Fern and Rose are twins but not identical. Fern seems to be on the autistic spectrum and Rose takes care of her even when they become adults. Their childhood wasn’t great with a mother who could have done more for the girls.

The pair are totally different Rose has diabetes and was nicknamed Rosie round by her mother and Fern is slender and willowy, their mother seems to have sociopathic tendencies and this does result in the girls having less than a nurturing childhood.
Fern is a librarian and a good one too and lives alone , Rose is married and is desperate for a baby but is unable to conceive.

Some of the narrative is from a journal written by Rose and this details their childhood and fills in the missing pieces or does it? We see life through the eyes of Fern too which is a sharp contrast.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the writing is easy to read and compelling. The characters have depth and the book had plenty of twists and turns and a gripping read.
A great read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this arc copy.

I read it in one sitting and then I read it again! This one has it all, yet nothing is quite as expected.

Stuffed inside this book and bursting from the pages are murder, betrayal, dysfunctional families, romance, pregnancy, workplace problems, difficult colleagues, mental health issues, broken relationships, genius, riches and a social, communication interaction disorder.

𝘐𝘵 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩, 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸, 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺

The plot is masterfully crafted, weaving together all of the above, without a loose end in sight..More, it meshes so beautifully that it appears as uncomplicated as a shopping list. It is an absolute work of genius and I am in total awe of the sheer brilliance.

It is well written and flows in a way that makes it incredibly easy to read. The multiple, potentially hazardous subjects are navigated with sensitivity and aplomb.

The characters are engaging and have real depth. The relationships between them are naturally grown, often full of flaws, and deliberately awkward moments that are incredibly endearing. Raw emotions, tender feelings and misunderstandings are depicted with a startling honesty and clarity, making it immensely relatable and truly touching.

This review doesn't come close to doing the book justice, though I can't praise it highly enough. More like this please

Fern and Rose are twin sisters with very different recollections of their past.
Fern is on the autistic spectrum with sensory processing disorder. She works in a library and her whole world revolves around her sister Rose. She thinks only Rose can understand her and help her with her issues. That's until she meets Wally (Rocco), a man with a similar condition to hers who helps her make small positive changes in her life. When Fern discovers Rose can't get pregnant, she decides to be the one that will carry her baby. But not everything is as simple as it seems...

This book was amazing! It was emotional, the relationships between the characters were brilliantly analysed, it really felt like I came to know them and care for them. It was cleverly built and I did not see the twists scattered around in the book. Unreliable narrators can be tricky and they don't always work, but in this case it was executed perfectly.

A definite 5 stars for me! Thank you NetGallery and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to. NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read The Good Sister

Twin sisters- two different versions of the past, and only one is telling the truth.

This book read more like a family drama then a mystery/ thriller but I still quite enjoyed it . At some point, you can totally see where the story is going, but the story telling still keeps you engaged.

This is my first novel by this author, but I will definitely be reading more !

Wow!! What a ride!! This is my first Sally Hepworth and it won't be the last. I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. This is written from both sisters, Rose and Fern's point of view, and I must say I loved Fern from the off. I can't write anything more other than it's a MUST READ. Very well written and I may have shed a little tear at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sally Hepworth and Hodden & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh this is clever, really enjoyed this twisty tale of two sisters. As the story unravels it becomes clear all is not what it seemed. Great thriller and I would read this author again. Thank you.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This book is based around twin sisters, Rose and Fern. Rose is more dominant of the two, as Fern has sensory processing issues, and Rose feels she is the protector in the relationship. Rose and Fern were raised by their mother, but went into care at age 12. Rose is married to Owen, and they want a baby, but Rose isn’t able to conceive. Fern finds some prenatal tablets in Rose’s house, and asks questions, and decides inwardly that she will get pregnant for Rose and give her the baby. Fern works at the library and is a stickler for routines, and this is where she meets Wally, and decides he will be the one who makes her pregnant for Rose. But it’s not quite as straightforward as it sounds, especially when the past comes back to haunt them.

This book is set from both sisters perspectives, and we read the present day and memories of the past via Rose’s journal. And it really makes you question relationships with family, and what you get from those, and whether you really know your own family at all. The characters were ok, I didn’t really like Rose, but I thought Fern was great, and I loved reading her developing relationship with Wally. Fern and Rose’s relationship comes across as being very close, almost suffocating, and not how I would view a healthy relationship. But it’s what the story is built around. I really like the way it was written, as you get to see both sides of the story. I really enjoy the books written by this author, and this one was no different. Excellent reading.

Through this book we follow both Rose and Fern, twin sisters who are living with a secret from their past. Rose is desperate for a baby but sadly can’t have one. Fern, who has sensory issues, can give her the very thing she wants.

As you read the book you start to learn all about their childhood, their mother, and the tragic event which shapes their 12 year old lives. Each sister has a different version of events and it’s up to the reader to decide who is in fact ‘The Good Sister’.

I was absorbed in their story right from the beginning and struggled to put it down. The reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is because I guessed the ending quite near the beginning of the book, however it didn’t spoil the story for me.

For a thriller the book had some funny, warm and charming moments which I loved and wish other books would take note of. Thrillers don’t always have to be doom and gloom, and this book proves it.

Thank you for Netgalley for a copy of the book in return for an honest review

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth is a cleverly crafted story. Twins who couldn’t be less alike. Rose- the organised protector and Fern with severe sensory issues. But is all as it seems? What a great storyline with details which shock in relation to the apparent maternal manipulation and neglect.... Each character is well developed and relatable. Sally handles the issue of Aspergers/sensory issues really well. The triggers, reactions and mitigation’s are all well described and demonstrated. What a very enjoyable read Four stars from me

This was the first book I have read from this author and it won't be the last. I was gripped from the very beginning. I knew straight away that the relationship between the sisters was going to be different. I warmed to Fern so much, she is such a well written character. I love how she says exactly what she thinks, some lines made me laugh out loud. I adored Wally, another brilliant character who you just can't not love. The story had me on the edge of my seat and, without giving anything away, had me almost crying in parts. This is by far one of my favourite reads of the year and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Many Thanks to Sally Hepworh and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book before being published in exchange for an honest review.

I´ve really enjoyed this book. It´s building up through half of the book and then the rest is just really fast pace.
Fern and Rose, twin sisters.
Rose is married/separated because she couldn´t have a child and her husband is now in London working in a long project but he´ll be back soon.
Fern works in a library, I loved that, where they have different services even they provide a toilet when people can clean, shower themselves if they are having difficulties, no house, etc.
Fern is autistic. She loves her job but she doesn´t enjoy when customers ask her about fixing the printer, helping them with the computers and things like that.
Rose has been looking after Fern since her mother had a stroke (or so that seems) and she´s in a care home where with the help of her carer is improving and probably might talk properly very soon.
The story develops between the past and the present letting us know how the mother behaved with both girls. This story comes always from Rose´s voice. What we can see when Ferns talks is something a bit different, but the author makes us think that Fern has it wrong as she´s got some kind of mental health issue.
The book is a very clever writing.
You realise that Rose isn´t as good sister as it appears at the beginning, that good appearances are not all that matters and that you can´t judge for what you see.
The book also has a very enjoyable romance story with Fern falling in love with what she thought it was a homeless man but he´s a millionaire who chose to live a simpler life after having a breakdown.
I really enjoyed the book, the mystery, the love story, the colleagues that Fern has at the library, how important that is.
The last chapters when everything is getting clear I didn´t see all the turnings and I loved it.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Sally Hepworh
4.5 stars

Thanks to Netgally and Hodder & Stoughton for the electronic ARC.

OH MY!
This is a cracker.
The synopsis is simple - Fern Castle lives a quiet, ordered life, going to work in her local library, exercising, visiting her twin sister Rose and her disabled mother on a regular basis. Rose seems very attentive, perhaps a bit overprotective of Fern. When Fern discovers that her capable sister wants a baby, she decides it would be a generous gift to have one for her. Then she meets a man.

Of course all is not as it seems. There are dark secrets buried in their pasts, twists and turns and peril at every moment.
Fern is an amazing creation, perfectly realised on the page, right down to the sneakers. I loved her and wanted to spend more time with her. The bond between sisters was sharply observed.
I read this in two short sittings, because I wanted to know how things turned out.
There are a few neat plot devices that I can't reveal, that stretched my credulity a bit far, but just buckle up for the ride in the classic Kombi and go with it!

One of the best books I’ve read recently. A gripping family drama that had me unable to put the book down.

I have just spent about three days with Fern and Rose. Fern and Rose are sisters, twins. Rose remembers a childhood where their mother was abusive, sadistic, and a narcissist. Fern doesn't recall it that way. Rose is Ferns protector, always has been. Fern did something terrible when they were children, and Rose has always protected her from the consequences of this. Fern wants to pay Rose back for always being there for her, for being 'her person'...except...things stop adding up, and the payback is the catalyst for both Women's carefully constructed lifes to spiral out of control and the truth to emerge..
A lovely well crafted tale that keeps you wanting more. All of the characters have depth and intrigue, and leave the reader wanting more.

The good sister by Sally Hepworth

Twins - Fern and Rose - one can give everything and other is very protective.. The sisters are so devoted to each other that when secrets are revealed, the reality that they have always believed about each other crashes down!

Rose is always taking care of Fern even though she has a husband and wants to start a new chapter in her life. As kids, she started taking care of Fern and it has become a part of her.

Fern has sensory processing disorder and relies on her twin to take care of her when she gets stuck in social issues however her life turns for better when she meets Rocco who understands her issues in the social situations.. Meeting someone who can actually understand her disorder gives Fern a confidence in life but will it be enough when all the past's ugly incidents haunt them?

This was a good thriller! We obviously know who is the good sister is, but the book keeps you hooked to understand the family dynamics and how it all unfolds. I loved Fern so much, that I would recommend the book to read her alone

Fern and Rose are non identical twins in their late 20's. Fern is neurodivergent and her sister Rose sees herself as her protector- particularly from their mother. When the girls were 12, there was an incident involving Fern which Rose uses to keep Fern under her wing. Now the girls are older, Rose wants to have a family and Fern takes it upon herself to try and help the sister who has done so much for her. The narrative takes place from Fern's point of view in the present and extracts from Rose's diary. I found this a quick and fairly enjoyable read that was gripping enough to hold my attention.

Found this book to be a bit of a slow starter but after a few chapters ..wow . It really took off. The story centres around fraternal twins Fern and Rose and their relationship with their Mum. As the story emerges you gradually learn about events in their lives from the perspective of each sister. Really enjoyed this book and would love to read more by this author.

Fern and Rose Castle are twins, but that is where the resemblance ends. Fern works in the local library and can only function with a structured life. She finds it difficult to deviate from this structure and needs advanced warning of any changes before they disrupt her. Rose feels that she needs to protect Fern and that’s the way it’s always been, right through their cruel upbringing and into their adult lives.

Despite trying, Rose cannot fall pregnant, so Fern decides to become her surrogate, as a way to repay Rose. As Fern starts to become more responsible for herself and that of her unborn child, Rose begins to panic that everything won’t just fall into place how she planned. Slowly as the layers peel back, Fern discovers the truth is more than she bargained for.

A truly compelling read, which doesn’t just lead you up the garden path, it takes you into the house, sits you down and makes you a cup of tea. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which kept me guessing to the end.

The Good Sister is a book that the more I read the more I started to become involved until I couldn’t put it down.
Fern and Rose are twins, they aren’t identical as fern is tall and slim with light hair and Rose is smaller, rounder and darker haired. Fern avoids social interaction, loud noises, smells and lives a life by routine whilst Rose is married and living a normal life and helping her sister. Rose can’t have a child so Fern decides to have one for her but this is where Ferns life will start to question her sister. Their mother is in a care home, Rose hasn’t seen her for ten years as she can’t forgive her for the terrible upbringing she had but Fern religiously visits every Thursday. One week when Fern visits she tells her mother who struggles to talk that she is pregnant and she’s going to give it to her sister. Her mother manages to say “don’t give Rose your baby”. Fern doesn’t understand why she would say that.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish, the chapters worked well with excerpts of Roses diary to keep you thinking. The book was written well, I felt Ferns awkwardness leap out through the pages.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder and Staughton for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it was so good I devoured it in less than 24 hours. (I’m off to read all the back catalogue of the author!)

The story predominantly centres are Fern and her twin sister Rose. Rose is married to Owen, who is currently working away in London (the book is set in Australia) but Rose refused to go with him as she feels she has to be there for Fern.

Fern lives by herself and works in a library where she meets Wally (Rocco). Fern has a very set way her life has to be. I got the distinct impression that she is possibly on the autism spectrum.

Rose can not have a baby. So Fern decides to get pregnant and have a baby for her. There is also a secret from the girls past that has contributed to Fern being the way she is as an adult.

I’m not going to say anymore because I feel I’d be doing any future reader an injustice.

I was not prepared for the twist and turns but definitely all is not as it appears or as it initially reads.

Sally Hepworth and The Good Sister definitely get 5 stars from me.