This book explored the highs and lows of sisterhood. The characters were realistic, flawed, and fantastic. I would highly recommend this title, especially for fans of the author or those with complicated family relationships.

Since I discovered Susan Mallery about 15 years ago, I have been a loyal reader, picking up each new release. The Stepsisters is a Women's Fiction book with a very small splash of romance. At its heart, it's a book about family with all its messiness. Daisy does not have fond memories of Sage. She would be just fine if she never set her eyes on Sage, her former step-sister, again. Unfortunately, Daisy doesn't have that kind of luck.

Her half-sister, Cassidy (she was always closer to Sage), has an emergency and needs both of her sisters. This means that Sage and Daisy have to spend time together. Which is the last thing Daisy needs since it brings up so many bad memories. And considering what else is going on in Daisy's life, the last thing she needs is her gorgeous step-sister around.

That's the set up for the time that Sage, Daisy, and Cassidy spend together. They are grown ups now, and being along for their interactions and growth was lovely. The characters are definitely human, complete with flaws, but they are trying, and that was worth the read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Susan Mallery does it again in a novel filled with love, family, and the ties that bind.

Three sisters are involved, Daisy, her stepsister Sage, and their half sister Cassidy. Worlds collide when Sage moves back to town, licking her wounds after her most recent failed marriage. And Cassidy ends up crashing at Daisy's home after she falls off a cliff due to back up after a proposal gone wrong.

These sisters don't like each other. Sage and her mother made Daisy's life a living hell when she was growing up, and Cassidy always felt that Daisy bossed her around. Although Sage and Cassidy get along okay, them being around could be disastrous for Daisy's life, when she already has secrets of her own.

As always, Susan Mallery knows just how to pull at your heartstrings and root for all the characters she creates. I fell in love with Daisy, Cassidy, and Sage and it was hard when they went through their hard times, but I found myself celebrating when they went through their good times. Mallery is able to create such 3-dimensional characters that I felt like I was part of their group, and I couldn't help but love them.

This is the PERFECT read for the summer, either by the beach or poolside. I enjoyed every second of it.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

OK first let me say if you have not heard of Susan Mallery you have been living under a rock. Mallery is one of the best authors in the genre of romance and women’s lit. Mallery drags you in from the first few pages and this is no exception.

Daisy and Sage became stepsisters at a young age and when Cassidy is born of the union Daisy is outnumbered and alone. Now, we are almost two decades later and things are going to change. Cassidy is hurt and needs to stay with Daisy and Sage will be there for her baby sister no matter that she and Daisy are estranged and neither of them plan to ever see each other again.

I love Mallery, if you couldn’t tell from the start of this review, and stories like this are why. There is so much to this threesome of sisters that they don’t see in themselves or each other. I loved and hated these characters. I was on Daisy’s side more often than not but once in a while it would change and I could see why Sage was the way she was.

This is a blended family and are all mixed up and needs to heal together.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I am surprised the direction in which the drama of The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery goes. It is unexpected, and the fact that it is quickly resolved after is even more surprising. I don't know many (or any!) people who could be as forgiving as some characters in the book were. Perhaps, though, that is the lesson of the book. Forgiveness is as important, if not more so, for the one giving it as the one receiving it.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/06/the-stepsisters.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and a publisher's blog tour free of cost in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy Susan Mallery's writing and when this book was offered for review, I grabbed it. Once again, she has penned a book of family, relationships, friendships, second chances, forgiveness and self-reflection. Daisy and her step-sister Sage have been estranged for a long time. When their parents were together, Sage bullied Daisy and made her life miserable, especially at school. After their parents divorced the two, who never really got along, never kept in touch. Daisy's dad knew what was happening in Sage's life and tried to keep Daisy filled in. The other sister in this trio is Cassidy. She is the child of Daisy's dad and Sage's mom, but when the marriage broke up, Cassidy went to live with her mom, who poisoned her relationship with lies about Daisy. Now, years later, Cassidy was injured in a fall off a mountain and their dad arranged for her to come and stay in the family home while she heals. The problem is that the family home is now Daisy's home. As well, Sage has returned, fresh from her most recent divorce with plans to remain in California. Not only is Daisy having to deal with the reappearance of these two "sisters" but she and her husband are having issues and he has moved out. How much can one person take?

This was a very interesting and enjoyable story. It was easy to see that Sage's mother is an insecure woman, who was nasty to Daisy. She was so jealous of her that she wasn't going to be happy unless her two daughters hated her as well. It was terrible what she did to their relationships. The fallout of the marriage caused all three girls to take different paths in life. Sage headed to Europe where she married three different men, none making her happy. Cassidy became a travel writer who was afraid to commit to a relationship, and Daisy married Sage's ex-fiancé, had a great job and was the mother to two wonderful children. I loved the sisters (at least at the end) and I began to see why Daisy and Sage's mom did some of the things she did, but she still rubbed me the wrong way. I did enjoy the way their dad orchestrated a lot of their reconciliation. Then there is Jordan, such a selfish, narcissistic person that I think Daisy is better off without him. As the three sisters are brought together they begin to talk and learn about each other's feelings. Opening up to one another about their past and the feelings they had, allowed them to put themselves in each other's shoes. I loved seeing how Daisy's children were a huge part of that reconciliation. There is plenty of drama, some laughs, touching scenes, second chances/new beginnings and some rekindled relationships that could bring on a true romance. I definitely recommend this one.

This was my first book by Susan Mallery and it didn't disappoint! Great story following the intricate relationships of three women connected by family. The novel really explores marriage as well as different types of parenthood. Most people will be able to relate to a lot of what is explored here. This was a great summer read!

The main themes of the novel includes an important reminder to check in with your spouse and make sure you’re both happy in the relationship. You can’t assume that your person is going to be able to read between the lines and you both need to make an effort to continue to keep the spark alive. It’s important to continue to find ways to make sure your spouse knows you love and care about them and sometimes the small things can make a big difference.

Another major theme touches on the fact that sometimes people who have experienced dysfunctional relationships find ways to push people away so they never have to worry about being hurt or messing up the relationship later on, which can create a never-ending cycle of hurt and heartbreak.

Themes: family ties, jealousy, marriage troubles, divorce, counseling, complex family drama, family money/inheritance, marrying for money vs love, disloyalty, cheating, loss, love; both romantic love and family love. Finding yourself and being true to yourself. Being vulnerable and allowing others into your life. Owning your mistakes and learning lessons from them. Counseling and getting help when you need it.

Overall I’d give The Stepsisters a 4.5 star rating. I loved the story, the writing style, the drama, and the sister connections. Great women’s fiction with a twist of romance. The relationships between the women and the relationships they had with their own mind was the true focus of their stories.

Daisy had been so delighted when her widower father remarried. Her stepmother came with her own daughter, Sage, and Daisy had high hopes for this new family. When Daisy’s father and her stepmother had their own daughter, Cassidy, Daisy was even more excited about her new family. However, things did not work out for Daisy. Her stepmother and her new sisters became one unit and turned on Daisy out of jealousy.

Things got even worse when Daisy married Sage’s first love. The family totally fell apart with everyone going their separate ways. Now, Daisy has two children and is still married but the marriage is on the rocks. Daisy receives a frantic call from her father begging her to help Cassidy. She’s been in an accident and needs both Daisy and Sage’s help. Reluctantly the three women agree, but their relationship remains shaky at best.

I was immediately drawn into this book. I loved Daisy from the start. She’s not perfect, but who is? It took me time to warm up to the other sisters, but they each brought their own qualities to this emotional story. I found it captivating to watch the character growth of each sister. There are no perfect characters in this book. They are all flawed, but realistic.

I found this book to be a page-turner as I really wanted to know how it would all play out. Just when things look really hopeless, you wonder how the author is going to turn it all around. Susan Mallery has a wonderful talent of creating characters you care about in situations that seem impossible. I enjoyed this one and I’m already craving for another Mallery book.




FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Daisy’s marriage is falling apart. She is struggling to keep it together when her dad calls and wants her to take in her injured half sister. Cassidy has fallen off a mountain and has multiple injuries and needs constant care. But, along with Cassidy comes Sage. Sage is Daisy’s ex-stepsister. They didn’t get along years ago and it looks like they are falling back into the old pattern.

There is so much about this story that I loved. Each character has good and bad qualities. This makes them so real and adorable. I enjoyed reading about their growth and when they begin to trust each other, their interactions had me laughing out loud!

Now, Daisy’s husband, Jordan, is not someone I enjoyed at all. I found him whiny and down right selfish. But the way the sisters come together to support Daisy just made my day!

Need a good book about over coming the past and learning to love and trust…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Having enjoyed The Vineyard at Painted Moon, I was delighted to receive another arc from Susan Mallery.

And again, Susan drags you into the story immediately. We meet Daisy, who is having a real bad day. Her husband just walked out on her to ‘take a break’ and while picking up her sick daughter from school, she has car troubles. So imagine her surprise, when no one other than her stepsister Sage stops next to her car and offers them a ride home. Never, in a million years, would Daisy believe to ever see Sage again.

And, as far as Daisy is concerned, this meeting after years is the last she will ever see sage again.

But of course, Daisy’s luck still hasn’t returned, when her father asks her to take in her younger half sister Cassidy, who is recovering from a terrible accident. And since Cassidy adores Sage and seems to hate Daisy, she must prepare for a lot of time with her family.

Slowly, a tentative sister band is growing between the sisters. Susan beautifully describes about the mistrust and the jealousy of the sisters in the earlier years and the various reasons of their actions. And then, when you think that they will truly form a family, one act changes everything. Find out for yourself if their bond can or cannot be broken. A wonderful read about family, second chances, marriage and communication. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

DNF @23%

I enjoy Susan Mallery' novels for the most part. I have had to DNF a couple, but it's worth it when I find a good one of hers. They are a nice escape away from my life to focus on another person's family issues and love life. I was excited when my audiobook came from the library, and after some heavier reading I was looking forward to something easy. I made it to 23% of the novel and I could not listen anymore. I didn't care for the three sisters so it was hard to be invested in the story. I have other Mallery books I want to read, so I am DNFing this one.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss & NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

The characters in The Stepsisters are not very likeable. I think it is from the way they were brought up as it is pretty heartbreaking. Talk about a dysfunctional family!
The story centers around Daisy and her relationship with her stepsisters, What a tangled mess of drama! Each sisters memory of their childhood is so totally different.
Lots of forgiveness has to be made by the sisters
Lots of emotional baggage needs to be overcome.
The Stepsisters was not a favorite read for me but it was ok. Definitely not a light read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was the perfect summer time book. I loved the family dynamics. At times I was smiling and at times I was in tears. This was a very good book and I have many Mallery fans at the library so I know this will be a hit.

The premise of The Storyline is intriguing and I wished I had enjoyed this one. But the writing style didn't draw me in. I ended up putting it down. If I ever end up reading the whole thing, I will update my review.

💕 I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review💕

Susan Mallery is one of my go-to favorite authors. She has written another fabulous book here. Stepsisters follows the tumultuous relationships between 3 sisters/ex-stepsisters: Daisy, Sage, and Cassidy. Each of the sisters is facing their own family scars and boyfriend/husband problems when after several years if separation, life throws them together once again. This is a story of family (sisters), forgiveness, and lots of drama (with some romance mixed in). It’s a great summer vacay read and I’d definitely recommend!!

This book was amazing until it was ruined. You can’t come back from that. The ending was only good for Cassidy and Desean. Daisy got the short end of the stick and Sage was unredeemable.

I hadn't realized when I agree to review this that this was by the same author of The Vineyard at Painted Moon. Knowing that I had an idea of what I was in for and hoped that this one turned out better. While the trappings were different the core elements were the same.

Daisy has the American Dream: a great house, plenty of money, children, and a husband. She also carried a life of feeling less than the family she grew up with. When Daisy was young her father married and she got a ready-made sister soon followed by a half-sister. But her dreams of having sisters is shattered when they push her away and go out of their way to bully her. Now she lives without them in her life until fate brings her ex-stepsister back to California and her half-sister has a horrible accident. How will Daisy handle this? Can the sister reconnect?

There are some aspects of this novel I truly enjoyed. I like the idea of the mix of sisters and them working through their issues. This is a unique combination that you don't see in the books. These sisters were complex and not just stereotypes regulate to the housewife, world traveler, snob, etc. This part of the story is the best part. The women's romances take second place in the sisterly bond.

Susan Mallery repeats herself. I knew what was going to happen in this book after reading The Vineyard at Painted Moon. There's a crazy mom who isn't blood-related to the main character. Somebody cheats. A partner moves out. Someone ends up happily ever after. Luckily, since there are three sister things are a little more spread out and doesn't all happen to one character.

In the end, it's just another story about a rich white woman whose husband leaves and therapy doesn't work mixed in with a crazy mother who makes life five hundred times worse. Mallery has great ideas for a heartfelt story but falls into her out the stereotypical story with The Stepsisters.

Another beauty of a story by author Susan Mallery. Daisy had a rocky relationship or rather no relationship with step sister Sage and half sister Cassidy. But when Cassidy was in an accident, she was forced to recuperate at Daisy’s home by their father.

This was an exciting, filled with layers, family drama with secrets and hidden dynamics. I loved how author Susan Mallery made me so curious about them. The characters were complex who showed me new glimpses after every few chapters.

Emotions rocked me each time a new incident occurred. What seemed so complex on the surface was even more so as I got to know them. They hated each other kids, then as new adults. But when they got to the age of responsible adults, it was entertaining to see them find their new normal.

Nobody can write relationships and family as this author could. Strength in the sisterhood was slowly forged in the pages of the book. But they were tested quite a bit.

Family was all about loving one another from the heart, not completely based on blood, and these sisters held a candle to none by the end of the book.

One of my best weekend read. Can’t go wrong with this author. Loved the book.

I love a good story about sisters, even if they are stepsisters…and a half-sister. When Daisy’s mother died, her dad married Joanne who had a daughter named Sage. Then Joanne and Daisy’s father had a daughter they named Cassidy. Sage was mean to Daisy at school, and Cassidy idolized Sage. The sisters have been estranged since their parents divorced and had no desire to reconnect. But now the three women are thrown together as adults. Can they get beyond the past hurts and develop a good relationship as adults? Oh, did I mention that Joanne, the evil stepmother, is the instigator of much of the drama? With Joanne as the “mother figure”, no wonder the sisters have relationship and trust issues.

I really enjoyed this book. It was full of heart and made me really care about the three women. The characters are very believable, flaws and all. I felt sad for them as they dealt with their wounded hearts; I laughed and rejoiced with them as they had real “sister moments”. My heart broke for them as they continued to mess up and then dealt with the guilt of their actions. Their behaviors shifted as they came to see each other as adults rather than as children.

I give it a 4-stars rating because I loved the interaction of the sisters, but it was predictable. This is a perfect light beach read.