Published on February 25, 2022

Author: Joel Samberg
Publisher: Black Rose
ISBN: 978–68433-936-5

Families have unique dynamics, and some are just dealing with life's situations.

A dynamic novel unfolds with a letter from a journalist friend Daniel to his old classmate and friend Douglas. The letter reveals that he has been writing about his family for two and a half years. Within the prologue letter, Daniel reveals his sources, his mother's involvement, and that he might have to sign a release form.

A letter and package with the novel in three parts sit on the floor with Douglas. We enter part one with him taking 3 separate journeys, the first The Farrell and Kelleher, the second officer Doug Kellehers and the third Dolores and Maria explaining the cover.

Enter the world of the Farrells and Kellehers. Meet Mary Ann and Alexander, and get to know their children.

During an interview with Norm Goldman for Bookpleasures, the author states that this title consists of three separate stories the curious journalist reconstructs: One about a family's Massachusetts and Long Island roots, the second about early troubled adulthood of her eldest son, and the third her relationship with the young child on the front cover.

It's about the family that lived across the street from the Hillmans in his previous novel and devout Catholic mother and her relationship with her illegitimate granddaughter Maria, and a startling revelation that comes to light from the past.

Mary Ann is our main character in story one, since she is the mother of Dolores, focusing on many incidents and events in all three stories. Mary Ann had her in the way to interact in public. She could fix anything in her home and created rooms that were crafted in her style. Her boys were into sports and led many athletic programs, while her daughters tended to more charitable endeavors.

Throughout part one, we learn more about Mary Ann and her attitudes toward class, proper etiquette, and wanting to live the life of Sherborn royalty. On page 15, we get more of an up-close picture of Mary Ann as she and Aunt Diane have an open discussion about her life, wishing

Alexander was not a college professor but someone who dressed more to her taste and had different people to work with. Throughout book one, we learn more about the Farrell family and the changes that occurred as Delores meets Ken and her life changes. She is married and has five children of her own. Will her parenting skills mirror her mother's?

Part one gives readers the picture of a family that has many layers. Ken and Delores each have different viewpoints, and we meet Alexis, Caroline, Bridgett, Michael, and Douglas. Alexis loved television, Bridgett was busy with sports, Caroline got noticed, Douglas and Michael went into arts and drawing for Michael and Douglas acting until everything changed.

Lives change, a child's marriage, Michael lives in a wheelchair because of an accident, Douglas needs space, and Bridgett finds Kim. The final sentence in part one leaves us wondering what's next?

Part two explains her don Douglas who becomes a cop and is stationed in the city alongside Rosalie, his partner, and more until she realizes that he's not who or what she needs. Getting Maria as a partner, his life takes on a different direction. Still, when asking her about her past, she disappears, and he investigates and what he learns is shocking. Relationships end, and he does but not in the way he'd ever predict, and what happens next allows readers to know just how unstable he is. The final words will let you know that Delores's life will change and never be the same.

Meet Maria, her granddaughter, who her son abandoned and now has to bring up.

Each child has their difficulties as Alexis's marriage ends, Caroline us into acting and is attacked, Douglas disappears, Bridgett is in education, and Michael an artist and cartoonist and successful but the one you will fall in love with with with is 6 year old Maria. Meet this exceptional child who is a genius and has a heart of gold. Michael is her favorite and understands her. Both seem to handle not only his disability but also her lack of knowledge and who her parents are. But Delores is complex, judgmental, hardcore. Even Ken finds her hard to deal with as she envelopes herself within her mind, and even with penance, she never sees the light.

A young child's words about love and family should have made her smile. Read the last part of book 3, and you decide if she ever realizes the truth. The final letter lets readers know about Douglas and his impressions about this book written by his friend. A sequel would round out more about Maria and Douglas if he chooses to meet her. A heartfelt, sad, heartwarming, and hope-filled story filled with family love, both hers and Ken's, as author Joel Samberg penned a story that many can identify with.

Almost Like Praying is more than a story. It is a revelation into the hearts and minds of two families. Delores, open yourself to family love.