Book Description:
Two sisters who haven’t spoken for twenty years. One summer to bring a family back together.
Jayne Winters hasn’t seen her sister Charlotte since that last childhood holiday at their grandmother’s North Carolina beach house. Separated after that summer by their parents in a bitter divorce, Charlotte has never forgiven Jayne for not fighting to stay together.
So when Jayne discovers that they have both inherited the beach house, and that their grandmother’s last wish was for them to renovate it together, it feels like a miracle: one last chance to win her sister back.
At first Charlotte will barely speak to her. But slowly the memories of swimming races and storytelling in their attic bedroom looking over the sea start to break down the wall between them. With the help of photographs and letters left by their grandmother for them to find, the two women begin to restore not just the creaking mahogany staircase and the faded antique wallpaper, but their own relationship.
But then Jayne discovers that Charlotte has kept a heart-stopping secret from their past from her. Can she find it in her heart to forgive her sister and keep their grandmother’s dream of reuniting them alive—or are some wounds too big to heal?
An emotional and uplifting read about sisters, secrets and the family bonds that hold us together no matter how complicated they are, from the bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper. Fans of Mary Ellen Taylor, Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Alice Monroe will love this.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'When We Were Sisters' by Cynthia Ellingsen.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Cynthia Ellingsen, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 11th August 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Mary Ellen Taylor, Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Alice Monroe will love this'. I am a huge fan of Mary Ellen Taylor so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 25 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in North Carolina, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in first person perspective and the protagonist is Jayne Winters. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
What an absolutely beautiful read. Well done Cynthia!!! I'm looking forward to more of your books!!!
This book was very well written with vivid descriptions that sets the scene around you so you can hear the waves and feel the sand on your feet. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
This book was such a lovely, easy and heartwarming read. It tells the story of 2 sisters who were seperate and whose gran trys to bring them back together from the grave so to say. I really enjoyed the storyline and watch Charlotte and Jane's relationship change and develop throughout the different stages. I also enjoyed Charlotte's time at the cafe and getting to know the other characters around the village. The storyline is filled with love, loss, heartbreak, some surprises, a few smiles and laughters and family. There were a few moments of suspense and tension and also some with laughter, love and warmth. There was just the right amount of each emotion. It was very easy to read and I became completely absorbed in the storyline. I think the ending was absolutely perfect although I am intrigued to know if Jayne sets out on her new venture, maybe in the sequel?? Hint, hint Cynthia, there needs to be a sequel!!!
I loved meeting Jayne and her determination to keep going whilst being pushed away by Charlotte and the stress she was getting from the creditors. Logan was so sweet and I absolutely adored his personality and how he was such an amazing father. Charlotte really annoyed me sometimes with her petty attitude and it was constantly Jayne making all the effort, I did start warming to her after about half way through. Ken was a really nice and friendly guy and I thought it was lovely how he welcomes Jayne with open arms and I enjoyed "meeting" Josh and Evan too along with Lauren. Each character had their own unique personality and was realistic. I would love to see how they all get on.
Congratulations Cynthia on a fantastic novel and I cannot wait to read your next book. It would be fabulous to read more about Jayne and her family 😉. Welcome to my favourite author list!!!
Overall an absolutely gorgeous, page turning, heart warming novel that is perfect to read on the beach or curled up in bed.
Genres covered in this book include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Holiday Fiction and Contemporary Romance amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Mary Ellen Taylor and anyone looking for a heartwarming Novel.
281 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
@CynthiaEllingsen @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
Author Bio:
Cynthia Ellingsen is an Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary women’s fiction. Her books feature heartwarming characters and strong family connections, often with a touch of mystery. The Starlight Cove series, her best-known work, is available on audio and has been translated into several languages.
Cynthia began her writing career as a screenwriter in Los Angeles and now lives in Kentucky with her family.
https://www.cynthiaellingsen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cynthiaellingsen
https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaellingsenauthorpage/
https://twitter.com/CynEllingsen
Buy LInks:
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Apple: https://apple.co/3whZSzg
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3hz3KrH
Google: https://bit.ly/3lqt6Kl
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