Grown Ups: An absorbing page-turner from Sunday Times bestselling author Marian Keyes

DNF at 24%. The story is about the three Casey brothers, their wives and assorted children. The families spend a lot of time together (Easter etc) but there are tensions simmering under the surface, second marriages, truculent teenagers, step-siblings, fears of inadequacy, etc. Johnnie and Jessie Casey own their own business but seem to be running into monetary difficulties which Jessie is resolutely ignoring while she pays for the entire family to spend the holidays together at a swanky hotel. Cara is married to Johnnie's brother Ed. She's Jessie and Johnnie's accountant and desperately tried to rein in their spending. She's also crippled by her own lack of self-esteem and an unhealthy relationship with food. The third brother is Liam, this is his second marriage and he won't allow his (younger) second wife Nell to interact with the children from his first marriage. Nell is unconventional and has drawn the attention of some of her teenager nephews. Unfortunately I just couldn't seem to distinguish one family from the other or get their relationships straight - frankly writing this I am surprised there are only three couples because it felt like a lot more. I tried with this book I really did, I have loved Marian Keyes since I read the Walsh family series (before it was called the Walsh family) back in the late-1990s and I really enjoyed The Break when I received an ARC but I just couldn't get to grips with this at all. So after my second or third attempt (and twenty-five chapters) I gave up. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This has been such a joy to read! Anyone with any type of family - partner, kids, siblings and / or in-laws will identify with the many situations in this book, and be filled with awe, horror and laughter! The Casey family consists of Johnny, Jessie and their five kids. The wider family unit includes Johnny's brothers, their partners, ex-partners, children and just about everyone and anyone on Jessie's radar. They are always getting together for weekends, holidays - in fact, any occasion at all! However, like most families the face each presents to the world is entirely different to what's going on inside; just how long can secrets remain hidden? I LOVED this novel - it's Marian Keyes at her best! A spread out family, each with differing priorities, worries and successes getting together even when some would rather not. There are friendships within the group, the kids are an absolute riot - I giggled so much at their dialogue - and the relationships between each and every one of them could be any member of any family. I think that's what makes me such a fan of this author's work . . it's all realistic and believable. I love the Irish names (I always need to google how to pronounce at least one in each book) and this time there were several which, as a Scot, I had not come across before. Real life people in real situations with humour twinkling throughout make this a sparkling five star read, and the highest recommendation from me!

I am conflicted as how to review this book. If any other author it would likey be a 4 star review but as it's the queen of the genre I felt a little unsated. The family dynamics are written well and there are some members of the Casey clan who garner the readers affection but there are others who are just meh. I feel like I should actively dislike Liam but I dont because he is not developed enough, maybe that's the point who knows? Overall it is worth a read but if you are a fan of the Walsh family books be prepared for a little disappointment.