And Then I Found You

And Then I Found You by Patti Callahan Henry

She Reads April Selection

**I received an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Also, This review contains spoilers**

Remember this line from 

"Did you ever love somebody but the timing was off....way off?" 

Inspired by her sister's journey of adoption, Patti Callahan Henry drew from personal experience to tell Jack and Katie's story.  With measured but warm prose she tackles the legacy of adoption.  So often I steer away from novels that contain such a heavy topic because authors draw up characters that become one dimensional and the situation overpowers conversations and relationships. Not so with Henry. Her conversations are precise combinations of words and actions delivering a perfect balance of pain and promise. Each character in the novel is developed and rounded. Their connections to Katie are authentically written and embraced regardless of their intentions toward her.  Even selfish prepster Rowan. 

  

Which brings me to my Rowan rant: Understandably a bombshell like an unknown child is bound to be a bit much to take in but when Katie tells him, he is definitely not supportive. Going out all night drinking, turning his phone off, then blabbing to Larson and not even telling him to keep it confidential was bad enough  but the way he acted at the dinner party was the worst! Pressuring her to tell "the story" when she clearly doesn't want to, throwing a fit, then storming out of the house when she does tell it. I seriously don't think I've ever wanted to tell a character to get their head out of their ass as much as I wanted to with Rowan. *end rant*

I really loved this story and tweeted about how it made me cry and gave me chills.  I didn't want to put this book down and even took it in the bathtub with me. Even when I was shocked or heartbroken I completely trusted where Henry was taking the story.  Except:  Did anyone else think "hey, where's the condom?"  when jack & Katie slept together at the cabin? Since the entire story is based on an unplanned pregnancy, it seemed to be an important detail that was not addressed. 

Upon completing the novel, I found myself pondering what was truth and what was fiction? The ending was so statistically impossible in my mind that I truly hope it is fiction. Not that I don't want Katie and Jack's love to conquer all, but for poor Emily. My heart hurt thinking about how jealous she would be that this new baby would have the opportunity to be raised by her parents.  As well adjusted as Emily is presented, the challenge of not feeling some resentment toward this sibling hung heavy for me. I can imagine her rebelling again in response to what must feel like Katie and Jack getting a "do over" with this baby.