I absolutely adored the way Dysfunction Junction…functioned. The bouncing between present and past, the focus on family, and the bond between the sisters was masterful! My heart broke for these ladies so many times, but Pearson put it back together again by the end. As someone who has sisters who all experienced trauma differently than I did, I felt like this dealt with that topic extremely well.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC!

Frankie, Annabelle, and Charlotte each have a different perspective on their shared & troubled childhood, based on their birth order and personalities, and each is at a different place on the road to healing. And though I personally had an upbringing that was the polar opposite of what the sisters in Robin W. Pearson’s Dysfunction Junction experience (something I don’t take for granted), every family tree has dysfunction in its branches. Which means that every reader can relate on some level to the layered characters Pearson brings to life in this redemptive story.

“Listen, Frankie, there are two places I’m not goin’ with you – and that’s back and forth.”

I very much enjoyed getting to know these three sisters in all their chaotically beautiful glory. Frankie, who as the oldest sibling stepped into a mothering role as a child, now spends her days wrangling her own kids as a homeschool mom… but she finds it hard to completely relinquish that role in her sisters’ lives too. Annabelle may have been the one to leave but now she’s back home, adjusting to life as a wife and stepmom and expectant mom while navigating adult relationships with her equally-damaged sisters and the decisions that must be made about their mom. Charlotte, the baby of the three girls, helps others unpack their own emotional baggage while steadfastly ignoring her own … at least until it all comes to a head with one life-upending phone call and a new relationship she can’t bring herself to end like she’s done all the others. The sisters’ sassy banter with each other felt real and affectionate, and even if it did help them to avoid the tougher conversations it also kept them grounded in each other and delighted me as a reader. And then there’s Miss Hattie who is an angel of mercy to these girls – then and now – clearly sent by God to be His hands and feet and heart in their lives.

“He remains our Abba Father even when our earthly fathers and mothers abandon us, die, move away, or plain don’t care.”

Bottom Line: With eloquent prose and poignant insight, author Robin W. Pearson walks her vibrant characters through the intersection of brokenness and healing in her latest compelling novel, Dysfunction Junction. The depth and sensitivity with which the author tactfully grapples with tough issues of neglect, addiction, and abuse ensures that every page radiates grace, pointing to the restoration and wholeness that only Jesus can bring when a wounded heart is willing to do the work. Frankie, Annabelle, and Charlotte leapt straight into my heart, and I was solidly invested in each character. A moving novel in every way, made all the more enjoyable by Pearson’s warm writing voice, smooth pacing, and snappy dialogue.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This book was a deep read and interspersed between the present and the past. The three sisters rose above a very difficult and neglectful past. The challenges still are difficult for the sisters in the present day but the bond is still there. My favorite part was the support that their spouses or boyfriends provided. They were amazing to each of these women.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Frankie, Annabelle, and Charlotte are three sisters who are all as adults trying to forget and overcome their past. When they unexpectedly get a phone call regarding their mother, they must band together and make some hard decisions. I loved this story that interlaced the past and present as well as each woman's individual story so well. Even though the women were all raised together, they all experienced the neglect and trauma of their childhoods differently as children which also carries into adulthood as different manifestations of trauma. Robin W. Pearson did a good job of weaving together this story with multi-layered characters.

I think the structure of this story is the thing holding it back from being a 5 star read.

I think if we, the readers, had gotten to experience (vs being told about it) more of their childhood with them, then the story overall would have connected more and flowed better.

I did enjoy exploring the different ways that upbringings can affect different people even if they all grow up in the same house. Each sister has grown up and navigated the wounds of their childhood differently, and that was interesting.

I found myself enjoying Annabelle's chapters the most.

Overall, it's a decent story, but a few tweaks could have made it great.

I love Robin W. Pearson’s novels so I would’ve read this no matter what, but the clever title and striking cover are a bonus. Dysfunction Junction is the story of three adult sisters whose childhoods were filled with uncertainty and neglect due to their mother’s actions and decisions. Each sister shares her story and memories through rotating points of view.

The characters began like birth order caricatures (oldest, middle, and baby) but experienced growth as they came together to handle a family matter. Their dysfunctional childhoods are revealed through flashbacks of key events.

The author has a gift for creating “real” yet flawed characters. The mother in this story was so interesting because while she had the material resources (home and her own business) to be a good parent, she lacked the ability to be a caring mother or a loving partner. A prequel book sharing her backstory would be fascinating.

This is Christian fiction so themes of faith are woven throughout, and the sisters’ beliefs are at varying levels of maturity. Miss Hattie, a childhood neighbor, is important in their past and present, and in an interview, Ms. Pearson stated that she represents God’s provision.

Thank you to Tyndale House and NetGalley for the review copy of this novel. I thoroughly appreciated this story of faith, family, and forgiveness.

In Dysfunction Junction, Robin W. Pearson weaves a redemptive tale of three women who grapple with their shared past, their family’s destructive history, and their individual paths toward healing.

Pearson brings to life three sisters—Frances Mae, Annabelle, and Dr. Charlotte Winters—each with a unique perspective shaped by their birth order and personalities. Their chaotic beauty and struggles resonate with readers, regardless of their own upbringing. The novel masterfully navigates the characters’ emotional baggage and unresolved past.

This family saga delves into sisterhood, forgiveness, and the complexities of relationships. Pearson captures the essence of Southern culture and family ties. Her exploration of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of sisterhood is both moving and relatable.

Dysfunction Junction is a compelling read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced family dysfunction

I really enjoyed this tale of 3 sisters! It had so much heart, so much love, and so much forgiveness and understanding. It was a beautiful story that just sucks you in. The characters were so interesting and their situation so unique. Truly, a well-written family epic. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The three girls—Annabelle, Frankie, and Charlotte—get a call out of the blue that has them spinning. They are being called home. They have to face a lifetime of memories they have tried to forget. Memories of their mother’s rejection. Their attempts to hide their pain must be dealt with. The girls soon learn they can only find their way to healing by dealing with the past. They had to be there for each other one more time.

Through her narration, I liked the depth the author brought to the story by the use of current day surroundings, and childhood flashbacks, make the reader feel as though they are there as these young women, learn that who they were in the past doesn't determine who they are now.

This is a powerful, healing, heart-felt story I could not put down. Parts of this story hit my heartstrings. It’s a story we all can learn from. If you haven’t read any of this author ‘s novels I highly recommend this one. It’s one you won’t soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Slow read. It did now (present) and then ( earlier memories? They were considering a request, but you don't know if they considered the request. Three sisters are different yet the same. Afraid to rock the boat bc they didn't want to hurt each other. Small plot twist in lat 4 pages so potential next book.

If you’re looking for a story that will be neatly tied up with a bow when all is said and done then you don’t want to read Dysfunction Junction by Robin W. Pearson.

But if you want a story that will leave you working out in your mind how to forgive the deepest hurts in your life by accepting you may never fully be able to resolve the pain someone caused because the chance to confront them was taken from you, then this is a book you should read.

Frankie, Annabelle, and Charlotte’s mother abandoned them emotionally for their entire childhoods and into adulthood. I wanted justice for them.

What I found instead was a promise of peace and forgiveness being worked through and walked toward. Also the promise to each other that the mistakes made by their mother would never to be made by the sisters.

I have said this before and I will say it again about Robin’s writing. The characters she writes are so absolutely real and fleshed out. The way she writes her characters makes them feel like someone you know – maybe even the person you see in the mirror every day.

Maybe not everything about the character is exactly like someone you know but enough that you can say, “oh I see reflections of who they used to be or who they are or who I am now.”

And then you want to read on because you wonder if in the pages you will read something that will help you make sense of that person you couldn’t make sense of or a moment with them or even of a moment with yourself.

Maybe through Robin’s characters, you will learn more about yourself as well as those who hurt you.

Lessons were learned in this book but not all the lessons some might like to see. It isn’t a spoiler to say that even when the end of the book was reached the lessons were still being learned and then there were promises again – promises of lessons that will continue to be learned off the page.

That’s how real life is – we are always learning and growing and developing. We will do that until we reach the end of our own story and step off the page into glory.

That’s why I love Robin’s books. She doesn’t pretend that life’s challenges are easily resolved, easily tied up and stamped with the words “the end,” but she does leave you with hope.

This is a book that touched deep within the crevices of your heart. Even though the topics were heavy I still found delight and laughter throughout the book. I love a good book based upon biblical principles and this fit the description. Every tough subject was dealt with a hand of delicacy that I can appreciate. This is my first read from this author and l look forward to many more.

Thank you Netgalley and Tynsdale Publisher for the ARC.

I wanted to love this story but just ultimately didn’t. I struggled with all the characters and the main point of the storyline. I didn’t really so much connect with the sisters as I thought I would. This just wasn’t as memorable for me.

📖: Dysfunction Junction
✍️: Robin W. Pearson
🎙: LaNecia Edmonds
⭐️: 3 of 5
🎧: 3 of 5

Troupes & Themes:
- Family Drama
- Dual Timeline

My Thoughts:

This was a miss for me. It was extremely slow pacing, and I felt it never really went anywhere. With the dual timelime and multiple POVs, I felt it jumped around a lot but never really got to the point. I also did not like the baby talk during the "then" times. Why baby talk for girls but not Henry when they are at similar ages? I'm not a fan of child characters who have lots of dialog in books in general, and this aggravated me. At 70%, I had to just put it down and move on. Unfortunately, the narration was also not my favorite and played a small part in my decision to DNF.
Thank you, NetGalley, Tyndale House Publishers, and Dreamscape Media, for the opportunity to read, listen, and review this advanced copy.

The novel Dysfunction Junction by Robin W. Pearson runs deep with matters of the heart. I appreciate the interweaving of comedic relief, whether from Annabelle’s “church dream” or Frankie and Charlie’s sarcasm. Pearson brought faith into the scenes, which must have come from the Holy Spirit. Last, the past chained all three sisters to tragedy surrounding their younger brother. The author handled the tough subject with care. A great supportive motherly figure such as Miss Hattie, and supportive significant others.

This book is perfect for fans of sisters, siblings, southern settings, redemption, family drama, family sagas, Christian Fiction, and inspirational fiction.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.

This was.a slow read for me. It took awhile to get into the story.
The story eventually flowed well and the characters were well developed. .


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

Three sisters are dealing with a childhood that has left scars on all of them. Raised by a mother who wanted little or nothing to do with them, they are now faced with a decision on what to do with her as she can no longer live on her own.
An interesting story that raises many questions, how do you treat a parent who wasn't much of a parent to you when they are in need of help? How do you work through those scars that have left you still reeling years later? Along with many more. Pearson pens stories that make you look at yourself and your own family. She reminds us that parenthood is not a sprint to 18, but a marathon that last a lifetime.
Pearson will not leave you comfortable, but she does pen a story that you will long remember after you are done.

This story follows three sisters – grown women with a lifetime of hurt and emotional bagging stemming from the years of neglect from their own mother. An unexpected phone call forces the sisters to come together to make a very big decision. A decision that isn’t easy when harboring so much pain and hurt.

You will get a front row seat into the raw and complex reality of their family dynamic. Nobody’s family is perfect or without trials and challenges. No matter what type of a family upbringing you had, I believe there is a character in here that you will find yourself connecting with in some way.

“So, this bump isn’t so perfect, is it? It does remind me that nothing…no one…ever is, and that the past can’t be changed as much as we want it to be so. However, we can learn from these bumps and bruises, because they are part of our God’s perfect design for us.”

That passage sums up the beauty of this story. Life can be a broken journey, but with faith, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. Even the most broken of pasts can find a path forward.

Everyone loves a fast-paced page turner, but do you ever just find yourself craving a slower read? Something deeper that you can savor and take your time with? For me, that was this book. Lessons of forgiveness and hope within every chapter.

DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION by ROBIN W PEARSON is the story of the three Winters sisters, Frances Mae, Annabelle and Charlotte, who have been badly affected by their mother’s narcisistic selfishness and chronic neglect. Frankie, the oldestt, virtually brought them up with the help of Miss Hattie, a godly neighbour, and is now the mother of four who she is determined to raise with the loving care she never received herseflf.
Annabelle is married, with a stepson she adores, and is pregnant. She battles with rejection, especially because she doesnot know who her father was.
Charlotte is a successful psychologist who is very unsure of herself, although she gives a different impression. She is determined to never marry. When Miss Hattie telephones them with a request, they get together around the problem of “What do we do with Mama?”……
Whereas the glimpses into their horrible childhood are sad, I love their heated and sometimes amusing conversations as they try to come to terms with this problem and how their decision will affect their grown up lives. As old memories come to light they find it hard to forgive their mother. As Frankie says to Charlotte, “I’m still at that junction, dear sister, between hurtin’ and healin’. Give me time.”
I like to see how the Lord deals with each of them, drawing them to Himself. In this inspirational and well written book we are reminded that “families are part of God’s design. Although they are flawed they are beautiful. “
I cannot recommend Dysfunction Junction highly enough for the heartwarming story, unforgettable characters and strong Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.



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The struggles and victories in Dysfunction Junction will tug at your heartstrings. Pearson is gentle with readers who can relate to the characters’ traumas, but don’t underestimate the twists and turns that you won’t see coming. Buckle up for a touching story, and enjoy the ride!