A Sister's Survival

Reeves Sisters #2

by Cydney Rax

To keep their family ties strong, the five Reeves sisters meet regularly to give each other a reality check. But explosive family secrets begin to pour out like molten lava, and forever change all they treasure most . . .   After a shattering revelation, youngest sister Elyse struggles to overcome the sexual abuse that nearly destroyed her. Between her tough eldest sister, Alita, and a promising fresh start with a new man, she’s finding the strength to make the most of her fierce intelligence. But Elyse still has a score to settle with the perfect sister she feels betrayed by—and she's going after everything Burgundy can’t afford to lose . . .    Coco thinks her useless baby daddy is finally about to commit—until she catches him with a woman who’s everything she’s not. As she tries to move on with her life, she can’t resist carrying out the ultimate revenge. But when she inadvertently gets caught up in Elyse’s plan, she must confront an unforgivable truth that could crush any chance these sisters have to make things right.   Praise for If Your Wife Only Knew   “A dramatic tale of betrayal.” —Booklist   “Secrets, scandal, betrayal and revenge—there are no clean hands in the first book of this saga.”—RT Book Reviews

Genres: Fiction

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2018

About the author

Basically I became interested in becoming a writer after reading Terry McMillan’s novel Disappearing Acts. In 2004 my author dreams were realized via the release of my controversial debut novel My Daughter’s Boyfriend, the story of a 34-year old single mother that becomes attracted to her teenage daughter’s boyfriend.

I love writing about marriage, infidelity, juicy love triangles, family, romance, women's issues, and male/female relationships. It never gets boring to write about what human beings go through.

My novels make you think and feel! If it doesn't do that, I haven't done my job.

My novels/interviews have been featured in USA Today, Black Beat Magazine, Publishers Weekly, Jewel Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Vibe Vixen, Quarterly Black Review, Booking Matters Magazine, Essence magazine, Ebony magazine, Black Expressions Book Club, among others.

Learn more via http://www.cydneyrax.com or follow me on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCydney...

Reviews

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sister’s Survival is the second novel in the Reeves Sisters series by Cydney Rax. Though this is part of a series, the backstory was interwoven in a manner that made this a decent standalone. A Sister’s Survival is a tale about difficult familial relationships, and while the setting is urban Houston, this is a story that could take place in Anywhere, America.

The story follows the five Reeves sisters. Elyse, the youngest, is an insecure young woman struggling to deal with the aftermath of sexual abuse and her growing affection for her friend, Gamba. Burgundy, the eldest, is a mother of two troubled by martial issues and the jealousy she perceives from her sisters. Alita has become Elyse’s custodian but is struggling to financially care for herself and her teenage son. Coco, the fun-loving sister, spends her time caring for her three children while trying to convince her reluctant boyfriend that they are ready for marriage. Drucilla, fondly known as Dru, is attempting to finish her college education, though she is dealing with feelings of inadequacy. The sisters meet regularly in an attempt to foster closer relationships, but secrets, lies, revenge and betrayal are about to devastate them.

Cydney Rax has another winner. The characters are utterly believable. The plot twists are dramatic and unexpected. The writing is insightful. I was enraptured and enjoyed every aspect of this novel. I gladly give it 5 out 5 stars.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reeves Sisters has returned with more secrets than ever. After the big secret revealed in book one I was like this cannot get any worse but I was absolutely wrong, the secrets between these sisters is just outrageous where is the love between sisters?

There were so many lies, secrets and just pure deception in this story that kept me hanging on. It started out slow but then picked up and would not let me go. I cannot believe all that went down in this book and cannot wait to see what else the author has in store for us. Each sister had their on set of Drama I am waiting to see I’d Drew has any secrets or is she the only drama free sister.

[Jodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book involving the Reeves Sisters, but because of the wonderful way that the author has written this book you do not necessarily need to read books 1 and 2 to understand what is happening. However I would recommend reading them because they will keep you just as engaged as this one.

This is a story about the difficulties within family relationships. These 5 sisters meet on a regular with hopes to get closer to each other. The problem is they all have secrets. These secrets and the lies they have told to keep them, along with other issues that come along when you lie could have the reverse effect and push them further apart.

I found myself feeling each emotional up and down that the sisters took. I was cheering for them and crying with them. Elyse's character goes through many changes. Alita and her hidden secrets and shames will have you wanting to help her. Burgundy and Nate are not sure if they are going to make it after some family drama. Coco has an uncertain future, and then there's Dru... This book shows you more about her and how strong she really is.

I liked the other 2 books by Cydney Rax and this one was no exception.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reeves Sisters are back at it again, and the drama follows them. Elyse finds her voice and fights back with the help of her sisters and a man friend. I will warn that sexual assault is much a part of the sisters' storylines. CoCo has not learned anything, and her bad decisions leave her in a life-changing situation. Burgundy, Burg for short, chose to defend her husband but at what cost will she defend her husband and alienate her sisters. Alita has a deep secret that may cost her financially and a relationship with her family. Will her past sabotage her future? Dru is focused and tries to keep her sisters on the straight and narrow. I am puzzled why Nate is still free though based on the last book. Nate's sins resurface, and he may have to pay the ultimate price for them. Whether you start with this book or it has been a while since the first one, the background intertwined throughout their stories.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sister’s Survival is an amazing read!!!! What I adored most about this novel is the twisted plots and the growth of the characters! It will definitely keep you entertained and unable to put it down! This novel had sooooo many unexpected unfortunate events and heartfelt triumphs that one minute I was a moment from tears and another moment I was cheering and jumping up and down in happiness! Watch and observe Elyse's character as she goes from one dramatic change to another! Gaze into the full life of Alita with hidden secrets and shamed emotions!!! Embody Coco as she and Calhoun face their uncertain future! Watch as Burgundy and her husband Nate try to hold it together after the accusations and family drama! Learn more about Dru and the strength she possesses ! Cydney Rax has done it again! This novel most definitely is in my favorites!

[Lakecia Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sequel was more tolerable than the first book. The conversation between the characters were weird but much better than the first book. The dramatic events still felt rushed and incomplete in details.

The Reeves sisters have endured so much in their lives. Along with the drama dwell the ugliest secrets. As they grow and become comfortable with themselves and what their family should be, they own responsibility and reveal secrets that they must work through. The sister I most admire is Dru. She may technically be the youngest but she is definitely the wisest sister. The daughter/sister/niece is who my heart goes out to...Elyse. She has gone through far too much in her young life but continues to live and stay strong. I look forward to finishing this series. I still cannot promise to read anymore books by this author.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

whew! This is a guilty pleasure. There's much drama (so much drama) in the lives of these five sisters but somehow they keep on. If you read the last book, you know that all sorts of ugly family secrets spilled out when their mother died. Now Elyse, Alita, Burgundy, Coco, and Dru must deal with the aftermath. Elysa, regrettably, is seeking revenge of sorts on Burgundy but her sisters have their own problems. Can they stop her before things go too far? What about their own relationships? I'm torn between watching and tut-tutting and wanting to tell certain of them, well, I have something to say to each of them. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reeves Sisters has returned with more secrets than ever. After the big secret revealed in book one I was like this cannot get any worse but I was absolutely wrong, the secrets between these sisters is just outrageous where is the love between sisters?

There were so many lies, secrets and just pure deception in this story that kept me hanging on. It started out slow but then picked up and would not let me go. I cannot believe all that went down in this book and cannot wait to see what else the author has in store for us. Each sister had their on set of Drama I am waiting to see I’d Drew has any secrets or is she the only drama free sister.

[Mz.D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sister's Survival, Cydney Rax (Book 2)

This book had so many twist and turns that will you hanging on the edge. I could not put it down. I feel Shade is just the man Alita needs. Gamba has an amazing influence on Elyse. I hope there is a good ending with them. I feel more history should be revealed about Nate's dark past. This man was SICK. Coco (Dark Skin) must accept her mistakes and promiscuity as her problems and come to grip with reality. I am looking forward to reading Part 3. Too many loose ends...left me HANGING! This is definitely a good book.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow up book. It was ok but not as good as the first book. You do have some growth between some of the characters and of course the "aha" moment. I will read the next entry in this book and I do look forward to it. Overall, if you read the first book, it cannot hurt to read this entry in the series. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not affect my opinion of this book nor my review.

[Marsha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets Secrets and more Secrets!!

This book was a book so full of secrets I think every family should read. I love how the author showed how broken a family can be. I have 5 sisters so I understand how personalities can clash. I think any woman who is broken and looking for love in all the wrong places should read and hopefully see themselves. I just hate it’s a series 😫

[Sheryl Boyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot going on just like the 1st one but more secrets were revealed. It definitely kept me reading! But a few times I was wondering where did the author get this storyline from??? The character Nate dies and I was so glad about it, but what is the next book gonna be about? She definitely gotta have some more juicy secrets to reveal!

[Valencia Abunaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was sad but realistic depiction of how common sexually abuse is, and how hard it can be to speak about events like that. just about all the characters had their own experiences with sexually abuse and although they felt cursed, they tried to make light of their life and stick together as sisters

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great continuation of 'A Sister's Secret'. More secrets were revealed and more lies were told. I am anxiously waiting for book 3 to come out in this series to see if everything will be revealed.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so confused by what the heck is going on in this book. It has me looking to see if I skipped chapters. It doesn’t start where it ended or even fill you in.

Burgundy is a horrible person and needs to get kicked off her high horse, she was the worst. I didn’t feel bad for Coco, she treated her kids horribly and lied to these men.

They never explained how Natalia got to the hospital if she left the house with Elyse and Coco, the details not given in this story is ridiculous, it just didn’t flow. The drama was there, but the writing is off. I would rather give it 3.5 stars, it kept me entertained, but the flow of the story was off.

[Ramona K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book was great, I was mad that it ended so fast. Looking forward to the next one. Great job Cydney Rax

[Linda Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of drama and real life events told without filter.

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of family secrets and deceptions. Seems like there 's some loose ends. Possibly a 3rd book?

[Properchica90 . · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel. It was engaging and a page turner. However, I did not like the ending. Similarly to the first book, the ending feels rushed and dramatic.

[The Den Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me locked in the entire time, which is what I look for in a book. You guys have to add this one to your book list.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...this was crazy! A true page-turner. I could not stop reading. Now there’s only one book left in the series. I can’t wait to see what happens after this!

[Tumekga]

Very interesting and confusing

[Purple Heart 💜 Book Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just want to know once the family finds out who the abuser is, why do they subject the abused to still be in their presence?

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

The Reeves Sisters are back and there's drama like in the first book. One thing I did enjoy is Elysa's growth. I do wish there was a bridge in the beginning from the first book and this book. I was not expecting a continuing story to have a beginning like that. And of course the way it ended usually means that all the unanswered questions will happen in another story. The story line was a little slower than the first book, but I do plan to read the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Amanda (Books, Life and Everything Nice) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Dafina and Sydney Rax for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.

My rating is actually 2.5/5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.

Trigger warning: sexual assault

A Sister’s Survival has a great premise, but didn’t end up being the right book for me. I liked that the female characters had strong supportive relationships. They felt comfortable discussing times they were sexually assaulted. Another book that fits in perfectly with the #MeToo Movement. It’s rare that people feel comfortable discussing such horrific circumstances with others. So I appreciated that the book was able to shine a light on living your life after sexual assault.

However, there is so much drama. Over the top drama, which was a bit much for me. There’s also a lot of cheating on others, which I’ve stated before that I’m not a fan of. Sleep with whomever you want, as long as it’s consensual and safe, but please don’t cheat. It does show that people are human though. Another aspect that frustrated me was the lack of continuity between chapters. Information that made me question if I had accidentally skipped pages, because it wasn’t make sense to me.

Overall, a good representation of characters that I don’t often see in books. But too much drama and inconsistencies for me to really get into the story.

[Erica (The Literary Apothecary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I read this novel, my mind kept crawling back to Toni Morrison's Beloved. The story of the Reeves' sisters enraptured my mind. I began to wonder about young Elyse and her trials. Then, I marveled at Burgundy's audacity. Is this book only about a domestic situation, or is it something greater? It has been said that one cannot simply see the forest, because of the looming oak before them. Sure, what happened to Elyse was horrendous, but the story is much bigger. Touching on deeper subjects like sisterhood and survival, the story's name tells all. Finding the strength to survive is something I am very familiar with.

Rax continues to amaze me with her talent. A Sister's Survival speaks to the soul of every black woman. With her signature candor and penchant for juicy drama, Rax does not shy away from dropping golden nuggets placed within the narrative.