I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for trusting me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

There's only been one time that Rose couldn't stop me from doing the wrong thing and that was a mistake that will haunt me for the rest of my life.' Fern Castle works in her local library. She has dinner with her twin sister Rose three nights a week. And she avoids crowds, bright lights and loud noises as much as possible. Fern has a carefully structured life and disrupting her routine can be . . . dangerous.

When Rose discovers that she cannot fall pregnant, Fern sees her chance to pay her sister back for everything Rose has done for her. Fern can have a baby for Rose. She just needs to find a father. Simple.
Fern's mission will shake the foundations of the life she has carefully built for herself and stir up dark secrets from the past, in this quirky, rich and shocking story of unexpected love.

I enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I was totally unprepared for the fab twist at the end. The whole way through I knew there was more to the story so when I learned about both characters and the actual outcome I was sincerely shocked. I absolutely loved Fern and could see parts of myself in her with regard her planning and living her life following lists and routines. I never liked Rose, however, she just seemed to be very discriminatory towards her sister, like she appeared to be doing things to get in Fern's way all the time. I initially thought it was just power games on Rose's part but reading further in I changed my opinion. I am not saying any more as I do not want to spoil this story for anyone who reads it.

4 stars

Contains spoilers. I usually love a thriller but this one was completely implausible and took me about 3 times as long to finish as normal. I read a lot of thrillers but this one actually annoyed me to the point I nearly didn’t finish it.

I read the mother in law in one sitting but this is the second book with an evil infertile woman at the centre. Beginning to wonder if the author just hates women without children or doesn’t know of how to write a plot without an evil infertile?
Also the author appeared to have little empathy or understanding for anyone who might have bpd. As someone who works with those with the diagnosis regularly: the link between trauma and bpd is well documented. Banding it around as a reason your character is a murder is lazy, dangerous and adds to the stigma of an already discriminated condition.

Not terribly written in terms of the writing itself- just like reading the worst channel 5 afternoon film and I usually quite like those.

Fern and Rose, fraternal sisters, are very close siblings. Rose might view herself as the more pragmatic decision maker, and Fern the organised librarian, mildly autistic, in her own ordered world. As young children they lived a chaotic transient, abusive existence, with their mum and various questionable lovers.
Rose and partner Owen, unable to have children, are overjoyed when Fern offers herself as surrogate mum. The story is delightful, at times a little dark, and is told in the alternate voices of the two sisters. To say more would spoil the delights awaiting an expectant reader, with an ending that is surprising and very neatly executed. Recommended. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.

I finished reading this last week and I’m still thinking about it, always a sign of a great read. I have read 2 of Sally’s other books which I really enjoyed so I had high hopes for this one and it didn’t disappoint, family, friendship, loss and love and the lengths siblings will go for each other. I didn’t see the twist coming and still can’t quite believe it. A must read book.

What a fantastic book! I was quickly drawn into the twins and the story. It’s well written, fast paced and has lots of twists throughout.
I would definitely recommend it.

The Good Sister is a nice, easy fiction book for the beach or just whiling away some time. It is well written and I have enjoyed other books by the same author.

Looking at other reviews of The Good Sister, I think I am in the minority when i say, this book didn't grab me. The story of Rose and Fern, twins and best friends from birth sees the story from 2 perspectives, one from Fern in the present and one from Rose's diary. The twins have a secret and until now, no one else has known the truth. You find out the 'secret' near the beginning of the book and then more truths as you go through, but there is no big reveal or twist to shock you.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The book revolves around 2 sisters, twins who couldn't be more different. Rose is short and plump with T1 diabetes and Fern is fair and slender but suffers from sensory issues. Rose has looked after Fern from an early age. When Fern finds out Rose cannot get pregnant she decides she will and give Rose the baby. As the book progressed we see the control Rose has over Fern and we see Fern blossom in a new relationship with "Wally" the baby's dad. This book is a captivating read the characters come to life. Rose made me uncomfortable but Fern is really likeable even with her unusual mannerisms. The final climax was great, I read this book extremely quickly as I was desperate to know which twin would win!

# The Good Sister # Netgalley
Due to being ill I have not read for a little while, which I absolutely hate not being able to read. Well what a first nook to start reading again. Oh my I was hooked from the first chapter. It’s a story of telling about sisters who are close. Twins but fraternal ones. Sio so different in look and personality. Fern thinks she could not survive life without her sister Rose. Fern as problems of not being able to do certain things. Loins music and light send her it to a state of dread that she really can not cope with she can not come with people suddenly touching her or grabbing at her. Her illness as a name it actually stated in the book what it was called. Sorry I have actually forgotten already. However I really wasn’t paying too much attention to the name of the illness, because all those twists and turns Kept me guessing. I have to say regarding the relationship between the sister it’s not just interesting it’s a perspective I had not thought about it beforehand, especially having 3 sisters myself the way it’s written is pure genius. It’s actually hard to understand how the 2 sister are poles apart. I know j would do anything for my sisters. However to make plans the way Rose did, it would never have ever crossed my mind I suppose because I havd always been close to all 3 of my other sisters I wasn’t just attached to just one. How brilliantly it’s written too, not until I hav almost finished the book did I realise things suddenly clicking into place now for me that’s actually exceptional as I do normally have a good idea where the noon is going. No not this one it was bloody phenomenal. I do mean phenomenal too. To keep myself guessing wondering, thinking havd I missed something for the twist near the end. Was the one that had finally put me on track..... this is my first book by this author I can assure you it’s not going to be me last. THIS IS MOST DEFINITELY A MUST READ

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Release Date: 15th April 2021



Fern and Rose Castle are twins, but you wouldn't think that if you met them. Fern is fastdious, rigid and predictable, happy working at the library and staying in the quiet to deal with her sensory processing disorder. She has dinner with her sister the same three nights every single week without fail. Rose is desperate for a baby and always there for everyone, especially Fern.

Under the surface, you can see what really joined the two sisters together back when they were just children dealing with a narcissitic mother and harrowing secrets that forged their unbreakable bond.

Rose has always been there for Fern. Fixing her mistakes, reminding her right from wrong, making her better. Now Fern has finally seen her opportunity to do something for Rose - and make her the baby she so desperately needs. That's what any good sister would do, right?

I was hooked right from the first chapter - constantly being held at an uncomfortable arms length from the sisters which could have easily thrown me out of the story but instead had me aching to know more about the curious duo and watch as Fern meets Rocco, the future father of her child and tries to figure out a line between deception and affection.

My stomach was in knots throughout this story, and even though there were things I was expecting I was still taken by surprise by as we read delve through the murky waters of the girls intertwined stories and try to figure out who exactly is looking after who as they evolve.

Deliciously twisty, tense and dark with little tempting glimmers of hope scattered all the way through right till the last line.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Sally Hepworth and NetGalley for this ARC.

I haven't read the blurb before I've requested this book on Netgalley. I was attracted to the pretty cover so I didn't know what to expect.
After just couple of chapters I know I'll enjoy this book and rate with very high. I just fell in love with the author's writing style.
Even though the topics mentioned in this book were very serious, it was full of humour and made me laugh out loud.
The book is very well structured. It's told from the perspectives of twin sisters Rose and Fern. The bond they shared was so special it makes your heart melt.
It was fascinating to learn a bit about the life of a person with sensory processing disorder, the difficulties they're facing everyday.
When Fern decided to have a baby for her sister and set on a quest of finding a suitable father on Tinder I though that this will be an interesting love story.
It was better than I was expecting. Bear in mind I didn't even know the genre of the book I was reading (so silly of me).
At some point the plot gets so twisted, you don't know who to trust. I even started to doubt myself for a while.
I wanted to post the review straight away but I guess I had to cool down a bit otherwise I would've melted my laptop.
“The Good Sister” is brilliantly written psychological thriller and I highly recommend it to everybody, even if you're not a thriller lover I'm positive you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

What a great book! Kept me reading on and I loved the storyline in general. I really liked Fern and Wally’s characters and wanted everything to work out for them.

Twins Rose and Fern have always been close. In fact, Fern relies on Rose as she is not neurotypical and is easily overwhelmed by the noise and sensory overload of the world.
But Fern is about to meet someone who can identify with her unusual perspective on life, and it’s going to turn everything upside down.
This is a sweet and absorbing book, reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant as the main character is endearing and unique.
There is also a difficult relationship with the twins’ mother and a dark secret that shadowed their childhood.
It’s an easy read and I got through it in a day - it’s definitely a page-turner with an unexpected ending.
Recommended for those who like a quirky read with some surprising twists and turns along the way.

What a good book!
Twin sisters, one is evil, but which one?
I absolutely loved this story which had me shouting out at one point “NO”!
I really admire an author who can get under your skin and make your emotions go higgley piggley.
Great work by Sally Hepworth.

I have read two other of Sally Hepworth's books and I have to say that this one is by far my favourite!

Fern and Rose are sisters, well twins, and their lives are closely entangled yet couldn't be more different. Fern works in a library, is likely on the autistic spectrum and has sensory processing issues. Rose has a lovely husband working in London and is the more reliable, more capable and more successful sister. Enter Wally, an entirely lovable chap who closely resembles 'Where's Wally' (or Waldo for the Americans reading this). He and Fern hit it off and things begin to change...

Fern is one of the best characters I have come across in while, she is complex and caring, with wonderful quirks. I would read another whole book about her relationship with Wally. The author has done such a brilliant job of bringing her to life. The plot itself is well structured, alternating between Fern's narrative in the present and a diary written by Rose. It's quick and easy to read, hooking you in quickly, wanting to see whether your suspicions are going to be proved right.

Not a traditional 'thriller' but one that I think will be a hit. It's like a mash-up of The Rosie Project and a Shari Lapena/Lisa Jewell book! Safe to say it has made me endlessly glad to be an only child!!

My second book by Sally Hepworth and enjoyed this one just as much as the first! I really like that she can write a page-turning psychological thriller and layer it with real-life family issues that make you feel more connected to the story and even reflect on your own family a bit. Also enjoyed that her lead character, Fern, has a Sensory Processing Disorder. Fern starts out a bit as questionable but turns into the most endearing and lovable character and I really found myself cheering for her as the book came to an end. Seeing mental illness and mental disabilities properly depicted in books is a fantastic step to a more inclusive world. Would definitely recommend to my bookish friends and look forward to reading her next book.

I loved this book!!! I was drawn in immediately and devoured it in two sittings. The depiction of the twins was excellent and I love that Roses story was in diary entry form. There was no filler in this one just good solid story telling, great characters and an exciting ending. If you have a sister or ever wanted one you will love this (it might make you look at her differently or be happier to not have one!) Also loved reading about Ferns sensory issues and difficulties in social skills and understanding, very interesting and can relate to these on some level too. Thanks so much for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

I'm not sure quite what genre I would place The Good Sister, but regardless, it was a great start to my 2021 reading. It gave me strong Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine vibes which felt confusing at times as I'm aware it was supposed to a thriller. It's pretty obvious where the book is heading but there are a few neat little twists to keep you entertained and I thought Fern and Wally were such sweet, likeable characters that I didn't mind too much. Having read her previous books, I know the author is wonderful at character development and she did such a great job with Fern, I really felt she nailed Fern's Sensory Processing Issues to give readers a clear idea of who she was. I like the choice of the library for one of the main settings and the flashbacks and diary entries were also really nice touches. There were a few aspects that didn't feel very realistic to me but overall, this was a really enjoyable book that I would recommend to others.

The Good Sister looks at the relationship between two troubled sister’s, twin sisters. These fictional sisters have their share of ups and down starting life in what appears to be a troubled home with a mother depicted as being unstable.
Fern Castle suffers from a sensory disorder which leaves her vulnerable to loud sounds, bright lights, and strong smells. As a result, she leads a simple, quiet life and depends largely on her sister Rose, for support and assistance. Rose is the only person that understands her, the only person that is always there for her.
When Fern finds out that Rose wants a baby and cannot conceive, she sees an opportunity to repay Rose for everything she always does for her. Fern decides to have a baby for her sister…..
This book was my introduction to Sally Hepworth, while The Good Sister is a far cry from my usual choices, it was refreshingly different and a book I found myself racing through. I simply could not get enough. Written from Fern’s perspective with diary entries made by Rose in between it flows beautifully, giving you an insight into both sister’s thoughts. It is an easy, gripping read that draws you into the story from the beginning.
As I sit facing my keyboard, I am overwhelmed with the thoughts I want to share on this book – unfortunately, a lot of those thoughts will lead to spoilers. This story held a lot of surprises and took a turn I did not predict. To say that I loved this book would be an understatement.
Having grown up with brothers, I spent my life wishing I had a sister. Also envious of the bond my friends had with their sisters. However, after reading this book, I am extremely pleased that I grew up with brothers. The Good Sister shows just how complicated a sister relationship can turn out being. If anything, I find I am looking at my daughters in a new light – looking at their relationship just a little more closely.
The author created two very remarkable characters, both Fern and Rose started out extremely likeable. Characters you found crawling into your heart from the beginning. Fern with all her challenges and need for routine was impossible to dislike. Rose on the other hand was caring and compassionate, giving so much of herself to ensure her sister’s safety.
As the story progressed, I slowly started questioning Rose and wondering if she was not just a little too involved in her sister’s life. The author did a fabulous job in unfolding Rose’s character, keeping the reader guessing where the story will lead all the time.
The Good Sister has everything needed to be called a brilliant read! Mystery to keep you unsure of where the story is headed, a touch of humour to keep a smile on your face and added to that a few moments that tug at your heartstrings just enough to guarantee you keep turning the pages. Lastly, a plot twist that has your jaw dropping to the ground!
This story was one of the most unpredictable I have read in a while! It is without a doubt one to be added to my LOVED list.
In case you are not sure – Yes, I recommend this book. The Good Sister will appeal to women who enjoy a good mystery that has the power to touch your heart and almost bring a tear…..

Intriguing storyline with unpredictable, unexpected twists. An absorbing read. Plausible and interesting characters. Couldn't put this book down.

Have pre-order this book as a gift for my daughter.

I was gripped from the start, nothing better than the tale of sibling rivalry and loyalty to keep the pages turning. Twin sisters Fern and Rose are as close as two people can be, having endured a traumatic childhood with a narcissistic mother.
As adults, they are quite different and Fern relies on Rose a lot for confidence and reassurance. But their closeness slowly starts to fracture with a new arrival on the scene.
Really well written, compulsive reading
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read it