The Stepsisters

 

Once upon a time, when her dad married Sage’s mom, Daisy was thrilled to get a bright and shiny new sister. But Sage was beautiful and popular, everything Daisy was not, and she made sure Daisy knew it.

Sage didn’t have Daisy’s smarts—she had to go back a grade to enroll in the fancy rich-kid school. So she used her popularity as a weapon, putting Daisy down to elevate herself. After the divorce, the stepsisters’ rivalry continued until the final, improbable straw: Daisy married Sage’s first love, and Sage fled California.

Eighteen years, two kids and one troubled marriage later, Daisy never expects—or wants—to see Sage again. But when the little sister they have in common needs them both, they put aside their differences to care for Cassidy. As long-buried truths are revealed, no one is more surprised than they when friendship blossoms.

Their fragile truce is threatened by one careless act that could have devastating consequences. They could turn their backs on each other again…or they could learn to forgive once and for all and finally become true sisters of the heart. 

My Review

I have to say that author, Susan Mallery is back in her top form with this book. Everyone was engaging in this story. There is a mixture of characters from Daisy and Sage to their sister, Cassidy and even the men, Jordan and Adam. Everyone was not perfect but they were very much likable and relatable. Readers will find someone in this book that they can relate to. I know I found myself in a way relating a little bit to each of the three women. 

When it came to Daisy and Jordan; I could see myself in both of their shoes as I have experienced emotions from both angles. There is a discussion question that mentions Cassidy not being a fleshed out main character arc. Explain how Cassidy changed from beginning to end. In the beginning Cassidy was bitter about her situation and having to be around Daisy. This is because she never truly gave Daisy a chance. Sage's resentment towards Daisy growing up was projected onto Cassidy, who then took it out on Daisy. 

All three women discovered that they had different points of view of their childhood. They were too busy having tunnel vision that they could not see the bigger picture until they stepped back and saw things from each's point of views. The Stepsisters is sure to delight Susan Mallery fans!