The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth is one of my favourite reads so far in 2021. The author combines two of my favourite genres, Women’s Fiction and Thrillers, which I feel work extremely well together. The book is an engaging story of twin sisters which will have you guessing what is the truth, and what isn’t.
Plot Summary
Rose is the more responsible of the two girls. She views her mother as sociopathic and one who does a great job of hiding this from the rest of the world. Rose feels the need to protect her sister Fern from everyone as Fern only sees the best in everyone. Many years ago, Fern did something that was shocking, but Rose kept her secret. Fern has never forgotten this, so when she realizes her sister is unable to have a baby, Fern decides to have one for her. As this wish becomes a reality, the two sisters begin to see each other in a completely different light.
Book Review
The story is intricately woven with the twists you normally find in a thriller. But there is stronger elements of Women’s Fiction that you might not expect. Indeed, the book is about the relationship of three women despite it being written in a two person narrative. While there are elements of mental illness, this is also a story of family love, as dysfunctional as it can sometimes be. The characters are extremely well developed and the story was dramatic yet moving. I loved the inclusivity of the characters. Without giving too much of the story away, I cheered for one of the characters who I miss now that I’ve completed the book. For me, that is a sign of great writing. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
What I Liked About The Good Sister:
- The combination of Women’s Fiction and Thriller
- The in depth character development
- The highly engaging storyline
- The inclusivity of the characters
I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction, Stories of Family Function or Thrillers.
Acknowledgments:
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.
Add The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth to your Goodreads shelf
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth
The Girl In The Mirror by Rose Carlyle
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Lindsey
For me, a character sticking with you afterwards is a clear sign of a really good read. This sounds like a great book – I'm intrigued by the mix of these two genres for sure. Great review!
thathappyreader
Thanks Lindsey!
Anika
I can't remember the last time I read a book that was a mix between women's fic and thrillers, this sounds great! Definitely going on my list. Lovely review!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
thathappyreader
Thanks Anika!
Love and Literature
This sounds like a fab read, and aw it's always a good sign when you miss the characters when it ends x
thathappyreader
Thanks Sophie!
lifestyleseason
Great review! Thank you for sharing this book! I am loving thrillers at the moment so I need to check this out! Love the sound of this book as it sounds incredible! Glad you liked this book.
thathappyreader
Thank you!
Aimsy
Ooo this book sounds fab! I love a mix of genres too, although do lean towards the crime/thriller type more. You know its a good book if you miss a character!
Thanks for sharing your review 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
thathappyreader
Thank you Aimsy!
Raji
What an interesting combination of genres! I love thrillers, but I don't think I've ever come across this mix before. I agree, missing the characters and wanting to know more about their stories is definitely a sign of a good book. Great review, thanks for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thank you Raji!
Jaya Avendel
The Good Sister puts forth an interesting and almost sad premise that goes to show the deep love sisters have for each other, as well as the damage obligations and secrets can do. I look forward to reading this book and watching the delivery of this tale unfold.
Thanks for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thanks Jaya!
Charity
Oh this sounds like such a great thriller. Thanks so much for sharing. I will have to check it out
thathappyreader
Thanks Charity!
Sara
Mental illness, the dysfunctional family with secrets and love sounds like a captivating story. I am glad that you enjoyed reading the Good sisters.
Thanks for an insightful review.
thathappyreader
Thank you Sara!
Lovely
The plot sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
thathappyreader
Thank you Lovely!
Lisa's Notebook
I read something about a similar storyline but with men (so no surrogacy!) recently and was drawn to that plot too. This sounds like a great read, Jodie, one for the wishlist, thank you!
thathappyreader
Thank you Lisa!
thathappyreader
Thank you Jenny!
Sophie
I love the sound of this and the mix between women's fiction and thrillers always seems to work well together. I really enjoyed Sally Hepworth's last novel so I have high hopes for this one too x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
thathappyreader
Thanks Sophie! I hope that you enjoy it!
Angelica
Ugh i know too well that feeling of "missing" a book and its characters once its over. Loved your review!
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
thathappyreader
Thanks Angelica!
Anna-Alina
I like the cover! And storyline seems interesting!
xx
https://anna-alina.blogspot.com/2021/04/no-bake-sweet-chocolate-pizza-photo.html
thathappyreader
Thanks for your comment Anna-Alina!