The Favorite Daughter

By: Patti Callahan Henry

Narrated by: Joshilyn Jackson

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop at Water’s End, here is a lush, heart-wrenching novel about the power of memory, the meaning of family, and learning to forgive.

Ten years ago, Lena Donohue experienced a wedding-day betrayal so painful that she fled the small town of Watersend, South Carolina, and reinvented herself in New York City. Though now a freelance travel writer, the one place she rarely goes is home—until she learns of her dad’s failing health.

Returning to Watersend means seeing the sister she has avoided for a decade and the brother who runs the family’s Irish pub and has borne the burden of his sisters’ rift. While Alzheimer’s slowly steals their father’s memories, the siblings rush to preserve his life in stories and in photographs. As his secret past brings Lena’s own childhood into focus, it sends her on a journey to discover the true meaning of home.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Favorite Daughter

"A satisfying read about family and forgiveness."—PopSugar

"Henry's latest packs an emotional wallop, delving into the bonds and tragedies that make a family....Readers of thoughtful family dramas will be drawn to the travails of the Donohue clan."—Booklist

“A gorgeous, deeply affecting story about a family reunited because of the father’s failing health….The novel is lyrical, engaging, uplifting, and real--forgiveness beckons all, even as secrets unravel.”—Christian Science Monitor

“Readers will be immersed in this moving tale, hungry to learn whether love and family will overcome betrayal, secrets, and heartache.”—Publishers Weekly

“Patti Callahan Henry is quickly becoming one of my favorites. [This] is a story of reflection, forgiveness, and surprising twists.”—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“The Favorite Daughter is both heartfelt and heartbreakingly honest in its portrayal of a family once divided by scandal and brought together through the power of memories....Moving, intelligent, full of twists and turns, I loved it! Patti Callahan Henry shines at family dramas and The Favorite Daughter is her best!"—Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Guests

“In exquisitely-wrought prose, Patti Henry lyrically examines the meaning of forgiveness and the inexorable tug of home.”—Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The High Tide Club

“A layered, spellbinding novel about families and lovers and the meaning of home. Above all, it’s about memory, how it shapes us, fools us, and warms our hearts. This is one truly beautiful book.”—Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author of A Nantucket Wedding

Delightful book

The impact of Alzheimer’s realistically described, from both the family’s and the sufferer’s perspective. The feeling of loss of a loved one before they die. Enjoyed this book immensely despite the sad topics.

Pleasant but predictable

The story was pleasant enough but the narration was the worst part. The female characters were made to sound like children and it was very annoying.The narration of Gavin was just weird. None of them sounded as if they were born and raised in the South.It was really hard to listen to.

Charming

Perhaps some readers have not had encounters with Alzheimer’s disease. This book handled the interpersonal relationships within a family so well, and so accurately portrayed the grief in the morning. But it also left you with hope. The theme about forgiving is huge and was presented with great thought and depth. The dual characters of one who wanted to forget, and one who would give anything not to forget, was heart wrenching and not a small feat to adequately present to the reader. The author did an excellent job of showing all the sides of loss and betrayal and grief, and how all are integral parts of life. That, far and away overcame some minor irritation, such as the voice of Hallie—but that irritating whine certainly elicited emotion, so maybe it did its job.

Beautiful - just like Joshilyn Jackson

If you are a fan of Joshilyn Jackson, then you will love it. I think audible recommended this to me because J.J is actually the one who reads the book and I would have thought she wrote it too. Her voice is one of my favorites but I was nervous about listening to a new author. The book is beautiful. I try not to give anything away other than what is on the back, but Lena leaves home due to a betrayal in her wedding day and comes back after 10 years. Her father has Alzheimer’s which is a terrible disease and robs us of our memories. The family works in a memory book and Lena learns about her history. There is sister fighting and complicated issues and even I couldn’t take sides on who was right and who was wrong. Family is family, but does that mean they can do whatever they want to hurt you and you have to take it? I hurt for Lena and what she lost and missed out on but I understand, actions have consequences. And yet Lena gained so much in the end. Beautiful book, recommended but trigger warning for illness and potential suicide.

Not a good voice choice

The reader uses such a baby voice with the sister and children that I almost could not finish the story. It was not necessary and added nothing to the character. It was awful. The character is in her 30s and it was not at all necessary.