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Sister Pact
Two very different sisters. Once inseparable, they have long been estranged after an unimaginable betrayal.
Organised and uptight Frances married the only man she′d ever slept with. But no-one told her that seven years later she′d be having sexual fantasies about everyone from the pizza delivery guy to Denis Thatcher. Scatterbrained animal-lover Joni never knew she was so attached to her kneecaps until she thought she might have to say goodbye to them forever.
After their beloved grandmother -- a game-show addict -- dies, they discover that they have each been left one million pounds in her will. The kicker is that they can only inherit if they participate as a team in a gruelling reality TV program, Endurance Island.
They can survive the jungle.
They can survive the humiliating challenges.
But can they survive each other?
Organised and uptight Frances married the only man she′d ever slept with. But no-one told her that seven years later she′d be having sexual fantasies about everyone from the pizza delivery guy to Denis Thatcher. Scatterbrained animal-lover Joni never knew she was so attached to her kneecaps until she thought she might have to say goodbye to them forever.
After their beloved grandmother -- a game-show addict -- dies, they discover that they have each been left one million pounds in her will. The kicker is that they can only inherit if they participate as a team in a gruelling reality TV program, Endurance Island.
They can survive the jungle.
They can survive the humiliating challenges.
But can they survive each other?
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 11, 2012
Sister Pact is a funny and heartwarming novel about betrayal, sisterhood and forgiveness co-written by siblings debut author, Ros Baxter and Ali Ahearn (aka Amy Andrews).
Sisters, Frances and Joni, haven't spoken for seven years and their estrangement would have continued had they not been forced to attend the reading of their beloved G's will. Determined to reunite her granddaughters even from the grave, G places an unusual condition on their right to inherit £1 million, they are to join forces to reach the finals of the reality show, Endurance Island. Though reluctant, Frances and Joni are both in need of the money and agree to work together. Surviving the trials of a remote jungle island will be hard, but surviving each other may prove to be even harder.
The relationship between Joni and Frances is fraught with tension and pathos, both regret their estrangement but are unable to move past the betrayal that divided them. Their very different personalities contribute to their troubled interaction, Joni is impulsive with a history of drug addiction while Frances is ordered and upright. What they learn on Endurance Island is that to begin to forgive each other, the pair first need to come to terms with their own flaws, and forgive themselves. I really enjoyed seeing the sister's repair their bond, there are some surprisingly tender moments in amongst the bickering, and the relationship between the two rings true.
Endurance Island is no holiday resort, but it does provide plenty of opportunities to combine drama, humour, action and romance, which the writers do with consummate ease. It's all a little over the top, but great fun.
Fans of the television series, Survivor and the the like, will enjoy the authors' mimicry of the format in Sister Pact, from the harsh physical challenges to the emotional manipulation in the pursuit of ratings. Throw in a smuggled ferret, a sadistic producer, and a fellow cast that includes two big breasted, bikini clad bombshells and Japanese weekend warriors and the sisters feud is the least of their worries.
Though co-written by sisters, Ros Baxter and Ali Ahearn, the narrative of the novel is seamless, no doubt a testament to their own close bond. An entertaining read, I enjoyed Sister Pact and I am looking forward to it's sequel in early 2013.
March 28, 2012
SISTER PACT by authors Ali Ahearn and Ros Baxter is a May 2012 release by Harper Collins Publishers.
Frances and Joni’s grandmother dies leaving them one million pounds each in her will. But her condition is that they have to participate in a reality show- Endurance Island. She herself had been a game show addict.
Frances and Joni had been estranged for the last seven years. But why were these two sisters no longer on talking terms? Who had come between them?
They take part in the game show. The challenges are humiliating but they manage to survive it. And they begin to get on together for the first time in seven years, yet they don’t touch on the subject which split them in the first place. After getting through the grueling challenges at the Endurance Island, they face some surprises.
Will a surprise confession from Frances husband, Edward, bring these two sisters together?
SISTER PACT depicts the unique bond of sisters. How sisters would eventually forgive each other anything and how they unite if one is threatened. These authors, Ali Ahearn and Ros Baxter brought amazing atmospheric details to the story. It is liberally spiced with humor, pathos and heartfelt emotion. The two sisters facing the chalenges in the game show scenes are full of action, drama and danger. It makes for a thrilling read!
February 16, 2013
Soo, what is the world coming to when I read two chick lit books in a week. It took me five hours to read. I could easily read two category romances and get two happy endings in that time.
Ali Ahearn and her sister Ros Baxter are both writers in their own right, Ali under her Amy Andrews pseudonym for Harlequin and Entangled and Ros is just starting out. I read a great little short on her blog last week for Valentine's Day.
Put them together and you get a story about two sisters who haven't talked for seven years. Obviously not based on their own experience as this book is a collaboration and a fairly seamless one at that.
The premise, two estranged sisters forced to go on the reality show "Endurance Island", think Survivor type shows, allows for some great interactions. It also allows them to meet a whole new set of people.
Being a category romance fan, I was a bit, okay now where is the love interest, but the love story is really about Joni and Frankie, our sisters torn apart by an act of betrayal. It's about both of them finding out the truth about who they are, their strengths (often unexpected) and their weakness (hidden even from themselves). The challenges they face on the reality show test them individually and as a team. And at times threaten to push them even farther apart.
This is a very satisfying read with lots of laugh out loud moments (don't try and explain why you are laughing to your husband, it simply isn't worth it. Truly) but also some OMG moments where all seems lost. For the romance fans there are some genuinely gorgeous men for our heroines though this isn't the main focus of the story. Great work Ali and Ros. You did actually give me two happy endings for my time spent.
Ali Ahearn and her sister Ros Baxter are both writers in their own right, Ali under her Amy Andrews pseudonym for Harlequin and Entangled and Ros is just starting out. I read a great little short on her blog last week for Valentine's Day.
Put them together and you get a story about two sisters who haven't talked for seven years. Obviously not based on their own experience as this book is a collaboration and a fairly seamless one at that.
The premise, two estranged sisters forced to go on the reality show "Endurance Island", think Survivor type shows, allows for some great interactions. It also allows them to meet a whole new set of people.
Being a category romance fan, I was a bit, okay now where is the love interest, but the love story is really about Joni and Frankie, our sisters torn apart by an act of betrayal. It's about both of them finding out the truth about who they are, their strengths (often unexpected) and their weakness (hidden even from themselves). The challenges they face on the reality show test them individually and as a team. And at times threaten to push them even farther apart.
This is a very satisfying read with lots of laugh out loud moments (don't try and explain why you are laughing to your husband, it simply isn't worth it. Truly) but also some OMG moments where all seems lost. For the romance fans there are some genuinely gorgeous men for our heroines though this isn't the main focus of the story. Great work Ali and Ros. You did actually give me two happy endings for my time spent.
January 19, 2012
3.5 stars
Sisterhood Survivor style! The joys, trials and tribulations of sisterhood are addressed in this light, fun read about estranged English sisters from the pens of Aussie author sisters Ali & Ros.
Joni and Frances haven't spoken in over 7 years but during the filming of reality tv show "Endurance Island" in Australia the sisters' gradually let their guard down; vulnerabilities are exposed, truths uncovered and trust regained.
I totally adored recovering drug addict Joni's irreverent sense of humour and potty mouth and elegant, uptight Frankie's determination and protectiveness. I was also quite the fan of rodent Des ... as unlikely as it is for a ferret to make the flight from the UK to Australia, in a bra, under the influence of rodent valium ... who cares, he was a welcome addition to the cast of characters.
Implausible ... possibly, corny ... occasionally, but the pace worked for me and I sat back and enjoyed the laughs and escapism. Pick this one up if you like 'family' issues served up with humour and a big helping of adventure.
Sisterhood Survivor style! The joys, trials and tribulations of sisterhood are addressed in this light, fun read about estranged English sisters from the pens of Aussie author sisters Ali & Ros.
Joni and Frances haven't spoken in over 7 years but during the filming of reality tv show "Endurance Island" in Australia the sisters' gradually let their guard down; vulnerabilities are exposed, truths uncovered and trust regained.
I totally adored recovering drug addict Joni's irreverent sense of humour and potty mouth and elegant, uptight Frankie's determination and protectiveness. I was also quite the fan of rodent Des ... as unlikely as it is for a ferret to make the flight from the UK to Australia, in a bra, under the influence of rodent valium ... who cares, he was a welcome addition to the cast of characters.
Implausible ... possibly, corny ... occasionally, but the pace worked for me and I sat back and enjoyed the laughs and escapism. Pick this one up if you like 'family' issues served up with humour and a big helping of adventure.
October 26, 2012
This wonderfully addictive book swept me up from the beginning, made me laugh out loud, yet at other times made a knot form in my throat, and thoroughly entertained me from beginning to end. Sisters Frances and Joni have been estranged for seven years. The reason is not clearly spelled out until the end of the book. Born of wacky parents, these girls were as different as night and day, yet they loved each other…that is, until that fateful day that drove the final wedge into their relationship. The book begins when grandma has passed away, leaving one last wish. The sisters must compete in a famous reality show Downunder in order to receive their inheritances. Each sister has a specific and definite need for the money. Over the top at times, this reality show adventure kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. Throw in some fun and flirty romance elements, and lots of surprises, and what you get is a totally satisfying Chick-lit styled tale. Well done, and highly recommended.
October 31, 2012
Reviewed at HarlequinJunkie.com
Sister Pact is a heartwarming story about two estranged sisters journey back to each other.
Frances and Joni have been estranged for the past 7 years following a certain incident. When their grandmother’s will and inheritance forces them to compete as a team in a survivor style game show Endurance Island they are suddenly thrown together and forced to spend time together; but letting their guards down around each other is harder than survival.
Sister Pact is a great Chicklit, with great characters and a well-paced storyline…. I quite enjoyed all the secondary characters as well.
This book was deeply moving and resonated with me big time, my sis is my BFF and I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it. I’m sure a lot of you will relate with this book as well.
If you are looking for an uplifting read with laugh out moments, action, adventure and high drama that will take you along on an emotional roller-coaster look no further than Sister Pact. Highly recommended!
Sister Pact is a heartwarming story about two estranged sisters journey back to each other.
Frances and Joni have been estranged for the past 7 years following a certain incident. When their grandmother’s will and inheritance forces them to compete as a team in a survivor style game show Endurance Island they are suddenly thrown together and forced to spend time together; but letting their guards down around each other is harder than survival.
Sister Pact is a great Chicklit, with great characters and a well-paced storyline…. I quite enjoyed all the secondary characters as well.
This book was deeply moving and resonated with me big time, my sis is my BFF and I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it. I’m sure a lot of you will relate with this book as well.
If you are looking for an uplifting read with laugh out moments, action, adventure and high drama that will take you along on an emotional roller-coaster look no further than Sister Pact. Highly recommended!
January 4, 2012
This was a good light read. Well paced, the story keeps you going to the end. The characters were interesting and well suited for the plot. We follow the story of two sisters who have not spoken to each other in 7 years. Joni is a recovering drug addict and Frances is undergoing marital problems. Both have issues and both are required by the will of their grandmother to enter ENDURANCE ISLAND and survive to the finals so they can inherit.
Joni and Frances are meant to hail from England, but I found for me that there were too many Aussie phrases and behaviours for me to picture them there. The two main characters get a little more real when they reach the Island, but I felt some things about the storyline didn’t make sense in parts.
All in all a very good book and apart from the few things that didn’t mesh for me, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. A must have for fans of Paige Toon and Jane Green.
Joni and Frances are meant to hail from England, but I found for me that there were too many Aussie phrases and behaviours for me to picture them there. The two main characters get a little more real when they reach the Island, but I felt some things about the storyline didn’t make sense in parts.
All in all a very good book and apart from the few things that didn’t mesh for me, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. A must have for fans of Paige Toon and Jane Green.
May 10, 2013
I met Ali Ahearn at the Australian Romance Readers Convention a few years ago, and she made me laugh. She was on a number of panels and she was FUNNY! So I was really looking forward to reading Sister Pact. Right from page one I knew I was going to enjoy it. A great opening, tight writing, well paced, a lovely sense of slapstick, and of course funny.
Alison wrote Sister Pact with her sister Ros Baxter, which gives the book an interesting twist (because it’s also about 2 sisters). I’d love to know how their writing dynamic works. I get the sense that they had such a laugh. But this isn’t just a ‘funny” book. It’s about betrayal and forgiveness, and is a heart warming read.
I’m looking forward to the next book from this sister double act. I don't have a sister, but this makes me wish I did.
Alison wrote Sister Pact with her sister Ros Baxter, which gives the book an interesting twist (because it’s also about 2 sisters). I’d love to know how their writing dynamic works. I get the sense that they had such a laugh. But this isn’t just a ‘funny” book. It’s about betrayal and forgiveness, and is a heart warming read.
I’m looking forward to the next book from this sister double act. I don't have a sister, but this makes me wish I did.
July 16, 2015
It seems I really am turning into a big sook in my old age, tissues again, REALLY. Yep, apparently.
Sister Pact is a book that brings it! But I think the best thing is it was truly an original, in my experience anyway.
Joni and Frances are sisters, at one time inseparable, but all of that changes and we don’t discover why until the end of the book. There are hints, but then there are anti-hints that make you think you are totally off track. This is one set of circumstances that keeps you guessing until the end.
To read my full thoughts: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/sis...
Sister Pact is a book that brings it! But I think the best thing is it was truly an original, in my experience anyway.
Joni and Frances are sisters, at one time inseparable, but all of that changes and we don’t discover why until the end of the book. There are hints, but then there are anti-hints that make you think you are totally off track. This is one set of circumstances that keeps you guessing until the end.
To read my full thoughts: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/sis...
January 6, 2012
Two estranged sisters have to compete and get into the finals of Endurance Island. The show is a mix between Survivor and Big Brother and if they get to the finale, they inherit 1 million pounds each from their Grandmother's surprise estate.
At first I thought this book would be cheesy, as a lot of the books I've read involving the trend of reality shows have been in the past. I think Ali Ahearn and Ros Baxter did well in their portrayal of sisterhood and the things that can damage such a special relationship.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, light beach read.
At first I thought this book would be cheesy, as a lot of the books I've read involving the trend of reality shows have been in the past. I think Ali Ahearn and Ros Baxter did well in their portrayal of sisterhood and the things that can damage such a special relationship.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, light beach read.
June 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this story! Sat down with it after lunch and had it finished before tea, something I haven't done in years... read a book basically in one sitting. Two sisters made to go on a reality TV show as a team in order to receive their Grandmothers inheritance doesn't sound that hard. But Frances and Joni haven't spoken in 7 years and have a lot of hurdles to get over. Enjoyed the easy to read style of the Author and will be looking for more.
Want to read
June 5, 2012Have added this one to my 'to read' pile after reading a great interview with the authors on a friends blog...
http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blo...
Link above if anyone is interested in the interview.
I love that the story is about sisters and was written by sisters.
http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blo...
Link above if anyone is interested in the interview.
I love that the story is about sisters and was written by sisters.
July 12, 2012
A little bit silly and outrageous as the Feuding Heiresses appear on a reality television program so they can mend their relationship and thus win a million pounds each. The premise was a little unbelievable, but there was something about it that kept me lazily turning pages.
February 1, 2013
At first I thought it would be a cheesy chick read, but I ended up hooked!
April 16, 2014
good book, took a little while to get into but a nice read all the same
April 11, 2022
It dragged at times, but had the happy ending.
January 4, 2014
Some books are great and you can read in a few hours. Others feel like they go on forever. This was unfortunately more the latter than the former. I don't, as a rule, watch reality TV and reading a book about it was probably as bad. But I made a pact with myself last year to continue to read the bad in order to appreciate the good all the more.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews