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Letters from My Sister
Bells is always writing to her sister Katie, but Katie never replies. Preoccupied with her glamorous career in fashion, her busy life and her boyfriend Sam, she just doesn’t have the time.
Then Bells announces that she’s coming to stay. She’s not a secret exactly, but . . . Sam doesn’t know she exists.
For Bells doesn’t fit into Katie’s perfect world.
But when Bells does arrive, everything changes for Katie. Perhaps her perfect life isn’t so perfect after all?
Letters From My Sister, originally published as Look the World in the Eye, is a wonderfully funny and moving novel from the bestselling author Alice Peterson.
Then Bells announces that she’s coming to stay. She’s not a secret exactly, but . . . Sam doesn’t know she exists.
For Bells doesn’t fit into Katie’s perfect world.
But when Bells does arrive, everything changes for Katie. Perhaps her perfect life isn’t so perfect after all?
Letters From My Sister, originally published as Look the World in the Eye, is a wonderfully funny and moving novel from the bestselling author Alice Peterson.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2005
33 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Alice Peterson
23 books226 followersAt the age of eighteen Alice had been awarded a tennis scholarship to America when she experienced pain in her right hand. It was rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and she hasn’t picked up a tennis racket since, a sadness that shall always be with her. The theme of disability features in her fiction, but there is nothing gloomy about Alice or her work. Rather this gives her fiction the added dimension of true poignancy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 17, 2025
This wasn’t for me I did enjoy the plot of the book and Katie over coming her past and getting to know her sister but for me I didn’t connect enough to the characters and I wasn’t hooked on the story how I usually would be I think it’s a good it just wasn’t for me I’m sorry the review isn’t longer but overall it wasn’t for me and I’m okay with that 🤍
Quotes I loved:
"You always have your nose in a book,”
“If you look the part, you feel the part...' and you ARE the part,”
“Guess what?' Mark smiles. 'I don't think I love you because I know I do.”
Quotes I loved:
"You always have your nose in a book,”
“If you look the part, you feel the part...' and you ARE the part,”
“Guess what?' Mark smiles. 'I don't think I love you because I know I do.”
September 21, 2015
Letters From My Sister is an enjoyable book of family dynamics, and soul searching, especially for Katie. Katie generally denies that her sister even exists, so when she is forced to have Bells, spend a fortnight with her, in Sam's (her boyfriend) apartment, Katie panics.
Katie had never mentioned her sister to Sam, and even once she knows Bells is going to visit, she has trouble expressing exactly why she is worried. For you see Bells is a wonderful person, but she was born with a cleft palate and a small amount of brain damage.
Katie isn't exactly ashamed of her sister, but it soon becomes apparent how little she knows of her younger sisters life. However it is clear though that during Bell's visit, that Katie needs to do some growing up of her own, and their relationship changes.
Bells is the best character in this book, she brightens up any scene she is in, and is far more complex than she may appear on the surface. Her personality shines through even when the family has problems.
Katie has always had a fractured relationship with her family, until the incident that changes the family dynamic, and how they see each other. We have occasional flashback chapters to Katie's childhood, and they do make us more sympathetic to what it must have been like for her growing up.
I loved this book, and found it touched on a subject that doesn't come up that often in the books I read, and it was fascinating to read. As always Alice Peterson writes an emotive and interesting story that was gentle to read, and one that kept me thinking about it even, when I had to put it down (due to life getting in the way of reading).
Katie had never mentioned her sister to Sam, and even once she knows Bells is going to visit, she has trouble expressing exactly why she is worried. For you see Bells is a wonderful person, but she was born with a cleft palate and a small amount of brain damage.
Katie isn't exactly ashamed of her sister, but it soon becomes apparent how little she knows of her younger sisters life. However it is clear though that during Bell's visit, that Katie needs to do some growing up of her own, and their relationship changes.
Bells is the best character in this book, she brightens up any scene she is in, and is far more complex than she may appear on the surface. Her personality shines through even when the family has problems.
Katie has always had a fractured relationship with her family, until the incident that changes the family dynamic, and how they see each other. We have occasional flashback chapters to Katie's childhood, and they do make us more sympathetic to what it must have been like for her growing up.
I loved this book, and found it touched on a subject that doesn't come up that often in the books I read, and it was fascinating to read. As always Alice Peterson writes an emotive and interesting story that was gentle to read, and one that kept me thinking about it even, when I had to put it down (due to life getting in the way of reading).
February 11, 2011
Yet another one of too many chick lit novels starting to collect dust that finally got read by me. Alice Peterson offers a great premise in her book, but unfortunatelly killed off the potential this story has with her awfully dry and amateurish writing. Seriously, the plot about Katie overcoming her past and getting closer to her disabled sister Bells was a good one, but the characters didn't draw me in or convince me, and that's not just because of the horrible style in which the book presents itself.
Written from first-person perspective, the first quarter of the book started every other sentence with “I” - I'm not joking. While it slowly did get better - maybe the editor was only sleeping during the first part of the book or maybe I just got more used to the writing - I just didn't get the feel of the whole story-line. Granted, Bells came across in a very believable way, but the whole setting simply didn't feel "real" to me, not to mention that the book is genrally lacking likeable characters.
In short: A book that received fantastic ratings on Amazon, so maybe I'm just the wrong kind of reader for it - to each their own!
Written from first-person perspective, the first quarter of the book started every other sentence with “I” - I'm not joking. While it slowly did get better - maybe the editor was only sleeping during the first part of the book or maybe I just got more used to the writing - I just didn't get the feel of the whole story-line. Granted, Bells came across in a very believable way, but the whole setting simply didn't feel "real" to me, not to mention that the book is genrally lacking likeable characters.
In short: A book that received fantastic ratings on Amazon, so maybe I'm just the wrong kind of reader for it - to each their own!
May 26, 2021
Leider konnte mich dieser Roman nicht so recht überzeugen, was daran lag, dass ich mit der Hauptfigur, Katie, lange Zeit nicht warm geworden bin. Im Lauf der Geschichte versteht man ihre Handlungen besser, dennoch ist sie mir die ganze Zeit über ein bisschen unsympathisch geblieben. Trotzdem mochte ich die Entwicklung der Beziehung zwischen Bells und ihr am liebsten, die romantischen Verwicklungen dazu hätte ich nicht gebraucht, vermutlich hätte mir das Buch besser gefallen, hätte es sich nur auf diesen Part fokussiert, also wäre es mehr eine Familiengeschichte geworden als ein Liebesroman. Der Schreibstil konnte mich leider auch nicht so recht überzeugen und was der Titel mit dem Buch zu tun hat, erschließt sich mir nicht. Insgesamt daher leider nur zwei Sterne.
June 25, 2017
Incredibly gripping and unbelievably touching.
A very moving book from start to finish. Your views change as you read the book and the more it grips you, the more you see aspects of yourself in the characters and what they do. Parts of this story really hit home and made me stop and think.
Overall, a brilliant book and I'm excited to read other titles written by Alice Peterson.
A very moving book from start to finish. Your views change as you read the book and the more it grips you, the more you see aspects of yourself in the characters and what they do. Parts of this story really hit home and made me stop and think.
Overall, a brilliant book and I'm excited to read other titles written by Alice Peterson.
May 17, 2025
Katie lives with Sam in London; they don't really talk about their families.
Katie hasn't told him that she has a special needs sister Bells and she's coming to stay.
This book is filled with people's prejudice against differences, friendships, secrets and unconditional love.
I really enjoy Alice's books because her characters are never perfect and she always puts her love of tennis in there.
Katie hasn't told him that she has a special needs sister Bells and she's coming to stay.
This book is filled with people's prejudice against differences, friendships, secrets and unconditional love.
I really enjoy Alice's books because her characters are never perfect and she always puts her love of tennis in there.
September 17, 2017
Not quite chic-lit, a bit more serious . The story of Katie, whose sister Bells has special needs and who Katie has basically avoided all her adult life. When their mother is taken ill Bells comes to stay with Katie and Katie's whole world is turned upside down. A good read.
October 27, 2017
Interesting book for me as my son has special needs
April 7, 2018
Great read
The story covered so many areas of life and the characters were written so well. The story shows that communication is so important, as are relationships.
The story covered so many areas of life and the characters were written so well. The story shows that communication is so important, as are relationships.
August 2, 2018
Leichte Strandliteratur mit vorhersehbarer typisch kitschiger Story...
May 14, 2020
Loved this book. Very easy read with a good story and a very happy ending. I will read more of Alice’s Books
December 17, 2023
Absolutely stunning! This book had me on the verge of tears a few times.
Although without a proper ending, the values of family and character building reflects throughout each individual.
Although without a proper ending, the values of family and character building reflects throughout each individual.
June 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't too sure when I 1st started. It is a nice read and I would look forward to reading it.
April 5, 2025
ist das erste buch seit langem das mich echt gefrsselt hat
June 12, 2025
had a wee bit of a iffy start but the story picked up rly well 😁😁
September 21, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
November 21, 2025
Boring. Dnf.
October 25, 2016
I started off thinking this book was a bit of a light fluffy read (although totally enjoyable in that context). As time went on, I realised that it is far more than that and it tackles a theme which is still difficult in society - that of learning disability and people's attitudes to it, including those of the family. For me, with a daughter who is affected, it became an interesting read. I did feel there were inconsistencies, however - when Bells comes to London she is supervised only by the train guard. When she returns to Wales 2 weeks' later, someone from the community came to meet her. She was also sent out by Katie from the shop to buy bits and pieces in an unfamiliar neighbourhood but at other times, seemed to need a lot more close supervision. Despite these inconsistencies, I hope the book will have made readers think about the issue. Beyond this, we seemed to be heading for a predictable end - Katie realises that Sam is not for her and then ends up with Mr Nice Guy, Mark. I became more impressed when we are told that Mark has a girlfriend. we seemed to be heading for a big resolution at the end (which after the twist I was ready for) when suddenly the book ends... almost as if a final chapter is missing ... I am left wondering if there is a follow up, without necessarily wanting a whole another book ... just a final chapter.
December 3, 2016
I picked up the book in my library expecting it to be easy chick-lit. I wouldn’t call it easy romance book although there is romance involved. The most important part was about Katie and her relationship with her sister Bells. It happens that my friends have a kid who is the same special kid just like Bells. He does not have a sister but when reading a book I was thinking: what his life would be if he would have such sister/brother? I know how his parents struggle in life so the book was even more interesting for me. I don’t see many books touching the subject of such differently born siblings.
I assume that the author aim was to focus on romance theme. However Katie and Bells relationships outshines everything.
Five stars for the main theme (even if there is not many letters mentioned in the title) and three stars for a little bit washed out romance idea.
I assume that the author aim was to focus on romance theme. However Katie and Bells relationships outshines everything.
Five stars for the main theme (even if there is not many letters mentioned in the title) and three stars for a little bit washed out romance idea.
November 16, 2020
This is an excellent and thought-provoking story about a young woman called Katie who is caught up in the fashion world. She gradually comes to terms with her past, learns to love her disabled sister, and discovers what really matters in life.
Well-written, mostly believable people, and some thought-provoking storylines. Definitely recommended.
(Note that this was later re-published with a less relevant title, 'Letters from my Sister', and my edition of that has the last ten pages missing.)
Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Well-written, mostly believable people, and some thought-provoking storylines. Definitely recommended.
(Note that this was later re-published with a less relevant title, 'Letters from my Sister', and my edition of that has the last ten pages missing.)
Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
April 9, 2013
Another gift, read in just a couple of days while struck down with my latest London cold.
This book was a welcome relief after a string of pretty crappy reads. It follows Katie, a fashion designer blessed with a spunky boyfriend and dream job... and a secret sister. Bells is disabled, and Katie's been ignoring her for years. But when she comes to stay, that all changes.
Really, this was lovely.
Chick Liveability: Not much for me to take from this one - I'm already a sucker for family. In fact, the thing I most coveted in this one was the pimping Notting Hill flat Katie shares with her not-so-perfect boyfriend. Oh dear... maybe I've missed the point.
mychicklitlife.com
This book was a welcome relief after a string of pretty crappy reads. It follows Katie, a fashion designer blessed with a spunky boyfriend and dream job... and a secret sister. Bells is disabled, and Katie's been ignoring her for years. But when she comes to stay, that all changes.
Really, this was lovely.
Chick Liveability: Not much for me to take from this one - I'm already a sucker for family. In fact, the thing I most coveted in this one was the pimping Notting Hill flat Katie shares with her not-so-perfect boyfriend. Oh dear... maybe I've missed the point.
mychicklitlife.com
January 21, 2017
Katie does not want to think of Bells in her eyes. Ever since her sister was born with a deformed face, and is mentally challenged, she believes her parents have focused all their attention on her. Katie being the lucky one, could not be demanding. She makes her way in the world and is successfully running a boutique, in love with her banker boyfriend Sam, in their minimalist apartment. Having to host Bells for a fortnight changes the dynamics of her life.
In the story, Katie has to reassess her relationship, her need to conform, accept and come to cherish her little sister, meet Mark and find a balance in her relationship with her mother.
In the story, Katie has to reassess her relationship, her need to conform, accept and come to cherish her little sister, meet Mark and find a balance in her relationship with her mother.
September 20, 2008
Uma história comovente de uma familia que se redescobre por conta das adversidades que a vida por vezes nos trás.
Katie acabou por descobrir que a aparencia é o que menos importa e que olhando nos olhos da sua irmã ela descobria o Amor verdadeiro que sentia por ela, mas mais que tudo aprendeu a Olhar nos Olhos... a encarar as descrimnições das pessoas em relação às pessoas com algum tipo de deficiência.
É triste é sabermos que há discriminações a todos os minutos!
Este é um daqueles livros que aconselho a todos.
Vou ficar atenta a outras publicações da autora.
Katie acabou por descobrir que a aparencia é o que menos importa e que olhando nos olhos da sua irmã ela descobria o Amor verdadeiro que sentia por ela, mas mais que tudo aprendeu a Olhar nos Olhos... a encarar as descrimnições das pessoas em relação às pessoas com algum tipo de deficiência.
É triste é sabermos que há discriminações a todos os minutos!
Este é um daqueles livros que aconselho a todos.
Vou ficar atenta a outras publicações da autora.
September 20, 2011
The cover may suggest an easy girlie book but this is so much more and has a depth to it that isn't immediately obvious.
It is written in a beautiful, descriptive style with wonderful, endearing characters, Bells is definitely not a stereotype disabled person.
As with any of Alice's books, the style is as if you are being brought into the story, like a fly on the wall. Combined with an entrancing story, a great depth of character development and you've got a really great piece of literature - I really really enjoyed this book!
It is written in a beautiful, descriptive style with wonderful, endearing characters, Bells is definitely not a stereotype disabled person.
As with any of Alice's books, the style is as if you are being brought into the story, like a fly on the wall. Combined with an entrancing story, a great depth of character development and you've got a really great piece of literature - I really really enjoyed this book!
January 9, 2013
This is the first book that I have read by Alice Peterson and I must say I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the way the author wrote about some serious issues yet still managed to have plenty of humour in the story which had me laughing out loud at times. This is a easy book to read with just the right amount of romance, and humour! Would highly recommend!
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the way the author wrote about some serious issues yet still managed to have plenty of humour in the story which had me laughing out loud at times. This is a easy book to read with just the right amount of romance, and humour! Would highly recommend!
January 19, 2013
A story of how having a sister who's different, can rule you life, depending how you deal with it. Katie doesn't cope well and has a lot of thinking and realization to do when her sister comes to stay. But also in the story is family and relationships. Alice Peterson touches many subjects that are hard to deal with, but she does it brilliantly. Each character is so realistic, there is probably a family like it in your town. I enjoyed this book and felt privileged to get to know Katie and Bell.
March 27, 2015
Die geistig leicht behinderte Bells kommt für 2 Wochen zu Besuch zur großen Schwester ins "glitzernde" London. Dort stellt sie den Alltag von Katie natürlich auf den Kopf, hilft ihr damit aber auch eine wichtige Erkenntnis zu haben.
Die Geschichte der beiden Schwestern fand ich gut. Die romantischen Verwicklungen und Verzwickungen etwas zu kontruiert. Trotzdem alles schön geschrieben und angenehm zu lesen.
Die Geschichte der beiden Schwestern fand ich gut. Die romantischen Verwicklungen und Verzwickungen etwas zu kontruiert. Trotzdem alles schön geschrieben und angenehm zu lesen.
May 20, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. It was daring to write from the point of view of an embarrassed sister struggling with her siblings difficulties. To watch Katie grow through understanding Belle more was a treat to read. I loved how much Katie changed from start to finish. In finding herself, she lost herself and it was spectacular. Loved loved loved it!
June 19, 2013
This was one of my favorite books, although I can't quite remember now after five years(that is how long it has been since I read the book).
This is one of those books that portray reality and teaches you a meaningful life lesson. Worth a read.
This is merely my opinion.
This is one of those books that portray reality and teaches you a meaningful life lesson. Worth a read.
This is merely my opinion.
July 31, 2009
really touching
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews