Sandy M’s review of Familia by Lauren E. Rico
Women’s Fiction published by Kensington Books 26 Dec 23
Besides the fact Lauren Rico is one of my favorite authors, in this book I was looking forward to the genealogical aspect – I’ve been researching my family for the past twelve or so years, have even volunteered at one of my local libraries in their genealogy room to help others discover their families and any mysteries that may be revealed. I’ve heard some amazing family stories, including one in my own family, over the years, so this book should have been right up my alley…
…and it was. This story gives readers a little bit of everything, from all that genealogy to finding family to laughter and heartache to overcome, and so much more.
Gabriella DiMarco is a fact-checker at a magazine where she wants her chance as a writer, but her handsome boss won’t give her said chance. When her DNA results come back showing she has a full-blooded sibling out in the world, she’s pretty all-fire sure the results are wrong. When the boss won’t give her the story to check out – wanting the office narcissist to cover it – Gabby ends up walking away, determined to find out what’s what when it comes to her own life.
That’s how she ends up in Puerto Rico to meet the woman who believes Gabby is her long-lost sister, who disappeared years before when their father got himself into a bit of trouble after the death of his wife. Isabella is 100% sure Gabby is Marianna, once they meet. But another DNA test to prove her wrong, and Gabby spends a few extra days in this beautiful country.
There is so much fun to be had between Gabby and Isabella. There’s also tension and guilt added in, but I spent much more time laughing out loud when these two spend time together, as well as with others as they are introduced. I enjoyed the descriptions of Puerto Rico, from La Perla – rundown and dangerous as it is – to San Juan and other places. Ms. Rico does an excellent job making you feel as though you’re right there with these ladies. The mystery of Marianna’s disappearance is also front and center, as they begin to investigate it after so many years. All of the characters we meet are interesting and give another layer to the story and investigation.
So the outcome that each woman is sure will support her theory? Well, you’ll have to sink your teeth into the story. It’s well worth the time to meet all these folks, get a quick genealogy/DNA lesson, and have fun along the way. I highly recommend this book, along with any of Ms. Rico’s backlist.
Grade: A+
Summary:
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 . . .
Read an excerpt.
