Loved this. Well written with a fantastic cast of charterers that I grew to care about.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Lovely book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book

I also gave this book to a friend to read to ensure that my thoughts were valld.
Together we felt that despite the book having no printing errors - which is what we would expect from this publisher, there were perhaps some plot lines that had gone awry. for instance arriving at a cafe by bike and leaving by car. What happened to the bikes?
The book was diverting and worth a summer garden/beachside read, but no more than that. The genre was '"poor little rich dysfunctional "girls""; with angel-or-devil men, a somewhat improbable plot - perhaps compensated for by clever dialogue.
A creative-writing exercise would be to present it from the viewpoint of Esmerelda the Filipina housekeeper, who had a tragic backstory but seemed the most level-headed of them all (probably stereotyping but offers room for character development by another author?).

This book is a real rollercoaster of emotions. A mother who is so damaged herself she plays her children one against the other. The sisters are so emotionally wrecked as to hate each other, but it’s so rewarding reading how they heal and become friends with each other. True communication and trust are the key elements in this story.

This was a really good read. Easy story to follow, charming setting and great characters. Really enjoyed it.

Susan Mallery is an author who has appeared on my reading lists a lot over the last few years – with her Fools Gold and Happily Inc romance series. The Stepsisters is one of her women’s fiction novels – it has romantic elements, but it’s definitely not a romance. The Stepsisters of the title are three women, all with the same father (but two different mothers), who find themselves thrown back together as adults after one of them has an accident. They have a complicated history between them abd all have different problems in their current lives, but over the course of the book you watch them try and work out if they can they put their history behind them and move forward. Told from the points of view of two of the stepsisters, Daisy and Sage, this has the characters finding themselves and each other. Another read that’s perfect for a sunny garden with a glass of something chilled.

She’s done it again! Another fantastic read! I love how Susan’s books are all so different, such individual ideas in each one.

When Daisy’s dad married Sage’s mum the two girls were thrown together as ‘sisters’. A few years later along comes Cassidy to complete the family. Unfortunately the three never settled into life together and as the marriage broke down, so did their relationship. Now, many years later, all the sisters are thrown reluctantly together again. Can they work out their differences and learn to like each other, maybe even become friends and sisters again?

Be ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you learn more about each character and how her past effects her present.
As ever all characters are well described, as is the scenery and places they live. You feel you are there, submerged into the story.
The characters will grow on you as the story progresses and you will really be hoping for a happy outcome, but be warned, you will be shouting at one of the characters not to make the mistake you think she may be about to make!!! I don’t think I’ve willed a character not to do something for a long time.
You will want to clear some time in your schedule so you can give this your full attention as once you start you will not want to put it down!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and most importantly the author, for the chance to read this book, in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It follows the story of three step sisters, forced together and caused to reflect, confront and rebuild their relationships with each other. It was a really good book and I enjoyed it greatly

When they were younger Daisy and Sage were stepsisters. They never really got along and when their parents divorced they didn't expect to ever see each other again. When their sister is injured the sisters come together to help her through her recovery but will they be able to put the past behind them.

This book took me a while to get into. There is a lot going on in this book and there are a number of different side plots. The characters in this book are not particularly memorable or likable I did like the focus on the sister relationship rather than a romantic relationship.

Overall this was an ok read for me I didn't think the plot was particularly memorable and I didn't really connect with the characters.

An entertaining read. An emotional family drama with moments of both heartache and joy. Well written characters.
My thanks to NetGalley the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book, it is a fantastic chick-lit-esque read with a blended family and a bit of Romance. I think that it will make the perfect summer read ☀️

The characters each have a lot to contend with and carry a lot of past and present baggage. I love how they have a difficult relationship because of the past and yet they have to come together to help one another.

Families are sometimes difficult and I think this book portrays that very well, but also sensitively.

I haven’t read anything by Susan Mallery before, I am so glad this was my first but it sets the bar high for any others!!! The writing is easy to read, there is an underlying wit throughout which I really enjoyed.

I definitely recommend this book, it will be perfect in the Garden or on the Beach with a cocktail 🍹

The characters in the book bring the story alive and leaves you wanting to learn more about them.
I was totally captured by the story. I was engrossed from start to finish;

4☆ An Entertaining and Engrossing Read.

Daisy and her step sister Sage have been estranged for a long time, after their parents divorced and the two never really got on! In fact Sage bullied Daisy!

So when Daisy is at the side of the road covered in her Daughter Krissa's sick, the last person she expects to drive by and save the day is Sage!

Daisy and her husband Jordan are having marital problems, when he leaves her and their two kids Ben and Krissa, to go stay in a hotel, without any explanation. Daisy is desperate to work out why he left...if only he would talk to her!

You see the reason Daisy and Sage are so estranged is because, Daisy husband was engaged to Sage when they was younger. Sage left Jordan heartbroken to go travelling. It doesn't help that was harbouring feelings for him!

Now Daisy's youngest sister Cassidy, has had an acident falling off a cliff, and their dad insists that Daisy nurses her back to health, in Daisy's home.
Despite the fact they really dont get on at all, and it doesn't help that Cassidy prefers Sage.

What could possibly go wrong!!

I loved learning all about the three sisters and how their parents relationships effected, their relationships as sisters.
All three sisters were deeply flawed by their childhood, but It was a nice to see them warming to each other and I even found myself liking Sage lol

Expect plenty of drama, laughs, Poignant Moments, scorned sisters, second chances, new relationships and a possible romance, but most importantly can the three sisters put their past behind them and move on together!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Stepsisters is was an Entertaining and Engrossing read that flowed along seamlessly. A perfect summertime read.

I fully enjoyed this book from start to finish. The complexity of love and relationships and how they interweave and interconnect can be empowering and destructive.
There is no love lost between stepsisters Daisy and Sage. they havent spoken in years, their half sister Cassidy is closest to Sage and really doesn't like Daisy.
Out of the blue Daisy and Cassidy's dad arranges for Cass to stay with Daisy whilst she recovers from falling off a cliff.
None of the sisters are happy with this.
Daisy's marriage to Jordan is also hanging in the balance. Their two children Ben and Krissa bond with their Aunts and learn to accept the circumstances as they are.
Esmeralda the house keeper is Daisy's rock whilst all of this is going on.
I love how the sisters have to thrash out their relationships with each other and the men in their lives.
Can they put their differences aside? Does love conquer all.? Is letting go the right option?
It's got all angles covered. Made me think about my relationships too. We all need an Adam in our lives.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Mills and Boon and Susan Mallery for an e arc copy of this book.
We meet three step sisters Daisy, Sage and Cassie. They are all grown women who don’t really have much to hold them together.
Daisy is married with 2 children; Sage is single and Cassie is in a relationship. All seem happy as they are but are they really?
Cassie has an accident which leaves her needing physical help as she recovers. Daisy’s Dad ask is Cassie can come and live with her. She agrees somewhat reluctantly. As the sisters spend time together, they learn more about each other and bonds form, but can the bonds last?
I enjoyed most of the characters but despised Daisy’s husband and Sage’s Mum. Both were self-centred and really didn’t care about who they hurt or used.
All in all a good read.

This was just the book I needed to sit in the sunshine with. A nice easy read about children in a blended family that falls apart and what happens when they are adults. The rivalry and jealousy and will they finally pull together when their younger sister needs them.

I instantly liked Daisy and connected with her over the car vomit incident and how you are always at your worst when you bump into that one particular person at the exact moment you don’t want to. Daisy may have the big house and the housekeeper to help but her husband has just left her by text message and her car has broken down with her sick covered daughter in it.

That one person is stepsister Sage international glamour puss who was always the popular one but she’s now home with her tail between her legs, no money and back living with her mum.

So when they are brought together after younger sister Cassidy has an incident, they slowly start to see that the grass isn’t necessarily greener in the other sister’s gardens. All three are having problems and they really could use a sister or two to lean on.

An emotional family drama this has moments of both heartache and joy. Every single character stands out with all their different personalities and flaws and even the smaller characters blend in nicely and create what is best described as family.

The Stepsister
By Susan Mallery
Pub date 25 May 2021

My Review
I love all Susan Mallery books I’ve read quite a few and this one my favourite. I felt so invested in the characters and the story I know what it’s like to have a stepsister my self and when you not close mine lived in Canada so I don’t get to see her much only when she comes home every other year. I loved the sister chemistry such a emotional read for me I enjoyed this book so much teachers you about family love and sisters x every one going to love this one.

Familial Drama...
With characters you may love to love and those you may love to hate, a familial drama of siblings, relationships, loves and life. Entertaining with a well crafted cast of characters and an engaging storyline. Escapist reading.

Having read previous books by this author, I figured that I was in for a treat. I hadn’t anticipated finishing the entire book in one sitting. Yes, it was a late night!
As the synopsis explains, Daisy’s father married Sage’s mum throwing them into the world of stepsisters. Added to that is the deep hurt that Daisy feels regarding Cassidy, their shared half-sister. As a child, Cassidy adored Daisy, but all that changed when their parents divorced.
The story explores the effects of the sisters being thrown back together when Sage returns to America after another divorce in Europe. As their tensions are heightened, Daisy learns that Cassidy is coming to stay with her as she recuperates after a freak accident. Daisy is already dealing with her husband’s sudden and unexplained departure, how will she cope with the presence of two siblings who hate her?
This is a beautifully constructed story which examines the complicated relationships of blended families. Sage and Daisy take centre stage and it’s their caustic relationship that is at the heart of all their problems. As the story chips away at the historical grievances, it’s easy to spot how bravado is often a mask for vulnerability. It’s also a reminder that success shouldn’t be judged by bank balances, palatial homes, dream jobs or seemingly happy marriages.
There is so much to love about this book, but I really enjoyed the storyline that brought us Adam. A former neighbour of Sage who has returned to his childhood home. His friendship with Sage is cautious and their lack of obvious compatibility makes for a gentle friendship. At the opposite end of the popularity stakes is Joanne, Sage’s gold-digging mother. Her influence has clearly had a detrimental influence on the girls’ relationships, and it was difficult to feel any sympathy for the character.
I enjoyed escaping to LA and highly recommend it!

I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written and seeing how the sisters relationships changed throughout the book. It was a real fun lighthearted easy read, a little predictable, but I am still giving it 5 stars as it made me feel good and I could relate to the characters.