Family for Beginners: A Novel

Sarah Morgan always wows me with her writing, and Family for Beginners is no exception. This book is absolutely beautifully written from start to finish. Did I always like the characters? Did I always agree with their actions? Nope and Nope, but how often do we like any given person 100% of the time, or how often do we find someone we always agree with? It's no different with Morgan's characters. Flora and Izzy frustrated the daylights out of me more often than not, but once all is revealed, everything makes sense and comes together. As part of a blended family myself, I know how difficult it can be, which is part of the reason so much of this one hit home with me. To refer to one of my favorite lines - these characters had to do their share of forging ahead and I'm sure they flattened more than a few daisies, but such is the way with families, and this one certainly kept me turning the pages. All in all, another touching, emotional read by Sarah Morgan.

4.5 stars. Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan is a poignant novel of healing, family and love. Florist Flora Donovan is effervescent, compassionate and intuitive but she is also emotionally scarred. A people pleaser due to her childhood with an indifferent aunt, she avoids confrontation and easily gives in during conflict. Flora is delighted by her burgeoning romance with widower Jack Parker and although they are not rushing their romance, she does meet his grieving children, seventeen year old Izzy and seven year old Molly. Molly quickly warms up to her but Izzy is prickly and standoffish. Flora knows Izzy’s reaction comes from her pain, but is there more to the teenager’s defensiveness than mourning her mother’s loss? Jack is a genuinely nice man but he is a little clueless when it comes to his oldest daughter. He is a bit of a helpless single father who is trying to balance taking care of his grieving children and a demanding career. Jack is sensitive to his children’s need to mourn their mother’s death, but he is also beginning to have feelings for Flora. Their relationship is becoming more serious so when it is time for his family’s annual vacation with his deceased wife’s best friend Clare, neither he nor Flora are looking forward to spending three weeks apart. Jack invites Flora to join them, but how will Clare feel about the new woman in his life? Izzy is not exactly coping well with her mother’s death. But she is also not willing to talk to anyone about exactly what is troubling her. Izzy is exhausted but she is also does not plan to give up any of her responsibilities. She makes no effort to hide her animosity towards Flora and she does everything she can to push her away. But once they are on vacation together, can Izzy continue to contain her growing anger and frustration? Family for Beginners is a heartfelt novel with a marvelous cast of characters, realistic issues and an idyllic setting. The characters are vibrantly developed with wonderful qualities and relatable flaws. The storyline is engaging and moves at a brisk pace. With unexpected revelations, Sarah Morgan brings this touching novel to a heartwarming and uplifting conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this fabulous novel to readers of contemporary fiction. I received a complimentary copy for review.

While I knew the premise of the book, I was not prepared for the emotional journey that I was going to be taken on. Sarah Morgan weaved a story that captures the struggles and challenges that people deal with all too frequently in real life. My heart ached along with the characters, cried with them and felt the anger and sadness as they worked through their grieving and insecurities. I loved how the relationship of Flora and Jack bloomed slowly, taking into consideration the kids and the family dynamic. I loved watching Flora grow, become the person she was meant to be and become part of a family she has always craved. My only wish is that there had been more of the teen romance and what the future holds for them. Don’t miss out on this precious book! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.