Three Sisters by Susan Mallery ~ Review + Giveaway

Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: Blackberry Island #2
Publication Date: 26th February 2013
Pages: 307
Book Source: Thanks to Harlequin Mira

Synopsis: After Andi Gordon is jilted at the altar, she makes the most impetuous decision of her life – buying one of the famed Three Sisters Queen Anne houses on Blackberry Island. Now the proud-ish owner of the ugly duckling of the trio, she plans to open her own pediatric office on the first floor, just as soon as her hunky contractor completes the work. Andi's new future may be coming together, but the truth is she's just as badly in need of a major renovation as her house. 

When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora's Box of unhappiness. And he claims that she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he's right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she's lost herself, and she's in danger of losing her entire family if things don't change. 

Next door, artist Boston King thought she and her college sweetheart would be married forever. Their passion for one other has always seemed indestructible. But after tragedy tears them apart, she's not so sure. Now it's time for them to move forward, with or without one another. 

Thrown together by fate and geography, and bound by the strongest of friendships, these three women will discover what they're really made of: laughter, tears, love and all.

My Thoughts:

I laughed, I cried, I loved it! After enjoying Barefoot Season I was surprised to be drawn so quickly to new characters but Three Sisters is an emotional story I immediately connected with. Really shouldn't have come as a surprise, Mallery's poignant writing - real women with heartaches, insecurities, strengths and flaws and I identified in some way with each of them.

Andi - seeking a fresh start on Blackberry Island but toting baggage. She buys the run-down middle house of the well known Three Sisters Queen Anne houses. 

Deanna - brittle, controlling, bitchy but when she cracks and reveals her vulnerabilities I just wanted to give her a hug. 

Boston - drowning in the pain of her baby son's death, Boston's story brought me to tears more than once, close to home and my own heart.

The strength and security that true friendship brings is a beautiful thing, I loved the interaction between Andi, Boston and Deanna and their honesty. 

"Don't take this wrong, but I really didn't like you much when I first met you."

"Don't worry about it, no one does."

"But you're really nice and funny."

"Maybe you could write a letter of recommendation to my family."

Andi drew back and Boston took her place. Her touch was less sure, but no less comforting. "I'm here too," her neighbour said. "For you and for Andi. It's really okay you're a bitch. You're a good bitch."

I kind of wish I lived next door, I'd fit right in, we would have been friends. 

And just in case you're wondering, Three Sisters is book 2 in the Blackberry Island series but it can definitely be read as a stand-a-lone. The connection is only loose but late in the novel there's a little update on Michelle and Carly and the Blackberry Island Inn from Barefoot Season and of course more recipes.

Recommend: Without hesitation

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Blackberry Relish

photo courtesy: Blackberry Island Website

recipe available here

Blackberry Relish:

1 cup blackberries, chopped (frozen blackberries are fine, but thaw first)

1/2 cup green onions, sliced

1 small can of mild chili peppers, minced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

2 tblsp balsamic vinegar

For the sandwiches:

boneless, skinless chicken breasts

black pepper

provolene cheese

lettuce

buns

Mix together all the relish ingredients and set aside. This can be done the day before. 

Grill the chicken until cooked through. Add provolone cheese so that it melts on each chicken breast. Assemble sandwich and carefully spoon a couple of tablespoons of relish on top of each. 

Find Susan Mallory on her Website, Facebook or Twitter

GIVEAWAY: I just happen to have a spare copy thanks to the generosity of the folk at Harlequin and ARRC. 1 paperback copy Australia Only (sorry international peeps) 
Just let me know when you comment that you'd like to be in the running. 

Extra Entries: 

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Giveaway ends 12th May and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck!

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