Please excuse me while I remain in a puddle on the ground for the immediate future.

Sibling relationships are complex, and this character-driven family drama (with comedic moments and likeable characters) highlights that complexity. Even though Jude's three secrets were easy to predict from the onset, the secrets weren't the point. And if all a narrative has going for it are the twists, then it's not a very good narrative (I stole that from someone).

Oh, and I hear the audio is narrated by Lauren Graham, and while I didn't listen as it wasn't available on Netgalley, I would have loved to see how she brought the story to life.

I have two copies of The Unsinkable Greta James that I haven't gotten around to reading yet but this makes me want to bump it up on my list.

This is a story of four estranged siblings from a family that puts the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional. It’s told from multiple points of view and in dual timelines—as children, traveling across the United States with their free-spirited, absent mother and as adults in present day. Each character was so well-defined, and the family dynamics and relational issues will resonate with anyone who grew up with siblings.

The only thing that felt far-fetched was the amount of talent in one group of siblings. A National Book Award winner, a famous actress, and a professional footballer?! There must be something in the water.

I loved everything about this book and was so invested in each of the characters by the end. The writing was snappy and even managed to bring humor into what was sometimes a heavier subject matter. Will definitely read more from this author!

This is a well written book about a family that dealt with a mother who popped into their lives once per year to take them on a road trips and a father who was too busy working. After a blow up three years ago, the four siblings have had little communication until their sister Jude texted them and asked them to meet her for a weekend. This is an emotional and quick read that I enjoyed.

Oh, look! Here I am, recommending another family drama. Surprise, surprise. Ha! (#sorrynotsorry) I just can’t get enough of these engrossing family stories.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY by Jennifer E. Smith revolves around four siblings: Jude, Gemma, Connor, and Roddy. My gosh, what a dynamic and unique group this was! I can honestly say that I was a fan of them all. Right off the bat, we know that there’s some tension and hard feelings between the siblings, and the reason(s) why are a complete mystery. As the novel bounces around through the years and alternates perspectives, the reader receives snippets of the past and begins to piece the puzzle together. The author does a great job dropping some twists, turns, and surprises along the way.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Multiple POVs and timelines
- Family drama, dynamics, and secrets
- Road trips around the USA
- Lovable characters
- Forgiveness and healing
- Character-driven novels
- Complicated pasts
- Fun and witty dialogue
- Marriage and divorce issues
- Making fun of North Dakota

LOL at that last one! What I loved most about this novel is the fact that it takes place primarily in North Dakota—at least in the current timeline. I was rolling around on the floor laughing at the hilarious, yet gentle digs that my state got. But seriously, who vacations in North Dakota in the middle of winter? 😂

The wonderful Lauren Graham narrates the entire thing, and did a fabulous job with it. Even with the four siblings and the small handful of supporting characters, I still found it very easy to follow. I was engaged and entertained from start to finish.

The conclusion brought tears to my eyes. Oh gosh, who am I kidding? A tear or two (or ten) definitely ran down my cheeks, and you all know my rule, right? If a book makes me cry, it immediately gets five stars. Honestly, I had the “five star feels” way before the ending anyhow.

5/5 glowing stars for FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! It comes out on April 8th!

The thing all families have in common is that they are always complicated and often messy. The Endicott family is no different. The four siblings - Gemma, Connor, Roddy, and Jude - shared an unconventional upbringing making them closer than most, but unresolved conflict has them marginally estranged for the past three years.

When Jude summons her sister and brothers to meet her in North Dakota, it’s with the intent to reveal secrets she’s been keeping. The reunion brings the Endicotts together again and provides a venue for addressing wounds old and new.

The title, FUN FOR THR WHOLE FAMILY, would have you believe this is a lighthearted tale and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Jennifer E. Smith’s novel is chock full of angst and unresolved drama. It tugs at the heartstrings and lays bare the pain that can only be inflicted by those who know us best.

Each of the siblings has a part in telling the story both past and present and that’s a big component of the magic of this book. Each bears some responsibility for the rift between them and each has the power to close the chasm.

I was completely engrossed in the story and felt the longing of each character. Smith does a phenomenal job of giving a distinct voice to each sibling. It is fascinating to see their different interpretations of their shared experiences. While each of the reveals was somewhat predictable, the emotional impact was not diminished. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, acceptance, and unconditional love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved this family filled story. The writing was tender, introspective, and full of emotions. I loved how all 4 siblings had POVs. It really helped me connect to the characters and get the full picture of the feelings and family dynamics. This book was full of hard life lessons and bitter sweet moments but ultimately the resilience of family shines through. Also, shout out to the amazing cast of side characters that really added to the story and character developments. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a family drama that packs an emotional punch .

3.5 stars rounded up

Quick take: I enjoyed this one for the most part, but had difficulty connecting with it emotionally.

This one has been getting a lot of positive reviews, and I can understand why. It has fun and likable (but still nuanced) characters and an emotional storyline. The writing style is good and makes for an easy read. I was interested in the plot and the characters and never once struggled to get myself to pick this up and continue reading. Despite all of this, I somehow felt disconnected from the book, and I’m still trying to figure out how or why that is.

While I think the characters were developed well enough for the purpose of this story, I was left wanting more. For this reason, I think this could have benefited from being longer. The flashback chapters of the siblings as kids with their mom on their summer roadtrips were pretty short. I also wish we had more time with them during their “regular life” growing up as well, at home. It’s also mentioned frequently how absent their father was, and the author made him literally absent; I don’t think we had a single scene with him. He always felt like a passing thought, even though he was still a single parent raising these kids, regardless of how much he worked and was away.

As for the plot, I unfortunately found a good amount of it predictable. I think this may have played a role in my lack of emotional connection: I knew where it was going far too early on (in my opinion) and so I was braced for impact before I let myself get to know the characters and learn to care for them. Maybe I held myself at a bit of a distance because of this. So, maybe this is all a “me” problem!

I will say, the final “one year later” chapter was where I finally felt some big emotions–but by then it was too little, too late for me.

Overall, for a story that’s clearly supposed to tug at your heartstrings, this just didn’t do it for me. I still think a lot of readers will enjoy (and maybe even love) this so I’m still recommending it if the plot summary piques your interest.

Somehow I completely overlooked that this was coming out this week, which is crazy because I love Jennifer E. Smith and was super excited for this book. So when I saw the post that was released yesterday, I figured I’d start right away and review it soon - but then I flew though it in one night because Smith is great and this book is great. Here are my immediate thoughts:

I love how Smith captures complicated family dynamics. Sure, they have a lot of issues (and I mean, A LOT), but there is also a lot of love here, which radiates off the page. I loved all the different POVs because all were richly developed and unique. The story as a whole was heartwarming, heartbreaking, and heartfelt, and I just really enjoyed getting to see a sliver of these characters’ lives. While being sad at times, this was just such a feel good story. In short, I loved it!

Thank you to Random House - Ballantine and Netgalley for this ARC. Fun for the Whole Family is out now!

4.5/5

Since I enjoyed The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith, I was excited to check out her new book FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY is a wonderful story that explores the childhood and adult lives of four siblings. As children in a dysfunctional family, they became close out of necessity. As adults, they followed different paths, and they’ve lost their connection with each other. The one sibling who wants to them to reconnect also has secrets that could cause further damage. But isn’t this family worth fighting for?

The story flips back and forth from childhood summer road trips with their flaky mother to adults snowed-in for a weekend together in North Dakota. We see the complex bond of these four kids and experience characterization that makes each personality come alive. The family includes an Oscar nominated actress, an aging soccer star, a best-selling author, and the sister who played mom to the kids growing up and now leads an average life. The story is a combination of family fun, drama, secrets, dreams, forgiveness, and second chances. After growing apart, they go through struggles and pain to find their way back to the bond of family. Being stuck together during a snowstorm may be just what they need.

I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

A wonderful family story with well developed characters. I enjoyed all of the different storylines and the secrets that unfolded. I laughed and I cried. It had all of the feels. Very well written. 4.5 stars

Jude is keeping quite a lot of secrets. She has not been in touch with her family for a very long time. But now it is time to come clean…about the past and the present.

Every character in this story is flawed and captured my heart. Each one has their own story and their own issues with their childhood. I found all the characters just so real! I mean…this could have been my dysfunctional family😜. Their interactions had me smirking and grinning! But they also had my heart breaking as well!

And y’all…Jude has them all traveling to North Dakota. And they all drop what they are doing and meet her there, even if they have not talked to her in years! Don’t let this dysfunctional family fool you! It is all there! You need to read this to find out!

I have read one other book by this author, The Unsinkable Greta James. And I loved it. So, add that one to your list as well!

This story is 4.5 stars rounded up.

Need a family novel you will not soon forget…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Part travel adventure, part sibling drama, this novel follows the four grown Endicott siblings as they reconnect after years of estrangement. The story starts off when three of them receive an unexpected text from their sister Jude, asking them to meet her in North Dakota. Surprisingly, they all manage to rearrange their lives and make the trip, even though they’re scattered across the country. Once incredibly close, they have since drifted apart. What unfolds is a tender and emotionally layered story about buried secrets, reconciliation, and the bonds of family.

The narrative is mostly linear, but we’re also given glimpses of their childhood summers on the road—memorable, chaotic road trips with their mostly absent mother, whose mission was to visit all 50 states with her kids in tow. These chapters offer insight into their shared past and the closeness they once had, until one summer changed everything.

We get to know each sibling well: Gemma, the eldest, who took on a motherly role; Connor, a successful writer and newly divorced father of two; Roddy, a former soccer star hoping for one last season on the field; and Jude, an Oscar-nominated actress with secrets of her own. Her invitation isn’t just about a reunion—it’s her way of bringing them together to finally confront the past. And what better place than a remote cabin in North Dakota, in the middle of a snowstorm, with no electricity?

This is a character-driven novel through and through, and I found myself adoring each of them. They all have distinct personalities, and we get to spend time in each of their heads, both in the present and in their memories. They each had their own personal challenges which were presented in a way that makes you care. Just a small quibble: these are characters in their forties, but sometimes their behavior felt much younger—though their impressive careers suggest otherwise. But I guess it’s the messiness that makes their story feel more genuine.

The novel touches on some big themes—abandonment, infertility, same-sex relationships, and more (some too spoiler-y to mention!). The travel segments are especially delightful, each sibling sharing their memories. Theres a lot of heart in this story of sibling connections and second chances. And the denouement is very satisfying— one of the best I’ve read in a very long time.

"Fun For The Whole Family" by Jennifer E. Smith is a masterfully crafted novel that earns every bit of its five-star rating. This poignant family drama intricately weaves together multiple timelines and narrators to explore themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that unite us.

Smith's narrative technique keeps readers engaged as each timeline reveals a new layer of the family's history, gradually building a tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate deeply. The shifting perspectives provide unique insights into the characters' inner worlds, enriching the story and creating a profound connection with the reader.

The novel balances its poignant themes with a touch of wit, adding lightness and humor to even the most somber moments. Smith's dialogue is sharp and reflective of real-life interactions, infusing the narrative with authenticity and relatability.

This book is not just a story; it's an experience that lingers long after the last page is turned. Jennifer E. Smith has outdone herself, delivering a novel that is both entertaining and deeply moving, making "Fun For The Whole Family" truly fun for every reader. Highly recommended for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a touching and insightful exploration of family dynamics.

I love a good character driven book! This book follows a family of 4 that haven’t talked in several years. Jude, now a famous actress, summons the whole family to a weekend in North Dakota.

The family was once very close, but drifted apart as adults. Each summer their mom would take them on a new adventure. Now all together, they have to face each other and secrets.

I love how the story takes place in the present with many flashbacks from each of the children. They all had so many memories of all their adventures. It was so heartwarming and real, and I loved the complexities of their relationships. I loved that they each had a POV.

I do wish we learned more about their mom. She seems like such a driving force in their family, and I wanted more. Aside from that, it was wonderfully done. I really enjoyed it! If you are looking for a character driven novel about the complexities of families- definitely buy this!

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books

Rating: 4.5 Stars

After three years of estrangement, the Endicott siblings answered the call from their sister, Jude, to spend a weekend together in North Dakota. They didn't know why they were summoned, but they did not hesitate to reunite for the weekend.

This was a wonderful and sometimes painful family drama about people with a complex family dynamic. Smith helped me understand the events that shaped them via flashbacks while also filling in some gaps as the siblings hashed things out with each other. I felt like I really understood each of them as these characters came across as fully realized and well drawn with peeks inside their head to give me even more clarity.

They grew up with an absent mother and emotionally distant father, but it was ok because they had each other. All successful to some degree, there was still something missing for each of them. It seemed they needed to come back together in order to find that missing part of themselves. The family did have a lot of fun during their weekend getaway, but the best parts were seeing them reconnect and heal.

Though the story highlighted each member of the family, Jude had a large role in it all. She called the family together because she had three secrets that she had been carrying, some longer than others, and it was time they all knew the truth.

This book was way more emotional than I expected. At times, I was filled with glee for these people and celebrated with them, but I also shed some tears. I was thankful that they had this reunion and were able to make peace with their past because I was invested in these characters and only wanted the best for them.

Overall: A bittersweet and heartwarming story of family, love, forgiveness that touched me in many ways.

Families are complicated. In this contemporary adult fiction novel, the Endicotts are more complicated than most. This story overflows with family drama, but it is told with warmth and sensitivity. I enjoyed this author's book, "The Unsinkable Greta James", but I liked this book even more. This story is very well done. It is so well done that I quickly became invested in each of the character's individual lives, as well as their combined history. It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling as it highlighted the past and present lives of the four extraordinary Endicott siblings. I was sorry to have to say goodbye to these characters at the end of the book.

I would recommend this book to fans of Jojo Moyes, Colleen Hoover, or Taylor Jenkins Reid, as well as readers who love contemporary fiction novels with an emphasis on family relationships.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for a digital ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Fun for the Whole Family is a drama sweeping across many states and many years, focusing on four siblings reconnecting after a falling out that occurred three years ago. Jude, Roddy, Connor, and Gemma were very close to each other when they were young, especially when they would go on a road trip with their mother once a year, the only time they ever saw her. But something happened when they were adults that drove them apart, but a text from Jude brings them all back together, and they have to face each other, their secrets, and why they are the way they are.
I love a character driven story, especially one with so many characters who get to interact with each other in different forms and their dynamics get to be explored, and this book certainly delivered on that. It also delivered on a lot of tender, small moments that really made me feel for the characters. I loved the flashbacks to their different memories and the road trips they would go on with their mother, and I wish there had been more of them. Frankie was such a driving force of the book, and I feel like we barely got to see her or connect to her - I'm sure that this was intentional, but it made me feel like I was held a little at arms length from the kids and all of their complex feelings for their mother. However, I love a good family drama, and this one was good and well-written and compelling.
My complaints of this book are outweighed by the things I liked, but I still felt like a lot of this book was heavy handed and a bit predictable (although I personally don't take huge issue or offense with predictability in books, because that means the seeds were laid to be sown later). I also found that a lot of the things these siblings said to each other were pretty unforgivable, and that took me out of the story. They were all good people, and I liked them all, but sometimes I felt like they needed to take a break from each other or slap each other or something.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it! I haven't read any books by this author before, but I'm glad she's on my radar now so I can pick up any future work by her.

Lovely and heartwarming and so beautiful. I have two younger siblings that I love more than anything, and this book so perfectly captured what it's like to love and be loved by your brothers and sisters. The shared trauma, the good and bad memories, the inside jokes. Watching each other grow up but also always remembering the child that they were, even when (especially when?) they are out there making you proud or driving you insane - maybe both, simultaneously.

This was such an enjoyable read and really tugged at my heartstrings. One of my favorites I've picked up this year.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this this ARC!

Fun for the Whole Family was a heartfelt, nostalgia-laced journey through sibling bonds, old wounds, and the messy, complicated love that holds a family together—even when they’ve fallen apart. Jennifer E. Smith crafted a story that was equal parts poignant and hopeful, weaving together the lives of the four Endicott siblings with warmth and honesty.
The fractured dynamics between Gemma, Connor, Roddy, and Jude felt raw and real, shaped by their unconventional upbringing and the absence of a mother who was more myth than parent. Their reunion was tense, layered, and deeply emotional, each of them grappling with past resentments and present uncertainties.
The writing was tender and introspective, filled with quiet but powerful moments of reconciliation, self-discovery, and second chances. This was a story about growing up, growing apart, and ultimately finding your way back to the people who know you best. It was full of love at its core.
A touching, reflective read—perfect for fans of sibling dramas, road trip nostalgia, and stories that remind you that family, no matter how broken, is worth fighting for. (Lauren Graham reads the audio version!)

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this digital e-arc.*