The Survivor's Guide to Family Happiness

By: Maddie Dawson

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Three women, three lives, and one chance to become a family...whether they want to or not.

Newly orphaned, recently divorced, and semiadrift, Nina Popkin is on a search for her birth mother. She's spent her life looking into strangers' faces, fantasizing they're related to her, and now, at thirty-five, she's ready for answers.

Meanwhile, the last thing Lindy McIntyre wants is someone like Nina bursting into her life, announcing that they're sisters and campaigning to track down their mother. She's too busy with her successful salon, three children, beautiful home, and...oh yes, some pesky little anxiety attacks.

But Nina is determined to reassemble her birth family. Her search turns up Phoebe Mullen, a guarded, hard-talking woman convinced she has nothing to offer. Gradually sharing stories and secrets, the three women make for a messy, unpredictable family that looks nothing like Nina pictured...but may be exactly what she needs. Nina's moving, ridiculous, tragic, and transcendent journey becomes a love story proving that real family has nothing to do with DNA.

©2016 Maddie Dawson. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

How Do You Define Family?

Interesting story of how a family can be formed, and I enjoyed it. The characters each seem defined by just one or two characteristics, but it was a satisfying read.

Not Predictable

Really good story without the predictable outcomes i expected. definitely kept me engaged to the end.

Fully Human

A satisfying read about expanding ones definition of family. What it means to begin a family both by birth and circumstance.

Wonderful story! Original plot!

I absolutely loved this story. The characters, the story and the relationships were so well filled out that you felt you knew them. I also liked the ending. All of your questions were answered and you were not left hanging.

In love with maddie

My second book by Maddie,could not stop reading either one..From laughing to crying her characters just stay with you,and I can't wait to read the next!! Keep them coming Maddie!!

I Felt Like I was There. Inside This Book!

Such an amazing storyteller! This author brings to life an entire world and draws you in. I am going to miss this family in this book now that I've finished reading it.

So good. Not your typical coming of age

First off, I typically enjoy anything narrated by Amy McFadden. Honestly, it’s why I chose this book. So glad I did.

It really isn’t your typical coming of age story. The main character is in her 30s, a grown woman a bit of a mess after losing her adopted mother. Feeling alone in the world sets on a mission to find her birth mother. She goes on her own journey and well... just read it or listen. It’s so good. I loled and teared up at times.

Amy McFadden does such a great job with each of the characters and getting into their characters. I want to listen again.

Insight Regarding Anxious Attachment

I relate to this story all too well.

The author's ability to portray anxious attachment was refreshing. I often see myself and my attachment style through a fun house mirror, with little fun involved. Through Nina's POV, I was reminded of the hardships, strength, and a desire to belong that are all at the root of anxious attachment. The desire to be loved and belong brings with it a nasty list of habits that we feel we must overcome.... but Nina reminded me of the beauty that also resides within those of us who are looking to find our place.

For anyone who has ever wondered what it takes to make someone "stay...." This story is for you. It's a benevolent reminder that love is a reckoning force, as is loss, and I hope it brings you the same sense of compassion towards yourself that we all deserve to experience.

Entertaining and interesting

It's a family love story. Its educational and interesting on the different point of views family members may have.

I loved it

one of the best books I've listened to lately. as an adoptee who found my biological family, so much of this story resonated with me in so many true ways. Highly recommended.