The problem with a second novel is that it must prolong the curiosity of the first, continue to move the story along, and also keep the characters from becoming dull. For those readers who enjoyed author Maile Meloy's Liars and Saints, her sequel - A Family Daughter - will certainly provide an effective follow-up, connecting to past characters as well as bridging the gap to the next generation.

In A Family Daughter, Meloy returns to the Santerres family, telling her story from the perspective of Clarissa's daughter Abby, who is about to attend university in San Diego. Beautiful and sensual, Abby is also an emotional and complicated wreck. As the novel opens, she is visiting a therapist to try and make sense of her life.