by Rachel Linden
Why I chose this book? I like ‘sisters’ stories
When I read this book? May 2018
Who should read this book? Readers who enjoy stories of sisters
Source: TLC Book Tours
My Rating: ★★★★ 4 Stars
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 1, 2018)
Twin sisters Waverly and Charlie Talbot have drifted far apart as they pursue opposite dreams of stardom and service to the poor. On an astonishing journey across Central Europe, they must come together to face their fears, find their courage and fight for what they love.
Celebrity chef Waverly Ross has built a successful career with her home-entertaining show Simply Perfect. Yet she and her husband, Andrew, have never been able to realize the true desire of Waverly’s heart: to become a mother. Meanwhile Waverly’s twin sister, Charlie Talbot, buries her bitter disappointment and shattered idealism beneath a life spent serving others as an international aid worked in Budapest, Hungary.
When the beloved aunt who raised them passes away, Waverly and Charlie come together in their grief after living years on separate continents. Struck by a fierce desire to bridge the distance between them, Charlie offers Waverly and her husband the selfless gift of surrogacy.
But soon the sisters find they are each in danger of losing their jobs, seemingly putting their dreams on hold once again. When Waverly shows up unannounced in Budapest with a plan to rescue Simply Perfect, the sisters embark on an adventure across Central Europe that could save them both from occupational hazards. Though the twins haven’t had to rely on each other since childhood, an unforeseen dangerous turn in their journey across Europe forces them to stand together to save their careers, the baby, and each other.
My Review
I like reading stories about sisters and especially twin sisters, so the title called to me immediately, and the synopsis sealed the deal. Waverly and Charlie are twins who were very close growing up, but have become, if not exactly estranged, at least very distant with one another. Both have secrets they have kept from the other twin, something that was unheard of while they were growing up! Waverly wants to become a mother very badly, but cannot have children. Charlie has a dark secret of failure and personal shame that she has kept from her sister. When they come together at the Aunt Mae’s funeral, they begin to bridge the rift when Charlie offers to carry a baby for Waverly.
There are some unexpected complications along the way, some of which seem a little unrealistic, but still make for an interesting story. Parts a little predictable but that doesn’t damage the story; I expected the outcome, but enjoyed the journey anyway. One thing I did appreciate was that the author provided an epilogue. While I might have enjoyed a few more detail on HOW the characters got to where they were, I can honestly say there are no questions that were left unanswered.
This is a quick read and one of those books that can be read on different levels, which means it will be a great selection for book clubs. You can read this as an individual and enjoy the story, but if you want to go deeper with your book club, you will find plenty to discuss, from surrogacy, to sex trafficking, to family relationships, and more. I read an ARC and there is space left for discussion questions at the end which book clubs may find helpful.
This is classified as Christian fiction, from a Christian publisher, but there is nothing that smacks you in the face shouting ‘I am a Christian book!’ There are a couple of scenes in church and recurring references to Aunt Mae’s motto: Whatever the Good Lord puts in you hand you give back to others. Those are pretty subtle and probably few people would notice or feel offended by them, however a group with a Christian slant could find enough in the book to fuel a discussion of how their values apply in this book.
Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble
About Rachel Linden
This book review is included in a tour by TLC Book Tours. I was provided a copy for review purposes.
Rachel’s Tour Stops
Instagram tour:
Monday, May 7th: @mrs.literarylovely
Tuesday, May 8th: @theshybooks
Wednesday, May 9th: @chaptershoe
Thursday, May 10th: @createexploreread
Friday, May 11th: @somekindofalibrary
Saturday, May 12th: @bookishconnoisseur
Sunday, May 13th: @theliterarybirds
Review tour:
Tuesday, May 1st: Blooming with Books
Wednesday, May 2nd: Openly Bookish
Thursday, May 3rd: Patricia’s Wisdom
Friday, May 4th: A Bookish Way of Life
Monday, May 7th: Write Read Life
Tuesday, May 8th: Laura’s Reviews
Thursday, May 10th: Midwest Ladies Who Lit
Friday, May 11th: View from the Birdhouse
Monday, May 14th: Fiction Aficionado
Tuesday, May 15th: A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, May 16th: Cheryl’s Book Nook
Thursday, May 17th: Girl Who Reads
Friday, May 18th: Broken Teepee
Monday, May 21st: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Monday, May 21st: Time 2 Read
Tuesday, May 22nd: Kritter’s Ramblings
Wednesday, May 23rd: A Holland Reads
Thursday, May 24th: Peppermint Ph.D.
Friday, May 25th: The Book Diva’s Reads
Wow, now that is certainly a way to bridge a gap between the sisters. Sounds like an interesting story!
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting! I really enjoyed this one.
DeleteOoh, I like the new blog theme! Very pretty! I'm also a fan of books that can be read at just the surface level but which can inspire deeper discussions as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour!
ReplyDelete