Books matching: unresolved family issues
36 result(s)
- #1
If I Could Turn Back Time by Mary Frame is an engaging time travel romance infused with mystery. The plot centers around Amelia, a quirky heroine dealing with grief from her parents' deaths. She inherits a cabin and encounters Grey, whose past holds unresolved events that she aims to change. As they bond over shared experiences, the novel explores themes of loneliness and friendship while adding twists that keep the reader intrigued.
The writing style is humorous and relatable, drawing readers in with authentic characters and pop culture references throughout. Frame’s ability to create emotional depth in her characters is evident, making their growth and interactions feel organic. While some editing errors exist, they don't detract from the overall immersion in the story. The fast-paced narrative and unexpected ending leave readers wanting more, solidifying it as a delightful and memorable read.
October 2021•300 pages - #2
A touching, gently funny tale about siblings discovering each other and themselves - a great pick for anyone who loves character-driven family dramas with heart.
Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson is a captivating journey about four siblings connected by their missing father. Each sibling, from Mad, a shy organic farmer, to Rube, a quirky mystery writer, joins forces to seek their elusive dad, who abandoned them for other families. Their sibling road trip unfolds with humor and warmth as they bond and confront their shared pain of abandonment.
The writing style is engaging, blending humor with poignant moments that bring the dysfunctional family dynamic to life. Although some found the plot lacking excitement and were left wanting more resolution, the endearing characters and their evolving relationships kept readers invested. As they navigate their quest, the story delivers valuable insights about family, connection, and the complexities of forgiveness.
May 2025•256 pages - #3
A dark, twisty family thriller that’s equal parts page-turner and puzzle - perfect for fans of suspense who love complicated characters and secrets that keep you guessing until the end.
'I'll Never Tell' by Catherine McKenzie is a gripping mystery novel that revolves around the MacAllister family and the unsolved murder of a former camper that occurred 20 years ago at Camp Macaw. The story unfolds as the siblings come together to hear their parents' will, leading to a series of revelations, secrets, and a quest to uncover the truth behind Amanda's tragic fate. The narrative alternates between past and present, offering a suspenseful journey filled with twists, turns, and complex family dynamics.
The book is praised for its well-crafted plot, engaging storytelling, and intricate character development. Readers are drawn into the summer camp setting through vivid descriptions that evoke the sights, smells, and memories of the place. The alternating narrators and suspenseful pacing keep readers hooked, leading to a page-turning experience that culminates in a surprising and satisfying conclusion.
For Sean Booth, every morning for as long as he could remember began the same way, waking up in a small room crammed into the eaves of the lodge, the cheap blankets he slept under twisted around his a...June 2019•381 pages - #4
A sweet yet sometimes superficial second chance romance - easy to read, nostalgic, and perfect if you love camp flashbacks and workplace drama, but it may not win over those craving depth or originality.
'Say You Still Love Me' by K.A. Tucker is a second chance romance that intertwines dual timelines, focusing on the love story of Piper Calloway and Kyle Miller. The book delves into their past summer romance and present-day reunion, exploring themes of miscommunication, second chances, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship over time. Tucker's writing style is praised for its ability to weave together a captivating coming-of-age narrative with elements of suspense and heartfelt moments between the characters.
I purse my lips and try not to sneer at Tripp Porter as he drones on with a status update about the continuous permit delays, his monotonous voice flat enough to sink a yapping Jack Russell into a com...August 2019•384 pages - #5
A quick, funny, and compassionate look at the struggles we all face - messy, honest, and full of quirky charm. Don’t expect high drama, but if you like stories about life's imperfections and finding humor in hard times, you’ll probably fly through this one.
'We're All Damaged' by Matthew Norman follows the story of Andy Carter, a man facing a series of challenges in his life including a sudden divorce, job struggles, and unresolved family issues. Upon learning that his grandfather is dying, Andy returns to his hometown to confront his past and navigate his present struggles. combines humor, emotion, and relatable characters in a modern-day tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as quick, easy, humorous, and refreshing, offering a simple yet engaging storyline that balances emotion with humor.
Our waiter had a button stuck to his apron that said “Ask Me about Bacon Time!” Why in the hell would I remember that? He had to have been wearing, like, thirty buttons—they always do—but that’s the o...June 2016•284 pages - #6
A heartwarming and drama-filled college sports romance with lovable leads and a zany setup, but it sometimes tries to juggle too much at once. Perfect for fans of angsty, trope-heavy love stories who don’t mind a little chaos - or a sweet baby-shaped plot twist!
The Varsity Dad Dilemma by Lex Martin is a college romance novel that follows the tumultuous relationship between Gabby and Rider during their last year in university. The story delves into their past, filled with misunderstandings and hurt, as they navigate their feelings for each other amidst a backdrop of team camaraderie and personal growth. The book tackles various tropes like enemies to lovers, surprise baby, and single parent, all woven together with a touch of angst and drama.
The writing style of Lex Martin in 'The Varsity Dad Dilemma' is praised for its ability to captivate readers from the first chapter, keeping them engaged with strong character development, heartfelt moments, and realistic handling of miscommunications. The dynamic between Gabby and Rider, along with the well-crafted secondary characters, adds depth to the storyline, making it a compelling read that explores themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth.
The first time we met freshman year, she was wearing a t-shirt that said “I’m silently correcting your grammar,” while I was wearing a shirt that had two atoms talking, saying something about losing a...July 2021•449 pages - #7
'Don't Tell a Soul' by Kirsten Miller is a modern thriller with a hint of Gothic horror atmosphere about a house that's believed to be cursed and small town stories centering around a series of young women referred to as 'the Dead Girls.' The protagonist, Bram, finds herself in a small town on the Hudson called Louth, seeking refuge with her uncle James in an old mansion with a dark past. As Bram delves into the mysteries surrounding the mansion, she uncovers a web of secrets, tragedies, and suspicious locals, all while navigating her own troubled history and unresolved family issues. The writing style of the book is described as gripping, with a heavy foreboding feeling throughout, rich in detail, and filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
January 2021•381 pages - #8
Into Oblivion by Arnaldur Indridason is a prequel in the Inspector Erlendur series, set in the late seventies. The book follows Erlendur, a detective working on a cold case of a young girl's disappearance and a current case of an Icelandic man's murder on an American military base in Iceland. The writing style is dark and cold, mirroring the atmosphere of Iceland, with crystal clear characterizations and logical storytelling. The plot involves Erlendur's pursuit of justice, his unresolved issues concerning his missing brother, and his reliance on hunches to solve cases. The book weaves two storylines together, one about a man falling from a great height in an aircraft hangar and the other about a missing coed, showcasing Erlendur's determination in investigating cases from different time periods.
- #9
Give it a try if you love subtle, realistic family stories brimming with detail and nostalgia, but skip if you want drama or a page-turning plot - this is more about feelings and relationships than fireworks.
'Wish You Were Here' by Stewart O'Nan follows the Maxwell family as they gather for a final vacation at their Lake Chautauqua house before it is sold. The novel delves into the intricate family dynamics, individual struggles, and nostalgic reflections of each family member as they confront their past and present realities during this poignant week together. O'Nan's writing style intricately weaves together the perspectives of different family members, capturing their emotions, conflicts, and moments of connection amidst the backdrop of the family's cherished vacation spot.
Emily knew she wouldn’t be able to resist. She’d never learned to take even the smallest loss gracefully—a glass cracked in the dishwasher, a sweater shrunk by the dryer. She’d stuff the Taurus full o...2002•530 pages - #10
The People We Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder is a novel that delves into the dynamics of a dysfunctional family as they navigate the complexities of relationships and emotions surrounding a wedding. The story unfolds through alternating viewpoints, showcasing the strained interactions and conflicts among family members, particularly siblings Alice, Paul, and Eloise. Despite the initial focus on the wedding, the narrative explores deeper themes of family bonds, unresolved issues, and personal growth, culminating in a moment of truth that brings unexpected revelations and resolution.
“Hold on.” Alice scrolls down the website for a stationery company called Bella Lettera that she heard a coworker gushing about yesterday. Buried below a hundred pictures of dainty thank-you cards and...June 2017•359 pages










