The Sisters Montclair

by Cathy Holton

The last thing twenty-one-year-old Stella Nightingale wants is a job as a caregiver for wealthy Alice Montclair Whittington. Alice, a ninety-four-year-old Southern grande dame with a dry sense of humor and a wicked tongue, has already run off a long line of caregivers. But Stella, a former runaway from a broken home who's only recently begun to put her life back together, is desperate for work. And she figures she can handle Alice. But strange things are happening at Alice's rambling mountaintop estate. As an unlikely friendship develops between the two women, Alice, whose memory comes and goes, begins to reveal long-ago tales of her illustrious past, tales that pose more questions than they answer. Who is her mysterious sister, Laura? Why won't Alice and her sister, Adeline, ever speak of her? And why are the other caregivers afraid to go down in the basement?

As Stella tries to separate fact from fiction in Alice's life, she struggles to overcome her own devastating family secret, compelled by a deepening friendship that will change the lives of both women forever.

Genres: Chick Lit, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Southern, Contemporary

357 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2012

About the author

Cathy Holton continues to entertain readers with her stories of strong, intelligent women trying to survive in an often hostile world. The Boston Globe says “Holton has a lively, fluid style that shifts easily among the viewpoints’ of several characters and goes down as easily as sweet tea,” while Entertainment Weekly calls her prose “Sharp, witty, and warm.”

Although grateful for the critical praise, it is the enthusiastic response of readers who tell her they “laughed, cried, and let dinner burn” while reading one of her novels that inspires her most.

Sadly, Cathy passed away in 2013 after a long battle with cancer. She will be terribly missed by her friends and family. Fortunately for her readers, Cathy left behind a treasure trove of finished and narly finished manuscripts. We can think of no better tribute to Cathy than to publish these works. To that end, her family and publisher are working hard to get these books ready. The first of these legacy Novels: The Rico Boys is now available on Amazon Kindle, with a paperback to follow. Other titles are forthcoming.

Become a Fan of Cathy Holton on Facebook for free excerpts, giveaways, “character” interviews and more. Follow her at www.cathyholton.com and on Twitter.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, i did receive a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Second, I think I am pretty stingy with giving 5 stars to books. I am giving The Sisters Montclair 5 stars because it took me to an emotional place and the story hooked me from the beginning. I loved the relationship between the older Alice and the younger Stella. It made me think of my 91 year old grandmother and how I love to spend time with her and hear her stories. The story also is a strong reminder of something I think is very important and always try and remember; never be too quick to judge someone because you may not know their full story.

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok. I thought the secrets were easy to figure out, so really not any surprises. I really liked Alice and her story the best. She was someone I would love to take care of. I thought there were some things introduced but never got the answers for. This was my second Cathy Holton book and like her other novel, I felt like there was something missing.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked this book when I started it and thought I would end up loving it. When I reached the end, I was disappointed as it seemed there was quite a bit missing to make the ending satisfactory in my mind. Several unanswered questions are still looming...

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

(LT win)


Every Cathy Holton book I have read, I have enjoyed tremendously. This one was no different. By page 13, I was already in love with the characters and couldn't wait to hear their stories. This always bodes well for me when the story draws me immediately and I can connect with the characters right away. I just knew a captivating story was in store.

At 94 years old, Alice, who came from a socially prominent and privileged background, was not happy that her family hired someone to watch over her. Stella, a 21 year old college student mired in debt and childhood baggage, takes the job as Alice's caretaker. This unlikely pairing surprised even the two of them. Both seemed to recognize a kindred soul in the other.

Alice brightened, slanting her eyes up at Stella. "Ever do this kind of work before?"

"Nope."

"But you think you can handle it?"

"It's not brain surgery. I can handle it."

"They say I"m difficult."

"'Im used to difficult people."

"I'm not difficult. I just like things done a certain way."

"I understand."

Alice folded her hands in her lap. She gave Stella a sly look. "You'd be a pretty girl if you'd do something with your hair."

"And you'd be a nice old lady if you'd stop saying things you shouldn't."

Behind Alice's shoulder, Janice's mouth fell open in shock. The clock on the mantle ticked steadily. Stella thought, I never even had a chance to ask what the hourly rate was.

Without warning, Alice Montclair Whittington put her head back and laughed.

A form of trust akin to real friendship developed and slowly each bared their innermost secrets to each other. Through a series of flashbacks, Alice reveals her family's story and the life she settled for. Stella, struggling with situations in the present, finally begins to deal with a past that still haunts and wounds her.

There was one small quibble I had with the book; a thread that hinted at something almost frightening and eerie that was never expanded upon. Still, I didn't care because I loved the rest of the book so much. It just resonated with me and really touched my heart. 5*****

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I wasn't sure if the dynamic between Stella and Alice would be too cheesy or too forced, but I think the Holton did a wonderful job creating a believable relationship between the two.

Stella is 21, a bit unconventional, and probably not what Alice, a 94 year old woman from the rich part of town, expected as her caregiver. When we meet Stella, she is a bit of a lost soul, living with a boyfriend who is not very nice to her. She doesn't seem to have great self esteem, and we learn that when she was 16, her mom gave her a hundred dollars and left her in Birmingham to fend for herself. Alice however grew up with advantages, money and loving parents. However, neither Stella nor Alice were happy.

Stella grows to care about Alice, and enjoys Alice's stories. Alice likes that Stella understands her. Both women carry secrets around in them like poison. Through Alice's dreams and stories, and Stella's therapy sessions, we learn the big secrets within, that they both need to set free before they themselves become free. I loved Alice and her stories. Her character was definitely a hoot, but more importantly, a strong woman. Stella learns to be strong from Alice, probably the best gift Alice could have given her.

There were so many passages I felt I could relate to in this book ~ I think readers always look for bits of themselves in books, and when you find that, characters you relate to for some reason or another, no matter how small, it is gratifying. I found bits of myself in very small passages in this book. I had read Cathy Holton's book Summer in the South, and while I liked it, I was so-so on it. I think however Holton put more heart and soul into this one.

[Susan O'Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Cathy Holton - each novel has touched me in a different way.

"The Sisters Montclair" is among the best of the Holton best, in my opinion. From the first page, I connected with the main characters and couldn't wait to see if they lived up to my imagined expectations for them. They certainly did!

At age 94, Alice Whittington needs help getting dressed, getting around and such. She has caretakers around the clock, but mostly they are just there to attend to her physical needs - which aren't many considering how spry and mobile this lady is.It's obvious that there's no real connection for the caregivers - it's a job and that's all.

In comes Stella, a 21 year-old with enough emotional baggage for a family of six. With a lip ring and tattoe, surely she won't last long in the overly ordered life of the social prominence and privilege.

Alice and Stella are a match, but it takes time for them to realize the depth of their impact on each other. It takes patience to know each other, learning to accept when you don't have the facts and judging from the heart, not appearances, that makes a special bond.

What could they have in common with more than 60 years and a social moat between them? Through a series of flashbacks, Alice reveals her family's story and the life she settled for. Stella, struggling with situations in the present, begins to deal with a past that still haunts and wounds her.

"The Sisters Montclair" teaches us that kindred spirits can cross generational, social and economic lines. Inner strength knows no age boundary, and respect is an ageless connection. A sharp sense of humor and appreciation of a good joke are timeless.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a fascinating contrast between the past and the present, the old and the young. Now in her nineties, wealthy Alice Montclair needs caregivers so she can remain at home and retain what independence she has. Stella Nightingale, working her way through college, is desperate for a job, desperate enough to tackle a cantankerous grande dame who has run off numerous caregivers. But though they don’t yet know it, these seemingly vastly different women have much in common: both have an independent streak and both are concealing a secret about their past. With a deft hand for prose, author Cathy Holton draws her readers into the story rich with delightful and well developed characters and featuring an intriguing plot that will capture your interest from the very first chapter. Both Alice’s and Stella’s stories are equally captivating, filled with mystery and longing for the unattainable. As Stella attempts to understand Alice, separating fact from irrational memories, the reader will come to know and empathize with both women. An extraordinary read.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two women from opposing economic backgrounds find common ground, comfort and security in each other's presence. Stella is a bright, promising college student struggling with mounting debt and secrets from her bleak childhood. Alice Montclair Whittington is a wealthy elderly lady who is struggling with health issues and declining memory. Alice also has deep, dark secrets from her past. Despite Stella's Goth-like appearance, Alice immediately "takes" to Stella and consents to hiring her as one of her caregivers. Over several months' time, the two women's pasts are revealed. What made this novel even more interesting to me is that it takes place in and around my home in Chattanooga. The names of some places are changed, but those who live here will immediately recognize what Cathy Holton is referring to.

[Wendy Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple book, without much twisting and turning of the plot. Had enough foreshadowing that I was easily able to predict any intended "surprises." Demonstrated a nice relationship between a young woman and an elderly lady. Definitely had some redeeming qualities about it, but wasn't one I would necessarily recommend, although it was recommended to me by someone whose choices are usually good ones for me. Just usually looking for something a little deeper or with more substance to it. I was ready for a lighter book at the moment, though, so this one fit the bill.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, and well-told story!

We all have secrets. It is how you look at those secrets and protect them in your heart which can make them a heavy load to carry. Once the secrets were out, they were able to be viewed in a different light & from a different angle, allowing the freedom of release. Alice & Stella were facinating characters and I truly enjoyed their adventure together. Learing from one another & growing together. I loved this book - fantastic job Cathy Holton!!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, but I'm rounding up. I knew this was a local author, but didn't know the story was set in my hometown. It was cool and also distracting ... I mean, I go to the same eye doctor as Alice. I could probably have dropped deeper into the story had I not been so busy trying to figure out who the story was about, if that makes sense. Anyway, I enjoyed it and can't wait to loan to my mom, who will have everything figured out within the first three chapters.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really loving this book until the very end. It's not that I didn't like the ending; it was just rushed. The author took her time telling the story until the last two chapters. It felt as though she was taking SAT tests and time was running out. I would still recommend the book, it's just not as great as it started out to be.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sounds like a fantastic book! I love books with different generations. I work in a nursing home so I love to hear elders stories! You look at them and can't think of the stuff the did but they tell stories and they had incredible lives! Can't wait to read this book!

[Sue Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, the characters and the story. I would have loved to spend an afternoon with Alice.

[Mich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Interesting. Good story about a wealthy old lady and her young caretaker. I would read more by this author

[Erin Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became totally engaged in the story of Stella and Alice and their personal stories. Stella is a young woman who has had some very hard knocks in her life so far. She is a struggling student trying to improve her place in the world. She never has enough money to pay the rent, food or transportation. She must rely on her selfish boyfriend Josh to have a place to live. Even though she knows he does not treat her well she must put up with it in order to survive. Life is tough for Stella and she lives her life in survival mode. Stella then takes a part time job as a caregiver for a 94 year old woman named Alice who is from an old wealthy family in Chattanooga, TN. She is full of piss and vinegar but takes a liking to Stella, and Stella to her. Alice tells Stella story after story about her life, often more than once, as she does suffer from some dementia. The two very different women develop a deep friendship and are able to help each other heal from past hurts in their lives. They need each other in order to move forward with their lives.

I really enjoyed this novel. I wanted to take care of both of these women and help them through their pain. I am glad the author brought these two characters together, they played off each other beautifully and gave each other exactly what they needed. Highly recommended.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book! I’m sorry I didn’t get to read this earlier. It was hard to put down. Stella Nightingale has had to struggle all through life, her mother throwing her out of the house at 16, as her step-father has been sexually abusing her. She has been working her way through college, living with a horrible man, Josh, who verbally abuses her and she does all his cooking and cleaning and she doesn’t have enough to also pay him rent and for food! He treats her like a slave. She meets a wonderful professor who takes her under her wing and helps her work through her problems and finally, takes her up on moving into an apartment the professor has. She works part time for a wonderful older lady, Alice Montclair, as her caretaker and they develop a very close relationship-the mother/grandmother she never had. In the end, Stella actually is awarded a full postgraduate scholarship from Alice after she dies. Alice and Stella are both able to work through life problems.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, it was okay. It meandered in fits and starts which was very unsettling, moving day by day and then suddenly and without warning jumping ahead months. The growth of the characters was more implied than exhibited. Some of the issues were heartbreaking and the awareness of being trapped by life and circumstances was often poignant... But some of that is inherent and not based on the skill of the writer. There was great potential in both Alice and Stella and they got the best treatment with the most completion but almost everyone else around them functioned as set dressing, plot devices, or stock characters.

I wondered at times if reading it as an ebook screwed with the formatting, making the habit of time-jumping worse on the brain.

[Deborah Aponte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it wasn’t what you call “a page-turner”. The storyline was interesting but not compelling. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and reading about their interactions.
There was some mystery as to what happened to Alice’s sister, and her son, but to some degree it was predictable. Also, Stella’s situation was sad, but interesting to read about. I did guess correctly why she was abandoned by her mother and was cutting herself. So the mystery aspect of the story was easily figured out before I finished. But I did enjoy the characters and how the relationship between Alice and Stella developed and how their relationship helped them both psychologically. It was a good read, not a great read.

[Lindsey MonBarren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. I loved every minute of it. It was especially interesting to me since I am from around Chattanooga, so I get the references to streets and areas. A bit predictable at times, it is heavier than a girly beach read but light enough to not be a chore. It is beautiful and talks about the pain and struggles of individuals... no discrimination for money or background. I love the telling of Alice... what it will be like for all of us one day. I wish Alice and Stella's relationship had been a little more developed. But overall, a beautifully told and relatable story. I will be reading more Holton in the future.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about the secrets and guilts we all carry buried deep within. Occasionally someone comes along we know we can share them with, without fear of judgment. Stella and Alice, although having led very different lives, have secrets and guilts to share.

[Cathy Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tale of release and redemption

Cathy Holton weaves a compelling story of two strong women who are nevertheless bound by grief and pain. As their paths intersect, they form a loving relationship leading to release and redemption.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much unfulfilled potential in this story, and in the characters themselves.

[Kelly Drewa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters

I loved the characters in the story and how you saw Alice as a young girl and Adam old lady.

[Janis Orrico · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like it at all. Not my kind of book

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Amazing story, and so well-written. I couldn’t put it down! I loved the different points of view, and the shifting between past and present. Highly recommended.

[Rachel Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.50 stars to be exact

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sisters Montclair: A Novel by Cathy Holton


It’s easy to get swept up in this story. I found it to be a little slow at first, but quickly I became engrossed with both Stella the young caregiver and Alice the elderly woman who needs the care.
This is a story of secrets, some so old and horrible that you might wonder if it really is a good thing to revisit and some secrets so new and horrible that it could send you on a journey you might never recover from.

Stella, a young psychology major in college needs a job. At the moment the best she can come up with is being the caregiver to a 94 year old woman who changes caregivers like you would change your socks.

Miss Alice is feisty, temperamental, with a bit of Alzheimer’s, an arrogant snotty daughter and a pot load of money! Miss Alice can be a charmer when she wants to be, but we learn via her dreams and reminiscences that she had a wonderful fiery, spirited, sexual side to her, yet never did get to do quite everything she wanted to do in life. She ended up settling, but whether it was for good or for bad will be up to you the reader to figure out.

Stella is a sweet girl but her appearance is a bit unsettling to most of those around her. With tattoos, facial piercings and dyed black hair you would thing she would be the wrong kind of person to be a wonderful caregiver, but you would be wrong. Miss Alice sees the possibilities as soon as she meets Stella. They become something like friends and while they never quite become best pals and trade secrets, they do learn to laugh and trust each other. Until the story culminates in both of their secrets being revealed.

The story flows like a slow southern summer Sunday drive in the country. It sometimes has moments of excitement, and has a surprise or two to keep you a bit off kilter.

Ms Holton does an excellent job of making these two women seem so real and is a deft storyteller with a light hand. Sometimes this story could have been overly melodramatic, but as I said Ms Holton knows when to pull back and give us readers a moment to regroup before making the next revelation

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Montclair Whittington, age 94, has run off every one of her companions by virtue of the edge of her tongue and high expectations. She is stubborn, opinionated, and not always lucid. Stella Nightingale, age 21, is scratching her way through college, lacking in financial aid, and desperate enough for a job that she takes on the task of seeing to Miss Alice's daily needs -- meals, clothing, light housework -- regardless of Miss Alice's reputation.

Alice and Stella hit it off right away when Stella demonstrates that she has just as much sand in her craw as the old lady by responding in kind to a sharp remark. And over the course of time, the elderly Southern belle and the college student barely one step up from the trailer park turn into friends, as Miss Alice talks and Stella listens. Really listens. And asks questions.

It's been years since anyone actually listened to Miss Alice and cared about the stories she told. Oh, her sister Adeline comes to visit regularly, as does her son Sawyer. And yes, sometimes her mind wanders, and sometimes she gets confused, but that doesn't mean she should be prevented from carrying on a conversation, does it? Of course not. Through these stories, Stella comes to understand that Alice's life has been nearly as traumatic as her own, albeit a more genteel and refined sort of trauma. She also comes to realize there was another Montclair sister, Laura, but neither Alice nor Adeline ever speak of her. A mystery, then: what became of Laura?

It's been years, as well, since Stella had any sort of nurturing female relationship. As her friendship with Miss Alice deepens, she comes to realize her own worth as a human being. She begins to take positive steps toward the future in her education and her personal life.

Cathy Holton has peopled her novel with gorgeous characters, a fabulous old house, and period as well as contemporary drama. A beautifully-written, sharply observant story of aging and friendship and love and loss. The Sisters Montclair is simply wonderful.

Thank you to Library Thing Early Reviewers for the opportunity to read this book.

[Melanie Coombes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story of an unlikely friendship that develops between 94 year old Alice and her young caregiver, Stella.
Stella accepts a job as a caregiver at the home of wealthy Alice Whittington. Alice is a feisty, opinionated Southern grand dame who forgets her past. At other times she is quite lucid and begins to share her past with Stella. At certain times she refers to a mysterious woman named Laura. In the next minute, she claims to not know anyone named Laura. Alice struggles to overcome a devastating family secret.
Stella, who was abandoned by her mother at age 16, is depressed, struggling through college and she has become overwhelmed by her financial situation. Stella also has her own share of secrets...
Together these two women begin to share their past. Alice eventually unburdens herself by confiding her darkest secret to Stella. By doing so, she finds forgiveness and a sense of freedom.
This story was bittersweet and entertaining. I loved Alice's witty character. The story moved along slowly but each chapter revealed a bit more of Alice's past. We also eventually found out why Stella's mom cast her out at only 16 years old.
I laughed, cried and enjoyed every bit of this book. I loved the southern setting, the engaging mystery and the characters.
The description on the back of the book makes it sound like much more of a suspenseful mystery, and I found that to not be the case at all. For example, the description asks why the caregivers are afraid to go down in the basement. Makes the story sound like much more of a haunted mystery. But it was a great read and a very sweet story of two women whose lives are changed after developing a friendship.