This is a total me issue. I just could not get into this audiobook. I think I would have done better with the physical book version versus audio.

DNFed - I chose to DNF this book in the past. I am typing as a review so it doesn't harm my %. I haven't chose to pick the title back up.

"Everything's Still There" by Kalyn Fogarty is a compelling novel that skillfully delves into the intricacies of loss and resilience. Fogarty's writing is poignant, capturing the raw emotions of the characters as they navigate through challenges. The narrative unfolds with a mix of vulnerability and strength, allowing readers to connect with the story on a profound level. "Everything's Still There" warrants a solid four-star rating for its emotional depth and authenticity.

In this poignant exploration of new motherhood, Brynn grapples with challenges, feeling inadequate compared to other moms. Her unexpected connection with elderly neighbor Joy becomes transformative, emphasizing the complexities of postpartum struggles and the power of human connection. The narrative resonates personally, skillfully portraying the varied facets of postpartum issues and the challenges partners face. While the resolution occurs off-page, the impact remains potent.

This emotionally charged narrative offers an intimate portrayal of motherhood, relatable for many. However, it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those unfamiliar with the trials of new motherhood. The author's candid depiction encourages readers to break free from the online comparison trap and foster genuine connections within their communities. In the audiobook format, dual narrators match Brynn's and Joy's voices, infusing the narrative with life and authenticity.

Everything's Still There by Kalyn Fogarty was beautiful, honest, and emotional. As a mom it was lovely to read a book about topics that aren't often talked about and I appreciated this book for that reason. Many moms will be able to relate to Brynn in this book, feel seen, and be able connect intimately with this book. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators were perfect. Thank you Netgalley for my copy!

An unlikely friendship forms between a struggling new mother and her elderly neighbor. While at the opposite ends of their lives, Brynn and Joy learn that though decades separate them, they are more alike than different. Plagued by grief and depression both women ride the line between living and dying.

Kalyn Fogarty’s Everything’s Still There beautifully articulates how humanity was always intended for community. Brynn and Joy’s seasons of life have left them isolated from the world. Unable to reach out to those closest to them, it took a compassionate stranger to share their deepest and darkest fears.

This is a book everyone should read. While it is marketed as Women’s Fiction, you don’t need to be a woman, mother, or wife for this story to resonate. After all, everyone has walked through pain and heartache.

Fogarty did a phenomenal job turning a heavy story into one of hope. Readers will rejoice as Brynn and Joy save each other. Their unlikely bond encouraged me to look past the facades people wear and be open to helping those in need.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Kalyn Fogarty for allowing me to listen to this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

first of all, i really appreciate the honesty and vulnerability displayed in this novel regarding new motherhood and postnatal depression. fiction like this plays such an important role in providing comfort to mothers who can relate to the protagonist's situation as well as giving others an insight of what such an experience might be like, leading to more understanding. though this was a little bit on the nose at times, I also liked how the novel talks about the role social media plays in the overly glorified and unrealistic portrayal of motherhood that leaves little room for acknowledging its more challenging aspects. moreover, I loved the intergenerational friendship develop between brynn and joy as it was lovely to see how two women of such different ages can be such a comfort to each other.
while I'm a big fan the themes and the overall idea of the novel, I did, unfortunately, not fully connect with the protagonist or the writing. some of the relationships, especially brynn's marriage to kyle, were difficult to grasp. even though I was quite into the novel at the start, it also began to drag on a little bit halfway through, and i found the ending slightly unsatisfactory.
overall, a decent debut with great themes but some room for improvement!

Full of raw emotion and such a realistic portrayal of postpartum depression. This book might not be for everyone, but it really is a deep and touching story.

This was a lovely audiobook with great narration. The story is really honest and touching. It is easy to identify with Brynn - she is a great character. Loved the ending!

This book was raw and emotional. It hit quite close to home as a new mom. I thoroughly enjoyed the found family aspect. I was so happy to find a book published that focuses on postpartum depression and anxiety. These are common issues that unfortunately are often taboo to speak about.

The narrator was great and helped me to enjoy the story.

This is about a new stay at home mom and how she struggles with how to be the perfect mom. So as much as I wanted to love this story, I did struggle at times because I could not connect with the character. I am not a mom and may never be one. Overall I did enjoy the audiobook and thought the story would be great for people who are moms or will be a mom in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for the audiobook. This is my voluntary honest review.

Everything’s Still There by Kalyn Fogarty is an emotional and well narrated story of an unlikely friendship between two women, Brynn and Joyce. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw and Bernadette Dunne, the narrators, have done a marvellous job of bringing the characters to life.

Fogarty’s writing is honest to the core. Any woman who has faced post-partum depression will be able to identify with Brynn’s character a lot. Brynn’s breastfeeding journey, her latching problems, difficulty accepting her changed physique, disinterest in physical intimacy, disconnect with friends, mom's guilt, and even envy are depicted with utmost honesty. Joy’s loneliness, wisdom, and guilt are hard to miss. Her regret at her soured relationship with her children is heart-breaking.

While Brynn's actions, thoughts, and behaviour might feel repetitive and toxic, as someone who suffered from PPD, I know it's portrayed authentically.

I loved the dual timelines and the flashbacks.

Fogarty has given equal space to both narrators to share their stories. Postpartum depression, loneliness, isolation, mother’s guilt, loss of loved ones are a few of the themes woven into the story. The author has handled these themes with the required sensitivity.

Everything’s Still There is a beautiful and honest story of motherhood and friendship. The happy ending makes the story all the more wonderful. Highly recommended!

Wordsopedia Rating 4.5/5

I did enjoy this book, I felt it looked at the topics of motherhood and post natal depression with sensitivity and care. Also the subject of getting old. The relationships of the 2 narrators was a special one each providing a life line to the other. I felt it was quite long thought and although beautifully written I did find my mind start to wonder towards the end!

Before starting the review, I would like to state the fact that I am a new mother, my baby turning 4 months this week.

First of all I would like to give a good work pat, to whomsoever wrote the blurb of this book, so catchy, that it got my attention at the very second, and I had to listen to this audiobook. But unfortunately the book did not stand up to the standards for me. First of all I was not able to relate to any of the mothers in the book. Neither Joy, nor Brynn. Not even the social media influencer. The book in my opinion has only highlighted the negetive aspects of motherhood, which ain't really fair. I totally agree to the fact that new mothers face problems, deprevation of sleep, reduced diet, constant tiredness. Yes I know. But for a chance can we consider the good parts too?

The book is mainly centred around sadness, loneliness and deprivation, which for me was very depressing. Also the narrator for Joy had a "not suited" voice that made it more difficult to relate. Although I just could relate to the book, or could finish it either, I would recommend this to new mothers.

Thanks netgalley for the ARC of the audiobook.

Narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw; Bernadette Dunne ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Story by Kalyn Fogarty ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is beautiful and raw. I caught myself nodding my head in agreement with Bryn feeling those feelings. Motherhood is bullshit and hard.

I thought I was going to enjoy this book at first since I am a year postpartum and could relate to some of what Brynn was going through. Then it kept going on, and on, and on. It just felt like too much of the same over and over again and nothing really happened. Even when Brynn had her breakdown it fell flat. That being said I did enjoy Brynns POV more than the other. This book was just too drawn out and not particularly interesting to me.

A wonderful emotional story that can be any and every womans journey that so few talk about and really should. Brynn is living her best life. She’s married to a good man who she loves and respects and he feels the same, has just had a beautiful healthy baby, is financially secure, lives in a wonderful home so basically, all is good. Or is it? Why is she so disconnected and feeling like she’s the only one to feel so insecure and why she is the online snuggling? Social media shows everyone else doing what she is and they all seem to be handling it all so much better than she is. Why is this happening to her and her alone? On top of all the feelings of inadequacy, she is feeling a deep sense of loneliness and unworthiness. Joy, her backyard neighbor is also hiding all of her angst and emotions so as to not be a bother to her children who no longer seem to need her or have any time for her and questioning each and every decision she and her husband had ever made. These two women who are in such very different places in their lives meet and help and support each other in so many ways. The author tackles some very important topics in seemingly real ways that are truly beautiful. At the core this is about truth, dealing with reality and knowing that perfect is an illusion and that it is okay, actually important to reach out and support each other. A wonderful listen with lovely narration.

Coping With Change

A young woman (Brynn) is a first time mother and she is unsure of herself and her abilities as a new mom. She is having a hard time adjusting to the changes in her life. She meets an elderly neighbor with whom she finds some comfort in her new role as a mother.

This is a story of post partum depression, of the changes a woman goes through as she transforms from a young woman to a mother. It is also about friendship and the need for someone to understand what she is feeling and help her through this time of adjustment.

It was an inspiring book, I listened to the audio book and the narrator did a great job.

I think it would be a great book for anyone to read, but especially for a new mother to help her understand her new role in life, the changes she has had to undertake and that yes, she is worthy of being a mother, yes it is okay to ask for help and yes she will make it through this time.

Thanks to Kalyn Fogarty for writing a great book, to the narrators for the wonderful narration , to Dreamscape Media for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of the audio book to read and review.

Wow.. this was an unexpected read. Filled with so much emotion this is a story about the hardships of becoming a mother, postpartum, grief, finding yourself and exposing your deepest thoughts. I wasn't sure I was going to like this one at the start, because I really don't like reading about motherhood the way this was laid out..but that quickly turned. The characters were relatable, I understand Brynn (the FMC) I even resonated with the other FMC, Joy. Finding friendship is truly important and this book displays that in such a unique way. I was so caught up in the stories that were being told, I wanted to hug both FMC's at multiple times. Thank you so much to both @netgalley + @libro.fm for the ALC of this in exchange of my honest review!

Everything's Still There by Kalyn Fogarty did not disappoint. The story follows Brynn, a new mom struggling with nursing, sleep deprivation, and the pressures of motherhood. As she battles postpartum depression, she finds solace in an unlikely friendship with an older woman named Joy. The book delves into the reality of being a stay-at-home mother and the difficulties of balancing it all. I appreciated the author's portrayal of mental health treatment and the support Brynn receives from her husband. The book is told through the perspectives of both Brynn and Joy, creating complex and relatable characters. The writing is deep, making it hard to put down. Overall, a great read that I would highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscapes Media for the audiobook copy.