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An online marketing consultant, an avid reader of 400 + books a year. Professional reader, reviewer, and blogger. Enjoy ARCs and new releases.
The Sister Season
ISBN-13: 9780451418814
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication date: 11/5/2013
Pages: 368
Format: e-book
My Rating: 4 Stars
THE SISTER SEASON, intense at times---a great deal of dysfunction (similar to Jodi Picoult) subject matter; however, Scott did a fantastic job combining the lives the sisters, mother, and how they related to the Eli. For me the book centered on the mother and father and each of their problems began with their father.
The father was a very abusive man (there are many women who are afraid to leave such relationships which blows my mind). The mother has had enough of this as Robert, her husband has ruined the lives of their daughters and the mother-daughter relationship, due to his behavior.
It is Christmas time and the Yancey sisters have been called home for more than Christmas-their father has died. No one likes him and there is a secret to his death. They all come back to the family farm from different parts of the country and this home place does not hold very many pleasant or fond memories.
Claire, the youngest-a free spirit who lives in California and is afraid of commitment. Julia, the eldest-a college professor with a teenage son and a not so happy life. Maya, is the middle child who tries to be the perfect mother and wife.
During the week together, there are many old conflicts and much tension in the air, secrets, and pretty much a miserable week. As they wait until an old friend returns to bury their dad, the true test of family and sisterhood develops.
I really liked the book even though it was dark at times with thoughts of suicide from the teen, cancer, loss of marriage, sarcastic comments, fighting and memories and emotional problems due to this dysfunctional and abusive father (none of them are sad about his dying).
Ellie, the mother struggles with memories of what her romantic early relationship was like and how her husband turned into such a monster. Ellie now wants more than anything to rebuild her relationship with her daughters. During the entire book until the end do you find out the truth about the death of her husband, Robert?
Very well written, I look forward to reading more from this author! It is movie worthy and would make an ideal Christmas story to depict the reality of families which are not so perfect with a nice takeaway!
Writing a new future takes a little time—and a lot of love.
Jean Vison never expected to run a book club, until her life took an unexpected turn. Now, with Jean’s husband gone, what began as an off-the-cuff idea has grown into a group of six women who meet the second Tuesday of every month for a potluck supper, for wine and laughter—and for books.
There’s Loretta, who deals with the lack of intimacy in her marriage by diving into erotic novels. Dorothy, whose ruffian sons are a never-ending source of stress. May entertains the group with her outrageous dating stories, while Mitzi finds something political to rant about in every book—including Loretta’s trashy romances. Even Janet, with her mousy shyness and constant blush, has helped Jean rediscover the joy in life.
So when Jean’s family starts unraveling again—her daughter forced into rehab and her troubled teen granddaughter, Bailey, coming to live with her in the interim—she turns to the book club for comfort and support. And, together, they all, even Bailey, discover that family is what you make of it, especially the family you choose
