An amazing cross generational novel following 3 women as they navigate their past and relationships to each other.

4.5 stars! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel by Susan Rieger who depicts women as they should be - complex, ambitious, loving and forgiving. I was a bit surprised at the onset of this novel that there was a guide to all the characters and near the end , understood why. I enjoyed how the book was developed from different points of view and how it spent lots of time in the "grey". People (women) are not black and white - and Rieger understands that deeply. I also appreciated how important women friendships were in this novel - chosen family for sure. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC and I look forward to more offerings by Susan Rieger. Read this! You will be glad you did.

I love a good family saga, especially when the focus is on the women. In 1960, Lila Pereira’s abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum and she never sees her again. Lila grows up to be an esteemed editor for the Washington Globe and her career becomes the most central focus of her life. Lila’s husband, Joe, is the primary caregiver to their daughters but, in spite of his best efforts, the girls struggle with abandonment issues with their mother. This is a complicated story spanning from the 1960’s to modern day and explores multigenerational trauma, domestic violence and begs the question “how do we break the cycle of generational sin”? There is also a compelling mystery that drives the plot line. I found this story to be engaging, heart breaking and witty at times to break the tension, it was very well written. Thank you Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on October 29, 2024.

I know a lot of people are enjoying this book, but I honestly was so confused by it. It read to me like one massive chaotic mess. The timeline didn’t seem like it lined up, and it was just all over the place for me. I had such high hopes, but unfortunately this book just was not for me.

Like Mother, Like Mother charts three generations of women from the 1960's in Detroit through the present day in Washington DC. Secrets are uncovered and challenging relationships between mothers and daughters emerge. The book is split into three sections- one focusing on Lila who grows up in Detroit. Her father was horribly abusive, and he had her mother Zelda committed to Eloise Hospital (a side note- if you'd like to learn more about that real hospital the book "Annie's Ghosts" is fantastic) and he tells his children that she died there. Lila flees her home as soon as possible and ultimately marries a man who comes from substantial wealth. Lila is incredibly focused on her journalism work, and while her and her husband Joe have three children, her job is her passion and she becomes editor of a major newspaper in DC, breaking political scandals. A minor point I found odd was most of the political stories discussed in the book are true, but the author has one fictional president that just seems like an odd choice. The second part of the book focuses on Grace who is Lila and Joe's youngest daughter who feels quite abandoned by her mother, and she finds herself in the same career path as her mother. The final section is about Zelda who is Lila's mother. I found Lila to be the most fascinating character in this book and she's really the linchpin of the story. I wish more time could have been spent on Zelda's backstory, and I found myself not particularly engaged with Grace's grievances. But I appreciated the common threads shared by the different generations of women (the title of this book is appropriate) and many will enjoy this one!

Thank you to the Dial Press (Random House) for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.

I loved this story which explored three generations of women. There were also secrets and fun, a perfect mixture.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A great story about the complicated relationship between mothers, daughters, and the sense of self. There were a lot of characters, so I’m glad I read this on my kindle and could search the names when I got confused. Definitely my favorite ARC read so far. Thank you NetGalley!

Susan Rieger writes a fascinating multi-generational drama featuring 3 distinctly different, flawed women we follow through time, exploring mothers and motherhood, family, relationships, who they are, what has shaped them, and repercussions of past history. Lila Pereira is a toddler when her abusive father has her mother, Zelda, committed to an insane asylum, she never sees her mother again, as later she is informed she has died. Despite the traumatic background she and her twin sisters are raised in, Lila grows up into a fiercely determined and tenacious woman, she marries Joe, but her strong ambitions ensure she is career driven, rising to the top of her field.

Lila becomes recognised, acclaimed, and celebrated as the executive news editor of The Washington Globe, and has 3 daughters, Stella, Ava, and Grace, but it is her career that is the focus of her energies. She and Joe have a non -traditional marriage, unusually they swap the 'expected' gender roles as it is Joe who stays at home, but it leaves Lila, as a mother, distant from her daughters, but this is who she is, she can give no more to her family. However, her youngest child, Grace, is far from happy with this situation, wanting more from her, wanting a mother genuinely interested in her and involved more closely with the family. Becoming a successful writer, Grace becomes engaged in writing about her mother, and involved in the intriguing mystery of her grandmother, Zelda, what did really happen to her?

Rieger writes vibrantly of generational trauma, the complexities, emotions, dynamics, and legacies of families, personality traits, dysfunctions, that mothers cannot fit into one size fits all roles, what might be expected from them, the social norms and expectations, and the inner needs and desires of mothers and children. The characters are not necessarily particularly likeable, but I was engaged with them and immersed in their individual stories. When I reached the end, I was left reflecting on the women, their strengths and weaknesses, the question of identity, influences, how its hard to escape the repercussions of the families we grow up in and so much more.

The themes and issues resonate, families are the foundations, bricks on which society is built, which is why this novel is likely to appeal to a wide range of readers. Many thanks to the publisher for and ARC.

Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters across three generations. The story is set in Detroit and New York and follows the Pereira family, whose lives are shaped by secrets, ambition, and the power of maternal love.

The novel is beautifully written, with richly drawn characters and a gripping plot that kept me turning the pages. Rieger expertly navigates the complexities of motherhood and the ways in which our family histories shape our lives. The themes of generational trauma, resilience, and the pursuit of personal ambition are all deftly explored, making for a powerful and thought-provoking read.

I highly recommend Like Mother, Like Mother to anyone who enjoys family sagas, stories about strong women, or novels that explore the complexities of family relationships. It's a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

This is the story of three generations of very strong women. This is a complicated story, the characters are well developed each with their own story to tell. Is a thought-provoking novel that will get you thinking about motherhood. Would you follow the path? Perfect book for book clubs.

Lila Is abandoned by her mother who is put into an institution when Lila is a young child. She is left in the care of her abusive father and grandmother.
Later, she is told by her father that her mother has died. Lila never saw her mother after she was institutionalized.
Lila becomes a journalist. She marries her college sweetheart, and has three children. Lila wants a career, and is not around much for her children. Grace, her youngest child resents this very much and wishes she would spend more time at home. Grace writes a book about her mother and investigates about what happened to her grandmother Zelda.
This is a beautifully written book about family dynamics. It is at times humorous and emotional. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House for this invitation to read this arc copy of this book. I truly enjoyed it.

interesting exploration of three generations of women. grace (rebel/outcast granddaughter coming into her own), lila (mother who only knew how to work and not how to mother), and zelda (dead[?] grandmother whose story was riddled with sadness and pain).
i very much enjoyed the storyline which followed grace on her hunt for the truth about zelda. did she really die in the asylum? if not, what will that mean for the family members who are still alive?
some of the characters felt really pretentious and their voice/language used felt that way, as well.
i thought the end (final quarter) was quite rushed. if the rest of the book could have some meat, why couldn’t this portion have it, as well?
i didn’t love it but i didn’t hate it, either.

thank you to random house publishing for providing this book for review consideration via netgalley. all opinions are my own.

What an interesting premise. A story of a very successful mother Lila, raised by a monster of a father who goes onto be one of the most successful news editor in history. She breaks a Watergate like scandal with a very Trumpish like president (I've seen other readers offended, but it's hard to be offended when he mirrors the exact person). However, Lila is not a successful mother, and made it clear when she had kids, that she wanted a nanny to take care of them.

Grace, and her twin sisters go on to live successful lives regardless, but are still enthralled with the legacy left behind after Lila dies of cancer. We go back and forth, as if Lila hasn't passed away, reflecting mainly on Grace's life, and then who was actually Lila's mother. Is she still alive after being left in a mental institution? It becomes somewhat of a mystery by the third chapter.

However, while the premise is nice, the story was long and tedious. There were so many moments that just seemed like filler. I ended up skimming through the end as I couldn't take the over wrought and quite frankly, boring characters any longer.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/The Dial Press for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. Like Mother, Like Mother is a multi-generational family story, following three generations of women (Zelda, Lila, and Grace along with other secondary characters including their sisters, close friends, grandparents, etc.) who struggle with their familial relationships, with marriage, with motherhood, and with how these complexities ultimately affect their personal ambitions and paths forward in life.

I was hooked in to the premise of this story when I read that it was a female-centric, multigenerational story and I’m glad to say that it did not disappoint. The story was well written and well paced, which kept me engaged throughout the whole read and made me eager to return to the story. When I read family stories, the characters can often either make or break it for me; in this story, I found the characters imperfect, yet likable and in particular, I found Lila’s character to be fascinating. Her unconventional, relatively unapologetic approach to motherhood was really stunning to observe and although some of her stances may have been a bit harsh, I think it was so thought-provoking and awe inspiring to read about.

The hardships that these characters endure feel very real and there are difficult questions posed throughout this book, especially on the topic of domestic physical and emotional abuse. These topics are handled gracefully but, also brought into the spotlight and the reader is really forced to examine these situations to try to make sense of the situation and character motives.

Finally, the mystery element in this book worked well for me because it didn’t feel overwrought or exaggerated but, rather almost like this nagging question that you had to know the answer to. I think this element was woven so well into the story and was definitely one of the reasons why I was repeatedly drawn back to finish the book. I was satisfied with the ending and although I may have wanted just a bit more to feel like the story fully concluded, I can appreciate that the semi open-ended nature of it is reflective of reality.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to contemporary fiction fans and readers who enjoy multi-generational stories! I look forward to seeing what others think of this one when it’s published!

3.5 stars
Lila, youngest of three siblings, was only 2 when her mom left. Aldo, the father, says she was institutionalized until one day he told the children that she had died. No funeral, no nothing, just move on. During those years he no longer had his wife to beat, so he beat the children. Lila was the toughest and would not give him any satisfaction in beating her.

She grew up with a lot of drive and made it big, got married to a man who would be a good mother to the children she would have, but would not mother them. Lila was convinced her mother had died, but Lila's daughter Grace was convinced that her grandmother had run away.

This abandonment affected not just the children, like Lila and her siblings, but also Lila's children, their spouses and extended families, making it into a quest that sooner or later had to be settled.

A good story, well written and keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter....
Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy. Honest opinions expressed here are my own and are freely given.

This book was fantastic! I was sucked in from first few pages, with the story of Lila, a child who grew up with no mother, an abusive father, got through life with grit, and was now a high powered editor for a major newspaper out of Washington D.C. Lila is unapologetically selfish, but knowingly and lovingly so, and most forgive her for it except her youngest daughter.

Cut to part two, daughter Grace trying to reckon her upbringing with mother Lila, but leaning on her wonderful father, best friend, grandmother and other loving family. She opens the pandora's box and instantly regrets it- but the book continues on to have everyone forgive, move on, and draw closer. The title comes from the original mother who left Lila, and drawing the parallels for the next 2 generations- Zelda, Lila, Grace.

I found the characters realistic, though easily forgiving. The main characters are imperfect yet lovable. The older generation family is surprisingly together after major childhood trauma, which leaves you to admire the children who made their own lives, though suffering, thought abandonment and abuse. I loved the extended family, and then friends who became family. The settings of Detroit, NYC, Tallahassee, and the West Coast brought a dynamic that fit with all the characters and their differences that just worked together.

It has been a long time since I read a book I've loved this much. Started off strong, got a little bumpy in the middle, but then recovered nicely. A solid 4.5 stars, and strong recommendations from me! Thank you to The Dial Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy, it was a pleasure!

(Would compare this book to The Most Fun We Ever Had by Clare Lombardo, another book I loved.)

Like Mother, Like Mother is a captivating read about three generations of women.

Zelda (grandmother), Lila (mother) and Grace (daughter).

You cant help but think of your own family as you see the resemblance of traits both personality and character.

It is a book about perseverance, motherhood and all the complexities that go with families.

Every family has its secrets.

Susan Rieger takes us on an emotional journey that at times is funny, moving and sad all at the same time.

Like Mother, Like Mother will be a Book Club favourite no doubt.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House/ The Dial Press.

Like Mother, Like Mother is an immersive, powerful read capturing the dynamics of families lost and found, broken and irreparable. The writing is brilliant; the characters are unique and unconventional.

Lila is a big shot media exec who escaped abuse and the damaging effects of her mother's abandonment. She then in turn "abandons" her own children, married to her job, while her husband Joe (a saint) takes over the childcare duties.

Before Lila dies, her daughter Grace writes a book which sets the stage for Grace tracking down Lila's mom (presumed dead) to understand the family history.

There's a lesson here. Sometimes people do what they can to survive, and it may not align with our ideals, but it's all they have to offer.

Lila grew up with a violent father who had her mother committed when Lila was two and she was never heard from again. Lila went on to become a successful newspaper editor. When she and Joe had three daughters, Joe raised them as a married single parent. Lila was a self-proclaimed terrible and absent mother, completely consumed by her job. When her youngest daughter, Grace, writes a hardly fictionalized account of her life, Lila and Grace consider what really might have happened to Lila's mother.

This literary fiction book is excellent. I think this will be THE BOOK of this fall. It is in the vein of Ann Napolitano's book Hello Beautiful, but I liked this one much better. I loved the three generations of woman and as they examine if mothering instincts can be affected by generational trauma. Although on the longer and slower paced side, you will not regret reading this book. It is very engaging and memorable and a perfect combination of character development and plot. This one is an absolute stand out book.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

I found myself drawn into the family dynamics in Like Mother, Like Mother. The strained relationship between Lila and her mother was particularly compelling, as was the way the author explored themes of abandonment and betrayal. While the pacing was a bit slow at times, especially in the middle of the book, the mystery surrounding Lila's mother kept me engaged. Overall I would recommend this book
#LikeMotherLikeMother #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House/ The Dial Press for the ARC. A three generational family saga. This book was enjoyable, although I didn't feel the need to be reading it. The mystery kept me going in the book because I wanted to see how it played out. Overall it just seemed like it could have been done a bit better. Slow in my eyes.