by: Lauren E. Rico
Goodreads description:
What if your most basic beliefs about your life were suddenly revealed to be a lie? In this compelling, emotional novel, two young women are brought together by a genealogy test and a haunting question that shakes their understanding of what family is and who they truly are . . .
As the fact checker for a popular magazine, Gabby DiMarco believes in absolute, verifiable Truths—until they throw the facts of her own life into question. The genealogy test she took as research for an article has yielded a baffling result: Gabby has a sister—one who’s been desperately trying to find her. Except, as Gabby’s beloved parents would confirm if they were still alive, that’s impossible.
Isabella Ruiz can still picture the face of her baby sister, who disappeared from the streets of San Juan twenty-five years ago. Isabella, an artist, has fought hard for the stable home and loving marriage she has today—yet the longing to find Marianna has never left. At last, she’s found a match, and Gabby has agreed to come to Puerto Rico.
But Gabby, as defensive and cautious as Isabella is impulsive, offers no happy reunion. She insists there’s been a mistake. And Isabella realizes that even if this woman is her sister, she may not want to be.
With nothing—or perhaps so much—in common, Gabby and Isabella set out to find the truth, though it means risking everything they’ve known for an uncertain future—and a past that harbors yet more surprises . . .
Helen says:🤓🤓🤓 1/4
I find it interesting that we chose two very similar books about mistaken identity. The Berry Pickers was more high brow. Familia paled in comparison and I probably would have liked it more if I hadn’t read it on the heels The Berry Pickers. This book is dumbed down and an incredibly easy read. It seemed to follow a Lifetime Movie formula. It was “so so” and I was ready for it to end.
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓
I don’t know how it is even possible that we selected 2 books in the same month with basically the same plot…”kidnapped” child, unknowingly raised by other parents, reunited with birth family, with lots of trauma, drama and heartache along the way; however, the books are very different from each other. Although also very compelling, I consider this one the lighter, more soap opera version with a few more far-fetched twists, and for that reason, this one may appeal to more readers, but I say read them both – the writing in The Berry Pickers is just phenomenal. This one is more American Dirt meets The Berry Pickers. I am really trying NOT to compare the two books, but obviously, I am not doing a very good job of that. Read them both! We would love to hear your opinions!
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 