No Sister of Mine

by Vivien Brown

A must-read for fans of The Mother-in-Law!Nail-biting Vivien carefully constructs this web of intrigue Peoples FriendTwo sisters, both emerging into womanhood But they couldnt be more different.While Eve is the mature and sensible one, Sarah is headstrong and desperate for a taste of real life.When Eve brings a new face home for the holidays, Sarah does something that will change both of their lives forever. Something that Eve can never forget or forgive.But life wont keep them apart forever and decades later, one of them will have to choose whether to put the past behind her, or to hold on to hate foreverThis is an enthralling novel of searing domestic suspense and family secrets, perfect for readers of Sally Hepworth, Liane Moriarty, and Adele Parks.Praise for Vivien BrownA truly gripping read which keeps you on the edge of your seat My WeeklyNail-biting Vivien carefully constructs this web of intrigue Peoples FriendSo much invested action and suspense that it's hard to walk away! Donna, NetGalley reviewerThis had quite the twist it kept me guessing and reading throughout the night, a real page turner Marlene, NetGalley reviewerLoved the author's writing sucked me into the story big time. Highly recommend and will read more from this author Gail, NetGalley reviewer

446 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2020

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

First to say this is more of a family drama rather than a ‘thriller’ although elements of ‘thrill’ are there within the story

The book is about 2 Sisters ( no surprises there re the title ) Eve and Sarah, and Josh, the boyfriend of Eve who then ends up being the husband of Sarah and Eve never gets over it......in fact none of them ever get over it and the story is told
through both Sisters eyes through, more or less, their whole lifetimes!

The story is told in great detail and there is repetition and at times it seemed almost mundane as the years plod on and seemingly very little happens but it is leading to a climatic final and a good chilling ending

I wasn’t that keen on either Sister tbh, both of them made bad choices and continued to do so but love is blind etc and I did find myself siding with Eve over Sarah, Josh was a ‘no good cad’ and neither deserved what he had to offer

I did enjoy the descriptions of family life with their parents, it was painted so you could easily ‘see it’ and imagine the household well, also Eve at Uni was portrayed well

The book is wordy, not a bad thing for a book I guess but there is an element of ‘why use 3 words when you can use 6’ if makes sense

It was quite a relaxing read at times and didnt have me ‘on edge’ at all and I kinda drifted along quite nicely with it until as I say the surprising and explosive end

Well written, rich in descriptions and engaging but in no way ( imo ) is it a fast paced thriller

[Linda Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

Eve and Sarah ... two sisters, as well as best friends... both in love with the same man, Josh. Josh was a college sweetheart, but things changed when she brought him home to meet her family. Eve will never forget what happened.


The story is told by both sisters ... starting with the initial meeting by Eve. Eve tells her side ... Sarah tells her side. Both would love to have sister-hood back, but things look pretty bleak for that to ever happen.


Although the plot is well written, I have to confess I didn't like any of the characters. My favorite was Buster, the dog. Eve and Sarah came across as no one I would want for a friend let alone a sister. They both are a bit hypocritical and one accuses the other of the same thing she had done first. The men in their lives, except for Simon, seemed to have no redeeming qualities at all. Nonetheless, it was an interesting read. The ending (or the beginning of the story) was unpredictable.


Many thanks to the author / Harper Impulse - Killer Reads / One More Chapter / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Pat Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of two sisters, Eve and Sarah, and one man, Josh who they both love. It is told from both of their perspectives over a twenty year period. Eve is the clever sister who went to university but had a bad experience with a boy before she went. She never told anyone about it but she has been left scarred by it. Sarah is the sister who hated school and feels that she is always trying to live up to her sister’s reputation in the eyes of their parents. Eve meets Josh at university and takes him home but is devastated when she finds him in bed with Sarah. She leaves home and Sarah , on becoming pregnant, marries Josh but Eve can’t forgive her as she is still in love with Josh. We follow their story through their teenage years to adulthood and lies, deceit and hidden truths are revealed. This was an easy read but a very enjoyable one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story, revolving around sisters Eve and Sarah, telling the story in alternating voices. The prologue starts off in current time, then the book goes back 20 years and works back up to that time, which is a style I enjoy. The premise is that Eve and Sarah have a falling out over a guy when they are both in their late teens, but decisions made during that time end up having a long-lasting effect on the next couple decades of their lives.

I liked both Sarah and Eve, though there were times they made bad decisions and I wanted to shake them. I really wanted Eve to talk to someone about the bad experience she had right before she went to university and it frustrated me that she pushed people away for YEARS instead of just working through this. Likewise, Sarah kept a secret from everyone that you know is going to come back and cause problems later. They both were flawed but in a human and believable way. I even kind of understood where Josh, the clear villain of the story, was coming from, even though he made a lot of bad decisions.

The story was fast paced and the end suggests a twist that I didn't see coming. It doesn't necessarily tie everything together, as there are still some unanswered questions, but I liked that because real life is messy too. This is a book I'd recommend for those who like the domestic thriller genre.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jill Burgin · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I mistakenly thought this was a psychological thriller, it was actually a really good family drama swirling around two dysfunctional sisters, Eva and Sara, told in two POVs over almost twenty years and their relationship with Josh, a husband to one and boyfriend to the other. Bad choices happen and life goes on and we like/dislike the sisters as the story unfolds. As I was reading the second half I had no idea what was in store for the reader and was rather shocked by the surprise twist and spellbinding ending!

[Vicki Bowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sibling rivalry abound in this unputdownable tale of two sisters who rip their family apart. I found the book utterly compelling. Everyone has their faults and makes mistakes, some which have far-reaching consequences all round. I became emotionally invested in the girls' lives, although they both had their moments where they were not particularly likeable, there were times when I felt nothing but sympathy for them.

These characters are so well-written, along with Josh, who too has his faults and makes mistakes. The story spans over 20 years, alternating points of view between Eve and Sarah. I felt Eve's fear, and Sarah's desperation, and lived their lives with them as they grew from awkward teenagers into even more awkward adults.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Dee Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. When I started it, j thought I wouldn't be able to finish, but it soon caught me, and I didn't put it down. Family dynamics explained in a real way, I love it.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family drama, not a mystery/thriller

This was well written and did keep my interest but it was also a bit of a bummer. That the sisters loved such a selfish horrible man makes me sad. It, in turn, broke down their family ties at times and ruined such a large chunk of their adult lives. He wasn’t worth it. Not one bit, there wasn’t a redeeming quality to him.

Sarah was a tough one. She was a scared jealous child in a no win situation but she made some horrible choices. Eventually they come back to bite her in the ass and I couldn’t really feel sorry for her.

Eve had a traumatic occurrence before leaving for university. She is not able to be intimate as a result. Josh’s attention and patience was charming at first. I’m not sure if this deliberate or manipulative since he evolves into such a cad. The fact that she could never get past loving Josh was aggravating to me. This is a smart capable woman!! The fact that her dad was so angry at Eve when the tables turned, to me, seemed hypocritical. Then the twist involving the culprit of Eve’s trauma was too much! Gah.

Ok, this sounds like I had a bad experience and that was not the case! This was well written and the characters were well developed. There were some very moving moments and sweet relationships sprinkled throughout. I would recommend this but caution you that there could be some frustrating aspects as far women making dumb decisions for a man, and a horrible one at that!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for a copy in exchange for a review.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivien Brown writes a hugely engrossing and entertaining, gripping family drama that contains issues of hate, love, hidden truths, deceit, suspense and lies.

Sarah and Eve are not only sisters, they are also best friends, but there is a problem...Josh. He happens to be the husband of one and the boyfriend of the other.

Told through the eyes of each sister over almost twenty years, Vivien Brown delivers this unrestrained and exuberant story of drama in this toxic concoction of secrets, conspiracy and deception. I found that I could not choose one sister to root for over the other, as the author cleverly balanced their personalities and traits - one being mature and sensible and the other headstrong and with a zest for life - but both possessing their faults and flaws.

No Sister of Mine is a compelling and cracking story and a book that I revelled in all the way through that had me reading well into the night. It brought no disappointments and everything was beautifully wrapped up in the fabulous and satisfying finale. I would love to read more from this gifted story-teller and I am delighted to recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from One More Chapter via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Miss R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads/One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dysfunctional sisters, a love triangle and long-buried secrets. - what more could you want from a novel? In "No Sister of Mine", Vivien Brown has written a highly engaging novel with a lively cast of characters. It does begin at relatively slow pace, however, so you will need to persevere. if you do, the pay-off is more than rewarding. The premise is relatively straightforward: two sisters fighting over one man, decisions made, decisions regretted, conspiracies, lies, deception and the inevitable fallout... well, that's murder. This is a great twisty mystery with an imaginatively contrived plot. Whilst the main protagonists are not necessarily likeable - they are, nevertheless, imaginatively realised. What Vivien Brown does best is in illustrating the illogical, irrational decisions that individuals make when consumed by intense emotions - like passion and jealousy. As such, "No Sister of Mine" displays a perceptive understanding of the human condition. My only reservation is the romance element of the book. I've always found the concept of a mystery/thriller/romance novel a bit of an oxymoron. Maybe that's just me.

3.75 rounded up to 4 stars

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For years and years, my Christmas holidays meant feasting on Grandma's famous 'City Chicken', downing that celebratory shot of Seagram's 7, and watching a dozen or so grown men fighting over the lone La-Z-Boy recliner and the remote. Normally, I would opine that the Peters' Christmases were way more entertaining, but nothing holds truer than the axiom of 'art imitating life'. Yep. Christmas '02. Two sisters. One guy... and a little partridge in a pear tree.

Eve and Josh. Sarah and Josh. Josh... Oh, Josh... What a schmuck! (But hey, in this situation, aren't they always a Grade-A schmuck?) The story may have been predictable but it was an entertaining read. At times, you couldn't help but root for Sarah. Then there were moments when all loyalties were for #TeamEve. There were even times when Josh could garner a bit of sympathy. Overall, it was an enjoyable tale that provided a diversion for an afternoon and a couple of head shakes. Recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads, and Vivien Brown for an ARC of 'No Sister of Mine' in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and it was very easy and quick to read. It's kind of misleading though as you think by the front cover and blurb that there's something sinister in it, a bit of a thriller. But it's not and it's more of a drama filled read. It was good though and there was plenty happening over the years for Eve and her sister Sarah.
But what annoyed me most was Eve and Sarah themselves, Sarah was always a selfish person and Eve you pity in the beginning, but she just could never help herself. She let every bad thing that ever happened to her or she encountered, control her life and future, she could never move on and let herself be happy and the way she could never let go of Josh was really pathetic. It was a constant back and forth drama between her and Sarah really and it was rather tedious by the end.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told alternately by Eve and Sarah over a period of twenty years, this is the story of two sisters who make bad decisions and most regrettably put waayyyy too much emphasis on a man. Josh, the husband of one and boyfriend of the other is not a good guy but they don't pay attention to that when he walks in their lives when they're young women. You could pick a sister to root for over the other but Brown has actually done a very nice job of balancing them- they both have their faults. There's a twist near the end- no spoilers! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery/thriller wrapped around one of the best soap opera story lines I've read in quite a while. Sisters, no matter how close, can be quite different and that's not a bad thing. At least until they are competing for the same prize. Vivien Brown writes the story as if she knew the sisters personally. First one's side, then the other's will keep you wondering how in the heck the story will end. While the story line may not be original, two sisters fighting over the same man, this story is so good, you will not figure out the ending until the last page!

[Christella Esco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and enjoyable read

I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and very believable to me . Being one of three sisters in a family, I'm well aware of sister rivalry. I've never experienced taking my sisters' boyfriend or vice versa, but I can see where this could cause decades of problems. Being as the story took place in the U.K., I did have a little bit of difficulty with the definition of some of the words but it didn't take away from the story. I would recommend this book.

[Tracy ann Robinson]

there was two sisters one called Eve and one called Sarah .one was clever one hated School . one went to university one wanted to experiment with boys and one had a bad experience with a boy that scared her of a relationship .then she meets Josh and falls for him then she takes him home and the ultimate betrayal happens .both sisters want the same thing this book draws you in like you are there with them there is 3 parts in book had tears . this book is a must read I so enjoyed

[Johnna Whetstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-4 stars. It’s an okay read, but definitely not one that fits into the thriller genre, more of domestic drama/family suspense type of book. One that was decently paced and had me curious enough to find out what would happen to finish, but didn’t completely wow me or have me entranced. If you are looking for a sisters competing for the same man book, this is the one for you!
Will make sure to buzz it up on different platforms!

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve and Sarah are two sisters that have a falling out when Eve's boyfriend, Josh, ends up married to Sarah. This decision affects the sisters' lives for decades, as Eve never gets over the betrayal. The change from being best friends and sisters to not speaking was written in a way that kept the reader engaged. I also liked that the book focused on the points of view of both sisters, as it made it easier for the reader not to side with one over the other. I really enjoyed this one!

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had quite the twist and it was not only at the end but even at the start of the of story and it kept me guessing and reading throughout the night, a real page turner. The story revolves around 2 sisters, Eve and Sarah. The story is told in both POVs and over a period of 20 years. It was very engrossing.

[Maryam · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a second there, I thought I was reading a TV soap drama. Completely forgot that I was supposed to be reading a thriller.

That being said, I did enjoy this book. Hated all the characters except for Simon. But I definitely couldn’t empathise with either sister.

The ending was disappointing…

I’m not sure how this was classed as a thriller though. There were no nail-biting moments or ‘omg, no, impossible’ moments. It was more of a ‘yup, expected that’ moment.

Oh, and by half way, I felt this book could’ve definitely been shorter.

[Monique G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure if this was a book I would enjoy reading - but gave it a go anyway. Soon it turned into a book that I didn't want to put down. I'm not entirely sure what kept me hooked - it could have been the intriguing characters or the twists and turns. Needless to say I am going to hunt this author's other books out.

[Morgan Schulman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

The plot sounded so intriguing, but the characters did not engage me as much as I had wanted them too and seemed a bit flat. The twist did genuinely surprise though, so I will give it a three and a half.

[Beth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I had a difficult time putting it down and found myself pulled into the story. Family stuff can sometimes be a little messy and in the case of these two sisters it goes way beyond messy. Definitely a lot of drama going on in this one but that’s what makes a great story!

[Kelsey Bollinger]

I am DNFing at 25%. I went into this book believing it was a mystery/thriller which it is not. This is a family drama revolving around two sisters and the man they both love. If you like family dramas this is the book for you, however it was not working for me.

[Vikkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a family drama than a thriller.
Sibling rivalry tears a family apart. This is told from the POV of both sisters and is extremely easy to follow. This is a story filled with suspense and is definitely hard to put down.

[Dorothy DeFilippo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivien Brown really understands sisters and captured the rebellious nature of teenagers accurately. The book didn't have a forced feeling as some authors seem to follow a school type script of so many adjectives and adverbs.

[LimeCream · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting family drama - well written, with believable characters and realistic set-up. This is the first book I have read by Viv Brown, and I enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to know how it would end up so I finished the book. I didn’t really like any of the characters and there was too much description in certain areas. I won’t be picking up another by this author.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of relationships. Two sisters fall in love with the same man. This is an issue that makes for an interesting story. The twist and turns in the story will keep the reader enngaged throughout the book. The story is told through both eyes of the sisters.

[Karen Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

a story of sisters

Having two sisters of my own, I really got into the story. But…this’s not an ordinary sister story. Two sisters live their lives loving the same man; this is a very dramatic take on what they put themselves through.