Love Forms tells us the story of Dawn Bishop, a recently divorced 58 years old woman, mother of two, from Trinidad, living in England and learning to live on her own. At 16, Dawn gets pregnant from a stranger during Carnaval and gets sent away to Venezuela to have her baby. Common at the time, everything is kept a secret, the baby gets put up for adoption, and life goes on as if nothing ever happened. But not for Dawn, which after all these years, hopes to reconnect with her daughter.

I picked up this book in my flight back to Seattle after spending the holidays with my complicated but loving Mexican family, not expecting to have a retrospective session on the plane. With a strong first half, the writing feels personal, not as if it was my mom telling me the story, but -a- mother. The descriptions of Trinidad were absolutely lovely and feel authentic, and I really appreciated the descriptions of the socio-political context across the years.

Love Forms made me reflect on my own humanity, the relationship with my own mother and family, and how love shows up. In the end, Love Forms is an emotive story about love - to home, and to family.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this.

The plot really drives the narrative in Love Forms--I was enamored with Dawn's plight to track down her daughter and discover some long-awaited closure. I found it difficult to really connect to any of the characters beyond Dawn though. It read as almost a fictionalized memoir in certain spots, which both added and subtracted from the emotional impact in certain areas. The writing itself was very to-the-point and unambiguous, which I think lent itself to the very raw emotions weaved into the story. The imagery of Trinidad and Tobago was stunning--I almost wish there was more of it. While I liked the opening of the book (dropping the reader right into the central event) the ending felt somewhat rushed and sudden. Overall, Adam handles delicate subjects such as motherhood, loss, and memory with appreciation and care.

Love Forms is a moving portrayal of what it means to be a mother and the how the decisions you are forced to make can change the course of your life.
Dawn is forced to give up her daughter for adoption and is sent away from her family in shame to give birth. She continues on with her life but is haunted by her decision as she searches for her daughter.
A large portion of the story focused on the political and social history of Trinidad and Venezuela and that was interesting. The author was beautifully able to describe the sadness and longing to uncover the truth and the difficulties accepting her loss.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

this book was touching ,heartbreaking, and sweet all at the same time. I enjoyed the story, I felt a lot of emotions while reading this, and the author did a good job with writing it

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Clocking in at just 200 pages on my tiny phone screen, this book rejects the fast pace that characterizes works of a similar length. It meanders through the life of Dawn Bishop, unhurried and uneventful. We follow her journey through teen pregnancy, conflicting national identities, and complex relationships. Normally such rich topics for exploration, they are utilized here in a way that feels neither personal nor profound. We learn so much about her, yet I depart wondering who Dawn is and what she really wants. Her voice throughout retains a distanced and matter-of-fact quality that resists interactivity.

This inner conflict is somewhat represented in the text as she searches for her missing piece, and I wished to see these themes consume more of the word count. We take a considerable time to describe the political, social, and relational conditions that would've developed in a longer novel, but weren't optimized for this story. Love Forms is a love letter to Trinidad with little obligation to be anything else.

Thank you to Random House for the e-ARC.

Love Forms is an intricate, multi-layered exploration of human connection and the nuances of love, both romantic and familial. Known for her evocative prose, Adam dives into the complexities of relationships, particularly in the context of cultural identity and personal growth. While it doesn’t have the same raw intensity as her debut novel, Golden Child, this book is a testament to her ability to weave heartfelt stories with profound insight.

The novel follows a cast of characters whose lives intersect in surprising and often poignant ways, with each narrative thread offering a unique perspective on love’s many forms—desire, loss, duty, and redemption. Adam’s Trinidadian roots subtly permeate the narrative, adding layers of richness and authenticity. The setting feels alive, a quiet but powerful backdrop to the characters’ emotional journeys.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is Adam’s ability to write characters that feel deeply real. Their flaws, vulnerabilities, and decisions are relatable, even if sometimes frustrating. However, some readers may find the pacing uneven, particularly in the middle sections, where certain subplots meander before finding resolution. Additionally, while the themes are universal, the fragmented storytelling style may not resonate with everyone, leaving some plotlines feeling less developed than others.

Ultimately, Love Forms is a reflective and intimate read that invites readers to examine their own relationships and the ways love manifests in their lives. While it doesn’t quite reach the narrative heights of Golden Child, it is a compelling exploration of the human heart that will linger with you long after you’ve turned the final page. For fans of character-driven stories with emotional depth, it’s well worth a read.

i loved the storyof this book and found it really interesting and enchanting. would recommend it. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Love Forms is a novel about a Mother who has never let go of the daughter she gave up for adoption decades prior.
Dawn's life is not going as she expected, she's divorced, and her two sons are adults and no longer need her as much. Her days are filled with a burning longing to know what became of the daughter she gave up for adoptions forty years ago. She is determined to find her child and face the unpretty truths of her past. This book is equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. Dawn was such a formidable character and I really found myself invested in her journey and I was rooting for her to the very last page.

This book should be on everyone’s TBR list and book club list. It was absolutely incredible! Loved every page. I could not get over the ending.

Love Forms is a profoundly moving exploration of motherhood, identity, and the lasting bonds that shape us. Dawn’s journey to reconnect with the daughter she gave up as a teenager is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as it forces her to confront the choices of her past while navigating the complexities of love in all its forms. Set against the vivid backdrop of Trinidad, this novel beautifully captures the ache of longing, the courage it takes to face the truth, and the resilience of the human heart. It’s a story that resonates deeply, leaving an enduring impression of love, loss, and the strength to heal.

Thank you so much for the copy of this book!

It's beautifully written with an incredible sense of place. At times, the book did feel as though it was rambling, though, which will likely be alleviated by future editing.

In the coming week, I'll be posting a review here: https://www.instagram.com/stressiereads/

This story was so enjoyable to read. I felt like I was reading all the best parts of a book with adoption themes. The writing is well done and the characters are believable. I had my heartstrings pulled at and hugs ready for the main character. As someone who reads and writes about adoption, I will tell my family and friends to grab this novel. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This novel truly touched my heart. Love Forms is a profound exploration of a mother’s love, one that never fades despite the distance of years and the silence of secrets. Dawn’s journey to find her daughter is not just about reconnecting, but about revisiting the choices that shaped her life, and confronting the way love can both heal and haunt. The emotional depth of Dawn’s reflections, as she retraces her steps and uncovers layers of her past, is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The writing is filled with such empathy, capturing the complexities of family, identity, and the enduring power of love. This story will definitely stay with me long after the final page.