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Sisters of Heart and Snow
The award-winning author of How to Be an American Housewife returns with a poignant story of estranged sisters, forced together by family tragedy, who soon learn that sisterhood knows no limits.
Rachel and Drew Snow may be sisters, but their lives have followed completely different paths.
Married to a wonderful man and a mother to two strong-minded teens, Rachel hasn’t returned to her childhood home since being kicked out by her strict father after an act of careless teenage rebellion. Drew, her younger sister, followed her passion for music but takes side jobs to make ends meet and longs for the stability that has always eluded her. Both sisters recall how close they were, but the distance between them seems more than they can bridge. When their deferential Japanese mother, Hikari, is diagnosed with dementia and gives Rachel power of attorney, Rachel’s domineering father, Killian becomes enraged.
In a rare moment of lucidity, Hikari asks Rachel for a book in her sewing room, and Rachel enlists her sister’s help in the search. The book—which tells the tale of real-life female samurai Tomoe Gozen, an epic saga of love, loss, and conflict during twelfth-century Japan—reveals truths about Drew and Rachel’s relationship that resonate across the centuries, connecting them in ways that turn their differences into assets.
Rachel and Drew Snow may be sisters, but their lives have followed completely different paths.
Married to a wonderful man and a mother to two strong-minded teens, Rachel hasn’t returned to her childhood home since being kicked out by her strict father after an act of careless teenage rebellion. Drew, her younger sister, followed her passion for music but takes side jobs to make ends meet and longs for the stability that has always eluded her. Both sisters recall how close they were, but the distance between them seems more than they can bridge. When their deferential Japanese mother, Hikari, is diagnosed with dementia and gives Rachel power of attorney, Rachel’s domineering father, Killian becomes enraged.
In a rare moment of lucidity, Hikari asks Rachel for a book in her sewing room, and Rachel enlists her sister’s help in the search. The book—which tells the tale of real-life female samurai Tomoe Gozen, an epic saga of love, loss, and conflict during twelfth-century Japan—reveals truths about Drew and Rachel’s relationship that resonate across the centuries, connecting them in ways that turn their differences into assets.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2015
33 people are currently reading
2383 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Dilloway
12 books446 followersAward-Winning Books for Preteens and Adults
Margaret started writing stories in kindergarten. Ever since then, she's used writing to understand the world and entertain people.
She loves improv, attempting complicated baking recipes, hiking, and dollhouse miniatures.
Awards:
-MOMOTARO: XANDER AND THE LOST ISLAND OF MONSTERS: Winner of the American Library Association's Asian/Pacific American Librarian Honor Award
-THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS. American Library Association's Literary Tastes Award for Best Women's Fiction
Margaret started writing stories in kindergarten. Ever since then, she's used writing to understand the world and entertain people.
She loves improv, attempting complicated baking recipes, hiking, and dollhouse miniatures.
Awards:
-MOMOTARO: XANDER AND THE LOST ISLAND OF MONSTERS: Winner of the American Library Association's Asian/Pacific American Librarian Honor Award
-THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS. American Library Association's Literary Tastes Award for Best Women's Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
May 7, 2015
3.5 It is always tricky when writing a story with two very different time lines, usually I end up liking one way more than the other. In this case I likes them both and they complimented each other very well. Present day finds two sisters trying to regain a relationship to help their mother who is in a convalescent center, remembers very little and is fading fast. In one of her normal moments she asks her daughter to find a book that is in her sewing room. This starts a journey onto the past, back to the days of the samurai, and a very special woman who was a female warrior.
Interesting back stories, present and past, but this book is about relationships.
Sisters of blood, or sisters that you come to love and care for, protect and defend. And of course the relationships, so often complicated between mothers and daughters. The father in this book was a major piece of work and I really wished bas things for him, but maybe loneliness as he ages will ne his just punishment.
Good book, probably my favorite by this author.
ARC by publisher.
Interesting back stories, present and past, but this book is about relationships.
Sisters of blood, or sisters that you come to love and care for, protect and defend. And of course the relationships, so often complicated between mothers and daughters. The father in this book was a major piece of work and I really wished bas things for him, but maybe loneliness as he ages will ne his just punishment.
Good book, probably my favorite by this author.
ARC by publisher.
July 20, 2016
Did you really think I'd rate my own book baby anything fewer than 5 stars?
September 2, 2016
I liked Tomoe's story resulting in my two star rating, otherwise a one star read.
Didn't care for the layout of the book. Way too predictable and was your standard overplayed contemporary genre of a troubled family, fractured sister relationship - been written at least a thousand times, nothing original here. Combining the dual narratives was a huge mistake. If you need the secondary plot to backup your themes as well as support the consequent plot you know you're in trouble especially when the backup fails and you are left with one awkward mess. Give me one solid narrative with originality and substance not a mishmash mess. Per Dilloway, Tomoe's story will appear in a separate book, now why would I want to read the same story twice? I wouldn't. Topping it off the insertion of the secondhand story felt fake, a need to fill space. I felt as if I was reading two unrelated books simultaneously, one being far more exciting than the intended with a poor opaque connection resulting in a full blown disconnect.
Didn't care for the layout of the book. Way too predictable and was your standard overplayed contemporary genre of a troubled family, fractured sister relationship - been written at least a thousand times, nothing original here. Combining the dual narratives was a huge mistake. If you need the secondary plot to backup your themes as well as support the consequent plot you know you're in trouble especially when the backup fails and you are left with one awkward mess. Give me one solid narrative with originality and substance not a mishmash mess. Per Dilloway, Tomoe's story will appear in a separate book, now why would I want to read the same story twice? I wouldn't. Topping it off the insertion of the secondhand story felt fake, a need to fill space. I felt as if I was reading two unrelated books simultaneously, one being far more exciting than the intended with a poor opaque connection resulting in a full blown disconnect.
December 14, 2015
I was a little hesitant on reading this book. I'll tell you why later. I'm kicking myself right now just thinking of the reason. I want to run and hide.
This novel was a nice contrast to the book I previously finished. It read smoothly, it flowed and weaved it's way into my heart. If I didn't have so much going on in my life I would have read it even quicker than I did. Now, let's get on with the review...
Margaret Dilloway tells the story of two modern day sisters as well as giving us the story of Tomoe and Yamabuki in twelve century japan. The ancient story sends echos into the modern one. In the present, we find a mother with dimensia telling one of her daughters in a moment of lucidity about a hidden book. That moment sets the wheels turning for the events that unfold. The novel is about family, friendship, loss, about being a mother, a friend. It's about family secrets, letting go and living. It explores all of this with the added bonus of the Tomoe story.. It was like getting two stories in one book !!! I loved the Tomoe story even tough the author took some liberties of her own with it. I didn't mind at all. After all, it is her book.
Having a sister and not always getting along with her in our younger years has made parts of this book extra special. It raises some questions, at least for me....questions of how well we really know our siblings, our parents, our own children... the fact that if you never ask, you'll never know, how important is your family history and at what point do you just let go.
On a side note... The snow family is all kinds of dysfunctional, I think I wanted to punch the father in the face at one point !!
The cover
Ok, so the reason I didn't want to pick it up and devour it right away was that I didn't like the cover. Shhhh, I know, I'm one of those people and I also don't like yellow very much. But I can see why someone would choose a yellow cover, it just screams to be seen. You seriously couldn't miss it on the book store shelf. There is a whole psychology behind the colour yellow but I won't get into that right now..
Something that I didn't like about the book?
Other than the cover, I truly enjoyed this read. I got passed my cover issues after reading the first few chapters.
I'm glad I read this book. I think that sometimes books (just like people) come into our lives for a reason.
Bonus points to this book for making me want to text my sister.
I received a copy of this book via the good reads first reads program in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was a nice contrast to the book I previously finished. It read smoothly, it flowed and weaved it's way into my heart. If I didn't have so much going on in my life I would have read it even quicker than I did. Now, let's get on with the review...
Margaret Dilloway tells the story of two modern day sisters as well as giving us the story of Tomoe and Yamabuki in twelve century japan. The ancient story sends echos into the modern one. In the present, we find a mother with dimensia telling one of her daughters in a moment of lucidity about a hidden book. That moment sets the wheels turning for the events that unfold. The novel is about family, friendship, loss, about being a mother, a friend. It's about family secrets, letting go and living. It explores all of this with the added bonus of the Tomoe story.. It was like getting two stories in one book !!! I loved the Tomoe story even tough the author took some liberties of her own with it. I didn't mind at all. After all, it is her book.
Having a sister and not always getting along with her in our younger years has made parts of this book extra special. It raises some questions, at least for me....questions of how well we really know our siblings, our parents, our own children... the fact that if you never ask, you'll never know, how important is your family history and at what point do you just let go.
On a side note... The snow family is all kinds of dysfunctional, I think I wanted to punch the father in the face at one point !!
The cover
Ok, so the reason I didn't want to pick it up and devour it right away was that I didn't like the cover. Shhhh, I know, I'm one of those people and I also don't like yellow very much. But I can see why someone would choose a yellow cover, it just screams to be seen. You seriously couldn't miss it on the book store shelf. There is a whole psychology behind the colour yellow but I won't get into that right now..
Something that I didn't like about the book?
Other than the cover, I truly enjoyed this read. I got passed my cover issues after reading the first few chapters.
I'm glad I read this book. I think that sometimes books (just like people) come into our lives for a reason.
Bonus points to this book for making me want to text my sister.
I received a copy of this book via the good reads first reads program in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2017
A fascinating and beautifully-written story of two estranged sisters who are trying to reconcile and the secret history of a female samurai dating back to twelfth century Japan revealed to them by their dying mother.
February 14, 2015
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this smartly written and highly engaging novel weaving together two time periods in two countries. In modern day San Diego we have sisters Rachel and Drew Snow. In twelfth-century Japan it’s female samurai Tomoe Gozen (though that’s not accurate, as technically the word samurai can only apply to males). Many books (including my own) combine multiple time periods but I found this a wholly unique take. The sisters are flawed and believable and Tomoe’s world is fascinating. Overall, bookish and clever and tightly plotted. It’s a wonderful rumination on sisterhood, either by blood or of the heart. I predict this will be a huge hit.
January 11, 2015
Sisters of Heart and Snow
By
Margaret Dilloway
The main and most important characters in this book...
The most interesting characters are sisters Rachel and Drew Snow and their father Killian and their Japanese mother Haruki. There are also characters from a book that Haruki owned...principally Tomoe and her family. This book is sort of an epic saga of Tomoe's life in twelfth century Japan where she was a samurai warrior as well as a concubine.
My very brief story summary that includes bits and bobs from the beginning, middle and end of this book...
This book is actually two books in one. Tomoe's epic tale alternates chapters with the tale of Rachel and Drew. Haruki lived to serve her husband Killian. Killian seemed actually quite cruel. When Rachel was sixteen he tossed her out of his home and never wanted to speak to her again. Haruki is suffering from dementia and only wants her daughters to find and read the book. That would be the book about Tomoe. They need translators...they need explanations and they ultimately need to know why it is so important to their mother.
My actual most favorite part of this book...
Parts of both stories were just really sad...but parts of both stories show how Rachel and Drew were able to rise above their dysfunction. I felt deeply for Drew and Rachel and Haruki. Haruki...who could really only show her love by the quilts she made for her family and who was forced into silence and submission by the boorish man she married. So...while reading this book I felt as though I was divided between the present and what life was like in the twelfth century for Tomoe...who was a samurai, rode a horse, fought battles and protected those she loved. It was such a unique book and I truly loved it. I felt connected to the characters of the present and I felt a strong connection to Tomoe's world, too.
My actual true feelings about this book and whether or not other potential readers will enjoy it...
I think that readers who love family sagas with a twist...ones that take a unique approach to their tellings...should truly enjoy this book. I know that I did. It was beautifully written...when I was in Tomoe's world...I could imagine every part of it...even the basket of fresh cherries.
December 3, 2015
An interesting novel written with chapters that alternate between the story of two present day sisters and their dysfunctional family, and the historical female samurai Tomoe Gozen. The intriguing mystery is how the two narratives are related, the character development is based on how the sisters' reading Tomoe's life story changes their lives and their relationship.
The author does a great job taking us back and forth in time - both in each sisters' life and in Tomoe's. I personally found the samurai story more intriguing, but I did enjoy how the two stories intertwined. Interspersed is the family story of the sisters, their mother was a mail-order bride. She is now suffering from dementia. The sisters are in a legal battle over her care and their estranged father is threatening to reveal a dangerous secret about their mother that could do her harm. The sister's hope that the secret is hidden in the a book their mother kept hidden, but it is written in Japanese and time is running out....
I did enjoy this book a great deal. Some story lines resolved themselves a bit too neatly, and the mother's big secret (and therefore the reason for her lifelong behavior) was a bit of a let-down for me, but nonetheless I can forgive all that and will admit to shedding a few tears a the end!
The author does a great job taking us back and forth in time - both in each sisters' life and in Tomoe's. I personally found the samurai story more intriguing, but I did enjoy how the two stories intertwined. Interspersed is the family story of the sisters, their mother was a mail-order bride. She is now suffering from dementia. The sisters are in a legal battle over her care and their estranged father is threatening to reveal a dangerous secret about their mother that could do her harm. The sister's hope that the secret is hidden in the a book their mother kept hidden, but it is written in Japanese and time is running out....
I did enjoy this book a great deal. Some story lines resolved themselves a bit too neatly, and the mother's big secret (and therefore the reason for her lifelong behavior) was a bit of a let-down for me, but nonetheless I can forgive all that and will admit to shedding a few tears a the end!
Read
April 29, 2015Predictable. Awkward. Strained.
I was crushed reading this book, I was anticipating a captivating read and was beyond disgruntled.
I felt as if I was reading two very differing books with a blurred line connecting the two separate stories forcing a linkage. I enjoyed Tomoe’s story, however, it’s vastly different from the ‘main’ story, it comes across as misplaced and/or awkward, almost an afterthought trying to emphasize a connection virtually invisible between the two plots and characters.
I understand Tomoe’s story is designed to affirm points in the main story but it fails miserably. Straining trying to connect the two stories and really poorly implemented.
The main story of Rachel and Drew, and their dysfunctional family woes is about as predictable and formulaic contemporary fiction can be. Trying to show a comparison between Tomoes’s story felt amazingly contrived. Two stories with the secondary being far more interesting, Dilloway creates a competition of sorts and I declare the winner Tomoe’s story. The two narratives fail at achieving parallel status rather end up unakin.
Forecastability, clumsy dual narratives, staleness homogenize creating one let down of a read.
Find this and other reviews at http://ravenhairedgirl.com
I was crushed reading this book, I was anticipating a captivating read and was beyond disgruntled.
I felt as if I was reading two very differing books with a blurred line connecting the two separate stories forcing a linkage. I enjoyed Tomoe’s story, however, it’s vastly different from the ‘main’ story, it comes across as misplaced and/or awkward, almost an afterthought trying to emphasize a connection virtually invisible between the two plots and characters.
I understand Tomoe’s story is designed to affirm points in the main story but it fails miserably. Straining trying to connect the two stories and really poorly implemented.
The main story of Rachel and Drew, and their dysfunctional family woes is about as predictable and formulaic contemporary fiction can be. Trying to show a comparison between Tomoes’s story felt amazingly contrived. Two stories with the secondary being far more interesting, Dilloway creates a competition of sorts and I declare the winner Tomoe’s story. The two narratives fail at achieving parallel status rather end up unakin.
Forecastability, clumsy dual narratives, staleness homogenize creating one let down of a read.
Find this and other reviews at http://ravenhairedgirl.com
February 17, 2015
LOVED this beautifully written book! The past and present are expertly weaved together as two sisters attempt, through a book about an ancient Japanese warrior, to uncover the past of their dementia-ridden mother,and in the process ending up learning lessons about themselves and their complicated relationship.
August 30, 2016
Another great book from Margaret Dilloway! Her characters always feel so real to me. The characterizations are layered and flaws are evident, but you still love (or love to hate) the people she creates.
I really liked the blending of the modern day sister story with the ancient Japanese one. A highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable novel!
I really liked the blending of the modern day sister story with the ancient Japanese one. A highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable novel!
March 16, 2015
4.5 stars. So beautiful and hard to put down. I loved the Japanese historical storyline as much we the contemporary one. Tales of distraught unhappy families and women both weal and strong. Prepare to buy this one 4/7/15!!
April 9, 2018
Sisters of Heart and Snow
Several of the blurbs on the hardcover of this book say it is a great tale for sisters. Even though I’m an only child, I found this was true because I have a few “sisters of heart.” According to a Japanese saying, a sister of heart is “a dear female friend you hold as close as a relative.”
The chapters of the book alternate between the story of two contemporary American siblings, Rachel and Drew Snow (whose mother is Japanese), and the story of two Japanese sisters of heart from the twelfth century, one of whom is a female samurai. Both stories are woven together and eventually intersect. The writing is very engaging and well-paced and I learned a bit about Japanese history as well. There is just the right amount of romance in both stories without it becoming a “romance novel.” Also in the mix: family drama, dealing with an aging parent with dementia, the challenges of raising children, and the art of “finding oneself” at various stages of life.
Highly recommended to all women who have a sister or sisters, be they relations or of heart.
Several of the blurbs on the hardcover of this book say it is a great tale for sisters. Even though I’m an only child, I found this was true because I have a few “sisters of heart.” According to a Japanese saying, a sister of heart is “a dear female friend you hold as close as a relative.”
The chapters of the book alternate between the story of two contemporary American siblings, Rachel and Drew Snow (whose mother is Japanese), and the story of two Japanese sisters of heart from the twelfth century, one of whom is a female samurai. Both stories are woven together and eventually intersect. The writing is very engaging and well-paced and I learned a bit about Japanese history as well. There is just the right amount of romance in both stories without it becoming a “romance novel.” Also in the mix: family drama, dealing with an aging parent with dementia, the challenges of raising children, and the art of “finding oneself” at various stages of life.
Highly recommended to all women who have a sister or sisters, be they relations or of heart.
December 17, 2017
I like this story of a half-Asian family with ties to a medieval Japanese legend, but I struggled to get into the story for the first third. After a slow start - the plot involves a lot of history (both historical events and the personal background of the characters) that has to be explained before the book really starts to flow. It's a good family story, with an emotionally abusive father who won't change and a mother battling dementia and carrying secrets from her own past. The novel isn't perfect, but the relationship between the sisters Rachel and Drew provides plenty of satisfaction for the reader.
July 11, 2019
I loved this book. I enjoyed how the historical and the modern stories wove together, learning more about medieval Japan and samurai culture, particularly how it affected the women of the time.
While the modern characters and their emotional states might have been dealt with a bit heavy-handedly, overall they felt real. Many people will be able to see themselves or their loved ones reflected in these characters, at least to some extent.
While you may guess some plot points, it probably won't stop you from wanting to read to the end to see how the problems are ultimately resolved. I found myself unable to stop reading.
While the modern characters and their emotional states might have been dealt with a bit heavy-handedly, overall they felt real. Many people will be able to see themselves or their loved ones reflected in these characters, at least to some extent.
While you may guess some plot points, it probably won't stop you from wanting to read to the end to see how the problems are ultimately resolved. I found myself unable to stop reading.
May 20, 2017
Simply wonderful. A good mix of contemporary and historical fiction. Two modern day sisters grow closer together as they try to figure out their mother's past. Meanwhile, they are reading a book their mother owned about a 12th century samurai woman, Tomoe Gozen.
I found the 12th century Japanese history fascinating in addition to the storyline. Although the contemporary antagonist is a bit two dimensional, it was ok. Overall just wonderful. AND a librarian love interest. I just loved Drew's descriptions of him.
I found the 12th century Japanese history fascinating in addition to the storyline. Although the contemporary antagonist is a bit two dimensional, it was ok. Overall just wonderful. AND a librarian love interest. I just loved Drew's descriptions of him.
December 22, 2019
First i'd like to say thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and Margaret Dilloway for giving me the book as first read through the giveaways. I truly appreciate it.
I always been fascinated with Japanese stories and Samurai, so when i saw it was included in the story, i was thrilled. I related to the whole story Japanese and the main story in multiple ways. I am a disowned daughter, just like Rachel in the story, so it touched me in a way that i did not expect as i did not know she was disowned.
The book is very well written, i do not speak Japanese at all, so i truly appreciated that Japanese words were also translated, allowing me to understand. The characters appears very realistic, the way it's written you can make a clear picture in your find of how they are, how they think and react. The Tomoe story blends perfectly with the main story and there is lessons to understand for Rachel in her life that links to what she is reading.
Rachel and Drew Snow are 2 sisters of a Japanese mother and an American father. For most of the book, Rachel is a mother of teenagers in her early 40's and Drew is in her late 30's. But before it comes to that point, Rachel was a bit of a rebel, her very strict father ends up disowning her. Drew, a viola musician stayed in the parents house until she moves away and has financial aid from her father who appears to be rich to a certain point. Hikari, their mother suffers of dementia, and in a moment of lucidity, asks her to get her book at her house. The book is written in Japanese so Rachel has someone translate the book for her. Through reading the translation, she recognize herself in it, subconsciously and the Japanese book characters teach her lessons and help her through life.
In this Japanese story, it recounts the life of a female warrior, Onnamusha of samurai blood, Tomoe Gozen (Lady Tomoe)'s life, concubine to Yoshinaka, and her sister of heart Yamabuki who's Yoshinaka's wife. The story dates back from mid to end of the 1100's
I guaranty that you will too, see yourself in both Tomoe and Yamabuki, but also in both Rachel and Drew. It took me 3 days to read the book, with approximately 375 pages.
I recommend this book to everyone, whether you like asian, samurai, strong characters, fiction stories or simply just reading a great book.
I always been fascinated with Japanese stories and Samurai, so when i saw it was included in the story, i was thrilled. I related to the whole story Japanese and the main story in multiple ways. I am a disowned daughter, just like Rachel in the story, so it touched me in a way that i did not expect as i did not know she was disowned.
The book is very well written, i do not speak Japanese at all, so i truly appreciated that Japanese words were also translated, allowing me to understand. The characters appears very realistic, the way it's written you can make a clear picture in your find of how they are, how they think and react. The Tomoe story blends perfectly with the main story and there is lessons to understand for Rachel in her life that links to what she is reading.
Rachel and Drew Snow are 2 sisters of a Japanese mother and an American father. For most of the book, Rachel is a mother of teenagers in her early 40's and Drew is in her late 30's. But before it comes to that point, Rachel was a bit of a rebel, her very strict father ends up disowning her. Drew, a viola musician stayed in the parents house until she moves away and has financial aid from her father who appears to be rich to a certain point. Hikari, their mother suffers of dementia, and in a moment of lucidity, asks her to get her book at her house. The book is written in Japanese so Rachel has someone translate the book for her. Through reading the translation, she recognize herself in it, subconsciously and the Japanese book characters teach her lessons and help her through life.
In this Japanese story, it recounts the life of a female warrior, Onnamusha of samurai blood, Tomoe Gozen (Lady Tomoe)'s life, concubine to Yoshinaka, and her sister of heart Yamabuki who's Yoshinaka's wife. The story dates back from mid to end of the 1100's
I guaranty that you will too, see yourself in both Tomoe and Yamabuki, but also in both Rachel and Drew. It took me 3 days to read the book, with approximately 375 pages.
I recommend this book to everyone, whether you like asian, samurai, strong characters, fiction stories or simply just reading a great book.
March 29, 2016
This was one of those books I went into with a very clear feeling that I wouldn't like it. Novels about sisters don't always work for me and, when they don't they really don't work. I was afraid that the mother/daughter relationship would fall into the cliche trap. And, finally, historical fiction about Japan just isn't my favorite.
Luckily, my fears were unfounded. I enjoyed this book more than I did and any quibbles I had were minor ones.
The sister relationship here works well and Dilloway takes a unique approach to it. In so many books about estranged sisters, it comes down to what one sister did to the other or a misunderstanding between the sisters. Here, the strife is a by-product of the sisters' relationship with their mother and father, separately. There are several points in the book where we see the same memory through each sister's eyes, which I think lends a new depth to the parental relationships.
I liked both Rachel and Drew, but I related more to Rachel and, as a result, was a bit more interested in her story. I enjoyed seeing Rachel as both the child and the parent. However, one of my nitpicks about this book is that her relationships to her two children is a bit much. Her subplots with Quincy, her daughter, and Chase, her son, seemed redundant to me. I think that Dilloway could have achieved the same result by only including one of those stories.
I found the girls' relationships with their parents fascinating. Rachel is clearly still trying to work through her relationship with her father. Drew, however, cuts right to the chase...the guys is a sociopath..and instead tries to decipher her relationship with her mother. Hikari's role in the lives of both Rachel and Drew reminded me a great deal of the works of Amy Tan. Yes, I know Amy Tan in Chinese-American and these characters are Japanese-American (and those are two different things), but I found the dynamics to be similar.
The historical section of the book, which is really just a plot device for the contemporary plot is fine, but I wasn't overly taken by it. I'm sure that Dilloway could have told Rachel and Drew's story without it, but it did fit in nicely with the overall narrative. Then again, I did say that Japanese history wasn't really one of my interests and I think someone who was more into it would find that part of the book more effective.
All in all, it was a fun read and one I would widely recommend.
Luckily, my fears were unfounded. I enjoyed this book more than I did and any quibbles I had were minor ones.
The sister relationship here works well and Dilloway takes a unique approach to it. In so many books about estranged sisters, it comes down to what one sister did to the other or a misunderstanding between the sisters. Here, the strife is a by-product of the sisters' relationship with their mother and father, separately. There are several points in the book where we see the same memory through each sister's eyes, which I think lends a new depth to the parental relationships.
I liked both Rachel and Drew, but I related more to Rachel and, as a result, was a bit more interested in her story. I enjoyed seeing Rachel as both the child and the parent. However, one of my nitpicks about this book is that her relationships to her two children is a bit much. Her subplots with Quincy, her daughter, and Chase, her son, seemed redundant to me. I think that Dilloway could have achieved the same result by only including one of those stories.
I found the girls' relationships with their parents fascinating. Rachel is clearly still trying to work through her relationship with her father. Drew, however, cuts right to the chase...the guys is a sociopath..and instead tries to decipher her relationship with her mother. Hikari's role in the lives of both Rachel and Drew reminded me a great deal of the works of Amy Tan. Yes, I know Amy Tan in Chinese-American and these characters are Japanese-American (and those are two different things), but I found the dynamics to be similar.
The historical section of the book, which is really just a plot device for the contemporary plot is fine, but I wasn't overly taken by it. I'm sure that Dilloway could have told Rachel and Drew's story without it, but it did fit in nicely with the overall narrative. Then again, I did say that Japanese history wasn't really one of my interests and I think someone who was more into it would find that part of the book more effective.
All in all, it was a fun read and one I would widely recommend.
April 2, 2015
The award-winning author of How to Be an American Housewife returns with a poignant story of estranged sisters, forced together by family tragedy, who soon learn that sisterhood knows no limits.
Rachel and Drew Snow may be sisters, but their lives have followed completely different paths.
Married to a wonderful man and a mother to two strong-minded teens, Rachel hasn’t returned to her childhood home since being kicked out by her strict father after an act of careless teenage rebellion. Drew, her younger sister, followed her passion for music but takes side jobs to make ends meet and longs for the stability that has always eluded her. Both sisters recall how close they were, but the distance between them seems more than they can bridge. When their deferential Japanese mother, Hikari, is diagnosed with dementia and gives Rachel power of attorney, Rachel’s domineering father, Killian becomes enraged.
In a rare moment of lucidity, Hikari asks Rachel for a book in her sewing room, and Rachel enlists her sister’s help in the search. The book—which tells the tale of real-life female samurai Tomoe Gozen, an epic saga of love, loss, and conflict during twelfth-century Japan—reveals truths about Drew and Rachel’s relationship that resonate across the centuries, connecting them in ways that turn their differences into assets.
--My thoughts. We have past and present of two sisters and then a warrior, Tomoe Gozen. I enjoyed learning about Tomoe and the history. As always, Dilloway did an excellent job with this, weaving the past and present so seamlessly, I couldn't get enough. I loved the sisters, Drew with her carelessness or so it seemed, and then responsible Rachel.
I love how Dilloway brings her own background in each time for stories. I am a huge fan, and each time she just gets better and better. This one is so amazing, I think each sister, and Tomoe came away knowing a bit more about themselves and maybe more about the past-- I love that moment in a book when you say ahah, that is what the title means.
Killian has such a dark presence in this book at times though you just want to shake him and the mother. What a time to live in. Brilliant, just fabulous beyond words. Must read!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rachel and Drew Snow may be sisters, but their lives have followed completely different paths.
Married to a wonderful man and a mother to two strong-minded teens, Rachel hasn’t returned to her childhood home since being kicked out by her strict father after an act of careless teenage rebellion. Drew, her younger sister, followed her passion for music but takes side jobs to make ends meet and longs for the stability that has always eluded her. Both sisters recall how close they were, but the distance between them seems more than they can bridge. When their deferential Japanese mother, Hikari, is diagnosed with dementia and gives Rachel power of attorney, Rachel’s domineering father, Killian becomes enraged.
In a rare moment of lucidity, Hikari asks Rachel for a book in her sewing room, and Rachel enlists her sister’s help in the search. The book—which tells the tale of real-life female samurai Tomoe Gozen, an epic saga of love, loss, and conflict during twelfth-century Japan—reveals truths about Drew and Rachel’s relationship that resonate across the centuries, connecting them in ways that turn their differences into assets.
--My thoughts. We have past and present of two sisters and then a warrior, Tomoe Gozen. I enjoyed learning about Tomoe and the history. As always, Dilloway did an excellent job with this, weaving the past and present so seamlessly, I couldn't get enough. I loved the sisters, Drew with her carelessness or so it seemed, and then responsible Rachel.
I love how Dilloway brings her own background in each time for stories. I am a huge fan, and each time she just gets better and better. This one is so amazing, I think each sister, and Tomoe came away knowing a bit more about themselves and maybe more about the past-- I love that moment in a book when you say ahah, that is what the title means.
Killian has such a dark presence in this book at times though you just want to shake him and the mother. What a time to live in. Brilliant, just fabulous beyond words. Must read!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 6, 2015
This book really took me by surprise! Though it's listed as a mystery, it is more of a family drama, blended together with the twelfth century story of a female warrior in Japan who some claim is a legend and others insist is actual. Both storylines - which fit together quite nicely - have an authentic feel to them and each of the characters really come to life. This is all the more impressive because I have often seen in books that blend a contemporary storyline with a historical one that the two are not always evenly balanced - one storyline tends to be better developed, with characters that feel more genuine. Luckily, here, this is not the case and the two parts make for a balanced and satisfying whole.
The relationships in both storylines are complex, but at the root of them, the pages have a lot of love. Rachel and Drew are sisters, who once close, have grown apart over the years - aided by their complicated relationship with their parents. But with their mother ailing, a sudden lucid request brings the sisters closer together than ever. The book covers their lives but also their mother's past in Japan. The historical plot weaves in, adding more drama and giving the book a more epic feel. It hooks in the reader right away and continues to move at a fast pace. It's well-written and quite satisfying. The historical storyline may cause a bit of confusion because the names have a lot of similarities, and a cast list would have been helpful! But, all in all, I think that this is a wonderful novel that will do well in book discussion groups and makes me look forward to catching up on Dilloway's earlier novels!
The relationships in both storylines are complex, but at the root of them, the pages have a lot of love. Rachel and Drew are sisters, who once close, have grown apart over the years - aided by their complicated relationship with their parents. But with their mother ailing, a sudden lucid request brings the sisters closer together than ever. The book covers their lives but also their mother's past in Japan. The historical plot weaves in, adding more drama and giving the book a more epic feel. It hooks in the reader right away and continues to move at a fast pace. It's well-written and quite satisfying. The historical storyline may cause a bit of confusion because the names have a lot of similarities, and a cast list would have been helpful! But, all in all, I think that this is a wonderful novel that will do well in book discussion groups and makes me look forward to catching up on Dilloway's earlier novels!
April 25, 2015
Dilloway has done it again! She captured my attention from the cover; precursor of what was to come - hard, cold, steely image entwined with soft fragile flowers.. The characters of both caliber found inside . Told from points of views from strong women, one of the twelfth century Japan and sisters from present day San Diego.
Sisters of Heart and Snow is a wonderful story of family drama, sisterhood/love and motherhood. When Hikari, mother of Rachel and Drew, requested the book, the sisters are somewhat baffled as to the meaning of it all. As time goes by, the sisters begin to empathize with the characters in the book, seeing themselves as either the samurai. Tomoe Gozen or Yamabuchi, housewife and mother.
Both time frames are equally gripping as the women have to deal with life and all it's ups and downs. Not only do they learn a lot about their reticent mother but also a lot about themselves. One thing about Dilloway's books is the fact that the characters stick with me for a long time. I read How to be an American Housewife several years ago and still remember the plot, the characters and how much I liked the book. The same with The Care and Feeding of Roses. Dilloway is an extraordinary author in this respect. I've read hundreds of books since I read Dilloway's first and yet I still remember it while some books I read last week, I can't even remember a single character. This says a lot about the author's ability to capture the reader's attention and make the plot truly memorable. 4****
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by G.P. Putnam's Sons/Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sisters of Heart and Snow is a wonderful story of family drama, sisterhood/love and motherhood. When Hikari, mother of Rachel and Drew, requested the book, the sisters are somewhat baffled as to the meaning of it all. As time goes by, the sisters begin to empathize with the characters in the book, seeing themselves as either the samurai. Tomoe Gozen or Yamabuchi, housewife and mother.
Both time frames are equally gripping as the women have to deal with life and all it's ups and downs. Not only do they learn a lot about their reticent mother but also a lot about themselves. One thing about Dilloway's books is the fact that the characters stick with me for a long time. I read How to be an American Housewife several years ago and still remember the plot, the characters and how much I liked the book. The same with The Care and Feeding of Roses. Dilloway is an extraordinary author in this respect. I've read hundreds of books since I read Dilloway's first and yet I still remember it while some books I read last week, I can't even remember a single character. This says a lot about the author's ability to capture the reader's attention and make the plot truly memorable. 4****
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by G.P. Putnam's Sons/Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 18, 2015
One of the best books I’ve ever read! I could not put it down.
Sisters Drew and Rachael Snow haven’t been close since they were kids. When their mother, Hakiri, begins to mentally and physically deteriorate, they are brought together again to keep Killian, their mentally abusive father, from regaining power of attorney over Hakiri. Hakiri’s failing mind locks up secrets from her past in Japan, as well as the answer to why she has a hand written, antique book about the famous female samurai Tomeo Gozen who lived in the 12th century.
While the sisters try to repair their relationship with each other they fight for Hakiri, managing their families and navigate their careers. All the while, the story of Tomoe Gozen provides inspiration and strength to the sisters as well as the reader. Dilloway seamlessly weaves a story of modern middle age sisters figuring out their place in the world, with the ancient story of a warrior’s bride, Yamabuki, and her “sister of heart,” the famous Tomoe Gozen.
I loved her characters so much that I was sad when the book ended. Dilloway is a master when it comes to complex personalities and relationships. I will defiantly order the companion book, “THE TALE OF THE WARRIOR GEISHA” to read more about the sisters of heart. I couldn’t get enough!
Sisters Drew and Rachael Snow haven’t been close since they were kids. When their mother, Hakiri, begins to mentally and physically deteriorate, they are brought together again to keep Killian, their mentally abusive father, from regaining power of attorney over Hakiri. Hakiri’s failing mind locks up secrets from her past in Japan, as well as the answer to why she has a hand written, antique book about the famous female samurai Tomeo Gozen who lived in the 12th century.
While the sisters try to repair their relationship with each other they fight for Hakiri, managing their families and navigate their careers. All the while, the story of Tomoe Gozen provides inspiration and strength to the sisters as well as the reader. Dilloway seamlessly weaves a story of modern middle age sisters figuring out their place in the world, with the ancient story of a warrior’s bride, Yamabuki, and her “sister of heart,” the famous Tomoe Gozen.
I loved her characters so much that I was sad when the book ended. Dilloway is a master when it comes to complex personalities and relationships. I will defiantly order the companion book, “THE TALE OF THE WARRIOR GEISHA” to read more about the sisters of heart. I couldn’t get enough!
April 6, 2015
I received an ARC through NetGalley. My true rating is 4.5.
I prefer print books so accessrd the ebook to decide if I even wanted to fool with it. I accessed it about 2pm on Good Friday and the next time I stopped reading (except for about an hour to transfer the ebook from my PC to iPad) was at 3am on Saturday. When I finished the book I had no opinion on the quality of writing, plot or character development, etc. I just knew I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.
The story is about contemporary sisters, Rachel and Drew Snow (sisters of snow), with a parallel story about Tomoe Gozen, a 12th century female samurai and her sister of the heart, Yamabuki, who is the wife of Tomoe's lover.
Rachel and Drew are the products of a wildly dysfunctional family - a domineering American father and a subservient Japanese mail order bride. Close as youngsters, they have had little contact since the father disowned Rachel at about age 16. The mother suffers from dementia, and in a moment of lucidity asks for a book hidden in her sewing room. The sisters find it and have it translated from Japanese. It is the story of Tomoe. In learning the story of Tomoe, Rachel and Drew learn also about themselves and come to terms with the facts of their own lives.
I prefer print books so accessrd the ebook to decide if I even wanted to fool with it. I accessed it about 2pm on Good Friday and the next time I stopped reading (except for about an hour to transfer the ebook from my PC to iPad) was at 3am on Saturday. When I finished the book I had no opinion on the quality of writing, plot or character development, etc. I just knew I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.
The story is about contemporary sisters, Rachel and Drew Snow (sisters of snow), with a parallel story about Tomoe Gozen, a 12th century female samurai and her sister of the heart, Yamabuki, who is the wife of Tomoe's lover.
Rachel and Drew are the products of a wildly dysfunctional family - a domineering American father and a subservient Japanese mail order bride. Close as youngsters, they have had little contact since the father disowned Rachel at about age 16. The mother suffers from dementia, and in a moment of lucidity asks for a book hidden in her sewing room. The sisters find it and have it translated from Japanese. It is the story of Tomoe. In learning the story of Tomoe, Rachel and Drew learn also about themselves and come to terms with the facts of their own lives.
April 20, 2015
Rachel and Drew, sisters, were born to a Japanese mail-order bride and a wealthy, controlling father. Rachel was loved and paraded by her father when setting swim records, but after a shoulder injury and getting involved in boys and drinking, she was basically disowned by him. She has created a good life with a good husband and two kids. Drew, her sister, managed to navigate the family waters and is an exceptional viola player but can't seem to get her life together. Their mother spends nearly all her time quilting, and doesn't stand up Killian, the volatile father.
Rachel has had limited contact with her mother, Hikari, but is surprised to find she has power of attorney when her mother is put in a facility for dementia. In one of her lucid moments, she tells Rachel to find a book - that Drew will know where it is.
The book, in Japanese and about their Samurai roots, is slowly translated as Killian battles to take over the power of attorney. The book- as it is slowly being translated into English- helps change Rachel and Drew even though they never find out why Hikari wanted them to read it.
Well written. The story of the female samurai Tomoe Gozen was very interesting and I liked how it was woven into the story.
Rachel has had limited contact with her mother, Hikari, but is surprised to find she has power of attorney when her mother is put in a facility for dementia. In one of her lucid moments, she tells Rachel to find a book - that Drew will know where it is.
The book, in Japanese and about their Samurai roots, is slowly translated as Killian battles to take over the power of attorney. The book- as it is slowly being translated into English- helps change Rachel and Drew even though they never find out why Hikari wanted them to read it.
Well written. The story of the female samurai Tomoe Gozen was very interesting and I liked how it was woven into the story.
May 23, 2015
In Sisters of Heart and Snow, award-winning author Margaret Dilloway has written a novel not just about sisters but about how family relationships and dynamics shape us as adults. Normal families are a myth that U.S. society works very hard to perpetuate. All families are quirky and dysfunctional to some extent – it’s just a matter of degrees. My favorite thing to say is that even Ozzie & Harriet weren’t the Ozzie and Harriet people saw as the perfect 1950’s family on TV. Becoming conscious of and coming to terms with how our family dysfunction operates lets us move beyond that and, hopefully, not repeat those patterns in our own families. That is the struggle the sisters in Sisters of Heart and Snow face. How they deal with their family history, and each other, makes for a captivating read! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8382.
October 25, 2015
This started off weirdly with a story from feudal Japan. But I kept reading, and it eventually made sense (that story alternates with one in present-day). I enjoyed this book, but it had too many contrivances, plot holes, and other issues. I chose this for my book club because I really liked Dilloway's earlier book, How to Be an American Housewife. Unfortunately, this wasn't as good.
April 24, 2015
Most dual-time novels has a clear story link between the contemporary and the historical. In Sisters of Heart and Snow the link was fuzzy at best...and felt like an afterthought. While I enjoyed reading the story and it kept me engaged I do agree with several reviewers who indicated the novel was predictable.
May 19, 2015
Mm mm.....not my favorite Dilloway book.
I didn't like the paralle story line. For the most part I just skip over it!
The modern day story line, taking place in San Diego, Ca is what got the 3 stars.
I didn't like the paralle story line. For the most part I just skip over it!
The modern day story line, taking place in San Diego, Ca is what got the 3 stars.
October 25, 2015
Although an entertaining read, there were too many undeveloped or extreme characters, unfilled plot holes, and saccharine dialogue to make this an excellent read. Interesting book club discussion, though!
April 27, 2015
I loved learning about the female samurai but I loved how the focus was on family and the ties that bind us but sometimes drive us apart.
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