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.

This was a really well written story. Kept me engrossed until the end. Would love to read more by this author.

When Willa's sister disappears, her parents send her off to boarding school, where she meets Robyn. They become lifelong friends, and the story flips back and forth between their childhood and present day. In the present, Robyn and her wife Cat host a dinner party, and Willa attends with her current boyfriend. A few other couples attend, and as the conversations between them get deeper, things also get weirder. It's hard to describe without spoilers, but the connections between the guests are revealed expertly using the alternating past/present narrative style. The writing is lovely, the character building is strong, and the resolutions are satisfying. This debut author has a definite Lisa Jewell vibe to her--if you like Jewell's books, definitely give this one a try.

This was an interesting story with some good twists, about the power of sisterhood and never giving up.

A haunting and mesmerizing tale of sisterly love, obsession, and the unbreakable bonds that define us. Twenty-five years of searching, wondering, and longing have consumed Willa's life, and yet, she refuses to give up hope. With each turn of the page, I was drawn deeper into Willa's world, torn between the desperation of her past and the uncertainty of her present. The writing is evocative, the characters complex, and the plot expertly woven. A gripping exploration of the human psyche, this book will leave you breathless and yearning for more. A true masterpiece that will linger in your mind long after the final page is turned.

Willa has mourned the loss of her sister, Laika, ever since she went missing when they were children. Willa sees Laika’s face everywhere she goes but knows that it must be impossible, but she never holds out hope that maybe one day she will finally understand what happened to her sister.
When Robyn and her partner Cat invite two couples over for a dinner party they are not prepared for the revelations that soon transpire. Among the guests are Willa, Robyn’s childhood best friend, and Michael with his newly found love.
When forced together these guests will have to face their past decisions, and their current mistakes.
Overall rating 3/5
I loved how kintsugi was used physically and metaphorically as a way of restoring something with love. The plot with Willa and Laika’s parents really touched home with me, bringing to light topics such as DV and parental violence. The plot did get muddled down with side storylines that I felt made it difficult to stay interested in the characters.

*Thank you to Sarah Easter Collins, Crown Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Things Don't Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins felt very literary mystery to me, and though it is very character-driven I loved it to the max! The bonds of family run deep in this one, and the blend of Willa's quest to find her missing sister plus the alternating viewpoints and general heartbreak and drama created the perfect storm of readability. I listened to this in basically one sitting, and it grabbed me from the first page. I got lost in Collins' writing and I still can't believe this is a debut.

I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Christina Cole, Emily Lucienne & Nathalie Buscombe, and damn was it good! Each of these narrators did an excellent job with their characters and helped to completely envelop me in the story. I feel like I'm being really vague, but the synopsis is also pretty vague, and I don't want to give anything away. Things Don't Break on Their Own is an onion with many layers and excellent characterization, and I teared up and got chills at the same time. Just outstanding, and I can't wait for the author's next book.

I apologize. I could not finish this book. I tried several times and I had to DNF it. It did not catch my attention at all and I had a hard time getting attached to any of the characters. Maybe I will give it another try down the road

This was an enjoyable book. The characters were all interesting and the plot was pushed along well with the different narrative voices. The mystery was revealed in interesting layers, and it had a "happy ending". I would recommend this book for reading groups as well.

Though the synopsis reads like a psychological thriller, make no mistake this debut novel reads more like a dysfunctional family drama.

Told through multiple perspectives the reader slowly realizes what happened twenty-five years ago when Willa’s thirteen-year-old sister vanished without a trace. This tragic moment in Willa’s past has defined all her present relationships, many strained because in her heart she refuses to believe her sister is dead. With the help of her best friend Robyn, Willa learns to work through her heartache and grief and face her past traumas.

Though the plot was a little slow to start, Willa’s story is an interesting one and the ending will have readers rapidly turning the pages to find out what really happened to Laika. The characters were rich and interesting as they explore the depths of their relationships and how past trauma can alter them. The exploration of grief is done well and not rushed despite the last quarter of the book reading like a fast-paced thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley, Crown Publishing, and of course the author Sarah Easter Collins for the advanced copy of the book. Things Don’t Break on Their Own is out now! All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for this one! Absolutely fantastic, probably one of my favorite books this year. I was hooked from the beginning until the very end. The plot was different from most of the books I’ve read and I think that’s what kept me intrigued. I also love novels that bounce back and forth between time as they just seem to flow better. I will definitely recommend to friends and patrons.

I really enjoyed this story! I thought the writing was great and most of the characters were enjoyable. There were a few slow parts but overall I’d recommend this book.

This book really gripped my attention in the beginning, but I felt like there were too many stories going on that was a tad confusing. I did enjoy how it comes back to Liv's study of memories and how people can remember others memories or that they just have them wrong. I understood that Sarah was trying to show that through Willa, Robyn and Laika (Claudette). I definitely felt this to be a gripping story at times and Sarah does a great job of showing the grief, but also the sadness of living through abuse.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Sarah Easter Collins’ Things Don’t Break on Their Own is an exploration of human resilience and the intricate web of relationships that define our lives.

This novel, with its evocative prose and well-crafted characters, is a testament to Collins’ ability to weave a narrative that is both heart-wrenching yet still hopeful.

The story revolves around the lives of three women—Mara, a single mother struggling to make ends meet; Eliza, a successful lawyer grappling with the ghosts of her past; and Sophie, a young artist searching for her place in the world. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways, revealing the fragile yet unbreakable bonds that connect us all. As they navigate their personal struggles, they discover that sometimes, the things that seem broken are merely waiting to be mended.

Collins excels in character development, crafting individuals who are flawed, relatable, and profoundly human. Mara’s determination and vulnerability make her a compelling protagonist, while Eliza’s journey of self-discovery is both inspiring and heart-rending. Sophie’s artistic soul and quest for identity add a layer of depth to the narrative, making her story particularly resonant for readers who have ever felt lost or out of place.

The author’s writing is lyrical, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. Collins’ use of vivid imagery and metaphor enriches the story, making the reading experience engaging and thought-provoking. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace is one of the novel’s standout features.

Things Don’t Break on Their Own delves into themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. It explores how our past shapes us, and how we have the strength to redefine our futures. The novel is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is hope and the possibility of healing.

Sarah Easter Collins has crafted a novel that is emotionally resonant and beautifully written. Things Don’t Break on Their Own is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring strength of our connections with others. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary fiction or simply looking for a story that will stay with you long after you’ have finished it, this book is well worth your time.

This is a pretty remarkable debut. The story ripples back in time and after a seemingly regular dinner party between family and friends, from the perspective of several characters. It's shocking at times, and occasionally very difficult to read, and despite its short length, it has a lot of weight. However, it's propulsive as the story is revealed.

“Things don’t break on their own” is the first book I’ve read by Sarah Easter Collins. It’s a psychological thriller about Willa and her missing sister. Overall, it was a bit predictable, but still a good read.

Delightful story of loss, and control. Fear and anger. Recommended read! Friendships are a powerful thing. Characters are well developed and I could’t put it diwn.

Thank you to #Netgalley for the ARC. If you think the cover looks sinister, you would be right. This story is told in different POV and I loved that. At times I got a little confused when go from different time frames but I could not stop reading till the end. A must read till the end, wow. Great job to Sarah Easter Collins, I am a new fan.

5 stars-Wow! Just wow! There are few authors who are able to write about trauma and physical abuse in a way that makes you understand how the character feels. This is one of them. I am not going to say this is not a hard book to read, it is emotional and maybe even triggering for some. (And a major warning for animal abuse!!!) what I like about it is that is shows that abuse is not the end, there is a life past it and there are good people out there. What a stellar debut! This is an author that I am looking forward to reading lots more of in the future. Special thanks to NetGalley for the arc. It has been a pleasure to read and review this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Crown for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it now in your local and online bookstores and libraries.