Summary:

Fern and Rose are twin sisters but as different as can be.

Rose has always been more of a mother to Fern than her own mother. Rose protects Fern and takes care of her, even as adults. Rose has protected a very dark secret about Fern for their entire lives.

Fern is becoming more independent and starts to think for herself, which is frustrating to Rose. After meeting a new friend named “Wally,” Fern begins to question some of Rose’s motives and decisions.

As the novel alternates between journal entries from the point of view of Fern to the point of view of Rose, the reader must determine who to believe.

My Thoughts:

I have loved all of Sally Hepworth’s books. She is a master at character development and the emotions that the women in her novels carry with them. I enjoyed the twists that occurred at the end of the novel.

I loved the details regarding the sensory issues that Fern had and how her friendship with Wally developed since he also was apparently on the autism spectrum as well. As a teacher, I have had many students with these behaviors and the details were explained so well.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley. This book will be released on April 21, 2021.

Wow, just wow…. Sally Hepworth you shall receive all the stars!!! ALL OF THEM!

This is an extremely hard book to review without giving away any spoilers so my recap shall be brief, and then I will dive into why this book was so marvelously amazing.

This book is about twin sisters, Rose and Fern told through intertwining narratives. We hear from Rose through diary entries that discuss their childhood together with their mum, while Fern’s narrative is told in the present day and discusses their relationships into adulthood.

Ok, now for the gushing!

I have always heard people talk about these magically written books that they “just couldn’t put down” up until now I was under the impression that this was just an expression. Some mythological thing that everyone knows but that doesn’t really exist; you know, like on the same page as unicorns. But, you guys better call Hogwarts because I found one!!! (I’m searching for unicorns later; I think I might have a chance now)

From the very first page I was hooked, it was such a casual thing; I didn’t even know it was happening until I found myself literally saying “one more chapter”. I devoured this book in 24 hours. I believe the main reason for this instant obsession was because of the beautiful way Fern’s character is written. It is quite apparent early on that Fern is on the autism spectrum and you cannot help but fall head over heels in love with her logically witty exchange with the other characters. The contrast between the sisters is also something that slaps you directly in the feels within the first few chapters, Rose the caring over protective sister who has her shit all the way together, and Fern who is just kind of doing her own thing.

I thought it was truly brilliant the way the author kept setting you up for absolute failure, really.. just when you thought you had any kind of a clue as to what was truly going on within the lives of these twins she would shove another fact into your brain and you would have to rethink everything!

This book has everything my little bookish mind was craving and delivered it at the exact moments I needed them: mystery, romance, family, and MURDER!

As with pretty much every book I read it is only fair to mention that their maybe some dark subject matter for some (mainly involving child abuse) I don’t feel like that would be a reason to skip this one.. but you have been warned!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, and I will definitely be buying a copy of this book upon its April arrival.. and will be shoving it in everyone’s face telling them “ohhhh, you have to read this”!

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth – (April 2021, Thriller/Mystery) I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Twin sisters, who are complete opposites, are super close to each other. Raised by a single mother who had mental issues, the sisters have kept a secret from childhood. One sister is desperate to have a child and will do anything to do so. Told from alternating points of view, this book has several plot twists and surprises. It had me engaged and wanting to keep reading. I have read all but one of Hepworth’s books and have yet to be disappointed.

It took me a little bit to get sucked in, but once I did I could not put it down. I was up until 2 in the morning finishing it because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep until I did. Such a great story! I thought it was so well done and I loved the character development. I would highly recommend this book!

Twins Fern and Rose appear to have a typical, close, almost co-dependent relationship. Since childhood, Rose has taken the place as Fern's protector and even in their adulthood, she frequently checks in on her and makes sure she is taking care of herself. But does Fern really need all of this help? Is she as addled and likely to veer off course as Rose tells her she is?
When Fern meets Rocco at the library she works at, Rose's assertions and recollections of the past hold Fern back from fully giving herself over to her new relationship. Still desperate to please her sister, who is struggling with infertility, Fern hatches a plan that will change all of their lives...and reopen the past.
There are tense undertones from the start, with Rose's diary entries playing a key part in the unfolding of the story. However, early on the reader begins to question how much of this narrative is completely believable and how much of it may be skewed based on who's telling it. When no one seems to remember the basic events from even one childhood story, that's a strong clue that something isn't adding up for a reason. Fern herself is filled with guilt and self-doubt, making it even more difficult to parse out what to believe and what to look at with a questioning eye.
While I was hooked from page one, the last third of the book was fairly predictable. Fern and Rocco's relationship was realistically portrayed and their tenderness and intense desire to understand one another was a highlight. Despite the not so twisty ending, the story still kept me hooked, but for the lack of unpredictability, I'm rating this one a 3.5

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary advance copy. This did not impact my review.

I really enjoyed this book! Part suspense, part family drama, I think it has something for everyone. I really enjoyed another book of Hepworth's, The Mother-in-Law so I was looking forward to another fast read.

For me, the book started off a bit slow, but once I was past the first quarter I had to find out what happened. Fern is such a great character and I loved that her POV was most of the book.

If you enjoyed 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙄𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙬 you should definitely check out Sally’s latest book. 🥰

Fern and Rose are sisters who have always been close and look out for each other as sisters, twins at that, should, but often Rose feels the need to be extra protective of Fern. Their mother wasn’t the most loving, responsible mother, and they didn’t have an idyllic childhood. In fact, sometimes their mother was neglectful and abusive, only pushing Rose more and more into that protective roll that she feels she needs to assume. When Fern does a terrible thing as a child, she and Rose hide the truth; however, when Rose discovers that she can't have a child and Fern decides to try to have one for her, the secrets of the past, both Fern’s and Rose’s, threaten to come to the surface.

The Good Sister is told through the eyes of both Fern and Rose, as well as through Rose’s journal. I really liked that Hepworth chose to present the narrative in this way; the multiple points of view show not only that one’s perspective is their reality, but it allows the reader to come to their own conclusion about whose perspective is reality and whose you may not be able to rely on. The narrative itself took a lot of twists and turns that I did not expect, yet I wasn’t completely surprised by them; there was a certain character that I never really trusted so some of the revelations weren’t unexpected. Rocco/Wally is easily my favorite character in The Good Sister and while he fully served his purpose within the story, I wish I had been able to visit with him within more of the pages. The Good Sister is a quick read, and at times it could be a little slow, but the way the story is presented often created suspense that kept me reading to discover the truth about the terrible thing Fern did.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an early electronic copy of The Good Sister in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.

Growing up with an unstable mom, twins Fern and Rose, have a very close relationship. They are fraternal twins who are very different from each other...Fern works at a library, is single, lives in a small apartment, and has some sensory and communication issues, while Rose is an interior designer, married, lives in a house and has always watched out for and taken care of her twin.

As the story unfolds, there are twists in the plot that I wasn't expecting and it had me turning the pages and staying up late to read. I enjoyed all of the characters and always love a Sally Hepworth novel.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the arc.

There was no savoring of this book. Reading was an absolute compulsion. MUST READ. Cannot put the book down!!!

I was immediately draw in by dear, quirky Fern. Hepworth brilliantly created a non-neurotypical character that resonates and charms. Her inner dialogue often made me giggle while also revealing battles I never face as a neurotypical person. Hepworth has done a beautiful job of giving a voice to people with sensory issues. And if I didn’t love Fern enough, in walks Wally. Be still my heart!

Wally and Fern are reason enough to read this book. But if you need more reasons.... This is a book about overcoming. A book about realizing just how strong and capable you really are. A book about how emotion can taint perception. A book about sisterhood and family. A book about control and master manipulators. A book about finding (and trusting) your voice. And ultimately, a book about the power of love.

Can a book be both endearing and disconcerting? Based on my experience with The Good Sister, I’d say yes!

Many thanks to Sally Hepworth, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 rounded up. This was an ok story (fairly predictable by the first third or so) but I enjoyed how the characters of Fern and Rocco were portrayed, namely their sensory issues. I feel it’s rare to see that, especially in thrillers. I enjoyed the writing and while I felt it was slow at times I still felt I wanted to see how it ended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sally Hepworth’s newest book was a hit! Seeing the view points of Fern and Rose helped to understand the relationship between these twins. I enjoyed looking into their past as well as the present events.

I loved seeing the connection between the two sisters unfold. Their complicated relationship which pushed the boundaries of trust and reliance. Where does one sister end and the other begin? Do we believe the stories we tell ourselves or the stories that are told to us that someone else wants us to believe?

I loved the quirks of Fern. The relationship she built with Wally was a blessing. I found myself rooting for them throughout the whole book.

I went into this book knowing there would be a twist with one of the characters. I didn’t realize that I would get so much more. I loved the character development throughout the story. This book also makes me believe that there is someone for everyone in this world.

Sally Hepworth has become a must-read writer for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense of The Good Sister.

Fern is the fraternal twin on the spectrum, making readers wonder how she could have ever earned a librarian degree as she has major trouble engaging with people. Rose is the twin who serves as a second mother to Fern guiding her away from precarious situations. Their own mother is portrayed in Rose’s diary as a psychopath who constantly puts the twins at risk.

Rose is also infertile, and when Fern realizes this, she decides she could become a surrogate mother for her twin. After all, Rose has kept Fern’s dark, deadly secret about something Fern did years ago.

Before her plan is fully formed and executed, Fern becomes involved with Wally, a like soul who understands Fern’s quirkiness better than others. Not long after they become involved, Fern becomes pregnant, and the surrogate plan is suddenly in the works.

Once again mothering Fern, Rose helps Fern decide that her twin should give Rose the baby to raise as her own, which was what Fern planned in the first place, unbeknownst to Rose. How does falling in love with Wally affect Fern’s sisterly devotion?

Having read Sally Hepworth before, readers will be expecting a twist, and wham! what a twist! Hepworth is the bestselling author of seven novels include The Mother In Law in 2019. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her family.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting February 7, 2021.

I would like to thank St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

Fern Castle has limitations, but she has found a way to have a good job and live the type of life that works for her. With help from her sister Rose, Fern mainly stays on the right track. When her sister discovers that she cannot get pregnant, Fern sees her chance to repay the many kindnesses. The question is, who will be the father?

Having read other books by the author, I was not really surprised by the outcome of this novel. I was a little disappointed that my suspicions were correct because I wanted the novel to go down a different path. I was a fan of the main character, Fern, and think that she was well developed by the author. The speed to which the book concluded was also a source of disappointment for me, as it seemed to come together too quickly. Overall, The Good Sister had an interesting premise, but just did not deliver.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy by NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press. The choice to review this book was my own.

The Good Sister is sure to be another success for Sally Hepworth. A thriller that would make a great addition to any beach bag this spring or summer.

Twin sisters Fern and Rose could not be more different. Fern, who has sensory processing issues, believes no one could understand her besides Rose and she would do anything to help her out, even get pregnant so she can give her sister the baby she wants. The story is told from alternating points of view: Fern in the present day and Rose’s journal entries that highlight childhood abuses at the hands of their crazy mother.... and one big secret.

Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. The story is told by Fern and her twin sister, Rose. Rose's story is mostly through her diary entries. Fern works in a library and has many sensory issues and basically depends on Rose living her life for her. I found the first half of the book rather boring but I have to say that the second half made up for it. You will keep asking yourself who is the crazy sister. Lots of twists and surprises until the very end.

Sally Hepworth is a hit-or-miss, and unfortunately The Good Sister is a bit of a miss. None of the characters are particularly interesting (at best), and almost all of them are , for lack of a better word, annoying. The book is extremely readable, though, and, though the twists are predictable, they kept me going until the end. That being said, I’ll still be checking out Hepworth’s next book!

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth is a novel about twin sisters, Rose and Fern. Rose is desperate to have a baby, and Fern lives a content life as a librarian while navigating the challenges of having sensory processing issues. Fern depends a lot on her sister because of this, but a new relationship makes her question how much help she actually needs and whether her sister is too controlling.

The Good Sister explores the complex relationship between sisters and leave readers guessing who can be trusted in this novel. I really enjoyed Fern’s delightful quirkiness, and found her to be an engaging and memorable character. This novel was suspenseful at times, and also charming which was an enjoyable combo I haven’t encountered in many other books. I would describe it as a mix of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine mixed with Verity, but without any of the graphic content that Verity contained.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

In the 3.5-4 star range. This book took me a little bit to get into. The writing style was different and I wasn't sure what was going on. But once I got into the story and became invested in some of the characters I got decently hooked. While this book had a foreboding and mysterious feel, I do not consider this a thriller and would classify it as a solid domestic suspense. If you read a lot of psychological thriller type books the plot will likely unravel mostly predictably, however I felt that the true enjoyment of this book was in the character development, as well as the tension that is built throughout the book. And the writing style that started out weird to me also earned my respect as I loved that it didn't feel like a cookie cutter read. This was my first book by Hepworth and makes me intrigued to look into her other books.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book - tight plotting, wonderful characterization. As we get to know more about each sister and their mother, we start to wonder what the truth is...and all is revealed. If you enjoy thrillers with well-rounded characters, you will love this book. I don't to give anything away, but you might develop a soft spot for one or more of the characters :-) Thanks to the author and the publisher for this book, and I will recommend it heartily to my readers.

If you like a good quirky character (and I love them!), you will really enjoy this book. I couldn't put this one down. Fern, one of the twins, is such a good character. She is on the spectrum and has a sensory processing disorder. Fern and Rose are fraternal twins and the book is written from their two points of view, which are very different. They grow up sharing everything and becoming very close, as twins normally do. Rose is very protective of Fern and her issues - which Rose doesn't seem to have. She has always taken care of Fern and protected her. They do hide a disturbing secret though. That's all I'm going to say about the story because I don't want to give anything away and it's so much fun to read.

The characters are perfect and I felt I knew them well through the book. I loved Fern and the Wally character the best, they are both great characters. The plot was well-paced and had some great surprises. There is family drama, some romance, and a mystery. Much of the book is set in a library, where Fern works.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.