The Cards We're Dealt

by Rhian MacGillivray

“You have to play the cards you’re dealt.”

Eighteen-year-old Mark Turner thinks he’s been given the toughest hand possible: his father is dead and he’s been left to look after his younger brother and sister, Josh and Sadie. But he might have one ace up his sleeve…

Music and raw ambition sweep Mark, Josh and Sadie from busking on the streets of Edinburgh to the bright lights of stages in Las Vegas and beyond, swallowing them up in a world of excess and temptation, friendship and loneliness.

But as their star rises, cracks begin to appear in the family. Only by facing their past will they find peace. If they don’t, it could take them all down—and Mark’s musical dream with it.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2025

About the author

Rhian MacGillivray is an author of upmarket, contemporary romance and fantasy fiction.

Originally from Scotland, Rhian has been living in southern Spain for the last 13 years with her husband and two daughters. After gaining a degree in French and Spanish from the University of Edinburgh, she worked for twelve years as a Spanish-English translator, translating for major companies, film festivals, universities and organisations around the world.

Her debut novel, The Cards We're Dealt, was published in May 2025.

https://www.rhianmacgillivray.com/

X: @RhiMacG
Instagram: @rhian_writes

Reviews

[Simona Suleap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during my holiday and must confess that, for the first part, I had to keep my sunglasses on as tears streamed down my face, not wanting to draw attention from those around me. The pain and emotion were so visceral, almost tangible, that the author’s skill in conveying them to the reader was genuinely remarkable.

One aspect I deeply cherish about this book is how its characters evolve through their struggles and adversities. Their journey is a testament to the inspiring truth that they hold the power to choose their own destiny, guided by the gifts of music and mutual support.

It is a poetic reminder that the path is theirs (ours) to forge, shaped by resilience and connection.

[Javier Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

The Cards We're Dealt is a book about family, above all, and it follows three siblings, Mark, Josh and Sadie, as they try to make sense of the world after their dad dies.

My favourite part was the development of the relationships between the siblings, especially Mark and how he sacrificed things for his younger brother and sister, and really worked for his dream. There are several emotionally impactful scenes that really stuck with me.

Anyone who enjoys family sagas or coming of age novels will enjoy this one.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cards We’re Dealt is a well crafted story that delves into the relationships between three siblings, Mark, Josh and Sadie, as they navigate a sudden and traumatic loss. As a reader you’re immersed in their world of rock music, and learn how this event in their past shapes each of them as individuals and drives their ambition, and at the same time fuels their insecurities. At times funny, at others completely heart wrenching, The Cards We’re Dealt is a beautiful story about the importance of family, of coming to terms with your past, and about passion for music.

[Rhian]

I wrote this one, so I can't rate it! But I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Mark, Josh and Sadie mean a lot to me, and this is their story of family, love, loss and fame.

You'll like this if you enjoyed:

- The complicated relationships in 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin.
- The musical themes and songwriting of 'Songs in Ursa Major' by Emma Brodie.
- The mental health aspects of 'Hello Beautiful' by Ann Napolitano

[Michelle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about the Turner family.

You become emotionally involved with the three siblings from the start and get swept along on a roller coaster of emotions from the lows when things are tough to the highs when all is going well.

One of these books that kept me up at the end until 2 am as I was desperate to discover their destiny.

[Shirley Anne Rostock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would have no hesitation in recommending it. I was quickly invested in the storyline as it pulled on my emotions and I couldn’t wait to finish work/chores to get time to read more.

[Margaret Dyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

It takes you through the ups and downs of family life, as the siblings navigate life.
You feel all the emotions of the characters.
I couldn't put it down was a great read.

[Laura Macgillivray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent first novel. The siblings, though having suffered the same losses, were grieving and coping (or not) in different ways. The author was able to see and understand each person’s emotions and bring their feelings to the reader.

[Andreas Zacc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the family dynamics and the pace of the book. Also gave me the urge to pick up a guitar again. Great first novel.

[Russell Tokely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, so much so it's probably the fastest I've read a book. With an emotionally heavy start to the novel I felt like a strong connection developed with the three siblings, particularly Sadie in my case. Reading as their lives progressed and wanting what's best for them but seeing them make their own mistakes made the book feel immersive and gave an element of frustration from what felt like seeing your own friends make poor life choices.

An excellent novel and will certainly be keeping an eye out for future pieces of work from MacGillivray.