An uplifting, laugh out loud story about sisterhood, second chances, and discovering who you are when life takes an unexpected detour.

Goodreads | Big and Lily

Release date: August 11, 2026

Publisher: Harper Perennial

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A sharply funny, deeply heartfelt novel about two sisters who discover the best way to find yourself is by getting lost.

For her entire life, Bridget “Big” Ackerman Petty has struggled to hold everything together—her kids, her husband, her demanding mother, all in dizzying orbit around her. While the kids are grown and her husband is retired, every day still feels like a to-do list she can never quite finish. Why is everything so effortless and easy for her sister Lily—a woman blessed with a magnetic personality, a thriving business, and a husband who adores her.

But when Lily discovers her husband’s been cheating, her “perfect” life implodes. Devastated and overwhelmed, she decides to run as far away as to Alaska to lose herself on a hardcore survival trek—and she’s dragged her reluctant sister Big along.

No cell service, no easy exits—just grizzlies, outdoor plumbing, and a group of strangers who know how to read a compass. As the sisters navigate freezing rivers, unmarked trails, and more than one near-death experience, the defenses they’ve used to protect themselves begin to crumble, and they’re forced to face everything they’ve spent decades resentment, regret, envy, and the terrifying possibility that the other one’s life might not be as easy as it looks.

Big & Lily is a laugh-out-loud, emotionally rich novel about second acts, sisterhood, and the unexpected ways we find ourselves when we’re truly lost.

Review:

This was such a charming, funny, and genuinely big hearted story. The relationship between Big and Lily felt authentic from beginning to end, and I loved watching both sisters grow. not only as individuals but also in the way they understood and appreciated each other.

Big especially resonated with me. As someone who’s constantly taking care of everyone else, she’s the definition of the eldest daughter who carries the mental load without even realizing it anymore. Her journey toward recognizing her own needs was incredibly relatable and one of my favorite parts of the novel.

The Alaska setting was a blast. Throwing two sisters completely out of their comfort zones created plenty of fish out of water moments that were both hilarious and heartfelt. The adventure kept the story moving at a brisk pace, making it an easy, entertaining summer read. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast. Every member of the expedition added personality and humor, helping balance the emotional moments with plenty of witty banter. The snark, sarcasm, and lighthearted humor landed well throughout the book without taking away from its emotional core.

Perfect for Readers Who Love

• Sister centered  fiction
• Fish out of water adventures
• Alaska settings and wilderness journeys
• Funny, heartfelt family stories
• Character driven second act novels

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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