Lauren E. Rico

I loved this! It’s one of those books I’ll be telling everyone to read. Mostly taking place in Puerto Rico, it’s a story of what happens when Gabby takes a DNA test that reveals a family and a history totally different from what she has known for 25 years.

This is a compelling, un-put-downable novel about two young women who are brought together by a genealogy test – it’s a mystery and an edge-of-your-seat thriller with secrets, twists, and surprises. It easily moves back and forth from the present to the past as the mystery is slowly revealed. Themes of redemption, loyalty, and the bonds of sisterhood, as well as what comprises a family.

Content Warning Don’t let the descriptions of gang violence deter you from reading this. I just skipped over those graphic parts, and even without reading these episodes, it didn’t alter the story’s power.

Author Lauren Rico writes in her note to the reader: “If there’s anything I hope you take away from this book, it’s a reminder to appreciate the culture and history we inherit with our DNA. At the same time, DNA is not what defines family. Family isn’t just bound in blood or cemented by documentation. It doesn’t live within the parameters of some paper “tree” filled with birth and death dates. It’s not about who we share our DNA with so much as who we share our heart with. Throughout Familia there are several minor but important characters who play a part in the ultimate resolution of the book. They’re not related through genetic material or legal decree, yet as I wrote, I always considered them to be a sort of ad hoc family of their own – unified in their singular goal to do the right thing, their refusal to give up in the face of adversity, and their willingness to risk everything.”

What made this a five-star read for me, in addition to the excellent writing, the likeable sisters as well as engaging supporting characters, was the vivid descriptions of Puerto Rico – the varied landscapes (both countryside and gritty inner city), the food, the people, and the culture.… (meer)

When Gabby DiMarco’s online DNA test shows a 50% match she cannot understand it; when Isabella Ruiz’s test shows the other side of the match, it’s what she has been waiting 25 years for. Lauren E. Rico’s debut novel follows these two women as they revisit the mysterious disappearance of Isabella’s sister in San Juan and find the truth and each other. Familia holds no real surprises, but readers who enjoy family sagas will discover a heartwarming story that may have some plot holes, but solid writing and a strong pace make a very readable novel.… (meer)

First of all, thank you "Between The Chapters" for an arc of "Familia" (in exchange for an honest review). "Familia" follows the very different lives of Gabby DiMarco and Isabella Ruiz. Gabby is a "fact checker" for Flux magazine. In preparing for an article, the employees are asked to provide DNA. Gabby's DNA ties her to Isabella, a supposed sibling in Puerto Rico. Gabby was raised in New York City by parents that she thought were her biological family. She believes that the lab botched the test and decides that there is a story to be written. Her boss will not allow her to write the story, due to inexperience and is planning to assign the story to one of Gabby's foes at Flux. When a heated argument ensues, Gabby finds herself without a job. Since her parents are no longer living and there is nothing holding her to New York, she decides to travel to Puerto Rico to research, write and freelance her story. Ms. Rico does an amazing job of developing the characters, plot and setting. As I read this novel, I first felt that I knew the direction of the plot and how the story would end. However, Ms. Rico adds several twists to the storyline, that creates a truly unexpected ending that in my opinion made this a 5 star versus a 4 star read.… (meer)