The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 – 4.5 stars

Daisy, stepsister to Sage and Cassidy, has got a lot going on. Her husband has left her for reasons unknown to her, and she’s trying to care for their two kids while holding down a challenging job as a nurse anesthesiologist. The last thing she needs is her perfect stepsister, Sage, invading her life. The two were never close. Although Daisy was excited about inheriting a sister when her dad married Sage’s mom when they were young, Sage and her mother were always mean to Daisy. Now Sage, beautiful and worldly, is back in California. How will Daisy keep her shaky marriage to Jordan a secret from Sage, who happens to be Jordan’s former fiancé!

Meanwhile, Cassidy, their stepsister in common (Daisy’s dad and Sage’s mom’s child) of whom Daisy is also not at all close to, has been in an accident and needs to move into the 15,000 sq. ft. family home that Daisy inherited from her biological mother upon her death, and where she currently lives with her husband, Jordan, before he moved out. Daisy’s dad wants his youngest daughter to recuperate there and Daisy isn’t happy about it. Sage and Cassidy were always the close sisters, but even they have drifted apart somewhat over the years. How will these three siblings find peace after nearly two decades of friction?

The stepsisters tells the story of Daisy, Sage and Cassidy. They’ve had issues over the years but now that they’re adults and dealing with challenging circumstances in their individual lives, they begin to realize how much they need each other.  As they draw closer together they learn of the reasons that lead to their disjointed relationships, many of which were instigated by Sage and Cassidy’s selfish, conniving mother, and they find it in their hearts to forgive one another.  A strong bond grows but is severely tested when one sister makes an almost unforgivable mistake. Will the new bond of love and friendship be short lived?

I enjoyed this book. Mainly I liked how the stepsisters found unity, friendship and love for one another.  They had to work through many of their own insecurities and reluctance to form sustainable relationships with their significant others because of incidents that occurred during their adolescent years. Toward the end of the book their growth was evident, although one sister suffered a setback. I found this book to be relatively tame for Susan Mallery and I was glad for that, too. It held my attention and felt realistic. A good listen.

NARRATOR – The audiobook narrator, Tanya Eby, is good. Carla from Carla Loves to Read defined her perfectly when she said, “There are times that her voice is a bit saccharine, but for the most part, her voice, expression and emotion bring this story to life.” I couldn’t agree more. Thanks, Carla. 😉

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California Girls by Susan Mallery

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 – 4.5 stars

Three sisters are dumped in the same week.

Finola, the eldest of the trio, is a morning-show host who’s blindsided by her husband’s betrayal with a young, famous singer, on her own television show! Just when she was ready to go ahead with a major plan for their marriage, it’s shattered in a moment.

Zennie, the middle sister, feels comfortable being alone. She dates, but always seems more satisfied relaxing at home by herself. She’s content with her job and her friends. Her recent sort-of boyfriend senses her lack of enthusiasm about their relationship and breaks off whatever it is they have together. Zennie is a bit caught off guard by this, but only mildly affected. A free agent, she decides to do her best friend a favor—she’s going to be her surrogate! But did she realize what she was getting herself into? And why does she find herself missing the man she pushed away?

Ali is the youngest of the three sisters and feels the smallest in comparison to Finola and Zennie, both in attractiveness and in accomplishments. Her fiancé didn’t even dump her for another woman, he just didn’t want to be with her anymore. To add insult to injury, he didn’t even have the decency to tell her himself, his brother broke the news to her, and he’s been so helpful in helping her get her life back on track. Why is he doing that?

I enjoyed this book about three sisters who reinvented their lives after breakups. While single they took a closer look at themselves and went after what they believed in, even if their actions weren’t immediately received favorably. But of course, in Susan Mallery fashion, each woman’s story ends on a positive note. ☺️

Have a great weekend everyone!

The Winner of the Susan Mallery Giveaway Is….

Night Owl Book Café (@nightowlbcafé)

CONGRATULATIONS to Night Owl Book Café. Please contact me with your mailing address so that I can send you your prize.

Thanks everyone for your patience, comments and support. I appreciate each and every one of you.

What kind of prize would you like to see in future Cozynookbks giveaways?

Have a great weekend and stay safe. 🤗

UPDATE – **GIVEAWAY** – The Girls of Mischief Bay by Susan Mallery

The winner of my Susan Mallery giveaway will be announced Friday, May 22nd.

Stay tuned!!

**GIVEAWAY** and Review – The Girls of Mischief Bay by Susan Mallery

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 – 5 applauding hands

My first Susan Mallery book and I absolutely LOVED every minute spent reading it!! Seriously, I was immersed in this book, and when it was finished I was so impressed that it’s still sitting prominently in my book room because I can’t bear to part with it. That’s how much I loved it. I have a small collection of Susan Mallery’s books because I’d heard she’s a great writer, and because her marketing skills are top notch, but I still hadn’t read any of them mainly because of other reading commitments. Then two things happened: 1) I was surprised with a free mass market paperback copy of The Girls of Mischief Bay because I follow Susan Mallery’s Facebook group, and (2) my author buddy, Jill Weatherholt, suggested that I read a Susan Mallery book because she thought I’d like it. Consequently, I resolved to read her book. I am so glad I did! Thank you, Jill, for the recommendation. And thank you, Susan Mallery, for your generosity in providing me with a free book to enjoy. Since I already owned The Girls of Mischief Bay, I’m giving away my gifted copy (see below for details).

The Girls of Mischief Bay is about three women who became friends while attending yoga classes at the yoga studio that one of the women owns. Since there is approximately a ten year age difference between each woman, they are at different stages in their lives and dealing with various challenges incidental to their particular age group; some major and some fairly common, but nevertheless difficult. We learn how each woman responds to her particular plight, and how the friends rally together to support one another during each others’ times of distress. The process of working on their trials reveals their strengths, vulnerabilities and ultimately the outcomes of their situations.

I absolutely LOVED this book!! I laughed, I cried and I stayed up nights eager to know what would happen next with Pam, Shannon and Nicole. I connected with Pam’s character, and I was inspired by the wisdom that she imparted to her friends. I had an inkling that Pam’s wise words possibly echoed Susan Mallery’s own treasures of knowledge and wisdom acquired over the years. That’s just my guess. The emotional parts of this book were so eloquently written I wish I could tear out the pages and read them over and over again. But I dare not destroy this precious book. Incredible writing.

In conclusion, I liked everything about this book and I didn’t want it to end. When it was over I teared up and marveled at the perfect ending. I already ordered and received the next book in the series because I have to know how these ladies move forward with their lives. That’s how invested I’d become with these characters. Highly recommended.

Giveaway!! (U.S. only)

New Mass market paperback copy of The Girls of Mischief Bay with book sleeve and fabric bookmark

To enter for a chance to win the above prize pack which includes a copy of Susan Mallery’s The Girls of Mischief Bay, a book sleeve made by yours truly and a homemade bookmark, like this post and answer the following question:

Have you ever read a book(s) by Susan Mallery, and what did you think of it? Which Susan Mallery book or series do you recommend? (Optional)

Winner will be announced in the coming weeks when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and I’m able to visit the post office to mail out the prize.

Thanks for visiting Cozynookbks. 🤗