Review & Giveaway: Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins

Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins

Publication Date: August 6th 2019 by Berkley Books

Pages: 448

Source: Publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Good Luck with That comes a new novel about a blue-blood grandmother and her black-sheep granddaughter who discover they are truly two sides of the same coin.

Emma London never thought she had anything in common with her grandmother Genevieve London. The regal old woman came from wealthy and bluest-blood New England stock, but that didn’t protect her from life’s cruelest blows: the disappearance of Genevieve’s young son, followed by the premature death of her husband. But Genevieve rose from those ashes of grief and built a fashion empire that was respected the world over, even when it meant neglecting her other son.

When Emma’s own mother died, her father abandoned her on his mother’s doorstep. Genevieve took Emma in and reluctantly raised her–until Emma got pregnant her senior year of high school. Genevieve kicked her out with nothing but the clothes on her back…but Emma took with her the most important London possession: the strength not just to survive but to thrive. And indeed, Emma has built a wonderful life for herself and her teenage daughter, Riley.

So what is Emma to do when Genevieve does the one thing Emma never expected of her and, after not speaking to her for nearly two decades, calls and asks for help?

My Thoughts:

Life and Other Inconveniences was a touching, emotional story that felt so true to life for me. I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s hard dealing with family. Growing up wasn’t smooth sailing for me or my family. We had tragedy, and it affected all of us differently. So, while I love my family, I have mixed emotions, and some complicated relationships. 

Kristan Higgins beautifully captured the complexities of a strained family dynamic, but did in a way that left me with happy, squishy feelings!  I loved Emma so much! She was such an awesome person all the way around despite having to deal with some truly horrible things.  When I first started reading, I hated her grandmother, Genevieve, but as the story went along things weren’t as black and white as I thought, and I couldn’t help but soften toward her.  Emma and her daughter Riley called her out on her behavior, and there were honest exchanges that went a long way toward healing for all parties. I adored Emma’s grandfather, Paul, too! Such a positive role model despite all the things he went through.  

While this wasn’t predominantly a romance there was some and I was sooo happy for Emma to finally get a decent man (Jason, Riley’s dad was a complete moron, IMO) in her life, well, besides her grandfather, that is.  Miller!! Yes, Miller was the unexpected light for Emma, and she was a godsend for him, too!

That twist at the end hurt my heart for all parties. While I’m not sure it was a good enough excuse for the behavior of one of the characters, it certainly made their actions make more sense. 

5 Suns

The awesome people of Berkley Books are giving away a copy of Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins to one reader.  The giveaway is open to US Residents only.  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!

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