The Dilemma

Livia has been planning her fortieth birthday bash for the last 20 years. She has been saving money so it will be the biggest and best birthday ever. Livia was pregnant with Josh when she married Adam and her parents refused to attend or to give Livia the wedding of her dreams. Adam has some surprises for Livia, he invited her parents and arranged for their daughter to return from Hong Kong for the party. Livia has a surprise of her own for Adam and both are keeping a secret from each other with unimaginable consequences.


Told in the alternating voices of Adam and Livia, Paris once again is the queen of suspense. Once started, you will not want to do anything else until you finish this book. I read it in two days and can't stop thinking about it. Both of the main characters are likeable, but at times, you will find yourself talking to them. No spoilers here, but what would I have done? Both Livia and Adam took a risk for the right reasons, however, their decisions could have gone horribly wrong. I have read her other best-selling books and The Dilemma does not disappoint.

We've always known B.A. Paris has a knack for writing secrecy-based psychological thrillers and continues to prove it in The Dilemma! Adam and Livia have been together for more than twenty years and have two adult children; Marnie, the Daddy's girl, and Josh, who's closer to mom. Since Livia and her parents are estranged, she and Adam have been lifelines for each other throughout their marriage, but something has shifted in the past few months; little do each of them realize they each share a secret with Marnie that they haven't shared with one another. This entire book takes place in less than forty-eight hours, but as we learn, life-altering moments can happen in an instant. How will this test Adam and Livia's relationship with one another? Will the secrets come out? Paris truly excels at pinpointing how grief and secrets affects people.

What would you do if you had *potentially* life changing, earth shattering news that would ruin someone's happy moment? 

This is exactly what Adam struggles with the entire length of this book. His wife, Livia, has waited years for this moment-her extravagant fortieth birthday party. She's excited and radiant, so when Adam discovers something that has the potential to ruin her day and upend their lives, what should he do?

Livia, while excited for her special day, is also wrestling with something she knows will shatter their picture perfect family when it comes to light. I was SO irritated with Livia almost the entire book. If she would just SHUT UP for a second and let Adam speak for crying out loud!

By keeping these secrets from each other, are they protecting one another or just being selfish? This book was completely different from the author's other novels. I was expecting a thriller, but this one was an emotionally charged family drama. It's about grief, relationships, secrets, and healing. Although I was irritated with Livia the majority of the book, I still enjoyed reading this one. It draws you in, kicks your heart up into your throat until you think you won't be able to breathe until you find out how each other will solve their separate dilemmas.

It's Livia's 40th birthday, and she is throwing an elaborate party to celebrate. She has dreamed of this day for years. The food, the decorations, her dress, her friends having an amazing time, and of course, her husband Adam and their two children, Marnie and Josh will be there. Livia always pictured her daughter playing an important role on her special day, but now, Livia is faced with a dilemma and Marnie shouldn't be here.

Adam knows how much this day means to Marnie. She never got to have the wedding of her dreams, but this event will make her feel like she has finally had one perfect, special day, all to herself. But Adam has a dilemma. The surprise he planned has gone horribly, maybe tragically wrong and he doesn't know what to do. Let Livia have her perfect day, or expose his secret, knowing that she might never have another?

This book was a page-turner, which in hindsight I should not have started right before bed. I stayed up way too late because I just had to know the secrets Livia and Adam were keeping. From the first chapter, it is apparent that their lives are going to change, and perhaps not in a good way. The tension just built and built as the story progressed. Love, loss, friendship, and family are woven throughout, and ultimately, we learn that there isn't a right time or place to share a secret with someone you love.
I had mixed feelings about Livia, as I never could connect with her dream of having this party. I had my wedding on a mountain with no family in attendance, so someone else might relate better to her character. Adam though, more than made up for my ambivalent feelings towards her. Adam isn't a perfect husband or father, but he truly doesn't know what he should do, and what he went through, was heartbreaking. An engaging read and B.A. Paris pulled me in yet again with some gut-wrenching dilemmas.

Be prepared to stay up all night in a constant state of dread...this book held my attention until the very end! Paris does it again!!

B.A. Paris has done it again; written another book that I couldn't put down (and I finished it in one night's reading)!

This one was interesting because, as the reader, you find yourself questioning what decision you'd make in each character's shoes and OH is it interesting how murky the waters become when faced with intriguing dilemmas.

I gave it 4 stars because there were some parts that felt a little too repetitive but, overall, I've already recommended this book to several others and it spurred me to purchase Paris last book, Bring Me Back.

Thank you for this ARC and can't wait to read any and all other things she publishes!

I have read other books by B.A. Paris, and was not disappointed by The Dilemma, I couldn’t put it down and I just had to get to the end, to see how it all played out. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Another great by the great B.A. Paris!! I mean, how does she do it? I don’t want to give anything away because I got a very early advanced copy from St. Martin’s Press for which I’m truly grateful. So I’ll do my best! Livia and Adam had only been dating a short while when they found out they were expecting their first child at the very young age of 17. But through the trials and tribulations they made it work and their love deepened. Adam has regrets for not being a present father in the early days and Livia’s Family disowned her. Still, they had their wedding at the registrars office with Alex’s family and their friends. They even had baby #2. Both children are very much present in the novel as you will soon see. But one of Livia’s dreams was to throw herself a lavish 40th birthday. Kind of like the wedding party she never had. And who knows, maybe after all this time, her parents will have forgiven her and come and see the family she’s created.
Unfortunately Livia and Adam’s daughter can’t be there as she’s in Hong Kong studying abroad. No matter, she’ll be home soon enough.

Which is where the Dilemma starts to take shape. If you had information your partner should hear would you wait so as to give everyone a night to remember or would you discuss it together straight away? Miscommunication and indecisiveness fuels the rest of this novel. And boy is there a lot of fuel. So much you’ll be rocketed out of atmosphere with what you may have done, who was right, who was wrong and who in the end will you side with? Or will you side with anyone?

How much will you risk for one important night?
Couldn’t put this book down. Bravo!

Definitely one of Paris’ best works! The format of the story told in multiple POV and with a short timeline provided the reader with an angst to finish the book as quickly as possible. Fantastic read by one of my favorites!

Adam and Livia, married at a young age, have spent years anticipating and preparing for tonight, a 40th birthday party for Livia. The party will be attended by friends and family, and the uninvited guests - some dark secrets that need to be shared, or do they?
This is continuing the pattern for me of liking each of B.A. Paris's books more than the one before. This book has great character development, a long developing plot line that I couldn't read fast enough, and tension for days. Anyone who has ever held back a secret or bad news, looking for the right time to share it, will relate to these characters, and feel a little bit of sympathetic anxiety. This felt so real, I couldn't convince myself these were just characters from the author's imagination.
I highly recommend this book, and give deep thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Livia’s dream party is only days away. She has been planning and saving for years in order to have an extravagant party to celebrate turning 40. The party is coming together exactly as she envisioned; one last chance for everyone to be happy before she reveals the secret that may tear them apart forever.

The Dilemma is a fantastic new novel of suspense by one of my favorite authors B.A. Paris. Livia and her husband Adam didn't start out with much; they have had their ups and downs and are finally living a comfortable life on the verge of being empty nesters. Their daughter, Marnie, has been studying in Hong Kong with plans to travel Asia after her graduation and their son Josh is about to take an internship in New York but even the best laid plans sometimes go awry. The story is told from alternate POV's, Livia and Adam, in which both parties are harboring a secret from the other, one which will slowly be revealed, involving their daughter Marnie. As expected this book did not disappoint...a fantastic and emotional story of love...a must read for 2020!

I could not put this book down. I was expecting a typical thriller, but I was not prepared for how wrapped up I got in it and how emotional it made me. BA Paris did an excellent job creating complex characters that you really care about. This was an excellent family drama and I recommend it.

Ms Paris has done it again! A stunning and chilling story with an original plot. Livia, and her husband Adam, both have secrets they kept from each other, secrets that would be devastating to many families if they were revealed. But they both know they will have to tell each other their secret at some point. Livia was pregnant at a young age but her parents disapproved of her relationship with Adam and would have nothing to do with her. Livia never had the wedding she had dreamed of, so for twenty years she planned her extravagant fortieth birthday party. Her son Josh would be there and possibly her daughter Marnie who was studying in Hong Kong. The story is told from the points of view of Adam and Livia leading up to the party. If I say anything more I run the risk of giving some of the plot away and I do not want to spoil it for readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was hooked on this book after the first few chapters and hated to put it down. I read it in two days over the Christmas holiday!

This book follows Adam and Livia, a married couple, and their two adult children, Josh and Marnie. The chapters alternate between Adam and Livia telling the story. The story begins, and is centered around, Livia's 40th birthday. Livia and Adam are both keeping a secret from each other about their daughter, Marnie, who is studying internationally. This book was gripping and brought forth many emotions in my while reading. Such a great story about love, family, and making the most of each day.

Olivia has been planning her big 40th birthday party for 20 years. She wants it to be perfect. She never had the wedding she wanted because she didn't live up to her parents expectations and they have rejected her for more than 20 years. She has a secret she needs to share with Adam, her husband but thinks it can wait until after her party. Little does she know that Adam has something to share with her also but doesn't want to ruin her party.

This book captured me from page one. It is told from the perspective of Adam and then goes to Livia. This is a hard read and different from the others I've read by Paris but is so well written, you cannot turn away. I never read a book in two days but I couldn't put this down. It is at turns, frustrating and agonizing. Very good read and thanks to HQ for allowing me to read and review this new offering by B. A. Paris.

I absolutely loved this book. This is not a traditional thriller, but I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I loved the way the chapters alternated between Olivia and Adam. There was so much suspense as to what they were going to do. The writing was excellent and the characters were so realistic. I thought the ending was perfect. I will definitely be looking forward to this author's next book.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

Holy moley is this book an emotional page turner! I've read every single B.A. Paris book and this one is just as edge-of-your-seat. However, this one plays on the emotions of the reader infinitely more. The book takes place in about a 24 hour time span with flashbacks filling in the spaces. It's filled with secrets from our main characters, Livia and Adam, who are married. The characters are likable and relate-able. As with the author's other books, I highly recommend this one. It was so good!

I absolutely love B.A. Paris so I was delighted to get this newest novel! But be prepared: this one will rip your heart out of your chest and then piece it together again--but not before you've been through a maelstrom of emotions! Adam and Livia are planning a huge party for her 40th birthday--over 100 of their friends and family. Son Josh will be there but daughter, Marnie is studying in Hong Kong so that poses a problem. And that's all the plot I'm going to give you. Needless to say you won't see it coming; what you will see is a family united by love, blame, secrets, grief, and ultimately, redemption. It's a simply lovely portrait of a family navigating through everyday occurrences that don't always go as planned and often have unexpected consequences that can only be dealt with through faith.

What a great book!!! Not really a thriller, but definitely suspenseful - it's more of a family drama. I couldn't put it down and read it in 24 hours. My only complaint would be that I wish there was more of a confrontation with one of the characters (can't go into details without spoilers). But overall, amazing story!

Best B A Paris book yet! Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of Christmas Eve Day. Thank goodness all my cooking was finished because once I started this book, I literally could not put it down and finished this in one day. What an amazing story! I loved the storytelling between Liv's and Adam's points of view. So suspenseful and I loved the twist in the middle of the book. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone!!

This wasn't a typical B.A. Paris thriller but it had me drawn in from chapter one. Emotionally charged and heartbreakingly unputdownable, I'm still feeling after I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. Thank you St.Martin's Press for this digital ARC.

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This book broke me in half!

Heartbreaking!

Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t!

Livia has been planning her 40th birthday party, since the day she couldn’t have the wedding she had always dreamed of.

But there is something she needs to tell her husband, Adam when the party is over, which will change their lives forever.

Adam has something to share too. Should he spoil the party or wait?

I expected secrets.....gossip.......lies......

But, this is about a DILEMMA.

And, by definition, a dilemma is a situation in which a decision has to be made between two or more, equally undesirable alternatives.

This is like NOTHING that B A Paris has ever written before!!

That’s all I can share....

Thank You to St. Martin's Press for inviting me to read a digital ARC in exchange for a candid review!

Available January 9, 2020.
READ it before the “spoilers” come out!

Even though I don’t think this book should be in the thriller/mystery genre and is more a general fiction/women’s fiction/family drama, I have to give it 5 stars. The emotion this book brought out of me was absolutely heart wrenching and immense. Paris really nailed this book, even though it was not what I was expecting, it truly fit the title perfectly. It was truly a dilemma, one with many consequences, which you would have to deem your own choice on to see which action best fits. I found myself tearing through the pages, tense, and with my eyes full of tears, but knowing that it’s likely an accurate portrait of someone in these dilemmas. I highly recommend to those who enjoy books that pull at the heart strings, have some lingering questions that are going to be answered in time but build suspense, and love real life portrayal of heart ache and love. If you enjoy Paris’s writing, you’ll enjoy this book, even though it’s not her normal genre, because she truly knows how to grab you and make those emotions stir! Riveting, heart wrenching, and brutal!
I will make sure to buzz this one up!!

How do secrets change our lives and our relationships? This question is front and center in The Dilemma. Adam and Livia lead a comfortable happy life with their children Josh and Marnie. They have a wide circle of friends who care for one another. Livia has been planning and saving for a big celebration on her fortieth birthday. Adam is also planning to surprise Livia with a special gift. What starts out as a happy occasion ends up as something far different for their family.

As I was reading I thought about how skilled the author is to build the suspense without revealing the turning point to the reader. This is a well written story with characters I cared about early in the story.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from St Martin's Press through NetGalley.The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
#The Dilemma #NetGalley

This story is a lesson to all people who love someone they don't want to disappoint or hurt. Leave things unsaid for too long, and deal with the consequences.

I was a big fan of Behind Closed Doors so I jumped at the chance to Read B.A. Paris' The Dilemma. I downloaded this book on Sunday morning and finished it before I went to bed that night! I would have finished it in one sitting but wanted and needed to spend some time with my family as well.
While I wouldn't say I loved this book, I really liked it. It was almost impossible to put down because I just had to know what would happen next. There was just enough suspense to keep you hooked and I found myself thinking about the characters and plot during the short time I was able to put the book down. B.A. Paris has definitely made it onto my list of favorite authors!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, just..wow. I don't want to give anything away about the plot but it kept me interested and wanting to read more. Hopeful...but cautious. I love this author, never fails to impress with me an original storyline.

Does the reason we keep something from those we love matter if the truth will cause them pain? That is the question both Livia and Adam struggle with throughout B.A. Paris’s The Dilemma. Livia and Adam both have life changing news about their daughter that they are putting off sharing with the other. When the secrets are shared, will the damage be too great to overcome?

It is rare that a story makes me feel truly connected to the characters and leaves a lasting impression after I have closed the book. In The Dilemma, Paris has created a world that was difficult to leave behind and left me feeling as if I were hiding something from my own spouse. The struggle faced by both of the main characters is easy to understand and empathize with, creating a compelling tale that was hard to put down. I have read Paris’s work in the past but The Dilemma has ensured that I will make reading new books a priority.

I'm between a 3.5 star and a 4 star for this book, so I'm rounding up.

I really, really enjoyed this book. Even though it was one of those that is based upon one story line and basically one night, it was very suspenseful for me. The only thing I didn't love was the fact that this entire plot revolved around one small decision that could have kept the suspense away. (Mini spoiler: just make the call to see!!)

I loved the mystery behind the night, I don't want to spoil too much because it really did impact the story greatly, mainly because I went from is she, to isn't she many, many times.

This was shorter than most books and while it did fly by, I wondered how we could cram one night into a story like this. But BA Paris did it well and I have always loved her books. While I think her others are rated higher from me, I wouldn't NOT recommend this book to friends. It's an easy read that really does have a lot of twists and turns. I think she does well setting up the story to make the reader believe it will go one way, but it goes another. That was great. The obvious wasn't actually obvious at all.

Livia has been planning her 40th birthday party for 20 years! She wants it to be perfect and make up for the wedding she never had when her parents disowned her for getting pregnant and married so young.

But life has been good to Livia and Adam. Their two children Marnie,19 and Josh, 22 are both good kids. Until Livia finds out one of them is not making such good decisions and she knows if she tells Adam he will go ballistic. So she keeps her secret until after her party and hopes Marnie doesn't show up and blow things up.

Adam is determined to have Marnie come home for the party and surprise her mother. And now Adam has a secret. One that will tear the family apart and he can't say a word. Nothing happens until Livia has had her day. But suddenly something happens that puts Adam in an awful position and wishing he had never asked Marnie to come.

Suspenseful and twisty, I wasn't sure until the last minute if any of it was true. This was a wicked good domestic suspense. 

Highly Recommend a read!

NetGalley/ June 30th, 2020 by St. Martin's Press

Livia is turning 40 and she is throwing an elaborate party to celebrate. She has dreamed of this day for years. The food, the decorations, her dress, her friends having an amazing time, and of course, her husband Adam and their two children, Marnie and Josh will be there. Livia was young and pregnant when she and Adam got married. This party will be in place of the wedding she always wanted.

Adam knows how much this day means to Livia. He wants her to feel like she has finally had one perfect, special day, all to herself. The problem is that Adam has a dilemma. The surprise he planned has gone all wrong and he doesn't know what to do. Let Livia have her perfect day, or expose his secret, knowing that she might never have another?

I always enjoy books by B.A. Paris and this book is no different. I read it in one sitting.

This was one of those books that just kills you. Absolutely dead. But written so well that you just have to keep reading. The subject matter is so heartbreaking and you just keep reading, hoping for the "right" outcome. Really good.

I always enjoy a good B.A. Paris book and this one was no exception. This is the story of Liv and Adam as well as their two kids, Josh and Marnie, who are now grown. Liv and Adam had their kids very young and missed out on some things in life, including the big wedding that Liv dreamed of.

Now that life has moved on and the children have grown, Liv is throwing herself a 40th birthday party. She says she has been planning this for years and while some may think that seems a little frivolous, Liv admits she also may be subconsciously making up for the wedding she never had.

However, Liv is keeping a secret. It's something she wishes she didn't know about her daughter and doesn't want to tell Adam because she knows the devastation it will bring on him and their tight circle of friends. In the meantime, Adam is living life normally and helping Liv get her party off the ground. He wants everything to be perfect for her.

Then, something happens (not spoiling it here) and now Adam finds himself not wanting to confide in Liv. Now the couple is at a crossroads with each other and neither of them know it. What follows is (what I thought ) a roller coaster of emotions and the ramifications of when secrets are kept.

I really enjoyed this book. Again, without giving too much away, I found I was holding my breath for a certain outcome. I know I read some reviews where some people thought there would be no way Adam could have kept what he knows to himself and that it was weird that he did. However, I feel the author did a good job in describing Adam's motives in doing what he did.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this. I found myself quickly reading and wanting to get to the bottom of things. I wish SOME things would have turned out differently, but I thought it was a good read. Releases June 2020. All opinions are my own and no review was required.

My finger’s couldn’t quit turning the pages.

The wife has a secret. The husband has a secret. And that is The Dilemma by B.A. Paris.

Livia was the wife. Her character was annoying to me. All she focused on was her 40th BD party. I quickly got tired of hearing about it. Adam was the husband. I enjoyed his character even though he obviously favored their daughter, Marnie, over their son, Josh. There were several secondary characters to follow and they all wound through each other to create am awesome story about secrets.

The emotions while reading this book was a bit crazy. On the one hand you have a celebration going on, and then you start learning about the secrets Livia and Adam are keeping from each other, and your emotions go all over the place. Even though I got tired of hearing about Livia’s 40th birthday party, it was an integral part of the story.

There were many characters to follow through the book, but it was still an easy read. It grabbed my attention the minute I started reading. The writing was very good, and kept my fingers turning page after page.

If your a fan of Mark Edwards, you will love this book. It has the same kind of “I can’t put down this book” feel to it.

Thank you to NetGalley, B.A. Paris, and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book.

This book gutted me. The author did an amazing job stringing everything along. Deep down, you know how it will end but you just want to hold onto that little bit of "maybe". Amazing, heartbreaking, tragic.

Fabulous book. Highly recommend

I was so stoked to get an ARC of The Dilemma, by B.A. Paris - thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press! Look for this one on June 30th.

This book centers around Livia and Adam who married at a young age.  To make up for the wedding reception she never had, Livia is putting everything she has into throwing herself a lavish 40th birthday party. She is determined that everything is going to be perfect, but she and her husband are both keeping secrets from each other, ones they're holding off revealing until the party is over. ⁣
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When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be one of her signature fast-paced thrillers, but it's actually more of a family drama, and I struggled some with shifting my expectations.  This was slower paced, and I found my attention waning at times.  On the other hand, I also found myself not wanting to put this book down because I HAD to get to that big reveal.  I also found this book to be an emotional read (have your tissues handy!), and the tension I experienced was palpable as I waited for the ball to drop.  The very fact that I felt these things so acutely is the mark of a great writer.  All in all, I had mixed and contradictory feelings on this one, but I think many readers will love it, so definitely be looking for it on June 30th.  I'm super excited to see what B.A. comes out with in the future.
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Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of The Dilemma by B.A. Paris. I have been a fan since I first read Behind Close Doors, Bring Me Back, and The Breakdown. As an author, Paris continues simply to get better and better at her craft. However, as a genre-typed author, her books are in a similar vein to Shari Lapena and Ruth Ware, except I think Paris’ books are a level up. The Dilemma is her best one yet. It follows a 40th birthday party for Livia, planned by her husband, Adam. Their daughter, Marnie is away at school and cannot come. As the story progresses, Livia finds out some information regarding Marnie, that if discovered by anyone else, will be tragic for their family. Marnie’s spot at school allows Livia to breathe a little easier until she figures out what to do. Meanwhile Adam, as part of the party surprise arranged for Marnie to be home. Adam ends up coming across some detrimental info of his own. So what now? How far do you go to protect someone you love? Go read this. You won’t be disappointed.

Another great book by B A Paris! I really enjoyed this one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

The Dilemma was definitely so hard for me to put down!! A husband and wife with secrets do tell me more!! I was completely hooked! This book is different from the rest. As this one is more of a family drama than a psychological thriller. Still well written and enjoyable!

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thought this was such a unique telling of this story, which was a nice twist on the domestic thriller. I didn't even think this was much of a thriller; it was more of a family drama filled with secrets. And she definitely brought the drama. This was a quick page-turner and I loved how it all came together at the end. Can't wait for her next book!

The Dilemma will have the reader repeatedly asking “what would I do in this situation?”. This is my first book to read by B.A. Paris. I will definitely be reading more!

Another hit by B.A. Paris! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Gripping story, wonderful characters. An absolutely immersive reading experience.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Adam has a huge dilemma. Should he tell his wife something right before her 40th birthday party? This is a party that she has planned for years! He can't bring himself to tell her, but agonizes over the decision during the entire party. Livia, Adam's wife, also has a secret she needs to tell Adam. Will they reveal the secret to each other during the party? Will they be able to survive the fact that they are keeping secrets? A wonderful read that I didn't want to put down!!!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. I really enjoyed it! Livia has been planning her 40th Birthday for quite some time-it's the party she never had. Her husband, Adam, has planned a surprise for her. Unfortunately, it goes horribly wrong. Adam and Livia both have secrets concerning their daughter Marnie-who will tell their secret first and how will it change their lives? A good read with several twists and turns!

So many varied dilemmas in this novel. Each family secret intensifies the burden on the secret keeper. Surprising that there was such an emphasis on a birthday party then everything unravels for the extended family.

A little slow in the beginning, but then, wow! I enjoyed the development of each of the characters, and thought the book did a great job of showing the complexities that all families face.