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Sisters in a Small Town #3
Stepping Up
Loving your sisters is easy. Getting them to accept your help is often impossible.
"...a heartwarming read that you'll find hard to put down."
Until now, Kayleigh’s been content to live in the shadow of her sisters, putting them first, and happy to blend into the background of their lives. When Cat, the baby of the family, can’t get pregnant and Kayleigh offers to become a surrogate, she discovers that stepping up for her sister also means stepping back from her dreams. Will making this sacrifice for her sister mean Kayleigh will never have a family of her own?
And when middle sister Dory returns home, she stirs up old grudges that Kayleigh doesn’t know if she can ever forgive.
Dory has never put her sisters first but a lifetime of being the bad sister has taken its toll. After beating cancer not once, but twice, Dory wants her sisters to realize she’s changed, but with a reputation for trouble, trust isn’t easy to earn. And when things heat up with handsome ex-cop Drew Conlin, Dory’s past threatens to ruin everything she’s worked for.
The two sisters are complete opposites, but sometimes opposites make the best allies. Can these sisters resolve their differences in time to help each other step up and make their dreams come true?
Stepping Up is the third book in the heartwarming Sisters in a Small Town series about love and family and what sisters will do for each other.
"...a heartwarming read that you'll find hard to put down."
Until now, Kayleigh’s been content to live in the shadow of her sisters, putting them first, and happy to blend into the background of their lives. When Cat, the baby of the family, can’t get pregnant and Kayleigh offers to become a surrogate, she discovers that stepping up for her sister also means stepping back from her dreams. Will making this sacrifice for her sister mean Kayleigh will never have a family of her own?
And when middle sister Dory returns home, she stirs up old grudges that Kayleigh doesn’t know if she can ever forgive.
Dory has never put her sisters first but a lifetime of being the bad sister has taken its toll. After beating cancer not once, but twice, Dory wants her sisters to realize she’s changed, but with a reputation for trouble, trust isn’t easy to earn. And when things heat up with handsome ex-cop Drew Conlin, Dory’s past threatens to ruin everything she’s worked for.
The two sisters are complete opposites, but sometimes opposites make the best allies. Can these sisters resolve their differences in time to help each other step up and make their dreams come true?
Stepping Up is the third book in the heartwarming Sisters in a Small Town series about love and family and what sisters will do for each other.
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
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 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 3, 2020
These stories are those feel-good books, that always leave you all warm and fuzzy. Yes, the sisters argue and complain about each other (like real sisters do), but they all come together and are there for each other when it counts.
Dory is working on improving herself, forgetting her past, and forging a better relationship with her family. She wants them to see that she has changed, and is a better person than she used to be.
Kayleigh is going after what she wants for once, and not just settling for anything. She volunteered to be a surrogate for Cat, which stirs up thoughts and emotions regarding having a family of her own, not something she had really given much thought about before.
I enjoyed this story, and I look forward to reading the next books set within this town.
Dory is working on improving herself, forgetting her past, and forging a better relationship with her family. She wants them to see that she has changed, and is a better person than she used to be.
Kayleigh is going after what she wants for once, and not just settling for anything. She volunteered to be a surrogate for Cat, which stirs up thoughts and emotions regarding having a family of her own, not something she had really given much thought about before.
I enjoyed this story, and I look forward to reading the next books set within this town.
May 5, 2020
A very emotional story about five sisters, the men they love and their children. Kayleigh is such a kind and compassionate person, offering to be a surrogate for her sister turns out to be much more difficult then she imagined, emotionally and physically. It is hard not to appreciate all the emotion these women feel for each other.
May 2, 2020
Final Installment. Powerful Ending
This is the final installment of this trilogy. It is a powerful ending that ties up all the loose ends for all 5 sisters. The story brings out many emotions that we can all relate to. Having many siblings, I can affirm that this is exactly how we all get along or don't. This has been a great series. I am really anticipating the next saga of the next generation. I received this ARC for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest opinion.
This is the final installment of this trilogy. It is a powerful ending that ties up all the loose ends for all 5 sisters. The story brings out many emotions that we can all relate to. Having many siblings, I can affirm that this is exactly how we all get along or don't. This has been a great series. I am really anticipating the next saga of the next generation. I received this ARC for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest opinion.
May 2, 2020
It’s time for Kayleigh to step up for herself between all her sister. She will help Cat but she needs to feel that she is loved too. Dory is fighting her cancer for the second time and she is set to win again. Can her sister finally accept her? Can she accept herself and open up to be loved? Sisterhood is the most important thing.
May 4, 2020
I really enjoyed Stepping Up. The book is well written with detailed characters. The characters are interesting and relatable. I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. The plot is interesting and heartwarming. I like the small town setting. This is a great read.
April 30, 2020
The book is a good small town romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line.The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable, funny, and heartwarming romance read.
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.
January 26, 2025
Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to conceive… I realize I’m badly bastardizing Scott’s quote, but it’s one of those mom-isms that’s stuck with me years beyond her passing and it seemed to fit here. Because, kind of like the whole series, this book is all about what it takes to be a “family”; the good, the bad, and everything in between. And this one, more than either of the previous, is all about bringing the next generation into the chaos. (Or is that the chaos of bringing in the next generation?) I loved having this opportunity to get to know both Kayleigh and Dory better, as well as to see healing take place between the sisters.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
March 30, 2025
Stepping Up is the third book in Kerr's Sisters in a Small Town series about the Skatt sisters. This book features both Kayleigh and Dory.
Baby sister, Cat, has been trying to get pregnant. When she learns that her womb might be "inhospitable", Kayleigh quickly offers to carry the baby. Kayleigh has always been the peacekeeper and problem solver. Whenever she could help one of her sisters, she did. This was no different, except it was. Her long-time girlfriend, Erica, was upset that she offered without the two of them discussing it, and that created a rift in their relationship. Kayleigh had never thought about motherhood before, but in volunteering to do this for her sister, suddenly she started thinking about it a great deal. She was happy to help her sister but sad at the thought of having to give up this child. This left her with many uncomfortable feelings to sort through.
Dory was the sister who left home many years prior, disappearing into the night along with her sisters' money. The first time she was diagnosed she stoically and stubbornly went through the treatment and surgery on her own. When it came back, she decided it was time to go home. Even though she knew her return would not be well received, she wanted to be among her sisters. She tried to take small steps to redeem herself, and be welcomed back into the fold, but her sisters didn't trust that she wouldn't just disappear once again. Dory therefore not only offered but insisted that Cat allow her to plan her wedding for her. In addition to trying to deliver Cat a day to remember, and doing her best to be present for her sisters and convince them she had changed, Dory was also forced to face her feelings for a man she hadn't seen in years - Drew Conlin.
I was very happy to be able to read Stepping Up and close out this series on the Skatt sisters. These women define family - their bonds are unbreakable, their love for one another knows no limits, and while they can fight dirty, they also forgive fully. These sisters are relatable characters and this book, like those before, is emotional and engaging.
I am a fan of Kerr's work, and was delighted to have the opportunity to read more of her writing.
Baby sister, Cat, has been trying to get pregnant. When she learns that her womb might be "inhospitable", Kayleigh quickly offers to carry the baby. Kayleigh has always been the peacekeeper and problem solver. Whenever she could help one of her sisters, she did. This was no different, except it was. Her long-time girlfriend, Erica, was upset that she offered without the two of them discussing it, and that created a rift in their relationship. Kayleigh had never thought about motherhood before, but in volunteering to do this for her sister, suddenly she started thinking about it a great deal. She was happy to help her sister but sad at the thought of having to give up this child. This left her with many uncomfortable feelings to sort through.
Dory was the sister who left home many years prior, disappearing into the night along with her sisters' money. The first time she was diagnosed she stoically and stubbornly went through the treatment and surgery on her own. When it came back, she decided it was time to go home. Even though she knew her return would not be well received, she wanted to be among her sisters. She tried to take small steps to redeem herself, and be welcomed back into the fold, but her sisters didn't trust that she wouldn't just disappear once again. Dory therefore not only offered but insisted that Cat allow her to plan her wedding for her. In addition to trying to deliver Cat a day to remember, and doing her best to be present for her sisters and convince them she had changed, Dory was also forced to face her feelings for a man she hadn't seen in years - Drew Conlin.
I was very happy to be able to read Stepping Up and close out this series on the Skatt sisters. These women define family - their bonds are unbreakable, their love for one another knows no limits, and while they can fight dirty, they also forgive fully. These sisters are relatable characters and this book, like those before, is emotional and engaging.
I am a fan of Kerr's work, and was delighted to have the opportunity to read more of her writing.
May 17, 2020
Excellent Book About Complexities of Sisterhood
As someone who grew up with four sisters, I appreciate this series done by Holly Kerr. In every single installment, including this final one, she has portrayed the complexity of being adult sisters and has given each character a deep back story that shows her place within the family and her relationship with her siblings. Over the course of the novel, the relationships develop and change. These stories just come across as so real, reminding me of my relationships with my sisters over time. This book focuses on sisters who differ greatly from each other, one the returning wild child and the other the peacemaking middle sister. I think even more so than the other books in the series, this story is about past wounds coming to light and explored and the ultimate healing that can result. It is beautifully written, and I found it immersive. If you come from a large family or have sisters—and even if you don't—you may find this as engaging a read as I did. I do recommend, however, starting with the first book of the series to fully appreciate this family's story.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
As someone who grew up with four sisters, I appreciate this series done by Holly Kerr. In every single installment, including this final one, she has portrayed the complexity of being adult sisters and has given each character a deep back story that shows her place within the family and her relationship with her siblings. Over the course of the novel, the relationships develop and change. These stories just come across as so real, reminding me of my relationships with my sisters over time. This book focuses on sisters who differ greatly from each other, one the returning wild child and the other the peacemaking middle sister. I think even more so than the other books in the series, this story is about past wounds coming to light and explored and the ultimate healing that can result. It is beautifully written, and I found it immersive. If you come from a large family or have sisters—and even if you don't—you may find this as engaging a read as I did. I do recommend, however, starting with the first book of the series to fully appreciate this family's story.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
May 9, 2020
Dory and Kayleigh are two of the five Skatt sisters and are complete opposites. The author has done an excellent job of character development. She has crafted a story about these two women and their “dysfunctional” family. Despite the fact that their relationship with each other and with their other sisters is totally different than my relationship with my sister, I enjoyed reading about their exploits and about forgiveness and learning to relate in new ways. I highly recommend this book, as well as the other books in the series. You will experience a wide range of emotions as you read them.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
May 6, 2020
Another round of family history and backstory
Poor Kaliegh is more than a little overlooked when she is helping Cat realize her dreams. How ironic that her sister wonder why she never said anything when she did, but her complaints did not drown out their general clamor
Dory’s missing years come to light as dark as I had feared for her. Will she be able to let go of the darkness enough to grab onto the promise of a new and brighter future?
Busy, chaotic, loving and hating, the girls forge their way
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read it and most of the books in this series on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
Poor Kaliegh is more than a little overlooked when she is helping Cat realize her dreams. How ironic that her sister wonder why she never said anything when she did, but her complaints did not drown out their general clamor
Dory’s missing years come to light as dark as I had feared for her. Will she be able to let go of the darkness enough to grab onto the promise of a new and brighter future?
Busy, chaotic, loving and hating, the girls forge their way
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read it and most of the books in this series on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
May 8, 2020
What an amazing conclusion to the story of these five special sisters! A touching story about both Kayleigh and Dory, their lives, their struggles and even the sacrifices for each of them. This book rounds up the five "girls" and brings "somewhat" of a closure to their story. BUT the author has also promised more to come on perhaps the next generation. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of these books in this series and I would recommend them to anyone that enjoys romance that is sweet and clean.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
June 15, 2020
Stepping Up is the last book of the series about the lovely Skatt sisters and I will sure miss reading about them! I got to love the sisters and after this story I even warmed up with Dory.
If you decide to read this book you're in for a lot of fun and some drama of course with Cat's wedding, Brenna's baby, Dory's past and bright looking future as well as a few more unexpected pregnancies.
This book was so much fun to read!
I'm sorry it took me so long to finish reading but with two kids home for more than 3 months it just wasn't possible.
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
If you decide to read this book you're in for a lot of fun and some drama of course with Cat's wedding, Brenna's baby, Dory's past and bright looking future as well as a few more unexpected pregnancies.
This book was so much fun to read!
I'm sorry it took me so long to finish reading but with two kids home for more than 3 months it just wasn't possible.
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2020
This is number 3 in a series about 5 sisters who live in a small town in Ontario. It is mostly about Kayleigh and Dory. Kayleigh has always put the other sisters before herself, staying in the background and not making any waves. Dory ran away when she was 14 and has come back after a shady past to try and beat cancer for the 2nd time. Now she realizes just how much she has missed and that she needs her sisters more than ever. Can 5 sisters who have all faced their own personal battles finally come to realize just how much they mean to each other and how much they need each other? I really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to the cousins stories coming up.
July 2, 2020
There’s a lot of turmoil in this last instalment of the Skatt sisters’ story. But as the pieces of their own
puzzles fall inexorably into place, these women learn about themselves, their relationships, and the fact that coming home was something that was necessary for all of them.
Long held resentments combine with the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood to make Sisters in a Small
Town a compelling, sometimes uncomfortable read. But one that you will be all the better for having
read in all its parts.
Probably one of the top ten reads of this year for this reader!
puzzles fall inexorably into place, these women learn about themselves, their relationships, and the fact that coming home was something that was necessary for all of them.
Long held resentments combine with the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood to make Sisters in a Small
Town a compelling, sometimes uncomfortable read. But one that you will be all the better for having
read in all its parts.
Probably one of the top ten reads of this year for this reader!
May 5, 2020
I wasn’t so sure about this book coming into it as I knew half of it would be dedicated to the lesbian sister. While that aspect did occupy a lot of the time, there were a few other super poignant themes that earned this book its 5 stars. I loved the development of Dory and her relationship with her sisters.
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 7, 2020
Loving your sisters is easy. Getting them to accept your help is the hard part.
The story line is well written, pulls you in and grabs your heartstrings. The characters are strong and well developed. A great small town romantic read. It's enjoyable, has its funny moments, and heartwarming all at the same time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line is well written, pulls you in and grabs your heartstrings. The characters are strong and well developed. A great small town romantic read. It's enjoyable, has its funny moments, and heartwarming all at the same time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2020
I loved this story about five sisters, their fights, sorrows, and rebellions. I was impressed with the way these sisters finally let everything out and became closer.The characters were so believable that they could be from my own family.I would highly recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading more from Holly Kerr. I received this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 9, 2020
I've read several books written by Holly Kerr; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
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 received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2020
I loved reading the Skatt/Ebans/Todd family saga from the moment Brenna came home in Book 1 right through to Dory and Kayleigh's story. I love how Holly Kerr keeps her stories exciting, unexpected and not just focused on one storyline. I wish we got to see more of Drew because he was really likeable.
Also... excited about the spin-off series! I don't want to let go of this family yet.
Also... excited about the spin-off series! I don't want to let go of this family yet.
June 23, 2020
Holly wrote an interesting book about five sisters. Having been an only child it was quite a surprise to me how much love and angst five sisters could feel for each other. It seemed very realistic to me how is sometimes the people you love are the ones that can hurt you the worst and yet love you the best. I look forward to reading more of Holly’s books.
January 4, 2026
Kayleigh and Dory get their stories. Dory gets her chance to prove herself to her sisters with Cat's wedding. Kayleigh steps up and decides to be a surrogate for Cat and Seamus's baby. I don't think they were expecting to go through the needed changes they actually needed to. I enjoyed their story a lot.
May 6, 2020
I enjoyed the continuing story of these five sisters. As old hurts resurface and some dreams are let go, these sisters will stand by each other. This is a heartwarming story that will make you think about family. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2020
I am sorry to say that I am disappointed with how the story continued, nothing really get resolves, the sisters are not particularly nice and quite selfish. Ending felt rushed!
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 27, 2020
A great story with five sisters who have lots of problems involving growing up together and facing life’s challenges. Great character development that makes you want to know them. If you have a sister you will be able to relate these characters. If you don’t, you will wish you did! I received this book for free but this is my honest review.
May 30, 2020
I received this Book free and I am voluntarily leavings a review. I'm new to this author, and I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters and storyline draw you in,you will really enjoy the authors word building and writing style
June 12, 2020
LOVE IT
All three books are wonderful.They grab you and you can't wait to read the next one.The drama between sisters tells how it is from all sides. If you have sisters you know sometimes no matter how much you love them they can't see your side of what you feel.
All three books are wonderful.They grab you and you can't wait to read the next one.The drama between sisters tells how it is from all sides. If you have sisters you know sometimes no matter how much you love them they can't see your side of what you feel.
January 24, 2025
sisterhood
Wow what a ride, the bonds of sisters stay strong whatever, no matter what happens things always turn out how they are meant to be. Through love , uncertainty, births and marriages, family is there through thick and thin.
I loved this series .
Wow what a ride, the bonds of sisters stay strong whatever, no matter what happens things always turn out how they are meant to be. Through love , uncertainty, births and marriages, family is there through thick and thin.
I loved this series .
May 19, 2020
I have really enjoyed this series about the Skatt sisters. Stepping Up is the last book and I am sad to see it end. The sister's characters are well developed. They are part of a very dysfunctional family. Dory and Kayleigh are very opposite characters. Dory is the rebellious "bad" girl who ran away. Kayleigh is sthe blend into the background, be a peacemaker, middle sister. This book tells their stories as they try to show each other and their sisters that they have changed. This book, even more than the others, shows what can constitute a "family." I was delighted to know these last two sisters better. and can highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews