Life got in the way and I could not finish the book. Thanks to the publishers for the chance to read the book.

Family dysfunction is so very common and this families dysfunction was like a web of hurts and frustrations. I was easily engaged with the characters and although in the beginning I found myself getting annoyed with a couple of the sisters attitudes, I also realized that there was so much realness in them. Not only is this book about a dysfunctional family, it also explores forgiveness and healing and that not everything needs to be tied up in a pretty bow but we can still be family on our journey of healing. After all who among us is not broken in some degree?

I am looking forward to more by this author and recommend this one to others.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a preview view. All opinions are my own.

Robin W. Pearson's writing is new to me, and I am still completeing the audiobook galley that I was graciously granted access to. Although I'm not finished with this novel, I want to pause to offer words of praise for Pearson's beautiful writing style. Spare, yet emotionally moving descriptions of the actions and feelings of domestic life give this novel a strong feeling of atmosphere and character development. I now want to purchase this book in print because of the elegant writing; in one scene, Pearson writes about a character opening window shutters and granting freedom to sunlight in a way that I cannot do justice to, and if I keep pausing and replaying the book I'll complete even more slowly than I already have. Family relationships feel real in this book -- the conversation that ends when a child or sibling enters a room, for example. The protagonist's mixed feelings about having a high risk, "geriatric" pregnancy may resonate with many readers. The storytelling flows smoothly and the personal conflicts and character growth will give readers something to reflect upon and discuss; this would be a great pick for a Christian or non-Christian book club.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, in addition to highlighting family dysfunction it did a great job of also highlighting how to heal and forgive. The characters were well developed and the three sisters reminded me of my mom and her two younger sisters (tons of banter). Overall, I would recommend this one for anyone looking for a slower paced book packed with faith, sisterhood, and southern sass.

I was really excited to start reading this story, as the plot is one that I usually enjoy. However, this story was a tad bit slow for my liking and was unable to capture my attention. The story just felt too wordy and the narrator was a bit too monotone to engage me in the story.

This is a powerful well told story. The author did a magnificent job of adding depth to each character by using modern day comparisons. This book is so relatable because no family is perfect. I love that the author gave each character their own unique voice.
It's such a truly well written heartfelt look into the past and present.
Each girls interpretation of what they endured during childhood was personal and different even though it was the same. It's a reminder that you have the power to forgive and rise above the situations you're faced with that are beyond your control. You get to decide how you ultimately react to everything you're faced with.
I listened to the audiobook copy and found it difficult to follow at times; I think this one is better suited to be read in text.

Narrator for the audiobook was great.
I think the structure of this story is the thing holding it back from being a 5 star read.

I think if we, the readers, had gotten to experience (vs being told about it) more of their childhood with them, then the story overall would have connected more and flowed better.

I did enjoy exploring the different ways that upbringings can affect different people even if they all grow up in the same house. Each sister has grown up and navigated the wounds of their childhood differently, and that was interesting.

I found myself enjoying Annabelle's chapters the most.

Overall, it's a decent story, but a few tweaks could have made it great.

A slow and detailed documentation of the daily life of 3 sisters. If you love thrillers, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you love immersive family drama, I highly recommend checking this out. Woven into the daily events, are stories of pain and dysfunction contrasted with healing and forgiveness.

I love Robin W. Pearson’s novels so I would’ve read this no matter what, but the clever title and striking cover are a bonus. Dysfunction Junction is the story of three adult sisters whose childhoods were filled with uncertainty and neglect due to their mother’s actions and decisions. Each sister shares her story and memories through rotating points of view.

The characters began like birth order caricatures (oldest, middle, and baby) but experienced growth as they came together to handle a family matter. Their dysfunctional childhoods are revealed through flashbacks of key events.

The author has a gift for creating “real” yet flawed characters. The mother in this story was so interesting because while she had the material resources (home and her own business) to be a good parent, she lacked the ability to be a caring mother or a loving partner. A prequel book sharing her backstory would be fascinating.

This is Christian fiction so themes of faith are woven throughout, and the sisters’ beliefs are at varying levels of maturity. Miss Hattie, a childhood neighbor, is important in their past and present, and in an interview, Ms. Pearson stated that she represents God’s provision.

Thank you to Dreamscape and NetGalley for access to the audiobook of this novel skillfully narrated by LaNecia Edmonds. I thoroughly appreciated this story of faith, family, and forgiveness.

This is a slower paced read that jumps back and forth between the past and present in order to give the reader a visual picture of this family’s dynamic. The author did a wonderful
job showcasing the love, forgiveness, and growth of each character after being subjected to a rough upbringing. The story is very real and very touching. The content in one that is often times difficult to discuss, but the author did a wonderful job. I would recommend this book. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’m definitely interested in reading more.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

A very well done family drama that discussed hard topics of loss, childhood trauma and the attempts one makes to heal as they grow. I appreciated the sisterhood depicted in this story - it isn’t always pretty, it isn’t always perfect, but you are always family and have each other’s back.

Dysfunction Junction is a complex story with an uplifting and beautiful message of forgiveness, hope + sisterhood within this one! The characters are fleshed out well and there's enough drama to keep you interested. I truly enjoyed listening to the audiobook

I loved everything about the book. Thank you Netgalley for the gifted copy. The audio was perfect, in sink with the story. I recommend this audiobook

Written like an American classic, a window into what I view as an all too familiar family experience.

Pearson gives three sisters incredible and individual voices in the telling of their childhood and how they came to be the adult women they amidst recent tragedy.

There is a lot of pain and burden carried by each of the ladies-absolutely understandable as women often find a way to carry and bury things in hopes of making life better for the next generation.

I fell in love with the girls and their communication with one another. Their relationships aren’t perfect but you can feel the deep care and bond they share.

I liked the narrator she helped bring out the richness of the dialogue, and brought out the personality, and sass of these three sisters. The narrator did a great job with the voices and young personalities in the flash back scenes. She helped bring the story and the three sisters and their situations to life.

The three girls—Annabelle, Frankie, and Charlotte—get a call out of the blue that has them spinning. They are being called home. They have to face a lifetime of memories they have tried to forget. Memories of their mother’s rejection. Their attempts to hide their pain must be dealt with. The girls soon learn they can only find their way to healing by dealing with the past. They had to be there for each other one more time.

Through her narration, I liked the depth the author brought to the story by the use of current day surroundings, and childhood flashbacks, make the reader feel as though they are there as these young women, learn that who they were in the past doesn't determine who they are now.

This is a powerful, healing, heart-felt story I could not put down. Parts of this story hit my heartstrings. It’s a story we all can learn from. If you haven’t read any of this author ‘s novels I highly recommend this one. It’s one you won’t soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

The audiobook narrators did a pretty good job with this. I could tell there were multiple characters here and the dictation was clear.

I’m having a hard time finding words to express the impact this novel had on me. Maybe because I too am the product of a dysfunctional family. So there are some hard truths within these pages and I had to do some reckoning right along with Frankie, Annabelle and Charlotte. And oh, but my heart hurt for them…and for me. Therapeutic bibliotherapy at its best.

The story is told through three points of view as each sister marries memories from her past with the reality she is trying to make work in the present. The flashbacks are heartbreaking as all three are products of neglect and abuse. It colours the way each sister views life and love and even their own rocky relationship.

I had a favourite sister in the beginning, but my loyalty was no longer divided by the end. These women are survivors. Overcomerers filled with grace. Their journey is unimaginably hard and emotionally complex but it’s a redemption story worth reading. 

I listened to the audio book expertly narrated by LaNecia Edmonds who did an amazing job giving each sister a distinctive voice. She really captured their personalities and brought an extra energy to the author’s vibrant storytelling. A great author/narrator pairing.

My thanks to the publisher, Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of Dysfunction Junction.

In "Dysfunction Junction," author Robin W. Pearson, with narration by LaNecia Edmonds, presents the complex and emotionally charged lives of the Winters sisters - Frances, Annabelle, and Charlotte. Set in North Carolina, this narrative uncovers the deep-seated effects of their challenging upbringing, overshadowed by a mother whose focus lay more on her romantic pursuits than on her daughters.

Frances, as the eldest, takes on a protective, almost maternal role due to their mother's neglect. Her statement, "I'm at the junction of healing and hurting," poignantly reflects her inner turmoil. Annabelle, the middle sister, struggles with the family's shift from conflict to peace, pondering the changing relationships among them. Charlotte, the youngest, seeks a life of simplicity, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of their mother's 'serial monogamy.'

Pearson adeptly weaves themes of confronting bitterness and mending emotional scars throughout the story. The distinct coping mechanisms of each sister, shaped by their shared past, are explored with emotional depth. The narrative's shifts between past and present effectively frame their ongoing struggles. Miss Hattie, a neighbor from their childhood, stands out as a key influence, her actions reflecting God's love and care in their lives.

Yet, the audiobook demands careful listening. Edmonds' narration, while capturing the story's core, sometimes makes it difficult to differentiate between characters.

Furthermore, the dialogue, often fraught with conflict, imbues the story with a realism that can stir angst in the reader or listener. This intensity, while a testament to Pearson's skillful writing, makes "Dysfunction Junction" less suitable for those seeking a relaxing read or listen.

In essence, "Dysfunction Junction" is a compelling exploration of sisterhood and healing. It engages deeply, yet its stirring narrative may require a readiness for reflection rather than relaxation.

I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

📖: Dysfunction Junction
✍️: Robin W. Pearson
🎙: LaNecia Edmonds
⭐️: 2 of 5
🎧: 3 of 5

Troupes & Themes:
- Family Drama
- Dual Timeline

My Thoughts:

This was a miss for me. It was extremely slow pacing, and I felt it never really went anywhere. With the dual timelime and multiple POVs, I felt it jumped around a lot but never really got to the point. I also did not like the baby talk during the "then" times. Why baby talk for girls but not Henry when they are at similar ages? I'm not a fan of child characters who have lots of dialog in books in general, and this aggravated me. At 70%, I had to just put it down and move on. Unfortunately, the narration was also not my favorite and played a small part in my decision to DNF.
Thank you, NetGalley, Tyndale House Publishers, and Dreamscape Media, for the opportunity to read, listen, and review this advanced copy.

3.5 rounded up. I honestly chose this book because of its gorgeous cover and its setting in North Carolina (nostalgia reads ftw) but it was a cozy family tale and I enjoyed getting to know a group of women very unlike myself!

Premise - three sisters survive a mean, irresponsible, addict (?) mother who changes husbands like others change their socks. They’re still dealing with the trauma from their upbringing, especially the childhood death of their younger brother due to negligence, when news of their mother reunites them. Together again, can they overcome their demons once and for all?

I have a nitpicky edit, but since this is an ARC maybe there’s still time to change it: at one point one of the sisters’ husbands asks ‘what are you thinking or do I have to ask?’ The “or” makes no sense because he literally just asked. I think she meant to write ‘are you going to tell me what you’re thinking, or do I have to ask?’

📚 Series or Standalone: standalone
📚 Genre: Christian fiction
📚 Target Age Group: adult
📚 Cliffhanger: no

✨ Will I Reread: no
✨ Recommended For: fans of ‘Light on Halsey Street’ and ‘Waiting to Exhale’

💕 Characters: 4/5
💕 Writing: 3/5
💕 Plot: 3/5
💕 Pacing: 4/5
💕 Unputdownability: 3/5
💕 Enjoyment: 4/5
💕 Book Cover: 5/5

Thanks, NetGalley and Tyndall House Publishers, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.