Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

At 27, fraternal twins Rose and Fern lives are as different as chalk and cheese, but their bond has always been strong. Rose is an interior designer, married, with a beautiful home that looks like something out of a magazine spread. She dearly wants a baby, but is having difficulty conceiving. Fern works in a library, has only ever had one short-term boyfriend, and lives in a flat. She's on the autism spectrum, but has never been diagnosed. When Fern discovers a bottle of pregnancy vitamins in Rose's belongings, she confronts her sister. Upon learning of her infertility struggles Fern is determined to help. If Rose can’t have the baby she longs for then Fern will carry one for her. It's the least she can do, after all her twin has done for her. The Good Sister was the perfect blend of psychological suspense, domestic drama, and unhealthy family dynamics, and I devoured it. There is no way this won't make my 2020 top favourites list. This is Sally Hepworth's best book so far, I reckon. As other readers have mentioned (and I agree whole-heartedly) this novel had a lot in common with another of my 5 star reads – Eleanor Olyphant is Completely Fine. Fern's literal interpretation of her interactions with others and struggles to read social cues and situations made for adorably sweet and, at times, hilarious reading. Savvy readers will have a fair idea where the thriller storyline is going, but what made this a tense, nail-biting read for me was the vulnerable and naïve nature of its central character being unaware of the impending danger and threat. I felt very protective towards Fern (as well as other characters, and a dog) and was rooting for her as she discovered and explored her newfound independence. The library is one of my happy places as well, so I completely understand why Fern felt so comfortable there. Another constantly present worry was me wondering how far the situation was going escalate, and the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat. Talk about shocking – secrets and lies galore! Chapters alternated between Fern in the present and Rose's diary entries, which also include flashbacks to the twins troubled childhood. The prevalent questions throughout are – what does it mean to be a good person, a good parent, and as the title states… a good sister?