Review: When We Found Home by Susan Mallery

I struggled with the rating I wanted to give this book. In the end I would say I give it 3.5 stars. I did like the book but had a few issues with it. Let me say that I love the premise - which is three people discovering that they are half siblings at different points in their lives. Keira, the 12 year old who was abandoned by her mother and left in foster care, Callie, who is 26 and struggling to find her way in a sometimes unforgiving world after making a mistake and being punished harshly and Malcolm who is 34 and part owner of Alberto's Alfresco. They share a father who is now dead and had lacked decency and responsibility while alive. The journey the three siblings took to become a family who trust and love one another was my favorite part of the book. They share a grandfather - Alberto - whom I wish had a larger role in the book. I really thought he might have more to do with bringing the three together as a family unit but other than finding the girls (Malcolm already lived with him) he didn't.

There were also two romances in the book and while good - they just weren't my favorite. Delaney and Malcolm started off so funny and charming and with a lot of potential. However, I never felt like I was actually experiencing them fall in love. I liked Delaney at first then she got really whiny and annoying. She definitely had some hardships in her life (like everyone else) but I never did understand why she clung to them for as long as she did. And the resolution of said hardship was rushed. I felt Malcolm had the most growth in the book - along with Keira who came a long way in feeling like she was accepted and finally had a family. In fact, I wish that some of the story had been told from her POV.

I did like Callie and Santiago's relationship minus the instant love part. That's my own personal thing, though, I believe someone can feel an instant attraction and perhaps a sense of possible connection but I think love takes time, knowledge of the person, shared experiences and trust.

Overall, I like the book and feel fortunate to have been able to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Susan Mallery writes with humor and emotion which I appreciate and those qualities saved this book for me.