Second Place Sister

by Sue Horner

Ali a forty-five-year-old wife, mother, community volunteer, dedicated employee, and chair of the Willoughby Book Festival, affectionately known as “St. Ali” to friends and family. Janelle a forty-nine-year-old bestselling romance author, Botox-stuffed narcissist, four-time ex-wife (but who’s counting?), and all-around spoiled brat. What could these two possibly have in common? Uncork the wine. Bring out the calming chocolate. Ali Lawrence’s diva sister, Janelle Jennings, is making an unexpected visit to their hometown of Willoughby, Georgia, and Ali needs help. Since they were schoolgirls, Ali has suffered ridicule and criticism from her prom queen, beauty pageant older sister, whom their mother still coddles at Ali’s expense. Ali is suspicious of her sister’s motives for visiting Willoughby, and especially her odd behavior and uncharacteristically long stay. Something’s not quite right, and Ali is both curious and concerned. During this visit, Ali vows to stop being a bitter doormat and stand up to Janelle. But when Ali discovers a secret that has the potential to destroy Janelle’s career and tarnish her reputation, will she expose her sister, or, for the sake of family unity, will she protect her? Can the sisters finally come to terms with each other, admire their achievements, and ignore their faults, or will their relationship continue to disintegrate, bringing bedlam to Willoughby in the process? Someone has to take the first Will it be Janelle in her stepladder stilettos or Ali in her ratty, old running shoes?

361 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2014

Reviews

[Mary Shipko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, Very cleverly written full of humor, sibling rivalry, and love. It reminded me of my own older perfect sister, and our many spats. An older sister might learn a thing or two about how us younger sisters sometimes felt through these realistic fun characters. They have chosen different paths in there adult lives, and when things are not always as they seem, the younger sister is faced with a difficult choice. The whole family was interesting. I love the setting, a charming southern town this book for anyone who enjoys an original very well written, fun read, I hope there's a second book.

[Cynthia Heyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Place Sister

Sisters. Oh boy, now that struck a bell with me. Thought it could get a bit dodgy and it did. Thought it could get a bit mushy and it did. Thought it could get hormonal and it sure did. But Sue Horner sure knows families and promises and secrets and add Sisters and anything can happen. The day in and day out of that particular relationship is laugh out loud funny. And she has delivered.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploration of a family!

This story and characters are well developed with vivid descriptions of the settings, clothes, emotions and people. Two sisters, same parents but different life choices add the spice to make this interesting.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was hard for me to get interested in until it was close to the end. It felt like it was always the same situation on a different day. I am not sure I could read the sequel since it seemed to take too long for the laying down of the law and standing up for ones self.

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute novel

Well written but every twist and turn in the novel was predictable. Had me reading faster toward the end to just be done

[Jennifer Ham]

I was invited to the Roswell Book Club, and I met the author, Sue Horner. I found the book to be captivating. The author made reading about obituaries interesting, and the tension about sister rivalry was very realistic. I also enjoyed the references to the town that I live in, Roswell, GA The author is going to be writing a sequel to this book.