Book Review: The Way It Should Be by Christina Suzann Nelson

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What is this book about?

After years of estrangement, the lives of Zara Mahoney and her twin sister, Eve, are suddenly and completely intertwined again. Eve’s troubled lifestyle causes the state to take custody of her two children and contact Zara and her husband, asking them to consider foster care. Newlywed Zara thought she’d finally been given a fresh start and feels wholly unprepared to care for a niece and nephew whose existence she wasn’t even aware of.

Meanwhile, Eve may have a real chance to start over this time with the help of Tiff Bradley, who’s dedicated to helping women everyone else has given up on after facing a heartbreaking tragedy in her own family.

Over the course of one summer, all three women’s hearts and lives hang in the balance as Eve desperately works toward a new life. Can they redefine their expectations of how life should be to find the hope they–and those they love–so desperately need?

My review:

This was a story that will stick with me long after I’ve closed the book. Each woman in the story must deal with tough circumstances, some are the consequences of their actions and some are simply life throwing curves. I was immediately pulled into all of their lives, rooting for each of them to find peace.

Zara and her husband were the stable influence for their niece and nephew and I thought their struggle to adjust was very realistic. I could especially relate to Zara’s conflicting emotions. Plus her husband was such a champ.

Eve’s life largely unfolded through her habit of journaling. I liked the difference between the two sisters’ and the journal entries really reflected Eve’s struggles in a way that I felt empathy for her.

I think Tiff’s story was possibly the most difficult to read. Bad things can happen to anyone and it’s easy to forget that our relationship with God doesn’t keep them from happening, it just gives us support going through the trials.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The realism of emotions between the three women.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Nothing except that there was a little surprise at the end that I wish we could see a follow up on.

Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely. Relatable characters and emotions. This is a standalone novel.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Christina Suzann Nelson, author website

-Loraine Nunley

The Way It Should Be by Christina Suzann Nelson (5 out of 5 stars) #amreading #BookReview Share on X

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