Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

When we meet Anna, we learn there are really two sides to her life, before Guy and after Guy. The story move between the two, giving us clear pictures of how the foster child systems failed both Anna and her sister, Birdie. Anna has lost track of Birdie and has never stopped searching for her. This story line has a lot of dramatic moments when Anna relives some of her worst moments, it's not for the faint of heart. The end is surprising. This is a great read but is influenced by the subject matter.

This was the first time I've read something by this author, but I did enjoy reading the book. I just think it might be a bit triggering because of the issues it deals with, but still worth the effort. Recommended.

This was well written and the plot was executed really well. A great level of drama and intrigue which kept me engaged all the way through

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A great mystery/suspense. Great weekend read.

This book was everything I look for in a book. It was so exciting. The plot was fantastic. It really had me on the edge of my seat, and my heart racing. It was very well written and flowed well.

AMAZING! what a powerful book- this author is amazing! i love the way she writes i couldn't put the book down and it had the best ending ever!

This book was ok for me but I cant say I loved it. I was a little dispointed . I just couldnt connect with her writing style.

The Secret Sister by M. M. DeLuca is the first book I have read from this author, and I found it very hard to get into this book. However, I stuck with it after putting my kindle down several times and starting another book then going back to
The Secret Sister...........it was an interesting read, full of twists and turns with lots of secrets throughout.
Anna is keeping so many secrets from her husband I could not keep up with them!!! She can't trust her husband Guy as well.

So, Why is she married if she can't trust her husband etc???

Anna is trying to find out what happened to her missing sister, Birdie. she has flashbacks to their childhood and the several families the girls lived with throughout the foster care system.

Does she find her sister?

But sadly it was still missing something..........It did start off ok However, it wasn't the best book I have read this year.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my digital ARC

This was a story about a missing sister which caught my attention.

Anna seemed to have found happiness with husband Guy who provided her with security and pots of money which satisfied her inner cravings. But her twin sister was lost to her when they were together in foster care. And Anna wanted to find her.

Author M. M. DeLuca made an earnest attempt to provide a story which dealt with the realities of life. The repercussion of early years of abandonment and abuse were shown within the boundaries of a fictional story. Some parts got a bit too graphic. I had to skip them, lest I got triggered.

But the story meandered quite a lot… I mean a lot, so the suspense got diluted. Anna too was difficult to like or empathize. There were moments of vulnerability followed my sensitivity so I was not too keen on her.

Child abuse, substance abuse, foster care problems could trigger some of us. The book was too long and quite difficult to read unless you had the fortitude for it. The ending was quite different

One part of me understood the realities, but the other wanted a good suspenseful tale as promised in the blurb. That I did not get. Hence disappointed.

Really enjoyed this quick read. The Author covers a tough topic that we may not like to admit happens in our own hometowns, though is a very real issue all over the world

A good, fast paced, well written, fun thriller! It had a bit too much filler, but overall provided my needs that I seek in thrillers; twisty turns, thrills, chills, and shocks! I thought it had some captivating parts, but some lagged a bit. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

A really enjoyable thriller with a fast paced plot and relatable characters. I really felt for Anna and found her courageous and likeable in her quest to avenge her sisters death.
The plot was of course a little far fetched, but I think most great thrillers are. The ending was satisfying and apt. I would definitely read further books by this author and would recommend to friends and family members.

Wow. Totally of out my comfort zone here, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I don't even know what to say about it. If you like twisted thrillers, I think this is your jam! I'm a fan of dual time lines, popping back and forth between past and present. This one did it so well, I felt just as dizzy as Anna, the narrator did!
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the advanced reading copy.

Reading Between the Wines book review #37/115 for 2021:
Rating: 3 🍷 🍷 🍷 1/2
Book 📱: The Secret Sister
Author: M. M. Deluca
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
RELEASED on March 25, 2021!!!

Sipping thoughts: This book read a little differently than I expected. I was pleasantly surprised with the change in what I thought the story was about. I was a little confused at times with the flashbacks and a lot confused in what to think about Anna. I think that was actually the point though. There is some strong content and possibly a trigger for readers that need a trigger warning. I wanted a little more for the ending rather than the abrupt way it ended. I would suggest this book to someone looking for a tricky, quick read with a small twist.

Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @Canelo for an advanced copy of @TheSecretSister

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Interesting book. It definitely kept my reading, in my opinion, there was a lot of "bloat"....and a few things that just didn't make sense. I'm not sure the continuity was the best, it if just some things were added for drama?

Well I really got sucked into this one. I wasn't sure if she was crazy or telling the truth for most of the book. the ending I guessed but only about a chapter or two before it was all revealed. I liked her and the fact that although her childhood was bad she was helping the next generation of youths. I liked the idea that she set out to get revenge and I love that you don't truly know whats going on until the end. I truly was a gripping read.

A truth is such a subjective and delicate thing, especially where relationships are concerned.., I really enjoyed this tale of deceit and highly recommend it!

The description sounded like a book I would enjoy but sadly I couldnt get into the story and didnt finish it. Not for me , I'm afraid

When I first started reading this book I thought that Anna was just some gold digger looking for her next meal ticket but oh boy was I ever so wrong (although it was an added benefit). I was surprised to learn that this book was under 300 pages because it felt like it was a lot longer.

I liked how Anna would stick up for herself in certain situations with Guy and his family. She was brutally honest at times and would apologise for her wicked tongue. I did enjoy learning more about Anna and Birdie’s awful childhood but I found myself not really connecting on an emotional level with either of them.

I really wanted there to be more to the ending because I needed to know what happened next and I don’t feel like I had the closure that I needed.