I like books written by journalists, broadcasters, lawyers, educators, and academics. I find that the voice feels more authentic and less crafted which draws me into the story more than flowery prose does.

Lauren E. Rico did a great job crafting authentic characters like Gabby and Isabella who really felt like people you would want to hang out with and simultaneously give major side eye. The characters are grounded with a sense of care about each other that anchors the entire story.

As an audiobook, I loved the introduction of male voices that broke up some of the sameness felt by Gabby and Isabella’s narrator. I also enjoyed the use of Spanish both in text format but also in the way the language is spoken within the audiobook.

I think this is a great text to add to any senior level school library or classroom. I think a lot of students would benefit from the perspective and also identify with topics of race, identity, belonging, adoption, and truth. There are so many great elements to utilise in a learning environment.

Familia had a strong premise and I was hooked in the beginning. Sadly, I got a bit lost with all of the different perspectives. I think the structure was well-thought out and I can see other's really appreciating it, but it took away from the story for me. Still, I liked the writing and the narration.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author and narrators for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

4.25⭐

This was an unexpectedly nice book to listen to. The plot and hooked me and the pace of the story was not too slow either. I really liked the different narrators, they had great storytelling abilities. The alternating plans and the multitude of characters made the plot a bit confusing to listen to at some points, though.

I also enjoyed the cultural elements of the book and its overall positive vibe towards life, family and relationships. The characters didn't seem very lovable at first, but they grew in my eyes through the story due to their development and interesting humour. The plot twists kept happening and making me wonder about what's next! Not the most realistic plot, but exciting, emotional and somewhat deep.

Gabriella Demarco works at a magazine in NYC as a fact checker. She is an aspiring writer. All of the staff is requested to submit a DNA test. Gabby is hoping to find a long lost cousin since her parents have died. Instead the DNA test came back with a familial match. A full blooded sibling. This opens up a can of worms. She is weary and thinks the DNA test is wrong.

Isabella lives in Puerto Rico her baby sister was kidnapped and she has been searching for 25 years. The DNA test has finally given her the information she has been seeking. Her baby sister Mariella is alive. She messages Gabby. Gabby decides to go to Puerto Rico to find a story and maybe some answers.

This is a great book. It has a genealogy mystery, a cold case and a found family. I loved it and could not stop listening to the audiobook. I loved the multiple points of view and different narrators. We have dual timelines revealing new clues. I was rooting for the main characters Isabella & Gabby. Overall, a great mystery.

Despite its heavier topic and themes, Famillia remains light and kept me mostly engaged.

For readers who want a bit of everything: drama, intrigue, culture, familial relationships, all while not taking anything too seriously.

Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media for graciously providing a copy of this audiobook. My review is entirely voluntary, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I liked the exploration of what makes people family, and I loved seeing Isabella and Gabby grow closer to each other while searching for the truth. It was endearing seeing both women push each other in areas where they were each struggling with some fear and stagnation. The pacing was well done, and I liked having occasional flashbacks to the day of the kidnapping as we learned more about the people involved in that day. There were a few things at the end that felt a little tidy, but not distractingly so. There was a strong sense that happiness is not out of reach for people who have endured difficult things, which is a nice feeling to come away with.
The audiobook was well done. Sometimes having multiple narrators gets muddy if the character voices aren’t consistent between narrators, but that was not an issue with this audiobook.

Lauren E. Rico's introduction in many ways explains the flaws of this book. it felt like very american in spite of its setting.

This was a beautifully written novel told in a dual storyline. It was easy to become entranced in the story of Gabby and Isabella as Gabby struggles to come to terms with her identity and true origins. The dynamic between these characters was lovely to watch evolve as the novel progresses. There is an air of mystery present however it wasn't a mystery that was stressful to read though - almost cozy mystery vibes. The written descriptions of the Puerto Rican landscape and the various people that the main characters interacted with were well done and made me want to travel this even more.

The overwhelming love of family was present from page one and only intensified as the kidnapping mystery unravels. The dynamics of the sisters felt authentic, and well paced.

I flew through this and it’s going straight to my favorites shelf.

When Gabby DiMarco, a fact checker for a popular magazine in New York, is confronted with the idea that the life she has been living is a lie, will she be able to embrace the possibilities?

Isabella Ruiz cannot forget the sister that disappeared from San Juan twenty-five years ago. Will the idea of finding Marianna consume her?

Narrated by Frankie Corzo, Robb Moreira, and Victoria Villarreal, the stories of Gabby and Isabella come to life. Puerto Rico, all of its island splendor, as well as its hardships, were brought into sharp focus with the polished delivery of the novel. Usually more of a fan of the printed word, Familia was the type of book that I prefer in audio format. Gabby's struggles to come to terms with her origins, the anguish and emotion, seemed so much more realistic with the narration.

Not all of the characters were my favorite, but the story was well told by the author. Each perspective was given equal weight, with a shared history that was woven together seamlessly. This being the first book that I have read by Lauren E. Rico, I look forward to reading more. I would definitely recommend the novel to other readers, especially in audio format.

Disclaimer: I was given an opportunity to listen to the audio version of Familia by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to review this book entirely rested with me.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Audio for an audio arc of Familia by Lauren E. Rico. The book has multiple POVs and the audio is read by three people. It is read really well and the voices are engaging. The story is about a woman, Isabella, in Puerto Rico who had her sister disappear over 20 years ago and when a dna test is done, she finds out her sister, Gabby, is alive and living in NYC. Gabby comes to Puerto Rico and together they try to sort out what exactly happened in the past that let Gabby aka Marianna go missing and somehow, thankfully safely. Part mystery, cold case, family, and crime all together create this beautifully written book. It is out now, pick up your book now.

Thank you to Netgalley for this Audio version of the book. I enjoyed that the audio has 3 readers, to cover the different perspectives of the 2 sisters, and to represent the present and past timelines. The novel is enriched with the reading of the book by all 3 narrators.
This is the story of 2 sisters, who are ultimately reunited after one of them is taken from her home in Puerto Rico. Their road to finding the truth of what happened is rocky, and filled with deception. But this is very much a story of sisterhood, and its strong bond and of family, including those who are not blood relatives, but will protect you at any cost. And sometimes that cost is great! I loved that Puerto Rico was the backdrop of this novel, and it was richly woven into this story of sisterhood. The story will question how far a family will go to protect a child, and whether it was too far? It is a long audio book, but it kept my attention throughout. Well worth the listen, and read.

4.5 very glowing stars! Familia by Lauren E. Rico left such a deep and positive impression on me. It was the first book that I had the pleasure of listening to by Lauren E. Rico. Her writing was so impressive, especially her beautiful and vivid descriptions of the Puerto Rican countryside and its inhabitants. I listened to the audiobook of Familia that was masterfully narrated by Frankie Corzo, Robb Moreira and Victoria Villarreal. These talented narrators captured my complete attention as soon as I began to listen to Familia. I really enjoyed the characters, both the major ones and the minor ones. They were flawed but so believable. I became so immersed in this well plotted story that i found that I had difficulty turning it off.

Gabriella (Gabby) DiMarco was an only child. She had been raised by two very loving parents who were now gone. Gabby had grown up enjoying the privileges that her upper middle class life provided. She was now working as a fact finder for a prestigious magazine. She was extremely good at her job but Gabby did not find it stimulating. Her goal was to become a writer for the magazine. Gabby had been biding her time until the right opportunity presented itself. When the entire staff of the magazine she worked at decided to take a DNA test, Gabby went along with it. Since Gabby had no family anymore, she thought that the test might provide a name of a distant cousin but Gabby was not very hopeful. When the results came back, Gabby was told that she had a sister. Gabby’s first reaction was that the results had to be a false positive. The test had to have been flawed. How could she have a sister? Then that night, Gabby received an email from someone named Isabella Ruiz. She claimed to be Gabby’s sister. Isabella told Gabby that she lived in Puerto Rico and that she believed that Gabby was her little sister who had disappeared when she was a baby. Isabella was convinced that Gabby was Marianna, her baby sister who had vanished all those years ago. Gabby thought that this was crazy but she could not let the idea go. Even though, Gabby was still doubtful that this was true, she wanted to pursue this and write a story about it. Unfortunately, Gabby’s boss, Max, was not convinced that Gabby was capable of doing this. Gabby was left with no choice when her boss threatened to terminate her job if she pursued this. When Gabby was convinced that Max was not going to change his mind, she decided that he left her no choice. Gabby was going to pursue this as a freelance journalist and she was not going to back down or change her mind about it. She made arrangements to fly to Puerto Rico to meet Isabella and look into the cold case of Marianna Ruiz. Gabby was determined to prove to Isabella that she was not her sister but she also wanted to help Isabella discover what really happened to her baby sister all those years ago. What would Gabby’s and Isabella’s efforts turn up and uncover? What would they discover about each other?

I really enjoyed the dynamics between Gabby and Isabella. It was quite enjoyable as I witnessed how each one of them grew, evolved and adapted themselves to the circumstances they found themselves in. Their relationship and the roles they were meant to play were met with constant challenges, compromises and expectations. They were so different yet so alike. Most of Familia was told through the alternating POVS of Gabby and Isabella. Familia was about loss, family, reconciliation, the mystery of what happened to the baby known as Marianna Ruiz, solving a cold case and finally putting it to rest, lots of secrets and sisterly love. There were a few twists that I enjoyed. Familia by Lauren E. Rico was very compelling and most engaging. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Familia by Lauren E. Rico through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’ve been hitting the book jackpot lately. Familia did not disappoint! I felt it imbedding itself into my soul.
Hispanic literature or known to some as Latino literature is one of my favorite genres. This book has incredible character development, sets up a backstory and answers any questions you may have. You also get a solid conclusion. No laying awake at night wondering all the what if scenarios- am I the only one that does that?-

I love how the author incorporated Spanish throughout the book. It’s a must for me when it comes to Hispanic Literature.

I received a copy of the audiobook for review. I also added a physical copy to my BOTM box. Have you looked at the cover? It’s beautiful! Of course I want this on my bookcase.

Quick summary-A woman on a journey to discover the truth about her past after a genetic health test done for work. Two women trying to find the truth and discovering each other and the importance of family.

The narrators- Frankie Corzo, Robb Moreira, Victoria Villarreal - all three had soothing genuine voices for the characters. It felt genuine to the story and perfect Spanish pronunciation.

Thank you to Lauren E. Rico, NetGalley, and RB Media for a copy of an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This is an interesting story to try to categorize, part mystery with a bit of thriller, definitely women’s literature, and largely multicultural as well as it goes from New York to Puerto Rico.

The mystery aspect is definitely visible from the beginning, as we meet Gabby, a New Yorker whose DNA findings end up matching her at sibling levels to someone named Isabella in Puerto Rico. As an only child of loving parents who are now deceased, Gabby thinks it’s a mistake, but as a writer looking for her big break, she still goes to meet Isabella for the story. Isabella, however, has been looking for her long-lost baby sister for decades. Naturally, she thinks Gabby is that lost sister.

The story is told from the POV of both women, and it occasionally jumps back in time to the POV of different people who were there the day that baby Marianna went missing. It’s a very well-told and well-written story, and is never confusing even with the POV jumps. The audiobook actually makes those jumps even easier by proving three different narrators: one for Gabby, one for Isabella, and one for everyone from the past. They all do a fantastic job, even with switching from English to Spanish in occasion.

At times the story is sweet as the characters form new bonds, and at times very dark as different histories are revealed. A bit of the plot made me annoyed, but not going to give spoilers as to why. Overall it think it was very well done and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Easily 4-4.5 stars, but I’m rounding up for the fantastic narration, both how it was read and how it was organized.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a well-constructed novel that is riveting and moving.

It unfurls steadily with layers revealing themselves within and to the main characters, who seem to be sisters mysteriously separated early in their childhoods. Additional characters’ pieces of the puzzle are folded in, in succinct, well-timed chapters of their own. The characters are honest and complex, as are the truths that do and don’t eventually reveal themselves.

I love the setting in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, bringing alive the street art, the food, the climate and culture, how the story navigates money and privilege, island and mainland and local/tourist dynamics - none of it being heavy handed - but integral to the plot line as they must be to any story.

I received an advanced audiobook from NetGalley, the last hour of which I listened to in empathetic tears, in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, this novel is not for me. I love reading about different countries around the world and their cultures. I especially like literary fiction. After 10% of listening, I kind of doubt that I will be able to like this novel.

Thanks anyway to Recorded Books for the advance copy and this opportunity!

Read if you like:
🔎 Mysteries
⏳ Past and Present Timelines
🧬 Genetic Testing
🏝️Puerto Rico Setting
👯‍♀️ Stories about Sisters

Familia is the story of two women: one in the United States and one in Puerto Rico that through DNA testing find they are sisters, or are they?

Gabby has always known two facts about her life- that she is Italian and that she is the only child of her parents. But when a DNA test reveals these ‘truths’ may be anything but, Gabby’s inner fact checker and writer needs to explore the information in front of her to figure out what the truth is when her genetic markers do not reflect Italian heritage and further when she gets a message from a DNA match claiming to be her sister.

We then meet Isabella who is the big sister to the long missing Marianna who has held out hope all these years that one day her sister would be found and she would be reunited with a piece of her family she lost so many years ago and who feels like the missing link for her family.

The book navigates the story of what happened all those years ago, secrets and lies, and the emotional impact of finding family you thought was lost versus finding out that how you defined family your whole life wasn’t quite the correct version. This story also looks at the impact of doing what was right in the moment versus the long term impact to all those involved in a decision that created a trickle effect for years to come.

Thank you so much to the publisher for my ALC in exchange for my honest review! This was truly a book that I enjoyed more than I anticipated and think many will enjoy unraveling the story too alongside Gabby and Isabella.

3.5 rounded up!

Familia is an intriguing, emotional and entertaining novel about two sisters in search for a truth. Isabela has been looking for the sister that was stolen from her 25ish years ago. Gabby was content with her life, although lonely when a DNA test result takes her by surprise and she flies to PR to discover more while hoping there is a story here to jump-start her career as a writer.

I loved the family drama, the storyline, the characters, the plots and twists as well as reading about the beauty, culture and language of my beloved island. The author did a great job of captivating the essence of the food, the dialect, the different emotions of the family and unraveling many different POVs of the case.

I must say the first half of the book dragged a bit and Isabela was hard headed and annoying at some points. I also noticed some grammatical errors in the kindle version and minor factual errors.

I also wish we could have seen more of the ending, (in the best possible way) as readers we want the story to continue as life does in real life and to have every little detail.

Overall I would recommend. The storyline was interesting and unique and I always love to see Puerto Rico represented. The audiobook was fantastically done, highly recommend.

Thank you for the gifted audiobook received by RB Media. Kindle copy purchased on my own to alternate reading experience.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6196678637

I am about 1/2 way through the audiobook and I’ve already purchased the full book. I love the realness of this story. I can relate to the characters. I feel like I just need to keep reading to get to the end because it’s so good, but I also don’t want it to end. Seamless transition between characters and chapters. Work of art!!!