This was a beautifully told story of family grief, trauma, and the fight for forgiveness in the midst of unimaginable circumstances. While I enjoyed the writing and the intricacy of the story held my attention, I found the pacing dragged at times.

This was such a riveting story that pulled me in from the beginning. A story of family drama and secrets told over multiple timelines and decades. The opening scene really pulls you in and tugs at your heartstrings. As the story goes on you realize this story is really about the reflection of our choices we make in life and how those decisions have impacted others. Angie and Julian were childhood friends and unfortunately there was a skiing accident involving Angie’s younger sister. After following this accident their two families forbid them to see one another. These two felt such a strong connection to one another. Years later, Angie and Julian are reconnected as Julian is hired to help defend Angie’s thirteen year old daughter. It is an interwoven story with topics of grief, love, loss, love. It is such a beautiful and heartbreaking story.

Penitence is a suspenseful, character-driven novel that explores trauma and forgiveness when a 13-year-old girl shoots and kills her 14-year-old brother for no apparent reason. The parents are grieving heavily and face losing their second and now, only child.

Norah's parents and her legal team share a complicated history involving secrets and family trauma, and much time is spent providing the backstory. However, none of it was as interesting to me as Nora's case and I found myself skimming through chapters to get back to it.

Readers who enjoy literary suspense that is thought-provoking and meditative should enjoy this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon books for the ARC.

#Penitence

As soon as I read the synopsis of this one, I knew it was a book I wanted to read.

When Angie and David Sheehan’s 14-year-old son Nico is killed by their 13-year-old daughter Nora, their lives are shattered beyond repair. This leads us through a story of an exploration of forgiveness, a look at the emotions of how to mourn a child facing prison sentencing while simultaneously mourning a dead child and so much more.

There is much more to the story than what I mentioned above, but I think it’s best to go in blind and let the story take you where it will. I was instantly pulled into this one and there was a lot to ponder as I read these character’s stories. I thought the author did a beautiful job weaving this story together.

This book reminded me a lot of Angie Kim’s books and if you like her books, I would definitely recommend this one.

Put this at the top of your TBR list. And then, read it.

This novel had everything. First, let's start by focusing on the book jacket design ! Love it -
The book is well written, moves along at a perfect pace, always kept me engaged... especially the last 15% when I stayed up late to finish it.

No pun intended - a novel plot line... as in unique, clever, suspenseful.
Well developed characters.

And No Spoiler - the ending was solid. Not mushy or a copout. Not sappy. Solid ! A solid wrap up of the elements. Most of which I didn't see coming.
Thank you Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for the ARC. I was thrilled to be approved to receive the ARC. Loved the Book !
This one will be a best seller -

Have you ever experienced a tragedy and you’re not sure how you can forgive the person who caused it? Tragedy affects every family. Some families much worse than others. In every tribulation, there is a hope of penitence (forgiveness). In Kristin Koval’s novel Penitence, she explores the idea of love and forgiveness in more ways than one.

My Thoughts On The Book:
I loved the premise of this book. It made me wonder how a family goes on after the death of a child. Then, it adds the story line of the death being caused by their own family member. The story captured my attention when it featured Nora in jail. I was also captivated during her time in a juvenile detention center. It tugged on the heart strings of this middle school teacher.

I enjoyed the courtroom drama and the police investigation as well. I especially loved that it took place in Colorado. I could picture the perfect small town. It is like so many around this beautiful state.

The backstory of Angie and her past was interesting and added to the story. Her mistakes, past loves, and family problems were a big part of the story. However, I felt that it was just too long and had too many details. I kept wanting to get back to Nora and the present. I was also a little disappointed by the ending. I kept hoping that there was an epilogue.

This book definitely shows one side of a political spectrum. You are either going to love that or hate it. It just depends on your views.

I gave this book 3.5 stars. I enjoyed reading it. However, it was a little depressing for me. It also has a little too much of the back story. That being said, there are a lot of other reviewers who loved this book. If you like a strong family drama, you might really enjoy the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristin Koval, and Celadon for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 - 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘥 𝘶𝘱, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘮. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵.”

Thank you Celadon Books for inviting me to review Penitence and providing advanced readers copies via Netgalley. I opted for the advanced listeners copy and really enjoyed the narrator, Therese Plummer.

Said to be in the same vein as Celeste Ng, which I agree with, Penitence is a heavy hitter that touches on some big topics, so for those who are interested know it contains heavy subject matter that can be triggering.

We are given several POVs throughout a few timelines and this provides a more comprehensive look at both the overall story but also the characters who understandably have layers and grapple with their conflicting emotions and thoughts. You can empathize with them as Koval addresses the anger, confusion, and grief involved in a horrific situation like this; how family wrestle with love and forgiveness when their own flesh has committed such a crime against another; the complicated nature of some relationships, be it family or lovers or those whom we find our lives always tied to; and the weight of our choices.

Overall I did really like it. It can be tough at points, and you root for truth and healing to prevail, yet by the end there was something that left me feeling not fully satisfied, and that was probably intentional on Koval’s part because that’s real life, that’s tragedy, that’s the dynamics between people - it doesn’t always meet our expectations and provide all that we want or the answers we seek, and ultimately, we have to live with that. We have to live with the consequences of others’ actions or lack thereof. Content includes tragic deaths of children (one by a gun and this is obviously mentioned throughout), mental health, deteriorating illness, some profanity, juvenile delinquency, 9/11, and infidelity.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quiet story, and sometimes I wondered where it was going. I did guess one of the plot points early on, but the author gave some good clues, and it didn't ruin the story. If you like legal proceedings and don't mind quieter and slower books, I think you will enjoy this one, too. She's a great writer, and I felt like I was there with the characters.

A stellar debut that leaves the reader with lingering thoughts and feelings and begs to be discussed. An unthinkable tragedy strikes a family and ultimately forces them to confront their pasts.

Readers must be okay sitting with characters that are complex and even unlikable at times. You may not get the answers you are looking for but this story is so much more than a simple answer.

Koval's debut brilliantly navigates the intricacies of forgiveness. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

The title suited the novel perfectly. Penitence, sorrow, regret, culpability, and atonement permeated the book which is set in a small Colorado ski resort town.

The plot begins with Nora Sheehan, a thirteen year old girl ringing the police early one morning to confess that she has shot her fourteen year old brother Nico. From there we meet the elderly local lawyer, Martine and eventually her criminal lawyer son, Julian Dumont who she enlists to help her with Nora's defence.

Julian and the girl's mother, Angie, were once a couple. They share a tragic past that has defined the trajectory of their lives. Now Angie, who has had way more than her fair share of tragedy in her life, must come to terms that her beloved son is dead and her daughter is incarcerated after she confessed to his murder.

My heart bled for the young and vulnerable Nora Sheehan.  Despite Julian Dumont's best efforts on her behalf, her fate seems predetermined by the D.A., a man who has a 'tough on crime' agenda to further his own career prospects. She is grieving for her brother Nico. She is isolated from her family and friends so has no support system. She is ultimately lost and bewildered by what her life has become.

There are several chapters devoted to the early lives of Nora's mother Angie, when she was a young artist living in New York with Julian Dumont. These chapters shed light on the myriad factors that have led these characters to the devastating and complicated situation that they now find themselves in.

The novel explores what it really means to forgive and the corrosive nature that guilt can have on a life. How the worst thing we have ever done need not define our entire lives going forward.

An unrelentingly realistic novel that is the very opposite of uplifting, it made me wonder for the umpteenth time at the inherent unfairness of some people's lives.

This stunning and memorable debut novel left me emotionally drained. It clearly illuminated the serious flaws in the American justice system especially as it pertains to young offenders. The book's heavy subject matter might not appeal to some readers, but the eloquent writing makes the novel well worth reading. A remarkable and intelligent debut novel.

4.5 stars rounded up

Gripping and emotional story of a family who's son has been diagnosed with Huntington's and just as they are learning how to manage the illness their daughter shoots and kills the son and then retreats into a traumatic mutism. Their parents struggle with mounting legal bills, their marriage and understanding how this could happen as they reflect on the months leading up to the shooting, and their own guilt and blame game. I was afraid the sadness would be too much for me but I really enjoyed the lingering mystery as to why but also how they navigated through their feelings of grief, unconditional love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

Thank you to Celadon and NetGalley for the ARC! #Penitence

Thank you for this ARC! I had heard a lot of buzz about this debut novel and was so excited to read it. I loved it! Part love story, part mystery, ultimately it is a story of forgiveness. The characters were beautifully developed, and the story was effectively woven over two timelines. I don't want to give too much away, but I think fans of Angie Kim would really enjoy this book.

4.5 stars

Holy debut, Batman. Perfect for fans of William Landay, Celeste Ng, Mary Beth Keane, and Jodi Picoult. With her legal background, Koval had crafted a fascinating look at not only the juvenile justice system but forgiveness - forgiveness of the worst things imaginable, not only what others have done but of the worst parts of ourselves.

Complex, heavy, and emotional, this is a story that stays with you. The relationships are raw and turbulent, but not without a hopeful ending.

At parts a little slow, but that is mostly due to a thoughtful plot and character development. This would be a fantastic book club pick.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon books.

Penitence by Kristin Koval

Thirteen year old Nora Sheehan shoots her fourteen year old brother to death, in Lodgepole, Colorado. Nora has been suffering from depression and Nico has a neurodegenerative illness with a grim prognosis, Huntington’s disease. Nora calls 911 immediately after shooting her brother three times and now she is not talking to anyone.

The lives of the Sheehan family had already been under immense strain due to Nico's disease and now their lives have been shattered in an even more disastrous way. This story is all about forgiveness, forgiveness of oneself, forgiveness of others, forgiveness when reality can't be changed. What has been done is done, there is no going back and fixing anything, life goes on even if the heart and mind want it to stop, back up, do over.

We meet not only the Sheehan family, past and present, but small-town lawyer Martine Dumont and her lawyer son, Julian. Julian and Angie were meant to be together forever when they were dating in high school but a different disaster back then caused their mothers to tear them apart and Angie could not bear to disappoint her mother. Guilt, remorse, blame, and the need for forgiveness of self and others drive this story and every character is affected by the actions or inactions of other characters throughout the years.

I could just read and watch this difficult story play out. I think it is well done and I'm glad I was able to read it (I had the audiobook from my library so I was able to listen to the story, too). Where we aren't given details or answers, where we aren't told the future, I've made up my mind about the way things play out. For me, I feel like the story allows hope of some healing and that's what I plan for the characters as my mind creates their futures.

Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

I found this read to be slowly paced, with side tangents and repeated paragraphs of details that did not add to the plot or the character's perspective, it took away. I think a bit of editing would have gone a long way in this regard. I found myself skimming over paragraphs that were sharing details we had already heard, or that church scene??? I did like the compelling premise around not knowing why, but moving forward despite not having answers. I also liked that the author gave us dual timelines of Angie's experiences. I just wish we had more time in the present day with her. The last thing I would have liked would have been an epilogue with Nora 15 years later. Because we didn't get answers, I think it would have been a nice resolution to show us where her and Nora's relationship ended up, and how this choice had affected Nora beyond her sentence. However - I am okay with an open ending so I see the value in both. All in all, I enjoyed this and it reminded me of early Jodi Picoult days. I would definitely read this author again!

Thank you Celadon and NetGalley for this advance copy. I know many readers are loving this debut novel, and Koval clearly has much talent and a promising career ahead. Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. I felt like the present day storyline was a sensational premise to attract readers, when the book was actually a quiet story about the relationship in the past timeline. The characters did not feel real or fully developed, which is difficult for a mostly character driven story. As a reader, I never felt immersed in the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. Penitence may be one of the best books I read this year. The story is a full-circle account of what happens to two families whose lives have been intertwined for decades. When tragedy strikes Angie and David due to a murder of a family member in their home, they seek the help of Martine, a former long-time friend of the family. Her son, Julius, is a high-powered attorney in pre-9/11 NYC and was Angie's boyfriend for many years. The writing is intricately woven with cosmic justice (or karma as some might call it) coming around in some of the most painful ways imaginable. A book of love, love lost, tragedy and grieving.

Angie and David's life is destroyed when a crime is committed by one of their children. They turn to the one lawyer in their small town for help, who happens to be the mother of Angie's high school sweetheart, Julian. Julian also gets involved in the case, since he's a criminal defense lawyer in New York. This brings up some major things that happened in Angie and Julian's past.

I started out really invested and liking this one, but for me, it went downhill from there. A couple things happened that turned me off to this book that I don't want to spoil (I'd love to talk to someone who has read it) It's really not a surprise based on the synopsis that this is a sad, depressing book. It does make you think about mistakes, forgiveness, and children in the justice system.

Penitence
By Kristin Koval
Pub Date: 1/28/25

I always love the @celadonbooks #readalongs, and the book was pretty dang good! I’m so grateful to them for my #gifted copy and while our chat was pretty quiet, I still love connecting with other readers especially with #CeladonReadsTogether

This one had a lot of things to unpack. I'm not a massive fan of books that don’t tie things up neater than this. The ending bothered me for that reason. I don’t like that she doesn’t remember what happened. I was expecting that her brother asked her to do it but that never came up. I did enjoy the book though. I felt it was less about what happened to her brother but more about how they all ended up where they were and how they navigated their relationships after. I don’t know how I would feel or what I would do had I been in Angie’s position. As a mother it is devastating. You won't ever look at your child the same no matter what. I also felt that Angie’s back story didn’t warm me to her either and it was one of those books that kept me from connecting to anyone on a deep level and I kinda missed that.

It was brilliantly written and I don’t know if the author meant to keep you from investing in the characters so that you kept your eye on the family dynamics without picking a side… If they did then BRAVA! It was a risk but it was a clever one. It was heartbreaking and it definitely impacted in me in a way I didn’t expect.

🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

I was provided both an ARC and an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

A family is destroyed when their son is murdered and the only suspect is his younger sister, Nora. Nora doesn't really remember what happened that night, and she isn't speaking to anyone. Her father seeks the aid of local lawyer Martine, who doesn't have experience with criminal cases but her son Julian is a criminal lawyer. We come to find out that all of the character's are interconnected as the story is told from different points of time from different characters perspectives.

Initially I was hooked and couldn't put this down, but as the book continued I realized this wasn't really a mystery or thriller as it was marketed. There is no big reveal or twist at the end and I felt mislead, the resolution is information we already know. The book is well written no doubt but it is not mysterious or thrilling as the story plays out, it is more of a family drama This book initially reminded me of DJ Palmers The Perfect Daughter where you weren't sure if the sister did it or if there was some medical diagnosis that was going to lead somewhere. There were initially some red herrings in the case that made me believe this was a thriller and something was going to come of Martine and Julian's investigation into Nora's behavior especially the mental illness. The book focuses more on the adults and their relationships and entanglements than it does on the actual investigation and trial. As the book unfolds we come to find that this was more of a story about family, forgiveness, grief, the human condition, and healing.

I did enjoy this, however I don't like it when I feel misled. I would have liked this much better had I known this was not a thriller. It is like ordering coffee and getting tea, I like both and consume both regularly, but when you get something you aren't expecting you don't like it as much. I did think Thérèse Plummer was an amazing narrator as always, she always does such a wonderful job.