Author: Kristan Higgins
Published: August 2015, HQN Books
Format: ARC Paperback, 416 pages
Source: Publisher
Sisterhood in all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart of New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higginss thoroughly captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series...
Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate understands the happily-ever-after business, yet somehow shes still involved in her ex-husbands life. In fact, Owens new wife may—inexplicably—be Jennys new best friend. Sensing this, well, relationship isnt helping her move on, Jenny trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where shell be able to bask in her sister Rachels picture-perfect family life…and hopefully make one of her own.
Her timing couldnt be more perfect, since Rachel will need her younger sister. Her idyllic marriage has just fallen to pieces in spectacular fashion after she discovers her husband sexting with one of his colleagues. Second chances arent in Rachels nature, but the desire for an intact family has her rethinking her stance on adultery, much to Jennys surprise. Rachel points to their parents "perfect" marriage as a shining example, but to protect her sister Jenny may have to tarnish that memory—and their relationship—and reveal a secret about their family shes been keeping since childhood.
During this summer of secrets and lies, temptation and revelation, Jenny and Rachel will rely on each other to find the humor in their personal catastrophes, the joy in their triumphs…and the strength to keep hanging on.
My thoughts: Ive been a fan of Kristan Higgins for a while now, having read quite a few of her books. I was thrilled when I saw that she was going to be at BEA this past spring with her latest book - it was definitely on my must-get list. Not only did I pick it up, I got to meet the lovely Kristan Higgins and get a signed copy. She is so nice and while I didnt get to talk to her for long - she was signing with a bunch of the other Harlequin authors - it was still nice saying hi and chat for a few minutes.
I really enjoyed this book - it definitely has a different feel to it than Kristan Higgins other books and thats fine with me. I like when authors take a different approach with their writing - nothing says they always have to write the same-old all the time. Stepping more into the womens fiction side of things that just the romance/chick lit but still pulling romance and chick lit aspects into the book, I think it all works to create a fun, emotional book that I hope continues in some way in the future.
I loved the way the story was told, alternating back and forth from Jenny and Rachels point of view. They each had their own issues and were trying to make the best of things. They were sisters to the truest extent - there for each other, willing to go to battle for each other, wanting to take away the others pain, but also not understanding when the other wouldnt take their advice. My only issue with the story being told this way is that the switch from one chapter to the next would sometimes come at a point when we had just found something out and emotions were running high - the last thing I wanted was to switch to the other sister, but it all worked out in the end. It was these little cliffhangers that kept me glued to the pages, among other things.
This book will have you laughing out loud and then reaching for the box of tissues as tears are streaming down your face. Be prepared for a roller-coaster ride of emotions as you rip through the pages of this book - happy, sad, angry, frustrated, etc. But its so worth it - this story will captivate you and not let up until you see it to the end, and while you might not guess the end, it is a satisfying end nonetheless. It really does send the message that things arent always what they seem. I really do hope we get to see these sisters in some shape or form in a future book.
