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Sisters in a Small Town #2
Hanging On
Loving your sisters is easy. Watching them hurt is painful.
“…small town romance with wonderful characters. lots of drama and tons of love. It is women's fiction at its finest.”
According to everyone in her small town, Maggie Skatt was born to be a mother.
The Skatt sisters didn’t have a traditional upbringing: abandoned by their father, Maggie fought to keep the family together after the death of their mother. She raised her four sisters even after a teenage pregnancy and an early marriage gave her five daughters of her own. But through the challenges and sacrifices, Maggie always had Mike right there beside her.
When the unthinkable happens, Maggie is blindsided with grief. Heartbroken, she finds comfort at the family home and in her talks with Mike’s ghost, but soon the list of things she can’t bring herself to tell him begins to add up: things like grandbabies, their daughters’ teenage romances and nearly getting fired from work.
And Maggie can't find the way to tell Mike about the return of Ben Higgins, because how do you tell the ghost of your dead husband you want a second chance at love with another man?
But you can tell your sisters, and with Cat, Brenna, and Kayleigh’s help, Maggie might just be able to hang on and move on from the loss.
Hanging On is the second of the Sisters in a Small town series, heartwarming stories about love and loss and having sisters to pull you through.
“…small town romance with wonderful characters. lots of drama and tons of love. It is women's fiction at its finest.”
According to everyone in her small town, Maggie Skatt was born to be a mother.
The Skatt sisters didn’t have a traditional upbringing: abandoned by their father, Maggie fought to keep the family together after the death of their mother. She raised her four sisters even after a teenage pregnancy and an early marriage gave her five daughters of her own. But through the challenges and sacrifices, Maggie always had Mike right there beside her.
When the unthinkable happens, Maggie is blindsided with grief. Heartbroken, she finds comfort at the family home and in her talks with Mike’s ghost, but soon the list of things she can’t bring herself to tell him begins to add up: things like grandbabies, their daughters’ teenage romances and nearly getting fired from work.
And Maggie can't find the way to tell Mike about the return of Ben Higgins, because how do you tell the ghost of your dead husband you want a second chance at love with another man?
But you can tell your sisters, and with Cat, Brenna, and Kayleigh’s help, Maggie might just be able to hang on and move on from the loss.
Hanging On is the second of the Sisters in a Small town series, heartwarming stories about love and loss and having sisters to pull you through.
- GenresRomance
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2019
576 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Holly Kerr
60 books254 followersHolly Kerr wants everyone to have a happily ever after, full of fun banter and friends to talk about it with.
She’s a lover of water, wine, and dirty martinis, prefers beach to mountain, Star Wars over Star Trek, and really wishes she liked chocolate.
She writes fast-paced, sweet romantic comedy with the door shut, action chick lit about sassy Canadian super spies, and women’s fiction about families and small towns.
Find out more when you sign up for her newsletter, and get a taste with Cupcake Connections, a short story featuring some of her favorite characters. www.hollykerr.ca
She’s a lover of water, wine, and dirty martinis, prefers beach to mountain, Star Wars over Star Trek, and really wishes she liked chocolate.
She writes fast-paced, sweet romantic comedy with the door shut, action chick lit about sassy Canadian super spies, and women’s fiction about families and small towns.
Find out more when you sign up for her newsletter, and get a taste with Cupcake Connections, a short story featuring some of her favorite characters. www.hollykerr.ca
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 6, 2020
This story focuses on Maggie, the oldest Skatt sister. She lost Mike and now finds comfort in talking to his ghost. There is so much going on in her life and somethings are hard to say. The kids are growing and life is getting complicated. I enjoyed this heartwarming story as her sisters are there to help her through it all. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2025
Hanging On is the second book in Kerr's Sisters in a Small Town series about the Skatt sisters. This book features eldest daughter Maggie Monroe, two years after Coming Home, the first book in the series.
I was not expecting the book to start with letting readers know that Mike, her beloved husband of 27 years, had recently passed away. While dealing with the pain and grief which accompanies her loss, she still remains steadfast. Maggie has always been like a mother to her sisters, ever since she was a young girl, and she has five daughters of her own, all of whom rely on her. She cannot fall apart; she needs to remain strong for them. What she can do though is talk to Mike's ghost at Cat & Brenna's B&B. What she won't do though is fall apart in front of her family.
When Maggie crosses paths with Ben Higgins, an old friend who has recently returned to Forest Hills. Ben offers Maggie a listening ear and strong shoulders which are ready for her whenever needed. Ben is a widower and can understand Maggie's pain more than most. He remains in her corner, lending support, as Maggie struggles to deal with her feeling following her Mike's passing.
Maggie is a little surprised and flattered when she learns Ben is offering more than friendship, if she is interested. She is, but is it too soon? What would Mike think? How would her daughters react?
As Maggie endeavours to navigate this new world as the sole parent and provider for her children, she continues to be challenged by life's surprises. It is said that life never gives you more than you can handle however Maggie may have hit her limit.
Maggie's is a story of strength and perseverance. She is an incredibly strong woman - the matriarch of her family. Everything she does is for her loved ones so it was beautiful to see her put herself first a couple of times.
This was another heartwarming and enjoyable read by Kerr. I'm looking forward to the third and final book in this series, Stepping Up, which looks to be Kayleigh's and Dory's story.
I was not expecting the book to start with letting readers know that Mike, her beloved husband of 27 years, had recently passed away. While dealing with the pain and grief which accompanies her loss, she still remains steadfast. Maggie has always been like a mother to her sisters, ever since she was a young girl, and she has five daughters of her own, all of whom rely on her. She cannot fall apart; she needs to remain strong for them. What she can do though is talk to Mike's ghost at Cat & Brenna's B&B. What she won't do though is fall apart in front of her family.
When Maggie crosses paths with Ben Higgins, an old friend who has recently returned to Forest Hills. Ben offers Maggie a listening ear and strong shoulders which are ready for her whenever needed. Ben is a widower and can understand Maggie's pain more than most. He remains in her corner, lending support, as Maggie struggles to deal with her feeling following her Mike's passing.
Maggie is a little surprised and flattered when she learns Ben is offering more than friendship, if she is interested. She is, but is it too soon? What would Mike think? How would her daughters react?
As Maggie endeavours to navigate this new world as the sole parent and provider for her children, she continues to be challenged by life's surprises. It is said that life never gives you more than you can handle however Maggie may have hit her limit.
Maggie's is a story of strength and perseverance. She is an incredibly strong woman - the matriarch of her family. Everything she does is for her loved ones so it was beautiful to see her put herself first a couple of times.
This was another heartwarming and enjoyable read by Kerr. I'm looking forward to the third and final book in this series, Stepping Up, which looks to be Kayleigh's and Dory's story.
January 15, 2020
Grief, Keeping It Together, and Movin On
As one of five sisters myself, I'm always drawn to books that are about large families in general as well as books about those with all daughters. This is a lovely, heartfelt read. Maggie, the protagonist, is burying her husband when the book opens. How can we not empathize with her? The book deals with the ramifications of this for Maggie and her family. She is one of five sisters, one who has been the mother figure to her younger siblings. She has five daughters herself, most of whom seem to have issues themselves, not all related to the death of their father. This book is about handling grief and moving on as well as complex family dynamics, which are even more complicated after the death of a key family member. I found the women to be believable and relatable, though there were so many women that I had a hard time keeping them all straight. If you like books about strong women and complicated family issues, you will most likely enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
As one of five sisters myself, I'm always drawn to books that are about large families in general as well as books about those with all daughters. This is a lovely, heartfelt read. Maggie, the protagonist, is burying her husband when the book opens. How can we not empathize with her? The book deals with the ramifications of this for Maggie and her family. She is one of five sisters, one who has been the mother figure to her younger siblings. She has five daughters herself, most of whom seem to have issues themselves, not all related to the death of their father. This book is about handling grief and moving on as well as complex family dynamics, which are even more complicated after the death of a key family member. I found the women to be believable and relatable, though there were so many women that I had a hard time keeping them all straight. If you like books about strong women and complicated family issues, you will most likely enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
November 3, 2019
Hanging On is a delightful and warm book about family heartbreak and new beginnings.
Maggie's family life is complicated. She lost her beloved husband 8 months ago, her eldest daughter is pregnant from a man who is not her husband, her other daughter is dating a man twice her age, her long-lost sister has returned with a frightening announcement, and she has quit her job of 30 years. With her volatile household in chaos will she be able to hold it together and find happiness in a widower's arms, or will her sisters have to pick up the pieces?
Ms. Kerr's story of a multi-generational family in turmoil is believable and full of love and drama as only sisters create.
This is book 2 of the Sisters in a Small Town series and can be read on its own, and I definitely plan to read more books by Ms. Kerr. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Ms. Kerr for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Maggie's family life is complicated. She lost her beloved husband 8 months ago, her eldest daughter is pregnant from a man who is not her husband, her other daughter is dating a man twice her age, her long-lost sister has returned with a frightening announcement, and she has quit her job of 30 years. With her volatile household in chaos will she be able to hold it together and find happiness in a widower's arms, or will her sisters have to pick up the pieces?
Ms. Kerr's story of a multi-generational family in turmoil is believable and full of love and drama as only sisters create.
This is book 2 of the Sisters in a Small Town series and can be read on its own, and I definitely plan to read more books by Ms. Kerr. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Ms. Kerr for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectation of a positive review.
December 24, 2019
This is the first book I've read from this author but it will not be the last
Hanging On is a well written book about family and what happens. How we grieve when we loose the head of our family. But also how we are given another chance at love and life. It stays true to redheads. Did I feel bad for Maggie yes but also saw strong of a woman she is not only for her children or sisters but for herself. We all have that one sister who gets under your skin anytime their around
I receive books for free from the author or publisher and freely give of my honest opinion of the book. This book is a keeper
Hanging On is a well written book about family and what happens. How we grieve when we loose the head of our family. But also how we are given another chance at love and life. It stays true to redheads. Did I feel bad for Maggie yes but also saw strong of a woman she is not only for her children or sisters but for herself. We all have that one sister who gets under your skin anytime their around
I receive books for free from the author or publisher and freely give of my honest opinion of the book. This book is a keeper
December 26, 2020
I enjoy this series because the people are so real. They fight and bicker, hold grudges, and make big mistakes. But in the end they pull together because...they're sisters. I see many parallels to my own life in these stories.
I remember in school, hitting another girl because she picked on my sister. When my sister was surprised I stood up for her, I said "You're my sister. I can do whatever I want to you, but nobody else better hurt you." It made perfect sense to me at the time and, in a way, still does. This book series gives me the same feeling. I'm looking forward to the third book, and hope there will be more.
I remember in school, hitting another girl because she picked on my sister. When my sister was surprised I stood up for her, I said "You're my sister. I can do whatever I want to you, but nobody else better hurt you." It made perfect sense to me at the time and, in a way, still does. This book series gives me the same feeling. I'm looking forward to the third book, and hope there will be more.
March 8, 2019
This is the second book about the Skatt sisters and in this story you learn more about newly widowed Maggie who has to take care of her 5 girls alone now. She will overcome quite some drama with her oldest pregnant daughter, the old guy her other daughter dates, her job situation, her sister Dory showing up again and maybe the chance of a new love ahead.
I loved Maggie's story and can't wait to read more about this family in fall.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
I loved Maggie's story and can't wait to read more about this family in fall.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2019
This is the second book in the series and just like the first, I love love it!
Life couldn’t get any worse for Debby after the death of her husband. She was saddled with the responsibility of caring for their five children who were squabbling half the time.
She also had to deal with her eldest daughter’s marital issues, her sister coming back and finding her real mother.
In the midst of this, she sort of finds solace in the arms of another widower.
Hanging on is an interesting read about love, family, siblings rivalry and responsibilities. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Life couldn’t get any worse for Debby after the death of her husband. She was saddled with the responsibility of caring for their five children who were squabbling half the time.
She also had to deal with her eldest daughter’s marital issues, her sister coming back and finding her real mother.
In the midst of this, she sort of finds solace in the arms of another widower.
Hanging on is an interesting read about love, family, siblings rivalry and responsibilities. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
November 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, not realizing that it was the second in a series until after I finished reading. I will now have to get the first. I stayed up way too late last night reading, not because it felt urgent to finish, just because I was enjoying this family. Maggie may not have been coping quite as good as she thought 8 months after the death of her beloved husband, but honestly when you are barely hanging on you usually do not have time to step back and evaluate life. Family may complicate life, but it is good to know they have your back.
February 2, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Holly Kerr; she has done an great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2019
This book is Maggie's story, and unfortunately between book 1 and this one, her husband passed away. This is just the start of the big changes for Maggie. Her daughter is heavily pregnant and has come home, Dory returns to town (as secretive as ever), she runs into man she knew a lifetime ago and could possibly really like, and she discovers more about her birth mother.
This is another emotional read, but ultimately leaves you feeling happy. I look forward to reading Dory and Kayleigh's stories next. Love these books!
This is another emotional read, but ultimately leaves you feeling happy. I look forward to reading Dory and Kayleigh's stories next. Love these books!
June 21, 2019
Absolutely loved this book. The second book in the series is as good if not even better than the first. These girls feel like family to me now and can't wait to read some more about these wonderful sisters.
Maggie's story was so easy to relate to and shows how even the most responsible and good people can reach the end of their patience and lose it once in a while.
Looking forward to the next book.
Maggie's story was so easy to relate to and shows how even the most responsible and good people can reach the end of their patience and lose it once in a while.
Looking forward to the next book.
November 30, 2019
Still riding the high of "Coming Home" (Book 1), I was absolutely gutted when the first page of "Hanging On" was at Mike's funeral... 😭 (Thanks for messing with my head, Holly!). I was so sad for Maggie and the girls, even moreso as a mother of 5 girls.
What an emotional story with realistic outbursts from a grief-stricken widow. I also liked the lead-in to Book 3... I don't hate Dory anymore. Heh heh.
NB I received an ARC copy (thanks!).
What an emotional story with realistic outbursts from a grief-stricken widow. I also liked the lead-in to Book 3... I don't hate Dory anymore. Heh heh.
NB I received an ARC copy (thanks!).
November 30, 2019
Maggie’s life felt apart eight months ago when her husband Mike died in a work accident. And now her sister Addison is pregnant but the baby is not from her husband. While working at FoodMart, Ben, an old friend from high school back in town, ask her on a date. Is she ready to go on with her life? Will her daughters be ok with Ben? A powerful life and love’s story. I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
May 7, 2020
You feel all the emotions while reading this story. There's sadness, happiness, family drama and learning how to move on. The characters are easy to relate to as they each deal with their own issues with what is going on in their lives. You'll find yourself laughing one moment and crying the next and then laughing again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2020
In this, the second book of the series, we find the story of Maggie. Her husband Mike has died and after 8 months she thinks she is doing fine. But underneath it all, she is lost and devastated and barely hanging on. Her 4 sisters are there to support her and help her, provided they don't kill each other first. Its a good story of a dysfunctional family trying to come to terms of what has happened in the past to bring them to the place that they are now.
June 10, 2020
Another great read from Holly Kerr. The middle of a trilogy will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Sisters who are always there for each other...no matter what. They had a tough childhood but always had each other. Two went their separate ways but came home when they needed family. We all have that deep seeded need for home and family. Well written and tender. Loved this one the most of the three!
August 3, 2020
Loving Mess
Maggie life has never been easy, but it was the one she chose to live. Live with a bipolar mother, raising her 5 sisters, getting pregnant at 17, having 5 daughters and losing her husband as he tried to save an undeserving drunk and high boy. She is not one to ask for help. She is one to take charge. Then, events happen when she finds anger taking over sometimes. What is save them all? Who will appear from the past and the future to make life better?
Maggie life has never been easy, but it was the one she chose to live. Live with a bipolar mother, raising her 5 sisters, getting pregnant at 17, having 5 daughters and losing her husband as he tried to save an undeserving drunk and high boy. She is not one to ask for help. She is one to take charge. Then, events happen when she finds anger taking over sometimes. What is save them all? Who will appear from the past and the future to make life better?
January 30, 2019
Hanging On is Maggie's story, She is one of five Skatt sisters and has five daughters. Her husband died 8 months ago. This is a well written drama of Maggie's life as she moves on without her soulmate. It is a small town romance with wonderful characters. lots of drama and tons of love. It is women's fiction at its finest.
February 1, 2019
Another lovely, well-written story in this great series. I grew very attached to these sisters in the first book and am so pleased to be able to say that my fondness has only grown after reading this one. This story has mishaps aplenty and the kind of drama only sisters can create, and I enjoyed every page.
March 23, 2019
She had always been there for her sister and then her chikdren. She was a mother no matter what. She had him by her side until he died suddenly. Now her world is broken, she speaks to him once a week. She finds herself drawn to another but will she take a chance? See how she gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2019
Absolutely loved this book. I love reading all the family drama, makes me realize that my family is normal after all.
I love watching how the sisters relationships get over all the bumps in the road. This one was extra emotional for me. Especially the ending.
I can not wait for the next book to come out.
I love watching how the sisters relationships get over all the bumps in the road. This one was extra emotional for me. Especially the ending.
I can not wait for the next book to come out.
April 24, 2020
This book, unlike the first, was from a single perspective: Maggie’s. However, even though it was focused on her life after tragedy, we saw a lot of her kids and sisters. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Dory in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2025
This next book jumps into Maggie's story. All of a sudden, her hubby, Mike, has passed away. It took a bit to know what happened. I really liked how Maggie evolved after his death and began to pursue her own dreams and her own future. These sisters and their families make them so realistic and all the sisters were right in the middle of this second story. It was great.
February 16, 2019
Maggie's story. Honed to strength as a child already by having to care for her sisters
Now her husband had died. Can she pick up the reigns of life again?
A strong well written story line that celebrates the strength, endurance and compassion of women
A lovely read!
Now her husband had died. Can she pick up the reigns of life again?
A strong well written story line that celebrates the strength, endurance and compassion of women
A lovely read!
March 3, 2019
Loved, loved loved it!! Such a a lifelike portrayal of a family's life. I laughed, I cried, I giggled with them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2019
I've read several Holly Kerr novels, and I always find her characters relatable and easy to love. I really enjoy the way she writes about the families dynamics, in this series.
I loved reading Maggie's story, as she puts her life back together after a trauma.
Truly an inspiring story.
I loved reading Maggie's story, as she puts her life back together after a trauma.
Truly an inspiring story.
November 25, 2019
This is such a wonderful, emotionally charged story. The storyline flows and is full of family drama. The characters have depth and are believable. Great book! I received and ARC of this book and have chosen to give my honest opinion.
December 30, 2019
This is book 2 of the Sisters in a Small Town series. Maggie’s story contains an interesting storyline that keeps you turning the pages. There is family drama as Maggie tries to raise her five daughters alone after her husband died. This is small town family life!
May 17, 2020
This second book in the series was not what I had expected, but it was still good. The story seems to skip a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews