4.5 stars. Give this to someone looking for beautiful character development, not a mystery/thriller. This is a well-written story of sisters that also has some mystery going on.

This book was one of those perfect balances of beautiful and interest.

More than that, it was easily devoured. I started to read this book hoping that it would lull me to sleep, the way beginnings of books often do. Instead, I was instantly drawn in to the world of the Sullivan Sisters, and I couldn't put the book down. At no point did I feel bored with the characters or frustrated or like I had come to a good pausing point. This book is a whirlwind adventure which really makes the reader's feel like a fourth passenger along for the ride.

CHARACTERS
The characters are the very heart of this story. More than the plot, these three girls: Eileen, Claire, and Murphy, are what keep the reader reading. The thing that I loved was that their sister dynamic was so organic and realistic both when it was functional and dysfunctional. Each sister was entirely unique and had a distinct relationship with each other & their mother as well as to the sisterhood & family as a whole.

At times the characters' decisions and revelations and actions felt repetitive, and I found myself saying things like, "We get it Claire's a perfectionist." or "Yes, Eileen is falling apart." but I think rather than a flaw this is very much a product of their humanity.

I also really appreciated the dialogue. The characters talked like real people and conversations jumped around the way family conversations often do. It was really well done. Although, some of the lines we're told are "cutting" or "funny" were not particularly so.

PLOT
If you read books for plot, you might be disappointed. There's not much of a strong plot here, and the mystery is a bit unsatisfactory. The book is really more about the characters and their dynamics. That said, I am more of a plot reader myself, and there is enough of a plot there for you to wonder what comes next and piece together other parts of the story. There's a good amount of dramatic irony as well.

WRITING
The writing was poignant, sharp, and efficient. The author does a masterful job of turning emotions into words and describing the entirety of a character or their feelings in one sentence.

All in all, I loved this book and despite the fact that I was given an ARC copy by NetGalley for an honest review, I am fully intending to purchase my own copy when it's released.

This was a book about a secret that drove apart a family, and an adventure that brings the sisters back together. It was a feel good, easy read. Nothing too scary or action filled but a good gentle read.

I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

So this book is about three sisters, Eileen, Claire, and Murphy who find out that they had a mysterious uncle who died and left them his house. So they decide to go on roadtrip to this house and along the way they discover family secrets. But everything is not as it seems.

So I just have to say that I enjoyed this book so much! I loved it more than I thought I would since I don't read many contemporaries. I love the way the sisters are written with three distinct personalities. Eileen is kind of a bitch with a drinking problem, Claire is a typical overachiever, and Murphy is amazed by everything.

There were so many good moments in this book that I won't spoil. Towards the end I thought it was going to turn into a teen mystery/thriller and I'm glad it didn't It ended on a very sweet (if not a bit corny) note.

Definitely would recommend if you have a sister or if you're just looking for a book that focuses on family dynamics.

“So the memory of Cayenne Castle remained, kept alive by a planner, a visionary, and a performer.”

This was a really wonderful read. It is definitely a character driven story. I absolutely loved the character development of the three sisters. There is a mystery but it’s definitely not at the forefront. This book really is mostly about the relationship between sisters.

Another YA book with with no romance that I actually really enjoyed. Who woulda thunk.