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Sisters and Secrets
If you love Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery, then you won’t want to miss this newest novel by New York Times
bestselling author Jennifer Ryan.
There’s nothing more complicated than the relationship among family…
And the Silva Sisters are no exception.
For Sierra it means returning home with her two little boys after a devastating Napa wildfire takes her home, her job, and even the last mementos of her late husband, David. Determined to start over, how can she ever reveal the truth—that her husband may have led a double life?
To the world, Amy’s world is perfect: handsome husband, delightful children, an Instagram-worthy home. But behind this facade lies an awful truth: her marriage is rocky, her children resentful, her home on the verge of breaking up.
Heather, impulsive, free-spirited, and single mom to an adorable little girl, lives for the moment wearing a carefree smile. But she refuses to reveal the truth about her daughter’s father, and his identity remains a mystery even to her family.
As the Silva Sisters secrets are revealed, each realizes that there is more to their family than meets the eyes…and forgiveness may be the only way to move forward and reclaim true happiness at last.
The Silva Sisters’ Secrets is a moving novel of sisterhood, second chances, and the secrets that have the power to break or bond families—and alter destinies.
There’s nothing more complicated than the relationship among family…
And the Silva Sisters are no exception.
For Sierra it means returning home with her two little boys after a devastating Napa wildfire takes her home, her job, and even the last mementos of her late husband, David. Determined to start over, how can she ever reveal the truth—that her husband may have led a double life?
To the world, Amy’s world is perfect: handsome husband, delightful children, an Instagram-worthy home. But behind this facade lies an awful truth: her marriage is rocky, her children resentful, her home on the verge of breaking up.
Heather, impulsive, free-spirited, and single mom to an adorable little girl, lives for the moment wearing a carefree smile. But she refuses to reveal the truth about her daughter’s father, and his identity remains a mystery even to her family.
As the Silva Sisters secrets are revealed, each realizes that there is more to their family than meets the eyes…and forgiveness may be the only way to move forward and reclaim true happiness at last.
The Silva Sisters’ Secrets is a moving novel of sisterhood, second chances, and the secrets that have the power to break or bond families—and alter destinies.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2020
About the author
Jennifer Ryan
63 books1,702 followersJennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 16, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sister about three sisters who are bound by their love for one another and are tested by the secrets that can tear them apart.
Sierra is forced to return to her hometown after a fire has destroyed her home. She and her two young sons are welcomed back by her mother, whose hope is that Sierra will stay. She needs a safe place to restart as she is also grieving the loss of her husband, who died suddenly a year ago. She is reunited with her sisters, Amy and Heather, who are happy she has returned.
Amy is the oldest and she confesses to Sierra that her perfect or "Instagram" life is imperfect and she is feeling her husband slip away. She has always been the center of attention and can't seem to manage a balance that can make her happy.
Heather is the youngest and a single mom. She has informed her sisters that the father of her daughter is out of the picture and wants them to respect her role as a single mom.
Sierra discovers from the fire that her late husband had secrets and she hires her old friend, Mason, to help her find the truth. Mason has his suspicions and is being cautious because he does not want to break her heart, the woman, who he has loved since he was a teen. The two spend time together and he is connecting with her two sons. Sierra and Mason reveal their true feelings for one another but their happiness is short lived when his investigations confirm his suspicions. Sierra is devastated and not sure who she can trust anymore.
This story did a good job weaving the different relationships together and keeping you engaged with the different characters. I've read other books by this author and enjoy her storytelling. This one did not disappoint.
This is a sister about three sisters who are bound by their love for one another and are tested by the secrets that can tear them apart.
Sierra is forced to return to her hometown after a fire has destroyed her home. She and her two young sons are welcomed back by her mother, whose hope is that Sierra will stay. She needs a safe place to restart as she is also grieving the loss of her husband, who died suddenly a year ago. She is reunited with her sisters, Amy and Heather, who are happy she has returned.
Amy is the oldest and she confesses to Sierra that her perfect or "Instagram" life is imperfect and she is feeling her husband slip away. She has always been the center of attention and can't seem to manage a balance that can make her happy.
Heather is the youngest and a single mom. She has informed her sisters that the father of her daughter is out of the picture and wants them to respect her role as a single mom.
Sierra discovers from the fire that her late husband had secrets and she hires her old friend, Mason, to help her find the truth. Mason has his suspicions and is being cautious because he does not want to break her heart, the woman, who he has loved since he was a teen. The two spend time together and he is connecting with her two sons. Sierra and Mason reveal their true feelings for one another but their happiness is short lived when his investigations confirm his suspicions. Sierra is devastated and not sure who she can trust anymore.
This story did a good job weaving the different relationships together and keeping you engaged with the different characters. I've read other books by this author and enjoy her storytelling. This one did not disappoint.
June 16, 2020
Man, did this book take me on a ride! One of the things I most enjoy about Jennifer Ryan is her ability to create realistic characters in whose lives I become fully invested then place them into situations that evoke my deepest emotions. She's done it again with her new women's fiction novel, Sisters and Secrets. I finished this book two weeks ago and these characters are still living in my head.
The women of the Silva family are bound by love, betrayal, heartbreak, strength, devastation, hope, forgiveness, and second chances. Ryan depicts each of them clearly, flaws and all, giving readers insight into their strengths and weaknesses, their hopes and fears, and the actions that show who they are at their core. I traveled their journeys with them, cheering at points, occasionally crying, and at other times, shaking with fury. Ryan did not allow me to be an objective bystander while reading this book. From the heart-stopping, vividly depicted opening scenes right up until the final, hopeful sentence, I was unable to look away.
Sierra's story broke my heart but also gave me the most joy. I liked her so much and loved her relationship with Mason and their second chance at love. He's such a great guy. I enjoyed watching them explore the bonds between them that began in childhood and nurture them into a deep and abiding love. I especially enjoyed watching Mason's relationship with Sierra's boys develop and deepen over the course of the book. I'm confident this small family will have a happy life together.
Amy's character showed me the most growth during the book. I had a hard time warming up to her at first but by the end of her journey, I was firmly in her corner and happy with her situation. She worked hard for her happy ending and she deserved it.
All I'm going to say about Heather is I don't like her, I would never want to be friends with her, and I don't particularly care what happens to her. That may seem harsh but, like I said earlier, Ryan's characters evoke deep emotions. I'll let you all make up your own minds about her.
If you enjoy thought-provoking, family stories that explore the relationships between sisters, what binds them together and what has the potential to tear them apart, I highly recommend Jennifer Ryan's Sisters and Secrets.
*As posted at The Romance Dish
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
The women of the Silva family are bound by love, betrayal, heartbreak, strength, devastation, hope, forgiveness, and second chances. Ryan depicts each of them clearly, flaws and all, giving readers insight into their strengths and weaknesses, their hopes and fears, and the actions that show who they are at their core. I traveled their journeys with them, cheering at points, occasionally crying, and at other times, shaking with fury. Ryan did not allow me to be an objective bystander while reading this book. From the heart-stopping, vividly depicted opening scenes right up until the final, hopeful sentence, I was unable to look away.
Sierra's story broke my heart but also gave me the most joy. I liked her so much and loved her relationship with Mason and their second chance at love. He's such a great guy. I enjoyed watching them explore the bonds between them that began in childhood and nurture them into a deep and abiding love. I especially enjoyed watching Mason's relationship with Sierra's boys develop and deepen over the course of the book. I'm confident this small family will have a happy life together.
Amy's character showed me the most growth during the book. I had a hard time warming up to her at first but by the end of her journey, I was firmly in her corner and happy with her situation. She worked hard for her happy ending and she deserved it.
All I'm going to say about Heather is I don't like her, I would never want to be friends with her, and I don't particularly care what happens to her. That may seem harsh but, like I said earlier, Ryan's characters evoke deep emotions. I'll let you all make up your own minds about her.
If you enjoy thought-provoking, family stories that explore the relationships between sisters, what binds them together and what has the potential to tear them apart, I highly recommend Jennifer Ryan's Sisters and Secrets.
*As posted at The Romance Dish
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Read
February 18, 2021This was my first book by Ryan. It had one of the best proposals I have ever read about in my life. I loved Mason and everything about him what a man! I have to say after devouring this book I need more books by Ryan. She is going on my top 10 authors to read. She can sure write a romance book to pull you in and have you wishing that was your life, even with all the ugly family drama.
June 17, 2020
This is a Netgalley ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.
WOW!! Sisters and Secrets was my first book by Jennifer Ryan. It definitely won't be my last.
This is a beautiful story of sisters coming together and apart to support each other and their families. Sierra has been dealt a hard set of events and decides she needs to return to the family home to regroup. Amy is the Pinterest mom who seems to have it all. Heather is the baby sister raising a baby on her own. When their worlds begin intersecting again, truths come out.
This book teaches a great lesson on love and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder that communication is key in every relationship. The love their mother shows for all of them is the most pure and sometimes the most torn. This beautiful tribute to the intense and turbulent relationships that sisters have is just amazing.
I really liked how Jennifer Ryan handled the multi point of view format of this book. Almost every chapter was a new point of view and it was introduced in the first sentence of the chapter. "Sierra walked in..." I loved this so much more than "Chapter Four. Sierra."
WOW!! Sisters and Secrets was my first book by Jennifer Ryan. It definitely won't be my last.
This is a beautiful story of sisters coming together and apart to support each other and their families. Sierra has been dealt a hard set of events and decides she needs to return to the family home to regroup. Amy is the Pinterest mom who seems to have it all. Heather is the baby sister raising a baby on her own. When their worlds begin intersecting again, truths come out.
This book teaches a great lesson on love and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder that communication is key in every relationship. The love their mother shows for all of them is the most pure and sometimes the most torn. This beautiful tribute to the intense and turbulent relationships that sisters have is just amazing.
I really liked how Jennifer Ryan handled the multi point of view format of this book. Almost every chapter was a new point of view and it was introduced in the first sentence of the chapter. "Sierra walked in..." I loved this so much more than "Chapter Four. Sierra."
September 18, 2020
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
The title of Jennifer Ryan’s most recent women’s fiction novel pretty much says it all. Sisters and Secrets explored the complicated relationship between three siblings, the things they were keeping from each other, and the life-changing consequences they faced because of it.
Oh what a tangled up mess Jennifer Ryan created for sisters Amy, Sierra, and Heather. I’ll warn in advance that there’s a lot I won’t be able to discuss where so much of the storyline is built on what each sister is dealing with in their lives and the secrets they’ve been holding onto. I think depending on each reader’s own personal experiences they might take issue with one–or maybe more than one–of the sisters and yet be able to empathize with the other(s)... Read More
The title of Jennifer Ryan’s most recent women’s fiction novel pretty much says it all. Sisters and Secrets explored the complicated relationship between three siblings, the things they were keeping from each other, and the life-changing consequences they faced because of it.
Oh what a tangled up mess Jennifer Ryan created for sisters Amy, Sierra, and Heather. I’ll warn in advance that there’s a lot I won’t be able to discuss where so much of the storyline is built on what each sister is dealing with in their lives and the secrets they’ve been holding onto. I think depending on each reader’s own personal experiences they might take issue with one–or maybe more than one–of the sisters and yet be able to empathize with the other(s)... Read More
March 11, 2022
figured out the story by chapter 4, maybe reading too many in this genre
June 23, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation received from NetGalley
Sisters and Secrets by Jennifer Ryan is about three sisters and the masks they wear to camouflage what is happening in their lives, the secrets they have, second chance at love, finding forgiveness, family, the realities of life and how we learn to handle what life gives us...
Sisters and Secrets by Jennifer Ryan is about three sisters and the masks they wear to camouflage what is happening in their lives, the secrets they have, second chance at love, finding forgiveness, family, the realities of life and how we learn to handle what life gives us...
June 18, 2020
Whoa, talk about some serious family drama! You'll definitely get that and more in this wonderfully crafted story of three sisters dealing with life issues of love, loss, betrayal, and acceptance. I highly recommend this one.
March 7, 2020
Having thoroughly enjoyed reading all of Jennifer Ryan's romance novels, I was excited to see her newest novel which fits more into the women's fiction category. This was a very enjoyable novel that explored the relationship between three adult sisters as they face the realities and difficulties of life. From the opening paragraph, describing the escape from the wildfires, I was drawn into this story and didn't want to put it down. Perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.
February 28, 2020
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I found this book to be an easy read and held my interest from start to finish.
February 25, 2020
This is a moving novel about the relationships sisters have and how they translate in adulthood causing problems and solving them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 4, 2021
This was the first book I have read by this author...it will NOT be my last. This was a wonderfully told story about three sisters and how they all had good and bad things happen to them. The common thread was that they also came together (or went apart) to deal and handle all the situations in their life. They were always there not only for each other, but for their families.
The characters and their descriptions were wonderful! The setting was very descriptive and I loved the true feelings and emotions that were conveyed through the story telling. I highly recommend this one!!
The characters and their descriptions were wonderful! The setting was very descriptive and I loved the true feelings and emotions that were conveyed through the story telling. I highly recommend this one!!
July 13, 2020
3 sisters with deep secrets. How can help each other. One sister cant seem to back off and relax and always having the need to be the best. One sister loses her husband and her house all in a year and then discovers a secret loan. Another sister has a daughter but wont tell anyone who the father is, and she is always in need of what the other sisters have.
March 23, 2020
I've read several of Jennifer Ryan's books and this is by far the most emotional and saga-ish in that it had complete stories for another of the secondary characters as well. This book kept me riveted and feeling for (most of) the characters in the story. I really engrossing read that kept me in it until the end.
March 4, 2020
Wow just wow. I cried, laughed and yelled while reading, Sisters and Secrets. This must have been a very difficult book to write. There were a few very surprising issues that came up that were tastefully written. Well as tastefully as you could get with a couple of the issues.
June 8, 2020
A kindle Goodreads giveaway. The story started out interestingly, pulling my interest in. The book kept my interest throughout, but the plot was predictable. An enjoyable read but not a five star.
July 4, 2020
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 7/4/2020.
Sisters and Secrets is a family-driven women's fiction (ugh! that label--but until they give us another one...) with a strong romance subplot. It follows a shortish period of time (several weeks, I think? Though the last chapter takes us into the "months" category) in the lives of the three Silva sisters, Amy, Sierra, and Heather; though all three of them are POV characters, Sierra by far has the lion's share of the storyline. Other POV characters include their mother, Dede, and Mason, the "boy next door" from their childhood, and Sierra's new love interest.
Overall this was a sweet story--Sierra's had a very difficult year, losing her husband in an accident and their home to a wildfire in a matter of months. She and her two young boys move back in with her mother, and Sierra begins the difficult process of starting over. She manages to snag herself a job and a possible boyfriend in relatively short order and without too much effort on her part; it's hard to begrudge someone who's clearly gone through a lot in not a lot of time, but honestly, it really felt like she was suddenly getting everything she needed with very little conflict. Older sister Amy had to put a bit more effort into fixing her strained relationship with her own husband, but honestly, that too was pretty painless and fixed in what amounted to a conversation.
And then there was Heather, the youngest sister, a single mother who's painted as a bit flighty and irresponsible, though she's trying to be a good parent to her daughter...while possibly still looking for love in all the wrong places.
And finally, we have the biggest "secret" of the book. This one was a doozy, and definitely ratcheted up the drama and conflict of the story for a while. It too ends up resolving itself rather easily and painlessly in the end, though--yes, someone was made to feel very bad for a while for questionable choices that were made, and relationships were definitely strained, but in the end the most injured party just decided to magnanimously forgive the wrongs that were done against them, even though forgetting probably wasn't ever going to happen. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that things were resolved in that relationship--they probably should be, eventually!--but I really felt the situation deserved more effort in its resolution than ended up going into it. It was sweet, but I couldn't help but feel that the injured party was bestowing her forgiveness on the one who wronged her like a gift that she wasn't totally convinced was truly deserved.
That ending, though--cuteness galore!
TL; DR: Sisters and Secrets is a cute story about relationships and starting over in which conflicts are minimal and resolved rather easily, and characters are clearly slotted into "good" and "bad" categories; though there is some redemption it's not terribly hard won. Overall it's a pleasant way to spend a few hours, even if there is very little suspense about how things will turn out for everyone in the end.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Sisters and Secrets is a family-driven women's fiction (ugh! that label--but until they give us another one...) with a strong romance subplot. It follows a shortish period of time (several weeks, I think? Though the last chapter takes us into the "months" category) in the lives of the three Silva sisters, Amy, Sierra, and Heather; though all three of them are POV characters, Sierra by far has the lion's share of the storyline. Other POV characters include their mother, Dede, and Mason, the "boy next door" from their childhood, and Sierra's new love interest.
Overall this was a sweet story--Sierra's had a very difficult year, losing her husband in an accident and their home to a wildfire in a matter of months. She and her two young boys move back in with her mother, and Sierra begins the difficult process of starting over. She manages to snag herself a job and a possible boyfriend in relatively short order and without too much effort on her part; it's hard to begrudge someone who's clearly gone through a lot in not a lot of time, but honestly, it really felt like she was suddenly getting everything she needed with very little conflict. Older sister Amy had to put a bit more effort into fixing her strained relationship with her own husband, but honestly, that too was pretty painless and fixed in what amounted to a conversation.
And then there was Heather, the youngest sister, a single mother who's painted as a bit flighty and irresponsible, though she's trying to be a good parent to her daughter...while possibly still looking for love in all the wrong places.
And finally, we have the biggest "secret" of the book. This one was a doozy, and definitely ratcheted up the drama and conflict of the story for a while. It too ends up resolving itself rather easily and painlessly in the end, though--yes, someone was made to feel very bad for a while for questionable choices that were made, and relationships were definitely strained, but in the end the most injured party just decided to magnanimously forgive the wrongs that were done against them, even though forgetting probably wasn't ever going to happen. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that things were resolved in that relationship--they probably should be, eventually!--but I really felt the situation deserved more effort in its resolution than ended up going into it. It was sweet, but I couldn't help but feel that the injured party was bestowing her forgiveness on the one who wronged her like a gift that she wasn't totally convinced was truly deserved.
That ending, though--cuteness galore!
TL; DR: Sisters and Secrets is a cute story about relationships and starting over in which conflicts are minimal and resolved rather easily, and characters are clearly slotted into "good" and "bad" categories; though there is some redemption it's not terribly hard won. Overall it's a pleasant way to spend a few hours, even if there is very little suspense about how things will turn out for everyone in the end.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 11, 2020
Sisters and Secrets by Jennifer Ryan is a family-centric, second chance at love novel.
Sierra Silva is still grieving the loss of her husband, David, when she and her sons, seven year old Danny and 5 year old Oliver lose everything in a fire. She decides to return to her hometown to start over and she and her boys move in temporarily with her mom, Dede. She is welcomed by her older sister Amy but younger sister Heather is a little taken aback by Sierra's decision. Sierra is also delighted by the warm reception she receives from their longtime neighbor Mason Moore. Over the next few months, Sierra is ready to move forward with her life, but in order to do so, she is determined to learn the truth about troubling information about David. Will uncovering this secret derail her promising future with Mason?
Sierra is a charming woman who is devoted to her sons and loyal to her family. Moving past David's death is not easy especially since she is conflicted about learning the truth about her suspicions about her husband. Sierra is determined to make the transition as easy as possible and the boys soon thrive in their new surroundings. Reconnecting with her sisters and her nieces and nephew is just what Sierra, Danny and Oliver need as they continue healing. But it is her blossoming romance with Mason that helps Sierra truly begin to make peace with her past.
Mason has always regretted not taking the opportunity years earlier to tell Sierra about his feelings for her. He is a divorce lawyer whose experiences with his clients have provided him with valuable insight into relationships. Mason adores Danny and Oliver and he is incredibly patient and caring with them. He is surprised and uneasy when Sierra requests his assistance in finding out what Danny was into before his death. Mason has harbored suspicions about just what that might be for quite some time and he reluctantly agrees to help her.
Sierra's sisters are not exactly likable at first. Amy is an overachiever who has over-extended and over-scheduled herself and her children. Her marriage to Rex has hit a rough patch and she knows she needs to make changes but she is completely overwhelmed about taking that first step. Heather is a spoiled and selfish single mom with a toddler daughter. She has never revealed the identity of her baby's father and she continues to feel sorry for herself because he is not a part of their life. By the end of the story, Amy is much more appealing due to her character's growth. Heather's story arc is resolved but not everyone will agree with the outcome.
Sisters and Secrets is a novel of new beginnings, love and healing. Sierra and Mason are delightful characters who are very easy to root for as they fall in love. The storyline is interesting but it is predictable and a little repetitive. Jennifer Ryan brings the novel to a sweet, uplifting conclusion.
Sierra Silva is still grieving the loss of her husband, David, when she and her sons, seven year old Danny and 5 year old Oliver lose everything in a fire. She decides to return to her hometown to start over and she and her boys move in temporarily with her mom, Dede. She is welcomed by her older sister Amy but younger sister Heather is a little taken aback by Sierra's decision. Sierra is also delighted by the warm reception she receives from their longtime neighbor Mason Moore. Over the next few months, Sierra is ready to move forward with her life, but in order to do so, she is determined to learn the truth about troubling information about David. Will uncovering this secret derail her promising future with Mason?
Sierra is a charming woman who is devoted to her sons and loyal to her family. Moving past David's death is not easy especially since she is conflicted about learning the truth about her suspicions about her husband. Sierra is determined to make the transition as easy as possible and the boys soon thrive in their new surroundings. Reconnecting with her sisters and her nieces and nephew is just what Sierra, Danny and Oliver need as they continue healing. But it is her blossoming romance with Mason that helps Sierra truly begin to make peace with her past.
Mason has always regretted not taking the opportunity years earlier to tell Sierra about his feelings for her. He is a divorce lawyer whose experiences with his clients have provided him with valuable insight into relationships. Mason adores Danny and Oliver and he is incredibly patient and caring with them. He is surprised and uneasy when Sierra requests his assistance in finding out what Danny was into before his death. Mason has harbored suspicions about just what that might be for quite some time and he reluctantly agrees to help her.
Sierra's sisters are not exactly likable at first. Amy is an overachiever who has over-extended and over-scheduled herself and her children. Her marriage to Rex has hit a rough patch and she knows she needs to make changes but she is completely overwhelmed about taking that first step. Heather is a spoiled and selfish single mom with a toddler daughter. She has never revealed the identity of her baby's father and she continues to feel sorry for herself because he is not a part of their life. By the end of the story, Amy is much more appealing due to her character's growth. Heather's story arc is resolved but not everyone will agree with the outcome.
Sisters and Secrets is a novel of new beginnings, love and healing. Sierra and Mason are delightful characters who are very easy to root for as they fall in love. The storyline is interesting but it is predictable and a little repetitive. Jennifer Ryan brings the novel to a sweet, uplifting conclusion.
July 4, 2020
Emotional and thought provoking are only two words to try and describe Sisters and Secrets by Jennifer Ryan. Sierra has just lived through the worst year of her life. Her husband was killed in a car accident and then on top of that the wild fires in the Napa Valley took her house and everything in it. She was thankful for her two sons who are now her world. With no good memories left here she moved to her mothers house in Carmel Valley where she had grown up. She needed some time to figure out what she would do next. She then decided she would stay here and begin a new life.
She had some doubts about David, her deceased husband, in the many months before he died. After his death her doubts were multiplied when she found out he had taken out a fifty thousand dollar loan that she had no knowledge of. He never mentioned it to her. She felt she couldn't rest until she found out where that money is.
Mason was a best friend to Sierra when they were growing up. She didn't know he had feelings that were more than friendship for her as they grew up. He and David were friends and she fell in love with David. Mason knows that Sierra was the one that got away . He might have let that happen once but he wasn't going to let it happen again. He knew what he wanted and he wasn't going to let her get away. Mason knew now that Sierra was the one he had been waiting for all his life.
Sierra's sister, Amy, was married to Rex her childhood sweetheart. To the world everything looked perfect. That is the way Amy wanted it to look. She needed everything to be perfect. In doing that she didn't realize how much she was hurting the family she loved. Her husband was near the end of his rope. He kept telling her things had to change but she didn't hear him. Rex felt that he was only a paycheck and she didn't really want him.
Then there was Heather. She was the sister they all felt bad for. She was a single mother with a beautiful daughter. Unfortunately the father was out of the picture and Amy was left on her own to raise Hallee.
Each of them are holding a secret that if and when revealed could hurt and destroy. Will they be able to weather the storm that is on the horizon? Once I started this book I could not put it down. It wasn't all tears, although there were quite a few there were smiles and laughs too. I loved every minute of it and finished with a smile on my face.
She had some doubts about David, her deceased husband, in the many months before he died. After his death her doubts were multiplied when she found out he had taken out a fifty thousand dollar loan that she had no knowledge of. He never mentioned it to her. She felt she couldn't rest until she found out where that money is.
Mason was a best friend to Sierra when they were growing up. She didn't know he had feelings that were more than friendship for her as they grew up. He and David were friends and she fell in love with David. Mason knows that Sierra was the one that got away . He might have let that happen once but he wasn't going to let it happen again. He knew what he wanted and he wasn't going to let her get away. Mason knew now that Sierra was the one he had been waiting for all his life.
Sierra's sister, Amy, was married to Rex her childhood sweetheart. To the world everything looked perfect. That is the way Amy wanted it to look. She needed everything to be perfect. In doing that she didn't realize how much she was hurting the family she loved. Her husband was near the end of his rope. He kept telling her things had to change but she didn't hear him. Rex felt that he was only a paycheck and she didn't really want him.
Then there was Heather. She was the sister they all felt bad for. She was a single mother with a beautiful daughter. Unfortunately the father was out of the picture and Amy was left on her own to raise Hallee.
Each of them are holding a secret that if and when revealed could hurt and destroy. Will they be able to weather the storm that is on the horizon? Once I started this book I could not put it down. It wasn't all tears, although there were quite a few there were smiles and laughs too. I loved every minute of it and finished with a smile on my face.
August 3, 2020
Jennifer Ryan brings us the story of three very different sisters: Sierra, who loses her husband and home within a year leaving her sons fatherless and homeless; Heather, a single mother of Hallee who refuses to name the father; and Amy, who needs to showcase her perfect family to the rest of the world. These three women come together when Sierra decides to go home and stay with their mother as she figures out what to do with the rest of their lives. Then there is Mason, the neighbor who grew up with them and the object of each of the sisters' crushes at different points in their lives. But Mason has always had his eyes on Sierra.
But, they are each hiding secrets. And secrets tend to come out. And they could either tear you apart, or make you stronger. As Sierra and Mason start getting closer, these secrets gets revealed. How will each sister react? How do the actions from long ago affect them now? As each sister's story is revealed, we get to see the dynamics of family, friendship, and love. Will Sierra, Heather, and Amy be able to come together as sisters to support each other, or will these revelations break them apart? Will Sierra be able to see Mason as a man who will stand by her side or as someone she needs to keep at arm's length?
Jennifer Ryan brings us the story of three very different women who lead very different lives and how decisions made in the past affect them all. She shows us the difficult dynamics of sisters, family, loyalty, and love. I enjoyed the journey with these ladies and I look forward to another adventure with Jennifer Ryan. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for this privilege.
But, they are each hiding secrets. And secrets tend to come out. And they could either tear you apart, or make you stronger. As Sierra and Mason start getting closer, these secrets gets revealed. How will each sister react? How do the actions from long ago affect them now? As each sister's story is revealed, we get to see the dynamics of family, friendship, and love. Will Sierra, Heather, and Amy be able to come together as sisters to support each other, or will these revelations break them apart? Will Sierra be able to see Mason as a man who will stand by her side or as someone she needs to keep at arm's length?
Jennifer Ryan brings us the story of three very different women who lead very different lives and how decisions made in the past affect them all. She shows us the difficult dynamics of sisters, family, loyalty, and love. I enjoyed the journey with these ladies and I look forward to another adventure with Jennifer Ryan. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for this privilege.
June 29, 2020
Sisters and Secrets is a book about the impact secrets can have on you, your family, and your relationships. Jennifer Ryan introduced us to three sisters who are all different but are the same in their hope to have love and a meaningful relationship. They have always helped each other pick up the pieces and have to figure out if their sisterhood can make it through even the toughest of secrets.
The story begins with readers meeting Sierra. She has had a rough year as she lost her husband almost a year ago and lost her home in Napa to a fire. She doesn't know what's next for her or her two boys but makes the decision to return home. Her family has always been important in her life, but when she is with her sisters it doesn't always turn out great.
She is back in town and her sisters are happy to see her. I like that Jennifer Ryan introduced us to each sister, Heather and Amy, and let us get to see their perspective as well. I thought it was interesting to see how their mother's life played such a huge role in her daughters lives when it came to dating/marriage. Their mother has been married four times and her daughters always wanted love too.
As the story continues, Sierra connects with an old friend, Amy is trying to make her marriage work, and Heather is living her life while keeping an important secret. These sisters relationship is tested. Will they be able to move past secrets?
I give Sisters and Secrets 4 stars. I really liked the writing of the story and the multiple POV's in the story. Although this book does feature all of the sisters, I feel like Sierra's personal story was so great and captivating.
The story begins with readers meeting Sierra. She has had a rough year as she lost her husband almost a year ago and lost her home in Napa to a fire. She doesn't know what's next for her or her two boys but makes the decision to return home. Her family has always been important in her life, but when she is with her sisters it doesn't always turn out great.
She is back in town and her sisters are happy to see her. I like that Jennifer Ryan introduced us to each sister, Heather and Amy, and let us get to see their perspective as well. I thought it was interesting to see how their mother's life played such a huge role in her daughters lives when it came to dating/marriage. Their mother has been married four times and her daughters always wanted love too.
As the story continues, Sierra connects with an old friend, Amy is trying to make her marriage work, and Heather is living her life while keeping an important secret. These sisters relationship is tested. Will they be able to move past secrets?
I give Sisters and Secrets 4 stars. I really liked the writing of the story and the multiple POV's in the story. Although this book does feature all of the sisters, I feel like Sierra's personal story was so great and captivating.
April 24, 2020
I apologize for how long it has taken me to read this. I'm not really use to reading uncorrected proofs so I won't be comment on anything with regard to grammar, structure or flow.
The title of the book, Sisters and Secrets, is quite apt. The story centers around three sisters (Amy, Sierra and Heather) and the, you guessed it, secrets they keep from one another though some secrets are much bigger than others.
I gave the book three stars because it is a good book but in my opinion failed to take that extra step or two to be great. My biggest problem was that it took me all of ten seconds to guess what the REALLY BIG secret was.
Then I found myself becoming more and more annoyed as the novel dragged on without confronting it. Then when it is done, it is though this was not the main plot point and it is quickly "left to the side" as what I thought was an under-plot is advanced.
The characters of Amy and Heather are never really explored as much as I would like but perhaps that is just me. I found the character of Mason sweet but hard to really connect with.
However, I think that several of the character reactions were incredibly beautifully written and that the author flourishes most during these moments creating such a vivid picture that its hard not to imagine yourself actually observing these moments.
All in all the book is a nice way to spend part of your day.
I look forward to its release and re-reading it without my brain going crazy because it is not proofed!
The title of the book, Sisters and Secrets, is quite apt. The story centers around three sisters (Amy, Sierra and Heather) and the, you guessed it, secrets they keep from one another though some secrets are much bigger than others.
I gave the book three stars because it is a good book but in my opinion failed to take that extra step or two to be great. My biggest problem was that it took me all of ten seconds to guess what the REALLY BIG secret was.
Then I found myself becoming more and more annoyed as the novel dragged on without confronting it. Then when it is done, it is though this was not the main plot point and it is quickly "left to the side" as what I thought was an under-plot is advanced.
The characters of Amy and Heather are never really explored as much as I would like but perhaps that is just me. I found the character of Mason sweet but hard to really connect with.
However, I think that several of the character reactions were incredibly beautifully written and that the author flourishes most during these moments creating such a vivid picture that its hard not to imagine yourself actually observing these moments.
All in all the book is a nice way to spend part of your day.
I look forward to its release and re-reading it without my brain going crazy because it is not proofed!
June 16, 2020
Jennifer Ryan is back with another stand-alone story and OH BOY is it a doozy! It is the tale of the three Silva sisters and their lives as adults and the secrets they keep.
Sierra, the eldest sister who is widowed with 2 boys and has just lost everything they owned in a fire that destroyed their little town, taking with it all of the answers to her deceased husband's secrets. Sierra is the giver of the sisters, and even when she returned home after all of the horrors she had been through, she took no real-time for herself, just focused on her family.
Then there is Amy; she seems to have the Instagram perfect life with her husband and two children, but nothing could be farther from the truth, with Amy’s over-scheduling and micromanaging pushing her little family to the brink. But Amy is also the headstrong and blunt one of the sisters, the justice fighter, but also loving and indulgent and I have to admit, my favorite of the sisters.
Then there is the youngest Silva sister Heather, spoiled by everyone, is also jealous, resentful, and full of secrets, like who is the father to her beautiful baby girl.
Oh my goodness, this book is explosive! it is a mix of a heartbreaking story with a heartwarming ending that only Jennifer Ryan could produce. I could dive in deep with more of my own personal thoughts and feelings on the character, I would end up giving away the whole story. But at the end of the day, the book is brilliant, I enjoyed this diversion from the normal (but thrilling) books the author writes, only to be emotionally devastated by this one.
Sierra, the eldest sister who is widowed with 2 boys and has just lost everything they owned in a fire that destroyed their little town, taking with it all of the answers to her deceased husband's secrets. Sierra is the giver of the sisters, and even when she returned home after all of the horrors she had been through, she took no real-time for herself, just focused on her family.
Then there is Amy; she seems to have the Instagram perfect life with her husband and two children, but nothing could be farther from the truth, with Amy’s over-scheduling and micromanaging pushing her little family to the brink. But Amy is also the headstrong and blunt one of the sisters, the justice fighter, but also loving and indulgent and I have to admit, my favorite of the sisters.
Then there is the youngest Silva sister Heather, spoiled by everyone, is also jealous, resentful, and full of secrets, like who is the father to her beautiful baby girl.
Oh my goodness, this book is explosive! it is a mix of a heartbreaking story with a heartwarming ending that only Jennifer Ryan could produce. I could dive in deep with more of my own personal thoughts and feelings on the character, I would end up giving away the whole story. But at the end of the day, the book is brilliant, I enjoyed this diversion from the normal (but thrilling) books the author writes, only to be emotionally devastated by this one.
June 17, 2020
Another very well written family drama by Jennifer Ryan. If you are very lucky family is who you go to when you need love, support and a safe place to lay your head even if only for a short time. Sierra, the loving mother of two becomes a widow way too young. A short while later the home she and her boys live in and mourn their husband/dad in burns to the ground. Feeling overwhelmed she decides to head home for a time. Home is her mother, 2 sisters, their families and community that that is familiar, feels safe and maybe, just maybe the possibility of a rekindled love. Everyone has secrets. Some little fibs and some whoppers. Sierra, while trying to figure out what secrets her husband was hiding before his untimely death and what the loan he had taken out was for discovers that her sister Amys picture perfect life staged for social media is not all it seems and that Heather, the incredibly selfish, spoiled narcissist of a sister is hiding something major and can’t quite put her finger on it. Honestly, Heathers secret was not really a surprise and yet knowing it didn’t take away from anything for me. The family dynamic seems real and though does wrap things up, it doesn’t leave everything perfect and all better, though in a million years I would never speak to Heather again! Clearly the author is more evolved than I am! I very much look forward to more from this wonderful author. She has become a favorite.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 7, 2021
three sisters who are bound by their love for one another and are tested by a secrets that can tear them apart.
Sierra is forced to return to her hometown after a fire has destroyed her home. She and her two young sons are welcomed back by her mother. She needs a safe place to restart as she is also grieving the loss of her husband, who died suddenly a year ago. She is reunited with her sisters, Amy and Heather, who are happy she has returned.
I loved Sierra and Amy the person I didn't enjoy was Heather. Heather I thought was in denial about Sierra's husband David and how he really felt. I kinda felt like she was lying about half of her relationship with David. Since we don't have his point of view we don't know if she is telling the truth. Really wouldn't it be something that you would think Sierra would like to know that her husband called it off a while ago . But does Heather tell her that no. Also Mason he said he saw them so why not confront David and tell them he will tell Sierra. I bet you if that happened David would have broke it off before Heather got pregnant. To me it left alot of unknown because Heather was not really truthful so who knows what was really true and what was made up because she was in denial honestly she wasn't sorry or feeling bad because she got pregnant because she thought he would leave her sister for her come on there is no way Heather really believed David was really in love with her or he was going to leave Serra for her . would I forgive Heather if I was Sierra no also I would not trust her around my husband.
Sierra is forced to return to her hometown after a fire has destroyed her home. She and her two young sons are welcomed back by her mother. She needs a safe place to restart as she is also grieving the loss of her husband, who died suddenly a year ago. She is reunited with her sisters, Amy and Heather, who are happy she has returned.
I loved Sierra and Amy the person I didn't enjoy was Heather. Heather I thought was in denial about Sierra's husband David and how he really felt. I kinda felt like she was lying about half of her relationship with David. Since we don't have his point of view we don't know if she is telling the truth. Really wouldn't it be something that you would think Sierra would like to know that her husband called it off a while ago . But does Heather tell her that no. Also Mason he said he saw them so why not confront David and tell them he will tell Sierra. I bet you if that happened David would have broke it off before Heather got pregnant. To me it left alot of unknown because Heather was not really truthful so who knows what was really true and what was made up because she was in denial honestly she wasn't sorry or feeling bad because she got pregnant because she thought he would leave her sister for her come on there is no way Heather really believed David was really in love with her or he was going to leave Serra for her . would I forgive Heather if I was Sierra no also I would not trust her around my husband.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2020
This is the first book by Jennifer Ryan I have read. The story is a good one about three sisters who each keep their own secrets in the hopes of protecting people they love. But ultimately, those secrets can cause great harm. Even to the ones you love the most. The story follows Sierra, the middle sister. She's a widowed mother of two and has found her way back home after a devastating fire that leaves her with nothing. In piecing her life back together, she's finding out things she'd rather not know, but has every right to be privy to. In the meantime, her childhood neighbor, Mason, is helping her find her way. And that old attraction is still there despite the years that separated them. This is a romance novel with a very good storyline. There are some steamy intervals sprinkled here and there with more graphic language than I typically like to read. Otherwise, this is an engrossing novel that explores the paths to happiness that sometimes elude us, and the ways we find our way back to what we really want. I do recommend it with the caveat that if you are in any way offended by coarse sexual innuendo, you might not like this. Personally, I don't think the story needed it. A couple of love scenes could have been handled more tastefully. But that's just my opinion, and I did enjoy the storyline and it's many layers. As always, thank you to Goodreads and Harper-Collins for the advance copy.
June 14, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by Jennifer Ryan and I absolutely loved it. This book has some wonderful characters and the story itself will pull you in. Sierra has been living in Napa Valley, but when her house burns down, she returns home to live with her mom, until she gets back on her feet. Sierra lost her husband eleven months ago, in a tragic car accident, so she’s a single parent to her two sons, Danny and Oliver. Besides her mom living in Carmel, her two sisters, Amy and Heather, live there too. Mason Moore, the super hot lawyer next door, that all the sisters had a crush on during school, was best friends with Sierra. Will they remain friends or will they become more, now that Sierra has moved back? I won’t leave any spoilers but I will say, if you’re looking for a book with some secrets, yes, there are several, a single parent doing the best she can, two of those in this story, friendships, and family, then you will love this story. I have to say I loved most of the characters, but Heather, not so much. You can form your own opinion, after reading.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 10, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have never read Jennifer Ryan before, but I was intrigued by the premise of this book, since it involved sisters and their complex dynamic with one another. While the relationships are intricate and a bit complex at first glance, as soon as I got the gist of it, I found myself becoming invested in the complex lives of these characters and how they interact with one another.
I really liked Sierra, the sister who is the central character of the book, and her romance with her old friend Mason, especially since her arc is her rebuilding following her husband’s death.
I was less fond of the other sisters, especially Heather, but there was a good reason for that, with a reveal that had me feeling shocked and betrayed on Sierra’s behalf.
In short, this story is exactly what the title says: about sisters and secrets, and I enjoyed it. I recommend this if you love stories centering on complex family ties.
I have never read Jennifer Ryan before, but I was intrigued by the premise of this book, since it involved sisters and their complex dynamic with one another. While the relationships are intricate and a bit complex at first glance, as soon as I got the gist of it, I found myself becoming invested in the complex lives of these characters and how they interact with one another.
I really liked Sierra, the sister who is the central character of the book, and her romance with her old friend Mason, especially since her arc is her rebuilding following her husband’s death.
I was less fond of the other sisters, especially Heather, but there was a good reason for that, with a reveal that had me feeling shocked and betrayed on Sierra’s behalf.
In short, this story is exactly what the title says: about sisters and secrets, and I enjoyed it. I recommend this if you love stories centering on complex family ties.
June 26, 2020
This is a powerful story involving the three Silva sisters and their complicated relationships with some devastating secrets.
Sierra makes the decision to return home with her two little boys after a Napa wildfire takes everything they own, including the only mementos of her late husband, David. She is determined to start over and make a new life for her and her boys, even possibly revealing the double life that her late husband may have led. In the middle of devastation she finds new love and hope for her and her boys that makes all the difference.
Amy is so busy creating the perfect life and perfect family that she risks destroying her family. Will she realize the dangerous path she is headed down before it's too late?
Heather is the youngest who is spoiled and used to getting what she wants. Her selfishness will lead to an impulsive decision with devastating effects.
When one secret is revealed it will rock the Silva sisters to the core with the possibility of destroying this family. Is there ever a time when forgiveness is not an option?
Sierra makes the decision to return home with her two little boys after a Napa wildfire takes everything they own, including the only mementos of her late husband, David. She is determined to start over and make a new life for her and her boys, even possibly revealing the double life that her late husband may have led. In the middle of devastation she finds new love and hope for her and her boys that makes all the difference.
Amy is so busy creating the perfect life and perfect family that she risks destroying her family. Will she realize the dangerous path she is headed down before it's too late?
Heather is the youngest who is spoiled and used to getting what she wants. Her selfishness will lead to an impulsive decision with devastating effects.
When one secret is revealed it will rock the Silva sisters to the core with the possibility of destroying this family. Is there ever a time when forgiveness is not an option?
June 30, 2020
Jennifer Ryan’s Sisters And Secrets starts with Sierra, a widow struggling to raise two boys on her own after the death of her husband but loses her home to a devastating Napa wildfire. Homeless and jobless, she goes back to her hometown to figure out what to do next. Amy, Sierra’s older sister, has a perfect life, perfect husband, perfect children except it is all lies. Heather, the youngest Silva sister, will not reveal the identity of daughter’s father. Sierra’s homecoming brings their secrets out into the open, and each sister learns there is more to their family than meets the eyes.
Jennifer Ryan does a superb job creating a family of sisters who grew up close but now has grown apart with secrets of their own. The plot is beautifully written and emotionally compelling with drama that I could not put the book down. The in-depth development of the characters exposes their flaws and insecurities. Sisters And Secrets will make you laugh and cry as each sister overcomes obstacles and finds forgiveness along the way.
Jennifer Ryan does a superb job creating a family of sisters who grew up close but now has grown apart with secrets of their own. The plot is beautifully written and emotionally compelling with drama that I could not put the book down. The in-depth development of the characters exposes their flaws and insecurities. Sisters And Secrets will make you laugh and cry as each sister overcomes obstacles and finds forgiveness along the way.
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