Our New Normal by Colleen Faulkner

☆☆☆☆☆
Kindle Edition, 304 pages
Published August 27th 2019 by Kensington Books
About the Book:
Liv Ridgely prides herself on being the responsible wrangler of all things family: stay at home mom, caretaker of elderly parents, supporter of husband Oscar's career, savior of her wayward sister. Now, with her son off to college, and her ambitious daughter, Hazel, a year away from following him, it's Liv's turn. She's even established her dream career of bringing beautiful old homes back to life in the most picturesque part of Maine. Until she learns that 16-year-old Hazel is three months pregnant. Hazel insists she will have the baby and raise him with her boyfriend, Tyler, who's no one's idea of a model father. Clearly, there are going to be some conflicts to iron out. Liv just doesn't expect them to be with her husband. As it turns out, Liv and Oscar have very different ideas about what to do. Perhaps it's because Liv, who was adopted, has a unique perspective on this baby's future. And perhaps it's because, as a mother, she knows better than anyone how Hazel's young life will be changed forever. As the family fractures in every direction, past resentments and pain come tumbling out. After years of putting others first, Liv wonders if she can do what's best for her daughter, her parents, and her marriage--while still being true to herself.

I was completely caught up in the emotion and in the richness of the descriptions in this book. I was in love with the depth of the characters even the characters who are barely mentioned. Colleen Faulkner's ability to create this completely believable world with it's beautifully written prose makes Our New Normal one novel that will always be with me. Why? It is different than anything I've ever read and I read a lot. The characters are typical but interesting enough to keep you hooked to the very last word of the book.

Colleen Faulkner is an amazing writer. She takes something that has been done to death and creates a unique scenario that affects the whole family. if you are in any way empathetic or emotional, you will enjoy this book. I devoured it in a matter of hours, and I'm completely and utterly satisfied, even as I know I'll have to read it again someday. By the end of this book I was overwhelmed by mixed feelings. A beautiful and deeply moving story full of sadness and joy that will make you feel deep into your soul.

Thank you NetGalley, Colleen Faulkner and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.

#OurNewNormal #NetGalley