the setup…
Lillian Wright and Ryan Brighton meet in a library and before they know it, are deeply in love and marry. They want to combine their names but it sounds comical so they become the Bright family. They open his art gallery and she leaves her bank job to help manage the marketing. Later comes daughter Georgette who they call Jet and then things begin to unravel. Lillian shares a big secret with Ryan who later turns to alcohol, a legacy from his father he’d vowed to never repeat.
the heart of the story…
This is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking stories I can remember reading in a long time. Both things are true at the same time, which makes it remarkable. The writing is exquisite as Lillian, Jet and Ryan share their life experiences against the backdrop of alcoholism. It’s tough to not resent the alcoholic and remember it’s a disease, not a choice between loved ones and the bottle. Lillian puts the first strokes on the canvas of the Bright family’s life, with all the “bright” times and dark ones, followed by Jet and Ryan.
the narration…
If any story needed multiple narrators it’s this one. Ferdelle Capistrano, Joy Osmanski & Lee Osorio graced these characters with terrific performances, especially Osmanski who gave Lillian a wistful quality that made her story powerful.
the bottom line…
First, don’t read the synopsis because it gives away too much. Next, it’s inexplicable that this is Damhoff’s debut novel because it reads like it was crafted with a seasoned hand. Lastly, it’s a raw look at the destructiveness of alcoholism, one I experienced with a beloved uncle who I never saw sober. I felt every high, low and things in between and was crying at the end, something rare for me. Treat yourself to the most powerful reading experience, elevated even more on audio.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 22, 2025
- Narrators: Ferdelle Capistrano, Joy Osmanski & Lee Osorio
- Audio Length: 8 hours, 50 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm
Blue Mood Café 
Beautiful review Jonetta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jodie💜
LikeLike
Excellent review. I’ll have to keep this in mind for when I think I could handle reading it.
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anne💜 It’s a beautiful story.
LikeLike
Such a beautiful review, Jo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marialyce💜
LikeLike
Beautiful review, Jo. This book calls to me, especially because my husband was an alcoholic. He kept it under control until he retired. I am tearing up just reading this review. I am going to listen to this one, if I can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carla💜 And thanks for sharing your story. This will definitely speak to you as it did me. It was while I was listening to the book that I realized I’d never seen my uncle sober. His inebriation was my normal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a tough way to see them. Unfortunately, when that happens if burns a lot of bridges, at least it did for Ray.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are a lot of alcoholics (recovering and current) in my family, so I’m not sure I could handle this one. It does sound like a beautiful read, though. Thanks for sharing your review for the #SummerReading collab!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susan💜 One of my friends who is a recovering alcoholic recommended the book if that’s helpful. I found it wonderfully instructive.
LikeLike
Great review, it sounds like an interesting book 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cat💜 It will be on my best of for the year.
LikeLike