I enjoyed this one, though not as much as I normally would enjoy a Susan Mallery book. The writing style was exactly what I would expect from her, but I didn't particularly enjoy the main characters of this one. It's one I ended up having to make myself finish.

This was a fabulous book. I know Susan Mallery writes romance books, but she is breaking into regular fiction with a bang! This story is about a family healing through three sisters, Daisy, Sage and Cassidy. As the blurb says, it's a different kind of love story. Not one between a man and a woman, but between sisters, family, and the story is beautiful.

Another great read by Susan Mallery. I am always drawn into her books and made to feel a part of a family ready them. The characters are so real and likeable. This is another of those books that you just can't put down. You won't be disappointed if you pick this one up.

This book is a messy story about relationships between sisters, mothers/daughters. husbands/wives, girlfriends and potentials that was a page turner yet I was so happy when I got to the last page. I was exhausted.

With that said, Susan Mallery is a writer who writes VERY well about complex relationships and had me talking to the characters as I read. I would for sure pick up another book by this author and you should as well.

Rating 4
Linda C.

I have read Susan Mallery for a very long time, all her books are a comfort read where you get to know the characters. The relationships she writes about are very real.

A superbly told tale of love, family and healing, Susan Mallery’s The Stepsisters is the latest emotional and uplifting tale by this outstanding storyteller.

When their parents had got married, Sage and Daisy had become stepsisters. But although they were now family, the girls were as different as chalk and cheese. While Sage was beautiful and popular, Daisy was plain, bookish and awkward. With Sage keen to impress the rich kids at her fancy new school, putting down her stepsister seemed to be the only way she could attain the popularity she so desperately craved. As the two girls continued to grow further and further apart, their rivalry escalated and culminated in the final improbably showdown that had severed and soured their relationship forever: Daisy’s marriage to Sage’s first love!

A lot has changed in the last eighteen years. Their parents had got divorced, Sage had fled California and Daisy is a mom with two kids and a marriage on the rocks. Daisy doubts whether she will ever see her stepsister ever again – and truth be told, she would be quite happy if she never clapped eyes on her for the rest of her life – but when their little sister Cassidy reaches out to them, they realize that they need to put their differences aside once and for all to care for her.

As Sage and Daisy find themselves forced to spend time together, long-buried secrets come to light that surprisingly bring the two of them closer. As a tentative friendship and a fragile truce is established, Sage and Daisy wonder whether they can vanquish old ghosts and put the past behind him. However, when a careless act threatens their new bond, will Sage and Daisy finally find the courage to forgive one another? Or will they continue to let old resentments and unresolved tensions to come between them?

Susan Mallery never fails to knock it out of the park and she dazzles her legion of fans with her latest novel, The Stepsisters. Written with all the wit, verve and warmth that have become her trademarks, The Stepsisters is a heart-warming, feel-good and immensely enjoyable tale about the ties that bind, the lengths we go to for the people we love and the importance of family and friendship that will make readers laugh out loud and have them reaching for the tissues on plenty of occassions.

Sage and Daisy’s story is one that will have readers cheering, sobbing, grinning and sighing with happiness as they find themselves completely and utterly glued to the pages of The Stepsisters.

A writer who never fails to deliver stories that lift the spirit and tug at the heartstrings, Susan Mallery has got another winner on her hands with The Stepsisters.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I loved this book.
It was so much more than just a story about sisters and a lot of drama. It was about friendship, forgiveness, and learning to see people for who they really are—even when it hurts.

I loved the way the author made me feel like I was in their heads as they both tried to understand their relationship with Cassidy and each other. She did a great job of showing us the different ways that Daisy and Sage felt about Cassidy throughout the story, because she changed so much over time.

I also thought it was interesting how she used Sage's first name throughout most of the book—a subtle reminder that she wasn't really Daisy's sister after all.

I am a huge sucker for Susan Mallery's books. There is just something about them that makes them a "feel good" heartwarming book. The characters are always so relatable and well written. This one was particularly full of family drama and romance. Mallery will always be an auto buy for me.

This book was so good! I found the characters very relatable and the story was an easy read. I always enjoy books by this author.

I was surprised by how much I liked this one. I read it so fast bc the story was good but the relationship between the stepsisters was even better. I love that she didn’t spend a lot of time setting up the backstory so that we could spend more time on present events.

The details of the previous drama seemed to be released as needed through the book. Worked perfectly.

There was a chance for a corny ending but Susan Mallery knocked it out of the park. Loved this one

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

I can always count on Susan Mallery for an entertaining read. Her last couple of books have had characters that added complicated feelings to the story- and while I might want to pinch them hard, they do open up the story for different interpretations of what the characters should do/should not do.

The Stepsisters def had some of those characters. Heads up: I’m going to be going on a semi-rant in this review- so if you haven’t had read it and want to go in 100% blind- just stop reading now.



What I liked:

Ooh that cover is dreamy. I loved it.

Sage, Daisy and Cassidy. Ok, honestly- at first I thought Cassidy was a spoiled 20-something brat. Who freaking cares that Daisy made her do homework and you know show some decent respect for the house by picking up after herself when she was a kid? And Sage…. mean girls can make me tired. But mean girls who see the light? Inspired. However as the story went on- I found myself really enjoying their dynamic- because no matter how many Hallmark cards are sold about sisters and relationships- that type of relationship is HARD.

The ending. Pretty much a HEA- but not completely tied up as perfectly as I had assumed it would be at first of the book.

Semi-rant time (you’ve been warned):

.

.

Joanne ( I think that was the name of the stepmother) It was like Susan Mallery watched Cinderella and thought the Evil Stepmother wasn’t quite evil enough *insert me laughing hysterically* Again, mean girls make me tired and Joanne was a 50-something mean girl who needed to grow the F up.

But Jordan… What a MAN-CHILD. OMG how I could not stand him. You know what- BFD that Daisy quit buying him shirts. I mean I KNOW the point that was trying to be made there- that she wasn’t making time for him or their marriage- but when did I read about Jordan making time for HER? Ummm… not that much. All his excuses, his ‘You know why’s” just really grated these nerves of mine as well.



Bottom line: Susan Mallery just writes good books and you should read this one.

One of my favorite authors writes another terrific book! The characters were so relatable. Thank you for the opportunity to read it!

I couldn't help but enjoy this book! I have a sister, and we get along and have most of our lives. We appreciate each other's strengths and talents and boost each other when the time is needed. To read about dysfunctional sisters was something that was new to me, but I am old enough to know that this happens, more frequently than what one might think. My disappointment comes in the mom's character, who is shallow and needy and used her daughter to hurt her ex-husband and stepdaughter in ways that just aren't acceptable. I would not be able to forgive her as easily as the girls did. I'm still mad at her and I finished the book weeks ago! However, the path that happens while the girls are mending their relationship isn't an easy one, but it seems realistic which makes the book a pleasant read. You'll want to read to the end in one sitting, but take a little time with it and reflect on your own relationships with your sisters.

When I think of literary fiction, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and can satisfies just about every reader's heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

This book brought many real life situations together in one story. A wonderfully written family drama.

this was a great romance novel, the characters were great and I enjoyed going on this journey with them. It was well written.

Susan Mallory writes beautifully. This an emotionally charged story about sisters and family dynamics. Sage and Daisy are in a blended family that is marred by dysfunction. They each have issues that bleed into their adult lives and hinder them from being productive and successful. It takes a lot of pain and soul searching to cleanse the bad feelings and try to repair the torn relationship.

You will enjoy this story of sisters and family. Susan Mallery always writes enjoyable book. I recommend this story. Happy reading!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. This is my honest and personal review.

The firs chapter of this book was about a child throwing up. I couldn't keep going. I believe I'm in the minority here, as I'm sure those that have children can totally relate, but I am childfree (by choice) and the beginning just didn't hook me. I love Susan Mallery's books so this definitely won't keep me from reading her books.

Spoiler Alert!!
I am a big Susan Malkery fan, that being said then ending of this book didn't do it for me. It's about 3 stepsister, Sage, Daisy and Cassidy, who don't get along. After Cassidy gets hurt and is sent to live with Daisy, Sage comes home to help. Then the 3 start to bond. Which is all good. But then sage sleeps with Daisy's husband. I can't get over that parts. Daisy's forgave Sage in the end and I'm not sure it's that easy! I like drama in a book but it's needs to be realistic. The end was not realistic to me. Overall 4 stars.