What a disappointment after Littlewood's first novel, Saving Grace Adams. This one was very annoying in skipping from present to previous timelines. The three sisters, Alex, Nancy and Eva were difficult to keep straight, as were their spouses and/or children. The entire premise of the book hinges on what actually happened when a tree fell during a baby naming/mother's birthday celebration. After the rain loosened the soil and a tree began to fall, did the father try to save Eva, the youngest? And does that mean she is his favorite? And who cares? Obviously, everyone but the reader. So much is made of the fire that injured Alex's feet. What's missing here is anything interesting about the third generation, the sisters' children. We learn their names, but not much about them (or their father).

Is Vivienne, the mother (grandmother) developing dementia? Who is Eva's real father? Who cares? If the theme was how birth order and beauty (or lack of same) influences the lives of children, the book doesn't do a convincing job of determining anything. The only thing we learn, is that sisters form a powerful bond with each other. It's not necessary to read so many pages to find that out. Perhaps this book just never touched me emotionally, but I did not enjoy it.

Thanks to Henry Holt and Net Galley for the ARC copy.

I was intrigued to start this book but then I stopped reading it after only 25%. The theme of the book became too repetitive to me…I kept thinking ok I get this already. Perhaps I just have less patience at year end!

I typically enjoy the convergence of characters such as Eva, Nancy, Vivienne and Alexis but this book was exhausting and jumped from now and then of which it almost became impossible to track. I felt the book played too hard as to the family dynamics as it came to be for Vivienne' s 70th birthday.

The Favourite asks a question many of us have wondered: Do parents really have favorites? The story follows three sisters—Alex, Nancy, and Eva—who reunite with their family at a sleek glass house in the woods for what’s supposed to be a joyful celebration. But one split-second decision by their father throws everything into chaos, stirring up old rivalries and painful childhood memories.

The premise hooked me right away. As I have a few siblings, and a fair amount of rivalry in our household also, I have find these stories and topics quite interesting… the complicated mix of love, competition, and unspoken history that defines those relationships. Add a gorgeous, metaphor-laden setting and the promise of family secrets, and I was all in. But honestly? I struggled with this one.

For starters, the narrative jumps around—past, present, memories—with no clear structure, which made it hard to stay grounded. I found myself flipping back to figure out timelines and keep track of the story, which pulled me out of the emotional core.

That said, the last third of the book hit its stride. A long-buried secret comes to light, and the fallout brought the emotional depth I’d been hoping for all along. By the end, there was a sense of resolution that felt earned, even if getting there was bumpy.

If you’re into family dramas like Hello Beautiful or The Most Fun We Ever Had, this might still work for you. For me, it didn’t fully click, but the themes of sibling rivalry and family dynamics gave me a lot to chew on.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Henry Holt and Co. for the chance to read this one.

As a fan of the author's previous book, I was delighted to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. The book is mostly about family dynamics, and I'm not sure if it left me wishing I had sisters or being glad I don't. With the three sisters in the book being in their 40s, it was fascinating to see the lifelong impact of their childhood "labels" and history. It reminded me of how one hurtful comment could cause someone to become anorexic. The women were all going through challenges in their lives, and I was optimistic about their futures by the end. I was left a little concerned about some of their children, not feeling like some big issues had been resolved. With the exception of Nik, the men in the book don't come off well. I think the author did a great job bringing the many characters and setting to life, and I found the alternating timelines easy to follow. think this thought-provoking book would be a great choice for book discussion groups.

The Accidental Favorite is a novel which explores the complexities of a rather typical family. Alex, Nancy, and Eva are three sisters who have grown up to have their own families, problems, and secrets. Their parents also have some secrets of their own.

While on a retreat to celebrate their mom’s birthday, the family has a naming ceremony for Alex’s newborn. Suddenly a tree falls and seems like it’s going to crush the three sisters. Their father jumps to save only Eva, even though she isn’t the easiest to save. Luckily for the other two, the tree doesn’t end up crushing them, but it certainly makes them contemplate their father’s decision.

The book flips between the present day at the retreat and flashbacks from the family, recalling earlier family dynamics as each sister wonders if they are the favorite or least favorite child. Throughout their lives, their parents unintentionally showed favoritism at times, as most parents do. However, the sister’s memories also don’t always align.

My biggest criticism of the book is that it dragged quite a bit in the middle, and not all of the flashbacks were that interesting. However, it goes to show that sometimes it’s the small things that parents don’t even realize they’re doing which lead to their children feeling like they’re valued less than their siblings.

In the meantime, everybody in the present day family is juggling relationships and secrets, both small and big. While the sisters were once close knit, as adults they have to examine how close they really are. The stress of everything going on begins to add up for each member of the family, leading to a rising anxiety during what should be a fun family retreat.

Eventually all of the tension reaches its peak, and this is the most captivating part of the entire novel. The author did a very good job portraying how everybody slowly became overwhelmed.

This novel is probably relatable for most people, especially those with siblings. While there could have been some more depth in the middle, this was still an entertaining family drama, especially for readers who like something a bit slower paced.

A thoughtful, character-driven story that dives into the messiness of relationships and self-discovery—exactly the kind of novel I love for its focus on familial dynamics and the complexity of being human. The protagonist feels relatable in her imperfections, and the supporting cast adds depth without overshadowing her journey. The pacing is steady, and while some moments are predictable, the emotional resonance keeps it engaging. A solid, enjoyable read! Thanks for Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I love a good family/sibling drama that looks at a family over time. Fans of Hello Beautiful and The Most Fan We Ever Had will enjoy this one. And while, I didn’t quite connect with these family members as much as I did in those books, this was still a good one (especially the last third).

Oh, I absolutely loved this book! Why can’t I have sisters—even ones as infuriating as these? Fran Littlewood delivers a sharp, heartfelt, and wonderfully messy family story in The Accidental Favorite.

At the heart of it are three wildly different sisters who clash in ways only sisters can. There’s Alex, the eldest and “married-and-in-control” one; Nancy, the middle sister and overworked doctor; and Eva, the youngest, model-beautiful and effortlessly wealthy. Brought together by their parents, Vivienne and Patrick, the family gathers for what’s supposed to be a rejuvenating week in the idyllic English countryside. Laughter, relaxation, and bonding are on the agenda—or so they think.

Instead, the week unfolds as a simmering pot of secrets, petty arguments, and long-buried grievances. Significant others appear who don’t quite fit in, while others fit in far too much, adding fuel to the family dynamics. And it all kicks off with Patrick’s reaction to a near-accident—a moment that unearths the undeniable truth that he has a favorite daughter.

Told through a mix of present-day chaos and emotionally charged flashbacks, Littlewood’s storytelling hits all the right notes. The scenes are vivid and relatable—moments that will remind you of childhood slights, sibling rivalries, and those achingly real feelings of wanting to belong. The family is both exasperating and endearing, and I found myself wishing I could dive right in to be a part of their madness.

It’s a week for the record books, full of humor, heartbreak, and moments of surprising tenderness. The characters are rich, flawed, and utterly human, making it impossible not to love them—even as they drive each other (and you) a little crazy.If you enjoy stories about complicated families, sisters who love and loathe in equal measure, and drama-filled gatherings in beautiful settings, The Accidental Favorite is an absolute must-read.

#holtandcompany #franlittlewood #theaccidentalfavorite

Vivien n and Patrick have three daughters, they gather to celebrate Vivien 's 70 birthday, Patrick has an accident, and it is revealed he has had a favorite daughter. The family has to deal with the results of his admission.

As the middle sister of three girls, I knew that I would relate to this book.
Mom is turning 70 years old and the family decided to rent a house so that the family, in its entirety, can get together. This is when the rivalries and secrets creep their way to the surface of their lives.
I enjoyed this book very much. Unfortunately, we lost our eldest sister. However when this book is published and the general public has access, I will be purchasing the hard copy as a gift for my younger sister. She will enjoy it as much as I have.
A very special thanks of appreciation to Net Galley and The Henry Holt &Company for the pleasure of reading this book early.

The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood is a witty yet poignant exploration of family dynamics, sibling rivalries, and the complexities of parent-child relationships. The story is set during a weeklong celebration of Vivienne Fisher's seventieth birthday at a beautiful glass house in the English countryside, where three generations of the Fisher family come together. What begins as a joyous occasion quickly takes a sharp turn when an accidental revelation about Patrick Fisher's favorite daughter sets off a chain reaction of unexpected emotions and long-buried family secrets.

While it’s a bit slow to get into, Littlewood’s novel effectively delves into the undercurrents of sibling relationships. The three daughters—Alex, Nancy, and Eva—are all well-established women, but the revelation about their father’s favoritism forces them to confront years of unresolved tensions, unspoken resentments, and complicated memories. Each woman’s character is carefully layered, revealing the nuanced and sometimes painful ways in which family members shape each other’s lives.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to blend humor with deeper emotional exploration. As the family members navigate the fallout from Patrick’s unintended slip, Littlewood explores themes of memory, identity, and the delicate fabric of familial bonds. The author also doesn’t shy away from depicting the imperfections and vulnerabilities of each character, making them feel real and relatable.

However, the book is somewhat challenging to get into initially, as the pacing takes time to build momentum. The opening chapters set up the family dynamics and introduce the central conflict, but it’s only later that the emotional depth and complexity of the characters fully emerge. Once the story picks up, it becomes a compelling reflection on how childhood dynamics can shape adult lives and how the truth, once revealed, can forever alter the course of a family’s history.

The Accidental Favorite is an insightful read for anyone interested in the messy, often beautiful reality of sibling relationships. Littlewood’s writing captures the intricacies of family life with a mixture of humor, warmth, and honesty. It may be slow to start, but once it picks up, it offers a rich, layered portrayal of family ties and the impact of favoritism that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven stories.

Vivienne and Patrick Fisher bring their family of three daughters, spouses and grandchildren to a fancy “glass house” to celebrate her seventieth birthday. After a near disaster, the three sisters must confront the pressing question, does dad really have a favorite? This is a layered, detailed book about family relationships, particularly sisters, and how all may have differing memories of the same events. The structure is meandering and some characters are more tightly developed than others. The book is sometimes heartfelt, sometimes raw, and sometimes funny. With thanks to Netgalley and Henry Holt and Company for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I really enjoyed this authors first book, but sadly not this one. While the story was good the writing style sadly felt like one big run one sentence and therefore I just could never really connect with the story.

This is one of those great books that shows just how messy families can be! It begins with a "naming" ceremony in the forest where a huge tree almost falls on Eva but she is quickly saved by Patrick. Then we go back in time to 1975 where everything begins We see the hardships, the friendships and everything in between as Eva becomes the family's "favorite" as revealed through diary entries and things kept hidden from family members. It's alternately happy and depressing. as we see a "normal" family come to grips with the fact that each of them are someone's "favorite."
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed reading this book! I love a goof family book and this one was about a favorite child and seeing how it affected them growing up and also as adults. I liked seeing how the author made the daughters so similar yet different from their parents. It is so cool to see how people are formed based off of little things from childhood.


Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

I really enjoy novels that center on family and this is no exception. Not having siblings myself, I really enjoy getting a peak into the world of what it’s like to have siblings and as a parent it’s always such a balance to make sure each kid gets what they need. This was a wonderful story about what if you have a favorite

I was instantly drawn into this book being one of three sisters. I could definitely understand the dynamic of their relationship with each other and with their parents. It was such an eye opening experience to see how we can live life in the same moments but remember it totally different. I think it was beautiful to hear different versions that creates these beautiful lives.

I had trouble getting into this book. However I went back to it and enjoyed it. A tale of three sisters and the dynamics intertwined with mom.