, Florida—she puts him first. And when the only thing Tommy wants is to spend one last summer together at “their” beach, she puts her career on hold to make it happen…even if it means putting her family within striking distance of Tommy’s ex, an actress CeCe idolizes.

But Alexis and Tommy aren’t the only ones whose lives have been turned inside out. In addition to dealing with the normal ups and downs that come with being a teenager, CeCe is also forced to confront her feelings about Tommy’s illness—and what will happen when the one person who’s always been there for her is gone. When the magic of first love brings a bright spot to her summer, CeCe is determined not to let her mother ruin that for her, too.

As CeCe’s behavior becomes more rebellious, Alexis realizes the only thing harder for her than losing Tommy will be convincing CeCe to give her one more chance.

************
Alison Hammer’s “You and Me and Us” feels like a heartbreakingly real story, told from the perspectives of Alexis (mom) and CeCe (daughter) while they navigate their last summer with Tommy. CeCe has always been a daddy’s girl, and Tommy, who works from home as a therapist, has been the parent CeCe gravitates to. She and Alexis clash more than they connect. But in this final summer with Tommy, they need to learn to be there for each other.

The description really tells the story. There are no surprises here, no twists and turns. The story is told through alternating chapters between Alexis and CeCe, with one thrown in by Tommy, although I don’t think it was necessary. This is a sweet read, and I found myself smiling at some of the interactions despite the sad back story.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This title will be available April 7, 2020.

Terminal illness and the struggles to deal with the upcoming loss of the person who has held them together as a family.

Alexis loves her job, her partner Tommy and their daughter, Cece.

Tommy is the loving understanding partner to Alexis, picking up the slack at home and being the primary parent to their daughter Cece.

Cece feels very connected to her dad and loves the safety and security he provides to her.

As Tommy illness gets worse he wants them to take the summer to spend time together in Destin, a place with many happy memories.

Alexis takes a break from her job, to tend to her family. Does Tommy have enough time to bridge the gap between Alexis and Cece? How will they continue on without Tommy?

I enjoyed this story because it touches your heart in showing the love we have for each other and how we can support and partner to help each other through. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finished the stories.

Thank you for my complimentary copy from Netgalley and thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is very emotional story about Alexis, the workaholic mom, Tommy, her partner and their teenage daughter Cece. Tommy has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has chosen not to seek treatment to prolong his life. We are able to see the perspectives of the three characters as the author alternates chapters with their voices and feelings throughout the book. Strong character development with honest feelings take us along on this family’s journey to the inevitable ending. #YouandMeandUs #AlisonHammer #NetGalley

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

This story is heartbreaking and beautiful. It is the story of a family, and how an illness can change them. It is a story of hope, and finding happiness in small moments.

Told between the alternating viewpoints of Alexis and her daughter Cece, this is an emotionally driven story of a mother and daughter faced with a tragedy that will either bring them closer together or create an irreparable rift in their relationship.

Tommy and his partner of 15 years,Alexis, have a dreamy relationship, despite never officially being married. They love each other immensely and it is obvious to everyone who knows them. Unfortunately, their daughter Cece doesn’t have the same connection with both of her parents. She adores her dad but resents her mother for always working and not being around for Cece and Tommy.

When the family is dealt some devastating news, Cece and Alexis must re-evaluate their feelings and priorities, because they will need each other’s love and support in the days ahead.

This book destroyed me in the best way. I went through the same situation as this family just a few years ago. It is tough. Reading about it was tough. This situation will either bring you closer to your family, or drive a wedge between you. Reading about the relationships between these characters was enjoyable and relatable.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Alison Hammer for the advanced copy of You and Me and Us in exchange for my honest review.

What a great read! This story features points of view of workaholic Alexis, daughter CeCe, and terminally ill Tommy. Obviously, this is a very emotional story and will tug on your heartstrings. I felt like I became very attached to the characters throughout the story. While it was sometimes hard to read, it was worth it in the end. I felt like the characters really grew. Highly recommended!

This is a rather predictable love story that pulls at your heartstrings. Kind of like adolescent girls and parenthood, at times it rambles on and on with the thoughts of a young immature girl and seems juvenile but at other times, bring out the tissues because the amount of love, feelings, hope, heartache, patience and understanding, when following this family thru their last summer together is a journey well taken.
The story is told by Alexis (mother) and Cece (daughter)’s point of view on how they are coping with their husband/father’s terminal illness. Personally going thru this type of loss a couple years ago with my own mother, I could fully relate with his decision to make the best of his days left and not spend it chasing or avoiding the inevitable.
I almost gave up on this book in the first 25% but I highly recommend to stick with it, it has a great story to tell and will resonate in your mind for a long time after you’ve turned that last page. Sometimes I felt Alexis and Cece were being selfish and only thinking of themselves, but in the end, you can see and feel the internal growth this little family made.
I was given an ARC from HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley for my honest unbiased review. I appreciate their generosity. This one comes in with 5 stars.

You & Me & US
Alison Hammer
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can preorder get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Us-Alison-Hammer/dp/0062934856
This is the author’s debut novel. I honestly hope this is not her last! She knocked this out of the park! She had me yelling at all the characters and she had me feeling all kinds of ways
Alexis has been wishing on 11:11 since she was old enough to tell time. We begin this book with Alexis working late and her realizing the time and it is 11:10, a minute prior to the time to wish. Alexis is reflecting back to last summer and her daughter CeCe’s eighth grade graduation and remembering how she missed it by minutes due to a creative presentation that ran late. She managed to get there in time to take a photo, but missed watching CeCe cross the stage in her cap and gown. Her thoughts are interrupted by a Google alert for CeCe’s father’s ex-wife, Monica Whistler, a famous actress. CeCe does not know that her father was married to her previously, but does know that her parents have never said, “ I DO”.
We are taken down the house dynamics of Tommy, Alexis and CeCe and how Tommy seems to be the one that handles everything and Alexis is more of a hands off mom. Alexis is a workaholic. Tommy
Tommy drops the bomb that he has Small cell cancer B- lymphnodes, liver, etc. Tommy is everything to both CeCe and Alexis! Alexis is constantly disappointing everyone when her calls run late or she has to work late on a project. With the diagnosis and Tommy not wanting treatment,
They decide to go back to the beach for the last time. The beach is where they had reconnected, twenty years ago, fell in love and made CeCe.
CeCe isn’t too thrilled about the trip to the beach, until she realizes that Monica whistler was filming nearby and her parents may know her and can get her an introduction. This doesn’t discount the fact that CeCe is missing the camp of her dreams, but does come close. We are taken on quite the summer adventures with these three. I look forward to the author’s next book..possibly in this series????

A warm emotional heart wrenching novel A father dying of a terminal disease a mother and a daughter who need to connect grow closer without him.So well written so moving a book that stays with you .#netgalley#harpercollins

Wow. I am so incredibly impressed with this debut by Alison Hammer, perfect for fans of Karma Brown and Sarah Jio. It reads like she's been writing novels forever. The story was incredibly sad and my eyes teared on several occasions, but it was not a full-on downer at all! There was humor and moments of hope and optimism sprinkled in. It was a story of growth, of facing and surviving the worst things life can bring, and coming out stronger. I loved the alternating POVs of Alexis and CeeCee (mother and daughter) and thought Hammer painted a perfect portrait of a fourteen-year-old girl. None of the characters were perfect, aside from Tommy perhaps, but they were all relatable and easy to care about. I see big things for Alison Hammer in the future and absolutely cannot wait to read her next book.

Alexis is a workaholic. She is successful and runs her own agency, all while knowing her amazing husband Tommy is holding down the fort at home with their daughter Cece. Cece however, doesn’t see things the same way. She adores her father, but her relationship with her mother is beyond strained after years of her missing big events. Both their worlds gets turned on its head when Tommy reveals that he has received a terminal cancer diagnosis. All he wants is one last summer in Destin Florida, together as a family.

Hello tears. Not that I expected to go into this book and end it not in tears, but still. Alexis and Tommy’s relationship was absolute perfection. I also loved seeing Alexis and Cece’s relationship move forward. They definitely had a tumultuous mother/daughter relationship, which made me want to smack Cece at times, but overall I just wanted them to see past their differences. This book was a beautiful story of loss before and during the loss. It was beautifully done.

An emotional, relationship-oriented novel, "You and Me and Us" follows Alexis, her partner Tommy, and their 14-year-old daughter CeCe from Atlanta to Destin, Florida, where they must come to terms with Tommy's terminal cancer and the future the clashing mother and daughter face without his steadying influence. Using both Alexis and CeCe as narrators, author Alison Hammer digs deep into the internal struggles of a family that is both in love and in despair. Channeling emotions through words and making it all look effortless, Hammer knocks it out of the park with her debut.

Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book for review.