This book is an emotional and consuming read. I got settled in for my evening reading time and then couldn't put it down. Start to finish in one sitting.
Set in the mid 1960s, the cast of characters are women who easily resemble those in our own lives or even ourselves. They face unfathomable choices and situations, but they are things any of us could encounter in our own lives. We never know how we'd handle such things until those moments come. There are moral/ethical choices and relationship choices, some with generational family impact. Each woman's story is unique, but at the same time they share so many common bonds.
My only complaint was the reason the two women at the end came together. Even with that in mind it's still one of the best books I've read recently.

In the Family Way by Laney Katz Becker is a beautifully written and profoundly moving novel that captures women's struggles, joys, and resilience in 1965 America. This book pulls you in with its vibrant characters and keeps you hooked with a story full of heart, history, and hard choices.

The setup is simple but powerful: Lily Berg, a seemingly traditional suburban housewife, opens her home to Betsy, a pregnant teenager from a home for unwed mothers. What unfolds is a story of unexpected connections, personal growth, and the weight of societal expectations. Becker paints a vivid picture of a time when women couldn’t fully own their independence—no credit cards, no easy divorces, and no safe options for unplanned pregnancies. It’s a stark reminder of how much has changed—and how much hasn’t.

What makes this novel shine is how real the characters feel. Lily starts reserved and buttoned-up, but as she bonds with Betsy, you see her grow into a more open, empathetic person. As a young woman trying to navigate a world stacked against her, Betsy's perspective is equally compelling. And the supporting characters, like Becca with her no-nonsense pragmatism and Rose with her surprising storyline, add depth and drama.

The book doesn’t shy away from tough topics like abortion, infidelity, and societal judgment, but it handles them with sensitivity and nuance. Becker doesn’t lecture—she tells a great story that makes you think about how far we’ve come and how much we owe to the women who came before us.

If you love historical fiction rich with emotion and layered with meaning, In the Family Way is a must-read. It’s about family, friendship, and finding your voice in a world that often tries to silence it. Becker’s storytelling is as timely as it is timeless—a perfect blend of history and humanity. Highly recommend!

Love this book! Book about women’s rights and friendships. It is a good reminder of how different life for a woman was not very long ago and how important it is that we don’t go backward- there is a reason laws changed.