A Million Reasons Why

Strawser (Forget You Know Me) exposes the impact of family secrets and lies in this moving if overheated story of two half sisters who discover each other through a DNA service. Caroline Porter, a happily married event planner and mother of three young children, is thrown for a loop when she gets an email out of the blue from Sela Bell, a woman claiming they have the same father. If that isn’t enough of a bombshell, Caroline also discovers the truth behind a life-changing breakup years ago, when she was denied a job at the college where the then love-of-her-life had just landed the perfect faculty position. Meanwhile, Sela, divorced with a toddler, has chronic kidney disease (CKD), and Sela’s need for a new kidney (Caroline is a match) creates all kinds of stress for both women and their families. Abundant melodrama in the closing chapters overshadows the otherwise fast-paced, riveting story of an expanded family negotiating Caroline’s discoveries and Sela’s needs, which is nonetheless enriched by details about CKD as well as the steps involved for potential organ donors. Strawser’s fans will appreciate this provocative family tale. (Mar.)