“Sunday knew a thing or two about that: the terrible fallout that came with hiding shameful secrets from the people who mattered most” (72).

With old proverbs and familyisms from the beginning of this story, it’s easy to see that the Brennans are a family steeped in Irish Catholic tradition and tied by unwavering loyalty to one another—no matter how healthy (or unhealthy) it may be. This is a story about family secrets, the weight of hidden guilt and shame, and the consequences of being a Brennan guardian—guardians of secrets, guardians of family responsibilities, each one taking on the weight of things too difficult to handle on their own. Throughout this story, it’s easy to be completely drawn into the relationships between all the siblings—older brother Denny who acts as protector, only sister Sunday who nurtures and selflessly gives to everyone, middle brother Jackie who shelters secrets and acts as scapegoat, baby brother Shane who will be forever vulnerable and childlike, the one to be fiercely protected. And then there are those who have chosen to be part of the family, to enter the fold—Kale and Theresa—because they know that in the tight Brennan circle there’s unconditional togetherness and protection, a family facing life together. ( )

Loved this story---messy family drama at its finest. There is just enough mess to make it fascinating and plenty of family love to round the edges. The novel begins with Sunday Brennan returning home after a five-year absence. As the book progresses, we learn what caused her to leave and whether she can really come back. Along the way Lange introduces us to all the family members in a deep exploration of their decisions, motivations and the consequential impact on others. Some readers had a problem with the ending, but I thought it left enough room for reader interpretation which I always appreciate. I loved Lange’s sophomore novel, The Connellys of County Down, so much and now this one even more. She has definitely become an auto-read author for me. ( )

This book tells the story of the Brennan family, specifically the Brennan children. The Brennans own a pub named Brennans on Long Island.

Five years prior to the story starting, Sunday Brennan left the Island to move to California and pursue a writing career. The story starts when Sunday is brought to the hospital following a car accident. Her emergency contact is her brother, Denny, who comes out to California to see her and brings her home.

Once home, she helps out with the pub and trying to figure out the books. When she first runs into Kale, her boyfriend from 5 years ago, it is awkward. He's now married and has a son.

Between the pub's finances and Sunday's dad's declining health, it quickly becomes apparent that help is needed and Sunday and her siblings, along with Kale, work together to solve the problems plaguing the pub. ( )

A well-written tale about a close-knit Irish-American family and the exponential problems birthed by the secrets they keep. Well-fleshed out characters. Smooth prose. ( )

Three stars because it did suck me into the soap opera drama for a quick read. But it was totally predictable. ( )