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Sisters
Is blood really thicker than water?
Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other - Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.
When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .
But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .
Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other - Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.
When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .
But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2020
94 people are currently reading
1309 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Frances
13 books764 followersMichelle's books have been published in 21 countries and have sold three quarters of a million copies worldwide. She is a USA Today bestseller and has charted at No. 1 on both Amazon Kindle and Apple UK.
Her first novel, The Girlfriend, became an international best seller. She is also the author of The Playground, The Boyfriend, Sisters, The Daughter and The Temp.
Find out more at http://michellefrancesbooks.com
Her first novel, The Girlfriend, became an international best seller. She is also the author of The Playground, The Boyfriend, Sisters, The Daughter and The Temp.
Find out more at http://michellefrancesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
May 23, 2020
Abby is exceptionally hard working, successful, makes a mint but is frugal, retires at 36, marries an Italian called Matteo and they settle on Elba. Sister Ellie is a teaching assistant, massively in debt, lives life to the full, a bit frivolous and somewhat resentful of Abby’s success. The sisters have very contrasting attitudes to life. As a child Ellie missed a lot of school through illness and mother Susanna nursed her devotedly and they are very close. Abby frequently felt and still feels like the outlier. This is story of truth and lies, family jealousies and dynamics which erupts one summer when Ellie goes to spend the six weeks holiday with Abby and Matteo on Elba. What unfolds is a Thelma and Louise style chase across Europe in a quest to uncover the root cause of the issues between the sisters. The story goes backwards and forwards in time telling the story of their lives from the perspective of both sisters.
First of all, the settings of the story are superb and are probably the closest us Brits will get to a European tour this summer! We travel through Italy and France to Spain and arrive near Vixia Herbeira Cliffs (621m above sea level) for a tense finale. You cannot tell whose ‘truth’ is correct until the end which keeps you intrigued. The tension between Susanna and the sisters can be cut with a knife at times, as is the case between Susanna and her odious mother Kathleen. Kathleen is a piece of work and it’s easy to see where Susanna gets her selfish streak. I’m not sure I totally bought into Kathleen’s character but she did provide a valid explanation for the narrative and helps to account for the lack of self worth of the sisters. There are several emotions in the novel ranging from guilt, fear, rejection, suspicion and rivalry which all comes to a head in a dramatic way. My only negative is that initially the style of writing feels a bit flat and lacks pace but then it ramps up a gear and begins to accelerate and becomes full of twists and turns, some literal ones as the sisters hurtle across Europe.
Overall, this is an easy read and perfect for days when deep concentration eludes you. That’s not to deride the book by any means as it’s well written, very entertaining and I really enjoyed it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for the ARC.
First of all, the settings of the story are superb and are probably the closest us Brits will get to a European tour this summer! We travel through Italy and France to Spain and arrive near Vixia Herbeira Cliffs (621m above sea level) for a tense finale. You cannot tell whose ‘truth’ is correct until the end which keeps you intrigued. The tension between Susanna and the sisters can be cut with a knife at times, as is the case between Susanna and her odious mother Kathleen. Kathleen is a piece of work and it’s easy to see where Susanna gets her selfish streak. I’m not sure I totally bought into Kathleen’s character but she did provide a valid explanation for the narrative and helps to account for the lack of self worth of the sisters. There are several emotions in the novel ranging from guilt, fear, rejection, suspicion and rivalry which all comes to a head in a dramatic way. My only negative is that initially the style of writing feels a bit flat and lacks pace but then it ramps up a gear and begins to accelerate and becomes full of twists and turns, some literal ones as the sisters hurtle across Europe.
Overall, this is an easy read and perfect for days when deep concentration eludes you. That’s not to deride the book by any means as it’s well written, very entertaining and I really enjoyed it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for the ARC.
June 7, 2025
I am extremely happy and excited to be part of the blog tour for Sisters by Michelle Frances. Thank you to the team at Pan Macmillan - for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. Check out the other book bloggers that are part of the tour as well:
Synopsis:
Is blood really thicker than water?
Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other - Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.
When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .
But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .
My Thoughts:
Sisters by Michelle Frances was a very enjoyable and exciting ride for me. Not having read her previous books, I started reading without any expectations, hoping to enjoy the story for what it was. Two sisters - trying to improve their relationship, hopefully without their mother interfering.
What I got instead, was so much more! The suspense keeps building up from the very first chapter. The tension between the sisters is really awkward. The relationships between the mother and both daughters is very different and very concerning.
And then everything changes.
We have a surprising plot twists, and from that moment on, we are on a wild adventure. Old secrets will start coming up, things people thought were forgotten in the past. I did not know, and couldn't guess who the real villain is until the very end, and that was quite enjoyable for me! Everyone will tell you stories, everyone will say their own point of view. To you, everyone will seem like a villain and a victim at the same time, and this uncertainty will make you keep turning pages until you find out. Until the end.
I am glad I read Sisters by Michelle Frances. Another amazing suspense now added to my list. I highly recommend it to mystery, thriller and suspense fans, especially the ones that enjoy family drama.
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Synopsis:
Is blood really thicker than water?
Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other - Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.
When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .
But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .
My Thoughts:
Sisters by Michelle Frances was a very enjoyable and exciting ride for me. Not having read her previous books, I started reading without any expectations, hoping to enjoy the story for what it was. Two sisters - trying to improve their relationship, hopefully without their mother interfering.
What I got instead, was so much more! The suspense keeps building up from the very first chapter. The tension between the sisters is really awkward. The relationships between the mother and both daughters is very different and very concerning.
And then everything changes.
We have a surprising plot twists, and from that moment on, we are on a wild adventure. Old secrets will start coming up, things people thought were forgotten in the past. I did not know, and couldn't guess who the real villain is until the very end, and that was quite enjoyable for me! Everyone will tell you stories, everyone will say their own point of view. To you, everyone will seem like a villain and a victim at the same time, and this uncertainty will make you keep turning pages until you find out. Until the end.
I am glad I read Sisters by Michelle Frances. Another amazing suspense now added to my list. I highly recommend it to mystery, thriller and suspense fans, especially the ones that enjoy family drama.
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
April 28, 2021
Even though this hit the familiar tropes of the genre, it was still a really fun thrill ride.
The notion of two people's lives being vastly different due to small instances is a pretty entertaining 'What if?'.
That's the scenario that faces Ellie as her sister Abby's high flying lifestyle includes owning a stunning villa in Italy, it's a world away from the heavily broke school assistant.
Yet Abby is resentful of Ellie the youngest sibling has always seemed to be mother Susanna's favourite.
The difference between the two was Ellie's illness as a young child which both held her education back and tge central point of the family.
The second trope is a spoiler.
It's revealed as the three women play a relaxing stay at Abbey's villa in a vain attempt to put aside their differences, it certainly took the plot in an intresting direction!
This 'reveal' seems to be used more and more in thrillers, I did like that I was never entirely sure who to trust up until the final chapter - the author added her own stamp brilliantly.
The notion of two people's lives being vastly different due to small instances is a pretty entertaining 'What if?'.
That's the scenario that faces Ellie as her sister Abby's high flying lifestyle includes owning a stunning villa in Italy, it's a world away from the heavily broke school assistant.
Yet Abby is resentful of Ellie the youngest sibling has always seemed to be mother Susanna's favourite.
The difference between the two was Ellie's illness as a young child which both held her education back and tge central point of the family.
The second trope is a spoiler.
It's revealed as the three women play a relaxing stay at Abbey's villa in a vain attempt to put aside their differences, it certainly took the plot in an intresting direction!
This 'reveal' seems to be used more and more in thrillers, I did like that I was never entirely sure who to trust up until the final chapter - the author added her own stamp brilliantly.
June 22, 2020
Sisters by Michelle Frances is a quick, fun summer read. It is twisty and fairly unpredictable makin*. It a page turner in my book. The ending was shocking and crazy!
Abby and Ellie are sisters than have never really bonded. Ellie was clearly her mother’s favourite and Abby is resentful of that fact. But things are looking up when newly married Abby invited Ellie to holiday with her at her gorgeous villa in Italy. Maybe they can finally be friends. But their mother arrives, throwing a spanner in the works. That is when the drama really begins.
I am not going to say anymore as it will give the story away. It is an easy to read psychological thriller.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Abby and Ellie are sisters than have never really bonded. Ellie was clearly her mother’s favourite and Abby is resentful of that fact. But things are looking up when newly married Abby invited Ellie to holiday with her at her gorgeous villa in Italy. Maybe they can finally be friends. But their mother arrives, throwing a spanner in the works. That is when the drama really begins.
I am not going to say anymore as it will give the story away. It is an easy to read psychological thriller.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
June 20, 2020
Sisters Ellie and Abby are like chalk and cheese and have never been close. Growing up Ellie was often poorly and was quite clearly her mother’s favourite.
Now they are adults Ellie has gone to visit Abby who has retired at the age of 36 and married an Italian policeman. The same jealousies are there as Ellie a teaching assistant struggles with her finances whilst her sister has money, but is very frugal with it. They are hoping that their time together will make them closer, but when their mother arrives early their alone time is soon disrupted!!
The story is told in the present time and goes back to 1994, where we get a sneaky look into the girls childhood and see how it shaped them into the adults they are now.
This is such a great book. You really don’t know where the story is heading and the twists along the way will keep you hooked. A childhood lie is revealed but who can be trusted?
A must read book. This is an author to look out for.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Now they are adults Ellie has gone to visit Abby who has retired at the age of 36 and married an Italian policeman. The same jealousies are there as Ellie a teaching assistant struggles with her finances whilst her sister has money, but is very frugal with it. They are hoping that their time together will make them closer, but when their mother arrives early their alone time is soon disrupted!!
The story is told in the present time and goes back to 1994, where we get a sneaky look into the girls childhood and see how it shaped them into the adults they are now.
This is such a great book. You really don’t know where the story is heading and the twists along the way will keep you hooked. A childhood lie is revealed but who can be trusted?
A must read book. This is an author to look out for.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
June 22, 2020
‘The Temp’ ‘The Girlfriend’ ‘The Daughter’.....if you have read the authors 3 previous books you will have a good idea of what to expect from ‘Sisters’, and it doesn’t disappoint
Its tricky not to give anything away suffice to say they are 2 Sisters, leading very different lives with polar personalities and ‘just about get along’, this suits the Mum very well, she fuels it, until something happens and the Mum no longer controls the situation and what happens next is a full on, fast and furious adventure where lies, more lies and deceit lead to a wonderful showdown
Superb in its tense delivery and yep am gonna say it twists and turns in every chapter coupled with characters you will constantly change your mind about and you have 1 exciting read, loved it
10/10
5 Stars
Its tricky not to give anything away suffice to say they are 2 Sisters, leading very different lives with polar personalities and ‘just about get along’, this suits the Mum very well, she fuels it, until something happens and the Mum no longer controls the situation and what happens next is a full on, fast and furious adventure where lies, more lies and deceit lead to a wonderful showdown
Superb in its tense delivery and yep am gonna say it twists and turns in every chapter coupled with characters you will constantly change your mind about and you have 1 exciting read, loved it
10/10
5 Stars
February 7, 2021
A fast paced, character driven read!
Sisters Abby and Ellie never formed a bond with one another. In fact, even in their thirties a tension still remains. Ellie, always their mothers favorite created jealousy and resentment for Abby that grew throughout the years.
When Abby invites Ellie to visit her at her home on a beautiful Italian island it seems as though maybe they can start to patch their relationship, maybe even begin to start a friendship. That is until their mother arrives and changes everything...
This was a quick and entertaining read. Started and finished in an afternoon because I had to see what was up! And let me just tell you ... I definitely did NOT see that ending coming at all. What the what!? That was ... well, you'll have to read it for yourself and find out.
Huge thank you to PGC Books and Pan Macmillan for my copy!
Sisters Abby and Ellie never formed a bond with one another. In fact, even in their thirties a tension still remains. Ellie, always their mothers favorite created jealousy and resentment for Abby that grew throughout the years.
When Abby invites Ellie to visit her at her home on a beautiful Italian island it seems as though maybe they can start to patch their relationship, maybe even begin to start a friendship. That is until their mother arrives and changes everything...
This was a quick and entertaining read. Started and finished in an afternoon because I had to see what was up! And let me just tell you ... I definitely did NOT see that ending coming at all. What the what!? That was ... well, you'll have to read it for yourself and find out.
Huge thank you to PGC Books and Pan Macmillan for my copy!
January 6, 2021
Simmering, twisty, and intricate!
Sisters is a fast-paced, character-driven, domestic thriller that takes you into the lives of two sisters, Abbie, a hardworking, overachiever and Ellie a younger, prettier, free spirit as they each grapple with sibling rivalry, enduring jealousy, resentments, and long-buried secrets that will change their lives forever.
The prose is crisp and intense. The characters are envious, secretive, and troubled. And the plot told from differing perspectives unfolds rapidly into a gripping tale full of twists, turns, surprises, familial drama, lies, greed, deception, and tragedy.
Overall, Sisters is another exhilarating, pacey, suspenseful tale by Frances that does a wonderful job of delving into all the complex, dysfunctional relationships that exist between family members and reminds us just how toxic some of them can often be.
Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Sisters is a fast-paced, character-driven, domestic thriller that takes you into the lives of two sisters, Abbie, a hardworking, overachiever and Ellie a younger, prettier, free spirit as they each grapple with sibling rivalry, enduring jealousy, resentments, and long-buried secrets that will change their lives forever.
The prose is crisp and intense. The characters are envious, secretive, and troubled. And the plot told from differing perspectives unfolds rapidly into a gripping tale full of twists, turns, surprises, familial drama, lies, greed, deception, and tragedy.
Overall, Sisters is another exhilarating, pacey, suspenseful tale by Frances that does a wonderful job of delving into all the complex, dysfunctional relationships that exist between family members and reminds us just how toxic some of them can often be.
Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
Psychological thriller set around the MEDITERRANEAN
Our You Tube review: https://youtu.be/nlUhyIbQpus
3.5*
The author has taken the concept of sibling rivalry and set it at the heart of her novel. Susannah is the mother of the eponymous sisters of the title, Abby, the older sister and Ellie, the younger. Ellie, throughout her childhood spent a great deal of time being ill with an undiagnosed condition. She had a lot of time off school and now struggles financially and with her career. Abby, by contrast, is a high flyer, she has already earned significant money but she has really grafted for it. She has always resented Ellie, her mother’s seemingly favourite child.
And it is on the island of Elba where Abby now lives with her policeman husband Matteo. Mum and sister have been invited to regroup and let bygones be bygones. Indeed it is a stunning location and frankly what’s not to like? Can family dynamics be laid to rest? Of course not, there couldn’t be a story otherwise.
An unexpected incident, however, see the girls taking the car across to mainland Italy and driving hell for leather around the Mediterranean towards, as it turns out, Spain.
There is some inkling that Ellie’s on-going childhood illness was not really due to a physical condition but that she was being administered drugs, perhaps poison even. Mum Susannah points the accusing finger at Abby and her resentment of her younger sister; Abby points to Susannah as being the perpetrator. And it is this mystery that keeps the tension humming throughout the story – was Ellie indeed fed detrimental substances and if so, who was responsible?
The author is very good at driving the plot forwards, providing pacy swerves in the narrative. I was gripped to see the outcome. Overall, though, I had to suspend belief – estranged grandmother arrives to add her ha’penny worth, a helicopter appears to fly in at the denouement. It all goes a bit wild. There is a little too much focus on the road trip that the sisters are forced to take – it is clearly designed to explore their relationship a little deeper but they rattle around the glorious locations and the psychology doesn’t go very deep.
This is a reasonably entertaining poolside read which will take you through some lush, Mediterranean countryside.
Our You Tube review: https://youtu.be/nlUhyIbQpus
3.5*
The author has taken the concept of sibling rivalry and set it at the heart of her novel. Susannah is the mother of the eponymous sisters of the title, Abby, the older sister and Ellie, the younger. Ellie, throughout her childhood spent a great deal of time being ill with an undiagnosed condition. She had a lot of time off school and now struggles financially and with her career. Abby, by contrast, is a high flyer, she has already earned significant money but she has really grafted for it. She has always resented Ellie, her mother’s seemingly favourite child.
And it is on the island of Elba where Abby now lives with her policeman husband Matteo. Mum and sister have been invited to regroup and let bygones be bygones. Indeed it is a stunning location and frankly what’s not to like? Can family dynamics be laid to rest? Of course not, there couldn’t be a story otherwise.
An unexpected incident, however, see the girls taking the car across to mainland Italy and driving hell for leather around the Mediterranean towards, as it turns out, Spain.
There is some inkling that Ellie’s on-going childhood illness was not really due to a physical condition but that she was being administered drugs, perhaps poison even. Mum Susannah points the accusing finger at Abby and her resentment of her younger sister; Abby points to Susannah as being the perpetrator. And it is this mystery that keeps the tension humming throughout the story – was Ellie indeed fed detrimental substances and if so, who was responsible?
The author is very good at driving the plot forwards, providing pacy swerves in the narrative. I was gripped to see the outcome. Overall, though, I had to suspend belief – estranged grandmother arrives to add her ha’penny worth, a helicopter appears to fly in at the denouement. It all goes a bit wild. There is a little too much focus on the road trip that the sisters are forced to take – it is clearly designed to explore their relationship a little deeper but they rattle around the glorious locations and the psychology doesn’t go very deep.
This is a reasonably entertaining poolside read which will take you through some lush, Mediterranean countryside.
December 21, 2020
3.5/3.75
Questo libro è stato decisamente una scoperta piacevole. Avendolo comprato solo perché in sconto, mi sono approcciata alla lettura senza quasi conoscerne la trama.
La lettura si è rilevata un'esperienza estremamente piacevole: la storia è coinvolgente e l'atmosfera è caratterizzata da un interessante bilanciamento di tensione e leggerezza. A causa di ciò e dell'ambientazione, penso che quest'opera si sarebbe rivelata un'ottima lettura estiva da portare sotto l'ombrellone.
Certo, non è esente da difetti e se uno si ferma a riflettere un po' li può chiaramente vedere, ma ciò non mi ha impedito di apprezzare questo romanzo.
Questo libro è stato decisamente una scoperta piacevole. Avendolo comprato solo perché in sconto, mi sono approcciata alla lettura senza quasi conoscerne la trama.
La lettura si è rilevata un'esperienza estremamente piacevole: la storia è coinvolgente e l'atmosfera è caratterizzata da un interessante bilanciamento di tensione e leggerezza. A causa di ciò e dell'ambientazione, penso che quest'opera si sarebbe rivelata un'ottima lettura estiva da portare sotto l'ombrellone.
Certo, non è esente da difetti e se uno si ferma a riflettere un po' li può chiaramente vedere, ma ciò non mi ha impedito di apprezzare questo romanzo.
February 13, 2025
Nie nienawidziłam jej, ale też nie pokochałam - jestem gdzieś pośrodku. Były momenty bardzo nudne i ciągnące się w nieskończoność i takie, które mnie wciągnęły i pchały na przód, ale ogółem nie porwała mnie ta historia i tak średnio trafiła w moj gusty.
February 3, 2023
My god, this was ridiculous.
I guessed what was going to at 8% but felt intrigued enough to continue but it soon unraveled into absolute nonsense. I will summarise....
- These girls never got on and have kept hold of their petty differences even though they're in their 30s.
- They don't like each other, but get together at the overseas home of one sister for a jolly holiday.
- Their mother falls on the patio and bleeds from the head, but they don't check if she's okay, they assume she's dead and GO ON THE RUN (barely a spoiler as it happens so early).
- They stay places, run away, drive, stop a shops to get coffee and repeat for 70% of the book.
- They meet random suspicious people, things happen (won't spoil).
- Police are looking for them, chapters are rinse and repeat.
- Whilst on the run remember, they still have petty arguments, like one stealing the other's boyfriend years ago. Really? Ugh.
- Turns out what I suspected at 8% was in fact correct. Yay me.
I guessed what was going to at 8% but felt intrigued enough to continue but it soon unraveled into absolute nonsense. I will summarise....
- These girls never got on and have kept hold of their petty differences even though they're in their 30s.
- They don't like each other, but get together at the overseas home of one sister for a jolly holiday.
- Their mother falls on the patio and bleeds from the head, but they don't check if she's okay, they assume she's dead and GO ON THE RUN (barely a spoiler as it happens so early).
- They stay places, run away, drive, stop a shops to get coffee and repeat for 70% of the book.
- They meet random suspicious people, things happen (won't spoil).
- Police are looking for them, chapters are rinse and repeat.
- Whilst on the run remember, they still have petty arguments, like one stealing the other's boyfriend years ago. Really? Ugh.
- Turns out what I suspected at 8% was in fact correct. Yay me.
July 9, 2022
Abby en Ellie, twee zussen, waren als kinderen al niet erg hecht, maar nu ze volwassen zijn is de koelte uitgegroeid tot een diepgewortelde wrok. Abby is namelijk stikjaloers op Ellies prachtige uiterlijk en het feit dat zij hun moeders favoriet is. Ellie is weer jaloers op Abby omdat ze een perfecte echtgenoot en een luxe villa op het Italiaamse eiland Elba heeft.
Op een dag nodigt Abby haar zus en moeder uit om op Elba te komen logeren en de zussen zien dit als een kans om naar elkaar toe te groeien. Helaas komt er van een zonnige, ontspannen vakantie niets terecht, want het gedrag van hun moeder doet de spanning al snel stijgen. En dan vermoedt Ellie ook nog dat Abby en hun moeder samen een geheim delen dat de hele familie in gevaar brengt...
'Zussen' heb ik als e-book gelezen in @kobo_nl. Het begint met een proloog waarin al meteen duidelijk wordt dat Ellie het favoriete kind is en Abby voelt zich overbodig. Daarna maak je een klein sprongetje in de tijd en woont Abby inmiddels op het mooie eiland Elba.
Ellie komt haar opzoeken en niet veel later volgt hun moeder. Al gauw slaat de sfeer om en gebeurt er iets, waardoor het verhaal in een stroomversnelling raakt. Wat dit precies is verraad ik natuurlijk niet, maar ikzelf had gehoopt dat het verhaal een hele andere kant op zou gaan.
Ik vond sommige momenten dan ook een beetje raar en misschien ook wel te makkelijk gaan. Wel vraag je je de hele tijd af hoe de dingen precies zitten en wat de waarheid is. Echt spannend werd het helaas niet, dus dat was ook wel een tegenvaller.
Eén ding waar ik mij ook regelmatig aan irriteerde waren de vele fouten die dit e-book bevatte. Er stonden dubbele woorden in zinnen en ook was de zinsopbouw heel raar. Net of het niet helemaal goed is vertaald vanuit het Engels. Jammer, want hierdoor ben ik nog een halve ster gezakt in mijn beoordeling...
Beoordeling: 2,5 ⭐️
Op een dag nodigt Abby haar zus en moeder uit om op Elba te komen logeren en de zussen zien dit als een kans om naar elkaar toe te groeien. Helaas komt er van een zonnige, ontspannen vakantie niets terecht, want het gedrag van hun moeder doet de spanning al snel stijgen. En dan vermoedt Ellie ook nog dat Abby en hun moeder samen een geheim delen dat de hele familie in gevaar brengt...
'Zussen' heb ik als e-book gelezen in @kobo_nl. Het begint met een proloog waarin al meteen duidelijk wordt dat Ellie het favoriete kind is en Abby voelt zich overbodig. Daarna maak je een klein sprongetje in de tijd en woont Abby inmiddels op het mooie eiland Elba.
Ellie komt haar opzoeken en niet veel later volgt hun moeder. Al gauw slaat de sfeer om en gebeurt er iets, waardoor het verhaal in een stroomversnelling raakt. Wat dit precies is verraad ik natuurlijk niet, maar ikzelf had gehoopt dat het verhaal een hele andere kant op zou gaan.
Ik vond sommige momenten dan ook een beetje raar en misschien ook wel te makkelijk gaan. Wel vraag je je de hele tijd af hoe de dingen precies zitten en wat de waarheid is. Echt spannend werd het helaas niet, dus dat was ook wel een tegenvaller.
Eén ding waar ik mij ook regelmatig aan irriteerde waren de vele fouten die dit e-book bevatte. Er stonden dubbele woorden in zinnen en ook was de zinsopbouw heel raar. Net of het niet helemaal goed is vertaald vanuit het Engels. Jammer, want hierdoor ben ik nog een halve ster gezakt in mijn beoordeling...
Beoordeling: 2,5 ⭐️
June 6, 2020
Intense thriller had me hooked.
Two sisters. Two stories. Who to believe.
Abbi & Ellie, both craving things the other has ever since they were small children. Abbi a high flyer, with plenty of money and leads a charmed life, but with her own demons ; Ellie lacked in schooling, missed out on so much, struggles for money, the one who had all the attention from their mother.
Can past resentments be put to bed? Abbi invites her sister for a holiday at her new home. Their mother tags along and doesn't let the girls have time alone, why?
A sinister truth is revealed about why Ellie was always poorly as a child.... Just who is lying and who is telling the truth.
Kept me guessing and even over half way through didnt know who or what to believe. Kept me gripped right until the end and was only the last few chapters I was convinced of my suspicions.
Two sisters. Two stories. Who to believe.
Abbi & Ellie, both craving things the other has ever since they were small children. Abbi a high flyer, with plenty of money and leads a charmed life, but with her own demons ; Ellie lacked in schooling, missed out on so much, struggles for money, the one who had all the attention from their mother.
Can past resentments be put to bed? Abbi invites her sister for a holiday at her new home. Their mother tags along and doesn't let the girls have time alone, why?
A sinister truth is revealed about why Ellie was always poorly as a child.... Just who is lying and who is telling the truth.
Kept me guessing and even over half way through didnt know who or what to believe. Kept me gripped right until the end and was only the last few chapters I was convinced of my suspicions.
August 5, 2020
I enjoyed this book and did find myself intrigued by the storyline, however, I almost found it a little too simple. The “twist” happens quite early on and even though I was swaying between what to believe throughout the book; the ending was a little disappointing. Overall I don’t have tonnes to say about it, it was the perfect holiday read and I’m glad I’ve read it, but it’s not one of my favs.
June 4, 2020
Sisters is the story of Ellie and Abby. Sisters that have never been close due to Abby feeling second best in their Mother’s eyes. Ellie was constantly ill as a child and so was the focus of their Mum’s attention.
Now grown up, Ellie goes to stay with Abby who is now living in Italy with her husband after being able to take early retirement after a very successful career.
For me, everything was ok up until this point. After that the book shifted gear and I was left scratching my head. The decisions the sisters made and what happened next was too ridiculous. After chapters of what I felt were fillers the ending then appeared and the book was done. It was slow for 90% of the book and the last 10% left me with more questions than answers.
I loved the synopsis of the book and I wanted it to be good but I was left disappointed and frustrated.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now grown up, Ellie goes to stay with Abby who is now living in Italy with her husband after being able to take early retirement after a very successful career.
For me, everything was ok up until this point. After that the book shifted gear and I was left scratching my head. The decisions the sisters made and what happened next was too ridiculous. After chapters of what I felt were fillers the ending then appeared and the book was done. It was slow for 90% of the book and the last 10% left me with more questions than answers.
I loved the synopsis of the book and I wanted it to be good but I was left disappointed and frustrated.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2020
DNF
This book was not for me. I knew it almost immediately. I did not care for the sisters because they are horrible characters. So full of themselves. I found Ellie to be winy and Abby weird - in a bad way - and stingy. After Ellie arrived in Italy something happend and that was the point I decided I don't want to follow them any more. I skipped to the end and I think I was right to stop reading. This story was not for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book was not for me. I knew it almost immediately. I did not care for the sisters because they are horrible characters. So full of themselves. I found Ellie to be winy and Abby weird - in a bad way - and stingy. After Ellie arrived in Italy something happend and that was the point I decided I don't want to follow them any more. I skipped to the end and I think I was right to stop reading. This story was not for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 14, 2022
Bardzo to było infantylne, płytki, przewidywalne, bezcelowe. Strasznie się nudziłam, niewiele wyniosłam z tej historii. Miałam wrażenie, że autorka się trochę nie postarała. Cała historia jest dosyć bezpłciowa, prowadzi w zasadzie donikąd. Do tego zachowanie bohaterów często było zupełnie irracjonalne i wręcz dziecinne. Słuchałam tej historii mając nadzieję na jakiś zwrot akcji, który nigdy nie nadszedł. Dobry, ciekawy początek i zmarnowany potencjał. Szkoda, to to mogła być naprawdę fajna historia.
September 15, 2020
One of the most terrible books I have read in recent times, the pages go on and on about nothing much, I had a half a mind to pur it away, only subjected myself to sheer torture as I don't like to leave books unfinished.
A strictly to be avoided book
A strictly to be avoided book
July 27, 2022
Nudy i jeszcze raz nudy. Fabuła przewidywalna, schematyczna i niezwykle nieprawdopodobna. Zaczynało się ciekawie i wciągająco, ale od połowy ledwo przemęczyłam w oczekiwaniu na plot twist, którego nie było mi dane doświadczyć. (o.O)zzZZ
July 31, 2022
Als eerste wilde ik Mijn Best Tbr bedanken dat ik dit boek mocht lezen voor mijn eerlijke review.
Beoordeling: 4 sterren
Waar het boek over gaat: Is bloed echt dikker dan water? Het nieuwste thriller van Michelle Frances gaat over twee zussen, Ellie en Abby, die als kinderen al niet echt hecht waren. Nu zij volwassen zijn, proberen zijn hun band met elkaar te verbeteren, maar het oude wrok zit diep geworteld. Abby nodigt haar jonger zus, Ellie, om samen wat tijd door te brengen op haar nieuwe woonplek - een Italiaanse eiland Elba. Daar ontmoet Ellie Abby's perfecte huisgenoot en ziet zij voor het eerst het luxe villa welke Abby met haar eigen geld heeft gekocht.
Maar niet alleen Ellie wordt uitgenodigd om van het eiland te genieten. Ook de moeder vliegt naar Elba om samen met haar twee dochters weer verenigd te zijn, voor een kans om dichter naar elkaar toe te groeien. Maar helaas verandert deze vakantie als snel in een nachtmerrie voor alle drie vrouwen. Zeker wanneer Ellie begint te vermoeden dat Abby en hun moeder een geheim delen. Zal Ellie erachter komen wat haar zus en moeder geheim voor haar houden? En wat zal het delen van dit geheim hen kosten?
Mijn mening: Dit is mijn tweede boek wat ik van Michelle Frances heb gelezen en ik ben niet teleurgesteld. Michelle heeft een hele fijne schrijfstijl waardoor het boek als een trein leest. De korte hoofdstukken zorgen ervoor dat het verhaal niet verveelt. De afwisseling tussen de gebeurtenissen van "toen" en "heden" maken het verhaal naar mijn mening interessanter. Het verhaal draait om de relatie tussen twee totaal verschillende zussen, Ellie en Abby, en hun moeder. Abby en haar moeder weten allebei iets waar Ellie totaal niet achter mag komen. Stukje bij stukje wordt het geheim onthuld. Wanneer het zover is en Ellie erachter komt wat die twee voor haar probeerde te verbergen, blijkt dat zij allebei een andere versie van het verhaal vertellen. Wie van hen spreekt de waarheid? Pas in de laatste hoofdstukken wordt alles onthuld, maar tot die tijd weet de schrijfster het verhaal erg spannend te houden. Zij doet vele gebeurtenissen zo lijken dat je geen idee hebt wie hier nou de "slechte personage" is. Dit herken ik ook in haar boek "Zijn nieuwe vriendin". De auteur verzint uitstekende, reële personages, waar niemand 100% goed is. Dit vind ik erg leuk aan haar verhalen.
Ik heb ontzettend genoten van het boek "Zussen". De korte hoofdstukken, de cliffhangers, de spannende gebeurtenissen, het fijne schrijfstijl en mijn wil om erachter te komen wie de "slechte personage" is, zorgde ervoor dat ik het boek moeilijk kon wegleggen.
Wat ik minder vond aan het boek was dat ik (in mijn kopie in ieder geval) best veel fouten ben tegengekomen. Alsof sommige zinnen gecorrigeerd werden maar vervolgens niet goed werden nagelezen, waardoor er hele onlogische zinnen werden ontstaan. Dit was gelukkig niet zeer hinderlijk, maar wel een minpuntje. Daarnaast vond ik dat de bijfiguren wat uitgebreider uitgewerkt konden worden, bijvoorbeeld de echtgenoot van Abby. Ik vond dat zijn figuur in het bijzonder beetje "te perfectionistisch" werd gemaakt. Terwijl beide zussen en hun moeder erg reëel en met gebreken werden geschetst, leek het echtgenoot van Abby uit een Disney sprookje te komen.
Al met al heb ik veel genoten van dit boek. Ik zou dit verhaal iedereen aanraden die van spanning, familiegeheimen, grijze personages en emotionele thrillers houdt.
Beoordeling: 4 sterren
Waar het boek over gaat: Is bloed echt dikker dan water? Het nieuwste thriller van Michelle Frances gaat over twee zussen, Ellie en Abby, die als kinderen al niet echt hecht waren. Nu zij volwassen zijn, proberen zijn hun band met elkaar te verbeteren, maar het oude wrok zit diep geworteld. Abby nodigt haar jonger zus, Ellie, om samen wat tijd door te brengen op haar nieuwe woonplek - een Italiaanse eiland Elba. Daar ontmoet Ellie Abby's perfecte huisgenoot en ziet zij voor het eerst het luxe villa welke Abby met haar eigen geld heeft gekocht.
Maar niet alleen Ellie wordt uitgenodigd om van het eiland te genieten. Ook de moeder vliegt naar Elba om samen met haar twee dochters weer verenigd te zijn, voor een kans om dichter naar elkaar toe te groeien. Maar helaas verandert deze vakantie als snel in een nachtmerrie voor alle drie vrouwen. Zeker wanneer Ellie begint te vermoeden dat Abby en hun moeder een geheim delen. Zal Ellie erachter komen wat haar zus en moeder geheim voor haar houden? En wat zal het delen van dit geheim hen kosten?
Mijn mening: Dit is mijn tweede boek wat ik van Michelle Frances heb gelezen en ik ben niet teleurgesteld. Michelle heeft een hele fijne schrijfstijl waardoor het boek als een trein leest. De korte hoofdstukken zorgen ervoor dat het verhaal niet verveelt. De afwisseling tussen de gebeurtenissen van "toen" en "heden" maken het verhaal naar mijn mening interessanter. Het verhaal draait om de relatie tussen twee totaal verschillende zussen, Ellie en Abby, en hun moeder. Abby en haar moeder weten allebei iets waar Ellie totaal niet achter mag komen. Stukje bij stukje wordt het geheim onthuld. Wanneer het zover is en Ellie erachter komt wat die twee voor haar probeerde te verbergen, blijkt dat zij allebei een andere versie van het verhaal vertellen. Wie van hen spreekt de waarheid? Pas in de laatste hoofdstukken wordt alles onthuld, maar tot die tijd weet de schrijfster het verhaal erg spannend te houden. Zij doet vele gebeurtenissen zo lijken dat je geen idee hebt wie hier nou de "slechte personage" is. Dit herken ik ook in haar boek "Zijn nieuwe vriendin". De auteur verzint uitstekende, reële personages, waar niemand 100% goed is. Dit vind ik erg leuk aan haar verhalen.
Ik heb ontzettend genoten van het boek "Zussen". De korte hoofdstukken, de cliffhangers, de spannende gebeurtenissen, het fijne schrijfstijl en mijn wil om erachter te komen wie de "slechte personage" is, zorgde ervoor dat ik het boek moeilijk kon wegleggen.
Wat ik minder vond aan het boek was dat ik (in mijn kopie in ieder geval) best veel fouten ben tegengekomen. Alsof sommige zinnen gecorrigeerd werden maar vervolgens niet goed werden nagelezen, waardoor er hele onlogische zinnen werden ontstaan. Dit was gelukkig niet zeer hinderlijk, maar wel een minpuntje. Daarnaast vond ik dat de bijfiguren wat uitgebreider uitgewerkt konden worden, bijvoorbeeld de echtgenoot van Abby. Ik vond dat zijn figuur in het bijzonder beetje "te perfectionistisch" werd gemaakt. Terwijl beide zussen en hun moeder erg reëel en met gebreken werden geschetst, leek het echtgenoot van Abby uit een Disney sprookje te komen.
Al met al heb ik veel genoten van dit boek. Ik zou dit verhaal iedereen aanraden die van spanning, familiegeheimen, grijze personages en emotionele thrillers houdt.
March 9, 2021
I have absolutely no idea who to believe throughout this which just added to my enjoyment of the book.
It is amazing how different two sisters in the same family can be treated by their mum, although it perhaps to a lesser extent than depicted did strike me as being rather realistic.
What can I say about Abby, Ellie and their mother Susanna without giving away either the plot, or the outcome, well to be honest not much, other than I was hooked on trying to figure out the truth of the matter, and still not entirely sure I believe it.
There is a race against time, a big question of who you can trust, there are insights into the sisters childhood which are believable from both sides of a story, which makes both possible truths rather viable. There are complicated family dynamics in play and the whole book is set against a stunning backdrop, which adds another dimension to the book.
I even found I was laughing in a few places, but most of all I was admiring Michelle Frances writing ability for wrapping me to quickly and easily into her cleverly crafted web of deceit.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
It is amazing how different two sisters in the same family can be treated by their mum, although it perhaps to a lesser extent than depicted did strike me as being rather realistic.
What can I say about Abby, Ellie and their mother Susanna without giving away either the plot, or the outcome, well to be honest not much, other than I was hooked on trying to figure out the truth of the matter, and still not entirely sure I believe it.
There is a race against time, a big question of who you can trust, there are insights into the sisters childhood which are believable from both sides of a story, which makes both possible truths rather viable. There are complicated family dynamics in play and the whole book is set against a stunning backdrop, which adds another dimension to the book.
I even found I was laughing in a few places, but most of all I was admiring Michelle Frances writing ability for wrapping me to quickly and easily into her cleverly crafted web of deceit.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
September 4, 2020
Loved this book soooooo much.... the twists were so unexpected and it was so hard to know who was being honest. Made you second guess and not know who to root for. Loved reading this!! Highly recommend... so hyped yet dont know what to write
July 27, 2020
Review to follow
August 1, 2020
After reading The Girlfriend, as well as The Temp, and The Daughter, all written by Michelle Frances, I was really looking forward to reading this book, Sisters.
Teaching assistant Ellie and hard working, successful Abby are sisters, very different in temperament, and not particularly close. Fun-loving, frivolous Ellie is envious of her sibling's achievements. At 36, Abby is retired, married to an Italian, Matteo, and comfortably settled in a glorious villa in Alba. But Abby is resentful of Ellie for looks and her status as their mother's favourite. When Ellie goes to spend six weeks on holiday with Abby and Matteo on Elba, a compelling story unfolds as it follows the sisters' exploration into their pasts and uncovers the root causes of the issues between them.
Sisters is told in the present and goes back to 1994. A highly addictive and entertaining read from beginning to end, I thought the plot was so cleverly executed and I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and seeing how their stories developed. Plenty of twists kept me guessing in this sterling tale of jealousy, long-held secrets, resentment and deception, and I didn't know who or what to believe. A great page-turner with an unpredictable, cherry-topper, ending.
I am really taken with Michelle Frances' books and she is undoubtedly a firm favourite of mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Teaching assistant Ellie and hard working, successful Abby are sisters, very different in temperament, and not particularly close. Fun-loving, frivolous Ellie is envious of her sibling's achievements. At 36, Abby is retired, married to an Italian, Matteo, and comfortably settled in a glorious villa in Alba. But Abby is resentful of Ellie for looks and her status as their mother's favourite. When Ellie goes to spend six weeks on holiday with Abby and Matteo on Elba, a compelling story unfolds as it follows the sisters' exploration into their pasts and uncovers the root causes of the issues between them.
Sisters is told in the present and goes back to 1994. A highly addictive and entertaining read from beginning to end, I thought the plot was so cleverly executed and I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and seeing how their stories developed. Plenty of twists kept me guessing in this sterling tale of jealousy, long-held secrets, resentment and deception, and I didn't know who or what to believe. A great page-turner with an unpredictable, cherry-topper, ending.
I am really taken with Michelle Frances' books and she is undoubtedly a firm favourite of mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 8, 2021
Suspenseful
February 3, 2021
3.5 rounded up to a 4!
This book was good! I was captivated the whole time and I really did not know what was going to happen. I felt like all the loose ends were tied up (although there weren’t too many) and I had fun seeing the bond between the sisters change along the way.
I honestly don’t have too much to say about this one, it was all a bit crazy but after reading so much case law you come to realize crazy happens all the time 😂
I enjoyed this book! Nothing too special but a fun light read.
This book was good! I was captivated the whole time and I really did not know what was going to happen. I felt like all the loose ends were tied up (although there weren’t too many) and I had fun seeing the bond between the sisters change along the way.
I honestly don’t have too much to say about this one, it was all a bit crazy but after reading so much case law you come to realize crazy happens all the time 😂
I enjoyed this book! Nothing too special but a fun light read.
June 27, 2020
4.5 stars
I got into this straight away and once I started I couldn't put it down. I loved the setting of Italy and really felt it added a lot to the story and worked well.
I found the character of Ellie to be a bit naive and young for her age however I think that was the point! The relationship between the sisters felt real and the jealousy was well conveyed.
I can really see this working well as a TV show.
A thrilling read!
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC.
I got into this straight away and once I started I couldn't put it down. I loved the setting of Italy and really felt it added a lot to the story and worked well.
I found the character of Ellie to be a bit naive and young for her age however I think that was the point! The relationship between the sisters felt real and the jealousy was well conveyed.
I can really see this working well as a TV show.
A thrilling read!
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC.
December 4, 2020
Yes! I really enjoyed this story from the author than I did The Girlfriend.
I have to admit I didn’t know who to believe either. I was gasping, OMG’ing, the plot was intriguing and I liked the where the author went with it.
I have to admit I wasn’t 💯 on the ending with the mom, but I did like the fact that it had me guessing until I got to the end.
I listened to this on Audible, so i really didn’t like the authors Italian accent LOL.
Other than that enjoyable!
I have to admit I didn’t know who to believe either. I was gasping, OMG’ing, the plot was intriguing and I liked the where the author went with it.
I have to admit I wasn’t 💯 on the ending with the mom, but I did like the fact that it had me guessing until I got to the end.
I listened to this on Audible, so i really didn’t like the authors Italian accent LOL.
Other than that enjoyable!
July 21, 2020
Abby has always been in her sister Ellie’s shadow ever since they were young. A sickly child, Ellie had all her mother’s attention and Abby felt left out.
As they grew up Abby was successful- enough so to retire to the idyllic island of Elba when she was 36 along with her handsome husband Matteo, an Italian policeman.
Ellie comes to stay for a long dinner holiday, unfortunately followed by their mother Susanna. After a freak accident, leaving their mother for dead they go on the run after Ellie learns some disturbing truths - it was her mother making her ill.
Matteo comes home to find a sunburned but alive Susanna on the terrace - who says that Ellie is in danger - it was Abby who made her ill.
Who’s telling the truth???
This was a real thriller; I never quite knew who to trust! I loved the setting for this - Italy, through to France and Spain. I also liked both sisters although I never really trusted either! Matteo was a faithful, trusting husband, I would’ve liked to have had him featured more as I think he was a good character with a good heart.
Full of twists and turns this was a real page turner in every sense of the word. Really gripping - you never quite knew who was going to react to what.
Susanna wasn’t a very nice person and she was a great contrast to Ellie and Abby who, although has their differences still stuck by each other.
I thought this would be great and I wasn’t disappointed.
Thank you to net galley , Pan Macmillan and the author Michelle Frances for the chance of reading this in exchange for an honest review.
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