Beautifully written story about motherhood, friendship and family dynamics. Everything Here is Under Control tells the story of Amanda, a new mother who has a fight with her partner and decides to jump in the car. She shows up at the home of her childhood best friend, Carrie, who she has barely seen or talked to in over 10 years. Their lives were so different that last summer after high school. Carrie had a baby and Amanda moved to New York with her partner. The birth of her son compels Amanda to face the reasons she left Carrie behind and the trauma of childbirth makes her want to repair the damaged friendship. The story is raw, complex and relatable.

The writing style of this is a little different than I am used to but I also feel that it was beautiful. The story feels as if it’s written inside the head of Amanda. I felt like I was listening to her inner dialogue. I fell in love with Amanda’s character because she was relatable in the beginning. As a mother myself, the experiences Amanda had took me right back to those first few months as a new mom myself. The death stares to my partner as they snoozed at 3am. The constant worry that something bad was going to happen. The constant fear you are doing something wrong. Covered in baby spit up, no shower and lounging in sweats while completely exhausted due to sleep deprivation. I think many new mothers can relate. I didn’t really see the main plot twist that happens about halfway through the book but I feel like each character and the experiences they had were beautifully woven together. I don’t want to say much more because I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone but I highly recommend this book. I would also love to see the same story but written from Carrie’s point of view.

http://ramblinhamlin.com/everything-here-is-under-control-review/

This was a highly readable book. There are a lot of complicated, yet dear relationships throughout the story of two best friends who are trying to balance their relationship with partners and their children. Much of the book takes place in the fictional town of Deerling, Ohio. As an Ohio girl, a lot of the stereotypes rang pretty true without being "preachy". I would recommend this book to family and friends. This was her adult debut after writing two young adult books which I will seek to read.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

There are many books that depict new motherhood, but I think Everything Here is Under Control captured it exceptionally well. The simultaneous pain and love that is being a new mother is explored alongside a friendship between the main character, Amanda, and her best friend, Carrie. They grew up in rural Ohio together, but the cause for the rift between them is only insinuated in the beginning. Once it is revealed, the story feels a little awkward because there are certain details that don't add up. It was still enjoyable, but I think the author could have done a slightly better job at thinking through what the consequences of the revealed betrayal might be, and how others in the story might behave in its presence.

As a mother, any book about the complexities and emotions of motherhood is interesting to me - Emily Adrian handled this topic beautiful. It was heartfelt, beautiful, and I couldn't put it down. This author is one to watch!

This book was lovely, well- written and clever. It was a fierce look at womanhood, motherhood, trauma, and friendship.I enjoyed seeing the change in the characters as they aged.

4 stars / This review will be posted at BookwormishMe.com on 14 July 2020 .


Best friends. Inseparable. One boy. Both attracted to said boy. Only one ends up moving to New York and living with him. Carrie is left behind. Carrie who had a baby at 18 and has managed to become a sought after tattoo artist with a beautiful, but strongwilled almost-teenage girl. Amanda. Amanda gave up her hopes and dreams and moved into a dorm room with the boy. Living vicariously through his college years. Amanda, who now at 31 has had his baby.

Everything she ever wanted, right?

Until Amanda flees New York City one day with baby Jack and lands on Carrie’s doorstep. Carrie. Best friend. Somewhat estranged for a while now. Carrie is the only one whom Amanda thinks can help her get through this postpartum nightmare she is living. The boy, Gabe, was left behind in New York City. No idea where Amanda actually is, other than knowing she fled home to Ohio. The question is, will she ever return?

Fantastic story about three people who have been intertwined for years, but have never come to terms with some issues in their relationship. I absolutely loved Carrie. Tough. Determined. Resilient. For me, Amanda came off as rather whiny and difficult, even though I’ve been where she is. Gabe was kind of an enigma. Or maybe that’s just his carefree way of living. No matter, the story is one that links together people and brings a few surprises along the way.

Gotta say, I wish this story would go on. I want to know where all five of these people land in a few years. This is a good one!

A very powerful and moving testimony to the complexity of female friendships and motherhood. Beautiful and devastating.

Filled with the complexities of motherhood, trauma, friendship, and womanhood, I was totally swept into this beautifully written novel. There is nothing like finding a new author to love and follow along with and I can’t wait to see what Emily Adrian writes next.

O.M.G. I loved the beautifully written book. I was sucked in , and only put it down to get more coffee. It is one you better find to finish. Beautifully written and fully connected.

This book was so good! The characters were so well rounded, you felt like you actually knew them! The plot was so good you didn't want the book to end!