Such a heartbreaking and touching novel. Robyn Carr is a master and ripping into your emotions. I loved this book.

I requested this title for a couple of reasons, the first being the description and what sounded like an interesting premise. The second was seasons 1 and 2 of the Virgin River Netflix series, which I binge-watched in late 2020.

Though I hadn’t read any of the 22 books in the series, I believe, most of the time, the book is better than the movie or TV show. Robyn Carr authored the book series. I had never read anything by Carr, despite her 60+ novels and status on the New York Times Best Seller List. Clearly, she has a following.

Based on my enjoyment of Virgin River, when this title popped up as an option, I thought I would try it out. It already had some stellar reviews, especially from current fans. To be honest, if I had seen season 3 of Virgin River before making the request, I might not have made it. I disliked that season, and I disliked this book…for a lot of the same reasons.

One of my favorite things about reading is getting lost in the descriptions by my favorite authors, being able to picture what they’re describing. This book read like a choppy book report. This happened, and then this happened, and then this happened.

It felt like a lot of self-talk with some conversations dropped into the mix. Transitions were non-existent, and whenever Anna talked about her kids, she talked about every kid. Jessie this, Mike that, Bess the other. It reminded me of a TV show where each actor recites a line in turn, like everyone has to have the same amount of screen time. It was awkward in a lot of parts and dragged down the story.

Other things that pulled me out of the story every time were things that just didn’t ring true. Some examples:
-- Bess is on the autism spectrum with Asperger’s. First, the author mentions this so many times that it’s exhausting. But then the family talks about her as if she’s just a little quirky and odd. She’s described as being a “creature of habit.” They mention her “rather unique personality.” Autism is not a personality trait.
-- There’s a neurosurgeon who talks to Jessie like he’s a therapist and a therapist who “diagnoses” her with being an introvert. I’m sorry, I knew well before my late 20s that I’m an introvert. Jessie’s toxic personality is not because she’s an introvert. With all of the irritability and the headaches, I seriously thought she was going to end up having a brain tumor and that the neurosurgeon would save her.
-- Anna does a DNA ancestry test early in the story, and the website returns “a catalog” of possible matches based on her ethnicities but we don’t hear about potential familial matches. We come back to that story line 85% into the book when everything is wrapping up. Pretty irrelevant to everything else in the book and certainly not worth pursuing this late in the story in my opinion.
-- The dialog that is included is so incredibly awkward. At one point, one character asks another “Did you take a lover?” Who talks like that?

In addition to all of those challenges, I think the only likeable character in the whole book is Amy, and she appears very little but is portrayed as being a key part of the story. Jessie and Mike are childish and mean. Bess barely has a story line because she’s away at law school. Anna is suspicious and unforgiving even as she preaches at the end of the book about forgiveness and trust.

Carr is a romance writer, and this is categorized as romance, but the two semi-explicit romantic encounters were kind of jarring and felt out of place in the context of this story. And I didn’t think they were particularly well-written.

There were so many things I highlighted as I read that I could continue to comment on, but I’m pretty sure you get the idea. This is a definite no for me, and I doubt I’ll be reading this author again.

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒

A Family Affair by Robyn Carr is a stand-alone novel about one family who lost one of its own, and how they came together to help each other survive the loss and examine their past. I was riveted by this family drama and wanted each of the characters to find some happiness.

Anna McNichol was raised by a single mother and is now the mother of three adult children. Her work ethic is a result of being raised on the edge of poverty, and never feeling settled. In response, Anna works hard as a judge, working her way through law school with young children. Anna’s husband Chad is a therapist and active in the community. Their marriage on the outside was perfect, but after Chad’s sudden death in a rafting accident, secrets come out that affect the entire family, and maybe their marriage wasn’t as perfect as it seemed.

I love Robyn Carr’s heartwarming style of writing, and it shines in this book as well. She has a knack for exploring families, and their dynamics and her writing is compassionate as well as compelling. The characters are well developed and I wanted them to succeed and be happy. I especially related to Anna, the main characters, and how her past dictated the decisions she’s made while raising her own family. Also, I thought it ironic how Chad was a therapist, and yet, his wife and children needed help as much as some of his clients.

I highly recommend A family Affair to anyone who loves a good family drama. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A good read filled with plenty of family drama/dysfunction to immerse yourself in for a few hours. Alternating family member's POV add to the depth of the story. At times a bit unbelievable but realistic and gritty with a satisfying end.

Robyn Carr has written an insightful story about the complexities of a long-term marriage. Anna, the wife, is a caretaker and manages everything for her self-centered husband, her children and her aging mother. All of this while pursuing a career. Her eventual success and recognition in her career creates difficulties in her marriage with a husband who must be the important person. His sudden death reveals the deep cracks within the marriage and the effects this had on his wife and children. The support of a long-time friend proves invaluable for Anna as she navigates the changes in her life. Carr handles the intricacies of this marriage and its results on all involved with great skill and brings the story to a positive resolution. Strongly recommended.

Robyn Carr is a favourite author who has stood the test of time and is always able to deliver a solid story.
Anna, recently widowed, learns her husband has secrets when she spots a mysterious woman at the funeral. She’s determined to get to the bottom of it. One thing leads to another and she discovers that this is not the only secret being kept from her. As Anna searches for answers new relationships are formed. Anna finds closure and support in the most unexpected ways.

My one criticism is that the big secret was revealed quite early in the story leaving you with nothing to yearn for as the story progressed.

If you like family dramas with intricate family relationships, read this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Mira for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A very good family novel. The McNichols face several life changing events during the course of a few months. Starting with the death of the father, they cope with many traumatic events. The author condenses these events into a short period.

I really identified with Anna, the mother, coping with her husband’s death and her own mother falling deeper into dementia. Anna also had to confront her I own health issues. The author also makes it clear that even older women have emotional and sexual energy that doesn’t evaporate.

I liked the portrayal of the 3 children, though I felt the changes and accomplishments were a bit too unrealistic.

Thank you Netgalley for this really enjoyed family drama. I know women’s reading groups will relate to many of the issues.

The Family Affair
Robyn Carr
April 5, 2022


Anna went back to law school and after serving as a lawyer for several years was appointed the court as a judge. She was busy yet her children were close and bonded with her often for help and friendship. It was a rough road, she spent time keeping her family and her career held together.
Anna and Chad McNichol have been married for thirty plus years. She did her best to forget his indiscretions however they always surfaced when he was less than kind, less than pleasant with her. He claimed he was depressed, unhappy. He was going to take a short rafting trip to clear his head, get rid of the ugly emotions that clogged his brain. She didn’t understand nor did her adult children. Chad doesn’t swim, nor does he enjoy boating let alone in a raft. He is a psychologist shouldn’t he know better?
This family story was dark and complex. After reading most of Carr’s books it was quite a turn around for me. Her latest was exceptionally written yet melancholy to read. It wasn’t only the protagonist’s narrative but also her children who appeared stuck in despair as well. This is an excellent read however a somber narrative.
The Family Affair by Robyn Carr will be published by Mira Publications on April 5, 2022. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review Carr’s latest novel via NetGalley. Most of her fans associate her with the Virgin River series, The Family Affair is a stand alone. Don’t be tempted to pass it up as it is not a part of her familiar and tender- hearted series. This outstanding book is superb and worth the time spent reading Anna’s journey.

I’ve seen Ms. Carr name quite a few times but never have read anything by this author although I truly loved watching “Virgin River” on Netflix. “A Family Affair” is a first read by the new author to this reader. This was a very interesting read and I can see why it is entitled what it is. The book has a hodge-podge of stories going on thought the chapters. It deals with a family loss, drama, coming together and finding unexpected new romance. There was a struggle on my end relating to some of the characters and their separate issues outside of having to deal with the loss of a loved one. However, I can say that was still enjoyable and not having the privilege of reading other books by this author, this story had a sense of beauty in the writing and clearly tugged at my heartstrings for the heroine. It was well-written and I loved how the author took time to develop the unique characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

If you like a story with family drama from the beginning right up until the end, you should read this book. The whole McNichol family has issues to deal with and relationships that need to be worked on. The death of the husband / father at the start of the book opens a pandora's box for each of them.

There were a few surprises along the way, but in the end, everyone was in a better place than where they started.

The perfect book to hand to a reader who has enjoyed the Netflix Virgin River series! It is romantic, yet also gritty and realistic. I look forward to recommending this new title by a wonderful author.

A Family Affair
by Robyn Carr
Pub Date: April 5, 2022
Mira
Thanks to Robyn Carr, Harlequin Trade, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
This book has several stories going on at once. They alternate between chapters. It is easy to follow along and become acquainted with the main characters. The book is not associated with the "Virgin River" series, but is just as delightful. I recommend this novel, but please be aware it does contain sexual content.

I will buy this book for our library.
4 stars

A lovely new novel from Robyn Carr about a widow dealing with family drama her husband's death and a surprisin new romance. Perfect for a rainy day or relaxing in the sun!

I was disappointed in this book as it was not typical of the author. It was well written, an interesting story but not for me. I would recommend it and have already.

I am a huge fan of Robyn Carr - I love the Virgin river series and was so excited to receive this ARC of “A Family Affair.” Unfortunately, not every book is for every reader and I don’t think this book was for me. I struggled to connect with any of the characters, particularly the older protagonist, and I was not invested at all in their stories. It did pick up a bit in the second half but is not a story I am likely to revisit. I still look forward to reading other books written by Ms. Carr since on the whole she is an auto buy author for me.

Thanks to the publisher, Robyn Carr, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early copy of “A Family Affair.”

I loved the family in this story. Sure there were times Jessie got on my last nerve and Chad was a dirt bag, but Chad is dead and Jessie decides to be a better person. I love Anna and Joe together. Bess is a breath of fresh air. Michael so almost the typical middle child. Overall this book really is about being the bigger person and getting your own happiness not the happiness people want for you.

Family affairs is a great combination of general fiction and romance. I love that we get to see the stories from multiple family members’ perspectives. Carr represents the different personality traits and feelings of different family members so well and I love how the family dynamics come in to play. The ending felt a bit abrupt but I really enjoyed the story.

If you follow Robyn Carr, like me you have probably read most, if not all of her books. I love her voice. She always takes me right on location, I make new friendships and I get away for awhile. Anna McNichol is an example of Ms. Carr's strong characters. Many would have fallen apart when their husband suddenly passes away in a white water rafting accident, but not Anna. She continues to work as judge and she turns her attention to her three grown children and what their needs may be. There are also several interesting minor characters in this novel. I found it to be interesting, fast paced and I didn't want it to end.
I want to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing through NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions in the review are my own.

I am a huge Robyn Carr fan, so when I got the notification that I could read this ARC, I squealed!

Anna and Chad have been married, though not necessarily happily, for years with three grown adult children. When Chad suddenly dies after a rafting accident, Anna discovers hidden secrets he had been keeping for years. She had confronted him in the past about his affairs, but was still shocked to learn all that she did after his death. This is a story about how an affair can simultaneously rip a family apart and bring then together in times of need and grief. It will tug at your heartstrings and make you think deeply about your own life, and those closest to you.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was different in some ways from Carr’s other novels, but it was an enjoyable read. Robyn Carr creates beautiful stories where you feel invested in the characters’ lives. My heart went out to Anna as she discovered so much about her deceased husband that she didn’t know. But I was also proud of her for being the successful, independent woman she was. despite everything going on with her family.

As a huge fan of author Robyn Carr's work, I thought it would be fun to read her new book "A Family Affair". True to Robyn's heartfelt writing style, this book tenderly embraces heartache, loss, betrayal, and love. The story reminds us that forgiveness is a choice. Some people can achieve it, while others cannot.

Anna McNichols age-54, has just lost her husband Chad in a unexpected accident. Anna and Chad had been married over thirty years. Their children are grown and struggling with the sudden loss of their dad. Anna notices a pregnant woman at Chad's funeral she does not recognize. Anna's intuition tells her something is off about this situation. Who is this woman? Was Chad unhappy? Was he cheating on her?

This book has several stories going on at once. They alternate between chapters. It is easy to follow along and become acquainted with the main characters. The book is not associated with the "Virgin River" series, but is just as delightful. I recommend this novel, but please be aware it does contains sexual content.

"A Family Affair" will be published April 5th.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Robyn Carr, and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for allowing me to review this beautifully written book. I appreciate it!