My second book by Sally Hepworth and enjoyed this one just as much as the first! I really like that she can write a page-turning psychological thriller and layer it with real-life family issues that make you feel more connected to the story and even reflect on your own family a bit. Also enjoyed that her lead character, Fern, has a Sensory Processing Disorder. Fern starts out a bit as questionable but turns into the most endearing and lovable character and I really found myself cheering for her as the book came to an end. Seeing mental illness and mental disabilities properly depicted in books is a fantastic step to a more inclusive world. Would definitely recommend to my bookish friends and look forward to reading her next book.

This is my first Sally Hepworth novel... and it definitely won’t be my last. Hepworth takes a story of two twin sisters and transforms it into a mesmerizing, psychological thriller until the very last page.

Rose has tried her best to take care of her sister ever since they were little and suffered under the tyrannical reign of their abusive mother. Fern struggles at times because of a sensory processing disorder and Rose has gone out of her way to make life easier for Fern and make her dependent upon her for care.

Fern however, is starting to come into her own as an independent person. She has her own apartment, excels at her job at the library, and even has a boyfriend, Wally who equals her in eccentricity.

But somehow Rose isn’t happy for Fern’s growth. When Rose’s desire to have a child eclipses all of her other wants and needs, Fern finds herself trying to determine if she can help her sister out with this demand. Can she be the “good sister?” And just what will that position cost her?

Hepworth creates a thriller with an unreliable narrator that will keep you on your toes. It’s smart, edgy, and fun, and surprisingly heartwarming as you root for your favorite “ sister.” Suspenseful and surprising, I highly recommend!

This is the book I've been needing to read lately. It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. I loved the love story, the tragedy, the mystery, all the things! The writing style was very captivating. It wasn't obvious until it needed to be obvious. It was just overall a great book with an excellent plot in my opinion. I hope everyone reads it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this Advanced Reader's Copy for an honest review! #NetGalley #TheGoodSister

I have to jump on the bandwagon of positivity with this one. It was outstanding - twisted and suspenseful and oh so creative! The way in which Hepworth manipulates the plot through unreliable characters is crazy good. It takes a great deal of talent to pull off such a feat successfully and I have the utmost admiration for her skill in writing. I can’t reveal too much without taking away from the plot, but I will say that this is my favorite of Hepworth’s so far. Readers of suspense will be begging for more!

The Good Sister kept me on my toes until the very end! Fern is a very well-developed character with sensory issues who has an incredible bond with her sister, Rose. I found myself cheering for Fern as she worked to create a life and find love for herself. The perspectives of the two sisters kept adding one piece to the puzzle at a time; however, I definitely did not see how it would all come together at the end! Love, murder, family, grief, self-forgiveness, and more. This book does not disappoint!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this novel. Wow! I loved this book! I found it a bit slow to get into but once I got into the book I was committed to reading it whenever I found a free moment. It is a little confusing as the narrator switches back and forth between the two sisters but I was really captivated by the plot. Admittedly I have two connections to the main characters, I have a twin sister and I have a son who is on the spectrum. I love the way Sally Hepworth weaves the needs of Fern into the story, for those who have no idea of what people with sensory needs experience this is an excellent introduction to they world they live in and the difficulties they face on a daily basis.

I have never read a novel by Sally Hepworth but I will be sure to do so in the future. I highly recommend this psychological thriller!!

I liked this book a lot. On top of being a great mystery I really appreciated the portrayal of the character of Fern. I haven’t read many books with a neurodiverse character like her and found her very charming and empathetic and I was really rooting for her. She’s definitely a character that will stick with me.

I can't think if a way to talk about this without giving away more than I'd like to, so instead I'll just tell you that I LOVE Fern. I love her. I love her humor and her goodness and the people she collects. I love the way she makes life work in places where it wouldn't for someone with a little less...Fernyness.

This book was phenomenal! Sally Hepworth always delivers but this was really in a league of its own. Surprising, heartfelt, sensitive and so interesting.

Twin sisters, so close and yet? The story builds slowly and the presumption of goodness travels back and forth until the dramatic finish.

This is the first book I have read by Sally Hepworth and she had me from the start. I could not put the book down. It is about twin sisters Rose and Fern and Rose is the all together sister and Fern has some issues. Fern can’t handle loud noises, bright lights and she does have a problem with how people ask questions. Rose always felt like she needed to be Fern’s keeper. Even though Fern had a job in the library and did do pretty good on her own. Rose was married to Owen and she seemed to have the perfect life or do I mean the perfect lie? The funniest part I thought about this book was when Rose met Rocco (Wally) as in Waldo because of the hat he was wearing. She thought he was homeless but found out differently.
I don’t what to give to much away but it is a very interesting story and lots of twists and turns. You will not be disappointed in this book!

I received an ARC for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Good Sister grabbed me from the first page! I could not put the book down! It was a delight to get to know the sisters, Rose and Fern, from their perspectives. The sisters go back and forth telling their stories. I felt that I really got to know them and how they related to each other, or did I? I highly recommend reading this book if you want a great read that pulls you in and never lets go! I cannot wait to read all of Sally Hepworth’s novels.

Oh man. At the start of this one...it didn't very psychological thriller-ish. And then....it hit and once I got to the point I could not put it down. I caught myself saying "Wait, WHAT!" numerous times.
Fern and Daisy are twins with a special bond. Fern, who clearly has some issues, has relied heavily on Daisy, maybe too heavily. Daisy, has nurtured Fern since the very beginning...maybe nurtured isn't the right word.
Now, as adults, everything is changing and things buried deep in the past are reemerging.
This one is so good...at first I felt like it wrapped up almost too perfectly, but then....it didn't!
A great read for people who really like the psychological Mind Bleep type book.

Fern is a librarian with a sensory processing disorder. Rose is her twin sister and has always been Fern's protector. However, things aren't always what they seem and both sisters have secrets. Fern is straightforward, yet complex. Rose has self-appointed herself as her sister's keeper, but does Fern actually need Rose's help?

Sally Hepworth is a gem and I loved this book. I really enjoyed the writing of Fern's character and the focus on her sensory processing disorder. I felt that this was an apt description of her condition and provides a window into daily life with sensory processing issues. It was so nice to see her relationship with Wally progress as they learn the ins and outs of what Fern can and cannot handle. Fern has always trusted Rose, but Wally isn't so sure.

This book is told from multiple perspectives, alternating between the Fern's perspective and that of Rose's diary entries. It's often difficult to determine who is telling the truth and who is protecting who. Both sisters have been keeping a huge secret and the truth is life-altering for them.

I devoured this book! I am, admittedly, a fan of Sally Hepworth and have enjoyed all of her books. The Good Sister was her best work yet. I felt an instant connection with Fern. The story moved quickly while providing plenty of detail and emotion to to keep the reader engaged. A feel good story with elements of mystery and deception that also gives the reader an insight into the lives of people with various, real struggles.

This is my third Sally Hepworth book and it did not disappoint! Sally is easily one of my favorite authors, so I was super excited to receive an advanced copy of The Good Sister in exchange for an honest review. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Much like the other books I've read by Sally, The Good Sister stars a sympathetic, yet unreliable narrator who is in the midst of some crazy family drama. However, The Good Sister is unique as Fern is not the "typical" lead given her sensory processing disorder, and I appreciate Sally making Fern a confident, capable character who understands herself instead of portraying Fern and her disorder in a stereotypical deficit manner. Fern was both unique and relatable, which made her a fascinating character to follow. I also really enjoyed reading Rose's point of view from her diary - it was a great way to break up the story and delve into the sisters' past without taking away from the thrill of the present. Aside from enjoying the characters and structure, I liked the overall plot but the baby/pregnancy storyline was a bit outrageous for my taste. Overall, I think this was a good thriller with unique characters and perspectives. I would recommend The Good Sister to thriller readers who like a good page turner regardless of how realistic a plot is.

Wow! This is the first book I've read by Sally Hepworth and it will not be my last.

The Good Sister is written in POV's of twin sisters, Fern and Rose. Rose is an interior designer and Fern is a Librarian but happens to have sensory issues. (Which makes it hard for her to be in certain areas/do things outta her every day routine. )

While reading you're trying to decipher who is telling the truth. Why? What happened all those years ago? Was it that bad in their childhood, etc? Who really is the GOOD sister? Is it the one you thought it was?

If you're looking for an amazing domestic thriller filled with questions, sadness, friendships, questionable motives, an awesome librarian who loves books/those who enter the library (Fern), and wicked other moments... trust me you need to read this book!

5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to have an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have just read The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

This is the first book that I have read by this author. The storyline is about two twin sisters Rose and Fern who are very different from each other. They grow up bouncing from home to home, or no home at all with a single mother who is less than steady. There is a secret that happened many years ago, something bad that we find out more about along the way.

This book is a little quirky, quite sad, but also bright in spots, with a delightful ending.

Thank you to NetGalley, Author Sally Hepworth, and St. Martin's Press for my advanced copy to read.

3.5 Stars

#NetGalley

"Will and I are Yin and Yang. He's all Sky, vast and bright and soaring. I'm all Earth. I'm here to ground him and he's here to help me fly." (Jada Pinkett Smith)

Life is all about relationships. Rose and her twin sister, Fern, know that only too well. Even though you shared an embryonic bungalow together for nine months, you can be as different as day and night.

Sally Hepworth presents this one with each twin having the microphone in turn. We'll come to know each one more in depth as the story unfolds. Fern seems the more complicated one with being on the spectrum of Asberger's. She has difficulty maneuvering through interactions with others and walks past social cues and norms. Fern is on high alert when it comes to sensory overload. Bright lights, unexpected or high-pitched sounds can leave Fern in a frenzy panicking for escape. And at the same time, Fern's high intelligence and well-read background makes her the perfect librarian. She speaks her mind whether it is accepted or not.

Rose, on the other hand, has been the safety net for Fern ever since their childhood. She's on speed dial whenever Fern is overwhelmed with life. The two of them have had to grow up under the dark shadow of a mother with heavy mental issues. Ironically, Fern seems to know her limits, and Rose somehow doesn't always know hers.

Rose yearns to have a child, but she has a medical condition that makes that impossible. Fern figures out that if she would get pregnant, she'd pass the baby on to Rose. A simple plan? Not hardly, even when Fern finds herself in a relationship with the delightful Wally. And why not? Waves come crashing on shore from the past. These two women must deal with the slithering realities that will soon come to the surface.

What seems like a imple storyline soon becomes more complex. If you've read Hepworth before, you know that she likes to add a fist full of unexpected complications into the mix. You may figure out the "who", but the "why" will get you in the end. Hepworth never sets tracks in a linear fashion. And most decidedly, she certainly entertains us along the way.

I received a copy of The Good Sister through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Sally Hepworth for the opportunity.

This story had me hooked from the beginning! Rose and Fern are twins, who appear to be close, with Fern relying on Rose for a lot of things because she deals with a lot of sensory issues. As the story unfolds, we find out that maybe everything with Fern and Rose is not as great as it seems, and possibly, one of them is very dangerous. I really enjoyed this one. I liked how it was told through the journals of Rose, and then had chapters from Fern's point of view. The characters were wonderfully written and you definitely got a feel for who each person was. The major twist didn't feel like it came out of left field, which I appreciate in a thriller. It made sense and when it happened you could look back and recognize the lead-up to it. This was my first novel by Sally Hepworth, but it definitely will not be my last!