[Me and My Sisters (The Devlin Sisters)] [By: Moriarty, Sinead] [January, 2012]

Devlin Sisters #1

by Sinéad Moriarty

There's more than one way of being a modern woman, not that the Devlin sisters would admit it ...Julie used to be the easy-going sister. But now she's a mother of four boys under five, her marriage is under strain and she is struggling to keep sane. She needs support, but her sisters don't understand. After all, their lives are perfect.Lawyer Louise has always been top of her game, with little time for family and even less for romance. But with a drunken mistake threatening everything she's worked for, she may need to accept that she needs help to keep going.Gorgeous Sophie got everything she ever a loving husband, a beautiful, well-behaved daughter and a designer lifestyle. Her sisters consider her spoiled and shallow but she doesn't care - that's until her life is turned upside-down and she realises they may be right. Not that she's going to let them know the trouble she's in.The Devlin sisters think they have little in common. They might just be in for some big surprises ...

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Ireland, Contemporary, Adult, Humor

Paperback

First published August 4, 2011

About the author

Sinéad was born and raised in Dublin where she grew up surrounded by books. Her mother is an author of children’s books. Growing up, Sinead says she was inspired by watching her mother writing at the kitchen table and then being published. From that moment on, her childhood dream was to write a novel.

After university, she went to live in Paris and then London. It was at the age of thirty, while working as a journalist in London that she began to write creatively in her spare time – after work, at lunch times … and, truth be told, during work hours.

After a couple of years toying with ideas, she joined a creative writing group and began to write The Baby Trail. The bitter-sweet comedy of a couple struggling to conceive hit a nerve in publishing circles. It was snapped up by Penguin Publishing in the UK and Ireland and has, to date, been translated into twenty languages.

Since writing The Baby Trail, Sinead has moved back to Dublin where she lives with her husband, two sons and baby girl.

Her second book A Perfect Match has been published worldwide. The US version of A Perfect Match is called The Right Fit. Her third novel – From Here to Maternity – is the third installment of the Emma Hamilton series. Her fourth book – In My Sister’s Shoes – is about two sisters who help save each other. Her fifth book has been published under two different titles: Whose Life Is It Anyway? in Ireland and Keeping it in the Family in the UK.

Her sixth book, Pieces of my Heart, about a family dealing with a terrible crisis, went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.

Her seventh book – Me and My Sisters – went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.

Her most recent novel Mad About You is the fourth novel in the Emma Hamilton Series.

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for Me and My Sisters by Sinead Moriarty, a chick-lit that was an enjoyable read and gave me a few laughs along the way. It was a quick easy and entertaining read about sibling rivalry and how easy it is to believe that everyone else has a better/easier life than you do, when in fact, they don't.

Julie has always been the easy-going one of the three Devlin sisters. But now with four boys under five (the mother of triplets) she is struggling to cope. She has lost her sense of humour, along with her waistline and any scrap of fashion sense. To make it worse, her sisters both have wonderful lives; one is a high flying career woman, the other a wealthy socialite. Seemingly, they no longer have anything in common and any family get together is fraught with tension.

Me and My Sisters lost a little impetus toward the end, and everything was tied together a little too neatly for my liking (Life just isn't like that), but despite that I enjoyed the read and would probably pick up and read another book by this author if I came across one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of Me and My Sisters in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh I'm soo happy to have read this book!!! It's the first book of the year 2016 to which I put 5 stars out of 5!!! I loved this book and devoured it from the first page to the last one! It's so well written (it's the first time I read a book from Sinead Moriarty but I can tell you that from now on, I will read all of her new published books!!!). And I absolutely loved reading about the lives of the 3 sisters, Julie, Sophie and Louise. They are all so different with totally different lives but in the end they are all sisters and in bad and good times they are all there for each other and it's so beautiful to read. It's beautiful story but it's also very funny, I laughed out loud several times! And oh gosh, it's so nice to be able to laugh out loud when reading a book!!!!! Thank you Sinead for this great book!!!!! I totally recommand it to everyone!!!

[Sruti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is really good.It is my third sineard moriarty's book. I find her writing light and approachable with a dash of humour and a happy ending is always there.

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the first time that i have read this book but i continued reading it as i love Sinead Moriarty books and really enjoy her writing style.

I love the relationships shared between the sisters in this book and enjoyed reading about the three sisters Julie, Sophie and Louise and their lives.

Me and My Sisters was a great mix of love, friendship, seriousness and the highs and lows we all face in life. It was a touching read about the unbreakable bond shared between sisters and I would recommend reading.

Thankyou to Bookouture for a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review which I am more then happy to give.

[chippyvale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first novel that I read from Moriarty was Keeping It In The Family, which was really funny and fluffy so I was kinda expecting more or less the same in Me & My Sisters. But it wasn't. Sure there's a good dose of chick lit in some aspects as well, but really, the book explores several themes such as women juggling motherhood and career, the idea of a Self, family ties, and perhaps on a more subtle level, equality between men and women.

My favorite character has to be Louise; she is a top lawyer who struggles with several issues about herself and along the way - someone else (shan't say who, for the sake of people who have not read the novel! :)) She worked very hard to prove herself in the law firm and also had to fend off snakes like that dodgy character Dominic. I'm glad that Louise had a supporting friend in the form of Meredith who was also one of the very few female senior partners.

(I'm quite tickled by what happened to Dominic actually..:P )

Sophie and Julie were likeable too. Sophie used to be this really rich trophy wife but she finally sorted out her issues and realized what/who are the ones that really matter.

Julie's interactions with her 4 children were really funny; I sympathized with her when her sons picked her husband to be the one whom they loved more because Julie's husband Harry wasn't constantly yelling at them. Not that Julie could help it! Her triplets were constantly turning the house upside-down, such as setting fire to the house albeit accidentally and a small one at that. Her youngest one Tom, was such a cutie pie! :)

Overall, yes the outcomes for all 3 sisters were .. predictable. But the novel makes for an excellent and charming read. The descriptions were vivid, the ends tied up nicely, it was good! :)

[Pamela · Rating 1 out of 5]

OMG! I tried, I really did, but by page 162 I threw in the towel. This is an unoriginal, boring beyond belief, appalling book. It's a story already done to death about three different sisters: one who is career-driven; one swamped with too many kids; and the third living like a queen spending all her husband's money. Oh, and get this -- none of them can understand each other. Oh, and let's throw in one mother who's a total nut-job into the mix, and mother's 23 year-old son who she dotes on, and who is so irresponsible. Pure crap! This book is nothing more than 448 pages of three sisters, two husbands, one mom, one brother, friends, and neighbours all bitching and moaning to every one about their lives, only to come out in the end all loving each other and smelling like roses -- I skipped to the end, but seriously, how else was it going to end? By page 162, I wanted to pull my hair out.

[Jackie Mceachern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! This author was recommended to me because I really enjoy Marian Keyes. And she definitely fit the bill. I love Irish humour, having ground up in Newfoundland where there is a big Irish influence. The bond between the sisters in the book made me sad that I don't have any sisters. But I connected with the characters and enjoyed the story. The ending wasn't really a big surprise or anything but I still so enjoyed the ride.

[Kourtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

To anyone who loves chick lit books - grab this one IMMEDIATELY! I loved loved loved this book and I wonder if I can give the book justice with my review.

This is the first book in the Devlin Sister's series, where we get to meet the Devlin family and catch a glimpse of their life.

Julie is married to Harry, and they have 4 sons. Three of them just happen to be triplets. YIKES! She is a stay-at-home mom (or mum since the book does take place in Ireland) who is struggling to find her identity and finds herself turning to her online chat groups for comfort. When Julie discovers a secret about Harry, could it change everything?

Louise is a married-to-her-job successful lawyer. Single. In control of everything and no surprises with her! Except...whoops! Hi I'm pregnant! Not realizing she cannot control a baby, she tries to juggle both career and being a single mom. Yeesh...

And last, but not least, is Sophie, who is married to Jack. The so-rich-I-can't-even-read-about-her yummy mummy of a daughter. We are talking Rich Housewives of Ireland here. Until POOF - Jack loses it all. Goodbye material things that Sophie basks in! Hello new world.

In the midst of this all, there is also the Devlin brother, Gavin, who not only provides some comic relief, but it also struggling to figure out where he wants to go in life.

Had I read this book when I was in my 20's, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much as I have. I felt so connected to Julie when she spoke about how much she loved her kids, but how lost she felt inside. I understand that completely having gone through it myself! If Julie were a real person, I could see me spending time with her, and her neighbor, Marian. Loved them together! Reading about Louise made me laugh along with Julie and Sophie as she struggled to control her child. When the baby was born, some things the baby went through was what my hubby-to-be and I went through with our baby girl as well. I understood that feeling of being bone-tired where you could collapse at any moment without warning. The statements that Louise made towards the end of the novel brought tears to my eyes. Ahhhhh motherhood. Sophie? Welllllll...she reminds me of the reality tv shows I watch to escape my real life. Even though she was well thought out and had a depth to her, there always is that one character you just may not like.

I was delighted to read that there is a sequel to this book, as I can't wait to jump right back in with the Devlin family! This was my first Sinead Moriarty novel, and if they are all like this, then she has a new American fan!

I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because while I thought the plot was predictable from the blurb, all the characters were slightly different to how I expected. It was nice to have a rich couple like Sophie and Jack who were generous with their money rather than gloating. I liked reading about how all the sisters had trouble with motherhood, though after a while it felt a bit like an attack on motherhood! Similarly, all the crying became tiresome after a while. But I did like the plot and I would read more of Moriarty's books.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant read if a little predictable in places. Julie, Sophie and Louise are very different personalities and have drifted apart slightly as they have grown older but as problems hit them they discover that blood is thicker than water and they do all pull together. The story is nicely told with chapters alternating between the three of them and we also have the funny storyline of their brother Gavin who insists on being called Willow to blend in with his tree hugging friends!!

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book, it was very easy to get caught up in the lives of each sister and how different they were until they were all very much a like. I highly recommend this fun read and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a totally amazing book i so loved the relationships between the sisters and how close they were to their brother, i loved how when things went wrong they were all there for each other this is up there as one of my fav books by this author she never disappoints brilliant

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining book. I loved the characters especially Julie's neighbor Marion. She made me laugh out loud. Thanks Deb Jackson for your review of this. Made me remember I had it in my Kindle!

[Smkenny411 · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this book!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. I was so relaxed reading this I kept falling asleep. Looking forward to the follow up on this book. ‘The Secrets Sisters Keep’

[Kathryn Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Kept the story line moving along nicely.

[Naiomie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit slow in the beginning then it got interesting but predictable

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this: 3.5/5

I'll be honest up until the halfway mark, I wasn't a fan of this story. The characters felt very stereotypical and two dimensional and I had to will myself to finish it. Although the writing is good, actually very good, I was not connecting to it at all. However, once the characters went through their life changing moments, my feelings for them changed. They actually felt more real if that makes any sense.

To me, Julia was the worst of the three sisters. Was not a fan of her story at all, until she went through a situation that many of us women have been in. It was only then I was able to empathise with her.

Sophie was next. Her story very stereotypical and cringe worthy to me. However once she had her life altering moment, I grew to have a lot more respect for her. Her character transformed in a wonderful way and I'd imagine that a lot of the readers would grow to like her more as well.

And Louise, to me she was the most believable character. I felt like she was more of a real person and in fact found myself identifying with her. In fact, I think I was able to assign a character to myself and my two sisters, because they had characteristics of us as well (i have two sisters like the story). Although I unfortunately don't have a relationship with my sisters like that of Julie.

So although, i wasn't a fan of the characters at first, in the end I did enjoy their transformations and struggles. The writer had a wonderful way of executing the dialogue and writing, I think I've enjoyed it the most out of all the stories in that POV that I've read so far! I do look forward to reading the second book in this series, now that the characters have been developed with more reality to them I think I would enjoy them more. So if you haven't read this one yet, then I recommend you do.

[The Geeky Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me and My Sisters tells the story of three Irish sisters—Julie, Louise, and Sophie—and how their relationships with each other begins to change and become more meaningful when their lives face unexpected challenges and upheavals. Julie is an exhausted mother of four very young boys—including a rambunctious set of triplets—struggling to make ends meet on her husband’s reduced salary. Louise is a very successful lawyer in a London law firm whose world is turned upside down when she becomes pregnant and decided to raise the baby on her own. And then there’s Sophie, the former model married to a very rich man with whom she has a perfectly-behaved daughter, living a life of glamour and ease until an unexpected disaster destroys every aspect of her life.

This is the first book I’ve read by Sinéad Moriarty, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I was truly blown away. You know those books you read that immediately draws you in and emotionally attaches you to the characters in ways other books can’t? This is one of those books. I was overjoyed when one of the sisters was happy, and when one of them struggled with something, I felt every bit as frustrated or devastated as they did. As each one overcame obstacles, I would literally whoop with glee, grinning from ear to ear, and pause my reading so I could take a moment to enjoy their well-deserved triumphs.

It’s always a delight to discover a new-to-me author whose words have the power to elicit such a response from me. I love reading authors who write such vivid characters and situations that I dread reaching the end. I’m just not ready to let go of the characters whose stories have taken hold of my heart. I was thrilled to discover I wouldn’t have to say goodbye forever to Julie, Louise, and Sophie. Book two of the Devlin Sisters series, The Secrets Sisters Keep, is on my reading queue for later this month, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next for the sisters!

I can’t recommend this book enough. Fans of women’s fiction must read this book, whether you’re familiar with Sinéad Moriarty’s work or not. I truly believe you will love this book as much as I do. And after you’ve read it, be sure to add Moriarty to your author watch-list. If Me and My Sisters is any indication, this is one author whose books you will NOT want to miss!

I received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Netgalley and Bookouture.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me and My Sisters is the first book that I have read by author Sinead Moriarty. If this book is any indication, I have been missing out on some amazing books! I absolutely loved this story, and especially loved the focus on the bond between sisters.

The story is about three sisters...Julie, Louise, and Sophie...all going through some sort of crisis or problem. Julie is married with four boys. She loves her husband, is totally devoted to him and their boys, but feels as if she is slowly losing her sanity. She turns to an online group for mothers, hoping to get some much needed advice. Louise is a very successful lawyer with a great head on her shoulders. She is always there for her sisters whenever they need her, but now she finds out that she needs them now more than ever. Sophie is the sister that seems to have it all. She has a beautiful daughter, and a husband that just happens to be a millionaire. She literally seems to have the perfect life, until one day, everything is lost.

The story that unfolds is a wonderful story about the bond between sisters. All three Devlin sisters live completely different lives from one another, but yet, they all understand each other as nobody else does. As with most people when they get busy with family and careers, their relationship with one another has taken a backseat to their everyday lives. However, when they all face a crisis, I loved how they turn to one another, and how no matter what, they are always there for each other. Each sister goes through something difficult, and each ends up coming out only stronger in the end. Each sister also has their flaws, and each have very different personalities, which only makes the characters more believable. I also like the fact that things weren't always perfect between them...they have the typical sister arguments and disagreements...but they never stopped being supportive of one another. The author uses humor throughout the story, which just adds to the overall story. This is a heartfelt, heartwarming story about life in general, and most importantly, the bond between family. Overall, this was a great story, very well-written, and well thought out. I would definitely recommend this book.

I was given a digital copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley, in exchnage for an honest review.

[Fluff Smut & Murder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley.com and to the publisher for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Loved the book – It was cute, funny, and just as wonderful the second time through SINCE IT ORIGINALLY CAME OUT IN 2011!!!! It really bothers me that publishers take advantage of those of us who read way too much, don’t always document every single book we pick up, and re-release a book - either under the same name or a slightly different, cooler sounding name. I know – its my fault since I should have taken better book notes when I crawled to the safety of a book during my own family financial crisis during those times.

What I loved: Seriously – I loved the book. Each sister has a distinct voice and goes through a tremendous crisis/journey/life changing event and comes out for the better. There’s humor, silly sister spats, and comedic relief via the kids. Each sister has her good and bad points (Julie’s long blog missives basically rehashing the plots to that point are annoying but easily skip-over-able) and its nice to see some humanity in the characters.

What I didn’t love: Since it is a reprint and about 7-8 years behind the last major financial crisis (didn’t really want to re-live those memories – thanks!) its tough to have a lot of sympathy for Sophie and her brood. After going through it myself, I don’t really have a lot of good feelings toward her situation and a few of those passages where Jack was wanting money.

What I learned: I really could have used a sister.

Overall Grade: B

www.fsam15.wix.com/fluffsmutandmurder

[Penni · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I recieved this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.*

I enjoyed this story very much. I liked that it was set in Dublin (since I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland) and in London and that it focused mainly on the three Delvin sisters – Louise, Julie and Sophie.

At the beginning of the book it seemed that the sisters were not as close as they wanted it to appear to be, but as time went on it was evident that the three stuck by each other through thick and thin. I like how each learned so much about themselves and their not only did they become stronger human beings but that they also became stronger siblings.

I thought that each sisters story was well written and informative. There did not seem to be things left you wondering when it came to who the women were and what they were about.

I think most romance and chick-lit lovers will enjoy this book and I would definitely recommend it.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant one of the best books I have read .
Sinead Moriarty has to be one of the most talented authors. Cant wait for her next book.

The Devilin Sisters are so different .
Independent lawyer Louise single wealthy career focused and living in London.

Juile with crazy triplets and another younger child struggling to loose her baby weight has almost forgotton what sleep was and is almost drowning in the her situation.


While Sophie an ex model married the wealthy Jack and just lives for holidays and designer clothes and has even told her four year old that diamonds are are a woman's best friend.

But the best laid family circumstances change, so as fate takes a hand in all of their lives can they cope or what?

My daughter and I both loved it can neither of us could stop until we read it.Cant wait for her next book. Ms Moriarty is a genius .

[Megan Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read--really a 3.5 instead of a 4. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book; the sisters all seemed like total stereotypes. At various times I wanted to scream at all of them but as I got farther into the book I saw the characters did have depth. As someone who was a stay at homed mom for 10+ years I could relate to a lot of her life and the emotions that go along with its it. I'm also the middle of three sisters and have one brother, although he's older, not 15 years younger like Gavin. I'm interested in the sequel because I'd like to find out what happens to these women. Oh, and every stay at home on needs a friend like Marian!

[Jojo1981 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of Sinead's I have read and I really really enjoyed it. It was a nice easy read and I found the characters of the 3 sisters so easy to relate to. There was something in each that I personally related to. Some parts I hate to say I skimmed over slightly as I found a bit pointless or longwinded and some of the dialogue was on the same fashion (like every person having to say something however unnecessary). Regardless of these couple of little negatives it did not alter my enjoyment of this book and I will certainly check out more of Sinead's novels.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised to find out that this delightful novel is part of a series featuring the Devlin family. The sisters are grown and married with children. Julie, Sophie and Louise are all back in Ireland and getting back on an even kilter. The ladies make you smile a good bit as they relate their stories throughout the book. Great characters that are certainly real with flaws and problems make for a story many can relate to easily. I'll certainly be looking for the other books thar star this gracious and proud family.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actually the one and only brother was probably the most interesting character of this novel. The sisters were all a bit cliche with Sophie being the least likeable to me. Overall a quick read, but did not pull me in enough to really care about any of the characters. Forgettable and mindless read and that's ok.

[Kimerys Bookmarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast pace read and I thoroughly enjoyed entering each of the three sisters and their lives. I could see a little bit of me in each of the sisters. I enjoyed the highs and lows that each of them experienced. I think this is the first book in a long time that I have read that is set in Ireland. I look forward to reading more from Sinead Moriarty.

[Mary Snaddon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes it is chic-lit. Yes it was quite funnny in parts. Chic-lit is sometimes good if you want an easy read. I don't know if I'm too bothered about what happens to the sisters next, but since I've already paid 50p for the next one from the library I might as well find out. But I'm giving it the hundred page rule.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun story, and had a lot more depth than I expected. Things were stretched but not so far that it felt like a farce. While I didn't agree with the main characters' viewpoints on everything, I still really enjoyed getting to know them. I especially loved how Sinéad Moriarty handled Louise's storyline. No spoilers here, but I was wondering how she'd resolve it without falling into more cliched territory, but it ended up feeling realistic and true to character.

Something I especially appreciated about this book: having the courage to share different kinds of experiences for mothers with newborn children. She touched on postpartum depression, the fact that not everyone finds pregnancy a mindblowingly wonderful experience, and the idea that not falling in love with your baby at first sight doesn't make you a monster. Sometimes it takes time. While I'm not yet a mother myself, I feel a lot of sympathy for mothers or mothers-to-be who feel like they're doing something wrong or they're horrible people because they're outside the norm of how society suggests they should feel when they're pregnant or have a new baby. I want to see more stories that show that motherhood encompasses a whole spectrum of experiences.

The main reason I gave this book four stars rather than five is because of the triplets. Some of their actions could be chalked up to youthful mischief, and they're too young for me to consider any of their actions outright malicious, but they did some absolutely horrible things and rarely got more than a fierce scolding. They try to flush the rabbit at their Montessori school down the toilet and their mum's biggest worry is that they'll get kicked out and she'll have to find another place that will take them. I find it gross that an attempt to flush a LIVE ANIMAL down the loo was treated in such a cavalier way. They also have an icky fascination with the idea of their mum, Julie, dying, basically because of the "cool" factor of a plane crash or blood splattering everywhere, and again it's basically just brushed off, other than some hurt feelings on Julie's part. I don't think "kids will be kids" is an adequate excuse for the kind of behaviour the triplets exhibit, and I really wish it had been addressed better by the end of the story (maybe starting to go to a counsellor or psychologist?), but it never was.

Other than my dislike of the handling of the triplets' behaviour, I loved this book. It felt fresh and engaging and never lost my attention. I'll definitely be reading more of Sinéad Moriarty's work in the future! :D