A Million Little Things

Mallery’s third Mischief Bay novel allows readers to witness what happens when friendship and family collide. Zoe Saldivar gave up her old life for an ex and now she’s trying to determine what she wants in her life, love, and career. Isolated and bored by working from home, she even feels distanced from her best friend, Jen Beldon. Jen’s incessant worrying, constant dread, and nonstop hovering over her 18-month-old son, Jack, is pushing away her loved ones, including her mother, widow Pam Eiland, and her husband. Pam is content with her life of friends, family, and travel, and has no plans to bother with dating again, but she can’t help but play matchmaker with her son, Steven, only to have it backfire. The three women have to learn how to navigate their emotions and confront reality when the ties that bind start to unravel. When the lines between characters’ relationships become hazy, the plot becomes more complex, showcasing Mallery’s talent as a storyteller. The women develop as the novel progresses, becoming fleshed-out characters readers will care about. (Mar.)