Set in the small ski resort town of Lodgepole, Colorado, we meet Angie Sheehan who is married to David, a park ranger. When the story begins, Angie's daughter Nora, 13, has been charged with the murder of her brother Nico, 14, who had recently been diagnosed with juvenile Huntington's disease. After Martine, a local attorney, is brought in to defend Nora, David requests that her son Julian help with the case. Julian, a defense attorney in New York City, is Angie's former boyfriend. The narrative alternates between the present, as Julian seeks the best way to defend Nora, who refuses to talk about what happened, and the complicated past of Angie and Julian, including another tragic family event. 

Kristin Koval’s impressive debut novel Penitence is a heavy read. This emotional story features complex, flawed characters harboring secrets and pain, filled with deep regret and remorse. The author also provides interesting insight into the juvenile justice system. Can forgiveness be given for unforgivable acts? Julian's wife tells him that forgiveness can be achieved when we accept that “each one of us is more than the worst we’ve ever done.” It broke my heart. 

4.25 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from Celadon and, after reading the premise, was extremely excited to begin.

This is a slow burn, character-driven novel. The writing is beautiful and the novel is just honestly well-written. What I appreciated was that the author clearly did her research—this was the first work of fiction I’ve read where the criminal procedure is ACTUALLY correct!! Not only that, but the author provided a realistic look into the judicial system for juveniles—also something I’d never seen done before.

I knew this book was going to be good from the moment it started with my favorite Bryan Stevenson quote, but I didn’t know it would be this great. It really does instruct you to sit down, take the world around you in, and look within—are you providing mercy in those crucial moments?

Looking forward to reading more from this author! Thank you Celadon Books for this!

3.75 rounded up | While I liked this quite a bit and found it very thought provoking, much of it was fairly predictable which took away some of the oomph. Full of complicated characters making complicated decisions (which not all readers will agree with), it definitely sucked me in (and I found the audio harder to put down than the print). I'm not sure this one will stick with me, but I'm glad it. For readers of Defending Jacob and Everything I Never Told You (though those two were 5 stars).

A huge thank you to Celadon Books and Kristin Koval for this exclusive ARC!

I love books that challenge your perspective and delve into real-life social issues. In “Penitence,” readers get a raw, unfiltered look at the juvenile justice system, and let me tell you, it’s both eye-opening and heartbreaking.

❄️ What did you love the most?
My husband is a criminal defense attorney, so one of the things I deeply appreciated was the authentic portrayal of legal proceedings. We had so many discussions about the plot because, sadly, he’s seen cases eerily similar to what unfolds in this book.

On top of that, the intense family drama was incredibly well done in this must-read debut novel. With dual timelines and multiple POVs, the story gets messy fast. Seriously, how would you react if one of your children killed their sibling? 🤯

❄️ What to expect:
📍 Small-town secrets
🕵️ Slow-burn mystery
⚖️ Legal dramas
⏳ Dual timelines
👨‍👩‍👧 Family drama

❄️ How was the pace?
This book is a slow-burn gem that’s perfect for fans of Celeste Ng’s emotional storytelling or Jodi Picoult’s ethical dilemmas. It’s deeply character-driven, so don’t expect nonstop action—it’s all about the emotions and relationships.

❄️ Do you recommend this book?
Absolutely! Every character grapples with the theme of forgiveness in ways that are both moving and devastating. Even though I guessed the motive behind the crime early on, that wasn’t the point. This book shines in its exploration of grief, guilt, and redemption. It’s a heavy, thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

was this a thirller? definitely not. it was more of a literary work than i expected. but it was VERY well written and very sad. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

📖 The Penitence is a gripping tale that seamlessly weaves themes of redemption, love, and resilience. Koval’s storytelling is both raw and poetic, drawing you into the protagonist’s journey of confronting the past and seeking forgiveness. The emotional depth of the characters makes it impossible not to root for them, even as they wrestle with the weight of their choices.

🌟 If you’re looking for a story that will break your heart and heal it all in one sitting, this book is a must-read. The powerful narrative lingers long after the final page, leaving you reflecting on your own paths to redemption.

WOW! This is the first word that comes to mind after finishing this amazing book by Kristin Koval! This is her debut book and I can't wait to see what else she will write.

Forgiveness is the theme of this book and when it comes I couldn't stop crying. Tears are running down my face as I write this review.

Grab this book as soon as possible and enjoy the beautiful but sad story of Nora killing her brother. I found myself reading as fast as possible to see where the story took me.

Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for this ARC. I highly recommend it.

At the beginning of Koval’s debut, Martine Dumont is wakened from slumber unexpectedly. Dumont is a small-time lawyer near retirement. Dan Sheehan is at her door begging for her help: His daughter Nora, 12, was jested for killing her brother, Nico, 13. She allegedly shot him with Dan’s gun that he was issued in connection with his job as a park ranger. Martine doesn’t have the required expertise to handle a capital crime, but her estranged son, Julian, is a high-profile criminal defense lawyer in New York City. But Julian has complicated history with Diana, Dan’s wife. Diana and Julian were a couple in their youth until they were involved in an accident that ended with the death of Diana’s younger sister.

My Thoughts:

First off, this is a great debut — well written and ambitious. It explores some heavy themes and the characters are well-developed and really stand on their own. For some reason, the book did not grab me and it took me a while to get through. It did make me think a lot about forgiveness and acceptance. I just wish we went deeper on some of the characters to better understand their motivations and feelings. Since it was not written from Angie’s, Dan’s or Nora’s point of view, it was hard to really get inside of those characters and understand them.

Beautifully written thoughtful and thought provoking but know that, golly, it's just darn depressing. Angie and David's 13 year old daughter Nora has just killed their son Nico, who at 15 has been diagnosed with juvenile Huntington's disease. The best, the only lawyer in town is Martine, mother of Angie's former lover Julian, who is now also a defense attorney. This moves back and forth in time to tell their story which is also colored by tragedy. There are many secrets and lies here, not the least of which is one which you, like me might see coming along with yet another punch. There are twists, trauma, a lot of guilt. And there's forgiveness but not for everyone. No spoilers. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. It's an interesting and compelling read that kept me turning the pages.

4.5 ⭐️

A beautifully written and narrated story of love and loss, guilt and innocence ; of secrets and lies ; of two families interlinked thru loss and tragedy

I went into this story blind. My honest opinion, it start at a slower pace (not a bad thing). In other words, the Author took her time and ended with a strong finish. This is my opinion and I would encourage readers to read this one for themselves. I look forward to future novels.

I first started seeing Penitence pop up on Instagram a few months ago, and it immediately caught my interest. I was hoping to get my hands on a copy, and I was fortunate enough to discover that Celadon was hosting a read-along. I was thrilled to be included!

I really enjoyed this book—it’s a suspenseful read with multiple points of view and several intertwining timelines. The way the different storylines were woven together created an intricate and engaging narrative. I’d rate it 4.5 stars because it kept me captivated, often leaving me with more questions, which I love in a suspense novel. I don’t want to provide too many details because I don’t want to spoil anything for you but I will tell there a death, one sibling Nora has been accused of killing her brother Nico.

The title Penitence truly encapsulates the essence of the story. The writing is beautifully crafted, and the character development allowed me to connect deeply with the characters. If this book isn’t already on your radar, I highly recommend adding it to your TBR—you don’t want to miss out!


In some ways, the author’s writing reminds me of Anne Napolitano or Jean Hanff Korelitz. I finished the book late last night, eager to see how everything tied together and to get some final answers. While not all my questions were answered, the ones that were provided satisfying closure.

This book struck the perfect balance between being plot-driven and character-driven. I found myself feeling both compassion and frustration for the characters at different points, which speaks to the depth of the storytelling.

This is a stunning debut! So full of emotions, a lot of heartbreak but beautifully executed!! I loved how easy the story and writing flows!

Our fleeting week of winter arrived in South Texas, bringing with it freezing temperatures and even a rare snow day. As I busied myself with chores to prepare for the chill, I was completely captivated by a book I couldn't pause. Kristin Koval’s debut novel, Penitence, is a profound and moving exploration of love, forgiveness, and the rippling effects of a tragic crime. Thanks to the generosity of Koval’s publisher, I had the opportunity to read, and from the first moments, I was utterly drawn in.

Angie and David Sheehan believed they had already faced the worst tragedy imaginable when their teenage son, Nico, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Huntington’s disease. The devastating prognosis promised a slow and heartbreaking decline, leaving them bracing for the long road ahead. But just weeks after his diagnosis, their lives were shattered once again when Nico’s life came to a sudden and violent end.

In a chilling 911 call, their daughter Nora tearfully confesses to shooting and killing her brother. Overwhelmed by shock and grief, the Sheehans turn to small-town lawyer Martine Dumont for help. Martine isn’t just any attorney. She’s also the mother of Angie’s former flame, Julian, a prominent criminal defense lawyer in New York City. As Julian is drawn into the Sheehans' case, old wounds and buried guilt resurface, forcing him and Angie to confront a shared tragedy from their youth. Together, they must navigate the legal and emotional aftermath of the shooting, unravel the truth behind Nora’s confession, and confront the tangled web of culpability, grief, and unresolved feelings that binds them all.

With Penitence, Kristin Koval delivers a debut that seamlessly blends deep character exploration with profound thematic contemplation, crafting a deeply engrossing story. While the catalyst for the novel is a teenage girl’s shocking act of killing her brother, the crime itself serves primarily as a lens to examine the intricate lives of those around her. Like the adults in the story, I was initially consumed by the mystery of why such a tragedy occurred. But the true brilliance of Koval's writing lies in her ability to delve into each adult character’s life, unearthing their pasts, revealing their emotional complexities, and tying them all to the present in a natural and profoundly moving way.

Koval’s narrative structure, reminiscent of Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere, shifts perspectives fluidly, offering glimpses into the characters’ inner lives as their stories converge toward the present day. Penitence is a novel about family, love, guilt, forgiveness, and the heavy truths we carry, all woven together with remarkable skill. It is the first truly great book I’ve read this year, one that will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time.

I enjoyed the legal aspects of this book. It was a bit slow and parts of it got to be a bit long. Definitely a good debut, but not something I'd remember long term.

Penitence is an impressive debut novel that hooked me from the start. I loved the multiple points of view, giving each character a unique and flawed perspective that made them deeply relatable and engaging. Despite their imperfections, I found myself genuinely hoping for the best for each of them.

The author's background as a lawyer is evident throughout the novel, especially during the client-attorney meetings and court appearances. These scenes felt incredibly authentic which is often hard to achieve. It reminded me of the attention to detail found in Jodi Picoult’s works, which is a high compliment, in my opinion.

Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story took an unexpected turn that kept me on the edge of my seat. Without giving too much away, I found the ending to be refreshingly different for this genre—unexpected but perfect in its own right.

I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next! Thank you to Netgalley and Celadon for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

★★★★ 4/5 stars
⁕ Pub date 1/28/25 - out next week!

⟡ 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 :
-Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
-Mad Honey or My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
-powerful, thought-provoking reads
-snow Colorado setting
-dual timelines
-complicated families
-the search for forgiveness & redemption

⟡ 𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 :
I am so incredibly impressed that this is a debut novel! Penitence is one of those books that really grabs hold from the first page. It has tension that grips like a thriller & even some legal drama. It’s such an emotionally charged story that highlights the way forgiveness comes from acceptance, because “each one of us is more than the worst we’ve ever done."

This story is messy & complicated, filled with morally grey areas. It asks some tough questions. The characters are flawed & multifaceted, connected by tragedy & grief while navigating a broken criminal justice system.

The audiobook narration was fantastic. Thérèse Plummer’s performance was truly captivating, bringing the characters to life with depth & emotion.

The chapters were on the longer side, & in the end we don’t have all the answers. But I felt like that fit the story in a way, a little disappointed & frustrated - exactly how the characters felt I’m sure.

I'm excited to see what author Kristine Koval comes up with next! Consider me a fan ◡̈

Thanks to @celadonbooks @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for this Arc ◡̈

What an incredible debut novel! I was riveted. Two connected families face the aftermath of an unthinkable crime, as memories of a previous tragedy still haunt them. This family drama is complex and layered, delving compassionately into some heavy territory.

Beautifully written, well-paced, and powerful, this has a dual timeline and multiple POVs. I found myself fully invested in each timeline and in all of the characters. Every scene is vividly depicted, and the characters are multi-faceted, flawed, and compelling.

The story is deeply emotional, looking at grief, guilt, redemption, healing, forgiveness, love, and more. Some scenes are heartrending, although there is hope. This did not go where I thought it would, which is not a criticism. I appreciated that things were not tidy and tied up in a neat bow. Not every question has an answer.

The commentary on the justice system, particularly the juvenile justice system, gave me a lot of food for thought. And I'm still thinking about this story days after I finished the book.

A must-read if you enjoy a family drama. I look forward to reading what Koval writes next. I was really blown away that this is her debut novel!

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and Celadon Books for the gifted audiobook!

A solid 4.5 stars for this thought-provoking, poignant DEBUT author!!! Kristin Koval kills it!! This novel will find the reader often pausing to contemplate its very humanly-flawed characters, inspire discussions, and even change the reader's mind--entertaining new thoughts and challenging his/her core beliefs and values.

Imagine you are the parent of two children, whom you love with every ounce of your being...now imagine if one of those beloved children murders the other...This is the story that unfurls with a vehement impact from page one and does not let go until its conclusion; It's a brilliant narrative of pain, desire, mystery, hope and forgiveness, written so beautifully, in lyrical language, that leaves the reader much time to deliberate the emotions conceived so magnificently and powerfully. Think brilliant author, Celeste Ng here...as Ms Koval's writing, although VERY MUCH unique, mirrors that of Ms. Ng's style.

Please give this debut novel a chance, dear reader; I believe you will truly enjoy everything this beautiful book emotes, and it will stay with you long after its last luminous word. It is due out on January 28th, 2025; buy it.

Thank you to author, Kristin Koval, Publisher, Celadon Books, and Netgalley for providing me with the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book so much! The writing was so well done and so was the character development. I could not put it down!