The Arrivals: A Novel

Wm and Ginny Owen are realizing their retirement life when they are called by their three children who need to come home to their parent's home for various reasons. Soon, the home is turned into a chaotic jumble with toys, children's clothes, shattered nerves and humor. Lillian, the eldest calls first. She's on her way with her two childen ages three and newborn. She also needs some privacy when she nurses the baby and compassion for a glitch in her marriage. Stephen and his seven month pregnant wife, Jane, arrive for a weekend visit but when Jane has a complication and the doctor advises bed rest, their stay is prolonged. Beds must be changed for Jane to have more comfort during her last months of pregnancy and her obsessive work ethic is detailed. Rachel is the youngest and has difficulties living on her own in New York, she does't know what to do so calls her parents to come home and consider her next move. The Owen's family's personal journey through this turbulent time is well described with humor and empathy as WIlliam and Ginny provide the nourishement that each child needs in their own way. The author gives a good description of the Owen's family as William and Ginny realize that their responsibility as parents continues after their children are grown and have left the house. The fact that the children have a safe place to go to when things are not going well, is a good lesson for parents. There is good characterization with fully realized characters and the settings were well described in a novel that basks in literary flavor. The chaos was a bit long for me but the novel was enlightening and enjoyable.

One of those unique books about the workings of families that makes you want to call your own and tell them how much you love them! With different reasons to return home, three adult children find themselves all under their parents roof with their own kids in the mix. The drama quickly follows! I am intrigued by birth order and how that affects families. As a first born, I easily related to Lillian and her quest for perfection, no matter what situation she found herself in. The other character that struck a chord with me was the mother, Ginny. I could see my mother in her or her in my mother - it made this book even better than I could have imagined. I love family dramas, but this one was above the rest because the drama wasn't over the top - it was pitch perfect. Each reader can see a characteristic from their own family in this one. This book was my first by Meg Mitchell Moore, but I am already a huge fan.