Favorite Daughters

A Novel

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Pub Date 25 Aug 2022 | Archive Date 29 Sep 2022

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Description

Elyse Gibbons is out of her depth when, as an undergrad at Columbia, she's befriended by campus superstars Aubrey Adam-Drake and Marina Hunt. While Aubrey's grandfather is a former U.S. president and Marina's dad is a notorious mob lawyer, Elyse was raised in Pennsylvania by a single mother/language professor who made Elyse learn Chinese for allowance money. As her high-profile life evolves, Elyse must use the strength and perseverance she gained from her humble roots, even while joining ranks with the powerful and elite. Then, handsome and enigmatic Finn joins the three friends to form a tightly knit group of four, and life becomes even more complicated.

Years go by, Elyse is further drawn into Aubrey and Marina's world of influence and intrigue, and she will risk everything for her friends and for Finn—the love of her life. When Elyse becomes embroiled in her own political career, it's clear that one misstep can lead to earth-shattering consequences, one lie can cause devastating ruin, and to survive unscathed, betrayal is the only option.

Elyse Gibbons is out of her depth when, as an undergrad at Columbia, she's befriended by campus superstars Aubrey Adam-Drake and Marina Hunt. While Aubrey's grandfather is a former U.S. president and...


A Note From the Publisher

Laurel Osterkamp is a self-proclaimed political junkie from Minneapolis, where she teaches English and Creative Writing at a local high school, and runs her blog, laurellit.com. Her books, Following My Toes, Starring in the Movie of My Life, November Surprise, The Holdout, The Next Breath, and Just Like the Bronte Sisters, have received awards and rave reviews from readers, bloggers, and established sites such as Midwest Book Review, RT Book Reviews, USA Today Books, and Kirkus. Her full-length novel, The Standout, is a 2015 Kindle Scout Winner and was published by Kindle Press. She is currently seeking a master's degree in Creative Writing through Lindenwood University.

Laurel Osterkamp is a self-proclaimed political junkie from Minneapolis, where she teaches English and Creative Writing at a local high school, and runs her blog, laurellit.com. Her books, Following...


Advance Praise

2022 Maxy Awards Finalist

Firebird Book Award Winner (Women's Fiction)

Indies Today Finalist (Contemporary Fiction)

"...a riveting, moving novel, but also a rally cry for readers to find their power." -Jackie Jacobi, author of The Ravens

"An intriguing look at how power can corrupt multiple generations and the lengths people will go to get what they want, Favorite Daughters delivers a page-turning read!" -Catherine McKenzie, USA Today bestselling author of Hidden and Please Join Us

"Favorite Daughters is a finely-tuned and intriguing novel about love and betrayal along the rocky road to political success." -Sublime Book Review

"A tantalizing look into the underbelly of American politics, seen through the eyes of an idealistic and brave young woman determined to make a difference in the world." -Gail Olmsted, author of Landscape of a Marriage and Miranda Writes

2022 Maxy Awards Finalist

Firebird Book Award Winner (Women's Fiction)

Indies Today Finalist (Contemporary Fiction)

"...a riveting, moving novel, but also a rally cry for readers to find their...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781685130169
PRICE $6.99 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 11 members


Featured Reviews

Thank you to #NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Elyse, a Columbia student and aspiring journalist, is adopted by two privileged daughters of celebrities (Marina and Aubrey, respectively Ivanka Trump and Chelsea Clinton stand-ins) and the handsome student body president she falls for. We watch as she builds a future based on these new connections with the connected, and see it play out after the group has graduated. When things begin to go less smoothly, and Elyse begins to separate from the group, the plot picks up, especially as she enters the political realm (with AOC energy). “American Wife” meets “Gossip Girl.”

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Thank you #NetGalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the book and recommend it to those who enjoy novels with a political story line. I was rooting for the protagonist, Elyse, as she progressed from a Columbia undergraduate to a young political figure. Yes, she made some "bad/questionable" decisions along the way; but, her actions were always framed within the context of the internal and external pressures she faced as she navigated young adulthood and pursued her goals. As I read, it was hard not to make comparisons to political figures and "powerful" families in the U.S. Once I read the author's notes at the end of the book, it became clear that the characters were inspired by such figures. This did not take away from my enjoyment of the book as it actually made the actions of the characters more believable. Overall, I enjoyed the tensions between the characters, as well as the family drama that drove much of the decisions and actions of the characters. I could see, however, that some may not like the book, particularly those who are more right-leaning on the political spectrum as Elyse is a very progressive character; however, faults were evident in characters on both sides of the political spectrum.

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A big thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I found this to be an interesting read, convoluted. What is the truth? What is real? It has a lot of politics. This was a different type read for me. Friendship, using each other?? who knows. I have found that we truly never know anyone. Your best friend, the man you marry-they are never really who you think. People play roles and pretend and so who knows what they are really like. 4 stars Well worth a read.

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