Publishers Weekly
04/05/2021
Strawser (Forget You Know Me) exposes the impact of family secrets and lies in this moving if overheated story of two half sisters who discover each other through a DNA service. Caroline Porter, a happily married event planner and mother of three young children, is thrown for a loop when she gets an email out of the blue from Sela Bell, a woman claiming they have the same father. If that isn’t enough of a bombshell, Caroline also discovers the truth behind a life-changing breakup years ago, when she was denied a job at the college where the then love-of-her-life had just landed the perfect faculty position. Meanwhile, Sela, divorced with a toddler, has chronic kidney disease (CKD), and Sela’s need for a new kidney (Caroline is a match) creates all kinds of stress for both women and their families. Abundant melodrama in the closing chapters overshadows the otherwise fast-paced, riveting story of an expanded family negotiating Caroline’s discoveries and Sela’s needs, which is nonetheless enriched by details about CKD as well as the steps involved for potential organ donors. Strawser’s fans will appreciate this provocative family tale. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
”A MILLION REASONS WHY is a fascinating foray into the questions we are most afraid to ask: what constitutes family, what are our obligations to those we love, where does American healthcare fail the most, what secrets are unforgivable? And in case you need another reason to read this book: there are two massive twists you’ll never see coming.” - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things and A Spark Of Light
"Don't miss this searching, fraught family drama by a master of her craft. Jessica Stawser gives us a twisty plot, combined with deeply emotional content, in a novel that examines the most profound questions of our hearts. This is a story that will stay in your heart long after the last page is turned." - #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Susan Wiggs
"From the opening line to the heart-healing ending, A Million Reasons Why is an immersive and startling novel of great compassion with plot twists that will take your breath away. When all we know is turned upside down and inside out, who do we become? Strawser isn’t afraid of the bigger questions and this beautiful exploration of family, loyalty and love will both break and heal your heart. Powerful, poignant and profound — don’t miss this compelling novel from a master storyteller." – New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry
“A MILLION REASONS WHY is the emotionally gripping story of two half-sisters, each with her own secrets, who find each other as adults. It’s deftly paced and surprising, and Strawser’s characters are so layered and flawed and human that I came to care about them deeply. Heartbreaking yet hopeful, this astute exploration of the bonds and limitations of family is a perfect book club pick.” – New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson
“A MILLION REASONS WHY is a heartbreaking, absorbing story with an irresistible premise: a random DNA test reveals you have a sister you’ve always wanted, a potential life-saver. Strawser skillfully explores what it means to be family, to rethink the pivotal hinge points in a person’s life.” – Angie Kim, bestselling author of Miracle Creek
"A powerful and poignant tale with characters that burrowed their way into my heart and will stay with me for a long time." —Colleen Oakley, bestselling author of You Were There Too
"Strawser once again displays her nuanced understanding of all the corners of the human heart." — Sonja Yoerg, Washington Post bestselling author of True Places and Stories We Never Told
"Through richly drawn characters and a few satisfying plot twists, Strawser handles difficult questions with thoughtful, page-turning prose. A must-read!" —Susan Gloss, USA Today bestselling author of Vintage
"A standout novel… seamless writing style, complex characters, and layered plot. The high concept will attract book groups and fans of Jodi Picoult." - Booklist, Starred Review
"This emotional family and medical drama from Strawser will appeal to fans of Jodi Picoult and Liane Moriarty." - Library Journal
"Riveting...a provocative family tale." - Publishers Weekly
"A thrilling story of what happens when a long-held family secret comes to light...[Strawser] shows that no one is ever truly a villain or a hero, but instead, we are all a beautiful and messy mix of both." - Associated Press review
"A compulsively readable slow-burn that is sure to touch the heart of everyone who reads it." - Booktrib
Library Journal
03/01/2021
Caroline's family has always appeared picture-perfect. A mother of three young children, Caroline has a stable relationship with her husband, Walt; an easy relationship with her parents; and a successful career. But when Walt purchases DNA tests for Caroline's family for Christmas, everything is upended. Caroline is contacted by a woman, Sela, who is her half-sister. Suddenly, all the secrets that have been swept under the rug to save appearances are aired. Caroline's father had an affair with his wife's best friend, Rebecca, 35 years ago; he never knew that Rebecca had a child. Sela, who is the same age as Caroline, is suffering from a kidney disease and urgently needs to match with a living kidney donor. Are the tenuous bonds of their sisterhood enough to save Sela's life without destroying Caroline's relationship with her family? As long-held secrets are knocked loose and Caroline and Sela's relationship deepens, Caroline reckons with the reality of her past and present relationships. VERDICT Intertwined secrets are revealed in swift plotting that will keep readers turning the pages. This emotional family and medical drama from Strawser (Not That I Could Tell) will appeal to fans of Jodi Picoult and Liane Moriarty.—Emily Hamstra, Seattle
JUNE 2021 - AudioFile
Narrators Natalie Naudus and Cassandra Campbell perform this audiobook featuring two women who are connected by an unexpected result on a family DNA test. Caroline’s life is seemingly perfect until she discovers a wealth of secrets hidden by her mother and father. Celia, a secret sister who is desperately looking for a match for a kidney transplant, is the result of that affair. Each narrator takes on the perspective of one of the sisters and all the characters involved in her life. This requires a variety of accents, inflections, and emotions, all carefully and thoughtfully performed. Both Naudus and Campbell convey the insecurity between the sisters in a way that is believable and sometimes heartbreaking. V.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
