What do you think?
Rate this book
Sisters and Brothers
A poignant novel of heartbreak, adoption and a father's love by beloved bestselling Australian author, Fiona Palmer.
Bill, 72, feels left behind after the death of his adored wife. He relies heavily on his only daughter, Sarah.
Sarah, career woman and perfectionist homemaker, struggles to keep up with the Joneses. As her husband grows distant, she has no support network.
Emma, a down-to-earth nurse and busy mother of three, always dreamed of having a sister . . . But nothing prepares her for the shock results of a routine blood test.
Adam, a successful florist, was raised by his mother. As his dreams start to fall into place, he can't stop thinking about the father he never had.
Finally, Michelle is trying to build cake-making into a career. But at 46, has she left her run too late to fall in love, have children and find her birth parents?
These five very different people - all connected but separated by secrets from the past - could be facing their futures together. After all, friends will come and go but sisters and brothers are forever . . . The new novel of heartbreak, adoption, family and a father's love by the Top Ten bestselling author of Secrets Between Friends, Fiona Palmer.
Bill, 72, feels left behind after the death of his adored wife. He relies heavily on his only daughter, Sarah.
Sarah, career woman and perfectionist homemaker, struggles to keep up with the Joneses. As her husband grows distant, she has no support network.
Emma, a down-to-earth nurse and busy mother of three, always dreamed of having a sister . . . But nothing prepares her for the shock results of a routine blood test.
Adam, a successful florist, was raised by his mother. As his dreams start to fall into place, he can't stop thinking about the father he never had.
Finally, Michelle is trying to build cake-making into a career. But at 46, has she left her run too late to fall in love, have children and find her birth parents?
These five very different people - all connected but separated by secrets from the past - could be facing their futures together. After all, friends will come and go but sisters and brothers are forever . . . The new novel of heartbreak, adoption, family and a father's love by the Top Ten bestselling author of Secrets Between Friends, Fiona Palmer.
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2018
44 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Palmer
26 books314 followersBestselling rural author of books set in outback Western Australia. Small communities, farming, great aussie characters and mother nature. Also writes YA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 25, 2018
1975 and William was happy in his work in the shop with his mother. Teaching piano; his various piano tuning jobs across the city; selling the instruments they stocked. But the day a young woman walked into the shop, lost for words over the tune Bill was playing on the piano, was the day his life and the life of that young woman, Debbie, changed forever.
Now seventy-two years of age, Bill was grief stricken and lonely after his beloved wife had passed away. Sarah, their only daughter, was often by his side, but she had a husband and children and a busy lifestyle – Bill didn’t want to be a burden.
Emma was a nurse and when her mother rang to tell her that her dad was in hospital after a fall, she rushed to their side. When Emma was checking his charts, she noticed an anomaly – her shock was immediate; but she was hurt and astounded when confronted by the news her parents then told her. Emma’s husband was a FIFO worker, while their three children were their joys and even with their chaotic lifestyle, the family was close. She wasn’t sure what this news would do to the family…
Adam had been raised by his mother who’d loved gardening. It had followed that Adam would own a highly successful florist business with his best friend Kate. But lurking at the back of his mind was the knowledge that he had a father out there that he’d never known.
What did these people have in common? They didn’t know each other; had never met – but there was a connection…
Sisters and Brothers is a novel of secrets, adoption, heartache and familial love by Aussie author Fiona Palmer. Delightful, poignant and compelling, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
Now seventy-two years of age, Bill was grief stricken and lonely after his beloved wife had passed away. Sarah, their only daughter, was often by his side, but she had a husband and children and a busy lifestyle – Bill didn’t want to be a burden.
Emma was a nurse and when her mother rang to tell her that her dad was in hospital after a fall, she rushed to their side. When Emma was checking his charts, she noticed an anomaly – her shock was immediate; but she was hurt and astounded when confronted by the news her parents then told her. Emma’s husband was a FIFO worker, while their three children were their joys and even with their chaotic lifestyle, the family was close. She wasn’t sure what this news would do to the family…
Adam had been raised by his mother who’d loved gardening. It had followed that Adam would own a highly successful florist business with his best friend Kate. But lurking at the back of his mind was the knowledge that he had a father out there that he’d never known.
What did these people have in common? They didn’t know each other; had never met – but there was a connection…
Sisters and Brothers is a novel of secrets, adoption, heartache and familial love by Aussie author Fiona Palmer. Delightful, poignant and compelling, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2020
Three and a half stars.
I have read several of this author’s books and enjoyed them. Though I was looking forward to it, this one took me a little while to settle down to. Part of that was that it involves a number of characters and chapters change from one character to another. Some of the narrative, in relation to Bill dates back to 1975-6. In the present day 72 year old Bill is struggling to come to terms with the death of his beloved wife Debbie. His daughter Sarah is the next person to be introduced. She is a busy, uptight woman with two children, a local Councillor and involved in many volunteer roles. She always feels like she is running from one thing to another and with never enough time for her husband, Andrew or with the children, Marcia and Eric. Emma, the next character introduced is probably as opposite Sarah as she any could be. A nurse, Emma is relaxed about her household chores. Her main priority is spending time with her husband who is often absent for regular long periods for work and her three children. The eldest Josh at 17 is a big help to Emma. Adam is a florist, in a committed relationship with Shane. These two men hope to adopt a child. And then there is Michelle who at 46 feels her chance of marriage and a family has passed her by. Michelle, who is trying to build her cake making into a career, has always know she was adopted. She has never worried about finding out about her birth parents. Until now. Five different people who discover secrets from the past could bring massive changes in their lives.
Out of all the characters Emma was my favourite. She is down to earth and family oriented which I loved. Time enjoying her family is always her biggest priority. It took me longer to warm to Sarah who is very much a perfectionist, but I did after a while. Adam and Shane I felt were not as well rounded and developed as they could have been. They didn’t strike me as convincing. Michelle didn’t come across as quite as developed either as Sarah and Emma. My heart went out to Bill in the loss of his wife, though some of his other life choices were harder to understand. His wife Debbie just about broke my heart.
This is a story that does play on the emotions. Sometimes it struck me as rather soap operaish but because I was engaged with the characters it didn’t matter as much as it could have otherwise. This is a story of family, of loss, of choices and of change. While I enjoyed it this wasn’t my favourite read by this author. However it is still an engaging read.
I have read several of this author’s books and enjoyed them. Though I was looking forward to it, this one took me a little while to settle down to. Part of that was that it involves a number of characters and chapters change from one character to another. Some of the narrative, in relation to Bill dates back to 1975-6. In the present day 72 year old Bill is struggling to come to terms with the death of his beloved wife Debbie. His daughter Sarah is the next person to be introduced. She is a busy, uptight woman with two children, a local Councillor and involved in many volunteer roles. She always feels like she is running from one thing to another and with never enough time for her husband, Andrew or with the children, Marcia and Eric. Emma, the next character introduced is probably as opposite Sarah as she any could be. A nurse, Emma is relaxed about her household chores. Her main priority is spending time with her husband who is often absent for regular long periods for work and her three children. The eldest Josh at 17 is a big help to Emma. Adam is a florist, in a committed relationship with Shane. These two men hope to adopt a child. And then there is Michelle who at 46 feels her chance of marriage and a family has passed her by. Michelle, who is trying to build her cake making into a career, has always know she was adopted. She has never worried about finding out about her birth parents. Until now. Five different people who discover secrets from the past could bring massive changes in their lives.
Out of all the characters Emma was my favourite. She is down to earth and family oriented which I loved. Time enjoying her family is always her biggest priority. It took me longer to warm to Sarah who is very much a perfectionist, but I did after a while. Adam and Shane I felt were not as well rounded and developed as they could have been. They didn’t strike me as convincing. Michelle didn’t come across as quite as developed either as Sarah and Emma. My heart went out to Bill in the loss of his wife, though some of his other life choices were harder to understand. His wife Debbie just about broke my heart.
This is a story that does play on the emotions. Sometimes it struck me as rather soap operaish but because I was engaged with the characters it didn’t matter as much as it could have otherwise. This is a story of family, of loss, of choices and of change. While I enjoyed it this wasn’t my favourite read by this author. However it is still an engaging read.
September 13, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Last year, the author of Sisters and Brothers Fiona Palmer turned a corner when she moved away from rural romance and into contemporary women’s fiction. It was a successful move, as I absolutely adored Secrets Between Friends. Now Palmer is back with another winning life lit title, Sisters and Brothers. This time around, Palmer explores the slippery slope of adoption, family connectivity and secrets. Sisters and Brothers is a book that stresses the importance of connection to human life, personal wellbeing and familial relationships.
Drawing together five different character threads, Sisters and Brothers begins with Bill, now aged 72, as he faces the fight of his life and the shock of his life after the death of his beloved wife. Following Bill is Emma, a nurse and mother, who is issued with quite the surprise when she discovers the secret behind her true parentage. Then we have Michelle, a woman in her 40’s who is hoping that love and her birth parents will enter her life. While Sarah is a busy working woman striving to be the very best she can be, but a family secret may just change her outlook. Finally, Adam is a young man who is actively expanding his own family and in the process, he has been reminded of the absent father figure in his life. Although these five people are vastly different, they each share a family secret that unites them. When the past resurfaces, it will have implications for all five protagonists of Fiona Palmer’s tender new novel, Sisters and Brothers.
There has been rather a long list of highly anticipated reads for this booklover and as a loyal fan of Fiona Palmer’s work, I have been twiddling my thumbs for Sisters and Brothers to release. When I first started reading Sisters and Brothers, there was a real sense of coming home. Palmer’s writing style is open, embracing and warm. I thoroughly enjoyed this light touch story, which also covers some emotional themes. I am confident this is a story that will unite readers far and wide, due to the universal themes presented within the involving storyline.
First of all I loved travelling back in time with Palmer to the 1970s and following Bill, one of the central characters of the story. Palmer’s presentation of the past time period setting has a sentimental quality and I appreciated this aspect very much. Likewise, my favourite moments of the novel, despite the heartbreaking and emotional tone, concerned Debbie, Bill’s wife. Palmer approaches this segment of her book with forethought and sensitivity. The contemporary setting is also painted very well. I jumped for joy when I discovered by own suburb mentioned in this novel, along with plenty other local haunts. It created a greater connection to this novel.
Initially, I was a little apprehensive as to how Sisters and Brothers would read with five different character arcs. However, it took me by surprise just how quickly I understood and developed a relationship with each of these characters. Some I liked more than others, or I was able to empathise with certain protagonists above others, for different reasons. However, on the whole, Palmer should be applauded for her characterisation and the way in which all of these character stories manage to converge in the one cohesive tale. What I observed most from the character side of this novel, was how each character progressed with the interactions and the various testing scenarios they were presented with. There were some amazing coincidences and incidents in this novel that made me exclaim out loud in pure surprise!
There are a variety of themes that can be drawn from this connective tale. From romance, love, birth, family relationships, single parenthood, adoption, trust, mortality, loss, longing, serious illness, adoption and unity, Palmer covers many bases. Most importantly, Sisters and Brothers puts the spotlight on the family unit. Palmer examines families in the past and the present day. She also opens our eyes to how families are not always static entities, they can grow, lessen, change and adapt. However, our love for our family is unconditional, it is the key to the human spirit. What a great book message!
Sisters and Brothers filled my book bucket. It is with great pleasure that I endorse this new novel from one of my most prized Aussie storytellers. This novel carefully divides light sequences with deeper emotional and reflective moments. Sisters and Brothers has an all-encompassing feel that I am sure will draw in many readers.
Sisters and Brothers by Fiona Palmer is published by Hachette Autstralia. $29.99. Out now.
https://www.hachette.com.au/fiona-pal...
*I wish to thank Hachette Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Sisters and Brothers, is book #114 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
Last year, the author of Sisters and Brothers Fiona Palmer turned a corner when she moved away from rural romance and into contemporary women’s fiction. It was a successful move, as I absolutely adored Secrets Between Friends. Now Palmer is back with another winning life lit title, Sisters and Brothers. This time around, Palmer explores the slippery slope of adoption, family connectivity and secrets. Sisters and Brothers is a book that stresses the importance of connection to human life, personal wellbeing and familial relationships.
Drawing together five different character threads, Sisters and Brothers begins with Bill, now aged 72, as he faces the fight of his life and the shock of his life after the death of his beloved wife. Following Bill is Emma, a nurse and mother, who is issued with quite the surprise when she discovers the secret behind her true parentage. Then we have Michelle, a woman in her 40’s who is hoping that love and her birth parents will enter her life. While Sarah is a busy working woman striving to be the very best she can be, but a family secret may just change her outlook. Finally, Adam is a young man who is actively expanding his own family and in the process, he has been reminded of the absent father figure in his life. Although these five people are vastly different, they each share a family secret that unites them. When the past resurfaces, it will have implications for all five protagonists of Fiona Palmer’s tender new novel, Sisters and Brothers.
There has been rather a long list of highly anticipated reads for this booklover and as a loyal fan of Fiona Palmer’s work, I have been twiddling my thumbs for Sisters and Brothers to release. When I first started reading Sisters and Brothers, there was a real sense of coming home. Palmer’s writing style is open, embracing and warm. I thoroughly enjoyed this light touch story, which also covers some emotional themes. I am confident this is a story that will unite readers far and wide, due to the universal themes presented within the involving storyline.
First of all I loved travelling back in time with Palmer to the 1970s and following Bill, one of the central characters of the story. Palmer’s presentation of the past time period setting has a sentimental quality and I appreciated this aspect very much. Likewise, my favourite moments of the novel, despite the heartbreaking and emotional tone, concerned Debbie, Bill’s wife. Palmer approaches this segment of her book with forethought and sensitivity. The contemporary setting is also painted very well. I jumped for joy when I discovered by own suburb mentioned in this novel, along with plenty other local haunts. It created a greater connection to this novel.
Initially, I was a little apprehensive as to how Sisters and Brothers would read with five different character arcs. However, it took me by surprise just how quickly I understood and developed a relationship with each of these characters. Some I liked more than others, or I was able to empathise with certain protagonists above others, for different reasons. However, on the whole, Palmer should be applauded for her characterisation and the way in which all of these character stories manage to converge in the one cohesive tale. What I observed most from the character side of this novel, was how each character progressed with the interactions and the various testing scenarios they were presented with. There were some amazing coincidences and incidents in this novel that made me exclaim out loud in pure surprise!
There are a variety of themes that can be drawn from this connective tale. From romance, love, birth, family relationships, single parenthood, adoption, trust, mortality, loss, longing, serious illness, adoption and unity, Palmer covers many bases. Most importantly, Sisters and Brothers puts the spotlight on the family unit. Palmer examines families in the past and the present day. She also opens our eyes to how families are not always static entities, they can grow, lessen, change and adapt. However, our love for our family is unconditional, it is the key to the human spirit. What a great book message!
Sisters and Brothers filled my book bucket. It is with great pleasure that I endorse this new novel from one of my most prized Aussie storytellers. This novel carefully divides light sequences with deeper emotional and reflective moments. Sisters and Brothers has an all-encompassing feel that I am sure will draw in many readers.
Sisters and Brothers by Fiona Palmer is published by Hachette Autstralia. $29.99. Out now.
https://www.hachette.com.au/fiona-pal...
*I wish to thank Hachette Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Sisters and Brothers, is book #114 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
October 9, 2021
This is the second book I have read by this author and I am now keen to seek out more.
In this story Bill is a widower in his seventies. His daughter Sarah is an only child, who is trying to be the perfect mother and community citizen and she misses her mother dearly.
Into their orbit comes Emma, a nurse who is a bit rough around the edges, but perhaps just what they need. Emma has three kids and a husband who is FIFO. Life for her is somewhat chaotic but she is happy until she realises her parents have kept a big secret from her.
Adam is in his forties and very happy with his partner Shane. They are keen to foster or adopt a child to complete their family. Adam however, was raised by his single mother and now feels an urge to find out more about who his father was and why his mother would never speak of him.
The story has a lot of highs and lows and I did shed a few tears along the way. A lovely story about family, love and loss.
In this story Bill is a widower in his seventies. His daughter Sarah is an only child, who is trying to be the perfect mother and community citizen and she misses her mother dearly.
Into their orbit comes Emma, a nurse who is a bit rough around the edges, but perhaps just what they need. Emma has three kids and a husband who is FIFO. Life for her is somewhat chaotic but she is happy until she realises her parents have kept a big secret from her.
Adam is in his forties and very happy with his partner Shane. They are keen to foster or adopt a child to complete their family. Adam however, was raised by his single mother and now feels an urge to find out more about who his father was and why his mother would never speak of him.
The story has a lot of highs and lows and I did shed a few tears along the way. A lovely story about family, love and loss.
August 25, 2018
This is a compelling and moving story with emotions and feelings jumping of the pages, as we go from 1975 to present day and we meet Bill who is 72, he has just lost his wife but has a daughter and two grandkids and is an easy going man who still enjoys life, although he needs a hip replacement, but his life and his daughter Sarah’s are going to be turned upside down as this family grows.
Sarah, beautiful Sarah, busy mother to two children wife to hard working Andrew, she needs to keep up with the Jones and is missing her mother very much she needs someone to talk to although she is very close to her father another woman is what she wants, and no matter how many times she wished she never got that sibling she wanted so much.
Then we meet Emma only child and nurse caring loving woman wife to Steve FIFO worker mother to three kids two teenagers and one not far off being a teenager her life is busy but fun and family time comes before anything else, but when she finds out the her father is not her biological father questions are asked and she meets the man who did father her and discovers she has a sister a sister that she always wanted.
Then Adam makes his presence to us he is in his forties was bought up by his loving single Mum, he is a very good florist and has decided that it is time to find his father and his Mum Pauline goes all out to help and Adam meets Bill and discovers he has two sisters, which he is over the moon about.
Then we meet Michelle cake maker extraordinaire now Michelle has always known that she was adopted and she has an adopted brother as well, she is single and has always regretted not meeting someone and having children of her own, and has decided to try and find her biological parents, this brings her to finally find her mother.
I loved getting to know all of the characters in this wonderful story, I felt their pain and their happiness, the joy and shock as each learned about each other and Bill the man who always wanted a big family finally gets that, he may not be able to do the things that he used to but the love for all of them is there. The connections between the siblings all different as they have been bought up with different parents is amazing and the way they coped with each other wonderful, a beautiful story of families and love, yes there were tears from me but there was also a lot of smiling, thank you MS Palmer for another fabulous story, this is one that I highly recommend you really need to read this one it really is absorbing.
4.5 stars
Sarah, beautiful Sarah, busy mother to two children wife to hard working Andrew, she needs to keep up with the Jones and is missing her mother very much she needs someone to talk to although she is very close to her father another woman is what she wants, and no matter how many times she wished she never got that sibling she wanted so much.
Then we meet Emma only child and nurse caring loving woman wife to Steve FIFO worker mother to three kids two teenagers and one not far off being a teenager her life is busy but fun and family time comes before anything else, but when she finds out the her father is not her biological father questions are asked and she meets the man who did father her and discovers she has a sister a sister that she always wanted.
Then Adam makes his presence to us he is in his forties was bought up by his loving single Mum, he is a very good florist and has decided that it is time to find his father and his Mum Pauline goes all out to help and Adam meets Bill and discovers he has two sisters, which he is over the moon about.
Then we meet Michelle cake maker extraordinaire now Michelle has always known that she was adopted and she has an adopted brother as well, she is single and has always regretted not meeting someone and having children of her own, and has decided to try and find her biological parents, this brings her to finally find her mother.
I loved getting to know all of the characters in this wonderful story, I felt their pain and their happiness, the joy and shock as each learned about each other and Bill the man who always wanted a big family finally gets that, he may not be able to do the things that he used to but the love for all of them is there. The connections between the siblings all different as they have been bought up with different parents is amazing and the way they coped with each other wonderful, a beautiful story of families and love, yes there were tears from me but there was also a lot of smiling, thank you MS Palmer for another fabulous story, this is one that I highly recommend you really need to read this one it really is absorbing.
4.5 stars
November 13, 2019
There are 5 different stories going on in Sisters and Brothers and gradually all the stories connect. The common link is Bill, aged 72, a widower with a bossy daughter Sarah. Sarah misses her mum and is busy being a perfect daughter, mother and wife - but the cracks are showing. Sarah is not happy being the sole carer for her dad - she wished she had a sister to share the load.
Emma is a nurse whose life is also busy but her home life is a happy one with a FIFO husband and 3 teenage kids. Her life is turned upside down when she finds out that her father is not her biological father. She starts to ask questions and tracks down her real father and finds out she has a sister - something she has always wanted.
But wait, there’s more! Cue Adam from stage left! Adam is a florist with a mum who loves him and a man who loves him. Prior to their marriage Adam decides to track down his father - and finds he has two sisters!
Finally we meet Michelle, a cake maker, who is adopted and knows she has a brother who was adopted by another family. She decides to track her birth parents down and locate her brother.
Of course this is only a summary of the events. The story itself has so much more depth. Things do not go smoothly as I may have inferred, and connections are not straightforward - there is seduction, deaths, arguments and lots of hugs until all the secrets are revealed and lives sorted.
All the characters were my favourite, I loved them all, none of them were perfect, they all had battles and they eventually realised that to fight the battles they need each other.
Emma is a nurse whose life is also busy but her home life is a happy one with a FIFO husband and 3 teenage kids. Her life is turned upside down when she finds out that her father is not her biological father. She starts to ask questions and tracks down her real father and finds out she has a sister - something she has always wanted.
But wait, there’s more! Cue Adam from stage left! Adam is a florist with a mum who loves him and a man who loves him. Prior to their marriage Adam decides to track down his father - and finds he has two sisters!
Finally we meet Michelle, a cake maker, who is adopted and knows she has a brother who was adopted by another family. She decides to track her birth parents down and locate her brother.
Of course this is only a summary of the events. The story itself has so much more depth. Things do not go smoothly as I may have inferred, and connections are not straightforward - there is seduction, deaths, arguments and lots of hugs until all the secrets are revealed and lives sorted.
All the characters were my favourite, I loved them all, none of them were perfect, they all had battles and they eventually realised that to fight the battles they need each other.
September 9, 2018
Sisters and Brothers is a story that is based on a very interesting premise – what if you had siblings or children that you didn’t know about? What if they suddenly started appearing in adulthood? How would everyone react? For Bill and his daughter Sarah, that’s exactly what happens in a relatively short time frame. The novel is the journey of what happens when secrets come to the surface and your family grows beyond what you had ever dreamed of.
Bill is a lovely old gentleman who is a bit bereft after his beloved wife dies. He’s about to undergo surgery and dotes on his daughter and her two grandchildren. Sarah is missing her mother deeply and has thrown herself into a number of jobs to try to keep busy and hide the increasing isolation she feels from her husband. Meanwhile, Emma is a nurse who finds out that she’s not her father’s biological daughter. Her parents tell her that they were so desperate for a child, her mother seduced the piano tuner…aka Bill. Emma is intrigued and sets about to find her biological father quickly. It’s a short lived shock for Bill, but Sarah doesn’t take it quite as well. Meanwhile, Adam is thinking about the father he never knew as he’s hoping to become a father himself. Michelle has been toying with the idea of finding her birth parents after a career change. You can see what’s coming next…
Sisters and Brothers for me was more about the journey rather than discovering who the parents were of the characters. Each character looking for their birth parents undertook it in a completely different way. I did feel sorry for poor Sarah the most though. Imagine being an only child and then finding out as an adult you have brothers and sisters! Sarah was quite a fragile character to me. Initially, I felt that she was portrayed as an ice queen and helicopter mother – all pretence and no substance. But as the story moved on, I felt she was revealed as more of an individual as she grew as a character and externalised her fears. Emma was also a bit of a bogan stereotype with Ugg boots in public, tattoos, living in Rockingham (colloquially pigeonholed as a ‘bogan’ suburb locally) and driving a 4WD. She does have a heart of gold and she did lose some of these descriptions as time went on. It just irked me initially. Adam was a sweetheart. A florist also with a heart of gold (must be related to Emma), his journey with his partner to foster children was beautiful. I’d be happy to read just about Adam! Michelle was a bit more distant and less detailed than the other siblings, perhaps because of the way she went about her journey. While her motivation to find her parents was clear, other things (like why she left her job to start a business and wanting children) weren’t as detailed to me compared to the others. And Bill. Obviously he was quite the ladies’ man in his youth! As the glue that held all these people to each other, he was the sweet, calm person you want him to be. I thought that plot twist that led him to being unable to express himself in his usual ways was clever (but obviously sad!). It meant that the reader and the other characters had to focus on their own reactions without his guidance.
I devoured Sisters and Brothers over a weekend. It a book that you need just one more chapter of as the plot moves at a fast clip and the reactions of the characters are heartfelt. Definitely a great one for a beach read.
Thank you to Hachette for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Bill is a lovely old gentleman who is a bit bereft after his beloved wife dies. He’s about to undergo surgery and dotes on his daughter and her two grandchildren. Sarah is missing her mother deeply and has thrown herself into a number of jobs to try to keep busy and hide the increasing isolation she feels from her husband. Meanwhile, Emma is a nurse who finds out that she’s not her father’s biological daughter. Her parents tell her that they were so desperate for a child, her mother seduced the piano tuner…aka Bill. Emma is intrigued and sets about to find her biological father quickly. It’s a short lived shock for Bill, but Sarah doesn’t take it quite as well. Meanwhile, Adam is thinking about the father he never knew as he’s hoping to become a father himself. Michelle has been toying with the idea of finding her birth parents after a career change. You can see what’s coming next…
Sisters and Brothers for me was more about the journey rather than discovering who the parents were of the characters. Each character looking for their birth parents undertook it in a completely different way. I did feel sorry for poor Sarah the most though. Imagine being an only child and then finding out as an adult you have brothers and sisters! Sarah was quite a fragile character to me. Initially, I felt that she was portrayed as an ice queen and helicopter mother – all pretence and no substance. But as the story moved on, I felt she was revealed as more of an individual as she grew as a character and externalised her fears. Emma was also a bit of a bogan stereotype with Ugg boots in public, tattoos, living in Rockingham (colloquially pigeonholed as a ‘bogan’ suburb locally) and driving a 4WD. She does have a heart of gold and she did lose some of these descriptions as time went on. It just irked me initially. Adam was a sweetheart. A florist also with a heart of gold (must be related to Emma), his journey with his partner to foster children was beautiful. I’d be happy to read just about Adam! Michelle was a bit more distant and less detailed than the other siblings, perhaps because of the way she went about her journey. While her motivation to find her parents was clear, other things (like why she left her job to start a business and wanting children) weren’t as detailed to me compared to the others. And Bill. Obviously he was quite the ladies’ man in his youth! As the glue that held all these people to each other, he was the sweet, calm person you want him to be. I thought that plot twist that led him to being unable to express himself in his usual ways was clever (but obviously sad!). It meant that the reader and the other characters had to focus on their own reactions without his guidance.
I devoured Sisters and Brothers over a weekend. It a book that you need just one more chapter of as the plot moves at a fast clip and the reactions of the characters are heartfelt. Definitely a great one for a beach read.
Thank you to Hachette for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
August 27, 2018
ARC received from Hachette Australia for an honest review
This is my second Fiona Palmer read, and I will definitely be reading more in the future.
The synopsis of Sisters and Brothers intrigued me, and once I started reading I was completely intrigued with Bill and his extended "family".
Set in both 1975 and present day, this story revolves around 72 year old Bill, however is a series of interconnected stories with Bill at the heart.
Now Bill, he liked to get around in 1975 it seems lol. Emma, Michelle, Adam and Sarah's live all come together as they learn of their paternity.
I enjoyed each and every one of the children's stories, however I feel that Emma's grabbed me more emotionally than the others. I am not sure why this is, as they are all beautiful, heartfelt stories, however it just is.
Heartbreaking, emotional, yet full of hope, Ms Palmer has taken us on a wonderful journey of love, forgiveness, hope, acceptance.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sisters and Brothers, and I can't wait to see what Ms Palmer brings us next.
This is my second Fiona Palmer read, and I will definitely be reading more in the future.
The synopsis of Sisters and Brothers intrigued me, and once I started reading I was completely intrigued with Bill and his extended "family".
Set in both 1975 and present day, this story revolves around 72 year old Bill, however is a series of interconnected stories with Bill at the heart.
Now Bill, he liked to get around in 1975 it seems lol. Emma, Michelle, Adam and Sarah's live all come together as they learn of their paternity.
I enjoyed each and every one of the children's stories, however I feel that Emma's grabbed me more emotionally than the others. I am not sure why this is, as they are all beautiful, heartfelt stories, however it just is.
Heartbreaking, emotional, yet full of hope, Ms Palmer has taken us on a wonderful journey of love, forgiveness, hope, acceptance.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sisters and Brothers, and I can't wait to see what Ms Palmer brings us next.
October 24, 2018
This was a great read although the timing of the events was interesting.
January 21, 2019
A great book to read inbetween heavier stuff. Really enjoyed the characters and this style of writing. My first Fiona Palmer book, I'll definitely pick up another !!
September 10, 2018
4.5 stars (rounded to 5). Great read, couldn’t put it down. My only quarrel with this book is that I found one of the characters unnecessary - I didn’t find that they added much to the storyline (it would have been a great book without the addition of this character, and I honestly felt they didn’t add much to the story). In some way it was almost annoying to keep up with their journey in the story.
Monica - please read this!! It’s a great book, I really enjoyed the writing, great author and definitely will buy more of her novels. Would love to hear your thoughts on this book and so we can chat about the “unnecessary” character lol (I don’t want to spoil the book for you so the character shall remain unnamed until you are done and we can discuss!). Great read, so addictive, can easily finish it in a day!
Monica - please read this!! It’s a great book, I really enjoyed the writing, great author and definitely will buy more of her novels. Would love to hear your thoughts on this book and so we can chat about the “unnecessary” character lol (I don’t want to spoil the book for you so the character shall remain unnamed until you are done and we can discuss!). Great read, so addictive, can easily finish it in a day!
November 18, 2018
4.5 Stars. An enjoyable, heartwarming story. I read this book for Books With Heart Book Club.
September 7, 2018
Sisters and Brothers is a well written, poignant story that really does encapsulate the modern family with all its complexities and messiness. Families ain’t what they used to be! Therefore, it is not surprising to learn that this is not just one story, but in fact a number of stories. With flashbacks to the past and present day, each member of this extraordinary family is given the opportunity to tell their story, resulting in an emotional tale of love and loss, life and death and hope for the future.
‘I love how parents keep stuff. It doesn’t matter what it looks like. It’s a time capsule of sorts, isn’t it?’
At its heart is the story of Bill - both in 1975 and modern day where he is now in his 70s. One story (out of the many covered in this book) that I particularly enjoyed was that of Bill and Debbie in 1975. That was such a heartwarming tale of true love. There are many others lining up to tell their tale - Sarah, Emma, Adam, Michelle - and although the connections were there I just found it a bit too much to be honest. I get that its modern, a truth for many but for me, all too much for one poor family. I felt really sorry for Sarah and thought her overall attitude and only one meltdown was rather admirable!
‘Sarah’s voice caught in her throat. Funny that more than a year later it still hurt like her funeral was yesterday.’
Overall, however, this is a book about family and what it can mean in today’s society. There will be triumphs and tragedies but it really all comes down to the love shared between each other. The characters are all strong and well developed and there are some noteworthy dynamics between them. I particularly liked Emma - she was the ‘glue’ that tried to bring everything together. Her message was one that can stand true for all of us, namely, enjoy each day with those you love and let tomorrow’s cares unfold as they will. Stay true to what is important in life.
All up this was an enjoyable read as Fiona takes you on a soul searching journey of love, forgiveness, hope, joy and acceptance. If you love the dynamics of families and undiscovered secrets then you will adore, Sisters and Brothers.
‘It was no ordinary family, that was for sure, but it was an extraordinary one.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘I love how parents keep stuff. It doesn’t matter what it looks like. It’s a time capsule of sorts, isn’t it?’
At its heart is the story of Bill - both in 1975 and modern day where he is now in his 70s. One story (out of the many covered in this book) that I particularly enjoyed was that of Bill and Debbie in 1975. That was such a heartwarming tale of true love. There are many others lining up to tell their tale - Sarah, Emma, Adam, Michelle - and although the connections were there I just found it a bit too much to be honest. I get that its modern, a truth for many but for me, all too much for one poor family. I felt really sorry for Sarah and thought her overall attitude and only one meltdown was rather admirable!
‘Sarah’s voice caught in her throat. Funny that more than a year later it still hurt like her funeral was yesterday.’
Overall, however, this is a book about family and what it can mean in today’s society. There will be triumphs and tragedies but it really all comes down to the love shared between each other. The characters are all strong and well developed and there are some noteworthy dynamics between them. I particularly liked Emma - she was the ‘glue’ that tried to bring everything together. Her message was one that can stand true for all of us, namely, enjoy each day with those you love and let tomorrow’s cares unfold as they will. Stay true to what is important in life.
All up this was an enjoyable read as Fiona takes you on a soul searching journey of love, forgiveness, hope, joy and acceptance. If you love the dynamics of families and undiscovered secrets then you will adore, Sisters and Brothers.
‘It was no ordinary family, that was for sure, but it was an extraordinary one.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
August 27, 2018
Wow! I had to wait a few minutes after completing this book to get my words together because it left me speechless. If you are like me and enjoy stories with multiple story lines that you eventually discover are interconnected, you will LOVE this book.
I found myself enthralled by all of the characters and continually turning the pages to find out more about them and how each piece of this story fit together.
This was my first book by Fiona Palmer but I have already started to look into her other books and add them to my "To Be Read" list.
Reviewed by: Brianne M.
I found myself enthralled by all of the characters and continually turning the pages to find out more about them and how each piece of this story fit together.
This was my first book by Fiona Palmer but I have already started to look into her other books and add them to my "To Be Read" list.
Reviewed by: Brianne M.
November 27, 2018
Sisters and Brothers is the second contemporary novel from Australian rural fiction writer, Fiona Palmer. I adored Secrets Between Friends and while Sisters and Brothers didn't quite reach my expectations, it was still an easy, worthwhile read based in Western Australia. With themes of adoption, family and secrets, Palmer takes the reader into the lives of five adults; Emma, Michelle, Sarah and Adam. Set in the present time, it is told in the third person, each character getting their time in the spotlight to tell their story. The man that binds them altogether is 72 year old Bill. With Bill, the reader is taken back to the heady 70s to find out how all these people are interconnected. There are a few surprises along the way and I found all the characters relatable in one way or another, whether I saw myself in them or somebody I know. Sister and Brothers is an easy way to spend some time with another family, helping you to appreciate your own.
September 17, 2018
I loved this book, with so many twists and turn you never knew what was coming next! A fantastic read :)
August 28, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. Wow! To be Sarah and to deal with all that. That is a lot to handle. Emma is like me. Enjoy today and don't worry about tomorrow. Have fun with the kids and don't worry about the rest. I just wished we could have met Michelle meeting Adam, Sarah, Emma, and Bill.
I can not wait to read more from this author.
☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
I can not wait to read more from this author.
☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
September 10, 2018
My View:
For me this was a very nostalgic read – I loved reading about this era (70’s- 80’s), clichéd as it may be – life was so different then and Fiona Palmer captures the innocence of youth (distilled into the character of the protagonist, Bill) juxtaposed against rapid changes in communications, music, health care, technology, the developing women’s’ rights movement…this is a sociology lesson without the homework
This is a narrative that is built on a foundation of secrets. It is poignant, reflective and ultimately healing. This is a most enjoyable read but don’t be surprised if you shed a tear or two as you join Bill on his life’s journey. Heart-warming, nostalgic, romantic, love affirming…this book has it all.
To see the painting this book inspired check out my blog post https://wp.me/p3aMo4-3id
For me this was a very nostalgic read – I loved reading about this era (70’s- 80’s), clichéd as it may be – life was so different then and Fiona Palmer captures the innocence of youth (distilled into the character of the protagonist, Bill) juxtaposed against rapid changes in communications, music, health care, technology, the developing women’s’ rights movement…this is a sociology lesson without the homework
This is a narrative that is built on a foundation of secrets. It is poignant, reflective and ultimately healing. This is a most enjoyable read but don’t be surprised if you shed a tear or two as you join Bill on his life’s journey. Heart-warming, nostalgic, romantic, love affirming…this book has it all.
To see the painting this book inspired check out my blog post https://wp.me/p3aMo4-3id
May 12, 2019
It was OK. Just find it hard to believe that this man produced so many kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2020
Thanks Fiona for a great story about family finding each other.
August 27, 2018
Reviewed on Behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blogs
This story is such a moving book with lots of emotions and feelings. It’s set in both 1975 and present day,
Bill is 72 years old and has just lost his wife but because keeps going because of his daughter and grandkids but both his life and his daughters lives are soon turned upside down.
Sarah is a mum of two children and a wife to Andrew. She feels like she has to keep up with everyone else and misses her mum very much and although she can talk to her father she desperately needs another woman to talk to and also she wanted siblings she never got them.
Emma is an only child and a wife & mother to two teenage children and a nearly teenager and is a hard working nurse and although her life is busy her family time comes first. When she discovers her father isn’t her biological father she starts to ask questions and therefore discovers that Bill is her father & she has 2 sisters and a brother.
Adam is in his forties and was brought up by his mother who was a single parent and is a florist. He’s decided to try and find his father with his mothers blessing and discovers Bill is his father and he has 2 sisters.
Michelle is the final sibling. She works as a cake maker and is very good at it. She was adopted at a young age and has an adopted brother too. Michelle is single and has always regretted now having a family of her own and when she tries to find her biological parents she finally finds her mum.
I loved how we was able to get to know all the characters in the story and you can feel their pain and also their happiness. What I liked too is that you get to see them learn about each other and about their father and also he might not be able to do as much as when he was younger he loves that he’s now got the large family he always wanted and you can feel the love for them all.
The way the siblings connect are all different due to being raised by different patents and it’s great to see the way they copied each other.
This book is a beautiful book of families and love and was a fabulous story.
This story is such a moving book with lots of emotions and feelings. It’s set in both 1975 and present day,
Bill is 72 years old and has just lost his wife but because keeps going because of his daughter and grandkids but both his life and his daughters lives are soon turned upside down.
Sarah is a mum of two children and a wife to Andrew. She feels like she has to keep up with everyone else and misses her mum very much and although she can talk to her father she desperately needs another woman to talk to and also she wanted siblings she never got them.
Emma is an only child and a wife & mother to two teenage children and a nearly teenager and is a hard working nurse and although her life is busy her family time comes first. When she discovers her father isn’t her biological father she starts to ask questions and therefore discovers that Bill is her father & she has 2 sisters and a brother.
Adam is in his forties and was brought up by his mother who was a single parent and is a florist. He’s decided to try and find his father with his mothers blessing and discovers Bill is his father and he has 2 sisters.
Michelle is the final sibling. She works as a cake maker and is very good at it. She was adopted at a young age and has an adopted brother too. Michelle is single and has always regretted now having a family of her own and when she tries to find her biological parents she finally finds her mum.
I loved how we was able to get to know all the characters in the story and you can feel their pain and also their happiness. What I liked too is that you get to see them learn about each other and about their father and also he might not be able to do as much as when he was younger he loves that he’s now got the large family he always wanted and you can feel the love for them all.
The way the siblings connect are all different due to being raised by different patents and it’s great to see the way they copied each other.
This book is a beautiful book of families and love and was a fabulous story.
September 7, 2018
There are five separate viewpoints in SISTERS AND BROTHERS so you will need to keep sharp about who is who and how the three women and two men all interconnect. Just as you are enjoying your visit with one, along comes the next. It’s a cliché to say this, but reading this book really is like catching up with old friends. You don’t have to dig too deep in your own life to find similar stories as to what the men and women of SISTERS AND BROTHERS are experiencing. I feel Fiona Palmer has met my children as they are described perfectly in this book! Ah, tweens and teens and their tired working mothers.
The descriptions of family life in SISTERS AND BROTHERS are incisively spot on, nailing the logistical gymnastics modern families must perform whenever the unexpected happens. The characters here are doing their best to negotiate their way through work and relationships with all the complexities that modern life gives them. If you’re a sandgroper reading this book, the setting is a bit of a pearl as who doesn’t like reading books set in their home town?
A little mystery flavours the plot in SISTERS AND BROTHERS but overall this is a novel with clean lines exploring what family really is, whether that is the result of a biological connection or not. Keep an eye on the secondary characters here too as each do their part to add value to this engaging ‘one sitting’ read. Each character vignette is written with purpose and no opportunities are wasted to add a little colour to the emotional landscape.
SISTERS AND BROTHERS is a delightfully sparkling read that’ll wrap you up close and leave you with plenty of fond reminders that the people we love are what connect us to this earth. Happiness is not one shining day but a collection of moments that are all unique and precious. If you need a bit of a reading boost or some reading sorbet away from your usuals, you’re in safe hands here with author Fiona Palmer.
The descriptions of family life in SISTERS AND BROTHERS are incisively spot on, nailing the logistical gymnastics modern families must perform whenever the unexpected happens. The characters here are doing their best to negotiate their way through work and relationships with all the complexities that modern life gives them. If you’re a sandgroper reading this book, the setting is a bit of a pearl as who doesn’t like reading books set in their home town?
A little mystery flavours the plot in SISTERS AND BROTHERS but overall this is a novel with clean lines exploring what family really is, whether that is the result of a biological connection or not. Keep an eye on the secondary characters here too as each do their part to add value to this engaging ‘one sitting’ read. Each character vignette is written with purpose and no opportunities are wasted to add a little colour to the emotional landscape.
SISTERS AND BROTHERS is a delightfully sparkling read that’ll wrap you up close and leave you with plenty of fond reminders that the people we love are what connect us to this earth. Happiness is not one shining day but a collection of moments that are all unique and precious. If you need a bit of a reading boost or some reading sorbet away from your usuals, you’re in safe hands here with author Fiona Palmer.
July 27, 2018
SISTERS AND BROTHERS BY FIONA PALMER
July 20, 2018
Edit
‘Emma, a nurse and busy mother of three, has always dreamed of having a sister.
Michelle, at 46, wonders if it’s too late to fall in love and find her birth parents.
Sarah, career woman and perfectionist homemaker, struggles to keep up with the Joneses.
Bill, 72, feels left behind after the death of his adored wife.
Adam can’t stop thinking about the father he never had.
These five very different people are all connected but separated by secrets from the past.’
This book was amazing.
This is the second book of Fiona Palmer’s that I have read, and I can honestly say she is fast becoming one of my favourite Authors. Her ability to weave a heartwarming narrative is unmatched.
I am usually not a fan of reading from multiple characters points of view, but Fiona Palmer really make it work. Seeing these characters grow and solidify on their own timetables makes for a really natural progression throughout the story.
The wide array of characters in this book really kept the story flowing and added an extra layer to this book. The characters were so relatable and really grounded in reality. The were all so different but worked in perfect harmony to bring life to this story.
With so many amazing characters to fall in love with there isn’t a chapter in this book that I wasnt completely entertained whilst reading. I loved how the characters changed as they came into contact with each other. It felt so real that I sometimes forgot that I was reading a novel and not actually living this story.
I honestly can’t think of a bad word to say about this book. I was completely engrossed in this story from the first page till the last. I can’t think of a novel that has made me feel the way this novel has. I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read what Fiona Palmer comes up with next.
I truly believe that everyone would benefit from reading this book, and I can’t think of a reason why anyone wouldn’t love this book.
Sisters And Brothers by Fiona Palmer is a must read book. Make sure you grab yourself a copy when it is released this September.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
July 20, 2018
Edit
‘Emma, a nurse and busy mother of three, has always dreamed of having a sister.
Michelle, at 46, wonders if it’s too late to fall in love and find her birth parents.
Sarah, career woman and perfectionist homemaker, struggles to keep up with the Joneses.
Bill, 72, feels left behind after the death of his adored wife.
Adam can’t stop thinking about the father he never had.
These five very different people are all connected but separated by secrets from the past.’
This book was amazing.
This is the second book of Fiona Palmer’s that I have read, and I can honestly say she is fast becoming one of my favourite Authors. Her ability to weave a heartwarming narrative is unmatched.
I am usually not a fan of reading from multiple characters points of view, but Fiona Palmer really make it work. Seeing these characters grow and solidify on their own timetables makes for a really natural progression throughout the story.
The wide array of characters in this book really kept the story flowing and added an extra layer to this book. The characters were so relatable and really grounded in reality. The were all so different but worked in perfect harmony to bring life to this story.
With so many amazing characters to fall in love with there isn’t a chapter in this book that I wasnt completely entertained whilst reading. I loved how the characters changed as they came into contact with each other. It felt so real that I sometimes forgot that I was reading a novel and not actually living this story.
I honestly can’t think of a bad word to say about this book. I was completely engrossed in this story from the first page till the last. I can’t think of a novel that has made me feel the way this novel has. I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read what Fiona Palmer comes up with next.
I truly believe that everyone would benefit from reading this book, and I can’t think of a reason why anyone wouldn’t love this book.
Sisters And Brothers by Fiona Palmer is a must read book. Make sure you grab yourself a copy when it is released this September.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
September 26, 2018
Book Blurb…
A poignant novel of heartbreak, adoption and family secrets
Emma, a nurse and busy mother of three, has always dreamed of having a sister.
Michelle, at 46, wonders if it's too late to fall in love and find her birth parents.
Sarah, career woman and perfectionist homemaker, struggles to keep up with the Joneses.
Bill, 72, feels left behind after the death of his adored wife.
Adam can't stop thinking about the father he never had.
These five very different people are all connected but separated by secrets from the past. Sisters and Brothers will both break and warm your heart in a way that only bestselling Australian storyteller Fiona Palmer can.
My thoughts…
This novel sees Fiona Palmer a long way from her rural fiction and it’s a very contemporary story, well told and heartwarming.
Personally, I loved Bill, and felt sorry that his early life/lifestyle meant he ultimately missed out on the most meaningful relationship of all. But it was Michelle I felt for the most. For reasons I cannot disclose, I was left wondering, long after the last page, how different her life may have been.
At the heart of this complex story is a theme that, for personal reasons, I’ve thought about many times over my 60 years …
Just how close have I been without realising.
Well done, Fiona.
This review is also published on my blog http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
A poignant novel of heartbreak, adoption and family secrets
Emma, a nurse and busy mother of three, has always dreamed of having a sister.
Michelle, at 46, wonders if it's too late to fall in love and find her birth parents.
Sarah, career woman and perfectionist homemaker, struggles to keep up with the Joneses.
Bill, 72, feels left behind after the death of his adored wife.
Adam can't stop thinking about the father he never had.
These five very different people are all connected but separated by secrets from the past. Sisters and Brothers will both break and warm your heart in a way that only bestselling Australian storyteller Fiona Palmer can.
My thoughts…
This novel sees Fiona Palmer a long way from her rural fiction and it’s a very contemporary story, well told and heartwarming.
Personally, I loved Bill, and felt sorry that his early life/lifestyle meant he ultimately missed out on the most meaningful relationship of all. But it was Michelle I felt for the most. For reasons I cannot disclose, I was left wondering, long after the last page, how different her life may have been.
At the heart of this complex story is a theme that, for personal reasons, I’ve thought about many times over my 60 years …
Just how close have I been without realising.
Well done, Fiona.
This review is also published on my blog http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
September 17, 2018
I am a huge fan of Fiona Palmer's books and was very excited to read her latest offering. It tells the story of Bill who worked in his mother's music store teaching music. It is a good life and then he meets the woman of his dreams Debbie who comes in for lessons. Their romance blossoms and they marry and eventually go on to have Sarah after many disappointments and miscarriages. She is married to Andrew and they have two children. Emma is also happily married with 3 children and finds out from her parents that her dad is not her biological dad and with their blessing decides to hunt down her biological dad which turns out to be Bill. The two sisters are not sure about each other at first but following Emma's DNA test it confirms they are half sisters. Meanwhile Bill falls ill and is unable to speak. Emma and Sarah join forces to care for him. Meanwhile Adam & Michelle have their own stories which add to the family saga. I won't give any more away. Usually I love Fiona's books, and although I didn't not like this one, the story felt a little contrived which was a bit disappointing. Big thank you to Hachette & Beauty and Lace book club for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 16, 2018
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this story, which is what made me pick it up to read it in the first place and I was definitely not disappointed. A poignant story of family, which made me smile and even have a few tears, from time to time.
The story is an intriguing web of five people all unknowingly interconnected but brought together through their relationship to Bill. The characters were so well written, so different from each other yet in this absorbing story they each gain more than they thought possible from a family. I liked them all for different reasons, they were very real characters, and I connected with them all and became very engrossed in their individual stories.
I highly recommend this tale of sisters and brothers, it is a really good read and you will want to know how it ends, I guarantee it.
The story is an intriguing web of five people all unknowingly interconnected but brought together through their relationship to Bill. The characters were so well written, so different from each other yet in this absorbing story they each gain more than they thought possible from a family. I liked them all for different reasons, they were very real characters, and I connected with them all and became very engrossed in their individual stories.
I highly recommend this tale of sisters and brothers, it is a really good read and you will want to know how it ends, I guarantee it.
August 15, 2018
Sisters and Brothers by Fiona Palmer is afull length, standalone novel and tells the story of a big family with Bill, the patriarch in the center.
Bill is a simple man, he lives his life to the fullest, loves deeply and over time he gains a family, meets new family members, gains children and grandchildren.
Sisters and Brothers isn´t one story, it´s a sum of stories, every family member has his own story to tell.
The story jumps between past and present. Sisters and Brothers is a emotional read, a heartwrenching story about loss, gain, love, life and death.
I liked the writing and the characters and give 4,5 stars.
Bill is a simple man, he lives his life to the fullest, loves deeply and over time he gains a family, meets new family members, gains children and grandchildren.
Sisters and Brothers isn´t one story, it´s a sum of stories, every family member has his own story to tell.
The story jumps between past and present. Sisters and Brothers is a emotional read, a heartwrenching story about loss, gain, love, life and death.
I liked the writing and the characters and give 4,5 stars.
August 26, 2018
Wow! I had to wait a few minutes after completing this book to get my words together because it left me speechless. If you are like me and enjoy stories with multiple story lines that you eventually discover are interconnected, you will LOVE this book.
I found myself enthralled by all of the characters and continually turning the pages to find out more about them and how each piece of this story fit together.
This was my first book by Fiona Palmer but I have already started to look into her other books and add them to my "To Be Read" list.
I found myself enthralled by all of the characters and continually turning the pages to find out more about them and how each piece of this story fit together.
This was my first book by Fiona Palmer but I have already started to look into her other books and add them to my "To Be Read" list.
August 28, 2018
Sisters and Brothers is a story of family, their hurts, their triumphs, and the love shared between family members.
While this book was well-written and full of emotion, I found it very difficult to follow along. The book bounces around between character, time frames and situations, so I was hard for me to focus on what was happening.
I will say that the characters were very well developed. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Emma and Sarah and I loved Bill and Debbie’s love story.
All in all, this was a heartwarming read.
While this book was well-written and full of emotion, I found it very difficult to follow along. The book bounces around between character, time frames and situations, so I was hard for me to focus on what was happening.
I will say that the characters were very well developed. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Emma and Sarah and I loved Bill and Debbie’s love story.
All in all, this was a heartwarming read.
October 3, 2019
This was a "nice" book.
It features Bill the piano tuner back in the 1970's when he meets the love of his life.
Back to the present Bill's wife (love of his life) died a year ago and he has one daughter, Sarah and two lovely grandchildren. Emma comes into the mix who finds out that her Dad isn't her real Dad. Other people are introduced who are either adopted or have grown up with one parent (mother). All either decide to search for their father/parents. There is one common denominator.........
Like I said in the beginning a "nice" book if a bit improbable.
It features Bill the piano tuner back in the 1970's when he meets the love of his life.
Back to the present Bill's wife (love of his life) died a year ago and he has one daughter, Sarah and two lovely grandchildren. Emma comes into the mix who finds out that her Dad isn't her real Dad. Other people are introduced who are either adopted or have grown up with one parent (mother). All either decide to search for their father/parents. There is one common denominator.........
Like I said in the beginning a "nice" book if a bit improbable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews