The Arrivals by Meg Mitchell Moore

Published by

Sarah Ann

on

February 26, 2011

The Arrivals is the first book published by journalist Meg Mitchell Moore.

Ginny and William Owens are enjoying their peaceful, quiet life in their beautiful Vermont home. One year, at the beginning of June, their oldest daughter Lillian visits with her two small children. Little do Ginny and William know that Lillian is there to seek refuge from marital problems at home surrounding her husband’s infidelity.

Days later, the Owens’ son Stephen also makes a surprise visit with his pregnant wife, followed by Rachel, the Owens’ youngest daughter who’s flown home abruptly to escape her hectic New York life.

Just when the Owens’ thought the toughest days of parenting were behind them, they’re forced to put their skills to the test once again as they help their kids deal with their large-scale adult problems.

The Arrivals is an intense, yet endearing read that feels like one huge anecdote. I like how it shows how our lives transform after we have children. Once a parent, always a parent. Each of the Owen kids goes through a transformation between June and August, while Ginny and William remain powerful examples of parents who are loving, understanding, and patient.

This novel was very enjoyable and I finished it in under a day. However, I found it easily forgettable.

The story is touching, but the voices of the children lack individuality. As a whole I felt the novel lacked any real intimacy. In the end, all the voices sort of blended together, and no one stood out.

Other books by Meg Mitchell Moore include:

What did you think about The Arrivals?

Last Updated on January 24, 2026 by Sarah Ann

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