Secrets of the Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery
Published: July 11, 2017Publisher: HarlequinPages: 384Received: from publisher via TLC Book ToursFind Online: Goodreads | Amazon | Books A Million | B&NA wonderful story full of romance, forgiveness and the unavoidable ties that bind, SECRETS OF THE TULIP SISTERS is Susan Mallery at her very best.
The relationship of sisters Kelly and Olivia Van Gilder has been, well… complicated ever since their mother left them as teens, though it's the secrets they have been keeping from each other as adults that have unwittingly widened the chasm. But one thing they do share is the not-so-secret torch they carry for the Martin brothers.
In the small enclave of New Holland, Washington, Griffith and Ryan Martin were demigods. While Griffith was the object of Kelly's high school crush and witness to her mortal teenage humiliation, Ryan was for Olivia the boy who got away-something she's never forgiven Kelly for-and the only person since her mother who appreciated her wild streak.
Now, ten years later, both brothers are newly returned to town. Believing they're destined to be together, Olivia's determined to get Ryan back, until she discovers that she's not the only one keeping secrets…and that perhaps he's not the handsome prince she remembered. And even though Griffith has grown up to be more irresistible than ever, Kelly's impulse is to avoid him and the painful memory he represents, despite his resolve to right the wrong he caused her long ago-and her desire to let him.
A great story of friendship, family and love. The main story revolves around two sisters who couldn't be more different from one another and a friend who is hopelessly in love with their Dad. I loved that they all had flaws and secrets, but still put it all out there to clear the air and make things better between them all. I think the flaws made them feel more genuine.
Kelly, is the practical one, while Olivia is the confident and fearless one. Though I guess given what happened to Olivia, it was probably best she learn how to be resilient. Funny that they seem so different, but in the end they have some of the same qualities and seem to bring out the best in each other once they work through their issues and let each other back into their respective lives.
I adored Helen, Kelly's BFF and the love interest of Kelly and Olivia's father. She's such a great character and easy to relate to. I loved the relationship that she built with the girl's father, Jeff and how down to earth she is about everything.
And then there's Griffith. Oh how I loved him. The man who swears he'll never fall in love again, yet is totally smitten with Kelly. How he thinks he can have a committed relationship with everything except falling in love is beyond me. But oh how wonderful a man he is for her.
I love the setting of the tulip farms in Northern Washington. So interesting to learn about growing tulips both in field and greenhouses. I love details like this that make the stories interesting and I always seem to learn something. Also, Griffith's business building tiny homes is an added bonus.
Overall, this is one of those books that has it's emotional ups and downs, but in the end leaves you feeling satisfied. So many secrets are revealed in this story and relationships tested (both romantic and familial), but in the end your faith is renewed in each character.
This was my first Susan Mallery book and I guarantee it won't be my last. I loved the family dynamics, the small town vibes and the sweet romances. Definitely a great summer time read.
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That feel-good ending you described is exactly what I love most in a book like this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour!
That's what I love about books like this too. Thanks for having me!
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