Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will. Enjoy

Just read about how this is based on the author's own personal tragedy, her husband's 12 hour standoff with the police, his suicide and the impact this tragic event had on her family. My heart goes out to her and her family. Unfortunately doesn't make me like this novel any more. Truth be told, I skimmed through large sections and still don't feel I missed much. A lot of writing with nothing happening.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a digital copy in return for an honest, unbiased review.

The Far End of Happy takes place over the course of 12 hours during a husband's suicide standoff, and is actually based on the author's own experience surrounding the events of her first husband's suicide. It's told from the POV of Ronnie, the wife; her mother, and her mother-in-law, so you get to know the background of what led to this day from three very different perspectives. I really liked the little details she injected into the story, like how The View and Live With Kelly and Michael played in the background while the cops were pacing around - one of those reminders that the mundane things in life go on no matter what you're going through at the time. Making the book take place over the course of 12 hours also gave it a sense of urgency and moved the story along quickly. I was definitely up late to find out what would happen next, and rooting for Ronnie and her family. She ends the day as a stronger person, despite dealing with a situation most of us can't even imagine. This book really made me think about life and what people can be battling behind closed doors.

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Ronnie’s husband is supposed to move out today. But when Jeff pulls into the driveway drunk, with a shotgun in the front seat, she realizes nothing about the day will go as planned.
The next few hours spiral down in a flash, unlike the slow disintegration of their marriage—and whatever part of that painful unraveling is Ronnie’s fault, not much else matters now but these moments. Her family’s lives depend on the choices she will make—but is what’s best for her best for everyone?

Well, this took me by surprise. The blurb doesn't really give too much away in relation to the intensity of this story. It was quite unlike what I normally read...but I am happy to find more books like this - thoroughly enjoyed the story!

This book covers the disintegration of a marriage - a family even - and the emotions and reactions that go along with that. As a man, I was riveted by the seemingly endless array of choices that Ronnie has to make for the wellbeing of her family, and how she goes about doing that. And then, when her husband is supposed to move out, he arrives at the house, drunk and with a shotgun...the next 12 hours are an amazing piece of storytelling...

The only thing that lost a 'star' was the perspectives of Ronnie's mother & mother-in-law. They just took away a little bit of the intensity from Ronnie's story. I see why the author did it - I just didn't like it as much as other people.


Paul
ARH