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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Darian Vester

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I felt the book had a younger tone of voice, abbreviations like WTF and IRL were used. Saying that I think younger crowds will enjoy this, maybe as young as middle school who are venturing into young adult books. Not going to lie, other reviewers had me believing her uncle was going to play a more major role, still a horrible guy but he doesn’t make much of an appearance. I loved the friendship between her and Maddie, she sounds like a ride or die best friend which I love reading. Chad had me questioning things, he sounded too good to be true and after his plan to help Claire I honestly wasn’t sure if he could be trusted. But I’m glad it turned out to just be silly teenager thinking. After finding out who Harry’s real father is I would have liked to see more of what happened after that, if Claire decided she was still going to stay close to home or if her college plans went back to what they were before. Still a great read though.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Heather Hoke

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Powerful is the best description for this book! Claire was a very strong-willed and strong minded character! This book was so amazing and sometimes emotional.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Mary Espinoza

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman is an emotional story that hit home for me on so many levels. This book will pull on your heartstrings, will leave you in awe and will leave you thinking about any teenager that is out there going through similar situations! This story is about choices of a seventeen-year-old young woman, her self-discovery, family drama, responsibility, many challenges, overall teenage drama, issues, secrets, dramatic developments, and most of all…… heartwarming moments.
Claire is a high school senior who has so many life-changing choices to make and feels like she doesn’t know which ones will be the right ones, especially when an unplanned pregnancy leaves her with a baby to take care of. And it’s not just any baby, it happens to be her baby brother, and her uncle comes in trying to be the hero, but then shows his true colors as the story progresses. What is Claire to do with her baby brother, her mother, uncle and the joys of trying to be a senior in high school, what happens makes this an emotional and heartwarming journey. This story is guaranteed to make you shed a tear or two, so make sure you have tissue handy as you embark on the choices of Claire!

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Mary Espinoza, August 2023

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Jennifer Ramos

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down! I felt so connected to Claire! Mentally, she is your typical teenager but she has been given some unfortunate choices. After her father leaving and her mother having an unplanned pregnancy, Claire has been “babysitting” her baby brother Harry during the summer months as her mother has been incapable of doing so. Through unfortunate circumstances, her mother ends up hospitalized and in the midst of it all, her uncle gets involved and tries to help Claire in continuing her life as planned of experiencing her senior year of high school and money for college but only if Harry is put up for adoption. Such a heartbreaking decision to make at such a young age. Claire has such a good heart and is only doing what she thinks needs to be done. Very thought provoking!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Shannon Fowler

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new to me author and a really good book. The title is perfect for the storyline.

Our main characters are almost 18 yr old Claire, baby- Harry, 18-19 yr old Chad, 18 yr old best friend Madison and Melanie the mom. Mom is recently divorced and turns up pregnant from a mysterious one-night stand. She refuses to name the father or even discuss the situation. After the birth of the baby, she falls into a deep depression, leaving her almost 18 yr old daughter Claire, in charge of the baby and nearly every household responsibility. Being so responsible is not exactly how Claire was planning on spending her last summer before senior year. Claire and Madison meet Chad just before school starts and he easily steps up to help and support Claire with her choices.

This story could have gone many different ways. There are a few other storylines within this book. Chad’s anger “issues” as well as his own family situation. Even Melanie’s issues are not truly resolved. Madison, the best friend, is a little too self-centered for my liking. Wonder if she matures in time? What happens to Claire’s dad and his new wife? Too many unanswered questions for me! Hoping there is more from this author. However, the author did tie up this particular part of the story nicely while leaving it open for future stories.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Kerry Carr

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a YA family story. It is a story of strength resistance and so much love. It is a very moving story about a young girl called Claire who has her whole future ahead of her. But when her mum has another baby and then falls into a pit of depression and despair it is up to Claire to raise her brother. Dealing with a parent that is unwell is hard enough but also dealing with the responsibility of a newborn is more than any young person should have to shoulder. But Claire steps up and does that. Putting her life and dreams and ambitions on hold to care for her mum and brother.
There is a member of the family who seems to want to help though and that’s Claires Uncle. He offers to give her the money for her college fund but there’s a catch, she has to give up her brother for adoption.
Now Claire has a decision to make that doesn’t just affect her but everyone she loves. Should she allow her brother to be put up for adoption so that her life can return to normal? Or should she fight to keep her brother and her family together?
This is is a very moving and inspiring story and Claires character is so well written. You feel every emotion she goes through and you feel like your fighting every fight that she does.
Overall I enjoyed this story and everything it was trying to teach us but more importantly I loved Claire. Her strong character is what really made this story for me. The strength it took to not only care for herself and her brother but also her mum was amazing I’m not sure I could have been that strong at her age.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Rosanna Ingram

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claire has her future planned out, until her mother has a second child and Claire’s life is upended. Her mother is struggling with this surprise pregnancy and Claire goes from only child to taking on the mother role for her mom and her brother, Harry. As secrets come to light, Claire’s planned out future is no longer attainable…and her family might be torn apart. With the help of her best friend, Mads, and their new friend, Chad, Claire is forced to make decisions that will change the course of her life. When push comes to shove, which is more important…family or future?

Claire’s sense of loyalty to family is inspiring. She is willing to do whatever it takes in the name of family. At times, my heart broke for her and the situation she was in. And that final shocker…I was so mad for her. I enjoyed the loyalty her friends had, as well, and the support they gave her less than ideal situation. This was a story that I could not put down until the end. There were twists and turns along the way that kept me invested. Overall, a good story that I enjoyed reading.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Daree Blake

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When her mom falls apart, Claire shelters their little family and takes on more responsibility than any 17-year-old should have to. She gives up her summer to care for her baby brother. She feels like all of her hopes and dreams are going down the drain as she realizes how deep her mother’s betrayal goes. Her protective side leads her to find the inner strength she didn’t know she had. There are secrets to learn and a new future to explore.

Reviewed by @daree222
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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Ashley Mertz

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review

Complicated Choices brings us the story of Claire and Harry. Clair is a senior in high school and Harry is her unplanned, fatherless four month old brother. Clair puts aside her needs to care for her brother during a very difficult time. Instead of focusing on high school and college, she finds herself raising her baby brother while her mom is hospitalized for postpartum depression. Amongst it all, her Uncle Pat is trying to take Harry away from them stating he would be better off being put up for adoption. Clair will not let him rip apart their family no matter the costs.

Complicated choices is full of……well, complicated choices. Our main character Clair is strong, resilient, and determined. She is faced with numerous confrontations not only with her Uncle but with friends who had no idea she had a baby brother. Clair is exposed to secrets and lies by the people she should trust the most. Clair finds her first love and has to put those feelings aside to focus on what matters most right now, Harry. This novel is a perfect example of how teenagers in today’s society are expected to grow up way too fast for all the wrong reasons. This was my first time reading a novel written by Nyman and I was extremely pleased. The story line made perfect sense and flowed well with just the right amount of detail. The characters were all lovable and had me rooting for them the entire way. I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to a friend. Definitely a five star rating from me!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Felicia Bates

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I never quite know what I’m getting into when I picked up YA or teen fiction. So many times I can not connect with young main characters due to their immaturity or… age. Complicated Choices by Risa Niman was really well written without my perception of awkward, uncomfortable characters. I loved Claire, our main character and felt she had the right balance of being a teenager and being a smart, driven and enjoyable leading female. The author wrote the story really well and often times I could imagine I was there conversing with Claire and Mads. The plot was great and the book flowed well, I didn’t want to put the book down.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved Complicated Choices. Like way more that I expected. Its a good YA coming of age Book. Claire is saddled with more than any 17 year old should be. She is dealing with being a teen mom, without being the mom. Her mom had an unexpected child later in life, and is left in a crippling position. She has an extreme case of post partum depression, and Claire has had to pickup the slack. Like all of it. She finds herself raising her brother, while trying to get her mom the help she needs. She has done this all in private, keeping the baby a secret from everyone except her best friend Madison. Then enters Chad. Chad is amazing. He is such a great guy and so different than most male lead characters. He is like a 18 year old knight in shining armor for Claire. There is some shockers at the end, that I wont spoil. The book wrapped up well, and had a good ending. But to be honest, I’d be happy If it was turned into a series. I got really invested in the characters and want to see what happens next. What are Chad and Claire and Madison’s first year of college like. What happens with Claire’s mom? I want answers!!!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’m so glad I did! This is a standalone novel.

Claire has the weight of the world on her shoulders. It’s her senior year and she’s got a lot of decisions to make. One thing she shouldn’t have to do is take care of her baby brother. She also shouldn’t be worrying about her mother and taking care of the house. She should be having fun with her friends and living up senior year. When he uncle gets involved, it seems like the problems will be solved. However, he places a pretty steep condition on his assistance. Put Harry up for adoption. Claire is not about to let her family be torn apart so while it seems like everything is in despair, Claire gears up for a fight with the help of some friends. What lengths would you go to to keep your family together?

This book was tough to read in the sense that you just know so many kids and teens are faced with the same or worse issues. It was very engaging. I was very impressed with Claire’s growth. At the beginning, she didn’t seem to care too much about her brother or having to take care of him. While she still resented being his sole caretaker, she definitely bonded and attached to him by the end of the book. The characters were well written as were the dynamics between everyone. I definitely suggest this book!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really related to this book. My stepmother had my brother when I was 17. And everyone always assumed he was my baby when he wasn’t. Claire really steps up in this book when her mom can’t handle it. She ends up being her brothers primary caregiver.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by M Policicchio

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful tale of strength and resilience! Claire has the power and strength of giants.

Claire’s life was turned upside down when her mother announced she was pregnant after a one-night stand. As Claire’s mother’s depression increased during the pregnancy and deepened after Harry was born, Claire took an ever increasing parental role for Harry and her mother.

As Claire’s senior year of high school begins, things are only getting worse. Add a new guy that eyes for Claire despite her efforts to turn those eyes to her best friend. Claire’s uncle is threatening to take Harry. Claire has to make some hard decisions about what she wants for her life and the future.

Unorthodox solutions to Claire’s problems present themselves. Claire decides that these choices are the only way to save her family which means that Harry isn’t going anywhere. As Claire is two steps from following through on her unorthodox solutions, another way presents itself. Although this new way is hard for Claire to swallow, she determines it is the better option.

Claire found the inner strength to protect the family she wanted, even if it meant that she went to extreme measures to get it. I don’t want to reveal too much but the way Claire was able to repair the relationship with her mom was beautiful. Sure, it will still require work to get back to the way it was but any steps forward are good.

Worth the read. Take the time to get to know Claire and Harry.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Jo Wright

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nyman had me hooked from the very first chapter! I flew through this book trying to figure out what was going to happen with this adorable little guy, Harry. Taking on the challenge of not only trying to raise a child, but also become her own mother’s guardian while also trying to make it through the final year of school to make sure that her brother is safe and loved is the most pure form of love. I was shocked when I finally got to learn a little more about Harry’s father: it was such a surprising twist!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Katie Kearney

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story took me by surprise a bit. This story will truly have you on a wide spectrum of emotions while the main character Claire deals with some heavy stuff. But Claire is an amazing main character and I instantly felt the connection she brought to the storyline. This is my first time reading this author and I definitely wasn’t disappointed. This author knows how to get you so draw into a story that the real world disappears. I felt every emotion written into this story so easily. It’s well written with great characters. Five stars all the way and highly recommended.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Jessie Hopkins

As annoying as it can be to be mistaken for his Mom and to have to give up the summer before her senior year, Claire loves Harry and will protect their bond at all costs. Her mom is just not acting like she should and hasn’t ever since she had Harry. But it could be mostly because her brother Pat, is evil.
Hoping that the new guy in school, Chad and her best friend, Mads, don’t make her pick between them Claire is really trying to find her way and help her family. She has enough going on and really needs good supportive friends.

This book is definitely a “hold your attention, page turner” as you become invested in Claire’s story. You can’t help but become one of her cheerleaders through all the things being thrown her direction.

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Ashley Westerman

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book; a lot more than I thought I would. I really struggled with putting it down for adult responsibilities. This touched on so many emotions and you could feel them coming through the pages. I can’t wait to check out what else this author has to offer us. The writing is excellent, and you feel as you are there watching it all happen. I highly recommend it.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Devon Pulliam

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book took me by surprise in the best way. This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I am not disappointed.

Claire is going into her Senior year of high school, but is struggling because her home life is not ideal. Her mom gave birth a few months ago and has been struggling since before giving birth. It got worse after birth. Claire stepped up and has been the adult in the house.

Her plans for college though are falling out of reach when she finds out her mom has spent her college fund on her baby brother’s daycare. Little does Claire know the twists that are about to unfold when her mom is suddenly put in the hospital for some treatment.

Claire meets a fellow Senior, Chad, just as school is starting back and he becomes her lifeline. ALong with her longtime friend Madison. He gives Claire a proposition that will help her and her mom out but will she take it?

I read this book in a day. I just could not put it down. I could see this as a movie. I’m sure we all know someone that basically has lived a similar story to this.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Manda Kelly

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Claire. Her strength and loyalty throughout everything is nothing if not awe inspiring this story was so well told. I felt what Claire was feeling and going through. The author captured the raw emotions enough to help the reader truly feel what Claire was feeling. I cannot recommend this book enough! I absolutely can’t wait to read more from this author.

Review by Manda Kelly

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Trista Martin

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this YA book. Claire goes from excelling in high school with big plans for her future to stepping up and being the primary caregiver for her baby brother while her mom continues to seek deeper into depression. She is strong and values her family, and she keeps them together no matter who and what she has to step up to. The pacing and character development were excellent throughout the book; my only complaint was that I felt like it just ended with out any closure. I do look forward to reading more by this talented author.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman Review by Heidi Woodring

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman was a good read, yet at times a hard read as seeing what happens when our younger generation must grow up too fast. Claire, really makes her mark on you in your heart and in you mind. From beginning to end, I wish I could get into the book and help her. This character truly became a part of my world as I read this book.
Claire is a senior in high school, who should be worried about love, grades, college, and prom but instead is helping her single mother care for her new baby brother. Her mother is showing signs more and more of postpartum depression and using Claires college fund for baby Harry’s daycare costs. The pressure is on them all when Uncle Pat says he will give the money back for college and help them but the baby has to be put up for adoption. Claire will stop at nothing to keep her, her mother, and the baby together.

The author of this book, is simply brilliant. The book pulls at your heart strings, makes you cry, gets you mad. This book is also filled with strong characters, love, drama, secrets, and everything that makes this an amazing read! HIGHLY recommend this amazing read!

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Kimberly Filer

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic story of family, love and the steps that people take to keep their family together. A can’t put down read that has you want to reach out to Claire and just give her a hug. This girl has taken on the world and nothing will ever be the same for her. Claire a soon to be senior in HS has taken on the greatest responsibility anyone can have baby Harry. In this can’t put down story of love and family Claire will go to the ends of the earth to keep baby Harry safe but at what cost.

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Alison Risher

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful story. A high school senior sacrifices her summer and her senior year. Her single mother is suffering a severe depression following an unplanned pregnancy. The heroine experiences judgment from all sides, as people assume she is a young teen mother. There is an evil, conniving, relative who wants to buy the baby brother. There are college applications to complete, and high school heartbreak to avoid. The heroine must make serious and complex decisions for herself, her baby brother, and even her parents as the story unfolds.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Tonya Merritt

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story absolutely surprised me. I did not think I’d enjoy it but wanted to give it a shot because of other reviews and let me tell you no one has lied. It is a great book. It was so hard for me to put down after I got into the first few pages. It was something that happens so much in today’s world but you don’t think about it too much until you read about it. Claire is doing it all and she just wants to be a family but things are hard when you are a teenager.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by La Toya Lewis

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman is an intense and powerfully told story. While the typical high school senior is worrying about high school troubles, Claire Jackson has to worry about taking care of her baby brother. It was heartbreaking to watch this young girl give up her life to care for a baby that wasn’t even hers. Claire is such a well-written character. She is loyal and the strength she shows as a teen is inspiring. The story is rich and complicated. The choices that Claire is presented with are complex and there are plenty of twists and turns. If you want a book that will draw you in, I highly recommend this one.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Julie Johnson

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Imagine having the weight of the world on your shoulders your senior year of high school. Responsibilities include keeping grades up, picking the right college, cleaning house, taking care of your baby brother, and taking care of your mother. That’s Claire’s situtation and she wasn’t given a lot of choices as she entered into what should have been the best year of her life.

Claire’s parents divorced a few years back and her mom went on a business trip earlier in the year. A few weeks after she returned home, she found out she was pregnant. She refused to tell Claire who the dad was and even left that spot empty on Harry’s birth certificate. Everything changed when she got pregnant and Claire had to start picking up the pieces.

Claire’s friends come to her aid but they have limited resources, especially when Uncle Pat starts to stick his nose into everything. Claire will stop at nothing to keep her little brother and mom together with her. Her senior year is nothing like she expected but she is also learning valuable lessons along the way.

This book was a challenging read for me. Maybe it’s because I had to grow up fast and have “adult” responsibilites at a young age. Claire’s story really resonated with me though. I found myself becoming angry at all the people around her who were letting her deal with all of this alone when some of them could have stepped up and helped her. Claire became so much stronger through this experience and learned to love, forgive, and plan a future that she wanted, not what others expected of her.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman- Review by Laura Jones

Didn’t want to put it down! (amazon.com)

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Laura (Evansville, IN)’s review of Complicated Choices | Goodreads

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Rebecca Hill

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was definitely not your standard teen angst story. Claire Jackson is a senior in high school with a baby – not just a baby, not even her baby, but her mom’s baby. Ever since Harry was born, Claire has almost single handedly taken care of him. Her mom can hardly function, much less take care of a baby. Claire’s uncle decides that he is going to take Harry away, which ignites a fire in Claire to take care of things legally. She talks to a lawyer about guardianship of her brother; she looks into their finances; she learns about things like home equity. She is strong, competent, and fiercely determined not to lose this baby that is like her own. I really enjoyed reading this parental role reversal story. I especially loved the surprise towards the end of the book. It was well foreshadowed, but I enjoyed being right and seeing it all laid out. Worth the time to read!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Wendy Rennewanz

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Complicated Choices
By Risa Nyman

I really liked this book, I had a hard time putting it down! It isn’t like any book I’ve ever read before. Claire is an amazing young woman who really stepped up to the plate to care for her baby brother. The story shines a light on mental health which I feel is important for more people to learn about. This is my first book by Risa Nyman, but I can’t wait to check out more. I definitely recommend this book.

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