Molly’s blended family faces several obstacles to becoming a united, harmonious family unit. Characters experience communication issues, lack of trust, and feelings of betrayal and loss that complicate their relationships with each other. Over the course of the novel, Hahn explores these barriers and their complex effects on family dynamics. Ultimately, Molly’s empathetic breakthrough with Heather reveals that being a family takes work, the willingness to be emotionally vulnerable, and the ability to share love.

Molly and Michael feel that the inclusion of Heather and Dave in their family has “ruined everything” (6). Heather feels the same way: Both sets of children previously had their single parent exclusively to themselves and now must share that parent’s love with newcomers. To varying degrees, all three children think they have lost the full love of their parent and consequently experience feelings of jealousy and abandonment. It is vital to Heather that she regain Dave’s complete love and that he loves her “best,” so she actively works to sabotage his relationship with Mom. Molly also feels deserted and betrayed. What’s more, she feels that she cannot communicate authentically with Mom or Dave, who dismiss her fears with laughter or exasperation.