Many thanks to @celadonbooks and @netgalley for my #gifted copy. Pub date 1/2/24.

I keep seeing so many great reviews for this book, so I had to read it. Wow, this was excellent! This was very character and family driven, and so well written. The author really makes you really feel for all the characters. I fully emerged in this family drama and was very surprised with some of the twists.

Two young women arrived in this town, twenty years apart. The first was named Elise, the second named Marley. They lived in the same house. They loved the same men. They raised their children. Elise had never loved Marley like a daughter, and yet together, they built a family.

Set in the 1990s, Marley and her single mom move to Mercury. Marley befriends one of the Joseph boys and instantly has a seat at their dinner table. The Joseph family consists of Elise, the mom, Mick, the father, and their 3 sons Baylor, Waylon, and Shay. They own a roofing company that is barely surviving. Each character has their own personal struggles, hidden secrets, and trying to keep the family business afloat. We get to know them all so well, and I could not flip the pages fast enough to see how all of this was going to unfold. 4.5 stars!

Ah, the nostalgic charm of small-town Mercury, Pennsylvania, where the sun-drenched rooftops and winding rivers whisper tales of yesteryear. It's here that Marley West arrives in 1990, a 17-year-old firecracker with a heart full of longing. She's a perpetual loner, but oh, how she yearns for a place at the table, to belong, to be wrapped in the warm embrace of family. And then, like a striking snapshot, she spots the Joseph brothers on a rooftop, their silhouettes blotting out the sun like giants. In that instant, Marley's fate is sealed - she's swept up into their world like a leaf on a wild river current.

As she becomes entwined with the Josephs, I can't help but feel a sense of awe at Marley's resilience. She's a force of nature, this one, shouldering the weight of their unwieldy father's ego and crumbling roofing business, even as their own mother fades like a ghost. Marley's love is a lifeline, and the brothers cling to her like a beacon in the darkness. But as old wounds resurface like ghosts from the church attic, the family's very survival teeters on the edge. Will Marley's light be enough to guide them through the storm, or will they need to build a new foundation, together, to weather the tempests of life?

The writing is honest and emotional, making it a moving read. If you like stories about people and their relationships, you'll love this book. I'm a fan now and can't wait to read more from Amy Jo Burns ♥️


Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.
My opinions are my own.

I had a feeling that I would like Mercury by Amy Jo Burns - it's just the kind of multi-generational family novel I'm often drawn to. And Mercury did not disappoint. Marley was a very engaging protagonist and the Joseph brothers (and their parents) were complex foils for her development. The writing is excellent, especially in terms of teasing out the whys and hows of different relationships. I especially appreciated the way twists in the novel are revealed - not in a thriller-y way, but in a "families have so many secrets" form. I wish there had been a tiny bit less analysis of everyone (though, as I said, this was also a strength), but this is a solid novel using a specific family in a specific time and place to shed light on the complexity of the human condition and how we relate to those we love (and hate and emulate and tolerate and ...).

A compelling character-driven family drama. There are a lot of unlikeable characters throughout the novel, each one complex and unique. Sometimes they treat each other well and other times they are amazingly cruel to one another. Mercury covers a lot of ground - sibling rivalry, business failures, unplanned pregnancy, suspected murder, abandonment, ambition, found family, love.

The writing and scene setting is immersive and I found myself rooting for Marley as she tries to find a place where she belongs.

Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

What a book! It’ll be out January 2nd and I’m telling you right now— put it at the top of your 2024 TBR!

⭐️ I’ve said before character-driven novels don’t usually work for me, but I’m learning I can definitely get sucked into a good family drama. And this one is no exception! This is one of those books I’m thinking about long after I’ve read it. The writing is beautiful, and just so well done. We really learn about these characters— diving into their psyches to find out what makes them tick, and the thought process behind their decisions.

⭐️ I love books that explain an event, then you read about the same event through a different character’s eyes. It really fills out the whole picture while also reminding you that your personal experience of any given moment is simply just YOUR experience. I thought that message was so impactful here.

⭐️ @burnsamyjo’s writing is impeccable throughout this entire story— it reminded me of Ann Patchett’s writing in Tom Lake or Ann Napolitano’s in Hello Beautiful. I buddy read this with @readingthroughatlanta, @naesreadingnook and @katelands_booknook and we kept sending each other line after line— noting how great the writing was.

⭐️ If I’ve convinced you to read this— you should know this is first and foremost, a family drama. And while there’s a gripping event that happens off the top to draw you in, I’d caution against reading this as a mystery or thriller. That may leave you feeling disappointed. My only complaint is that some parts did start to drag just a touch— but then something would happen and everything I just read was suddenly worth it! I can’t recommend this one enough.

I can't tell you how much I loved this book! I am still thinking about it and mulling over some of the events. It's a family saga, which I usually like if well done, but truly it was the author's writing and the character development that made this book so good.

Marley is a senior in high school when she and her Mom move to the small town of Mercury. It's just the two of them, and they have moved a lot over the years. One of Marley's first encounter with the Joseph family includes watching the two eldest brothers get into a fight on the baseball field. When their mother gets their attention with just a few words, Marley is entranced. She accepts a ride home from the oldest son, and ends up joining the family for dinner most nights for the rest of the summer. She develops relationships with each of the 5 family members that change and deepen and cause pain and joy over the course of the book.

The story is primarily told from Marley's point of view, but there are some later chapters woven in with some of the other family member's stories. This was done so well, and truly makes the book so much better! In some ways I wish I had known some of these stories earlier, but the main arc could not have had the impact it it did if we had.

I highly recommend this book!! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very interesting book. I really liked the way that each of Joseph family members' perspectives on the "mystery" was integrated, quite seamlessly, into one cohesive plot. I also liked the way that Burns created tension. The tension in this novel was an overarching motif that fissured the Joseph family; however, that brings them together in the end. The family often "remained silent" and Burns examines how remaining silent creates tension and regret. Each character was skillfully crafted and the novel was truly a beauty! At times, I wondered about the significance of the title. Mercury is the setting of this novel, but unlike other books where the setting can become its own character, Mercury is not. However, at the end, it becomes clear why Burns makes this choice.

3.5 stars. I loved the strong writing and character development here, but I found the plot a bit on the slow side. The ending, however, was quite satisfying and moving- I love how everything was tied together!

Overall, great writing. Fans of family dramas will likely love this.

Starting with the discovery of a body in 1999 and then jumping back to 1990, this is the story of the Joseph family, a hard working appearingly close knit family in Mercury, Ohio. Upon closer look, which is what this book is all about, we find layers of secrets and dysfunction that all circle each of the members of the family. These problems are isolating the sons and daughter-in-law as they try to protect their own secrets and each other. The characters aren't perfect, but generally loveable, and some of the situations are downright heartwrenching. The ending isn't tidy, but somewhat disappointing in that the story is over and we are done spending time with the Joseph family.

What a fantastic family story, I loved it! It’s about a marriage as much as it is about a family. I can’t stop thinking about these characters and their love and their flaws, I will recommend this to book clubs. Thank you Netgalley and Celadon for the egalley.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!

WOW! This was a first for the author for me and I really liked this book. Loved the family drama and the characters were great.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book. My review will post to my blog on January 2, 2024. I will also post my review to Goodreads and retail sites that week as well as feature it on Instagram.

Review:
2024 is coming in hot! What's funny is that I had never heard of this book or read anything by this author. I randomly got an email from the publisher stating this book was available for me to read on NetGalley, so I checked out the synopsis and downloaded it, and I am so happy I did! I've found my first 5-star read of the new year with this one, and I have a feeling it's going to end up on a favorite list at the end of the year - it's that good!

At the heart of the story is seventeen-year-old Marley West, a lonely and searching young girl who arrives in Mercury, PA, with the hope of finding a place to belong. Marley's single mother is a nurse, and they've never lived anywhere for long, but with this being her senior year, she longs for a sense of stability.

From the moment she steps foot in Mercury, Marley is drawn to the Joseph brothers. She randomly attends a baseball game, and it's after the game that Baylor - the oldest brother - spots Marley and offers to drive her home. The two start dating, but Baylor is distant and hard to connect with. Even after they stop seeing one another, Marley continues to have dinner with them thanks to an open invitation from Elsie, the matriarch of the Joseph family. Soon, Marley begins to date Wayland, the middle son, and the two fall madly in love. It's not long before Marley finds herself pregnant and married to Wayland - cementing herself into the folds of the Joseph family. As the story progresses and Elsie and her health begin to unravel, it becomes clear that these men need a strong woman to corral them, and Marley's presence is needed to hold these troubled men together. Eventually, it's up to her to guide them through life's challenges and provide a sense of stability in their tumultuous family.

I was absolutely captivated by this book. The characters are all so rich. As individuals, they were all deeply layered and complex, and as a family unit, they were fiercely loyal to one another but also constantly on the verge of collapsing. Burns skillfully explores the complexities of family dynamics and the strength of the women who keep them together. She vividly depicts the struggles faced by these characters, drawing readers into their world and making every emotion feel tangible.

The novel takes a surprising turn when an unsettling discovery is made in the church attic, leading to old wounds resurfacing and threatening the survival of the family. The "discovery" is unearthed at the top of the book, and as it progresses, we learn what happened. The revelation is shocking and heartbreaking all at once.

What I especially loved about this novel is the way Burns elevates the female characters. Marley, in particular, is a force to be reckoned with. Despite her young age, she possesses an inner strength that shines through in every interaction. She is not a passive character but rather a catalyst for change, constantly pushing those around her to confront their demons and evolve. Elsie is also incredible, and as we learn more about her and her past, we see so much of who she was mirrored in who Marley is.

Furthermore, Burns skillfully explores themes of identity and the search for belonging. Marley's journey of self-discovery resonates with readers, reminding us of the universal desire to find our place in the world. Her story serves as a reminder that, sometimes, it is the connections we forge with others that shape our identity and give us the strength to face life's challenges head-on.

Mercury is a haunting and evocative novel that stays with you long after you turn the final page. It is a beautifully written exploration of family, love, and the power of resilience. Amy Jo Burns has crafted a gem of a book filled with memorable characters and a story that will linger in your heart. Whether you are new to her work or a longtime fan, Mercury is a must-read for lovers of literary fiction. I will be singing my praises for months to come. Preorder a copy now!

“There’s more to this life than just trying to survive it.”

I really enjoyed this slow build character driven story. Marley West arrives in Mercury, and soon becomes swept up by the Joseph family.

The prose is beautiful, and there are so many quotable lines throughout this book. The characters were well fleshed out, and I especially loved all the women in this story. Are we as women destined to follow in the footsteps of the women who raise us and we look up to? Or will we be able to forge our own path? This book follows Marley from a high schooler to a wife, mother, and in some ways a sister. It looks at different forms of love, and how that shapes each of the family members in different ways.

This is a slow family based drama that does have some mystery and intrigue, but it’s more focused on asking these questions about family dynamics, love, and what we all want out of life, which is more than to just survive it. Overall I really loved it, and I would recommend if you’re looking for this type of story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars

Mercury
by Amy Jo Burns
Pub Date: January 2, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was recommended this book by a librarian on a Friends and Fiction podcast I follow. I requested and happily received this book.
A roofing family’s bonds of loyalty are tested when they uncover a long-hidden secret at the heart of their blue-collar town—from Amy Jo Burns, author of the critically acclaimed novel Shiner
For me, it was kind of a downer. There is a lot of sadness and dread in the book and I usually try to avoid reading books like this at Christmas.
However, I will recommend it.
4 stars

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley.
It's a book about secrets and a family who keeps a lot of them like they hold onto their unhappiness. Marley gets pulled into the family as the new girl in town and then pulled in forever with a pregnancy. I think the feeling of sadness and dread makes me like this book less. It was a bit of a downer for me.

A tragically beautiful story of found family and broken dreams. The author has written a story about the Joseph family, who own a roofing business and the woman who came into their lives. Marley West and her mom moved to the small town of Mercury and Marley quickly became a regular at the Joseph household. Soon, Marley marries one of the Joseph brothers, becomes a mom and caregiver. This book is packed with strong characters and so full of emotion. Marley is the friend and family member you want to have on your side.

I absolutely loved this book! It’s rich with atmosphere, secrets and genuine characters who are flawed yet have dreams like the rest of us.

This was a great read! I don’t tend to like character driven plots but this was entertaining enough once I got into this story— I did have to restart it a couple times cause I just couldn’t get into it. The mystery that hung in the air from the start to the middle was low angst & revealed fairly quickly. The characters were developed well and came to life as I read about each of them individually.

Thank you to the publisher for the chance to read this for an honest opinion!

A strong family drama with flawed characters, small town angst, and just enough secrets and deception to keep you going!

"Do you ever feel like the rest of the world is trying to save everyone but you?"

It's the 1990s and Marley West has moved to her umpteenth small town with her single mom Ruth. But upon arrival, she is immediately swept into the lure and pull of the Joseph family, a family that's complicated love, devastating secrets, and unfailing loyalty will change the course of Marley's life.

I really enjoyed this story overall. It was easy to pick up and get lost in the lives of the citizens of Mercury specifically the Joseph family. I loved how we truly got to know each character: their wants, their desires, their secrets, and their truths. I found each character to be more earnest than the last and despite their shortcomings, I empathized and rooted for each of them.

This is a more character driven book. While there is a mystery at the center, I felt it got solved pretty quickly and without much fuss and the focus was shifted immediately back to the characters. Even some of the higher stakes plot moments eventually centered on the feelings and actions of the characters versus the plot standing on its own. I didn't hate the focus on the characters as they are pretty interesting, but it did make the pacing a bit slower in some points, especially characters you didn't care for as much.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this one and recommend it to those looking for layered, character driven family drama with a bit of nostalgia and 90s flare mixed into it.

Thank you the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great slow-burn, very character driven story. I thought all of the characters were really well developed and it had me intrigued the whole way through. I've seen this comped to We Are The Brennans and I think that's a great comparison.

** I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

📖: Mercury
✍️: Amy Jo Burns
🎙: Maria Liatis
⭐️: 4 of 5

Trigger/Content Warnings:
- Sexual Content (Non Discriptive)
- Same Sex Relationship (Brief mention)
- Language (Minimal)

My Thoughts:
This book! This was not at all what I thought it was going to be. It was so much more. Family drama, mystery, and romance all perfectly packaged into a literary masterpiece. This is one that will stay with me for a while. I am looking forward to reading more from Burns in the future.
Thank you, NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Celadon Books, for the opportunity to listen and also read this advanced copy.