[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A Likely Story releases March 14, 2023

A Likely Story is a very literary focused debut novel. Featuring a book-within-a-book, multiple pov’s, multiple timelines, multiple settings, and even multiple parts.

Isabelle grew up an only child to Claire and Ward Manning. Her father, a famous New York Times bestselling author of several novels. In the midst of his shadows, Isabelle is faced with pressures of living up to his high expectations in the literary world. With that, comes her own set of writer’s block. At the same time, she’s processing the unexpected loss of her mother.

Amongst the many POV’s in this, we also get an unnamed narration thrown in by way of a manuscript draft. It’s not until the 45% mark that we get confirmation of who the writer of this draft is, and how it is all connected to this story.
Given the suspense factor and all of the familial lies and secrecy that were hinted at in the synopsis, I found the pacing of this to be quite off.

It says something that the only character I really enjoyed in this was Claire, whose pov’s were always told in past timelines because she happens to be dead. The mother really carried this book, and it was puzzling to me that I couldn’t care for Ward or Isabelle for even a fraction — they came off egotistical, and entitled (even though Isabelle didn’t receive any leeway with money in terms of an inheritance or trust fund, she really had the personality for it).

I truly don’t think Brian’s pov was all that necessary. His narrative could have come across just as well through dialogue in Isabelle’s chapters.

Early on, at 10%, I was pretty unsettled by having to read Ward (a 74 year old), rubbing one out to some “teacher-student” porn. Who asked for this? Certainly not me.

Despite this novel having a lot of key elements that I usually tend to like, something about it just left me feeling unsatisfied.

I LOVED the layers and depth of this story. I thought I had figured out ~the big plot point~ pretty early on, with Claire being the one who was responsible for the success of Ward's books. But when we find out Ward sabotaged Isabelle's career--my jaw actually dropped.
Aside from being a great mystery, it was really enjoyable to see such character development. Isabelle working through her grief and realizing she only ever wanted fame, not to be an author. Ward realizing the role his unwarranted ego played in the alienation of his family. And best of all, both making amends with the other. It was almost like a love story between father and daughter. I also really liked how both had written Glenda off as some self-absorbed, out-of-touch wealthy woman when she was the one who gave them both doses of reality.
My only real criticism is that Brian felt a little extraneous to the story at points. It was like he was placed there for a singular purpose, and despite getting his POV, he still felt a little simple and underdeveloped. Overall, a really excellent book and I will be recommending it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC in exchange for an honest review. It is always great to find a new author who can really write. A Likely Story by Leigh McMullan Abramson fits that description. Isabelle is a young woman whose life's dream is to be a critically successful author like her father, Ward. Her mother, Claire, has tolerated Ward's huge ego for years. After Claire dies, Isabelle uncovers some unpleasant facts about her father's writing and the real force behind it. While she's working on a book, Isabelle strings along her long-time friend who has been in love with her for as long as he can remember. A Likely Story is a strong first novel, full of characters that seem real to life, with all of their strengths and flaws. I'll definitely be looking for more work from Ms. Abramson.

I like nothing better than a novel about a writer in the city, and this one does not disappoint.

Set in New York, this book delves into the lives of the Mannings. With the father, a bestselling and world-renowned author, and his wife, who seems to begrudgingly stand by his side, they raise a daughter, Isabelle, who wants to follow in her dad's footsteps. Jumping back and forth within each character's life and timeline, the setting is well-rounded, smoothly transitioned, and helps the reader to understand the direction intended for each family member.

Isabelle started as a powerful character who was struggling to make it as a successful writer after many failed attempts. She has exceptionally high expectations and constantly compares herself to others her age who have found success before her.

She quickly turns into a selfish and often annoying character that needs a good slap across the face. Using her mom's death and her father’s numerous obligations throughout the book to punish others and herself, she withdraws from her friends and family while she delves deeper into trying to make her own dreams come true.

The dialogue wasn’t strong, but the overall narrative was excellent. I feel as if the characters were at their best when they were navigating within their own inner thoughts and memories.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a tale of a woman who wants to follow in her father’s literary footsteps and of complex family dynamics.

I wanted to like this more than I did, but the characters were so irredeemable and horrible humans. The plot was great, the dialogue was great.

I think the device of novel inside a novel is interesting, but not for me.

Isabelle is the only child of the Great American Novelist, and grows up wanting to be a writer herself. Unfortunately, things have not worked out for her novel, and she can't seem to come up with another one. When Isabelle's mother dies, she leaves instructions for Isabelle, who finds an incomplete manuscript written by her mother. It's really good -- so Isabelle finishes it, edits it, and passes it off as her own. It becomes a huge bestseller. But soon enough, she begins to get texts, and notes -- "I KNOW WHAT YOU DID." I loved watching Isabelle truly grow up and take charge of her own life, out of the influence of her famous family. Great story!

Another great addition to the series. The characters and the town are enjoyable. Interesting plot and conflict. Excited to read the next.

*Thank you Atria Books, Leigh Abramson, and Netgalley for my eARC for an honest review. Publication date 3/14/23*

Told by multiple POV'S and multiple different timelines takes us on a journey into the Manning's complicated lives. Isabella Manning wants nothing more then to become a famous writer like her award winning dad Ward Manning, but many life tragedies get in the way for her.

I would have never guessed this was a debut book. The writing was done perfectly, even though it was told in multiple different timelines it was not confusing at all for me. I will definitely be waiting for Abramson's next book.

This book was everything I wanted it to be. It had me turned pages without even realizing. It was so good!

This one was hard for me to get into. I saw other readers really loved and enjoyed it but the first 100 pages were rough for me. I did enjoy the different perspectives and how it switched around but I just could not gain interest. I hope to pick it back up and continue through

Oh my goodness but this was such an amazing and wonderful story! Abramson has done an amazing job crafting characters who are wholly believable and relatable, even when - if not perhaps most noticeably when - their lives are so very divergent for my own.

The complexities of familial relationships, particularly those between parent and child, are always fascinating to me and when they are written by an author with an excellent mastery of both the language and the realities of such relationships, it makes for a magical reading experience.

I found everything about this one to be entertaining, moving, and engaging. I've been talking it up to everyone I know.. Abramson is definitely on my watch list now!

Engaging and entertaining - a top not debut. A Likely Story is a recommended first purchase for most collections.

A riveting debut with fantastic characters. We get family discord, friendship drama, self-obsession, ambition, mystery, and more. Upon reading the beautifully written prologue, I knew A Likely Story would be an engaging, surprising story - I loved it.

Ward Manning knew he would be a famous writer one day and he was right. Nineteen novels later he continues to enjoy literary fame and a privileged life in NYC and Sag Harbor. So what if he hasn't been an attentive parent? After all, he has given his child the best gift of all - association with a great American novelist. Ward's daughter, Isabelle, wants to be a famous writer and is giving it her all. Isabelle is 35 years old and isn't ready to give up just yet, though she is losing hope of becoming a published novelist. When she discovers a long-hidden family secret, everything Isabelle thought she knew about her parents is upended.

The story is told from the points of view of Ward, Isabelle, Claire (Ward’s wife and Isabelle’s mother), and Brian (Isabelle’s best friend suffering from his unrequited love of Isabelle). I recommended this anyone interested in an engaging and propulsive story about marriage, love, family, and how far some will go to gain or maintain their success.

Thank you very much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Fantastic first novel! I enjoyed A Likely Story SO MUCH! Leigh McMullan Abramson can truly create sympathetic characters while simultaneously breathing new life into some well known family issues.

Isabelle has only ever wanted to please her father and publish a novel. It's an incredibly difficult life living under the shadow of the great Ward Manning. Following the unexpected death of her mother, Isabelle is forced to face some family truths via a found manuscript. The readers are treated to a book within a book as the story plays out. If you love a contemporary novel filled with social commentary, family dysfunction and the general angst of all adults, pick up A Likely Story! #Atriabooks

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve always been interested in the lives of wealthy New Yorkers, and the book gave me a glimpse of their secret world. I also liked the idea of having a story within a story. A good read!

A Likely Story by Leigh McMullan Abramson is such an amazing debut.

Growing up in the 90s in New York City. Isabelle is the daughter of two famous parents. Her mother a gorgeous society hostess, her father a New York Times bestselling author! Her life was grand.
Now as an adult, Isabelle wants to follow in her in dads path and be a successful writer like her father.
But she's not quite there yet. The unexpected death of her mother and her upcoming thirty-fifth birthday she feels so alone and like she is standing on the tip of a breakdown.
Then she uncovers some family secrets that flips everything she thought she knew about her wonderful parents, her luxurious childhood, and her own writing career.
She can't help but think was it all based on lies?

A brilliant debut! So engrossing I hated to put it down!
With impressive writing and her masterful storytelling Leigh McMullan has written a clever and propelling story.
The characters were dynamic and believable, the commentary was rich and well written, and the plot drew me in from start to finish.
This book is all the things that make a story so real.
This book would be great for a book club group or a book discussion.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Atria Books,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my blog, platforms, BookBub, B&N, Kobo and Waterstone closer to pub date.

I absolutely love love love this! The cover is so cute and I want it for my bookshelf. All the stars.

I wanted to enjoy this as the premise sounded super promising, but ultimately I was left wanting more from both the characters and the plot itself.

WOW! I cannot believe that I had the opportunity to read and review this beautiful, powerful, novel before anyone else. I am going to predict that it will be one of the best books of 2023. This novel tells the story of 4 people. Ward Manning is a literary lion, hailed as a genius, his daughter Isabelle, his wife Claire and Brian, Isabelle’s friend.

The catalyst is the death of Claire, wife and much beloved mother. The novel unfolds as Isabelle, Ward and Brian cope with the changes that follow Claire’s death. It is the strange legacy that Claire has left for Isabelle that drives this story.

I was extremely sympathetic to Isabelle, and her struggle to become a published writer. She has spent years feeling like a failure, especially compared to her father. But, after Claire dies, secrets are veiled and relationships are recalibrated. There is a novel within this novel, which is skillfully blended into the story.

This is really well written and totally engaging. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. Abramson has created quite a novel and I highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley for this thoroughly enjoyable ARC.