Sisters with a side of greens


🧅 BOOK REVIEW 🧅

Synopsis: The recipe for forgiveness begins with an open heart and a full belly.

Sisters Rose Tillman and her sister Marvina Nash haven't spoken in decades—not since Rose sent Marvina $40 to register their business and Marvina used that money for her own personal purposes. Now retired, Rose wants to open the restaurant they'd once dreamed of. But, to her horror, Rose realizes she's forgotten their mother's secret spice mix recipe, known to only one other person in the world.
With no other option, Rose embarks on a two-hour drive to Marvina's house back in Fork City, Texas. Marvina has her own version of what caused their falling out, and it's a far cry from what Rose recalls. Marvina, skeptical and still indignant, but incurably polite, figures she'll give Rose a chance to speak her piece before closing the door in her face.
As the sisters fight their way to forgiveness, they unpack their complicated past, form an unexpected alliance with a young mother-to-be, and reconnect through the tantalizing aroma of chicken dinners that hold the power to heal—or divide—a community.
In a tale rich with Southern charm, Rose and Marvina discover through fussing, laughter, and tears that the secret ingredient to a bright future might just be found in facing who they are today—and in forgiving the past to embrace a second chance at sisterhood.

Review: Two estranged sisters are brought together to confront their past and figure out their future in this wholesome story. Character-based with a moderate amount of plot, and plenty of character growth had me intrigued enough to binge it in two sittings. While I didn’t relate to the faith components, I found the elements relating to black identity and family traditions interesting to read, and recommend this if it sounds interesting to you. Call your sister!

3.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Rose Tillman - Just retired from the United States Postal Service after three decades of employment has had some idle time to reflect upon what is next in her life. She’s always wanted to open a restaurant and the thought has her itching to be back in the kitchen again. There’s only one problem…that most would say is small but Rose believes is huge. Rose can’t remember the exact measurements and ingredients for her mother’s spice recipe. There is only one person in the world that can help her…her sister Marvina. Rose packs her bags and heads to Marvina’s home in Fork City, TX.

Marvina Nash - Devoted to God and her church finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place when processing some of the church’s new changes. She can’t decide whether to run for the hills and start over with another congregation or jump on board to support the changes. Rose arrives just in time to provide a (somewhat) positive distraction.

Kereesha Smith - A pregnant teenager found squatting in Marvina’s guest house. Kereesha comes from a kind and caring family that just can’t quite accept her pregnancy. Marvina and Rose gravitate toward the teen and begin to treat her like their own. They show Kereesha what true love and support is all about regardless of past decisions made.

Each character comes to grips with apologies, forgiveness, sisterhood, faith, family, community, regrets, and second chances all while eating delicious food that they learn does more than just fill their stomach…it helps heal their souls. Food brings family and perspectives together in unsurprising ways!

There is something about family drama that just draws me in lol SPECIFICALLY sister drama because if you have a sister then you know.

This story had a lot of love, a lot of emotion, and a lot of forgiveness. While it was slow at times I still found myself wanting to get to the end. The author really made these characters stand out.

The central story of two sisters separated by hurt feelings was enough to draw me in, but it the was the secondary characters that kept me invested. Even the good for nothing ex husband. Everyone in this story has something that makes you want to root for them. I am not generally a fan of Christian fiction but this book was not overwhelming with it's message, it present itself like Jesus would, by performing acts of service to show where faith lied. Helping out your fellow man (or child) and forgiveness being an action.

I received an ARC of Sisters with a Side of Greens by Michelle Stimpson through NetGalley. This was my first time reading this author, and I was thoroughly impressed by the heartwarming and engaging story. Sisters with a Side of Greens follows the journey of two estranged sisters, Rose Tillman and Marvina Nash, who haven't spoken in decades due to a long-standing grudge. Rose, now retired, dreams of opening a restaurant using their late mother's secret spice mix recipe. However, she realizes she has forgotten the recipe and must reconcile with Marvina to retrieve it. Their reunion is complicated by their differing memories of past events and the arrival of a young, unwed pregnant teenager, Kerresha, who needs their help. As they navigate their complicated past and present, the sisters discover the true meaning of family and forgiveness. A retired postal worker, Rose is determined and headstrong. Her dream of opening a restaurant is fueled by her desire to honor her mother's legacy. Despite her tough exterior, Rose's journey reveals her vulnerability and deep-seated need for reconciliation with her sister. Marvina is a dedicated church member and a talented cook who has spent years raising funds for her church through her culinary skills. Her initial reluctance to reconnect with Rose stems from past hurts, but her compassionate nature eventually shines through. A young, pregnant teenager with a strained relationship with her own mother, Kerresha brings a fresh perspective to the sisters' lives. Her presence challenges Rose and Marvina to confront their own issues and helps bridge the gap between them. The plot centers around Rose's quest to retrieve her mother's secret spice mix recipe, which leads her to Marvina's doorstep. The sisters' journey to forgiveness is filled with humor, heartache, and the tantalizing aroma of Southern comfort food. As they unpack their complicated past, they form an unexpected alliance with Kerresha, who becomes a catalyst for their reconciliation. The story beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family bonds. Overall, Sisters with a Side of Greens is a delightful and heartwarming read that offers a perfect blend of humor, emotion, and Southern charm. Michelle Stimpson's storytelling is engaging, and her characters are richly developed and relatable. #netgalley #sisterswithasideofgreens

This is the kind of book that tears you up and puts you back together and brings you hope for this world and happiness. Than you for the opportunity to read and review.

Oh, how this book took hold of me and didn't let go even after I had finished it! I loved the dynamic between Rose and Marvina, and getting to watch them reconnect after so many years, even though it was the last thing they wanted to do. This was such an emotional read, watching the sisters learn, change, and grow. I loved it so much!

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.