Member Reviews

The synopsis calls this a "charming novel" and I'd have to agree. Having lived briefly in the south, I love the southern charm that this novel is full of. Sister relationships are so complicated and Marvina and Rose's is no different. They start out the book estranged, but Rose wants something from her sister and is going to have to talk to her to get it. Told with dual POV, I really appreciated getting both sides of the story and hearing how both sisters realized that their perspective on their past wasn't the whole story. They came to see each other's points of view, which helped them understand the other one so much more. I love the focus on hospitality, and how it can be viewed as "women's work" or something put on women to care for others, it's not that simple. Marvina loves caring for others, and why should that be bad? We all have our strengths. Overall, this was a well written, touching novel and I loved every minute of it.

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This book was interesting because Two sisters were completely different in thinking. They were growing up.You could see where the different as well. Rose was always the one.That was very venturous and wanted to get out of that town name forks texas. MAR Ira stayed in the town. At a very different way of life. Rose wanted to open a restaurant there.So such a cent for sister forty dollars. She used the money not to do the permits or anything like that.She got a boyfriend to add a jail. Rose hold this against her for the longest time. She married but divorced. She had a very quiet life Working for the united states post office. She retired but had an incident at the retirement party and she fell.
No. Her friends were helped her out a lot.She realized what she really wanted to do is open that restaurant again in forks texas. She wanted her mother's spice mix but couldn't remember it.So she drove to forks texas to ask her sister for the recipe. Your sister was not in good shape either. Rose was only planning to stay for a few days but ended up staying for a while. She really wanted to sell the mother's house and this didn't sit well of the other sister. Things didn't go well in the church as well. You could see the conflict between these 22 the whole book. Then a girl who was pregnant in this town ended up living with him. Cause she had no family and her mother did not want her. You never know how things are going to turn out.But the book really had a nice ending

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A story full of sibling rivalry, forgiveness, comfort food, and found family. Sisters with a Side of Greens is the story of sisters Rose Tillman and Marvina Nash who haven't spoken to each other in years because of many misunderstandings in particular one about opening up Rose's dream restaurant. After an accident happens during her retirement party- Rose cooks and then realizes she has forgotten their mother's incredible and secret spice recipe. She knows the only person that can help her with the recipe is her sister, Marvina, so she travels back to her hometown to visit her sister-- who is not all that excited to see her, but gives her a chance and reluctantly welcomes her home.

Marvina and Rose have both gone through a lot in their lives, have taken different routes and have disconnected because of their different versions of what happened many years ago, but they come together to help a young pregnant woman and this connection helps them work through their differences and confront their issues from the past.

This was such a wonderful story full of forgiveness. Really well balanced with serious topics, funny moments and great characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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What a fun story of two extra ged sisters of the south who come together with a few second chances.
As someone who rarely speakers with their siblings this hit a little close to home and had me curious how it all would end.
Highly recommend for anyone who is looking for a feel good, second chance, sisterhood and small town vibes.

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This book is really heartwarming; it’s all about family, second chances and life regrets. Food plays a huge role in reuniting the two Dewberry sisters, Rose and Marvina. In fact, it’s one of the few things they still agree on; that their Momma’s secret seasoning is the best.

I loved the first-person POV from Rose and her realistic, no-nonsense outlook on life… so much so that I was hooked within the first two pages.

The main characters are mature Black women, and it is so refreshing to read about the challenges that this generation faces: the loss of purpose after retirement or the death of a spouse, when does living really begin, how old is too old to chase one’s dreams.

There is a lot of discussion about God, attending church, and one’s relationship with God. What I admired about this was the fact that Marvina, despite having a very rigid view of the world and people’s actions, was finally able to look at things a bit differently with a lot of coaxing from and frank discussions with Rose and Kerresha.

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Things I liked:
The two sisters Rose and Marvina. They are both middle aged and stubborn as heck. They kinda are like me and would rather argue with each other than anything.
The food. Another thing I LOVE. I wanted that seasoning recipe that was their momma's though.
The sense of family from them and everyone they met. They just embraced everyone they met even if they had to tell them off.

Things I didn't like:
The religion part. There is some church hurt involved but dang I felt like Jesus was beating me over the head reading this book.
The whole 40 dollar storyline. Where Rose had gave Marvina 40 bucks to start a restaurant with her and Marvina spent the money getting her man out of jail. That shit was way over blown and petty.

Overall it was a sweet decent read but nothing I'll really remember. 2.5 stars.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

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Sometimes the universe just happens to know exactly what you need. This book was definitely something that fulfilled that. I loved this book so much. I swear this reminds of a movie, but I’m not entirely sure what movie. Regardless, it was a really comforting heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was an easy read with some good old southern charm that just drew me in like a big warm squishy hug. One that I really needed. I loved the two sisters and it was actually a little comical how they bickered sometimes but pulled together others as if nothing happened as well as the fact that the author utilized a scenario that was realistic as opposed to something being completely far fetched. What else did I like about the book? The way the characters were presented allowing the reader to genuinely feel connected to them as well as watching them grow and seeing how they worked through challenges they faced, even though some took a little longer than others to get through. There were some real life situations presented in this book including relationship problems, family conflicts/drama, forgiveness and more. I really enjoyed reading this uplifting heartfelt book and becoming a part of Rose and Marvina’s world. I definitely recommend reading this one.
Thank you Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Michelle Stimpson for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

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What a beautiful book. This love story about "family" - sisters, parents, spouses, found-family, and friends - is so warm-hearted. I loved the realistic relationships, the less-than-perfect characters, and the message behind it all. Michelle Stimpson has created a hug in written form. I will recommend this book to everyone.

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I didn't grow up with sisters, and although my mom did, and I've see how they act (even at their big ages of late 60's and mid 70's) reading books about sisters have always intrigued me. I saw a lot of my mom and her last living sister with the sisters in this book. It was such an emotional ride,and I'm a little shocked with some of what happened in the story (and this is coming from someone who grew up in the church and has had to step away with some of the same concerns brought up in the book). And my next step is to get some of the seasoning (as if I really need to buy anything else). This book made me laugh, cry and laugh some more. I immensely enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the author's next book. .

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A beautiful story about sisters as different as night and day and estranged because of their differences. The story shows how love can conquer all and differences can be worked out or ignored because of love. Loved the characters of Rose and Marvina.

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This was my first Michelle Stimpson read and it did not disappoint. I loved all the characters and the overall story was great. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

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I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow at times. The author did a great job with connecting you with the characters and I enjoyed the plot. It was great how she used two generations to encourage, uplift and show forgiveness. This book will have you experiencing different emotions because of the family drama, friendships, relationships and love. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

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"A Sister with a Side of Greens" by Michelle Stimpson is an absolute delight, earning every bit of its well-deserved five stars. Stimpson's Southern fiction masterpiece weaves a heartwarming tale of forgiveness, family, and the unbreakable bond between two strong-willed sisters, Rose Tillman and Marvina Nash.

The story unfolds with a decades-long estrangement between Rose and Marvina, sparked by a $40 betrayal that left a bitter taste in Rose's mouth. As Rose embarks on her post-office career, she harbors a dream of opening a restaurant with Marvina, using their mama's secret spice mix to create a culinary sensation. The catch? Rose realizes she has forgotten the spice mix recipe, prompting her to embark on a two-hour journey to Marvina's house in Fork City, Texas.

The characters are beautifully developed, each with their unique quirks and personalities. Rose's determination and Marvina's resilience make them compelling protagonists, and the supporting cast adds layers of charm and authenticity to the narrative. Stimpson skillfully captures the essence of Southern culture, infusing the story with genuine warmth and humor.

The dynamic between the sisters is brilliantly portrayed, and as the plot unfolds, readers will find themselves deeply invested in their journey toward reconciliation. The tension and emotion are palpable, creating a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The author's ability to explore complex family dynamics and themes of forgiveness with grace and humor is truly commendable.

As the sisters navigate the twists and turns of their relationship, the story evolves into a celebration of Mama's legacy, transforming it into a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire community. The narrative is expertly paced, with a perfect blend of humor, drama, and heartwarming moments that keep readers hooked from start to finish.

"A Sister with a Side of Greens" is a must-read for fans of Southern fiction, and it easily stands alongside the works of Terry McMillan and KJ Dell'Antonia. Michelle Stimpson has crafted a memorable tale that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impression on the heart. This book is a true gem, offering a rich tapestry of family, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love. Highly recommended!

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Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary eARC of Sisters with a Side of Greens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Forgiveness, Found Family and Faith all play important parts in this heart warming read. I binged it in a day. I found the book especially poignant in that the MCs are both very close to my age. I have not read many books focusing on women in their late 50's. There is so much change, regret, what if and what would happen that make up a huge part of our daily life.

Michelle approaches all these landmines with a touch of humor and grace. Family is complicated and while all is not as it seems, we each bring our own thoughts, feelings and prejudices into our memories. I enjoyed seeing Rose and Marvina's POV and cheered for the slow steps toward forgiveness each was willing to take.

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A good book about two sisters that have had a falling out. When Rose retires she realizes that she has not made any of her dreams come true. In order to have a chance at life, she needs to reunite with her sister. This story is about their journey back towards each other as they create a life that they really want to live. I received this digital ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmarks. This review is my own.

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Love this story. It dives into regrets within sister relationships in a sweet way. It has all the elements of sisterhood including grudges and how to navigate the ways we internalize insecurities and misunderstandings. Not often do I get to read about older female main characters. Enjoyed within two sittings.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Michelle Stimpson for this ARC to read and review!

Marvina & Rose bicker and snip at each other like only sisters can do, neither bending or giving an inch in a feud that has kept them estranged for decades, until an unexpected guest arrives and steals both of their hearts. Little do the sisters know that this new found friendship begins a sweet and healing journey back to each other.

I found their story to be not only heartwarming but very realistic and relatable … anyone with a sister or close sibling, no matter what kind of relationship you have together, would probably agree!

Sisters With A Side Of Greens is a book about the ups and downs of sisterhood, forgiveness, second chances and found family … all centered around amazing southern home cooking and a momma’s legacy!

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Rose retires after three decades working for the United States Postal Service with rediscovered dreams of opening a restaurant. But to do so, she needs the secret recipe for her late mother’s beloved spice mix. The only other person who knows it is her estranged sister, Marvina, who wants nothing to do with her. Initially, their reunion goes as smoothly as expected (i.e., not smooth at all), but an unexpected guest soon brings the sisters together again. With themes of faith and forgiveness, the pacing was a little slow at times, but I enjoyed all the banter and bickering.

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Love is a good place to start!

The tale of $40 and 40 years! This book takes us on a journey of two sisters (Rose and Marvinia) as they find their way back to love despite miscommunication, unforgiveness, grief, and years of hurt! The author has a remarkable way of tackling heavy subjects while also humorously telling the story. I found myself literally laughing out loud many times! Some of the banter between the sisters is ridiculous and hilarious!

At its core, this is a story of reconciliation, redemption, and compromise. Although the aging sisters are the focus of the story, the real MVP is the young lady who challenges Rose and Marvinia to open their minds and get back to love! This is a book that anyone can glean and at the same time enjoy. It may challenge you to check yourself and your bias while encouraging you to live your life to the fullest.

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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A fun story of sisters, second chances and southern cooking!

Rose and Marvina are estranged sisters guarding their momma's secret seasoning. Rose, newly retired from the USPS, learns she needs a refresher in the ingredients and heads to Marvina's house to get the recipe. A whole lot happens while she's there - their first meeting after years of not talking, an ex husband, a pregnant squatter and a hostile church environment. The story is entertaining, kept me reading and I loved the sisters. Fun book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

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