This is a simmering family drama that jumps between past and present as siblings come to terms with understanding who is each parent’s favorite. If you like a slow burn family drama, this one’s for you!

From the very first page, I was hooked. As the youngest sibling among four sisters and one brother, I felt a strong connection to the interactions between Alex, Nancy, and Eva, understanding the unspoken thoughts and emotions of each sister. I love how the author thoughtfully portrays the chaotic, messy aspects of family life—small disagreements, tender moments, and unspoken tensions. I also appreciated how she balanced harsh truths and sadness with humor, creating moments that made me laugh out loud.

Although it takes some time to get to know each character at first, the story quickly pulls you in, and I found it hard to put down.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves character-driven family dramas and the imperfect, yet heartfelt, nature of family life.

The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood is a smart, funny, and emotionally rich read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing is sharp and insightful, with characters that feel authentic and full of heart. Littlewood captures the complexities of relationships in a way that’s both touching and entertaining. What a delightful novel. Highly recommended!

I usually love books about sisters, but this one was not a favorite. Alex, Nancy and Eva, with their families, get together for their mother, Vivienne’s, 70th birthday. The drama starts when Patrick, their father is taking their picture when a tree begins to fall and he grabs the youngest, Eva, from the danger. Although they all are unhurt, this event brings back the sibling rivalry and jealousies of their past. Although their love for each other and their closeness acts as a safety net, they are also filled with resentments. The story jumps around a bit too much in time periods, often confusing as to what is happening and when. The characters were complicated and not likable. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Avoiding Favoritism Among Siblings and THE ACCIDENTAL FAVORITE by Fran Littlewood

Cover of The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood used to describe ways to avoid favoritism among siblings.

At first, it was a lovely family gathering. The sisters—Alex, Nancy, and Eva—were joined by their parents, partners, and children to celebrate the newest addition to the family. The setting was idyllic, until the sudden crack of a falling tree came crashing toward the sisters—only to be miraculously stopped.

When disaster seemed inevitable, their father made a split-second decision: he rushed past Alex and Nancy, leaving them in harm’s way, to save Eva.

The family was stunned. They were adults and had always believed their parents loved them equally. But in that moment, it suddenly seemed undeniable—he had a favorite child.

Parental favoritism looks like one child receiving more attention, praise, or privileges than their siblings. It shows up when parents talk more about one child, show greater patience with them, compare siblings, discipline inconsistently, or offer praise and rewards unequally. Many of these behaviors are unconscious—most parents are aware they shouldn’t show favoritism and try to treat their children equally.

When favoritism does exist, and it’s clear who the favored child is, the emotional consequences are complex and harmful. These kids are more likely to experience loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, and reduced trust in their parents. It also strains sibling relationships. Since parent–child and sibling dynamics are the foundation for how children learn to form relationships, those who grow up with favoritism have more difficulty forming stable relationships later in life.

Here are tools to avoid favoritism among siblings.

Avoid Comparison: Recognize and celebrate each child’s individuality without comparing them. Avoid suggesting that one sibling should be more like another or encouraging competition.

Fairness, Not Sameness: Every child has different needs and strengths when it comes to support, structure, and boundaries. Talk openly about fairness and remind your kids that equality doesn’t mean identical treatment—it means each getting what they need.

Rotate Privileges: When it comes to everyday choices—like picking the activity, meal, or song—take turns. Rotate decision-making among siblings (and parents) to keep it inclusive.

What a gorgeous story! The accidental favorite follows a family on vacation as a freak almost-accident reveals long-kept secrets, new surprises, and the unspoken family alliances. The devolution of the family was fascinating, each piece of new information adding another crack to their shiny facade. The relationships between each of the members could be studied! They really feel like a true family, one with a Christmas card and everything—maybe just slightly more dysfunctional than the average one.

The ending pleasantly surprised me. I had imagined a couple different endings while reading, but Littlewood made the perfect choice. This is a book for all the book clubs! I kept thinking up questions to ask my friends and family. The. writing was also just perfect, and the flashbacks added to the family's chaos,

I didn't know what to expect when I got this book. The book is about 3 adult sisters how return home to celebrate their mothers 70th bday. it's interesting how things are perceived by others and how they really are. The characters were beautifully written with a lot of description. I felt like I was part of the family.

Alex, Nancy, and Eva are sisters in their forties who’ve gathered to celebrate their mother Vivienne’s seventieth birthday, along with their father, Patrick. Partners and children in tow, they’re all staying in a home they’ve always called “the glass house.”

What was supposed to be a week of overdue family time and celebration is anything but. The air is heavy, like a powder keg waiting to explode. One small slip—a single secret (and everyone has one)—could shatter everything.

The first crack comes when Patrick takes a picture of the daughters. A massive tree branch suddenly snaps and crashes down right where the girls were standing. Patrick rushes forward to protect his youngest daughter, Eva. The one who was farthest from him. The one everyone always suspected was his favorite. The surprise baby born years after Alex and Nancy. And just like that, the truth is out—and the glass begins to break.

What other secrets will come to light? Whose life will be forever changed? And will this family be able to recover from the fallout?

I snagged this four-star book the second I saw Fran Littlewood’s name on it. I listened to Amazing Grace Adams back in 2023 and gave it five stars—I loved it and found it so relatable. I feel the same about this one.

I enjoy the depth, personality, and complexity Littlewood gives her characters. She’s not afraid to dig into the raw, taboo parts of motherhood, and I admire that so much.

And as an audiobook lover, I have to mention the narration—Fiona Button was incredible! The emotion, tone, and life she brings to the story jumps off the page. She’s one of my favorite voice actors and makes the experience so immersive!

I received the ARC and ALC from NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Macmillan Audio - big thanks for providing me another opportunity to read a second intense and relatable family fiction book by Fran Littlewood!

This book was released at the end of June 2025, which means it’s available now—and I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR!

I loved Fran Littlewood's debut novel and have been eagerly anticipating this book. "The Accidental Favorite" is full of family drama and Littelewood's wry humor. This character-driven novel is told from alternating timelines and perspectives. It was interesting to see how it all came together. The characters are all complex and well-developed, and the story is full of secrets and lies. Littlewood expertly blends wit with more serious themes. Because it is more character-driven, it is a bit of a slow burn. I'm a fan of fast-paced thrillers, so this book was a little out of my comfort zone. But the plot was intriguing enough to hold my interest and keep me reading to find out what happened next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great family drama it gives insight on how family in real life actually act how they treat you how they have secrets how one is liked more than the other so if you can relate this is for you !! It was a slow burn for me but good

I struggled with The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood. I love a good family drama but I think I struggled with not caring for or about the characters, and then the storyline was a bit meandering for my tastes.

I appreciate the author and publisher sharing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It's a solid 3 stars for me and is available now.

3.5⭐️
I had mixed feelings about this story as I connected with some characters like Eva and couldn’t stand others (looking at you Alex!). I did appreciate the bond between the siblings and the commentary on both birth order and family dynamics.

The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood (book cover is in image) for me just wasn't an engaging read. My general feeling during this book was meh. The narration by Fiona Button felt flat and monotone. And while I had the good fortune to have the ARC and ALC for this volume, when I switched over to the eBook, the writing as no better for me. I know there is an audience for this book, but I am not it.

Thank you, @henryholdtbooks, @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and listen to this ALC. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 3 Star
Pub Date: Jun 24 2025

#HenryHoltandCo
#MacmillanAudio
#TheAccidentalFavorite
#FranLittlewood
#FionaButton
#WomensFiction
#yarisbooknook
#NetGalley

Slow paced and character driven, this novel took a while to grow on me and wrap my mind around the cast of characters. There were so many conflicts, some neatly resolved at the end and some left up to the imagination. I enjoyed most of the characters and found then all deeply flawed, as humans are, and very relatable

As the middle child, I’ve always suspected we live in the shadow of “the favorite,” and Accidental Favorite captures that ache with sharp, unsettling clarity. Fran Littlewood nails the simmering sibling tension and the quiet heartbreak of being overlooked, even in a house full of love. It’s funny, raw, and far too real—just like family.

Three generations gather to celebrate the matriarch's 70th birthday. The book meanders through various family dramas and secrets but none seem as serious as the author makes them out to be. I love books about sister dynamics, but this one fell flat for me. I didn’t feel connected or invested to any of the characters. It was fine, if a bit boring.

I am a huge fan of @_franlittlewood first novel Amazing Grace Adams and couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Accidental Favorite and meet the Fisher family.

Littlewood really has a way of showcasing family drama in a relatable way that really makes you feel seen and understood! This story reminded me so much of my sisters (I am one of three) and the ever evolving dynamics that ebb and flow as family grows and changes. There are themes of love and jealousy and sibling rivalry that is interesting!

This may be hard for some to read because there aren’t distinct chapters and there's multiple timelines that kind of jump all over the place but I really, really enjoyed that. It felt exactly as family can be, controlled chaos that makes a ton of sense in the end. You get multiple perspectives too, which I also really, really enjoyed.

Thank you so much @henryholtbooks for the early reading copy! The cover is stunning!

4 stars

This is a great family drama that gives you a lot of feels. I loved the messiness and the heart of it all. We have all wondered these things. I liked the cover and I will look for more from this author.

Three sisters, Alex, Nancy, and Eva, gather with their families to celebrate their mother’s seventieth birthday, but a sudden accident unearths long-buried secrets and beliefs that threaten to unravel their bond.

Centered around the theme of “who is the favorite child,” the story explores how key moments shape the way we see ourselves and each other. Littlewood uses shifting timelines and multiple points of view to show how past perceptions influence present choices. The large cast of often unlikeable characters adds a sense of chaos that feels true to big family dynamics. I found that immersive reading and listening helped me keep track of everyone and stay grounded in the structure. The symbolism and imagery were clear and effective, noticeable without being hard to interpret. I really enjoyed this one, though I can see how it might not be for everyone.

Vivienne and Patrick have raised their three girls, and raised them well. They plan a vacation with everyone, spouses and kids included, which is where the drama begins. Something happens that forces Patrick to show that he has a favorite daughter. Now the family is stuck together for the week with that information swimming in their heads.

This book took me a solid two weeks to read, however, that does not mean I didn’t love it! For some reason I just really needed to soak in each sentence as I read, and it was definitely on the more character driven side! I think anyone with siblings has felt like their parent had a favorite, so the start of this book truly took off with a bang as Patrick shows his favorite without meaning to. It took some time for me to clarify which man was with which sister, and which kids belonged where, but I really loved that we saw both the present day, and the past of the entire family. This family was filled with all the messy sibling/family dynamics, and I really ended up enjoying this book!

Thank you to @henryholtbooks for my gifted copy of this book!