Another great instalment in the Seven Sisters series. Tiggy is, for me, one of the most likeable sisters of the bunch and her story does not disappoint. This book takes us on a whistle-stop tour of Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Switzerland and the USA. I was particularly interested in the dramatic setting of Granada against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and I would have liked to have read about this in even more depth. The characters in the historical sections of the book move around a lot: I can understand why, but this felt too much at times. Tiggy's present day sections felt much more cohesive. Another part that fell slightly flat for me was the romance element - I didn't feel that the characters concerned shared enough time together for me to feel fully invested in their relationship. That said, I LOVED the flamenco elements and want to learn more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an advance e-galley of this book.

Another great book in the seven sisters series this is tiggys story which begins in the wilds of Scotland and he journeys to Spain to find out about her ancestors and how she came to be adopted by pa salt a heartbreaking read at time but so well written and researched by Lucinda Riley a fabulous read

This is as good as the other 'sister' books although slightly different as it concentrates more on the past.
A few details missing it would have been nice to include but Lucinda's series continues to fascinate.

It's hard to believe that we have already reached the fifth book in The Seven Sisters series - The Moon Sister. It seemed like only yesterday that the brilliant Lucinda Riley launched this exceptional series and yet now I find myself having completed another wonderful, gripping and heart wrenching read with only two more books to go before all will finally be revealed. With every book that Lucinda writes I find that I am reeled in right from the very first chapter and that once you start you just can't stop reading. So much so that if you have other things to do that they get pushed to the side as you read on or if you have no other option but to leave the book down it becomes frustrating to be away from a story that has captured your heart and imagination.

Some readers may be daunted by the fact that this book is over 700 pages but I wasn't in the slightest. It just means more time to indulge in such brilliant writing and an excellent story with so many twists and turns. The Moon Sister is really a just one more chapter kind of book and then you find, oh I've read another 150 pages or so without even realising the chapters are flying by as you get drawn deeper and deeper into the story. I was so eager to begin this story but on another level I was reluctant to do so because I know I would read it so quickly and then have another year long wait for Electra's story. I suppose I should have stretched it out a bit further to prolong my enjoyment but in all honesty that was impossible to do because pure and simple this book is unputdownable despite it's hefty weight.

In The Moon Sister our attention turns to Tiggy, similar to her sisters she is coming to terms with the death of her beloved Pa Salt. Even though Tiggy herself has a feeling that all may not be as it seems surrounding Pa's death and readers themselves may have already thought this based on things from previous books and even from more little clues that surface every now and again in this story. Tiggy perhaps is the most sensitive of all the sisters and one who has a very special connection with nature. She adores animals and wants to dedicate her life to them. Tiggy's intuition has served her well throughout her life and she is certainly very spiritual and connected to the earth and all those around her. She hears things and what she hears forewarns her and helps her with things in the future. She has a special talent but where has it come from and what can she do with it? To learn more of her true heritage she must follow the instructions left by Pa Salt in a letter and as did four of her sisters before her she must travel to discover the roots of her heritage. How she came to be and also why was she given up and came to live with Pa Salt on his estate - Atlantis – in Switzerland with five other adopted girls?

Lucinda Riley this time takes us to the isolated Scottish Highlands specifically to the Kinnaird estate recently inherited by Charlie. Tiggy is tasked with settling wildcats into their new home but also Charlie has further plans for how she could be helpful given her love of animals and her genuine enthusiasm for conservation. In complete contrast to the highlands is the setting of Granada and the caves of Sacromonte which stand in the shadow of the impressive Alhambra palace. The author moves effortlessly between the past and present allowing the reader to enjoy a strong dual narrative. Normally I prefer one timeline over the other but here I was riveted by both Tiggy's story in the present and that of flamenco dancer Lucia in the past. The highlands in the depths of winter were cold, isolated but magnificent in their own way. Lucinda captured to perfection the essence of the estate and what was trying to be achieved there by Charlie and his team. In Granada and as Lucia's journey took her to South America and beyond, I felt the heat of the sun as the gitanos - Spanish gypsies and the lowest of society struggled to survive and make their way through life overcoming one obstacle at a time if at all possible.

In the present Tiggy is very much at a crossroads in her life and unsure of her next step. Is Kinnaird merely a stopping place whilst she ponders her next move or will it or someone exert some strange hold over her? Tiggy had so much depth to her character that I'm still not sure whether I fully understood her. She wasn't clear cut in her viewpoints or ambitions and was quite often racked by indecision. One thing for sure she was certain that the advances of billionaire Zed Eszu who rents the estate were very much not wanted. I was patiently waiting as Tiggy put up with so much from him before she finally gave in and snapped. Zed was an awful character, so domineering, controlling and he believed that because he had money he could do what he wanted and everyone would ponder to him. I have a strong feeling that Zed coming to prominence here and playing a role means he is someone who will reappear in the future books and we need to watch out for him. I was ever so thankful when Tiggy showed some courage and expressed her true feelings to Zed. In doing so it gave her the push she needed to go out and uncover the truth behind her past and in the process she discovers a remarkable story of love, passion, dedication and selflessness.

I loved the scenes set in Scotland as Tiggy becomes aware that all is not as it seems at the estate. She became a mother figure to Zara, Charlie's daughter, who was clearly crying out for help, love and acceptance. But Tiggy knew now was the time to journey into her past or all the answers to the endless questions she had would be lost forever. Chilly, an old gypsy living on the estate provides her with the pieces to some of the puzzle which allow her combined with other factors to journey to Granada to seek out what has been waiting there for so many years. One thing that sets The Moon Sister apart from the previous books in the series is that there wasn't as much of a focus on romance although it was still present. It wasn't the dominant driving force behind Tiggy's desire to understand where she came from and I am glad this took more of a back-seat and only came to the fore when necessary.

As for Lucia's story I was equally as enthralled as I had been with getting to know Tiggy. I think it's brilliant the way Lucinda takes us back generations and years and the path to discovering the mother of whatever sister we are reading about is never clear cut. She throws in so many twists and turns featuring heartbreak, devastation, tenacity, sacrifices and terror always leaving me open mouthed and shocked more than once. As we journey to Granada and beyond we become familiar with the hardships endured by the gitanos and how Maria has struggled to bring up her family in poverty in the Sacromonte caves. Her husband Jose although a talented guitar player is nothing more than a waster and a womaniser but it is with the birth of her talented daughter Lucia that their lives will change dramatically forever. We are there with Lucia from the moment of her birth and follow her as her talent becomes known to all.

Lucia bids to become the most famous flamenco dancer there ever was and she can perform in a way no other dancer can. She feels the beat and the rhythm and has such a connection to the music. Lucia is a character who has fire in her belly and it shows in the way she acts. I thought she was incredibly selfish towards her family as her career was at the forefront of her mind. She was ruthless and a hard nosed person. I can't use the word hate when it comes to her but I really didn't like her or enjoy what she was doing to her family and those that loved her. It was like she was a commander leading her troop and she wouldn't rest until she was fully satisfied, yet I don't think she would ever reach that point of satisfaction because of her restless nature and spirit. Whereas Maria, I felt great sympathy for given all she endures and what happens to her family over the course of The Spanish Civil War and subsequently World War Two. How it all connects back to Tiggy was fascinating to read as so many curve balls were thrown in and you find yourself shouting in glee if you got something right and then being left speechless as something you should have seen is revealed or else something comes from nowhere and you are left stunned.

Simply put The Moon Sister is another fantastic addition to what is shaping up to be one of the best series I have ever read. I have a sneaking suspicion that given Tiggy is the most spiritual sister that she will be the one to connect all the dots and discover what exactly is going on with Pa Salt. As for that major plot twist at the end -what does it all mean? Also who is the seventh sister? Will there even be a seventh sister? Throughout the book I felt there were even more clues being dropped than before and as the series nears its conclusion there is an overwhelming feeling of things starting to slot into place or that everything that has been set in motion is racing towards a tremendous finale.

The jigsaw is coming together piece by piece but like that elusive piece that is often missing on the floor there is still plenty more in store for us before that final piece can slot into place. Do read all four before books before starting The Moon Sister as it will only enhance your reading experience even more. As for the sneak peek at Electra's story ah why does Lucinda do that to us. I just wanted to keep reading on and on and I am kicking myself that that is not possible at the moment. Roll on this time next year is all I can say and in the meantime I envy those that have the pleasure of reading The Moon Sister for the first time.

Wow! I love these books and can't wait for the next one. (And to find out about the lost sister!?) This series reminds me of reading Elizabeth Gouge stories as a child. Both fairy tale and great historical research all wrapped up to give us amazing writing and imaginative storytelling. Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I've since sourced all the others in the series too.

My thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. I was so exited to receive this having just read the first book in this outstanding series by Lucinda Riley, The Severn Sisters. This is the fifth book and whilst it would have been better to have read them in order this does work as a stand alone, providing that you understand the basic background. The sisters have been named after the stars, The Seven Sisters of the Pleiades. They have been adopted by the one they call Pa Salt and brought up in his magnificent house on the shores of Lake Geneva, with his housekeeper they call Ma to care for them. When Pa Salt dies he leaves them clues to their origins, should they wish to follow them up. This fifth book is Taygete, or as she is known, Tiggy’s story. She is physically the smallest of the sisters, bothered by ill health as a child, but with a deep love of animals that she makes her career. She also posses a sixth sense, an unworldly intuition. After university she has an unfulfilling job in a laboratory which leads her to take up work in an animal sanctuary in the Scottish Highlands caring for injured animals. The retirement of the owner leads her to a job on the Kinnaird Estate again in Scotland. Tiggy feels completely at home here, but many months later events force her to leave and she follows up the clues she has to her ancestry. This takes her to the cave settlement of the gypsies of Granada. Where she learns of her great grand parents lives and her famous Flamenco dancing grandmother. That tale takes the reader to Barcelona, Madrid, Portugal, South America, and New York. We learn of the extreme poverty of the gypsy way of life all played out against the background of the Spanish Civil War and the second World War.

Amazing research has obviously gone into this work yet again, all the more remarkable, given the difficult year the author has suffered. We are given a robust, well researched historical frame work, dressed with rich dazzling fiction. We shiver in the Scottish Highlands, look for shade from the intense heat in Granada and perhaps occasionally hold a hankie to the nose in a gypsy cave. There are some improbable bits, but it’s a fantasy and you have occasionally to suspend belief. As with all fantasies, it’s hugely entertaining. But the best mark of a good book for me was the feeling of deflation I had when I’d finished. But I do have the three books I’ve missed to catch up with !

After reading The Shadow Sister of the series I did not think I would read about another sister I loved more I was wrong. Tiggy's story the sister in The Moon Sister grabbed me from the start and did not let me go until the last page. The more spiritual sister connected to the animals and earth she finds herself in her element in the wilderness of Scotland. Told in two storylines her hunt for the past takes you to Spain where Lucinda Rileys talented storytelling makes you feel the heat of the sun and beat of the drum of flamenco only to hurtle you back to the icy cold highlands.
The series just keeps getting better.

Lucinda Riley is a fantastic author and has definitely earned her place on my favourites list with this fabulous series.

After the death of her father – Pa Salt, an elusive billionaire who adopted his six daughters from around the globe – Tiggy D’Aplièse, trusting her instincts, moves to the remote wilds of Scotland.

There she takes a job doing what she loves; caring for animals on the vast estate of enigmatic Laird, Charlie Kinnaird. But her future changes irrevocably when Chilly, an ancient gipsy who has lived for years on the estate, tells her that not only does she possess a sixth sense, passed down from her ancestors, but it was foretold long ago that he would be the one to send her back home to Granada in Spain ...

In the shadow of the magnificent Alhambra, Tiggy discovers her connection to the fabled gypsy community of Sacromonte, who were forced to flee their homes during the civil war, and to ‘La Candela’ the greatest flamenco dancer of her generation.

From the Scottish Highlands and Spain, to South America and New York, Tiggy follows the trail back to her own exotic but complex past. But when fate takes a hand, Tiggy must decide whether to stay with her new-found family or return to Kinnaird, and Charlie . . .

Once I started I didn't want to put it down... an extraordinary read that takes you to another country, another time, another family, another life. An historical fiction, with all the richness of the times and full of culture.

The Moon Sister follows The Seven Sisters, The Storm Sister, The Shadow Sister and The Pearl Sister... I strongly recommend the series is read in order to fully appreciate it.

I can't wait for the next instalment.

Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.

This story follows animal lover Tilly on her road to love. I found this book to be a cosy read with lots of sweet and tender interactions between the characters. A real cosy read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

This is the first of the Seven Sisters books that I had a chance to read so I read Seven Sisters first for the back story. This book, number five in the series, reads pretty much as a standalone although there are a couple of mentions of the sisters covered in the second-fourth books in the series which could be spoilers. I enjoyed the format of the stories, back and forth from present day (2008) to 1930's Spain. The passion of the flamenco and the poverty of the gitano were interesting too. A similar format to the first book and one that suits me, I stayed up ;last night to finish the book in time for a review on publication date! I look forward to catching up with the rest of the series and also Lucinda Riley's other books.

I am so grateful to receive a preview copy of this book. I have always enjoyed Lucinda's books and in particular the Seven Sisters series.

What can I say Lucinda has done it again. The Moon Sister follows on beautifully from her previous books. The characters are well crafted and allows the reader to quickly relate to them. Having been introduced to Tiggy in the previous books it was lovely to fully understand her history and cultural background. No spoilers given here as I strongly recommend the series is read in order to fully appreciate it. This is a free and truthful review. When is the next book due?

Wow- another magnificent story in the 7 Sisters series and one that I have been anticipating since reading the fourth novel in the series. In this case it is Tiggy with her wild cats that is central stage. This novel like the previous ones deals with both past and present and Tiggy who loves the quiet remote estate where she is establishing the wild cats and in the past the story of Candela a famous flamenco dancer who fascinated the last century. How Chilly an ancient gipsy who lives on the estate connects Tiggy to her past and the community of Sacromonte in the shadow of the magnificent Alhambra palace is beautifully told. A brilliant read and I cannot wait for the next and find out what all the hints about the late Pa Salt add up to in the future!

Having read the other books in this series I have been looking forward to reading this book since reading the previous book last year. I think it is the best story yet and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was one of those rare books that you want to read but don’t want to finish. The short trailer for the next book sounded excellent too. Can’t wait for the next story.

This book is a tale off two halves, the now and the past. I loved the how and Tiggy, the main character, finds her feet at a rural setting in Scotland, how she bonds with the locals and how she copes with the elements. .
The characters are full bodied and warm and the story atmospheric.
The second half is of Tiggy finding her heritage, this part of the story for me was at times a little slow, however I really loved all the details of the gypsy way of life and traditions. Once I got into these characters from the past I enjoyed their journey. Again this part was atmospheric and full of colour.
A well written tale that really does take you in a magical journey.

What an amazing story in the seven sisters series - it has inspired me to visit Sacromento when I am in Spain next year.. It's main characters are grandmother and grand daughter and is set in Spain and the Scottish Highlands with an emphasis on flamenco dancing and wildlife. The contrast couldn't be more obvious but are pieced together by a delightful narrative woven through the Spanish Civil War and present day.
I loved this book and have read late into the night as it held my interest from start to finish - can't wait for Electra's story to be published

I have really enjoyed the next installment in the Seven Sisters Saga. I loved reading it and wanted to find out what would happen but didn't want to read too fast at the same time as that would mean the book would be finished and there is a long wait until the next installment!
Tiggy goes on a journey around the world discovering her past and starting on the path to a new future. The history of the 'gitanos' is very informative finding out about what happened to these people during the wars. I loved the ending as well. Lucinda Riley is my favourite author!

I have read all the other Seven Sisters books and have loved them. Moon Sister did not disappoint. It centred on Tiggy and her journey to find out where she came from and her heritage. Lucinda Riley cleverly weaves the present day storyline with the past storyline and draws you in so you want to find out more. Tiggy's journey takes her from the highlands of Scotland to the heart of Spain. In Spain she finds out about her gypsy ancestors and their journeys. Could not recommend this book more.

OMG, this book! I love Lucinda Riley's Seven Sisters series, and I was eagerly waiting for this one.
This book exceeded all my expectations by far. With the 4th book, the pattern of lost love became a bit predictable, and I was wondering if Riley would break it. And, the answer is a definite yes. I found this book very exotic, and different than others.
Tiggy's story was so charming. The Scotland setting, and Spain setting was told perfectly. I felt myself as if shivering from cold in remote nature of highlands. And sometimes, among the vibrant environment of gypsies.
The historic look at the Gitano/Payo relationship was very original. I haven't read this in many historical novels. The take on the situation of Spain during Second World War was also a very good addition to the story.
The book is so rich with historical aspects, characters, or landscape that I don't know where to start. I cherished every page.
I was a bit scared at first that the book was 750 pages, but I never got bored and I wish it never finished.
This is TRUE historical fiction, with all the richness of the times, full of culture. You can feel the vibe of times in your bones as it's told beautifully and vibrantly.
If you like books that takes you to another country, another time, another family, another life, this series is definitely for you. And this was an extraordinary sequel.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another glorious hug in a book from Lucinda Riley.

I have so enjoyed all of Lucinda Riley’s books and could not wait to read the latest book of the D’apliese sisters. This time the turn of Tiggy who sets off on her travels to unravel the history of her Spanish roots.

By now readers of this series will be familiar with the formula of these books and this feels, to me, like comfort food. You know you are in safe hands as the characters are resplendent on the page and the scenery sufficient to transport you through time and place.

As Tiggy starts her journey in the Scottish highlands and travels to Granada we get to learn about her story and that of her famous grandmother. With this we learn about the customs and practices of Spanish gypsies, including flamenco, music, spiritual healing and the bonds of family and the wider community.

I can’t wait for the next outing and the story of Electra. This is a series I wish I hadn’t discovered yet so I could read it all anew in one fell swoop.

My only criticism is the fact that the books are obviously released a year or so apart and I sometimes forget the key facets of the stories as told by the other sisters. I hope the last book brings some of these strands together. I will miss these characters once this series is finished.

This is the fifth book in the Seven Sisters Series by Lucinda Riley. This could be read as a stand alone book but to be best appreciated I suggest that the reader starts with The Seven Sisters and progresses through the series.

In this book we follow Tiggy the fifth sister. A nature loving & slightly mystical person she lives in the wilds of Scotland at an animal sanctuary. Her past story takes us to the Gypsy colony near Alhambra in the early to mid twentieth century. We follow La Candela as she becomes the finest flamenco dancer in the world and the toll the Spanish Civil War takes on Spain.

I have read all of the Seven Sisters books and was starting to wonder if the quality was starting to tail off. It is hard to sustain a long series and I wondered at a couple of points in the last three books if the writing got a bit lazy in places. However, this book takes us right back to the excellent writing of the first book. Yes, there are a few expected situations such as a love affair which Tiggy runs away from. However, overall the writing is bright and the plot well constructed.

I really loved the story of La Candela. The story of the gypsies and the discrimination they faced was fascinating. Coupled in with that were the details of the Spanish Civil war which I found gripping.

This is a well constructed continuation of the series. I am very much looking forward to Electra's story which should be the sixth & what the author has planned for the seventh I can't wait to see. An excellent series which I can heartily recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley