The Sister Effect

Written by Susan Mallery

Narrated by Tanya Eby

With wisdom, compassion and her trademark humour, beloved New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery explores the ties that bind a family – sometimes too closely – in this uplifting story of love and forgiveness.

Finley McGowan is determined that the niece she’s raising will always feel loved and wanted. Unlike how she felt after her mum left to pursue a dream of stardom, and when the grandfather who was left to raise them abandoned her and her sister, Sloane, when they needed him most. Finley reacted to her chaotic childhood by walking the straight and narrow – nose down, work hard, follow the rules.

Sloane went the other way.

Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and as damaged as ever...and she wants a relationship with her daughter. She says she’s changed, but Finley’s heart has been burned once too often for her to trust easily. But is her reluctance to forgive really about Sloane, or worry over losing what she loves the most? With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn there’s joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jul 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781867286301

Susan Mallery

Die SPIEGEL-Bestsellerautorin Susan Mallery unterhält ein Millionenpublikum mit ihren herzerwärmenden Frauenromanen, die in 28 Sprachen übersetzt sind. Sie ist dafür bekannt, dass sie ihre Figuren in emotional herausfordernde, lebensnahe Situationen geraten lässt und ihre Leserinnen und Leser mit überraschenden Wendungen zum Lachen bringt. Mit ihrem Ehemann, zwei Katzen und einem kleinen Pudel lebt sie in Washington.

Reviews for The Sister Effect

[fredreeca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Finley is raising her niece because her sister, Sloane, is an alcoholic. Sloane stole some expensive items from Finley and ruined her reputation. So, Finley is not very receptive to Sloane and her attempts to get sober. However, Sloane has been sober almost a year but then she slips and Finley may never forgive her for her mistake.I love both of these sisters. Finley has a heart of gold but tends to be a bit rigid in her life. And her total opposite is Sloane. She is more fly by night until she has to toughen up and get the job done and get sober.This is a sweet story which will have you rooting for all involved. There are quite a few story lines going on at once but Susan Mallery is the master of manipulating all these stories to create a wonderful tale of love, acceptance and forgiveness.Need good story about sisterly love and acceptance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[lorikboyd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Review may contain spoilers!This book surprised me, it was not the lighter read I expected. Families, in particular sister relationships, are difficult and complex. Mallery handles the topic of alcoholism with honesty and empathy, exploring the effects it has on not only the alcoholic but also their loved one. It delves into repairing relationships and love, that we sometimes need to dig deep to find again. This is a family you’ll definitely be cheering for. Loved the relationship between the Aunt and Niece. Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book had the family dynamics for sure. Yet, don't be worried as this book does end on a HEA. Although, I can say that having the characters dealing with the family problems did make them relatable. Although, i have to admit that I related to some better than others.There is Aubrey, who is the adorable kid. Kids just make stories so much fun. Also, I liked Finley for she really did step up and took care of Aubrey. I thought Jericho handled his family situation fairly well considering the circumstances.Regarding Sloane and Gil, I struggled to find strong emotional connections with them, maybe Sloane a bit more. When it came Gil, I get the heart can't stop what it wants but yet, it does not mean that it makes it any less harsh. Sloane, it was sad to see her. However, getting to know her situation, it was for the best that she had left years ago.Between the struggle to form strong connections with all of the characters and the fact that I felt the story moved at a slow pace, it took me a really long time to finish this book then I typically do with a Susan Mallery book.

[bookchickdi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Susan Mallery always writes characters that the reader cares about, and the characters in her latest novel, The Sister Effect, just might be her most compelling ones yet.Finley works installing plumbing in new homes and is the legal guardian to her sister Sloane's eight year-old daughter Aubrey after Sloane was unable to care for her daughter. Finley and Sloane know what it's like to be abandoned; their mom Molly frequently left the girls in the care of her father Lester while she chased dreams of an acting career that never panned out.Sloane and Finley loved their grandfather but when he petitoned for full custody of his granddaughters and lost, he disappeared from their lives for twenty years. Now Lester is back, elderly and infirm, and asks to move in his daughter Molly, Finley, and Aubrey. Finley is adamantly opposed, still hurt and angry after his disappearance all those years ago, but Molly insists on taking her father in. Jerico owns the construction business building the homes that Finley is working on. His marriage ended when his wife declared that she was in love with his brother Gil and wanted a divorce. Jerico was stung by this betrayal and wants nothing to do with either of them, though his mother pushes him to reconcile with his brother.Jerico and Finely are drawn to each other, sharing their family drama and traumas. They listen to each other's problems and debate what they owe to family members who have disappointed and betrayed them.Mallery really draws the reader into these characters's complicated family lives, and she handles Sloane's addiction issues with such realism and empathy. Everyone here is trying to do the best they can within their limitations.I really felt for Finley, the responsible one who always tries to do the right thing and feels that it gets her nowhere. Finley's love and care for her niece is so moving. I also adored Antonio, Jerico's interior designer and best friend since high school. His loyalty to Jerico is touching.I've read many of Susan Mallery books and The Sister Effect is one of her best books yet. She drew me in right away with characters that are relateable, and a story that engages you from beginning to end. I highly recommend The Sister Effect.Thanks to Harlequin for putting me on Susan Mallery's Blog Tour.