The Good Sister

#TheGoodSister #NetGalley
Pure Adrenaline. I loved it.
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
Both sisters were so good that I didn't stop loving and hating them at the same time.
Sally Hepworth is auch a brilliant author that I can't describe in words.
Narration of the story is awesome.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder Straighten for giving me an advanced copy of this psychological thriller.

After recently reading my first Sally Hepworth novel recently and being a little disappointed I was a bit unsure whether I would like this one. I needn't have worried, enjoyed it from start to finish and loved it. Twin sisters Fern and Rose made great characters, two extremes in both personality and intelligence but both fascinating.

Devoted sisters, Rose is the responsible sister with a desire to be a mother who has always been Fern's protector since childhood. Fern is the care free librarian who avoids social interaction and generally finds life difficult to understand. Fern needed protecting because their mother was a true sociopath who hid her true nature from the world, and only Rose could see it. Fern always saw the good in everyone. Years ago, Fern did something very, very bad. And Rose has never told a soul. When Fern decides to help her sister achieve her heart's desire of having a baby, Rose realizes with growing horror that Fern might make choices that can only have a terrible outcome. What Rose doesn't realise is that Fern is growing more and more aware of the secrets Rose, herself, is keeping. And that their mother might have the last word after all.

Told from the points of view of Fern and from the journals of Rose. While working in the library Fern meets an American named Rocco who Fern insists on calling Wally due to his likeness to 'where's Wally'. Rocco has the appearance of an homeless person and she learns that he actually lives in a van by choice. Fern finds herself experiencing love for the first time with Rocco as he seems to understand her so well.

I don't want to say too much else to avoid spoiling this excellent novel about two devoted sisters with secrets and problems. This book is so well written and the pacing is excellent, three interesting characters that I needed to know more about. Fern brought a smile to my face many times with her uncomplicated view of the world.
Highly recommended.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

#TheGoodSister #NetGalley
A good read.
I loved this book. It's starting was slow but it picked up in the middle. It's characters are dark and Creepy. And it has a twist which I didn't see coming in the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

This was an incredible thriller depicting a complex relationship between sisters. The question that kept popping into my mind was how far we can go for the sakes of our loved ones, and is there going too far...

I am a fan of this author and she absolutely never disappoints. Twist and turns and that moment where you realise the story has been turned in its head. Adored it!

Rose and Fern are twins that could not be any more different. Fern has Sensory Processing Issues making her afraid of loud noises, bright lights and strong aromas.

Rose has taken care of her twin from an early age and is very protective of her. Rose is desperate for a baby with her husband Owen. Fern decides that she will have a baby for her sister.

From snippets of Rose’s journal we see how the twins childhood has shaped them into the adults they are now and why Rose is so protective of Fern. Where is the line between protecting someone and controlling them!!

The characters really come to life. I adored Fern and her quirky manners.

A great suspense where you don’t know which twin is telling the truth. They both know what they want but which twin will win!!

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

I really enjoy reading this authored works as they never fail to disappoint me. This was a great thriller through the voices of two sisters. You get drawn into the world of their.

Thank you to NetGalley & Hodder and Stoughton for my copy of this book to review.

I was already familiar with this author as I have read The Family Next Door & The Mother in Law, and thought both were just ‘ok’ They were easy to read & get in to, but a bit forgettable once you’d finished.

However, the blurb for this really appealed to me, I love a toxic family/relationship story but this sounded different to other books I have read before. It absolutely did not disappoint. I was constantly waiting til I could sit down and read a bit more.

I really enjoyed the split of the two voices of the sisters throughout, and I absolutely fell in love with Fern & Wally. I found myself smiling so often whilst reading this book. The book is well paced and the ending is just how I would’ve wanted.

I have already recommended this book to other people and I would happily read anything by Sally Hepworth in the future.

A fantastic psychological thriller.
Really adored the voices of the two sisters throughout and I felt immersed in their world.
Very cleverly plotted . This was exciting to read.

Highly Recommended

Great psychological thriller that I extremely I enjoyed immensely. I love all this author’s books and this is no exception. I highly recommend.

From the outside, everyone might think Fern and Rose are as close as twin sisters can be: Rose is the responsible one and Fern is the quirky one. But the sisters are devoted to one another and Rose has always been Fern's protector from the time they were small.

Who is the good sister? Who have secrets?
I love this book. A lot twists and the characters are very interesting. I really like and will recommend for everybody.
Thanks netgalley

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.

This is the story of twenty eight year old fraternal twins Fern and Rose. Fern is a librarian, she’s on the autistic spectrum and has sensory issues. Rose is an interior designer of office spaces, she’s married to Owen though they are having problems because Rose is desperate to have a child. Rose has health issues as she has type one diabetes. Rose tells her story via a journal which describes their upbringing and recent events while Fern tell her own story.

I absolutely love this novel, it’s a compelling page turner especially at about the half way point when it becomes something you aren’t expecting. I love Fern’s character right from the start and her meeting ‘Wally’ (Rocco Ryan) adds to the delight of her. She is without guile, she’s so honest, she struggles to make sense of things because she is so literal but what could she achieve without Rose constantly hovering? Wally/Rocco is another outstanding character and through him Fern realises a lot about herself, about the people around her and achieves much acceptance especially of her capabilities and she becomes MORE. The plot is fast paced, it’s very well written and I love the twists in the storytelling revealing a mastery of manipulation. The analysis of the relationship between the twins and the dynamics with those in their orbit is absolutely fascinating and I like how the truth eventually emerges.

Overall, this book is right up my literary street and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.

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…..

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.

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 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.

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.

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

This was absolutely brilliant, an amazing and realistic plot. Well defined characters, I couldn’t put it down. And when I had to, I was quick to pick it up again, compelled and wholeheartedly engrossed. What a superbly crafted piece of work.

At times I was so full of suspense, frustration, emotion and wanted to throw up occasionally 🤦‍♀️ having to take deep breathes to calm myself down.

Twin sisters, who is telling the truth, what is the truth? Who is gaslighting who?

Fern, who I loved, works in a library, and is a fantastic librarian, she is sensitive, however brusque as she is on the spectrum. Even though she doesn’t realise it, she has some great colleagues and boss. Fern has sensory issues so it’s best to avoid loud noises, sounds, smells, conversation, touching and socialising or have direct eye contact.

Rose, her sister is married to Owen and has her life mapped out, however, unfortunately she is finding it hard to conceive as she has premature ovarian ageing.... Fern has a few thoughts about this which are hilarious, even if insensitive, I admit, I laughed. However, Fern isn’t insensitive just black and white, no grey areas.

They had a dysfunctional childhood and Fern did something that haunts her for the rest of her life, she didn’t mean to do it, but she did. Their mother ends up taking a drug overdose and they end up in care from the age of 12 until they’re 18. Fern relies on Rose for most things. Even though she has her independence, Rose controls Fern to an alarming degree.

Fern thinks about getting pregnant so she can have a baby for Rose, this is how she thinks, however when she meets Wally in the library BANG the dynamics change. I absolutely loved how the relationship between Fern and Wally developed, it’s wholeheartedly sweet. If I wasn’t so happily married and loved M so much I wouldn’t mind meeting Wally!

Moving on.... this is a well written and fast paced psychological thriller, which I’m sure you would enjoy.

I need to be careful as don’t want to give away any spoilers, it would be so easy to share too much, you just have to read this book. As in most books there’s a great twist at the end.

Thank you to the author, Sally Hepworth, Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this fabulous ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.

I really enjoy Sally Hepworths books and this is no exception. The main character Fern has autism spectrum disorder, she is a really likeable character, reminding me a little of Eleanor Oliphant. She has a twin sister Rose who has always been her protector. Told through Roses diary entries and Ferns narration the story flits between memories of the past that have shaped them and the present day. This is a psychological thriller mixed with a love story and a focus on family and sisterhood. A great read with a brilliant twist.

I absolutely loved this book. The writer accurately portrays Fern as an autistic female character and combines this with a thrilling plot with the relationship between Fern and her sister Rose at the centre. Despite the difficulties the character faces, we come to see that there are people who care about her and through them, we come to see her strengths. As in any thriller, all is not as it seems and as I gradually became aware of this, I found myself rooting for her. Having spent a lifetime working with children and young people with Fern's difficulties, I was delighted to see how sympathetic and ultimately capable her character is shown to be.. Although I have enjoyed previous stories with autistic characters at their centre, this one is the one which strikes the most chords for me. Add to this a really good plot which makes you want to read late into the night and I would say, if you read one book this year, make it this one.

A great examination of the relationship between sisters, and the beliefs we hold around our families. It is a classic example of ' two sides to every story. WHO SHOULD WE BELIEVE?!!
Nice touch, the story of wally and fern.

I'm not sure that I would put this in the "Mystery/Thriller" or "Women's Fiction" categories as these descriptions might well put people off from reading what is a simple but sensational tale of family relationships.

I was immediately drawn to Fern who brought to mind "Tilly" from the "Washington Poe" novels by MW Craven. Rose less so but I did enjoy how her journal brought a different perspective from Fern's narrative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and spent an hour or after finishing it "casting" for a tv series or film.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

‘The Good Sister’-Sally Hepworth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My sister holds the key to my sanity.”
Genre: Psychological Thriller/ Domestic Drama

This book deserves all the stars! Every. Single. One. It is a silent assassin, delicately building a deep emotional connection betwixt protagonist and reader, before unceremoniously and repeatedly ripping your heart out.

The reason for this distraught feeling? One word- Fern. Our protagonist is on the Autistic Spectrum and has sensory processing disorder. Fern is quick witted and unashamedly honest, direct and above all, authentically herself. Hepworth depicts ASD/SPD in a phenomenal, thought-provoking way that outlines the immediate impact upon day-to-day living that most of us take for granted. I thought it highly unlikely another character would capture my heart in the way Eleanor Oliphant did, but Fern Castle has my unwavering adoration forever more.

The book explores the theme around the bond between fraternal twin sisters; navigating the choppy waters of coercion and presents the lasting impact of narcissism plaguing a family unit. It was engrossing, all-encompassing and relentlessly engaging. This book will undoubtedly stay with me for a very long time!

I would like to say a huge thank you to NetGalley and Publisher Hodder & Stoughton for this sensational ARC.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had me gripped all the way to the end.
This is a fast paced novel and I feel that you get to know the two main characters very well.
I enjoyed that this book is told separately by two sisters, with one based in the present and the other relating to the past.
The characters were relatable, and there was also not a huge number of other characters featured, which made it much easier to follow.
The plot features twist and turns and the book is a great thriller. The story is not overly predictable and kept me interested and intrigued throughout.
I loved the authors style of writing and throughout the story was easy to comprehend. I cannot wait to read another book by this author already.
This story delves into the main characters, Rose & Fern, personalities so well.
Would recommend this to everyone, especially those after a fast paced easy read. It was hard to put it down, but very easy to go back to.

Firstly, I would like to say that I hugely enjoyed the way in which the author seamlessly intertwined the stories of Fern and Rose by effortlessly combining the past and present with the perspectives of both sisters in such a way that kept me eager to find out more! The author also succeeds in capturing the characteristics of a person with autism in the way that Fern is portrayed, expertly shining the light upon the daily difficulties that autistic people experience.

This novel truly is the perfect blend of realism, suspense and emotion! With two immaculately developed protagonists, who will you believe? It’s the classic case of ‘there are always two sides to a story!’

This is the first Sally Hepworth novel I’ve read, and to be honest I’m lost for words. I’ve read a lot of books (I’m old!) but this is the first time I’ve wished I could give 20 out of 5 stars. Even that wouldn’t be enough. I’m not going to tell the story – the book description gives you an idea. When I read a review, all I want to know is: Was it well written? Did you want to keep turning the pages? Could you relate to the characters? Did it make you think? Was it exciting? Was it heart-wrenching? Was it believable? Did you think ‘the housework can wait’? Would it make a fantastic film? If your answers are ‘yes’ then this is a book you’d love.
We have twin sisters, Rose and Fern, who were born to a cruel mother. Rose is the strong one, while Fern has sensory processing issues and is unable to cope with loud noises - even the ringing of a phone - and strong smells. Rose is her protector. Something dreadful happens when they are 12 years old, and they are put into foster care. More than that, you need to read! I love the way the story is told in a dual perspective – Fern’s voice telling us about her childhood, and Rose telling her story via a journal. The writing is brilliant, beautifully crafted, emotional, and gripping. The best book I’ve read in a very, very, long time. Sally Hepworth – you’re a genius!

I enjoyed this book which I received via NetGalley.
The story of twins and their relationship. The story swings between the narratives of Fern and Rose as they tell a combined story of their past and the present. Hearing both stories from the point of view of each sister and their different perspectives.
Fern has a sensory disorder, she is high functioning but has difficulties with situations where there are too many people, where it is noisy and where unexpected things happen. Rose cares for and protects her to the extent that Fern is wholly dependent on her.
The book tells of Fern's life, of her job in a library and how her colleagues and clientele grow to know and appreciate her. We are with her through her gradual awakening and realisation that all is not as it seems. She forms relationships and we see her attempts to take back control of her life.
The book is well written with an original theme. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Twins sisters, Fern and Rose, couldn’t be more different. They each have issues, Rose with her past and the relationship she had with their mother, and Fern with coping with daily life due to her hyper sensitivity.

This book was totally different and very, very good. First time I have read this author but will definitely be on the look out for other books by her. The characters were well done and filled their roles in the story perfectly. The narrative was excellent and the story beautifully written. This book deserves all the accolades it will surely get.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

Twin sisters growing up together. One the protector, the other the protected. But was everything really as it seemed?

We follow Rose and Fern as they each share their very different perspectives on life as they were growing up. As adults they continue to have a strong relationship and Fern knows that her sister continues to protect her as she learns to cope with her “unusual” behaviours.



So, Rose wants a baby-what better thanks could Fern give her than a baby? Fern gets an idea into her head that she can get pregant and gift the baby to Rose. All she needs is to find a man!

The book has a very interesting writing style, switching between the voices of the 2 protagonists and sharing their differing perspectives on what happened as they were growing up.

This is an great way of telling the story, as we see things from both Rose and Fern’s perspective, which seem to see things very differently.

The book is utterly captivating as we get a real insight into the characters. However, the book takes a chilling turn as events begin to unravel for the sisters.

This book would impress absolutely anyone; from crime lovers to romance fans; it is a story of trust and love, as well as deceit, murder and mystery.

Well what a read, I was hooked by the end of the first page. The story had me until the very last page. I fell in love with Fern and ‘Wally’ and their relationship, watching it unfold with every page. I was willing for them more than I have for any character before.
I didn’t see the real Rose straight away but I started to feel something was amiss with her early on, I didn’t quite trust her.
This was such a lovely read and one I wish could go on and on. It made me smile, laugh and cry at times.

What a great story! Very well planned story and a real page turner.
I enjoyed everything about the book and also learned a little about the daily challenges of autism, which was really well explained without being heavy-going.
I loved the quirky humour and the darkly sinister thread through the book. It kept me hooked to the very end.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. A new author for me.
Great plot and characters that turned into a real page turner. Would absolutely reccomend you read this.

Fern and Rose are adult twins living in Australia Fern is a Librarian and Rose is married to Owen her Job is unclear, but like mosts twins they are very close. Fern appears to have a variety of Autism she takes everything literally, conversations don't flow easily for her, but also,she feels she had a good childhood Roses doesn't agree. Fern loves her Mum Rose doesn't. Fern loves her sister and will do whatever she wants or need to help.
When Fern learns her sister can't have kids she hatches a plan to help which is the bulk of this thriller. As things progress with the inevitable twists all good Thrillers need its hard but to feel for Fern, the story is from her side with diary entries from Rose. The characters are great Wally is the biggest surprise but not the biggest twist that's saved for family, isn't it always?
I've given this 5 🌟 stars not just because I loved it and because Sally (the Author) has done it again smashed the ball right out of the park with this her latest masterpiece, well that had helped alot obviously. Its because as I read it nothing else seemed to matter its addictive, your probably not going to want to put it down, and that's the thing about 5 ⭐ books you'd rather miss a meal or miss 💤 😴 sleep rather than put them down. That's why this gets all 5 stars i hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

I absolutely loved this book. It is so well written and had me hooked from the beginning. Although I worked out was happening quite early on, it didn’t stop me reading this book in 2 days. I highly recommend this book , you won’t be disappointed.

Fern and Rose are twins. As children they were inseparable and as adults Fern is almost dependent on her sister.
Both sisters have their own issues to contend with, which have implications for the story as it unravels. Told by Fern as narrator, and in flashback through journal form by Rose, the story develops when Fern realised that her sister is struggling to conceive and that just maybe, Fern could do something to help her sister out....
A new author for me and one that I will now be looking out for. A rollercoaster of a read that kept me guessing all the way through.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review.

Wow, you will not believe this book. Rose and Fern are twins and would do anything for each other and love each other. Read their story from childhood to today. But then everything begins to change when Rose wants a baby but not in the way you may think.

i have read other books by sally hepworth which i loved so i had to read this one. i honestly related so much to fern when she describes her job at the library - i feel exactly the same with certain customers! as the story progressed, i figured out pretty quick that fern is on the autism spectrum. i found it fascinating to see how fern deals with various situations that she ends up in - especially with the story written in both sisters perspectives. overall, i thoroughly enjoyed this book and the psychology behind the characters.

thank you to netgalley and hodder & stoughton for the advanced copy of this book.

Rose and Fern are twin sisters. Rose is the protective sister. Fern is the one that needs protecting. The story draws you in straight away as you get a glimpse of a childhood memory through Rose, shes having therapy and has to write things down. Whilst camping as 12 year olds Rose leaves Fern and their future step brother alone while she answers the call of nature. She returns to find him floating in the river beside Fern.

I was totally hooked from the beginning and enjoyed watching the story play out. It's a rather dark and gripping book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's my first book by this author but it won't be my last.

A captivating, entailing story from the off. Fern and Rose are twins. Fern, an intriguing and endearing character, has sensory processing difficulties and Rose has always prided herself on being Rose's protector but as Fern moves towards a life of independence the line between the sisters' relationship blurs.
A brilliant read, thanks to netgalley for the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sally Hepworth does it again! I devoured this book in one sitting and ended up not getting to sleep until late as a consequence. This is a great domestic noir and I was thrilled to discover a neurodivergent protagonist who wasn’t a rain man style savant. Fern is an instantly likeable character and as I’m also neurodiverse with sensory processing issues I could relate to her in many ways. I don’t know what experience Hepworth has with autism but she did a really good job here.
Fern’s twin sister Rose is from the outset, a puzzle. She seems to be the victim of a terrible childhood and now in a marriage she knows is failing because of her increasing desperation to conceive which should make the reader sympathetic to her, but something about her just didn’t feel warm and natural like Fern did. This is cleverly written by Hepworth as we soon find out that everything is not what it seems with Rose so the seeds have been very carefully sown with skilled writing.
Wally is undoubtedly the best ‘Prince Charming’ of any book I’ve read for a long time and seeing Fern blossom with him is really lovely. The supporting cast of characters at the library are also well drawn and likeable and the love of reading shines through in every scene there.
Although I figured out fairly quickly what was going on I was still turning pages at speed racing to find out what would happen in the end. The end when it comes could be said to be sentimental and a bit unadventurous but it was perfect as Fern deserves nothing less.

The Other Sister - Sally Hepworth

The only book by Sally Hepworth I've read previously was The Family Next Door, which
I thoroughly enjoyed, so was looking forwards to reading another one.

I mainly read Psychological Thrillers and Crime, but am very open to this kind of 'sunny domestic-noir'.

The story of two twins, Rose and Fern. Fern has some form of autistic spectrum sensory overload issue and takes things very literally. Fern's is the main narrative, which is based in the present.

Rose's contribution comes in the form of a journal, documenting their childhood and unstable home life . We learn early on that the twins were involved in the drowning of a boy they were camping with.

Most of the book covers Fern's daily life and struggles, working as a Librarian and trying to cope, it is sensitive, tender and often very funny. I wasn't gripped, but was contentedly entertained.

Things get a lot more involved and tense in the last third which I found gripping, tense and very, very moving.

One of those you can't say too much about without hinting at spoilers, but it is very cleverly constructed and extremely well told. Ever so readable and highly recommended.

Totally had me hooked. This is about two sisters who are twins, and you read the diary of one and the other part is real time. It goes between them and you think one is a better sister.....but which one really is good.
It's a unique storyline and I loved it .
Sally Hepworth is a fantastic writer who knows how to get the readers gripped
Can't wait to read more
Thank you NetGalley

I couldn’t put this book down and read it in 1 night! I was really impressed with the way various mental health and learning difficulties were portrayed in the book. Also it was good how the author showed different ways they were combatting this and how they acknowledged they made mistakes in social communications. I also enjoyed the love story intertwined with the story between Fern and ‘Wally’, her sister Rose and her mother. It was great the way her feelings were explored and how she felt about each person. Loved the ending, really wrapped everything up and left me feeling satisfied.

This is my second Sally Hepworth novel and I have got the rest lined up ready to go .
This tale grabbed me on the first page and didn't let go till the last .
Fern and Rose are twins -inseparable all their lives . Now Fern has had a taste of independence - and she quite likes it . However Rose isn't sure -Fern has a few problems going on and she isn't sure she can handle too much . And Rose has always protected her ....
Two sisters -very different -but who is the good sister ??

Loved It !

Thankyou NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review

There are some books you cannot put down, this was one of them. If you like dysfunctional, toxic, old fashioned good versus evil The Good Sister is a great book for you! Sally Hepworth has cleverly captured two very compelling personalities in the sisters Rose and Fern as their story unfolds. No spoilers, you need to read this to the end that you won't see coming!

Sister relationships can be very complicated and are not usually something I enjoy reading about, as I prefer a plot with a wider lens rather than an intense focus on just two females and ideally a novel with an evocative, glamorous setting. I am glad, however, that I made an exception for Sally Hepworth’s latest novel ….as this exception was well worth it!

'The Good Sister' is about Fern and Rose, non-identical twins in their late twenties who each deal with serious issues. Rose, a diabetic, has become her sister’s protector because Fern struggles a sensory processing issues that leave her unable to cope in many day-to-day situations, although she is highly thought of and appreciated in her librarian job. As well as looking out for her sister now, we learn that Rose also covered for Fern during a terrible childhood event that neither sister has yet recovered from, and that both girls are traumatised by their dysfunctional childhood at the hands of their hostile, narcissistic mother. But was the past exactly like the sisters make out and is the present really like Rose describes it in her journal?
Even if you would not normally consider a domestic thriller, I suggest you pick up this one – you may well find you are hooked! Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for this honest and unbiased review.

Thoroughly enjoyed this and how twisted it was, well worth reading as you will get sucked straight into the story!

The good sister is a brilliant emotive domestic thriller that will draw you in and keep you guessing right until the end!
The power and intensity of fraternal twins bonds, one twin having a sensory processing disorder the other being the protector, where do these roles end and start??
Fern and Rose are twins that have a very intimate, close almost suffocating relationship forged from childhood due we are led to believe from their upbringing! Now as adults Fern is functioning well,working, sticking to her routines and rituals but Rose who likes to be needed,wanted is faltering and needs to come up with a plan to make Fern ever more reliant upon her!
What follows is a twisty, emotive, thrilling read that will enthrall you to the end!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

This book is absolutely fantastic! I literally could not put it down. It is a beautifully written story about twin sisters who couldn't be more different. There is some humour throughout the story which makes it heart warming but then it takes a dark, mysterious turn. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!
Without a doubt I will be recommending this book to family and friends. If you are unsure whether this book is for you, definitely read it! I have never read any of Sally Hepworth's books before but after reading this I will be purchasing her others. She has an great way of writing which flows and her descriptions of the characters were perfect.
By the end of this book I had no questions about particular characters and there were no "loose ends." There's nothing worse than getting to the end of a book and not having questions answered. I have no faults or criticisms at all with this book. A thrilling story with an excellent ending.
Thank you to Sally Hepworth, Net Galley and Hodder and Stoughton for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Every so often a book pops into my Kindle (thank you NetGalley!) that I just adore.

This one such book. Beautifully written, wonderful story told with humour and style.

I can't think how I've never heard of Sally Hepworth before, I'm certainly going to read everything she's written before.

I read this book in two sittings (would have been one but the family needed feeding). Really great feel-good book.

Gosh I don’t know where to start as so many other reviewers have said it already. So to back them up I agree with the sentiment of not only the majority but all reviewers. This was an excellent, satisfying read about twins Rose and Fern. Rose, an interior designer has a charmed life with a loving husband and a successful business. To the outside world she has everything but appearances can be deceiving. What they desperately want is a child and that is where her sister Fern comes in. Shy quiet, Fern spends her days hiding behind the safety of her job at the local library. She sees a chance to give back all the protection and caring that she has received from Rose, recruiting new friend, Rocco or Wally, who, is going to help her to do that. This was certainly an original storyline which I thoroughly enjoyed. Miss Hepworth can’t go wrong and always delivers.

This book kept me guessing until the end so much do I stayed up very late to finish it! I loved the twist in the story and I got really invested in the characters. Such a clever plot and I’ve already recommended this fantastic book to friends, family and my book group. Thank you for the opportunity to provide an honest review.

I found this a refreshing and interesting read. Twins Rose and Fern are so different. They are wired so differently, see their pasts in such different ways and live their present lives with a different code of conduct. This gives us not only an observance of human nature but also an element of a psychological thriller.
From the start I really took to Fern. She is refreshingly different and likeable. I found myself rooting for her from early on and so want a good life for her. The book is not long and I read it in two days. Most enjoyable!

I cannot stress enough how much I loved the story of Fern and Rose. The portrait of Fern as someone with high functioning autism was brilliant; I became so engrossed in her character. It was a superbly written story of love, psychological abuse and bravery, I cannot wait for Sally to write her next book.

Well, this was amazing! I have a particular penchant for books that have elements of disturbing/dysfunctional family relationships and The Good Sister has it in spades.

The story is centred on twins Rose and Fern who are as dissimilar as can be. Rose is the responsible, married sister with a high-flying job while Fern is a quirky librarian with a sensory processing disorder. Rose spent much of her childhood protecting none-the-wiser Fern from their sociopathic mother until the day she overdosed and they were sent to foster homes - but just before that happened, Fern did something very bad and Rose has spent the rest of her life guarding her sister’s secret and continuing to protect her into adulthood. However when Fern decides to help Rose achieve her sought after dream of a baby, she starts to uncover some of Rose’s own secrets, secrets that throw everything she’s known and relied on up in the air.

This book really touched me, I think because I really empathised with Fern as a character. Due to her sensory processing issues, she can’t live a typically ‘normal’ life and has relied on Rose since they were children. When that very close bond begins to crack, Fern’s carefully structured life starts to unravel and it was painful to read her warring thoughts when she is questioning the loyalty of the sister she has held in such high esteem for so long.

I really enjoyed that the story was written from both Fern in her monologue and Rose in the form of journal entries, the conflict between the twins’ personalities and characters was so intriguing. At first I was absolutely convinced that Rose was a good sister and was always looking out for Fern but as the story unfolded, I started to doubt Rose and her motives. Naturally I rooted for Fern as she is portrayed as the underdog but is clearly such a genuine and honest person and I loved the careful relationships she formed with the people in her life - especially Wally/Rocco and her library colleagues.

I think this book is beautifully written - it’s heartbreaking and there are twists at every corner that took my breath away but it thankfully ends on a high. From the fast-paced tension to the tender, sweet moments and everything in between, The Good Sister was a definite 5 star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Plot:
I found it really refreshing to read a thriller that didn’t have an obvious crime to solve or a ‘whodunnit’ that needed to be uncovered. This was a creative storyline and one that I really enjoyed. At certain points I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen or where the story was leading to, but the characters definitely helped in this situation, as I was invested enough in them to see it through (in fact I could have happily just read a day in the life of Fern). The dynamic surrounding sisters is something that is definitely 'thriller-esque' and I thought that this book negotiated the complicated relationship between siblings and the rivalry they can harness beautifully. I also enjoyed the dual-perceptions within this book as the author used these to delicately-place information that became the foundations of suspicion and distrust.

Characters:
For me, the character description and development were the highlight of this book. All of the characters were eerily realistic, and it was obvious that the author took a lot of time and care when researching their characters. Fern was adorable! I don’t know if I have ever rooted for a character more, but her view of life was the refreshing tonic I needed. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters throughout the story as they added humour and stability for both Fern and the book overall. I definitely felt uneasy around a certain character throughout this book and this did ring true in the end. However, I was I was still shocked at the twists throughout and I really didn’t see them coming. Although this book did not seem to have an ultimate ‘whodunnit’ I did go back several times to re-read extracts as there were many twists and half-truths to negotiate and take into consideration.

Ending comment:

This was a book about perception and how easy it can be to obscure your own memories, as people will always see themselves as the ‘good guy’ when they only listen to their side of the story. Simply put, I really enjoyed reading this book and I did not want to put it down. It is very rare that you find a comfortable read in my genre of choice and this was definitely that. I found myself smiling at almost all of Fern’s interactions and I was really looking forward to being immersed in her world again every time I opened the book. This will definitely be one of my reads of the year.

Wow, what a fantastic read this was.
Two sisters Rose and Fern, twins but totally different. Fern is on the spectrum and has sensory issues.
Rose is always trying to protect Fern and at times this does annoy her. Something happened when they were children and Fern believes it was her fault.
Fern realises that Rose cannot have children so decides to get pregnant and have a child for her.
This is so cleverly written as we feel how Fern deals with her life, her job and emotions.
Rose's part is written as a journal.
As I work with children with SEND it was very insightful to how they process everything. It really makes you think how they deal with everyday life that we take for granted.
I loved the ending, a total surprise.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder&Stoughton for the ARC

What a superb read. I was suckered in from page one. This starts as the story of two sisters, their upbringing and how they look after each other. Rose comes across as a kind sister who is always looking out for her sister’s wellbeing. Fern comes across as a lovely young lady who can be easily manipulated due to the fact that she obviously has some form of autism/Asperger’s. This is a brilliant read and I couldn’t put it down. The ending did not disappoint either!!

A great book that had me feeling a mixture of different emotions suspense and frustration at times I found myself having to take a break from reading to calm down I was that engrossed

What an amazing story!!! I absolutely loved it. This book was so enjoyable and so cleverly written. There were moments that had me laughing out loud and moments where I felt so utterly upset for the characters. Sally Hepworth certainly knows how to move our emotions with this wonderful story.

This is a story about fraternal twin sisters, Rose and Fern. Fern suffers from sensory issues and Rose has always been the one that has been there for Fern to rely on, to help Fern cope when situations become too much for her. When Fern learns that Rose is unable to conceive a child that she so longs for, Fern sets out to get pregnant and give her sister the baby she desires. When Fern meets Wally (Rocco), she gets more than she bargained for. She thought she just wanted to find someone to impregnate her but instead finds a man that comes to mean so much to her. The two have the sweetest romance and you just can’t help but be swept away by their relationship. Things take a change of course when Rose begins to get involved. I don’t want to say more than that about the plot because it was such an entertaining read that I don’t want to spoil it for anyone else.

This is such an incredible story and I really hope that it gets the attention and admiration it deserves. It’s got everything in it from suspense, mystery and romance. The character descriptions are so well written, I can picture each and every one of them so clearly especially Fern with her goggles and headphones on, wearing her brightly coloured clothes. I’m hoping it will be a Goodreads favourite this year as it will certainly get my vote. Super high recommendation from me for this one!!!

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the privilege of reading this book early with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really good gripping thriller, easy to read, great storyline about a relationship between two sisters. I really enjoyed this book, and would thoroughly recommend.

This is the most gripping book I've read in a very long time. Following the story of Fern, and her twin sister Rose, and Roses struggle to have a child. Even though Fern has sensory issues she is sure she can have a child for her twin sister, especially as her sister has looked after her their whole life. This story masterfully shows us their past and present, and takes us on a gripping ride through a year of their lives. I don't want to give anything away and spoil the story but I can promise you that once you start reading you just won't be able to put it down. This is the best book I've read this year, it kept me guessing right the way through, and to be able to do that is absolutely worth 5 stars. If you want a book that you just can't put down then this si the book for you.

I loved this book. It follows twin sisters Rose and Fern. The reader gets insights into their pay from Rose's diary entries. We follow Fern in real time. Seemingly devoted sisters. What would you do for the sister you love? Faith has sensory issues so tends to be introverted and keeps herself to herself. She works in a library which she adores, though she tries to keep contact with her co-workers to a minimum. Determined to have a baby for her sister who cannot conceive she meets Wally. What starts out as a cunning plan soon dissolves as they get on well, he understands her limitations and they have great sex! Faith becomes pregnant and from then on she is conflicted, to follow her heart or her sister whom she trusts to have her back? Lots of unexpected turns in this enjoyable book.

I loved this book, a real page turner.
This is a tale of fraternal twins, Fern and Rose. Fern is neuro diverse and has sensory issues and Rose, the caring sister who is there for her, protecting her from their mum's rages, and when the world becomes too much.
The story is told in real time by Fern and the past by Rose in a series of journal entries.
It is refreshing to have a neuro diverse main character. Seeing the world through Fern's eyes and ears will enable more understanding of every day challenges that people with sensory issues have. It also explores how people's understanding can enable them to try new experiences or stop them because you want to protect them. A dilemma that most parents will be familiar with.

My first Sally Hepworth and I loved it. It was so different from what I expected. Come to think if it, I don’t really know what I expected. Sally Hepworth takes us into the mind of a woman with sensory issues and shows how it’s possible to overcome them. But this book is much more than that. Part suspense, part family drama. It just blew me away.

I loved the characters in this book twin sisters Fern and Rose. Rose being the more dominant sister.
When Fern finds out that Rose couldn't have children of her own Fern decided that the best way to help her sister is to have one for her the only problem is Fern doesn't have a man in her life.
When a stranger comes into the library where Fern works she immediately thinks he is homeless and looks like Wally from the children's books and starts calling that name in fact his real name is Rocco and Fern asks him out on a 'date '.
When Fern becomes pregnant she denies that the child is his and under Rose's control she ends her relationship with him.
But all is not what it seems . Can Fern find out the truth about her sister before it's to late?

Wow! I loved this book. A psycho-thriller that kept me thoroughly entertained from start to end.

This was the second book I have read by this author and once again 5 stars from me!

This book is about twin sisters Rose and Fern. Fern suffers from sensory-processing issues and can even have sensory meltdowns. A few examples to better understand her: she cannot read people's faces, takes everything very literally, misses social cues and does not like to be touched. Her twin knows her like no other so has always been there to protect her and help her out. Fern is quirky, but seems really sweet at the same time, a bit childlike. Rose is the complete opposite. At the start of the book she is married and seems like the calm stable character, mothering Fern, but as the story goes on you start to wonder if there is more to her. There are some great twists and lots of drama.

I don't want to say anymore for fear of spoiling it for others.
It was simply great and I highly recommend it!

Absolutely loved this book. A stunning read with really diverse and interesting characters. I was captivated from the start and enjoyed the plot twists.

This book is guilty of destroying my sleep! I literally couldn't stop reading ! Chilling, mind bending, slickly woven physiological thriller. Anyone who has grown up with siblings knows no two truths or recollections are the same . This is certainly true of twin sisters Rose and Fern . Rose has apparently protected her sister (who is on the spectrum) all their lives, from their cruel, abusive mother, their mother's, boyfriends and even from her own failings . But all is not as it seems in this fiendishly clever book. I don't want to spoil the reader's enjoyment by issuing spoilers but I urge everyone to grab a copy for yourselves asap! Brilliant!

Wow, this had me on the edge of my seat from a couple of chapters in. I was hooked! I honestly had book hangover after this. This is my first book from Sally Hepworth but most certainly not my last.

The character development throughout the book was mind boggling. I found myself feeling how I imagined the characters to feel; I was shouting at the book and in some aspects, my heart was being pulled.

Definitely a run of emotions, I loved how you can tell Rose is the good big sister, taking care of everyone and her sister Fern who has issues probably from previous childhood memories which are touched on throughout the book.

Thank you so much Sally and Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review. 5* from me!

A story about 2 sisters. 1 with a seemingly perfect life but is desperate for a baby and another who is aloof, particular and quirky- complete opposites. It’s twisty and keeps you guessing with a great ending really enjoyed this book 5 stars!

This was such an engrossing read. Fern adores her twin sister Rose and decides to give her a baby, when she discovers that Rose can’t have one. Fern is a wonderful character and it’s easy to relate to her. Rose is the ‘sorted’ married sister who has always looked out for Fern, protecting her from their manipulative mother and a terrible incident in their childhood. But all is not what it seems. The narrative is brilliantly twisty and I couldn’t put the book down! I so enjoyed reading about Fern’s relationship with Wally and her growing friendship with her colleagues at the library. There’s so much to delight the reader in this book. Five stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving ARC in exchange my honest review.
This story is an excellent case study in vulnerability. It’s also a cautionary tale about hidden depths and dangerous minds. It’s a wonderful novel with lots of surprises and twists. The plot is fresh and so compelling as right from the outset. The characters are well developed and the storyline was great. The twisted where not super big, but they where really good. It has you completely HOOKED! As the story had me anxious and chilled, for what happened next. I loved everything about this book. It has been perfectly written and just flows so well. A very engaging story unfolded that kept me tethered close to the end. I love Sally Hepworth writing style. Furthermore, I was never bored and so invested in the story. I couldn't put it down till the end. This book deserves the highest praise and all of the stars!

Fern and Rose are twins and we hear from Rose's point of view about the terrible childhood they had with their mother who is now in a care home. She was petty and vindictive ,a true horror . Rose has always taken care of her sister as Fern has lots of issues where she needs to be reassured byRose.
Fern doesn't like loud noises of bright lights or certain smells and has difficulty understanding what people want from her. She has a set routine working in a library and going to Rose's house for dinner on the same nights every week. Rose is desperate for a a baby with her husband Owen but has recently been told it's not possible . Fern decides she will get pregnant and give Rose the baby but first she has to find someone to sleep with.
This was quite a rollercoaster of a read as I didn't know who was telling the truth throughout the book.
I loved the addition of Rocco the American boy who seemed to be on the same wavelength as Fern. Fern's fellow library workers were somewhat in the background but they did add a lot to the story. It was lovely when the finally realized what Fern needed to get her through each day easily.
I haven't read anything from this author until this one but I'll be looking for more of her books.

Oh, The Good Sister is a very unsettling novel.

There is a lot of unreliable narration going on, but it is difficult at first to see just exactly who is the one who is not telling the truth.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves thrillers.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book

where to start with this book...its difficult without giving away to many spoilers, but its based on twin girls and their mother and through roses diary we get a hint of what their lives were like growing up

rose and fern are twin sisters, with fern being special needs, which we learn more about as the story goes on and how rose looks after fern to the point of taking over in all aspects of her life, but life is easier for fern with rose in control


its a captivating storyline and once you are hooked you are there right to the end... how one sister will do all they can for the other

cant wait for the next book from this author

Absolutely loved this! The story is narrated from two sides, from a set of twins. Indeed there is two sides to each story! With a few twists and turns , you be hooked till the end!

Totally immersive, cleverly composed. I couldn’t put this book down. Entertaining with a perceptive insight to the struggles of living with autism. Brilliant characters with a gripping plot. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time and I’ll be telling all my friends to read it!

Wow where do I start with this book without giving anything away.
Fern is a loveable character and with having sensory problems she relies on her twin sister Rose to always put things right, take care of her and keep her secrets but is she really looking out for Fern or for herself?

When Fern finds out that her sister Rose can’t have a baby she thinks it’s the right thing to do to get pregnant and have one for her, after all Rose does so much for her. As the story is told Fern is not quite sure who her sister really is and the lengths she will go to to get what she wants.

I was absolutely hooked on this book from the beginning and can’t wait to read another by Sally Hepworth.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy in return for my honest review.

Found this book to be a bit of a slow starter but after a few chapters ..wow . It really took off. The story centres around fraternal twins Fern and Rose and their relationship with their Mum. As the story emerges you gradually learn about events in their lives from the perspective of each sister. Really enjoyed this book and would love to read more by this author.

Another great story from Sally Hepworth full of sibling drama and suspense. A very engaging read with a good pace and a plot that is very well threaded together.

All of the characters are interesting and well developed by the author, but I must single out Fern as being the overriding favourite for me. Sally Hepworth has portrayed Fern’s sensory processing issues in such a wonderful and entertaining way. Some of the things Fern says are incredibly ‘witty’ that I found myself smiling often whilst reading and almost laughing aloud.

The Good Sister is the second Sally Hepworth novel I have read and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton for an advance digital copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sally Hepworth and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC of The Good Sister (released 15/4/21)

“Maybe when it comes to sisters, boundaries are always a little blurry. Blurred boundaries, I think are what sisters do best,"

I absolutely loved this book. The perfect blend of thriller and family drama with empathetic characters who draw you in from the outset. Fern has quickly become one of my favourites!

Fern and Rose are fraternal twin sisters and thick as thieves, having grown up with a seemingly unloving mother and her abusive partner. Fern has sensory processing issues and is on the autism spectrum and as such, Rose has always been her protector – whether it’s from shielding her from loud noises, busy places or simply helping her navigate through her very literal understanding of the world. Rose has even protected her from her past – never telling a soul what happened that fateful day when they were 12 when Fern killed Billy. She held him down under the water until he stopped breathing. It’s their little secret.

The Good Sister is told through two perspectives, Rose – via her therapist journal describing the past and Fern, very much describing the present. I instantly felt sympathy for Rose. Due to her sister’s condition her Mother always seemed to love Fern more, Rose always had to cover for her and always got the blame. She was sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend and even now as a grown up she can’t get the only thing her heart desires – a child of her own.

Fern decides she owes it to her sister to give her the child that she craves so badly. After all how hard can it be? She’s had sex before and it wasn’t so bad. Now she has to just find a willing participant.

What follows is a truly captivating story. I fell in love with Fern and her innocence, her literal understandings and love of routine. I found myself smiling at the thought of her and Wally (Rocco), and her finding ‘her person’.

This book starts of slow, drawing you in, gaining your investment into the characters and then really ramps up in the second half, to the darker, more thrilling and dramatic elements at the end. The ending was full of twists and dramatic reveals with a truly climatic ending.

Sally has written an intelligent and sympathetic coverage of learning disabilities and some hard hitting topics in a way that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

5 stars from me.

I was up until the early hours reading this as I couldn't put it down. What an incredible story. It was a little slow to get going but that was okay as I loved Fern and her innocent and delightful view of the world. I laughed out loud at a few things Fern said and did. It took a turn for the dark and twisty though and then the story unfolded and twisted again at the end. A fantastic read.

Rose and Fern. Fraternal twins whose lives are bonded so closely together you don’t know where one begins and the other ends. As a non identical twin myself I was drawn to this novel like a moth to a flame, fascinated by the uniqueness of the dynamic that exists between two people born only minutes apart. As the older twin, my sister, like Rose, was my protector, mothering me whilst I was quite content to remain in her shadow and it’s a role that once adopted is hard to shake off. Dominance can be part and parcel of being a twin with one leading the way through childhood, laying down and enforcing the rules of play with the other one following, desperate to maintain harmony. Basically you quickly realise to go along with whatever your dominant twin suggests, because that to you is normal and Rose and Fern are no different. Being a twin creates complicated feelings of love and loyalty that outsiders can’t comprehend but as I immersed myself in Rose and Fern’s story I totally understood why Fern would feel obligated to her sister in her hour of need. In the telling of their story, Sally Hepworth has excelled at recognising this strange phenomenon together with the extraordinary way in which memories, perspectives of situations and even those closest to you can differ so wildly. She has created a compelling piece of fiction with beguiling, bewitching characters, that I found impossible to put down. Having never read a book by this author until now, I was impressed by her perception of this special form of sibling relationship, weaving it into a narrative that is full of surprises. Experiencing sorrow, hatred and anger alongside laughter, shock, disbelief and joy The Good Sister is a brilliant, well written novel that deserves to find its way onto your bookshelves.

Rose recounts her version of their childhood and current life via her diary whilst Fern, offers up her own distinctive perspective of then and now. Married to Owen and desperate to become pregnant Rose gains your sympathy and your attention with tales from the past denoted by its unhappiness. Living with a seemingly unmaternal mother, it’s distressing to read of a childhood that’s far from idyllic, filling me with a rage that was difficult to quell. As witnesses to a tragic event whilst they are still quite young and impressionable, the twins are bound together in adulthood in an intensely close relationship that others may find stifling and suffocating, a relationship that is further complicated by the fact Fern isn’t neurotypical. Lying somewhere on the autistic spectrum, hating loud noises, bright lights, smells and craving routine,the fairly inflexible Fern has become Rose’s shadow with Rose naturally assuming the role of protector. Protecting them both from a mother who is terrifying one minute and indifferent the next is the only way to survive, the pair battling with her mood swings and unpredictability, raised to live a rather haphazard lifestyle, constantly on the move and sofa surfing for a large part of their younger years. The only place that has ever really felt like home, particularly for Fern is the public library where she now works as a librarian and whilst the majority of people fail to understand her odd behaviour, Fern lives a relatively ordinary life, albeit heavily dependent upon her sister whom she trusts implicitly. I loved the focus on this place where Fern feels safe and happy, yet it is her literal take on the world and those around her that makes her such an endearing character. You cannot fault her logic which whilst outside the bounds of ‘normal’ thinking is refreshing, funny delightful and so entertaining!(just don’t mention the photocopiers!) She’s a character you will love with all your heart, especially when her world expands to include Wally (Rocco Ryan) who opens Fern’s eyes to possibilities of a more independent life, challenging her view of her differences which don’t necessarily need to hold her back. Both characters add sunshine and a breath of fresh air to a narrative that celebrates uniqueness and over the course of events it’s wonderful to witness Fern finding acceptance amongst her colleagues, realising how loved and valued she truly is,warts and all. This heavy emphasis on two equally adorable characters lulls you into a false sense of security but wait because just around the corner lurks a dark and menacing cloud. A storm is brewing in which ugly truths, formerly buried in the past are about to be artfully revealed, shifting the focus from one sister to the other.

I cannot fault the author for misleading her readers with a storyline that loses its warmth and innocence part way through, morphing into something else entirely. This is a clever piece of manipulation, forcing you to question the reliability of everything you’ve just read yet increasing your levels of engagement for reasons you don’t anticipate. Brilliantly executed, with characters that are beautifully and carefully crafted, Sally Hepworth had me eating out of the palm of her hand. I didn’t want to reach the end but my fingers, itching to turn the pages, had other ideas! Highly recommend and as always my thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

Rose and Fern are fraternal twins, they're different in every way possible. Since they were small Rose has always been Fern's protector, years ago Fern did something terrible and Rose has always kept her secret. As adults Rose is sensible and responsible, she's Fern's rock and emergency contact as Fern often finds the world overwhelming with sensory difficulties and misunderstanding social norms. When Fern learns that her sister can't have a baby she decides she'll become Rose's surrogate to repay her for everything she's done. Things aren't as simple as Fern foresees them to be though...

"Sisterly relationships are so strange in this way. The way I can be mad at her but still want to please her. Be terrified of her but also want to run to her. Hate her and love her at the same time. Maybe when it comes to sisters, boundaries are always a little blurry. Blurred boundaries, I think. are what sisters do best,"

I cannot begin to put into words how much I enjoyed this book. This isn't just a psychological, domestic thriller its a heart warming book featuring what has to be one of my favourite characters of all time, I absolutely adore Fern. Sally Hepworth has done a magical thing in creating a novel that both had my stomach tied in knots and heart warmed whilst on the same page. It's fast paced with twists and turns and fully developed characters that I cared about and didn't want to put down. This was my first Hepworth read and I will definitely be reading all of her books now. I can't recommend this book more.

Thank you so much Hodder & Stoughton for my copy. It's available in the UK from 15/04/21.

Wow, just wow! A five star thriller based upon Fern, who is now undoubtedly one of my favourite characters of recent times.

Fern and Rose are twins, who we learn had a difficult childhood with a borderline psychopathic mother, and they share in a terrible secret. Fern is a neurodiverse character, as she has autism, and she relies on Rose a lot. Rose is having marriage and fertility problems, so Fern wants to repay Rose by being her surrogate. The book is told from the perspectives of both twins, interchangeably.

What ensues is completely gripping, shocking, edge-of-your-seat reading, and I defy anyone not to be rooting for Fern!

An amazing book, my first by Sally Hepworth, but certainly not my last. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I loved this engrossing story of twin sisters with a slightly different take on their upbringing. Well written and thought provoking I was impressed with how sensory issues were portrayed and explained.

What a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish.
Seen through the eyes of Fern and the journal of Rose, the relationship between the twin sisters is revealed to the reader. I don't want to say too much about the storyline and give anything away as the way it progresses is subtle and clever and a pleasure to read.
The characterisation of Fern is such that you can't fail to like her and it shows a real understanding of her issues. I worked for many years with children with sensory processing difficulties and it was interesting seeing this from the other side as it were.
This book ticked all the boxes for me including empathetic characters and a storyline that kept you reading. I've not read any books by this author, indeed I don't know if there are any others, but based on this book I'm going to read any available.
I don't give many 5 star ratings, 4 is a good read for me, I save 5 for a really great read and this was certainly that. Highly recommended.

This is a wonderful book. I am a twin and found it very interesting, the story was good and I had no idea of what the outcome would be . It is well written and the characters are believable. It’s an easy read and i would recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
This is my first read by Sally Hepworth and I absolutely loved it, I will definitely be buying more of her work.
This story covers twin sisters Fern & Rose and switches between Ferns narrative and Rose’s journal entries. There are definite Eleanor Oliphant vibes to the story and I feel the author covered mental health in a really sensitive and relatable way. She shows how vulnerable people with mental health can be and how they can be taken advantage of by the ones that you would least expect.
I read this book in a day, I just couldn’t put it down! It’s compelling, with some great characters and great twists. Definitely recommend it!

This book turned out to be a real page turner. At first I found it a bit slow but after awhile I got into it a I flew through it. I really enjoyed it. It was my first book by Sally Hepworth so I’m pleased I enjoyed it in the end. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Fern and Rose are twins they don‘t look alike and certainly have different personalities, one is quirky and the other more considered. They live together with their mother and her on-off boyfriends.
Both of them have varying opinions on occurrences and they are keeping a horrible secret. Which version can we trust?
In adulthood it turns out that Rose is not able to get pregnant. So her sister decides that she will find herself a man, surprise her with her pregnancy and give the baby to her. But soon Fern starts to feel love towards the baby and is not so sure anymore, if she give her one and only to her sister. Furthermore the past is catching up with them and nothing is like it seems.

Sally Hepworth is getting better and better with each book 📚. This was such a high tension, enthralling, claustrophobic, leaving you breathless and speechless kind of read. I loved it and couldn’t put it away. I had to devour it in one unrelenting, nerve-stretching sitting. Fern and Wally are what you call relationship goals, they are so meticulously cute together. I wish I could read more about them.

„The Good Sister“ is the type of book, you wish never ended and will stay in your heart forever ♾. If you like thrillers from Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen your place to go is Sally Hepworth.

Thank you NetGalley / Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with this exceptionally good arc in exchange for my honest review.

An engrossing and suspenseful drama about secrets, lies and the complicated bond between sisters

This is a story about twin sisters and their bond,
This is a story about childhood trauma,
This is a story about what it's like to be on the Autistic spectrum, with Sensory Processing Disorder,
This is a story about boundaries,
This is a story which asks what makes a good sister?

It's been a long time since I devoured this book in a day, and stayed up very late to finish it, but The Good Sister was such an entertaining page turner, that I just couldn't help myself! This book had got a lot of hype from my GR friends, so I am so happy that it lived up to, and exceeded my expectations!

So how can a book be a twisty drama, which filled me with a sense of foreboding and unease also be so heart-warming and wonderful? I'm not sure how Sally Hepworth managed to achieve this, but she did! I was addicted to this nail-biting story, and felt deeply worried about the vulnerability of one of the characters, and the danger that they possibly faced, and yet smiled at the humour, the romance and the lovely characters!

The Good Sister was so well written, it just flowed incredibly well, weaving together so many issues in a remarkable and sensitive way. I enjoyed the contrast of the chapters, written from one sister Rose's POV in the form of her diary, with some flashbacks to their childhood, and from her twin sister's POV as the narrator. It was emotional reading about these characters, and trust me, the characters definitely make this book!

Rose, the sensible, protective, responsible sister, who takes care of her twin, supports her and is her person.
Fern, the innocent, quirky sister, with a heart of gold, who has to have a routine, misunderstands social norms, and has several sensory difficulties.
These characters had me caring about them, invested in them, rooting for them! The character growth was amazing throughout the story, and I relished in it! The dynamics between the sisters as they grew up, and as their lives evolved was so fascinating.

I adored the library setting, where Fern worked, and the secondary characters whom I met there.

Did I have an inkling where this book was going? YES! It did have a little predictability that seasoned thriller readers will figure out. Did this affect my enjoyment? HELL NO! I delighted in every step of the journey!

I'm not going to say too much about the plot because it was wonderful discovering it myself! And my review cannot do this lovely, yet dark book justice, but if you're looking for a quick and engaging suspense, which also has family drama, unreliable narrators, romance and some amazingly fleshed out characters, then give this one a go!

Twin sisters Fern and Rose are very close and live their lives relying on the other after a very difficult childhood. However, when they were young Fern did something very bad, and has been paying for it ever since. Things all change when she meets eccentric Rocco, life changes for Fern and therefore for Rose as well. This is a really intriguing book with fascinating characters, particularly the central character of Fern. Very original and a gripping read.

📚 The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. Publication Date 15th April 2021 📚

Rose & Fern are twin sisters. They have always had a close relationship, especially as their mum didn’t give them the life they deserved and could often be cruel. Once they are grown up, they are still close. Rose had discovered she can’t have a child with her husband and Rose offers to have a child for her.... this leads to Rose meeting Wally and things don’t go to plan! I loved the character Fern ..... I willed for her to do well in this book ❤️!!

I was out my comfort zone with this book as I’m usually a thriller/crime reader BUT I honestly loved this book. Thanks for allowing me to read an ARC.

#netgalley #thegoodsister #hodder #sallyhepworth

https://www.instagram.com/Bookstagramshaz

Fern needs to have a quiet life. She has sensory perception disorder and her job in the local library suits her perfectly. Her twin sister Rose is always on hand so what more does she need?
Rose appears to live a perfect life except for one thing, she can’t have the baby she desperately desires. Fern sees a way to pay her sister back for all her support.

Salt Hepworth has created a wonderful central character in Fern. Her ability to deal with situations outside her tightly controlled world are cleverly written and you become heavily invested in Fern’s life as she meets a man who has just as many issues with dealing the world as her. At its heart this is an intelligent lovely story, but also something much darker as the twins’ childhood is revealed and you begin to question whether Rose is everything that Fern believes she is.
This is a fabulous book by a very accomplished author, I raced though it and stayed up very late to finish it. Highly recommended.
Thank you to #netgalleyand #HodderBooks for allowing me to review this ARC

A clever well paced psychological thriller in disguise!!
The story of two sisters who share a secret but whose secret is it?
One sister is clearly "on the spectrum", one is "normal", they are unnaturally close some might say but who is dependent on who?
Rose longs for a baby but it is her sister Fern who is pregnant. Rose doesn't think Fern, due to her issues can handle a baby so who better to raise this child? After all Rose has always taken care of Fern, hasn't she??
A smart story that keeps you guessing all the way to the final page

I had never read a book by Sally Hepworth so when the opportunity arose I took it.

This was a really interesting story and I never really knew who was the culprit due to the way it was written from the different perspectives.

I so enjoyed introducing characters from the spectrum it was brilliant and I loved the idea of the library.

I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

Fern and Rose are twins but not identical. Fern seems to be on the autistic spectrum and Rose takes care of her even when they become adults. Their childhood wasn’t great with a mother who could have done more for the girls.

The pair are totally different Rose has diabetes and was nicknamed Rosie round by her mother and Fern is slender and willowy, their mother seems to have sociopathic tendencies and this does result in the girls having less than a nurturing childhood.
Fern is a librarian and a good one too and lives alone , Rose is married and is desperate for a baby but is unable to conceive.

Some of the narrative is from a journal written by Rose and this details their childhood and fills in the missing pieces or does it? We see life through the eyes of Fern too which is a sharp contrast.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the writing is easy to read and compelling. The characters have depth and the book had plenty of twists and turns and a gripping read.
A great read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this arc copy.

I read it in one sitting and then I read it again! This one has it all, yet nothing is quite as expected.

Stuffed inside this book and bursting from the pages are murder, betrayal, dysfunctional families, romance, pregnancy, workplace problems, difficult colleagues, mental health issues, broken relationships, genius, riches and a social, communication interaction disorder.

𝘐𝘵 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩, 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸, 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺

The plot is masterfully crafted, weaving together all of the above, without a loose end in sight..More, it meshes so beautifully that it appears as uncomplicated as a shopping list. It is an absolute work of genius and I am in total awe of the sheer brilliance.

It is well written and flows in a way that makes it incredibly easy to read. The multiple, potentially hazardous subjects are navigated with sensitivity and aplomb.

The characters are engaging and have real depth. The relationships between them are naturally grown, often full of flaws, and deliberately awkward moments that are incredibly endearing. Raw emotions, tender feelings and misunderstandings are depicted with a startling honesty and clarity, making it immensely relatable and truly touching.

This review doesn't come close to doing the book justice, though I can't praise it highly enough. More like this please

Fern and Rose are twin sisters with very different recollections of their past.
Fern is on the autistic spectrum with sensory processing disorder. She works in a library and her whole world revolves around her sister Rose. She thinks only Rose can understand her and help her with her issues. That's until she meets Wally (Rocco), a man with a similar condition to hers who helps her make small positive changes in her life. When Fern discovers Rose can't get pregnant, she decides to be the one that will carry her baby. But not everything is as simple as it seems...

This book was amazing! It was emotional, the relationships between the characters were brilliantly analysed, it really felt like I came to know them and care for them. It was cleverly built and I did not see the twists scattered around in the book. Unreliable narrators can be tricky and they don't always work, but in this case it was executed perfectly.

A definite 5 stars for me! Thank you NetGallery and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!! What a ride!! This is my first Sally Hepworth and it won't be the last. I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. This is written from both sisters, Rose and Fern's point of view, and I must say I loved Fern from the off. I can't write anything more other than it's a MUST READ. Very well written and I may have shed a little tear at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sally Hepworth and Hodden & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book I have read from this author and it won't be the last. I was gripped from the very beginning. I knew straight away that the relationship between the sisters was going to be different. I warmed to Fern so much, she is such a well written character. I love how she says exactly what she thinks, some lines made me laugh out loud. I adored Wally, another brilliant character who you just can't not love. The story had me on the edge of my seat and, without giving anything away, had me almost crying in parts. This is by far one of my favourite reads of the year and I can't wait to read more from this author.

One of the best books I’ve read recently. A gripping family drama that had me unable to put the book down.

Suffused with a niggling sense of foreboding, The Good Sister curls itself around you like a sea harr, teasing and caressing, then gripping you in its fist like a vise; its story and characters so compelling that everything else around you diminishes into insignificance.

Fern and Rose are 28 year-old fraternal twins. They’re close, unnaturally so. And they share a grim secret from their childhood that makes Fern indebted to her sister. So when Fern discovers that Rose can’t have the baby she longs for, she decides to have one for her. All she needs is a man.

The seductive power of this story lies in the characters of Rose and Fern, who are revealed, facet by fascinating facet, through their alternating voices. Fern as she goes about her job at the library, fighting to keep a grip on her autism, while exchanging bants (and more) with IT guru and camper van dweller Wally aka Rocco. Rose as she scribbles angry reminiscences in her journal about their shared childhood and controlling, unpredictable mother.

As the story — and the twins’ relationship — unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that something is a bit off kilter. That there are inconsistencies, hidden jealousies, and untruths. And that things are slowly spiraling out of control. And you start to wonder, who is the eponymous good sister? Is it Rose or Fern? And if there’s a good sister, does that mean the other one is bad?

I found this book utterly addictive. I loved all the characters (good and bad), the pressure cooker atmosphere and the skillfully constructed plot. And I loved Hepworth’s understanding of the sister dynamic:

“People without sisters think it’s all sunshine and lollipops or all blood and guts. But actually it’s always both […] The bad is as essential to the relationship as the good.”

How true. How very true.

A first-rate psychological thriller.

Full of humour, Absolutely loved this book a fantastic story well written and Asperger's very well portrayed.

Fern and Rose are twins with Fern having Asperger's and Rose being the one that holds the two together after they had a difficult childhood and the protector to Fern.
After Rose admits she can`t have children Fern volunteers to have a baby for her, she had looked it up and it seems easy to do though a bit untasteful.

But everything is not as it seems and Fern starts to question Rose`s protectiveness or is she controlling and manipulative.

The best book I have read in ages, just loved Fern would love a follow up book to find out how she went on, just can`t get enough.

Thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

The Good Sister - Sally Hepworth

Such a gripping read, a real page turner. The author has done an exceptional job at describing her characters and their personalities, I felt invested in their stories and was gagging to know the outcome. Loved the ending - it was totally unexpected for me (and I love that!!) Fern's personality had so much going for it, (again which I was so not expecting) I feel it's impossible for me to discuss the sister's relationship without giving away any spoilers, so all I'm going to say is....this really is a must read.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for accepting me to read and review this book.

Boom! Straight into my number one read of the year so far! Oh wow, I want to shout about this book, because it is terrific! The story follows twins that are nothing like each other, either in looks or character. Fern is tall and slender and works in the library, but she comes with problems, because she has trouble with sensory perception, unable to read people, and what they feel and has she has difficulty with noise. Rose, on the other hand, is short and dark and has been diagnosed with diabetes. She is organised and knows where her life is going. Rose always looks out for Fern.

From the first page where I met the twins, I was invested in their story, and there was no way that I was putting this book down for anything. I loved quirky Fern and how the people that worked with her accepted her for who she was. Every minute was a challenge, but her sister Rose had always been at her side, keeping her safe. Now Fern could pay her back, and she hatched a plan.

Oh boy, I thought this book couldn’t get better, but I was so wrong, this was a gem, a rough diamond that was truly priceless. New characters come into the story that just made my heart flip. While at the other end of the scale the story kept dropping back into the past. I cried ugly tears and loved every moment. Oops, there I go again while I am writing this!

I want to say soooooo much about the story, but I can’t, I just won’t. I laughed so much too, as the author caught every moment with perfection, and ensured that I cared about these people, and I did. It will be one of my come back to books, time and time again, no matter that I know the end and the future of these fabulous characters. I know that it will still knock me sideways time and time again. Highly, and completely, recommended. You won’t regret it!

I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book which I truly loved!

What a brilliant book. It had me completely hooked from the start. Would definitely recommend if you enjoy the suspense genre. I’ve not read any books by this author but will definitely seek some out.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review #TheGoodSister

The Good Sister 5
What a brilliant book! Twins, Rose and Fern, are the two characters from whose viewpoint the book is written. Rose writes in a series of diary entries, which tell us about their unstable mother and deprived childhood, and the Fern chapters describe how she copes with day to day life, coping with sensory overload, presumably from having Asperger’s although this is never said but hinted at, and working in a library. Rose is the only one who understands Fern, coming to her aid whenever she has a meltdown or can’t cope. A secret from the past binds them together, but we know about this early on. When Fern discovers Rose is struggling to get pregnant, she forms a plan to come to her sister’s aid by getting pregnant by any man and giving the baby to her sister..
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book, due to the style of writing from Fern’s view, but I suddenly found I couldn’t put it down! Fern’s character develops as she starts to trust more people and to realise that she has more going for her than she had ever realised. The last few chapters had me covering each line to stop myself from reading too quickly. I can’t say too much without giving away major plot lines, so will just say that this is a must-read.

The only other book I have read by Sally Hepworth is The Mother-in-Law and I rated that as a five star read.
The Good Sister is explosive! A dynamite of sisterly dynamics, which packs a terrific punch or two, culminating in an earth shattering blast.
Fraternal twins Rose and Fern have had an incredibly difficult childhood, so traumatic that at times I could barely tolerate the thought of what might come next. Told distinctively in two voices, the tall, socially awkward Fern, and Rosie Round, the twin Fern leans on, are dissimilar in looks as well as their memories and perspectives.
Sally Hepworth deftly creates a dual narrative that leads you further into the minds of two very different women, one married, capable, an interior designer and always on hand to rescue Fern, the other sister who loves working in the library but who takes everything literally and avoids all photocopiers, printers and eye contact.
I adored Fern the minute I met her. Her quirky outlook in life and interactions with others are funny but perfect and it is easy to warm to her honesty and lack of social guile. She just doesn't believe in her qualities. Confusion tends to follow Fern but in many ways it is the readers' judgements which cause the most confusion and make you realise just how quickly we can believe what we are told, without ever questioning the motives behind the behaviour.
I also loved Wally and his van and I grew to love library colleagues Carmel and her cart, and Gayle, as they too shifted their opinions to realise that gifts come in many shapes and sizes and the best ones tend to be the more unpredictable ones, just like Fern.
The novel is first one thing and then another, twitching, flipping and wriggling away to keep the reader interested, motivated and highly invested in what will happen next. It is everything I expected and more so because it is a psychological thriller which doesn't just keep you guessing but makes you question your own assumptions.
Which of the sisters is good? Is Mum, Nina Castle good or bad? Is it good to look after someone more vulnerable than yourself as Rose does with Fern, or does that hold the other person back? Who is the most vulnerable? Someone who is not neurotypical or a neurotypical individual damaged emotionally? Can we be good and bad? What is memory? Is it an absolute or a shifting, changing commodity influenced by its owner? Can we create and distort memories? Can we invent them, bury them, ignore them? These are just some of the questions that glide between the storyline to guide the reader onward, joining reality with fiction, to form an opinion and make this so much more than a highly entertaining read.
Whilst we might feel uncertain about the relationship between Rose and Fern, the girls and their mother, one thing is certain to me. Sally Hepworth is a talented author and I MUST read more of her books!
Thanks as always to Netgalley and everyone involved in making this book available to read and review before publication.

I really enjoyed this book as it was very different to any I have read .The two main characters twins Rose and Fern fascinated me.

Fern works in the local library, she avoids crowds, loud noises and anything which is outside her normal routine. She’s is very close to Rose who is the responsible one, and has always on hand to sort out her life. .

When Rose discovers she can’t become pregnant, Fern decides that this is her chance to repay her twin for everything she has done for her. All she has to do is find a father and it will be as simple as that. What Fern does not realise is that her plan will uncover hidden feelings and secrets which will shake her life and her beliefs to the core.

I loved how the author portrayed Ferns character. I work with a teenage girl (who is also a twin ) and is so like Fern , I could relate with lots of the story. Her very literal understanding of the world as well as her hidden humour is something I encounter on a daily basis.

I was cheering Fern on throughout the story. Hoping she would find her happy ending. Realising that being different is perfectly fine.

This book has twists and turns which I didn’t see coming. The diverse topics covered were done a fantastic true to life way. I would definitely recommend it.

I loved this book. I thought it was going to be a nice easy read and light hearted but it soon took a twist that I was very surprised at. The main character Fern was so loveable, she had me hooked from the beginning. It was lovely short chapters, no confusing characters and it all flowed so well. Reallt enjoyed it

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

Rose and Fern are twin sisters but they are as different as day and night. Rose is petite and fleshy with dark hair, suffers from diabetes, an outgoing person and a career woman. Fern is fair, tall and slender, has Sensory Processing disorder, and works as a librarian. She finds communicating with people exhausting and prefers books over human.

One thing they have in common is their troublesome childhood and a sociopath for a mother. All their lives, Rose has been Fern 's protector - even after she's married, she makes sure Fern is close by. When Fern found out that Rose is having difficulties to conceive, she offers to be Rose's and husband's surrogate. That's the least she can do after all that Rose have done for her all their lives, right?

Things change when Rose went to London to visit her husband and Fern met a guy she calls Wally. With their darkest childhood secret resurfaced and their mother back in both their lives, the sisters are questioning the trust they have for each other.

*  *  *

This book had me turning its electronic pages over and over and I can't put it down! The storyline is perfectly paced with good character depths & development. I am especially fond of Fern. Her literal thinking, her social awkwardness really takes you into the mind of a someone with autism. It hits a soft spot in my heart because my son was just officially diagnosed with autism. I feel that this book offers a peek into the way his mind works. And Fern - Wally relationship is just so sweet I can't even!

The Good Sister is a witty and cleverly written domestic thriller. Did I see that plot twist coming? Yes. Did that ruin the book for me? Not at all! I was wholly invested in it and am glad I came across a Sally Hepworth book. It's my first book from her and surely won't be the last.

The Good Sister is out now so go get it!

Thank you @netgalley for an eARC of The Good Sister in exchange for an honest review.

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth was such an addictive read, I couldn’t get through it fast enough. It was well written with great characters, I absolutely adored Fern. The twists didn’t come as too much of a surprise but that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story/plot and suspense. A recommended read!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely loved this book!!

The story is told from 2 different points of view, fraternal twins Rose and Fern. Both sisters have had a difficult childhood and we follow them as adults.

I don't want to give too much away, but this thriller is perfect. I loved the diary entries from Rose and Fern just seems so vulnerable.

Thank you Netgalley for an early ARC of this book!

A delightful funny, even sad story about twin sisters, Rose and Fern. Brought up by their single mother, they are homeless, spending their days in the library and sleeping on friends' sofas at night, eventually ending up in foster care.
The two girls, who are completely different, are extremely close and always look out for one another. But who exactly is looking after who?
I could never have predicted the turn the story took. I was completely hooked and thoroughly enoyed it. I look forward to reading more from Sally Hepworth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for my ARC.

The Good Sister is the new novel of breathtaking suspense about the secrets and lies that bond two sisters. From the outside, everyone might think Fern and Rose are as close as twin sisters can be: Rose is the responsible one with a home, a husband and a fierce desire to become a mother, whereas Fern is the quirky one; an introverted bibliophile who works amongst the piles of books in the local library and avoids anxiety-inducing social interaction as much as possible. But the sisters are devoted to one another, and Rose has always been Fern's protector from the time they were small. Fern needed protecting because their mother was a true sociopath who hid her true nature from the world, and only Rose could see it. Fern always saw the good in everyone. Years ago, Fern did something very, very bad. And Rose has never told a soul. When Fern decides to help her sister achieve her heart's desire of having a baby, Rose realizes with growing horror that Fern might make choices that can only have a terrible outcome.

What Rose doesn't realize is that Fern is growing more and more aware of the secrets Rose, herself, is keeping. And that their mother might have the last word after all. This is an enthralling, addictive and intense domestic drama which, at its heart, is a dismantling of the relationship between two sisters who whilst are chalk and cheese in terms of personality, were always there for each other no matter what. Just as family should be. But when long-held secrets, problematic behaviours and bad decisions rise to the forefront of the narrative the superbly crafted mystery and slow unravelling of their lives make this such an alluring read. Utterly compelling, unpredictable, and absorbing, The Good Sister is about the ties that bind...and the darkness that lives where you least expect it. It's a stark reminder that we don't always know those we are incredibly close to or the actions they would take in certain situations. Highly recommended.

I loved the story, just loved it. Maybe it’s because I can relate to Fern. It felt real, every sensory overload and the questioning of everything before making a decision. Then this creeping up on you feeling of dread and panic and the question becoming: WHO is the good sister - Fern or perfect Rose. Highly recommended!

The Good Sister was engrossing from start to finish, and I could not put it down! The first book I have read by this author, and I loved her humorous writing style. The plot was clever, and the main twist unexpected!. I adored Fern, and it was refreshing to read about a charter on the autism spectrum. I work with autistic young people, and like the young people I work with, this character made me smile so much! I loved how supportive Fern's colleagues at the library were, especially her boss Carmel, who could see how invaluable Fern was within her role. I won't give away any spoilers, and there is another character you will get to know who is such a kind and beautiful soul.

Thank you, Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for kindly sending me an ARC of Sally Helpworth's novel for my honest review.

This is a great read and a well detailed plot that kept me engaged from the very start.
I really liked the well thought out characters and found them to be believable. I cannot wait to read what the author brings out next.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was unsure of how the story would pan out.
It kept taking you in different directions but at the end the twist you knew was coming was great.
I loved Wally as he was called and Fern was adorable. She was very well written and her hypersensitivity was very well described. Having a son with this myself I could see traits in him and Fern together.
The book is definitely a page turner and I would recommend it. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers and the author for the privilege to read this book for my honest opinion

Fern and Rose are as close as twin sisters can be- Rose is the responsible one and Fern is the quirky one, but they are devoted to each other and Rose has always been Fern's protector from the time they were small children.

The girls mum was a true sociopath who hid her real side from the world making out to everyone that she was the perfect mother, only Rose saw the neglect that she was causing. When they went on a family camping trip with Mum’s new boyfriend and his son Billy, Fern did something very, very bad, and Rose kept her secret and never told a soul. So when Fern discovers that her sister is struggling to conceive, she steps up, and decides to make her sister’s dream come true. Rose however wrestled with the fact that Fern grew more and more independent and became aware of secrets that Rose was keeping from her.

Well, well, well! I can’t tell you how amazing this book was!! Such a fantastic piece of writing that drew me in from the beginning – initially I loved both the girls, then my loyalty was with Rose, and then it shifted back to Fern – I was constantly changing who I loved and who I didn’t!!

We see one side of the story from Rose’s perspective through her journal and how their lives were shaped during traumatic childhood events but it is only one side of the story. Fern has sensory issues and is described as being “quirky” and as a result, Rose manages her meltdowns, or does she? When I was reading the story, I really wanted Eleanor Oliphant to walk into the library and befriend Fern – I think they would really get on!!

It was a compelling, brilliant story that had me flicking through the pages so fast, I’m sure I’ll have RSI but I just wanted to find out the truth!

This book is up there as one of my favourite reads of 2021 so far.

Sally Hepworth does it again! For me, she is the master of slow burn domestic suspense that has at its heart an incredibly human story. I was slightly confused for the first half of the book, thinking Hepworth was taking on a new genre - the book felt firmly uplit at first - but once you see where its all going, this is all the more genius for that slight bait and wtich. Fern is a glorious protagonist, one you'll root for from the very first page. As an only child, I find sibling dynamics in fiction to be fascinating, more so when those sibling are twins and Hepworth delivers here. It's a tough book to review without spoilers, but I wholeheartedly recommend - you won't be disappointed with the twists and turns this book takes!

In one word, wow!

I love it when you just think you've got it figured out, and then the author surprises you again with another turn that it so right, you wondered how you missed it.

I loved the characters in what was a funny, sad, devastating, uplifting family story on sibling dynamics and relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sally Hepworth and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

WOW!! This is the first book by Sally Hepworth that I have read. What a book. I couldn’t have loved the main character more and felt I was rooting for her the whole way through. My heart was in my mouth for the majority of this book. It’s dark, creepy and thrilling. I can’t recommend this enough. I can’t wait to read more by Sally.

I have read a lot of thrillers over this past year and feel like ‘The Good Sister’ is one of those truly original ideas that drives you through a book and after that last page you’re still questioning what you thought you knew. Aka everything you want in a great and gripping page turner!
The plot centres on twins Rose and Fern; Fern is the naive, sweet sister who always sees the best in people and Rose is the protective, practical sister who always has to keep her sister safe. They have assumed their roles since their distressing childhood but when Rose expresses her dream of becoming a mother but is unable to do so Fern feels like it is her time to step up. But as with all good intentions Fern’s plan isn’t fully thought through and she begins to look back at their own childhood and begins to question everything she thought she knew.
This book is a little slow in the beginning just as Hepworth begins to set up the story but as soon as the plot thickens the pace is brilliant and the trickles of truth are expertly inserted in so as a reader you have to know who is telling the truth and who still has secrets to hide.
An addictive domestic drama where you never really know who is the ‘good sister’.

Fern und Rose, die ungleichen Zwillingsschwestern. Rose hat schon immer auf Fern achtgegeben, denn sie ist nicht wie die meisten Menschen. Fern hat spezielle Eigenschaften und Bedürfnisse. Sie hatten eine nicht ganz einfache Kindheit und sind schlussendlich im Kinderschutz groß geworden, nachdem ihre Mutter durch einen Anfall einen Hirnschaden erlitten hat. Nun arbeitet Fern in einer Bibliothek und Rose hadert mit ihrer Kinderlosigkeit und ihrer Ehe zu Owen.

Die Autorin hat hier zwei sehr interessante Protagonistinnen geschaffen, man folgt ihrer Geschichte aus wechselnden Perspektiven sehr gespannt. Immer wieder fließen Erinnerungen aus der Kindheit ein und Andeutungen um das erschütternde Ereignis mit Billy. Kann man Fern nicht trauen? Neben den Kolleginnen aus der Bibliothek wird mit Wally eine weitere sehr sympathische Nebenfigur eingeführt.

Sally Hepworth spielt mehr als geschickt mit den unterschiedlichen Sichten, wie man zum überraschenden Schluss des Buches feststellen kann. Das letzte Drittel des Romans saugt einen förmlich ein, die Seiten fliegen dahin, ein düsterer Verdacht kommt auf, aber so einfach kommt man nicht zur Auflösung.

Ein sehr interessantes Setting und ein außergewöhnlicher Plot. Für mich ein herausragender Thriller!

I have that lovely feeling. You know when you find a fabulous author and devour a book in one sitting. I am awake at 5am writing this after finishing it in the early hours. Please spread the word about this book!

A rare full 5* from me!
Sally Hepworth is an Australian best selling author. I haven’t read any of her previous books. I’d heard great reviews of this so was keen to try it.
It’s a stand alone, I’d class it as a domestic thriller (classifications are not my strong point). It explores peoples various flaws, vulnerabilities and boundaries. A character study with wonderfully crafted characters. It has a cracking plot too though. It’s absolutely delightful, a light easy read, and thoroughly entertaining. It is also tinged with sadness which adds another emotional layer, and love for an emotionally varied journey through the book.
The book is told from Rose’s perspective mainly through her journal. We hear from Fern directly, she is the main narrator. She is a librarian. Fern is neuro diverse (on the spectrum), I like Fern’s literal interpretation of everything, it adds innocence,naivety and humour. It is really is funny in Fern’s sections. Fern is intelligent and high functioning but seems to forget basics, she is trusting taking everyone at face value.
Rose has always taken on the responsibility of keeping Fern safe, and has been more scarred than Fern from their upbringing with a single parent mother. The time frame moves from the present to their childhood.
Favourite quote ‘most people think of me as Fern’s protector. But the truth is,in her own funny way, she’s always been mine’
This is a rare book for me, in that I just did not want to put it down. It’s a much over used phrase which is why I’ve left it at the end,and not one that often applies to me.

My thanks to Netgalley for my copy of The Good Sister, such a good book, a real joy to read. It has three dimensional, real characters, a believable plot and will keep surprising you right up until the very end, brilliant!

The Good Sister follows twin sisters Fern and Rose – Fern in the present and Rose in the past through her diary entries. The sisters have always been very close – Rose has protected Fern from their aggressive mother as they were growing up and still holds Fern close now in adulthood. Fern has sensory issues and Rose tries to keep her protected from the things that aggravate her. I really enjoyed this book and seeing the way the two women present themselves but also the undercurrent of tension that begins to creep into their relationship was fascinating. Something happened when they were children and Fern lives with the guilt and it stops her being able to form bonds with other people so she relies heavily on Rose. I adored reading Fern’s perspective – she’s so warm and genuine but refuses to do anything she doesn’t want to do. She’s such a brilliant character and when she meets Wally in the library where she works I was rooting for her to see how things might develop with him. This is a gripping novel that has moments of darkness balanced with a lot of light and I loved it. This is the first novel that I’ve read by Sally Hepworth but I now want to seek out everything she has ever written!

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book and who was the good sister! I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns and the characters that were very different from your usual run of the mill players in a drama.
This book really kept me engaged until the end and I wanted it to work out for one of them - no spoilers!
I think this would make a great film! Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this to review for an honest review, I'll be looking out for more of Sally Hepworths books.
#TheGoodSister #NetGalley

One of the best books I've read on ages. Had me nearly crying, cheering and wanting to throw it out the window all in one sitting!

I loved this book and read it in about 3 hours, not continuous but certainly throughout one day. I thought the characters were brilliantly drawn, Wally sounded absolutely lovely and Fern certainly deserved him.
The relationship between the siblings was very unusual and claustrophobic.
I loved the fact that Fern was a librarian, as I have also been one for most of my working life, her library sounds a wonderful vibrant place.
This was a very good book with a twist that caught me on the hop, I would definitely recommend it.

Fern and Rose are twin sisters and we follow the story from their individual points of view. Rose's diary records a very unhappy childhood. Fern has severe sensory issues - she has carved a life for herself, working at the library, where she can keep interaction with others to a minimum.

One day she finds a man about to use the shower in the library (obviously that library is very different from those here in the UK!) and Rocco comes into her life. At the core of the story is something that happened to one of their friends, Billy, when they were young, which has clouded their lives, the truth of which from each perspective is gradually revealed.

From all this it sounds like a standard 'we had a problem, we are sisters' sort of story, but it isn't. Fern is an incredibly complex character - I don't know anyone with the issues she faces, but the author portrays her really well, so we are able to empathise. And the reader is taken on a journey as we look at the interaction between Fern and Rose and wonder what is really happening. Its one of those books where you almost don't want to keep reading, because some of the characters are being treated so badly, but you just cannot put it down.

A really good read. Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Good Sister is a brilliant read. We are mainly following Fern, a woman who is almost certainly on the Asperger's spectrum and works at her local library. She is funny, interesting and very likeable - I loved her various comments and observations on life, they made me smile throughout. The story isn't all light-hearted though... I won't give too much away about the plot but Fern knows her twin sister Rosie is desperate to have a baby but has been unable to conceive with her husband, so she naively decides to try and get pregnant for her.

There's a lot of character development in this book, with the reader really getting to know Fern and her new love interest, Wally. Both seem great characters and I really warmed to them. However, the story also has chapters told from Rose's point of view - extracts from her diary which gives a darker side to the twins' lives growing up with their evidently psychopathic mother, and cautions that Fern might be getting herself into a situation she can't handle.

As we read on we realise that Fern and Rose have a very dark secret and things aren't quite all as they seem.

The Good Sister has less 'thriller' elements to it than I expected from how it's marketed - but this was no bad thing. Yes, I love books in the psychological thriller genre, but here I actually enjoyed reading about Fern's day to day life more than the mystery elements. Sally Hepworth did such a brilliant job of building the characters and developing them into people you can actually imagine knowing. Plus, the possibility of an unreliable narrator means you're always second-guessing whether someone is telling the truth...

I absolutely loved this novel and raced through it. It's certainly made me want to pick up more of Sally Hepworth's novels - I really enjoyed The Mother-in-Law too, so if the others are anywhere near as good, Sally Hepworth is likely to become a new favourite author!

A psychological thriller about twins sisters and their mother.
Something happened when the twins where younger.
This story is told through Rosie’s journal and through the eyes of Fern.
All is not what it seems.
Great reads
Thanks NetGalley

This has been a read filled with tension and suspense and I have been completely hooked. I have adored the way this has been written and fully engaged in this novel.

I loved this book.
Sally Hepworth has a really interesting style of story telling, taking something that's typically mundane and making it so intense and suspenseful.

I really enjoyed the characters, I felt each character was so individual including the supporting characters such as the library or healthcare staff. Each person really stood out and had a purpose.

While it was definitely intense, I felt The Good Sister had a really heart warming element to it's story that was so perfect.

I will say that I could see the ending coming but that somehow made it all the more intense and towards the last 30% of the book, I was just racing to finish it, I couldn't wait to find out what happened. I even stayed up late after a night shift to read it which I never do!

It's also clear Sally did a huge amount of research for this book. One of the characters is diabetic and the research in this alone was great.

I definitely think this is going to stand out as one of my favourite books in 2021. A very easy 5 stars⭐

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Sally Hepworth & NetGalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Good Sister is one of those books that stay with you long after you put the book down. I loved this book all round and was captivated from the very first chapter. It is an absolutely fantastic book.

The book is about two sisters, Fern and Rose, Rose is the older protective sister of Fern, who it's not said openly but we learn is somewhere on the Autisc Spectrum, with a sensory processing disorder. I loved Fern's character and her quirks. The story is told through present day Fern's POV and Rose's old diary It is very interesting having a different style like this and I enjoyed it.

It's hard to explain how this book is heart warming, yet nerve wracking, happy, yet simmering with tension!
The blossoming relationship between Fern and Wally (Really called Rocky, but she names him this as he reminds her of Where's Wally!) is so sweet and endearing, it will make you root for them, as well as make you laugh and cry!

The relationship between Rose and Fern is very intriguing, I won't divulge anything as I don't want to spoil the plot, but the development of how we view the sisters relationship through the story is done brilliantly.

I wish I was still in the depths of this book as I am very much missing it now! The ending was wraped up brilliantly and I found nothing lacking whatsoever. I will definitely be looking for more books by Sally Hepworth to add to my collection.

Thank you to Netgalley, Hodder and Staunton, and Sally Hepworth for a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

A fantastic twisty turny, high octane thriller that kept me guessing throughout. I liked the quirky main characters.

What a fabulous book! I haven’t loved a character like Fern for a long time. A story celebrating neurodivergency and difference. An extremely insightful examination of what it means to have a sister and to be a sister: lollipops and blood… also about different narratives on the same experiences. Superbly written with the right balance of humour and difficult issues. Made me laugh and cry! I was truly gripped and read in one session.

Having read and loved a book by this author previously, I decided to give her latest new book a go as it did sound pretty good from the book blurb.

The story plot and characters were very well written, and I really enjoyed getting to know each and every one of the characters especially the two sisters. There were times throughout the story when I liked one sister more than the other sister, but then again this did keep changing throughout.

This was a truly outstanding story, very cleverly done, I was gripped from start to finish and I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough for wanting to see what was going to happen next. There were so many twists and turns within the story that I think I spent majority of the book sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation.

So if you love psychological thrillers, then this book is definitely for you. I truly can’t recommend it enough.

Wow. Wow. Wow. This is honestly one of the best books I've ever read. I mean, the synopsis made it sound good, but it is seriously 100x better than you can imagine. If I'm honest, I went into it expecting a fairly average thriller, maybe above average if I was lucky, and that would be that. But it is so much more. It's entirely unique, managing to combine elements from so many genres in a way that creates something completely new, and utterly addictive.

You get to read from the POV of both Rose and Fern - Rose through diary entries, and Fern as the main narrator. Now, Fern is just fantastic. Seriously, she's so smart and funny and unusual and completely herself. She's obviously not neuro-typical, but the way she's characterised and written was brilliant - she was created as a truly unique individual, without veering into being in anyway stereotypical or cliched at any time.

The plot is just... perfect. As I said above, this book really defies genre, instead being a little bit of everything. I personally loved the rom-com and humour elements of the novel, which I didn't expect as I would've assumed it didn't fit well in a thriller. But instead it worked brilliantly, and made for a really captivating read - firstly you're there for the romance and the comedy, and then tension begins to build and everything gets a little dark...

So, altogether an amazing read. It's funny, smart, dark, creepy, romantic, and just completely captivating in every way. I just genuinely don't have words for how much I loved this book! So do yourself a favour and go and read it right now - you won't regret it.

Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.

Absolutely brilliant! Great story! Great characters!
This book had me hooked and never let me go. Sally Hepworth, thank you for this masterpiece.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read and review this title!.

As a huge fan of Sally Hepworth I was super excited for this book! I loved being sucked in to Fern and Rose’s sibling relationship and read this book in two sittings! I don’t want to give too much away but you will be engrossed - definitely go pick up this book!

Wow, wow, and wow! Three cheers for Sally Hepworth and the way she wove this story together, I loved every bit of it from start to finish and am gutted to have to say goodbye to the characters, even the ones that don't deserve a space in my life. I think it's a pretty big deal if you can write despicable characters that you end up feeling torn over.

Rose and Fern are twins. As much as they are chalk and cheese, they do pretty much everything together. Rose is 'round' and diabetic and in control, whilst Fern is odd and irritable and unpredictable, but the two of them share a bond that no one can come between. It must be the whole sister thing, right?

Having looked after Fern her whole life, more so after their mother took an overdose when they were preteens, Fern wants to give Rose a grand gesture, be the one to make things better for once. She has it all planned, what could possibly go wrong when you have best-laid plans and are regimental with your routines?

You can tell from the start that Fern is different, that she has traits that make her vulnerable, Without stating the obvious, Hepworth makes this clear with the stilted dialogue that contrasts greatly with Rose's fluent journal entries. Absolute mastery.

The story took some setting up and yet it still maintained a really good pace throughout with twists and turns so subtle, they are easy to miss. Lovers of family drama and psychological thrillers will not be disappointed with this book. It's suited for mid-teens upwards although adults will probably appreciate it more. There is no obscene language and graphically violent scenes commonplace in modern thrillers. The author relies solely on her storytelling skills which are simply amazing.

Despite a couple of grammatical errors, though not too many to bear a grudge, this is a sold 5/5 read. Grab you copies and enjoy the ride.

Twins Fern and Rose are completely different but also as close as it is possible for sisters to be. Fern suffers from sensory processing disorder and has always been heavily reliant on Rose, when she learns that Rose is unable to have a baby she thinks the best plan is to get pregnant and give her the baby. Are things between them what they seem?

The Good Sister is a great slow burn thriller and a plot that grips you from start to finish. I would highly recommend giving it a read.

This book had me hooked .I was initially drawn into one version of the past and then was completely thrown when other versions and clues into the characters upbringing and personality were revealed.
I don’t want to give too much away but it’s a great page turn and then is a sense of satisfaction discovering how the plot pans out.

The Good Sister is an unpredictable, twisty thriller with a complex twin sister relationship at the center of the story. Fern is a librarian with a very structured life who avoids social situations. Rose has always looked out for Fern and protected her even from the knowledge that their mother was a sociopath. When Fern finds out Rose wants to have a baby and is struggling, she decides she can help. But Rose starts to realize Fern might make awful choices that lead to terrible things and Fern is becoming more aware than Rose realizes. The story is told from Fern’s perspective with Rose’s told in diary form. This is one not to be missed! Sally Hepworth’s writing style is excellent. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoy twisty thrillers about complex sister relationships. The Good Sister is not to be missed!

If you enjoy a good family saga then you might want to read Sally Hepworth’s latest novel. This is my second book by this author and I was not disappointed! The Good Sister brings to life an amazing family account of manipulation and control.

This book, set in Australia, has many of the components that make a really good story: from the mood and undercurrents to the very clever writing and the experience of family secrets and troubling relationships, not forgetting the feelings of hope, desperation, responsibility and strength.

The Good Sister focuses on twin sisters, Fern and Rose and their complex relationship, having been raised by their cruel mum. Rose is married and wants to have a baby and Fern is a librarian who loves her job and her quiet well-organised life.

From the very first chapter, I found myself immediately drawn in, following the lives of the twins. This story is told from dual perspectives - Fern's in the present and Rose's diary entries that also include childhood flashbacks. Sally Hepworth has drawn great characters in The Good Sister. I loved the author’s plunge into the murkiness of the sister dynamic - sisters who love each other but couldn’t be more different.

One of my favourite aspects of this novel was the fluidity of Sally Hepworth’s writing. She managed to provide the details and twists of the plot without messing with the tone of the storyline. Each brilliantly executed chapter left me with a compelling need to read on. For me, The Good Sister was a tale of suspense but also one of deep reflection. At times, it made me dwell on my own family relationships and dynamics, especially those of the past. This novel definitely leaves you in a reflective mood.

The book culminates in a fulfilling ending. I really enjoyed it and I certainly recommend it. This novel has left an impression on me and I will be reading more from Sally Hepworth as she is an author to watch out for!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Thank you Netgalley & publisher for this advanced copy of this book.

Unfortunately I was hoping for an audio version as I am visually impaired and the version of this pdf means I am struggling to increase font to read

I look forward to an audio version as i was very excited as it looks great!

Sorry and thank you once again for the opportunity.

One of the most gripping reads ever!

Yes, I was looking forward to reading this but damn, that was something else! One of the best thrillers I've read and definitely a great pick for the Goodreads Mystery/Thriller of 2021

A tale of two sisters told from both their POVs, this book makes you question who the real good one is. I loved the the characters and the way characters on the spectrum are portrayed.

But my only problem and the reason for docking half a star is because the (mild spoiler) bad things the antagonist does being attributed to BPD. Please, please edit this as people with borderline personality disorder already face enough backlash from both the general public and the mental health community. BPD does not make you manipulative or a sociopath.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Hodder Books for an e-copy of this book. I cannot wait to read more of Sally Hepworth's books.

4.5/5

This book was incredible! Fern's character and the story had me literally shouting at the book! Such an incredible book that had be gripped from the start! This book will stay with me a lot loooooong time!

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 that she long thought were buried.

This was a page turner right from the start! Complex characters and unpredictable twists! What more can you ask for?

I just loved the way its narrated through the alternative viewpoints between Fern in the present day and Rose, through her past journal entries. Getting to know both of them, makes you wonder, just who is the good sister among them. It’s so brilliantly written that right till the end you keep wondering where is this headed. And the twist was absolutely brilliant!

It is definitely one of the best thrillers I've read this year so far. Highly Recommended!

Thank You to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC!

Thanks so much for letting me read this heart warming story, after all the murder and mystery books I read this one was a refreshing change, loved it.
Fern and Rose are twins, Fern has sensory processing issues, and Rose is always looking after her and telling her what’s best for her.Fern eventually realises that Rose is not only looking out for her but controlling her life.
Fern meets a lovely man called Wally, and Rose is not happy about that.

I

Really enjoyed this book and have since purchased a copy for my Mum. Had me so gripped and I found myself wanting to shout out "No!!!" I shall remember this book for a long time and highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.

What a book!!!

The good sister takes you on a whirlwind of a journey. We have Fern and Rose, Fern works in her local library and Rose is an interior designer. Fern has a sensory disorder and finds alot of the day to day difficult, the two constants of her life are her sister Rose and the Library So when she thinks her sister needs her help having a baby she takes it upon herself to get pregnant.

There is so much about this book I want to praise! I want to start with the sensitivity around sensory disorders. As someone myself, who has some sensory issues, I found it refreshing to read. If you have never met someone with sensory issues there are a lot of misconceptions but Sally Hepworth really writes well to break all and any stereotypes. Yet there are quite a few funny moments along the way but all written with sensitivity.

We have the two narrators, most of the time we follow Fern and she tells her story so well. It really felt like I was with her throughout the story. Her narration is a tad untrustworthy because she sees the world quite differently. So trying to read between the lines kept me guessing throughout.
Rose's narration is done via diary entries this is where we get to hear more about the girls childhood and how both girls have been affected. The fact that they are twins is almost redundant in the story because they are so different.

With both narration we get a sense something isn’t right . Their views on the world are polar opposite yet they spend so much time together and clearly love each other. So many questions are present throughput the story the biggest one being why was a boy killed and which sister killed him? Right I know I was completely tripped out!


So we have so many elements, a murder, a pregnancy, a marriage, a love story and who is lying?
Once I tried to answer all the questions I realised I needed to just read because I had no idea.

Would i recommend this book? Heck yay! This is by far the best psychological thriller I have read this year. This is how a book in this genre should read!! As with all these books there's twists and turns throughout and honestly with a lot being focused on the pregnancy it takes a while to get crazy but honestly it's all worth It! 5 stars I would give it more if I could. First time reading Sally Hepworth and won't be the last!


Thank you to netgalley, Hodder and Stoughton publishers and Sally Hepworth for the digital advanced copy of the good sisters in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.

The Good Sister is a fantastic novel about twin sisters Fern and Rose. As twins, they have always been close with Rose looking out for Fern and helping her with her challenges. When Fern discoverers that Rose can’t have children, she decides to get pregnant and give the baby to her sister.
The novel is set in the present day, with flashbacks of their childhood from Rose’s point of view. As the story unfolds, you realise that things are quite different from Fern and Rose’s perspective, but which is the good sister?
I absolutely loved this novel and thought it brought together an amazing group of characters with an intriguing storyline. It highlights the daily challenges of people with autistic spectrum disorders brilliantly and makes this an integral part of the narrative. A fantastic read.

Well what can I say about this book I usually take 4 days to read books this took me 2 days as I could not put it down it kept me engrossed from the moment I started it to the end.

Fern & Rose are twins, Rose seems more normal than Fern but is this the case you need to read this book to find out.

Rose wants a child but seems to be unable to have one Fern always does everything to help Rose will she even get pregnant to give Rose what she wants.

Fern meets Rocco (Wally) who is a really nice man and they hit it off immediately. We see how this relationship pans out over the book.

It had twists and turns in this book that kept me thinking what is going to happen in the end.

I certainly would recommend this book and well done to the author for this fantastic book.

Wow, what a read this was! Twisty, complex and totally captivating, The Good Sister is a page turner that I couldn't put down.

Fern and Rose have a bond that only twins do. Fern has sensory processing issues and Rose looks out for her all the time. After being brought up by their cruel mother, and a fateful day that changed their lives when they were twelve, they become so much closer as the years go by.

When Rose and her husband experience fertility issues, Fern decides that she will have a baby via surrogate for Rose and Owen, not knowing where this journey will lead her.

Set in Australia, this book is a great read with superb characters, particularly Fern who I warmed to immediately. There are twists galore in this book which is one of my favourites now of the year. Loved it.

4.5 Stars

I loved this book and found myself totally engaged and fascinated. The characters were so well developed and credible, and the plot so perfectly constructed I had to finish it in one sitting. It is such a great story and very thought provoking...addressing issues around mental health, abuse and those who have sensory processing issues.

The twists and relationships are what make this such a wonderful read. It makes you realise that life, even in the same family, can be viewed very differently. This is a gripping family drama that I highly recommend, Sally Hepworth never disappoints!

this book was so wholesome and amazing to read about what family will do for each other. This book struck pretty close to the heart for me.

Well, this book was just fantastic and full of surprises. I loved the main protagonist. The story is dark yet funny. Brilliant. Highly recommended.

I cannot tell you how much a ADORE this book! Sally Hepworth is a genius!

I was absolutely riveted from start to finish and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did.

Twisty, dark, compelling and with characters that jump off the page there is nothing to fault in this book!

Astonishing.

I positively devoured this book, finishing it in just one long afternoon!

The Good Sister follows 28 year old fraternal twins, Fern and Rose. Told from Fern’s point of view and interspersed with extracts from Rose’s diary, the story unfolds brilliantly, pulling you in and demanding you continue to turn page after page. The pacing is perfect and the plotting masterful. Sally Hepworth deftly draws all the characters (including the supporting cast) which really brings the story to life and adds a depth of emotional attachment that is sometimes lacking in domestic thrillers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’d highly recommend it.

Again Sally Hepworth has written a winner
Twin sisters, a tragic event
Twists and turns galore
Couldn't put it down

Thank you netgalley, Sally Hepworth and Hodder and Stoughton

This is an excellent read with well written and believable characters and a storyline that that kept me riveted until the early hours. The main characters are two sisters who are extremely close due to their unconventional upbringing. One of the sisters has sensory difficulties relies on her sister for support and guidance, however gradually that support begins to show more as control and manipulation. The story has twists and turns galore that will have you unable to put the book down and a great twist at the end. I thoroughly recommend this author and book.