And bring us back together when the day is done: THE DARLINGS.

The Darlings by Hannah McKinnon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Darling family gathers for youngest daughter Sydney's wedding, but receive the shock of their lives when reticent matriarch Tish Darling shows up and gifts Sydney the deed to Riptide, the family's beloved Cape Cod family home. She also reveals a horrible secret that will devastate the entire family, including her son, Charley; daughter-in-law Cora; and their elder twins, Andi and Hugh.

I love Hannah McKinnon's books so much; they are such an enjoyable escape. THE DARLINGS is a great family saga about past secrets and what happiness really means. McKinnon always excels at delving into her characters, showing us various POVs and their motivations. So many Darlings are doing what they feel is right--even if they may appear awful at times. I loved how we learned about Tish's past and how all her choices cascaded from so many early events. The relationships here are tangled and intertwined, but nuanced.

It seems like the trope of an elderly woman returning to her beach home to remember her past life or loves is done often (alas, didn't seem to happen with my family!). There is only so much that can be done with such a story, but I still found this tale quite engaging. Does it tread a lot of new ground? Perhaps not, but it's moving and interesting, with a lovely beach setting. It did end a little abruptly though--I would not mind seeing the Darlings again sometime. 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 here.

I received a copy of this book from Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE DARLINGS on 05/02/2023!

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