The Sister Effect

by Susan Mallery

Overview

,"Mallery beautifully illustrates the power of female friendship and the importance of reaching for one's dreams."—Publishers Weekly

Beloved bestselling author Susan Mallery brings readers an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story that explores the nuances of a broken family’s complex emotions as they strive to become whole in this uplifting story of human frailty and resilience.

Finley McGowan is determined that the niece she’s raising will always feel loved and wanted. Unlike how she felt after her mom left to pursue a dream of stardom, and when the grandfather who was left to raise them abandoned her and her sister, Sloane, when they needed him most. Finley reacted to her chaotic childhood by walking the straight and narrow—nose down, work hard, follow the rules.

Sloane went the other way.

Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and as damaged as ever…and she wants a relationship with her daughter. She says she’s changed, but Finley’s heart has been burned once too often for her to trust easily. But is her reluctance to forgive really about Sloane or worry over losing what she loves the most? With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn there’s joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.

Don't miss #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery's latest masterpiece, For the Love of Summer, a captivating story that weaves together the complexities of family, friendship, and unexpected bonds.

Discover more from Susan Mallery:

• For the Love of Summer - Coming June 2024!
• The Summer Book Club
• The Sister Effect
• The Boardwalk Bookshop
• The Summer Getaway

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781335448644
Publisher:	Harlequin
Publication date:	03/07/2023
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	416
Sales rank:	396,354
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives—family, friendship, romance. She's known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Editorial Reviews

Mallery is an expert at writing about strong women, their friendships, and their romances.” —Booklist

"Mallery beautifully illustrates the power of female friendship and the importance of reaching for one's dreams."—Publishers Weekly

"Susan Mallery never disappoints."—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Mallery is one of a kind."—RT Book Reviews

“Fans of ReaAnne Thayne and Robyn Carr will enjoy how prolific women's fiction master Mallery orchestrates community connections, friendships, and fulfilling romances.”—Booklist

"The Summer Getaway is a reflective and moving tale of family ties."—New York Journal of Books on The Summer Getaway

"Mallery's latest contemporary romance has the family dynamics, heartfelt introspection, and emotional truths that keep readers coming back. The perfect escape for readers wanting to get away."—Booklist on The Summer Getaway

"The Boardwalk Bookshop is a classic beach-read romance that will be enjoyed by fans of Robyn Carr and Sheryl Woods. Readers will appreciate that, while Mallery keeps the tone romantic and fun, the protagonists make hard choices and don’t default to the easy way out, giving everyone a character to root for."—Booklist on The Boardwalk Bookshop

"A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism."—Kirkus on The Boardwalk Bookshop

From the Publisher

★ 03/17/2023

Finley McGowen has learned to guard her heart after so many people she loved stomped on it. Her mother, Molly, was never around when she was growing up; her grandfather Lester walked away when she needed him most; her sister Sloane was addicted to alcohol and ruined Finley's life financially. The only bright star is Finley's niece Audrey. Finley loves being her guardian. Meanwhile, Jericho Ford has troubles of his own. His wife Lauren (now his ex) and his brother Gil had an affair and are getting married. They want Jericho to be best man and to plan the bachelor party. To make matters worse, Jericho's mother is pressuring him to forgive the couple and give them his blessing. Jericho and Finley strike up a friendship at work that allows each to vent and escape from the drama that plagues them. But when feelings start to grow, Finley pushes Jericho away to protect her heart. Everything comes to a head when Sloane disappears. As Finley and Jericho search for her, they grow closer and fall in love, realizing that forgiveness will start the healing process even if it leaves one vulnerable. VERDICT Mallery (The Boardwalk Bookshop) knows that happy endings never disappoint. Contemporary fiction and romance readers will love the drama of Jericho's and Finley's lives.—Jane Blue

Library Journal

Narrator Tanya Eby masterfully brings life to the impassioned struggle between sisters Finley and Sloane. Finley is raising Sloane's young daughter because Sloane is an alcoholic. Sloane has had a year of sobriety and wants a closer relationship with her family. Eby is particularly adept at the children's voices, from Finley's niece to Finley's friend's 5-year-old. Eby spans the ages, giving Finley's grandfather a gravelly tone. Finley develops a relationship with Jericho, who has his own family drama to contend with. Finley has kept her life on the straight and narrow and is often upset by others' actions. Eby gives Finley's inner monologue a whiny quality that matches Finley's feelings. As things come to a head for everyone, Eby builds the tension, bringing the listener along for the emotional ride. S.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2023 - AudioFile

Narrator Tanya Eby masterfully brings life to the impassioned struggle between sisters Finley and Sloane. Finley is raising Sloane's young daughter because Sloane is an alcoholic. Sloane has had a year of sobriety and wants a closer relationship with her family. Eby is particularly adept at the children's voices, from Finley's niece to Finley's friend's 5-year-old. Eby spans the ages, giving Finley's grandfather a gravelly tone. Finley develops a relationship with Jericho, who has his own family drama to contend with. Finley has kept her life on the straight and narrow and is often upset by others' actions. Eby gives Finley's inner monologue a whiny quality that matches Finley's feelings. As things come to a head for everyone, Eby builds the tension, bringing the listener along for the emotional ride. S.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2023 - AudioFile