Thank you to St. Martin's Press, the author and NetGalley for the ARC of this book..

The first page of this book sucked me right into the story and I quickly read this in one sitting. I loved Fern and "Wally" and was rooting for them the whole way through. I thought the author did a good job writing about sensory issues and anxiety disorder. The characters were flawed and even more lovable for being that way. The date with the rainbow dress was the sweetest gesture! I would have loved some more character development/history on Wally/Rocco even though this story was about the sisters and their relationship.

There were some things in the plot that did not make sense to me while I was reading (Fern forgetting the dog for example). Everything came together in the end though and it made perfect sense. I thought Rose was ":off" from the beginning but the ending was a shocker for me (no spoilers here).

This would be a great beach read for summer 2021 (it appears it will be published in April 2021).

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fern and Rose are twins who are codependent in many ways. Fern is on the spectrum and is lovably quirky. Rose is not what she seems, and Fern is not what she believes herself to be. Their significant others add other unexpected twists to their stories. I got lost in this book.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I thought the author did a good job letting the reader get to know Fern and understand her issues. I would have liked to get a bit more insight into Rose and what she was doing while writing her journal entries. The ending was a little predictable, but still good and had some elements of surprise. I've read another book by this author (Mother-in-Law) and definitely could see some similarities between the plot progression in that one and The Good Sister. I didn't love this book, but I liked it, and would recommend to colleagues (but not my library students).

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC.

I deeply adored Fern. I can’t sum it up. Everything about her was vulnerable and lovable. What a beautifully constructed character. And the people who surrounded her! Who else besides Sally Hepworth can make secondary characters so deep and evolved? Throughout the whole story, I pictured the library I worked in for years. It felt like home, reading this book.

Truly, this tale of two sisters had me from the beginning, and truth be told, I did not foresee the end. I started to have sinking suspicions just when the author wanted me to. This book was wonderfully written and executed. I am a huge fan of the author, with her relatable descriptions and deep characters. I want more of Fern, please.

I adored this quirky, captivating, and suspenseful book! Sally Hepworth successfully blends realistic characterization and engaging storytelling to create a one-of-a-kind novel. The two main characters, Fern and Rose, are fraternal twins who could not be more different. Fern is a librarian with sensory processing issues, while Rose is married and dealing with infertility. Despite their differences, they rely heavily on one another and both hold secrets from their childhood that threaten to affect their current lives. The events of the past and present unfold through Rose’s journal entries and Fern’s real-time narration. Fern’s character is beautifully constructed and I instantly connected with her and her atypical approach to live. The shocking twists add another dimension to this book, making it simply unputdownable. The Good Sister is a must read! Thank you to so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

What a psychologically intense novel as explored through the characters of Rose and Fern. Just like her journal, Rose's life is as fabricated as the words on the page. Despite her emotional and mental impediments, Fern actually was the more "normal" of the two. She was just constantly told otherwise. She has a great heart as evidenced by her love for Wally and Willow. This was quite a page turner especially at the end due to Owen's reveal and their mother.

Sally Hepworth is one of those authors whose work is so exquisite that every story is completely unique yet fantastic. The story of two sisters, Rose and Fern, who grew up in an abusive household are navigating adult life in completely different ways. As the two sisters learn to live with how their past affects the present, you will not be able to put this one down.

I have been a fan of Sally Hepworth for years now and I couldn't wait to dive into her upcoming 2021 release. The Good Sister pulled me in right away with its quirky and unique characters and interesting relationships.

The book is narrated by Fern, a woman with intense sensory processing issues, whose beloved routine and “safe” relationship with her twin sister is rocked by the meeting of a man who she’s surprised is interested in her. As their relationship develops and the unexpected occurs, Fern is forced to uncover the truth about her relationship with her twin sister.

I loved the multifaceted characters and suspenseful storyline and had a hard time putting this one down- highly recommend! My full review will be posted on genthebookworm.com closer to the April 2021 publication date!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy.

Absolutely loved this book! I have read and loved all Ms. Hepworth’s books and this one did not disappoint. Heartfelt and honest story of twins with lots of twists and turns. When Fern and Rose were growing up life was not always easy, but maybe not as hard as Rose made it out to be. Because Fern had special needs Rose always felt she needed to have a lot of control over her sisters life. When Fern falls in love and wants more freedom in her life she learns that Rose may not always have her best interests in mind. Excellent story of family and what it means to be sisters. Highly recommend.

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: The Good Sister was written by bestselling author Sally Hepworth (known recently for her hit The Mother-in-Law, published in 2019). It’s set for release in April 2021, by St. Martin’s Press. The Good Sister is a mystery/thriller about a pair of twins whose lives are so incredibly intertwined that it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins...and how that closeness - and the secrets kept between sisters - can be both life-saving and absolutely deadly.

PLOT RUNDOWN/BASICS: Rose and Fern are fraternal twins with an incredibly close bond and a tragic history. Their mother overdosed when they were 12, resulting in their placement into foster care. Told through Rose’s reflective journal entries and Fern’s current-day circumstances, we learn the details of their tragic childhood and how the sisters still remain close to this day.

Rose takes it upon herself to be the protective twin; she is diabetic and has spent her life taking care of her sister, even taking the blame when their volatile mother was looking for a target. Fern has social anxiety and sensory processing issues; she is likely on the autism spectrum but was never diagnosed, and lives a life of regimented schedules and predictable activities, which she finds calming. Fern spends most of her days working as a librarian, which is her dream job; she is incredibly happy with her life and her work commute, just a quick and calming walk from her flat. Rose’s life, however, is beginning to pull at the seams. Her husband Owen has run off to London, and she is attempting to win him back; we learn that Rose believes he left because she suddenly decided she wanted children, eventually pushing him away with her zealousness.

When Fern learns about her sister’s troubles, she begins to brainstorm all of the ways she could help Rose achieve her dreams and get the life Fern thinks she truly deserves. After all, Rose has kept Fern’s secrets for years, and helped her clean up her messes - and some of the things in their past are, well…truly dark. Too horrific to tell someone outside of their sisterly bond. But at the same time, a new man walks into Fern’s life, and she is given the chance at a new form of happiness she didn’t realize was possible.

When their pasts and present collide - and when the only other witness to the twins’ most horrific secret starts to talk again - Fern must decide what the future holds for her. Which of the people in her life is looking out for HER best interests, and who is determined to wreck her future for the happiness of their own? Her choice may have deadly consequences, and it’ll be the most important decision she’ll ever make.

MY THOUGHTS: This was my first read by Hepworth (despite the fact that I’ve had The Mother-in-Law on my TBR shelf since last year…...oops), and I found this book very enjoyable. I would absolutely read more books by this author, and it’s honestly moved The Mother-in-Law up on my (neverending) list of books to read soon.

It's technically a mystery/thriller, but I would consider it more of a psychological suspense novel that explores family bonds - the tightest, one might say, being that of twins - and the boundaries of individualism and self. (Fern ruminates at one point, "Maybe when it comes to sisters, boundaries are always a little blurry. Blurred boundaries, I think, are what sisters do best." ) It also reflects on how our best-laid plans in life may not have room for what will truly make us happy, and we may have to learn to be more flexible than we’re typically willing to be.

Fern was an incredibly written character, and one of my favorite recent literary protagonists; seeing the world through her eyes as someone on the autism spectrum was both eye-opening and educational. We see duality not just in the twins, but in Fern herself: her flaws and her strengths, her weaknesses and her coping mechanisms. She may seem rigid about her routine, and adamant about refusing to learn the library’s technical side...but we also see her softness at the hands of Rose and the children who visit the library.

This book examines the price that is often exacted at the hands of systemic abuse and mental manipulation. The plot becomes tense as the reader realizes the terrible situation Fern is in long before Fern does - but it's a very quick read with an ending that ties up all the loose ends. It's absolutely as much a book about finding yourself and learning the importance of opening yourself up to love, as it is a book about murder and betrayal.

Readers will bond with Fern immediately and really root that she can come out of this awful situation with the happiness she desperately deserves. Seeing her journey in learning to trust herself - and trust that she has made good decisions and can live a good life with people who truly care for her - is a very satisfying one.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This fast paced stories of twins captured my interest early on. I was intrigued by the flashbacks and the different personalities of the twins. The plot had twists but the ending felt a little to all wrapped up in a bow for me. The title works really well for the novel as the idea of who the "good sister" is evolves with the plot.

I was lucky to receive an Advance Readers Copy from Netgalley and these are my opinions of this book.

Sally Hepworth has done it again with another outstanding read! She never fails to impress and has outdone herself with this latest book. You absolutely must add this to your TBR list immediately.

This is my favorite book of the year!! I absolutely loved reading this excellent novel and fell in love with the main character, Fern. Her quirky personality was so endearing to me, I want to know her in real life. Hepworth captured the beautiful sweetness of (high functioning) autism spot on with this character!
Fern Castle works at her local library, she eats dinner with her twin sister, Rose, three nights a week, she avoids eye contact and crowds, lights and loud noises whenever possible to avoid a sensory overload. She has a strict routine and doesn't like to deviate from it, which is consistent with her autism. Though never diagnosed, she is clearly on the spectrum.
When Fern discovers that her best friend and twin, Rose cannot have children, she realizes that she can give this wonderful gift to her sister! She can have the baby for her! She just needs to find a sperm donor. Enter the lovable character of Wally. He is well developed and absolutely the sweetest guy for Fern. Fern sets upon her mission.
In the first quarter of the book, I almost forgot I was reading a thriller. I was completely enamored with the characters and excellent character development. As I mentioned, I fell in love with Fern and Wally immediately and watched their relationship blossom with excitement. We learn early on- through the diary of Rose- that Fern's childhood wasn't the greatest and her mother may have been abusive and a possible narcissist. Something terrible happened in the girls' childhood that could affect them in the present. What did Fern do and what is she capable of? What did her mother do these girls?
We begin to see that one of the characters isn't a reliable narrator, but which one? Can we trust what we are reading about the childhood of these twins? The relationship between sisters is examined and pushed to the limit. I can't tell you anymore. READ this book. I loved the character development, I loved the surprises in the end and I love this book. My first 5 star read this year!!! Thank you to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Even BETTER than The Mother-in-Law!! WOW! We have 2 twin sisters. Fern has sensory issues and is crazy, or is she? Rose is the good sister, or is she? Mom is a total nutjob, or is she? This book was SO much fun and I actually laughed out loud in parts. Especially with Rose and Wally. I loved how Rose's issues were handled. Autism runs in my family and I thought the author did a great job with that. There were also EXTREMELY emotional parts and I did ugly cry at times. Take my word and READ THIS!!! Sally Hepworth just shot right up my Must Read list with this one!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Sally Hepworth and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest review.

Sally Hepworth has done it again - she's written a book that I have a hard time putting down! Hepworth has been my go-to author for domestic drama and The Good Sister did not disappoint. The story follows fraternal twins, Rose & Fern, who are opposite in more than just their looks. Raised by a single mother, "Good Girl Rose" and "Quirky Fern" have hid a terrible secret which becomes hard to hide when a love interest and pregnancy is involved. Told in two narratives, Rose's diary and Fern's current love life, you will be turning the pages at fast speed trying to figure out the truth.

I love books about sisters. I loved half of this book. I loved the character of the librarian and her tech guru boyfriend. I could have read a whole book just about them and been happy. They had a great arc, she seemed realistic, the story was satisfying.

I did not like the "mystery" or suspense aspect of the book at all. The other sister was awful even if you didn't know the twist., I wish that storyline had been left out. Sally Hepworth, you can totally write non-suspense books! Please do!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. If you have enjoyed Sally Hepworth's books before you will love this one. This is a page turner that will have you hooked from the beginning. The characters were well developed and the storyline was engaging. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thirller.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a little slow to get going but hooked me and I just couldn't stop reading. This is my first book by Sally Hepworth, but I will surely be reading more of her work. It's suspenseful, has an unreliable narrator, and incredible characters (Wally is my favorite!).

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

This is a 2021, release, but with such an interesting premise, I knew I had to dive in. St. Martin's puts out some of my favorite titles, and The Good Sister did not disappoint.

Fern and Rose are fraternal twins. Their entire lives, they've only had each other to depend on. But when Fern learns Rose wants a baby (but can't have one), their relationship begins to change. Told in alternating POVs of Fern and Rose's diary, the sisters struggle with their past, a tragedy that occurred one night when they were children, and their competing viewpoints of the world.

Phew, it's hard to summarize without giving away spoilers.

This book was excellent. Multi-POVs can be tricky, because oftentimes one (or more) of the voices can be less successful than the other. This is not the case with The Good Sister. Both Fern and Rose provide excellent context and insight into their behaviors. While both were good, I *LOVED* Fern. Rarely do you see a neurodivergent voice take front and center in a first-person narration. Fern's sensory processing disorder is an important part of not only her character, but to the plot, as well. Hepworth did an amazing job developing the world through Fern's eyes. Her personal struggles to relate to others, her sensory processing, the feeling of being overwhelmed--an action such as going to a bowling alley becomes sensory overload, and until I read Fern's perspective, it never occurred to me just how much stimulus is happening in a seemingly-mundane activity. I really appreciated her observations and clever quips.

The mother, too, in the flashbacks and in the current timeline, was an excellent side character, adding just enough creep factor to strengthen your investment in the girls. Complex mother/daughter relationships give so much additional depth to this book, and Hepworth highlights perspective and heartbreak beautifully.

As a side note, I'm not usually a fan of romantic subplots, but Wally stole my heart. Fern and Wally's dynamics were sweet, quirky, and refreshingly honest. I love when characters communicate. So many plot devices rely on miscommunication to propel the plot, and while there is some of that here, it's deliberate and tugs at the heart.

Additionally, Hepworth's writing style is clean, crisp, and beautiful. I couldn't put this read down, and I'd devoured half of it before I could take a breath. This is one of those reads that will stick with you, and while I had a pretty good idea where the plot was headed early on, I loved watching the story unfold, the characters grow, and the ultimate fallout from their choices.

Overall, The Good Sister is an un-put-downable, unsettling read with wonderful characters and heart. 10/10 this will be one to watch in 2021, and I can't wait to see more from Hepworth.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for honest review consideration.

I received a copy of the book from the Publisher for an honest review. Once I got into the book I honestly couldn't put it down. About 75% in was when it really had me wondering which one was the good sister. From then on I couldn't put it down until I finished it. This is the second book of the authors that I've read and I'm still impressed! It was a quick, fast paced read, that kept my attention and that's what I need in my life these days.
Thank you #NetGalley #sallyhepworth and #stmartinspress for the opportunity to preview the book #thegoodsister #dueoutapril132021.