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Schwestern für einen Sommer
Die Sommer im Strandhaus ihrer Großmutter: Das war für die Halbschwestern Cassie und Julie die schönste Zeit ihres Lebens. Sie waren sich so nah. So, wie es nur beste Freundinnen, Komplizinnen, Vertraute sein können. Aber nach einer schrecklichen Tragödie vor fast fünfzehn Jahren gibt es nur noch Schweigen und Schmerz zwischen ihnen. Jetzt ist es der letzte Wunsch ihrer Großmutter, der sie zwingt, noch einmal einen gemeinsamen Sommer im Haus in den Hamptons zu verbringen. Werden sie sich den Familiengeheimnissen stellen, oder riskieren sie, einander für immer zu verlieren?
- GenresFiction
607 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
June 27, 2020
EXCERPT: 'I have a sister.' Not a question this time. My tone is now trusting, believing. A chip in my cynic's armor.
A secret sister. It felt dramatic, impossible - the sort of thing that happened to other people. I was Cassie Meyers: plain, ordinary. The only thing that was different about me, the thing that set me apart from the other kids at my school, was that my parents didn't love each other. I was sure of that even back then. They his it from the world, in the same way that my father hid his temper and my mother hid her drinking, but I was never spared. I knew - and I was expected to keep - their secrets. To maintain the blissful suburban facade they so masterfully cultivated. On our street, we were the respectable Meyers: banker dad, stay-at-home mom, studious daughter. We mowed ourlawn. We greeted our neighbors by name. We went to church on Sundays. People had no idea what went on in our home.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Two sisters. A surprising inheritance. A summer that changes everything.
As children, half-sisters Cassie and Julie were nearly inseparable, bonded through happy, lazy summers playing barefoot in the surf and sleeping out on the porch of their grandmother’s Hamptons' beach house. Though from wildly different backgrounds, each magical summer the girls were as close as only best friends, accomplices, sisters can be. But they haven’t spoken in nearly fifteen years—not since the funeral of Cassie’s mother—and now there is only resentment and painful memories between them.
Successful and self-contained, Cassie is shocked to learn the requirements of their Nana’s will—that she and Julie spend one final summer together in the Hamptons' house in order to inherit. Cassie agrees reluctantly, she needs an excuse to leave Boston and give the growing rumors about her personal life a chance to die down.
And for Julie, who is discovering too late the cracks in her marriage, it is the chance to repair at least one damaged relationship. But for the two sisters to regain what they had, they will have to finally confront what happened the night Cassie lost her mother. With their Nana’s wisdom guiding the way, could this summer bring painful discoveries, and a new direction, for both sisters?
MY THOUGHTS: This is an incredibly good debut novel by author Cecilia Lyra. I was stunned, when reading the author's notes at the end, to discover this is her first novel.
One father - two daughters: one to his unstable alcoholic wife, Katherine (Cassie), and one to his exotic French mistress, Sophie (Julie). Born only weeks apart, the two girls know nothing of each other's existence until the summer their grandmother brings them together.
Lyra writes of the complexity of family relationships and, believe me, this family is more complex than most. As an adult, Cassie becomes a successful psychologist and is determined never to marry, her parents marriage having scarred her for life. Julie, on the other hand, sees marriage as the stability she and her mother never knew, and marries an older man, Patrick who is wealthy but controlling. Very controlling.
This is a book that rolls along at an even pace, the characters all well crafted and eminently believable. There are family secrets, lies, manipulations and intrigue. When the character Elle was introduced, my mind was all over the place trying to fit her into the story. I was wrong. I love that. Being wrong, I mean. I consider it a success on the part of the author.
There are hidden depths to both the characters of Julie (pronounced the French way with a soft J) and Cassie. Their actions/reactions sometimes surprised me. But I was completely besotted by their enforced journey as they stumbled and wavered their way back to some semblance of a relationship.
I read this slowly, savouring it. There was definitely no temptation to skim anything. I see that this is #1 in the 'Sisterhood series.' I can't wait for #2. Can I put my order in now? And I love the cover.
❤❤❤.8
In my mind, my Dad having a wife and a girlfriend was tantamount to someone having two crayons: one yellow and one orange.'
'Find out what makes you happy. Not what you think will make you happy. Not what makes you happy given what's available. But what really makes you happy. And don't settle for anything less.'
THE AUTHOR: I wear two hats: Storyteller & Storyseller. 💚🍀🐍 Author of THE SUNSET SISTERS out June 2020 --- Literary Agent at The Rights Factory.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Sunset Sisters by Cecilia Lyra for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
A secret sister. It felt dramatic, impossible - the sort of thing that happened to other people. I was Cassie Meyers: plain, ordinary. The only thing that was different about me, the thing that set me apart from the other kids at my school, was that my parents didn't love each other. I was sure of that even back then. They his it from the world, in the same way that my father hid his temper and my mother hid her drinking, but I was never spared. I knew - and I was expected to keep - their secrets. To maintain the blissful suburban facade they so masterfully cultivated. On our street, we were the respectable Meyers: banker dad, stay-at-home mom, studious daughter. We mowed ourlawn. We greeted our neighbors by name. We went to church on Sundays. People had no idea what went on in our home.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Two sisters. A surprising inheritance. A summer that changes everything.
As children, half-sisters Cassie and Julie were nearly inseparable, bonded through happy, lazy summers playing barefoot in the surf and sleeping out on the porch of their grandmother’s Hamptons' beach house. Though from wildly different backgrounds, each magical summer the girls were as close as only best friends, accomplices, sisters can be. But they haven’t spoken in nearly fifteen years—not since the funeral of Cassie’s mother—and now there is only resentment and painful memories between them.
Successful and self-contained, Cassie is shocked to learn the requirements of their Nana’s will—that she and Julie spend one final summer together in the Hamptons' house in order to inherit. Cassie agrees reluctantly, she needs an excuse to leave Boston and give the growing rumors about her personal life a chance to die down.
And for Julie, who is discovering too late the cracks in her marriage, it is the chance to repair at least one damaged relationship. But for the two sisters to regain what they had, they will have to finally confront what happened the night Cassie lost her mother. With their Nana’s wisdom guiding the way, could this summer bring painful discoveries, and a new direction, for both sisters?
MY THOUGHTS: This is an incredibly good debut novel by author Cecilia Lyra. I was stunned, when reading the author's notes at the end, to discover this is her first novel.
One father - two daughters: one to his unstable alcoholic wife, Katherine (Cassie), and one to his exotic French mistress, Sophie (Julie). Born only weeks apart, the two girls know nothing of each other's existence until the summer their grandmother brings them together.
Lyra writes of the complexity of family relationships and, believe me, this family is more complex than most. As an adult, Cassie becomes a successful psychologist and is determined never to marry, her parents marriage having scarred her for life. Julie, on the other hand, sees marriage as the stability she and her mother never knew, and marries an older man, Patrick who is wealthy but controlling. Very controlling.
This is a book that rolls along at an even pace, the characters all well crafted and eminently believable. There are family secrets, lies, manipulations and intrigue. When the character Elle was introduced, my mind was all over the place trying to fit her into the story. I was wrong. I love that. Being wrong, I mean. I consider it a success on the part of the author.
There are hidden depths to both the characters of Julie (pronounced the French way with a soft J) and Cassie. Their actions/reactions sometimes surprised me. But I was completely besotted by their enforced journey as they stumbled and wavered their way back to some semblance of a relationship.
I read this slowly, savouring it. There was definitely no temptation to skim anything. I see that this is #1 in the 'Sisterhood series.' I can't wait for #2. Can I put my order in now? And I love the cover.
❤❤❤.8
In my mind, my Dad having a wife and a girlfriend was tantamount to someone having two crayons: one yellow and one orange.'
'Find out what makes you happy. Not what you think will make you happy. Not what makes you happy given what's available. But what really makes you happy. And don't settle for anything less.'
THE AUTHOR: I wear two hats: Storyteller & Storyseller. 💚🍀🐍 Author of THE SUNSET SISTERS out June 2020 --- Literary Agent at The Rights Factory.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Sunset Sisters by Cecilia Lyra for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 19, 2020
ABSOLUTELY UNPUTDOWNABLE. Warm and emotional. I loved it completely from beginning to end.
A story about estranged sisters that captured my heart from the first page, from their promise then their resentment to a new bond. The author Cecilia Lyra's writing was like a gentle breeze at the beginning of spring, each word bringing a wealth of emotions and leaving happiness in its wake.
Two sisters from different mothers, best friends in childhood, yet strangers as adults were brought together by their grandmother's will for a glorious summer. Resentments, ugly memories all had to be dealt with before they could find their way to each other's heart. Then something happened...
My first book by this author was a glorious read. I needed a distraction to root my brain, and this provided me with the best anchor. The curiousity to know what happened to these women over the years caused me to completely submerge myself into the depth of the feelings. The words pulled at my heartstrings one page at a time.
The sisters were etched carefully, by the author. Her broad strokes made them appear different; and her gentle ones, similar. There was something hypnotic about this story that caught me completely.
Brilliant writing, lovable characters, real situations, the book was everything I needed and more. A fantastic breakfast read.
A story about estranged sisters that captured my heart from the first page, from their promise then their resentment to a new bond. The author Cecilia Lyra's writing was like a gentle breeze at the beginning of spring, each word bringing a wealth of emotions and leaving happiness in its wake.
Two sisters from different mothers, best friends in childhood, yet strangers as adults were brought together by their grandmother's will for a glorious summer. Resentments, ugly memories all had to be dealt with before they could find their way to each other's heart. Then something happened...
My first book by this author was a glorious read. I needed a distraction to root my brain, and this provided me with the best anchor. The curiousity to know what happened to these women over the years caused me to completely submerge myself into the depth of the feelings. The words pulled at my heartstrings one page at a time.
The sisters were etched carefully, by the author. Her broad strokes made them appear different; and her gentle ones, similar. There was something hypnotic about this story that caught me completely.
Brilliant writing, lovable characters, real situations, the book was everything I needed and more. A fantastic breakfast read.
September 28, 2020
Review coming soon.
June 14, 2020
2 sisters who grew up with the same dad but different mothers. I hated the dad throughout the book. Triggers in the book are physical violence so beware of that. I had a hard time putting this book down at times. I did enjoy the sisters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2020
Sun, sand, and secrets. Cecilia Lyra has written a fun beach read with a splash of Mystery. Cassie and Julie are half-sisters sharing the same father. The sisters spent the summers of their childhood on the beach with their beloved grandmother. But then something happens to tear these two sisters apart. It is 15 years later and Cassie and Julie have not seen one another since the fateful event. At the reading of their grandmother’s will they find out that in order for them to inherit her lovely Beachhouse they must spend the summer together in the house. The sisters are quick to agree to the terms, but will they be able to heal the wound between them?
This was a heartwarming story with some unseen twists and secrets. I always love reading books about sisters specially because I don’t have one myself, it is a relationship that intrigues me. Cassie and Julie were quite different from one another and I have to admit that I favored Julie for most of the book. Julie was kind and caring almost to the point of her own detriment. Cassie on the other hand was strong, blunct and a bit prickly. I really loved how the story between the sisters unfolded throughout the book, it was perfectly paste. I was seriously so invested in the story, because I cared so much about these characters. I also really love the little fairytale element added in, gave the story even more sparkle.
This book in emojis 🏖 👭 🐚 ✨ ☀️
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was a heartwarming story with some unseen twists and secrets. I always love reading books about sisters specially because I don’t have one myself, it is a relationship that intrigues me. Cassie and Julie were quite different from one another and I have to admit that I favored Julie for most of the book. Julie was kind and caring almost to the point of her own detriment. Cassie on the other hand was strong, blunct and a bit prickly. I really loved how the story between the sisters unfolded throughout the book, it was perfectly paste. I was seriously so invested in the story, because I cared so much about these characters. I also really love the little fairytale element added in, gave the story even more sparkle.
This book in emojis 🏖 👭 🐚 ✨ ☀️
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
May 19, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC !!
The Sunset Sisters is a story of two sisters,Cassie and Julie, who share a father. As children they were nearly inseparable, bonded through happy, lazy summers but they haven’t spoken in nearly fifteen years—not since the funeral of Cassie’s mother—and now there is only resentment and painful memories between them.
The requirements of their nana’s will bring them together once again. They have to spend one final summer together in their Hamptons house in order to inherit it. Each sister reluctantly agrees since both of them have a lot of emotional baggage. Cassie is successful and self-contained she needs an excuse to leave Boston and give the growing rumors about her personal life a chance to die down, while Julie, who is discovering too late the cracks in her marriage, it is the chance to repair at least one damaged relationship.
It was an amazing, emotional and well written book about sisterhood. I'm definitely waiting for the next book in the series!
The Sunset Sisters is a story of two sisters,Cassie and Julie, who share a father. As children they were nearly inseparable, bonded through happy, lazy summers but they haven’t spoken in nearly fifteen years—not since the funeral of Cassie’s mother—and now there is only resentment and painful memories between them.
The requirements of their nana’s will bring them together once again. They have to spend one final summer together in their Hamptons house in order to inherit it. Each sister reluctantly agrees since both of them have a lot of emotional baggage. Cassie is successful and self-contained she needs an excuse to leave Boston and give the growing rumors about her personal life a chance to die down, while Julie, who is discovering too late the cracks in her marriage, it is the chance to repair at least one damaged relationship.
It was an amazing, emotional and well written book about sisterhood. I'm definitely waiting for the next book in the series!
June 5, 2018
Eine Weile haben sie jeden Sommer zusammen im Strandhaus ihrer Großmutter verbracht und es war die schönste Zeit ihres Lebens.
Doch in den letzten fünfzehn Jahren haben sich die Schwestern Cassie und Julie nicht gesehen und nicht miteinander geredet, zu schrecklich ist die Tragödie von damals.
Nun treibt sie der letzte Wille ihrer Großmutter wieder in das Haus voller schöner Erinnerungen, wo sie den Sommer zusammen verbringen sollen.
Werden sie sich den Familiengeheimnissen stellen und wieder zu Schwestern werden oder sich weiter in Schweigen hüllen?
Protagonisten
Cassie ist Paartherapeutin, unter anderem im Fernsehen, und hat auch ihren Freund auf diese Art und Weise kennengelernt. Sie wünscht sich, mit ihm glücklich sein zu können, doch seine Frau droht ihm und erlaubt es ihm nicht, sie endgültig zu verlassen.
Sie wurde in ihrer Kindheit immer wieder Zeuge, wie ihre Schwester von allen geliebt wird und oft sogar bevorzugt, weil sie so hübsch ist. Dadurch hatte Cassie oft das Gefühl, weniger gut zu sein.
Julie fand ich am Anfang sympathischer, weil sie Randnotizen macht, Märchen erzählt und sehr verletzlich ist. Sie wünscht sich eine glückliche Ehe mit Kindern, doch ihr egoistischer Mann Patrick hat andere Vorstellungen. Er möchte eine Frau, die durch Shopping zufriedengestellt wird und sich in der Öffentlichkeit perfekt präsentiert. Doch Julie ist keine Puppe ohne Gefühle, sie ist in der Ehe nicht ganz glücklich und sehnt sich nach mehr.
Ihren Vater hat sie in ihrer Kindheit sehr angehimmelt und sucht noch immer nach Kontakt, auch wenn er sich nicht immer meldet. Da ihre Mutter immer glücklich war, wenn er da war und sie sich bei ihm immer wohl fühlte, sehnt sie sich nach einer glücklichen Familie.
Andere Charaktere
Viele Charaktere aus Gegenwart und Vergangenheit spielen hier eine Rolle und führen uns zu der aktuellen Situation der Geschwister. Die Beziehung zwischen Vater und den beiden Müttern hat die beiden Mädchen geprägt, sodass sie verschiedene Vorstellungen von Liebe und Ehe haben und nun müssen sie sich mit diesen auseinandersetzen, um das Glück zu finden.
Handlung und Schreibstil
Es geht hier nicht nur um die beiden Schwestern, sondern auch sehr viel um Familie und Ehe, Liebe und Neid. Beide Schwestern glauben, dass die jeweils Andere das bessere Los gezogen haben muss und ihre eigene Kindheit wird von einer Sehnsucht nach einem anderen Leben überschattet.
Es gab hier eigentlich nur Ehen, die in die Brüche gingen. Cassies Eltern, von Cassies Freund Daniel und seine Frau, und natürlich Julie und Patrick. An was müssen sie denken, was ist das Richtige, was macht sie glücklich? Meistens passt nicht alles zusammen und man muss sich für eine Seite entscheiden. Etwas schade fand ich hier aber, dass es immer einen eigentlich offensichtlichen "Bösen" gab, der mehr oder weniger Schuld an der Situation zu sein schien.
Meine letzte Kritik wäre noch, dass es recht wenig Handlung auf sehr vielen Seiten war. Es gab die üblichen Missverständnisse, die durch Schweigen entstehen, einige Wiederholungen und andere Längen. Ansonsten hat mir das Buch aber gut gefallen. Die Schicksale der Charaktere konnten mich berühren und ich habe wirklich die ganze Zeit mitgefiebert.
Fazit
Insgesamt hat mir "Schwestern für einen Sommer" wirklich gut gefallen. Es hatte einige Längen, aber ich habe oft mitgefiebert und mir wirklich das Beste für die beiden Schwestern gewünscht.
Doch in den letzten fünfzehn Jahren haben sich die Schwestern Cassie und Julie nicht gesehen und nicht miteinander geredet, zu schrecklich ist die Tragödie von damals.
Nun treibt sie der letzte Wille ihrer Großmutter wieder in das Haus voller schöner Erinnerungen, wo sie den Sommer zusammen verbringen sollen.
Werden sie sich den Familiengeheimnissen stellen und wieder zu Schwestern werden oder sich weiter in Schweigen hüllen?
Protagonisten
Cassie ist Paartherapeutin, unter anderem im Fernsehen, und hat auch ihren Freund auf diese Art und Weise kennengelernt. Sie wünscht sich, mit ihm glücklich sein zu können, doch seine Frau droht ihm und erlaubt es ihm nicht, sie endgültig zu verlassen.
Sie wurde in ihrer Kindheit immer wieder Zeuge, wie ihre Schwester von allen geliebt wird und oft sogar bevorzugt, weil sie so hübsch ist. Dadurch hatte Cassie oft das Gefühl, weniger gut zu sein.
Julie fand ich am Anfang sympathischer, weil sie Randnotizen macht, Märchen erzählt und sehr verletzlich ist. Sie wünscht sich eine glückliche Ehe mit Kindern, doch ihr egoistischer Mann Patrick hat andere Vorstellungen. Er möchte eine Frau, die durch Shopping zufriedengestellt wird und sich in der Öffentlichkeit perfekt präsentiert. Doch Julie ist keine Puppe ohne Gefühle, sie ist in der Ehe nicht ganz glücklich und sehnt sich nach mehr.
Ihren Vater hat sie in ihrer Kindheit sehr angehimmelt und sucht noch immer nach Kontakt, auch wenn er sich nicht immer meldet. Da ihre Mutter immer glücklich war, wenn er da war und sie sich bei ihm immer wohl fühlte, sehnt sie sich nach einer glücklichen Familie.
Andere Charaktere
Viele Charaktere aus Gegenwart und Vergangenheit spielen hier eine Rolle und führen uns zu der aktuellen Situation der Geschwister. Die Beziehung zwischen Vater und den beiden Müttern hat die beiden Mädchen geprägt, sodass sie verschiedene Vorstellungen von Liebe und Ehe haben und nun müssen sie sich mit diesen auseinandersetzen, um das Glück zu finden.
Handlung und Schreibstil
Es geht hier nicht nur um die beiden Schwestern, sondern auch sehr viel um Familie und Ehe, Liebe und Neid. Beide Schwestern glauben, dass die jeweils Andere das bessere Los gezogen haben muss und ihre eigene Kindheit wird von einer Sehnsucht nach einem anderen Leben überschattet.
Es gab hier eigentlich nur Ehen, die in die Brüche gingen. Cassies Eltern, von Cassies Freund Daniel und seine Frau, und natürlich Julie und Patrick. An was müssen sie denken, was ist das Richtige, was macht sie glücklich? Meistens passt nicht alles zusammen und man muss sich für eine Seite entscheiden. Etwas schade fand ich hier aber, dass es immer einen eigentlich offensichtlichen "Bösen" gab, der mehr oder weniger Schuld an der Situation zu sein schien.
Meine letzte Kritik wäre noch, dass es recht wenig Handlung auf sehr vielen Seiten war. Es gab die üblichen Missverständnisse, die durch Schweigen entstehen, einige Wiederholungen und andere Längen. Ansonsten hat mir das Buch aber gut gefallen. Die Schicksale der Charaktere konnten mich berühren und ich habe wirklich die ganze Zeit mitgefiebert.
Fazit
Insgesamt hat mir "Schwestern für einen Sommer" wirklich gut gefallen. Es hatte einige Längen, aber ich habe oft mitgefiebert und mir wirklich das Beste für die beiden Schwestern gewünscht.
July 27, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. This book is about 2 sisters that share the same father. Their Nana would have both girls come to her home every summer and they were close until one-day tragedy struck. After their Nana died they learned they inherited her home but only if they spent 30 days there together.
They had a week to decide and finally decided to do it.
From there we learn what went on when they were children and how it affected the rest of their lives. As I was reading the book, I knew this was a story that needed to be told because so many children deal with things that they shouldn't have to. Although no one's story will be the same, many will realize they aren't alone in what they have gone through and there can be a better life ahead for them.
I didn't have a tragedy as a child but I loved the book because it is the love between a Nana and her granddaughters. Even when we love someone and we end up on different paths, someday down the road we may be on the same path again.
This is one story but the story is life and just like life, there are many things going on at once so everyone who reads this story is going to be seeing the same things and that is what I love about this story and can't wait for #2.
They had a week to decide and finally decided to do it.
From there we learn what went on when they were children and how it affected the rest of their lives. As I was reading the book, I knew this was a story that needed to be told because so many children deal with things that they shouldn't have to. Although no one's story will be the same, many will realize they aren't alone in what they have gone through and there can be a better life ahead for them.
I didn't have a tragedy as a child but I loved the book because it is the love between a Nana and her granddaughters. Even when we love someone and we end up on different paths, someday down the road we may be on the same path again.
This is one story but the story is life and just like life, there are many things going on at once so everyone who reads this story is going to be seeing the same things and that is what I love about this story and can't wait for #2.
June 27, 2020
"It's what sisters do for each other: everything."
As someone who loves her sister very much, this was a book I could relate to, as my sister and I are opposites, but are always there for each other.
The writing flows smoothly and the characters are enjoyable, flaws and all. The beach setting helps to make this a great summer read, one that you won't regret.
I am looking forward to reading the next one.
As someone who loves her sister very much, this was a book I could relate to, as my sister and I are opposites, but are always there for each other.
The writing flows smoothly and the characters are enjoyable, flaws and all. The beach setting helps to make this a great summer read, one that you won't regret.
I am looking forward to reading the next one.
July 17, 2020
A story almost as beautiful as the heart who wrote it. For the same reason I refuse to review my husband's books here on Goodreads, I cannot summon the words to properly articulate my response to this well crafted narrative. Only that you should invest some time in Lyra's seascape, lose yourself in the cresting waves of sisterhood, romance, and dreams fulfilled.
June 18, 2020
A story full of emotions, family secrets and love, lies and betrayal on top! A heart rending story I loved x
January 21, 2022
HEARTBREAKINGLY AMAZINGGGG!!! Had me gasping for air and wanting more and more!!
May 25, 2018
Schöne Sommerlektüre
Als die Halbschwestern Cassie und Julie sich im Alter von neun Jahren kennen lernen und den Sommer im Strandhaus ihrer Großmutter verbringen, werden sie beste Freudinnen. Von nun an ist die gemeinsame verbrachte Zeit im Sommer die beste ihres Lebens. Doch eine Tragödie entzweit Cassie und Julie und die beiden ehemals besten Freundinnen sprechen 15 Jahre lang kein Wort miteinander. Als ihre Großmutter stirbt, führt ihr letzter Wunsch die beiden Schwestern wieder in das Strandhaus in den Hamptons. Die beiden sollen hier einen Monat gemeinsam verbringen. Können die beiden das, was zwischen ihnen stand, überwinden und ihre Freundschaft wiederaufleben lassen?
Ein Roman über ein Familiendrama mit einem großen Geheimnis war für mich die perfekte Sommerlektüre, weshalb ich „Schwestern für einen Sommer“ unbedingt lesen wollte. Familiengeheimnisse und -dramen bekommt man im Debütroman von Cecilia Lyra auch genügend, weshalb ich mich wirklich gut unterhalten fühlte.
Die Geschichte selbst wird aus der Ich-Perspektive von Cassie bzw. Julie geschildert, womit man einen ganz individuellen Eindruck sowohl von diesen beiden Charakteren bekommt und auch dem, was zur aktuellen Erzählzeit, aber auch in der Vergangenheit der beiden passiert bzw. passiert ist. Was mir aber außerdem sehr gut gefallen hat, dass die beiden Schwestern ihren ganz eigenen Stil haben, wie sie ihre Geschichte erzählen. Cassie wirkt so eher geradlinig, sehr ernst. Julie dagegen verträumt, mit Randnotizen und schweift öfters mit ihren Gedanken in ihre Märchen ab, die ein fester Bestandteil von ihr sind. Mir gefiel es sehr, dass die beiden sich doch so stark unterscheiden.
Ansonsten gestaltet sich die Geschichte recht geradlinig, ist aber dennoch auf ihre eigene Art und Weise spannend und fesselnd. Oft kann man sich als Leser schon denken, was passiert ist oder passieren wird, da die Geschichte wenig Überraschungen parat hält. Ich fand dennoch, dass dies der Geschichte keinen Abbruch tut, da die Geschichte davon lebt. Man erlebt die Geschichte mit den Charakteren und merkt, wie sie sich im Laufe verändern bzw. sich Eingeständnisse machen und zu Einsichten kommen. Große Gefühle, Zusammenhalt und die Frage, was Familie sein sollte, sind die großen Themen dieses Romans und die schafft es Autorin Lyra gekonnt herauszuarbeiten.
„Schwestern für einen Sommer“ ist ein wunderbarer kurzweiliger Sommerroman, bei dem Gefühle und die Frage nach „Familie“ nicht zu kurz kommen. Ich habe den Roman sehr gerne gelesen und fühlte mich gut unterhalten, auch wenn manches vorhersehbar ist.
Als die Halbschwestern Cassie und Julie sich im Alter von neun Jahren kennen lernen und den Sommer im Strandhaus ihrer Großmutter verbringen, werden sie beste Freudinnen. Von nun an ist die gemeinsame verbrachte Zeit im Sommer die beste ihres Lebens. Doch eine Tragödie entzweit Cassie und Julie und die beiden ehemals besten Freundinnen sprechen 15 Jahre lang kein Wort miteinander. Als ihre Großmutter stirbt, führt ihr letzter Wunsch die beiden Schwestern wieder in das Strandhaus in den Hamptons. Die beiden sollen hier einen Monat gemeinsam verbringen. Können die beiden das, was zwischen ihnen stand, überwinden und ihre Freundschaft wiederaufleben lassen?
Ein Roman über ein Familiendrama mit einem großen Geheimnis war für mich die perfekte Sommerlektüre, weshalb ich „Schwestern für einen Sommer“ unbedingt lesen wollte. Familiengeheimnisse und -dramen bekommt man im Debütroman von Cecilia Lyra auch genügend, weshalb ich mich wirklich gut unterhalten fühlte.
Die Geschichte selbst wird aus der Ich-Perspektive von Cassie bzw. Julie geschildert, womit man einen ganz individuellen Eindruck sowohl von diesen beiden Charakteren bekommt und auch dem, was zur aktuellen Erzählzeit, aber auch in der Vergangenheit der beiden passiert bzw. passiert ist. Was mir aber außerdem sehr gut gefallen hat, dass die beiden Schwestern ihren ganz eigenen Stil haben, wie sie ihre Geschichte erzählen. Cassie wirkt so eher geradlinig, sehr ernst. Julie dagegen verträumt, mit Randnotizen und schweift öfters mit ihren Gedanken in ihre Märchen ab, die ein fester Bestandteil von ihr sind. Mir gefiel es sehr, dass die beiden sich doch so stark unterscheiden.
Ansonsten gestaltet sich die Geschichte recht geradlinig, ist aber dennoch auf ihre eigene Art und Weise spannend und fesselnd. Oft kann man sich als Leser schon denken, was passiert ist oder passieren wird, da die Geschichte wenig Überraschungen parat hält. Ich fand dennoch, dass dies der Geschichte keinen Abbruch tut, da die Geschichte davon lebt. Man erlebt die Geschichte mit den Charakteren und merkt, wie sie sich im Laufe verändern bzw. sich Eingeständnisse machen und zu Einsichten kommen. Große Gefühle, Zusammenhalt und die Frage, was Familie sein sollte, sind die großen Themen dieses Romans und die schafft es Autorin Lyra gekonnt herauszuarbeiten.
„Schwestern für einen Sommer“ ist ein wunderbarer kurzweiliger Sommerroman, bei dem Gefühle und die Frage nach „Familie“ nicht zu kurz kommen. Ich habe den Roman sehr gerne gelesen und fühlte mich gut unterhalten, auch wenn manches vorhersehbar ist.
June 22, 2020
A well-drawn, gorgeous setting is always something I enthuse about, and Cecilia Lyra does it in style with Nana's beach house in Montauk, The Hamptons, which is wonderfully given life. I’d love to take a stroll along the beach, gaze at the sparkling sea, or relax on the porch with a glass of wine and a lobster roll.
This is a touching and compelling tale and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. In The Sunset Sisters both of the main characters, half-sisters Cassie and Julie, were lovely people. Born only two weeks apart, the girls share the same father but different mothers. However, they have lived very contrasting lives as privileged Cassie is a part of her father’s official family, with Julie compartmentalised in role of secret daughter. While their home lives are dramatically different, with Cassie enjoying a thriftless lifestyle and love child Julie living in a single parent household, nevertheless the girls have much in common. Both girls carry the responsibility of acting as carers for their needy and unfit mothers. When a tragic event causes a rift between them that lasts for fourteen years, fate eventually intervenes. Nana had included a condition in her will stating that in order to inherit her idyllic beach house in the Hamptons, Cassie and Julie must live there together for a month...
Cassie's and Julie's endeavours made me smile and they kept me entertained throughout. A delightful, bittersweet and beguiling story about love, tragedy, mental illness, family, sisterhood, adultery, and lies that had me utterly enchanted.
The Sunset Sisters is uplifting and compelling and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
This is a touching and compelling tale and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. In The Sunset Sisters both of the main characters, half-sisters Cassie and Julie, were lovely people. Born only two weeks apart, the girls share the same father but different mothers. However, they have lived very contrasting lives as privileged Cassie is a part of her father’s official family, with Julie compartmentalised in role of secret daughter. While their home lives are dramatically different, with Cassie enjoying a thriftless lifestyle and love child Julie living in a single parent household, nevertheless the girls have much in common. Both girls carry the responsibility of acting as carers for their needy and unfit mothers. When a tragic event causes a rift between them that lasts for fourteen years, fate eventually intervenes. Nana had included a condition in her will stating that in order to inherit her idyllic beach house in the Hamptons, Cassie and Julie must live there together for a month...
Cassie's and Julie's endeavours made me smile and they kept me entertained throughout. A delightful, bittersweet and beguiling story about love, tragedy, mental illness, family, sisterhood, adultery, and lies that had me utterly enchanted.
The Sunset Sisters is uplifting and compelling and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
October 10, 2020
My favourite books are always the ones that really make you feel something, and for that reason (plus a gazillion others), I absolutely adored this book. I found myself enormously invested in the characters Cecilia Lyra has so beautifully crafted - not just the two protagonists, Julie and Cassie, but all of them. Every single person you are introduced to in the book is so multi-dimensional and real that it’s impossible not be totally caught up in their stories and to harvest your own feelings towards every single one of them. I think the true genius of The Sunset Sisters is that the reading experience feels so deeply personal to the reader, as your opinions on many of the happenings in the book will likely be tainted by your own childhood, upbringing and core beliefs - this book made me question my own moral compass multiple times and I was often surprised at how I felt towards certain events. An absolute must-read!
May 8, 2020
The Sunset Sisters by Cecilia Lyra was a fantastic read! It's a tightly woven story of two half sisters who share a father, but have different mothers. Once their grandmother passes away, they are forced to stay at her home on Montauk in order to inherit it. Unfortunately, they've been estranged for about 14-15 years, because one of the sisters blames the other for her mother's death. There's a lot of emotional baggage on both sides, which the readers will read through and sympathize or not sympathize. These are wonderfully detailed written characters and a deep rich plot. I cried at quite a few spots. I didn't want this book to end!!
I would like to thank Cecilia Lyra, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ability to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would like to thank Cecilia Lyra, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ability to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 15, 2020
The Sunset Sisters tell the story of two half-sisters. Cassie and Julie grew up spending summers with their Nana in the Hampton house.
They loved being together until Cassie’s mother died and then they did not speak for almost 15 years.
After their Grandmother Nana died, she left in her will that they had to spend time together in the Hampton house to inherit the home. It was a rough turbulent time and old feelings had to be dealt with, but it was tough because of all the past secrets that needed to come out.
This is an excellent first book in the new Sisterhood series by Cecilia Lyra. I am excited to read the nest book in the series to see what happens in their lives.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bootoutre and Cecilia Lyra for the ARC. I am giving my honest personal review.
They loved being together until Cassie’s mother died and then they did not speak for almost 15 years.
After their Grandmother Nana died, she left in her will that they had to spend time together in the Hampton house to inherit the home. It was a rough turbulent time and old feelings had to be dealt with, but it was tough because of all the past secrets that needed to come out.
This is an excellent first book in the new Sisterhood series by Cecilia Lyra. I am excited to read the nest book in the series to see what happens in their lives.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bootoutre and Cecilia Lyra for the ARC. I am giving my honest personal review.
June 8, 2020
I was gifted this copy by the the publisher via Netgalley in exchnage for an honest review.
>A few triggers warning for this book, abuse and infidelity
>A few triggers warning for this book, abuse and infidelity
This book definatly had a summer beachy vibe as some of it is set by the ocean. I could really imagine myself at Nana and house and loved the descriptions of these parts I read this over 2 days and was felt quite drawn to the plot and charctors. However some of it felt clunky were very slow and the temptation was to start skimming through. I am glad I didn't as it was sprinkled with a few plot twists towards the end
July 2, 2020
The Sunset Sisters is a story about two sisters reconnecting through the death of their grandmother. They have not talked or seen each other for years and plan to keep it that way. That is until their grandmothers will states they must live together in the family beach house for one month to inherit the house.
The story shows the importance of sibling relationships and how we all need our family to overcome life’s obstacles.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read with some interesting family drama going.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.
The story shows the importance of sibling relationships and how we all need our family to overcome life’s obstacles.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read with some interesting family drama going.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.
May 7, 2020
The Sunset Sisters is a great read. It's a tangled story of two sisters, who share a father. They are forced to stay at their grandmother's house on Montauk in order to inherit it. They've been estranged for fourteen years because one blames the other for her mother's death. Each sister has a lot of baggage which readers wade through. It has the full gamut of emotions and it's not to be missed. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2020
A book about two sisters who will inherit their Nana’s house. They have to live together for one month. Sounds easy but they haven’t spoke to each other in years.
Family can be complicated and with secrets more so.
I enjoyed the story, this is the perfect beach read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Family can be complicated and with secrets more so.
I enjoyed the story, this is the perfect beach read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
August 15, 2020
How do you review a book written by somebody you know and like? First of all by recording my reaction to the book: I did not read it in one sitting because I started late the first day, but then the following day I devoured it. And while doubtlessly I felt a lot of curiosity because I know the author, and kept trying to find bits of her in the story, I clearly enjoyed it. I liked the setting, I liked the sisters and I liked the way in which she conveys the depth of the relationship, the strength of the bond between the sisters. I am really looking forward to her next book
February 15, 2021
DNF. Not because the book wasn’t reading well, it just had an intimate layer of sisterly dislike/trouble that was making me feel uncomfortable. I tried going back repeatedly but I couldn’t push through. Maybe someday...
June 18, 2020
First, I want to thank Cecilia Lyra, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW! What an incredible story that brought out so many emotions, torn pasts, family secrets, twists, turns and shocking moments in Cecilia Lyra’s The Sunset Sister’s.
This book had literally a little bit of something for everything in it for everyone.
This book has a few triggers in it such as infidelity, domestic abuse, alcoholism, blackmail.
For me personally this book made me miss my Gram. I loved how the Nana brought half sisters Julie and Cassie together after her passing for a reunion of sorts. Reminiscing of the good days they had spent with her made me miss my Gram. Also, made me think about the good times I shared with her too. She was a special part of their lives.
Cecilia wants to thank her grandmother, who is proof that a hard life does not equal a hard heart: thank you for your quiet strength and generous spirit. She thanks you for seeing her.
I loved the line you can't change the past, but you can write your own story from here on out. This is so true.
The Sunset Sisters had a lot of heartbreaking moments, a lot of jaw dropping secrets, lots of twists and turns, and some internal revelations.
I was not a fan of Patrick at all, especially the way he treated his wife Julie!! I was especially upset when he fat shamed her while she was mourning the loss of her Nana! Nobody should be treated the way he treated her during the time she was in mourning. Not to mention how controlling he was. He just really rubbed me the wrong way!!
Craig and his kids were my three favorite characters. The kids pulled on my heart strings and Craig was there for Julie when she needed them. It was like Nana sent him from heaven for her.
I loved how she also thanked Anna, for giving me the privilege of being your sister. Thank you for building a world with me. Thank you for being my first reader. Most of all, thank you for being my Baby Dino. Babaganoush, who cannot read.
Most of all I loved how she gave props to those who dedicate their lives to books: teachers, librarians, reviewers, bookstagrammers, book bloggers, book club founders and hosts, you are the whisperers of magic. It is so appreciated that she acknowledges us! I love giving back to authors who work so hard to create amazing stories such as this to help me escape my reality.
Merged review:
First, I want to thank Cecilia Lyra, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW! What an incredible story that brought out so many emotions, torn pasts, family secrets, twists, turns and shocking moments in Cecilia Lyra’s The Sunset Sister’s.
This book had literally a little bit of something for everything in it for everyone.
This book has a few triggers in it such as infidelity, domestic abuse, alcoholism, blackmail.
For me personally this book made me miss my Gram. I loved how the Nana brought half sisters Julie and Cassie together after her passing for a reunion of sorts. Reminiscing of the good days they had spent with her made me miss my Gram. Also, made me think about the good times I shared with her too. She was a special part of their lives.
Cecilia wants to thank her grandmother, who is proof that a hard life does not equal a hard heart: thank you for your quiet strength and generous spirit. She thanks you for seeing her.
I loved the line you can't change the past, but you can write your own story from here on out. This is so true.
The Sunset Sisters had a lot of heartbreaking moments, a lot of jaw dropping secrets, lots of twists and turns, and some internal revelations.
I was not a fan of Patrick at all, especially the way he treated his wife Julie!! I was especially upset when he fat shamed her while she was mourning the loss of her Nana! Nobody should be treated the way he treated her during the time she was in mourning. Not to mention how controlling he was. He just really rubbed me the wrong way!!
Craig and his kids were my three favorite characters. The kids pulled on my heart strings and Craig was there for Julie when she needed them. It was like Nana sent him from heaven for her.
I loved how she also thanked Anna, for giving me the privilege of being your sister. Thank you for building a world with me. Thank you for being my first reader. Most of all, thank you for being my Baby Dino. Babaganoush, who cannot read.
Most of all I loved how she gave props to those who dedicate their lives to books: teachers, librarians, reviewers, bookstagrammers, book bloggers, book club founders and hosts, you are the whisperers of magic. It is so appreciated that she acknowledges us! I love giving back to authors who work so hard to create amazing stories such as this to help me escape my reality.
WOW! What an incredible story that brought out so many emotions, torn pasts, family secrets, twists, turns and shocking moments in Cecilia Lyra’s The Sunset Sister’s.
This book had literally a little bit of something for everything in it for everyone.
This book has a few triggers in it such as infidelity, domestic abuse, alcoholism, blackmail.
For me personally this book made me miss my Gram. I loved how the Nana brought half sisters Julie and Cassie together after her passing for a reunion of sorts. Reminiscing of the good days they had spent with her made me miss my Gram. Also, made me think about the good times I shared with her too. She was a special part of their lives.
Cecilia wants to thank her grandmother, who is proof that a hard life does not equal a hard heart: thank you for your quiet strength and generous spirit. She thanks you for seeing her.
I loved the line you can't change the past, but you can write your own story from here on out. This is so true.
The Sunset Sisters had a lot of heartbreaking moments, a lot of jaw dropping secrets, lots of twists and turns, and some internal revelations.
I was not a fan of Patrick at all, especially the way he treated his wife Julie!! I was especially upset when he fat shamed her while she was mourning the loss of her Nana! Nobody should be treated the way he treated her during the time she was in mourning. Not to mention how controlling he was. He just really rubbed me the wrong way!!
Craig and his kids were my three favorite characters. The kids pulled on my heart strings and Craig was there for Julie when she needed them. It was like Nana sent him from heaven for her.
I loved how she also thanked Anna, for giving me the privilege of being your sister. Thank you for building a world with me. Thank you for being my first reader. Most of all, thank you for being my Baby Dino. Babaganoush, who cannot read.
Most of all I loved how she gave props to those who dedicate their lives to books: teachers, librarians, reviewers, bookstagrammers, book bloggers, book club founders and hosts, you are the whisperers of magic. It is so appreciated that she acknowledges us! I love giving back to authors who work so hard to create amazing stories such as this to help me escape my reality.
Merged review:
First, I want to thank Cecilia Lyra, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW! What an incredible story that brought out so many emotions, torn pasts, family secrets, twists, turns and shocking moments in Cecilia Lyra’s The Sunset Sister’s.
This book had literally a little bit of something for everything in it for everyone.
This book has a few triggers in it such as infidelity, domestic abuse, alcoholism, blackmail.
For me personally this book made me miss my Gram. I loved how the Nana brought half sisters Julie and Cassie together after her passing for a reunion of sorts. Reminiscing of the good days they had spent with her made me miss my Gram. Also, made me think about the good times I shared with her too. She was a special part of their lives.
Cecilia wants to thank her grandmother, who is proof that a hard life does not equal a hard heart: thank you for your quiet strength and generous spirit. She thanks you for seeing her.
I loved the line you can't change the past, but you can write your own story from here on out. This is so true.
The Sunset Sisters had a lot of heartbreaking moments, a lot of jaw dropping secrets, lots of twists and turns, and some internal revelations.
I was not a fan of Patrick at all, especially the way he treated his wife Julie!! I was especially upset when he fat shamed her while she was mourning the loss of her Nana! Nobody should be treated the way he treated her during the time she was in mourning. Not to mention how controlling he was. He just really rubbed me the wrong way!!
Craig and his kids were my three favorite characters. The kids pulled on my heart strings and Craig was there for Julie when she needed them. It was like Nana sent him from heaven for her.
I loved how she also thanked Anna, for giving me the privilege of being your sister. Thank you for building a world with me. Thank you for being my first reader. Most of all, thank you for being my Baby Dino. Babaganoush, who cannot read.
Most of all I loved how she gave props to those who dedicate their lives to books: teachers, librarians, reviewers, bookstagrammers, book bloggers, book club founders and hosts, you are the whisperers of magic. It is so appreciated that she acknowledges us! I love giving back to authors who work so hard to create amazing stories such as this to help me escape my reality.
August 11, 2018
Wie kam ich zu diesem Buch?
Ich habe mir das Buch bei Thalia gekauft um damit bei einer Leserunde mitzumachen.
Cover:
Ich finde das Cover sehr auffällig, mir ist aber der türkise Himmel zu türkis und zu einnehmend... Der Strand und die weite Ferne finde ich toll, das lädt gleich zum Träumen ein. Das Cover passt zum Inhalt, da ich denke, dass es sich hier um den Strand der Hamptons handelt.
Inhalt:
Julie und Cassie sind Halbschwestern mit dem gleichen Vater. Die Kindheit der beiden war aber trotzdem komplett verschieden. Das einzige das sie vereinte war ihre Großmutter Bertie. Durch eine Tragödie vor fast 15 Jahren wurden die beiden Entzweit. Der letzte Wille ihrer Großmutter war es, die beiden wieder zu Vereinen. Durch ihr Testament erwirkt sie, die beiden für einen Sommer in ihrem Haus in den Hamptons zu halten, damit sich die beiden wiederfinden. Können sie die Tragödie von damals hinter sich lassen und wieder zu besten Freundinnen und Vertrauten werden?
Handlung und Thematik:
Ich finde die Idee von der familienorientierten Großmutter, die ihre Enkelinnen wieder vereinen will einfach großartig. Auch die Tragödie die damals stattfand ist einfach grausam und herzzerreißend. Die Thematik des Mannes, der es sogar in zwei Familien nicht schafft, ein guter Vater zu sein, ist sehr prickelnd. Auch Mütter, die tabletten- und drogenabhängig sind, spielen hier eine Rolle. Aber das prickelnste sind die Mütter, die versuchen über ihre Kinder einen Kampf auszutragen. Menschliche Abgründe, die einen nur sauer machen, aber es ist leider eine Tatsache, dass solche Familien existieren. Das Ende war perfekt für dieses Buch.
Charaktere:
Alle Charaktere wurden liebevoll und detailreich beschrieben, ich hatte bei jedem ein anderes Gefühl und andere Gedanken.
Ich fühlte mich gleich von Anfang an sehr mit Julie verbunden. Sie ist kreativ, gutmütig und lebt einfach ihr Leben. Oft verdrängt sie leider die schlechten Seiten ihres Lebens bzw. stellt ihre Bedürfnisse zurück. Sie wirkt am Anfang sehr zurückgezogen. Julies Ehemann Patrick ist ein totaler Arsch (Entschuldigung, aber man kann es nicht anders ausdrücken).
Ihre Schwester Cassie ist das glatte Gegenteil. Sie trägt viel Wut in sich, ist logisch ausgerichtet und analysiert zuerst alle Situationen wie eine Psychologin (die sie ja auch ist). Sie kämpft um das, was ihr zusteht. Leider wirkte sie auf mich am Anfang sehr unsympathisch durch ihre Art, wie sie mit ihrer Schwester (die ihr eigentlich nichts getan hat) umgeht. Auch ihre Beziehung zu Daniel ist (am Anfang) etwas grenzwertig.
Großmutter Nana war ein absoluter Familienmensch. Man merkt auch nach ihrem Tod noch die Verbundenheit und den Familienzusammenhalt den sie geschaffen hat.
Schreibstil:
Die Handlung wird in zwei Perspektiven erzählt, der Perspektive von Cassie, die eher geradlinig ist und die verträumte Julie, die zwischendurch immer Randnotizen und Märchenabsätze enthält. Ich finde die Geschichte von der Autorin super gut umgesetzt, ich hatte mehrere Gefühlsausbrüche durch die handelnden Personen, darunter: Freude, Zorn aber auch Trauer. Auch wenn zwischenzeitlich handlungstechnisch nicht viel passierte, war ich trotzdem total mitgerissen. Das Buch an sich ist einfach geschrieben und gut zu lesen. Leider enthält es einige Grammatikfehler und auch stellenweise Namensverwechslungen, die den Lesefluss stören.
Persönliche Gesamtbewertung:
Ich war die ganze Zeit völlig mitgerissen von dem Buch. Ich habe mich sehr mit Julie verbunden gefühlt und ich war durch die Handlung total mitgerissen. Durch die vielen Fehler wurde der Lesefluss etwas gestört. Sollten diese beseitigt werden, wäre das Buch perfekt! Ich kann das Buch jeden total empfehlen, der über die Fehler hinwegsehen kann.
Ich habe mir das Buch bei Thalia gekauft um damit bei einer Leserunde mitzumachen.
Cover:
Ich finde das Cover sehr auffällig, mir ist aber der türkise Himmel zu türkis und zu einnehmend... Der Strand und die weite Ferne finde ich toll, das lädt gleich zum Träumen ein. Das Cover passt zum Inhalt, da ich denke, dass es sich hier um den Strand der Hamptons handelt.
Inhalt:
Julie und Cassie sind Halbschwestern mit dem gleichen Vater. Die Kindheit der beiden war aber trotzdem komplett verschieden. Das einzige das sie vereinte war ihre Großmutter Bertie. Durch eine Tragödie vor fast 15 Jahren wurden die beiden Entzweit. Der letzte Wille ihrer Großmutter war es, die beiden wieder zu Vereinen. Durch ihr Testament erwirkt sie, die beiden für einen Sommer in ihrem Haus in den Hamptons zu halten, damit sich die beiden wiederfinden. Können sie die Tragödie von damals hinter sich lassen und wieder zu besten Freundinnen und Vertrauten werden?
Handlung und Thematik:
Ich finde die Idee von der familienorientierten Großmutter, die ihre Enkelinnen wieder vereinen will einfach großartig. Auch die Tragödie die damals stattfand ist einfach grausam und herzzerreißend. Die Thematik des Mannes, der es sogar in zwei Familien nicht schafft, ein guter Vater zu sein, ist sehr prickelnd. Auch Mütter, die tabletten- und drogenabhängig sind, spielen hier eine Rolle. Aber das prickelnste sind die Mütter, die versuchen über ihre Kinder einen Kampf auszutragen. Menschliche Abgründe, die einen nur sauer machen, aber es ist leider eine Tatsache, dass solche Familien existieren. Das Ende war perfekt für dieses Buch.
Charaktere:
Alle Charaktere wurden liebevoll und detailreich beschrieben, ich hatte bei jedem ein anderes Gefühl und andere Gedanken.
Ich fühlte mich gleich von Anfang an sehr mit Julie verbunden. Sie ist kreativ, gutmütig und lebt einfach ihr Leben. Oft verdrängt sie leider die schlechten Seiten ihres Lebens bzw. stellt ihre Bedürfnisse zurück. Sie wirkt am Anfang sehr zurückgezogen. Julies Ehemann Patrick ist ein totaler Arsch (Entschuldigung, aber man kann es nicht anders ausdrücken).
Ihre Schwester Cassie ist das glatte Gegenteil. Sie trägt viel Wut in sich, ist logisch ausgerichtet und analysiert zuerst alle Situationen wie eine Psychologin (die sie ja auch ist). Sie kämpft um das, was ihr zusteht. Leider wirkte sie auf mich am Anfang sehr unsympathisch durch ihre Art, wie sie mit ihrer Schwester (die ihr eigentlich nichts getan hat) umgeht. Auch ihre Beziehung zu Daniel ist (am Anfang) etwas grenzwertig.
Großmutter Nana war ein absoluter Familienmensch. Man merkt auch nach ihrem Tod noch die Verbundenheit und den Familienzusammenhalt den sie geschaffen hat.
Schreibstil:
Die Handlung wird in zwei Perspektiven erzählt, der Perspektive von Cassie, die eher geradlinig ist und die verträumte Julie, die zwischendurch immer Randnotizen und Märchenabsätze enthält. Ich finde die Geschichte von der Autorin super gut umgesetzt, ich hatte mehrere Gefühlsausbrüche durch die handelnden Personen, darunter: Freude, Zorn aber auch Trauer. Auch wenn zwischenzeitlich handlungstechnisch nicht viel passierte, war ich trotzdem total mitgerissen. Das Buch an sich ist einfach geschrieben und gut zu lesen. Leider enthält es einige Grammatikfehler und auch stellenweise Namensverwechslungen, die den Lesefluss stören.
Persönliche Gesamtbewertung:
Ich war die ganze Zeit völlig mitgerissen von dem Buch. Ich habe mich sehr mit Julie verbunden gefühlt und ich war durch die Handlung total mitgerissen. Durch die vielen Fehler wurde der Lesefluss etwas gestört. Sollten diese beseitigt werden, wäre das Buch perfekt! Ich kann das Buch jeden total empfehlen, der über die Fehler hinwegsehen kann.
June 1, 2020
Sunset sisters Cassie and Julie share the same father but different mothers. Only two weeks apart in age, their lives are poles apart with privileged Cassie as her father’s official family and Julie relegated to the role of secret daughter.
Cassie is nine years old when she first learns she has a sister. She meets Julie for the first time at her Nana’s seaside home in the Hamptons, where the two girls spend their summers during their formative years. After a shaky start, the sisters share an inseparable bond, united by the secrets they keep from the rest of the world. While their home lives are very different, with Cassie enjoying the ease of an old money lifestyle and lovechild Julie bearing the hardships of living in a single parent household, the two girls have much in common. Both girls must bear responsibility well beyond their years, and act as caretakers for their needy and manipulative mothers.
Aware of her mother’s alcoholism and the sick power dynamic between her parents, Cassie develops an interest in psychology and grows up to become a marriage counsellor. Being forced into self-reliance at her early age has made her strong and resolute in her opinions. Quick to judge others, she will banish anyone from her life if she thinks they have crossed her.
Julie, on the other hand, is made of softer stuff. A dreamer and a storyteller, she has a constant fairy tale monologue running through her mind, with herself as Sky Princess and her flame haired sister as Fire Princess. The sisters are a good compliment to each other, but a sudden and tragic event causes a rift. Estranged for 14 years, their spiritually inclined Nana intervenes from beyond the grave. Heartbroken at the rift in her family, Nana manages to achieve in death what she was unable to mend in life. Nana puts a condition in her will that to inherit her idyllic home in the Hamptons, the sisters must live there together for a month.
While neither of the sisters need the money, each of them have their own reasons for agreeing to Nana’s terms. After many years apart, they spend the summer at Nana’s house, where they are forced to face each other and confront their differences.
Haunted by their troubled childhoods, each of the sisters must overcome their own issues to forge their lives as adults and create families of their own. Psychologist, Cassie, must navigate the minefield of boyfriend Daniel’s divorce and the implications it may have on her career. Trophy wife Julie must decide how much of herself she is prepared to compromise to save her marriage with self-absorbed lawyer, Patrick, while her attraction to widower, Craig increases.
Daniel and Craig are both sensitive, responsible and committed men but the sisters need to overcome the legacy of distrust bestowed by their narcissistic father. As they repair the damage to their thwarted relationship, the sisters help each other to sort out their respective love lives.
But just as their relationships get back on track, another tragedy occurs, bringing out a secret that threatens to destroy the bond the sisters have only just repaired. As trauma from the past resurfaces, the sisters must find their way to a brighter future.
Cassie is nine years old when she first learns she has a sister. She meets Julie for the first time at her Nana’s seaside home in the Hamptons, where the two girls spend their summers during their formative years. After a shaky start, the sisters share an inseparable bond, united by the secrets they keep from the rest of the world. While their home lives are very different, with Cassie enjoying the ease of an old money lifestyle and lovechild Julie bearing the hardships of living in a single parent household, the two girls have much in common. Both girls must bear responsibility well beyond their years, and act as caretakers for their needy and manipulative mothers.
Aware of her mother’s alcoholism and the sick power dynamic between her parents, Cassie develops an interest in psychology and grows up to become a marriage counsellor. Being forced into self-reliance at her early age has made her strong and resolute in her opinions. Quick to judge others, she will banish anyone from her life if she thinks they have crossed her.
Julie, on the other hand, is made of softer stuff. A dreamer and a storyteller, she has a constant fairy tale monologue running through her mind, with herself as Sky Princess and her flame haired sister as Fire Princess. The sisters are a good compliment to each other, but a sudden and tragic event causes a rift. Estranged for 14 years, their spiritually inclined Nana intervenes from beyond the grave. Heartbroken at the rift in her family, Nana manages to achieve in death what she was unable to mend in life. Nana puts a condition in her will that to inherit her idyllic home in the Hamptons, the sisters must live there together for a month.
While neither of the sisters need the money, each of them have their own reasons for agreeing to Nana’s terms. After many years apart, they spend the summer at Nana’s house, where they are forced to face each other and confront their differences.
Haunted by their troubled childhoods, each of the sisters must overcome their own issues to forge their lives as adults and create families of their own. Psychologist, Cassie, must navigate the minefield of boyfriend Daniel’s divorce and the implications it may have on her career. Trophy wife Julie must decide how much of herself she is prepared to compromise to save her marriage with self-absorbed lawyer, Patrick, while her attraction to widower, Craig increases.
Daniel and Craig are both sensitive, responsible and committed men but the sisters need to overcome the legacy of distrust bestowed by their narcissistic father. As they repair the damage to their thwarted relationship, the sisters help each other to sort out their respective love lives.
But just as their relationships get back on track, another tragedy occurs, bringing out a secret that threatens to destroy the bond the sisters have only just repaired. As trauma from the past resurfaces, the sisters must find their way to a brighter future.
May 26, 2020
***an early copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The Sunset Sisters is an emotional, heartwarming summer read that is perfect to lay back and relax with on lazy, summer afternoons. Whether you’re at home, poolside, on the beach, etc, this book will envelope you and not let you out of its grasp until you have read each and every word of this bittersweet, emotional tale. This book is also perfect for anyone currently stuck in quarantine and on the lookout for a dramatic, page turning story that will pull you in and tune out the current events of the world happening around you.
This book is a beautiful story of sisterhood, family, love, and the importance of all of the above. As someone who has a sister, with whom I am very close, this story pulled at my heart strings and took me on an emotional, heartwarming ride the entire way through.
This book weaves together the tale of two half-sisters, Cassie and Julie, who are currently estranged, despite the fact that they were close when they were kids. Something tragic happened in their past at some point during their childhood to cause their estrangement, and we learn what that event was as the story delves deeper.
Upon their grandmother’s passing, they attend a meeting with her lawyer for the reading of her will, and learn that they are both equally to inherit her house, on the condition that they live there together for a month. This may sound easy to some people, but due to their estrangement, and the complications already going on in each of their lives, they tentatively agree to the conditions of the will and move into the house together. Each of them has their own emotional baggage, and are unsure of what they will be feeling and facing over the month ahead.
Over the course of the month, dramatic and emotional events occur, and as the story goes on, we learn about the secret to their estrangement, and see if the bond between sisters can be mended and overcome tragedy.
This was a beautiful, fantastically written story, with well written characters and a deeply rich plot that will fill your heart with a mixture of emotions as you read.
Family is complicated, and secrets can sometimes tear people apart, even people who love each other, but sometimes, despite the differences we may have with someone, life can always lead us down the same road again, united, despite paths being parted for a while.
This book was a gem, and I was sad when it came to an end. Cecilia Lyra knows how to write a story that will play with your emotions, and make you fall in love with the story more and more as it goes on.
Highly recommend! Especially for fans of authors such as Emily Giffin and Elin Hilderbrand!
The Sunset Sisters is an emotional, heartwarming summer read that is perfect to lay back and relax with on lazy, summer afternoons. Whether you’re at home, poolside, on the beach, etc, this book will envelope you and not let you out of its grasp until you have read each and every word of this bittersweet, emotional tale. This book is also perfect for anyone currently stuck in quarantine and on the lookout for a dramatic, page turning story that will pull you in and tune out the current events of the world happening around you.
This book is a beautiful story of sisterhood, family, love, and the importance of all of the above. As someone who has a sister, with whom I am very close, this story pulled at my heart strings and took me on an emotional, heartwarming ride the entire way through.
This book weaves together the tale of two half-sisters, Cassie and Julie, who are currently estranged, despite the fact that they were close when they were kids. Something tragic happened in their past at some point during their childhood to cause their estrangement, and we learn what that event was as the story delves deeper.
Upon their grandmother’s passing, they attend a meeting with her lawyer for the reading of her will, and learn that they are both equally to inherit her house, on the condition that they live there together for a month. This may sound easy to some people, but due to their estrangement, and the complications already going on in each of their lives, they tentatively agree to the conditions of the will and move into the house together. Each of them has their own emotional baggage, and are unsure of what they will be feeling and facing over the month ahead.
Over the course of the month, dramatic and emotional events occur, and as the story goes on, we learn about the secret to their estrangement, and see if the bond between sisters can be mended and overcome tragedy.
This was a beautiful, fantastically written story, with well written characters and a deeply rich plot that will fill your heart with a mixture of emotions as you read.
Family is complicated, and secrets can sometimes tear people apart, even people who love each other, but sometimes, despite the differences we may have with someone, life can always lead us down the same road again, united, despite paths being parted for a while.
This book was a gem, and I was sad when it came to an end. Cecilia Lyra knows how to write a story that will play with your emotions, and make you fall in love with the story more and more as it goes on.
Highly recommend! Especially for fans of authors such as Emily Giffin and Elin Hilderbrand!
May 13, 2018
Cecilia Lyra ist Rechtsanwältin und hat als Professorin in Rio, Brasilien, gearbeitet. Sie lebt jetzt mit Mann und Kind in Toronto, Kanada.
„Schwestern für einen Sommer“ (Original: „The Other Sister“) ist ihr Debütroman, der bei Fischer weltweit zum ersten Mal veröffentlicht wird. Die Originalfassung war das Ergebnis eines Schreibkurses.
Der Inhalt ist schnell erzählt: Zwei Schwestern – gleicher Vater, verschiedene Mutter – zerstreiten sich, haben keinen Kontakt mehr und werden nach fünfzehn Jahren praktisch gezwungen, einen Monat im Strandhaus der verstorbenen Großmutter zu verbringen.
Und natürlich offenbart sich in dieser Zeit das dem Zerwürfnis zugrunde liegende Geheimnis, aber die Frage ist, ist trotzdem alles so wie es scheint und können die Halbschwestern wieder zu richtigen Schwestern werden?
Das hat Cecilia Lyra in abwechselnden Perspektiven aus Sicht der Schwestern Cassie und Julie geschrieben und ich muss sagen, die verschiedenen Tonarten der Schwestern hat sie gut getroffen.
Es gibt eine Reihe von interessanten Figuren, allerdings sind sie teilweise auch sehr überzeichnet. Also entweder richtige Arschlöcher und so richtig gut. So einfach mal nette Menschen mit ein paar Macken gibt’s irgendwie nicht, bis auf vielleicht die zwei Schwestern. Alle anderen Figuren werden von der Autorin nur „angekratzt“, sozusagen.
Mich störte auch ein bisschen, dass die Frauenfiguren, die im Jetzt als Anfang-30-jährige leben, doch recht konservativ altbacken sind. Gut, die Handlung spielt in Amerika, aber da hätte ich mir mehr erwartet von der Autorin (die so alt wie ihre weiblichen Figuren ist). Auch machen die zwei weiblichen Hauptfiguren nur wenig, und dies sehr langsam, charakterliche Entwicklung durch. Sie sind scheinbar im Wesentlichen auf das Aussehen und Beziehung/Kinder fixiert. Das empfand ich als etwas eindimensional.
Falls der Verlag das hier liest: Den deutschen Titel finde ich nicht nur nicht gelungen sondern auch irreführend. „Die andere Schwester“ passt mMn viel besser.
Trotzdem hat mir das Lesen Freude gemacht. Bis auf ein paar Hänger in der Mitte liest es sich auch fluffig und schnell, was den wechselnden Erzählperspektiven und ein paar kleinen Cliffhangern zu verdanken ist.
Wer einen Wohlfühlroman für den Urlaub sucht, kann hier nichts falsch machen.
„Schwestern für einen Sommer“ (Original: „The Other Sister“) ist ihr Debütroman, der bei Fischer weltweit zum ersten Mal veröffentlicht wird. Die Originalfassung war das Ergebnis eines Schreibkurses.
Der Inhalt ist schnell erzählt: Zwei Schwestern – gleicher Vater, verschiedene Mutter – zerstreiten sich, haben keinen Kontakt mehr und werden nach fünfzehn Jahren praktisch gezwungen, einen Monat im Strandhaus der verstorbenen Großmutter zu verbringen.
Und natürlich offenbart sich in dieser Zeit das dem Zerwürfnis zugrunde liegende Geheimnis, aber die Frage ist, ist trotzdem alles so wie es scheint und können die Halbschwestern wieder zu richtigen Schwestern werden?
Das hat Cecilia Lyra in abwechselnden Perspektiven aus Sicht der Schwestern Cassie und Julie geschrieben und ich muss sagen, die verschiedenen Tonarten der Schwestern hat sie gut getroffen.
Es gibt eine Reihe von interessanten Figuren, allerdings sind sie teilweise auch sehr überzeichnet. Also entweder richtige Arschlöcher und so richtig gut. So einfach mal nette Menschen mit ein paar Macken gibt’s irgendwie nicht, bis auf vielleicht die zwei Schwestern. Alle anderen Figuren werden von der Autorin nur „angekratzt“, sozusagen.
Mich störte auch ein bisschen, dass die Frauenfiguren, die im Jetzt als Anfang-30-jährige leben, doch recht konservativ altbacken sind. Gut, die Handlung spielt in Amerika, aber da hätte ich mir mehr erwartet von der Autorin (die so alt wie ihre weiblichen Figuren ist). Auch machen die zwei weiblichen Hauptfiguren nur wenig, und dies sehr langsam, charakterliche Entwicklung durch. Sie sind scheinbar im Wesentlichen auf das Aussehen und Beziehung/Kinder fixiert. Das empfand ich als etwas eindimensional.
Falls der Verlag das hier liest: Den deutschen Titel finde ich nicht nur nicht gelungen sondern auch irreführend. „Die andere Schwester“ passt mMn viel besser.
Trotzdem hat mir das Lesen Freude gemacht. Bis auf ein paar Hänger in der Mitte liest es sich auch fluffig und schnell, was den wechselnden Erzählperspektiven und ein paar kleinen Cliffhangern zu verdanken ist.
Wer einen Wohlfühlroman für den Urlaub sucht, kann hier nichts falsch machen.
June 19, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy!
Synopsis:
Two sisters. A surprising inheritance. A summer that changes everything.
As children, half-sisters Cassie and Julie were nearly inseparable, bonded through happy, lazy summers playing barefoot in the surf and sleeping out on the porch of their grandmother’s Hamptons beach house. Though from wildly different backgrounds, each magical summer the girls were as close as only best friends, accomplices, sisters can be. But they haven’t spoken in nearly fifteen years—not since the funeral of Cassie’s mother—and now there is only resentment and painful memories between them.
Successful and self-contained, Cassie is shocked to learn the requirements of their nana’s will—that she and Julie spend one final summer together in the Hamptons house in order to inherit. Cassie agrees reluctantly, she needs an excuse to leave Boston and give the growing rumors about her personal life a chance to die down.
And for Julie, who is discovering too late the cracks in her marriage, it is the chance to repair at least one damaged relationship. But for the two sisters to regain what they had, they will have to finally confront what happened the night Cassie lost her mother. With their Nana’s wisdom guiding the way, could this summer bring painful discoveries, and a new direction, for both sisters?
I loved this story from the very start! It has a wonderfully detailed written characters and a deep rich plot. It was simply glorious read! Brilliant writing that I can hardly believe that this was only the first book of this author. I am so looking forward to read the next book in this series when it comes out!
It was one of the best books I read this year! And I would highly recommend it!
Synopsis:
Two sisters. A surprising inheritance. A summer that changes everything.
As children, half-sisters Cassie and Julie were nearly inseparable, bonded through happy, lazy summers playing barefoot in the surf and sleeping out on the porch of their grandmother’s Hamptons beach house. Though from wildly different backgrounds, each magical summer the girls were as close as only best friends, accomplices, sisters can be. But they haven’t spoken in nearly fifteen years—not since the funeral of Cassie’s mother—and now there is only resentment and painful memories between them.
Successful and self-contained, Cassie is shocked to learn the requirements of their nana’s will—that she and Julie spend one final summer together in the Hamptons house in order to inherit. Cassie agrees reluctantly, she needs an excuse to leave Boston and give the growing rumors about her personal life a chance to die down.
And for Julie, who is discovering too late the cracks in her marriage, it is the chance to repair at least one damaged relationship. But for the two sisters to regain what they had, they will have to finally confront what happened the night Cassie lost her mother. With their Nana’s wisdom guiding the way, could this summer bring painful discoveries, and a new direction, for both sisters?
I loved this story from the very start! It has a wonderfully detailed written characters and a deep rich plot. It was simply glorious read! Brilliant writing that I can hardly believe that this was only the first book of this author. I am so looking forward to read the next book in this series when it comes out!
It was one of the best books I read this year! And I would highly recommend it!
May 11, 2020
4 stars / This review will be posted at BookwormishMe.com on 8 June 2020 .
Grab this book for your next vacation.
Cassie and Julie are half-sisters, though Nana would never tolerate the word “half.” Half is not for family, it’s for sandwiches, or something like that. Cassie is Katherine’s and Stephan’s daughter. Supposedly they are the happy marriage. Julie (pronounced with a soft J) is Sophie’s and Stephan’s daughter. Supposedly the happy affair. Neither is 100% happy, as we will find. And though the girls were once as inseparable as best friends, it’s been a very long time since they’ve spoken.
With Nana’s passing, Cassie and Julie will be forced to confront each other and their demons in Montauk at Nana’s beach house. Nana has plans for these girls, and it doesn’t end with their going their separate ways. What Nana wants, Nana will get, at least these were her dying wishes. The giant table for 12 at the beach house attests to what Nana wanted, a happy family sharing meals and lives together.
A beach read of the highest quality, The Sunset Sisters is a story about love and tragedy. About a family torn apart by adultery, lies, abuse and mental illness. About the best and the worst in all of us, and how trauma can affect every bit of our lives. Lyra knows how to tell a story. She gives us two sisters very much alike, but also very different. Shows us how an environment can shape someone in both good and bad ways. Makes the characters flawed, but likeable. All the elements of the perfect summer story.
Grab this book for your next vacation.
Cassie and Julie are half-sisters, though Nana would never tolerate the word “half.” Half is not for family, it’s for sandwiches, or something like that. Cassie is Katherine’s and Stephan’s daughter. Supposedly they are the happy marriage. Julie (pronounced with a soft J) is Sophie’s and Stephan’s daughter. Supposedly the happy affair. Neither is 100% happy, as we will find. And though the girls were once as inseparable as best friends, it’s been a very long time since they’ve spoken.
With Nana’s passing, Cassie and Julie will be forced to confront each other and their demons in Montauk at Nana’s beach house. Nana has plans for these girls, and it doesn’t end with their going their separate ways. What Nana wants, Nana will get, at least these were her dying wishes. The giant table for 12 at the beach house attests to what Nana wanted, a happy family sharing meals and lives together.
A beach read of the highest quality, The Sunset Sisters is a story about love and tragedy. About a family torn apart by adultery, lies, abuse and mental illness. About the best and the worst in all of us, and how trauma can affect every bit of our lives. Lyra knows how to tell a story. She gives us two sisters very much alike, but also very different. Shows us how an environment can shape someone in both good and bad ways. Makes the characters flawed, but likeable. All the elements of the perfect summer story.
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