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illyreadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Another wonderful read in the Blackberry Island series by Susan Mallery. Sophie returns home to Blackberry Island and reunited with her cousins Kristine and Heather. Each faced with their own set of problems, they support one another and define the title Sisters by Choice.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. Getting to know Sophie, Kristine, and Heather. Although, I will admit that it felt like this book was more focused on Sophie and Kristine. I did not really feel like I got to really know who Heather was. Her parts were shorter.
My favorite person was Kristine. While, what she had to face with her family to pursue her dreams may have been difficult, I am happy that it turned out great in the end for her. I could relate to her the most. All three of these ladies will have you cheering for them.
Where Heather was concerned, I felt bad for her. She just wanted to break free and make it on her own. However duty to family was so strong that her voice was quieter. Finally, there was Sophie. I thought she handled the situations she faced very well. She did stay upbeat. Susan Mallery fans will be pleased with this latest book in the Blackberry Island series.
My favorite person was Kristine. While, what she had to face with her family to pursue her dreams may have been difficult, I am happy that it turned out great in the end for her. I could relate to her the most. All three of these ladies will have you cheering for them.
Where Heather was concerned, I felt bad for her. She just wanted to break free and make it on her own. However duty to family was so strong that her voice was quieter. Finally, there was Sophie. I thought she handled the situations she faced very well. She did stay upbeat. Susan Mallery fans will be pleased with this latest book in the Blackberry Island series.
ssleblanc's review
3.0
In general, I liked the story. Though a few of the characters had class that made them hard to like. Though, that was kind of the point, they grew. Or Sophie did, and Heather and Jackson. Amber, born so much and she never became likable in any way.
The biggest struggle I had though was with the narration. I listened to the audible version of the book and am sorry I did. I listen for about 1/3 of my books, listening in the car usually. But the narration on this book was choppy and sounded digitized. My daughter heard a bit in the car and asked if Siri or Alexa was reading the book because it sounded like a computer. I may have enjoyed it more if I had just read it. So far this is my least favorite Susan Mallory book but I think my judgement may be off because of the narration.
The biggest struggle I had though was with the narration. I listened to the audible version of the book and am sorry I did. I listen for about 1/3 of my books, listening in the car usually. But the narration on this book was choppy and sounded digitized. My daughter heard a bit in the car and asked if Siri or Alexa was reading the book because it sounded like a computer. I may have enjoyed it more if I had just read it. So far this is my least favorite Susan Mallory book but I think my judgement may be off because of the narration.
sarareads4fun's review against another edition
4.0
Great summer beach read☀️ it was fun to go back to Blackberry Island!
imworthyandenough's review against another edition
4.0
Sisters by Chance may be the 4th book in a series, but it easily stands alone if you haven't read the others (like I hadn't!). You know when a book is well written, it hits you...it makes you FEEL. I found that many times throughout the book. The storyline just had so many triggers for me with non-mothering mother drama, or low-self-worth issues that I found it was getting my anxiety up in places....but it's just because Susan Mallery wrote those storylines soooo very well. The book may have hurt a little to read, but don't get me wrong, it was still an amazing read. So full of great characters, and great storylines. It was a really quick read for me, less than 24 hours! So I will definitely be reading more Mallery books in the future!
imworthyandenough's review against another edition
4.0
Sisters by Chance may be the 4th book in a series, but it easily stands alone if you haven't read the others (like I hadn't!). You know when a book is well written, it hits you...it makes you FEEL. I found that many times throughout the book. The storyline just had so many triggers for me with non-mothering mother drama, or low-self-worth issues that I found it was getting my anxiety up in places....but it's just because Susan Mallery wrote those storylines soooo very well. The book may have hurt a little to read, but don't get me wrong, it was still an amazing read. So full of great characters, and great storylines. It was a really quick read for me, less than 24 hours! So I will definitely be reading more Mallery books in the future!
spowers2627's review against another edition
4.0
Successful business owner, Sophie returns to Blackberry Island after her companies warehouse burns down. Her cousins Kristine and Amber still live on the island, so going home seems like a good idea. Rebuilding her company in her hometown ends up being more complicated than she thought. Owning her business is a part of her identity and Sophie must learn how to delegate. Family dynamics are complicated and both Amber and Kristine have troubles of their own. As these cousins navigate their issues family ties are tested. I enjoyed the way these characters evolve as the story is told.
jeannethinks's review against another edition
5.0
I really should know better than to start one of Susan Mallery's books before bedtime. I'll just read a chapter I say because it's 11:30 at night and I need to sleep. Then I get sucked in and I end up going to bed at 4:30 a.m. because I have to finish the book. These are the types of stories that draw you in and make you want to find out what happens to everybody.
These intermingled lives that she creates for her characters are so well thought out that it's like you opened up a little peek into the small town life and taking the roof off and watching someone's family. Sophie is dealing with the unexpected and moving back to Blackberry Island was not on her agenda. Starting over is hard especially for a control freak. And she takes control to a whole new level. but we get to watch her grow and learn from her mistakes while she finally comes to terms with who she is and what she's willing to accept.
Heather is so focused on getting off Blackberry Island, she has trouble getting out of her own way. Having to deal with the horrid mother, I'm sure you'll be fully irritated with Amber by the third time you hear her talk. Yet Heather want so much more for her life and she's a genuinely good person despite her parentage. Hopefully in the future we'll get a more full story on her as she grows up.
Kristine is the quintessential stay at home mom she seems to have everything together and runs her house like a tight ship. Hid under the surface there are cracks. And she's finally taking a stand to become the person she wants to be. Because it's okay to want be more then a wife and mother. Be the role model that shows your children how to be a better person.
These three very different yet equally strong women deal with the pulls of gender roles, being an independent woman and dealing with the fallout that can come from focusing on what you want and making it happen.
These intermingled lives that she creates for her characters are so well thought out that it's like you opened up a little peek into the small town life and taking the roof off and watching someone's family. Sophie is dealing with the unexpected and moving back to Blackberry Island was not on her agenda. Starting over is hard especially for a control freak. And she takes control to a whole new level. but we get to watch her grow and learn from her mistakes while she finally comes to terms with who she is and what she's willing to accept.
Heather is so focused on getting off Blackberry Island, she has trouble getting out of her own way. Having to deal with the horrid mother, I'm sure you'll be fully irritated with Amber by the third time you hear her talk. Yet Heather want so much more for her life and she's a genuinely good person despite her parentage. Hopefully in the future we'll get a more full story on her as she grows up.
Kristine is the quintessential stay at home mom she seems to have everything together and runs her house like a tight ship. Hid under the surface there are cracks. And she's finally taking a stand to become the person she wants to be. Because it's okay to want be more then a wife and mother. Be the role model that shows your children how to be a better person.
These three very different yet equally strong women deal with the pulls of gender roles, being an independent woman and dealing with the fallout that can come from focusing on what you want and making it happen.
jilleeyd's review against another edition
3.0
Susan Mallery has a way with writing stories about strong women and she does it again with Sisters by Choice. She often writes characters and stories where the reader can relate and this one, a story about finding the women in your life that are your "family", really hit home for me. The powerful connections they formed with each other while overcoming life's challenges were believable and touching. An enjoyable read.
bhunsberger's review against another edition
3.0
This book is about 4 women who are cousins by birth, but nearly sisters by their family situations. They work through building businesses, relationship struggles, and finding their paths forward. The book was an easy read, but felt a little tiresome for me to read about continuous problems from each of them.