I just finished a good book that is a perfect summer read. Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein is available soon.

Thank you Random House Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of this brilliant book in exchange for an honest review.

What a touching story. From beginning to end, you learn about Liz and her two daughters Mia and Cricket who live a life of "soccer". The story of a single mother who works hard to give to her daughters and with each daughter you see the expectations change. Mia the oldest walks away from her dreams to make sure Cricket can live hers. But then when Mia finally needs something, the story will break your heart. I don't know anything about Soccer but the story surrounding it is amazing. The characters and the story itself will have you grasping for air.

3.5 stars. To be honest, I struggled to get through the first 30% of this book because of how frustrated I was with the mother, Liz. Her actions were incredibly selfish, particularly in the way she treated her daughters, Cricket and Mia. Cricket was pressured to live out her mother's abandoned dream of becoming a soccer star, while Mia was expected to sacrifice her own childhood (and eventually her adult life) to support that dream. Liz asked Mia to quit playing soccer so she could stay home, take care of the house, and look after Cricket while she worked.

While I understand that Liz was a young, single mother facing immense pressure, I couldn't help but feel anger toward her for the way she neglected Mia. Reading from Cricket’s point of view was equally difficult; she came across as self-centered, though it’s hard to blame her when her entire upbringing revolved around her soccer career and everyone catering to it.

While the book ended on a satisfying note, the journey there was tough—I found myself upset for most of the novel.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Spectacular Things is a heartfelt exploration of sisterhood, ambition, and the emotional cost of sacrifice. The story opens in 2028 with sisters Mia and Cricket, then shifts back to 1989 to reveal the story of their mother, Liz. Told through alternating perspectives, the novel weaves together the past and present, showing how family, choices, and grief shape each woman’s path.

Mia gave up a great deal so that Cricket could chase her soccer dreams, but when the roles reverse, Cricket struggles with what’s being asked of her. The writing is warm, intimate, and emotionally grounded, with characters that feel vivid and authentic.

Though I wished for more time with the sisters in the present day, this was an engaging and emotionally rich read that stays with you.
Overall, it is a beautifully written, character-driven story about the bonds and sacrifices that define family. Thoughtful, emotional, and well worth the read.

fun book with awesome storylines, great plotting, and interesting vibes. would definitely recommend. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

his book evoked so many emotions for Me; As a Sister, and as a Mother especially. I felt drawn in early on in the story, and had a feeling it was going to be a big beautiful story. It is a story of sisterhood, grief, perseverance,sacrifice, and finding your true self. Soccer fans will also love the training, games, and nods to Soccer stars of the past.

Mia, the elder sister, is forced to make many sacrifices for “the greater good” or success of her family and little sister. Throughout the story she often puts herself last to take care of her younger sister Cricket.

Unexpected circumstance leave Mia needing Crickets help, and all Cricket can think about is that helping means to give up her dream and all she has worked for.

I must admit that as a sister, and Mother, I can’t fathom Cricket’s reaction when asked to help. It frustrated me so much I actually felt angry.

Throughout the book there were many thought provoking moments. Such as, how far would you go to achieve your dreams? How much success is enough? What cost is too high? Does living out your dream really feel like a dream if you have no one to share it with? Would you give up your dream for someone you love?

TW- death of a parent

Thank you Dial Press and NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC.

While ultimately a story of two sisters navigating life after loss, I think you need to have an appreciation for and an interest in soccer to really enjoy this book as that is a major focus of the plot. As someone who grew up playing soccer and watching the ‘99ers USWNT win the World Cup, I found all of the throwback references to be a fun enhancement to the story. The pacing was inconsistent and certain segments seemed to slog. There are three sections to the story, which starts at about 80% in to the plot, then reverts to the past, before catching up to the beginning section and finishing it out. That structure serves to both pull you in as a reader to the main point of tension between the two sisters, but also creates a several spoilers for later in the book.

Spectacular Things releases on July 1. Thanks @netgalley and @thedialpress for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! This was my first ARC where a publisher reached out directly, which was such a fun email to get.

About the book: A story of ambition, sacrifice, and sisterhood, this novel follows Mia and Cricket—two sisters bound by love, loyalty, and an unrelenting dream. Together, they’re determined to push Cricket’s soccer career to the national stage. But this is more than just a story about the sport—it’s about the life they’ve built, the past that shaped them, and the future they’re willing to fight for.

As Cricket trains with fierce intensity and Mia takes on the quiet burden of making it all possible, the lines between support and self-sacrifice begin to blur. Every step forward demands something in return—physically, emotionally, and in ways that leave lasting scars. What they’re chasing isn’t just victory—it’s identity, purpose, and the chance to rewrite the narrative they were handed.

My review: This one’s definitely going on my favorites list for the year! It hooked me from the very first chapter and delivered all the small-town vibes I love. The setting was rich, the characters were layered and lovable, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

It tackles some heavy topics, but does so with care and heart—and somehow still leaves you feeling hopeful. I especially loved how deeply you could feel the sisters’ bond and emotions through the tough moments. But don’t worry—this is also such an uplifting, satisfying story of grit, love, and success.

I loved this book! A great read telling of the bond between sisters, this book hit close two home. This book had me hooked from the start I could not put it down. The writing was incredible and getting to witness the lives of the Lowe women it was so inspiring. Definitely something I would read again.

As someone who grew up watching soccer with the greats like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain, this was a combination of fan girl comfort and heartbreak. Suck a sweet sister love read for the summer!

A tale of two sisters - Mia and Cricket- and their mom’s relationship- even after her life ends suddenly. The family’s entire life has surrounded Crickets soccer career and endless sacrifices were made by Mia to enable that to happen. But when Mia unexpectedly has health problems and needs Cricket to return the favor to make a sacrifice of her own, it’s not that easy…

A cute book and a quick read.

TW: loss of a parent

Thank you to Dial Press Marketing and NetGalley for an ARC. All thoughts are my own.

4.5/5 stars!!

Wow, I loved this!! The first couple of chapters had me so hooked, and I had trouble putting it down at night. I love the sister relationship and the way the story is told. There are a couple of parts of the ending that I didn’t totally love, but overall, I highly recommend, especially if you love stories with:

👯‍♀️sister relationships
✨ALL the emotions
⚽️ soccer

This novel very much resonated with me, as a soccer fan and a living kidney donor. Mia and Cricket have been very close throughout their lives, but especially since their mother dies suddenly when Mia was 19 and Cricket 13. Their mother had been training to play soccer in college and perhaps professionally when she became pregnant with Mia, dropped out of high school, and completely retooled her life's plan. Her love for soccer never waned, and she transferred her own dream to her daughters, engaging them in training from early childhood. Cricket showed particular talent, and after their mother's death, Mia took her place as both Cricket's legal guardian and also as her constant support person as she worked hard to achieve success in soccer, with goals of playing on the Women's National Team and in the Olympics. Cricket had just reached the first of those goals when Mia's life changed dramatically: a complicated pregnancy and delivery left her with a beautiful little girl but also with serious kidney damage that left her in need of an organ transplant. With Cricket as the likely best match for a transplant, the sisters faced a dilemma: could Cricket give up her career hopes to save her sister's life? Was Mia asking too much of her sister just as her dreams seemed to be coming true?

Thank you to The Dial Press, publisher, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary EDC in exchange for an objective review. I recommend this novel to sports fans, and all who enjoy stories of families and complicated familial relationships.

This is the story of sisters and their mother. It is told in present day and past and is one of give, take, and relinquishing goals and life for another. Mia, the older sister, relinquishes her goal to take care of her sister Cricket. Cricket is an aspiring soccer goalie from a very early age and has dreams of soccer greatness. Her driving ambitions and needs overshadow any plans Mia has. When Cricket is asked to give it up for Mia’s desperate need, Cricket faces a true dilemma of career vs love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mia and Cricket are sisters who have always been close. After their mother's death Mia has to assume the role of guardian over her younger sister Cricket. Both girls and their mother are gifted soccer players with Cricket even making the Olympic team. But at what cost to their family unit? When goals and ambition stand in the way of family closeness, what sacrifices will need to be made to bring the family back to the closeness they once had. This book will remind you that family always comes first over ego and ambition. Thanks to @NetGallet for the ARC of this book. It was so good!

I loved this book so much. Sports dramas are a favorite of mine (Carrie Soto, the Favorites) and this one did not disappoint. Family drama, grief, emotion, and a bumpy sports career. So many themes of thriving against the odds and dealing with adversity. Plus a bit of humor between the goalkeeper rivalry. The Maine setting didn’t hurt either.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!

SPECTACULAR BOOK!

I'm giving this book to my younger sister and my friend who is a huge soccer fan and coincidentally his baby was being born the same time I started reading about Mia giving birth to Betty.

All of the characters are so fully developed and I loved each everyone, Mia, Cricket, Liz, Ben, Oliver, Sloan, Yaz...

This book is for those who enjoy reading about sisters. Mother/daughter relationships and/or athletes/strong/fierce women. It's for those who liked Carrie Soto is back and other books along those lines. It comes out July 1 so it misses being part of Pride month but there's LGBTQ characters/storyline in it.

Towards the beginning was afraid it might be too soccer/sports focused. I really started to empathize with Mia when it seemed like her mom Liz & sister Cricket were not going to drop her off at Yale for her freshman year. But at 27% into the book. Boom I'm hooked.

I jotted down several beautiful quotes and texted my sister that she must read it as we unexpectedly lost our father who we were extremely close to.

"What Mia has gained in the loss of her mother is perspective...She is at her best when she is supporting others."

"Cricket realizes she can never give up soccer - not until she is ready to say goodbye to her mom." 39%

"....her mom still exists between the goal posts and that makes every sacrifice for the game worth it."

I hope I've conv6you to read this beautiful coming-of-age literary fiction and I def want to read everything Beck Dorey-Stein writes now.

This was truly spectacular!
What would you give up for those you love?
Mia and Cricket have always been close as sisters. They are the daughters of a single mum and both are taught soccer at a young age. But Cricket seems bound for stardom and Mia takes up the role of caregiver, while her mum works an extra job. They all make sacrifices but will one of them make the ultimate sacrifice?

This was SUCH an emotional story! The ups and downs and complex family relationships. The enormity of the decisions that had to be made and far reaching consequences. This was a story about family, friendships, love and loss and also hope and how we keep going, even when it all seems impossible.
Such a memorable novel and one I will keep coming back to think about.

Spectacular Things is an emotional story about family and what it means to sacrifice for the dreams of others. This was not my usual read and I'm glad I gave it a try this was well written with good character development and honestly was just an entertaining story to read. There were some heavier issues thrown in but it never felt like that was overtaking the book. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend. I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for the arc in exchange for an honest review, 3.5/4 stars.

Spectacular Things is a thoughtful, emotionally rich story about sisterhood, ambition, and the quiet sacrifices we make for the people we love. Mia and Cricket are compelling characters—flawed, deeply human, and shaped by the weight of their mother's secrets and expectations. I was especially drawn to Mia’s struggle between responsibility and self-discovery, and the tension between the sisters felt honest and well-drawn.

The writing is lyrical and intimate, and there are some truly poignant moments scattered throughout. That said, the plot moves slowly, and at times I found myself wishing for more momentum. The emotional arcs are strong, but the narrative can meander, especially in the middle.

Still, if you enjoy character-driven stories that explore family dynamics with nuance and heart, Spectacular Things is worth reading. It may not be a page-turner in the traditional sense, but it lingers—quietly powerful and full of emotional depth.

**rounded up from 3.5 stars**