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Family Secret #2
The Other Sister
When it turns out your life is built on a lie, how do you even start to find yourself? In this stunning follow-up to
A House Divided
, author Donna Hill reveals one woman’s challenge to peel back the layers of her identity—and hopefully gain more than she’s
lost . . .
She’s a brilliant Senate candidate, a tech mogul's loving wife, and mother to two precious daughters. As a member of one of the country's most prominent families, Kimberly Maitland grew up having it all—and fighting to help those who need help most. But when journalist Zoie Crawford revealed her family's best-hidden, most shattering secret, the media firestorm and personal fallout were beyond devastating . . .
Now Kimberly's campaign and reputation is in ruins. Her unforgiving husband is moving to break up their family for good. And with nowhere to go, Kimberly must take refuge with the family she never knew she had—and answer the hardest questions of her life. Who is she outside of her accomplishments and privilege? Will forging new, unexpected bonds give her the strength and courage to remake herself without losing everything else she loves?
Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
lost . . .
She’s a brilliant Senate candidate, a tech mogul's loving wife, and mother to two precious daughters. As a member of one of the country's most prominent families, Kimberly Maitland grew up having it all—and fighting to help those who need help most. But when journalist Zoie Crawford revealed her family's best-hidden, most shattering secret, the media firestorm and personal fallout were beyond devastating . . .
Now Kimberly's campaign and reputation is in ruins. Her unforgiving husband is moving to break up their family for good. And with nowhere to go, Kimberly must take refuge with the family she never knew she had—and answer the hardest questions of her life. Who is she outside of her accomplishments and privilege? Will forging new, unexpected bonds give her the strength and courage to remake herself without losing everything else she loves?
Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
52 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 25, 2021
This book was suppose to be a part 2 from a previously written book....I'm not sure if the author forgot some of her details from the first book, she thought perhaps her readers/listeners forgot some details or just wasn't paying attention or she simply decided to change some things...but, the were some detail changes in this story. There were a few storylines going on within this story and AGAIN, it took entirely too long to get to the point....she incorporated unnecessary details about a wide array of things in the book. One of the main storyline I thought was come complete BS was that of Jackson & Zoie...all that they went through to get back together to only break-up again was extremely ridiculous....also, the main culprits that created all of the chaos from the beginning went untouched...I really thought that was stupid. The forming of the mother/daughter dynamic, the new sister relationship, Kim & Nick's relationship and Grace & Kim friendship is the only reason this book received 3 stars...otherwise the rating would have been a lot lower! Decent narration.
August 27, 2020
"I'm going to be honest, Donna Hill has a tough act to follow with my favorite, Getting Hers, but she never disappoints on any level. This story is a continuation from a previous novel, but the reader doesn't need to take a gander at that one to understand the current book .Ms. Hill always pens well-written novels with compelling characters in complex situations--relationship or family. You will enjoy this one as well."
Naleighna Kai
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Naleighna Kai
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
April 15, 2021
Great read! My only reason for not posting 5 stars is it felt rushed at the ending. Still a great book! This story was a continuation of secrets that can hurt and help family. After Zoie was hell bent on exposing secrets that hurt her and the family she loves, she had a change of heart not wanting to harm the newfound sister the secrets exposed. Too late to turn back the hands of time, those secrets ruined the life that Kimberly had. It almost tore her apart mentally.
In the end, those same secrets that ripped and tore apart lives helped ment hearts and bring understanding. Zoie was able to help Kim and Kim was able to forgive and start a new beginning with family. New relationships of romance blossomed and family relationships were sealed with love, forgiveness, and healing.
In the end, those same secrets that ripped and tore apart lives helped ment hearts and bring understanding. Zoie was able to help Kim and Kim was able to forgive and start a new beginning with family. New relationships of romance blossomed and family relationships were sealed with love, forgiveness, and healing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
You know how sometimes you end up reading a book completely by accident? That's exactly what happened with The Other Sister by Donna Hill – my first read of 2026! I was scrolling through my Kindle looking for another book with the same title, but when that one turned into a DNF, I just stayed on the search results page and clicked on Donna Hill's version instead. Best accidental click ever!
Even though this is Book #2 in a series, you can absolutely read it as a standalone, I had no trouble jumping right in. The story opens with Kimberly, who's just had her entire world turned upside down. Imagine discovering that your parents are actually your grandparents, your brother is really your father, and you're half Black when you've spent your whole life as a white Southern belle in high society. Talk about an identity crisis!
What makes things even more complicated is Kimberly's husband, who's deeply racist. She knows that if he discovers the truth, he'll not only leave her but fight for full custody of their children. When a journalist named Zoie threatens to expose her secret (and we later discover Zoie is actually Kimberly's half-sister!), everything comes crashing down. Kimberly drops out of her Senate race and finally tells her husband the truth. Just as she feared, he reacts horribly, locking her out of their home.
The heart of this story is really the road trip that follows. With her loyal assistant Gail by her side, Kimberly sets off to meet her biological mother and family. It's during this journey that she finally begins to find where she truly belongs and gains the support she needs to fight for her children.
I found The Other Sister to be a lovely, easy read that flowed beautifully without requiring too much heavy thinking. It's one of those comforting books you can curl up with on a cozy afternoon. The sweet Southern Black romance reminded me so much of Beverly Jenkins' work – that same warmth and sense of community wrapped around challenging themes.
While it may not be the most complex book I've ever read, sometimes that's exactly what you need. It was the perfect gentle start to my 2026 reading journey.
Even though this is Book #2 in a series, you can absolutely read it as a standalone, I had no trouble jumping right in. The story opens with Kimberly, who's just had her entire world turned upside down. Imagine discovering that your parents are actually your grandparents, your brother is really your father, and you're half Black when you've spent your whole life as a white Southern belle in high society. Talk about an identity crisis!
What makes things even more complicated is Kimberly's husband, who's deeply racist. She knows that if he discovers the truth, he'll not only leave her but fight for full custody of their children. When a journalist named Zoie threatens to expose her secret (and we later discover Zoie is actually Kimberly's half-sister!), everything comes crashing down. Kimberly drops out of her Senate race and finally tells her husband the truth. Just as she feared, he reacts horribly, locking her out of their home.
The heart of this story is really the road trip that follows. With her loyal assistant Gail by her side, Kimberly sets off to meet her biological mother and family. It's during this journey that she finally begins to find where she truly belongs and gains the support she needs to fight for her children.
I found The Other Sister to be a lovely, easy read that flowed beautifully without requiring too much heavy thinking. It's one of those comforting books you can curl up with on a cozy afternoon. The sweet Southern Black romance reminded me so much of Beverly Jenkins' work – that same warmth and sense of community wrapped around challenging themes.
While it may not be the most complex book I've ever read, sometimes that's exactly what you need. It was the perfect gentle start to my 2026 reading journey.
July 2, 2020
I did not read book 1 but this story stands alone.
Kimberly Maitland grew up in Louisiana with parents with some stature in the town. They were the local “gentry.” She married well and also became an attorney and had beautiful twin daughters. She was running for office but abruptly closed her campaign. Her husband was very angry about it but he didn’t know Kimberly had just learned something astounding about her life. Her parents were actually her grandparents and her brother was her father. Her mother was the daughter of a family servant and was black. Her half sister Zoie was the reporter that researched out that information and passed it on to Kimberly. Kimberly knew Zoie only as a relentless reporter and knew that when this was reported it would destroy her. The story gets even more twisted as she reveals what she knows to her husband and her parents. This is a poignant story that explores how people view others based on race, economic backgrounds, culture etc. It is well worth the read.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Kimberly Maitland grew up in Louisiana with parents with some stature in the town. They were the local “gentry.” She married well and also became an attorney and had beautiful twin daughters. She was running for office but abruptly closed her campaign. Her husband was very angry about it but he didn’t know Kimberly had just learned something astounding about her life. Her parents were actually her grandparents and her brother was her father. Her mother was the daughter of a family servant and was black. Her half sister Zoie was the reporter that researched out that information and passed it on to Kimberly. Kimberly knew Zoie only as a relentless reporter and knew that when this was reported it would destroy her. The story gets even more twisted as she reveals what she knows to her husband and her parents. This is a poignant story that explores how people view others based on race, economic backgrounds, culture etc. It is well worth the read.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
May 10, 2021
She’s a brilliant Senate candidate, a tech mogul's loving wife, and mother to two precious daughters. As a member of one of the country's most prominent families, Kimberly Maitland grew up having it all—and fighting to help those who need help most. But when journalist Zoie Crawford revealed her family's best-hidden, most shattering secret, the media firestorm and personal fallout were beyond devastating.
I received this eBook on NetGalley for a review. I like Donna Hill’s writing style, and was anticipating this novel as a very good second book in a series. I read the first novel - A House Divided, which was a quick read and a great gate opener into Zoie Crawford and Kimberly Maitland Graham’s lives. The series of drama and a touch of mystery unfolded in a well written manner as the story progressed. I was able to picture the characters, the scenes and the food displayed on the table. I enjoyed the story and would have liked a slightly different ending, but I understood the premise behind Donna Hill’s’ conclusion to all the drama.
I received this eBook on NetGalley for a review. I like Donna Hill’s writing style, and was anticipating this novel as a very good second book in a series. I read the first novel - A House Divided, which was a quick read and a great gate opener into Zoie Crawford and Kimberly Maitland Graham’s lives. The series of drama and a touch of mystery unfolded in a well written manner as the story progressed. I was able to picture the characters, the scenes and the food displayed on the table. I enjoyed the story and would have liked a slightly different ending, but I understood the premise behind Donna Hill’s’ conclusion to all the drama.
June 22, 2020
Zoie made her choice and now Kimberly Maitland's career and personal life are unraveling. I did not read the first book, where the secret (no spoilers from me) was revealed to Zoie but that was ok because Hill catches you up quite nicely. Zoie is a journalist who is chasing a story and part of her own history. Kimberly seems to have it all as a wife, mother, and political candidate. She's not a bad person and she doesn't wholly understand why Zoie chose to reveal family issues in a way that pull her into a media mess she can't control. There's family drama and emotions. You will definitely have opinions on this one. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
September 16, 2021
I do enjoy Donna Hill's writing. This was only the 3rd book of hers I have read. The second being A House Divided. However, I did have problems with the story and characters. Didn't care for Zoie at all. She came off pretty childish, petty and self centered throughout both books. Overall, the story was somewhat interesting but there could have been some additional character development of the two aunts and more about Zoie's mother as an adult to maybe explain all the animosity toward Zoie. I'm glad Kim got her daughters back.
October 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed books 1 & 2. Donna Hill has always been a favorite author because of her thoughtful, clear character development and interesting storylines. Her characters or complex because they are human. I don't have anything negative to say and was surprised at some of the other reviews that felt something was left out. I was completely engrossed in the story and saddened when it came to an end, although the ending was a happy one in my opinion. I just enjoyed the series a lot! Thanks.
July 3, 2020
This is a continuation of book 1, A House Divided, and this book packed just as many surprises as the first one. In this story, we follow Kimberly Maitland, who was just told about her true lineage by her new found sister, Zoie Crawford, and the pans start to fly. There is all kinds of omg moments that will shock you and put you through all kinds of emotions. This was a phenomenal conclusion to the series.
July 22, 2020
I love Donna Hill. I'm just not sure about this story (or A House Divided). Maybe I'm more like Zoie than I think and just don't understand why it seems like she got the brunt of all the badness and no one took her feelings to consideration. Just like Kim, she wanted a mother's love as well. I also felt like she totally got screwed over by Jackson. The romance at the end just happened to fast for me. Regardless of my feelings, I do believe this was a good book by a great author.
April 24, 2021
What would you do if everything you were was built on a lie? That is the premise of this book. Kimberly Maitland is an accomplished lawyer running for senate when an expose threatens to turn her ideal life upside down. Her life is in ruins. What is the secret she has learned? How will she put her life back together? This is an interesting book and a fast read. Ideal for s beach read or one that will go quick.
August 16, 2020
Netgalley ♥️ Zoie is editing a story. She has a long lost half sister Kimberly. Kimberly withdraws from being a candidate for state senator. She has twin daughters Alexis and Alexandra.She quit the Senate race to prevent the article Zoie wrote about her from being printed. I was curious to find out the family secret but got bored along the way
November 30, 2022
I loved this sequel. At first, you think Kimberly is just gonna live with this secret that Zoie has uncovered & keep it just that: a secret. And I think she would've if her husband would've gone back to loving on her & not being mad at her. When she decided to tell him the truth her world is turned upside down! Now she has to figure out what to do and how to get back on track. I don't think she had any fight in her because she was just laying down. After a few talks with the right people, she's ready to fight. Things start to fall in place for everyone actually & guess who's behind the misery once again?
April 4, 2020
Startling and compelling, well written and often heartbreaking, I devoured this story in an evening. Carve out time enough to finish this story because you won't want to put this down.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2020
This is book 2 in the series! This was my first tome reading one by this author and I really enjoyed her! You must read a House Divided first though. Lots of themes about truth, being true to yourself, honesty, etc. I will definitely be looking for more by her.
August 6, 2020
It was a good read. I loved the way the characters evolved, letting go of what they once thought was their normal and recognizing when to let go. Discovering that secrets can be revealed and although hurtful, can be overcome. Great story of family and love.
July 5, 2024
Proficient writing✍🏾
You know, there are books that I read and enjoy and forget the plot and theme with the passage of years and time. Some books I read, I remember the words, phrases, the impression on my life, the plot and words. This book is in the latter category!
You know, there are books that I read and enjoy and forget the plot and theme with the passage of years and time. Some books I read, I remember the words, phrases, the impression on my life, the plot and words. This book is in the latter category!
June 2, 2020
Blood Is Thicker
Donna Hill has done it once again. The Other Sister the long awaited sequel to A House Divided by Donna Hill was well worth the wait. Zoie Crawford , top notch Investigative Journalist pitts her self against Attorney Kimberly Graham. Family interaction was real This book touched on all emotions, Rowan and Jackson tied for my least favorite characters. The aunties were always on point. This is a stand alone book, I suggest you read them both.
This book was sent to me by NetGalley for an honest review.
Donna Hill has done it once again. The Other Sister the long awaited sequel to A House Divided by Donna Hill was well worth the wait. Zoie Crawford , top notch Investigative Journalist pitts her self against Attorney Kimberly Graham. Family interaction was real This book touched on all emotions, Rowan and Jackson tied for my least favorite characters. The aunties were always on point. This is a stand alone book, I suggest you read them both.
This book was sent to me by NetGalley for an honest review.
July 2, 2020
Oh my heart, she did it again. This can be read as a stand alone but not recommended, read A House Divided then dive into The Other Sister.
July 6, 2020
Exceptional read will not be disappointed page turner from beginning till end
September 9, 2020
The Other Sister
Wow wow wow this was just plain good ole southern I can't believe this happened good I can't say what I enjoyed most.
Wow wow wow this was just plain good ole southern I can't believe this happened good I can't say what I enjoyed most.
October 29, 2020
3.5 stars
November 24, 2020
3.5-star read
February 11, 2021
Loved it!
June 15, 2021
The color of your skin.
A good read,family had problems but in the end it all came together. Secrets,Lies, choices we make in life. Love is all you need❤️
A good read,family had problems but in the end it all came together. Secrets,Lies, choices we make in life. Love is all you need❤️
June 12, 2025
the storyline was good overall. however, it felt very rushed and long at the same time. it took her too long to get to the point and feels like she just hurried through the certain scenes
July 1, 2020
Kimberly Maitland-Graham, the heroine of this story, is an accomplished woman, loving mother, faithful wife, and popular candidate for State Senator. Kimberly’s life is full and rewarding until a rising star journalist uncovers her true family background. That’s when Kimberly’s life begins to unravel.
Talented writer, Donna Hill, pens a powerful page-turner that exposes a family secret that leaves the heroine reeling. Not only does this secret affect her and her immediate family, but it also affects the journalist, Zoie Crawford who literally holds her future and Kimberly’s in an article she writes.
I enjoyed this enlightening and entertaining story, and I recommend it. If you want to get the full effect of this story, I suggest that you read the prequel, A HOUSE DIVIDED. It’s Zoie’s story. THE OTHER SISTER is so well-written, it can be read as a stand-alone. The Discussion Questions at the end of the novel that are included as a guide for reading groups is an added bonus.
Talented writer, Donna Hill, pens a powerful page-turner that exposes a family secret that leaves the heroine reeling. Not only does this secret affect her and her immediate family, but it also affects the journalist, Zoie Crawford who literally holds her future and Kimberly’s in an article she writes.
I enjoyed this enlightening and entertaining story, and I recommend it. If you want to get the full effect of this story, I suggest that you read the prequel, A HOUSE DIVIDED. It’s Zoie’s story. THE OTHER SISTER is so well-written, it can be read as a stand-alone. The Discussion Questions at the end of the novel that are included as a guide for reading groups is an added bonus.
August 11, 2020
This book is very emotional. The people she thought were her parents where her grandparents. The secret they hid from her explained why they were so cold her. She realized her husband was not the person she believed. As a result of her learning the secret she finds her true family. She also finds the person who cares about her as she is truly is.
June 30, 2020
Once again Hill does a masterful job of weaving a story about powerful women and family. “The women in The Other Sister” are connected by blood, history, lies and secrets and this book begins where book one “A House Divided” ends. I love a continuing story.
Like peeling an onion Zoie Crawford begins to remove layers from her life and find at the core a connection she does not expect. In Book two we learn more about Kimberly Maitland who is connected to Zoie in a very surprising way. I was surprised to find myself rooting for Kimberly but her story broke my heart, it could’ve been my sister, or yours.
Praise for a job well done
I received ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
Like peeling an onion Zoie Crawford begins to remove layers from her life and find at the core a connection she does not expect. In Book two we learn more about Kimberly Maitland who is connected to Zoie in a very surprising way. I was surprised to find myself rooting for Kimberly but her story broke my heart, it could’ve been my sister, or yours.
Praise for a job well done
I received ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews