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A Sister's Place

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Sometimes the friend you’ve always needed is the sister you’ve always had.

Throughout the years, sisters Gracie and Juliette Bennett have let life’s changes pull them in opposite directions. But when their beloved grandmother Mimi passes away, they’re drawn back together in the most unexpected way. Set to inherit the family home, a charming Craftsman with an overgrown garden and lush fruit trees near the beach in Santa Barbara, the estranged sisters learn there’s a catch: the house can be theirs, but only if they agree to live in it for one year—together.

Suddenly Gracie, a pragmatic paralegal who’s always stayed close to home, and Juliette, an intrepid recent NYU grad in search of the next thrill, are living under one roof. Forced to reexamine their relationship, they find themselves confronting their pasts and bonding over love, heartbreak, and deeply held secrets. Soon they’ll discover whether a sister’s love is what they need to get them through their darkest hours—and if their grandmother’s clever plan can preserve more than just a piece of family history. It just might preserve the friendship of a lifetime…and reveal the sisters and women they were always meant to be.

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2017

239 people are currently reading
660 people want to read

About the author

Savannah Page

14 books81 followers
Savannah Page is the author of Everything the Heart Wants, A Sister's Place, and the When Girlfriends series, heartfelt women's fiction. Sprinkled with drama and humor, her writing celebrates friendship, love, and life.

A native Southern Californian, Savannah lives in Berlin, Germany, with her husband, their goldendoodle, and her collection of books.

Savannah loves to hear from readers, so feel free to shoot her an email, stop by her Website, or connect with her on Facebook and Instagram!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Slip!.
111 reviews20 followers
December 25, 2016
Well…Now Iwant a sister even morethan I already always have…

Growing up, having a sister was the one thing I wanted so badly. I wore down the Penderwicks from reading it over a zillion times, pouring over the dynamics of having a family of 4 sisters. Pretending I was Jane Penderwick, and my invisible friends (We all had those at some point, didn’t we?) were the remaining Penderwick sisters.

My best friend has an older sister that she is incredibly, incredibly close with, and I have always envied that sort of relationship. Do note, however, that I DO have a brother, and he and I are best friends too. (I think I told HIM about my first ‘that time of the month’ before I told my mother, we are just that darn close). But still. A sister. What would that be like??

This book was a bit more mature version of the Penderwicks, geared for adults, with a premise that was pretty basic, but deep in its own way. The author delivered this deepness from the perspectives of the two sisters, respectfully. It was a quick, easy read, but completely thought-provoking as well. And not just the whole ‘I want a sister like Juliette’ kind of thoughts.

I guess I could call this a sort of ‘summery’ read, as in light, fluffy, and almost chick-flick. I enjoyed it simply because I lived vicariously through the book to have a sister again, like the Penderwicks did for me over and over again. The only problem I really had with the book, was that even from two POVs, if it wasn’t labled WHO was narrating…There really wasn’t any difference in voice.

Sure, you would know who was who by the actions, eventually, but the narration just sounded way too similar. It was a little irksome.

But not NEARLY as irksome as the elder sister turned out to be.

I shan’t include any spoilers, but simply put; If you KNOW the guy is a manipulative man who dragged you and your heart around and stomped on it several times, WHY WOULD YOU GO BACK?
I won’t discredit what the author was trying to portray in Gracie’s actions, because honestly, I would probably have reacted the same way – the first two times. Not 5 years later, after the third or twelve strike. It just…frustrated me. If these sisters were in high school or even middle school, I’d excuse her. But…as an adult? It just…was exasperating beyond all notions.
And then, of COURSE…



But I digress. Two and a half, maybe three star ratings for this sucker. Good concept, just improve the delivery.

*This book was given in advance of its publish date for a honest review*

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Profile Image for Melissa Borsey.
1,898 reviews37 followers
March 30, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed this cute story about two sister's who must live together in their Grandmother's home for a full year in order to be able to continue to keep the house in the family. This is no easy feat for two highly independent women who have grown apart. Good writing, likeable characters, a little on the long side but still a good and heartwarming story.
Profile Image for Bethany Clark.
528 reviews
September 30, 2015
What's more important than a bond between two sisters? Unfortunately Gracie and Juliette Bennett have no experienced that for several years. Their path's in life have taken them on different adventures on different ends of the country.



Grandma Mimi has other things up her sleeve though (with the help of their mother of course). She passes her home down to the girls under one condition. They are to live together, reconnect as sisters, for one year and then the house is theirs to do with as they wish. Sneaky plan, but genius non the less.



The girls have had their fair share of ups in downs in the past - Gracie and ex boyfriend and Juliette's brush with the law (and that's putting it simply). My thoughts are that if they had each other, they would have been able to fair these storms in a much better way.


Present day they need each other now more than ever. There is insight that Gracie can give Juliette in regards to her never ending job search and there is advice that Juliette can give regarding Gracie's on-again off-again relationship.


They have been put through the ringer, so to speak, and there was even a moment when one threatened to move out and never return.


Will they make it to spring? Will the girls part ways and never speak again?


Such a good, well-written family bonding story that will have you talking back to the girls on occasion, wanting to give them YOUR advice.
Profile Image for Emma.
103 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2015
This book was one of those that took me a couple of chapters to get into, so if by any chance you find yourself with the same problem please please don’t give up it gets better!

I loved the fact that instead of choosing to be together the sisters had been effectively forced to live together albeit only for a year by the death of their dearly beloved Grandmother Mimi. The book centres on the this year of sisters Gracie and Juliette’s lives and how their relationship grows from season to season. I absolutely loved the letters that are included in this book at the change of each season. Written to the girls from Mimi before her death the letters include memories, advice and words of encouragement for both sisters about how to cope with their year together. At times you can imagine Mimi is looking down at them as the advice given is so reflective of some of the situations that are happening it’s like she knows just what to say.

The oranges were something that always made me smile in the book, it was yet another reminder of the girls from Mimi, she had a beautiful orange tree in her garden that she mentions that the girls should take great care of and be sure to talk under in their time together. Throughout the novel orange appear whether it’s when the girls visit Mimi’s grave and Juliette’s always leaves one for her departed Grandmother or when one is used as an I’m sorry and I love you after an argument between the sisters.

The story is written from the perspective of each of the sisters in turn and in one of Gracie’s chapters she talks of love and that no matter how much the person she loves hurts her she keeps going back and I wanted to reach into the book and both shake and hug her at the same time. The emotions were so raw and real, and so exactly what I felt with an ex boyfriend of mine years ago. No matter what happened I would always go back, it made me think that the author must have experienced this feeling at one point in her life to be able to write words that conjured exactly the right feelings and emotions.

Growing up as an only child I never knew it was like to have a sisters, from the arguments over clothes, to bickering over boys or the amazingly special bond that exists between sisters who are also friends by choice not just by birth. But this book did almost make me wish I had a sister to share the little things with, especially as I watched the relationship between Gracie and Juliette grow.

One thing I never foresaw in this book was the ending, I wish I knew how things ended up for the sisters and what the future held for them both. Savannah can we have a follow up novel please?!
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,732 reviews219 followers
January 10, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of "A Sister's Place" by Savannah Page. The genre of this novel is women's fiction. When Mimi, beloved grandmother to Gracie and Juliette,passes away, she leaves the girls the family home,with a stipulation. In order to inherit the family home, Mimi has left Gracie and Juliette the challenge to live together for one year in the home. Although Gracie and Juliette are sisters, they have not been close. Mimi has also left the sisters letters for each season. Gracie is the older sister and is a para legal and is very responsible. Juliette is artistic, and free and easy. I found that the author discusses family, love, life, responsibility, trust, and hope. Will Mimi's plan work and make the sisters best friends? I enjoyed the sisters' adventures and journeys,and I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kayla.
957 reviews35 followers
November 30, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As an only child, I have often wondered what it would be like to have a sibling. This book allows you to experience being a sister with all the ups and downs that come along with it. Reading this book made me want a sister! What a touching story and enjoyable read! You won't regret reading this book!
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,980 reviews
July 8, 2022
I Wanted to Love this.

I Wanted to Love this book So Bad! But these two characters are awful. One is a spineless sap, and the other has the morals of a rabbit. It was a Chore to finish.
2 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2018
A story about sisters

A slow gentle story about love, loss and finding the one who always has your back, your sister. Slow paced but good 😉
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,452 reviews35 followers
November 10, 2015
A Sister's Place by author Savannah Page is a lovely story about the bonds of sisterhood, and how a beloved grandmother's legacy takes a pair of sisters on a year long journey of rediscovering how special a sisterly relationship that they truly have.

I have enjoyed reading author Savannah Page's When Girlfriends ... series, so when I saw that she wrote a women's fiction story about the special bonds of sisterhood, I knew that I just had to read it. From the wonderful book cover, to the enticing book description, the author weaves a poignant tale that pulls at the heartstrings and stirs the soul, as the reader follows the year long emotional journey of self-discovery for sisters Gracie and Juliette Bennett.

When Grandma Mimi passes away and leaves the cherished Santa Barbara family home to the sisters, she has one stipulation: that Gracie and Juliette must live together in the house for one year. Grandma Mimi's last wishes forces the sisters to come together and embark on a journey to rekindle their relationship after years of distance had loosened their bonds of sisterhood. As the year long journey progresses, the reader follows along as the sisters share experiences and deal with trials and tribulations as they try to reestablish their relationship, facing the past, and embracing the present, in the hope of attaining the love, friendship, and restrengthening of the unique and special bonds that sisters share.

As an only child who lived vicariously through my Mom's relationship with her four sisters, I couldn't help but become captivated by Gracie and Juliette's story, and relate to the undeniable bonds that come with sisterhood. This is a story that all sisters should share and read together, whether you are blood sisters or sisters that are formed from friendships. There is nothing more special than a story that promotes the message of the importance of honoring the unique relationship bonds that are formed and strengthened between women, even with the struggles, challenges, disappointments, and accomplishments that come with the progression of an individual's path in life.

A Sister's Place is a touching story about sisters and family relationships that will take the reader on a sentimental journey where they will experience the full gamut of emotions, and leave them with a heartwarming feeling that will resonate with them for a long time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Profile Image for Kaley.
509 reviews94 followers
October 28, 2015
Originally reviewed at Books Etc.

I've read (almost) all of Savannah Page's When Girlfriends series and loved them. So when I learned Page had a new stand alone women's fiction novel, I knew I needed to read it. I could not put A Sister's Place down. It's a Must Read.

This book will really resonate with you if you have a sister (but you'll still love it even if you don't). My advice though? Make sure you read it when you know you're able to see or at least text your sis. My own little sister is off working on a cruise ship right now and thank goodness I'll see her soon otherwise it'd be hard to make it through the book. Page nails the sister relationship and I adored it. It's just so authentic and I don't think the book would have been as good had Gracie and Juliette's relationship not been so real.

I liked that each sister was very much her own person but you could still see the similarities between the two women. I think the fact that Gracie and Juliette had such distinct personalities made for a more interesting read. The chapters alternate between the sisters and their voices were fresh and different enough that I looked forward to the change in perspective. I liked getting to know each sister and finding out what made them tick, what their jobs were like, and who they were dating.

I really loved the actual story. It's so sad that the sisters' grandmother has died but her passing led to something amazing - the women finally reconnecting and remembering why they were once so close. Besides, Mimi actually has quite the presence in this novel. Between the letters she wrote to the girls for each season and the fact that they're living in her house, the reader really gets to know the grandmother Gracie and Juliette so adored. She actually reminded me a bit of my own amazing grandmother...though I don't think my grandma will leave her house to my sister and I and make us live together for a year. :) The story could seem a little far-fetched but Page manages to bring it all together in a way that makes perfect sense.

A Sister's Place will be one of my 2015 books I'll remember for awhile. Savannah Page's novel struck all the right chords for me and I think it will do the same for many others. It's sweet, sad, funny, and dramatic - just like real life. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Bharti.
377 reviews25 followers
October 20, 2015
A warm, comforting story. People who have siblings especially of the same sex will appreciate the adventurous ride it is to have a younger sibling. I don't have a sister but having a sibling close to my heart, I loved this story. It showed the ups and downs of having and sharing your personal space with a sibling. There are laughs, fights and ever changing dynamics and shows at the end of the day sibling love trumps the downs and family has a special place in our lives. My only complain is parts of story felt dragged out and slow in pace.
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,728 reviews119 followers
February 22, 2017
GNab I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Savannah Page, and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

I felt very invested in this tale of sisters, found myself rooting for them both and empathizing with Gracie as well as, occasionally, Juliette. This is a good tale, taking place in Santa Barbara, CA, with enough local color to make me add SB to my bucketlist, and to take me away from my cold day in New Mexico.

Pub date Feb 14, 2017
Profile Image for Judy Churchill.
2,573 reviews34 followers
November 30, 2016
This was a simple novel. The author seems to have a following so my guess is that this just isn't my type of story. I've read lots of sister stories and have enjoyed them, but this one never got off the ground for me. Not only did the story seem simplistic but the plot was silly. To each his own . . .
Profile Image for Cherie Caviness.
140 reviews
March 12, 2016
A long and tedious read

It to me more than a month to get through this book. It wasn't poorly written, per se; it just wasn't an attention grabber. The story, though, is a sweet one about two sisters who try to rekindle their relationship.
Profile Image for Daphne Manning.
125 reviews
February 15, 2016
I had a really hard time getting through this book. I really did not love either of the sisters.
Profile Image for Lisa.
806 reviews273 followers
July 2, 2017

SUMMARY
How would you feel if you are in your mid 20's had to live in the same house with your sister for a year? That's what happened to sisters Gracie and Juliette Bennett. They would inherit their grandmother's, Mimi's house in Santa Barbara, California if they lived in it together for one year. This house, at 1402 Laguna Lane was been in their family for sixty-seven years. The girls loved this house because of all their fabulous childhood memories of sleepovers and holiday visits.

But Gracie and Juliette were as different as night and day. One lives in New York City and and the other lives in Santa Barbara, California. One had a responsible career as a paralegal, and one was happy doing odd jobs like tutoring or assisting a caterer. They are different in everything from temperament to their choice of their favorite ice cream flavor. This challenge will test their will, their character, their abilities and their preconceptions.

The sisters have been out of touch ever since going off to college years before. With the girls separated by thousands of miles there has been no sense of camaraderie, no shared secrets and no late night calls. Mimi's so much wanted her beautiful granddaughters to renew and re-establish their bond. She wrote them five heart-felt and encouraging letters-like only a grandmother can do-for the girls to open over the course of the next five seasons. The girls opened their first letter in Spring 2015. It encouraged to Gracie and Juliette to appreciate one of life's greatest experiences-sisterhood.

REVIEW
If you have a sister you would enjoy this sweet book. It's a heart-warming story about what it really means to be a sister. It's about maintaining and cultivating that sister bond, and always being there for each other.

The characters Gracie and Juliette are well-developed and though different, both are very likable characters. The setting in Santa Barbara and particularly, Mimi's house on Laguna Lane sounds perfect, almost to perfect.

Each chapter in A Sister's Place is alternately narrated by Gracie and Juliette. Within each chapter, the girls often flashbacks to childhood memories or past experiences. I had some trouble keeping track of all the transitions. I often found myself having to flip back to determine which sister was narrating, particularly in the first half of the book. Overall, I found A Sister's Place a very sweet book, but a little slow.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Profile Image for Helen.
269 reviews9 followers
December 30, 2016
Having a very close relationship with my sister, I love reading about sister relationships. I knew there would be some clichés and well-known tropes in this story but at the same time, these stories can still be fun and enjoyable. Unfortunately, this story wasn't for me. It pulls up one worn-out cliché after another and there is nothing original. The sisters are like cardboard cut-outs - the irresponsible but lovable younger sister, the stiff and responsible older one and they don't sound like real people when talking, especially when talking about each other. The grandmother who seems to have nothing to say except calender mottos. The trope "having to live together for one year" does not work properly for me either, since I could not understand how this task was so daunting and insurmountable for two adults who might not be best friends anymore but still get along reasonably well. Over the course of the year more well-worn tropes are pulled up: the “one-night-stand leads to pregnancy”, the “cannot let go of bad (ex)boyfriend who only uses her”, the “irresponsible younger sister finally finds a proper job” and many more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan (The Book Bag).
999 reviews90 followers
June 22, 2018
This story starts off with emotion. Gracie and Juliette are reading a letter from their grandmother Mimi, who recently passed away. Mimi places a challenge before them. They can claim ownership of the family home—if they live in it together for one year. Gracie and Juliette are sisters who are as different as night and day and this will definitely challenge them. But they do it for Mimi.

As we witness the seasons pass, the sisters go through their ups and downs where they sometimes wonder if they can make it a year. Their relationship grows and changes as they struggle to find the sisterly closeness they once had. And when life throws them a curve ball, will they be there for each other?

I enjoyed A Sister's Place as I watched the sisters work though their personality conflicts and learn to live with each other. I have to admit that at times the story seemed to move along kind of slow as the year passed for them. It ended on a high note as they finally figure out that family is the most important thing.
1,173 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2020
While the idea of the late grandmother to ask her two granddaughters to live together under one roof to rekindle their sisterly relationship is cute, I find this book being very clichey. Older sister Gracie is the responsible one (but also judgmental and full of bottled-up anger), carefree Juliet simply sleeps around and has a secret from her past blocking her way to adulting (but really, this "secret" is silly compared to all the things that could happen to her living her chosen lifestyle). It is very slow, too.
I also find the book having very problematic way with men - they are the difficult kind here. You can consume what they offer, yet do not fall in love with them as they will only use you. They are not here to stay. Also, heroines behave incredibly stupidly in this area. How about exercising some borders and self-respect (or self-control)?

While I appreciate that the book does not go low and the writing skills are nice, I do not find that I can connect to this novel well.
Profile Image for Laura.
696 reviews22 followers
September 23, 2017
Relationships can be tricky. This is especially true for family!

Gracie and Juliette Bennett are sisters who let life pull them different directions. They've lost touch with each other, something that is soon put front and center when their beloved Mimi (grandmother) dies. Mimi has stipulated that they live in her Santa Barbara house for 1 year. At the end of that time, they can opt to sell and split the profit as their inheritance.

The novel follows them through the ups and downs of the one-year arrangement. During that time, they learn that they not only can turn to each other in their time of need, but that it is sometimes the best thing they could do.

Note ~ I did receive an advance reader copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tami.
103 reviews
February 27, 2017
A Sister's Place
By Savanah Page

A Sisterly Bonding Fest !

Gracie and Juliette Bennett,  are sisters forced to live one year with each other in their grandmother's large rambling home to inherit it.

The two sisters, are total opposites. Gracie a paralegal, who lives her life crossing every T and dotting every I. And Juliette,  a fresh out of college student and free spirit who lives in New York City.

Each chapter is told in a Gracie or Juliette perspective, which pulls the reader into the ups and downs of each protagonists, giving character insight.

A great read from beginning to end.

I received this ARC through Netgalley for a honest review.
5 stars !
130 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2017
Many thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Savannah Page for the ARC in exchange for an honest review..

This is the story of two sisters, now living very separate lives, who come together because of an inheritance. Gracie and Juliette have drifted apart, but their grandmother found a way to renew their relationship. In order for them to inherit the house, they would have to live in it together for a year. I really like the flashbacks to their childhood; it made me really get to know the sisters. The pace was ok for most of the book, but there were some places that it was slow.
625 reviews11 followers
January 8, 2017

Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nestled in the picturesque city of Santa Barbara, the tale of two sisters forced to be roommates after their beloved grandmother passes has extreme potential. Naturally, there will be conflict – oil and water can only co-mingle for so long. There’s a lot of conflict between the two, when either sister is not being wishy-washy or whining about her own problems.

What I loved: The focus on each sister’s relationship with Mimi can be so rare in today’s world that I think the idea is to be celebrated and cherished. While it seemed like they were sometimes at odds with their own mother, Mimi could provide a beautiful outsider’s perspective while still providing love and wisdom.

What I didn’t love: Each of the three characters bugged me in one way or another. Gracie – its time to cut the apron strings. Seriously – you went home every other weekend in college? And then you wonder why you didn’t have any close friends. Why did you allow your parents to spend $200,000 plus on your education if you weren’t in it for the entire college experience.

Juliette – how dumb are you? If you got into NYU, you’re kind of expected to have some brains. How did you not know the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? The police just don’t make deals all the time and then set you back on the streets – this would have had to been reviewed by at least a District Attorney if not also a judge and Public Defender even if a deal was made and you pled guilty.

And Mimi – yes – I’m going to rip on the dead woman now…. So please explain the girl’s inheritance. You have them live together for a year in order to keep the property in the family…then what? There are two girls…one house.. I never heard of any plans to make the other granddaughter whole from the inheritance in the book (nor did I see anything about taxes being paid on the house but that’s another story). Did you seriously expect them both to live there forever? At some point, one sister is going to move out due to love/work/school, etc. Is it a game of last man standing and whomever is in the house last wins? Instead, the winning sister needs to now take out a mortgage for her sister’s half of the value of the home at current market rate? That’s kind of a crappy inheritance.

Oh, and the Anaheim Angels changed their name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim back in 2005.

What I learned: I’m better off being an only child.

Overall Grade: B-
2,023 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2017
I throughly enjoyed A Sister's Place. A story of two young sister's forced to reside together for one year to fulfill the stipulations of a will leaving them the family home. The story line is all about their ups and downs trying to achieve this. Although it took me a few chapters in to become engaged in the book I found it very well written. I obtained a copy of this book from the publisher thru Netgalley
Profile Image for Holly.
50 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2017
I won this book in a Giveaway and wanted to like it for that reason alone. Two sisters inherit their grandmothers house but the catch is they have to live in it together for one year. However; the characters just didn't work for me. I thought the sisters conversations with each other were not believable a little too scripted if that makes any sense. It just didn't work for me.
Profile Image for Fran Cine .
29 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2018
Lovely tale about the trials and tribulations of sisterhood.

I highly recommend this book. It's a light read with intriguing elements.
A story of two very different people coming together and rejoicing in their differences. A tale grief and how two sisters deal with the loss of a loved one while rekindling their relationship. A very nice read.
10 reviews
February 9, 2020
Easy listening audio book

Two sisters are forced into moving into their grandmothers house do a year a stipulation in the grandmothers will. They have grown apart and live very different lives. What a difference a year can make
Profile Image for Krista.
1,185 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2023
I really wanted to love this book. I enjoyed it a little, but found myself skimming the book quickly, instead of hanging on to each word. Some books just refuse to capture my imagination. But now I want to visit Santa Barbara.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews