This book was very easy to read and kept me turning the pages. I felt like I got to know each of the characters and it kept me engaged. There was a bit of humor throughout which I enjoyed - kept it light. And yet the unknown elements made it a bit mysterious and more in depth.

"Nearly Beloved" offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. The novel beautifully navigates the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the journey of healing after heartbreak. Broekhuis crafts relatable characters whose struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, drawing readers into their emotional landscapes. Her prose is both tender and insightful, painting vivid scenes and internal monologues that capture the nuances of human connection. While the narrative tackles weighty themes, it maintains an underlying message of resilience and the possibility of finding joy again. A heartfelt read for anyone who appreciates a story of growth and redemption.

A very charming little book that makes a great beach read for a long afternoon. It was a bit predictable in so many ways but still enjoyed it. Good luck with the book and thanks for the early read.

Nearly Beloved by Kendra Broekhuis
Dylan Turner has just lost her father. And then the results of her DNA test come in, with some surprises. Her life is turned upside down, her mother isn’t answering her questions and so she takes off to find answers on her own.
The author has tapped into a vein that many about-to-be-thirty readers will identify with. Her main character works at Trader Joe’s, lives alone with 2 guinea pigs, is distanced from her mother, and spends much of her time on her phone googling to find the answers to her life’s dilemmas. Throw in her recent foray into the world of DNA, and you have a very trendy novel.
Her “Captain” is a lovable guy who may or may not find Dylan attractive. He is also kind and attractive and supports her as she delves into her past.
In addition, I found the description of Dylan’s father fascinating, especially as Dylan parses out the truth about him and his narcissism.
The plot contains some twists which surprise the reader. I was torn between wanting to finish the book and NOT wanting to finish the book so I could prolong the time with Dylan.
This book was unusual but was a story that many young adult readers will resonate with. I am grateful to the publisher for this arc, in return for this, my honest review.

Thank you for this arc! DNF: 30% : I DNF’d this book because I couldn’t seem to get into the plot line of where it was going. I felt as if it was a very slow start for me and possibly a lot of unnecessary plot before getting into the story itself. Just because it wasn’t for me, I’d recommend this book to someone who likes a slower paced story, solving/guessing as you read, a strong female main character.

Thanks to Netgalley and Waterbrook publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Such a good and original story of family secrets and the importance of honesty. Dylan found out a hard truth on the day of her father's funeral that changed her life and sent her on a journey to discover the truth. In the end she found love and a restored relationship with her mother. A very interesting and enjoyable book. 4.5 stars.

4.5 stars.

Nearly Beloved is an emotionally rich novel, exploring the complexities of identity, family secrets, and seeking truth. This book had me invested from page 1 all the way to the end; I genuinely looked forward to reading it every day.
This book follows Dylan Turner after the death of her 'father', Darren Turner, and her journey searching for the truth about her family and her identity.

The intertwining of Dylan’s journey with the past and present creates an engaging and captivating storyline and deepens her character and our understanding of what she has endured throughout her life from childhood to adulthood. The depth of this story is supported by the emotional yet thoughtful journey Dylan embarks on in finding herself and the emotions she feels throughout. She is faced with coming to terms with honesty and acceptance and, ultimately, the question of what is family and what makes her who she is.

This book explores and captures the pain and also possibilities of the truth and questioning your existence, something that really resonated with me as a reader – what does it mean to belong? both in your own skin but also in wider society. What does it mean to exist and function simultaneously with everyone and everything else? This book really puts into perspective that we humans are just beings on this vast planet and must grow to accept ourselves and our place in this world.

I love this book. It does a great job making you feel like Dylan could be you. It tackles mental health issues and an identity Crisis really well. I hope this author writes another book following Dylan and James. The slow burn romance was great with the witty food puns that just leaves you laughing because it's so cheesy. I also love how the romance didn't overshadow the main point of this book. All in all a great book that I would read again.
5 out of 5 stars

Nearly Beloved by Kendra Broekhuis is a compelling and emotionally rich novel that explores the complexities of identity, family secrets, and the courage it takes to seek the truth. Dylan’s desire for stability and routine makes the sudden upheaval caused by her dad’s death and the shocking DNA results all the more impactful. I appreciated how Broekhuis weaves Dylan’s journey across the country with unexpected encounters and hints of the past, creating a storyline that is both engaging and introspective. The characters Dylan meets along the way feel genuine, adding depth and nuance to her quest. While some plot twists are predictable, the emotional depth and the thoughtful questions the story raises about honesty, acceptance, and the nature of family make it a memorable read. Nearly Beloved is a beautifully written exploration of the pain and possibilities that come with uncovering difficult truths, and it ultimately leaves you pondering what it means to truly belong.

This book is in different formats. It’s from the perspective of a woman who determines to find her biological parent. The book is also in journal entries, emails, and texts. Dylan discovered that her dad is not her father. It was discovered during his funeral. She has to go across country to find out who her biological father is.

What a book. I just couldn’t put it down (sorry about the cliché – which I suspect Kendra Broekhuis would never use – but it’s true). It’s the kind of book that draws you in immediately, and you feel the sense of loss when it finishes.

This book deals with some heavy issues – narcissism and a ‘non paternity event’. It’s such a thoughtful and subtle book, which never sinks into triteness or twee-ness. The characters are so real, and the heroine – Dylan – is endearing. The author dots the novel with emails, texts, articles and messages from a DNA website – all with a lightness of hand that is both humorous and sensitive.

My next task is to hunt down the other two books by Kendra Broekhuis. I highly recommend this book.