This book was interesting, and different from other thrillers I’ve read. I always appreciate that.
This was a good one, not a great one. But I would recommend.

This book was more of a journey and path of discovery versus mystery thriller. I think it really delved into the journey of sister hood and also the feelings that surround that. You could feel the emotions on the page and the guilt from the one who didnt disappear.

This book drew me in. I am glad that it had a hopeful and complete ending. The characters are well done.

I picked up this book several times and each time I just couldn’t get into it. It was like a chore so I didn’t finish it.

Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest opinion. The premise of this novel is interesting and intriguing, but it fell a bit flat for my taste. It is a story of Willa whose sister has disappeared one day when she gets home from school. Willa spends the next 25 years looking for her, sure that she is still alive, while people close to her assume Likka is dead.

The story jumps from different timelines and different characters telling their part. I found it confusing to follow along with the changings. In short, I think it could be a good mystery as it has a lot of great content.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this book. Book was fine, really good if you like the genre! I would read more from this author.

Not the most thrilling thriller I’ve ever read but a solid one nonetheless and I enjoyed myself. Also my first time reading this author so I’m interested to read more.

Things Don’t Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins centers around a girl, Willa, whose sister disappeared 25 years ago. Throughout the story, there are different perspectives and multiple timelines to tell the story of Willa and those around her.

I found the premise interesting but at times the multiple perspectives and timelines was a bit confusing.

Riveting!! I really appreciated the dynamics and rich history between Willa and Robyn. Lots of characters to love and loathe-- and the storytelling kept me guessing at every turn.

Thanks to Crown Publishing & NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a mystery/suspense novel for sure, but it has so much literary punch that I'd almost expect to find it mixed in with the non-genre fiction. Collins does a nice job of creating compelling characters who you root for and cry with. Laika is the little sister of Willa (good lord these names!) and has gone missing without a trace at 13. This, naturally, informs the rest of Willa's life, which we see through the lens of her good school friend, Robyn. Willa and Robyn also (sort of) fall in love while they are roommates at their boarding school, but it doesn't pan out due to Willa's fears of having feelings for a woman.

Willa is beloved by her father, but for some reason (never explained that I saw, maybe I missed it?), Laika is the heavily un-preferred child, at least by her father. Her mother doesn't really go to bat for her, but she is also an abused wife, which could explain it. The family is wealthy but everyone dances attendance on Daddy to make sure he is happy. thus ensuring no one else in the house is. All, that is, except Laika, who is willing to push back.

Some of the parts of this story strain credulity, and there are coincidences that just wouldn't wash IRL, but hey. I'm all for allowing fiction to transport me, and if a few coincidences here and there have to happen, so be it. There's nothing that will make you put down the book and stomp away in disgust. All in all, very well-written and readable.

3.5 stars Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
Things Don't Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins is a tense, suspenseful thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story revolves around Willa, whose life has been shaped by the mysterious disappearance of her sister twenty-five years ago. Everyone believes her sister is dead, but Willa is convinced her sister is still alive. The novel plays on the powerful, sometimes unbreakable bond between sisters, and Collins does a great job of building suspense as Willa uncovers long-buried secrets. The premise is intriguing, and the psychological tension is palpable throughout. However, the ending felt a bit far-fetched for me, making it harder to fully buy into the resolution. Still, despite its somewhat implausible conclusion, the book’s strong atmosphere and emotional depth make it a solid recommendation from me for anyone who enjoys a gripping mystery with a twist.

Willa and Laika are sisters who walk together every day to their private school. Only one day Willa leaves for school early and Laika never does. What happened to Laika and will the reader ever know or like the ending? - a page turner full of surprises. Recommended!

Really rough to read. DNF
Heavy with domestic and child abuse, while occasionally thriller, suspense and heart wrenching plots intrigue me, personally I couldn't pull through to continue reading. Couldn't do it.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a little backlogged with my ARC’s but working diligently to get caught up. I really enjoyed the whole premise of this book! The missing sister storyline really sucked me in. All the twists and turns made my head spin and I had no idea where it was heading. I loved how the whole thing turned out! If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers and mysteries, be sure to check this book out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown for this ARC!

THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK SO FAR THIS YEAR! How is this a debut novel?

The character development is amazing, the writing is top notch and I just couldn't put this book down for the story.

Looking forward to seeing what Sarah Easter Collins writes next!

5 Stars- wish I could give it more

Have already purchased a copy to live on my bookshelf and shared with friends

Willa’s sister disappears, and everyone thinks she is dead. Willa though, knows that she is alive still, and it is up to her to find her sister.

Things Don't Break on Their Own is an introspective novel that delves into the complexities of personal and familial relationships, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. The story explores themes of resilience, grief, and healing, offering moments of genuine emotional insight. However, the pacing can feel slow at times, and some plotlines remain underdeveloped.

The characters are well-crafted, with realistic flaws and relatable struggles, but they don’t always evoke the emotional connection the story seems to strive for. The writing is thoughtful, occasionally poetic, but can also be heavy-handed in its exploration of the novel's themes, making certain parts feel overly drawn out.

While the book has its poignant moments, it lacks the narrative drive to keep readers fully engaged throughout. Things Don’t Break on Their Own is a decent read for those who enjoy slower, character-driven novels, but it may not resonate deeply with everyone or stand out in a crowded genre.

The writing and characters were good--but the story itself was just lacking something. When it ended I was like, that's it? Somehow the big climax was rushed through or toned down or something so it seemed like something else was going to happen but nope.

I wanted to love this book, but it was pretty slow and a bit predictable. I read as well as listed to the audio. It is told from multiple POVs and has domestic abuse so be aware of triggers before going into the story. Thank you to Crown publishing & Netgalley for providing a digital ARC. 2.5/5

The story tells of a couple with three children. Robyn and Cat invite others to a family get together. Robyn’s brother Michael and his girlfriend Liv . Cats bother Nate and his girl Nanette . Also a friend Willa and her fiance Jaime. Throughout the meal we see the trauma that many of the characters faced. The story is set from the past and the present. I found that it was a well written story that showed the trauma and mystery that life has been for all involved.