This book was so good! I could not stop reading. A 400-page book, and I killed it in a day and a half, which is unheard of for me. WHY were Poppy (17/18), her sister Emma (8), and her parents on the run for so long? Why couldn't they stay in one place longer than a few months and not use real names...WHHHHHY?!?!

I'm giving this four stars because of how insanely readable this is. I think this will be a huge hit with YA lovers and young adults. The romance between Poppy and Harrison isn't roll-your-eyes ridiculous like many YA romances tend to be. It was sweet and realistic, and both characters are flawed yet likable.

Now...the parents. LOOOOOOORD, don't get me started on the parents. My 41-year-old self really struggled with that plot (which is pretty much the whole point of the story). How INCREDIBLY selfish of these parents to keep their kids on the run. Poppy is a 17 (turning 18 mid-story) year old girl who's never had friends, or technology, or any consistency whatsoever because of her PARENT'S crappy life choices...and she just accepts it...with no questions! I loved her little sister Emma. She's only 8 years old, but you can tell she's about had it with the situation. I like that while Poppy is the main character, and this is told from her POV, the author didn't forget to flesh out her little sister.

As for the big reveal, it was not at all what I was expecting, but it worked. Anyone over the age of 35(ish) should recognize the real-life scandal from the '70s that it's adapted from. It's almost identical, actually...even the location, except they go on the run instead of facing justice. This has been combined with another famous event that happened in the early '90s, but the author changed the location for that.

I really don't want to say more because I don't want to give anything away, but I just could not get past the selfish, narcissistic behavior of one parent. To uproot the lives of those closest to you time and time again, indefinitely, because of YOUR poor choices, was astounding to me. The author paints them as good parents, and they are in how much they love and care for their girls, but the overall life they have given them is beyond selfish.

The ending was abrupt but satisfactory. It leaves the door open for a sequel if this book does well, or it can be a 'come-to-your-own-conclusion' stand-alone novel. People who need closure to their stories may struggle with that, so heads-up.

A lot of belief has to be suspended to buy this story, such as how the parents can register the girls for school every few months with ZERO online presence. Being military, I know what a PITA it is to register my kid for new schools every two years. There's a LOT of paperwork involved and contact between the old and new school that takes place. Not to mention physicals...did these girls ever see a pediatrician/doctor? The blurb says the girls are homeschooled, but I never saw any evidence of that, and when we meet Poppy, she's in a high school in Illinois, where she's only been for four months. That requires documentation.

Seeing as how this book is being marketed as a YA, most readers won't pick up on such things, but it's something I noticed. Overall though, I really did enjoy this book....in a furious kind of way, lol. I think it'll be a big hit in the YA genre, and I do hope there's a Book 2 because I would love to see not only where Poppy ends up, but what Emma's up to, cause she's gonna be QUITE the handful the older she gets, and I feel like there's a great story within her.

This Golden State is exhilarating and high intensity from page 1, as we follow Poppy Winslow and her family, who have been moving from place to place and on the run from the law since her birth. For what and from whom, Poppy has no idea, until a DNA test and a relationship with her first boyfriend brings everything to a dramatic reveal….

Thank you Flatiron and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of This Golden State!

I didn't know what to expect out of this book. In fact, I had recently read another book that started with a similar premise - 18 year old girl on the run with family searching for answers, unravels more than expected. The similarities ended there, thankfully, as the first book took a left turn I didn't enjoy. This Golden State, however, unravels Poppy's mystery little by little and draws together a conclusion that is satisfying as much as it's bittersweet.

I was also surprised to find myself really liking every character in this book, and each of the relationships felt organic and fleshed out, including that of Poppy and Harry. Professor Alexiev was especially compelling; there's something incredibly special about those teachers that see potential in students and work to nurture it. Poppy's parents were also nuanced, with their flaws and quirks. I would love to read a book from her mother's perspective, especially because I think she received a lot of blame from Poppy, Emma, and their father. I would love to see Poppy reach the same catharsis with her mother that she found for her father.

Also, I really like Harry. Sometimes I find that the love interests are not very compelling, but Harry is the main character in his own story and the way that his backstory is handled is really satisfying. I would absolutely love to read more books by Marit Weisenberg- the love that she has put into each character really shines.

4.5/5

It's been awhile since I've read a page-turner like this one. The suspense - trying to solve the mystery behind Poppy's family and their secrets - had me reading the book in one sitting. Of course, the characters are larger than life - Poppy is a math genius, in spite of her frequent school changes; Harry is the troubled rich boy with family issues; etc., but overall, this didn't ruin the book for me. The mystery is resolved rather easily once everything starts to unravel, but the author's writing style kept the story from becoming a cliche.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not much of a thriller reader but I wanted something different and man I have been missing out. This book had me on the edge of my chair needing to know what happens next. The ending left me with some many questions that I hope there will be a sequel and if there is I can’t wait to read it.

From the first chapter to the last, This Golden State had me enraptured. This is a story of Poppy and her family. Poppy doesn't know the truth of her family. The only truth she knows is that her family is on the run and must leave wherever they are when her parents say so. When they land in California, things change for Poppy. She wants more for herself. She also wants the truth. She sets out to find it. As she is doing so, she learns more about her family and situation. This book had it all - strong characters, good plot, and suspense. I liked the writer's style, and the story was told beautifully. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Poppy has been on the run with her family for her entire life. She moves from town to town, never staying in one place too long, and always getting a new name in each place. Her mom and dad have strict rules for her and her younger sister in order to protect them all. At almost 18 years old her family picks up and moves again, but this time to California, a place she's never been before. But it seems like it is a familiar place to her parents, especially her mom. Once there Poppy convinces her parents to let her take an advanced summer course where she meets Harry. On a whim, Poppy decides to submit a DNA test, to maybe get a few answers to who she is. As the summer unfolds, she falls in love, garners the support of the math professor, and starts to find out who she is. But once the secret is out, will Poppy choose to stay with her family or choose to live a life of her own?
Throughout the book the reader will examine the idea of what we are willing to sacrifice for our family and those we love. I loved the way it made me think about the ties we have to our family as we are young, but the natural process of needing to find who we are as an individual as we become adults. Ultimately the book looks at the idea of coming of age in a more extreme situation where the childhood identity has been completely wrapped up in the family unit. But like all adolescents, Poppy had to grow up and become her own person. This was a fantastic book and I really enjoyed it. Wish I could see what happens next for Poppy.

This book has to be one of my all-time favorite YA mystery thrillers!

For her entire life Poppy has lived a life on the road never in one place for too long, no social media or technology, and the only thing she knows is that this is the way it has to be for her family to survive. After a sudden move to California Poppy starts to venture into a new world of adulthood and experience life and things she wants when her parents allow her to pursue a summer advanced math course class. There she meets Harry who she starts to get close to despite knowing the risks and in turn, an impulsive DNA test that might just lead to unraveling the question she's been wondering her whole life: Who are her parents and why have they been running?

From the very first page I was enthralled by Poppy and her family, of course, the thing I was must curious about: Why are they running? And the final reveal didn't leave me disappointed in the slightest. Poppy was such a relatable character even though I couldn't relate to her situation the feeling of wanting to do things but being scared of losing the one constant and important thing in her life: her family was understandable and comforting knowing that others can relate to that feeling. And although this was a mystery thriller YA novel I immensely enjoyed the romance between Poppy and Harry and I was glad to see that their relationship however sweet and well thought out was still realistic. The dynamic between Poppy and her family was well done, the conflict was intriguing and it was a fast read!

The ending probably had to be my least favorite maybe because I wanted more of Poppy and Harry's life after the main story but I know ending it the way it did gives the readers an open ending, so they can decide for themselves what happens next.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me an ARC I've definitely become a fan of Marit Weisenberg's writing and I'll be watching out for future releases!

This is a young adult mystery and romance. I was drawn into Poppy's world from page 1.

Poppy and her family are in hiding and on the run. From what? We don't know and neither does Poppy. Since she was born, her family has had a few rules
1. No one can know your real name.
2. Don’t stay in one place too long.
3. If you sense anything is wrong, go immediately to the meeting spot.
4. Keeping our family together is everything

They move every few months. How do they afford it? Why do they keep moving? What are her parents hiding?

Poppy is 17, and a good girl. She has never had a real friend, never been on a date, only been to the movies once, not allowed to watch TV, not allowed to use her cell phone... I had a hard time believing any 17 year old in this day and age wouldn't rebel from all of this. But the author makes us believe it and feel like we understand Poppy.

Then two important things happen. 1. Poppy meets a boy and 2. Poppy takes a DNA test. Then the answers start to come out, and I found myself surprised. I loved Poppy, her boyfriend and her dad. I though her 8 year old sister rang true. The mom was my least favorite character.

What I loved about this book was that I found some missing pieces, buy didn't care.. For instance, Poppy has VERY limited use of the internet - however, when she does sneak in a some use, she seems pretty expert for someone who hasn't used it. But that being said - I didn't care.

This was one of those books that kept me saying "one more chapter" or "I will just read until I find out XX" I read it in one long sitting and was up half the night. It just gave me all the feels.... It's possible I may have shed a little tear at the end.

Now that ending - what? I am ok with how it ended, exceot so many things are left open. I have a LOT of questions. Is there going to be a sequel? (which I would totally read)

Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC, which did not impact my review. I am now off to see if there are any more books by this author.

This book was so hard to put down! Through the entire story, I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for the police to show up and for Poppy's life to explode. I alternated between intensely wondering what her parents had done and being incredibly angry with them for essentially stealing her childhood and her future. My only quibble is that the story ended too abruptly for me, and I would love to know more about where Poppy goes from here -- is she an accessory now that she knows? Could she be in trouble? How will she enter into society now? What will happen when she goes to her grandmother's home? How will all of that affect her relationship with Harry? And how will her reentry into the world and her relationship with Harry affect his mother's campaign, and therefore, her future with Harry? There is so much more story to tell that I'm sincerely hoping there will be a sequel, but this really felt like it would be a standalone throughout the course of the book. Definite purchase for my library.

Right from the start of the book, you're drawn into Poppy's (who in this town is currently Katie's) world on the run. Poppy has moved around her entire life and has lived without any sort of social media or access to technology. She's never been allowed to reveal her real name to anyone and has strict guidelines she has to adhere to in order for her family to survive. And she's accepted it. After all, she has her family, her mom and dad, and younger sister, Emma. However, being on the cusp of adulthood, she is now experiencing a crisis of what she wants. She has never made connections with people or allowed herself to care about anything outside of what her mom and dad has allowed her. Until this last move.

Immediately, I wanted to know more. WHY is she constantly being moved around? What is her parents' backstory? Are they her real parents? Every question is hitting me and I keep turning the page hoping to find the answer. And then Poppy takes a DNA test. Without revealing more, this definitely an integral part of her story and sends her down a path that she may not be able to turn back from. But should she have to?

This story kept me enthralled with Poppys family revelations and also throwing in a little bit of teenage romance (I'm always down for a little YA romance). I really became Poppy's biggest fan and was rooting for her throughout the entire book as she tried to find out who she truly was. The ending was heartbreaking and had me in tears. Poppy finally gets to make her own decisions and you're left with a whirlwind of emotions. My only critique is that I wanted more! I wanted to know more about Poppy's parents, how they sustained their life on the run, what happened after. I could have kept reading for volumes. Highly recommend this book!!!

I don't know how vast the YA thriller-romance genre is, but this surely has to be one of the best out there.

Poppy was born on the run. She doesn't know why she and her family are fugitives, who they're hiding from, or if this will ever end, but after eighteen years of living like this, she's learned to always be on her guard and not to put down roots wherever they temporarily settle. A sudden move to California complicates family dynamics, but it doesn't cause as much damage as Poppy's impulsive decision to mail in a home DNA test and, against her family's list of unspoken rules, be emotionally vulnerable with an equally mysterious boy from her summer math class.

I was hooked from the first page. Maybe it's because I got a heavy wave of nostalgia from reading gritty YA novels back when I was still in their target age demographic, but I think it's mostly because the premise is so fascinating and so, so well done. I could imagine every scene so vividly, the characters are well-rounded and likeable, particularly the whip-smart heroine, the conflict is pretty decent. ​It hits the ground running and although there were maybe a few scenes that weren't essential, they were over quickly and the pacing hardly suffered.

It's a near perfect 5 star read and I'm still flitting between giving this a 4.5 and a 5. It's the writing. It's a bit clunky and awkward at times but it's a nitpicky personal preference, especially considering the genre is forgiving with "tell, don't show" storytelling. I'd give it a 5 star read for the world building and perfect ending alone.

It's a gripping thriller that's leagues above quite a few adult thrillers I've read. There's a lot of food for thought here - importance of family, childhood and nostalgia, autonomy and identity, etc. - and it'll linger in your mind long after you've finished.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Pub date: March 1, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5, so close to a 5 / 5

This is probably once of the best books that I have read in awhile. I absolutely love Marit Weisenberg's writing style and I fell in love with each complicated character. Poppy is a restless teenage daughter hungry for the truth and brilliant who takes a DNA test and has her world changed. This is a magnificent coming of age story. I highly recommend reading it.

Thanks #netgalley for allowing me to read this book early.

I rarely read thrillers, honestly, but the summary of this book really stood out to me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down! In This Golden State, a girl grows tired of her family’s life on the run and begins to seek the truth of her parents’ identities and stories.

Poppy is used to moving; her family has been on the run her entire life although her parents refuse to tell her why. When they move to California, they finally allow Poppy to pursue an interest: taking an advanced summer math course at a local high school. There, she meets the infamous Harry, whom she can’t help but grow closer to. When they both take a DNA test, Poppy’s journey to finally discovering her parents’ true identities begins.

I really liked the writing. It’s easy to fall into Poppy’s head, and her observant voice emphasizes her perspective character. There was also an amount of tension throughout the story, as Poppy essentially hides what she’s doing — doing the DNA test, hanging out with Harry, looking up her parents — because she knows if they believe even the possibility of their covers being blown, they would move again. This tension was palpable throughout the story, and I was on the edge of my seat at certain points.

Having some more freedoms also allows Poppy to begin wondering what her future will look like. Her father once tells her that she’s not the one who’s wanted, but does that mean that Poppy has to be on the run with them for the rest of her life? Now that she’s allowed some more freedom, she realizes that she should be able to pursue what a normal teenager would want, what a normal person would get to do.

The romance was cute! Harry is the one who pushes Poppy to realize that she deserves more, although at first he only thinks that she’s just incredibly sheltered and homeschooled. Although he comes off cold and judging at first, by virtue of the amount of scrutiny he’s grown up under, it becomes apparent that he’s very thoughtful and caring. He and Poppy have a clear connection from the very beginning, and I liked reading their scenes together.

Overall, This Golden State was a thrilling tale of what’s more important—your family or your dreams? I liked the writing and the characters, and I couldn’t put this book down. If you’re looking for a contemporary thriller, you should check out This Golden State!

Look, I don't read a lot of YA mystery/thrillers because I never seem to get the hype. So I'm not sure what led me to request this on NetGalley but I'm actually glad I did because I was hooked from the first page. This book hits the ground running and keeps you wanting more the entire time.

The writing occasionally felt a little clunky or simplistic, but it didn't detract from the story at all. The pacing is excellent and the mystery was pretty compelling. I also really liked the characters. They all had the depth they needed to be interesting. I really struggle with main characters in YA mysteries because they're somehow completely amazing at solving mysteries that no one else (including professionals) have been able to solve. But Poppy felt more realistic, and more relatable.

The big reveal is satisfying, and while I wish the ending had given me a little bit more, I also understand why it ended how it did.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

<i>Thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC</i>

This Golden State was such a fun read! I loved the mystery/thriller aspect combined with Poppy and Harry's relationship. This book was a lot more suspenseful than I thought it would be: Poppy's anxiety about her parents being caught before she even knew who they were was evident throughout the book, and her family was continually finding themselves in close call situations. I was on the edge of my seat each time Poppy's parents saw a police car and each time Poppy tried to access a computer without her parents knowing.
The dynamic between Poppy and her parents was incredibly complicated, made even more so when Poppy begins investigating their true identities, but Poppy and her little sister Emma's relationship was really sweet to read.
I also really liked Poppy and Harry's interactions, and I thought the ending was perfect!

It was amazing what parents could do. Whether they tried to hurt or tried so hard to protect, they ended up doing damage in their own way."

The Golden State by Marit Weisenberg follows the Winslow family that always seems to be on the run. Their family has always been secretive and their daughter Poppy has never questioned the reason for their family always moving place-to-place and for keeping all of these secrets. Teenager Poppy wants to live a normal life and begins to hunt for answers as to why her family is so secretive. But the more digging Poppy does, the more this could put her family in danger. Is needing to know the truth worth the risk it could cause to her family?

The things I didn't like were that I found the book to be a little too predictable. I cam into this hoping it would read more like a thriller but it ended up being more of a contemporary romance.

The things that I enjoyed were the characters. I could relate to Poppy's desire to want to live a normal life especially when it came to her romantic relationships. The other characters were intriguing and I liked getting to know some of their secrets throughout the book.

Overall, this was a fun read with lots of character development.. The end had me wanting more somehow - like I needed to know the characters were going to be OK.

Thank you to NetGalley, Marit Weisenberg, and Flatiron books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Poppy and her family never stay in one place for long. Her parents have been on the run since before she was born. As she gets older she starts to wonder why they are always running but her parents are so secretive she knows they won't give her the answers she is looking for. As the family moves to another new town, Poppy decides to take a chance on finding out the truth and she also takes a chance on a relationship that she never would have allowed herself to have before. Thanks to a DNA test that she submits, the journey for who she really is starts.

Poppy also takes a chance on love with a guy that has his own secrets he keeps close. Will she let him into her world and will she find out the truths she needs? What will happen if she does find the truth?

A great story that I couldn't put down. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I finished this book in record time because I just couldn’t put it down! I needed to find out what happens to Poppy! I was not expecting the ending, which made me love the book even more.

What an engaging and enjoyable book!
Poppy has spent her life dodging unknown persons. Her family has moved from place to place and followed a list of 5 rules:

1. No one can know your real name.
2. Don’t stay in one place too long.
3. If you sense anything is wrong, go immediately to the meeting spot.
4. Keeping our family together is everything.
5. We wish we could tell you who we are, but we can’t. Please—do not ask.

The Winslows stop near Stanford and finally as her 18th birthday looms near, Poppy has met a boy. She begins the age old tradition of keeping secrets from her family. And then, on a whim she drops a DNA kit into the mail.

What happens next, is a Pandora's Box, I guarantee you will enjoy this story and fall in love with Poppy. If you like mysterious circumstances, math classes and geeks, well written YA themes and of course families with secrets, then #ThisGoldenState is for you! #Flatiron #NetGalley