3.5 stars. In a nutshell, this is all about soccer, sacrifice, and sisterhood. The beginning of the novel takes off with huge events and then we rewind some forty plus years to see how this family got to the present day point.

This is VERY character driven and, I have to admit, a few of the characters really made me mad, so that probably affected my overall enjoyment. Surprisingly, as I’m not a huge soccer fan, I enjoyed learning more about the game. But there is a LOT of soccer. If you’re a fan already, I think you’ll find that aspect fun as the obvious love of the game shines through the with details and mentions of famous players. As for the sisterhood and sacrifice, it really makes you question how much a family member should/could/would sacrifice to make another’s dreams come true. There were a few things I would have liked to see more fleshed out (the girls’ father, some of Mia’s choices) and Cricket just wasn’t my favorite to read about, but overall this was an emotional and enjoyable read that I would recommend.

Thank you for NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy and a chance to read this early. All opinions are my own.

What can I say about this book? I definitely enjoyed it, as it was unique from books I normally read. Rather than seeing a short snippet in a characters life, you follow two sisters, Mia and Cricket, from before birth to adulthood. It's so much deeper than a sports novel. It's about the complexity of relationships and of life, and what both can throw at you. This book really makes you think about what is set as your priorities in this one life we get to live.

If I had one critique about the story, it would just be to see a little more of the passion in the romantic relationships of the characters. I feel like we may have been missing some depth that kept me from really buying in. That being said, it didn't really take away from the story.

Overall, I would recommend this book to others.

I would not have expected to enjoy a book so focused on soccer as much as I did, but "Spectacular Things" brought a lot to the game.

Sisters Mia and Cricket Lowe each have roles to play to achieve the family's shared dream. That dream, of course, centers around the sport of women's soccer. The sisters' mother, Liz, originated the dream. The sisters sacrifice lots for the dream. Just as they're about the reach the peak, a medical emergency intervenes.

I could relate to the concerns about Chronic Kidney Disease, dialysis and the need for an organ transplant. One of my sons recently had a partial nephrectomy to remove a cancerous mass in one of his kidneys. He has Polycystic Kidney Disease in what remains. He will need a transplant.

Just like the Lowe girls, my son and I are B-positive. Hopefully, I will be his organ donor. There is no hesitation on my part.

But there is hesitation in "Spectacular Things," and the bulk of the novel lays out everything our characters have endured to reach this moment. It's a compelling, engaging story, which became difficult to read as the medical situation deteriorated.

And this is where the novel missed getting the ball completely into the goal. The ending is wrapped up too prettily in a big, red bow. Readers will love it, but it's too perfect.

4.5 stars

Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein was a heavy emotional journey that touched my heart.

Mia needs a kidney transplant after a traumatic birth — her younger sister Cricket is about to make some big moves in her career as a professional soccer player……

This book goes back in time and walks us through Mia and Cricket’s childhood focusing on their late mother and the dreams of soccer success.

My heartstrings are pulled - this book is absolutely precious. I was addicted to the beautiful way it was written and appreciated that it takes place in Maine!

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming family story, perhaps if you have a sister or are fond of soccer you’d have even more love for this book as it could resonate on a deeper level!

Thanks so much to The Dial Press/Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! I appreciate this book being recommended to me and would love to read more from this author in the future.

Mia and Cricket are the daughters of single mom Liz. Liz gave up a promising soccer career when she got pregnant with Mia so she raises her daughters to be soccer stars and pushes them to their limits. The bonds between the sisters are so strong and they Mia especially gives up so much to support her younger sister.

There is tragedy and incredible success in this character driven novel. It starts out pretty much at the end then goes back to Liz's young life and we see how she was taken advantage of but her drive is instilled in her daughters as we follow them into adulthood.

I learned more about soccer than I ever thought I would, but beyond soccer is the all-consuming life of an athlete. Dorey-Stein took us right into the thick of things, the competition, the inspirations and the goals of athletes. But more then the sports is the love and dedication of these two sisters and all they do for each other.

I highly recommend Spectacular Things. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was such an amazing story about two sisters, Mia and Cricket, whose mother was on track to be a soccer star but got pregnant young. The story follows Mia and Crickets lives as they deal with both highs and lows of Cricket trying to be a professional soccer player and Mia finding her passion. The story was a very easy read that drew me in from page one and left me with a warm fuzzy feeling by the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

Having read and enjoyed Beck Dorey-Stein’s memoir, From the Corner of the Oval Office, I was excited to read her latest novel, Spectacular Things. It ended up being one of the best books I’ve read this year. Mia and Cricket Lowe are the daughters of Liz Lowe, a soccer phenom and single mother who is determined that her daughters will achieve the goals that she couldn’t. As the sisters grow up, they face numerous obstacles but never lose their bond with each other or their mother. The characters and their humor and determination will stay with me for a while. I look forward to reading more from Dorey-Stein in the future! Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for the Advanced Reader’s Copy.

As the two daughters of single mother Liz Lowe, Mia and Cricket Lowe are destined for greatness. There is no alternative; Lowe's never quit. Mia is the responsible and academically gifted older sister, while Cricket is sure to be a soccer star with her long legs and high energy. But these goals require sacrifices to be made. How much are the girls willing to sacrifice to make their family dreams come true?

I was hooked from the very beginning of this. I love that we got to see a chapter of their lives in 2028 and then got to see everything that happened for them to get there. I love a strong FMC, and in this book we got not one but three. As an oldest sister myself, Mia holds a special place in my heart, and I was genuinely upset at times for the hand she was dealt. I also really loved the professional women's soccer component of this novel.

Overall, this was a gripping story with a beautiful ending. I think where this drops to a 4.5 rather than a 5-star read for me is because of how one of the girls was treated compared to the other. Without spoiling anything, I found it hard to emotionally connect to characters who seemingly cared so little for the needs and goals of the third member in their family in the name of "pursuing family goals". While it drove the story forward, I found that it left me rooting for one sister more than the other.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah or Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors. This was a beautiful story, a perfect summer read set in Victory, Maine.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A complex story about sisters - say less. I loved this beautiful written novel about the love of two sisters and passion for soccer. I was rooting for Cricket and Mia and the sacrifices they have to make to reach their dreams.

4.5 stars but rounding down because it was a smidge on the longer side for my liking.

Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Random House | The Dial Press for the advanced reader copy.

I had read and loved Beck Dorey Stein’s nonfiction debut years ago and so I was excited to see she had a novel on the way. This book drew me in and I quickly became invested in the characters. This was a beautiful story of sisterhood, and the complicated nature of families.

I loved this!! It was so good that I flew through it in one sitting. The characters were delightful, the writing was sharp, and I had a smile on my face throughout the whole story. If that doesn't make for a perfect book, I don't know what does.
An uplifting, spectacular read.

What a spectacular (sorry not sorry!!) book. It starts with one of my favorite bits - throwing us right into the action before stepping back into the “beginning” of the story decades earlier.

The action is that big older sister Mia is in labor while younger sister Cricket is playing in an Olympic soccer game. Emergencies are all around, we’re presented with a major choice…then bam!! Back in time we go to meet Liz Lowe, Mia and Cricket’s mom.

From there, we learn about Liz, her daughters, their upbringing, why they are the way they are, why they are so drawn to and invested in soccer, and why the three Lowe women are so connected. I loved the exploration of family, sisterhood, motherhood, friendship, love, and loss, and even though those topics can be heavy and this is something of a family drama, this story never felt heavy OR dramatic.

This is a book where you are completely rooting for the characters - while flawed, they weren’t over-the-top flaws you’d roll your eyes at, but flaws that made complete sense and were also relatable. This story was so enjoyable to read and I think it has a little something for everyone - 4.25 stars from me!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

A book about two sisters navigating life together and apart. I loved this book and particularly enjoyed learning more about elite soccer. Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book, Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein was one that did not have too many hidden parts. I want a book that makes me think a little as I read it and this one was easy to see what was going to happen next.
The book was an OK read but not one that will stay in my mind for long.
Thank you NetGalley, Beck Dorey-Stein and Random House Publishing Group for the copy of Spectacular Things. This is my personal review.

This book seemed to have an unusual tone to it. The story felt different and special from the start.

The story revolves around a single mom, her two daughters, and the world of women's soccer. It deals with the sacrifices they each make in order to give the youngest and the most talented daughter, Cricket, a chance to work towards her Olympic dream. It deals mostly with Cricket's struggle to get to the Olympics, but it also includes the relationships that Cricket and her older sister, Mia have, as well as the health crisis Mia suffers.

The book brings up the question of just how much we as individuals are willing to sacrifice for those we love. If you had to give up your lifelong dream in order to help an ailing family member, would you do it? It is thought-provoking. It also makes you examine your own heart, loyalties, and the ability to put others first.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

Happy (day after) PUB DAY!
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein is easily one of my favorite reads of the summer—FIVE STARS and a must-read for 2025!
This beautifully layered story follows three incredible women:
💕Liz, a mother determined to rise above her cold upbringing and give her daughters everything;

👭Mia, the steadfast daughter who sacrifices for her family but learns to finally choose herself;

⚽️and Cricket, the youngest, whose independence and determination shine as she discovers who she is beyond her family roles.

I adored the strength, love, and transformation in each of these women. Their bonds, journeys, and growth made my heart swell. An emotional, empowering, and unforgettable story.

🙏🏼Thank you NetGalley, Beck Dorey-Stein, and Random House Publishing for the chance to read this absolute gem.

Wow! I’m at a bit of a loss at how to describe this amazing book. Reading it was a roller coaster and I definitely suggest having tissues nearby. At its core, this is a book about love- love of family, love of a partner, love of soccer. This line from the book really captures the sentiment - “She is coming to understand that love and loss live on the same coin. It’s never heads or tails but joy and agony, grief and delight, spinning in the air, waiting on time and luck to determine not when this chapter ends but how the next one begins.” I highly recommend this book, just be ready to feel all the feels!

A family saga embracing the world of women’s soccer - a great concept for a book that was very enjoyably if a little predictable.
Mia and Cricket are raised by a single mother who herself had aspirations for a soccer career that was derailed by teenage pregnancy. Cricket becomes the soccer star her mother dreamed to be. The relationships between the 3 of them were certainly complex. The themes of what we do for family and how we deal with tragic losses are dealt with sensitively and effectively.
The author did a great telling of their story. Though the reader knows from the beginning what the “ punchline” of their relationship is the evolution was a great read that held my interest totally. While I didn’t particularly bond or connect with any of the characters it was reassuring to know an author can help me enjoy a book where I don’t really “like” the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC. Expected publication date is July 1. I will be interested to see how the women’s soccer world responds to this book!

Spectacular Things is another top read of 2025 for me. This story tackles adversity, grief, and hope, while leaning into the power of family.

The two main characters, sisters Mia and Cricket, play very different roles and live their live accordingly yet in sync. The unwavering loyalty and devotion to one another was truly touching.

This was a story I couldn’t put down. I truly enjoyed the author’s writing and was immersed into the story from the beginning. So touching and thought-provoking, I recommend you read Spectacular Things if you’re looking for something that speaks to the bond between sisters, working towards a common goal, while trying to get by day-to-day after unimaginable loss. You may even shed a tear. And that’s ok. :)

I appreciate and thank The Dial Press for the eARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.

The book opens with Mia giving birth and her sister Cricket winning the Olympics. However, we find out Mia needs a kidney and Cricket does not know how to respond. Thus, leading us back to the beginning in 1989, when Liz, their mother, is young.

I truly do not even know where to start. I did love the idea behind this and the highlighting of familial bonds, but I do have some beef with Liz. I enjoyed the story, but oh my god, the amount of stuff these women went through. The biggest bombs, at least to me, were dropped about 30% and then maybe 50% of the way in. However, it kept getting more chaotic. I do hate the childhood that Liz dealt with, but the pressure she put on Mia as a child was so upsetting to me and I felt for Mia so incredibly much throughout this story. I know Liz was a child raising a child, but I wish she behaved differently at times. Also the timeline in this really messed with my head. We are told that it is 2028 at the beginning, and then that it is 1989. After that, there is no acknowledging via a page (like the ones telling us it is 2028 and then 1989) that time has moved, you just figure out while reading the chapter. We are never explicitly told the year by the author again, only through events happening in the book. So over the course of the story, once being told it is 1989, we travel from then to 2028 (maybe 2029?). It did confuse me at times, to say the least.

Overall though, this tells a beautiful story of sisterhood full of hardships, heartbreaks, and a lot of soccer. I would recommend this book, but I would be prepared for jaw dropping moments and potentially tears.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dial Press Marketing, and Beck Dorey-Stein for a digital ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.