I really just did not enjoy this book. I haven’t really read much from this author since the Mama Ruby series. The couple of books I attempted after that I just did not enjoy. I thought I would give this one a chance though because the subject matter seemed interesting. However, it was not. The writing style was just not one that I enjoyed—it seemed pretty sophomoric , and the story itself seemed formulaic and pretty predictable. I wish that she would add more to the Mama Ruby series, but if she does not do that, I probably will not read anything else from this author.

I don't read many historical novels. This one by Mary Monroe was good. I liked the relationships the sisters had with each other and how they pranked people. The ending could have been better. It was different than I thought. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Mrs Wiggins by Mary Monroe so I was excited to get an ARC copy of Double Lives. Double Lives tells the story of identical twins Fiona and Leona. They live in Alabama with their mother Mavis. Fiona and Leona are always up to something and they switch lives which leads Mavis to believe one of her daughters is a trouble maker and the other is a saint but is this true. Leona has a best friend Bonnie Sue that is a little too clingy and she truly got on my nerves. This book was fast paced and kept me engaged with the plot twist. The book focuses on how at times people may want to escape from their life but it may take someone else to step in their shoes to show them maybe the grass is not greener on the other side.

I love historical fiction, and this book lived up to expectations. Let’s say you have a twin and no one, not even your parents, can tell you apart. What if you and your twin were to trade places? This was something Leona and Fiona repeatedly accomplished. I didn’t think Leona’s friendship with Bonnie Sue was going to end the way that it did; however, I didn’t like that Leona was so naive. Mary Monroe did it again. This will be a great book club pick.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

Mary Monroe is an absolute treasure. Her historical fiction is like sampling a bit of history for yourself, one juicy bite at a time. She writes such distinctive and memorable characters, and Leona & Fiona are no exception!

The story is told from each sister's point of view. And while they are twins whose devotion to each other is stronger than anything else in life, they are each at times loveable, pitiable, dislikable, and honorable.

I was definitely caught up in the story. Anticipating a twist, but not expecting the story's endings.

You won't be able to put this one down. I read it in one afternoon! (And definitely pick up some of the author's other books too!)