Thank you to the publisher for a free Netgalley.

I almost picked up the new Backman this weekend, but told myself I did not want to be emotionally destroyed. SO I chose this one just to be emotionally destroyed anyways.

Our four siblings are being reunited for the first time in three years. As we read the current timeline, we are also brought through their different road trips they took with their mother which leads to the event that starts to fracture their close bond.

I absolutely loved this book and this whole family. Greta James was one of my favs when it came out, so I was worried about the expectations. Well Smith nailed it. All the feelings, beautifully written, and flawed but absolutely lovable characters.

Highly recommend.

This book is character driven while I prefer plot driven. I think there were too many characters and POVs. I found the flashback road trip scenes with their mom tedious. I enjoyed the last 25% of the book the most. I'm definitely in the minority as there's so many glowing 4 and 5 star reviews.

Jennifer E. Smith might be a season pass for me. She writes characters that are real, messy, and lovable enough that you want good things for them even with their flaws.

The rotating perspectives of the Endicott siblings pulls together a well-rounded narrative of family drama, individual struggles, and the trauma that bonds us to in ways only our siblings can understand. Smith writes with an empathy that stories like this need to endear themselves to readers and make them want to come back.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Having loved Greta James so much, I was nervous that this one might not live up to my memory, but it certainly did.

[I received a free digital copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley for my honest review]

I really enjoyed this one!

This dysfunctional family meets up first time in 3 years after one of their sisters sends them a message to go to North Dakota. Despite their estrangement, they pack their bags and see each other for the first time in years. Old drama comes up and secrets come out that could either bring this family closer together or drive them farther apart.

Jude, Gemma, Connor and Roddy are all siblings with a dysfunctional family. A mom who wasn't present and a dad who clocked out. This book has a past and present timeline that circles back to what's going on present day and their lives in the past 3 years while apart. The writing itself was beautiful and very emotional towards the end. I did call the big secret towards the climax of the book but I did not expect one of the others. I felt like the end was a little rushed and could have been drawn out a little bit longer but overall, a great novel!


Thank you Random House Publishing Group -Ballentine for this eARC!

I highly recommend this one. It’s a family drama, but more so, it’s a family love story showing the bond between four siblings during their highs and lows of life. It tells how they depended on each other while growing up, how (and why) they became estranged for a number of years, and their ability and willingness to forgive and re-bond when given the opportunity. And they were all in need of the opportunity. It also shows that even when they were estranged, they never stopped loving each other. Are the sibling livelihoods as a whole realistic? Not really. Does that matter? No. It’s not about the individual lives they lead. It’s about the relationships between them. And with the way the chapters are broken up between the past and present, with each character having a voice, you’re able to fully understand each sibling’s point of view and the dynamic between them. Yes, the foreshadowing within the book makes it fairly predictable, but that’s OK because it’s not a mystery. Overall, I thought it was beautifully done and let me feel all the feelings.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book. As always, the opinions expressed within this review and completely my own.

Buckle up for an emotional journey with the Endicott siblings! This loveable yet flawed family of four have taken unique paths shaped by their childhood experiences. This book reveals how their shared childhood and subsequent separate journeys into adulthood have shaped who they are today. There are several themes toughed upon, including childhood trauma, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of family. The exploration of these themes is both profound and relatable, making the story resonate with a wide audience.

The story revolves around the reunion of the Endicott siblings after years of estrangement. Each sibling has found success in their own right, yet their relationships with each other have deteriorated over time. The weekend retreat serves as a backdrop for deep reflection and heartfelt conversations, allowing them to confront their past and understand the impact of their upbringing while forming new bonds that help them see how much they need each other in their lives. Told through the points of view of all four siblings, offering unique insights into their individual perspectives. This storytelling technique adds depth to the plot, as readers can see the same events and interactions from different angles. These different perspectives of the same situations show the complexity of family dynamics and the varied interpretations of shared memories.

Jennifer E. Smith’s writing style is exceptional, ensuring that readers are hooked from the very first page. The seamless transition between the siblings' viewpoints is executed flawlessly, maintaining a coherent flow throughout the narrative. The emotional intensity and the realistic portrayal of the characters' inner turmoil keep readers invested in their journey.

The characters of Gemma, Connor, Roddy and Jude are developed so well I felt like I was the fifth sibling experiencing the weekend away right with them. This is a character driven book so having the characters be so intricately developed added so much to telling of their stories. The reader is provided intricate details about their personal struggles, achievements, and the reasons behind their estranged relationships giving the opportunity to connect with each sibling through their vulnerabilities and strengths, making the story even more engaging.

I highly recommend this book! It is a beautifully written exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and reconciliation. The reunion of the Endicott siblings serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of familial relationships and the importance of understanding and forgiveness. The author’s ability to capture the essence of each sibling’s journey and present it through their points of view is truly commendable. This heartwarming yet thought-provoking story will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about family, personal struggles, and the triumphs that come from overcoming past wounds. It is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

I am extremely grateful to Ballentine Books for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this amazing book through Netgalley. All opinions throughout this review are my own.

Taking place during two timelines, this novel follows the Endicott siblings, Gemma, Connor, Roddy & Jude as they’ve traveled together with their parents as a family in the past. In the present, they haven’t spoken in years until they’re all called back together by a text from Jude to drop everything and meet “this weekend” in a small North Dakota town. Can they put their differences aside and become the family they once were?

I felt similarly about this book as I did with The Wedding People. On one hand, it was a heart-warming read about imperfect siblings and the bond they share. But there were so many problematic actions and behaviors that I wanted to better understand...a mother who abandons her family, a checked-out father, Conner pursuing a love interest instead of spending quality time with the kids he never sees. Maybe we'll get the mother's story some day.

Read this if you like:
•family dramas
•road trips
•have a goal of wanting to visit all 50 states!

This book is about 4 siblings and their complicated relationship. I love a good family drama book. This is told in alternating timelines of the past and now. They all meet up in North Dakota last minute after a frantic text from one sibling. As more of the story unfolds, we understand what happened in the past and what caused the falling out between the siblings. I loved that the chapters alternated the POV between the siblings so we got to know all of them and see them develop. There are some sensitive topics discussed so check TWs. Thank you Ballentine for the eARC

I became a fan of Jennifer E. Smith through her young adult novels, but I was really delighted by her debut adult novel, The Unsinkable Greta James. So obviously when I had the chance to read Fun for the Whole Family, I snagged it.

The characters at the heart of this novel are the Endicott siblings—Jude, Gemma, Connor, and Roddy—who, when the novel begins, haven’t spoken to each other in three years. On Jude’s out-of-the-blue request, they’ve traveled to North Dakota to spend the weekend together. There they must grapple with incidents from their past, work through their complicated relationship with their deceased mother, reveal secrets, and begin to trust one another again.

Was this a little predictable? Yes. I figured out one of the sibling’s secrets far before the big reveal. But that didn’t stop me from holding back tears as I finished this in a coffee shop yesterday. I really enjoyed reading this. I loved getting to know each sibling. I thought that the way the story was structured—alternating between the past and the present—worked especially well. Most of all, I loved the way that Smith tenderly wrote about these siblings, showing us that family, no matter how broken, is worth fighting for.

But for reals, have some tissues nearby.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Fun for the Whole Family is available for purchase on April 10.

Gemma, Connor, Roddy, and Jude are four siblings who grew up with an absent mother and an always-working dad. Though close as children, none of them have seen each other in years after a big falling out at their father’s funeral. One day Jude texts her siblings, asking them to meet her that weekend in North Dakota, without explaining why. Through their weekend together, they unwind what caused the estrangement and why Jude wanted to see them.

Gemma and her husband are trying to have a baby, though Gemma isn’t sure she actually wants to be a mom after basically raising her siblings. Roddy just got offered a contract to play soccer in Orlando, but hasn’t told his fiancé that it will make him miss their wedding. Connor is a divorced father, barely seeing his kids, and struggling to write his next novel after the huge success of his last. Jude is a famous actress, carrying a lot of secrets.

I enjoy a good airing of grievances and they ALL had their grievances. I always think it’s fascinating how siblings can grow up in the same home and have such different experiences and memories from each other. I have lived through the experience of family fights and estrangement and this book nails how easy it is to just slip into the inertia of not speaking to each other when you're already so physically distant. I really enjoyed seeing all of their perspectives and their character growth.

All of Jude’s reveals are bit obvious, but that’s fine because it’s not like a mystery/thriller anyway. I think the Roddy/Jude relationship could have been a bit better developed because I still don't understand why they lost touch. Even in their past, it was always Roddy being protective of Jude and visting her, but not showing much of Jude's feelings towards Roddy or being there for him, even though they're twins and were supposedly very close.

Altogether, I thought this was well-written - I enjoyed the characters, the narrative structure, and the plot, and it definitely made me cry.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this wonderfully emotional family saga. As the youngest of seven kids my siblings are a big part of my life, so I love a good sibling story. This certainly fit the bill. The author did an excellent job in developing the characters of each of the four siblings. I truly cared about each of them and found myself rooting for each of them. I loved the two young characters, as well as the partners of the siblings. The book explored the sometimes-complicated dynamics among the characters, touching on so many aspects including love, forgiveness, hope, redemption parenthood, compromise and so much more.

The book was beautifully written from multiple points of view. Each of the sibling's lives was shaped by their mother who abandoned them but came back every summer to take them on a trip. I loved the short Intermittent chapters which took place in a different state during these trips, reflecting on their past.

The epilogue was the perfect ending - beautiful and bittersweet, but not cheesy.

I felt like it could have had a better title though. I don't think this really fit.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
After reading & loving Jennifer E. Smith's previous book, "The Unsinkable Greta James",
I was excited to read her newest book, "Fun For The Whole Family".
This was a heartfelt story that goes from the past to present within the family, bringing some events & secrets to light as 4 siblings, after years of separation, come together for a family trip to a small town in North Dakota. The story was interesting & the characters were unique & well-developed.
I would definitely read another book by this author.

oh my-

wow. one thing about me, i'm going to absolutely devour a family drama about estranged siblings and the chaos between them. this had mommy issues, daddy issues, sibling issues, relationship issues, just every type of family dynamic issue you can think of, this had. and the author gave the characters such unique voices. allowing them to have different career paths, different relationship status' brought opposing perspectives that were engaging to read from. i loved the glimpses of their past and how it affected each sibling in the present. how each of them had wildly different recollections of the same event from their past.

i related most to gemma as the eldest daughter. i think a lot of eldest siblings will empathize with her and see bits and pieces of themselves in her actions.

the ending B R O K E me. i sobbed through the last three chapters UGH. this was such a fantastic novel. i enjoyed the authors writing - this book was emotional, humorous, sentimental, and touched on very heavy topics but written with care. i definitely want to read more from this author!

Thank you so much to Random House for the gifted book!

After reading Jennifer E. Smith's previous release, The Unsinkable Greta James, I was so eager to read this! She has such a talent for writing extremely readable characters and capturing their emotions so well!

I was expecting this one to be fun and it definitely delivered in that department. I had also hoped for some deeper and heavier family moments and feel it delivered there as well!

The readers are given just enough information about an event that reshaped the 4 siblings lives many years ago to be interested without fully understanding what happened. I had very high expectations for how the past would be revealed and what the secrets would be. I do feel like it was a little less shocking than I had expected, but still found it to be explained well.

While I can't exactly put my finger on it, I feel like something was missing. Maybe it was more backstory or maybe it was a closer look into the characters now, but I just wanted a little bit more.

Overall, I think this will be a huge hit with many!

3.5 stars.

Thanks to Ballantine Books for the gifted ARC!

After adoring THE UNSINKABLE GRETA JAMES, I knew I'd be back for more from Jennifer E. Smith. FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY is (obviously) a family drama similar to Tracey Lange, Ethan Joella, and Allison Larkin-type books. The family dynamics are so realistic that I think this will be a relatable read for anyone, and who's not a sucker for some complicated family relationships in a book?! This is a heartfelt read that goes from the past to present within the family, bringing some events and secrets to light as the four Endicott siblings, after years of separation, come together for a "super fun family trip" to... a small town in North Dakota. I loved how the character of each siblings was so unique and well-developed - it really made me feel connected to each one of them.

I thought this would be a nice palate cleanser.. a light read with family road trips. And now I’m crying! 😭
But it’s a good cry. It was fun, but also emotional. I loved all the characters and uncovering the history of the siblings that led to them not speaking as much anymore.
I don’t want to give too much away because I didn’t know what to expect going in and I thought it was best that way, but I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a great story with characters you can’t help but care about.

An emotional family drama with complex characters. I liked that the reader gets perspectives of each of the four siblings. The fairly short chapters would make this a good read of vacation. Most of the book is set during a snow storm.

Review of Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith

Jennifer E. Smith expertly brings the Endicott family to life in this strong and well-done contemporary fiction novel. The four siblings, Gemma, Connor, and twins Roddy and Jude, share a childhood of dysfunction due to a troubled mother and an always working, too tired to be present father. The siblings learned to rely on each other (with the three younger ones largely turning to Gemma) to provide love and meet their emotional needs. Their background welded the four of them together yet also left each of them ill-prepared to handle conflict and relationships moving forward. In the present day, the siblings have been out of touch for three years, something they all once would have found unfathomable. Jude invites each of them to meet for a weekend in North Dakota.

Told from the viewpoints of each sibling, and alternating between the past and the present, the reader learns about each character, and the family as a whole, layer by layer. The pacing of the story, the complexity of the characters, and the deft way the author captures the myriad of emotions make this an engaging and satisfying read. I love this book!!

My thanks to Ballantine Books for allowing me to access a DRC of the novel via NetGalley. Publication is 4/15/25. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

At first glance I thought this is going to be light hearted, fun and perfect read for my cruise. Four siblings raised in an unconventional home with a carefree Mom who came in and out of their lives to take them on summer trips have become estranged in adulthood. Gemma is married and they are considering kids although she feels she has already been a Mom to her siblings as she was the responsible one. Jude has become an Oscar nominated actress. Roddy is a professional soccer player and engaged to his partner Winston that none of them have met. Connor is a teacher and also penned a fictional book that was so close to being about their family that it contributed to the estrangement. All four of them have kept up with each other but haven't reached out until they all get a text from Jude asking to meet her in North Dakota. They all go for a weekend of companionship to recreate their good childhood times but first they must come to grips with secrets and resolve past hurts and also forgive each other, themselves and their parents. The characters are relatable and endearing and this book totally wrecked me in all the best ways and I'm still thinking about the "whole family" wishing I had more siblings. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!