Rating: Summary: Page turner with strong premise Review: Author Hannah sets up an intriguing dilemma, one that will be familiar to many readers. Two sisters strike out in different directions, then come together again at a critical point in their lives. WIll they reconcile? That's what keeps the pages turning. But I believe the deeper question is: Why should they feel guilty if they don't?The novel begins with big sister Meaghan, a hotshot divorce lawyer, being challenged by her highly-paid therapist. She's almost a stereotype: wealthy and successful with an unsatisfying, empty personal life. Coincidentally Claire, the younger sister, has just become engaged to a country singer. Naturally Meaghan's first thought is not to congratulate the bride, but to offer help with the pre-nuptial agreement! Hannah begins by emphasizing the contrast between the sisters. Claire, a party-girl who dropped out of college, versus Meaghan who got a law degree. Claire, simple in the country; Meaghan, sophisticated in the city. Stereotypically, we're supposed to feel sympathy for Claire and resent Meaghan's heavy-handed intrusions. Meaghan feels guilty about losing touch with Claire, but it's hard to see why. As children, left alone by a self-centered mother who stumbled into a starring television role, Meaghan saved Claire from a foster home with Social Services. It was Meaghan who ended up homeless, who put herself through college and law school. In the novel, I believe the Meaghan character was more well-rounded and more interesting, with contradictions that led to questions. Following a bizarre episode in a courtroom, Meaghan finds herself with time on her hands. She visits Claire and volunteers to help with the wedding. Personally, I think attending a bridal shower with *games* is going beyond sisterly devotion, entering the realm of masochism -- a funny and sad scene, marred only by wondering why an experienced sophisticate like Meaghan wouldn't ask ahead of time about dress code. After that the book becomes predictable. I don't want to give away the ending -- which most readers will figure out somewhere early in the book -- but by a series of coincidences, everyone ends up helping everyone else. A frog...er, bum...turns out to be a prince. And Meaghan becomes transformed. Pre-nup? No way! Of course this book has to follow genre conventions, but I wish we had been exposed to a more complex sisterly relationship (see The Interpreter by Kim for an excellent recent example). Sure, I kept turning the pages, but it was like finishing up a gooey dessert. By the end I was ready for a return to meat and potatoes. And what's so unromantic about a pre-nuptial agreement? Given the career directions of some of the characters, I bet everybody will eventually wish they'd had one!
Rating: Summary: Nice sister read Review: I found the story of these two sisters very touching and moving. I would love to read more by this author for sure.
Rating: Summary: Warm and Endearing Review: I really liked this story. Enjoyed Joe's part and Meghan and Claire's parts as well. Also I was so hooked on the end wondering what was going to happen. Will be reading more Kristin Hannah soon :)
Rating: Summary: Wonderful! Review: I thank Kristin Hannah for a wonderful book! She may just become my favorite author! Claire and Meg havent been close in years, until Claire gets bad news and Meg takes matters into her own hands. Great story of siblings who find each other after a long separation...and an adorable five year old to boot!
Rating: Summary: Touching Sisters Story Review: I thoroughly enjoyed BETWEEN SISTERS, but that doesn't surprise me, for Hannah always delivers a well-written, emotional story about relationships and situations that most women face sometime in their lives. Women's fiction is my favorite genre (or sub-genre, that's an ongoing debate) and there are a number of authors who are at the top of my list TBR. Hannah is one of them. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rating: Summary: Great emotional read Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it almost straight through, I just got so interested in the characters and the plot. The emotions were very strong, and I admit it made me cry. Definitely inspires you to look at your life and evaluate relationships and priorities. I recommend this book to anyone who can commit themselves to reading it, to be able to get the full range of the characters, the emotions, and the circumstances.
Rating: Summary: Gifted Writer Review: ISBN: 0345450736 Title: Between Sisters Author: Kristin Hannah Publisher: Ballantine Books Prominent but jaded divorce attorney, Meghann Dontess, discovers that her estranged younger sister is planning to marry a penniless would-be country singer. Since Meghann knows there is no such thing as happy-ever-after, she is determined to save her sister from a marriage sure to fail. Thus begins Kristin Hannah's grab-the-tissue-and-a-soft-seat fabulous page turning narrative. "Between Sisters" is a touching exploration of the relationships that abound in families. This well-penned fiction rings with honesty, the characters are your friends and neighbors, the dialogue is authentic and the action believable. Hannah has a talent for unforgettable plots and "Between Sisters" is destined to become a true classic. Beverly J Scott author of "Righteous Revenge" and "Ruth Fever." Reviewer for Intriguing Authors and Their Books at http://www.funeralassociates.com/authors.htm
Rating: Summary: I really enjoyed this book! Review: This heartwarming tale of two sisters, separated over time by the choices they had made in their childhood, will warm your heart. Meg and Claire, two sisters born to a negligent and selfish mother but with different fathers, have a very close bond until fate steps in and tears them apart. When the book begins, many years have passed, and both have gone on to lead their own lives, but think often with regret of the events that separated them. Each woman feels guilty for the choices she made, and blames herself for the separation. The rest of the book details their struggles to come together again and resolve the issues that separated them to begin with, and to ultimately find happiness. I don't know if this review does the book justice. It is definitely my favorite of the four books I have read by Hannah, and marks a departure from the storyline she usually follows. Even if you are not sure whether this book is for you, pick up a copy. It remains one of my favorite reads of 2003.
Rating: Summary: Another Good Effort Review: This story takes place in an enjoyable setting with decent characters. I did find Meg's behavior somewhat inconsistent with her makeup, but loves all the others. This is a decent summer read.
Rating: Summary: Between Around and All About Them Review: This was such a satisfying read for me that I too had to pace myself because I did not want it to end. I loved the characters in this book and plead with Ms Hannah to bring them all back to life in a trilogy! The entire cast of characters were very well thought out and depicted as every day people and professionals making their way in the world. I love the way she gave each one of them their own special personality quirks and the way humor was wound into the dialogue. The witty remarks helped to soften the tension and brought them to where the reader could really relate. After all, don't we all think these things and wish we'd said them? I love the pairing of Meg and Joe's story. Claire is just automatically loved. But, beside the main characters, Ali was a joy to encounter: the chatterbox little munchkin who weaves her way in and out of everyone's heart. Gina the best friend and loyal sister who everyone wants to possess in their family. And Mama.....I'm imagining her reunion with Sam someday. How romantic it would be to put that relationship right....trade her free spirit with Sam's sense of responsibility to family and visa versa and you could have a real Dallas type Dynasty going!
The way this author addresses the delicate issues legal and medical professionals face that can affect their personal and professional lives is excellent. You see the extreme, the obsessed, the egocentric and negative. You are relieved when sensibilities are rescued and fascinated by the process.
Although I most definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good romantic relationship drama and praise Kristin Hannah for her excellent skills, you might feel as I did; a bit disappointed in the way the ending was wrapped up so quickly. It was almost contrite. I'm truly hoping Ms Hannah did this purposely so she could continue the story in another novel......Don't wait too long Kristin! I miss them already!
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