The Sister Effect

by Susan Mallery

Beloved bestselling author Susan Mallery brings readers an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story that explores the nuances of a broken family’s complex emotions as they strive to become whole in this uplifting story of human frailty and resilience.

Finley McGowan is determined that the niece she’s raising will always feel loved and wanted. Unlike how she felt after her mom left to pursue a dream of stardom, and when the grandfather who was left to raise them abandoned her and her sister, Sloane, when they needed him most. Finley reacted to her chaotic childhood by walking the straight and narrow—nose down, work hard, follow the rules.

Sloane went the other way.

Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and as damaged as ever…and she wants a relationship with her daughter. She says she’s changed, but Finley’s heart has been burned once too often for her to trust easily. But is her reluctance to forgive really about Sloane or worry over losing what she loves the most? With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn there’s joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.

 

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Family, Womens Fiction, Chick Lit

416 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 2023

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

Reviews

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
Finley McGowan is a subcontractor who specializes in flipping houses and is guardian to her eight-year old niece Aubrey. They live with her mother Molly because three years ago her sister Sloane was the cause of her financial ruin and turned her daughter over to Finley, establishing her as legal guardian. Sloane’s been sober for almost a year now and Finley fears that she may want her daughter back. To make matters worse, her grandfather is coming to live with them because of poor health. Lester abandoned them twenty years ago and she’s not interested in forgiving the man that threw the girls’ lives into chaos. Meanwhile, home contractor Jericho Ford is facing his own sibling battle. His brother Gil destroyed his marriage by having an affair with his wife. Now, he wants him to forgive them both and is using their mother to apply pressure. When he meets Finley who is working on one of his houses, they find their common bond and a friendship is born.

the heart of the story…
The overwhelming theme in this story is forgiveness and it becomes rather obvious early on. But how can you forgive someone who hasn’t really asked for it, at least in the opinion of the one who was wronged? While Sloane keeps telling Finley she’s sorry, it doesn’t ever resonate or feel genuine. Lester does a better job of it but he later does something that calls his credibility into question. Jericho’s situation was even harder as his brother and ex-wife pretty much demanded he forgive them, move on, without ever really taking responsibility for their duplicity that doesn’t have a “but” accompanying the apology. I loved how Finley and Jericho were able to share their misery with each other, unknowingly finding an outlet and a sympathetic ear that ultimately helped them move forward. Their friendship eventually shifts to something more but by that time, they’d created a wonderful foundation.

the narration…
Tanya Eby is the reason I only listen to the author’s books because she’s such a wonderful storyteller. She delivered another great performance and gave distinctive voice to a host of characters.

the bottom line…
The forgiveness theme was therapeutic for me as I experienced similar disappointments in my life. I found myself bonding with Finley and Jericho, wanting them to hold out until…what? There were lots of lessons to be learned here, including for Sloane and Gil. This turned out to be an instructive but lovely story that even now I’m still thinking about. Job well done. 4.5 stars

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery is a women’s fiction title that does have a bit of romance but a whole lot more of family relationships, healing and forgiveness. The tough topics of alcoholism, infidelity and abandonment are at the forefront of the story.

Finley McGowan has done her best to clean up the mess her sister Sloane had left behind when her alcoholism hit rock bottom. This included Finley taking in her neice, Aubrey, and giving her a loving home when Sloane showed up with her in a drunken haze and admitted she couldn’t take care of her.

A year has passed since that horrible time with Finley getting back into the house flipping business she loves and Sloane staying sober visiting her daughter more and more. Finley can’t help but worry though and finds a friend in her boss who knows better than most just how impossible navigating family matters can be.

The Sister Effect is not the first book by Susan Mallery that I have read and it certainly won’t be the last. Each time I see a new book coming out I get excited to dive into them as I know I will be caught up in the story right away and The Sister Effect was no exception. The complex layers of the families involved kept my interest at a peak wondering how everything would work out and I couldn’t help but feel for the characters as they rode the emotional roller coaster and I went along for the ride. Another great story that I couldn’t put down until the very end!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always fun to get lost in one of Susan Mallery's books. The Sister Effect has some romance, but it is also about family and addiction.

Finley and Sloane are sisters. Finley is raising her niece and wants to make sure Aubrey always feels loved and wanted. She is angry with her sister Sloane, who has disappointed her over and over again due to her alcohol addiction. There's a long history here.

Sloane is a recovering alcoholic who is struggling with her addiction. She's out of prison, working on her addiction, working a job, and wanting a relationship with her daughter, Aubrey.

Can Finley forgive Sloane? Can she put all the pain and anger behind her and move forward? Besides the issues between Sloane and Finley, there are also issues both sisters have from their grandfather abandoning them completely after they chose to live with their mother. Can this relationship heal?

This book delves into relationships, forgiveness, redemption, and addiction. There is a lot going on and I sometimes wanted to scream at Finley with her judging attitude, as well as reach out and help her heal from the pain she carries.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on March 7, 2023.

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book addresses a lot of serious issues, I felt too many details were repeated and not necessary to move the plot along.

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t write many reviews anymore because I seriously read too much. But The Sister Effect by Susan Mallory is one I have to write about. This was a 3✨ read to me. Not bad just average but…As an addiction therapist the subject kine really took hold of me. As an alcoholic it pulled me in. I really liked how the book to a look at an out of control alcoholic and went through a raw emotional journey of detox but also what codependency does on a family. Please if you need help ask me how. I am not here to counsel but I will put you in the direction to obtain help whether you are an addict/alcoholic or struggle with codependency. You can always call #988

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well helloo gorgeous! ❤️ I love this cover!! As always @susanmallery delivers!! Thank you so much @htpbooks for my gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰🥰🥰

LOTS of family drama!! I love family drama.. as long as it is not my own.😬 Addiction… prison… house flipping.. your brother slept 🛌 with your wife..😳.. Oh NOW I got your attention!! 😂 That is only the beginning!! This story gets good and scandalous .😉

What I really loved is how real this felt. It wasn’t over the top crazy… it felt like real life.. real issues… How no matter how annoying… or how awesome…they are family. 🤷‍♀️ I think we can all relate at some level.

I loved Finley and yes… I loved Sloane too!! ❤️ My heart went out to her as she struggled to win her battle. Go Sloane girl. 🙌 It wasn’t always pretty.. but it showed her struggle and just how dark it can get. 💔

Loved loved loved the family dynamics! Entertaining… heartfelt… these sisters 👯‍♀️ will keep you guessing if family will win in the end… or has the damage been done? 🤔

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan Mallery’s latest book “The Sister Effect is my book #8 by her. I’m definitely in the minority with this one with my 3 star rating. To me, it dragged on and on and I had a hard time connecting with ANY of the characters. It’s about 2 sisters, one struggles with addiction and the other sister takes care of the daughter for her until she gets her act together. Lots of family drama. That’s basically it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. Looking forward to Susan’s next release.

[Meg Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t want to say I hated this book, but I will say that I strongly disliked it. I had to will myself to finish this book and that is something I hate having to do! The main character was very whiny and didn’t stop until LITERALLY 85% of the book was over. We saw almost (except for in the last 20ish pages) no character development for any of the characters which made them equally unlikeable and hard to root for. Please, read any other book.

[Wendy W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑
The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery is an emotional family drama and romance that is intense as it focuses on forgiveness, addiction, and redemption.

Story Recap:
Finley McGowan is raising her eight-year-old niece, Aubrey, and she is determined to keep her safe and raise her in a supportive and stable home. Unlike the way she and her sister, Sloane was raised. Their mother was in and out of their lives, and their grandfather, took over until he left them for good and never contacted them again.

Meanwhile, Finley gets closer to Jericho, a local builder. He has family issues of his own. Jericho is recently divorced after his brother admitted to having an affair with his wife, Lauren. Now Jericho’s mother wants him to forgive and forget.

Sloane is about to reach her one-year sober mark, and she’s ready to see more of Aubrey. But Finlay doesn’t believe Sloane has changed enough to raise her daughter on her own. Or is Finlay just unable to forgive Sloane?


My Thoughts:
The main theme of this book is forgiveness. Specifically forgiving family for unforgivable transgressions. And what does forgiveness look like?

I loved the different stories that are combined in this book. These characters are very well-developed and I enjoyed their interactions. Finlay lost everything due to her sister’s illness, and she took in her niece without a second thought. I thought Finlay was difficult to like at first, but as the story progressed, I realized why she is the way she is, and she grew on me and I loved her story by the end of the book.

Sloane was my favorite character. She is very flawed, but I thought her story was the most emotional and I felt for her and her struggles.
Families are messy, and this family is very messy! But, I loved their story and their journey to redemption and acceptance.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Sister Effect to anyone who enjoys Women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Foxy Vixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to read if you want to understand the disease alcoholism. It shows all the aspects of all the people involved.
If you like drama, this book is certainly for you.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a perfect feel good story with an actual
Storyline.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincere, sentimental, and rewarding!

The Sister Effect is a warm, intimate tale that immerses you into the lives of the McGowan family, especially sisters Finley and Sloane, as they confront the past, accept the things they cannot change, forgive, take chances, repair fractured relationships, move on, and embrace the future.

The prose is expressive and fluid. The characters are troubled, supportive, and compassionate. And the plot is a tender tale about life, love, forgiveness, secrets, responsibilities, alcoholism, addiction, familial drama, redemption, sisterhood, friendship, and hope.

Overall, The Sister Effect is another heartwarming, uplifting, nostalgic tale by Mallery that reminds us that the true meaning of family is unconditionally loving, respecting, accepting, and supporting each other through all the highs and lows. It’s the perfect read for spring and proves once again that when it comes to writing heartfelt, moving stories with characters you can’t help but root for, Mallery is one of the best!

Thank you to HTP Books – Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley McGowan is not only rebuilding her life after suffering a financial loss, she is also now legal guardian and full-time carer for her 8-year-old niece Aubrey. They live with Finley’s mother who is more than helpful. More recently, Finley’s sister Sloane is back in their lives. She gets to see her daughter for a few hours each week, but wants her family to believe in her when she says she has changed and would like at the very least more time with Aubrey.

While Finley and Sloane we’re close as children they grew apart the older they got, especially when it is something that Sloane did all that ruined Finley’s life. Finley is struggling to forgive Sloane for that situation and for other things that were done to the detriment of the family.

There is something else that affects the lives of the McGowan family, and this has to do with Finley and Sloane‘s grandfather. These changes are all having a deep affect on Finley. One way that Finley is finding comfort is with a new friendship with someone she meets on one of her job sites and his name is Jericho. He is someone who has family problems of his own and while he works on healing his situation, he Poohs instrumental in helping Finley to learn about forgiveness when it comes to her sister, but also her grandfather.

The Sister Effect is highly emotional because forgiveness is not the only factor here. In fact, Sloane has been struggling with alcoholism for years in the story shows how her family deals with this very sad disease, and how they all can find a way to heal, despite hiccups that happen along the way. It was very easy to feel for Finley and Jericho, and how they were learning how their lives could benefit from forgiveness, By the same token, it was very sad to see what Sloane continually went through and how this lifelong disease of alcoholism impacted her life in more than one way.

Susan Mallery is a very effective author, one who brings characters to life in her stories, makes her readers feel, and brings about endings that are more than satisfying.

Many thanks to HQN and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/byUKRFYLPQ8

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a family drama with all of the good feelings that come from being around a family with problems, laughs, fun and just dealing with life. Finley is a sympathetic character who works hard at her job in construction and who also works hard at taking care of her young niece Aubrey. Sloane, her sister, is a struggling alcoholic and Aubrey’s mother who recognized her limitations and left Aubrey to be raised by Finley. The drama comes into play because Finley has a problem forgiving those who hurt her or take advantage of her. That means she can’t forgive Sloane or her grandfather who walked out on the two of them. Told with wit and humor and gut-wrenching realistic details, this is a story that is at times haunting in its scope. Dealing with the effects of alcoholism on the other family members as well as betrayal and lack of trust, this novel gave me chills at times as I was reading because of the thought-provoking details that were portrayed. The characters were all fleshed out and so realistic that their dialogue played in my mind like a movie reel. I enjoyed the developing relationships between Finley and her new friend, but the relationship that really touched my heart was that between Sloane and her sister. Both want to mend fences but neither really knows how to start and getting there seemed to be almost impossible at times. I really appreciated the authenticity of the emotions that came into play throughout the book. Fans of the author knows that she writes with humor and heart and this book is filled with both, a memorable ride down a captivating road of life filled with the unexpected. I laughed, I cried, I gave advice to the characters and I shook my head in disbelief at some of their actions. In short, I fell in love with this book and highly recommend it to all readers who want to read a book filled to the brim with rich details and a brilliant plot. It is a compelling read that is well-crafted and multi-layered, dealing with the difficult topics of forgiveness and relationships in a smart and insightful way.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her review crew. I was not required to write a positive review, so all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finley and Sloane's relationship was fractured due to alcoholism and betrayal, As Sloane attempts to pick of the pieces of her life, she's being judged for her mistakes.

Finley's life was shattered by the people closest to her. She finds it difficult to trust and is quick to disapprove to avoid being hurt. Raising Sloane's daughter, moving back in with her mother and trying to accept that her sister has changed, Finley feels her life is spiraling out of control.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #TheSisterEffect in exchange for an honest review. I enjoy Susan Mallery's novels and my only issue with the story was Finley's unforgiving nature. While recognizing that she was betrayed, I found her uncompromising attitude evasive. She was so negative that I found myself siding with Sloane.

[Sally Mulzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very predictable… even for me 🤣. Like most of this authors books but this one missed the mark for me

[TinaNoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hit or Miss author for me and this one is rather... in the middle.

I always like messy family drama and this one has it in spades.

But...individually every character got on my last nerve. All of them. And I dislike the lack of consequence for bad behavior. Only for it to get wrapped up in a family forgiveness bow.

Anway... it was ok for an audiobook listen. Tanya Eby always manages to elevate the material.

[Jamie H · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like a lot of this author’s books, but I am SO surprised that it’s rated so well. There was maybe one likable character and the main sister was unbelievably whiny through the whole thing. I skipped so much of it just to not have to listen to her whine about the same thing over and over. It was an exact example of “beating a dead horse.” The 8 year old wasn’t written with believable dialogue at all (I have 6 and 11 year old children). Big disappointment.

[Gedankenlabor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"MILL CREEK- Die Träume meiner Schwester" von Susan Mallery sollte für mich eigentlich eine Lektüre so zwischendurch sein und letztlich wurde sie so viel mehr! Zum einen spielt die Geschichte innerhalb eines tollen Örtchens, und zum anderen taucht man hier doch viel tiefer als ich erwartet hatte in eine Familiendynamik ein, innerhalb derer es an allen Ecken und Enden viel Aufarbeitung ansteht. Jeder hat so sein ganz eigenes Päckchen zu tragen und doch brauchen sie alle einander und müssen das letztlich lernen- eben füreinander und miteinander all die Hürden zu nehmen. Im Fokus stehen hier Finley und ihre Schwester Sloan, und natürlich Sloans Tochter Lily, die einfach herzerwärmend ist und immer wieder innerhalb der Geschichte kleine Herzmomente schafft. Natürlich spielt auch hier die Liebe eine große Rolle, insbesondere für Finley, die noch so vieles zu lernen hat und die größte Aufgabe wohl darin besteht ihr Herz zu öffnen.
Mir hat das Buch wirklich gut gefallen und ging doch tiefer als ich dachte, was mir sehr gefallen und die Charaktere sehr nah gebracht hat!

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book the day it was delivered. I could not put it down. Family drama at its best. The sister's relationship was the main part of the storyline that was in part sad yet not perfect just like real life. I loved the ending it played out so well.
I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend this fast read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a wonderful book and explains to the reader the effects of alcoholism is on the family. This book seems to get better and better and you almost want to finish it in one sitting. Sloane has battled alcoholism her entire life and is still having a hard time. She gave her sister custody of her daughter when Aubrey was five years old. Finley is a wonderful mother to Aubrey, but has real doubts about Sloane’s recovery. Highly recommend!!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was interesting, lots of family drama! Old drama, new drama, drama that by the end of the book the characters were able to let go. Although for most of the book I firmly sided with Finley and Jericho, wondering why they had to be the ones to do the forgiving when they were the ones that were so wronged.

Despite my last statement, I liked where the characters ended up. It seems like they all are happy and that is the most important thing.

[Jodie (That Happy Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Sister Effect is an emotional story of family, resilience and hope. This is Susan Mallery at her best.

This is one of my favourite books by Susan Mallery. The characters are well-developed, experience real challenges and have made mistakes in their lives. I have read many books by this author and this one has become one of my favourites.

Finlay and Sloane are sisters who were raised by a mother who was in and out of their lives, and a grandfather who picked up the pieces each time she left. When their mother decided to stay for good, their grandfather gave the girls the choice of who they wished to live with. When the girls choose their mother, he left them for good.

The story is told from the dual perspectives of Finlay and Sloane and speaks to how the sisters were impacted by the instability of their childhood. Where Finlay became a responsible adult who craved stability, Sloane’s path was very different. I was impressed with Mallery’s discussion of Sloane’s alcoholism which was written with great compassion.

During one of the most tragic times in her life, Sloane asks Finlay to become the guardian of her daughter. Without giving too much away, Finlay and her mother raise her daughter for the next several years – a commitment that Finlay takes very seriously. She has worked hard to rebuild her financial health after a huge loss that was outside of her own control.

While the story has romance elements, it shines in the personal growth of the two sisters as individuals and as siblings. It is a moving, emotional read perfect for those that enjoy stories of family relationships. I am certain I will remember this book for many years to come.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories of family.

Thank you to HQN and Edelweiss + for the DRC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book in a goodreads giveaway and am so glad I did! I really loved this book it was super cute and I love Jericho. My only “complaint” is that Aubrey just doesn’t sound like a childs voice she’s not kind and mature but that’s also kinda the personality of the character. At times I found her way of speaking to just seem not realistic but I truly loved this book!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallery brings us another family story full of heart and heartbreak. Finley is finally starting to dig herself out of the hole her twin made for her with her bender. But she still has a lot of anger for her and now the grandfather who abandoned her is back. Meanwhile, the new guy in her life seems to have just as much drama and has become a real friend for her. But is that all he is?

This book confirms that I should continue reading Mallery's stand alones and skip her series books all together. The writing quality is vastly different. The series books are VERY formulaic.l and stale. These stand alones, while also a tad formulaic, are much better.

[Haley Simpson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad to say, boring except the last couple chapters. Almost did not finish. The cover is extremely misleading btw

[Karen Antonaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Susan Mallery book and I loved it. It is about family relationships with some romance sprinkled in. Topics are alcoholism, infidelity, and abandonment issues.

Some of these topics were part of my life and I have to say I was more like Finley, like why would you drink when you know the consequences, how can you forgive when you have done terrible things to people or could kill someone? I pondered some of these same questions especially after losing a classmate after graduating high school from someone who was a drunk driver. I especially liked when Finley was like a slip how could that even be a word for this?

Anyway I learned a lot on both sides of the spectrum and glad I don't have to deal with as a family issue. Finley is a strong person who is responsible for raising her sister, Sloane's, daughter, Aubrey, a delightful little girl whom Finley wants to keep safe. She has an interesting job that is not typical for females. At first you dont like Lester, her grandfather, nor her mother, who is the cause of many of both Finley and Sloane's characters. I still even after finishing the book wouldn't say their mother was my favorite character, I left with the feeling that she was oblivious of what she did to her daughters.

You also hated Jericho's brother and ex wife. I still didn't like them either at the end of the book. The feelings Jericho had about that situation was the same as I thought. You are rooting and cheering for Jericho and Finley throughout the book and love how it ends.

Antonio is a hoot who I loved. He was a strong character who always has his friends back. You just naturally get drawn to him. Would have loved though to have heard about their trip to France. I just love the things he says to Jericho and even his brother.

I think Jericho's mother is not very strong character but she doesn't really want friciton with her boys.

I love the description of the house as Finley goes through both her flip and Jericho's. It makes you feel as if you are there.

You also love Ellis calm and confident character, he is definitely a keeper for Sloane and you are hoping she realizes this.

You feel the feelings of all these characters so Susan Mallery does a great job having you feel the same way.

I look forward to more of her books. Since this is my first one I can't compare but I hope the others make me feel this way.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come.

Quick thoughts:

Susan Mallery book covers always make me want to read the book.

This one is a teensy bit heavier than her other books.

If you've been paying attention to her social media in the last couple of weeks, you notice she's been teasing a few scenes that from the scene and title- had my brain thinking this was going to be a different plot.

Still a good book. Sometimes more 3-3.5 stars.

[Carol Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, every character in this book was annoying!

[Stephanie Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man this was a really great read. This is a story about addiction, the toll it takes on the family, broken families, how even though they do you wrong they are still family and you have to learn how to live in this new normal and that you can’t control the actions of the addicted person. Finley is raising her niece and paying off the debt that her sister Sloane who is an alcoholic caused after she went on a bender stole her work truck, sold what was inside and crashed it then imploded her life and Finley’s. Sloane is out of prison and almost a year sober having visitation with her daughter and trying to make amends for what she did but she isn’t really taking her sobriety seriously since she thinks she isn’t an alcoholic and she can control it which spoiler alert she can’t. Finley doesn’t trust her sister with just cause and I like watching how their relationship changes and grows as Finley realizes that she can’t control her sister’s addiction she can only control her reaction to it and set up boundaries. This was a really great take on the family dynamics involving addiction and how to help them and to let them go since you can’t make them get better, they have to want to get better. How to forgive but not forget and to understand that it isn’t your fault and that nothing you do will help the situation if they don’t want help.

Thanks to HQN and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.