4 STARS

The Favorite Daughter is an intriguing, complex, and provocative novel. This was my first book by Patti Callahan Henry and it won’t be my last.

Throughout the story, I felt many emotions ranging from anger to joy. That’s what makes a good book you know. One that makes you feel and maybe even question yourself.

I’ll try my best not to get too messy with this review.

First a word from the author. . .

Synopsis

Ten years ago, Lena Donohue experienced a wedding-day betrayal so painful that she fled the small town of Watersend, South Carolina, and reinvented herself in New York City. Though now a freelance travel writer, the one place she rarely goes is home–until she learns of her dad’s failing health.

Returning to Watersend means seeing the sister she has avoided for a decade and the brother who runs the family’s Irish pub and has borne the burden of his sisters’ rift. While Alzheimer’s slowly steals their father’s memories, the siblings rush to preserve his life in stories and in photographs. As his secret past brings Lena’s own childhood into focus, it sends her on a journey to discover the true meaning of home.

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It is obvious that Patti Callahan Henry is a seasoned writer. Her ability to weave a story is magnificent. I barely noticed it was written in third person, which I’m not a huge fan of. I still noticed from time to time when I had to remember certain things but for the most part it was doable.

After I read the prologue, I was hooked. I wanted, better yet, needed to know what was going to happen. As a sister myself, there was no way I could not continue. It’s rare for an author to hook me so quickly. I normally need at least two chapters before that happens.

As you can gather from the blurb, something takes Lena away from her family for over a decade. She only returns because her father is sick. She never wanted to leave but the things that happened in the past gave her no other option. It was a case of, ‘Do I stay and live in a constant reminder of my pain?’ or ‘Do I leave and try to find peace somewhere else?’ situation. Lena chose the latter and I couldn’t blame her.

The Favorite Daughter takes you on a road you may not have traveled. It’s captivating, honest, and filled with the feels! 🙂 There are secrets, lies, betrayals, and repercussions of negative actions. It’s also filled with hope and faith within a family.

I can say with 100% certainty that I would not have had the same journey as Lena and her sister, Hallie. My story would have went an entirely different way. My sister and I have only had each other for so long, I wouldn’t know what to do without her. I’d be lost.

Now here are the most important questions. . .

Do I recommend this book? I do for those who are looking for a women literature novel.

Will I read another book by this author? Yes, I definitely will!

I promised I wouldn’t get too messy and I kept my word.

TTYL, lovers. . .

Remember to follow all things messy. . .

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Release date – June 4, 2019

In the spirit of honesty because I love you guys too much to lead you astray – this book was sent to be by the publisher but that holds no bearing on my review. This is all me!!! xoxo