Childhood best friends April and Rudy are involved in a terrible sequence of events takes the life of an acquaintance and results in a jail sentence for Rudy. Fifteen years later, April has moved on: she is happily married to Peter, who is running for local office, and is the mother of three young children. On the eve of Peter's election, Rudy is up for parole, which brings April's past back in the headlines, blowing her life up in ways she never anticipated.

An interesting exploration of love and friendship, with compelling, interesting characters, who are really given room to shine through the story. The pacing and plot overall felt a little weird, and maybe a tad underdeveloped? I would have loved for certain moments to be a little more flashed out and given a little more care, because they fell a little flat to me. The writing itself is so easy to get into and so extremely engaging, making it easy to ignore those little "imperfections" in the moment. It really is an enjoyable, quick read, and I'm excited to read more from this author.

This book has a beautiful prose but I just don't think it was for me, I DNF at about 25%. Perhaps I will try again in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC.

Such Good People follows April and Rudy, who grew up together in a Brooklyn neighborhood, their friendship sealed early on during a sweet moment on the playground slide. From then on, they were inseparable—especially Rudy, who quietly carried a love for April he never had the courage to say out loud. What he did have was a fierce protectiveness, even as a kid. That instinct—beautiful and heartbreaking—ultimately led him to spend nearly fifteen years in prison.

In the “present day” timeline, April is now living in Chicago with her husband, Peter, and their three kids. Peter’s in the middle of a local election campaign when Rudy unexpectedly comes up for parole two years early. His release is good behavior–related, but his connection to April could be politically damaging. Suddenly April is caught between helping the person who once took the fall for her and supporting the man who now expects her to quietly step back.

One of the things I appreciated was that April’s friends never doubted her. A lot of narratives would’ve added drama by having her lose those friendships too, but here, they stand by her. It was refreshing. Less refreshing was Peter’s reaction—I actually really liked him at first, but the more pressure he put on April about Rudy, the harder it became to stay on his side. It was in those moments that I found myself rooting for a different kind of reunion. Is it so wrong to want her to end up with her childhood best friend? The one who once told her he’d always protect her, even when they were just kids on a playground?

Speaking of Rudy—I adored his younger self. That fierce loyalty, the quiet way he loved April, his awkward protectiveness—it made what happened to him feel all the more gutting. I just kept thinking how unfair it was that he spent so many years behind bars for a crime he didn’t even commit.

Not all the characters landed for me. Jillian, in particular, grated on my nerves. I think she was written to be frustrating, but I genuinely hated her during the college-years timeline. She does redeem herself later, sure—but whew, it was a journey.

One thing that did give me pause, especially early on, was the author’s word choice. There were moments when the prose leaned a little heavy on the thesaurus—terms like “dichotomous” and “amalgamation” popped up early, and later on “analogous” made an appearance too. I don’t mind elevated language in general, but when it’s used in narrative—not dialogue—it can sometimes feel more like showing off than serving the story. Thankfully, the writing did ease up as the book went on, but it still pulled me out of the moment a few times.

And okay, petty note, but I had a moment of confusion when April called it the Sears Tower in what’s supposed to be the “now” timeline. I eventually realized this story takes place somewhere between 2000 and 2014, so technically it works, but it still pulled me out a bit—especially since the name officially changed in 2009.

Despite a few things that irked me, this book pulled me in. Such Good People is a story about loyalty, love, second chances, and the impossible choices that come with growing up and growing apart. The ending gave me the resolution I was hoping for—not perfect, but satisfying.

Title: Such Good People
Author: Amy Blumenfeld
Publisher: SparkPress
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Such Good People" by Amy Blumenfeld

My Insight:

'Such Good People' is a beautifully crafted and captivating read. The main characters, April and Rudy, lifelong best friends, find themselves ensnared in a heartbreaking tragedy that sets the stage for a profound exploration of loyalty and sacrifice. The narrative masterfully weaves together the past and present, offering multiple perspectives that pull you deeper into the emotional complexities of their lives.

With each turn of the page, you'll find yourself completely absorbed in the story, as the voices of April, Rudy, and Peter intertwine to create a rich tapestry of human experience. This multi-dimensional tale is not only engaging but also thought-provoking, making it impossible to put down until the final word is reached.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sparkpress, for the advance reader's copy.

Such Good People had all the ingredients for a powerful, emotionally layered story, but unfortunately, it never quite came together for me. The plot—centered around one life-altering decision and its long-term consequences—was solid in theory, but lacked the depth and development it clearly aspired to. It often felt like the book was trying too hard to be profound, without earning that emotional weight.

April, in particular, was incredibly frustrating. I kept waiting for someone—anyone—to tell her to get it together as she continued to spiral through terrible, terrible decisions. Her lack of self-awareness and the people around her enabling it made it hard to fully connect with her or sympathize with her situation.

The ending also left me underwhelmed—less of a resolution and more of a fizzle. Still, this isn't a bad book. It's perfectly serviceable for a beach or plane read, and there are moments that hint at what it could have been. I just wish it had gone deeper and delivered more.

This book annoyed me in the fact that April let her "best friend" go to prison for 15 years and was too afraid to tell the truth. The husband was a jealous d***, but then all was forgiven. It was just too perfectly wrapped up in the end. But..... I did like the concept in general and how it bounced between then and now.

Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC.
#SuchGoodPeople #NetGalley

This book hooked me from the start! It’s a powerful, thought-provoking story centered on the devastating ripple effects of wrongful incarceration and systemic injustice. Along the way, it also delves into themes like acceptance, loyalty, forgiveness, and personal truth—all handled with nuance and care. April, one of the main characters, is vivid and complex, and I really appreciated how fully realized she was written. I found the emotional and physical toll of re-entry after prison particularly eye-opening, however, Rudy didn’t receive quite the same depth as April, which was a letdown considering his importance. The supporting cast, though, was memorable and well-drawn, and I loved how real their interactions felt. The alternating POVs added a great rhythm to the storytelling, building up to a strong, satisfying climax. I also really loved the small intricacies that the author included, like the tug of their ear lobes and full circle from where the main characters met to where the story ended. I could definitely see this being a movie or limited series - and would love to see it! Side note: I feel like the cover doesn't really represent the story & theme/genre of the book. I wish it were more relative and eye-catching!

Many thanks to NetGalley and SparkPress for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

This is the first books I’ve read by this author, I did enjoy the book, but it took me a few chapters to get into it.

I love how the story is told in the voices of 3 characters and you see how all of their life’s affects each other.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for letting me have an early copy to read 😁

Such a lovely book with a gorgeous cover! This book is doing something different, which I appreciate..Will recommend on my platform.

I love this book cover, it's is so pretty! I've only ever read one other political fiction book and loved it so I jumped at the chance at this one. I did enjoy the story line and the writing style/ pacing of the story. I would recommend this book to fans of political fiction. While this wasn't a huge hit with me I know many other's will love it.

Such a good book about such good people.

April and Rudy are childhood best friends who somehow managed to keep their close bond intact well into adolescence. That is, until one night an incident at an event changes the trajectories of both of their lives forever. Thirteen years later, Rudy is about to be released from prison while April is supporting her husband in his campaign for state's attorney when their shared past is unearthed.

Blumenfeld’s personal background as the daughter of a public defender-turned-judge and raised in an environment where the motto "Justice, justice you shall pursue" was held in high esteem clearly informs the novel’s nuanced treatment of the legal system. The moral complexity and institutional critique at the heart of the story feel authentic and earned. "Such Good People" delivers not only an engrossing legal case and a poignant commentary on social injustices and the shortfalls of the American justice system, but also a moving exploration of the ripple effects on the people caught within its orbit.

While the narrative isn't without its imperfections - Peter changes his moods more often than his socks, I am still mulling over the immediate need for pink sweatpants, and April's really bad choices upon Rudy's release were sometimes frustrating -, the novel had me hooked until its - admittedly somewhat unexpectedly swift and tidy - ending.

Ultimately, "Such Good People" is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant novel about friendship, loyalty, and the lasting impact of the American justice system and its imperfections on individuals and relationships. This is Amy Blumenfeld's second novel, and I’m eager to see what direction her storytelling takes next.

Many thanks to SparkPress and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Such Good People" is slated to be released on July 8, 2025.

I had an enjoyable time with this book! I honestly was hooked in since the beginning and I love how the reader is taken through different timelines and povs.

I enjoyed the friendship that April and Rudy had but man I felt for Rudy. This was an eye opener because it seemed like something that can realistically happen. I also enjoyed seeing the dynamics of Perter and Aprils marriage but seeing how everything entwined in the end was not what I expected. All in all I did enjoy it and would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC copy of this book
I found this book disappointing overall, the plot felt underwhelming and didn’t hold my attention. I also struggled to connect with the characters, they felt distant and not fully realized. The dialogue was another weak point for me. It often sounded forced and unnatural, which made it harder to immerse myself in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for allowing me to receive an ARC of this book.

I enjoyed Such Good People quite a bit. Bonus points because the FMC shares the same name and nickname with me (April/Ape) :)

I loved the multiple different POVs and the now and then timeframe so that we got as much of the big picture as possible. The character growth was really nice to see and I was able to move from disliking a character to then rooting for them (Jillian: loved her in the end).

I did feel the book was a bit slow in parts, and some dialogue or information made chapters drag on.

I felt that the beginning had discrepancies when compared to what is said later in the middle-ish of the book. Spoiler: The beginning sets the book up to make it seem like April is secretly keeping in touch with Rudy while he's in prison. She essentially Googles "how to tell your husband you've been secretly in touch with your prisoner best friend", though we find out that Peter is the one who puts April's letters to Rudy in the mailbox. Then April is mad about the phone call she receives about Rudy's release, but we see later that she wasn't actually mad but maybe overwhelmed and definitely shocked. He would've been released within the next two years so that shouldn't have been much of a surprise really.

I really loved Rudy and felt for him so strongly. I was happy to see how the ones who mattered most stayed by his side and were there for him after everything. I wish we got a good revenge ending (on page) to that pathetic lawyer.

4.5 stars for Such Good People! Fast paced, character driven novel, and such a good book. If you enjoy nonfiction books like Just Mercy and true crime that involves organizations like the Innocence Project, you will enjoy this book!

Such Good People is a page turning, gripping, and thoughtful novel about how the Justice System goes sideways when classism is at the forefront, how lives can be cataclysmically changed in a moment, and how revealing (and holding onto) the truth can be such a heavy lift.

Blumemfeld does a great job writing a compelling story with characters that any reader can relate to and invest themselves in. Moreover, she doesn’t write a solve the world, feel good justice story; characters in this books show their ugly and weakness, and that matters!

Thank you NetGalley and Spark Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

It took me a while at first to get into this one, but once the plot got rolling I settled in. I always enjoy stories about the distinctive neighborhoods in other boroughs besides Manhattan, particularly the neighborhoods that don't have the same number of literary references as some better-known places. Blumenfeld does a very good job of demonstrating how guilt and the said anxiety over said guilt and unacknowledged truths can weigh on people; impacting not only their own life choices, but that of others. Both April and Rudy re well-drawn and realistic, with their shares of positive (or positive-ish in April's case) and flaws given equal time, including insights into their thought processes. My ambivalence towards April is not so much because of her mistakes, but rather her willful ignorance and unwillingness to address uncomfortable situations head on, rather than letting them sit. She was more than aware, for example, that Rudy's feelings for her went deeper than friendship. Even though they weren't reciprocated, the two of them should have had a discussion rather than leaving the situation hanging in the air until they met again.

In terms of structure, some of the flashback scenes could have been arranged differently. There were certain passages (particularly about their home and their educational lives) that I wanted to hear some more about, whereas other descriptive passages could have been cut down some. One of the strong appeals of this book is the theme of socioeconomic class and its impact on people's sense of self and development. There's a strong undercurrent throughout the book of others seeking to "better" themselves and improve their station in life, and the end result of this drive looks different depending on the characters' perspectives. Both April and Rudy show elements of this thinking, even if it's not always acknowledged openly.

As a side note, I do wonder how the book would have been had it started from Rudy's perspective, or if his thoughts and backstory had dominated the action. On finishing the book, it still feels that there are more story possibilities which haven't all been explored yet. I don't know exactly what that would look like, or how the author would continue the story, but I'd still be interested to see it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, SparkPress, for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Best friends April and Rudy are involved in an altercation that leaves Rudy incarcerated. Now, fifteen years later, Rudy is up for parole. April is happily married with a family, and her husband running for local office. This parole throws her life into turmoil.

This was a great story about how fast mistakes can change lives and how long it can take for justice to be restored. This story would appeal to those that enjoy journalistic investigations, as well as legal battles and the positive side of politics. I loved the struggles of April and Peter’s marriage, which felt very real. In the end their love for each other showed and there was room for growth as well.

“Today’s the day he has been promised but if there’s a single lesson he has learned, it’s that nothing in life is guaranteed.”

Such Good People comes out 7/8.

This is one of those books where you actually want to turn back time and make everything alright for everyone.
Ruby,a boy from a poor family and his childhood friend April, from a better type of family are caught up a scuffle which ends in a death and Ruby being sent to prison.
April says she'll wait for him. She means this as a friend but Rudy is really in love with her. April moves on and gets married,has kids and all is going well until Rudy is released from prison and the newspapers question what April had to do with it which affects her husband,Peter's job.
I loved this story but it was so unfair what people in power can do to those who have none.
The characters were mostly likable like Rudy and April's parents and of course Aoril and Rudy.
Really lively story ,and I shed a tear.

This book had a hold on me from start to finish. It is the perfect fiction book for anyone wanting a good read where you can just tune out the real world and dive in to someone elses problems. I read this book in about a day and a half and just couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed diving into the personal lives of Peter and April and the author did an amazing job of making me feel that I was right there with them in every scene.

Such Good People? Such a good book! I really enjoyed this novel. I appreciate a good dual timeline when done correctly, and this one was. I also liked how the story started right in, but you weren't aware of the life-changing event until the past's storyline progressed. I felt there was good character development and that those who needed to change their ways did, and those who needed to remain true to themselves/beliefs also did as they should. I believe the story accurately mirrored societal norms and unfair stereotypes or allowances for different social classes. I think it also did well to illustrate those friendships/relationships that can grow in those varying classes, despite their obvious differences. There is very little I found fault with regarding this novel overall and am pleased with how it was executed.