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Four Sisters

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A powerful story about the bond of sisterhood and how it can triumph against any adversity, from the Sunday Times bestselling author Val Wood.

Hull, 1852.

Matty has had to care for her three younger sisters ever since their mother’s death ten years ago. She and the girls’ beloved father have worked hard to keep the family together and now it’s time to celebrate as Matty turns eighteen.

But their joy is short-lived when tragedy suddenly strikes and their father disappears on his way to London. The sisters have no way of knowing what has happened to him – only that he hasn’t returned home. With little money left they’re now forced to battle life’s misfortunes alone…

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2019

355 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

Val Wood

45 books94 followers
Valerie Wood

Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK. Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley. When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valeriewood.co.uk

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Community Reviews

5 stars
421 (53%)
4 stars
222 (28%)
3 stars
96 (12%)
2 stars
33 (4%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Somia.
2,066 reviews172 followers
May 24, 2020
2.5 Impassive Stars

I was expecting a tale that would encase me in a fab bubble taking me away from my present, but the emotional intensity and depth I was expecting just wasn't there.

The characters and plot didn't shine off the page.


99p on amazon.
Profile Image for Louisa Charlotte Phillips.
111 reviews12 followers
July 25, 2020
A nice Val Wood book, it was nice to read about the town I had worked in an generally lived in! For the last ten years. A comforting read.
20 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2020
The Best Story of 2020

Each character in the story, large or small, are beautifully drawn and completely memorable. I never had to remind myself, " now who was he, or she." That says a lot to me a out the beautiful skill of Ms Wood. Importantly, the book is clean and inspirational. I could go on, but I'm anxious to search out my next by this author. Just read it and enjoy.
282 reviews
August 7, 2022
2.5 Felt like I was reading a bad imitation of Little Women. No depth to character or plot, but I stuck with it so gave it a 3. I will give the author the benefit of the doubt and read another of her books; several readers said this was not her typical book.
228 reviews
March 23, 2024
It took me a bit to get into this book. At first the sisters seemed a bit predictable in their thoughts and ideas. Dictated by the times and societal mores, the girls were completely dependent on their father for everything. Motherless, they sought out females with whom they could feel close, and so each felt closeness to a different woman in their lives: Nunny, Aunt Gertude, Aunt Loiusa, and Mrs. Lawrence, their neighbor. This closeness deepens when disaster strikes the family, and life changes for them bringing heartache and mystery. Ms. Wood wraps up the story well, and leaves no doubt as to what happens to any of the characters. This very satisfying ending brought tears to my eyes!
5 reviews
December 29, 2022
Such a poignant, sweet read

It wasn't until I was midway through this book that I became thoroughly engaged in it. I wondered when something intriguing would happen but when it did it hneld my attention completely. Good character development as well as the plot. I enjoyed this story very much.
18 reviews
January 27, 2023
Rarely is there a book that makes me want to read through the night to see its finish. This one did. I did not stay up as my health surely would suffer (see husband's reaction) but I did finish it the following day. It was so easy to read and the plot twists were irresistible. I am truly becoming a Val
Wood enthusiast.
Profile Image for Susan Wheatcroft.
136 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2022
Well written, but I was expecting more. The main part of the story didn’t happen until around half way and it didn’t hold my attention well.
The final summary chapter was my favourite and I’m glad I finished the book, just definitely not a page turner/can’t put down kinda story.
Profile Image for Lisa Bentley.
243 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2024
So much sadness for these four girls, it was heartbreaking but in the end it all worked out for the best!
I think their fathers happy ending was by far my favourite moment 💜
Another historical family saga I couldn’t put down!!
Profile Image for Andrea Boulton.
88 reviews
January 8, 2025
A story of days gone by, the tribulations of 4 sisters left without their mother, their father doing the best he can

A book that makes you want to be a part of their lives, to know the family and ease their pain
Profile Image for Shirley Dawson.
Author 10 books35 followers
August 13, 2025
This one took a long time to get going and I almost ditched it. From a very mundane story, it suddenly started to get a bit more interesting so I kept with it. The second part definitely saved the day!
Profile Image for Mrs Margaret Maher.
235 reviews8 followers
April 30, 2020
Excellent book

I have never read this author's books before and I loved this book a great tale. I would certainly read more of her books.
226 reviews8 followers
May 6, 2020
This book wasn't to my taste.read other books of hers which I've enjoyed.
11 reviews
May 31, 2020
This was my first Val Wood book and I loved it. Being born in Beverley and now living Hull I could relate very well to the book
1 review
December 31, 2020
Four sisters

Brilliant read will definitely look at her other books hopefully they will be as good as this one take a look
Profile Image for Jennifer Palmer.
78 reviews
June 8, 2022
This book made me cry, laugh and smile. A great book all round. Read this book whilst feeling homesick and this book reminded me of all my favourite towns and cities of East yorkshire
447 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2022
Sweet Story

I love it when an author writes a really tight book. The characters are true to the story and the plot is steady
5 reviews
August 2, 2022
good. read

Nice story of a widowed father and his four daughters. Charming characters easy read. Story of family, love and dedication.
25 reviews
March 14, 2023
Lovely book

What a treasure of a book! Loved it , couldn't put it down until the end ! Is there another book?
1 review
March 14, 2023
Too many characters. I could not keep them straight and finally gave up and deleted the book.
Profile Image for Katie Kell.
22 reviews
April 1, 2023
Beautiful

I tremendously enjoyed this book as it has it all.
Ups, downs, ins and outs of the lives of 4 busy sisters and their surprising father!
57 reviews
Read
April 12, 2023
Four sisters

Yet again I've enjoyed reading this novel. The author has a special way in bringing the characters to life etc.
Profile Image for Marlys Unrau.
29 reviews
April 18, 2023
Good story, written well. I liked that she told what happened to the sister after they were grown and gone from home.
2 reviews
January 7, 2026
Fantastic Book

This will.keep you wanting to know more about this family. You'll love the characters and their individual lives. It was enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Caroline.
145 reviews
April 22, 2020
Over vier zussen die heel heel welstellend en beschermd zijn opgegroeid. Plots verdwijnt hun vader na een bezoekje aan Londen. Heel hun leven veranderd en komt op de helling te staan.
7 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2020
Four Sisters

I thought of Little Women as soon as I saw the cover for this book and was not disappointed when I clicked to buy it. A great story, beautifully written, I couldn't put it down. Also proof that you do not need foul language and explicit sex to produce a compelling read. Well done, Val, I'll look for more of your books.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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