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.

Love a good family drama? Look no further! This might be a little bit of a slow-burn but the expressive writing, memorable characters, and complex family dynamics made it fly by. I started this one day and finished by the next, a blur of emotions left in its wake. An unforgettable reading experience that I’ll be recommending loudly and often.

It really doesn’t compare to anything but I do think if you enjoyed books like We Are the Brennans or The People We Keep, you’ll enjoy this!

I did a combo of digital and audio and loved both. Big thanks to Macmillan Audio for the #alc and Celadon books for the #arc via netgalley in exchange for my thoughts.

This is a slow burn character driven family drama that hits all the right notes. We are immersed into the world of the Joseph brothers and the strong women that keep them together. I loved getting the perspectives of the different characters to understand the backstory of their choices. There was a bit of mystery, lots of family secrets, drama, and some loveable and not so likeable characters. If you enjoyed The Connellys of County Down, then this book will likely work for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mercury is family drama from Amy Jo Burns.

"17-year-old Marley and her mother move to Mercury. Soon she is pulled into the Joseph family. She becomes a mother and a wife and a part of the family business. She may be the only one able to hold the family and the business together. Especially after a body is found in the church attic and old secrets come to light."

This is a family saga from Burns. There are several time jumps - somehting happens and then we're a couple of years in the future. Near the end a couple of characters revisit incidents and fill in the blanks. Most of the time I'm asking the characters "What are you doing?" The story is full of bad and irresponsible decisions. One big tragic event near the end. Burns surprises you with the resolution. Fans of books like We Are The Brennans and Connelly's of County Down will enjoy this one.

Thanks to Celadon Books for early access.

Wow what a great book. I had never read the author before so I didn’t know what to expect. What I got was a complicated family drama with well-developed characters that kept me wanting to know more. The story had intrigue, deep rooted secrets and murder.
I found myself drawn into the story. I couldn’t stop reading. I will be looking for other books by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for my ARC.

@celadonbooks always has the BEST family dramas and Mercury is definitely added to that list!

“The Josephs were the close kind of family that fought in equal measure but didn’t know how to make up.”

I immediately was drawn to the Joseph family and their roofing business. There are three sons, all a bit different but all also a bit the same. There is also Marely, a character I loved from the minute I met her. I love a thoughtful and flawed character that becomes so real on the page and Marely is that.
I also loved that the story is told from multiple perspectives and there is so much character development. Complex family dynamics are explored and I really enjoyed what each character learns about themselves along the way. There are also some family secrets involved and the way the family handled them had me invested in this story until the very end.

If you are a fan of family dramas, a small town feel, and stories that are character driven, grab this one out early next year!

This one comes out 1/2/24!

4.25 stars!

Do you have a favorite character of all time? How is your week going so far?

I was so happy to see I was gifted a copy of this book; thank you! I loved this story. I especially enjoy reading stories about families and this one did not disappoint. I loved Marley's character and watching her become a member of the Joseph's family. I loved how the story focuses on the true ups and downs of family life and how everything isn't always picture perfect. This is the first book by the author I've read and I would like to go back and read more !

If you're looking for a quiet, character-driven novel that delves into complex family dynamics, this book might be the perfect choice for your next read.

What I enjoyed:
💙 Excellent character development: I particularly loved how the author developed the characters of Elise and Marley. Both are strong female characters trapped by circumstances beyond their control. Comparing and contrasting their lives, decisions, and sacrifices for their families offers a lively discussion for any book group.
💙Mystery: I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded. The nonlinear timeline provides clues to the dead body in the church’s attic without being the main plot of the story.
💙Emotionally invested: Burns pens beautiful and honest prose. The Joseph’s blue-collar life feels heavy: always struggling for money, a sense of desperation that lurks but is never discussed amongst the family.

I truly wanted to love this one, with all the raving reviews. Unfortunately it just didn't do it for me. I found myself disconnecting totally from the story, I wasn't truly invested i made it to 30% but it's truly dragging for me and I had to stop.

“Marriages were not measured by time. They were tracked by disappointments, by hurts. Betrayals and apologies.”

“Was it the same to be desired as it was to be seen—to be wanted, and to be understood?”

4.5 stars rounded up! Loved it. Just loved it. The Joseph family is broken, doing everything they can just to keep it all together. But every family is broken in their own way, aren’t they? So it’s the loyalty. The sticking it out during the rough times. The underlying love. That is what defines it.

This is a book about blood family, found family, and the roots that bind them. It’s so easy to judge another persons marriage or home life, as Marley frequently does to the Joseph’s. But once you learn their backstory it all falls into place. And I commend Elise, the matriarch of the Jospeh clan, for holding her family together and doing her best to support her husband through his demons from the war, despite what outsiders think of her actions.

I love character driven stories like this, especially when they revolve around a family. I felt like I was in that big beautiful house with these roofers, watching their lives unfold. I very much enjoyed the character arc of each of the three Joseph boys, too. If you enjoyed We Are The Brennans or The Connellys of County Down, as I did, then you will love this one.

Thank you to Netgalley, Celadon Books, and the author for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley the publisher and or the author for giving me the chance to read and review Mercury

Love the interaction between the characters.

Confused a little bit on the plot.

Seventeen year old Marley and her mother Ruth are newly moved to the small town of Mercury, Pennsylvania in 1990. Mercury is a small sleepy working-class town where everybody knows everybody yet people seem to have their own secrets galore. Marley quickly becomes acquainted with the Joseph boys, a family of roofers, first befriending one brother then quickly marrying the other. And so begins the saga of a dysfunctional family drama. The twist in the plot is when a body is discovered in the church attic and soon secrets of the Joseph family come tumbling out one after the other.

This is not at all a fast-paced story but a slow burn full of love, loss, secrets, male ego, female sacrifices and the pressure that comes from impractical expectations. The novel explores the complex family dynamics between spouses, siblings, parents and children, and mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. I loved the way the author has aptly captured and described the love-hate relationships between siblings. All in all, a very poignant, evocative tale that truly makes us think about the adage: In the end, do we all tend to become our mothers (or our mothers-in law). Perfect for book club discussions.

On a side note, I was shocked to read that the town did not even have a proper hospital or its own fire station. I had no idea that such was the situation in any town in the United States that too as recently as the 1990's.

Thank you Netgalley, Celadon Books and Amy Jo Burns for the ARC.