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Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Review & Giveaway: 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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21 comments:

  1. I've never read anything by Higgins (despite seeing her books everywhere) but this sounds like a good one. And it seems like she really nails complex family relationships.

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    1. I think I like her newer books better than some of the back list I've tried. Hope you get to try her soon, Tanya! :)

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  2. I haven't read this one but it sounds like it's a heavy but wonderful read. I'm glad you loved this one!
    Genesis @ Whispering Chapters

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    1. It was heavy, but handled with positivity, so I really liked it. I don't enjoy depressing books. Me too! :0

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  3. I haven't read anything from Higgins in a long time, but I like the sound of this one a lot. I love that it seems to be character-driven and emotional. Great review, Rachel!

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    1. I think I like her newer books more. It was really good. Thanks Nick! :)

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  4. I've been wanting to read this book since I first saw it. I love the unique premise based on family.

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  5. Families are tough sometimes! I'm glad you liked this one, and I kind of like that it's not mainly a romance, though you do get some.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  6. This was such a fantastic read, I loved it as well! Lovely review and I'm so excited you enjoyed this too!

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  7. What a great cover! And the story itself sounds like such a good read. Families can be so complicated, and it's nice when an author manages to really capture that.

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    1. The dog is cute, right? And it ties in with a particular scene so I like that. :)

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  8. I enjoyed Kristan's last book so I'm looking forward to reading this one.

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  9. I agree, families can be complex, especially larger ones and everyone deals with tragedy differently. I like that this story felt real and authentic and that it gave you squishy feelings. I like that you got some romance in here as well. The ending sounds sad. Phenomenal review Rachel!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. Right? The ending was actually pretty good and positive. Just something that was revealed made me sad for the past for a few characters. Thank you, Lindy! :)

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  10. The cover is just so...this dog will die or smth

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  11. Sounds good! I love Kristan Higgins' books!

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