I recently dove into “The Family We Choose” by Susan Mallery, drawn in by its engaging premise and the warm, beachy vibes that are typically a hallmark of her books. As someone who genuinely enjoys contemporary romance laden with themes of love, loyalty, and familial bonds, this title quickly piqued my interest. From the rich descriptions of Malibu and its community to the emotional turmoil faced by the characters, I was excited to see how Mallery would weave a tale that explored both the family we’re born into and the one we choose for ourselves.
The story follows Beth, who runs her charming beach-side sandwich shop, Surf Sandwiches, and has always been proud of her brother Rick, a successful doctor who overcame a troubled childhood. Just as Beth believes she’s found balance in her life with her new best friend Jana and a budding romance with Jana’s brother, everything is thrown into disarray when she catches Rick cheating. The dilemma of whether to protect her brother or her friend adds substantial tension to the narrative, and I found myself deeply invested in how Beth would navigate these intertwined relationships.
One of the book’s clear strengths lies in its character development. Beth is portrayed as relatable and authentic, and her struggles are compelling. Mallery skillfully depicts her emotional journeys, from her joy in seeing her brother succeed to the heart-wrenching moment when she must confront the betrayal. The interplay of love and loyalty is beautifully captured, making for an emotional read that resonated with me. Readers often remark on Mallery’s ability to create relatable characters, and I wholeheartedly agree; it’s what makes her stories particularly engaging.
However, while the characters were well-crafted, I did find some elements of the plot slightly predictable. A few twists felt almost cliché, reminiscent of common tropes in contemporary romance. While I appreciated the exploration of familial loyalty and love, certain developments in the story didn’t come as a surprise. This predictability may not bother every reader, but for someone who enjoys more unexpected twists, it did stand out.
Another positive aspect I appreciated was the setting. The descriptions of Malibu and Beth’s beach shop added a wonderful layer of atmosphere that was both enticing and vivid. It felt like a character in its own right, contributing to the overall warmth of the narrative. The beachy backdrop created a perfect escape and underscored the emotional contours of the plot.
On the downside, some secondary characters, while intriguing, could have benefited from a bit more depth. Jana, for instance, had the potential to be a standout character, yet I felt she was somewhat underexplored, particularly in the context of her relationship with Rick. Readers often appreciate multilayered supporting characters, and I found myself wanting a bit more backstory for her to fully understand the dynamics at play.
Overall, “The Family We Choose” is an enjoyable and sometimes heart-wrenching tale about the complexities of love and loyalty. Mallery’s writing is warm and inviting, and while the story contained some predictable elements, the emotional stakes kept me invested until the last page. The way she weaves secrets, betrayal, and heartfelt resolutions makes this an appealing beach read for anyone who loves stories about familial love and chosen connections.
In conclusion, this book recognizes the struggles we often face when family and friendship collide. If you’re in the mood for a read that mixes humor with deeper emotional themes, “The Family We Choose” might just be what you’re looking for. I’d recommend this novel to fans of contemporary romance who are ready for a blend of sun-soaked setting and emotional dilemmas. Mallery does not disappoint in delivering a heartfelt narrative that invites reflection on the relationships that truly define us.
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