This story will highlight that everyone grieves differently, you don't know what you would do until it happens to you, and Olivia, thought that not knowing which one would make it better.
The story tell us about Olivia and Harry and the boys leading up to the tragedy, and their lives after the tragedy. Life sometimes has a defining moment of before and after, and you can't go back. Olivia, had that defining moment, She just couldn't go home, she was in so much pain, and being a mother, losing a child is something no one wants to go through.
Bobbie Jean Huff did a wonderful job writing this story. There were a couple of times, I thought about not finishing the book. Wondering what my reaction would be like when I was reading the different parts. I am glad I finished, I walked away with an understanding I couldn't see before reading the book.
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley.

AMAZING. Huff's story captures the raw, real emotions of loss, grief, and PTSD. The Ones We Keep reads like a spider web, picking away at these tangled, troubled emotions that perpetually get stickier the more they grow. Simultaneously heartbreaking and endearing, this story will take you on a journey like no other. I highly recommend this book!

Great book! All the characters seemed so real and relatable. I had a hard time reading about Olivia because how she handled the tragedy felt so selfish to me. Not knowing doesn’t change what happened but it left her husband and two other sons to deal with it alone. I also thought that for people to think they have a plan B available and ready to go like Olivia did with the “Constable” that you might not fully give plan A a chance.

The writing was awesome, I really looked forward to reading what was going to happen next and how things would turn out. As always, with a great book, I felt sad when I finished and wouldn’t be reading their story anymore.

Definitely recommend this book! Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for allowing me to read this very interesting book.

Wow, I am struggling with the right words to describe my feelings about this book. I easily give this a 5-star rating, but I'm also conflicted about everything from beginning to end. Olivia, her husband Harry, and their three young sons - Brian Andrew, and Rory go to Vermont for vacation in 1971. Harry has tennis games scheduled one day when Olivia wants to go on a hike so they arrange for childcare for the boys. Olivia stops on a rock for lunch, falls asleep, and is very late getting back. When she is almost back to the resort she learns from two teenage girls that a young boy from New Jersey has drowned. Rather than face which of her children drowned while she was gone, Olivia chooses to disappear and create a new life which includes the daily mantra, "I have three sons."

First of all, kudos to Bobbie Jean Huff for publishing her debut novel at 76!

But secondly, what the hell? Any reader that is a mother will struggle with this novel because of her decision to abandon her family rather than face which one died. She and Harry had a wonderful and healthy relationship, which I feel, would have survived this terrible loss. Brian, the oldest goes on to struggle with alcoholism and relationships his entire life, always feeling the loss of his mother. The youngest, Rory goes on to lead a successful and happy life, perhaps because of his young age and the mother-figure that was placed into his life shortly after Olivia's disappearance. Olivia, on the other hand, goes on to lead a life of quiet solitude, slowly losing all recall of her previous life, including the birthdates of her children and her own birthday. Therefore, for the majority of this novel, I kept asking myself, "how and why is this woman doing this?"

My rating of this novel is not based on Olivia herself, but the writing. Despite being one of the saddest things I have read in my lifetime, I have nothing but awe and respect for Huff's writing style, imagery, and character development. This book reads as if one of the greatest literary minds of our time has written it. Be prepared to feel the pain of every character and recognize the sounds, sights, and smells that are frequently mentioned. There is absolutely nothing negative that I can come up with about the writing at all.

Now, let me explain that this novel also frustrated the living hell out of me. Besides struggling with Olivia's original decision to flee when she learned that one of her sons had drowned, the ending was just about my undoing. So much suspense was built and then the way it abruptly ended had me spewing so many four-letter words I felt I needed to go to church and beg for forgiveness. I cannot stand ambiguous endings like this one because I crave drama and a concrete resolution. Nevertheless, I can't recall a book that conjured so many different emotions and made me stop and think so many times, wondering what I would do differently, or exactly as she did.

This novel is beyond amazing. Was I left feeling happy and uplifted? Good Lord, no! But I feel lucky to have read this author's incredible work.

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Ones We Keep by debut author Bobbie Jean Huff is an emotional, and heartbreaking novel, and also a fascinating look into grief, and what it can do to a woman’s mental health.

Olivia and Harry Somerville and their three young boys take a summer vacation at a peaceful lakeside resort in Vermont. When Olivia takes off for a hike one day, she returns from the hike and learns that one of her sons has drowned. Not knowing which of her sons has drowned, she makes a panicked decision that changes her life, and the lives of her remaining family.

This book is sure to bring on very strong emotions from readers. The decisions, Oliva and the family make in the wake of such a tragic loss is as unfathomable as the tragedy itself. The brain sometimes does extraordinary things in order to protect itself, and this is one example of how far the brain can go to do that.

The book is very engaging and I had trouble putting it down as I wanted to find out how this family survives. Although reading about grief can be tough, I found that this author handled it in a very compassionate way, and one that didn’t have me bawling my eyes out. (although I did have a few sniffles).

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an emotional book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book. At times I thought – but some of it is so sad! And yes, I understand the premise was hard for some to believe but I think it is because this author’s debut novel was published at age 76. As we age, we have so much more wisdom. I see situations differently in my “middle” ages and I can only imagine how much more I will learn and the different lenses I will possess when I am 76, should I be so lucky to live that long.

Let’s back up. I didn’t know the author was 76 when writing this novel. Let me tell you a bit about it. The setting is 1971 and Olivia and Harry have three boys. They go to spend a summer vacation at a lake in Vermont and Harry, knowing how little time Olivia has had for herself raising boys with ages 2, 4 and 9, encourages her to go on a hike.

Upon her return to camp, she overhears some people talking about a boy from New Jersey who drowned. There were not a lot of children at camp, and she knew that it was one of hers, but which boy? Instead of rushing to camp, she runs away and stays away for a very long time. This is the premise that I have seen has caused an issue for many readers and she even references it in the Conversation with the Author at the back of the book.

Knowing ahead of time that I would need to grapple with this same issue, I was particularly focused on seeing how Huff reconciled it and I bought the explanation. Would it have been what I would have done? I don’t believe I would have yet we don’t have to do the same things and think the same things to make it understandable. I highlighted the paragraph in chapter six that I think best summarizes the reasoning at location 937 (I love my kindle, but I sure miss it when the kindle version does not have the traditional page numbers).

Much of the book centers around Andrew, who was most affected by the abandonment of her mother. Don’t worry, this is not much of a spoiler – we learn very early on which son drowned. He clumsily makes his way through the world with so many issues an he feels somewhat lonely in the process since it did not affect his surviving brother the same way, being younger by 5 or 7 years (see, I am not giving everything away!)

The book had a definite “mood” and though many parts were somber, for some reason it was a comfortable blanket. It was so easy to pick up and wrap myself in and I lost myself in the story so much that I stayed up until 1am on a “school night” to finish.

Well done, Bobbie Jean Huff.

How would you respond to an unspeakable loss? For most of us (thankfully) the answer is pure speculation, but for the protagonist of this debut novel it is a very real question. And the answer will surprise and perhaps, even stun you.

Olivia and Harry Somerville travel to a Vermont lakeside resort with their three young sons. When the parents leave their children in the care of a babysitter to pursue their separate activities, tragedy strikes…one child wanders off from his room unsupervised and drowns.

Olivia, upon returning from her hike, hears that a young boy from New Jersey has died, recognizing immediately that it is one of her sons. Paralyzed by shock and grief, she makes her way to the local bus station and disappears without a word to anyone. Subsequently, she completely abandons her husband and remaining sons, who now have sustained a double loss – one that shatters their family and leaves lasting emotional wounds. Her refusal to accept the reality that one of her children has died is so profound that she establishes a new, solitary life and daily repeats her mantra, “I HAVE three sons.”

The book covers a thirty year period starting in 1971. The chapters reveal the impact that loss, grief and abandonment have on the lives of the survivors. Olivia’s choice is so radical that it is a challenge to embrace her character and to feel empathy for her. Her pain is so deep that in her quest to avoid it, her behavior inflicts terrible pain on those she loves.

This story requires perseverance to finish and I found myself reading it very slowly (not my usual style). The storyline is unique and extremely thought-provoking, but I did not find it entertaining. I can only imagine how challenging it was for the author to inhabit the characters’ mindsets as she explores the trajectory of their lives. The conclusion felt rather abrupt, but did end on a note of hope and the possibility of redemption for some of the family members.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

I absolutely loved this novel! Although there were many points that the story lulled in ,y opinion between the main characters, I found that the ending more than made up for it. The dynamic between the protagonist and the love interest was truly captivating, and the family dynamics were enchanting and well rounded and they felt very authentic as well. I would recommend this story for book clubs or family discussions, really any situation in which you would like to have a nuanced and descriptive engagement with a loved one. Overall, a great read!

The Ones We Keep is an emotional book. From the first chapter, I disliked Olivia so much I felt I couldn't finish the book. Her selfishness of deserting her family changed all their lives. And by the end of the book, I was still wondering how a mother could just leave her entire family. Thanks to author Bobbie Jean Huff, publisher Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.

This is too depressing and a weird story. I was looking forward to reading it, but I don’t know that I can relate to Olivia and the choices she makes. Like I said. It’s a weirdly depressing story.

Perfect family drama. Love the different perspectives.

Thanks to author,publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

First, kudos to the author for writing her debut novel at age 76!! Way to show us all it's never too late to pursue an interest!

This is going to sound strange, but I like everything about this book except the story line. The characters are well defined, the writing flows easily, the pacing is good, and it held my interest. I just can't get past what Olivia did - I can't relate to her choices at all and that made the storyline far-fetched (in my humble opinion).

That being said, this would be a good book club read as I'm sure the discussions would flow easily! While I didn't care for this story line, I will be watching for Ms. Huff's next effort.

My thanks to Sourcebook Landmark who permitted me to read an ARC of this novel via NetGalley. The book is scheduled to be published on January 18, 2022. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

Bobbie Jean Huff’s debut, The Ones We Keep, explores the Somerville family’s attempt to cope with the grief over the loss of their child.

Seeking some alone time on the family vacation, Olivia heads out hiking and while on the trail overhears news that a little boy from New Jersey has drowned at the resort. A mother’s intuition tells her that it’s one of her children. Affected by the presumed loss, rather than head back to her family, Olivia returns home alone, secures valuables and cash, changes her name and puts her old life behind her. Meanwhile, her grieving family is left to cope with the loss of 2 members. Huff follows how this single loss and the subsequent fall out affects the Somerville family for decades.

Unable to get past Olivia’s choices, I struggled to identify with her. Once I realized that I couldn’t judge how another coped with grief, it opened up the possibility that Olivia was simply attempting to shield herself from heartache. At this point, I picked up the book again and read to finish and see how one single moment in time can affect a family for life. Huff has taken a controversial response and used it to explore a mother’s love and the endurance of family. It may not be how I imagine I’d cope with loss, but it gives me a little more understanding and empathy for those who react differently than me. You’ll have to read to see how you respond to Olivia and what could have been done differently.

A perfect book for book clubs, this debut offering will make waves and give readers an avenue to discuss loss, grief, and coping. It needs to be on your radar come January 18, 2022.

I was gifted this advance copy by Bobbie Jean Huff, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I was really intrigued about this novel when I saw it was recommended for fans of Diane Chamberlain (whom I love!) and that it is set in Vermont (another thing I love). However, my only take away is that I wish I never read this book. I hate the main character Olivia. I can't even describe the tight chest that I had the entire time I read this odd story. If you are a mom, don't read this book. You will be very disappointed. And angry. There are few times while I was reading that I was trying to be open minded and see it from Olivia's perspective, but no. I could not find a justification in anything about this situation. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I feel like I can't talk about my hatred of this story unless I give away everything in the plot. All in all, this story was strange and the ending did not redeem anything. This entire story was depressing and awful and I feel so down and angry about it. This is nowhere near Diane Chamberlain level! The only thing that I appreciate were the discussion questions at the end and the interview questions that the author answered about why the heck she wrote about this awful story. I cannot recommend this book, especially for mothers.

The Ones We Keep by Bobbie Jean Huff is a brilliant, beautiful book about what a person does to keep themselves from hurt. Every parents worse fear is losing a child and how you cope with that. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advised copy.

What a fantastic debut! The Ones We Keep is a thought provoking novel that I found unputdownable! Throughout the book I felt like a fly on the wall of the Somerville family and I was here for it! So many times while reading I would find myself wondering what I would do if I had been in those tough spots. I loved that Bobbie Jean Huff has created such well-developed characters and by the end their choices maybe wouldn’t have been mine, but they made sense for them and you completely understood why they chose that. After I finished The Ones We Keep, I was busting at the seems to be able to discuss this novel —this 5 star read is the perfect book club selection! I am really excited to see what Bobbie Jean Huff comes out with next!

The Ones We Keep by Bobbie Jean Huff is brilliant beyond words. For a debut novel, all the feels were brought. This highly emotional story of a mother and the choices she makes after a tragic accident will make any reader stop and think. No parent ever expects to lose a child but what happens after in this book will leave you asking yourself "What If". The characters are relatable and this is a powerful debut everyone should read!

From reading the description I knew this book was going to read my heart out. Every parents nightmare. This book was so beautifully written and I devoured it. I would. Definitely recommend!

Sourcebooks Landmark,
Y'all are the greatest publisher's out there!
Thank You for this eARC.

The Ones We Keep by Bobbie Jean Huff

What a beautiful debut novel!
WoW! This book hooked me! It made me feel and think about things I don't like to think about.
I thought this was an emotional story. I for one couldn't even imagine going through something like this.
So right off rip I instantly connected with Olivia. Her pain I felt and her decision I immediately understood it!
I thought to myself would I do what she doing? I just loved how I connected with this character!
Bobbie Jean Huff made me feel these things. And she brought her characters to life in this phenomenal, gripping story.
That is so full of emotion, grief, a tragic loss and how it can change a family forever but most importantly recovery!
Finding the light at the end of this deep dark tunnel.
Her writing is something spectacular. I was determined of finish this in one day and I almost did. It blew me away from page one.
It's hard to believe that this writing came from a debut author.
Virtually every page was a delight of wondrous sentences and the truest dialog I've read in awhile.
Simply put.... I enjoyed it.

One family. One tragedy. One incredible decision to change their fate.

Moving story of family and what we do to protect ourselves from hurt. A mother learns that one of her sons has drowned while she was hiking. Instead of dealing with her grief she abandons them to star over. Her choice will affect the remaining family members forever. A good choice for book clubs and I will recommend.