I really wanted to like this one. I truly did. Sadly, I cannot give this higher than a 3. And I think that's being generous.
I like characters with special talents and quirks. However, an entire family with this many, I found completely and totally unbelievable. Also, having spent the vast majority of my life in the South, I also have a special place in my heart for novels written about large Southern families,
not
including this one.
Being that I was old enough to help raise two younger siblings, and I love them like they were my own, I started off liking Carolina's relationship with her niece. Yet, as the book progressed, I found it bordering on ridiculous. She's only five years older than her niece. I would consider them peers more than anything.
Also, Mariana's behavior did not reflect that of a 30+ year old woman. She behaved more like a 12 year old child. I could understand a certain level of immaturity since she'd spent her life being spoiled, but I found her annoying more than anything.
Also, there were tons of inconsistencies in the novel. I'll let other readers find them when they read it.
Overall, the story was merely passable, not fantastic.