While at the OLA conference, I was discussing novels with the vendor at the Harper Collins Canada booth and we looked at the stories by Susan Mallery. I enjoy novels in which women are the centre – especially ordinary women living everyday lives. The vendor recommended Sisters by Choice. I like the title as it makes me think of the friends I have who are as close to me as a sister would be.

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary

Blurb:

Cousins by chance, sisters by choice …

After her cat toy empire goes up in flames, Sophie Lane returns to Blackberry Island, determined to rebuild. Until small-town life reveals a big problem: she can’t grow unless she learns to let go. If Sophie relaxes her grip even a little, she might lose everything. Or she might finally be free to reach for the happiness and love that have eluded her for so long.

Kristine has become defined by her relationship to others. She’s a wife, a mom. As much as she adores her husband and sons, she wants something for herself—a sweet little bakery just off the waterfront. She knew changing the rules wouldn’t be easy, but she never imagined she might have to choose between her marriage and her dreams.

Like the mainland on the horizon, Heather’s goals seem beyond her grasp. Every time she manages to save for college, her mother has another crisis. Can she break free, or will she be trapped in this tiny life forever?

Told with Mallery’s trademark humor and charm, Sisters by Choice is a heartfelt tale of love, family and the friendships that see us through.

My thoughts:

Sisters by Choice is a story of three women with different experiences who are all at turning points in their lives. These women have choices that they need to make – choices that are important to them and that will change their lives. Through these women’s stories, Mallery shows the reader that each woman is different and will need to make choices for a different path to keep her fulfilled.

Mallery expertly intertwines the stories of the three women in the novel. The reader sees the connection between these women and is at no time confused by which story belongs to which character. By intertwining the stories, the author also shows that we are connected and that our choices do affect the lives of those around us.

I felt a connection on some level with all three women – despite their varying ages and experiences. Some experiences in life are had by most women and it is these experiences that connected me with the characters. This connection encouraged me to feel empathy for them, and to understand the motives for their choices and behaviour.

Sisters by Choice was the first novel by Mallery that I have read. I will certainly pick up another by this author.

I give this novel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2020

(This novel was the 15th novel in my book pledge for 2020)