Familia: A Riveting and Unforgettable Novel of Sisterhood
"A masterfully woven tale of mystery, reconciliation, and familial love." –Abby Jimenez, New York Times Bestselling Author
Readers of Olga Dies Dreaming and fans of Julia Alvarez will be captivated by this spellbinding story told from multiple perspectives and spanning a generation, as a baffling genealogy test connects two young women across cultures and class and sets in motion the events that might unravel a decades-old crime at last.
"With every turn of the page, readers are drawn to exploring the complexities that bind every person to their roots, celebrating the tenacious pursuit of identity." – LA Times
Book of the Month Club Add-On Selection | GoodReads Readers' Most Anticipated Books | The Daily Mail Best New Books | Indie Next Pick | LibraryReads Selection | GoodReads The Fall Books Goodreads Editors Can't Wait to Read | Library Journal Fall Book Preview, The Titles to Read in 2023
What if your most basic beliefs about your life were suddenly revealed to be a lie?
As the fact checker for a popular magazine, Gabby DiMarco believes in absolute, verifiable Truths—until they throw the facts of her own life into question. The genealogy test she took as research for an article has yielded a baffling result: Gabby has a sister—one who’s been desperately trying to find her. Except, as Gabby’s beloved parents would confirm if they were still alive, that’s impossible.
Isabella Ruiz can still picture the face of her baby sister, who disappeared from the streets of San Juan twenty-five years ago. Isabella, an artist, has fought hard for the stable home and loving marriage she has today—yet the longing to find Marianna has never left. At last, she’s found a match, and Gabby has agreed to come to Puerto Rico.
But Gabby, as defensive and cautious as Isabella is impulsive, offers no happy reunion. She insists there’s been a mistake. And Isabella realizes that even if this woman is her sister, she may not want to be.
With nothing—or perhaps so much—in common, Gabby and Isabella set out to find the truth, though it means risking everything they’ve known for an uncertain future—and a past that harbors yet more surprises . . .
"A compulsive story with engaging characters that hooked me from the start. This is a must read!" –Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post & Bestselling Author
"Lauren Rico’s FAMILIA has it all. By page 30, I would have walked on coals to finish reading this story." –Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean
"An absolute delight. I couldn't stop turning the pages." –KJ Dell'Antonia, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Chicken Sisters (A Reese's Book Club Pick)
“A moving story about the bonds of sisterhood and unraveling the mysteries of your past. A wonderful debut!” –Annette Chavez Macias, bestselling author of Big Chicas Don’t Cry
Readers of Olga Dies Dreaming and fans of Julia Alvarez will be captivated by this spellbinding story told from multiple perspectives and spanning a generation, as a baffling genealogy test connects two young women across cultures and class and sets in motion the events that might unravel a decades-old crime at last.
"With every turn of the page, readers are drawn to exploring the complexities that bind every person to their roots, celebrating the tenacious pursuit of identity." – LA Times
Book of the Month Club Add-On Selection | GoodReads Readers' Most Anticipated Books | The Daily Mail Best New Books | Indie Next Pick | LibraryReads Selection | GoodReads The Fall Books Goodreads Editors Can't Wait to Read | Library Journal Fall Book Preview, The Titles to Read in 2023
What if your most basic beliefs about your life were suddenly revealed to be a lie?
As the fact checker for a popular magazine, Gabby DiMarco believes in absolute, verifiable Truths—until they throw the facts of her own life into question. The genealogy test she took as research for an article has yielded a baffling result: Gabby has a sister—one who’s been desperately trying to find her. Except, as Gabby’s beloved parents would confirm if they were still alive, that’s impossible.
Isabella Ruiz can still picture the face of her baby sister, who disappeared from the streets of San Juan twenty-five years ago. Isabella, an artist, has fought hard for the stable home and loving marriage she has today—yet the longing to find Marianna has never left. At last, she’s found a match, and Gabby has agreed to come to Puerto Rico.
But Gabby, as defensive and cautious as Isabella is impulsive, offers no happy reunion. She insists there’s been a mistake. And Isabella realizes that even if this woman is her sister, she may not want to be.
With nothing—or perhaps so much—in common, Gabby and Isabella set out to find the truth, though it means risking everything they’ve known for an uncertain future—and a past that harbors yet more surprises . . .
"A compulsive story with engaging characters that hooked me from the start. This is a must read!" –Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post & Bestselling Author
"Lauren Rico’s FAMILIA has it all. By page 30, I would have walked on coals to finish reading this story." –Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean
"An absolute delight. I couldn't stop turning the pages." –KJ Dell'Antonia, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Chicken Sisters (A Reese's Book Club Pick)
“A moving story about the bonds of sisterhood and unraveling the mysteries of your past. A wonderful debut!” –Annette Chavez Macias, bestselling author of Big Chicas Don’t Cry
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Community Reviews
This was a good story about two sisters finding each other after more than 20 years when the younger one went missing.
Book #69: Kelly's choice. This meeting was supposed to take place in person on Saturday, with the author present, but had to be cancelled.
A single DNA test cracks open a life built on certainty for Gabby and Familia follows the fallout. Gabby chases answers with a determination that feels both admirable and a little reckless. While Isabella carries a past shaped by survival and loss. Isabella and Gabby's sudden reconnection grows in hesitant steps and curiosity as the truth behind a decades-old trafficking case begins to surface.
Lauren E. Rico weaves multiple perspectives letting each voice deepen the mystery. The structure builds a fuller picture of how every decision ripples outward. Santiago’s storyline stands out for its moral complexity and offers context without asking for forgiveness. The supporting cast adds texture while they reveal fragments of the truth to Gabby's story piece by piece.
Gabby’s character arc anchors the novel. Her resistance, anger, and need for control shift as she confronts the reality of her origins. She reclaims her voice through investigative work that exposes the broken systems that stole her identity. The ending was so satisfying because it ties together justice, healing, and the complicated nature of belonging to a family.
The narrators, Victoria Villarreal, Franke Corzo, and Robb Moreira bring distinct voices that add perspectives in place and culture. The accents add authenticity and pull you deeper into Puerto Rico’s atmosphere.
Familia asks difficult questions about family, truth, and the cost of silence. Gabby’s growth steals the spotlight as she turns pain into purpose and exposes the system that stole her identity. Familia is great pick for readers drawn to investigative threads, found family, and stories where the truth demands to be heard.
I loved this book and I'm recommending it to everyone. I thought it was slow at first, but I'm glad I stuck with it, since it is an incredible story. I love genealogy, family, and stories set in other countries. After reading this, I wanted to visit Puerto Rico.
Gabby does a DNA test as a work assignment. She works for a popular magazine and they plan to do an article on genetic testing and its impact on families. She is stunned to discover she has a sister living in Puerto Rico. Isabella, is not surprised to find Gabby, in fact, she has been looking for her missing baby sister for 25 years. However, when Gabby meets Isabella she is not convinced they are related and quite certain there was a mixup in the lab. She convinces Isabella to have a second DNA test and while she is waiting for results she investigates the mystery of missing baby Marianna. There are plenty of people who remember the baby who went missing after the father, a local drunk, was beat up and the two women interview people who may have remembered that day.
I can't reveal more without ruining the book, but let me tell you that this is a beautiful and heartfelt story that will resonate with me for a long time. I received this as a giveaway and I'm grateful to the publisher for allowing me this opportunity to review this book. I read voraciously and this is my favorite one for 2024 so far. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day.
Gabby does a DNA test as a work assignment. She works for a popular magazine and they plan to do an article on genetic testing and its impact on families. She is stunned to discover she has a sister living in Puerto Rico. Isabella, is not surprised to find Gabby, in fact, she has been looking for her missing baby sister for 25 years. However, when Gabby meets Isabella she is not convinced they are related and quite certain there was a mixup in the lab. She convinces Isabella to have a second DNA test and while she is waiting for results she investigates the mystery of missing baby Marianna. There are plenty of people who remember the baby who went missing after the father, a local drunk, was beat up and the two women interview people who may have remembered that day.
I can't reveal more without ruining the book, but let me tell you that this is a beautiful and heartfelt story that will resonate with me for a long time. I received this as a giveaway and I'm grateful to the publisher for allowing me this opportunity to review this book. I read voraciously and this is my favorite one for 2024 so far. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day.
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