Every Precious Thing by Barbara Davis is a deeply emotional and beautifully written novel that explores themes of trauma, healing, and human connection. Davis' writing is lyrical and poignant, drawing readers into a heartfelt narrative that balances darkness with hope. While the pacing may feel slow at times, the novel’s depth and character development make it a rewarding read for those who enjoy introspective, character-driven stories.

This is a beautiful story of life and death, pain, loss and most importantly about love. The characters are wonderfully unique and the story is complex which exactly why I enjoy reading books by Barbara Davis. Thanks#NetGalley #LakeUnion #BarbaraDavis

In this book, the main character Mallory is put on leave from her job as a social worker in Boston, after one of her clients is found dead. Her boss feels as if she has lost her ability to remain objective. She decides to return to her hometown in Rhode Island to visit with her mother. She left a past behind in RI that she does not want to dredge up, an ex-fiance who she is not eager to see again and a strained relationship with her mother.

This book was very interesting and well written. Each of the characters is carrying around a secret or two that could disrupt everyone's lives They must face their pasts in order to redirect their future. This book looks at relationships, both familial and romantic, how buried secrets effect them. Each character has to confront issues from the past in order to move forward and grow.

This was a very enjoyable read. I will definitely pick up more books by this author.

Barbara Davis has a way of writing beautiful stories that exemplify our humanity in all of it's forms. Life is messy and instead of shying away from it, she draws out the gifts in learning from mistakes and finding balance and peace. This novel had many relatable moments, not necessarily the same experiences, but situations that carry you on an emotional journey and bring you back home in the end determined to leave your own mark on the world and fill it with love.

What an emotional book?!?!!! So many broken relationships that needed mending and the coming together of the characters made this book hard to put down. I loved how the author told the story from 3 different characters point of view and how the relationships were worked through. There is much loss in this story but all the love and forgiveness that we see from the characters is heartwarming.

We could all learn from the forgiveness that the characters had in this book had for one another.

Thank you Net Galley and publisher for an advanced eARC of this book!

Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union Press for allowing me to read a copy of Every Precious and Fragile things. Barbara Davis is a new favorite author of mine that writes emotional stories that pull at your heart strings. This book was about a mother and daughter with a strain relationship who lived a plane trip away. Due to a circumstance with the daughters job she is forced to return back to her hometown where she grew up. Various twists and turns leads to a ending that you will remember. This book is an emotional book. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Wow, what an amazing story.Mallory is a social worker, and after losing one of her students,she takes time off to re-evaluate her career. Chosing to go home and visit her somewhat estranged Mother, whom she's been at odds with.
This story explores so many touchy points,family love,loss,secrets, and regrets. Can Mallory and her Mom Helen get thru the past and work thru a future relationship? I found it a heart-felt story and recommend you read it

Her novels are always so good! I love that there is a heartfelt message within and it's easy to connect with the characters. Mallory Ward works with at risk youth and when another client is found dead, it is yet another feeling of failure to Mallory. She knows this is a risk of this job, she can't help but feel at fault for missing something in this girls case. Taking this one hard, she starts to spiral once again and her boss Jevet forces her to take a leave. Give time for the police to investigate and for Mallory to decide if this really is the right career for her. Not knowing where else to go, she heads to her mother's place in Rhode Island. Back to where there are lots of heart broken memories and the uneasiness with her mother, but yet the beach has always brought some sort of comfort. Her and her mother seem to dance around each other as Mallory settles in. Days later when she finds that her mother was withholding information about someone else being back in town, she is ready to bolt. This small town and everyone being in everyone's business is why she left. But Jevet made it clear she is on leave and Mallory really doesn't have anywhere else to go for the summer. This summer becomes a summer of truths, relationships and shocking secrets but through it all Mallory and her mother's relationship changes as she realizes what she really wants in life. There was so much depth to this novel and the characters. I found Helen a very fascinating character. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

Mallory Ward returns home to live with her mother after a tragedy takes place with one of her social work clients and she is forced to take a leave of absence. Mallory has never been fond of her mother Helen’s work as a death doula, and tells two of them have a strained relationship. To make matters more interesting, Mallory’s former mother in law Estelle lives in the house next door, and her ex-fiancé Aiden has also returned home after facing his own life challenges. And they’re in a small town.

The story is told from Mallory, Helen and Estelle’s points of view, as well as journal entries of Helen. As other reviewers have mentioned, there was a lot happening in this book and it covered a lot of themes.

Difficult relationships between mothers and their children.
Grief.
Death.
Terminal illness.
Second chances.
Our life’s work & true calling.

Some pieces of this story really worked for me, while others not so much. I found Mallory difficult to like as a character and didn’t find her past relationship with Aiden to be fully flushed out. I also felt like too much time was spent on the tragedy at her work that brings her back home.

Learning about Helen’s past was intriguing, though I guessed the “twist” long before it was revealed. I worried at the beginning that Estelle was a bit two-dimensional, but liked that she was given more depth as the story progressed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. The story was beautiful and emotional. I loved seeing the pieces of the past pulled back one layer at a time.

EXCERPT: As much as she hated to admit it, Jevet was right: she was down a rabbit hole and well on her way to obsessing. But what was she supposed to do with herself for the next ten weeks?
You could go home.
She sat with the idea a moment. Maybe some time at the beach, swimming and soaking up the sun, would be a good thing. She could accomplish the same thing at a hotel, someplace quaint and quiet. But how long could she afford to hole up in a seaside hotel? Even a cheap one? Going home would cost her nothing - financially.
But there was a reason she'd been home only a handful of times in the last ten years. And why every one of those visits had ended in terse words and bruised feelings. Old resentments died hard, and there were plenty of resentments waiting for her in Little Harbor. Still, she could feel the pull of it - of home. A place she'd been happy once, if only briefly.

ABOUT 'EVERY PRECIOUS AND FRAGILE THING': A mother and daughter try desperately to reconcile just as a decades-old secret threatens to shatter their relationship forever.

For social worker Mallory Ward, working with at-risk youth is a calling. But when one of her clients is tragically killed, she finds herself at a crossroads. Despite long-held resentments toward her distant mother, Mallory retreats to her childhood home on the Rhode Island coast to contemplate her future. Instead, she’s confronted by her past, not only in the renewed tensions with her mother but in the unexpected appearance of a familiar face―and the wrenching losses that drove her away a decade ago.

Helen Ward’s home is filled with precious keepsakes from her patients, a testament to decades spent caring for the terminally ill. Her work has always come first, though, leaving little time to connect with her daughter. Over the years, the rift between them has become a chasm, so when Mallory appears unannounced, Helen sees it as an opportunity to repair their broken relationship.

But hidden among Helen’s mementos are the keys to her past…and a terrible secret that threatens to destroy the fragile new trust between them forever.

MY THOUGHTS: I loved The Echo of Old Books by this author and couldn't wait to read Every Precious and Fragile Thing. I guess the downside of diving into a highly anticipated read is that there is a higher risk of setting oneself up for disappointment.

The author has thrown everything but the kitchen sink into Every Precious and Fragile Thing. There is a murder, a fragile main character who doesn't deal well with death, a broken relationship, family drama, secrets, lies and the possibility of a second-chance romance.

I didn't see the point of the murder. There could easily have been some other vehicle used to cause Mallory to go home. The murder distracted from the core story and only served to muddy the waters. There was enough drama without adding a police investigation.

Initially, I didn't much like Mallory. She is fragile, inconsistent, defensive and definitely not the sort of person suited to a counselling role. She did grow on me towards the end.

Part of the story - Helen's backstory - is told through journal entries. This definitely didn't work for me. I would have preferred another timeline. The main part of the story is set in 1999 and is told from three POV - Mallory, Helen, and Estelle, Helen's neighbor and mother of Aiden, Mallory's ex-fiancé.

I really enjoyed the plot thread that involved Helen and Estelle and Helen quickly became my favorite character, excluding her journal entries. Aiden was merely 'meh', a wealthy mummy's boy with little backbone.

The plot is very slow moving and it took forever to get anywhere. I was 75% through the book before I began to feel some excitement, an acknowledgement that at last I was reading something that piqued my interest and gave me a reason to read on. Up until this point, I had rated the book as average, 2.5⭐, but from this point onwards I couldn't put it down.

I love the cover and the significance of the cover to the story.

My final rating is ⭐⭐⭐.5, the extra star due entirely to the twist and the ending.

A favorite quote: The dying keep their own calendars, their own to-do lists. Wrongs to right. Loose ends to tie up. Emotional books to balance. But once they've got all the boxes checked, they tend to make their exits pretty quickly.

#EveryPreciousandFragileThing #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: I’m a Jersey girl raised in the south, now living and writing in New England. Confused? Constantly. Happy? Deliriously! But then, living your dream will do that! After fifteen years of wearing heels and schlepping a briefcase as an executive in the jewelry industry, I traded in my pinstripes for a little peace of mind, and decided to follow my dream of becoming a women’s fiction author. And what a ride it’s been! Six books later, I’m still pinching myself, and I’m still as much in love with writing as I was the day I began this journey. Maybe it’s because I believe in miracles, in happy endings and new beginnings. Heaven knows I’ve had my share.

I’m blessed to be married to my best friend and soul mate, Tom, who I must say, sets the bar pretty high for my on-the-page heroes. We also have a lovely ginger cat named Simon, who is twenty years old, wretchedly spoiled, and doesn’t give a fig if I’m on deadline or not. When I’m not making up stories, you’re likely to find me reading, cooking, watching college football, (Go Gators!)

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Mrs. Barbara Davis is an autobuy author for me, I have read a few of her books and I am always engrossed and encapsulated in the writing and worlds that she writes. It feels like you are one with the characters and experiencing everything right along side them. This book is no different from the gorgeous cover to the last page of intricately written writing the reader can expect to go on an adventure full of emotional challenges, and joys.

Keep a box of tissues close at hand as you settle into your comfortable reading spot and get ready to enjoy this lovely tale by the legendary Barbara Davis. Additionally, you might want to have two boxes if you're as old as I am. This multi-layered, emotionally powerful story examines themes of forgiveness, self-reflection, family ties and secrets, and death—not as a dreadful or horrible event, but as a necessary aspect of life that we must all deal with.

After a catastrophe at work, Boston-based social worker Mallory Ward spends a summer at home in coastal Rhode Island. She had to deal with the tense connections she left behind at home, starting with her mother Helen, who was frequently careless because she put her job as a nurse for patients at the end of their lives and her relationship with Aiden, the lad next door who used to be her fiancé, first.

Even though everyone's life story is unique, you will be able to quickly lose yourself in this exquisitely written tale with incredibly likable characters because we all share the same experiences of living, loving, and dealing with loss.

Mrs. Barbara Davis is an autobuy author for me, I have read a few of her books and I am always engrossed and encapsulated in the writing and worlds that she writes. It feels like you are one with the characters and experiencing everything right along side them. This book is no different from the gorgeous cover to the last page of intricately written writing the reader can expect to go on an adventure full of emotional challenges, and joys.

Keep a box of tissues close at hand as you settle into your comfortable reading spot and get ready to enjoy this lovely tale by the legendary Barbara Davis. Additionally, you might want to have two boxes if you're as old as I am. This multi-layered, emotionally powerful story examines themes of forgiveness, self-reflection, family ties and secrets, and death—not as a dreadful or horrible event, but as a necessary aspect of life that we must all deal with.

After a catastrophe at work, Boston-based social worker Mallory Ward spends a summer at home in coastal Rhode Island. She had to deal with the tense connections she left behind at home, starting with her mother Helen, who was frequently careless because she put her job as a nurse for patients at the end of their lives and her relationship with Aiden, the lad next door who used to be her fiancé, first.

Even though everyone's life story is unique, you will be able to quickly lose yourself in this exquisitely written tale with incredibly likable characters because we all share the same experiences of living, loving, and dealing with loss.

This is a beautifully written book. It oozes compassion and kindness. Moral complexity adds to the enjoyment and book group questions at the end worth reflecting upon. Personally, my beliefs don’t align with some of those portrayed in the book but it was no less enjoyable because of this.

Mallory is a social worker. She works with at-risk kids. When one of her clients is murdered, Mallory begins to question her work. Despite having multiple issues with her mother, Mallory decides to go her childhood home to regroup. But all is not as it seems.

Mallory is holding onto a lot from her past. There are major problems between her and her mother. Plus, her ex-fiancé, Aiden is in town. She and Aiden have a lot of past hurts and regrets.

There is so much I want to say about this novel. Y’all know I love a good family drama with lots of secrets and this one knocked me for a loop! This is also a tale about love…and I mean all kinds of love…heartbreak and forgiveness. And believe me, you do not want to miss it!

Need a beautifully written tale that you will think about for quite a while…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis was a very compelling story that captured this reader. I enjoy the author's complex characters and well crafted story.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was very intriguing. It gripped me from the start and I read it in two sittings. It was well written and very descriptive.

If you are a fan of Barbara Davis, you will not want to miss her latest gift to readers. And if you just happen to be someone who's not yet read of one of her novels... then now is the time!

Every Precious and Fragile Thing is a story that showcases beautifully nuanced writing, a carefully plotted story that delves into the complexities of relationships, and unsuspecting surprises along the way.

I really enjoyed this read immensely! I love the way so much of the story unfolds in an epistolary format. Davis has a way with this style that is both engaging and thoroughly thought out. She really knows how to captivate the reader and tell her story!

Final thoughts? This is a book for readers who can appreciate the joy of a well told story. Questions will be asked, "A-ha" moments will be had, and bombs will be dropped. Some, you may see, coming. Others will be sure to shock!

My thanks to both the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read a digital ARC via @NetGalley. I am leaving my thoughts willingly.

This is such an amazing story! I loved it so much! When I was finished, I sat in awe and now totally understand what is meant by a 'book hangover'. This book tore out my heart and left me in tears. But in that good way that only a talented author, and an awesome story, can do.

Mallory and Helen butt heads when Mallory goes home to regroup. Their world is full of secrets, from the past and currently in the present. Can they survive the past and move on? This story will draw you in as they work through all of their issues.

I rarely re-read books but this one will definitely be picked up off of my shelves again soon so I can enjoy it's awesomeness once more. I have loved every book that I've read by Barbara Davis and she is now on my 'must-read author' list. I highly recommend Every Precious and Fragile Thing.

If you are someone who likes multi-layered, emotionally complex novels, this one is for you!
This is my second book by Barbara Davis and this is what I have come to know...her writing, her words are simply beautiful. If this book doesn’t touch your heart, then you probably don’t have one. This is one of the most moving books I've read in a while. There are so many words of wisdom in these pages.

The book is told from 3 points of view: Mallory, Helen (Mallory's mother), and Estelle (a neighbor who is also her ex-fiance's mother). Mallory is a social worker at a facility for at-risk youth. When a tragedy happens to one of her clients, she returns home for a much needed re-set. She hasn’t been home in 10 years. Things ended badly with her ex-fiance and she and her mother haven’t seen eye-to-eye in years. Her mother is a death doula and Mallory has resented her mother’s work because of the rift it created in their relationship. Her mother spent more time with her “charges” than she did with her daughter. But Helen’s background is rife with trauma and tragedy that she hasn’t shared with her daughter. Can their time together mend what’s been broken? And can Mallory finally get the closure she needs from her breakup with Aiden?

This is a story about relationships…mother-daughter, mother-son, romantic relationships, and friendships. It touches on themes of love, loss, regret, forgiveness, and grief. There are just layers and layers of emotion and human experiences in these pages. The end of this book wrecked me. There were definitely tears with this one...so many tears. I was a blubbering fool and so glad I finished this alone or my family would have been deeply concerned about my well being. I loved these characters. Davis humanizes her characters by exposing their vulnerabilities and making them relatable. It is so hard not to fall in love with them. My one complaint (and it is not enough to steal even a half a star) is that the romance aspect felt a little slow. I didn't feel that anticipation or angst that I like with a good romance. But the exploration of human emotion made up for it.

This was just a great book and I would highly recommend it to fellow readers.

Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis is an emotional read full of past regrets and what happens when we harbor secrets. Mallory Ward is a social worker who helps at risk youth. When one of her clients is killed, Mallory decides to step away and reevaluate her life. Despite having a strained relationship with her mother, Mallory returns to her childhood home on the coast of Rhode Island to take stock of her life and how to move forward. But when she is face-to-face with her young love Aiden, the emotional scars Mallory has been hiding come to the surface.
This book was an emotional roller coaster that is expertly written with characters that are fully fleshed out. I especially liked the way that Davis explores each women's secrets and how they affect each other. I found myself sympathizing with Mallory's mother Helen the most. If you want to check out a book that pulls on your heartstrings but leaves you hoping for everyone finding happiness and healing, check out Every Precious and Fragile Thing.
Thank you to NetGalley, Barbara Davis, and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC. Expected release date is February 18th 2025.