4.25 stars.

Two best friends - a boy, Rudy, and a girl, April - and just best friends only - meet up because they hadn't seen each other for a while and she was in town. A small fight breaks out amongst Rudy and another guy at the bar and the guy at the bar ends up dead.

The pros: I really liked the way this story was told in different perspectives from different people.
Absolutely loved that friendships this strong exist and are in fact so pure. Loved the writing style and loved how so many people surrounded Rudy with love.

The cons: Still unanswered questions - Jillian not admitting the role she played? Hard to believe no one stepped in to help Rudy go thru this process. Also, made me sad/mad that this probably happens far too often to people who don't either have the resources or the counsel to help them.

A wonderfully written book that explores the criminal justice system and the role we all play in it - whether we choose to ignore it or choose to instead treat people with dignity - it's a choice we all make. I really liked that this was really two very ordinary families who get drawn into a nightmare.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Blumenfeld and Spark Press for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
first, a big thanks to Netgalley and Sparkpress
for the opportunity to read this arc.
Such Good People was a rollercoaster start to finish. i loved the familial bonds everyone seemed to have with one another and the back and forth time difference. there were characters you love to hate and shocking moments and plot twists all throughout. i do wish some characters had more page time or deeper backstories but overall, it ended up being an amazing read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I think this novel was pretty decent. To be warned, it is way more character-driven than plot-driven. I really did enjoy exploring the complexities of the main characters and their relationships to one another or others. I think it was well-written and really placed you into the minds and lives of the characters. I liked seeing their three-dimensionality. While the characters were fantastic, I will say there was a lack in terms of plot. I would have liked to see more of that. If you love character-heavy books, this would be for you.

Overall, 3.5 stars!

I absolutely loved this book. Definitely. One of my top 5 reads of the year so far. I will be recommending it to all of my reader friends.

A thought-provoking commentary on the injustices of the American justice system.

April is happily married to Peter, who is currently running for State District Attorney. But everything changes when a headline breaks, linking April to a decade-old murder case - one that resulted in her best friend being incarcerated for over ten years. As the story resurfaces, it threatens both Peter’s political ambitions and April’s carefully constructed life.

The premise hooked me immediately- I love a good high-stakes drama. While the story starts off a little slow, the pacing picks up, and I appreciated the multiple POVs that added depth to the narrative. Jillian ended up being my favorite character. I didn’t expect to like her at first, but watching her arc unfold was one of the most compelling parts of the book.

Some elements of the plot did feel a bit far-fetched, and the story itself may not stick with me long-term. Still, it was an enjoyable read overall, and I really liked how everything came together in the end.

This book didn’t really wow me. It’s not a bad book by all means but just felt lackluster when looking at the entirety of the book.

I loved the povs of Rudy and April pre and post incarceration but you’re telling me in 15 years no one, not even Rudy himself, thought to dig into their case at all? Not even once in 15 years??

The writing could’ve been more cohesive especially since it was flowing between 3 povs but the plot was still interesting. Although, Jillian’s pov, while it did make sense why she got to tell a story I felt no connection to her whatsoever.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Spark Publishing andNetGalley for reaching out and suggesting I read “Such Good People” by Amy Blumenfeld.
a great read. I fell in love with the main Characters, April and Rudy. Childhood friends and how they survived adversity.
Excellent character development. Even characters I first disliked are redeemed for their selfless actions in order to clear Rudy.’s name. This is much more than a crime novel, but a story of true friendship .

Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that delves into the lasting repercussions of a single impulsive decision. Set against the backdrop of New York and later Chicago, the story follows April, whose life is upended in a split second when she chooses to protect her friend Rudy during a night out in college. This act sets off a chain of events that leads to Rudy's arrest, April's expulsion, and her eventual path to rebuilding her life with a new partner, Peter. Fast-forward nearly 15 years, and April's past resurfaces, forcing her to confront divided loyalties and the true meaning of steadfast love.

What I appreciated most about this book is its strong character development and the way Blumenfeld explores complex themes like blurred moral lines and the ripple effects of our choices. April is a relatable protagonist flawed, resilient, and deeply human and her relationships, especially with Rudy and Peter, feel authentic and layered. The narrative is gripping, with emotional highs and lows that kept me turning pages, and the exploration of loyalty and sacrifice adds a thought-provoking depth. It's a character-driven story that shines in its portrayal of how past actions can echo into the present, making it a poignant read for anyone interested in stories about personal growth and enduring bonds.

However, as much as I enjoyed it, the novel isn't without its flaws. At times, the pacing felt a bit slow, particularly in the middle sections where the buildup to the conflict drags on. Some plot twists also veered into predictable territory, which diluted the tension slightly. Despite these minor issues, the book's heartfelt message about loving purely and interminably resonates long after the final page.

Overall, Such Good People is a solid 4-star read. It's not flawless, but its emotional authenticity and thoughtful themes make it a worthwhile dive into the complexities of human relationships. If you enjoy character-focused dramas with a touch of suspense, this one is definitely worth your time.

Such Good People had me in a chokehold. Wow.
The story is emotionally gripping and thought-provoking.
April and Rudy are inseparable childhood best friends until one mistake leads to Rudy’s incarceration and April’s expulsion from college. Fast forward 15 years: April’s now living a picture-perfect life in Chicago with her husband and 3 kids…until Rudy is up for parole and her past comes crashing back. Suddenly, she’s faced with a heartbreaking choice: protect the life she’s built, or the person who gave it to her.
This book explores so much more than just friendship, love and loyalty. It digs deep into class, privilege, bias, our imperfect justice system and how who you are and where you come from can shape the outcome of your life. The past/present timeline is done so well, and you feel the emotional tension at every turn.

Thank you Netgally and SparksPress for the e-ARC!

Such Good People is an emotionally gripping and thought-provoking novel that examines the far-reaching consequences of a split-second decision made in youth to protect a friend. A character-driven story that explores the complicated moral terrain between loyalty, justice, and self-preservation.

Blumenfeld masterfully weaves past and present timelines, giving readers insight into the deep bond between April and Rudy while building suspense as their shared history resurfaces. The emotional tension is palpable, and the novel’s strength lies in its richly developed characters and realistic portrayal of how youthful mistakes can echo across decades.

Family and friendship are the focus and at the core of this novel. I love books like this one with complex and flawed characters. They're written beautifully and well- crafted by Blumenfeld. I was hooked from the beginning.

Many Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.


Goodreads review

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220595434

Amy Blumenfeld’s Such Good People is an emotionally gripping and thought-provoking novel that examines the far-reaching consequences of a split-second decision made in youth to protect a friend. A character-driven story that explores the complicated moral terrain between loyalty, justice, and self-preservation.

Blumenfeld masterfully weaves past and present timelines, giving readers insight into the deep bond between April and Rudy while building suspense as their shared history resurfaces. The emotional tension is palpable, and the novel’s strength lies in its richly developed characters and realistic portrayal of how youthful mistakes can echo across decades.

With compassion and clarity, Such Good People explores the weight of silence, the power of truth, and the complexity of doing what’s right—especially when it comes at a personal cost. It’s a moving and unforgettable story perfect for readers who appreciate novels that ask tough questions and offer no easy answers.

Ok… Let me start by saying that I really liked this book. Although I wanted the story to pick up the pace, the plot did keep me interested, and while the characters drove me nuts most of the time, I found myself either cheering them on or cursing their names. Telling the story from multiple perspectives added to my interest. I appreciated the author addressing societal divides caused by the justice system and the overarching impact of injustice. Initially, I did not think I’d enjoy reading this book, but it kept me flipping page after page. Even though I found the ending predictable., I actually enjoyed getting there. Thanks NetGalley and Sparks Press for the e-ARC.

Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld takes a look at the bonds that shape us and the moral complexities of what it means to be a ‘good’ person. Through the lens of the American justice system, the novel explores the themes of justice, truth, morality, compassion, and family.
While I appreciated Blumenfeld’s thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the novel’s themes and the story’s emotional depth, I found myself distanced from characters at certain points in the book. Still, Such Good People left me with a renewed appreciation for the strength and value of community.

Spoilers below

👍🏼What I liked:
The carefully handled commentary on the unfairness, bias, and class disparities in American justice system and the role that the media plays in this.
How the bonds between April, Rudy, and their families developed and stood through every challenge.
April’s unwavering support for her friend, and the truth (and showing how at times how difficult it was).
The investigative aspect of the plot.

👎🏼What I didn’t like:
Some characters felt like characters - I could tell I was reading people on paper rather than just people. This would often pull me out of the story.
At times, the dialogue didn’t feel authentic and multiple POVs weren’t always distinct.
Peter’s character could have been a bit more fleshed out if the reader was going to have a POV - April’s realisation at the end of the feelings Peter was grappling with felt sudden. He just seemed like a jerkin his POVs and I didn’t get that emotional dept, unless I missed something?
Overall, I’d rate it ⭐⭐⭐.8 stars.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with a moral core, layered themes, and thoughtful social commentary Such Good People is worth reading.

A single night. A lifetime of consequences. Such Good People is a masterclass in love, loyalty, and the secrets we carry. Five stars for this unforgettable story that had me hooked from the first page.

4.5/5

This book was a beautiful story of love, loyalty, friendship, and the aftermath of seemingly innocent decisions. April and Rudy are childhood best friends who are ultimately separated when Rudy is sentenced to fifteen years in prison. News of his release stirs the pot in the community and life that April has established for herself while he was incarcerated.

Told from three different perspectives, Such Good People covers love, loyalty, friendship, and the aftermath of seemingly innocuous decisions. Readers of I Have Some Questions for You and Little Fires Everywhere will rip through this book like I did.

Such Good People had me hooked from the beginning. It is a compelling read about social injustice, acceptance, friendship, forgiveness, loyalty to others and honesty to oneself. Quite a feat! I learned a bit about re-entry into society after incarceration as well as the emotional and physical trauma. The over arching storyline concerns the gravest miscarriage of justice and the rippling effect it had.

The one main character was three dimensional, round and dynamic. However the other MC, Rudy, lacked such depth, which was disappointing. The secondary characters also were well developed. The dialogue was authentic. Most of the scenarios seemed authentic. I really liked character’s POV switching with each chapter. The action built up momentum to a satisfying climax. The denouement was missing an important thread that was left dangling, also disappointing . However, It held my interest and I finished reading in two days.

The author writes in a beautiful literary style with the use of interesting metaphors and imagery as well as excellent word choice. The writer’s craft was delightful to read and sets this (type of) plot apart from others. Thanks to NetGalley and Sparks publishing for a complimentary ARC.

This book was such an unexpected treat! From the blurb I expected all the intrigue and drama from this secrets clawing out of the past tale but this is so much more.

The author starts off at a mellow pace, giving us a view into the protagonists’ current circumstances but this quickly slips into a faster clip as we go back in time to get clues to what really happened. There is a sweet poignancy to the overall telling that I truly enjoyed and I loved April and Rudy as characters, honestly all the characters in this multi pov telling are layered and substantial, impactful.

But the author isnt done just unveiling the story, now laying out more twists than I expected, I read this book in one sitting on a Sunday, completely hooked to the plot and characters and the emotional connections forged between them as they navigate their time of strife, building to an immensely satisfying conclusion.

When something that happened 15 years ago comes back to haunt you. The story was a little incredible, but an ok read Thank you Net Galley for the free ARC.

April and Rudy have been best friends since they first met as kids at the park; their families are like family to each other. During a school trip back to New York during April’s first year of college, a terrible sequence of events takes the life of an acquaintance, resulting in Rudy’s conviction and a 15-year jail sentence.

Starting in the present, where April is married to Peter with three young children and fast approaching election for state attorney, then flashing back to the past, the story is told mostly through the alternating perspectives of April and Rudy. Thrown into the mix are a couple of chapters written from the points of view of Jill, April’s classmate from college, and Peter, April’s husband.

Rarely have I read a book that had me wanting to shout at the characters—it was like watching a scary movie and wanting to warn the protagonist to look under the bed. While I found myself wanting the story to evolve quicker, the suspense also compelled me to continue reading at a fast pace and added to the character and plot development.

Despite my occasional frustration, I really liked this book and found it a compelling read. I appreciated the nuances of the plot, and April and Rudy were both endearing characters I found myself rooting for. I found Peter to be off-putting and a bit of a jerk, to be honest; but he redeemed himself in the end. We saw only a limited amount from his viewpoint, and I think more from him may have provided the insight needed to make his character more relatable.

Reflecting after reading the final pages, this novel gave me big feelings and provided strong reflections on society. I highly recommend it, 4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for providing me with a digital ARC for review.

One of my best reads this year.

I freaking love the cover. So pretty.

And this book really really was the best.

I actually feel like even 5 stars are not enough.

Tq for letting read this.