Andie’s Book Club: The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
The deception, devotion, and the men who embed themselves in this family keep you leaning in, never wanting The Most Fun We Ever Had to end.
Could this be the best book I read all year? It’s going to be hard to beat. The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo tells the story of the Sorenson family - parents Marilyn and David and their four grown daughters - and explores the lives they lead, the secrets they keep, and the love they share that somehow conquers it all.
I devour books. I read them on my Kindle and listen to them on Audible while I’m driving, cleaning, cooking, walking the dog, doing laundry … you get the idea. Sometimes I’ll start a novel and completely forget I even began it before I finish the first chapter. Those are not my favorites. My favorites are the books that keep me sitting in my car long after I’ve reached my destination. I love it when characters become friends - people I care about and genuinely root for. That’s exactly what I found in The Most Fun We Ever Had.
Things I loved about this book
Marilyn. Her passion for life, her commitment to David, and her devotion to her marriage. Marilyn is a wonderful mother - but she’s an even better wife. Her attraction to and partnership with David is admirable. When my husband and I were engaged, we took advice from anyone willing to offer it. The best advice we received was this: Make your marriage your priority, and everything else will fall into place. It’s true. When you’re solid with your partner, you can do anything.
Wendy. The oldest Sorenson daughter is sarcastic, cynical, and reminds me so much of my sister, Debbie. She’s the kind of person who scares you a little - but she’s also the first call you make when you need anything, because you know she’ll show up. Every time.
Grace. The youngest sister and the Sorensons’ bonus child. Grace is significantly younger than her sisters, as am I, and that feeling of always being a bit out of the loop is incredibly relatable.
Final Thoughts
Claire Lombardo does a beautiful job weaving the past and present together in The Most Fun We Ever Had. Her character development made me feel like I was part of the Sorenson family. From the moment David met Marilyn, I knew this was a relationship to envy. The chaos of their four daughters - the deception, the devotion, and the parade of men who embed themselves into the family - it all keeps you leaning in, never wanting this novel to end.
Before you go ...
There is so much more to this book to love. More characters. More twists and turns. So much emotion! And if you're like me, you'll cry when the title becomes apparent.
