A fast-paced story about hypocrisy, double standards, and what happens when we cherry-pick which values to live by.

I grew up Catholic, but my current thinking doesn’t align with how the church treats the LGBTQ community. This book hit on something I’ve been wrestling with for years. I want to believe in God and teachings about kindness, gratitude, and loving your neighbor… but what I see in current-day religion often feels like the opposite. Bible quotes used as threats. Doors closed when they should be open.

A key element of this book is how people misuse the Bible and other religious tenets while failing to live by the standards they claim to uphold. The book is set in conservative South Carolina and shows what can happen to a family misaligned in their teachings. From chapter 1, you immediately see the story leading into massive hypocrisy and double standards, which I actually think happens more often than we realize.

I won’t spoil the plot, but it’s an entertaining read with a romantic subplot and really important messaging woven throughout. There’s this one moment that perfectly captures everything:

“I mean—we go to the same church.” She pauses. “I don’t think we know the same God.”

I know this might be a controversial take for this account, but I’m leading with authenticity in 2026 and I’d feel like a fraud if I didn’t share my true thoughts. The whole point of reading is building empathy, to understand other people, and try to walk in their shoes, even if for just a few minutes. And this book did that for me.  

Now, why the 4-stars (and not 5?). I love a slow burn yearn, and this was more insta-love for me. I know, I know… my 5-star friends are going to come at me, but that’s OK 🙂