Book Review – Sisters by Michelle Frances

Some of us are lucky enough to have siblings which we love. We appreciate the bond that’s been created since we first were introduced and we are able to share happy memories. But this isn’t always the case. For some, the bond is dysfunctional and comes with hurt and betrayal. The latter is the case when we are introduced to Abby and Ellie.

Abby is the older of the two sisters. She has been an extremely hard-working and goal-oriented woman who has recently retired from her job as a business analyst. She is also a newlywed and living with Matteo on the Italian island of Elba. Ellie, on the other hand, has spent much of her childhood ill with mysterious, undiagnosed symptoms. She missed much of her younger school days and has always felt she had to catch up and never could. Her motto is to seize the day and worry about tomorrow later – a philosophy which has her deep into financial debt. Abby resents Ellie for being the more beautiful of the two women, and for always being their mother Susanna’s favourite. Ellie is jealous of Abby’s rich lifestyle and gorgeous new husband.

Abby invites Ellie to her home for a visit and to give Ellie a holiday. Abby also wants to share a secret with Ellie about her childhood. Before she has a chance to do so, Susanna arrives unexpectedly making it difficult for Abby to speak with Ellie privately. Then, an accident occurs which has Abby and Ellie fleeing the island for a road trip with only each other to trust and rely upon.

I was entertained by this book and found I was engaged throughout. The characters have been well developed and for the most part likeable. The theme of this book to me reflects the importance of experiences during our childhood years in shaping the adults we become. The book also highlights the importance of resolving conflict before relationships become irreparable. I appreciated reading about the adventure of this road trip and the insight that the sisters gleamed of themselves and each other during this time. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys General Fiction and/or Mysteries & Thrillers.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publishers Group Canada/ PanMacMillan for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.