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lbrychic's review
4.0
I'll admit I'll read anything written by Brenda Novak. I've always enjoyed her work. This series has a bit of mystery and romance. Great Story and Nice start to what looks like a new series. The ending came too soon. Can't wait to see more.
Book given in exchange for honest review.
www.thereadshelf.com
Book given in exchange for honest review.
www.thereadshelf.com
whatcha_listening_to's review against another edition
4.0
4 The Secret Sister Stars - ❤ Audible Review HERE ❤
You know what, I don’t know what I was expecting but I can tell you that wasn’t it.
In a good way, this book took me by surprise. I love a small town feeling kind of book. And though this book was a little like that, it didn’t have the cast of characters you expect from a book like that.
This was more an hmm and what and huh, kind of feel. And there were some sad things too.
I think who stole the show for me was Rafe and his little girl. He was himself no matter who was around he didn’t care what others thought. And he was amazing as a father. I loved that he was just himself.
Maisey comes back to Fairham to regroup and put her life back to straights only she has to deal with some pretty big issues, family and family in any form can be challenging. But when your sole is broken dealing with her family isn’t always easy.
This is a romance of sorts but I felt it was more a mystery than a suspense.
I liked the story, the characters and how well it was written though I do we she had gotten an epilogue something like a life update from all that had happened. I think that would have left me feeling like this story was whole.
The narration was really well done, I enjoyed Carly’s performances she didn’t try too hard and she had some great tones for some of the character’s.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
You know what, I don’t know what I was expecting but I can tell you that wasn’t it.
In a good way, this book took me by surprise. I love a small town feeling kind of book. And though this book was a little like that, it didn’t have the cast of characters you expect from a book like that.
This was more an hmm and what and huh, kind of feel. And there were some sad things too.
I think who stole the show for me was Rafe and his little girl. He was himself no matter who was around he didn’t care what others thought. And he was amazing as a father. I loved that he was just himself.
Maisey comes back to Fairham to regroup and put her life back to straights only she has to deal with some pretty big issues, family and family in any form can be challenging. But when your sole is broken dealing with her family isn’t always easy.
This is a romance of sorts but I felt it was more a mystery than a suspense.
I liked the story, the characters and how well it was written though I do we she had gotten an epilogue something like a life update from all that had happened. I think that would have left me feeling like this story was whole.
The narration was really well done, I enjoyed Carly’s performances she didn’t try too hard and she had some great tones for some of the character’s.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
wendyg's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book. So much so I finished it in less then 24 hours.
thepaperreels's review against another edition
4.0
"..but secrets don't remain secrets forever..."
Well, wow. The Secret Sister is full of intensity that I did not fully expect. From the second chance romance that kept me asking for more to the nail biting mystery, The Secret Sister is perfect for every readers looking for an engaging and thrilling read.
Maisey went home in chance of helping her troubled brother. What she didn't expect to wait for her though is a web of secrets that surrounds her family. And Rafe, who she didn't expect to interact with either. But Maisey must face all of this, not only for her own sake.. but also for the people she loves.
Maisey was a delight to read and I enjoyed being in her head. She was far from perfect and she still make mistakes that can frustrate me so much and just makes me scratch my head but I adore how she's aware of it and owns her mistakes. Just like us, fictional characters commit mistakes too. And that's what I love about Novak's characters in The Secret Sisters. They never lose their authenticity in every page. Whether its rage, sadness or just their simple joy, every character's emotions just keeps rolling over at every page and their realness never get lost on me.
Brenda Novak really impressed me by how she weaved the story of The Secret Sister. She kept me on my toes. She kept me guessing and engaged. Her writing really captured me from the first chapter and she really has her hold on me throughout the whole book. One more thing that needs to be praised is the very sweet and right-kind of-hot chemistry between Rafe and Maisey. It was undeniable. Its so hard not to root for them from the very first chapter even though each of them finds reason to fight it. Rafe's little girl was mixed in as well and I can't help but say that it is another reason why Rafe looks irresistible, not only to Maisey's eyes but to the readers as well.
I can't wait for more from this series. The Secret Sister is an excellent opening to a series that I know will keep us on our toes. Although I had a fun time with Rafe and Maisey, I can help but be excited about Novak's new and upcoming characters. I highly recommend The Secret Sister for readers who wants to be impressed!
jillyfay's review
5.0
Awesome book!!!! The storyline and plot were interesting, a bit slow at some points, but everything seemed realistic and plausible. So very good!!
stephsromancebooktalk's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars / 1 Steam Fan
This story was more of a mystery than a romantic suspense for me. I actually could have done without the lukewarm romance that was blossomed between Maisey and Rafe to solely focus on the family drama that Maisey stumbles upon. I really enjoyed the interaction of Maisey, Rafe, and Laney but I felt there were a lot of plot points that were not closed up. I wanted more romance than what I was given but I did like the mystery that was provided.
This book was read for #romanceopoly space - Cozy Corner.
This specific video review will be included in the February 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
This story was more of a mystery than a romantic suspense for me. I actually could have done without the lukewarm romance that was blossomed between Maisey and Rafe to solely focus on the family drama that Maisey stumbles upon. I really enjoyed the interaction of Maisey, Rafe, and Laney but I felt there were a lot of plot points that were not closed up. I wanted more romance than what I was given but I did like the mystery that was provided.
This book was read for #romanceopoly space - Cozy Corner.
This specific video review will be included in the February 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
diannel_04's review
Seventy pages in and there is no mention of a missing sister, not even a hint of one. The only things that have happened is that Maisey has come home after a divorce, had a fight with her mother and jumped into bed with the hot handyman. BORING! Back to the library it went.
lizz6a11's review
1.0
The entire chaotic mess of storylines occurs within a two week period, which is the absurd cherry on top.
jonetta's review against another edition
4.0
Quick summary
Maisey Lazarow returns home to Fairham Island following her failed marriage, writer's block and need to reconnect with her troubled brother, Keith. She wasn't prepared to be reunited with her high school fling, Rafe Romero who's a very different man from his teenage persona.
What worked
The story was interesting as Maisey's story unfolded slowly, filling in the blanks as she first seemed elusive. She was frustrating at times as she appeared to lack conviction, especially when confronting her cold, controlling mother and her screwed up brother. Maisey's developing romance with Rafe was also confusing as she often ran hot and cold without warning. I really liked him as he was honest and the most transformed from being a difficult teen. I loved his daughter, especially that she was drawn with special needs. It added a level of realism that distinguished the story from others featuring children.
The most interesting aspect of the story was the mystery surrounding the secret sister, including whether or not she even existed. Unraveling the clues and pursuing the leads kept me in the story. The resolution was powerful with a twist that ends up creating a more intriguing foundation for the series.
The narration
I really liked the narrator's performance! Carly Robins livened up the story when there were lulls and her pacing was perfect. This is my first experience with her work and hope she continues the series.
The bottom line
It's a solid start to a new series with an interesting mystery, even if it lacked tension and scary suspense. While Maisey was often a challenge, Rafe and his daughter more than over compensated. I'm looking forward to the next book.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Maisey Lazarow returns home to Fairham Island following her failed marriage, writer's block and need to reconnect with her troubled brother, Keith. She wasn't prepared to be reunited with her high school fling, Rafe Romero who's a very different man from his teenage persona.
What worked
The story was interesting as Maisey's story unfolded slowly, filling in the blanks as she first seemed elusive. She was frustrating at times as she appeared to lack conviction, especially when confronting her cold, controlling mother and her screwed up brother. Maisey's developing romance with Rafe was also confusing as she often ran hot and cold without warning. I really liked him as he was honest and the most transformed from being a difficult teen. I loved his daughter, especially that she was drawn with special needs. It added a level of realism that distinguished the story from others featuring children.
The most interesting aspect of the story was the mystery surrounding the secret sister, including whether or not she even existed. Unraveling the clues and pursuing the leads kept me in the story. The resolution was powerful with a twist that ends up creating a more intriguing foundation for the series.
The narration
I really liked the narrator's performance! Carly Robins livened up the story when there were lulls and her pacing was perfect. This is my first experience with her work and hope she continues the series.
The bottom line
It's a solid start to a new series with an interesting mystery, even if it lacked tension and scary suspense. While Maisey was often a challenge, Rafe and his daughter more than over compensated. I'm looking forward to the next book.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
maureensbooks89's review
5.0
In ‘The Secret Sister’ we meet Maisey Lazarow, a woman in her thirties who moves back to the town she grew up in to help out her brother, and to start over after her divorce. But moving back doesn’t only mean she can start over, it also means she is forced to have contact with her very controlling and harsh mother. When Maisey moves in next to an old ‘friend’ Rafe, who is very handsome and also single, she isn’t so sure about this move anymore. All Maisey wants to do is get back on her feet without any distractions and all she seems to have are distractions.
One day, Rafe finds old childhood pictures of Maisey in a home he is working on. But strangely the little girl in the pictures isn’t Maisey at all.
‘The Secret Sister’ is a book you immediately get pulled into. It starts with Maisey arriving in her old home town and from the very first page I started to care about this character. Maisey is easy to love, she comes to her old home town to heal and help her brother. But the main part why I liked Maisey so much was the way she stood up to her mother. Her mother is just awful. She is controlling, unkind and doesn’t seem to care about anything but herself and her ‘good’ name. Maisey always stood up for herself and lives her life the way she wants to. Maisey doesn’t care about money and appearances, al she wants is to be happy.
Rafe is also a character I loved right away. He was a wild one when he was younge, but now he is a single father and very responsible. The way Rafe was with his little girl was just so sweet. I just loved his character. Everyone should have a dad like Rafe.
This book is not only a romance story, but is also filled with mystery and it really keeps you on the edge of your seat. I just love how Brenda Novak is able to make you completely forget about the world around you. The romance is so very sweet, and it was just so beautiful. But what I loved most about this book was that it was so much more than only a romance. The mystery in this book was very intense and I didn’t see a lot of the things coming.
I can’t wait to read more books by Brenda Novak. I would really recommend this one to all romance and mystery lovers out there.
One day, Rafe finds old childhood pictures of Maisey in a home he is working on. But strangely the little girl in the pictures isn’t Maisey at all.
‘The Secret Sister’ is a book you immediately get pulled into. It starts with Maisey arriving in her old home town and from the very first page I started to care about this character. Maisey is easy to love, she comes to her old home town to heal and help her brother. But the main part why I liked Maisey so much was the way she stood up to her mother. Her mother is just awful. She is controlling, unkind and doesn’t seem to care about anything but herself and her ‘good’ name. Maisey always stood up for herself and lives her life the way she wants to. Maisey doesn’t care about money and appearances, al she wants is to be happy.
Rafe is also a character I loved right away. He was a wild one when he was younge, but now he is a single father and very responsible. The way Rafe was with his little girl was just so sweet. I just loved his character. Everyone should have a dad like Rafe.
This book is not only a romance story, but is also filled with mystery and it really keeps you on the edge of your seat. I just love how Brenda Novak is able to make you completely forget about the world around you. The romance is so very sweet, and it was just so beautiful. But what I loved most about this book was that it was so much more than only a romance. The mystery in this book was very intense and I didn’t see a lot of the things coming.
I can’t wait to read more books by Brenda Novak. I would really recommend this one to all romance and mystery lovers out there.