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The Lost Sister
From the #1 bestselling author of My Sister’s Secret, a powerful new novel about families, secrets and lies.
For the first time in your life, your mother is about to tell you the truth…
When Becky’s mother Selma asks her to visit during her final days, she tells Becky her darkest secret.
When Becky was just eight years old, her mother left home to live with a strange and enigmatic man named Idris, shocking the neighborhood and disgracing their family. Becky has never forgiven her.
But what her dying mother tells her still shocks Becky to her core – that this affair had resulted in a child… that Becky has a sister.
As Becky struggles to process this information, she knows one thing for certain – she must find her missing sister. Even if it takes her on a journey that will force her to confront the darkest secrets and lies of her mother’s life… and her own.
The new, addictive, page-turning, emotional thriller from bestselling author Tracy Buchanan. Perfect for fans of Kerry Lonsdale, Emily Bleeker and Kerry Fisher.
What readers are saying about Tracy Buchanan:
‘Tracy Buchanan writes moving, gripping, heartbreakingly real family drama.’ Susan Lewis
‘An addictive novel that gets under your skin’ Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife
‘Perfect for sisters everywhere, it’s both heartbreaking and uplifting.’ My Weekly
‘A pacy read about the strong bonds between sisters.’ Daily Mail
‘An ambitious and deeply poignant story that will take you into another world.’ Heat
‘A must read for fans of psychological suspense. Tightly plotted and intense... Filled with twists and turns, it will keep you flying through the pages to the shocking end.’ Heather Gudenkauf
‘Beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting… Really worth a read.’ Hello!
‘A compelling, page-turning read about secrets in families and the unwitting consequences… I was completely hooked… Sad, powerful and absorbing.’ Julia Williams
‘I was entranced from the very first page and couldn't put it down… Tracy weaves a seamless tale while offering brilliant descriptions and raw emotions.’ Angela Marsons, bestselling author of Silent Scream
‘A compelling and emotional read that pulled me in – full of intrigue and secrets. A riveting story that I know will stay with me for a very long time.’ Alexandra Brown
‘I could see it playing out like a movie as I was reading… I loved it.’ Novelkicks
For the first time in your life, your mother is about to tell you the truth…
When Becky’s mother Selma asks her to visit during her final days, she tells Becky her darkest secret.
When Becky was just eight years old, her mother left home to live with a strange and enigmatic man named Idris, shocking the neighborhood and disgracing their family. Becky has never forgiven her.
But what her dying mother tells her still shocks Becky to her core – that this affair had resulted in a child… that Becky has a sister.
As Becky struggles to process this information, she knows one thing for certain – she must find her missing sister. Even if it takes her on a journey that will force her to confront the darkest secrets and lies of her mother’s life… and her own.
The new, addictive, page-turning, emotional thriller from bestselling author Tracy Buchanan. Perfect for fans of Kerry Lonsdale, Emily Bleeker and Kerry Fisher.
What readers are saying about Tracy Buchanan:
‘Tracy Buchanan writes moving, gripping, heartbreakingly real family drama.’ Susan Lewis
‘An addictive novel that gets under your skin’ Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife
‘Perfect for sisters everywhere, it’s both heartbreaking and uplifting.’ My Weekly
‘A pacy read about the strong bonds between sisters.’ Daily Mail
‘An ambitious and deeply poignant story that will take you into another world.’ Heat
‘A must read for fans of psychological suspense. Tightly plotted and intense... Filled with twists and turns, it will keep you flying through the pages to the shocking end.’ Heather Gudenkauf
‘Beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting… Really worth a read.’ Hello!
‘A compelling, page-turning read about secrets in families and the unwitting consequences… I was completely hooked… Sad, powerful and absorbing.’ Julia Williams
‘I was entranced from the very first page and couldn't put it down… Tracy weaves a seamless tale while offering brilliant descriptions and raw emotions.’ Angela Marsons, bestselling author of Silent Scream
‘A compelling and emotional read that pulled me in – full of intrigue and secrets. A riveting story that I know will stay with me for a very long time.’ Alexandra Brown
‘I could see it playing out like a movie as I was reading… I loved it.’ Novelkicks
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2018
946 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Buchanan
22 books595 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 148 reviews
July 22, 2018
4 Salty Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was my very first book by Tracy Buchanan, but it will not be my last... I found this book a compelling read filled with colorful characters and beautiful descriptions... I was drawn in by the very first scene in this book... a loving mother (or so it seemed) a drowning boy, a strange man who appears to be walking on water, where in the world was this book headed???
This book was told from two different perspectives and two different timelines... becky in present time and her motherSelma in the early 1990s... Becky was abandoned by her mother when she was eight years old... Selma abandon her husband and daughter to live in a cave with other creative types in order to overcome her writers block.... over 20 years later when Selma is on her deathbed she reaches out to her daughter wanting to reunite... becky is hesitant, but chooses to see her mother and her mother‘s last words to her are” you have a sister.” Becky now needs to decide whether or not she wants to believe this woman who has done nothing but let her down for the past few decades and try to locate her long-lost sister... her journey leads her to meet many people that knew her mother and this allows her to get to know her mother a bit better, but will she find her sister?
I really felt for Becky, I can’t even imagine being abandoned by my mother, and as a mother I cannot imagine abandoning my children... I had a really hard time with Selma I just did not like her, even as I got to know her better and her motivations and reasons... still I could not justify what she did to Becky... I found her to be very selfish and manipulative... although I did find the Cave dwelling terribly interesting, do people really live in caves? It sounds like something I would not want to do!(Note to self google this later)
The last 20% of this book was mindbending so many twists that I had no warning about! It really brought light to a lot of things and answered a lot of questions I had... well played Tracy Buchanan!
Absolutely recommend when you are in the mood for a family drama with some pretty amazing twists...
*** many thanks too Bookouture for my copy of this intriguing book ***
PS: the stars are salty because Selma made me salty, LOL
This was my very first book by Tracy Buchanan, but it will not be my last... I found this book a compelling read filled with colorful characters and beautiful descriptions... I was drawn in by the very first scene in this book... a loving mother (or so it seemed) a drowning boy, a strange man who appears to be walking on water, where in the world was this book headed???
This book was told from two different perspectives and two different timelines... becky in present time and her motherSelma in the early 1990s... Becky was abandoned by her mother when she was eight years old... Selma abandon her husband and daughter to live in a cave with other creative types in order to overcome her writers block.... over 20 years later when Selma is on her deathbed she reaches out to her daughter wanting to reunite... becky is hesitant, but chooses to see her mother and her mother‘s last words to her are” you have a sister.” Becky now needs to decide whether or not she wants to believe this woman who has done nothing but let her down for the past few decades and try to locate her long-lost sister... her journey leads her to meet many people that knew her mother and this allows her to get to know her mother a bit better, but will she find her sister?
I really felt for Becky, I can’t even imagine being abandoned by my mother, and as a mother I cannot imagine abandoning my children... I had a really hard time with Selma I just did not like her, even as I got to know her better and her motivations and reasons... still I could not justify what she did to Becky... I found her to be very selfish and manipulative... although I did find the Cave dwelling terribly interesting, do people really live in caves? It sounds like something I would not want to do!(Note to self google this later)
The last 20% of this book was mindbending so many twists that I had no warning about! It really brought light to a lot of things and answered a lot of questions I had... well played Tracy Buchanan!
Absolutely recommend when you are in the mood for a family drama with some pretty amazing twists...
*** many thanks too Bookouture for my copy of this intriguing book ***
PS: the stars are salty because Selma made me salty, LOL
June 10, 2018
The Lost Sister by Tracy Buchanan was the story of Becky who was reunited with her mother Selma after many years apart. He mother has only days to live and tells Becky that she has a sister. The book then tells Selma's story and Becky's journey to try and find the sister she has never met. I really enjoyed this book, the characters were excellent and the descriptions wonderful. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will certainly be reading more of her books. I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
After reading “My Sister’s Secret” and “Her Last Breath” also written by Tracy Buchanan I was very excited to start this book immediately!!
Wow you have done it again. I loved this from the beginning and could have quite happily finished it in one sitting!!
Selma, husband Mike and daughter Becky’s live’s change dramatically when on a day out on the beach, a friends son nearly drowns in the sea, and a mystery man rushes into to rescue him.shortly after Selma leaves her family and goes to live in a cave with Idris and his artistic followers. He is the mystery man who saved the boy on the beach.
After years of being apart from her mother Selma, Becky is reunited just before her mother dies and discovers she has a sister she never knew about.
Becky goes to find the sister, travelling to Spain, Slovenia and Russia looking for caves that Idris had lived in.
The story is told over two timelines, we go back to the day on the beach and discover why Selma chose to leave her family and what her life was like before and after moving into the caves. The other timeline is Becky trying to find her sister and discover more about her mother’s life.
I really enjoyed this wonderful journey of a story, the characters were all very likeable, the descriptions of the caves made me want to go and discover them too!!
A must read book, I suggest you put you’re feet up and be prepared to be moved by this fascinating and utterly charming story.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Wow you have done it again. I loved this from the beginning and could have quite happily finished it in one sitting!!
Selma, husband Mike and daughter Becky’s live’s change dramatically when on a day out on the beach, a friends son nearly drowns in the sea, and a mystery man rushes into to rescue him.shortly after Selma leaves her family and goes to live in a cave with Idris and his artistic followers. He is the mystery man who saved the boy on the beach.
After years of being apart from her mother Selma, Becky is reunited just before her mother dies and discovers she has a sister she never knew about.
Becky goes to find the sister, travelling to Spain, Slovenia and Russia looking for caves that Idris had lived in.
The story is told over two timelines, we go back to the day on the beach and discover why Selma chose to leave her family and what her life was like before and after moving into the caves. The other timeline is Becky trying to find her sister and discover more about her mother’s life.
I really enjoyed this wonderful journey of a story, the characters were all very likeable, the descriptions of the caves made me want to go and discover them too!!
A must read book, I suggest you put you’re feet up and be prepared to be moved by this fascinating and utterly charming story.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
June 29, 2018
This book had the oddest story line but yet, I kept reading it till the end. As I was reading, I kept saying to myself – this is the strangest book but it kept me interested to keep reading. And boy, am I glad I did. At first, I had a hard time believing someone like Becky could do what she did and what the heck was the “draw” to all the caves in the book? And then there’ a huge twist at the end that I didn’t see coming!! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 15, 2021
Written in alternating POVs, this story kept me turning the pages throughout. The descriptions and the caves are so intriguing. The last 20% or so left me shocked at the twists & turns! A great read!
July 20, 2018
When I started this book, I thought it would be hard to sympathise with a woman who abandoned her husband and daughter to go and live in a cave, but Selma quickly won me over. This story plays out in two timelines, as we hear about the mother's life and the experiences of Becky as she tries to trace this mysterious lost sister, and both storylines are gripping.
There were enough twists and points in this story to keep me reading eagerly to find out what happened, and plenty of food for thought in how relationships can play out when someone is unhappy.
Who hasn't sometimes dreamt of walking out and leaving everything behind? This is a fascinating glimpse into why someone might do that, and the possible consequences.
There were enough twists and points in this story to keep me reading eagerly to find out what happened, and plenty of food for thought in how relationships can play out when someone is unhappy.
Who hasn't sometimes dreamt of walking out and leaving everything behind? This is a fascinating glimpse into why someone might do that, and the possible consequences.
September 16, 2018
I’m on a roll of choosing absolutely the worst things to read. This is 4 for the week. First off it is dual timeline/chapters! It’s hard for me to enjoy that. Second it is babble and Third it is written in and about the UK so the wording and slang killed it for me.
“The girls watch in rapture, as though they were seeing something for the first time “ gosh!
Not only that but I saw all these reviews that are stellar and contain the book jacket. So I say pass on it unless you like dribbling and babbling a lot
“The girls watch in rapture, as though they were seeing something for the first time “ gosh!
Not only that but I saw all these reviews that are stellar and contain the book jacket. So I say pass on it unless you like dribbling and babbling a lot
July 22, 2018
Book review can be found on my blog here: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...
This was the first book I have read by Tracy Buchanan but after reading the description of the book I couldn’t wait to read it. When I got the chance to take part in a Book Blast for this book I was thrilled.
This book is written in alternating points of view. Parts are written from the point of view of Selma the mother and parts are written from the point of view of Becky the daughter. When Becky was just a young girl her mother met another man and decided to leave the family home, leaving Becky and her husband to move into a cave with this new man and several other people. Becky was devastated and hasn’t forgiven her mother for her choices. What kind of mother just up and abandons their family and their child? Especially to live in a cave?
As Becky reunites with her mother many years later her mother reveals a major secret to Becky. A big secret she has kept quiet for years.
I was hooked on this book from the very beginning. It was very well written in a way that keeps the interest of the reader and leaves you wanting read more to see what happens next. The pages were turning themselves and it was so hard to put down.
I enjoyed reading about the main characters and you cant help but empathize with the main character and mother in the book. At times I found myself confused and angry with her for her choices and her actions but as you read more you get a sense and understanding of why she made the choices she did and get to understand her a bit more.
The book has a lot of shocking twists and turns with a big oh my shocker moment near the end that will catch you by surprise.
I loved this book and it was a great read. The pace was steady going and I didn’t find any slow parts in the book which I love. Once you begin reading you are hooked as you want to know what will happen next.
If you haven’t read this book yet be sure to check it out. It is a fabulous read that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the whole way through.
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Tracy Buchanan for the free ARC of this book to read and review. It was a pleasure to take part in the blog blast.
This was the first book I have read by Tracy Buchanan but after reading the description of the book I couldn’t wait to read it. When I got the chance to take part in a Book Blast for this book I was thrilled.
This book is written in alternating points of view. Parts are written from the point of view of Selma the mother and parts are written from the point of view of Becky the daughter. When Becky was just a young girl her mother met another man and decided to leave the family home, leaving Becky and her husband to move into a cave with this new man and several other people. Becky was devastated and hasn’t forgiven her mother for her choices. What kind of mother just up and abandons their family and their child? Especially to live in a cave?
As Becky reunites with her mother many years later her mother reveals a major secret to Becky. A big secret she has kept quiet for years.
I was hooked on this book from the very beginning. It was very well written in a way that keeps the interest of the reader and leaves you wanting read more to see what happens next. The pages were turning themselves and it was so hard to put down.
I enjoyed reading about the main characters and you cant help but empathize with the main character and mother in the book. At times I found myself confused and angry with her for her choices and her actions but as you read more you get a sense and understanding of why she made the choices she did and get to understand her a bit more.
The book has a lot of shocking twists and turns with a big oh my shocker moment near the end that will catch you by surprise.
I loved this book and it was a great read. The pace was steady going and I didn’t find any slow parts in the book which I love. Once you begin reading you are hooked as you want to know what will happen next.
If you haven’t read this book yet be sure to check it out. It is a fabulous read that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the whole way through.
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Tracy Buchanan for the free ARC of this book to read and review. It was a pleasure to take part in the blog blast.
July 11, 2018
Both parents are important in your life, but a mother's love is different. What if she suddenly decides to leave? The least you can say is that it has a big inpact on your future. When she discloses a big secret on her dying day, your world is suddenly upside down again. You simply have to find out what happend, don't you ...?
I can't really describe what feelings the cover evokes in me, but it certainly made me want to read the book.
I liked the way the story was built. A mixture of the present and the past with Becky as main character in the first and her mother in the latter part.
Some segments were a bit to detailed for me, but nevertheless I was still intrigued. The more the story comes to an end, the more you are picked up by a whirlewind of emotions and revelations that leave you gobsmacked.
Thank you, Tracy Buchanan, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I can't really describe what feelings the cover evokes in me, but it certainly made me want to read the book.
I liked the way the story was built. A mixture of the present and the past with Becky as main character in the first and her mother in the latter part.
Some segments were a bit to detailed for me, but nevertheless I was still intrigued. The more the story comes to an end, the more you are picked up by a whirlewind of emotions and revelations that leave you gobsmacked.
Thank you, Tracy Buchanan, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
July 4, 2018
I love this author's writing and have adored all of her books and this one is no different. I absolutely LOVED this beautiful, poignant story. Written with heart, this is a book that will stay with me and I will be thinking of the characters for a long time. Very highly recommended.
July 20, 2018
Well this has been a highly interesting and wonderful read, I was gripped from the very first page and I literally whizzed through the story as could not turn the pages fast enough.
I found the whole concept of the caves, people wanting to live in them quite unusual, pretty sure I couldn't do it myself as I'd miss my home comforts way too much. But having said that it was interesting and insightful to read all about the caves.
I thought the story was brilliantly well written and the characters are all so very well portrayed and believable, it was a shock when it came to light that some of those characters had been lying and keeping secrets.
The story was told in two parts, mum's story from the past and then the daughter's story in the present. You spend a fair bit of time throughout the book going back to the past then the present, back to the past and so on. I found it easy to follow and I loved reading both their storys at the same time.
The story was highly captivating, dramatic and emotional in places (especially that bit at the very end) and as for that ending, I was pretty shocked by that, so did not see that twist coming, so very cleverly done.
So if you haven't read any of Tracy's books before, then don't delay any further as her books are always such fantastic and entertaining reads.
August 6, 2018
I am a total sucker for dual timeline novels, and this one is perfectly executed. The Lost Sister is fast-paced, gripping and deeply emotional - and ZOMG - the twist!!! It takes a particularly special writer to bring together a bunch of unique ideas in a way that feels natural, but this completely unique family drama reads as heartbreakingly real. One of my standout reads of the year so far.
August 8, 2018
The best one yet!
I love all of Tracy's books and this is my favourite so far. Each book has really stuck in my mind (I now have an unexpectedly strong interest in caves, just like I had an urge to discover sunken forests at one point) I don't want to spoil the book but I really did not expect the ending. I struggle to find another author with the perfect balance of mystery/romance/adventure. Cant wait for the next book!
I love all of Tracy's books and this is my favourite so far. Each book has really stuck in my mind (I now have an unexpectedly strong interest in caves, just like I had an urge to discover sunken forests at one point) I don't want to spoil the book but I really did not expect the ending. I struggle to find another author with the perfect balance of mystery/romance/adventure. Cant wait for the next book!
August 14, 2018
Emotional
Could not put it down was completely wrong out by the end highlights the importance off communication in stead of building walls
Could not put it down was completely wrong out by the end highlights the importance off communication in stead of building walls
June 7, 2018
The Lost Sister by Tracy Buchanan has a surprising twist at the end! No, do not read ahead or you will spoil the story for yourself. Seriously I enjoyed this book very much, even though I felt an overwhelming sadness when I finished the story. I cared about the characters even though as I read the book I was hoping some of the choices they made would have been different.
The book is written from the perspective of Selma in the early 1990's and Becky's perspective is in present time. It is very well organized and does not cause any confusion with the time and events.
Selma is not happy in her life and feels that if she could just write a second novel which could become a best seller her problems would be gone. She has a character flaw which affects each person she loves. Selma tells lies easier than telling the truth. She just can not help herself it seems, even when she knows she should tell the truth. She loves her daughter, Becky, but is not comfortable in the role of a mother. Since Becky's birth, Selma's feelings for her husband has changed. It was not anything he did specifically, but Selma felt a change within herself.
Becky has grown up without her mother. She feels resentment and bitterness toward her mom for having abandoned her and her father when she was a child. Becky did not understand the choices her mother made when she left their home to live in a cave with strange hippie-type people.
Becky agrees to a last request from her mother. Even though they have been estranged for years, she goes to visit her mother before she dies. Her mother does not want hospice care but wants to be taken to the cave under the hotel to die. The last words Selma utters to Becky will send her across continents in search of a younger sister!
Sometimes the answers you seek may not be the ones you want to hear.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book is written from the perspective of Selma in the early 1990's and Becky's perspective is in present time. It is very well organized and does not cause any confusion with the time and events.
Selma is not happy in her life and feels that if she could just write a second novel which could become a best seller her problems would be gone. She has a character flaw which affects each person she loves. Selma tells lies easier than telling the truth. She just can not help herself it seems, even when she knows she should tell the truth. She loves her daughter, Becky, but is not comfortable in the role of a mother. Since Becky's birth, Selma's feelings for her husband has changed. It was not anything he did specifically, but Selma felt a change within herself.
Becky has grown up without her mother. She feels resentment and bitterness toward her mom for having abandoned her and her father when she was a child. Becky did not understand the choices her mother made when she left their home to live in a cave with strange hippie-type people.
Becky agrees to a last request from her mother. Even though they have been estranged for years, she goes to visit her mother before she dies. Her mother does not want hospice care but wants to be taken to the cave under the hotel to die. The last words Selma utters to Becky will send her across continents in search of a younger sister!
Sometimes the answers you seek may not be the ones you want to hear.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 16, 2018
I became immersed in this story while drenching myself in the suns rays and I couldn't have chosen a better book for basting myself in the sunshine with. Wonderfully written, it captures the heartache of losing touch with a parent/child and depression, but also the beauty of love and friendships and is full of quirky characters and beautifully described places.
Selma knows something isn't right in her life, but it isn't until she witnesses a man save a young boy from drowning that she begins to make changes. The hero of the hour, Idris, is an enigmatic stranger, drawing Selma and others into his way of living, and causing Selma to abandon her young daughter Becky. In the future, Becky has been adrift from her mother for many years, then receives a call from her out of the blue, asking Becky to visit her. When she does, Becky receives the shocking news that she has a sister she knows nothing about. As she tries to piece together what happened when her mother abandoned her, she realises that not everything occurred the way she thought, and she sets out on a quest to find her missing sibling.
Moving and thought provoking, I highly enjoyed this story and its unusual characters. Idris, with his svengali style sway was especially interesting and the backgrounds of the characters and their reasons for the actions they took well thought out. An absorbing 5 star read!
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Selma knows something isn't right in her life, but it isn't until she witnesses a man save a young boy from drowning that she begins to make changes. The hero of the hour, Idris, is an enigmatic stranger, drawing Selma and others into his way of living, and causing Selma to abandon her young daughter Becky. In the future, Becky has been adrift from her mother for many years, then receives a call from her out of the blue, asking Becky to visit her. When she does, Becky receives the shocking news that she has a sister she knows nothing about. As she tries to piece together what happened when her mother abandoned her, she realises that not everything occurred the way she thought, and she sets out on a quest to find her missing sibling.
Moving and thought provoking, I highly enjoyed this story and its unusual characters. Idris, with his svengali style sway was especially interesting and the backgrounds of the characters and their reasons for the actions they took well thought out. An absorbing 5 star read!
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2018
Wow, this was quite a read!
Becky has had a strained relationship with her mother, Selma, ever since Selma decided that living in a cave was what she needed to do, when Becky was only a child. I found Selma to be a pretty unsympathetic character, she reminded me a little too much of my own mother and her actions throughout my life. However, Selma was parented by a mother who was hardly "Mother of the Year" material either, which probably didn't help. Luckily for Becky, she had a solid, decent parent in her father.
The repercussions of what Selma did all those years ago, come back to haunt Becky when her mother confesses something on her deathbed. It leads Becky to a search for answers. But does she really want to know what happened with her mother and the people she spent time with in the cave, all those years ago?
I found this to be a very powerful story and it was very well written. I give it 4.5 stars.
Becky has had a strained relationship with her mother, Selma, ever since Selma decided that living in a cave was what she needed to do, when Becky was only a child. I found Selma to be a pretty unsympathetic character, she reminded me a little too much of my own mother and her actions throughout my life. However, Selma was parented by a mother who was hardly "Mother of the Year" material either, which probably didn't help. Luckily for Becky, she had a solid, decent parent in her father.
The repercussions of what Selma did all those years ago, come back to haunt Becky when her mother confesses something on her deathbed. It leads Becky to a search for answers. But does she really want to know what happened with her mother and the people she spent time with in the cave, all those years ago?
I found this to be a very powerful story and it was very well written. I give it 4.5 stars.
July 25, 2018
I was totally caught up in this book as soon a I opened it and felt as though I was there that summer and could imagine what life was like for Selma and her 'friends'back in the caves in an idyllic setting.
This is a story of two parts, Becky tells her story from the present day when she finds out her mum is very ill and even though they have been estranged for years she goes to see her and when her mother tells her that she has a sister just before she dies it throws her into turmoil and she sets off to find her.This is set in two timelines Becky's up to date story and how she felt when her mother seemed to abandon her and Selma's story from her recollections, not all things are remembered the same way.
It is very cleverly written and had me hooked, the ending was a complete surprise to me.I can't say more as I would hate to spoil it for others.
This is a story of two parts, Becky tells her story from the present day when she finds out her mum is very ill and even though they have been estranged for years she goes to see her and when her mother tells her that she has a sister just before she dies it throws her into turmoil and she sets off to find her.This is set in two timelines Becky's up to date story and how she felt when her mother seemed to abandon her and Selma's story from her recollections, not all things are remembered the same way.
It is very cleverly written and had me hooked, the ending was a complete surprise to me.I can't say more as I would hate to spoil it for others.
July 30, 2018
It all started with a drowning many years ago. The event triggered a series of events leading to Selma leaving her family; Mike and Becky behind. Now, Selma is back in Becky's life after years of estrangement and she has one last secret to tell that sends Becky on a journey of discovery. Or is it all a lie?
This is a weird read and just not for me. It does not really fit into a genre and instead seems a mixture of a few. Then there are multiple plot threads and I do not think that they are all dealt with evenly and some are not rounded off at all. Bizarrely, I would say I enjoyed the novel and despite thinking that not much happens, I was not overly bored. My feelings about this are mixed, there are aspects I liked and others I did not and I did not feel that overall it gelled.
Now this would have been 2 stars if it had not been for the ending. Buchanan throws in a couple of massive twists that are plot changing and completely alter the book. Had more of the book been like it then I would have adored the book. As it is I can take it or leave it.
My main issue is with Selma, she is so unlikeable meaning I could not root for her and thought she only had herself to blame. When so much of the book is about her this proved to be a big issue. I really liked Becky and Mike and thought they were written balanced and fairly. Yes, mistakes were made but they had aspects to get on board with and root for.
This could have been good and had sparks of enjoyment but for me this was too much of a weird mix that I could not get on board with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy.
This is a weird read and just not for me. It does not really fit into a genre and instead seems a mixture of a few. Then there are multiple plot threads and I do not think that they are all dealt with evenly and some are not rounded off at all. Bizarrely, I would say I enjoyed the novel and despite thinking that not much happens, I was not overly bored. My feelings about this are mixed, there are aspects I liked and others I did not and I did not feel that overall it gelled.
Now this would have been 2 stars if it had not been for the ending. Buchanan throws in a couple of massive twists that are plot changing and completely alter the book. Had more of the book been like it then I would have adored the book. As it is I can take it or leave it.
My main issue is with Selma, she is so unlikeable meaning I could not root for her and thought she only had herself to blame. When so much of the book is about her this proved to be a big issue. I really liked Becky and Mike and thought they were written balanced and fairly. Yes, mistakes were made but they had aspects to get on board with and root for.
This could have been good and had sparks of enjoyment but for me this was too much of a weird mix that I could not get on board with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy.
August 26, 2018
Becky gets a phone call from her estranged mother, Selma, who only has a short time left because of cancer. Selma is a well known author who abandoned Becky when she was 8 years old with Idris, a man she had met a few days earlier. Narrated by both mother and daughter with two timelines from the 90’s and today the story is told of a missing sister and the reasons Why the mother left. The characters were well developed but I just didn’t click with either of them. I received a copy of this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 7, 2018
This was a different read as compared to Tracy Buchanan's previous books. The beginning started off slow. Becky's mother Selma left her family, and now 10 years hence, she was back with a secret that Becky had a sister. Becky had then to go find her Lost Sister.
Told in both Becky and Selma's POV the book jumped timeliness. The characters were complex. Becky was likable but Selma was not in some parts.
The story was a bit drawn and slow for me, I am used to a fast paced story by this author. There were few subplots, but the book redeemed itself with the twists at the end.
So overall a good read
Told in both Becky and Selma's POV the book jumped timeliness. The characters were complex. Becky was likable but Selma was not in some parts.
The story was a bit drawn and slow for me, I am used to a fast paced story by this author. There were few subplots, but the book redeemed itself with the twists at the end.
So overall a good read
November 3, 2018
I was attracted by this book because it's highly rated on this website. I'm very disappointed about this story though. I didn't like Selma (one of the main characters) and the whole story of people living in caves is a bit weird. I hoped the story would improve, but on the contrary: the ending is even more unsatisfying. Not a book I would recommend.
December 7, 2019
I am obviously in the minority but although the book held my interest I actually thought it was just too silly. There were a few twists and turns and the last one I didn’t see coming but I just had to laugh out loud. It did have a good underlying message about depression which was handled well. Overall it just didn’t do it for me.
January 20, 2019
It's been 10 years since Becky last talk to her mother, the woman who left her and her husband many years ago to live in a cave with a 'hippie'. She got devastating news and Becky, still holding on to the good old memories, decided to see her. That's when Becky was told she have a sister. So, majority of the book was about Becky's journey in finding this sister known as Catherine.
The plot was frustrating. At times I just was to stranggle all the characters for their lack of reasonable decision. When all the book talked about is this lost sister, all I wanted to know was did the guy really walked on water.
The book taught me a lot about not trusting anyone. You trust someone too much and bamm, a cult was built. At first everything was shiny and rosy. And after a while, it cracked and all the ugliness pour in.
I wanted Becky to have a backbone like she did when she rebuff her mother at the restaurant. She got the money from her mother inheritance. She could have hired a great PI to do the job. Then again, not many wealthy people are right in their head are they.
I applaused the writing. It was done well. And I kind of saw the twist about Idris. Truly a weird story with a decent ending.
The plot was frustrating. At times I just was to stranggle all the characters for their lack of reasonable decision. When all the book talked about is this lost sister, all I wanted to know was did the guy really walked on water.
The book taught me a lot about not trusting anyone. You trust someone too much and bamm, a cult was built. At first everything was shiny and rosy. And after a while, it cracked and all the ugliness pour in.
I wanted Becky to have a backbone like she did when she rebuff her mother at the restaurant. She got the money from her mother inheritance. She could have hired a great PI to do the job. Then again, not many wealthy people are right in their head are they.
I applaused the writing. It was done well. And I kind of saw the twist about Idris. Truly a weird story with a decent ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2018
Firstly, this is not my usual genre, I normally tend to go for psychological thrillers/detective series so this was taking a step out of my comfort zone and I’m so glad I did. This is my first read by Tracy Buchanan but I can say it certainly won’t be the last, you have converted me to read something other than blood & guts!!
This book was told from two perspectives, one from Becky’s mother Selma during the 90s and the other from Becky set in present day. I found the book to be very well written covering mental health, abandonment issues, relationships, bonds between sisters, neglect and abuse, the story draws you in, quite harrowing at times, there were so many twists and turns and the end WOW that’s all I’ll say can’t be giving it away now to those that are absolutely going to want to read it although may never go near a cave again!!! A real page turner, I’d definitely recommend this book to my friends and family.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book was told from two perspectives, one from Becky’s mother Selma during the 90s and the other from Becky set in present day. I found the book to be very well written covering mental health, abandonment issues, relationships, bonds between sisters, neglect and abuse, the story draws you in, quite harrowing at times, there were so many twists and turns and the end WOW that’s all I’ll say can’t be giving it away now to those that are absolutely going to want to read it although may never go near a cave again!!! A real page turner, I’d definitely recommend this book to my friends and family.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 1, 2018
Loved this book!
A fascinating, intriguing story.
Told from the point of view of both a Mother who left her child, and the Daughter trying to deal with her Mother's dying revelation. Becky's world is turned upside down when her Mother's secret is revealed, sending her on a journey to discover the truth.
I liked the way the story was told, dipping in and out of past and future.
I found the whole experience, which it certainly was, intriguing. It was a really emotional read, with an amazing end, which was completely unexpected.
A brilliant summer (or anytime) read. Thank you, Tracy Buchanan - I will definitely be reading more of your books!
A fascinating, intriguing story.
Told from the point of view of both a Mother who left her child, and the Daughter trying to deal with her Mother's dying revelation. Becky's world is turned upside down when her Mother's secret is revealed, sending her on a journey to discover the truth.
I liked the way the story was told, dipping in and out of past and future.
I found the whole experience, which it certainly was, intriguing. It was a really emotional read, with an amazing end, which was completely unexpected.
A brilliant summer (or anytime) read. Thank you, Tracy Buchanan - I will definitely be reading more of your books!
October 20, 2018
My first Tracy Buchanan novel and I loved it! I was hanging on the edge of the chair waiting for the big reveal towards the end and little did I know that there was a twist that even I couldn’t predict! The absolutely ironic thing for me is that my Grandmother suffered from post natal psychosis with my Mum and her twin sister. I have never considered what could have happened to them with this cruel illness that so many new mothers are at risk of. Thank you Tracy for this captivating story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2018
Described as a drama The Lost Sister is much more than this as it reads like a thriller with suspence, intrigue, and a very unexpected ending. A very satisfying read. The shifts between two points of view gave the story depth and pace. I think characterisations are believable as was the setting of cave communities.
May 1, 2018
Tracy Buchanan does it again!
I have read all of her books and enjoyed them all; The Lost Sister is no exception.
This story follows two perspectives; Selma, who escapes her marriage, leaving young daughter Becky at home with her Dad, and Becky herself in her early 30s, struggling to come to terms with the fact she has a sister she never knew.
This is a beautifully written book, that truly sucks you in. Intriguing, likable and hugely relatable characters plus scenery so gorgeous you can't help but wish you were living alongside them. Amazing work Tracy, I hope plenty of people pick up this amazing book - would be a perfect summer read for those who like mysteries with plenty of twists and turns.
I have read all of her books and enjoyed them all; The Lost Sister is no exception.
This story follows two perspectives; Selma, who escapes her marriage, leaving young daughter Becky at home with her Dad, and Becky herself in her early 30s, struggling to come to terms with the fact she has a sister she never knew.
This is a beautifully written book, that truly sucks you in. Intriguing, likable and hugely relatable characters plus scenery so gorgeous you can't help but wish you were living alongside them. Amazing work Tracy, I hope plenty of people pick up this amazing book - would be a perfect summer read for those who like mysteries with plenty of twists and turns.
September 6, 2018
The Lost Sister is a compelling tale of motherhood and identity. I loved the atmosphere it evoked and thought it said important things about life, love and loss. The twist at the end brings the whole story to a very satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.
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