Veena’s review of Sisters By Choice (Blackberry Island, Book 4) by Susan Mallery
Contemporary Romance published by Mira 11 Feb 20
Ms. Mallery brings together four different women who are related by more than blood. We celebrate the camaraderie, joys, weather, and the trials and tribulations with these women as they ride the waves of life to emerge stronger and even more connected. I believe there is something in each one of the characters that readers will relate to within their own lives and relationships.
Sophie is rich in money, but other than her close relationship with Kristine, is alone. When fire causes her to move her business to Blackberry Island, not a single employee wants to move with her, forcing her to find new employees who are not willing to let her micro-manage them. Also enter the handsome Tai Chi instructor who has insane sexual chemistry, but also forces her to look at her business and relationships differently. Can Sophie adapt and change and actually find happiness?
Kristine seems to have the most stable and happy life. Married to her high school sweetheart with three adorable little boys, she thirsts to start her own bakery business, threatening the peace and stability of her marriage and home. Support comes from unexpected quarters and forces her to evaluate what is truly important to her. I love the dialogue between her and her boys.
Heather is trapped with a needy mother who constantly holds her back financially and emotionally. She longs to break free and go to college and yet cannot get free from the anchors that are holding her back. Both she and Amber come to work for Sophie. With some of the new support that is now offered to her, can Heather finally find a way to soar?
It’s a fulfilling journey to witness these women reach for their dreams, while growing and evolving in their love and friendship. One can’t help but feel sorry for Amber, who has no qualms about living in her own make-believe world. Do any of you have an Amber in your life? It’ll be interesting to see how Sophie, Kristine, and Heather weather her.
All iin all, a story that’s thought provoking and yet stimulating.
Grade: B
Summary:
Sisters by Choice is a heartfelt tale of love, family and the friendships that see us through.
Cousins by chance, sisters by choice…
After her cat toy empire goes up in flames, Sophie Lane returns to Blackberry Island, determined to rebuild. Until small-town life reveals a big problem: she can’t grow unless she learns to let go. If Sophie relaxes her grip even a little, she might lose everything. Or she might finally be free to reach for the happiness and love that have eluded her for so long.
Kristine has become defined by her relationship to others. She’s a wife, a mom. As much as she adores her husband and sons, she wants something for herself—a sweet little bakery just off the waterfront. She knew changing the rules wouldn’t be easy, but she never imagined she might have to choose between her marriage and her dreams.
Like the mainland on the horizon, Heather’s goals seem beyond her grasp. Every time she manages to save for college, her mother has another crisis. Can she break free, or will she be trapped in this tiny life forever?
Other books in this series:
