Spectacular Things is the story of the “Lowe girls,” Mia and Cricket—daughters of a single mother, Liz, who once sacrificed her own soccer dreams to raise them in a small town in Maine. Liz juggles two jobs to support their athletic potential, setting the stage for a tale of sibling loyalty and sacrifice.
As the sisters grow, Mia becomes the dependable caregiver while Cricket chases soccer stardom. The narrative unfolds with the tension between Mia’s emotional needs and Cricket’s ambition—raising pivotal questions about what we owe to our loved ones and how much we’re willing to surrender in pursuit of our own goals.

I found this story to be heartwarming and thought-provoking highlighting the intense emotional journey of sisterhood and sacrifice—especially resonant even for non-soccer fans. I found the story to be addictive and I particularly the enjoyed sports details, feeling as though it gave the book a more immersive attraction.

If you love emotionally driven family dramas and literary fiction, rich with nuanced character relationships and emotional complexity this book will be a compelling choice.

There were many aspects of this book that I did like (sisterhood, sports, family) and some I didn’t (slow pace, over stuffed paragraphs). Would recommend if you have some time to wade through the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for my copy of Spectacular Things. I really enjoyed this read and felt that emotional push and pull of sacrifices that you make or need for/from the ones you love throughout. I’d recommend this one for sure.

⚽️ When Liz Lowe ends up pregnant, she gives up her full-ride soccer scholarship to UCLA to have her baby. First, Mia is born and, after years of beachside soccer sessions with her mom, she is showing the same brilliant ability as an athlete. Then, Cricket is born - again, she shows some real athletic ability. But even at that young age, Mia has been conditioned to be the adult, the protector, and the sacrificer. When her life hangs in the balance, will Mia give up everything to help the sister that has always put her first?

⚽️ I didn’t expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. I initially passed on it, until I heard it was about soccer. I’m a sucker for sports fiction, so I knew I had to try this one. I love anything that can accurately portray sports at the elite level, and I really loved this aspect of the story.

⚽️ This is a story about sisterhood, soccer, and sacrifice. I enjoyed the characters and was really rooting for them. I was very frustrated with Cricket from the beginning and that feeling never really went away. I was so happy when Mia found her person…someone who finally put her first and loved her like she deserved. Overall, I flew through this one and really enjoyed it.

An incredible dive into the relationship and responsibility of siblings when one has been the guardian of the other after their single- parent mother's death. Does that relationship require a quid pro quo act? Along the way, the reader enters the world of elite women's soccer.

I absolutely adored this book...though be warned it has a LOT of soccer in it. I am not a soccer fan, but I liked the sister story a lot. She's a great writer, and I felt she nailed these characters. They felt like real people, and I was rooting for them.

3.25 stars.

This was a heartfelt, emotional sister story about love, loss, processing grief, and supporting each other. In this book, we follow sisters Mia and Cricket, who grew up with a single mom who had them at a very young age. The beginning of the story, we follow their childhood, which feels like a darker version of Gilmore Girls- a young mother who is her daughters’ biggest cheerleader and confidante and left her wealthy family to have a baby on her own without her parents’ approval, but with a storied and complicated past. Then, Mia and Cricket find themselves on their own younger than expected, and Mia shifts into the motherly role, putting aside her own ambitions to care for and cultivate normalcy for Cricket and her budding soccer career. Mia’s path of domesticity brings her a beautiful husband and child, and Cricket’s soccer career brings her the chance to play in the Olympics.
In this story, we follow sisters who love and care for each other deeply, and see how both of their ambitions can be thwarted by real life complications, but how they find a way back to each other and to themselves. This story reminded me so much of the dynamic between Kate and Tully in Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah, so if you were a fan of that, I would definitely recommend this book. Plus, I appreciated the queerness depicted throughout the story.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!

This novel starts with Mia giving birth while her sister Cricket is playing soccer in the Olympics, before rewinding back decades in time to when Mia and Cricket’s mom Liz was a teenager. When circumstances prevented Liz from a soccer career, she focused all her energy on trying to get first Mia and then Cricket to fulfill that dream for her, while also trying to make ends meet as a single mom.

It’s book about mothers and daughters, about sisters, about friendship and love, about ambition and sacrifice, and about how far we’re willing to for family - and of course also very much about soccer too. Before reading, I had seen people compare it to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Carrie Soto Is Back, which I assumed was just because of the female athlete angle. But no, the writing and emotions in this one were also so good that you could have convinced me it was written by TJR - and coming from me, that’s a huge compliment.

There is also a lot to dig into in this one which would make it a perfect book club book. I’m looking forward to discussing with my Read Spin Repeat Book Club, and I can see why Reese’s Book Club selected it as well.

4.5 stars

Spectacular Things is the story of two sisters for whom soccer, and the younger sisters' future soccer career, is everything. It is a story of family, sacrifice and love. Mia was brought up playing soccer, the lost dream of her mother who fell pregnant before she was supposed to go away to college. Then came Cricket, who shone even brighter when it came to her soccer skills, and Mia's soccer career came to an end. She became Cricket's biggest supporter and chauffer. After they lost their mother, they only had each other and soccer to keep them going. But is soccer really everything?

I would not have chosen this book for myself but had the opportunity to read it as an arc. I enjoyed it, but I'm not much of a sports girl. There were some things about the characters that really irritated me (Selfishness vs. Selflessness) but that's a part of the story and a part of being human. It was well written, well thought-out, and it really kept me in the moment in the story to the point that I forgot how the book started to wonder where it was going. I don't know if that makes any sense, but I can't really explain it any other way.

Anyone who likes sisterhood stories would enjoy this book, I think.

A story of family, siblings, and sacrifice. As someone who grew up in coastal New England, I felt swept away by the vivid descriptions of Maine, as as someone with a strong relationship to my sister, I was moved by the focus given to the bonds between women. This is a book my mom would love.

Mia and Cricket were raised by a single mother who gave up her dreams to help make her daughter’s ones real. Or at least one of them. A family that loved soccer (futbol) more than anyone, they focused their life goal to make Cricket the US National Team future goalkeeper, everything in their lives was about that goal, the plan was set and Liz (their mother) and Mia (the oldest daughter) knew they’ll do anything to make that happen.

But life doesn’t care about your plans, life takes your plan and throws it away and tells you to find a different one to follow, life also tells you that sometimes the sacrifices you make mean nothing if you’re not really enjoying the life you’re making for yourself.

This story is about family, and siblings, and dreams and plans that make us forget sometimes what we already have in the present, that makes us forget to enjoy the people around us, people that have always put us first, sacrificing their own dreams for us, because that’s what life gave them and they had to act as adults and figure things out for a better life, not only for them but for their kids, their siblings, their parents. We are not alone in this world, even if sometimes it feels like it, we’re part of a family, we’re part of a community, and we need to learn to live fully, in connection to them, not isolated.

I really loved this one guys, like i’ve said before i really love reading stories about sisters and learn about how strong their connection is, and the love they have for each other. So if you’re interest in that and also in soccer and sports in general, this one is definitely for you.

Rating: 4 stars

Thank you to Dial Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

I was excited to dive into this book because I loved Beck Dorey-Stein's memoir and I was excited to see what she would do with fiction.

Spectacular Things revolves around two sisters and their single mother. It's about family, sacrifice and loyalty. While I enjoyed the characters and how the book follows Mia and Cricket throughout their entire lives, this didn't wow me. I felt that some of the plot lines were a bit too convenient or melodramatic. I came to resent how much everything was wrapped up in a neat bow. However, I know many people really enjoy that, especially in a summer read.

This is an absolutely gorgeous story of family, love, women's soccer, single-minded ambitions. dreams both big and small, and what is worth sacrificing for those dreams. I felt entirely transported, swept into familiar coastal Maine and unfamiliar professional soccer with equal enthusiasm and immersion.

This was a DNF for me. I could not get into it. The premise was beyond dull, and the writing did nothing to help that. The sports elements of the novel just bored me to tears. I got about 50 pages in, and life is just too short for books you're not enjoying.

I'm probably wrong- and maybe it was timing.. but this was a snooze fest.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕 ⚽❤️🌊✨

That is what this book is. A gift. It’s a story that can be understood and appreciated by those who have sisterly bonds. It is for those who have ever been part of a sports team, or something similar, where the dreams are as big as their sacrifices. If you value family, friends, and being there for each other when you need each other most, then this is the book for you.

Things start off with a bang, with one sister’s greatest achievement, and the other’s most harrowing day of her life, all occurring at once. We are then taken on a journey to the past, where we learn of Mia and Cricket’s origins, as well as their mother. I love learning about where people come from and about their life’s journey to date (fictional or otherwise), so of course I was eating this story up!! We are eventually brought back to the present (a few cry sessions later), and let me tell you, every aspect of this novel was simply gorgeous - the storytelling, the oceanside setting, the relationships. I loved all of it.

The true meaning of sacrifice and the strong bonds of family (specifically, sisters) are the main concepts explored throughout the novel. I couldn’t help but get emotional whenever Mia (the older sister) had to put her hopes and dreams on standby indefinitely for the sake of Cricket’s success. How many of us older sisters have done something similar for our own families, siblings, friends, coworkers, or perfect strangers?

There is a lot of reference to soccer. The game itself, well known players, the season dynamic, training, and the like. While it can be overwhelming at times, you can sense the passion behind it and can’t help but get fired up with these characters. Cricket could also be grating at times, but I had to remind myself of the burdens on her own shoulders and that her behaviours are simply a response to this.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for an e-ARC of this novel!

⚠️TW: Death of parent, grief, pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, car accident, pandemic

⚽ Literary Fiction
⚽ Sisterly Bonds
⚽ Soccer ‘Goals’
⚽ Dreams & Sacrifices

I absolutely loved The Spectacular Sisters! The bond between the sisters was moving and authentic, and Beck Dorey-Stein does such a great job capturing the highs and lows of both family and competition. The sports and soccer elements were exciting and well written, adding depth and drive to the story. It’s a beautiful, inspiring read about ambition, loyalty, and the power of sisterhood.

I love a good sports novel and a good family drama, and Spectacular Things incorporates both in a very readable way. I flew through this novel and so enjoyed the story of Mia and Cricket and their sisterly bond, even when I was frustrated by Cricket at points.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Spectacular Things in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars for me, and this book is available now.

"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 loved Beck Dorey Stein's memoir 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 about her experience as a stenographer in the Obama White House (it's like 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨 crossed with 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘺'𝘴 𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘺 and I mean that as the highest compliment!) but I had no idea what to expect going into her novel 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗔𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 other than it was July's Reese's Book Club pick. It surprised me in all the best ways.

The book centers on the three Lowe women - single mom Liz and her daughters Mia and Cricket - and their dream of Cricket playing soccer for the U.S. Women's National Team. It's a story of sisterhood and sacrifice, secrets and ambition, grief and forgiveness. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and it seems appropriate that I finished yesterday during the epic Women's Euro final between England and Spain.

Last year, I had the honor of producing a series called 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 which followed 11 National Women's Soccer League players as they trained together ahead of the 2024 season. I was a casual soccer fan before that but getting to know these women and learning what they've gone through to get to where they are got me so invested in the sport. Dorey-Stein nails the camaraderie and friendship I saw between the athletes and the respect beneath the rivalries. I love how she wove in real players, past and present, and the nostalgia the story evoked. At its core, this is a book about an ordinary family pursuing an extraordinary goal, and whether you know what an offside kick is or not, it will move you. I can't wait to discuss it with Read Spin Repeat Book Club!

4.5 stars

Thanks to The Dial Press for the copy to review.

I really enjoyed this! It broke my heart that Mia was always there for Cricket and gave up her dreams, but cricket was so hesitant to help her basically dying sister.
The story, the characters, the plot. It was all fantastic. Extremely well written, and the story surrounding this single mom and her little family was enticing and emotional.
Overall, it was great.

Spectacular Things was genuinely spectacular! A moving story about sisters, sacrifice, and chasing dreams, both your own and the ones passed down to you.
We follow two sisters (Mia and Cricket) raised by a single mom with a soccer legacy. After their mother’s tragic death, Mia gives up everything to help Cricket chase a professional soccer career. Cricket frustrated me at times, but her growth felt real, and the emotional payoff was so worth it.

This book beautifully explores the bonds between mothers and daughters, the weight of expectation, and the fine line between loyalty and self-sacrifice. Bonus: it’s also a great glimpse into the world of women’s soccer!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for the ARC. Highly recommend!