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My Sister's Secret
Everything you’ve built your life on is a lie
Willow’s memories of her parents are sun-drenched and full of smiles, love and laughter. But a mysterious invitation to a photographic exhibition exposes a secret that’s been buried since a tragic accident years ago.
Willow is forced to question everything she knew about Charity, her late mother, and Hope, the aunt she’s lived with since she was a child.
How was the enigmatic photographer connected to Willow’s parents? Why will Hope not break her silence?
Willow cannot move forward in her life without answers. But who can she really trust? Because no one has been telling the truth for a very long time.
ADDICTIVE, GRIPPING and EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL, this is the perfect read for your summer holiday escape.
339 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2015
4969 people are currently reading
3504 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Buchanan
22 books596 followersHello! Fab to see you here. I live in Buckinghamshire, UK with my husband, my little girl and our (very naughty) puppy, Bronte.
I travelled extensively while working as a travel magazine editor, and have always been drawn to the sea after spending my childhood holidays on the south coast visiting family – a fascination that inspires my writing.
I now dedicate my time to writing and procrastinating on Facebook.
I'd love to hear from you so please come say hi on one of the following platforms... plus if you join The Reading Snug I've set up with fellow authors, Kelly Rimmer and Kerry Fisher, you might even bag yourself some freebies including an early copy of my latest novel, The Lost Sister!
https://www.facebook.com/TracyBuchana...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheRe...
https://www.instagram.com/TracyBuchan...
https://twitter.com/TracyBuchanan
https://www.tracy-buchanan.com
I travelled extensively while working as a travel magazine editor, and have always been drawn to the sea after spending my childhood holidays on the south coast visiting family – a fascination that inspires my writing.
I now dedicate my time to writing and procrastinating on Facebook.
I'd love to hear from you so please come say hi on one of the following platforms... plus if you join The Reading Snug I've set up with fellow authors, Kelly Rimmer and Kerry Fisher, you might even bag yourself some freebies including an early copy of my latest novel, The Lost Sister!
https://www.facebook.com/TracyBuchana...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheRe...
https://www.instagram.com/TracyBuchan...
https://twitter.com/TracyBuchanan
https://www.tracy-buchanan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
June 13, 2016
Find all my reviews at: https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.com
Date Read: 06/11/16
Pub Date (US): 06/30/16
4 STARS
Everything you’ve built your life on is a lie
Willow’s memories of her parents are sun-drenched and full of smiles, love and laughter. But a mysterious invitation to a photographic exhibition exposes a secret that’s been buried since a tragic accident years ago.
Willow is forced to question everything she knew about Charity, her late mother, and Hope, the aunt she’s lived with since she was a child.
How was the enigmatic photographer connected to Willow’s parents? Why will Hope not break her silence?
Willow cannot move forward in her life without answers. But who can she really trust? Because no one has been telling the truth for a very long time.
*I’ll be including genres other than just MYSTERY/THRILLER/SUSPENSE on this blog; excited to expand my reviews and hope you join me for these new ones as well!
This was one gorgeously written story. The blurb above does a great job summarizing and giving you just enough to go on without spoiling all the good stuff. There are multiple POVs as we jump around to piece together what Willow discovers of her parents, but its also a story of the three siblings and their loss of one which causes a tragic divide between the remaining two. The story includes a good bit of Willow traveling the world as she begins to form a tale of deep emotions.
I think one of the best aspects of this book is the depth and connection the author was able to create with these characters. By the end of this book, I felt like I had become attached to this makeshift family and their dysfunctions felt as if they were my own. There were a few sections I felt were a bit padded and could have been slimmed down a bit, but it still was an extremely compelling read that caused me to want to pick it up at all hours. Loads of emotion in this one, but it wasn’t all sad. I found myself rejoicing with our characters during happy moments and sharing in their sorrow, especially during the struggles with the three siblings. The main theme I took from this book was how secrets, big and small, can rip apart generations of a family and cause more heartache for others than we realize in the midst of our immediate actions. This is a FANTASTIC read for the summer; I can particularly see this being a big hit at the beach. I look forward to more from this author and would recommend for fans of Diane Chamberlain and Carla Buckley; this totally had the “domestic fiction with a tinge of suspense” thing going for it.
*Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing my copy of this new to the US release in exchange for an honest review.
Date Read: 06/11/16
Pub Date (US): 06/30/16
4 STARS
Everything you’ve built your life on is a lie
Willow’s memories of her parents are sun-drenched and full of smiles, love and laughter. But a mysterious invitation to a photographic exhibition exposes a secret that’s been buried since a tragic accident years ago.
Willow is forced to question everything she knew about Charity, her late mother, and Hope, the aunt she’s lived with since she was a child.
How was the enigmatic photographer connected to Willow’s parents? Why will Hope not break her silence?
Willow cannot move forward in her life without answers. But who can she really trust? Because no one has been telling the truth for a very long time.
*I’ll be including genres other than just MYSTERY/THRILLER/SUSPENSE on this blog; excited to expand my reviews and hope you join me for these new ones as well!
This was one gorgeously written story. The blurb above does a great job summarizing and giving you just enough to go on without spoiling all the good stuff. There are multiple POVs as we jump around to piece together what Willow discovers of her parents, but its also a story of the three siblings and their loss of one which causes a tragic divide between the remaining two. The story includes a good bit of Willow traveling the world as she begins to form a tale of deep emotions.
I think one of the best aspects of this book is the depth and connection the author was able to create with these characters. By the end of this book, I felt like I had become attached to this makeshift family and their dysfunctions felt as if they were my own. There were a few sections I felt were a bit padded and could have been slimmed down a bit, but it still was an extremely compelling read that caused me to want to pick it up at all hours. Loads of emotion in this one, but it wasn’t all sad. I found myself rejoicing with our characters during happy moments and sharing in their sorrow, especially during the struggles with the three siblings. The main theme I took from this book was how secrets, big and small, can rip apart generations of a family and cause more heartache for others than we realize in the midst of our immediate actions. This is a FANTASTIC read for the summer; I can particularly see this being a big hit at the beach. I look forward to more from this author and would recommend for fans of Diane Chamberlain and Carla Buckley; this totally had the “domestic fiction with a tinge of suspense” thing going for it.
*Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing my copy of this new to the US release in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2020
I have read many books written from multiple POVs and in different time frames. Some flow seamlessly, others don't. My Sister's Secret belongs to the latter group. Sometimes it worked, but mainly it didn't.
I didn't find this read addictive, gripping or emotionally powerful. There is a twist towards the end, but not an entirely unexpected one. A mediocre 2 star rating is all I feel I can honestly give this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of My Sister's Secret in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I didn't find this read addictive, gripping or emotionally powerful. There is a twist towards the end, but not an entirely unexpected one. A mediocre 2 star rating is all I feel I can honestly give this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of My Sister's Secret in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 20, 2015
My Sister's Secret is a really clever, beautifully written family drama come mystery story with some characters I fell in love with and is an utterly absorbing read.
So we are set over several timelines as Willow starts to discover things about her parents that she never knew. Meanwhile this is also the story of 3 siblings, the loss of one which devastates the other two and sets off a tidal wave of emotional fallout.
There is something utterly compelling about this one,highly engaging with some well developed characters that you really do get involved with. Willow, desperate to get answers, travels the world in search of them. Hope, who keeps her family's skeletons buried deep in the closet is an absolutely fascinating character. Charity and Faith, the other two sisters equally fascinating for entirely different reasons - the whole story unfolds with perfect pace and a sharp eye for the little details that make a book so readable.
I loved the diving/submerged forests aspect, made me go google mad, added to that there is an artistic vibe to the narrative that just really holds you in that place and time while you are on the journey.
Overall a really great read and one that comes highly recommended from me.
Happy Reading Folks!
So we are set over several timelines as Willow starts to discover things about her parents that she never knew. Meanwhile this is also the story of 3 siblings, the loss of one which devastates the other two and sets off a tidal wave of emotional fallout.
There is something utterly compelling about this one,highly engaging with some well developed characters that you really do get involved with. Willow, desperate to get answers, travels the world in search of them. Hope, who keeps her family's skeletons buried deep in the closet is an absolutely fascinating character. Charity and Faith, the other two sisters equally fascinating for entirely different reasons - the whole story unfolds with perfect pace and a sharp eye for the little details that make a book so readable.
I loved the diving/submerged forests aspect, made me go google mad, added to that there is an artistic vibe to the narrative that just really holds you in that place and time while you are on the journey.
Overall a really great read and one that comes highly recommended from me.
Happy Reading Folks!
June 25, 2020
Finally, finally finished this by skimming through the last 7,000 or so pages to get to the ridiculous surprise ending. I don't even have the energy to explain all the reasons I disliked it. Okay I have this much energy: not one of the unappealing characters behaves the way a real person would; and every situation is contrived to support the "secret" theme.
Random Thoughts and Spoilers:
Random Thoughts and Spoilers:
July 15, 2015
If you are looking for a summer holiday read then you can’t really go far wrong this one. It is one of those reads where it is best not to know anything about the plot before you start and just let this story gently unwind around you. In fact it is very hard to review it without mentioning the story but I really don’t want to spoil it for anyone else. All I will say is that it is a story about sisters and the secrets they keep from each other and about each other and features a daughter following in her mother’s footsteps and revealing the skeletons in the family cupboard along the way. It is full of romance and heartbreak, lies, treachery and secrets that are revealed slowly throughout the book. In fact the secrets just keep on coming with this read with the final ones not revealed right until the very end.
I really enjoyed reading about the characters. Told in two time frames and from different viewpoints, I was completely absorbed in each one when I was reading – completely forgetting about the other for a short while. I found myself thinking about them at odd times when I was away from the book. At the start of the review I said it would make a good summer read, and it would, especially if you are looking for a good read with a lot of romance in it, with a storyline that is a little bit meatier than a lot of recommended summer holiday reads and which twists and turns and meanders along. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
I really enjoyed reading about the characters. Told in two time frames and from different viewpoints, I was completely absorbed in each one when I was reading – completely forgetting about the other for a short while. I found myself thinking about them at odd times when I was away from the book. At the start of the review I said it would make a good summer read, and it would, especially if you are looking for a good read with a lot of romance in it, with a storyline that is a little bit meatier than a lot of recommended summer holiday reads and which twists and turns and meanders along. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
October 7, 2015
*4.5 stars
Oh, the lies we tell each other in order to protect the ones we love. This book kept me on the edge of my seat! Told through two pov's, it was very well transitioned throughout the novel. The whole story was well written, that I didn't see any of the "secrets" coming. Great cast of characters, the story flowed, descriptions of diving & submerged forests were beautiful, and the ending punched a wallop of a surprise! I will definitely look out for more novels by Tracy Buchanan.
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, the lies we tell each other in order to protect the ones we love. This book kept me on the edge of my seat! Told through two pov's, it was very well transitioned throughout the novel. The whole story was well written, that I didn't see any of the "secrets" coming. Great cast of characters, the story flowed, descriptions of diving & submerged forests were beautiful, and the ending punched a wallop of a surprise! I will definitely look out for more novels by Tracy Buchanan.
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2019
This is very much a family drama with lots of hidden secrets.
It’s emotional but not always sad. Does make you invest in this family though like you belong to them no matter how dysfunctional.
Secrets are in families, and they sometimes need to be, but, a lot are destructive and knock the core of family life if you let it.
This isn’t a fast paced book, to the contrary this is an ease book which you need to savour at a slow pace to get the most from it.
This author was very good at drawing me in. It’s a book I’ll remember for quite a while.
It’s emotional but not always sad. Does make you invest in this family though like you belong to them no matter how dysfunctional.
Secrets are in families, and they sometimes need to be, but, a lot are destructive and knock the core of family life if you let it.
This isn’t a fast paced book, to the contrary this is an ease book which you need to savour at a slow pace to get the most from it.
This author was very good at drawing me in. It’s a book I’ll remember for quite a while.
July 16, 2018
My Sister's Secret is a character led family saga drama about family, memories, secrets and tragedy. Emotional in places, but I didn't completely fall in love with this story or the characters, hence giving it 3 stars, rather than 4.
August 23, 2015
One star for introducing me to submerged forests-I would like to find out more about them. Another star for a bit of a surprise ending. I think I am being generous though. Terrible dialogue and ridiculous story. The last chapter was far too long and I skimmed through the last few pages because the story was a predictable tying up of loose ends by that point.
August 13, 2015
Wow, this book was the bomb for me. There's one big secret in this book, but there are multiple factors in that secret. And someone knows at least one of those factors but no one still left alive knows all the factors. Those factors slowly come out during the course of this book. And with each one, I thought there was no way another bomb even bigger could be dropped. I was wrong. My jaw actually dropped with the last few bombs that were told or discovered.
This was a very well written book with great characters and a truly believable story. While this was my first Tracy Buchanan book, I had actually never heard of her, but this won't be my last. I was definitely led on a fantastic journey that I will not soon forget. I HIGHLY recommend this one!!
I want to thank Harper Collins/Avon and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. It was total entertainment!
This was a very well written book with great characters and a truly believable story. While this was my first Tracy Buchanan book, I had actually never heard of her, but this won't be my last. I was definitely led on a fantastic journey that I will not soon forget. I HIGHLY recommend this one!!
I want to thank Harper Collins/Avon and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. It was total entertainment!
December 28, 2015
Three sisters, four decades, many secrets.
I really enjoyed this, but won't do a review as it's one of those books where it's best you know as little as possible about it before you read it and discover it for yourself.
Beautifully written, characters you care about, clever twists. Recommended.
I really enjoyed this, but won't do a review as it's one of those books where it's best you know as little as possible about it before you read it and discover it for yourself.
Beautifully written, characters you care about, clever twists. Recommended.
May 21, 2018
My Sister’s Secret is told through Charity and her daughter Willow. Charity’s chapters are in the past where as Willow’s are in present day.
Willow lost her parents at a young age and had been brought up by her aunt Hope. I couldn’t imagine losing one parent at such a young age, never mind losing both. Even though she has had a relatively happy childhood she does seem to have some resentment to her aunt who seems to be reluctant to talk about Charity and her past.
The majority of chapters to do with Charity are prior to her having Willow and gives us more insight into her relationship and her relationship with two men who are play very big parts in her life.
This is very much a story that needs to be inhaled slowly. Even though there are shocks and surprises in store, it is told at a gentle pace which draws you in and consumes you. I was desperate for answers like Willow but I savoured every minute until the author was ready to share them with us.
My Sister’s Secret is very much one of family secrets and searching for the truth. It held me captive throughout and I really enjoyed this slower paced thriller. Definitely well worth the read.
Willow lost her parents at a young age and had been brought up by her aunt Hope. I couldn’t imagine losing one parent at such a young age, never mind losing both. Even though she has had a relatively happy childhood she does seem to have some resentment to her aunt who seems to be reluctant to talk about Charity and her past.
The majority of chapters to do with Charity are prior to her having Willow and gives us more insight into her relationship and her relationship with two men who are play very big parts in her life.
This is very much a story that needs to be inhaled slowly. Even though there are shocks and surprises in store, it is told at a gentle pace which draws you in and consumes you. I was desperate for answers like Willow but I savoured every minute until the author was ready to share them with us.
My Sister’s Secret is very much one of family secrets and searching for the truth. It held me captive throughout and I really enjoyed this slower paced thriller. Definitely well worth the read.
July 19, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My Sister’s Secret is a well written novel, with likeable characters. This book is more of a “beach read” than anything else. It is a story about two generations of a family, 3 sisters, Faith, Hope and Charity and Charity’s daughter, Willow. The novel switches between past and present day time lines narrated by both Charity and Willow.
When Hope and Charity are young, a tragic accident befalls Faith and she passes away - which haunts the family forever. Charity’s entire path thereafter is guided by this one event and a secret she keeps based upon it. Another accident occurs, leaving Willow an orphan, to be raised by her Aunt Hope, who keeps her sister Charity’s secrets to protect those she loves most, specifically Willow. An adult Willow, goes searching for answers and will stop at nothing until she finds them. In doing so, Willow unearths, the biggest secret of (one which was not even remotely predictable).
The big “secret” was quite surprising and the characters were likable but that the romances in the story didn’t sweep me away and I didn’t find them even remotely plausible. In addition, I felt as though the initial secret kept by Charity would have been uncovered by proper police investigation and forensics and thus was not feasible. That said, I believe that this novel fits in the “summer read” category and was an easy enjoyable read.
Published from July 1, 2016 to the present;
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and NetGalley.
My Sister’s Secret is a well written novel, with likeable characters. This book is more of a “beach read” than anything else. It is a story about two generations of a family, 3 sisters, Faith, Hope and Charity and Charity’s daughter, Willow. The novel switches between past and present day time lines narrated by both Charity and Willow.
When Hope and Charity are young, a tragic accident befalls Faith and she passes away - which haunts the family forever. Charity’s entire path thereafter is guided by this one event and a secret she keeps based upon it. Another accident occurs, leaving Willow an orphan, to be raised by her Aunt Hope, who keeps her sister Charity’s secrets to protect those she loves most, specifically Willow. An adult Willow, goes searching for answers and will stop at nothing until she finds them. In doing so, Willow unearths, the biggest secret of (one which was not even remotely predictable).
The big “secret” was quite surprising and the characters were likable but that the romances in the story didn’t sweep me away and I didn’t find them even remotely plausible. In addition, I felt as though the initial secret kept by Charity would have been uncovered by proper police investigation and forensics and thus was not feasible. That said, I believe that this novel fits in the “summer read” category and was an easy enjoyable read.
Published from July 1, 2016 to the present;
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and NetGalley.
July 1, 2016
This was a great story and a real page turner. I could not put it down. This is my first book by Tracy Buchanan but I will definitely read more of her works. Willow was orphaned when she lost her parents when the cruise ship they were on went down. Now she has the chance to dive the actual ship where she lost her parents and she hopes to find answers to questions her aunt Hope will not answer. This is a great read and I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
February 5, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/2...
La storia potrebbe non essere nuova: è una storia di due generazioni di donne, di tre sorelle con i loro segreti e una giovane donna Willow, figlia di una delle tre che intraprende una missione per scoprire di più sul passato di sua madre. Nonostante sembri racchiudere a primo impatto una storia piuttosto semplice, ammetto che non lo è: la Buchanan aggiunge dei particolari molto interessanti e piuttosto insoliti intorno ai quali gira l'intera storia. La storia è raccontata in due intervalli di tempo, attraverso gli occhi di Willow nel presente e nel passato dagli occhi di Charity, madre di Willow. E' una storia che racchiude i segreti di tre sorelle legate da un filo invisibile che attraversa il passato e il presente, una storia di verità negate, di divisioni e di unioni, di un amore unico e potente oltre i confini dell'immaginabile. Andando avanti e indietro nel tempo, scopriamo di più su Willow, una giovane donna che lavora come sub, e sulle tre sorelle (una delle quali è la madre scomparsa di Willow) e sul mistero della morte di uno dei loro membri di famiglia. Tenendo presente che l'autrice è un giornalista, non ho avuto dubbi sulla sua bravura nel creare ambienti bellissimi ed affascinanti, viaggiando in diversi paesi e persino continenti. Ne La sorella segreta vediamo posti incredibili e mozzafiato, molte foreste meravigliose realmente esistenti di cui ignoro l'esistenza. Fin quando non ho cercato su Internet non ho avuto davvero idea che posti come quelli descritti nella storia esistono realmente e leggerli mi ha fatto sentire come se fossi io stessa la protagonista di questa grande avventura. I personaggi sono piuttosto diversi, ognuno possiede la propria personalità e i propri segreti che hanno nascosto per lunghi anni. Tutti i personaggi hanno i loro difetti ed è proprio per questo che sono perfetti nelle loro imperfezioni. Non cercano di essere amati e di impressionare il lettore, ma sono semplicemente se stessi. Nel complesso, la storia si rivela molto avvincente dalla penna di una scrittrice di talento. Uno degli aspetti migliori di questo libro è la profondità che l'autrice è stata in grado di imprimere a questi personaggi. Ci sono stati alcuni momenti carichi di emozione; mi sono ritrovata a vivere con i personaggi i momenti felici e a condividere il loro dolore nei momenti bui.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
La storia potrebbe non essere nuova: è una storia di due generazioni di donne, di tre sorelle con i loro segreti e una giovane donna Willow, figlia di una delle tre che intraprende una missione per scoprire di più sul passato di sua madre. Nonostante sembri racchiudere a primo impatto una storia piuttosto semplice, ammetto che non lo è: la Buchanan aggiunge dei particolari molto interessanti e piuttosto insoliti intorno ai quali gira l'intera storia. La storia è raccontata in due intervalli di tempo, attraverso gli occhi di Willow nel presente e nel passato dagli occhi di Charity, madre di Willow. E' una storia che racchiude i segreti di tre sorelle legate da un filo invisibile che attraversa il passato e il presente, una storia di verità negate, di divisioni e di unioni, di un amore unico e potente oltre i confini dell'immaginabile. Andando avanti e indietro nel tempo, scopriamo di più su Willow, una giovane donna che lavora come sub, e sulle tre sorelle (una delle quali è la madre scomparsa di Willow) e sul mistero della morte di uno dei loro membri di famiglia. Tenendo presente che l'autrice è un giornalista, non ho avuto dubbi sulla sua bravura nel creare ambienti bellissimi ed affascinanti, viaggiando in diversi paesi e persino continenti. Ne La sorella segreta vediamo posti incredibili e mozzafiato, molte foreste meravigliose realmente esistenti di cui ignoro l'esistenza. Fin quando non ho cercato su Internet non ho avuto davvero idea che posti come quelli descritti nella storia esistono realmente e leggerli mi ha fatto sentire come se fossi io stessa la protagonista di questa grande avventura. I personaggi sono piuttosto diversi, ognuno possiede la propria personalità e i propri segreti che hanno nascosto per lunghi anni. Tutti i personaggi hanno i loro difetti ed è proprio per questo che sono perfetti nelle loro imperfezioni. Non cercano di essere amati e di impressionare il lettore, ma sono semplicemente se stessi. Nel complesso, la storia si rivela molto avvincente dalla penna di una scrittrice di talento. Uno degli aspetti migliori di questo libro è la profondità che l'autrice è stata in grado di imprimere a questi personaggi. Ci sono stati alcuni momenti carichi di emozione; mi sono ritrovata a vivere con i personaggi i momenti felici e a condividere il loro dolore nei momenti bui.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
July 30, 2017
Wow !!!! What a book ! It has all the elements of a great bestseller! The setting of lost underwater forests was both magical and full of mystery. The three sisters who love to dive around these forests, the secrets around them and the romances kept me turning the pages with held breath. Willow, the niece travels along her family history in order to retrace her mother's path, in search for answers to her unanswered questions.
I am not going to write more in order not to spoil the suspence ....
Beautifully-written by Tracy Buchanan. This is my first book by this author - I'm sure to be looking for more... This book reminds me of John Shor's "The Wishing Trees". Also excellent !
Enjoy a great summer read !
I am not going to write more in order not to spoil the suspence ....
Beautifully-written by Tracy Buchanan. This is my first book by this author - I'm sure to be looking for more... This book reminds me of John Shor's "The Wishing Trees". Also excellent !
Enjoy a great summer read !
November 10, 2015
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
'My Sister's Secret' is Tracy Buchanan's second novel and one of my most anticipated reads this year. Ever since I read her debut 'The Atlas of Us' a year and a half ago I've lived in hope she'll publish her second one soon and was pretty convinced the story will be masterfully crafted just like her debut.
As you see, I was rather impressed with Ms Buchanan's writing and the way she creates her characters, who seemed to pop out of the pages making you feel, live and breathe with them. Honestly, I don't think I will ever be disappointed in any next novel Ms Buchanan writes as she's truly mastered the writing skill and has the most vivid imagination absolutely necessary to create original plots.
The story might not be new, it's a story of two generations of women, story of three sisters with their own secrets and one young woman on a quest to find out more about her mother's past. Despite looking like a rather simple plot, and something we've already seen so many times in fiction, Ms Buchanan adds a very interesting and rather unusual story of submerged forests around which everything revolves. This is why I say that no matter how simple story Ms Buchanan chooses as a plot, she adds her original stamp and creates one very unique piece that definitely stands out.
Going back and forth in time, we find out more about Willow, a young woman working as a diver, and about the three sisters (one of them Willow's mother, who passed away) and about the mystery behind the death of one of their family members. Bearing in mind Ms Buchanan is a journalist, I had no doubts she'll once again create a beautiful setting and take us around the world, travelling different countries and even continents, just like she did in 'The Atlas of Us'. I was not wrong, in 'My Sister's Secret' we see loads of amazing places and loads of submerged forests I even looked online. I really had no idea places like this even exist and reading about them really felt like one big adventure.
The characters were rather different and I can tell Ms Buchanan doesn't feel the need to create lovable characters. On the contrary, they felt too real and even Charity's (Willow's mum) indecisiveness about the men in her life felt real and I guess it's something some women experience at a certain age. All the characters have flaws, but they're kind of perfect in their imperfections. They're not trying to be liked and they're not doing anything to impress you by having a strong character, they just are...they are the way they are and are here to tell a wonderful story of friendship/love/family/secrets.
The only reason why I'm not giving it the max stars, is because sometimes the love triangle felt overwhelming and too much for me to digest. However, it's still a beautiful story which will hold your interest till the last page. If I compare it to Ms Buchanan's debut, I can see she's stepped out of her comfort zone, adding more romance elements to this story. However, she's balancing nicely the romance and the mystery element creating a gripping family drama/romance with a nicely executed mystery.
Overall, this was a gripping, interesting story from the pen of an amazingly talented writer. I'm already Ms Buchanan's big fan and look forward to each of her next novels. I just hope we won't have to wait too long for her next. Absolutely recommend!
November 17, 2019
Um livro pelo qual sentia alguma curiosidade, pelo facto de ter um mistério associado, o que a mim, me agrada sempre.
Comecei sem expectativas muito grandes, e ainda bem, pois embora a estória me estivesse agradar, a escrita não me estava a prender. Sei que parece estranho, mas houve qualquer coisa com este livro que não me agarrou. Talvez de não te ter conseguido "relacionar" com nenhum dos personagens. Ou antes, só com um.
Mas com a continuação da leitura, dei por mim a querer saber cada vez mais, porque me parecia que nem tudo era bem como estava a ser contado.
Escrito com passagens entre o passado e presente acabou por me agarrar e foi uma bela surpresa
Comecei sem expectativas muito grandes, e ainda bem, pois embora a estória me estivesse agradar, a escrita não me estava a prender. Sei que parece estranho, mas houve qualquer coisa com este livro que não me agarrou. Talvez de não te ter conseguido "relacionar" com nenhum dos personagens. Ou antes, só com um.
Mas com a continuação da leitura, dei por mim a querer saber cada vez mais, porque me parecia que nem tudo era bem como estava a ser contado.
Escrito com passagens entre o passado e presente acabou por me agarrar e foi uma bela surpresa
March 7, 2017
Willow’s memories of her parents are filled with love and happiness, but her time with them was brief. A tragedy at sea took them from her when she was just a little girl, leaving Willow to be raised by her mother’s sister, Hope. Years later, she is back at her parent’s home, preparing it for sale, when she discovers an invitation for a photography exhibit—addressed to her, sent by a man she’d never met—opened and discarded in the trash. Willow questions her aunt about it, but Hope refuses to answer her questions. Frustrated, Willow searches for answers and, after discovering secrets that have been buried for years, wonders if her entire life has been built on a foundation of lies.
My Sister’s Secret hooks you from the start, and never lets go. The story is told through Willow’s eyes in the present, along with tantalizing glimpses of the past through the eyes of Charity, Willow’s mother. If you’re like me, you’ll think early on that you’ve got everything figured out, and know exactly where things are headed. And you’ll be wrong. This story is anything but predictable, filled with plot twists you’ll never see coming, and revelations that are as shocking as they are heartbreaking. The writing is pure perfection—the complexities of the characters are revealed with excellent timing, keeping you engaged in the story and provoking a whirlwind of emotions that linger long after you read the final sentence. All of which makes this a Book Worth Reading.
I’ll be keeping Tracy Buchanan on my author radar from now one… and you should, too.
I received an advance review copy of this book via Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
My Sister’s Secret hooks you from the start, and never lets go. The story is told through Willow’s eyes in the present, along with tantalizing glimpses of the past through the eyes of Charity, Willow’s mother. If you’re like me, you’ll think early on that you’ve got everything figured out, and know exactly where things are headed. And you’ll be wrong. This story is anything but predictable, filled with plot twists you’ll never see coming, and revelations that are as shocking as they are heartbreaking. The writing is pure perfection—the complexities of the characters are revealed with excellent timing, keeping you engaged in the story and provoking a whirlwind of emotions that linger long after you read the final sentence. All of which makes this a Book Worth Reading.
I’ll be keeping Tracy Buchanan on my author radar from now one… and you should, too.
I received an advance review copy of this book via Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2015
Willow enjoys diving and looking at submerged forest sites. They sound absolutely fascinating. She's invited to a photographic exhibition and wonders who the photographer is and why she's been invited.
She lost her parents when she was young on the maiden voyage of a cruise liner that her dad owned. When she gets the chance to dive down to the liner she can't resist. Her mum's handbag is found. D
Does it unearth a secret? Her aunt Hope, isn't keen to talk about the past.
I loved the characters and wondered what secrets were going to be unearthed throughout the book. We go back in time and to the present day- following Willow's life and her mother's. I loved Tracy's writing style and already can't wait to read more.
It was a real page turner, thrilling settings and very interesting characters. I'd highly recommend this one as a summer read.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this great book.
She lost her parents when she was young on the maiden voyage of a cruise liner that her dad owned. When she gets the chance to dive down to the liner she can't resist. Her mum's handbag is found. D
Does it unearth a secret? Her aunt Hope, isn't keen to talk about the past.
I loved the characters and wondered what secrets were going to be unearthed throughout the book. We go back in time and to the present day- following Willow's life and her mother's. I loved Tracy's writing style and already can't wait to read more.
It was a real page turner, thrilling settings and very interesting characters. I'd highly recommend this one as a summer read.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this great book.
October 19, 2015
A story of 3 sisters who lost their parents when they were young. Faith, one of the sisters, was killed in a car accident one night and its Charity's ( the main character) boyfriend who is joined for hit and run. Unfolds is a story spanning over the years of Charity and Hope's lives since the accident. They are not only told by Charity tho, Willow, Charity's daughter is trying to find answers and she is also a main character. The time lapse is done brilliantly and the characters are amazing at telling the story. Every reader will feel the feelings the character feels and won't be able to put the book down. As the secrets come out, the reader is most defiantly shocked and unsuspecting in every way.Totally loved this book and can't wait to get stuck in Tracy's next book!!
February 27, 2018
Bei diesem Buch hat mich das Cover gleich angesprochen. Nachdem ich dann noch den Klappentext gelesen habe, war ich umso neugieriger. Ich bin auch gleich in der Handlung drin gewesen, also der Einstieg war leicht und man kann auch gut der Geschichte folgen. Zwar gibt es ein paar langatmige Stellen in diesem Buch, aber das Wechseln von der Gegenwart in die Vergangenheit fand ich recht interessant und vorallem die Suche nach der Wahrheit. Während wir Leser schon stückchenweise an die Wahrheit herankommen, muss die Protagonistin Willow erst nach der Wahrheit über ihre Mutter suchen. Ihre Eltern sind umgekommen, nachdem das Schiff ihres Vaters gesunken ist. Jahre später taucht sie nach genau diesem Schiff, die der Unterwasser Sarg ihrer Eltern ist. Dabei findet sie die Handtasche ihrer Mutter, die sie ihr damals geschenkt hat und darin eine Halskette mit Initialen. Das wirft Willow Fragen auf und ihre Tante, die Schwester von Charity, Mutter von Willow, blockt ab und geht jeder Frage aus dem Weg.
Gegen Ende der Geschichte, wen man näher an der Wahrheit herankommt, und das große Geheimnis gelüftet wird, wird die Handlung nochmal spannender. Ich finde die Wechslung von Gegenwart zur Vergangenheit und dadurch die wechselnde Sicht der Protagonisten sehr erfrischend und spannend. Das Geheimnis das gelüftet wird kam allerdings überraschend und ich konnte es nicht vorhersehen. Man stellt schon während dem lesen schon seine vermutungen, aber dann kommt doch alles anders, als wie man gedacht hätte.
Beide Protagonisten fand ich sehr symphatisch. Charity war für mich die Träumerin. Sie war mir auch gleich von anfang an symphatisch. Sie hatte eigentlich einen Traum, doch ohne Geld kommt sie nicht weit. Dazu kommt auch noch, das ihre Schwester Hope alleine in Busby-on-Sea ist und Charity bringt es nicht übers Herz, ihre Schwester zu verlassen.
Willow war eher die sturköpfige. Sie war aber auch freundlich und hat ihr Herz am rechten Fleck. Doch wen sie etwas haben möchte, kämpft sie auch dafür. So kämpft sie auch um die Wahrheit über ihre Mutter.
Hope fand ich dagegen schon etwas unsymphatisch. Immerhin geht es um ihre Schwester und Nichte. Das sie immer so dicht gemacht hat, war für mich verständnislos. Vielleicht liegt es auch daran, das Hope immer alleine war und niemanden an ihrer Seite hatte.
Die anderen Charakter, die man im Laufe der Geschichte kennenlernt, waren eigentlich alle symphatisch. Es waren auch alle authentisch und bildlich beschrieben.
Der Schreibstil fand ich schön angenehm zu lesen. Am besten hat mir hier die bildhaft beschriebenen Ortschaften gefallen, die die Protagonisten besucht haben. So erfährt man auch viel über die Unterwasserwälder. Oder man erfährt auch einiges über andere Kulturen, wie zum Beispiel was für ein großes Fest es gibt, wen ein Mädchen in Indien ihre Ohrlöcher bekommt. Mir hat es auch sehr gefallen, wie hier in Indien die Mandalas entstehen und was für eine bedeutung diese haben. Ich habe das Buch verschlungen und fand es einfach wunderschön und interessant. Man hätte zwar ein paar Szenen kürzen können, aber alles in allem war die Geschichte einfach toll.
Gegen Ende der Geschichte, wen man näher an der Wahrheit herankommt, und das große Geheimnis gelüftet wird, wird die Handlung nochmal spannender. Ich finde die Wechslung von Gegenwart zur Vergangenheit und dadurch die wechselnde Sicht der Protagonisten sehr erfrischend und spannend. Das Geheimnis das gelüftet wird kam allerdings überraschend und ich konnte es nicht vorhersehen. Man stellt schon während dem lesen schon seine vermutungen, aber dann kommt doch alles anders, als wie man gedacht hätte.
Beide Protagonisten fand ich sehr symphatisch. Charity war für mich die Träumerin. Sie war mir auch gleich von anfang an symphatisch. Sie hatte eigentlich einen Traum, doch ohne Geld kommt sie nicht weit. Dazu kommt auch noch, das ihre Schwester Hope alleine in Busby-on-Sea ist und Charity bringt es nicht übers Herz, ihre Schwester zu verlassen.
Willow war eher die sturköpfige. Sie war aber auch freundlich und hat ihr Herz am rechten Fleck. Doch wen sie etwas haben möchte, kämpft sie auch dafür. So kämpft sie auch um die Wahrheit über ihre Mutter.
Hope fand ich dagegen schon etwas unsymphatisch. Immerhin geht es um ihre Schwester und Nichte. Das sie immer so dicht gemacht hat, war für mich verständnislos. Vielleicht liegt es auch daran, das Hope immer alleine war und niemanden an ihrer Seite hatte.
Die anderen Charakter, die man im Laufe der Geschichte kennenlernt, waren eigentlich alle symphatisch. Es waren auch alle authentisch und bildlich beschrieben.
Der Schreibstil fand ich schön angenehm zu lesen. Am besten hat mir hier die bildhaft beschriebenen Ortschaften gefallen, die die Protagonisten besucht haben. So erfährt man auch viel über die Unterwasserwälder. Oder man erfährt auch einiges über andere Kulturen, wie zum Beispiel was für ein großes Fest es gibt, wen ein Mädchen in Indien ihre Ohrlöcher bekommt. Mir hat es auch sehr gefallen, wie hier in Indien die Mandalas entstehen und was für eine bedeutung diese haben. Ich habe das Buch verschlungen und fand es einfach wunderschön und interessant. Man hätte zwar ein paar Szenen kürzen können, aber alles in allem war die Geschichte einfach toll.
July 5, 2021
3.75 ⭐
December 27, 2016
Willow is a diver. She loves being under water. She's lost both of her parents at a young age and has been raised by her aunt Hope. She has happy memories of her parents and they loved her very much. Hope is always a bit reserved and they've grown apart over the years. When she discovers that her aunt is keeping secrets from her about her childhood and her family Willow starts to investigate her past.
Charity, Willow's mother, doesn't marry her childhood sweetheart and true love Niall, but they always remain close. He is a diver as well and he's made quite a career out of it. They are both interested in submerged forests because of Charity's sister Faith. She wanted to visit all of them. They're using the map she made and keep running into each other when they want to dive. Because of Niall's involvement in a tragic accident that killed Faith they can't be together any longer. Charity and Hope are the two remaining sisters and Hope can't bear to be around Niall. That makes it difficult for Charity to still see him. There are some things that are better left a secret and Charity doesn't tell the truth about Niall to her sister. A tragic accident eventually ends her life and Hope never wants to talk about her sister again. Will she open up so Willow can discover the truth?
My Sister's Secret is a fantastic book about sisters, diving and secrets. I love books about sisters and this is definitely a good one. There's so much mystery and I couldn't wait to find out more about both the past and the present. I didn't want to stop reading and just had to know more. This story is a real page-turner. It's fast-paced and there's a lot going on. Everything comes together very well and the ending is surprising.
I love Tracy Buchanan's writing style. She's very good at tension building and writing cliffhangers. It makes her stories both gripping and moving. I love how she writes about traveling. It's great to see different places of the world through her eyes. I wanted to pack my bags and go to each of the places she describes straight away. I found the variety of settings and the underwater forest aspect fascinating. I also really liked the alternation between past and present. There are scenes that made me hold my breath. I love it when I feel so much while I'm reading a story. My Sister's Secret has many great aspects and everything about this story is exactly right, the timing is perfect, the plot is really good and the main characters are interesting. I think it's an amazing, thrilling read.
Charity, Willow's mother, doesn't marry her childhood sweetheart and true love Niall, but they always remain close. He is a diver as well and he's made quite a career out of it. They are both interested in submerged forests because of Charity's sister Faith. She wanted to visit all of them. They're using the map she made and keep running into each other when they want to dive. Because of Niall's involvement in a tragic accident that killed Faith they can't be together any longer. Charity and Hope are the two remaining sisters and Hope can't bear to be around Niall. That makes it difficult for Charity to still see him. There are some things that are better left a secret and Charity doesn't tell the truth about Niall to her sister. A tragic accident eventually ends her life and Hope never wants to talk about her sister again. Will she open up so Willow can discover the truth?
My Sister's Secret is a fantastic book about sisters, diving and secrets. I love books about sisters and this is definitely a good one. There's so much mystery and I couldn't wait to find out more about both the past and the present. I didn't want to stop reading and just had to know more. This story is a real page-turner. It's fast-paced and there's a lot going on. Everything comes together very well and the ending is surprising.
I love Tracy Buchanan's writing style. She's very good at tension building and writing cliffhangers. It makes her stories both gripping and moving. I love how she writes about traveling. It's great to see different places of the world through her eyes. I wanted to pack my bags and go to each of the places she describes straight away. I found the variety of settings and the underwater forest aspect fascinating. I also really liked the alternation between past and present. There are scenes that made me hold my breath. I love it when I feel so much while I'm reading a story. My Sister's Secret has many great aspects and everything about this story is exactly right, the timing is perfect, the plot is really good and the main characters are interesting. I think it's an amazing, thrilling read.
September 4, 2016
This was a five star idea that plummeted to one star in its execution. The characters were all so shallow that they were totally unbelievable. How can anyone be madly in love with person A but forget about them the next minute because they had met person B? How does a millionaire businessman watch his beloved sister-in-law struggle in a failing business and not help her out? How does a fully equipped, newly built cruise ship SINK because of a storm and how was the little girl, orphaned because of it, left to live with an aunt who couldn't afford to make an attic room of her house safe? Surely, she should have been a millionaire through inheritance? And a duvet cover that had lasted for twenty years without falling apart? For goodness sake, couldn't it have been made a little bit believable. As for the number of coincidences in the book- well, I don't know where to start. If the characters had been well developed the author might have got away with it; after all, most great books in literature have an element of coincidence. But sadly not. The book lacked menace, suspense, excitement and even credibility. Give it a miss.
November 14, 2019
De início, fiquei desanimada. Julguei que iria ser uma leitura apressada dada a falta de empatia com as personagens e a banalidade da trama, que se desenrola em três e depois dois períodos temporais distintos, bem diferenciados por capítulos. Às páginas tantas, por volta do sétimo (capítulo) o mistério começou a espicaçar a minha curiosidade e a aumentar o meu interesse pela história das irmãs falecidas. Um estranho casal parecia-me ser a chave do enigma. As personagens ganham alguma densidade e a ligação que tinham ao mar ao mergulharem para verem florestas submersas também começou a exercer o seu fascínio. E... uma história de amor trágica não me deixava indiferente, mas... continuava a faltar consistência.
Enfim...Não me convenceu e por isso não é um romance que marque. Leitura fácil para uma trama que consegue agarrar em algumas passagens mas não deixa de ser um primeiro romance da autora, com lacunas que no futuro não irão existir.
Enfim...Não me convenceu e por isso não é um romance que marque. Leitura fácil para uma trama que consegue agarrar em algumas passagens mas não deixa de ser um primeiro romance da autora, com lacunas que no futuro não irão existir.
July 30, 2015
Thanks goes to NETGALLEY and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this great novel.
This was a great read, it was captivating, it was well written. I love stories that go from the past to the present or the present to the past. The author did a wonderful job drawing you into the sisters world, you care about them, you feel their pain and their joy.
This novel is packed with family drama, love, struggles, courage, and forgiveness. Its full of underwater adventures, passion, romance, and secrets.
Its heart-warming and heart-breaking at times, but you are so involved in the sisters story, you read on.
Even though I had figured out the secret, I wanted to continue on with the story and when the book ended, I really wanted more. I will defiantly read this authors next novel.
Thanks again goes to NETGALLEY and HarperCollins.
This was a great read, it was captivating, it was well written. I love stories that go from the past to the present or the present to the past. The author did a wonderful job drawing you into the sisters world, you care about them, you feel their pain and their joy.
This novel is packed with family drama, love, struggles, courage, and forgiveness. Its full of underwater adventures, passion, romance, and secrets.
Its heart-warming and heart-breaking at times, but you are so involved in the sisters story, you read on.
Even though I had figured out the secret, I wanted to continue on with the story and when the book ended, I really wanted more. I will defiantly read this authors next novel.
Thanks again goes to NETGALLEY and HarperCollins.
September 18, 2015
Originally reviewed on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/2...
Well, after having given myself almost a couple of days rest after the turbulent journey which was neatly tucked away within this rather innocent-looking novel, I finally feel able to put my words together into what I hope will be a somewhat coherent order, fingers crossed anyway. My Sister's Secret by Tracy Buchanan was incredible, moving me to tears, forcing heartache and immense sadness upon me, as the gut-wrenching tale of three sisters involved began to unravel. This is Tracy Buchanan's second novel with HarperCollins, and I'm positively itching to get my hands on a copy of her first novel The Atlas of Us, because wow, this author knows how to tell a tale or two.
In My Sister's Secret by Tracy Buchanan, we're greeted by an incredibly atmospheric opening involving the three sisters, Faith, Charity and Hope, together on the beach near their home in Busby-on-Sea, 1977. Just with this one chapter, I was able to picture the sisters perfectly, each one unique and fascinating in their very own way. The author provided me with the most beautiful of descriptions, of not only the characters that would play their roles in the novel that would soon unravel, but of the surroundings and setting too. Already, I was aware of a strange, unsettling undertone, I'm not even sure of how I picked up on it, but there was something there which the author was pulling forward for me to notice, even if it was incredibly vague. Because of Buchanan's tone, my senses became immediately heightened, and I found myself straining to find even the tiniest thing that would solidify my guessing towards what was about to come. It truly was the most brilliantly mysterious way to begin this novel, a novel of powerful, life-changing secrets, dark and troubled pasts, and love gone by. Just thinking about it makes me well up, so I'll move swiftly on before I begin sobbing into my keyboard...
I found that the continuous switching of not only narrative, but between the past and present too, worked wonders with me as a reader. Only a short way into this novel, I began to feel wholly involved and invested in not only the sister's long-ago past as Tracy showed me the way back in time, but in Willow's life too, in the present day, who was the daughter of Charity, and niece of Hope and Faith. For me, being able to study the 'then' and the 'now' was pure magic, and had me completely and utterly fascinated by how past events would shape Willow's future. It was mystifying to the say the least, and Buchanan held me captive as the novel developed and progressed, growing meatier as each chapter added more intrigue to the plot. I was a prisoner to Buchanan's words, grabbing everything the author offered to me and turning it over and over in my mind to figure out where its place was in the novel. I felt like I discovered something new as each page flicked over, and what made it even more excited was finding out morsels of information before the characters themselves. I adored how I was able to watch how the past shaped the here and now, and at the same time, I couldn't get enough of seeing how the here and now had fallen into place because of the past. There was so many secrets to be told, so many different aspects for me to lose myself within, and just the right amount of characters to regale me with their personal tales and views of what happened all those years before.
The relationships between not only the sisters, but Willow and her aunt in the present day, were interesting to say the least, and I admired the spotlight which Buchanan chose to shine on those relationships greatly, as they clearly played a very important role within A Sister's Secret. Alongside the more momentous points in the plot, I thoroughly enjoyed watching how the characters, from the past as well as the present, interacted with each other, and reacted to each other. It was clear, from Buchanan's vague hints and slight clues, that something had happened before Willow had came along, and it didn't take long for the curious young woman to realise that something was amiss, something that she couldn't seem to leave alone and step away from.
Willow's character was one which I enjoyed, pretty much from the beginning. She seemed brave to me, inquisitive and the sort of person who, once sniffed out a thread of mystery, couldn't stop herself from digging deeper and deeper. It intrigued me as to how Willow and her aunt Hope had reached the point in their relationship where they seemed mildly off with the each other. Hope cared for Willow greatly, but I wanted to know desperately how Willow had come to stay with Hope, what had happened beforehand for Willow to have felt the way she did. It was all very mysterious, and I couldn't wait to find out more, trying to dig further into the novel in very much the same way that Willow began to do so too. Shrouded in shadows and only providing me with the tiniest of olive-branches, this novel kept me guessing right the way through until the very end, where finally, I was able to take a deep breath as realisation floored me.
I really don't feel like I can say too much without revealing anything important within the plot, but this was a brilliantly mapped and plotted novel, taking me from here to there and back again, leaving me dizzy with emotion and disbelief. It was powerful, emotional and utterly moving, resulting in tears a fair few times throughout. The characters were beautiful, and the author presented them to me in the most effective of ways. I loved this novel, everything included. I was involved in the story and that characters completely, cared them so deeply and was gutted when the novel came to an end. I wanted to re-live it all over again, and I'm certain that I will do when I have the chance. Incredible.
Becca's Books is awarding My Sister's Secret by Tracy Buchanan with FIVE GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! A fantastic story of love, forgiveness, and discovering the truth, as well as an adventure or two along the rocky path.
Well, after having given myself almost a couple of days rest after the turbulent journey which was neatly tucked away within this rather innocent-looking novel, I finally feel able to put my words together into what I hope will be a somewhat coherent order, fingers crossed anyway. My Sister's Secret by Tracy Buchanan was incredible, moving me to tears, forcing heartache and immense sadness upon me, as the gut-wrenching tale of three sisters involved began to unravel. This is Tracy Buchanan's second novel with HarperCollins, and I'm positively itching to get my hands on a copy of her first novel The Atlas of Us, because wow, this author knows how to tell a tale or two.
In My Sister's Secret by Tracy Buchanan, we're greeted by an incredibly atmospheric opening involving the three sisters, Faith, Charity and Hope, together on the beach near their home in Busby-on-Sea, 1977. Just with this one chapter, I was able to picture the sisters perfectly, each one unique and fascinating in their very own way. The author provided me with the most beautiful of descriptions, of not only the characters that would play their roles in the novel that would soon unravel, but of the surroundings and setting too. Already, I was aware of a strange, unsettling undertone, I'm not even sure of how I picked up on it, but there was something there which the author was pulling forward for me to notice, even if it was incredibly vague. Because of Buchanan's tone, my senses became immediately heightened, and I found myself straining to find even the tiniest thing that would solidify my guessing towards what was about to come. It truly was the most brilliantly mysterious way to begin this novel, a novel of powerful, life-changing secrets, dark and troubled pasts, and love gone by. Just thinking about it makes me well up, so I'll move swiftly on before I begin sobbing into my keyboard...
I found that the continuous switching of not only narrative, but between the past and present too, worked wonders with me as a reader. Only a short way into this novel, I began to feel wholly involved and invested in not only the sister's long-ago past as Tracy showed me the way back in time, but in Willow's life too, in the present day, who was the daughter of Charity, and niece of Hope and Faith. For me, being able to study the 'then' and the 'now' was pure magic, and had me completely and utterly fascinated by how past events would shape Willow's future. It was mystifying to the say the least, and Buchanan held me captive as the novel developed and progressed, growing meatier as each chapter added more intrigue to the plot. I was a prisoner to Buchanan's words, grabbing everything the author offered to me and turning it over and over in my mind to figure out where its place was in the novel. I felt like I discovered something new as each page flicked over, and what made it even more excited was finding out morsels of information before the characters themselves. I adored how I was able to watch how the past shaped the here and now, and at the same time, I couldn't get enough of seeing how the here and now had fallen into place because of the past. There was so many secrets to be told, so many different aspects for me to lose myself within, and just the right amount of characters to regale me with their personal tales and views of what happened all those years before.
The relationships between not only the sisters, but Willow and her aunt in the present day, were interesting to say the least, and I admired the spotlight which Buchanan chose to shine on those relationships greatly, as they clearly played a very important role within A Sister's Secret. Alongside the more momentous points in the plot, I thoroughly enjoyed watching how the characters, from the past as well as the present, interacted with each other, and reacted to each other. It was clear, from Buchanan's vague hints and slight clues, that something had happened before Willow had came along, and it didn't take long for the curious young woman to realise that something was amiss, something that she couldn't seem to leave alone and step away from.
Willow's character was one which I enjoyed, pretty much from the beginning. She seemed brave to me, inquisitive and the sort of person who, once sniffed out a thread of mystery, couldn't stop herself from digging deeper and deeper. It intrigued me as to how Willow and her aunt Hope had reached the point in their relationship where they seemed mildly off with the each other. Hope cared for Willow greatly, but I wanted to know desperately how Willow had come to stay with Hope, what had happened beforehand for Willow to have felt the way she did. It was all very mysterious, and I couldn't wait to find out more, trying to dig further into the novel in very much the same way that Willow began to do so too. Shrouded in shadows and only providing me with the tiniest of olive-branches, this novel kept me guessing right the way through until the very end, where finally, I was able to take a deep breath as realisation floored me.
I really don't feel like I can say too much without revealing anything important within the plot, but this was a brilliantly mapped and plotted novel, taking me from here to there and back again, leaving me dizzy with emotion and disbelief. It was powerful, emotional and utterly moving, resulting in tears a fair few times throughout. The characters were beautiful, and the author presented them to me in the most effective of ways. I loved this novel, everything included. I was involved in the story and that characters completely, cared them so deeply and was gutted when the novel came to an end. I wanted to re-live it all over again, and I'm certain that I will do when I have the chance. Incredible.
Becca's Books is awarding My Sister's Secret by Tracy Buchanan with FIVE GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! A fantastic story of love, forgiveness, and discovering the truth, as well as an adventure or two along the rocky path.
September 14, 2015
When Willow's parents died in a tragic accident when she was just a child, her Aunt Hope stepped in to raise her. Willow's memories of life with her parents stand in stark contrast to her life with her aunt. While her parents were loving, happy socialites, her Aunt Hope kept a house filled with secrets, and kept Willow at a distance.
Coming back home in her mid-twenties, Willow finds a discarded invitation from Niall Lane, a famous photographer who has personally invited her to his next exhibit. When she confronts her Aunt Hope about why she would have thrown it away, a lifetime of secrets comes crashing down around her.
I could not put this book down! I picked it up after I got home from work and read straight through until I finished, stopping only to halfheartedly eat a bowl of cereal for dinner. (And I really like to cook, so that's saying something.) Every time I thought I had it figured out, another bombshell was dropped, and I was scrambling to figure out what had really happened all over again.
I loved the way that Charity's story and Willow's story became interwoven throughout the book. Willow's mother was taken from her when she was far too young, but it was touching that she ended up in so many of the same places that her mother had visited over the years, even finding the same hut on the beach where she had stayed many years before.
The only thing I really didn't care for was Hope's attitude toward her family. I understand that it must have been painful for her to lose both her sisters, but for her to not only pretend that Faith had never existed, but also to deny Willow any closure by refusing to talk about Charity and refusing to let her visit their former home was a little over the top. I suppose, though, there would have been no story without the secrets.
It's hard to believe that this book is 400 pages with the way I flew through it. A big thanks goes out to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book!
Coming back home in her mid-twenties, Willow finds a discarded invitation from Niall Lane, a famous photographer who has personally invited her to his next exhibit. When she confronts her Aunt Hope about why she would have thrown it away, a lifetime of secrets comes crashing down around her.
I could not put this book down! I picked it up after I got home from work and read straight through until I finished, stopping only to halfheartedly eat a bowl of cereal for dinner. (And I really like to cook, so that's saying something.) Every time I thought I had it figured out, another bombshell was dropped, and I was scrambling to figure out what had really happened all over again.
I loved the way that Charity's story and Willow's story became interwoven throughout the book. Willow's mother was taken from her when she was far too young, but it was touching that she ended up in so many of the same places that her mother had visited over the years, even finding the same hut on the beach where she had stayed many years before.
The only thing I really didn't care for was Hope's attitude toward her family. I understand that it must have been painful for her to lose both her sisters, but for her to not only pretend that Faith had never existed, but also to deny Willow any closure by refusing to talk about Charity and refusing to let her visit their former home was a little over the top. I suppose, though, there would have been no story without the secrets.
It's hard to believe that this book is 400 pages with the way I flew through it. A big thanks goes out to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book!
August 10, 2016
I had to smile while reading the authors letter to her readers at the end... thanking me for spending days or weeks immersed in the novel. Truth is, it's not the length, which is decent. It was just so engaging that I devoured it in a single day. It's beautifully written and intriguing. I know I'm not the only person who spent some time looking for photos and stories about the "underwater forests" several of the characters often visit. They're real, and they're stunning and fascinating. I'm happy to discover something new. Tracy Buchanan has a way of describing the beauty of nature so beautifully that paints a clear picture in your head. So impressive. This story is so complicated and tightly woven. Those that prefer their stories and characters to be extremely relatable and realistic might be turned off but if you can just go along with the flow, I think many would really enjoy this particular piece of writing.
This book bounces around from the past to the present but it's not difficult to follow. Willow lost both of her parents when she was young. She has fond memories of them... a happy, loving couple. When they both die tragically, she comes to live with her aunt. Hope, her mother's sister, raises her. They never seem to be super close but they care for each other. When Willow gets a strange invitation to a photography exhibition by a stranger connected to her family, her interest is peaked but her aunt seems to discourage her. Filled with a need to find out about her late mother's connection to this well traveled photographer, she embarks on a journey that will take her around the world and unearth more than a few family secrets.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
Final rating: 4.5 stars.
This book bounces around from the past to the present but it's not difficult to follow. Willow lost both of her parents when she was young. She has fond memories of them... a happy, loving couple. When they both die tragically, she comes to live with her aunt. Hope, her mother's sister, raises her. They never seem to be super close but they care for each other. When Willow gets a strange invitation to a photography exhibition by a stranger connected to her family, her interest is peaked but her aunt seems to discourage her. Filled with a need to find out about her late mother's connection to this well traveled photographer, she embarks on a journey that will take her around the world and unearth more than a few family secrets.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
Final rating: 4.5 stars.
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