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The Other Twin
When Paige, a renowned oncologist fighting against her own life-threatening medical condition, meets makeup artist Gwen St. James, a woman with a mysterious past, in the hospital, a bond of friendship is quickly forged, but the two women soon discover that they share an even more powerful bond. 75,000 first printing.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2003
20 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Stone
71 books114 followersKatherine Stone is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-two novels, including her new Christmas novel, SLEIGH BELLS RING.
Katherine's books have been translated into twenty languages and are sold worldwide. A physician who now writes full-time, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, physician and novelist Jack Chase (Fatal Analysis, Mortality Rate, The Magruder Transplant.
Katherine's website is www.katherinestone.com.
Jack's website is www.medicalthriller.com.
Katherine's books have been translated into twenty languages and are sold worldwide. A physician who now writes full-time, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, physician and novelist Jack Chase (Fatal Analysis, Mortality Rate, The Magruder Transplant.
Katherine's website is www.katherinestone.com.
Jack's website is www.medicalthriller.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 15, 2011
Author: Katherine Stone
Pages: 297
Genre: Modern Fiction
First Published: 2003
First Line: "You're not going to marry her!"
Synopsis: On a rainy night Claire Forrester, her beloved husband and in-laws are in a car accident that leaves Clarie's husband and parents dead and Claire in early labour.
Thirty years later, Claire's daughter Paige is a talented doctor who goes above and beyond to help her cancer patients to the detriment of her personal life. Gwen St James, a make-up artist at a local TV station, is asked by Claire to come into the hospital to make over one of her patients who has been ravaged by cancer. Paige and Gwen both feel a connection between them and become close friends quickly. Meanwhile, Claire starts to have flashbacks to the night of the accident and can't quite help feeling that she's about to unlock some dark family secrets that her subconscious has kept from her for the past 30 years.
My Thoughts: This was one of those books that I picked up merely based on a quick glance of the book cover. I was in the library looking for a book to take to the beach. I wanted a Sydney Sheldon-type read filled with delicious deception, back-stabbing and loads of twists ... and the occasional Alexis Carrington-esque cat fight wouldn't go unappreciated either. In other words, I wanted a perfect beach read.
Sadly, this book just didn't measure up. I finished it but barely. The overall storyline that was described on the book jacket sounded intriguing but the writing just didn't cut it for me.
First of all, there were quite a few characters but I never felt like I got to know any of them even though, throughout the book, the author continually spoon fed the reader characters' inner thoughts. A character would be speaking but, at the same time, their inner thoughts were printed in italics. Not needed if the writing was better. Kind of like ....
"Hi Paige! I can't believe I just bumped into you here!" I hope she doesn't think I've been waiting around for her!.
That kind of thing. I don't need to be spoon fed character's thoughts. It just comes off as annoying.
There was also the added confusion about who was who. I had a hard time remembering which stunningly handsome man went with which utterly gorgeous woman. Everyone was just so darn pretty that no one really stood out and that made my gag reflex start to tingle just a bit. The author couldn't throw in an average gal who may wear Spanx and perhaps a guy without a great tan, a cleft or a dimple??
The people and the storylines in this book worked out too perfectly for me and felt contrived and utterly unbelievable. First of all, the happenstance meeting of several of the characters that then turned into long-lost relationships is too out there to be plausible. There's fate and then there's 'Oh pullleeeze!".
There were also a plethora of subplots going on (what is with me picking books lately with oodles of superfluous subplots?!?) which just made the overall storyline feel too convoluted and I ended up not really caring about any storyline. Add to the fact that there was an overabundance of issues being dealt with and it got really drawn-out and complicated when it didn't have to be. For example, this book deals with postpartum depression, kidney disease, organ donors, neglect/child abuse .... Too much goin' on!!
The final straw (which happened right at the end --- SPOILER ALERT!!)
:
:
:
:
:
:
is when both twins get pregnant and announce their pregnancies to their mother at the same time. Oh ... come ... on!! Really!?! That little gem felt like something out of a Sweet Valley High book. Don't get me wrong, I loved Sweet Valley High .... when I was 12 years old. I'm much too jaded now to believe that all these connections and revelations 'just happen'.
This was an intriguing storyline but, unfortunately, was poorly executed. I felt totally let down and a little ticked that the book wasn't nearly as good as the write up on the book jacket made it out to be
My Rating: 1.5/5 stars
For more of my book reviews check out my blog www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.com
Pages: 297
Genre: Modern Fiction
First Published: 2003
First Line: "You're not going to marry her!"
Synopsis: On a rainy night Claire Forrester, her beloved husband and in-laws are in a car accident that leaves Clarie's husband and parents dead and Claire in early labour.
Thirty years later, Claire's daughter Paige is a talented doctor who goes above and beyond to help her cancer patients to the detriment of her personal life. Gwen St James, a make-up artist at a local TV station, is asked by Claire to come into the hospital to make over one of her patients who has been ravaged by cancer. Paige and Gwen both feel a connection between them and become close friends quickly. Meanwhile, Claire starts to have flashbacks to the night of the accident and can't quite help feeling that she's about to unlock some dark family secrets that her subconscious has kept from her for the past 30 years.
My Thoughts: This was one of those books that I picked up merely based on a quick glance of the book cover. I was in the library looking for a book to take to the beach. I wanted a Sydney Sheldon-type read filled with delicious deception, back-stabbing and loads of twists ... and the occasional Alexis Carrington-esque cat fight wouldn't go unappreciated either. In other words, I wanted a perfect beach read.
Sadly, this book just didn't measure up. I finished it but barely. The overall storyline that was described on the book jacket sounded intriguing but the writing just didn't cut it for me.
First of all, there were quite a few characters but I never felt like I got to know any of them even though, throughout the book, the author continually spoon fed the reader characters' inner thoughts. A character would be speaking but, at the same time, their inner thoughts were printed in italics. Not needed if the writing was better. Kind of like ....
"Hi Paige! I can't believe I just bumped into you here!" I hope she doesn't think I've been waiting around for her!.
That kind of thing. I don't need to be spoon fed character's thoughts. It just comes off as annoying.
There was also the added confusion about who was who. I had a hard time remembering which stunningly handsome man went with which utterly gorgeous woman. Everyone was just so darn pretty that no one really stood out and that made my gag reflex start to tingle just a bit. The author couldn't throw in an average gal who may wear Spanx and perhaps a guy without a great tan, a cleft or a dimple??
The people and the storylines in this book worked out too perfectly for me and felt contrived and utterly unbelievable. First of all, the happenstance meeting of several of the characters that then turned into long-lost relationships is too out there to be plausible. There's fate and then there's 'Oh pullleeeze!".
There were also a plethora of subplots going on (what is with me picking books lately with oodles of superfluous subplots?!?) which just made the overall storyline feel too convoluted and I ended up not really caring about any storyline. Add to the fact that there was an overabundance of issues being dealt with and it got really drawn-out and complicated when it didn't have to be. For example, this book deals with postpartum depression, kidney disease, organ donors, neglect/child abuse .... Too much goin' on!!
The final straw (which happened right at the end --- SPOILER ALERT!!)
:
:
:
:
:
:
is when both twins get pregnant and announce their pregnancies to their mother at the same time. Oh ... come ... on!! Really!?! That little gem felt like something out of a Sweet Valley High book. Don't get me wrong, I loved Sweet Valley High .... when I was 12 years old. I'm much too jaded now to believe that all these connections and revelations 'just happen'.
This was an intriguing storyline but, unfortunately, was poorly executed. I felt totally let down and a little ticked that the book wasn't nearly as good as the write up on the book jacket made it out to be
My Rating: 1.5/5 stars
For more of my book reviews check out my blog www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.com
October 6, 2020
It's important not to overdo it when it comes to Stone. I really enjoy her novels, but they're definitely on the too-sweet side. The fact that EVERYTHING is tied up in a nice neat little bow can get frustrating after awhile. Plus, it's kind of the same book every time - damaged woman meets damaged man, together they are healed by love.
Obviously I read one too many Stone novels in a row. She is infinitely readable. Despite the issues I had with this novel I couldn't put it down. Also, I have to say upfront, if I hadn't binged on her all at once, I know I wouldn't be complaining now. She's my guilty pleasure - her novels should drive me insane, but instead I lap them up.
(full review to come)
Obviously I read one too many Stone novels in a row. She is infinitely readable. Despite the issues I had with this novel I couldn't put it down. Also, I have to say upfront, if I hadn't binged on her all at once, I know I wouldn't be complaining now. She's my guilty pleasure - her novels should drive me insane, but instead I lap them up.
(full review to come)
March 1, 2017
While a sweet story, I really felt it lacked substance. There were too many storylines going on all at once, and trying to keep them all straight for most of the book since they didn't seem to show obvious links just made things confusing. Nothing really made sense until the very end. If it wasn't for my inability to walk away from a book without finishing it, I probably wouldn't have as there was nothing that gripped me in this story and really made me want to keep reading.
The synopsis of this book makes it sound much more exciting than it is. This was the first book I read by this author, and likely my last.
The synopsis of this book makes it sound much more exciting than it is. This was the first book I read by this author, and likely my last.
September 25, 2017
I don't remember just why I picked this book. I really did enjoy it. Paige, Gwen, and Claire are all trying to keep a secret of their own. Paige is a doctor but her kidneys are failing and she doesn't want her mother, Claire, to know. She meet Gwen and they seem to understand each other. Claire is Paige's mother who won't leave her home. They all feel something is missing in their lives. Very good story telling.
March 27, 2019
OK, I first gave it four stars but then considered that it redeemed itself at the end and upgraded to five. For awhile, though, the story(ies) was very confusing to me, and it took awhile to put it all together. Over all, it was a good read with a satisfying ending. I was impressed with the medical knowledge, then remembered that the author is, herself, a doctor.
Also, I was impressed with the fact that there was no explicit sex or offensive language used!
Also, I was impressed with the fact that there was no explicit sex or offensive language used!
April 30, 2018
It was ok...i thought the characters were a bit confusing.
April 2, 2019
I read this book based on a recommendation. not my usual type of book but I really enjoyed the intertwined stories. Very moving story
June 21, 2019
Okay, no surprises.
September 23, 2020
I just couldn't get into this book. Read half way.
January 29, 2021
Some interesting twists, but was just ok for me.
April 7, 2023
The book was wonderful, the story inspiring, but still I can't understand how the three women forgave Mariel. She didn't deserve it.
December 21, 2023
Heartwarming story
March 21, 2010
No surprise the writer is a former medical doctor - the medical descriptions in the book were very technical and in depth - I thought it was funny how much one character learned from one night of surfing the net - enough to have a full discussion with a doctor about history and treatment options, including remembering the full names of medicines and surgical procedures. Hilarious.
Even though characters meet and are instantly bonded, trusting each other and/or in love etc., I still bought into the unlikeliness of it happening because that's kind of the idea with escapism reading. It's easy. I found it a nice light read.
Even though characters meet and are instantly bonded, trusting each other and/or in love etc., I still bought into the unlikeliness of it happening because that's kind of the idea with escapism reading. It's easy. I found it a nice light read.
May 30, 2013
Paige Forrester is a doctor like her father, that she never knew. She has some medical issues that she has kept secret for a while. Other secrets evolve as Paige as she becomes friends again with a college love and a make-up artist named Gwen. Paige's mother is a reclusive. Throughout the novel, that secret is revealed and solved.
January 24, 2016
This is #1 in Sarah's Orchard, Oregon Series.
There were too many italics in this book and everything was repeated more than one time. I liked the premise of the story, but the italics took away from the whole story for me. The constant repeating of facts in the same chapter some times was very off putting to me.
I am not sure why this is an Oregon series either, when it takes place in San Francisco and last I heard this was in California.
I am giving this 3 out of 5 stars. I am hoping for a tighter story next time with fewer italics.
There were too many italics in this book and everything was repeated more than one time. I liked the premise of the story, but the italics took away from the whole story for me. The constant repeating of facts in the same chapter some times was very off putting to me.
I am not sure why this is an Oregon series either, when it takes place in San Francisco and last I heard this was in California.
I am giving this 3 out of 5 stars. I am hoping for a tighter story next time with fewer italics.
June 2, 2022
I feel that the author rushed her book. I feel it would have been a greater novel if she added more to it…a longer read. Such as having Paige and Gwen get to know each other more before Gwen discovers the truth; expand more into Stuart and Mariel’s characters; delved more into the romance of Cole and Gwen. It seems as if she just touched base with a little on each. Some stuff was totally weird like Gwen touching her mother’s blood on the carpet in a daze. Who does that? Otherwise it was a good read. I just saw potential for it to be a great read.
I owned this book but gave it away.
I owned this book but gave it away.
August 30, 2015
Good story, but found I had to suspend reality for a couple of character premises that had to be made right in the beginning. How do you go directly from trusting people to, on the very next page, suspecting them of complete and utter betrayal?
May 9, 2016
Other Twin is such a nail biting book! I like finished this in 1.5 days, So curious, so mysterious and so romantic number. For the people who like to read thrillers, this should be in their reading list!
September 17, 2007
I enjoyed this book, but not nearly as much as the other book, Imagine Love, I read by this author. A good story with a happy ending, so it was definatly a worthwhile read in my opinion!
October 26, 2009
Really good. Couldn't put it down. Read it in 2 days...lol. Very touching..
February 23, 2010
"Ties of love, ties of blood. Sometimes they feel like the sme thing."
May 6, 2015
I have read it several times and bought it for my keep collection. I really enjoy her writeing
September 22, 2013
This was just OK- the ending was just a bit too sweet. It took me awhile to read this book; it started OK but then I got a bit bored with it but felt I had to finish it since I was half way thru.
December 6, 2014
Interesting mystery. I had the wrong twin in mind for most of the book!
May 15, 2015
A bit confusing with some real Mother Teresa sentimentalities.
October 9, 2015
Interesting read even though you know the ending right from the beginning. Enjoyed seeing the relationships develop.
March 3, 2017
The beginning of this book was really good and then when it started 30 years later I lost my zeal for it.
January 8, 2017
The book starts with a car accident that kills three people and then goes downhill. Claire has twins but forgets she had two and one is taken to a convent. There are so many holes in the plot I just wanted to finish the book which ended with the overly sappy happier then ever ending for all.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews