In Search of Sisters

by Mary Ellen Bramwell

Mesmerized, Mira watched the two women. They had a bond, a history, a connection that couldn’t be broken by distance or time. They would always be sisters. Only Mira didn’t have that. Maybe sisters fought or held grudges, but maybe they listened, cried when you cried, laughed when you laughed. Maybe they made difficult times bearable. Warren couldn’t understand that—nor her desperate need for those sister-like bonds. But he could encourage her to go searching for them.

Embarking on a daunting trip alone, Mira meets Kailani, a young girl with a troubling home life, Cordelia, energetic but haunted, Dylan, Aissa and others. But how can she get to know anyone when she doesn’t know herself? And once she does, might they need her more than she needs them?

Genres: Womens Fiction, Fiction

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

Mary Ellen Bramwell, a bestselling and award-winning author, has been writing stories since she was ten years old. After working in other fields and raising five children as a stay-at-home mom, Mary Ellen returned to her first love, writing. She resides in the Mountain West with her husband of over 40 years where she enjoys writing, editing, and is slightly obsessed with jigsaw puzzles and board games.
You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/maryellenbramwellauthor or at her website www.maryellenbramwell.com.

Reviews

[Corrine Ardoin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Search of Sisters by Mary Ellen Bramwell tells the story of Mira, an American who yearns for the kind of relationship she imagines could exist if only she had a sister. Noticing her discontent, her husband encourages Mira to embark on a journey abroad in search of what will bring her happiness again.

Traveling to England, France, and Italy, Mira encounters numerous opportunities to make sisterly connections. Her husband's gifted bag of tricks turns out to be just what she needs to guide her way and, unknowingly leave a trail of breadcrumbs that show her the way back home.

Highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyable, this travelogue of friendships galore will have you longing for adventure and wishing to be more like Mira, trusting, open, and willing to lend a hand.

[Kerry Chaput · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Search of Sisters is a lovely tribute to the power of kindness. It tells the story of Mira, struggling to move on from trauma and form connections with others. She goes in search of closeness and finds that opening herself to others leads to unexpected rewards. A touching story of womanhood and friendship.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed In Search of Sisters. I loved following Mira's journey as she sought a way to resolve the issues she was dealing with. For a woman so young, I found her character to be well-developed and easy to relate to. And cheer for! Personally, I am so grateful for the circle of friends that I consider to be my sisters and know full well how important those relationships are. This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last.

[DL Heim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a lovely balm of a book! In Search of Sisters by Mary Ellen Bramwell is the story of Mira, a young woman with a loving husband, who nevertheless struggles with a sort of loneliness her partner cannot heal. Despite the strength of her relationship with Warren, she is grief-stricken by their difficulty conceiving a child. With his encouragement, she goes on a literal journey to find “sisters” - a search for deep relationship with other women. While the stakes are on the face of it rather small, there is an intimacy and immediacy to the writing that allows the reader to care deeply about the fate of the characters. We cheer Mira on as her acts of kindness toward others have a ripple effect on their lives, bringing her back to herself and allowing her to rediscover her full worth. I especially appreciated the water motif, which courses through the narrative. At the beginning of the novel, Mira is drowning in a sadness she cannot fathom; by the end she has cobbled together a life-raft of friendships that carries her back to the shore. This novel is a quiet, kind exploration of one woman’s journey from a sense of being unmoored to the strength to face the inevitable slings and arrows of life.

[Pat Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In Search of Sisters” by Mary Ellen Bramwell is the story of one woman’s search for sisterly relationships. The characters are distinct and well developed. The plot is smooth and easy to follow. The main character, Mira, has a wonderful relationship with her husband but still feels she needs the kind of support and friendship that women offer other women. And fortunately, her husband gives his 100 percent support to her desire to find these sisterly relationships.

The scene in which Mira revisits the impact her mother’s death had on her is touching and realistic. Ms. Bramwell develops the other relationships in ways that make sense and seem to follow a natural progression. We also get to know Mira and her deepest thoughts in her journal. She gives love and support to those she meets, and in return, develops the relationships she has been seeking. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to others. –Pat Spencer, author, of Golden Boxty in the Frypan and Story of a Stolen Girl.

[Ruth Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Search of Sisters is the story of a happily married woman named Mira who wants to fill a void in her life: the need for sisterly relationships. As she journeys around Europe to fulfill this goal, the book is on the surface an enjoyable travelogue and homage to the great cities of London, Paris, and Rome. But author Bramwell digs so much deeper with this beautifully written novel! It’s an optimistic portrayal of the power of friendship and our ability to shape others’ lives in a positive way when we set our hearts, and minds, to the task.

It’s also a reminder that every person we encounter, even a casual acquaintance on the street, deserves our respect. Everyone we meet may someday become an important presence and a dear friend. Read this unusual, heartwarming story and you’ll fall in love with the endearing Mira and the cast of supporting characters who rally around her. -Ruth F. Stevens, author of My Year of Casual Acquaintances

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira’s marriage is sound. Her husband is considerate and loving. So why is she unhappy? What’s going on with her? That is the crux of In Search of Sisters. Fortunately, Mira's five-week European getaway, which her husband supported and encouraged, will help her find the answers to what troubles her. Although we get to travel with Mira to some of the most classical landmarks of London, Paris and Italy, this is a story that is more dedicated to the inner journey. Mira meets and bonds with other women who offer her the understanding and network she lacked. Through Mira’s observations and self-reflection, interspersed with conversations she has with women she calls her sisters, we get to know Mira as she finds her way, a kind-hearted, generous person who is happiest when she is helping others. This is an uplifting story filled with optimism for personal growth and finding peace with destiny.

[Myrtle Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira... a name which means different things in different languages. And as Mira, a troubled young woman, leaves home and embarks on an overseas journey alone in search of kindred spirits, the meanings of her name unfold one-by-one along her path as she finds and embraces the friends she calls her sisters.
The book's core themes are that a giving heart draws people together in a tight bond; and that life's sweetness is wrapped up in realizing what we already have, appreciating it, and using it well. These sustain us in good times and during times of adversity.
The characters are well developed, and the book is easy to read and understand. The mysteries behind the closed doors of more than one character draw in the reader with the desire to learn more. And the cover is astonishing.

[Gin Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and well-crafted story, Mary Ellen Bramwell uses her literary magic to bring the landscapes of Italy and France to life, both past and present, as we follow Brea and her son on their journey to discover their family, then and now. The further I traveled with them, the deeper I was drawn into their story, and soon found myself unable to put the book down. As usual, Bramwell finds a way to deliver powerful messages while at the same time, revealing the answers to her characters as well as her readers. Hidden within the mystery of Brea’s family is an even greater mystery and it’s a pleasure to be there when Bramwell ties it all together. Bravo, Mary Ellen. You did it again. I highly recommend this book.
Gin Coleman, Author of Desert Born series

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Ellen Bramwell delivers a heart-tugging, emotionally resonant story about one woman’s quest for connection, identity, and belonging. As Mira sets out alone on a quest to find the kind of unbreakable bonds she's always longed for, she encounters a group of vividly drawn characters, each with their own scars, stories, and a need to connect. Through their shared struggles, Mira slowly untangles her inner truths and discovers that sisters can be chosen, not just inherited.

Full disclosure--I write books, and I've benefited from Bramwell's incredible editing skills to make them better. It comes as no surprise that she also excels as an author, providing tender stories of friendship, healing, and compassion. What a lovely read!

[Anna Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Search of Sisters follows Mira in her search, not only for sisters, but for herself as well. Her trip to Europe was so realistic, it made me nostalgic for my own European trips, and put me back in the shoes of the traveler—feeling out of place and full of wonder. Mary Ellen Bramwell created a full cast of characters, each unique and memorable in their own way. It is an uplifting story that invites readers to slow down and notice the story each unique person has to share. It celebrates the power of positive female relationships. By the end of the book, I wanted to hug my own sisters closer and get to know the women around me better.

[Amanda Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Search of Sisters is a lovely, feel-good novel about friendship, courage, resilience, and self-discovery. It's a story that will make you want to call an old friend, or plan a weekend getaway with your besties. (and if you're me, it will make you want to plan a trip to London!) Mira is an endearing and relatable character, and the author does a good job of making me care about her journey, and infusing the story with hope.

[Peggy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes we just need a good story about good people. And that’s what Mary Ellen Bramwell offers in Searching for Sisters. It’s not all soppy sweet. There is a terrorist attack, and a young mother too frightened to open her door and her life to others. But the main character, Mira, overcomes her own issues and self-doubts and in the process finds her true self and helps others along the way. A feel-good story with just enough tension to have kept me turning the pages.

[Lennie Parkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an English reader I found some aspects of this book confusing. Apparently it's funny to say "excuse me' as (according to the writer) it means you've passed wind...
No it just means 'can I get past you' etc.
English people don't hug when they meet?.. bizarre..yes we do.
That's just a few!
I read it to the end as it was 'ok' but I did find it to be rambling and unrealistic. Reading the other reviews it seems others really enjoyed it, so don't be put off by my opinions!

[Luke Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, intimate, endearing novel. I can relate to Mira in many ways. (Side note: I’ll never discriminate against a genre again, because this book really wasn’t “for me,” but I loved it.) I’m quiet, I struggle to make friends, and I constantly question my worth. Journeying with her as she impacted people’s lives really struck me. Also, the vicarious European vacation was wonderful.

[Barbara Luker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took quite a while for me to latch onto the theme of the story, but when I did it was well worth it.  I found it to be an artfully crafted book. Mira's journal was integral to the story by allowing readers to see further into her thoughts and feelings.  It's a wonderful journey through Europe and the sometimes bumpy road to sisterhood.

[A.J. McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, engaging novel. The characters are so well-developed, you immediately feel a closeness to them. From someone who never had a sister, but always yearned for one, I highly recommend this heartwarming story of a courageous woman’s quest for sisterhood.

[Cassandra Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

a soul searching story

Ms. Bramwell created characters that I would love to meet in real life. The husband of the protagonist is secure enough in the love of his wife to set up a trip of a lifetime. Mira has epiphanies about herself and life in general. I loved reading this book

[Eva Silverfine]

A well written story of a woman rediscovering herself and finding her “center” on a solo trip to London and beyond. The story is well paced and engaging and its characters readily visualized.

[Linda Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming, endearing story about sisterhood and finding ones true self. You’ll wish Mira and her “sisters” were your friends, too.

[Linda Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming, endearing story about sisterhood and finding ones true self. You’ll wish Mira and her “sisters” were your friends, too.

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good thoughtful read. Felt like it needed more depth.

[Jan]

dnf

[Beth Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful & poignant read!

[Helinfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a wonderful journey of self discovery. I didn't want it to end. Mira is a character we as woman can relate to at some point in her journey. Well worth the read.