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Cold River #2
The Sisters Hemingway
For fans of Susan Mallery, Kristan Higgins, or Susan Wiggs, this is a novel for anyone who loves stories about sisters, dogs, and family secrets.
The Sisters Hemingway: they couldn’t be more different…or more alike.
The Hemingway Sisters of Cold River, Missouri are local legends. Raised by a mother obsessed with Ernest Hemingway, they were named after the author’s four wives—Hadley, Pfeiffer, Martha, and Mary. The sisters couldn’t be more different—or more alike. Now they’re back in town, reunited to repair their fractured relationships.
Hadley is the poised, polished wife of a senator.
Pfeiffer is a successful New York book editor.
Martha has skyrocketed to Nashville stardom.
They each have a secret—a marriage on the rocks, a job lost, a stint in rehab…and they haven’t been together in years.
Together, they must stay in their childhood home, faced with a puzzle that may affect all their futures. As they learn the truth of what happened to their mother—and their youngest sister, Mary—they rekindle the bonds they had as children, bonds that have long seemed broken. With the help of neighbors, friends, love interests old and new—and one endearing and determined Basset Hound—the Sisters Hemingway learn that the happiness that has appeared so elusive may be right here at home, waiting to be claimed.
The Sisters Hemingway: they couldn’t be more different…or more alike.
The Hemingway Sisters of Cold River, Missouri are local legends. Raised by a mother obsessed with Ernest Hemingway, they were named after the author’s four wives—Hadley, Pfeiffer, Martha, and Mary. The sisters couldn’t be more different—or more alike. Now they’re back in town, reunited to repair their fractured relationships.
Hadley is the poised, polished wife of a senator.
Pfeiffer is a successful New York book editor.
Martha has skyrocketed to Nashville stardom.
They each have a secret—a marriage on the rocks, a job lost, a stint in rehab…and they haven’t been together in years.
Together, they must stay in their childhood home, faced with a puzzle that may affect all their futures. As they learn the truth of what happened to their mother—and their youngest sister, Mary—they rekindle the bonds they had as children, bonds that have long seemed broken. With the help of neighbors, friends, love interests old and new—and one endearing and determined Basset Hound—the Sisters Hemingway learn that the happiness that has appeared so elusive may be right here at home, waiting to be claimed.
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2019
323 people are currently reading
3177 people want to read
About the author
Annie England Noblin
10 books549 followersWriter. Mother. Wife. Bulldog enthusiast. Curly hair afternoon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
February 11, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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The Sisters Hemingway is the story of three sisters as they return to their hometown for the funeral of the aunt who raised them. Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha have grown distant from one another during adulthood, as their individual problems dominated their lives. They each, with varying degrees of success, have wanted to maintain the polished veneer of their lives and hide their failures.
Martha, a country music starlet, has had far more success in music than she has in hiding her personal problems. Hadley, a senator’s wife, and Pfeiffer, an editor for a New York city publisher, are comparatively somewhat of a mystery to one another. As the story unfolds, the sisters slowly reveal their own secrets as they uncover a mystery in their deceased aunt’s old farmhouse.
The Sisters Hemingway is richly atmospheric, and the small town southern setting provides a distinct flavor to every scene, from sprawling farmlands to nosy neighbors. It’s very well paced, and the mystery will keep readers obsessively turning the pages. The relationships between the sisters were a huge highlight of the novel; watching these women who’ve grown so far apart rediscover sisterly affection made for a gratifying and heartwarming read.
You can read all of my reviews on my blog, Jenna Bookish!
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[image error]
The Sisters Hemingway is the story of three sisters as they return to their hometown for the funeral of the aunt who raised them. Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha have grown distant from one another during adulthood, as their individual problems dominated their lives. They each, with varying degrees of success, have wanted to maintain the polished veneer of their lives and hide their failures.
Martha, a country music starlet, has had far more success in music than she has in hiding her personal problems. Hadley, a senator’s wife, and Pfeiffer, an editor for a New York city publisher, are comparatively somewhat of a mystery to one another. As the story unfolds, the sisters slowly reveal their own secrets as they uncover a mystery in their deceased aunt’s old farmhouse.
The Sisters Hemingway is richly atmospheric, and the small town southern setting provides a distinct flavor to every scene, from sprawling farmlands to nosy neighbors. It’s very well paced, and the mystery will keep readers obsessively turning the pages. The relationships between the sisters were a huge highlight of the novel; watching these women who’ve grown so far apart rediscover sisterly affection made for a gratifying and heartwarming read.
You can read all of my reviews on my blog, Jenna Bookish!
Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr
November 24, 2018
I consider THE SISTERS HEMINGWAY more of a 3.5 rating. The tragic tale tells of a father who dies of cancer followed by the deaths of his wife and youngest daughter in a tornado. The 3 remaining daughters were raised by their Aunt Bea who refused to talk. The sister are brought back together by their aunts funeral. There are several surprises in store for the girls!
March 21, 2019
Great read! The bond of three sisters dealing with deep rooted tragedy and personal journeys.
February 26, 2019
Two and a half stars, rounded up.
--The summary is misleading. The secret has nothing to do with Mary or their mother; although why Mary ran away/was hiding (which the prologue tells us) is revealed at the end, it's not the main secret.
--For a character-driven book, there didn't seem to be a whole lot of personality in the characters. I was mostly able to tell them apart from their circumstances--Martha's alcoholism and recent divorce and music struggles, Pfeiffer getting fired, Hadley's rocky marriage to a congressman. Beyond that, they don't have particularly distinguishable voices. Not that mattered so much in the narrative, it was still fine, it just wasn't so great for something that is so heavily character driven.
--Each of these characters has a reason to be angry, upset, hurt, emotionally volatile, or anything. That's the biggest reasons these characters fail to draw you in: they don't ever have a real reaction to anything. There's no stress, no drama, no misery, no distress. Everyone's doing just fine during these emotionally unsettling times. Their great-aunt's funeral? No tears, no real regret for leaving and never visiting or writing. A recent stint in rehab and a divorce? Hell, we don't even know why they divorced. An impending divorce and a marriage based entirely on business? Again no regret for time lost, and no sadness over what you might be losing. Or even relief. Lost your job and can't get another one? Pfeiffer has the most emotion out of all of them, but even then, it's entirely too placid. That's the main issue here: everything is placid. Dramatic circumstances, detached serenity in handling said circumstances, thus no impact.
--The romances are... there. Hadley and Brody have a history, but even then, their relationship isn't really built up, but supposedly they've never stopped loving each other. Pfeiffer and Luke aren't remotely built up either, and since they just met this is especially egregious. Neither of these romances have any foundation, so why we're supposed to root for them is a mystery to me. They're just shoved in there for a happy ending.
--Rushed ending with little build up; this "secret" is guessable from the introduction of the mystery at the halfway mark. Only one semi-twist, and again, no emotional reaction to make it affect you in any way.
--The summary is misleading. The secret has nothing to do with Mary or their mother; although why Mary ran away/was hiding (which the prologue tells us) is revealed at the end, it's not the main secret.
--For a character-driven book, there didn't seem to be a whole lot of personality in the characters. I was mostly able to tell them apart from their circumstances--Martha's alcoholism and recent divorce and music struggles, Pfeiffer getting fired, Hadley's rocky marriage to a congressman. Beyond that, they don't have particularly distinguishable voices. Not that mattered so much in the narrative, it was still fine, it just wasn't so great for something that is so heavily character driven.
--Each of these characters has a reason to be angry, upset, hurt, emotionally volatile, or anything. That's the biggest reasons these characters fail to draw you in: they don't ever have a real reaction to anything. There's no stress, no drama, no misery, no distress. Everyone's doing just fine during these emotionally unsettling times. Their great-aunt's funeral? No tears, no real regret for leaving and never visiting or writing. A recent stint in rehab and a divorce? Hell, we don't even know why they divorced. An impending divorce and a marriage based entirely on business? Again no regret for time lost, and no sadness over what you might be losing. Or even relief. Lost your job and can't get another one? Pfeiffer has the most emotion out of all of them, but even then, it's entirely too placid. That's the main issue here: everything is placid. Dramatic circumstances, detached serenity in handling said circumstances, thus no impact.
--The romances are... there. Hadley and Brody have a history, but even then, their relationship isn't really built up, but supposedly they've never stopped loving each other. Pfeiffer and Luke aren't remotely built up either, and since they just met this is especially egregious. Neither of these romances have any foundation, so why we're supposed to root for them is a mystery to me. They're just shoved in there for a happy ending.
--Rushed ending with little build up; this "secret" is guessable from the introduction of the mystery at the halfway mark. Only one semi-twist, and again, no emotional reaction to make it affect you in any way.
January 20, 2019
Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha Hemingway. Three sisters united in grief as young girls as they suffered the loss of their father to cancer, then eventually their sister and mother in a tornado. Now these sisters are returning home for the funeral of the Aunt who raised them. Reunited in their childhood home for the first time in adulthood, each with a secret of their own and finally coming to terms with the trauma that marked their childhood. A journal is found in the belongings of their Aunt that reveal a family mystery. Will these sisters rekindle their bond and help each other with their various struggles? Will this mystery they uncover reveal a deeply hidden family secret?
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I enjoyed this light read set in the Ozarks. The Sisters Hemingway was a feel good chick lit and after a string of heavier books, I found it refreshing. Fans of southern chick flicks such as Sweet Home Alabama and Steel Magnolias will love this book. I found this to be predictable at times and the “mystery” was a bit too obvious. The sisters were an enjoyable trio and their struggles were real and authentic. Thank you @williammorrowbooks for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
🌪🌪🌪
I enjoyed this light read set in the Ozarks. The Sisters Hemingway was a feel good chick lit and after a string of heavier books, I found it refreshing. Fans of southern chick flicks such as Sweet Home Alabama and Steel Magnolias will love this book. I found this to be predictable at times and the “mystery” was a bit too obvious. The sisters were an enjoyable trio and their struggles were real and authentic. Thank you @williammorrowbooks for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
November 16, 2018
I received an uncorrected advanced copy of this book from the publisher.
The book is well written. The characters were also well developed I felt like I knew them. The story line kept me interested and guessing. About page 300 I saw where certain things were going but there was a surprising twist. I would definitely read more books from this author.
The book is well written. The characters were also well developed I felt like I knew them. The story line kept me interested and guessing. About page 300 I saw where certain things were going but there was a surprising twist. I would definitely read more books from this author.
January 13, 2022
I loved Just Fine with Caroline, so I was excited to come "home" to Cold River. However, I was not as invested in this story.
September 29, 2025
I didn’t realize this was #2 of a series, but it can be read as a standalone.
There were a lot of tomato sandwiches being consumed (is that a southern thing?!) and I know how many of the characters take their coffee.
It was okay, a story about 3 distant sisters coming back to their small town after a family death. Definitely a Hallmark read with a quick ending wrapped in a bow.
There were a lot of tomato sandwiches being consumed (is that a southern thing?!) and I know how many of the characters take their coffee.
It was okay, a story about 3 distant sisters coming back to their small town after a family death. Definitely a Hallmark read with a quick ending wrapped in a bow.
February 18, 2019
#FirstLine ~ Rachael Hemingway watched the clouds gather overhead as she raced along the gravel path leading her away from her house.
A story that was based around tragedy and is filled with a lot of heart. It is a quick read and one that is very character driven. There is romance, family dynamics and drama and a story that keeps you turning pages. A happy ending ties up the book perfectly. A great book for book clubs!
A story that was based around tragedy and is filled with a lot of heart. It is a quick read and one that is very character driven. There is romance, family dynamics and drama and a story that keeps you turning pages. A happy ending ties up the book perfectly. A great book for book clubs!
February 12, 2019
"The Sisters Hemingway" is the story of Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha: three sisters who had a tragic life. After losing their parents and their younger sisters, the sisters were raised by Aunt Bea, their great aunt. Time and old wounds have torn the sisters apart and now they barely see each other. Each of them is holding their own secrets when they are called back to their hometown for Aunt Bea's funeral.
I am super close to my sisters and so I have always been fascinated by the bonds and relationships of sisters. The Hemingway sisters do not get along and spend a lot of time picking at each other. I was turned off by this at first, especially when they're called back to their hometown for such a sad occasion. As the book goes on, you begin to see why they have such bad relationships with each other. The author does a good job of showing her cards slowly.
This book also has a great family mystery at the center of it that I really liked. We get a glimpse of Aunt Bea's life through her old journal entries that the sisters find hidden in the house. We quickly realize why the pages are well-hidden. I don't want to give anything away but I loved how this mystery unravels and how it pushes the sisters back together again. It really worked for this story!
Overall, this is a perfect pick for those looking for a story about messy families and even messier family secrets and those that realize that love really does conquer all.
I am super close to my sisters and so I have always been fascinated by the bonds and relationships of sisters. The Hemingway sisters do not get along and spend a lot of time picking at each other. I was turned off by this at first, especially when they're called back to their hometown for such a sad occasion. As the book goes on, you begin to see why they have such bad relationships with each other. The author does a good job of showing her cards slowly.
This book also has a great family mystery at the center of it that I really liked. We get a glimpse of Aunt Bea's life through her old journal entries that the sisters find hidden in the house. We quickly realize why the pages are well-hidden. I don't want to give anything away but I loved how this mystery unravels and how it pushes the sisters back together again. It really worked for this story!
Overall, this is a perfect pick for those looking for a story about messy families and even messier family secrets and those that realize that love really does conquer all.
February 7, 2019
It can be a burden to be named after a famous woman- and to be one of four sisters named after the wives of Ernest Hemimgway. That's not the burden that's sitting on Hadley, Martha, and Pfieffer though. Back home in the Ozarks for the funeral of their Aunt Bea, they will discover each others secrets and, equally importantly, the secret of their mother and their youngest sister Mary. These women have been wounded by life and love. None of them is in a good place, despite the exteriors they show. How they come together is at the heart of this well written story. You might have a favorite sister- one you find more sympathetic than the others- but you will definitely feel for all of them. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. This plot line has been done in far darker fashion but this one is in many ways so true to life that you'll find yourself sailing through the pages.
January 20, 2019
This book was a pleasant surprise, filled with likable characters, a good plot and a mystery. Martha is a Nashville star who is coming out of rehab; her sister, Pfeiffer, lost her editor position in NY, while their sister Hadley has had enough of being a Congressman’s dutiful wife. The three sisters come back to the Ozarks farmhouse they grew up in after their aunt dies. After years of separation after a traumatic event, the sisters find their way back to each other, and In the process, find themselves. Highly recommend, and thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.
April 10, 2025
3.75 rounded up.
TW: This was cute, although there was quite a bit of death mentioned.
It was nice to see the sisters grow closer and share their life issues and worries.
I’ve read a few other books by Annie England Noblin and she always delivers a solid, cute/cozy, small town tale and she always includes rescue dogs!
TW: This was cute, although there was quite a bit of death mentioned.
It was nice to see the sisters grow closer and share their life issues and worries.
I’ve read a few other books by Annie England Noblin and she always delivers a solid, cute/cozy, small town tale and she always includes rescue dogs!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2018
I received this in a Goodreads give away.
I very much enjoyed this book set in the Missouri Ozarks where I am from. It had a good plot and strong characters. I enjoyed it so much I bought the first in the series to read as well.
I very much enjoyed this book set in the Missouri Ozarks where I am from. It had a good plot and strong characters. I enjoyed it so much I bought the first in the series to read as well.
March 21, 2019
Another charming read from Ms. Noblin. This story is rich in sisterhood and I love the surprise visitor and mystery I didn't see coming (I don't want to ruin it for you)!!! If you are looking for a fun start to spring read this is the book for you.
July 3, 2019
I think this would be a 3.5 for me. It was a great summer read and I enjoyed all of the sisters. Love books with many stories going on in one and it was easy to follow.
August 2, 2019
Fun read.
September 25, 2018
I was provided a Proof copy of this book by the Author.
This is the 4th novel written by Annie England Noblin and the 2nd in the Cold River series. I have read all of Noblin's work and have yet to be disappointed. The Sisters Hemingway was another great read. I found the sister to all be unique and individual to themselves, while at the same having qualities that made them endearing not only to each other, but to the reader as well. It took me about a week to read this book (because life got in the way ;) ). I just could NOT put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen next, what the answers were to the secrets they were discovering, and how each character would develop as the story line went along.
As per usual, Noblin did an incredible job relating her characters to the area of the country in which they reside. She used appropriate colloquialisms and some of the classic sayings I have heard my family from the same region use were included. In my opinion, this skill makes her characters and plot so much understandable.
The plot line moved along at a good pace and was realistic. It was never too obvious what might happen next and I never felt like I had been deceived into reading something that was laden with disappointment.
I enjoyed being able to peak in on the characters from the 1st Cold River novel, Just Fine with Caroline, and hope we will hear more from them again in the future. I could picture myself in the story with the Sisters as well as in the old run down house they were staying in. I could see the hometown guy from their past and the newer kid they didn't quite know. I wanted to be their friend!
As is usual, I finished Noblin's novel wishing for more! I wanted to know more, see more, read more about the sisters. I wanted to continue on their life adventure and I was not ready for the story to be over. I cannot wait to read the next novel by Annie England Noblin. The Sisters Hemingway will be added to my list of recommended readings for others. What a joy it was to read this book!
This is the 4th novel written by Annie England Noblin and the 2nd in the Cold River series. I have read all of Noblin's work and have yet to be disappointed. The Sisters Hemingway was another great read. I found the sister to all be unique and individual to themselves, while at the same having qualities that made them endearing not only to each other, but to the reader as well. It took me about a week to read this book (because life got in the way ;) ). I just could NOT put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen next, what the answers were to the secrets they were discovering, and how each character would develop as the story line went along.
As per usual, Noblin did an incredible job relating her characters to the area of the country in which they reside. She used appropriate colloquialisms and some of the classic sayings I have heard my family from the same region use were included. In my opinion, this skill makes her characters and plot so much understandable.
The plot line moved along at a good pace and was realistic. It was never too obvious what might happen next and I never felt like I had been deceived into reading something that was laden with disappointment.
I enjoyed being able to peak in on the characters from the 1st Cold River novel, Just Fine with Caroline, and hope we will hear more from them again in the future. I could picture myself in the story with the Sisters as well as in the old run down house they were staying in. I could see the hometown guy from their past and the newer kid they didn't quite know. I wanted to be their friend!
As is usual, I finished Noblin's novel wishing for more! I wanted to know more, see more, read more about the sisters. I wanted to continue on their life adventure and I was not ready for the story to be over. I cannot wait to read the next novel by Annie England Noblin. The Sisters Hemingway will be added to my list of recommended readings for others. What a joy it was to read this book!
February 11, 2020
Usually I avoid books where a death of a relative brings family members, all with their own problems, back to their childhood hometown, and they all sort out their issues and find romance to boot. But this book was better written, with more relatable characters, than most, and I really enjoyed it. Several of the plot twists I didn’t see coming, and the author uses dogs in a very enjoyable way throughout the book.
February 26, 2019
Three sisters have returned to their small hometown of Cold River Missouri for the funeral of their Great-Aunt Bea. Aunt Bea raised them after the tragic death of their mother and sister. As soon as they were able, Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha left their small town never to return. They’ve all had a mixture of success and heartache since their departure. They discover on their return that Aunt Bea had family secrets of her own. Why did she never speak again after she turned seventeen? Why is she so persistent that the farm stays within the family?
The Sisters Hemingway was a real page turner for me. I read this book in a matter of a day. I really liked all three sisters and wanted to learn more about them, but I especially wanted to learn about Aunt Bea’s secret. Hadley is the wife of a senator and seems to lead the perfect life. But is it perfect and why is she still attracted to her old boyfriend Brody? Pfeiffer was a successful editor in New York City until she made mistake that cost her job. Her life was her job and she is not sure where to go from here. Martha became a country music star, but after her messy divorce and a stint in rehab, she is also not sure where to start again.
I liked the interaction between the sisters and how their relationship bloomed when they were together again. I admit I was puzzled by the girls’ names with the mix of new and traditional and really enjoyed when it was revealed that the four sisters were named after Hemingway’s four wives.
I was wrapped up in reading this novel as I wanted to know how the mystery would end, but I must admit that I did guess the ending. It was still an enjoyable mystery even if it didn’t surprise me.
Overall, The Sisters Hemingway is a real page turner with a great family mystery as well as a family drama as three sisters find their way back to each other and the importance of family.
Book Source: Review Copy from William Morrow Books. Thank-you!
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2019...
The Sisters Hemingway was a real page turner for me. I read this book in a matter of a day. I really liked all three sisters and wanted to learn more about them, but I especially wanted to learn about Aunt Bea’s secret. Hadley is the wife of a senator and seems to lead the perfect life. But is it perfect and why is she still attracted to her old boyfriend Brody? Pfeiffer was a successful editor in New York City until she made mistake that cost her job. Her life was her job and she is not sure where to go from here. Martha became a country music star, but after her messy divorce and a stint in rehab, she is also not sure where to start again.
I liked the interaction between the sisters and how their relationship bloomed when they were together again. I admit I was puzzled by the girls’ names with the mix of new and traditional and really enjoyed when it was revealed that the four sisters were named after Hemingway’s four wives.
I was wrapped up in reading this novel as I wanted to know how the mystery would end, but I must admit that I did guess the ending. It was still an enjoyable mystery even if it didn’t surprise me.
Overall, The Sisters Hemingway is a real page turner with a great family mystery as well as a family drama as three sisters find their way back to each other and the importance of family.
Book Source: Review Copy from William Morrow Books. Thank-you!
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2019...
February 7, 2019
Three sisters, Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha, have reached a crossroads in their respective lives and now, on top of that, their Aunt Bea has died leaving them their childhood home in Cold River, Missouri, a place they wished they'd never returned to. Here they must confront their past and all of the things that have separated them over the years.
The Sisters Hemingway by Annie England Noblin is well-written and intriguing. While the blurb suggests that there is some mystery associated with the way the sisters' mother and youngest sister died, that really isn't the mystery at the heart of the novel. In fact, I'm not sure why it is suggested that their deaths are a mystery at all. The real mystery, which I won't supply since it's not mentioned in the blurb, will probably be one that readers will quickly guess the answer to, but will find fascinating nonetheless.
While I enjoyed reading The Sisters Hemingway, I reached the end wanting more, which made me wonder why. The story was satisfying, but breaking up the narrative among the three sisters left me wanting to know more about each of them (more Pfeiffer and Martha than Hadley; being in DC leaves me never wanting to know more about congressmen and their wives). I liked Pfeiffer and Martha enough that I would have enjoyed an entire novel about them. And, this is not to mention the fact that I found the most intriguing sister of all was Mary, who may have been able to communicate with the natural world but died at the beginning of the novel. How cool a novel about her would have been! These observations lead me to conclude that The Sisters Hemingway is more of a plot-driven than character-driven novel. Regardless, I think most readers will find The Sisters Hemingway compelling and worth reading.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy women's fiction by Susan Wiggs.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Sisters Hemingway by Annie England Noblin is well-written and intriguing. While the blurb suggests that there is some mystery associated with the way the sisters' mother and youngest sister died, that really isn't the mystery at the heart of the novel. In fact, I'm not sure why it is suggested that their deaths are a mystery at all. The real mystery, which I won't supply since it's not mentioned in the blurb, will probably be one that readers will quickly guess the answer to, but will find fascinating nonetheless.
While I enjoyed reading The Sisters Hemingway, I reached the end wanting more, which made me wonder why. The story was satisfying, but breaking up the narrative among the three sisters left me wanting to know more about each of them (more Pfeiffer and Martha than Hadley; being in DC leaves me never wanting to know more about congressmen and their wives). I liked Pfeiffer and Martha enough that I would have enjoyed an entire novel about them. And, this is not to mention the fact that I found the most intriguing sister of all was Mary, who may have been able to communicate with the natural world but died at the beginning of the novel. How cool a novel about her would have been! These observations lead me to conclude that The Sisters Hemingway is more of a plot-driven than character-driven novel. Regardless, I think most readers will find The Sisters Hemingway compelling and worth reading.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy women's fiction by Susan Wiggs.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2020
WOW! AMAZING READ!! It has been a while since I enjoyed a story like this one! I literally had to force myself to put it down to do anything else. It is full of twists and turns, mystery, romance, secrets, and finding ones' true self. A rollercoaster ride you won't soon forget but you will definitely enjoy! I truly hated for it to end. I didn't realize this was book #2 in the Cold River series. I WILL be getting the first book, "Just Fine with Caroline". I am hoping there will be many more books in this series, Cold River!
The Sisters Hemingway: they couldn’t be more different…or more alike.
The Hemingway Sisters of Cold River, Missouri are local legends. Raised by a mother obsessed with Ernest Hemingway, they were named after the author’s four wives—Hadley, Pfeiffer, Martha, and Mary. The sisters couldn’t be more different—or more alike. Now they’re back in town, reunited to repair their fractured relationships.
Hadley is the poised, polished wife of a senator.
Pfeiffer is a successful New York book editor.
Martha has skyrocketed to Nashville stardom.
They each have a secret—a marriage on the rocks, a job lost, a stint in rehab…and they haven’t been together in years.
Together, they must stay in their childhood home, faced with a puzzle that may affect all their futures. As they learn the truth of what happened to their mother—and their youngest sister, Mary—they rekindle the bonds they had as children, bonds that have long seemed broken. With the help of neighbors, friends, love interests old and new—and one endearing and determined Basset Hound—the Sisters Hemingway learn that the happiness that has appeared so elusive may be right here at home, waiting to be claimed.
The Sisters Hemingway: they couldn’t be more different…or more alike.
The Hemingway Sisters of Cold River, Missouri are local legends. Raised by a mother obsessed with Ernest Hemingway, they were named after the author’s four wives—Hadley, Pfeiffer, Martha, and Mary. The sisters couldn’t be more different—or more alike. Now they’re back in town, reunited to repair their fractured relationships.
Hadley is the poised, polished wife of a senator.
Pfeiffer is a successful New York book editor.
Martha has skyrocketed to Nashville stardom.
They each have a secret—a marriage on the rocks, a job lost, a stint in rehab…and they haven’t been together in years.
Together, they must stay in their childhood home, faced with a puzzle that may affect all their futures. As they learn the truth of what happened to their mother—and their youngest sister, Mary—they rekindle the bonds they had as children, bonds that have long seemed broken. With the help of neighbors, friends, love interests old and new—and one endearing and determined Basset Hound—the Sisters Hemingway learn that the happiness that has appeared so elusive may be right here at home, waiting to be claimed.
February 18, 2019
https://iwriteinbooks.wordpress.com/2...
I have always had a thing for Hemingway so this was an automatic “Yes, please!” when TLC offered a spot on the tour.
I thought I was in for a rather heady, solemn treck through the Ozarks, Lost Generation style. Which I would have been fine with.
However, what I got was so much more.
The story finds the three adult Hemingway sisters, Martha, Pfeiffer, and Hadley, thrown to the four corners of the wind. A Nashvile-based superstar, a successful book editor in New York City, and the sparkling wife of a senator, they have all outgrown their humble beginnings.
But the death of the aunt who raised them brings them back to their rundown little town for what they hope is a very short visit.
These things never go the way they’re planned, of course, and the sisters have barely set foot on Missouri soil than they are wrapped up in town drama, extending their stay indefinitely.
As I mentioned above, I got way more than I thought I would with this story. The characters are all at their own version of rock bottom, hiding their downfalls from the other sisters. Little by little, though, their stories leak out, leading the women to question why they kept the others at arm’s length for so long to begin with. Each of their stories winds together to create this incredible tapestry of love, loss, and resilience that I’m not entirely sure my heart was prepared for.
The book is exquisitely sweet, sometimes a little heartwrenching, but ultimately healing in the best possible way.
I have always had a thing for Hemingway so this was an automatic “Yes, please!” when TLC offered a spot on the tour.
I thought I was in for a rather heady, solemn treck through the Ozarks, Lost Generation style. Which I would have been fine with.
However, what I got was so much more.
The story finds the three adult Hemingway sisters, Martha, Pfeiffer, and Hadley, thrown to the four corners of the wind. A Nashvile-based superstar, a successful book editor in New York City, and the sparkling wife of a senator, they have all outgrown their humble beginnings.
But the death of the aunt who raised them brings them back to their rundown little town for what they hope is a very short visit.
These things never go the way they’re planned, of course, and the sisters have barely set foot on Missouri soil than they are wrapped up in town drama, extending their stay indefinitely.
As I mentioned above, I got way more than I thought I would with this story. The characters are all at their own version of rock bottom, hiding their downfalls from the other sisters. Little by little, though, their stories leak out, leading the women to question why they kept the others at arm’s length for so long to begin with. Each of their stories winds together to create this incredible tapestry of love, loss, and resilience that I’m not entirely sure my heart was prepared for.
The book is exquisitely sweet, sometimes a little heartwrenching, but ultimately healing in the best possible way.
May 13, 2019
The Sisters Hemingway is the story of three sisters who survived great tragedy early in life. The loss of their mother and youngest sister impacted the trajectory of each of their lives in fundamental ways. A once loving home and community became the source of sadness they desperately wanted to leave behind. As such, it wasn’t until their Aunt Bea passed away twenty years later, that the sisters returned to Cold River. Through unexpected circumstances back home, they were each forced to face their past, rediscover the family they were meant to be, and found courage and support to regain the lives they once lost.
I really enjoyed reading about the three sisters. Their differences in personality and interactions with one another were well written and creatively intertwined. I wasn’t expecting a mystery when I picked up the book, but partway through the novel a murder mystery unfolds that propels the storyline forward and enables the sisters to discover their family roots more deeply. The mystery, however, was secondary for me. I found the sister’s interactions and connections to be the strongest factor in the book. I would have liked to have heard more of each of their stories. I would have also enjoyed hearing more about their relationship with their mother and youngest sister, rather than focusing on their Aunt Bea.
All in all, this was a good read and a story that left me wanting more – which tells me the heart of the story was solid and the characters came to life in believable ways. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
I really enjoyed reading about the three sisters. Their differences in personality and interactions with one another were well written and creatively intertwined. I wasn’t expecting a mystery when I picked up the book, but partway through the novel a murder mystery unfolds that propels the storyline forward and enables the sisters to discover their family roots more deeply. The mystery, however, was secondary for me. I found the sister’s interactions and connections to be the strongest factor in the book. I would have liked to have heard more of each of their stories. I would have also enjoyed hearing more about their relationship with their mother and youngest sister, rather than focusing on their Aunt Bea.
All in all, this was a good read and a story that left me wanting more – which tells me the heart of the story was solid and the characters came to life in believable ways. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
March 29, 2019
You can find this review and others on my blog SleepySamReads!
Women's lit books like this are some of my low key favorites. They can feel like a breath of fresh air after reading several YA fantasy books in a row.
I have never read anything by Annie England Noblin, but this reminded me a lot of Diane Chamberlain, who is one of my favorite adult fiction authors.
The really great thing about this novel is how different all the sisters handled the grief of losing their mother and sister.
I think Pfeiffer was my favorite sister. She was a bit snarky and I always like my characters with a bit of a bite.
The writing was really good too! It flowed well and I really enjoyed the pacing.
There are a few things I didn't love about The Sisters Hemingway though. For one, the synopsis is a bit misleading. There is absolutely no mystery surrounding their mother and sister's deaths. They were said to have died in a tornado and that is exactly what happened. This book is more about their mysterious Aunt Bea who arrives to care for them after the death's of Rachael and Mary.
I also felt like the romance bits were a bit stiff. I enjoyed the Hadley and Brody stuff, but all the other ones just felt weird.
I also didn't love the ending. It wasn't bad or super predictable, it just didn't satisfy me the way I had hoped.
I think I will check out Noblin's future works as I believe they will get better the more she writes.
Women's lit books like this are some of my low key favorites. They can feel like a breath of fresh air after reading several YA fantasy books in a row.
I have never read anything by Annie England Noblin, but this reminded me a lot of Diane Chamberlain, who is one of my favorite adult fiction authors.
The really great thing about this novel is how different all the sisters handled the grief of losing their mother and sister.
I think Pfeiffer was my favorite sister. She was a bit snarky and I always like my characters with a bit of a bite.
The writing was really good too! It flowed well and I really enjoyed the pacing.
There are a few things I didn't love about The Sisters Hemingway though. For one, the synopsis is a bit misleading. There is absolutely no mystery surrounding their mother and sister's deaths. They were said to have died in a tornado and that is exactly what happened. This book is more about their mysterious Aunt Bea who arrives to care for them after the death's of Rachael and Mary.
I also felt like the romance bits were a bit stiff. I enjoyed the Hadley and Brody stuff, but all the other ones just felt weird.
I also didn't love the ending. It wasn't bad or super predictable, it just didn't satisfy me the way I had hoped.
I think I will check out Noblin's future works as I believe they will get better the more she writes.
May 29, 2019
Three sisters, Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha- return to their childhood home in Cold River Missouri for the funeral of their aunt Bea that raised them. All three sisters have been living their own lives in different parts of the country over the years, not really knowing what's been going on with each other.
Years ago, their mother and youngest sister were taken by a storm, and none have been back home since they left. They must now stay together in the family home and sort out all their own secrets, while solving a mystery here that may affect all of their futures.
The girls realize as they reminisce about their childhoods, visit with old friends and neighbors, and even some love interests.....that the happiness that has eluded them elsewhere may be right here at "home".
And can't forget the little Bassett hound that plays her part in the story!
I enjoyed this story not only because there was abit of a puzzle to solve, but it's also an endearing story about the three sisters. The tragedy they lived through as kids then all going separate ways as adults. The tough things they go through in their own lives but then bringing them all back together in the end where it all started. How we can all find our happiness if maybe we don't try so hard.
Years ago, their mother and youngest sister were taken by a storm, and none have been back home since they left. They must now stay together in the family home and sort out all their own secrets, while solving a mystery here that may affect all of their futures.
The girls realize as they reminisce about their childhoods, visit with old friends and neighbors, and even some love interests.....that the happiness that has eluded them elsewhere may be right here at "home".
And can't forget the little Bassett hound that plays her part in the story!
I enjoyed this story not only because there was abit of a puzzle to solve, but it's also an endearing story about the three sisters. The tragedy they lived through as kids then all going separate ways as adults. The tough things they go through in their own lives but then bringing them all back together in the end where it all started. How we can all find our happiness if maybe we don't try so hard.
April 19, 2023
The title of this novel intrigued me but actually had no historical significance rather it more closely fits the romance category. Three sisters, all named for Hemingway’s wives, come home after being away from their small, rural hometown of Cold River, MO for many years to attend the funeral of their aunt who had resided in their childhood home. They come from three different “worlds” and have not been close, each keeping secrets from the others. They also have the shared grief of losing their father, mother and younger sister to untimely deaths. As they begin to dealing with all the memories of their early years, a rather gruesome discovery is made in the backyard of the home. This mystery involves some interesting characters and unexpected twists in the family history. However, the main themes of the story are coming home and family. Unfortunately, I didn’t find this book to be a “page turner” as some readers might describe it and would hesitate to recommend it to other readers.
November 25, 2018
It's a little hard for me to quite put my finger on explaining why The Sisters Hemingway is just an okay book for me. The story is about Hadley, Pfeiffer and Martha, three sisters who drifted apart and moved away from their family farm after their mother and younger sister passed away. The death of their Aunt Bea brings them home again, and has them each reevaluating themselves, their aunt, and their hometown. Everything in the story feels a little predictable, from the struggles each sister is going through, to their evolving relationship with each other, to their feelings for the community. I guess in a book that focuses most intently on relationships I expect to feel more drawn in to the struggles each sister is going through and instead I feel like a passive outsider that could tell them each what is coming next. It's an okay book - I just need to feel an emotional connection with the characters more in a story like this.
January 11, 2019
I received a proof copy of this book in a Goodreads First-reads. This did not influence my review.
This is my first book by this author. It took me a bit to really get into it. The three sisters are each keeping secrets from each other. This has played into the way their lives turned out. Hadley is in a love-less marriage. Pfeiffer is down and out at the moment. Martha has just gotten out of rehab. Real love appears to have eluded each of these women. While they were close as children, past events have put a wedge between them. When their aunt, who helped to raise all of them, passes away, they are all brought together at their childhood home for her funeral.
Still they all kept their secrets. Slowly but surely each secret comes to light. Once I got into the book it really held my attention and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. There was also an interesting twist at the end.
This is my first book by this author. It took me a bit to really get into it. The three sisters are each keeping secrets from each other. This has played into the way their lives turned out. Hadley is in a love-less marriage. Pfeiffer is down and out at the moment. Martha has just gotten out of rehab. Real love appears to have eluded each of these women. While they were close as children, past events have put a wedge between them. When their aunt, who helped to raise all of them, passes away, they are all brought together at their childhood home for her funeral.
Still they all kept their secrets. Slowly but surely each secret comes to light. Once I got into the book it really held my attention and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. There was also an interesting twist at the end.
February 25, 2019
Following the death of their Great Aunt Beatrice, sisters Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha return to Cold River, MO, their hometown, for her funeral. Aunt Beatrice raised the girls after the death of their mother and sister. None of the sisters has been back in the town for many years.
Once there, they get the shock of their lives when they learn that Aunt Beatrice left the farm estate to them. They decide to clean the old place up so they can sell it and get back to their own lives back in the big city. While working in the flower garden, some human bones are found, scaring them all half to death! They then try to find out who these bones belong to and why they were buried in the flower garden. Pfeiffer finds an old journal that belonged to Aunt Beatrice, but the last three pages are missing. She has a feeling that those pages would reveal just whose bones they found.
This is a great book that tells the intertwining stories of each of the Hemingway sisters.
Once there, they get the shock of their lives when they learn that Aunt Beatrice left the farm estate to them. They decide to clean the old place up so they can sell it and get back to their own lives back in the big city. While working in the flower garden, some human bones are found, scaring them all half to death! They then try to find out who these bones belong to and why they were buried in the flower garden. Pfeiffer finds an old journal that belonged to Aunt Beatrice, but the last three pages are missing. She has a feeling that those pages would reveal just whose bones they found.
This is a great book that tells the intertwining stories of each of the Hemingway sisters.
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