I love this book. I cannot stress that enough. It has most assuredly earned a spot on my all-time favorites shelf. And it’s so surprising, because I am not a huge fan of contemporary fiction. It has to be something really special for me to get excited about contemporary fiction. Della and Darby is so far beyond “something special.”

Susannah B. Lewis just has a gift. Her way with words is something magical. I just lose myself in her books and come out feeling so full when I’ve turned the last page. I loved her last novel, Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton, but Della and Darby is on a whole other level, in my opinion.

I think one of the reasons this book resonated with me so much is the complexities of the two sisters and their relationship. They are twins and have been through everything together, yet they have been affected by their circumstances in such different ways. Della’s pain manifests itself as a need for perfection, to prove herself to those around her. Darby withdraws into herself, preferring to spend her quiet life working at the local factory and evenings with her grandmother. Della and Darby are like most other sisters; they argue and hurl hurtful words at one another. They misunderstand one another at times, yet at others know exactly what the other needs. And underneath it all, there is a deep love that no circumstance can diminish.

Another thing that I adore about this book is that it does not glamorize the South, as so much Southern fiction is wont to do. Yes, people “bless” each other’s hearts, and there is sweet tea and fried green tomatoes aplenty, but it paints a true picture of what life in the South is like. The class divides, the struggles, the hypocrisy, the community, and the simplicity of a quiet life in a small town. I also like how “regular” lives were portrayed. Della works as a receptionist at a doctor’s office, and Darby works at a factory. It was nice to see “blue collar” workers positively portrayed in fiction for once.

I can’t say enough good things about Della and Darby. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Della and Darby is the story of twin sisters who are feeling quite dissatisfied with their accomplishments (or lack thereof) as they near their thirtieth birthday. They may look identical, but Della and Darby couldn't be more different. Darby is an introvert who thrives on being home with only her sister, grandmother Birdie, and her cat for company. Della, on the other hand, wears a seemingly-ridiculous amount of purple (along with equally ridiculous hats), is outspoken, and desperately searching for acceptance among her peers. Birdie has raised the girls after their mother's tragic death and the resulting scandal that left them estranged from the rest of the community. She wants nothing more than to see her girls happy and thriving. As their birthday draws closer, Birdie decides the twins should have the best, most elegant party their town has ever seen. Della and Darby want absolutely nothing to do with it. After all, what's the point in a huge party when you don't have any friends to celebrate with? Eventually, Della decides this is her chance to show everyone how far she's come since high school...and she dives headfirst into party planning alongside finding the perfect man to flaunt in front of the girls who pushed her away in high school.

I had really high hopes for this novel, but unfortunately it didn't reach my expectations. The storyline was realistic, and I absolutely loved Birdie. However, I struggled with Della and Darby. I didn't relate to either character (despite being an introvert myself), and wished the character development was a bigger part of the plot. I did enjoy parts of the story, especially Birdie's side, and I'll definitely be giving the author another try, but this one missed the mark for me.

*I received a complimentary copy of Della and Darby through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Awww, I was so bummed this didn't turn out a winner for me. I loved [book:Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton|58429281], and had high hopes for a repeat!

Unfortunately, I didn't care for either character. I found them both deeply flawed (as are we all, granted!) and had a hard time continuing the read, but did so after reading a couple reviews noting that the end made up for it. It did--almost. It certainly filled in a lot of gaps, and I wished there had been less emphasis on the MCs' flaws and more of the gaps fleshed out re: how they got to that point (and experienced sustained change for the better).

I would recommend readers pick up _Rae Sutton_ for an excellent book by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This author writes with warmth and engaging perception about our relationship and understanding…..

Many thanx as always to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.

I thought I'd try a new author. Many reviews raved about this authors books. I looked forward to reading this book. I have twin sisters and thought this would be fun. I tried to connect with the cast of characters and their situation but I just couldn't get into it. I tried multiple times. I got to 50 percent on my Kindle and I couldn't read any more. I am sorry I really wanted to like this book. I normally don't finish a book, but I could not go any further. The writing was good but I couldn't connect with the characters.

I'll try again.

Della and Darby are twins who live with their grandmother, having lost their mother as children. Because of the circumstances of their mother's death (killing other people while driving drunk), the girls were outcasts throughout school. Della always wanted to be part of the in-crowd and was always shunned, and Darby retreated into her own shyness. Now they are nearing 30 and stuck in their same old ways, Della being harrassed by her coworkers but desperate to fit in and Darby hiding behind her hair. The planning of a large birthday party and new friendships help both women become better versions of themselves. This was nice, not outstanding. Kind of predictable in that both girls have problems that you expect to be mostly solved by the end and they mostly are. 3.5 stars rounded to 3.

Della and Darby
A Novel of Sisters
by: Susannah B. Lewis
Thomas Nelson-FICTION, Thomas Nelson
General Fiction (Adult), Southern Contemporary Women's Fiction

4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Lewis' new book, with its small-town setting, twin sisters' story, and Southern atmosphere, was a fully satisfying read for me. Set in Clay Station, Mississippi, it covers one year between the twenty ninth and thirtieth October birthdays of oh-so-different twin sisters, Della and Darby. The women, who live with their endearing grandmother Birdie, have scars from tragedy in their youth.

The narrative is written from the alternating points of view of Della, Darby, and Birdie, giving readers understanding and insight into their pasts. I liked each character and rooted for them during a year of tension, change, and growth. Working through their obstacles and relationships was difficult for the three women. All eyes from the close community watched their every move and remembered each moment from years ago. With humor, warmth, and charm, lessons are learned about moving forward with the help of family, faith, and internal strength.

I really felt connected to the setting in this book, and was captured with references to Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lookout Mountain, and Fort Payne, Alabama, all near my home in Georgia. Fond memories of visiting my late aunt in Mississippi also added to my enjoyment.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson-FICTION, Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Della and Darby grew up in Tallahatchee County in Mississippi. If you are old enough, you remember well the song "Ode to Billy Joe" by Bobbie Gentry. While I was reading this book, that song was on my mind. Sure enough, Susannah B. Lewis does work it into the plot. Thank you! The hurts of the past are haunting Della and Darby. The two are living with their Grandma Birdie to care for her after a stroke. With their 30th birthday coming up soon, their perceived lack of progress is a sore spot. We view the situation from three sides: Della, Darby, and Birdie. I must confess that my favorite chapters belonged to Birdie. She would reminisce about the past and had the best Birdie sayings like "Can't never could."
The birthday party plans are moving forward. Will Della have a date? Will Darby really come out of her shell to attend? You'll have to read the book and find out. If you loved Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton, you will want to pick this one up soon.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Della and Darby was a fun read about twin sisters who have been bullied and ridiculed their entire lives over being poor and for something their mother done that caused heartache within the community. Della is all for trying to fit in with the very ones that wronged her and seems hell-bent on being accepted in that crowd. Darby is a recluse, an introvert. She could go her entire life without speaking to another person other than her sister and grandmother, but Cliff enters her life, and things begin to look different. It was nice to see the sisters transform into who they were always meant to be despite the bullying growing up.

This book covers bullying, but also seeing how positive it is to stand up to those that bully people. Hurt people hurt people. Apologies are important, and so forgiveness. Forgiveness isn't for those that cause the pain. It's for those who were impacted to not live with those chains, those burdens, and that pain any longer.

Thank you, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson, for this e-ARC, giving me a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own!

This story felt like a multi-timeline story with Birdie’s part taking place in the past, Darby’s in the present, and Della’s in the future as a lot of her part was in her fantasies for the future. For me, Darby’s story was the most compelling. I loved Cliff and how he saw through Darby’s quietness to her strength and beauty. I didn’t feel like Birdie’s past story really needed to be included. I would rather have heard more about her and Prentiss.

Even though Della thought Darby was the needy one, Della to me was by far more pathetic in her desperation to be accepted. The way she clung to old resentments was sad too. It was good to see how she reached a point of contentment by the end.

I enjoyed the book but felt some of the story lines were a lot more interesting than the others. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Genre: Women's Fiction
Spice Level: Low

Southern fiction can be hit or miss for me.
I didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. And I hate saying that. It was good, but it didn't resonate with my heart. It's a bit religious, which is fine for me—but I almost wish there was a little more to make me feel that it was definitely Christian or not as a read. But that could have been part of the point—that faith is a little casual and lackluster too.

Della was the tricky character for me. She was so stuck in the past. And I didn't feel like her character arc was gradual enough—more like a bolt of lightning.

Darby was the more interesting character to me. I could track her progress. And I was impressed with her mindset and letting go of past wrongs.

So even though it wasn't my favorite, I'm glad I read it. This book made me think about my time growing up and how the past has affected me. And maybe it's the perfect book for people who need to see different ways of living with a past haunting them.

Happy reading!

Quite honestly I did not like this book. I found one of the main characters to be super annoying and the other characters seemed surface level. I feel bad saying it and rating the book based on if I liked the characters, but if the characters are not good than the plot needs to be good enough that I still care what happens to them or the writing needs to be good. Della and Darby are twins who were raised by their grandmother after their mom dies in a tragic accident. They still live in the town they grew up in. Della cannot get over the past and how she was bullied and Darby is painfully shy. The book goes through the year before their 30th birthday and shows their growth. Growing as a character is good, but man I just could not get over how annoying and shallow I found them to be.

Della and Darby is a heartwarming novel about family, turning 30, and moving on.

Della and Darby are twins, living with their grandmother Birdie, who raised them both before and after their mother died in a car accident while drunk. Darby is an introvert who works at the local pharmaceutical plant. Della is the receptionist at the local doctor's office. Neither woman has a romantic partner, or any good friends in town. But Birdie wants to throw them a 30th birthday party, with catering and dancing.

Della had moved away after high school graduation but came back after Birdie had a stroke. Unfortunately she finds herself feeling like she's back in high school, with old classmates picking on her and her insecurities roaring back to life. She has a crush on the doctor she is working for, and she keeps hoping he will ask her out and she can lord over her former classmates that the handsome doctor chose her.

Darby is content with working and writing poetry, and doesn't want the attention of her coworker Cliff. But he is persistent, and she doesn't want to hurt his feelings. She loves her solitude, but is learning that being with others and talking isn't always a bad thing.

This book will give you the warm fuzzies, even though you might get frustrated with the characters! There are some things that don't ring true toward the end of the book, but the conclusion is satisfying. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

Della and Darby couldn’t be any different as twins. Darby runs firm attention while Della craves it.
I thought the sisters were hopelessly stuck in a rut and not going anywhere except home to their grandmother Birdie’s but change happens gradually.
Darby is coaxed out of her shell by Cliff and Darby learns some hard lessons about life.
I was glad they stretched their wings and was striving for their true potential and let the past stay where it belonged.

Della and Darby is a well written story. I enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Della and Darby by Susannah B. Lewis is a sweet look at two sisters who are very different and yet were brought up together by their grandmother. This sweet romance also shows the struggles of growing up under the shadow of a tragic event.

Story Recap:
Della and Darby are twins sisters who look alike, but couldn’t be more different on the inside. Della is outspoken and loves the color purple, and Darby is an introvert and perfectly happy with just her own company. They live with their grandmother, as their mother died in a tragic car crash when they were seven years old. The car crash caused a scandal in their small town, one that has tainted the twins' reputations, and one that will never go away.

Della has decided to throw a huge party for their 30th birthdays and wants to invite everyone. She thinks that an over-the-top birthday bash will bring her the acceptance from her peers that she’s always craved. She wants to bring her boss, Dr. Brian Faulkner, a man she admires and wants to date. Darby becomes friends with a co-worker, Cliff, who has admired Darby from afar for a long time. As Darby and Cliff get closer, he confides in Darby a secret about Dr. Faulkner. Darby knows she must tell Della, but she also knows that telling Della will devastate her.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this look into these women’s lives. Both Della and Darby had a tough childhood and they each dealt with it in different ways. The book alternates between both girls' POVs and their grandmother, Birdena, or Birdie as her granddaughters call her. The book is full of southern charm, and perhaps too much of it at times. Birdie seems to only talk in southern colloquialisms, which was cute for a bit, but I did get tired of them after a while.

The romances were good. They were sweet and closed-door. There is also a religious element to the book, but not overpowering.

Recommendation:
I recommend Della and Darby to anyone who loves a sweet romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved reading this book! It hooked me on the first page and didn't let go. It has wonderful characters, and you feel the full range of emotions while reading this book. I loved it and highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a really good book about two sisters that even worked together. I like the characters and the storyline. It really made you think. It had good faith content too. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review

A quick and enjoyable read about the power of family and what can happen when you open your heart to new experiences. The characters were believable and relatable- it is well written and a pleasure to read.

You have to love a book that just pulls you in from the start and keeps you along for the ride. Susannah B. Lewis has the gift of weaving tales of family, friends and relationships that makes you feel a part of the story. Not having sisters of my own, I can only imagine what it would be like if I did but as I read, Della and Darby became sisters to me and allowed me to experience their emotions as they ebbed and flowed throughout the storyline. In addition, it’s always fun to have places I know sprinkled throughout the story. I’m so thankful to have been given the opportunity to read an early addition and am pleased to provide a five star rating and recommendation for this most excellent book. .