Book Review: This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

Divorce, self love, sisterhood, Parenting and more explored in Ryan’s second book of her Skyland series

Kennedy Ryan’s ability to reflect real women’s issue in a manner that isn’t cliche or cheesy is why she is undoubtedly one of my favorite contemporary fiction authors. After reading the first book in the Skyland series, Before I let Go, I was incredibly touched by how much care and consideration she took to write women going through hard issues, especially one I related to: Stillbirth.

This Could  Be Us is no different. Kennedy Ryan took this same mindful approach to write the story of a Soledad Barnes— a resilient, smart and resourceful stay at home mom who gets a second chance at love. This book gives you everything- scandal, humor, and steam. Plus we get to see the power of true friendships, healthy coparenting, and what it means to persevere. I highlighted some of my favorite aspects of this novel below:

Struggling Marriage

The story of Soledad begins with a tense and awkward moment between herself and her husband, Edward, that spills over into the company Christmas party they attend together. It’s at that party where she gets a glimpse of the man, Judah, who she will later run into again under totally different and grave circumstances as her world starts to change. Judah is the second main character and POV of the book who has had some marriage and parenting issues of his own.

“Something has fundamentally shifted in our marriage the last two years. Every couple experiences slumps, ruts. We are no exception, but it’s more than that. I’ve felt Edward slipping away from this marriage, from this family. I’ve tried everything to stop it, but my arms feel emptier, our bed feels colder, every day. I can’t hold off a landslide by myself, and lately Edward seems content to watch it all fall down.”- Soledad

Parenting and Divorce

Marriage is hard, and when it becomes clear Soledad’s marriage is falling apart, parenting her 3 girls becomes even harder. The circumstances of Soledad’s failing marriage puts her in a difficult position as she has to explain to her daughters why their father wasn’t coming home.

“I’m so angry that Edward demolished life as our daughters knew it, shattered their illusions and introduced struggle into their lives that I had to rescue them from.” -Soledad

Friendship, Sisterhood and Community

Soledad has the best friends and sisters EVER! Through her sisterhood we also get a look into Soledad’s Puerto Rican heritage and culture. But the way her friends and sisters stood behind her with action and not just words inspired me to be a better friend myself. Kennedy Ryan’s portrayal of Soledad’s community is what gives her characters more depth and authenticity. In her acknowledgments, she mentions the many Puerto Rican women she spoke to

Standing on Your Own Two Feet

Soledad spent years as a stay at home mom and was able to use her skills in homemaking to create a career as an influencer for herself.  But it wasn’t easy, and she often struggled to keep up. I think Kennedy Ryan did a good job of balancing the pros of cons of being. Traditional stay at home mom who relied solely on her husband’s income. With the increase discourse around “trad wives,” this story does a great job of being sensitive to the desires of stay at home moms while also being realistic of hard the outcome of a divorce can be.

Finding Love Again

Soledad’s happily ever after is more than just having a new man that loves her. It’s about her journey to loving herself. This is what made the book really special… but of course we have to talk about the love interest— Judah Cross! He is so wonderfully supportive and even though he has gone through his own marriage woes, he is shown to be a great co parent and father to his two autistic sons. He doesn’t push himself on Soledad and is patient through her journey of self love.

“Maybe I didn’t see how I could do better on my own.” I lift my chin, even though it brings my mouth dangerously close to his.

“But I’m learning what I’m capable of without a man. Just me.”

“And you want to be alone?” “I want to know that if I am alone, it doesn’t mean I have to be lonely. That I can be content. I’m taking time to know and understand myself better. To converse with my heart. To listen to it.”

“I get that. I respect it.” He glances up, searching my eyes. “Is this forever? Are you saying that I can’t ever have something with you?” A muscle twitches in his jaw while he waits, and I clearly see so much hangs on this question.

“No, I’m not saying that.” He presses closer, laying his nose against my neck and breathing me in.

“Then I’ll wait.”

-exchange between Soledad and Judah

Overall, I think this one is definitely worth all of the hype it’s getting!