Home with My Sisters

October 15, 2016

The Garland sisters--Faith, Hope, and Joy--mostly raised themselves after their father disappeared and since their mother was rarely available. Their childhood closeness didn't survive into adulthood, though, and middle child Hope hasn't had success reuniting the trio, even at Christmas. When their paternal grandmother summons the siblings to Leavenworth, WA, for Christmas as her dying wish, they reluctantly agree. Aided by a handsome neighbor and mysterious caretaker along with a few candy-cane martinis, the sisters sort out their differences and succumb to the festivities. VERDICT Despite the predictable surprises near the end of the novel, getting there is thoroughly enjoyable. Carter (London from My Windows) tells of a dysfunctional family dealing with heavy issues, but genuine characters and wonderful dialog make the story engaging. An excellent read-alike for fans of Elin Hilderbrand's holiday novels.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2016
Hope, Joy, and Faith Garland grew up the closest of sisters, with Faith taking charge as the eldest, Joy rebelling as the youngest, and Hope holding everyone together. Over the years, they have grown apart, and Hope wishes for nothing more than for them to spend a Christmas all together, but so far, no luck. This year, Hope finds her luck changing, albeit in an unusual way, when Yvette, their estranged paternal grandmother, invites the Garland girls and their families to spend her last Christmas with her. Yvette owns a beautiful log cabin and sprawling property near the mountains. Yvette is dying from cancer and has only weeks to get to know her granddaughters, but she would like to leave her estate to thembarring some conditions the sisters find mysterious. Many family secrets and revelations arise during this holiday stay, with resentments, memories, and emotions bubbling to the surface. All relationships are tested, but Carter ties everything together for a happy ending. Fans of the perennial Lifetime holiday movies will enjoy this novel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)