Nuclear Family

I absolutely loved the author's previous novel In at the Deep End and so was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Nuclear Family.
Twin sisters Alison and Lena have a close relationship with their dad Tom and they are all still grieving the death of their mother and Tom's wife Sheila. When Lena buys a DNA testing kit for them all for Christmas she thinks it will be a fun way for them to explore their family history. However, Tom reveals that he isn't their biological dad and that he and Sheila used a sperm donor. The sisters react in completely different ways- Alison is focused on trying to conceive via a sperm donor with her wife and feels that Tom is still her dad. Lena feel betrayed and is determined to track down her sperm donor.
Nuclear Family is such a wonderful novel, as with the author's previous novel I loved the mix of humour, warmth and empathy. It's such an insightful book that really got me thinking about the concept of family. I am adopted but I hadn't thought about the implications of finding out that your biological parent is an unknown sperm donor and this aspect generated many conversations with friends and family. I found myself upset with Lena's response to her father's secret and it was interesting for me to explore this. The author writes so effortlessly and engagingly and I found myself completely involved in the novel, the characters and the relationships and raced through it over a 24 hour period.
A highly recommended novel that I loved.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
4.5 stars.

Loved this! Made me laugh and cry all the way through. It was an interesting look at children of donors, something I'd never thought of and how it affected their families and lives in different ways. Trigger Warning for baby loss, that did sneak up on me. But overall a brilliant heartfelt and heartwarming story.

A great story taking you on different emotional rollercoasters as you follow the different viewpoint of the 3 main characters. This book is well written and so scarily possible!

I loved the authors previous book ‘ in at the deep end’ so when I got a chance to read this from Netgalley I was very pleased and also had high hopes. I read this straight away after being given it ( something I need to get in the habit of).
What I like most about this author is that she brings themes such as sperm donors, transgender, men having babies to name a few, into the mainstream in a well written story about family. Funny and sad, I really enjoyed it.

I loved Kate Davies first book so had high hopes for this one and it's beat them. A brilliant read, had me laughing and near crying and I learnt so much throughout. Would highly recommend.