The Sisters Hemingway

Noblin's fourth novel, second in the "Cold River" series (after Just Fine with Caroline), set in Cold River, MO, carries over some of the characters from the first book and adds a new family. Three sisters--Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha Hemingway--return to Cold River when the great-aunt who raised them has died. Hadley is a senator's wife, Pfeiffer a New York-based book editor, and Martha a Nashville star, but they're all keeping secrets that are slowly revealed. This forced reunion in their old home, and the discovery of some family skeletons, causes them to reconnect and find the truth of their past, including what really happened to their mother and younger sister years before. When Pfeiffer discovers their great-aunt's journal, they begin to put all the pieces together. VERDICT Combining sibling rivalry, romantic story lines for each sister, a strong cast of supporting characters, and a realistic, colorful Ozarks setting, this well-paced story will appeal to those who enjoy family dramas. Its warm, engaging tone and happy ending for all will appeal to readers of Susan Wiggs or Mary Alice Monroe.--Melanie Kindrachuk, Stratford P.L., Ont.