Do you have siblings, and if so, are you the favorite? The premise of The Accidental Favorite centers around the question of which of the three sisters is the favorite, which seems to be answered when Patrick, their dad, chooses one of the sisters to push out of the way of a falling tree. But, families are complicated and deep, and things don’t always seem as they appear.

We get the perspective of each sister, Alex, Nancy and Eve, as well as Vivienne, their mom, and the skewed memories of each, as the entire family gathers for a holiday week together. Each has their own insecurities and worries. The writing is emotional and beautiful and sometimes funny. As someone with two sisters, I could identify with a lot of it and really enjoyed the slow unraveling of the backstory. I recommend this family drama to fans of Ann Napolitano and Jennifer E. Smith. And for the record, I am the favorite!

Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

This novel made me wish for sisters. Fran Littlewood’s The Accidental Favorite is a sharp, emotionally resonant novel that beautifully explores the complexity of family, memory, and the hidden dynamics between sisters. With her trademark wit and keen psychological insight, Littlewood crafts a story that is both poignant and darkly funny. Readers will be drawn in by the layered characters and stay for the stunning emotional payoff.

*Special thanks to Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co. for this digital e-arc.*

Sibling rivalry. It's Vivenne's birthday so her daughters Alex, Nancy, and Eve, along with their own families, have gathered. A tree falls on their glass house and when their father Patrick saves one of the daughters first, it brings up old jealousy. Of course Patrick had to pick one person to rescue first but that doesn't seem to be the rational thought of any of these women. This moves back and forth in time to tell the family's story, which will e familiar to readers because it's so realistic. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I alternated back and forth between the audiobook and the e-book. I was able to finish this book very quickly. The narrator had a very pleasant voice and was easy to follow. The book does not have chapters and this made for some difficulty in switching back and forth with the audiobook. I am not sure if this will be the case when editing is completed and the book is published. The book started out in present day. The family took a holiday together. They presented as a very unhappy group and I almost DNF. The characters came across as petty and unpleasant. As the book weaves between present and past, it becomes apparent that there was lots of ill-will and jealousy towards each other. Some of it was the way events had been interpreted by the individuals, slights taken when they weren't meant to be slights and the mis-remembrance of times past. At times the book was amusing and at other times it felt like the book slogged through mud. All in all though, I would recommend this book. Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Henry Holt & Co, and NetGalley for the complementary ARC's. This review is my own words and thoughts. It has not been coerced in any way.

3.5 sibling stars

Do you have a favorite child? We all know we aren’t supposed to, but it’s really hard not to play favorites. This compelling premise, along with the author’s first book, had me excited to read this one.

This family drama centers around three adult sisters (and their families) who have come together for their mother’s 70th birthday. They’ve rented a glass house in the English countryside, and at first, everything is fine. On the first day, though, a near disaster in the woods fans the flames of sibling rivalry because of their father’s reaction and who he saves first.

Another interesting thing that happens is that people recall past events differently. Fears and insecurities come to the surface, and the family seems to be at the breaking point. Will the truth finally come out regarding Patrick’s favorite daughter? We get stories from the past intermixed with the present day.

I don’t have a sister, and at times, I wish that I did because I know for many, their sister is their best friend. These sisters definitely shared a bond, but it was not all smooth sailing for them. I don't think I would want any of these characters for a sister, but they made for an interesting story!

I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the author’s first book, but I do like her writing style. It made me think about my sibling relationship!

The premise of Fran Littlewood’s newest novel drew me right in - do parents have a favorite child? This family drama revolves around a family of three adult daughters, Alex, Nancy and Eva. The family gathers together in the English countryside at a beautiful glass house to celebrate their mother’s 70th birthday. When their father’s reaction to a freak accident reveals his favorite daughter, the ramifications reverberate throughout the entire family. Emotions run high as each family member questions their place in the family and soon their lives begin to unravel.

Littlewood’s writing describes the complex family dynamics and sibling rivalries. Written with multiple points of view, each member of the family reveals secrets and memories as one would recall them in real life. The sisters' relationships are realistically flawed, complex and competitive. The story rings true to all families regardless of the number of siblings. Littlewood was able to capture the fog of individual memory perfectly.

The Accidental Favorite is a perfect novel for book groups and fans of Joyce Maynard’s Count the Ways or Laura Dave’s Eight Hundred Grapes. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers' copy.

The Accidental Favorite by Francisco Littlewood is a complex family/sibling drama featuring 3 generations of the Fisher family. The parents, 3 daughters, their partners and their children gather for a week at a glass house (lots of metaphors) to celebrate the matriarch’s 70th birthday. The 3 sisters, Alex, Nancy and Eva, are all holding secrets and insecurities that come to a head during the week and after their father appears to admit he has a favorite child. Being the 2nd of 3 sisters, I was intrigued by the premise and quickly identified with Nancy, the middle sister.

The author uses a unique writing style that takes some getting used to, especially the alternating (nonlinear) timelines and many points of view. With no defined chapters, it reads like a stream of consciousness at times. The family is messy, chaotic and relatable at times. The action and dialogue are alternatively a profound insight into families, sisterhood (sibling rivalry, jealousy and love), marriage and motherhood, and over the top antics. “They are under her skin and in her heart, these women, her sisters, she has no choice in the matter. And despite everything, she’d rather be standing here right now than anywhere else.” The book kept me engaged, but ultimately I wanted more from the characters and their motivations and the ending itself. 3/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Solid family drama, that would be great for a book club discussion. I really enjoyed the relationships between the sisters, flaws and all. The story is a bit confusing at first, trying to keep the sisters, their occupations, relationships and kids straight, especially with the timelines, but once you settle it it's an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Coiled, Twisted, and Distorted with Doubts and Misconceptions...

Three generations of the Fisher Family: Vivienne and Patrick, their three adult daughters, Alex, Nancy, and Eve, and their children and partners, gather for a week-long vacation in a glass house (is that a metaphor?) to celebrate Vivienne’s seventieth birthday. On their first outing together, a tree falls (another metaphor?) Is that the Fisher Family Tree going down...?!

"The Accidental Favorite" is a family story, described as a 'dramedy', which feels off to me. It's witty, but not comedic, and watching this loud, dysfunctional family continue to spiral out of control was hard. I love messy family stories, but this family was too noisy, too nasty, too much.

I considered a DNF, but persevered when the past and present timelines began to connect. The ending was satisfying, but what a struggle to get there. This feels surprisingly ‘New Adult’, considering all three sisters are in their 40s, and I'm not quite sure what to say about that.

The audiobook is narrated by Fiona Button, whose voicing and recounting of this story was the best part of this immersion read. Every inflection and every pause was in the right places, and thoughtfully executed.

"The Accidental Favorite" has too many unlikeable characters, a rambling narrative, and a compelling premise. I read this because Amazing Grace Adams was one of my favorite reads of 2023. Perhaps my expectations were too high, or maybe it wasn't the right time for me to read it. With all that said, Littlewood's writing style is fun, clever, and continues to draw me in enough that I eagerly await her next one. I know, I know, I just can't help myself!!

3⭐

Thank you to Henry Holt and Co., Macmillan Audio, and Fran Littlewood for the gifted DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

It's unspoken, but we all know there are family favorites. My family....it's my youngest sister. And I'm fine with that, because she's MY favorite. The Accidental Favorite is the story of the Fisher family, and all the innerworkings of their family dynamics.

For Vivienne's 70th birthday, the family gathers in a beautiful countryside home. She and Patrick have raised three daughters, and when the sisters escape a glass-involved accident, it's accidentally revealed which of the girls is Patrick's favorite. Old wounds and secrets reopen, and the flashback to the past show the various incidents that have moved the family to their current status. When looking back at those moments, the family must reconcile the truth versus their preferred view.

Does the story sort of slowly unfold and twist and turn? Yes, but that's what makes it so good. Life isn't a straight line. Family isn't one group of people sharing the exact same brain. This story is emotional and sometimes painful. It's an exploration of family and of sisterhood. And I love stories like that.

The writing is rich and each character is developed as their own person. It's easy to find the one you love and the one you will have to grow to love. It's just like a normal family. (And everyone still has their favorite.)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Much of the book does not directly relate to the main premise. Plus, even if you accept the explanation for Patrick's favoritism, it still doesn't adequately explain why he acts the way he does, especially when his actions could result in serious harm to his other daughters. It's hard to believe a father who is not portrayed as especially cruel would favor one daughter so strongly to the possible detriment of his other daughters.

Alex, Nancy and Eva are three sisters. They are adults with kids and relationships of their own. But on their mother’s 70th birthday they are all gathered together in the countryside at a rented house. During a freak accident the father in an instant moves one daughter out of danger showing his favoritism. This sets off days of inner family turmoil, conflict and lots of emotions. The story isn’t broken into chapters but simply changes time periods and the person's point of view.

It is a little overwhelming at first to think who is who. Is this the teacher? Is this the doctor? And the changing time periods adds to the confusion. But once you have it figured out the story flows. I don’t think you can read this without thinking about your place in your family. Are you the golden child, the pretty one, or the one left to fend on their own. And even mixed in with the jealousy the sisters share a deep love.

This is a well written family drama. Not everyone is likable but I was hooked into the story. I only have one brother and we have differing memories about the same events because we experienced them differently. This story rings very true.

Publishing June 24th

3.5 rounded up.

Adult daughters Alexandra (Alex), Nancy, and Eva are gathered with their parents Patrick and Vivienne for Alex's baby's naming ceremony and Vivienne's 70th birthday.

Alex has recently had a later in life daughter and is struggling in her marriage.
Nancy is having some issues at work but has found herself in a new relationship.
Eva is coming to regret a life choice and the implications it has for her daughter.

There are a LOT of side stories here, with each daughter in the process of finding their way through a romantic transition, as well as through a parenting issue, all running alongside the core story of reflecting on growing up together.

The side stories were of varying interest, with some parts seeming essential and others superfluous. The same held true for the parenting issues.

The core issue of parents having favorites was discussed quite a bit, but I didn't find the fleshing out of that angle to be as consequential as I'd expected.

What I really enjoyed was the sisters each looking back at the ways they cared for each other and had each other's backs, and the fun they had as children. The characters are just realistic and flawed people, struggling with what life sends their way.

Thanks to Henry Holt and Co., Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for both a digital and audiobook ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

After loving Amazing Grace Adam’s, I’ve been anxiously awaiting this author‘s next book. However, this one just didn’t work for me. I felt like there were way too many characters and timeline jumps. It made it hard to keep track of who was who and which character had what family. It really required lots of extra notetaking to keep the character straight - which pulled me out of the story. I think the idea of exploring a parent’s favorite child is so interesting but at the end of the day, this one just didn’t land quite like I hoped it would.

The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood is a family drama that adeptly explores how the memories we have of our childhood and the family dynamics in play as we understand them don't necessarily align with the truth. Perhaps it's more accurate to say that each family member has their own version/perspective of what the truth is about the family.

Vivienne and Patrick Fisher have gathered for a weeklong three generation get-together with the families of their three daughters, Alex, Nancy and Eva, to celebrate Vivienne's 70th birthday. On the first day they are together a freak accident occurs while Patrick is taking a picture of the three sisters. Patrick's reaction to it, starts a downward slide of sibling rivalry, jealousy, anger, and unburied secrets throughout the family.

Do we ever get over our childhood? Why is it that when we get together with our birth families, no matter how old we are, we seem to easily slip back into our childhood roles/selves? When/how do we get past that and relate as the people we are today? These are some of the questions the author addresses in this novel.

Things that I liked about this book:
- The premise is intriguing and relatable.
- Littlewood does an excellent job of creating complex characters and capturing the many emotions of each of them.
- The family dynamics are believable.

Things that didn't work well for me for about this book:
- There are a lot of characters and relationships in play, and I found it difficult to keep track of them all without going back to look something up or jotting down notes. This disrupted the flow of the read for me.
- The story jumps back and forth in time for each character. I usually see this as an asset that provides more depth, but the execution of this came across as rather jumbled.
- I found the ending unsatisfying.

I loved Amazing Grace Adams by this author and, though IMHO this novel didn't measure up to that one, I will continue to look forward to reading books by Fran Littlewood.

My sincere thanks to Henry Holt & Company for permitting me to access a DRC of this novel via NetGalley. Publication is 6/24/25. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC of The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood.

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

The premise of this book is that Vivienne & Patrick along with their 3 daughters, Alex, Eva & Nancy, and family’s are celebrating Vivienne’s 70th birthday. During this a near miss accident may reveal the dad’s (Patrick) favorite accidentally. From there, you hear the many perspectives and insights of these characters. This book has many characters with all the family members and it is time jumping. I struggled to follow this one and who I was reading about in what timeline. It does pose any interesting question that if you have siblings or you have more than one kid, you’ve likely experienced…who is the favorite?

The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood is a story about a family and all of its complexities. Three sisters join their parents, spouses, and children on a family holiday. After an accident occurs, and it appears that the father tries to save a certain sister, the characters spiral, thinking about the past and present, and analyzing about who is their father’s favorite.

The story is told in multiple points of view, and flashes from present to past.

Overall, this was 3.25-ish stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood was a fascinating insight into the lives of Vivienne and Patrick Fisher and their three adult daughters. I love a good family drama, and this one absolutely met my expectations!

The chapters alternate POVs between the women, and I was genuinely invested in and intrigued by all of them. Secrets and grievances are slowly revealed throughout the novel as the story bounces back and forth between the girls’ childhoods and their week in the glass house at present. The Fisher family is messy and chaotic, and there is no shortage of drama between them all! It made for a very entertaining read.

I only have one sibling – a brother – and we often joke about which one of us is the favorite, but luckily, we’ve never had to seriously consider if one of us actually is. This book made me extra glad for that! (Although I have no doubt that the favorite is me, of course.)

Overall, I really enjoyed this read! It was full of compelling characters, was brilliantly written, and had more than enough drama to keep me invested throughout the story. If you like family dramas full of dysfunctional, complicated people (but also a good dose of heart and occasional humor), this might just be the book for you!

Thank you so much to Henry Holt & Company, NetGalley, and Fran Littlewood for the free eARC.

Unfortunately, I found this book very challenging to get interested in. The combination of the structure that went between multiple characters and timelines had me confused at times and I also found the characters somewhat underdeveloped, which further turned me off. The premise of this seemed so interesting but ultimately just wasn't executed well enough for me to really enjoy.

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I wasn't sure if it was the structure of going between present day and past or if I had a hard time with the sisters. Overall I found this book wasn't for me.

2.5 stars but rounding up.

Thank you Netgalley & Henry Holt & Company | Henry Holt and Co. for the advanced reader copy.