Member Reviews
SISTERS WITH A SIDE OF GREENS was a cheeky family story that I enjoyed. I loved the southern cultural aspects and the interaction and dynamic between the sisters. I don't have a sister but I appreciated how Michelle Stimpson crafted their relationship in a nuanced way. I really enjoyed the themes of forgiveness and redemption in the midst of messy family drama. I look forward to reading what Michelle Stimpson writes next!
Many thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the exploration of getting older through the lens of the two sisters. Oftentimes, retirees are looked at as people who are done striving or done dream chasing and I liked that Rose's character especially pushed against that. I liked the small town feel and I thought the different ways that siblings perceive parents was a nice conversation throughout the book as well. Rose and Melvina had different perspectives of their mother and the truth was somewhere in the middle. Pace wise I thought the plot moved along well. My only critique would be how low stakes everything felt. The passion was a bit missing. But all in all a decent story of sisterhood, aging, and growing.
Sisters Rose and Marvina haven't spoken in years…because of a disagreement over $40. When Rose retires, she decides to make a trip home in order to get the recipe for their mother's secret seasoning. What happens next, is nothing short of divine intervention.
Through arguments, tears, secrets and a homeless, teenage girl, they name to come together and honor their mother while making a difference in many lives.
I went into this book by @stimpson.michelle not knowing what to expect, and walked away with a message of hope, forgiveness, family unity and humbleness. I pray that it heals someone's heart and they too, reach out to a family member that they haven't spoke to in a while.
You know these women. You’ve been these women. You are these women. Two sisters. A lifetime apart. Petty, messiness, untold truths, found family, secrets, and antiquated holiness thinking that all works together to bring a great story. A story of women. A story of love. A story of faith. A story of the womb. A story of forgiveness. Read this story.
Overall I really enjoyed this one. It was a bit slow and repetitive but had great character development between the sisters. It was really endearing seeing them over come the obstacles they were facing. Also the food themes in the book were really fun addition which made the book unique. I love found family as a trope and this one was blooming with it!
I had high hopes for Sisters with a Side of Greens, and while the book has its strengths, I initially DNF’d at 65%. However, I went back to finish it and am glad I did—the ending had a great payoff.
What worked exceptionally well in this story was the found family aspect. I thoroughly enjoyed how Rose and Marvina took Kerresha under their wings. The sisters’ love for Kerresha not only helped her but also began to mend the rifts in their own relationship, healing the love they have for each other and themselves. Kerresha, being a young and honest Gen Z, brings a fresh perspective to the baby boomer sisters, challenging their views on right and wrong, the politics of respectability, and sexuality. Her presence is the catalyst for their transformation, and I found this dynamic heartwarming and believable.
The dialogue was another highlight. It was specific to the culture, area, and age group, making it feel authentic and familiar. While reading, I often smiled because it felt like I was listening to my mother and her friends talking—there was a comforting sense of nostalgia in those exchanges.
However, the pacing of the story was a significant issue for me. The author spends too much time on insignificant details that don’t add anything to the plot or character development. While the characters did have likable traits, the pacing was so sluggish that I found myself struggling to push through. We would get two pivotal chapters followed by eight filled with unnecessary fluff. I don’t need a story to start with all the action and drama, and I can appreciate a slow burn, but by chapter 20, when only three chapters had any substantial payoff, it became clear that the story was dragging its feet. At several points, I realized I was reading just to check it off my list, rather than for enjoyment.
Despite these issues, the ending brought everything together in a satisfying way. For that reason, I give this book 3 stars.
What I loved about this book:
1. I loved the journey of the two sisters with a painful past and the road they take to forgiveness and healing.
2. I love the community that they build together and individually.
3. The characters were funny, sad and approachable and I loved them!
What I wanted to be different:
1. It was one of the books that goes at a slow pace and then all of a sudden wraps up too quickly!
My thanks to Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Michelle Stimpson's Sisters with a Side of Greens is a heartwarming tale of family, forgiveness, and the power of shared dreams. The novel introduces us to Rose and Marvina, estranged sisters who find themselves reunited by a shared passion for their mother’s legendary secret spice mix.
Stimpson skillfully weaves together a story of complex relationships, filled with both humor and heartfelt moments. The characters are relatable and endearing, with their flaws and strengths adding depth to the narrative. The author’s vivid descriptions of Southern cuisine bring the story to life, making readers crave the taste of the delicious dishes mentioned throughout the book.
While the plot revolves around the sisters' journey to rebuild their relationship, the novel also explores themes of community, resilience, and second chances. Stimpson's ability to balance the emotional depth of the story with lighter moments creates a truly enjoyable reading experience.
Sisters with a Side of Greens is a delightful novel that celebrates the power of family, the importance of forgiveness, and the enduring spirit of the human connection. It's a perfect read for those seeking a heartwarming and uplifting story.
It was okay. I couldn't get into it. I liked the concept, but ultimately it was my cup of tea. Always happy to have books about multiple female protagonists, though.
A beautiful heartwarming story of two sisters who reconnect while starting over at the latter part of their lives. I liked how the sisters Rose and Marvina were so different from each other (one very religious, one who challenged norms) yet they’re brought together by the need to recreate their late mother’s seasoning and their compassion on a pregnant teenage girl needing help. Loved Kerresha’s character as the woke and sassy teenager who balances them out. Hated the horrible pastor and personally I didn’t like his conclusion (wanted him to suffer lol). But the sisters’ ending was satisfying so overall, I enjoyed this light and cozy read.
Thank you to @bookmarked for the #gifted copy of Sisters with a side of greens by Michelle Stimson.
💭: I really enjoyed this story of sister’s working through years of grief, resentment, misunderstandings and foolishness. When I say, I laughed all the way through, it is an understatement.
Karresha character brought the real and a sense of lightness to Rose and Marvina. My favorite character to make an appearance, Kerresha never held her tongue and had a peculiar way of seeing things as just fact. She called you out when you were wrong and acknowledged you when you were right.
Overall, I really recommend this one. The perfect summer read for a relaxing Sunday!
I loved this heartwarming tale of sisterhood, forgiveness, and the healing power of food. It is a delightful read that blends humor, love, and second chances.
Many thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a story of two sisters who once reached adulthood lost the closeness they once had while growing up. All because Rose sent her sister Marvin’a forty dollars so she could pay to register their restaurant business and Marvina does something else with the money.
Now some twenty years later Rose is retiring and wants to open a restaurant using their mother’s family seasoning for food. She is hoping her and Marvina can put aside their disagreement and go into the restaurant business together.
It’s something how family can hold grudges and miss out on a lot of time they could have kept in touch. Especially when siblings feel that one parent favors their sibling more than them. Sometimes it is better to forgive and let go.
I received an arc from NetGalley and this review is of my own honest opinion and thoughts.
Book Review: Sisters with a Side of Greens by Michelle Stimpson
Rating: 4 stars
Michelle Stimpson's "Sisters with a Side of Greens" is a delightful Southern fiction novel that follows the journey of two estranged sisters, Rose and Marvina, as they navigate forgiveness, reconciliation, and the power of family bonds. Set in the charming town of Fork City, TX, this feel-good story is a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and poignant reflections.
The story kicks off when Rose Tillman, a retired woman with a dream of opening a long-awaited restaurant, realizes she has forgotten the secret spice mix recipe crucial for their business - a recipe known only to her estranged sister, Marvina. Determined to mend their broken relationship and retrieve the recipe, Rose embarks on a journey to Marvina's home, where the sisters are forced to confront their past grievances and misunderstandings.
Stimpson's storytelling shines through her vivid descriptions of Southern charm, mouth watering food, and the intricate dynamics of family relationships. The incorporation of a family heirloom recipe as a central plot element adds depth and nostalgia to the narrative, inviting readers to savor the flavors of tradition and heritage.
While the religious undertones in the book may come across as overwhelming to some readers, Stimpson weaves them into the storyline with a gentle touch, highlighting themes of faith and redemption that resonate with the characters' journeys towards forgiveness and reconciliation.
One of the book's strengths lies in its well-developed characters, particularly Rose and Marvina, who are portrayed as stubborn and flawed individuals grappling with their past choices and regrets. While their personalities may occasionally render them unlikable, their authenticity and growth throughout the story make them relatable and endearing in their imperfections.
In conclusion, "Sisters with a Side of Greens" is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring bond between sisters. With its engaging narrative, captivating setting, and themes of family, food, and reconciliation, Michelle Stimpson invites readers on a journey filled with laughter, tears, and ultimately, the joy of newfound sisterhood.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Transport yourself to the heart of the South with 'Sisters with a Side of Greens,' a captivating tale of sisterhood, redemption, and the savory delights of Southern cuisine. Delving into the complexities of family dynamics, the narrative unfolds around Rose and Marvina, whose fractured relationship is as rich and layered as the dishes they once dreamed of serving together. As they navigate the bittersweet terrain of regrets and second chances, readers are treated to a feast of emotions— from laughter to tears—crafted with the warmth and authenticity that only Southern storytelling can provide. With its blend of heartfelt moments and Southern charm, 'Sisters with a Side of Greens' serves up a delectable reminder of the enduring power of forgiveness and the bonds that truly nourish the soul.
Sisters with a Side of Greens is multicultural women’s fiction by Michelle Stimpson
Sisters, Rose and Marvina, are at odds but attempting to overcome the past. Their interactions and a new adventure feature in this novel. The writing is strong with vivid dialogue and background narrative. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers of multicultural fiction.
My thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% my unbiased opinion.
Two sisters, Rose and Marvina, have not spoken in years. Not since Marvina spent the $40 that would have helped opened up their family restaurant to bail out her husband from jail. Now retired, Rose wants to live out her dream and open the restaurant using their mama's special spice but she realizes she can't remember the recipe. She plucks up the courage to drive back to her home town to visit Marvina and revisit their past.
I loved the sister drama and the southern food. However, I felt like it could use an editor. I think with sister feud, their past, Nina's drama with her ex, Marvina's fight with her church, and then the teenager, there was A LOT going on.
I absolutely love reading stories about estranged siblings who must face their past to reconnect a lost relationship and this book did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for my #gifted copy of Sisters with a Side of Greens!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐨𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝟰.𝟱★
I hugged this one when I finished! I loved this book about sisterhood and forgiveness! I went into this one completely blind and I was so pleasantly surprised! What a lovely book and I cannot recommend it enough!
After retiring from the USPS, Rose decides she wants to open a restaurant. It’s always been her dream. The only problem is, her ex-husband has reminded her that she does not have the correct secret spice recipe. The only other person in the world who know the recipe is her estranged sister, Marvina, who lives about two hours away. Determined to get the recipe, Rose drives the two hours to try to get the recipe. From there, the two are forced to unpack their complicated past and are forced to work together when a young mother to be is in need of their help. Can Rose and Marvina move forward and have a second chance at sisterhood?
🥬Family Drama
🥬Food and Cooking
🥬Sisterhood
🥬Forgiveness
🥬Found Family
🥬Set in Texas
Posted on Goodreads on April 18, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around April 19, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on April 19, 2024
**-will post on designated date
A fun sister tale with a touch of southern charm! This was a quick and easy read that was full of heart. The sisters were very different from each other and unique in their own way. I enjoyed the food descriptions and the town characters.