The Stepsisters: A Novel

Two things that Susan Mallery writes well are siblings and character development and wow does The Stepsisters have both in spades. Stories with step and half-siblings always have a place in my heart as I grew up with a complicated family history and boy could I relate to some of the ways that Daisy and Sage felt, and Cassidy too. Childhood feelings and experiences affect us so much more than we think they do, and things we thought to be true, aren't often the reality we find ourselves in as adults. Finding friendship with your siblings as you get older is one of life's gifts and it was nice to see these relationships change and grow into more.

Told with the signature wit of the author as well as her understanding of and sympathy for her characters, this book delved deeply into the broken family relationships that seem unable to be repaired. Daisy is a trust fund baby with a big home, the undying love of her father and a job that she enjoys. Sage is beautiful, well traveled and has already looked for love in all the wrong places so she has returned home. And Cassidy, the adventurer, returns home unexpectedly and reluctantly when she has an accident on one of her adventures. All three stepsisters are thrown together into a book that reads like a movie. With plenty of romance and family drama, this book captured my imagination and my heart. I think that anyone who reads it will have a character with whom they can identify. For me, it was Daisy, the one who is misunderstood and who just wants love and acceptance in a world where judgment seems to come first. I liked all of the main characters, actually, even Cassidy who is the youngest but who also spouts gems of wisdom at the most unlikely moments. These siblings didn’t get along growing up, but they seem to bond together when another is threatened by anything and that just touched my heart. When Daisy’s husband Jordan leaves her, her world is upended and she seeks solace in a bottle but finds it in her sisters and their advice. Sage is stuck with her self-centered mother who has no love for Daisy and little love for Sage. She just wants to find a rich man and ride off into the sunset with him. Cassidy, meanwhile, is terrified of committing to any kind of relationship and needs to see for herself how families really work. She forms a bond with Daisy’s two children and helps Daisy in surprising ways. I loved the well-written story, with all of its many little side trips to explain the relationships. But mostly, I loved the humor in the story that was just what I needed. Yes, there was plenty of drama, too, but the humor made the story so much fun to read. The book was engaging and totally entertaining and I look forward someday to seeing a movie featuring this title and these characters. Fans of family, romance and a theme of forgiveness will definitely want to pick up this book and will enjoy its journey to restoration. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

An amazing story that I could not put down. Sage and Daisy, step sisters reunite after many years to help take care of their half sister, Cassidy after a major injury. These sisters never got along when they were younger but have finally come to a truce to help Cassidy. All three are going through personal issues but gain strength from each other, until a final mistake that might ruin everything that they gained. Each of these girls are so different in their lives and personalities but love who they learned to accept their differences and grow from there. My favorite sister was Daisy, I guess I could see a lot of me in her. This is a women's fiction but still has some romance. It focuses on the three girls and their relationship between them but also their romance side. I highly recommend you add this book for your summer read.