Spectacular Things is just that: spectacular. If you like women’s soccer and family drama, this book is for you. We are first introduced to the older sister, Mia, in a future setting. Her younger sister, Cricket, enters the scene at the end of part one. After that, and a major twist, we get catapulted into the past and follow the sisters’ growing up in Maine with their mother, Liz. All three of them live and breathe soccer with high ambitions. Spectacular Things is an incredible story of love and loss, grief and passion, devotion and sacrifice. Just how much are you capable and willing to sacrifice for your loved ones? The author approached individual dilemmas in a beautiful and emotional way and left me gasping at times.
The world of soccer and the different locations made an interesting difference from everything I’ve read before. Add the strong family ties and sisterly bonds and you have a gripping and highly entertaining story.
I enjoyed the short chapters, which made this a fast read as there was always time for just one more chapter. The wonderful writing and the appealing storyline made this book a page-turner. I just didn’t want it to end. As a soccer fan, both men and women, I devoured this novel. The characters were developed beautifully and were all lovable. I couldn’t help but rooting for every single one of them. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
I would like to thank #RandomHousePublishingGroup #Random House/ /#TheDialPress and @beckdoreysteinauthor for gifting me this advance copy. I truly enjoyed reading it and cannot recommend it enough. The above is my honest review and own opinion. A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.

I was expecting just a story of two sisters that was complex and fun, and it really was so much more than that.
I want to read more by this author!!!
This book does deal with some sensitive matters such as death, grief, infertility so please look up trigger warnings before reading.

This novel is a story about sacrifice both in the context of family dynamics and what it takes to achieve greatness in sports. This theme is established in the opening section titled Opportunity wherein Cricket is pushed to make a snap decision that would have staggering consequences for either her or her sister Mia. The siblings are in their twenties in this gripping section, but in the next one, Monomyth (a hero’s journey), they aren’t yet born. Their mother Liz is eight years old.

Monomyth begins by skimming through Liz’s childhood and teenage years as a soccer phenom with a bright future. When she becomes pregnant with Mia, she chooses to sacrifice a promising future and her relationship with her parents by refusing to give up the child. Liz then decamps to Maine with no support, settles in, then allows Mia’s deadbeat father back in her life long enough for him to get her pregnant with Cricket and disappear. From there, the story follows Liz and her children as their lives play out with various moments of sacrifice or tragedy until it circles back to the “opportunity” presented at the book’s opening.

I like the Maine setting and the sports focus to the extent that it relates to supporting young girls in sports. Mia’s character has some depth, but I struggled to care about the others. Liz at times comes across as mature, others as naïve or perhaps stubborn. For example, she could have safeguarded her children’s futures by attempting a reconciliation with her parents. Gaining a safety net for her children, despite her feelings about her parents, would have shown growth.

As to writing, the first section is an example of what could have been achieved in this book. It is taut and suspenseful, closing with a cliffhanger that isn’t resolved until the end of the book. That assumes a good deal of patience for readers since what follows is a race through backstory then drills, soccer practice, and soccer games. Again, supporting young women in sports is great but soccer as the narrative thrust can be mind numbing to those who aren’t into sports.

Piggybacking on the telling writing style are hair-scratching points of view moments. One of several examples is when Liz arrives twenty minutes late to pick up Mia from nursery school summer camp. A man reclining in the passenger seat is stroking Liz’s neck when they arrive. Liz cuts the engine and rests her head on his shoulder, eyes closed. Seeing this unfold, it would be understandable if the teacher who is waiting with Mia connects Liz’s tardiness to a dalliance with this stranger, questioning whether Liz is using her head. Instead, it is four-year-old Mia whose stomach rumbles in concern as she opines, “You can only use your head if you keep your eyes wide open.”

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group—Random House | Dial Press and NetGalley for providing this e-galley.

I can't say enough about this book, it truly was spectacular!
A story of family, love, loss, and sacrifice. Two sisters who have both gone through so much, including sacrificing much of their lives. Mia, the older sister, makes a huge life sacrifice when she takes on the role of younger sister Cricket's legal guardian. Born into a family of soccer players, the girls mother, Liz Lowe, gives up her future soccer career when she gives birth to Mia. Both girls follow in their mother's athletic footsteps, but it's Cricket who chases her goal to play in college, and professionally, dreaming of playing for the National Team, and one day earning an Olympic gold medal.
Throughout the book, we learn about Liz's past, and what her future could have looked like, had it not been for the tragic accident. Mia makes so many sacrifices for Cricket, given their age gap, taking on the role of caregiver, and making sure her sister is able to follow her dreams. Cricket is focused on following her professional soccer dream, but when soccer is her main focus, she too has to make sacrifices, and ultimately think about what truly matters in life.
This book tugged at my heartstrings early on, and was such a deep narrative about life, love, sacrifice, and remembering what truly is important in life.

What a book! I was expecting just a story of two sisters, a complex story and it really was so much more than that.

This book does deal with some sensitive matters such as death, grief, infertility so please look up trigger warnings before reading.

This book centers around 3 women: Liz, Mia and Cricket. Their lives are centered around soccer and it makes for such a complex journey of working hard towards a goal (no pun intended) and the sacrifices you make to get there. Their stories have so much heart, even when they’re hitting a rough patch in their journeys.

I really loved Mia and Cricket’s sister dynamics at the end. You see Mia give and give for so long and when she finally chooses herself, I was clapping so hard. And I loved seeing Cricket learn to give back, even when it seems like she’s being absolutely selfish. It felt realistic in the aspect of what was happening because while I maybe wouldn’t take that long to make a decision, I do think there would be turmoil to give up something you always dreamed and worked hard for.

Overall, a very beautiful story. Thank you NetGalley, Dial Press and Beck Dorey-Stein for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

This book gave me Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes and I think that's why I loved it so much. Like Malibu Rising, a lot of the story follows an older sisters sacrifice to take care of her sibling and how unfair but worth it everything is. I felt all the feels and felt so deeply for Mia, she deserved soi much better from life but tried to make the best of what was given to her.

I’ve read and enjoyed Beck Dorey-Stein’s two previous books, so I was thrilled to receive this ARC. While different from her memoir and first novel, I was completely pulled into this story about Mia and Cricket. I enjoyed learning more about women’s soccer, and the Maine setting felt appropriate for a summer read. Heartily recommend!

Complicated, tender, and moving, Spectacular Things is a close look at what sisterhood and sacrifice means.

For sisters Mia and Cricket, soccer has always been the heart of their lives. It was their mother's first love, and it's theirs, too. Mia will do - and has done - anything and everything for Cricket. When the book begins, the reader is thrown into a vital moment of decision for Cricket. But before you can know Cricket's decision, you have to understand where it all started - many years ago, with their mother, Liz.

Starting in 1989 and stretching to 2031, this is a family drama centered around the lives of the women of the family. I came to deeply love each one of the Lowes: Liz, Mia, and Cricket. Each was flawed, vulnerable, and earnest in their own way. My heart broke most for Mia, who shouldered an immense eldest daughter burden, but I felt as though Beck Dorey-Stein did a fantastic job navigating the complex relationships between mothers and daughters and sisters.

This is a story about sisters, but it's also a story about soccer, and you don't have to be a fan of the sport to get sucked into the intensity of the game. It had me ready to go watch as many old USWNT matches as possible. I never played soccer, but I did dive competitively in college, and it made me nostalgie for the feeling and especially for my old coach. There's a Steve Prefontaine quote and poster that comes up repeatedly during the story - "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" - which was a poster that was on my own pool deck that I stared at every day for four years. I took it home with me after graduating and hung it above my bedroom door as a reminder. And I feel like it's such a good quote for this book, which grapples with what a gift and a sacrifice might truly be.

This book really packs an emotional punch. It's devastating and hopeful at the same time and so deeply satisfying. The end was cathartic and I teared up during reading. I absolutely loved this from start to finish.

Spectacular Things follows two sisters, Mia and Cricket, after the loss of their mother. It is supposed to be a heartwarming story of resilience, perseverance, a strong family bond, with the tension and drama of sisters (if you have one, you know.. it's always drama).

While the book is about the above, it was mostly about soccer. You know what I truly couldn't care less about? This much detail about soccer. It was too much. I started skimming in the middle because I just couldn't continue to read more about Cricket's soccer journey. It's like, we already knew where we were going to end up based on Part One, so 75% of the book (Part 2) was just the extra.

Now, don't let this critique sway you from reading the book. The story is beautiful and it is well written. Just not particularly spectacular.

Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️ A book about sports that’s not about sports? My exact niche genre. I loved this so much. The sister dynamic, with the sports, and the family drama, and the emotions? Impeccably done. Please Reese. If you have the rights… make this a movie. It would be stunning 🤌

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

Sisters Mia and Cricket have always been close. Raised by single mom Liz, they were taught at a young age the importance of family. After a tragic accident, Mia gave up on her dreams to become caretaker to Cricket who is excelling and on the verge of greatness in soccer. As Cricket and Mia grow up they must figure out their mother's secret past while trying to piece together their own future.

Spectacular Things is a beautifully written story of sisterhood, ambition, and sacrifice. Thought-provoking and character driven, this book crept up underneath my skin in the best way. With a realistic look into the complexity of sibling relationships and all of the messy stuff that comes with being a part of a complicated family, this novel was such a heartfelt read. There is so much emotional depth to the characters and Dorey-Stein did an excellent job making you feel for the sisters and their choices. Have your tissues handy, because you might need them!

Thank you to NetGalley, Beck Dorey-Stein, and The Dial Press for this ARC! Publication date was July 1st 2025.

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.