I was hooked immediately. Talk about a book that you know from the jump NEEDS to be a movie or limited series.

A 13 year old girl kills her brother with 3 shots to very critical parts of the body. But why? I also immediately had a feeling that I knew why Nora did what she did. Then when I got to chapter 13 (prison transport) I was almost certain I was spot on. The end of that chapter almost brought a tear to my eye.

I really enjoyed this one and was totally invested in finding out more about each character.

I wish the pacing was a bit faster and that we were given a definitive answer to the big question of WHY!?!

I really wanted more from Nora’s character, she barely speaks at all. She does eventually talk to her cellmate later in the book and I was so excited to hear her perspective so I could get a definitive answer about motive but the convo stopped short. I have my own thoughts on her intent and motive but the story doesn’t spell it out.

I thought the twist at the end when things came together (Nico) absolutely added a little extra something to the story and to the overall intrigue.

This was a great debut and I’m excited to read more from this author.

A shocking murder in a small town unravels past secrets and asks characters (and readers) to examine their understanding of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption. Though the story centers around a murder it isn’t a thriller - it’s a dramatic character driven story that goes back and forth in time. I was surprised by this debut author’s skillful writing and the emotional depth of each of the characters. Excellent!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review!

this was a really enjoyable debut. it was very easy to follow along and i loved that the mystery or whydunit takes place right from the beginning without any meandering. the description of the familial relationships amid the unraveling mystery of why nora did what she did was very well done as well. i would usually unconsciously check out if there is too much emphasis on familial relationships which end up swallowing the mystery. however, the deep dive into the familiar relationships here were really necessary because they were essential to the plot.

this was more so closer to a 3.5 rounded up to a 4 for me because after the 50% mark it began to feel as if there wasn’t much of a mystery in the first place and the pace sort of switched for me and it made it drag a bit as it began to feel repetitive so it lessened the initial rating i had in mind. overall an enjoyable and solid book which is likely going to garner a lot of talk.

I will keep this author on my radar as I did enjoy how she strings her words together into sentences and her ability to create imagery. I am curious however if the lackluster plot was the result of poor editing or the writing itself.

There is a truckload of emotionally charged personal stories here that on their own are well written but as a whole most of them are quite unnecessary. Every character’s background is described in minute detail, every backstory and motivation are explained and branch out into insignificant, exhaustive tangents, the main storyline completely forgotten. By the half way mark it becomes clear the book should have ended because the same things get brought back and repeated.

This was supposed to be a book about redemption and forgiveness but I do not think the author managed to pull it off successfully. To begin with, it is all tell and no show. And secondly, the entire focus is misplaced on Angie's relationship with Julian and her career as an artist leaving her completely shallow and unfeeling as a sister, daughter, and most of all, a mother. In fact, all the characters end up just as self-centered and selfish at the conclusion, as they were in the beginning.

I especially disliked the vagueness around the topic of mental illness and blatant use of it as a convenient plot tool.

I thought this was a very well written debut novel. Family drama, secrets, and a mystery unfolding kept me completely engaged the entire story and I thought the audio was really good! This book was filled with flawed characters who make questionable choices.

There were past and present tragedies and I like how the author took us back and forth between the two timelines. Two families connected by tragedy and grief, and ultimately trying to understand forgiveness. I did love the overarching themes of this novel and while I didn’t get all the answers I wanted, I did enjoy the journey the author took us on.

I knew this book would be a heartbreaker based on the blurb which I did read for this book; however, I had no idea just what a heartbreaker it would be. There was so much to this book: love, family, deceit, murder, characters with conflicting feelings regarding the murder, and so much more.

David and Angie are married and have two children: Nico and Nora. The family has had some good memories, but David and Angie seem like they're in a struggling marriage from the get-go. When the unthinkable happens in their very own home, things are exacerbated and their marriage slowly begins to unravel or at least seems to be. How they will ever come to terms and be able to grow their marriage was an enigma. Or, I wondered, if they'd end in divorce.

The story has several time lines and within those time frames we have a younger Angie and a boy named Julian. They are like Romeo and Juliet when after a very tragic accident they're forbidden to see each other. This storyline continues throughout and is an integral part of the plot.

When I reached the end of the book, I realized that this book was more about forgiveness and learning if/how/why to forgive than anything else. At least that's how I saw it.

I had both an e-ARC and audiobook and while I thought the narrator was very good and I would definitely listen to her again, this is a book that I would get just as much out of it without the audiobook. Some audiobooks are practically necessary but in this case either option works.

I think this book is one that should be put on others' TBR shelf and read because it's really good.

Wow!

This was very well executed, a perfect blend of literary mystery with family drama and I am floored this was a debut novel.

In the authors note she talked about the inspiration for the book was to explore forgiveness and how profound it can be in life and let me tell you Koval nailed it. Not only is this aptly titled but the book oozes several examples of how in life we offer and receive forgiveness and how this can alter our lives and leave space for healing.

The characters are well drawn and the alternating timelines are used effectively creating just enough tension and intrigue. I can’t fault this book a single thing I have no doubt it will be popular and well received.

Therese Plummer nailed the audio.

Penitence is on the list of most anticipated novels for Goodreads, so I snapped it up when I saw it as a NetGalley offering. And I got the audiobook (my preferred reading medium) by one of my favorite audiobook narrators, Thérèse Plummer. The premise is great - Nora, a 13-year-old girl, shoots her brother for seemingly no reason. I expected a murder mystery or a courtroom procedural or something more focused on the actual crime.
What this book is, though, is a deeeeeeep dive into the adults surrounding Nora, especially her mother, Angie, and her defense attorney Julian who has a winding history with Angie. The book switches between the present (not enough of this and not much happens) and the past (most of the book and VERY drawn out with minutiae of everyday life in the history of Julian and Angie). Just know that going in.
There are very few likable characters. None of them really learn anything and there really is no redemption of them. Julian might be the only one who really changes a little. But secrets and lies abound and no one really seems to learn anything. There were some compelling parts and the first half was interesting, but then it just dragged on and on and on. And the courtroom stuff/Nora's whole side story (and yes it is a side story) is not fully fleshed out. We never really got a good explanation or any discussion of her motivations or the mention of mental health issues or anything really. The most compelling part of the premise was merely a way to hook readers. Instead, the book is more of a look into the lives and deceptions of Julian and Angie - neither of which are really interesting or good people.
The writing was good. The dialogue felt natural. I'm not mad I read it. It just probably could have been about 100 pages shorter. Or maybe those 100 pages could have been spent on Nora's story/present day instead of the mundane day-to-day of the past. I think I would have liked this better if I had better expectations going in. So - future readers - just know, there isn't really a big twist, there isn't really a resolution to the premise in the way genre murder stories do, but there IS a lot of relationship introspection and secrets and regrets.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advance copy of the audiobook.

Angie and David Sheehan's son Nico has been killed in their home, their daughter the main suspect. In the days, weeks, months, and years following, each member of the family deals with this tragedy in their own way, just as the tragedy reveals truths and secrets about all of them. When Angie's former flame Julian gets involved as a lawyer for the family, things become more complicated. A heart wrenching, intricately told tale.

Penitence by Kristin Koval is a well-narrated audiobook that has you pondering the lengths you might go to in order to protect your family. Set in Colorado, this book is a perfect winter read. You'll feel as though you're on the journey the family undertakes as they deal with the sudden loss of one child and the legal trial of their remaining child. The audio format was easy to follow, it kept my attention, and the voice of the narrator was a pleasant listening experience. I enjoy it when narrators don't attempt to do various voices in an obvious manner. Subtle is much better when it comes to making an audiobook one that you'll recommend to other listeners. Read and enjoy!

Well, first of all, I did not realize that this was a DEBUT NOVEL for this author.
Second, this was not at all what I was expecting.
And third...well, this was a very difficult read...in that the characters are VERY WELL WRITTEN, realistic to a flaw, and each and every one of them showed that they had their own crosses to bear in life...but continued to move on, even through the roughest and darkest of times...

IT HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET….LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON 1/28/25!

Angie has two kids. Nora and Nico.
Nico was just shot and killed by Nora. (No, this is NOT a spoiler! This happens in the OPENING of the book.) He was 14. She is 13. She called 911 after the shooting...

Angie is married to David. He is stable, steady, loving, kind and patient.
But, all of that will be put to the test now that this has happened.

Angie had a life prior to meeting David. As a matter of fact, this is kind of a dual timeline book in that it bounces back and forth between now, and when Angie was in HS...when she was dating the love of her life, Julian...who happens to be one of the absolute BEST lawyers in the US...and specializes in juvenile cases.

Angie would never even THINK of calling him though! How could she? They left off on bad terms to say the least...

BUT, David has no problem calling. He wants the best attorney for his daughter...

As the story unfolds we learn about all of the key characters. Their strengths, their weaknesses, their soft spots, their flaws...and so much more....

I am sure this could have been done in much less time, but the attention to detail, and the painting of the story are just absolutely beautiful, and devastating. It is so hard to see the bad without also seeing the good in each of them...

It will really make you stop and think...about love, life, choices, changes...and most of all...forgiveness!

5++++ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨ for me!!!

If you pick up just ONE BOOK to read in 2025...please consider this one!

#Penitence by #KristinKoval and narrated stunningly by #TheresePlummer.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC
of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
***** OF NOTE: THIS WILL BE RELEASED ON 1/28/25...
SO ABOUT A MONTH FROM NOW! *****
SO, LOOK FOR IT THEN!!!

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4 ⭐️ Wow, for a debut this book was amazing - not perfect but pretty good. I went in pretty blind and was in for a wild ride since I had no expectations. This book was full of family complexities, dealing with grief, the secrets we hold to protect ourselves and the forgiveness we look for in ourselves and others. This is written in 3rd person POV, which worked in this case as it tells the stories of two families over multiple timelines and decades. It is not a quick pace story, if you are looking for a popcorn thriller or any type of mystery - this is not it. It is a slow burn story that unfolds with a lot of heart and emotion. I typically don’t gravitate towards these types of books but this one grabbed me by taking place in a ski town in Colorado, something I am very familiar with and the premise of a 13 year old killing her brother absolutely sucked me in. I was pleasantly surprised when there were so many more layers to the story. It wasn’t all about why and how but more about the two families, the secrets, lies and tragedies that lead to the death of the child. It was really hard to root for some of these characters, they are so flawed and broken based on the truths they told themselves, which has been a common theme of some of the books I’ve read recently. I also listened to the audiobook and the narrator was fantastic, keeping me engaged and interested in the story despite the slow pacing. I wish there was more emotional depth and closure at the end, but it was still a story that will stick with me for some time. Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

My rating is a bit of an outlier.

The story is much more about Angie and Julian, childhood first loves, then about the murder of Angie’s son by his sister.

I'm sure you've seen this book everywhere by now so you don't need an introduction. I'm just going to join the masses and say that this is a phenomenal debut. I highly recommend the audiobook if you get a chance to listen to it. The narration was fantastic and hard to put down.

Penitence is a gripping novel that explores love and forgiveness in the aftermath of a shocking murder. The story follows Angie and David as they seek the help of small-town lawyer Martine Dumont after their lives are shattered.

I recently had the opportunity to review an audiobook, and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story delved into complex past relationships, with multiple timelines that helped to paint a full picture of the events that transpired. The use of different points of view kept the storyline engaging and easy to follow.

The main character was portrayed as young and confused, evoking a sense of empathy from the reader. The exploration of her perspective while in a juvenile center added depth to her character.

The narrator did an excellent job bringing the audiobook to life. I found myself immediately engrossed in the story, making it difficult to pause and take a break.

The book is incredibly well-written, especially considering it is a debut work. It evokes deep emotions and leaves the reader eager to uncover the full story and draw their own conclusions. The themes of life choices, long-term consequences, familial loyalty, redemption, and forgiveness are expertly woven throughout the narrative.

I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys a novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the power of forgiveness.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and Celadon Books for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Dear Penitence,
I was stunned at the beauty and heart in your story. You are not an easy book to read but you are such a worthy read. You used the different perspectives of each of the characters in such a perfect way. It allowed me to get to know each of them in such an intimate way, and share in each of their secrets. It was so hard to watch Angie's heartbreak and grief over Nico's death and Nora's trial. Each of the characters made such huge mistakes and couldn't find their way out of what they did to each other. You are exquisitely written and I really enjoyed reading you.

My goodness this book tugged on the heartstrings. Angie and David's lives are shattered when their son is murdered point-blank by their daughter. They are torn between being heartbroken at the devastating loss of their son while losing their daughter at the same time as she is whisked away to juvenile prison. At a loss for what to do, David suggests calling in Angie's childhood friend, now lawyer, Julian. Julian and Angie have their own shared loss from a ski accident years ago that led to the loss of Angie's younger sister. We follow these characters as they deal with the intricate nature of these events.

This book reminded me of Defending Jacob. What do you do as a parent when your child has done something irrevocably wrong. There are so many discussions around forgiveness and what makes someone a good or bad person. Does one terrible act erase all the good? Koval does such a great job of writing these characters with true depth so that there truly are no clear lines to any of it all. There is a lot of grey, just as there is in real life. The characters are hard to put in any one box, including the child who committed the crime. If you love messy families, you will enjoy this one. This is a great literary domestic drama that has put Koval on my radar for future book releases. I read this in audio which was very well done. The narration clearly captured all the emotions felt throughout the novel. That being said, I have no doubt this book will have an impact on its reader no matter the format.

A beautiful DEBUT novel about love, forgiveness, family, redemption and justice. This novel reads like a suspense/mystery but also asks the reader to reflect on deeper themes, so if you enjoy Ann Patchett, Celeste Ng or Gillian McAllister you will not be able to put this novel down!

Penitence is told across two timelines:
- Present: which follows the Sheehan family (Angie, David, Nora and Nico) after a tragedy rips their lives apart and throws Angie back into the orbit of Julian, her first love

- Past: which depicts Angie and Julian's relationship as teens and into adulthood

The audiobook chapters are clearly labeled and alternate timelines throughout the novel, which I felt added to the suspense of the story and prevented me from being able to put the story down. I thought the narrator (Thérèse Plummer) did a phenomenal job with bringing this story to life and at times I was sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for the next reveal. This novel is more character driven than plot driven but the pace is still quite quick.

I think this will be a standout literary fiction novel of 2025 so I would add it to your TBR list asap!

✨This book left me completely speechless.  I can’t believe this masterpiece of a novel is a debut because, in my opinion, it’s an instant classic. 
 
✨ I was completely blown away by the cast of flawed but superbly authentic characters as well as the expertly plotted narrative which, quite honestly, is one of the best I’ve read.  I haven’t seen this level of depth in storytelling since Jodi Picoult.
 
✨ This book will be perfect for a book club selection with so many topics for in-depth discussion. 
 
✨Highly, highly recommend.  Go ahead and add this one to your TBR now.  It’s going to be a bestseller that everyone will be talking about. 

✨I have read this one in print and also listened on audio. The narration by Therese Plummer was absolutely phenomenal .
 
🌿Read if you like:
✨Family fiction
✨Themes of forgiveness and redemption
✨Dual timelines
✨Love and loss
✨Expertly crafted depth and complexity
✨Colorado setting
✨Ski culture
✨Jodi Picoult books
✨Book club reads

This was beautifully written and emotional. It was a bit slow moving for me but still managed to hold my interest. I think I set myself up for disappointment by expecting a major twist that didn't come.