| Title | : | The Christmas Sisters |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 416 |
| Publication | : | First published October 1, 2018 |
Workaholic Hannah knows she can’t avoid spending the holidays with her family two years in a row. But it’s not the weight of their expectations that’s panicking her—it’s the life-changing secret she’s hiding. Stay-at-home mom Beth is having a personal crisis. All she wants for Christmas is time to decide if she’s ready to return to work—seeing everyone was supposed to help her stress levels, not increase them! Posy isn’t sure she’s living her best life, but with her parents depending on her, making a change seems risky. But not as risky as falling for gorgeous new neighbor Luke…
As Suzanne’s dreams of the perfect McBride Christmas unravel, she must rely on the magic of the season to bring her daughters together. But will this new togetherness teach the sisters that their close-knit bond is strong enough to withstand anything—including a family Christmas?
The Christmas Sisters Reviews
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Beautifully written, this work of women’s fiction will have you yearning for the Christmas season to begin.
The cover alone is so welcoming, as are the engaging, well developed characters in this storyline which warms the heart.
Survivor’s guilt is a crushing burden to bear, and nobody knows that more than Suzanne. She is the adoptive mother of three daughters, Hannah, Beth and Posy. They lost their biological parents twenty-five years ago due to a tragic accident which still haunts Suzanne and her daughters to this day.
As the sisters are preparing to spend Christmas with their adoptive parents in their childhood home of Scotland, we get to know each one very intimately. Each sister so uniquely their own. Each dealing with their personal issues. Each none the wiser as to the hurdles in their siblings lives. Well, that is until they all meet up for Christmas. Truths, hurts and confessions are unfolded.
I so enjoyed the chapters alternating between the three girls, delving deep into their thoughts, their hopes and dreams, their individual realities.
Sarah Morgan, a go to author of mine, is known best for her fun, witty romances, but she has transitioned fantastically into this genre. And no worries, there is still romantic courtship to savor, along with delightful, amusing banter which kept me smiling ;)
*I received this book in return for an honest review.* -
A heartwarming story of love, loss, forgiveness, and acceptance sprinkled with a generous dose of holiday cheer!🎄
Sarah Morgan is fast becoming a favorite author... she does an amazing job of developing wonderful realistic characters... breathing life into them with her words... along with a beautiful storyline her books are quite the treat... this festive story is the perfect bow on top of any Christmas present!🎁
The McBride sisters are coming home to Scotland for Christmas... Suzanne is delighted to have all her girls under the same roof, but there are still some wounds that need to be healed... I appreciated how we got each sister’s point of view, we really got a true glimpse into each of their lives and hearts... Posie had an extremely adventurous side and a budding Romance that was the talk of the town... Beth, was probably the most relatable to me, a mother struggling with the decision to go back to work or not, feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated... Hana, was a reserves workaholic who played her cards close to her vest... each girl had their own triumphs and struggles, and each was impacted by the death of their parents in a different way... Suzanne had her struggles as well, suffering from survivors guilt and determined to succeed in her role as adoptive mother to these three wonderful sisters... so, can these sisters now adults come to terms with things that happened in the past?
The delightful snowy setting of Scotland added a festive vibe to the story... I really felt a connection with all these characters, and wanted nothing but the absolute perfect Christmas for them all!This book truly evoked some strong emotions in me, I felt as though I was living and breathing this book along with these sisters... a wonderful winter read that will make you smile more times then it’ll make you cry.... A book of love, laughter, and life lessons, seasoned with snow and holiday cheer!
Absolutely recommend as the perfect addition to your holiday reeds❄️
*** A huge thank you to Harlequin for my copy of this book ***
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Sarah Morgan writes perfect festive fare that makes your heart melt. This is a great escapist fare, a rom-com with all the ingredients that have you turning the pages, family trauma, sisters that love each other, but have struggled to create close supportive bonds, and a winning location in the small community of Glensay in the wintry Scottish Highlands. Suzanne is looking forward to the festive season and her reunion with her daughters visiting from Manhattan, New York, Beth, married to Jason with her two young children, Ruby and Melly, and the more contained and distant Hannah. Posy, her youngest daughter, has stayed in Glensay, a village where rumours are rife and it is hard to have a private life free from prying eyes. Posy has stayed to support her parents, helping to run Cafe Craft, is part of the local mountain rescue team with her dad, Stewart, and is passionate about ice climbing.
The family have avoided talking about the 25 year old trauma when the girls actual parents, Cheryl and Rob, tragically dies in an avalanche on Mount Rainier. Cheryl was Suzanne's best friend and adopted her three young children and has done her best to provide the love and security for the girls. However, all have been left scarred by the process, Hannah with her inability to trust, viewing love as an emotional form of roulette, Beth being an over the top protective mother, and Posy wanting to see the world by ice climbing, but worrying that her leaving will be too much for her parents. Hannah is being pushed to her limits as she tries to come to terms with her secrets, Beth's marriage is in crisis and Posy has found herself in a sexual relationship that threatens to derail the status quo.
As Suzanne's plans for the perfect Christmas threaten to come apart at the seams, the McBride girls are to find that the past will not go away, personal issues have to be addressed and fears must be confronted if happiness is to be within their grasp and for their sisterly bond to be recalibrated if they are to provide the support for each other that they all want and need. There is plenty of wit and comic humour in this festive tale from Morgan, and her characters are pitch perfect to entrance the reader. This is a read that will loved by many I am sure. Many thanks to HQ for an ARC. -
Lovely, heart-warming Christmas story about family, love, and the things that really matter.
This was the perfect book to escape to the mountain village in Scotland. Suzanne is looking forward to Christmas this year with three adopted daughters coming home to Scotland. Two of her daughters- Beth and Hannah are travelling from the United States and they both could use a holiday break! They each have very different lives and are trying to make sense of where they are at the moment. The younger sister, Posy may be falling for one their lodgers (hunky and handsome of course)!
The writing pulled me right in to the cozy setting and I was invested in the story of the three sisters, the past tragedy that they suffered through, and the very different paths each of their lives have taken. Will the sisters come to terms with what really matters to them?
Escape to Scotland with this lovely romantic read that has some drama, sister secrets, and family love that will warm your heart.
Thank you Harlequin for my copy. -
5☆ A Heartwarming, Poignant and Enchanting Romance.
The Christmas Sisters is a Heartwarming, Poignant and Touching story of Family, Relationships, Secrets, New Beginnings and a sprinkle or Romance and Festive Magic.
Beth, Hannah and Posy are all sisters.
But their relationships are far from rosy. They barely speak, or get together, their relationship is strained and somewhat Taut.
Suzanne their Mother, is desperate to bring the family back together this Christmas.
But with a tragic accident in the past, Secrets, nightmares, guilt and fraught relationships, can Suzanne repair her family or is it all too late?
Each of the chapters are told by each characters points of view, which I really enjoyed. I found myself excited to get to the next chapter to find out more.
Each of the Sisters are very different. Hannah is a closed Book, emotionally shut off, kept her secrets to herself, threw herself into work. Just starting a budding relationshio with the handsome Adam, who just gets her!
Beth a mum of two, she appears to be struggling with motherhood, and seems to feel slightly suffocated, and in need of gaining a lil independence back, as she contemplates going back to work.
Posy the youngest sister, she's very carefree and has a wonderful endearing charm about her. Working on the mountain rescue with her adorable fur Baby.
I really connected with each of the characters, they were all so deeply flawed, yet endearing and likeable. I was willing for them to open up and communicate with each other, as that's exactly what needed to happen... too many painful buried feelings and hurt. I really did feel for each of them.
The Christmas Sisters is a poignant Story about Family, Loss, Grief, Relationships, Trust, Forgiveness, Acceptance, finding Love, New Beginnings and coming together, with a good dose of Christmas Magic.
But don't worry there is also plenty of sisterly drama, Witt, humour and romance to keep you hooked.
Sarah Morgan has weaved her magic once again, she always writes the most heartwarming, compelling, mesmerising and amazing stories.
With loveable colourful characters and an endearing storyline, I found i devoured this beautifully Enchanting Story in one go.
Thank you to Isabel at HQ Digital for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1... -
A Christmas tale set in the snowy Scottish Highlands featuring three sisters coming home to see their family with lots of drama and twisty backstories to work through? Sign me up! Wonderful writing. These characters were complex, sympathetic, and I found myself relating to them in small ways and wanting to get to the next chapter.
The three sisters were orphaned as children after their parents were killed in a climbing accident and came to live with their mother’s best friend. They bear different emotional scars from that event. Interesting present-day conflicts—Beth, a mother who no longer wants to stay at home and yearns to go back to work finds her family thrown into chaos when she and her husband can no longer agree about their future. Hannah, a career woman who has sworn never to have a relationship or children and may have a surprise in store. And Posy, who has stayed home out of duty to the parents who adopted and raised her, but yearns for a different life. When all three arrive back in Scotland for Christmas, interesting times are in store! This had some great twists and surprises as the sisters begin to talk about the past and the deaths of their parents, as well as deal with their present day lives. A super story with cozy tales of snow and storms outside! -
“You did what you could to bury the past, and then something happened and you realized it was right there under the surface just waiting to be exposed.”
★★★½
Set in Scotland, three sisters come home to their adoptive parents' for Christmas. All adults now, and with their own lives and personal sets of issues, the magic of the holidays has been replaced by stressed relationships, self-doubt, and shocking secrets. It doesn't help that their adoptive mother is sick with the flu and confined to her room the whole time. Maybe that's for the best though. When it comes to sisters, sometimes the drama needs to work itself out.
Sarah Morgan fans should be aware that this is not one of her traditional romances. This is women's fiction, and it's pretty good. Personally, when it comes to a story of sisters, I enjoyed Morgan's
How to Keep a Secret far more, but I loved the Christmas setting in this one and a story that embraces family and tells you to bravely follow your heart is always welcomed during the holidays. Check it out.
My favorite quote:
“You couldn't have everything you wanted, but if you were lucky, you had the things that mattered.” -
4 heartwarming stars to The Christmas Sisters
I have bought a slew of holiday reads this year, but so far, this is one of the only ones I’ve read.
Everyone has high expectations for the holidays, right? You definitely hope your family members will get along?
Suzanne wishes for her three daughters to have a perfect Christmas with she and her husband in the snowy Scottish Highlands. What a destination!
What ends up testing the sisters’ bond is not what they would have expected...
This is a lovely escape of a read: a quaint and cozy setting, positively charming characters, and the magic of the holidays. The cover has a sparkly touch of magic, too.
Overall, I enjoyed the my time spent with this family, and Sarah Morgan has a knack for this type of read.
Thank you to Harlequin for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog:
www.jennifertarheelreader.com -
4.5⭐️rounded up to 5⭐️
Although it's that weird in between time between Christmas and New Year, i love spending time in the run up to, and around Christmas, indulging in some christmassy themed books. They really help me get into the Christmas spirit, and start becoming all excited at the prospect of the Christmas season and all it encompasses. I'm always reluctant at taking down the Christmas decs.
"The Christmas Sisters" ticked every box in my perfect Christmas book. Gorgeous setting - tick - intact it gets a double tick with the setting initially set between both the picturesque Scottish Highlands and a snowy, glittering Manhattan. Easily relatable and warm characters who feel like friends - tick, decent storyline - tick, loads of winter and Christmas spirit - tick.
Aww, this book was just so sweet, without being too sickly. It's a perfect book to get comfy with for some "me time"; switch off your phone, forget everything, and snuggle up under some blankets with a hot chocolate. It's the ideal antidote to the mad and slightly stressful time around Christmas and New Year.
The narration is told from the viewpoint of Suzanne and her three very different daughters - Hannah, Beth and Posy. The only time of year they all get to be together is over Christmas at their family home in the Scottish Highlands. Suzanne is determined to make it as perfect as possible and goes all out with the decorations, food, and evoking a gorgeous cosy and warm atmosphere her girls will feel welcome in.
However, when families get together at Christmas, nothing may be as it appears on the surface. Underneath there are layers of rippling tensions, feelings and issues. Suzanne only hopes these can be pushed aside to make the holidays as memorable and stress free as possible.
I adored this book. I've read a number of Christmas books this year; some good, some not so good. This one had everything I look for in this genre of book and I wouldn't think twice about re reading it again in another cold December. The author wrote in a simple yet evocative way. She made it easy to bring to life the snowy, mountainous scenery and the inhabitants of the village of Glensay. The twinkling fairy lights, the aromas from the Craft Cafe, the warm welcoming pub o ty it's cosy log fire, the beautiful sounding Glensay Lodge...
Everything came perfectly together to create a gorgeous feel good and uplifting book.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK / HQ for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review. -
Favorite Quotes:
If her sister had been a laptop, Posy would have run antivirus software because there were times when she was convinced Hannah had been taken over by malware.
If parenting was a meal then Jason came straight in at dessert, bypassing all other courses including vegetables.
She smiled. “I’m so glad I married you.” “Of course you are. I’m irresistible. You couldn’t resist my practiced seduction.” Stewart swaggered across the room, ruining the effect by tripping over one of her slippers. She rolled her eyes. “You have a terrible memory. I was the one who seduced you.” “Not true.” “You were moving too slowly for me, Stewart McBride.” “That’s not how I remember it. I was like a rampant stallion.”
I have a trick I use whenever I’m scared…I pretend I’m in a movie… Whatever movie fits the scenario. It’s easier to pretend I’m playing a character, than it is to be me.
My Review:
I have sighed with contentment after reading every Sarah Morgan book I have ever picked up. While her cleverly complicated characters are not always easy to appreciate when initially introduced, over the course of their story they have all managed to magically tunnel their way into my cold heart. It is a specific type of Morgan magic as her word voodoo is strong. This fractious and captivating family was packed with complex personalities with deep-seated issues, and they fascinated me. The writing was engaging and well-paced with generous sprinklings of smirk-worthy wit and clever levity as well as a vibrancy that conjures sharp and vivid scenes in my head as I read. I adore Sarah Morgan in any season. Ms. Morgan is also a frequent contributor to my Brit Word List with the new entries of clag (which seems to have several meanings according to Mr. Google which includes sticky as in mud; a clog or clot; and a low cloud, fog, or smog) and snug (a small comfortable room). -
Meet the McBride sisters who are preparing for Christmas at home in Scotland. Beth is married and a stay at home mother to two small children but contemplating a return to an outside career. Oldest sister, Hannah, has a highly successful career that seems to keep her from the family but they believe she’s deliberately choosing to stay away. Both she and Beth live in New York but rarely see each other these days. The youngest sister, Posy, hasn’t strayed from home, helping their mother Suzanne run the local café and serving on the alpine rescue team. She’s getting itchy feet to spread her wings but doesn’t want to disappoint her parents by leaving.
I fell in love with this story and the McBride family. Mom Suzanne was counting on the holidays bringing the family together for the first time in two years but completely unaware of the conflicts her children were experiencing. Compounding all of that was the season being the anniversary of a tragic event that seems to have profoundly shaped all of them and continues to plague them. Each sister’s story was extremely interesting and combined just made for an intriguing experience. The event that had such a tremendous impact was revealed slowly, adding even more tension.
The narrator managed each character skillfully, including accents and dialects, creating distinctive individual identities. She added verve to a well written story that I just loved. It’s a delightful tale that deftly used the Christmas season to add emphasis to important themes regarding family, communication and self worth. I don’t normally re-listen to books but I think I will with this one. It clicked on every level and I didn’t want it to end.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review) -
Delightfully mesmerizing, positively heartwarming, and absolutely brilliant!
The Christmas Sisters is an engaging, beguiling story that sweeps you away to the beautiful ruggedness of the Scottish Highlands in winter and immerses you into the lives of the McBride family as they confront the past, accept the things they cannot change, forgive, accept, repair fractured relationships, take chances, and embrace the future.
The writing is expressive, effortless, and polished. The characterization is spot on with a whole slew of characters that are genuine, multi-layered, unique, and intriguing. And the plot, and it’s series of compelling subplots, skillfully unravels and intertwines to create an unforgettable, touching story about life, love, loss, family, secrets, friendship, romance, and happiness.
The Christmas Sisters is without a doubt the perfect festive read that highlights the magic of the holidays and reminds us to always live life to the fullest and surround ourselves with those we love. It is a fabulously irresistible read that proves once again that when it comes to writing heartfelt, moving stories with characters you can’t help but fall in love with Morgan’s one of the best!
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. -
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I know Sarah Morgan comes highly recommended. I read
one other book by her which was more women's fiction than romance which didn't completely work for me because of the four different point of views, alternating telling the story of them. I was bummed when I realized that this one is women's fiction as well, again with four point of views. It's such a shame because, dammit, I want to read a Sarah Morgan romance!
All four women are connected through one event that took their loved ones away. The woman who lost her best friend, Suzanne, adopted Cheryl's daughters, Posy, Beth and Hannah and moved from the Pacific North West all the way to Scotland so that the children could grow up without having to experience the very public handling of their parents' death which made a huge impact of all of them. Christmas is approaching fast and Hannah and Beth, now back in the US, prepare to go back home to visit their parents.THE FOUR WOMEN
Beth, a stay-at-home mom, loves her children, is a little over-protective of her children but yearns for a grown-up conversation. She is restless, exhausted raising her kids pretty much alone since her husband is the successful business man. Beth wants more and when she gets a chance to interview for her dream job she wants to jump at the chance. Except he wants another child.
I loved that Beth stood up for herself and showed Jason what it means to be a parent who is solely responsible for the children for the majority of the time. He learns a new appreciation for mothers, so mission accomplished. But Beth was also the person who got on my nerves the most. She was overly neurotic and a hypocrite when it came to her sisters. Fortunately they didn't have an issue to show her that."I’m saying that being a good mom isn’t just about protecting your kids from hurt, it’s about showing them how to cope with hurt. It’s about teaching them resilience and giving them the tools to handle whatever comes their way.”
Although Posy is supposed to take over the small family business her secret wish is to follow in her parents' footsteps and be a mountain guide. When she meets Luke the longing is only amplified.
Posy was the easygoing, laid-back baby sister. I connected with her the most because she was accepting and tolerant and let people have their space. But she also knew how to make a point. I love her no-nonsense characters.
Hannah is focused on her career, driven, and seems like nothing can chafe her. She comes across at standoff-ish until you get inside her head.
She has a whole bunch of insecurities, every psychologist would have a field day with her. Her dad played favorites when the sisters were children and she wasn't #1 - but she never wanted to be. She just wanted to be loved like her little sister was. Hannah had all my sympathy, she was so hurt and so withdrawn I wanted to hug her. And then she started to climb over the walls she built I felt truly proud of her.Protecting yourself locked out hurt some of the time, but it locked out the good stuff, too.
Suzanne loves her family. She would do anything for them. At first I didn't understand what the fuss was about that Hannah came home for Christmas. Everything was Hannah wants, Hannah needs, Hannah loves...in the end I realized that Suzanne, being a very smart and intuitive woman, knew how much Hannah was hurt by her father's favoritism of Posy. She wanted to show her how loved and special Hannah was. Suzanne is the glue that holds families together. She was wonderful.
For some reason I didn't feel the disconnect I felt in
How to Keep a Secret, brought on by the rotating POVs, as much this time around. While I would have loved to get deeper into the stories of the three women The Christmas Sisters was definitely satisfying. I learned enough about these characters to understand them. While the sisters had issues to solve with one another, no matter how much they argued they stood by each other with all the love they had. I also adored the men at their sides. Especially Stewart, Suzanne's husband captured my heart with his endless wisdom and his eye-twinkling humor.They closed the door and Stewart looked at the glitter on the floor.
“I like it. I think it should stay.”
“You mean you have no idea how to remove glitter from a carpet.”
“That, too. You have to admit, it’s festive.”
One thing that I need to mention because it didn't make sense: The accident was 25 years ago - in a flashback Cheryl talks about photos of her kids on her phone. Granted, the story hints nowhere in what time period the story is set in but in that case I assume it's in the present. 25 years ago there were no photos on phones. We were lucky to own mobile phones which were big and chunky.
The Christmas Sisters is a heartwarming, delightful story that will get you in the mood for Christmas. It has a dose of humor and a very low angst factor. The characters are genuine, real and lovable. This story is poignant, holding truths we can identify with about loss, family and how love can heal wounds. It's the perfect winter read when you want to snuggle up in your book nook with a blanket and hot chocolate!“You can’t live your life too afraid to do things in case you get hurt. If you get hurt, you heal. And while you’re lying there healing you can think about how much fun you had.”
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A family who comes together for the Christmas season, sisters who are joined together once more and begin a journey to forgive and forget old hurts, in this charming and sweet Christmas story.
Three sisters who are very different, one from another - Posy “…was like a little ball. She bounced.” Beth, on the other hand…”was a delicate little thing.” Hannah seemed to be from a different family, altogether.
Posy lives in the village of Glensay, a village in Scotland, along with their parents, Suzanne and Stewart, and as in most small villages, everyone knows everything about everyone, especially where romance is concerned.
There’s family trauma and past drama as background, but there is also some sibling rivalry and more current drama that adds to it. In the meantime, there are decorations to put up, Christmas treats to be made and perhaps some fences to be mended.
I loved Suzanne’s idea that ”…the key to relation is planning. I want it to be special.” I probably don’t have to tell you that it would be a memorable holiday, if not memorable in the way that Suzanne had hoped for.
A merry little rom-com about the bonds of family, as well as the joys (and tribulations) of sharing the holidays with those we love. -
"The book I needed to forget the lower back pain it's been killing me for 48 hours"
I don't know how I managed to read a 410 pages book when my back hurt so much I couldn't stay sitting down for long. But I did, because it was a warm-hearted story about three orphan sisters who have different traumas and different ways of dealing with them, and two parents who step up when they were needed in order to raise these three very different girls into very different women.
The story flows fast and easy, doesn't fall into cheesy common scenarios, it's rooted more on the family ties than the romantic sub-plots.
I really enjoyed it, much more than "Moonlight over Manhattan" which I read a few days ago. I would categorize this book as women fiction, not as a holiday romance. Highly recommended. The last book to reach my reading challenge 2019.
When my back heals, I'm up to start 2020 with a big book (no joke, I'm planning to start the year with a long book!) -
Suzanne McBride is dreaming of a perfect Christmas as her three adopted daughters are coming home for the holidays. Beth, Hannah and Posy lost their biological parents to a tragic accident twenty five years ago. The accident still haunts Suzanne and the girls and has affected the women in different ways.
The book is set in Bonnie Scotland of which the author describes beautifully. The chapters alternate between the women. The message behind this story is to love, trust, accept yourself and the other people in your life. I would be happy if I received this book in my stocking this Christmas and I know a few friends would like it too.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and the author Sarah Morgan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
3.5 stars. I would’ve loved this book more if it weren’t for Beth. She rubbed me the wrong way throughout the entire book. Otherwise it was a good holiday read.
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Yes, I realize that it’s only September and I’m already reading Christmas books and I’m totally ok with that! I’m like a little kid when it comes to the holiday season and I’m always more than ready to get into the holiday spirit, even before fall has officially started haha. The Christmas Sisters was the perfect book to bring the magic of the season to life and it made me even more excited about the holidays than I already am.
This follows a mom and her three daughters and you hear from each of them throughout the book. Suzanne adopted the girls when they were young after a tragic accident took both of their parents and it was so fascinating to see how their deaths affected each woman in a profoundly different manner. Beth, Hannah and Posy all have their own unique issues but they all stem from the past and I became entirely wrapped up in their lives and very invested in what would happen to each one.
This is set in Scotland and it was such a picturesque and gorgeous setting and Morgan described it beautifully. Her brand of writing works so well for me, it’s fun and flirty, but also heartfelt and poignant and left me with a sense of comfort in the end. I always end up caring deeply about her characters and this was no exception, I was rooting for all of the McBride women and their men weren’t too shabby either. Highly recommended for holiday reading lists!
The Christmas Sisters in three words: Enchanting, Cozy and Sweet. -
Sarah Morgan has definitely got me in the festive mood with this beautifully written, heart tugging family drama.
Suzanne and husband Stewart are looking forward to spending the perfect Christmas with their three daughters, Beth is married to Jason and has two daughters. Hannah is the distant one always putting her career first, Posy the baby of the family works with her mother in the cafe and has stayed in the Scottish Highlands. Family are expecting her to take over the cafe but is that what she really wants?
Christmas is a time when Suzanne dwells on an accident that happened 25 years ago which killed the girls birth parents Cheryl and Rob. Suzanne a close friend of Cheryl was with them on a mountain climb when they both died. Suzanne had promised to take on the girls if anything happened to them.
Suzanne has gone out of her way to prepare for the perfect Christmas, with decorations, food and making their home warm and inviting. But all 3 sisters are hiding their own problems which causes tension. Can they rally together as a family to overcome this and have a wonderful Christmas.
I adored this book and couldn’t recommend it enough. With its vivid descriptions and the characters really came to life and I could picture myself sitting in the pub in front of the log burning fire!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review. -
Sarah Morgan tries her hand at women’s fiction. This is the story of three sisters who lost their parents in a climbing accident on Mount Rainer right before Christmas 25 years ago. The only climber in the party who survived was their mother’s foster sister. She, and the saintly man she married, adopted them and moved to the Scottish Highlands.
The sisters grew up in a loving environment. Sisters 1 and 2 moved to Manhattan and became career women. Sister 1 didn’t marry or date and made a point to have minimal interaction with her family. Sister 2 married and is now a stay-at-home mom to two girls. Sister 3 stayed in the village, joined the mountain rescuing patrol and helped run her mother’s successful tea room. All three women are unhappy with their lot in life and all three are dreading Christmas in Scotland.
*sigh*
I know the point of woman’s fiction is to show the characters resolving whatever ails them, but I just didn’t feel the stakes in this one were that high. SM does a great job of showing how a traumatic event 25 years ago – that no one ever talked about - affects the characters today. I think my problem is that they could have chosen to talk about their trauma at any time. It’s the equivalent of the misunderstanding trope being the only barrier to happiness in a romance novel.
Still, this is a “me” problem, since there is no way to write a plausible Christmas miracle/solution if the problems are too complex.
I also must confess to hating these woman’s fiction/Hallmark movie tropes:
*Cozy cabin core decorations/food/snow.
*Demonic, undisciplined plot moppets who are whisked into compliance by baking cookies or crafts.
*Tame beta heroes who make sympathetic noises while shrugging their masculine shoulders, opening their wallets and happily disappearing so the ladies can talk/move the plot along.
*Anytime a character says “you’re a good mother” or “you’ll make a great mother.”
If you like any of those standard issue Hallmark movie tropes, you’ll love this.
I did like how SM tackled the themes of fear and risk and adventure. And she did a great job of balancing the various points of views of the sisters. I’m a huge grinch, but her enthusiasm for Christmas is most convincing. 😊 -
I thought this was a great Christmas time read. I loved the story of these three sisters and how they dealt with some tough situations. It dealt with grief and forgiveness, but still had some Christmassy vibes. Sometimes Christmas reads feel a bit cheesy to me and this one didn't.
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The McBride sisters are all planning to gather together at their family home in the beautiful mountains of Scotland for Christmas. They are all struggling with some difficult decisions. Suzanne is excited to see the girls and is preparing a perfect Christmas gathering, exhausting herself in the process. Suzanne and her husband took the sisters in as young girls following the death of their parents. They raised them as their own with love and understanding. Together the family bonds prove strong enough to support one another, helping each other with the issues they are facing.
Filled with the warmth and magic of Christmas, this is a wonderful holiday story. This was the first book of Sarah Morgan's I have read, but I plan to check out her others. -
The magic of Christmas and the enduring bond of family will bring three sisters home to heal, to remember, to bond and to look forward to the future. From the workaholic Hannah, to the stay-at home-mom, Beth to Posy, the one who stayed home to help out their adoptive parents, three sisters will come together in the snowy Highlands of Scotland, open their hearts and embrace the love and support they have always needed.
An emotionally taut tale of crisis, confusion, secrets and avoidance, THE CHRISTMAS SISTERS by Sarah Morgan is a heart-warming tale of coming to understand family, as a group and as individuals, to trust in their support and to accept oneself and the love of others.
A wonderful Holiday read to be savored as these characters become so very real, so fragile and not unlike people we may know. We can’t pick our family, but we can treasure each person for who they are and the unconditional love they give.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from HQN Books!
Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (October 1, 2018)
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Genre: Holiday Theme | Women's Fiction
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from:
Amazon |
Barnes & Noble
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Its a slow burn
but very heart warming.The second half is definitely the better half.
When things start coming together so don't give up on it.
A solid 3.5 stars. -
So many people loved this book. I thought it was so boring. It put me to sleep every time I picked it up.
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Molto bello questo romanzo corale che vede come protagoniste le splendide donne della famiglia McBride. In un'ambientazione tipicamente natalizia, immerse nelle highland scozzesi, conosceremo in primis mamma Suzanne, la quale venticinque anni prima si è ritrovata all'improvviso madre di tre bambine che lei e il marito Stewart hanno cresciuto e amato come fossero loro. Ci sarà Beth, la sorella di mezzo, che dopo anni in cui si è dedicata anima e corpo a fare la madre sente il bisogno di realizzare se stessa tornando a lavorare. Anna è la maggiore e tutti la considerano una donna fredda e riservata, dedita solo alla carriera, ma un evento inaspettato la porterà ad una svolta. Infine Posy, la più piccola delle sorelle McBride, una ragazza forte ed energica, che per paura di far soffrire chi ama ha deciso di rinunciare ai suoi sogni. L'autrice ci fa entrare pian piano nelle vite dei personaggi svelando gradualmente gli avvenimenti passati e lo fa con uno stile leggero e scorrevole che non annoia, le varie storie si intrecciano benissimo fra di loro e i dialoghi spiccano per ironia e brillantezza, tutto ciò rende questo libro un'ottima lettura natalizia. Consigliato👍
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5 Words: Christmas, family, secrets, forgiveness, acceptance.
First reviewed on Tea Party Princess.
In the past, Sarah Morgan has been one of my go-to seasonal romance authors and especially Sleigh Bells in the Snow has me coming back year after year. The Christmas sisters is quite different in that the focus is fully on family from the start, and any romance is incidental. And I actually loved it.
The narrative jumps between different characters so that you get to see multiple perspectives. I connected with pretty much all of the characters, which is such a feat when there are so many. I loved exploring the familial relationships, seeing all of the tensions and resentment between the sisters. Their relationship felt so real.
And the setting? Set in the middle of nowhere in Scotland, in winter, it's pretty perfect. Sarah Morgan excels in writing out of the way places, and I honestly felt like I was there.
The Christmas Sisters was a joy to read, and a fantastic way to kick off the festive season in the run up to Christmas. -
3.5 stars.
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4.5/5
This might only be my second time reading a book by
Sarah Morgan, but she is already the queen of the Highlands of Scotland to me. I recently read
One More for Christmas which had a similar setting and location and loved it, and now I loved
The Christmas Sisters as well! This book starts in New York and Scotland, but then moves to just the setting in Scotland and I felt like I was right there. Is it weird that I really want to visit a loch there now?
Although the setting is gorgeous, I would be a poor reviewer if I didn't mention how incredible Morgan's writing is as well. There are tough subjects, laughter, romance, and beautifully flawed but real characters in this book, and it is definitely something you can appreciate. I will take complete fluff any day, but I love that she offers so much depth in this novel as well as the romance aspect. The relationship between the sisters was very honest, and I really liked the look at how they connected with Suzanne. I listened to the audio which is narrated by Laurel Lefkow & Mandy Weston and really enjoyed it. Their narration was very good, and they brought the sisters to life for me in a way that just reading the book would not.
I am so happy that I finally read a couple of Morgan's books and I have a feeling she is going to become a go-to author for me. If you want family drama, romance, and Hallmark plus more feels then I would highly recommend The Christmas Sisters!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own. -
Reviewed by
Jennifer
Morgan writes a story about a three sisters coming together for the Holiday at their family home. Set in Scotland, sisters Posy, Beth and Hannah are finally home together for the holidays and dealing with their own issues as well as ones that have kept them apart for the past few years. Their mother is hoping for the perfect Christmas, but with all the issues that plague her daughters, she cannot pretend that everything is perfect. This story is very heartfelt and emotional on many different levels and each issue just as important to the person it is effecting. The sisters have a lot of lost time to make up for and the emotional roller coaster will have you feeling their emotions right along with them. This is such a great feel good holiday story.
