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Appearances

Sondra Helene

3.89 · Rating details · 653 ratings · 91 reviews

Samantha―the fashionable wife of a successful businessman and doting mother of one―struggles to negotiate the spheres of intimacy between her husband and her family of origin. Samantha loves her husband, Richard, and she loves her sister, Elizabeth. But the two of them can barely exist in the same room, which has caused the entire family years of emotional distress. Yet it ...more

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Paperback, 328 pages

Published April 9th 2019 by She Writes Press

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Average rating 3.89 ·

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· 653 ratings · 91 reviews

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Apr 09, 2019 Nikki (Saturday Nite Reader) rated it really liked it

Shelves: womens-fiction, read-2019

3.5 stars rounded up

Samantha is married to a successful Boston businessman, Richard. Her sister, Elizabeth, is married to a successful real estate developer, Jake. Samantha and Elizabeth are attached at the hip (figuratively speaking). Since Jake, Samantha and Elizabeth grew up together, they are very close. Richard feels like an outsider and disengages from Samantha’s family: resulting in a long winded, passive aggressive turned direct family feud. They would probably make an interesting storyl ...more

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Oct 01, 2019 Lynda Kelly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

REVISED REVIEW October 7th:
Yayyyyy, I got to finish this story reading the revised version and I'm so pleased the author went the extra mile to ensure her publisher sent over the revised version.
It's a pretty harrowing read and did leave me teary-eyed a few times. The hourglass analogy was a particularly stark one for me. A terribly sad subject and I did learn a lot......there's also a great deal of Jewish words and customs. I had to keep looking these up as I wasn't familiar with them all, asid REVISED REVIEW October 7th:
Yayyyyy, I got to finish this story reading the revised version and I'm so pleased the author went the extra mile to ensure her publisher sent over the revised version.
It's a pretty harrowing read and did leave me teary-eyed a few times. The hourglass analogy was a particularly stark one for me. A terribly sad subject and I did learn a lot......there's also a great deal of Jewish words and customs. I had to keep looking these up as I wasn't familiar with them all, aside from the hora to Hava Nagila as I've seen and enjoyed that on The Jazz Singer. Things got a little TOO touchy-feely for me with the new-age/religious stuff but that was the type of family they were so I grinned and bore it !
I'm pleased Samantha started to take better stock of her life as I really felt pretty bad for her husband most of the way through as opposed to feeling sorry for HER !! I did see another reviewer mentioned something about all the named brands mentioned and I guess it just brings home the fact that nobody can buy their way to good health, however rich they are. Look at Paul McCartney....he couldn't save Linda.
Sadly, I still spotted the odd error, with cava lier having a needless space they didn't fix, warch used instead of watch, fiftiethe not fiftieth and "I could have it repaired the dish" wasn't right. I was also confused when Richard referred to his niece and nephew at one point who had lost their mum, I didn't recall them being mentioned throughout the book. Then a whole page-and-a-half was repeated for some reason as well. These still overlooked errors cost it the 5* from me. I hope the author has words with the publisher and gets them to sharpen their act up !!

UPDATE October 5th:
The author has ensured I've received an updated copy as Amazon UK hadn't pushed the update through as yet so my revised review is to follow.

Sadly I've called time on this book as the same mistakes are repeated again and again till they wore me down. I gave up with it at 25%. I am so irritated as I was really enjoying the story and I intend to keep it on my Kindle too, in the hope that Amazon may push an updated version through at some time in the future and I can try it again. It just isn't readable for me in this state. The main issue is the author's aversion to using hyphens. She just.......doesn't !! So, we have modelthin, thirtysomething, fournight, RAFmonogrammed, selfabsorption, champagnecolored, postdiagnosis, halfjoking, earlymorning......bear in mind I'm only a quarter of the way in so there were loads more yet to come.....no thanks.
And THEN to add salt to the proverbial wound she started dropping in random spacing, too, with Harri son, Cen- ter, treat ments, Gor dons, then hair-raised was written mid-sentence when it didn't need a hyphen but a comma !! Seriously needs a proper proofreading done.
I loved her fireworks analogy near the beginning and I was shocked to learn the cancer statistics she quoted as well ! I had never heard of a radiation tattoo before, either, so I was also being educated as I read. I really liked Elizabeth and I thought Richard and Jake were both pigs, Jake especially !!
I was a bit confused when Samantha explained Richard's preferring public schools, yet he does a fundraiser for a private school every year. That didn't make much sense.
Aside from this mess, there IS a good story brewing up behind it so I really hope it gets a redo soon. ...more

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Apr 27, 2019 Jeanne Blasberg rated it it was amazing

Shelves: debut-author, grub-author, swp-author

This a realistic portrayal of conflicting loyalties. When women play so many roles and aim to please - not easy. I loved this novel for tackling modern challenges so well, not to mention grief. It’s the type of book that keeps you turning the page to see how Samantha copes with something not far flung, but all too familiar.

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Apr 30, 2019 Candy Altman rated it it was amazing

Very strong character development and realistic dialogue make this a very good read. I became invested in the present and future of each person in the book. Family drama, love, loss, redemption, and a strong central character. This book has all of that and has you rooting for the protagonist throughout. Great first novel by Sondra Helene.

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Sep 03, 2019 Meri Bennett rated it it was amazing

This book was beyond heartfelt in so many ways. The beautiful bond and relationship between two sisters, the devastation of loss, disappointments and shortcomings of those that are supposed to be family. The reality and truth parallels so many peoples lives. I can relate to it all. So well written. It is a detailed book and hope there's another to follow. ...more

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Sep 06, 2019 Laurenm4 rated it it was amazing

I read the entire book in one day, which is quite unusual for me. It is beautifully written and very moving. I have never experienced the kind of family closeness that Samantha has, so I can't say for sure how I would react in the same situation. It made me think. ...more

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Jun 30, 2019 Daniela Sciortino Ariano rated it it was amazing

Such a great story that explores family & marriage dynamic. It takes a lot for a book to bring me to tears, but this story did so effortlessly.

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Sep 10, 2020 Gina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow. So heartfelt and so honest. It takes a brave and talented writer to pull off this page turner !

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May 04, 2019 Donna Hines rated it really liked it

Shelves: borrowed-library-books

Conflicting loyalties, family torn, a marriage irretrievably broken, a sister's death, a families pain on full display, and the children are left somewhere in the middle of it all.
Wow! This is a whole chock full of nuts but also pain as a young woman in her prime loses her life to cancer while the family breaks apart but can they mend their broken hearts and find forgiveness?
Ultimately that's what lies at the end of this emotionally moving piece by Sondra Helene. The fact that we all face battle ...more

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Apr 09, 2019 Alix rated it really liked it

Thank you to BookSparks for sending me a copy!

In all honesty, I was bored with this story till about chapter 15. By that point, I WAS SUCKED IN!

From the synopsis alone, I knew it was going to be sad. After really getting invested in the characters and complicated relationships it’s both sad, real and endearing.

When I just started reading this, my feelings for the husband, Richard, was anger and confusion. As the book progressed, I understood why and I, along with Samantha discovered that their ...more

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Mar 12, 2020 Aimee Ann rated it it was amazing

Appearances: A Novel is an incredible book that captivated me from start to finish and had me thinking of it for a long time upon completion. Appearances was a delight to read and an incredibly memorable one that will captivate you with its compelling story and extraordinary characters. The story is heart-wrenching at times thanks to the struggles of some characters, while at other times it is inspiring as well as eye-opening and throughout it, you will undoubtedly feel a host of different emoti Appearances: A Novel is an incredible book that captivated me from start to finish and had me thinking of it for a long time upon completion. Appearances was a delight to read and an incredibly memorable one that will captivate you with its compelling story and extraordinary characters. The story is heart-wrenching at times thanks to the struggles of some characters, while at other times it is inspiring as well as eye-opening and throughout it, you will undoubtedly feel a host of different emotions that will make you think about your own life, your journey and even relationships with others. That is why I already have to recommend that you lovely readers have a read of Appearances, however if you need more convincing then continue to read to learn more!

Appearances is an incredible novel that will introduce the reader to the protagonist, Samantha. Samantha is a wife, mother of one and lives a very lavish lifestyle thanks to her husband being a successful businessman. However, nobody’s life is perfect and Samantha’s is far from this. This is because her husband Richard and her sister Elizabeth hate each other, to the point it has caused rifts in Samantha’s marriage as well as with her family.

Soon things only get more complicated when Elizabeth is diagnosed with lung cancer in her early 40’s. This forces all the key characters to embark on a journey like no other that will involve many ups and downs and this book lovers is the premise of the incredible Appearances!

Sondra Helene is a remarkable author and a genius; she is a genius because she has expertly weaved numerous themes throughout her book Appearances, in a flawless way in which all subjects blend perfectly together. Appearances is an incredible book that has shocked and amazed me; the gripping nature of this novel combined with themes of healing makes Appearances not only a stellar story but also a poignant one that should be read by everybody. If you do choose to read this book, then you will not be disappointed because it is an exciting, compelling and entertaining book that should not be missed!

The story of Appearances is quite simply sensational as well as heartwarming. Appearances is a book that deals with many poignant themes as well as uplifting themes and all of these topics are weaved perfectly together, and the outcome is a beautiful piece of literature that belongs on every reader’s bookshelf. Sondra Helene’s prose alone engrossed me very quickly thanks to the poignant themes she explores as well as the gripping narrative of the protagonist Samantha but what also gripped me was her sensitivity to subjects explored. The sensitivity and passion in Helene’s words were admirable and kept me turning the pages quickly as I desperately wanted to read more of her exceptional prose.

As I am madly in love with Appearances and think it is a unique novel with a brilliant plot, I have no choice but to award it a dazzling five stars because it deserves this! Appearances indeed is a captivating book, and so I hope you lovely readers take my advice when I write that you should read this excellent book, you will not regret it! ...more

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Aug 12, 2019 Stephanie rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, fiction

This drew me in completely because of the sibling relationship. I have 4 sisters and a brother and kept thinking, “what would I do in this situation?” I can’t imagine my husband not liking them and asking me to talk to any of them less or see them less often. I felt badly for Samantha at first then started to see Richard’s side as the book went on. A great read that brought me to tears, a rarity. Worth the read.

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Aug 18, 2020 Stephanie rated it it was amazing

a gripping story that you won't want to put down. It made me laugh, wonder, and cry. ...more

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Apr 14, 2019 Meag rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019, arc, booksparks

Samantha is married to a successful businessman named Richard and is extremely close with her family. Especially her sister, Elizabeth, and her sister's husband, Jake, who is a real estate developer. While getting his feet off the ground Jake calls in a few favors to Richard which end up going wrong and causes tension between the two and by extension, Elizabeth. Richard begins to feel like an outsider in Samantha's family.

But when Elizabeth is diagnosed with lung cancer Samantha finds herself ca ...more

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Nov 18, 2019 Carole Mckee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Powerful

That is the best description for this book. Powerful and emotional. Samantha has a very close family and they share everything. She is especially close to her sister, Elizabeth. When she married Richard, he tries to break the pattern of constant phone calls and visits, putting a strain on the marriage and driving a wedge between him and her family. When Elizabeth gets sick, the stress gets unbearable. Samantha is torn. There are many emotional pages that brought tears, and I couldn't put ...more

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Jun 26, 2019 Mildred Bromberg rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 11, 2019 Ruth Steinberg rated it it was amazing

Appearances gripped me right from the beginning. I loved the closeness of the two sisters Samantha and Elizabeth. I could feel the heartbreak of the whole family when Elizabeth was diagnosed with cancer. The story is poignant about love and loss and the importance of family. The writing is vivid and Sondra Helene takes the reader as if we are experiencing things ourselves. I highly recommend Appearances.

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Sep 10, 2019 Isabel Jolie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved this book-well written and thought provoking

Great debut novel. Reads like an autobiography and gives tremendous insight into how a marriage can unravel, and how it is so true that so often, blame doesn’t fall on only one partner’s shoulders. The issues between family and spouse struck a chord with me. Her sister’s battle with cancer reads real, through the sickness and how family and loved ones also join the battlefront.

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Oct 02, 2019 Fern Hammer rated it it was amazing

Page Turner! This is a realistic view of family dynamics and what happens when friction causes stress in families. It is also a story of a marriage and of two sisters who have an incredible bond. I couldn’t put it down. I loved all the main characters and found them all very relatable. Appearances shows us that what appears to be happening on the outside isn’t necessarily what goes on in the inside. Anyone can relate. This could be a Netflix/Amazon/Hulu show or Lifetime movie.

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Sep 13, 2019 Pat Oatman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Too close and yet, not close enough

A story of deep love and compassion. The characters are well developed. The complex story is a wonderful offering for a first novel. I enjoyed reading this, I felt the sadness and the hope. I'm sure there will be many more good books in her future. ...more

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Sep 26, 2019 Phyllis Chase rated it it was amazing

Great read! I couldn’t put Appearances down and read it in two days. It’s about sisterly love, marital issues and family drama. It’s beautifully written and makes the reader want to turn the page. The protagonist exudes compassionate strength in the midst of conflicting loyalties. I highly recommend this novel.

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Sep 28, 2019 Dee Dee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Heartening

I love the way this book has touched me! The author is fantastic in the way she seems to hit exactly on my feelings. I have a close relationship with my sister too. We are only 13 months apart and I feel like we are each part of the other. What a terrible journey to have to take; there is truly only acceptance. I am incredibly moved by this fine novel.

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Oct 14, 2019 Kelly Pati rated it it was amazing

Heart-wrenching beautifully written novel. I really loved Samantha's character and was surprised at how much I identified with the family conflict and tension. There was so much emotion in this story and it was so moving. I highly recommend it.

This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review. ...more

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Jul 06, 2020 Shelley Blanton-Stroud rated it it was amazing

I listened to this novel as an audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed lingering in the world Sondra Helene describes. Her subject matter is endlessly interesting--the competing attachments of biological and chosen family. The different kinds of love Samantha is called to tend. If love and attachment and obligation are topics that interest you, you'll love this audiobook. ...more

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Apr 10, 2019 Deborah Burns rated it it was amazing

Appearances appeared and I could not put it down. Layered with the complexities of human relationships, this is a delicate book, a fine read. Appearances takes you by the hand and pulls you into the dynamic of an intimate family circle. You won't want it to end. ...more

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Sep 02, 2019 Dolores DeLarwelle rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Moving

This writer must be Jewish or have strong influence of members of that faith. Very moving story, I found the cancer and medical information very informative. The sister connection for this generation, not believable. Overall interesting.

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Sep 04, 2019 Sandra rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wonderful

I am glad I had a box of tissues next to me. I used quite a few. I recommend reading this book but I would have liked to see a more complete ending. There were also some editing mistakes that were missed. This is a wonderful book and worth reading!

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Sep 17, 2019 Aimee Rekoske rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Heartfelt and deep

This was rugged at my heart. I can’t imagine losing my sister or going through the things Samantha did. I did find the editing errors a little distracting. Spaces where they shouldn’t be, a whole paragraph repeated.

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Oct 13, 2019 Ginrn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

First book good

For a.first book this was very good. I enjoyed how she developed the plot and kept it moving. I wouldn't mind a sequel with the storyline developing with the children. ...more

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Dec 15, 2019 Ellen rated it it was amazing

I am very close to my sister. I can feel for Samantha and Elizabeth. I couldn’t relate to Richard. Jake loved Elizabeth and coped the best he could. Appearances is a realistic and powerful book about family and marriage. I highly recommend it.

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