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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Terrific drama-filled story of love, family, choices, and second chances. I could not put the book down. Years ago, when Daisy was eight years old, her widowed father remarried. His new wife had a daughter, Sage, who was a year older than Daisy. While Daisy was excited about having a sister, Sage did not return the sentiment. Instead, she did everything possible to make Daisy's life miserable. Several years later, their parents added Cassidy to the family, a half-sister to both girls. Even then, Daisy couldn't catch a break, as Cassidy aligned herself with Sage. The relationships broke down completely when their parents divorced. Sage continued her tormenting all through high school, where she became the stereotypical mean girl.
Twelve years after the last time they saw each other, circumstances bring the three women back together. When Cassidy is badly injured in an accident, their father arranges for her to recover at Daisy's house. To make matters worse, Sage is back in LA after the end of her third marriage, so she'll be dropping in every day to see Cassidy. The icing on the cake: Daisy is married to Sage's high school boyfriend, who just walked out on their marriage with no explanation.
I loved seeing the changing relationships among the three women. All of them have vivid memories of their childhoods, and each is wary of their new circumstances. Daisy resents her father's assumption that she'll take Cassidy in but caves to his expectations and hopes for the best. Sage is at a crossroads in her life and must decide what direction to take. Cassidy is the one who was caught in the middle and forced to choose sides.
With Cassidy's arrival at Daisy's home and Sage's frequent visits, Daisy takes a good look at her choices. She can continue to keep them at a distance or take the high road and see if the relationships could change. There is still a part of her that longs for the sisters Daisy wanted when she was a child. Can she take a chance that enough time has passed that they can overcome the issues that drove them apart? I enjoyed seeing Daisy slowly open her heart to both Sage and Cassidy. It wasn't an easy process, and there were a few bumps along the way. One of the things I loved was the support Daisy received from them as she dealt with her husband's actions. The author is great with these kinds of situations, notably in her Fool's Gold series, and I always enjoy the vision of women looking out for each other. As the weeks went on, the three women experienced a growing love and trust, as they discovered that not everything in the past was exactly the way it seemed.
After the end of her third marriage, Sage returned to LA, looking for a new direction for her life. Raised by her mother to look out for number one, Sage discovered she didn't want to live that way any longer. Stuck living with her mom, Joanne, for now, Sage has plans for her future that entail significant changes. She looks back at her past with regrets over the things she did and wonders if there's a way to make amends. I liked seeing her reach out to Daisy, admit to her mistakes, and confess to what drove her. Sage's connection with Cassidy also changed as she helped Cassidy see the past through different eyes. I ached for Sage as her insecurities led her to make a hurtful mistake with terrible consequences. Now she must decide whether to try to fix what she did or run away from the family she loves.
Cassidy is the youngest and never felt she fit in on either side of her family. As a result, she fears any commitment and uses her work as a travel writer to hide from it. Her childhood, heavily influenced by her mother's attitude, left her often feeling invisible. She came across as quite a brat at the beginning of the book, but with some straight talk from Sage, she discovered a connection she didn't know she craved. I especially enjoyed seeing Cassidy connect with Daisy's kids. Her insecurities keep Cassidy from believing that any relationship lasts.
It wouldn't be a Susan Mallery book without some romance. Cassidy has a boyfriend that has her running scared. She loves him, though she won't admit it and won't give in because "it won't last." Desean's love for Cassidy gave him a tremendous amount of patience as he tried to get past her issues. I loved his conversation with Sage and Daisy and how they encouraged him not to give up. I loved how her sisters' support helped Cassidy get past her fears.
After three marriages, Sage has pretty much given up on relationships and plans to concentrate on her future instead. She doesn't expect to run into a high school classmate living next door to her mother. Adam is a widower still grieving the loss of his wife but can't help reacting to Sage. She, too, is attracted to him. With neither looking for a relationship, they settle on being friends. I enjoyed seeing them spend time together. Their teasing banter was fun to follow, and they clearly had a lot in common. Adam is a refuge for Sage when her mother gets to be too much. There is also a sweet scene at their high school reunion when Adam helps Sage escape the clutches of an old friend. I liked seeing the feelings between them deepen and ached for Sage and her fear that she'd do something to mess it all up. When her fear comes to pass, Sage must face those she hurt and hope for forgiveness.
As for Daisy, her husband of twelve years blindsided her when he moved out with no explanation and no notice other than a text. Jordan initially refuses to tell her why simply telling her "you know why" when she has no idea. Even with counseling, he continues his passive-aggressive attitude. The longer Jordan stays away, the more Daisy begins to suspect that her marriage is over. I liked seeing her go from practically begging him to come back to confronting him over his continued misbehavior. I loved seeing her finally put her foot down. Jordan was quite the man-baby, and I got very tired of seeing him try to blame Daisy for everything and whine about not being the center of her attention.
The other character that was unlikeable was Sage and Cassidy's mother, Joanne. During her marriage to Daisy's dad, she was nasty to Daisy and sabotaged Daisy's relationships with Sage and Cassidy, which continued after the divorce. In the current day, we see Joanne in her pursuit of the net rich man she can latch onto. She continually pushes Sage to do the same thing, including urging her to go after Jordan. Joanne's actions once again attempted to sabotage Sage's relationship, all to suit her own desires.
The epilogue was good. I liked catching up with everyone after the dust settled.
Twelve years after the last time they saw each other, circumstances bring the three women back together. When Cassidy is badly injured in an accident, their father arranges for her to recover at Daisy's house. To make matters worse, Sage is back in LA after the end of her third marriage, so she'll be dropping in every day to see Cassidy. The icing on the cake: Daisy is married to Sage's high school boyfriend, who just walked out on their marriage with no explanation.
I loved seeing the changing relationships among the three women. All of them have vivid memories of their childhoods, and each is wary of their new circumstances. Daisy resents her father's assumption that she'll take Cassidy in but caves to his expectations and hopes for the best. Sage is at a crossroads in her life and must decide what direction to take. Cassidy is the one who was caught in the middle and forced to choose sides.
With Cassidy's arrival at Daisy's home and Sage's frequent visits, Daisy takes a good look at her choices. She can continue to keep them at a distance or take the high road and see if the relationships could change. There is still a part of her that longs for the sisters Daisy wanted when she was a child. Can she take a chance that enough time has passed that they can overcome the issues that drove them apart? I enjoyed seeing Daisy slowly open her heart to both Sage and Cassidy. It wasn't an easy process, and there were a few bumps along the way. One of the things I loved was the support Daisy received from them as she dealt with her husband's actions. The author is great with these kinds of situations, notably in her Fool's Gold series, and I always enjoy the vision of women looking out for each other. As the weeks went on, the three women experienced a growing love and trust, as they discovered that not everything in the past was exactly the way it seemed.
After the end of her third marriage, Sage returned to LA, looking for a new direction for her life. Raised by her mother to look out for number one, Sage discovered she didn't want to live that way any longer. Stuck living with her mom, Joanne, for now, Sage has plans for her future that entail significant changes. She looks back at her past with regrets over the things she did and wonders if there's a way to make amends. I liked seeing her reach out to Daisy, admit to her mistakes, and confess to what drove her. Sage's connection with Cassidy also changed as she helped Cassidy see the past through different eyes. I ached for Sage as her insecurities led her to make a hurtful mistake with terrible consequences. Now she must decide whether to try to fix what she did or run away from the family she loves.
Cassidy is the youngest and never felt she fit in on either side of her family. As a result, she fears any commitment and uses her work as a travel writer to hide from it. Her childhood, heavily influenced by her mother's attitude, left her often feeling invisible. She came across as quite a brat at the beginning of the book, but with some straight talk from Sage, she discovered a connection she didn't know she craved. I especially enjoyed seeing Cassidy connect with Daisy's kids. Her insecurities keep Cassidy from believing that any relationship lasts.
It wouldn't be a Susan Mallery book without some romance. Cassidy has a boyfriend that has her running scared. She loves him, though she won't admit it and won't give in because "it won't last." Desean's love for Cassidy gave him a tremendous amount of patience as he tried to get past her issues. I loved his conversation with Sage and Daisy and how they encouraged him not to give up. I loved how her sisters' support helped Cassidy get past her fears.
After three marriages, Sage has pretty much given up on relationships and plans to concentrate on her future instead. She doesn't expect to run into a high school classmate living next door to her mother. Adam is a widower still grieving the loss of his wife but can't help reacting to Sage. She, too, is attracted to him. With neither looking for a relationship, they settle on being friends. I enjoyed seeing them spend time together. Their teasing banter was fun to follow, and they clearly had a lot in common. Adam is a refuge for Sage when her mother gets to be too much. There is also a sweet scene at their high school reunion when Adam helps Sage escape the clutches of an old friend. I liked seeing the feelings between them deepen and ached for Sage and her fear that she'd do something to mess it all up. When her fear comes to pass, Sage must face those she hurt and hope for forgiveness.
As for Daisy, her husband of twelve years blindsided her when he moved out with no explanation and no notice other than a text. Jordan initially refuses to tell her why simply telling her "you know why" when she has no idea. Even with counseling, he continues his passive-aggressive attitude. The longer Jordan stays away, the more Daisy begins to suspect that her marriage is over. I liked seeing her go from practically begging him to come back to confronting him over his continued misbehavior. I loved seeing her finally put her foot down. Jordan was quite the man-baby, and I got very tired of seeing him try to blame Daisy for everything and whine about not being the center of her attention.
The other character that was unlikeable was Sage and Cassidy's mother, Joanne. During her marriage to Daisy's dad, she was nasty to Daisy and sabotaged Daisy's relationships with Sage and Cassidy, which continued after the divorce. In the current day, we see Joanne in her pursuit of the net rich man she can latch onto. She continually pushes Sage to do the same thing, including urging her to go after Jordan. Joanne's actions once again attempted to sabotage Sage's relationship, all to suit her own desires.
The epilogue was good. I liked catching up with everyone after the dust settled.
This is a book about family and love and how complicated that can be, or in some examples, how easy it can also be. This is not a romance. Although there is a bit of romance included, the main focus is on a modern day family and all the drama that comes with it. There are times of laughter, heartache, anger, sadness and joy and everything that comes between.
A "need to turn the page" story that I read very quickly, losing some sleep so I could see what came next. This was a story full of self-reflection, making situations better, apologizing for past mistakes and growing closer. When I came to where the story took a turn, I was thinking "no! don't do it! walk away! How can you do that now!" and was really disappointed they didn't heed my warning! A bittersweet ending brought it all together.
This book showcases Susan Mallery's ability to write a real life story. To make the characters and feelings real. To draw you into the setting and make you feel like you are there. If you have read Mallery's previous books this is the next one you need to read. If you are a new Mallery reader then I recommend this one be your first! The Stepsisters will be available May 25, 2021.
Thanks to HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!
A "need to turn the page" story that I read very quickly, losing some sleep so I could see what came next. This was a story full of self-reflection, making situations better, apologizing for past mistakes and growing closer. When I came to where the story took a turn, I was thinking "no! don't do it! walk away! How can you do that now!" and was really disappointed they didn't heed my warning! A bittersweet ending brought it all together.
This book showcases Susan Mallery's ability to write a real life story. To make the characters and feelings real. To draw you into the setting and make you feel like you are there. If you have read Mallery's previous books this is the next one you need to read. If you are a new Mallery reader then I recommend this one be your first! The Stepsisters will be available May 25, 2021.
Thanks to HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!
3.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This story focuses on family dynamics and family drama. Daisy, Shay, and Cassidy are a complex mix of half-sisters and stepsisters and have had a tricky history as they grew up and dealt with the tumultuous relationship of their parents. They each have lived very different lifestyles, and have had different experiences with dating and marriage. A series of circumstances bring the three sisters together again, and tensions run high as they begin to talk, learn, and work through some past history to move forward.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This story focuses on family dynamics and family drama. Daisy, Shay, and Cassidy are a complex mix of half-sisters and stepsisters and have had a tricky history as they grew up and dealt with the tumultuous relationship of their parents. They each have lived very different lifestyles, and have had different experiences with dating and marriage. A series of circumstances bring the three sisters together again, and tensions run high as they begin to talk, learn, and work through some past history to move forward.
I’ve been going over in my mind my thoughts about this book as I’m conflicted since it was a page turner. I’ve come to the fact of two things that happened that spoiled the story a bit for me. One, in the beginning was a little weird with Sage and Adam. The other was a bigger plot point at the end that really just made me feel different about the story as a whole. So, I’m at 3 1/2 stars.
This was an amazing and very engaging story about three sisters; I would call it a familial love story.
Daisy and Sage become stepsisters when their parents marry, and their half-sister Cassidy is born a few years later. Differences in personality, unaddressed trauma, and parental interference cause them to not have the best relationship; Daisy vs. Sage and Cassidy. After their parents’ divorce and after Daisy marries Sage’s ex-boyfriend, the relationship between the sisters falls apart. The sisters reconnect many years later, but a reckless act threatens to end their shaky truce.
I didn’t expect the level of drama that we got from this story, and I loved it! Daisy and Sage were complex, while Cassidy was a brat for far too much of the story. She ended up changing for the better thankfully, but I found her really immature. Daisy’s husband, Jordan, was a whiny loser and had no redeeming qualities.
The dynamic between Daisy and Sage was really interesting and difficult. I couldn’t believe Sage could be so reckless after wanting so badly to be a real sister to Daisy, and wanting to make up from the past. It’s a given that Jordan was 100% wrong, but Sage’s actions were shocking. I’m glad she felt true remorse and made things right with the people in her life. Overall a great read!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Daisy and Sage become stepsisters when their parents marry, and their half-sister Cassidy is born a few years later. Differences in personality, unaddressed trauma, and parental interference cause them to not have the best relationship; Daisy vs. Sage and Cassidy. After their parents’ divorce and after Daisy marries Sage’s ex-boyfriend, the relationship between the sisters falls apart. The sisters reconnect many years later, but a reckless act threatens to end their shaky truce.
I didn’t expect the level of drama that we got from this story, and I loved it! Daisy and Sage were complex, while Cassidy was a brat for far too much of the story. She ended up changing for the better thankfully, but I found her really immature. Daisy’s husband, Jordan, was a whiny loser and had no redeeming qualities.
The dynamic between Daisy and Sage was really interesting and difficult. I couldn’t believe Sage could be so reckless after wanting so badly to be a real sister to Daisy, and wanting to make up from the past. It’s a given that Jordan was 100% wrong, but Sage’s actions were shocking. I’m glad she felt true remorse and made things right with the people in her life. Overall a great read!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
emotional
4.5 stars.
The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery is a thought-provoking novel about family, forgiveness and self-discovery.
Daisy has her hands full between her job, two wonderful children and one checked out husband. So, the last thing she wants or needs is to reconnect with her former stepsister Sage or her half-sister Cassidy. At first, Daisy can ignore the fact Sage is back in town. However, this changes after her father asks her to allow Cassidy to stay with her while she recovers from a hiking accident. Suddenly Sage is around more often and both she and Cassidy are connecting with Daisy’s kids. Over the course of several weeks, Daisy, Sage and Cassidy move from an uneasy détente to a surprisingly close relationship. Their bond is tenuous and an unconscionable decision might destroy their newfound closeness.
Daisy and Jordan have been married for over a decade. She has no inkling he is unhappy until he abruptly moves out and refuses to tell her why. Although Daisy is willing to put in the work to save her marriage, a reconciliation is far from certain. With Cassidy in residence and Sage dropping by to spend time with her, their paths cross on a fairly regular basis. Daisy has every reason to be wary of both women, but she gradually lets down her guard. She is grateful for their support during such an uncertain period in her life.
During high school, Sage was popular but that did not stop her from deliberately hurting Daisy. After graduating, she impetuously leaves for Paris and continues living in various European countries. Three divorces later, Sage decides to return to Los Angeles to start over. Forced to live with her mother, Sage is working in a high-end boutique while she decides her future. She reconnects with Adam, an old friend whom she lost contact with long ago. Sage accepts responsibility for her previous behavior and she is trying to end her self-destructive impulses.
Cassidy is a bit immature when she first arrives at Daisy’s. But as she heals from her injuries, she enjoys getting to know her niece and nephew. Cassidy also starts to understand exactly what happened to destroy her relationship with Daisy when their father and her mother divorced. After a lifetime of running away, Cassidy has a decision to make about the man who loves her.
The Stepsisters is a heartfelt novel of healing, new beginnings and self-discovery. Daisy, Sage and Cassidy are well-drawn characters with untapped strengths and relatable flaws. The storyline is engaging with realistic issues and emotional baggage to overcome. Each of the characters undergo phenomenal growth as their relationship strengthens. Individually, they each begin to recognize and understand the motivation for their actions. Susan Mallery brings this family-centric novel to an uplifting and surprising conclusion.
The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery is a thought-provoking novel about family, forgiveness and self-discovery.
Daisy has her hands full between her job, two wonderful children and one checked out husband. So, the last thing she wants or needs is to reconnect with her former stepsister Sage or her half-sister Cassidy. At first, Daisy can ignore the fact Sage is back in town. However, this changes after her father asks her to allow Cassidy to stay with her while she recovers from a hiking accident. Suddenly Sage is around more often and both she and Cassidy are connecting with Daisy’s kids. Over the course of several weeks, Daisy, Sage and Cassidy move from an uneasy détente to a surprisingly close relationship. Their bond is tenuous and an unconscionable decision might destroy their newfound closeness.
Daisy and Jordan have been married for over a decade. She has no inkling he is unhappy until he abruptly moves out and refuses to tell her why. Although Daisy is willing to put in the work to save her marriage, a reconciliation is far from certain. With Cassidy in residence and Sage dropping by to spend time with her, their paths cross on a fairly regular basis. Daisy has every reason to be wary of both women, but she gradually lets down her guard. She is grateful for their support during such an uncertain period in her life.
During high school, Sage was popular but that did not stop her from deliberately hurting Daisy. After graduating, she impetuously leaves for Paris and continues living in various European countries. Three divorces later, Sage decides to return to Los Angeles to start over. Forced to live with her mother, Sage is working in a high-end boutique while she decides her future. She reconnects with Adam, an old friend whom she lost contact with long ago. Sage accepts responsibility for her previous behavior and she is trying to end her self-destructive impulses.
Cassidy is a bit immature when she first arrives at Daisy’s. But as she heals from her injuries, she enjoys getting to know her niece and nephew. Cassidy also starts to understand exactly what happened to destroy her relationship with Daisy when their father and her mother divorced. After a lifetime of running away, Cassidy has a decision to make about the man who loves her.
The Stepsisters is a heartfelt novel of healing, new beginnings and self-discovery. Daisy, Sage and Cassidy are well-drawn characters with untapped strengths and relatable flaws. The storyline is engaging with realistic issues and emotional baggage to overcome. Each of the characters undergo phenomenal growth as their relationship strengthens. Individually, they each begin to recognize and understand the motivation for their actions. Susan Mallery brings this family-centric novel to an uplifting and surprising conclusion.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity