“A beautifully crafted memoir, a masterclass in storytelling that captivated me from start to finish. A compelling and transformative read that lingers long after the final page. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inspiring, deeply moving story that you can’t put down.”

“Both Sides of Then came to me when I needed it most. I have a complicated relationship with my mother, to say the least. This book inspired me to look at my mom’s life differently and was like a healing balm as I read it. I was mad when I had to put it down because both Jennifer’s and Anna’s stories were so compelling in their own right!”

“This book held me captive from start to finish…the story illuminates so many facets of our humanity, reminding us that within even the most complex and painful stories, there exists a wellspring of love, resilience, and connection. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it resonates with universal truths that linger long after the last page.”

“The author’s voice is clear, compassionate and entertaining as she effortlessly weaves together the story arcs Jennifer and Anna. There were so many moments I found myself nodding as I remembered similar emotions from my own experience and then took a moment to consider my own mother’s journey and how it informed my life and upbringing.”

“An exceptional book that explores how the past life and trauma of our parents directly affect our own upbringing. A must-read for anyone who is trying to come to terms with how they grew up, while trying to understand their parents.”

“Jennifer has a gift for words that paints detailed pictures of her and her mother’s upbringing. This combination of narratives provides a brilliant portrayal of how family histories inform so much of our decisions, our ways of viewing the world and relating to one another. I plowed through this in 2-days as I found the stories shared so gripping.”

“Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a wonderful book. It’s very well written and it’s easy to become immersed in the story. Alternating timelines was perfect for the telling of Jennifer’s mom’s story and Jennifer’s own story.”

“I found myself relating to many of Jennifer’s emotions as a young woman navigating her way in the world—having grown up in the same timeframe and experiencing my own complex relationships with family. This book has inspired me to start more meaningful conversations with my own mother. This story is a beautiful testament to the power of family and love.”

“A beautiful tribute and wonderfully written. Thank you for inspiring my curiosity to better understand and link my own family stories together. This is not just a story for mothers and daughters. It’s a story that everyone can relate to.”

“I adored this book. I am an avid reader and writer of adoption stories, and Griffith’s is exceptional. Her writing is powerful and immediately paints a picture of each character’s life. I felt immersed in it right away.”