Loving your sisters is easy. Liking them is the hard part.
After her cheating husband destroys her career, Brenna has nowhere to go but home. Home means her four sisters in the tiny Northern Ontario town with no Starbucks and well-meaning townsfolk who know her every move. Every mistake. And Brenna is making more than a few mistakes. From falling asleep at the local bar to hooking up with her niece’s boyfriend, Brenna’s life is giving the town a lot to talk about. Her sister Cat wants nothing to do with her. Content living in the family home with the ghost of their mother, Cat’s left a trail of broken hearts and failed marriages on the road to Brenna’s ex, Seamus Todd. Brenna’s return brings back old insecurities and unanswered questions for Cat. Sibling rivalries, old grudges and a least one knock-out, drag-down kitchen fight ensue as Brenna and Cat are forced to live under the same roof. And to make it worse, Brenna’s not the only one coming home.
Holly Kerr wants everyone to have a happily ever after, full of fun banter and friends to talk about it with.
She’s a lover of water, wine, and dirty martinis, prefers beach to mountain, Star Wars over Star Trek, and really wishes she liked chocolate.
She writes fast-paced, sweet romantic comedy with the door shut, action chick lit about sassy Canadian super spies, and women’s fiction about families and small towns.
Find out more when you sign up for her newsletter, and get a taste with Cupcake Connections, a short story featuring some of her favorite characters. www.hollykerr.ca
I obtained a copy of Coming Home, a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you VERY much.
First off let me say I really enjoyed reading a book which mentioned my home town of Vancouver, B.C. Canada, with references to other towns / cities in Canada of which I am familiar. I enjoyed the story; however, I was put off by the quantity of grammatical / typographical errors. :(
Forest Hills aka Hill n’ Valley is quite the small town. I was immediately immersed in small town life and all the ‘everyone knows everything` syndrome that comes with life in a small town once Brenna went back home. I must say, the amount of “life events” that occurred within a short time frame in this story did seem a bit excessive but luckily the pace of the book did compensate for the excessiveness and it flowed well enough. I must say the morning fling (just after coming to town) with the `boy` Brenna`s niece was interested in was a bit unrealistic given the portrayal of the character to this point in time in the book. That type of behavior did not seem becoming in Brenna.
Each chapter vacillated from the point of view of either Cat or Brenna, two of the five sisters. At times it was difficult to remember whose point of view was being presented and I had to back track to remind myself. The way the author wove the lives of the sisters together (at least the four that were prominent in the first 90% of the book) brought me into the fold of the family, I felt at times as if I was actually a member of the family.
I enjoyed the story but honestly feel that a bit more editing to shore up the transitions and remove the excessive amount of grammatical / typographical issues would bode well for this story. Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
I obtained a copy of Coming Home, a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you VERY much.
This one is a tough one to write up. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. However, there was a feeling of "fractured" characters. In one moment they are normal and reasonable and the next moment they are off the wall, unbelievable caricatures.
Brenna, one of five sisters, comes home after being gone for 14 years. Her return is instigated by her husband's betrayal. With nowhere to go, she goes home, even though she has never felt like she has belonged at home and even though she is not sure how her sisters will receive her. Things seem to go fine for the first hours she is home but then, little by little, things go wrong and she finds herself kicked out of one sister's house and into the house of the sister she has never gotten along with.
Emotions, memories, hurt feelings, all come into play with each of the sisters and their interactions.
Like I said before, the plot was a good one. I did enjoy that. I found myself laughing at some of the sisterly interactions (I am one of four sisters myself so some of these things struck a note with me). However, I would be remiss if I did not also let prospective readers know that there are four very explicit sex scenes. No, I'm not a prude. I just think a reader should know going into a book that this might be a component. I know these particular scenes would keep me from recommending the book to quite a few people to whom I normally recommend books. If you are into reading explicit, raunchy sex scenes, then you won't mind. But if you're not into that, I would stay away. Sometimes less is more.
Someone mentioned numerous grammatical errors and typos. I actually didn't find that many. There are some and I'm sure one more read through by the right person would have found them. They are there and I did notice them but they were not as distracting in this work as in others.
I 've read a lot of family stories, and enjoyed them, but none have been so completely touching and grabbed me by the heart as this one. I can't wait to read the next book, Hanging On, and more from this gifted author.
A story of 5 sisters from a small town as the base location in Canada. Sisters with a lot of unresolved issues. Brenna returns "home" after she finds her husband being unfaithful. It has been 14 years since she went home. Lots of drama as the sisters work through pain, heartache, misunderstandings and then grief. I enjoyed the "sister" quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I read the preview of the next book and would like to see where the story goes.
In every family there are issues that have to be addressed. And coming home after a long absence is bound to bring some of these issues out.
I loved this story, the characters were relatable, as always with holly kerr the story was easy to read. But it also made me think about my own family. And what it's like when we are all together.
I recieved this wonderful book from the author for an honest review.
I loved this book. I dont know how Holly can make so many twist and turns. I cried and laughed and screamed while reading this book. My mom actually jumped one time I laughed so hard. This family is beautiful. I wish i knew this family in real life. These women raised themselves together and strong. Even tho each one has the same feelings, like loneliness and scared and feelings like they aren't worth anything. I hate that there is always one person to ruin everything cause they so selfish. Thank you Holly for a great series and family you share with us.
Brenna returns home after a long absence, and a failed marriage, but she doesn't receive a big happy homecoming from all of her sisters. There are old grudges, and some new ones, and everyone's emotions get the better of them at times. But even through their frustrations with each other, they still come together and stick up for one another when it counts. This story is really about sibling love and family, at its core.
I loved this story. I couldn't put it down, and did not want it to end. So now I need to go read the next one!
I finished reading Coming Home this morning and have to say that my biggest disappointment was that the book was over! I simply loved this book--from the writing, to the characters, to the fighting to the love! The book was easy to read, the topics flowed---and I simply did not wish to put it down! Being an only child it was fun to see how underneath all of the fighting and the disagreements the girls were sisters first and foremost! Holly Kerr has done a beautiful job of crafting a family with real relationships--and an absolute delight to read. Thank you for allowing me to read this title prior to publication.
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, but have chosen of my own volition to share this review. This review is in no way swayed by the gifting of the book
I was unprepared for the honest dissection of the relationship sisters have. I thought that this would be an easy, fun read; it was more than that. Holly Kerr has fictionalized the true inter-workings of a dynamic family of sisters (five to be exact). The story is woven in such a way that the reader is surprised with some of the outcomes of interactions (a fist fight between grown sisters)! I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to understand the true bond of sisterhood.
This is a wonderful book. It kept my attention and it didn't get bogged down. I didn't want to put it down; I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. The story line was good and the characters were developed. There is laughter, tears and memories to keep your attention. This story definitely doesn't go the way you think it will. I did receive a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Just finished reading Coming Home and what a great story. The arguments between the sisters and the portrayal of small town life is very realistic. I had to laugh at the Brady character...what a player:) The book just reiterated for me that everyone's families are never that far away from some type of drama. There is no such thing as the perfect family. After reading the book, I'm so glad that I have a great relationship with my sister!!
This is the story of the five Skatt sisters and focuses on Brenna and Cat. Brenna left town and now fourteen years later she’s coming back home to heal the wounds of a cheating husband. Now Cat, the youngest sister isn’t thrilled about Brenna’s return. What happens when old jealousies and grudges resurface? I enjoyed this funny, heartwarming story as these sisters figure out their relationship. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Coming Home is the first book in Kerr's Sisters in a Small Town series about the Skatt sisters and the men who love them. This contemporary romance is primarily about Brenna Evelyn Ebans. She left home 14 years ago to pursue her post-secondary education and has not been home since. When she gets a call from her sister Kayleigh asking if she'll be attending their niece Addison's wedding, the timing couldn't be better.
Brenna flies back to Toronto from Vancouver, where she has been living with her husband Toby, and working at a prestigious law firm. When Kayleigh picks her up for the long drive back to Forest Hills, Breanna starts to realize just how long she's been gone. Brenna isn't the same girl who left this small town, and the people she left behind aren't the same either. In addition to the many fences that need mending, there are memories which she might not be ready to relive.
Coming Home is recounted both from Brenna's point of view, as well as her younger sister, Catherine (Cat). Cat is not thrilled with her return. Their sibling rivalry was persistent as children and she was prepared to pick up right where they left off. She was ready to fight, knowing exactly which buttons to push to get the biggest reaction, or make it hurt the most. Will this second chance be wasted, or can these two siblings find their way past their jealousy and pain to heal.
This was a beautiful and heartwarming story about family, friends, feelings, and finding your way home. It was an easy and enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to jumping into book 2, Hanging On, eldest sister Maggie's story.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could not put this book down and read it in a day! It is about two sisters in a family of five who had a tumultuous upbringing. This book focuses on Brenna and Cat. Brenna has not been home in years and has been avoiding coming home and dealing with the issues associated with it. When her life self-combusts, decides to go home to attend her niece's wedding. Her sister Cat is now living in their family home and almost engaged to Seamus, Brenna’s ex-childhood sweetheart. They have been competing against each other for years and are now stuck living together while Brenna is in town. Cat is gun shy due to being married three times and Seamus is pressuring her. Brenna and Cat always want what the other has. There are other family dynamics that come into play in the story that keeps you from putting this book down. While Brenna is trying to figure out where she fits in the scheme of things and if she is staying. In the process Brenna and Cat make peace. Brenna gets her backbone where men and life are concerned. The book leaves things hanging. I predict there is more to this family and story. I would love if the author had sub sequential books focusing on the rest of the family!!!!
Breanna Skatt has been on her own since she left home to go to college and has worked hard to become a successful lawyer until it all comes crashing down when she catches her husband cheating in his office with her assistant. With nowhere else to go, Bre retreats to her hometown, just in time for her niece's wedding, where she is forced to face her past, deal with some ugly truths, and ugly relationships.
They say that no matter what, your family will always be there for you, but we can't forget that just because they're blood doesn't mean they'll always do or want what's best for you. Kerr does a good job letting you experience the joys and stresses of family and sisterhood and reminds you that more often than not, you always have a place back home where you will always belong. I cannot wait to see what happens next for the Skatt sisters in the next installment of Kerr's book, Hanging On.
Disclosure: At my request, I have received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. I am not being financially compensated for this post, all opinions expressed are my own honest opinion.
Breanna Skatt has been on her own since she left home to go to college and has worked hard to become a successful lawyer until it all comes crashing down when she catches her husband cheating in his office with her assistant. With nowhere else to go, Bre retreats to her hometown, just in time for her niece's wedding, where she is forced to face her past, deal with some ugly truths, and ugly relationships.
They say that no matter what, your family will always be there for you, but we can't forget that just because they're blood doesn't mean they'll always do or want what's best for you. Kerr does a good job letting you experience the joys and stresses of family and sisterhood and reminds you that more often than not, you always have a place back home where you will always belong. I cannot wait to see what happens next for the Skatt sisters in the next installment of Kerr's book, Hanging On.
Disclosure: At my request, I have received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. I am not being financially compensated for this post, all opinions expressed are my own honest opinion.
This book was fantastic! Set in small town northern Ontario, this is a story about love and loss and reconciliation. Brenna has not been home since leaving 14 years ago to attend university, and while she left home on good terms with most of her sisters her relationship with her youngest sister has always been rocky. A call from one of her middle sisters (Brenna is one of five girls) to remind her of her niece's upcoming nuptials just happens to occur minutes before her marriage blows up and her job is flushed. Needing an excuse to get out of town and have time to figure out what to do with her life, Brenna heads back home and quickly becomes the talk of the town. This book was full of funny, emotional and cringe worthy moments, sometimes all happening at the same time. I thouroughly enjoyed myself and look forward to reading other books by this authour.
I received this book for honest review free from Hidden Gems
Coming Home - This is my first read by this author and I liked the story although it's not finished. Some of the storylines were completed but others remain to be finished. While needing minor editing, the story is well written and moves at a constant pace. The characters are good and their dialog realistic. There was definitely a lot of drama happening, sometimes too much; it read like a soap opera.
I wasn't too crazy about the vulgar language and the sex with strangers (by the same woman - I've never understood how revenge sex evened the score of his cheating; it's so degrading her stooping to his level and that's good?), but overall the story and a couple of twists kept my interest enough to finish it. There's a sequel. I found this book on Booksprout. 3.5*
I loved this story about 5 sisters. Brenna, the second youngest returns home after living away for 14 years when she catches her husband cheating. Her oldest sister Maggie invites her to stay with her but she manages to get kicked out. That leaves her with only Cat to live with, her younger sister who she fought with a lot. They were both in love with the same guy and while Cat had him first, Brenna was meant to marry him back then but time changed everything. She's top news in the small town and you'll be surprised about the secrets that will be revealed, people to return after a long time away and I promise you'll fall in love with the Skatt/Ebans sisters!
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
When Brenna walks out of her office, and in on husband Toby with her assistant, she finds a bit of passion again- mostly directed at trashing the phone and work station of the tramp, still ....
Going to her hometown for a family wedding is a good chance to look back, and to think about how she might want to move forward.
Sister stuff is never easy, and sorting the disaster their biological parents left behind fell on their elder sister, a young pregnant mom.
Fighting through the kid stuff to the sister bond, and joining against a common problem leaves much hurt and a lot of growth.
Intense finding yourself and family/ psychological drama
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 sisters from a dysfunctional family. Maggie the oldest has had to be mother to the other 4 since her father left home and her mother refused needed medical treatment and would lock herself in her room and refuse to come out. Years later their mother would have been diagnosed as bipolar but at that time there was no name for her illness. Lots of friction between the other sisters over the years and as the story unfolds of Brenna and Cat, including a knock-down, drag-out fight after Brenna returns to the little town they were all raised in, you begin to get an insight into what their life has been like and why they are like they are. But when the chips are down there is always one big fact that stands out... THEY ARE STILL SISTERS. I really enjoyed this book.
After catching her Husband pants down with her Secretary, Brenna knew she had to return home. Unsure of how she would be welcome, she set out on a journey that brings to the fore siblings love and rivalry.
One minute, Brenna and her sisters are fighting and screaming at one another, the next, they are solidly together to fight for a common goal.
Coming Home is witty, emotional and overall a fun book to read. It’s very relatable especially if you have sisters (then you can relate to the sibling rivalry 😊😊).
I really had fun reading and I cannot wait to see what becomes of Brenna and Joss’s relationship.
This was an amazing story about a family of five sisters, and their ups and downs. I laughed and I cried throughout reading this book. This has to be one of the best "family" books that I have ever read. The fact, that they were all girls, made it that much better and funnier.
If there was mistakes in this book, I didn't notice them. Of course, I was more interested in the story and what was going to happen next, than I was looking for mistakes.
This was a wonderful book and Holly Kerr done an amazing job writing it.
As I read this book, it made me wonder … if she had a lot of sisters. I only had one, and I thought that was enough. LOL
Coming Home packs a wallop! This is my first book from Ms. Kerr and I have to say she has written these five sisters with a brazen, humorous, cheekiness that just fills each page. Yet, throughout the book, she peels away the layers of their sensitivity and emotional battles. There are so many twists - you'll laugh, you'll cry, and you may even want to join in on one of their sibling fights. Coming Home is a well crafted story of family relationships. Even at its worst, the love shines through. I MUST read the next one!!
I love these types of stories. Light on the romance, with just a hint of sex, and heavy on family and friends. As an author, I prefer to write these kinds of books, as well as read them. This is a story about five sisters and their struggle with life after their father abandoned them and their mother died. One thing they had was sisterly bonds, even if they didn't realize it. The story is funny in parts, sad in others; but a terrific story, nevertheless. I loved it.
Five Sisters, Awesome Family Women's Fiction This story is about several generations of a family in a small town. The different factions don't get along. The main story involves 5 sisters who are all very different and have all come home for a wedding. The drama is intense and believable. Nothing is easy in this family and the small-town atmosphere does not help at all. The entire book is put together well. It ends with a smooth lead into the next book. I loved the story and I am sure that I will read it again. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest opinion.
DNF- I didn’t even make it three pages in, it will stay in my to read pile for a later date as well as my DNF list. I saw one grammar error and a contradiction in the first, probably two pages (reading on my phone so I’m not positive how many book pages in) and with the other review comments on errors, I just can’t right now. The premise sounds great though so I really do want to come back to this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
This was an enjoyable, easy to read story about family. The characters had enough depth to be interesting but not so much that it bogged down the storyline. It would have been nice to have a little more romance and tension. It got better as it went through and towards the second half of the story I found it a little difficult to put down. The poor editing (punctuation and grammar) was a bit of a distraction but not so bad that I wasn't able to overlook it and enjoy the story.
I received a digital copy of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary review. This was a very well written book and the characters were well defined. I feel like when an author writes about family situations they either do a superb job or they do a terrible job of it, there's no in between. Holly Kerr did a superb job. I recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kerr. Enjoy! 📚