3.5 stars

If you’re looking for a book about women finding themselves after being lost to either work or family obligations or both, here ya go. Many people, especially women, can go years and years thinking they have a great life and that they’re happy, until something “other” happens and knocks them out of those beliefs. Sometimes that’s a wonderful thing, and something it’s very overwhelming and takes a lot of time to dig out of those old thoughts and feelings. These sisters, Addie and Justine, both get their worlds turned upside down in different ways. And they deal with these issues in different ways. Luckily, they also find a connection as sisters they never had before since they are 20 years apart. They finally start feeling like true sisters.

Addie has spent almost a decade being a caregiver to her parents. She barely left the house other than to run errands, and she didn’t mind. She loved her parents very much and was happy to help. But when first her father, then years later her mother, pass away she realizes she’s stuck in a rut. All the dreams she had for herself for when she was free to do her own thing seem like pipe dreams. Her best friend and sister are both concerned and encourage her to do something…anything.

Justine has been married for almost 30 years. Two teenage girls and a stay-at-home dad. She has a high pressure, high paying career that helps keep her husband in toys (golf clubs, ATVs, etc.) and has enabled them to help Addie stay on has their parent’s caregiver all these years. Justine loves her daughters and her husband and thinks all is well…until it isn’t.

The catalyst for both sisters to change their lives is the same, but for different reasons. Justine husband is cheating on her. Let me tell you, I truly hate that man. I don’t believe there is any point in this story where I feel sorry for him or understand what made Justine think he’s been a great father or husband. He’s not a bad father, at least not at first. But he does the minimum of what needs doing. Yet he has Justine believing they are “living the life” and will have many more happy years together. I’ll warn you, if you’ve ever been cheated on there may be parts of this story that are difficult to get through. This man is a real piece of work. He’s selfish and petty and vindictive.

As for Addie, she learns that even though she’s been a caregiver she kind of doesn’t know how to take care of herself. But she changes that and starts to find things she loves to do. Addie gains confidence and expands her friend base. In the beginning of this story there are some things that Justine says to Addie that make me think I may not like Justine, but she comes around. Addie has worked hard for those she loves and doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. But that has left her open to people taking advantage, even when they don’t mean to.

Both sisters have their own little romances going on, but I don’t classify this one as a romance. That is so peripheral to what the true story is with these women. And, quite frankly, I didn’t feel the romantic connection with Addie and her beau. I did with Justine and her guy, but it was more like a low simmer. In some ways, especially with Addie, I think the author did that on purpose. Yet it keeps me from looking at this story as a true romance.

Robyn Carr is great at writing real women with real problems, yet make their stories enjoyable. I absolutely adore the way Justine’s girls handle the issues their parents have. I love the coworkers Addie befriends. All of the women in this story are amazing. This is a solid read.

** I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in my review are my own and given freely. **

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.