Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Last Family Standing-Jennifer AlLee

Last Family Standing
Jennifer AlLee
Abingdon, Sep 16 2014, $13.99
ISBN: 9781426768095

Jules calls her BFF Monica informing her that the newborn the latter gave up at birth twenty-five years ago is on the reality TV show Last Family Standing.  Besides looking like Monica did years ago, fashion designer Jessica Beckett holds Monica’s graduation photo.  Jess says she is close with her adopted parents but would like to meet her biological mom and have her compete with her on the show next season while failing to explain why not her mom Susan.

The next morning the show’s host Rick Wolff visits Monica, whose friends gave his staff her name and address.  Reluctantly and between crying bouts, Monica agrees to do the show just to meet her offspring even if their encounter will be filmed on a deserted island.  Adding a shocking complication is Jess’ biological father Duncan arrives to meet his daughter too.

Although there is too much Survivor in the pleasurable contest and an unnecessary but nice romance, Last Family Standing is a wonderful extended family drama.  The cast consists of likeable people connected through Jess; as a TV host and two sets of parents try to come together in a fishbowl while a national audience watch.


Harriet Klausner

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