Tag: Siblings

Book Review

The Grove

TheShelfLife

The Grove by Brooks Whitney Phillips

Publication Date: June 2025

Overall Verdict: An intricate yet slow paced look at the socioeconomic status of a family in the 1960’s.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Set in the 1960s, The Grove shares the story of Pip living with her sister and parents on the brink of poverty. Selling oranges and taking care of the grove are a priority in which the girls are pulled into, and the only life they have ever known. Each year when the carnival comes to town, the sisters finally feel a glimpse of the possibility of wonder and something more. This year however, after the carnival leaves, the sisters begin to grow apart. When Pip feels so pushed away, she finds solace in a boy named Silas, who lives and works in the orange grove. Secrets come to light and the people of Pip’s world find themselves in some precarious situations.

My Analysis: I was expecting a slightly different story than the one I got in reading this book, but it didn’t sway my opinion on it overall. This story shares a deep look into a family who is living in poverty, and all of the things that they have to do and consider because of it. It’s interesting to see this through Pip’s eyes, growing up in the grove and not really knowing much different. I thought the insights to the socioeconomic status of the family were researched and well done. I liked Pip’s relationship with Silas and how the author included a strength in him that one may lot have anticipated for someone living as he is. When the sisters begin their separation from one another, I thought Sissy was a bit more harsh to Pip than she needed to be, which made me dislike her a bit. I know there were reasons behind her pushing Pip away, but I didn’t think she needed to be as cruel as she ended up being towards her. I think the author also did a nice job developing the characters overall, even the mother and father were well thought out and you could really see into their actions and motivations. If you like historical fiction, don’t mind a book that is interesting but slow paced, and want something a bit different, give this one a read.

Book Review

If We Tell You

TheShelfLife

If We Tell You by Nicola Dahlin

Publication Date: October 2024| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An unremarkable thriller that was more confusing and inconceivable than entertaining or suspenseful.

1/5 Stars

Book Summary: Twins Lewis and Cameron find themselves on the run after their parents unexpectedly kill intruders at a community barbecue. Armed with cash, fake identities and the instruction to go to Edinburgh, Scotland they are forced on their own into the unknown. Trying to piece together the clues their parents left behind, while also trying to conceal their true identities, Lewis and Cameron pretend to be one person so they don’t cause any more attention than necessary.

My Analysis: I really don’t like rating a book so low, knowing the blood, sweat and tears that go into writing something and getting it published. But this one just wasn’t good. Not all that much actually happened and the events that did were either confusing or so unrealistic that it was hard to buy into the plot (even for a YA novel). I also didn’t care for the main characters of Cameron or Lewis- here they are on the run and I just couldn’t bring myself to root for them. The novel is split up into both of their perspectives, and for twins that are supposedly so different, I found myself forgetting whose perspective I was in too often. The one thing I did like about this book were the secondary characters, it’s honestly what saved it for me. I kept reading wanting to know what ultimately was going on with the twins parents, but I also found that unsatisfying. Ultimately not one I would buy for the library or recommend, it would definitely be a DNF for too many readers.

Book Review

The Wilde Trials

TheShelfLife

The Wilde Trials by Mackenzie Reed

Publication Date: January 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A little slow to start, but if you enjoy stories about games/competitions, this one is definitely for you.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Every year Chloe’s elite boarding school has a wilderness competition, where those participating are pushed to their physical and mental limits. Not only does the winner get bragging rights as champion, they also get a huge monetary reward. Chloe is determined to win this year, and use the money to help pay for her sisters cancer treatments. When someone begins blackmailing Chloe during the games, she is forced to partner up with her ex, Hayes, who just so happens to be investigating his brothers death which also occurred during the competition years before. Lies, deceit, and sabotage are now a part of the game making the challenges that much harder…and also deadly.

My Analysis: I was a little bit torn on this one and ultimately what to rate it, but I think those true YA audience readers will love it. The pacing was a little slow for my liking, and it really didn’t pick up until about 60% in. I was curious enough to know what was going to happen and what would be revealed to keep reading though. Once it did really get going I found myself very invested. I liked the characters and particularly the relationship between Chloe and her sister. Reed does a nice job of making you question the motives of everyone in the game and was able to share some solid character development even when some characters weren’t always on the page as frequently. The ending wrapped up nicely, although it did seem a bit rushed after everything. If you are into stories that are about games or competitions, you will definitely enjoy this one. Lots of clues and challenges within the Wilde Trials themselves as well as other secrets that are simultaneously uncovered.

Book Review

The Wilderness of Girls

TheShelfLife

The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Publication Date: June 2024 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC | Audiobook Version

Overall Verdict: If you’re willing to put up with the very slow pace, this is an original concept that discusses some heavy topics.

3/5 Stars

4/5 Stars for Narration

Book Summary: Eden is placed with her estranged uncle after her father ends up in jail and her step mother runs off. Wanting to start fresh, she dawns a new name as Rhi, and tries to find some happiness in Happy Valley. While working for her uncle at a nature preserve, Rhi stumbles upon a group of girls who appear to have lived in the wilderness for quite some time. While trying to help them, the girls are forced into a world they have never known. They tell Rhi that they have been living with a man named Mother and that they are princesses from another land. Grappling with her own past and present, Rhi balances figuring out herself and the unique bond that she has established with the girls.

My Analysis: This is an original idea and an ambitious one. The story starts off strong, then slows down dramatically before picking up again at the tail end. Honestly a good quarter of the book couple probably have been cut out. If you’re willing to put up with such a slow pace and some ambiguity, it is an interesting read. It is important to note there are some trigger warnings including sexual abuse, suicide and cannibalism. Given those incidents, this is probably suited for older YA readers. The themes, although heavy, are very well portrayed. The characters and their relationships as sisters, friends and more is the cornerstone of this book. I really liked all the characters equally too, there wasn’t one that stood out among the others in terms of keeping my interest. Readers will grapple with fantasy vs reality with one, and a lot is left up to interpretation. This novel isn’t for everyone, but those who really buy into the parallels it presents will find value in the stories told.

Book Review

Tender Beasts

TheShelfLife

Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

Publication Date: February 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Intense psychological thriller that shows the intricacies of family and how far they will go to support one another.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Sunny has 4 siblings, one of whom is being charged with murder. Her mothers dying wish was for her to be the leader of the family, but her older sister takes on the role before she could even start. When an increasing number of murders rock the private school that her family owns and attends, Sunny dives deeper into uncovering the killer. Working with her accused brother who she barely knows, they look to discover family secrets that have long been buried.

My Analysis: This is a solid psychological thriller/horror book. The focus is definitely on the Behre family, their secrets, and how far they will go to better themselves and protect one another. Even though this book is filled with murder, not a ton really happens throughout, but at the same time it still works well in keeping you guessing and interested. There is an entity that is worshiped, and the author does a nice job of making the reader question reality vs supernatural elements. On that note, the author does provide a list of triggers at the beginning of the book that people may find helpful. My favorite part of the novel was the deceased mothers journal entries from when she was a teen that are dispersed throughout. It was a nice way to give some necessary background information and helped to keep any reveals well-timed. If you liked Delicious Monsters, you’ll definitely like this one as well. It has a very similar vibe, although a very different story. If you’re into psychological thrillers and family drama, this one is for you.

Book Review

Silent Sister

TheShelfLife

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks NetGalleyfor an ARC

Overall Verdict: An immersive thriller that dives into sisterhood and self-worth

4/5

Book Summary: Sisters Grace and Maddy go on their traditional Senior Sabbatical Trip. Both sisters are balancing their feelings about their upcoming futures and the trauma of their past. Learning “life lessons” on their trip will either help their relationship or drive them farther apart. When Grace is found bloody and with no memory of the recent trip, she battles more questions as she tries to find answers. With her sister Maddy still missing, Grace races to regain her memories and determine what she is blocking out.

My Analysis: This was a solid read that will keep you invested throughout. Wanting to uncover what happened to these characters definitely drives the plot. It is told in alternating past and present perspectives, which was nicely done and helps share character growth. I also liked the addition of Maddy’s poems that were inter dispersed. The author does well sharing the characters inner feelings and how it impacts their lives and the relationships with those around them. She doesn’t shy away from the hard realities either, which I appreciated. Although there is a missing person and there is mystery involved, this is really more of a story of sisterhood and taking a look at one’s self-worth.