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The Other Family
From the bestselling author of Digging In comes a witty and moving novel about motherhood, courage, and finding true family.
With a dissolving marriage, strained finances, and her life in flux, Ally Anderson longs for normal. Her greatest concerns, though, are the health problems of her young daughter, Kylie. Symptoms point to a compromised immune system, but every doctor they’ve seen has a different theory. Then comes hope for some clarity.
It’s possible that Kylie’s illness is genetic, but Ally is adopted. A DNA test opens up an entirely new path. And where it leads is a surprise: to an aunt Ally never knew existed. She’s a little wild, very welcoming, and ready to share more of the family history than Ally ever imagined.
Coping with a skeptical soon-to-be-ex husband, weathering the cautions of her own resistant mother, and getting maddeningly close to the healing Kylie needs, Ally is determined to regain control of her life. This is her chance to embrace uncertainty and the beauty of family—both the one she was born into and the one she chose.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2020
4501 people are currently reading
5397 people want to read
About the author
Loretta Nyhan
14 books498 followersI was a reader before I was a writer, devouring everything I could get my hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and the instructions booklet for building the Barbie dream house. Later, my obsession with reading evolved into an absolute need to write. After college, I wrote for national trade magazines, taught writing to college freshmen, and eventually found the guts to try fiction.
I'm the author of the upcoming All the Good Parts (Lake Union, 2016) and Digging In (Lake Union, 2017). Previous published novels include I’ll Be Seeing You and Empire Girls (MIRA Books).
When I'm not writing, I can be found knitting, baking, and doing all kinds of things my high school self would have found hilarious.
I live in the Chicago area with my two teenage boys.
I'm the author of the upcoming All the Good Parts (Lake Union, 2016) and Digging In (Lake Union, 2017). Previous published novels include I’ll Be Seeing You and Empire Girls (MIRA Books).
When I'm not writing, I can be found knitting, baking, and doing all kinds of things my high school self would have found hilarious.
I live in the Chicago area with my two teenage boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
March 26, 2020
Before diving into The Other Family by Loretta Nyhan, I read her comments on the "review" space for this book, which gave exceptional insight into the inspiration behind the fictional story at play here. I highly recommend that you do the same, because it gave me a deeper level of connection to the plot, while also simply entertaining my inquisitive mind that always likes to know where the idea for a story has come from. It's no secret that the past couple of weeks/months, depending on which country you reside in, have been full of anxious thoughts and emotional turmoil, which is why this novel was such a breath of fresh air, providing uplifting content and comic relief. Adoption has and always will be a subject near and dear to my heart, and with the amount of people diagnosed with autoimmune diseases exponentially growing, I can't imagine that this book won't resonate with a wide variety of readers. Highly recommended for those needing a feel good read full of familial support and delightfully imperfect characters.
*Many thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
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November 18, 2019I still can't rate my books--it doesn't feel right. What I can do is explain why I wrote THE OTHER FAMILY, and why I hope you'll want to read it...
So...I was at a party (shocker, I know) a few years ago. A group of us were discussing the now ubiquitous 23andMe DNA test--it was fairly new then, and people were curious. How did it work? If you did it, what did you find out? Were you surprised? Well, anytime people are that interested in something, my writerly brain kicks in, alert to possibilities. Among the interested faces was a guy who looked, for lack of a better term, pissed. I mean...ANGRY. I'm nosy, and I can't help myself when it comes to satisfying my curiosity, so I asked him, "Everything okay?"
Turned out he did the test, and, because relatives are listed, found out he had an aunt and cousins he never knew about. Apparently, his father had feuded with his sister before this guy was born, and cut all ties. He'd grown up without much in the way of extended family, and now that his father passed, he felt he'd unfairly missed out.
"Wow," I said, rendered almost, but not quite, speechless. "Wow."
"Yep," he seethed.
Again, I couldn't hide my curiosity. "What happened when you contacted them?"
He gave me a weird look. "Why in the world would I do that?"
Um...because that's the first thing I would do! Wouldn't you?
At about the same time, I began to notice a disturbing trend--more and more of my family and friends were getting sick with autoimmune syndromes/diseases/illnesses. At times it seemed everyone around me was suffering from something. Many of our immune systems were horribly confused, attacking healthy tissue and causing all kinds of debilitating problems. And, in addition to the burden of not feeling well on a daily basis, many sufferers could not get a solid diagnosis from their doctors without countless tests and office visits. Some had yet to get a definitive answer for their distress. Watching loved ones suffer was devastating, and I felt so helpless. Unfortunately, I am not a doctor; however, I am a writer so...
I started writing THE OTHER FAMILY. It's the story of Ally, a woman who is struggling to find some answers for her ten-year-old daughter's autoimmune struggles. In doing so, she uses DNA testing to research the possibility of a hereditary illness. Ally is adopted and knows next to nothing about her birth family, and, to her great surprise, the DNA test reveals a biological aunt living nearby. Putting her misgivings aside, Ally contacts this aunt, which, in turn, introduces Ally and her daughter, Kylie, to a whole new world of...
...you'll have to read the novel to find out what craziness ensues. I promise you'll laugh while reading about Ally and Kylie's adventures, and cry a little, and just maybe, if you or your loved ones suffer from a chronic illness (Isn't that everyone at this point?), you'll feel a little hopeful.
Happy reading!
XOXO,
Loretta
So...I was at a party (shocker, I know) a few years ago. A group of us were discussing the now ubiquitous 23andMe DNA test--it was fairly new then, and people were curious. How did it work? If you did it, what did you find out? Were you surprised? Well, anytime people are that interested in something, my writerly brain kicks in, alert to possibilities. Among the interested faces was a guy who looked, for lack of a better term, pissed. I mean...ANGRY. I'm nosy, and I can't help myself when it comes to satisfying my curiosity, so I asked him, "Everything okay?"
Turned out he did the test, and, because relatives are listed, found out he had an aunt and cousins he never knew about. Apparently, his father had feuded with his sister before this guy was born, and cut all ties. He'd grown up without much in the way of extended family, and now that his father passed, he felt he'd unfairly missed out.
"Wow," I said, rendered almost, but not quite, speechless. "Wow."
"Yep," he seethed.
Again, I couldn't hide my curiosity. "What happened when you contacted them?"
He gave me a weird look. "Why in the world would I do that?"
Um...because that's the first thing I would do! Wouldn't you?
At about the same time, I began to notice a disturbing trend--more and more of my family and friends were getting sick with autoimmune syndromes/diseases/illnesses. At times it seemed everyone around me was suffering from something. Many of our immune systems were horribly confused, attacking healthy tissue and causing all kinds of debilitating problems. And, in addition to the burden of not feeling well on a daily basis, many sufferers could not get a solid diagnosis from their doctors without countless tests and office visits. Some had yet to get a definitive answer for their distress. Watching loved ones suffer was devastating, and I felt so helpless. Unfortunately, I am not a doctor; however, I am a writer so...
I started writing THE OTHER FAMILY. It's the story of Ally, a woman who is struggling to find some answers for her ten-year-old daughter's autoimmune struggles. In doing so, she uses DNA testing to research the possibility of a hereditary illness. Ally is adopted and knows next to nothing about her birth family, and, to her great surprise, the DNA test reveals a biological aunt living nearby. Putting her misgivings aside, Ally contacts this aunt, which, in turn, introduces Ally and her daughter, Kylie, to a whole new world of...
...you'll have to read the novel to find out what craziness ensues. I promise you'll laugh while reading about Ally and Kylie's adventures, and cry a little, and just maybe, if you or your loved ones suffer from a chronic illness (Isn't that everyone at this point?), you'll feel a little hopeful.
Happy reading!
XOXO,
Loretta
April 26, 2020
Family—in all its forms—can be the most powerful tool we have. That's at least a theme of Loretta Nyhan's heartwarming and emotional new novel,
The Other Family
.
It’s not that Ally is inordinately unhappy—it’s more like she’s been in a state of suspended animation for a long while. First it was discovering that her daughter Kylie had a dangerous peanut allergy when she was very young, but now Kylie just keeps getting sick. Although doctors can’t quite pinpoint exactly what is wrong with her, they know it’s some kind of autoimmune disease.
Kylie’s health has taken its toll on Ally’s finances, her sanity, even her marriage—she and her husband Matt are separated. But that doesn’t matter, because she just wants to find answers about what’s wrong with Kylie, wants Kylie to have the life of a normal 10-1/2-year old.
When the latest doctor they’re seeing, whose methods are somewhat unorthodox, suggests the problem may be genetic, it throws Ally for a loop. She was adopted, so if Kylie takes a DNA test, it could open the door to information about her biological family, information she’s never sought before.
The DNA test finds that Ally has an aunt nearby, an aunt who never forgot about her. But is Ally ready to open up her life to new family members at the same time she’s dealing with her adoptive mother’s feelings about looking into her biological family? Not only that, but Matt is resisting the treatment being proposed for Kylie because he worries about potential harm, and he wants to start dating again. Can't Ally just get her one wish, that Kylie get the help she needs?
The Other Family was a sweet, moving book about the bonds of family and the idea that family is who we choose as much as those to whom we’re born. It’s also a powerful look at the sacrifices parents make for their children, the vulnerabilities we don't want others to see, and the struggles faced by those with autoimmune diseases.
I really enjoy the way Loretta Nyhan writes. I loved her last book, Digging In , too, as it also combined humor, poignancy, and resilience.
Thanks to Amazon’s First Reads program and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review! This book publishes April 1.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
It’s not that Ally is inordinately unhappy—it’s more like she’s been in a state of suspended animation for a long while. First it was discovering that her daughter Kylie had a dangerous peanut allergy when she was very young, but now Kylie just keeps getting sick. Although doctors can’t quite pinpoint exactly what is wrong with her, they know it’s some kind of autoimmune disease.
Kylie’s health has taken its toll on Ally’s finances, her sanity, even her marriage—she and her husband Matt are separated. But that doesn’t matter, because she just wants to find answers about what’s wrong with Kylie, wants Kylie to have the life of a normal 10-1/2-year old.
When the latest doctor they’re seeing, whose methods are somewhat unorthodox, suggests the problem may be genetic, it throws Ally for a loop. She was adopted, so if Kylie takes a DNA test, it could open the door to information about her biological family, information she’s never sought before.
The DNA test finds that Ally has an aunt nearby, an aunt who never forgot about her. But is Ally ready to open up her life to new family members at the same time she’s dealing with her adoptive mother’s feelings about looking into her biological family? Not only that, but Matt is resisting the treatment being proposed for Kylie because he worries about potential harm, and he wants to start dating again. Can't Ally just get her one wish, that Kylie get the help she needs?
The Other Family was a sweet, moving book about the bonds of family and the idea that family is who we choose as much as those to whom we’re born. It’s also a powerful look at the sacrifices parents make for their children, the vulnerabilities we don't want others to see, and the struggles faced by those with autoimmune diseases.
I really enjoy the way Loretta Nyhan writes. I loved her last book, Digging In , too, as it also combined humor, poignancy, and resilience.
Thanks to Amazon’s First Reads program and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review! This book publishes April 1.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
March 2, 2020
I chose this as my March First Reads selection through Amazon.
In the author's notes at the end of the book, Loretta Nyhan mentioned that more and more people she knew were being diagnosed with autoimmune disorders. I could literally go on a tirade about the science and main cause behind these disorders, but I won't. This is a book review, not a biology lesson.
Nevertheless, reading about Ally running from doctor to doctor trying to find answers and not getting any at all...it was beyond frustrating to me, mostly because it's so accurate. Doctors really can be that ignorant. Or at least they pretend to be. (Please don't assume your doctor is all-knowing. Truly. Do your research...and I'm not referring to Google. I mean get actual medical books and research. Not only am I an RN who works with docs and realizes they're absolutely fallible, I'm also a mom who has corrected them on multiple occasions.)
Anyway...
The Other Family is a cutesy story revolving around themes of chronic illness, adoption, divorce, alternative medicine (which I loved) and the myriad of emotions that go along with each. The characters were full of depth, but the story itself seemed lacking to me somehow. It felt as though it just skimmed the surface of each topic, never really digging down deep. It is a quick, easy read...I finished it in one evening, so if you're looking for something which doesn't require much thought or brainpower, this is a good choice.
Overall, this was a mediocre read. I'd recommend it to those who love domestic dramas, or are just looking for something light to fill a slow afternoon.
In the author's notes at the end of the book, Loretta Nyhan mentioned that more and more people she knew were being diagnosed with autoimmune disorders. I could literally go on a tirade about the science and main cause behind these disorders, but I won't. This is a book review, not a biology lesson.
Nevertheless, reading about Ally running from doctor to doctor trying to find answers and not getting any at all...it was beyond frustrating to me, mostly because it's so accurate. Doctors really can be that ignorant. Or at least they pretend to be. (Please don't assume your doctor is all-knowing. Truly. Do your research...and I'm not referring to Google. I mean get actual medical books and research. Not only am I an RN who works with docs and realizes they're absolutely fallible, I'm also a mom who has corrected them on multiple occasions.)
Anyway...
The Other Family is a cutesy story revolving around themes of chronic illness, adoption, divorce, alternative medicine (which I loved) and the myriad of emotions that go along with each. The characters were full of depth, but the story itself seemed lacking to me somehow. It felt as though it just skimmed the surface of each topic, never really digging down deep. It is a quick, easy read...I finished it in one evening, so if you're looking for something which doesn't require much thought or brainpower, this is a good choice.
Overall, this was a mediocre read. I'd recommend it to those who love domestic dramas, or are just looking for something light to fill a slow afternoon.
March 30, 2020
I picked up The Other Family on Saturday, and I quickly finished it. It was so easy to read and heartfelt.
Ally is having a challenging time. Her marriage is falling apart, financially she’s not in a good spot, and her daughter, Kylie, is having unexplained health problems. Ally pursues DNA testing for Kylie, and since Ally is adopted, this opens up a can of worms... She finds an aunt she’s never met.
In this story, Ally, through her ups and downs, finds family in unexpected places. While I read The Other Family, I chuckled, I teared up, and I felt content. This was just the right kind of book I needed right now.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Ally is having a challenging time. Her marriage is falling apart, financially she’s not in a good spot, and her daughter, Kylie, is having unexplained health problems. Ally pursues DNA testing for Kylie, and since Ally is adopted, this opens up a can of worms... She finds an aunt she’s never met.
In this story, Ally, through her ups and downs, finds family in unexpected places. While I read The Other Family, I chuckled, I teared up, and I felt content. This was just the right kind of book I needed right now.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 21, 2024
This was a well written story that covered the topics of adoption, DNA testing and autoimmune disorders. Kylie has suffered from a chronic autoimmune disorder throughout childhood. She’s been to more doctors that she and her mom Ally can count, and all those visits and tests have left her with more questions than answers. This novel does a good job of showing the perspective of those who suffer from orphan illnesses, and the reality that sometimes medical science does not have concrete answers even when something is clearly very, very wrong.
When Kylie and her mom go to Dr. Indigo, an alternative medicine specialist, will her methods help, or are they yet another in a long line of odd and ultimately ineffective treatments? I liked all the inclusive messages in this one, both about disability and about adoption. And cute funny moments, particularly with Cassie’s dog!
When Kylie and her mom go to Dr. Indigo, an alternative medicine specialist, will her methods help, or are they yet another in a long line of odd and ultimately ineffective treatments? I liked all the inclusive messages in this one, both about disability and about adoption. And cute funny moments, particularly with Cassie’s dog!
March 5, 2020
*minor edits and thought updates*
*Read for free via Amazon First Reads, my pick for March 2020*
I chose this because it sounded different from the other picks and I was intrigued by a couple things mentioned in the summary.
Aside from a few moments that had me tearing up, and the relationship between Ally and Kylie, mostly I felt this missed the mark overall. The way Kylie's allergies were done seemed done well to me and I wanted to hug her.
The idea was there ,just not executed very well. It isn't a bad book, just not what it could have been in my humble opinion.
I applaud the author for trying to bring this issues in there but it felt like everything skimmed the surface or went by too quickly with most things.
I did love Kylie,Bernie the most. Kylie was a sweetie and Bernie was quite the character. The others I did like but didn't feel fully connected to aside from the above and Ally a little bit more.
Maybe if the book had been longer, it would have felt more focused *shrugs* Its a nice read for a day where you don't feel good like I was and didn't want to have to think too much.
I would still say give this a try if you are curious, you may like it better than me, or not.. part of the bookworm life :)
Happy reading!
2.5-3 stars
*Read for free via Amazon First Reads, my pick for March 2020*
I chose this because it sounded different from the other picks and I was intrigued by a couple things mentioned in the summary.
Aside from a few moments that had me tearing up, and the relationship between Ally and Kylie, mostly I felt this missed the mark overall. The way Kylie's allergies were done seemed done well to me and I wanted to hug her.
The idea was there ,just not executed very well. It isn't a bad book, just not what it could have been in my humble opinion.
I applaud the author for trying to bring this issues in there but it felt like everything skimmed the surface or went by too quickly with most things.
I did love Kylie,Bernie the most. Kylie was a sweetie and Bernie was quite the character. The others I did like but didn't feel fully connected to aside from the above and Ally a little bit more.
Maybe if the book had been longer, it would have felt more focused *shrugs* Its a nice read for a day where you don't feel good like I was and didn't want to have to think too much.
I would still say give this a try if you are curious, you may like it better than me, or not.. part of the bookworm life :)
Happy reading!
2.5-3 stars
November 6, 2019
Nyhan has a knack for creating colorful characters with emotional depth and sharp wit. The Other Family is the touching (and timely) story of Ally Anderson, a devoted mother navigating through her daughter Kylie's life-threatening allergies. The diagnosis has taken its toll on Ally and her marriage to Matt, but also introduces a lively cast of characters through DNA testing (Ally is adopted), to help sort out Ally and Kylie's medical history.
Kudos to the author for introducing an alternative approach to allergy treatment. One that provides a rare compassion for the patient and the family in which it inevitably affects.
Nyhan writes a heart-warming story of what it means to be family and the sacrifices we make for those we love. The Other Family weaves together our most sensitive and tender moments, delivering a flawless tale of faith, understanding, and perseverance.
Lastly, I am obsessed with Jenn with two n's.
Brava!
Thank you the author and Net Galley for an advanced copy.
Kudos to the author for introducing an alternative approach to allergy treatment. One that provides a rare compassion for the patient and the family in which it inevitably affects.
Nyhan writes a heart-warming story of what it means to be family and the sacrifices we make for those we love. The Other Family weaves together our most sensitive and tender moments, delivering a flawless tale of faith, understanding, and perseverance.
Lastly, I am obsessed with Jenn with two n's.
Brava!
Thank you the author and Net Galley for an advanced copy.
May 24, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect from reading the synopsis of The Other Family, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked the story overall. I know of people dealing with mystery illnesses and ailments and it's no picnic for them. Loretta showed this frustration really well in regards to what Ally was going through with her daughter.
I liked all the characters in this novel and how they came together in different ways. It was easy to visualize characters and settings. I really felt invested in Ally's journey to find her relatives and what happened once she did. Micki was so much fun and I loved her place of business. There were a lot of sweet moments throughout, as well as some funny ones at times.
The Other Family is a great story about what defines family and I definitely recommend checking it out! This was my first time reading a novel written by Loretta Nyhan, but I definitely want to read more from her.
Movie casting suggestions:
Ally: Alison Brie
Matt: John Krasinski
Heather: Lizzy Caplan
Sophie: Frances Conroy
Micki: Valerie Bertinelli
Sandy: Ajay Mehta
Bernie: Tippi Hedren
Cassie: Floriana Lima
Sawyer: Charlie Weber
I liked all the characters in this novel and how they came together in different ways. It was easy to visualize characters and settings. I really felt invested in Ally's journey to find her relatives and what happened once she did. Micki was so much fun and I loved her place of business. There were a lot of sweet moments throughout, as well as some funny ones at times.
The Other Family is a great story about what defines family and I definitely recommend checking it out! This was my first time reading a novel written by Loretta Nyhan, but I definitely want to read more from her.
Movie casting suggestions:
Ally: Alison Brie
Matt: John Krasinski
Heather: Lizzy Caplan
Sophie: Frances Conroy
Micki: Valerie Bertinelli
Sandy: Ajay Mehta
Bernie: Tippi Hedren
Cassie: Floriana Lima
Sawyer: Charlie Weber
March 1, 2020
The Other Family is an utterly engaging book, brimming with warmth and wit. The main character, Ally Anderson, immediately spoke to my heart; a woman with a sick child and a floundering marriage, who discovers strength, courage and determination. There is devotion and care on every page of this book; the interactions between these wonderful characters are not always easy, but they are honest and real and love-filled. This is a beautifully-written, profound, heartwarming book about the wonder of family. It made me smile, it made me cry, and made me hopeful.
April 17, 2020
A heartfelt & real story about what it means to be family.
Full review up on blog: http://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/2...
Full review up on blog: http://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/2...
March 18, 2020
Ms. Nyhan's characters are always believable. They are always human. This is the second book of hers I've read and I will read more.
April 11, 2020
I see I’m in the minority on this one but this book did nothing for me. I could not connect to the characters and just didn’t enjoy it that much. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
April 19, 2020
After reading Nyhan's Digging In a couple of years ago, I was delighted and excited to get a copy of her latest, The Other Family. Once again, this author has provided an uplifting and heart warming story that truly brought me the feels.
This story deals with adoption, autoimmune deficiencies and a cast of characters you cannot help but fall in love with. Each character felt so incredibly real and human that I found myself absolutely connecting with them - especially with Ally and her daughter, Kylie. This felt like one of those Hallmark movies you can't help but love. I felt tears come to my eyes at some moments as I read. I also did groan a little bit at Dr. Indigo but hey, you do what you have to for your daughter and well.... she was a bit of a breath of fresh air as well.
What can I say? This was a great break from my darker reads and I will absolutely always read whatever Nyhan writes. She truly brings her characters to life and I feel that any reader would be hard pressed not to enjoy this bright light in a world that's just a little bit dark right now.
This story deals with adoption, autoimmune deficiencies and a cast of characters you cannot help but fall in love with. Each character felt so incredibly real and human that I found myself absolutely connecting with them - especially with Ally and her daughter, Kylie. This felt like one of those Hallmark movies you can't help but love. I felt tears come to my eyes at some moments as I read. I also did groan a little bit at Dr. Indigo but hey, you do what you have to for your daughter and well.... she was a bit of a breath of fresh air as well.
What can I say? This was a great break from my darker reads and I will absolutely always read whatever Nyhan writes. She truly brings her characters to life and I feel that any reader would be hard pressed not to enjoy this bright light in a world that's just a little bit dark right now.
April 26, 2020
This book is a quick easy read, but there's just no depth to it. I applaud the author for trying to bring the issue of autoimmune disease to the forefront, but maybe it should be done in nonfiction format. The story never really becomes interesting, mostly because so many of the plot turns are dealt with too quickly. Also, some of the plot seems to be added just to make the book decent length, not providing much to the story line. The sections where the family visits the unorthodox doctor is informative. Maybe using these techniques could help some to deal with their disease. You never know until you're in that position, what you would try in order to help your family member or friend. If you're interested in the subject of autoimmune disease and looking for ways others have dealt with the issue, this might be a good choice for you.
November 11, 2019
For Ally Anderson, life is uncertain. Her daughter’s constant illness from illusive allergies have Ally’s family constantly on edge, so much so, that a loving family drifts apart. The Other Family is a touching look into the dissolution of a marriage where there’s no love lost, just a gradual drift, and the search for answers at all costs, even if those answers involve another family and a past Ally has been content to avoid until her daughter’s health depends on it. The Other Family stabs at the insecurity an answerless life brings and the way we redefine ourselves to untangle the truth.
Thank you the author and Net Galley for an advanced copy.
Thank you the author and Net Galley for an advanced copy.
April 18, 2020
I was looking for a light read and while the focus of the book is the seriousness of autoimmune disorders, it had its’ moments of joy and fun. Ally was adopted as an infant. Her daughter, Kylie, has an autoimmune disorder and Ally wants to learn about her biological family’s health history in hopes it will help her daughter. Along the way, she meets some interesting people who become her other family.
April 14, 2020
I loved this exploration of family! It was touching and raw, exploring many real life topics in a relatable way. The journey of the characters evolved in a realistic way. The book touched on many topics but was not overdone. The main character was likable and relatable. This was a quick, easy read that left me smiling. My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
December 28, 2020
I'm trying to finish the 2020 reading challenge, so grabbed this short book off my free amazon prime shelf. Highly reminiscent of every Hallmark/Lifetime movie I've ever seen. Although the author explains in the afterward that she was trying to bring awareness to autoimmune disorders, she seemed seriously under-informed on this topic as well as many others she addresses in the novel. As the mother of a kid with serious allergies and an adoptive mom as well, I have many issues with this story. Even so, it's not the worst book I've ever read, but definitely not recommended.
April 28, 2025
One of the characters In this book suffers from a severe anaphylactic allergy and a possible inherited tendency toward autoimmune disorders. They aren't really sure because her mother was adopted. DNA testing opens up new possibilities for family connections and friendships but also bruised feelings among standing family ties.
A good story about how different generations and people raised in different social groups deal with family upheavals.
A good story about how different generations and people raised in different social groups deal with family upheavals.
December 6, 2019
Through the eyes of Ally Anderson, a delightfully vulnerable and surprisingly powerful woman who will stop at nothing on her quest to cure her daughter’s mysterious illness, Nyhan redefines the traditional boundaries of family and reminds us that strength can be displayed in unexpected and unusual ways. I loved every minute of this book and its cast of lovable, eccentric people—don’t miss it!
June 7, 2020
The characters weren't very well-developed and certain plot elements unfolded too rapidly to really be able to suspend disbelief. I did appreciate getting to learn more about the challenges of auto-immune disorders, though the fact that the treatment that was portrayed isn't actually how such disorders are treated was puzzling.
March 29, 2020
This was my Amazon First choice for March, it was rather innocuous. It started well, but just seemed to peter along.
April 17, 2020
Great story!! this is what I need for these crazy times not only was light but also was heart-melting and very moving.
Ally's life takes a very different path when she separates from her husband, trying to find a balance in her life she decided to continue searching for alternatives to help her daughter that has been very ill for such a long time, she is tired of the unknown always having a hard time to let go and trust in new methods to finally make her daughter healthy again.
I love the determination and strength Ally shows at all times, trying to do what's best for her daughter even if she has to open a can of worms or situations that were buried behind but now she needs her past to know the next step for her daughter's treatment and future.
Kylie is a wonderful character, she was very smart for her age and also very bold and sensitive, I love the way she always was kind to everybody no matter how hard was to feel good with her ups and down due to this terrible illness.. she was the silent glue that held Ally and the rest of the characters together.. she was the main reason for such an amazing adventure.
The other family when I started this book I thought it was going to be the typical Comedy with a lot of irreverent laughable comments, but to my surprise, this book was very different in a very good way, I'm so glad I picked it, I enjoy it so much!!
I don't want to give much away but The other family is a book that will give you hope, faith, and so much joy, it is a book that has the right amount of everything a little angst, a little sadness, but so much happiness.
Overall it was Amazing!!
Ally's life takes a very different path when she separates from her husband, trying to find a balance in her life she decided to continue searching for alternatives to help her daughter that has been very ill for such a long time, she is tired of the unknown always having a hard time to let go and trust in new methods to finally make her daughter healthy again.
I love the determination and strength Ally shows at all times, trying to do what's best for her daughter even if she has to open a can of worms or situations that were buried behind but now she needs her past to know the next step for her daughter's treatment and future.
Kylie is a wonderful character, she was very smart for her age and also very bold and sensitive, I love the way she always was kind to everybody no matter how hard was to feel good with her ups and down due to this terrible illness.. she was the silent glue that held Ally and the rest of the characters together.. she was the main reason for such an amazing adventure.
The other family when I started this book I thought it was going to be the typical Comedy with a lot of irreverent laughable comments, but to my surprise, this book was very different in a very good way, I'm so glad I picked it, I enjoy it so much!!
I don't want to give much away but The other family is a book that will give you hope, faith, and so much joy, it is a book that has the right amount of everything a little angst, a little sadness, but so much happiness.
Overall it was Amazing!!
January 9, 2026
Well, that's a thing that I read.
I had high hopes for this book, as I am all too intimately aware of being in a family where both parents are stressed about their child's health due to an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder. But apart from the parents' concern for their child, this never quite hit the mark. The heart was there, but the dialogue was off, the treatments (and I realize there's a tendency to tolerate the fine art of woo-woo when you're not getting answers from conventional medicine, but daaaaamn...) were questionable, and the other family seemed to exist in an attempt to tick every box on a diversity chart—which ended up making them feel like caricatures instead of characters.
So, yeah, kind of a disappointing way to begin my reading year. I didn't hate it, but I didn't fully believe it, and I would never reread it.
2 out of 5 stars.
I had high hopes for this book, as I am all too intimately aware of being in a family where both parents are stressed about their child's health due to an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder. But apart from the parents' concern for their child, this never quite hit the mark. The heart was there, but the dialogue was off, the treatments (and I realize there's a tendency to tolerate the fine art of woo-woo when you're not getting answers from conventional medicine, but daaaaamn...) were questionable, and the other family seemed to exist in an attempt to tick every box on a diversity chart—which ended up making them feel like caricatures instead of characters.
So, yeah, kind of a disappointing way to begin my reading year. I didn't hate it, but I didn't fully believe it, and I would never reread it.
2 out of 5 stars.
April 30, 2020
It was a great book very interesting and educational. I recommend everybody to at least try to read it.
December 14, 2020
3.5 stars. It was a feel good story. Lots of likable characters.
April 23, 2020
The Other Family is a light, heartwarming read that also incorporates some serious topics...adoption, divorce, autoimmune disease, and nature vs. nurture. Like her previous book, Digging In, it was filled with both laughter and tears...the perfect duo!
March 22, 2020
This was a joy to read! Kylie’s allergies brings her to numerous doctor’s visits. Those parts are heartbreaking and shows the bond of a mother & daughter. Unsure of her health history, Kylie takes a DNA test and finds Aunt Micki. The cast of characters are all fun and colorful! Thanks to Amazon Publishing for this Ebook copy. This is my honest review.
March 9, 2020
I've mentioned before that Amazon Prime Kindle First books are hit or miss, but for me, this one was a hit. I enjoyed the writing, the plotting (easy to follow and just the right pace), and the unusual topics of genetic testing and allergies. The characters were pretty balanced and believable.
While this is not Literature (capital L), it's a good book to raise discussion about kids in school with peanut and other allergies (something I've had close contact with) and finding out family history via genetic testing. I can imagine a lot of book groups would select this book for their next meeting.
It's definitely a women's book, told from a woman's point of view, and, I think, would appeal to women more often than men. This sounds sexist, but since a good deal of the book takes place in a hair salon and a bridal shop, you get the picture. Very enjoyable.
While this is not Literature (capital L), it's a good book to raise discussion about kids in school with peanut and other allergies (something I've had close contact with) and finding out family history via genetic testing. I can imagine a lot of book groups would select this book for their next meeting.
It's definitely a women's book, told from a woman's point of view, and, I think, would appeal to women more often than men. This sounds sexist, but since a good deal of the book takes place in a hair salon and a bridal shop, you get the picture. Very enjoyable.
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