The Conditions of Will

De: Jessa Hastings

Narrado por: Reagan Sytsma, Alexander Zielke

From the author of the Magnolia Parks universe and the Never series comes a fresh family drama with a heavy dose of romance and a twist of mystery.

“I can’t remember the last time I couldn’t get a handle on myself and my emotions, but the lid is slipping.

Something about the slipping lid feels like it’s Sam Penny’s fault. Like he broke the seal and he’s slowly opening me up.”

London-based Georgia Carter, professional lie detector and body-language savant, has long been estranged from her infuriating, close-minded, wealthy South Carolina family. After a falling-out years ago, the chasm runs deep between the black sheep—Georgia and her gay, alcoholic brother—and their parents and elder siblings. But when their father dies suddenly, Georgia returns to the States for the funeral…where she comes face-to-face with Sam Penny, her brother’s AA sponsor.

Amid the tensions, dramas and revelations of the family reunion, Georgia and Sam are instantly drawn to each other. However, Georgia's brother also harbors feelings for Sam, and the last thing Georgia wants to do is hurt the only family she’s ever really had.

When their father’s will reveals a surprising bequest to a mysterious stranger, Georgia’s ability to read people becomes crucial in unraveling her father’s hidden past. The delicate balance within the family teeters, and secrets—both old and new—threaten to push them beyond the breaking point.

There are only so many cracks a damaged family can take before it shatters.

©2025 Jessa Hastings (P)2025 Bloom

The characters

So fun! The first half wasn’t slow but long if you know what I mean lol. But the second half was so fast (in a good way) and exciting/emotional I really ended up loving it because of the second half. And really well written characters. Also a great performance!! I forgot about that part haha!! But they made the story so captivating.

Where to begin?

First off, this is the 1st Jessa Hastings book I’ve ever read, so I’m not sure how The Conditions of Will compares to her other books. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself surprised by its twists and turns on multiple occasions. It was long, but I never felt bored, as the book was paced really well.

Some things that bugged me were hearing Sam Penny ask, “Are you ok?” what felt like 50 million times throughout this story, and also Oliver as a whole. He was petty and annoying, and it was irritating how Georgia tiptoed around him the whole story. It was as if she was so committed to him because of the mistreatment he experienced from their family, not because he was ever a good brother to her. Their close bond was something that never resonated with me because they spent the majority of the book disconnected from one another.

But don’t get me wrong, I loved this book! Georgia was a fascinating character, and the dysfunction of the family in this story was written incredibly well. Even if a book isn’t perfect, if it’s one I feel I could read again and again and still enjoy, it’s worth 5 stars. The Conditions of Will is that to me.

I liked the narrators and the fact that they sounded like normal people who were actually the age of the characters in the book. Too often, audiobook narrators sound like old, strait-laced individuals with no real connection to the story. It’s as if they just read the story and don’t feel it. I enjoyed how these narrators felt much more true to life and the story. However, the difference in mic quality was pronounced and annoying sometimes. Especially when you could tell that they went back later to add in a quick phrase that must have been botched in the middle of a monologue – it was probably the least professional-sounding audiobook I’ve ever listened to. However, I still enjoyed it more than your average audiobook.

The Conditions of Will was a crazy, emotional journey with an ending that left me with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. Definitely didn’t disappoint!

Great pace !

Not a single moment felt slow or unnecessary—the story kept me hooked from start to finish. The pacing was perfectly balanced, and every scene moved with purpose. I especially loved the heroine—strong, layered, and so easy to root for. She brought heart and depth to the entire narrative. 🫶🏼

Excellent

I love the way Jessa writes, the feeling she slowly and expertly pulls out of you. Beautiful.

Amazing Narrators

Loved their performance! That’s all … why does a review need to be 15 words minimun?

Loved this story!

What a beautiful book about family and love. I feel like I know these characters! It was such a well written book!

Incredible. Perfection. 100000/10

Every part of this story was flawless. So compelling and well written. Obsessed with the characters. Easily in my top 5 favorite books.

Beautiful and Jarring

Jessa’s story telling abilities are unparalleled. Her ability to write about the human experience is so incredibly beautiful. Conditions of will is such a heartbreaking story, but so funny and real and leaves you feeling so warm by the end. A six star read and listen!

Damaged family dynamics at its best

Good book-enjoyed story. Narration was good. Maryann wad cringe mean/bully and that was hard to listen to. Hit a-lot of hard topics: Sex assault/substance abuse and sexuality

amazing amazing amazing!

absolutely LOVED this book. I could not stop listening as the audible version was amazing!