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The Five Sisters
Five sisters embark on a journey to a new home, to Brighton, where Mary's (the eldest) fiancee lives. Having lost both their parents and being left practically destitute, the girls have no money to secure passage on a cruise ship. Fortunately, an old school friend of their father's, Charlie, owns a small ship and offers the sisters free passage on his ship, in exchange for light cooking and housekeeping duties. The girls gloomily embark on the small ship for a 3-month voyage along with Charlie, 16 sailors, and an invalid, changing their lives forever.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2013
85 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 29, 2014
I would have given this story three stars but the lack of good grammar simply couldn't be overlooked. As a writer, I can't help but to be fickle about sentence structure and having a book be a masterpiece once it is published.
This book was very predictable and not exciting enough for me. Although, if you enjoy books with happy endings, you may want to give it a go. All of our tastes are quite different here but I won't be recommending this book.
This book was very predictable and not exciting enough for me. Although, if you enjoy books with happy endings, you may want to give it a go. All of our tastes are quite different here but I won't be recommending this book.
June 23, 2013
This was a nice story, but it read like it had been written by a schoolgirl in an (untimed!) creative writing exam, in a rush and never being proofread. The amount of typing errors and spelling and grammar mistakes was unbelievable, I've never seen so many in a published book before! And it was overly long and drawn out, with a fair bit of repetitiveness. I was surprised when the sea journey ended only halfway through the book, most of the rest was pointless, especially the epilogue where we are told all the details of the rest of the characters' lives, and their childrens'! Readers need to be left something to their imagination!
So overall a lot of bad points unfortunately. It had potential to be a nice cosy little story but it was in desperate need of a severe edit I'm afraid!
So overall a lot of bad points unfortunately. It had potential to be a nice cosy little story but it was in desperate need of a severe edit I'm afraid!
January 7, 2015
Enjoyable story, however, in the era that this book was supposedly written, I don't think the words "jerk" and "geek" had even been used or even heard of yet? Let alone "chocolate chips" and "peanut butter"? Also, the constant misuse of the word "your" instead of the correct "you're" wanted me to get my red pencil out and I'm not even a teacher. Either the writer had a terrible proof-reader or this book was translated by someone. Sorry, I'm not usually this critical.
May 17, 2014
I disliked the writing and the story did not move. I only read about a third of the book and stopped reading.
April 13, 2013
Just too many errors! Badly constructed sentences, incorrect word usage.
I really tried, but I am afraid the countless errors prevented me from getting involved with the characters or the story. This is another self-published book with a good plot idea, but poor execution.
I really tried, but I am afraid the countless errors prevented me from getting involved with the characters or the story. This is another self-published book with a good plot idea, but poor execution.
December 3, 2019
I absolutely loved this story. It read and wrapped up like a nice cup of hot tea. I added it to my Christmas reading because the happiest of moments came in the Christmas season in the book. I read this on my kindle.
May 25, 2014
It needed more proof/editing but enjoyable book
September 30, 2017
This is one of those books I found on my Kindle - as I don't recall buying it I know it must have been free from Amazon at some point. That means this is a self-published author, and that automatically means I don't expect writing in the same category of say... Martin, or Tolkien, or Rowling.
It was good that I didn't expect writing of that calibre as this book is positively riddled with typos and poor grammar. I do wish self-publishers could at least get a proper editor to try and avoid some of these issues...
The story is rather (incredibly) cliched and there was very little that surprised me in this. The pairings were pretty typical, and obvious, as were the endings for those pairings. As other reviews have said, the epilogue is, perhaps, unnecessary. It is nice sometimes to imagine what comes after the book ends rather than be shown it, so I fall into the camp of not requiring it - but others may disagree.
Also, I struggled with this book and understanding when exactly it was set. They rely on horses for travel on land, and the boat the girls are on is clearly a sailboat of some description. One would therefore assume this is set pre-1900, but some of the language used would date it later than this.
I will say though, that the characters were rather more well-rounded than might be expected. Yes, they had their stereotypes, but each of them had some depth to them which helped make this book more readable.
I wouldn't say that this is a terrible book but it isn't an amazing one either. It killed some time on the train and on my lunches, so for a free book you can't really ask for more.
It was good that I didn't expect writing of that calibre as this book is positively riddled with typos and poor grammar. I do wish self-publishers could at least get a proper editor to try and avoid some of these issues...
The story is rather (incredibly) cliched and there was very little that surprised me in this. The pairings were pretty typical, and obvious, as were the endings for those pairings. As other reviews have said, the epilogue is, perhaps, unnecessary. It is nice sometimes to imagine what comes after the book ends rather than be shown it, so I fall into the camp of not requiring it - but others may disagree.
Also, I struggled with this book and understanding when exactly it was set. They rely on horses for travel on land, and the boat the girls are on is clearly a sailboat of some description. One would therefore assume this is set pre-1900, but some of the language used would date it later than this.
I will say though, that the characters were rather more well-rounded than might be expected. Yes, they had their stereotypes, but each of them had some depth to them which helped make this book more readable.
I wouldn't say that this is a terrible book but it isn't an amazing one either. It killed some time on the train and on my lunches, so for a free book you can't really ask for more.
November 2, 2019
Enjoyed the storyline but felt the pace was a little slow, ended up reading the book quickly just to finish.
I found the ambiguity around the time period in which the book was set a little confusing which, while not detracting, did stop me feeling immersed fully in the story.
I found the ambiguity around the time period in which the book was set a little confusing which, while not detracting, did stop me feeling immersed fully in the story.
August 6, 2012
Five sisters embark on a journey to a new home, to Brighton, where Mary's (the eldest) fiancee lives. Having lost both their parents and being left practically destitute, the girls have no money to secure passage on a cruise ship. Fortunately, an old school friend of their father's, Charlie, owns a small ship and offers the sisters free passage on his ship, in exchange for light cooking and housekeeping duties. The girls gloomily embark on the small ship for a 3-month voyage along with Charlie, 16 sailors, and an invalid, changing their lives forever.
Mary is the oldest (at 21), and the most beautiful. She is also flirty and coy, and practically every sailor on the ship is enamored with her. Her fiancee recently left for Brighton to begin school to become a doctor. During her absence from him, she questions their love and doubts her choice to marry him.
Sara is practical and bookish. She is neither flirtatious nor romantic. She falls in love with a man she never expected and has to fight for her love, while keeping everyone else together.
Nora is a hopeless romantic. She instantly falls for the most gorgeous man on board (Ben) and desperately tries to gain his attentions through her schemes, never suspecting there's another on board who looks at her the same way she looks at Ben.
Emy is sweet and shy. Painfully bashful, she harbors a deep love for a man who has no idea of her affection. Although the sisters are so close they know almost everything about each other, she can't bring herself to confess her love to them. Will she ever win the heart of the man she desires? Will she be able to overcome her quiet nature to reach out to him?
Gail, the youngest, is the wild one of the crew. She turns 15 on the ship, and she is always seeking adventure on the high seas. She finds adventure of a sort when she meets a young man hidden away in a room by himself. Just when she's made a true friend, his health begins to deteriorate and she's faced with losing her patient.
I was pleasantly surprised with this thrilling adventure. The only part I wasn't thrilled with was the epilogue. It attempted to summarize the future of each sister, and the details provided did not really add anything to the story. The girls' stories are heartwarming, and the romances are clean. At the beginning, it was sometimes hard for me to follow the quick transitions as the story shifts from one character's perspective to another's. However, as I became more engaged in the story, these shifts did not bother me.
Be forewarned: This book is addictive. I began reading it one evening and stayed up into the early morning hours to finish it. That's how engrossing it was. I can't decide which sister's story I enjoyed more. Because the book covers all 5 sisters, it moves very quickly. I expected to not become "attached" to any character, feeling it must show a great lack of character development in not having a singular heroine. That is not the case. While some elements do remain somewhat superficial, I quite enjoyed the unique storytelling and eagerly look forward to enjoying any future works by this author.
Mary is the oldest (at 21), and the most beautiful. She is also flirty and coy, and practically every sailor on the ship is enamored with her. Her fiancee recently left for Brighton to begin school to become a doctor. During her absence from him, she questions their love and doubts her choice to marry him.
Sara is practical and bookish. She is neither flirtatious nor romantic. She falls in love with a man she never expected and has to fight for her love, while keeping everyone else together.
Nora is a hopeless romantic. She instantly falls for the most gorgeous man on board (Ben) and desperately tries to gain his attentions through her schemes, never suspecting there's another on board who looks at her the same way she looks at Ben.
Emy is sweet and shy. Painfully bashful, she harbors a deep love for a man who has no idea of her affection. Although the sisters are so close they know almost everything about each other, she can't bring herself to confess her love to them. Will she ever win the heart of the man she desires? Will she be able to overcome her quiet nature to reach out to him?
Gail, the youngest, is the wild one of the crew. She turns 15 on the ship, and she is always seeking adventure on the high seas. She finds adventure of a sort when she meets a young man hidden away in a room by himself. Just when she's made a true friend, his health begins to deteriorate and she's faced with losing her patient.
I was pleasantly surprised with this thrilling adventure. The only part I wasn't thrilled with was the epilogue. It attempted to summarize the future of each sister, and the details provided did not really add anything to the story. The girls' stories are heartwarming, and the romances are clean. At the beginning, it was sometimes hard for me to follow the quick transitions as the story shifts from one character's perspective to another's. However, as I became more engaged in the story, these shifts did not bother me.
Be forewarned: This book is addictive. I began reading it one evening and stayed up into the early morning hours to finish it. That's how engrossing it was. I can't decide which sister's story I enjoyed more. Because the book covers all 5 sisters, it moves very quickly. I expected to not become "attached" to any character, feeling it must show a great lack of character development in not having a singular heroine. That is not the case. While some elements do remain somewhat superficial, I quite enjoyed the unique storytelling and eagerly look forward to enjoying any future works by this author.
May 8, 2013
3.5/5
"Five sisters" was an enjoyable read. I completely understood when other readers wrote in their reviews that the book was way too long, but I thought that if it did not contain so many chapters, the stories of all five sisters would not have been complete.
A lot of times, "Five Sisters" reminded me of "Little Women" (and yes I am aware of the fact that there are only four sisters in Little Women) due to some of the girls' personalities. However, it was still a very unique, happy, and a lovely read.
"Five sisters" was an enjoyable read. I completely understood when other readers wrote in their reviews that the book was way too long, but I thought that if it did not contain so many chapters, the stories of all five sisters would not have been complete.
A lot of times, "Five Sisters" reminded me of "Little Women" (and yes I am aware of the fact that there are only four sisters in Little Women) due to some of the girls' personalities. However, it was still a very unique, happy, and a lovely read.
July 19, 2015
Wow!
I loved this book. It truly was great from start to finish. This was a quick read as I could not put it down. Leen Elle did a great job describing the lives and personalities of the five sisters and keeping up with them all! Quite a task I'd say as they were so very different and led such different lives. Looking for another Elle book to read as soon as I finish writing this review! :)
I loved this book. It truly was great from start to finish. This was a quick read as I could not put it down. Leen Elle did a great job describing the lives and personalities of the five sisters and keeping up with them all! Quite a task I'd say as they were so very different and led such different lives. Looking for another Elle book to read as soon as I finish writing this review! :)
April 10, 2013
Five Sisters was an enjoyable book.
Five separate stories all wrapped into one, but with enough individual detail to make each one memorable in it's own right while still staying connected.
The book reminds me of a gathering with old friends, catching up and sharing stories.
It was wholesome, yet romantic.
Overall, a very nice story and I heartily recommend it.
Five separate stories all wrapped into one, but with enough individual detail to make each one memorable in it's own right while still staying connected.
The book reminds me of a gathering with old friends, catching up and sharing stories.
It was wholesome, yet romantic.
Overall, a very nice story and I heartily recommend it.
September 24, 2013
Five sisters end up on a ship as cooks and general dogsbodies as the only way to get to their new home. It is a journey both literally and emotionally as they are faced with challenges and hardships along the way as well as romance.
This book is a good story and you really invest in the characters some of whom are very much larger than life.
Definitely would recommend it
This book is a good story and you really invest in the characters some of whom are very much larger than life.
Definitely would recommend it
May 13, 2014
super long. too many characters. I think after they boarded the ship the story could have broken off into separate books for the different sisters. I liked the story tho. I admit tho, I ended up skipping to the epilogue just to see how it all ended. I never do that, this was just too long for me I guess.
April 16, 2015
Easy read. A story of 5 sisters around their eventful life. Their life was tragic in the beginning but ended with love in the end. I really liked how the author chose a section at the end of book discussing the future for each sister. Only issue was misspelled words and sentences not put together well but only towards the end of the book.
August 29, 2014
Five Sisters Five Tumultuous Life Journies
Five Sisters Five Tumultuous Life Journies
Jump on enjoy the ride up and down. Adventures by sea and land hold you in suspense and intense emotional drama
worth every word.
Five Sisters Five Tumultuous Life Journies
Jump on enjoy the ride up and down. Adventures by sea and land hold you in suspense and intense emotional drama
worth every word.
February 7, 2015
Poorly written but cute
The story was charming but overall it was poorly written. Too many contradicting situations, like cold outside nearly Christmas time but lilacs on the secretary's desk. I wondered if it was ever edited?
The story was charming but overall it was poorly written. Too many contradicting situations, like cold outside nearly Christmas time but lilacs on the secretary's desk. I wondered if it was ever edited?
January 25, 2016
One of the most boring books I have ever read. 5 sisters take a voyabe on a cargo ship and have the most dull advantures ( I hesitate to use this word which implies that they was at least some excitement.). I skimmed the last third of the book. What a waste.
August 6, 2012
Four love stories are interwoven together in this book. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I look forward to reading another book by this author.
April 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were likable and the plot line was interesting. Although the ending was a little sad, it was a great read overall.
May 29, 2013
I rather enjoyed this book. I like how each girl has her own individual story yet they are all intertwined. it is worth the read.
Want to read
August 21, 2013leaving this one......maybe later
March 16, 2014
Very long with way too many useless details! Good story though!
January 29, 2015
Sorry.
This book was so boring I could hardly make I through. Don't bother. I don't have anything left to say.
This book was so boring I could hardly make I through. Don't bother. I don't have anything left to say.
February 21, 2018
Awful read. Poorly written, in dire need of an editor - many errors in spelling, punctuation, etc. Do not recommend. One of the few books I did not finish.
December 10, 2015
Sweet
Sweet and touching a good read as you get wrapped up in their hopes and dream's you can't help but root for Sara and the other girls
Sweet and touching a good read as you get wrapped up in their hopes and dream's you can't help but root for Sara and the other girls
January 16, 2016
Loved this book even with all the grammer and edit mistakes. All the characters and story lines were very interesting the book kept you wanting to know more.
December 9, 2016
Enjoyed the story of following the 5 sisters on their journey BUT the main issue was the spelling and grammatical errors.
Want to read
April 9, 2012Kindle Freebie 4.9.12... Cover help anyone? lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews