Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

In Lost and Broken Things by Linda Sandifer, readers are drawn into the lives of Lily and Davy Statton, siblings living through the ups and downs of life on the eve of the Great Depression in Idaho’s rugged backcountry. It begins in the summer, where they spend much of their time herding sheep, waiting for supplies, and grappling with hunger and uncertainty. As the tale unfolds, they must learn to deal with a future that involves family secrets, numerous hardships, and unexpected turns. Faces come and go—lawmen, neighbors, and even elusive parents who left them months before—each adding depth and questions to Lily and Davy’s world. Through it all, their bond is clear. Can they stay safe, and will their relationship survive the tough times? The book’s messages of resilience, searching for acceptance, and hope shine through from beginning to end.

While reading Lost and Broken Things by Linda Sandifer, I learned more about living in that part of the country than I ever did in history class. I was initially drawn to the story by the cover. I wondered who the person represented, and why they were alone. Lily and Davy’s journey was full of emotional complexity and felt genuine to me. My favorite scene was when the siblings slept out under the stars after sitting around the fire sharing regular and ghost stories. Moments like that capture the most prominent theme in the novel: finding a place where one belongs. They have each other, and it seems that’s where they will always find that unbreakable tie. The writing strikes a balance between straightforward, conversational storytelling and observations, as well as humor, bringing both the setting and characters to life. This is a quietly compelling historical novel that lingers with its characters, landscapes, and the tender question of what family and forgiveness truly mean.