What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?
Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.
As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?
About The Author
My Review
Spectacular Things is a heartfelt exploration of sisterhood, ambition, and the emotional cost of sacrifice. The story opens in 2028 with sisters Mia and Cricket, then shifts back to 1989 to reveal the story of their mother, Liz. Told through alternating perspectives, the novel weaves together the past and present, showing how family, choices, and grief shape each woman’s path.
Mia gave up a great deal so that Cricket could chase her soccer dreams, but when the roles reverse, Cricket struggles with what’s being asked of her. The writing is warm, intimate, and emotionally grounded, with characters that feel vivid and authentic.
Though I wished for more time with the sisters in the present day, this was an engaging and emotionally rich read that stays with you.
Overall, it is a beautifully written, character-driven story about the bonds and sacrifices that define family. Thoughtful, emotional, and well worth the read.
My Rating
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