If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins
Published by Harlequin on August 25, 2015
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
Sisterhood in all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart of New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins's thoroughly captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series...
Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate understands the happily-ever-after business, yet somehow she's still involved in her ex-husband's life. In fact, Owen's new wife may—inexplicably—be Jenny's new best friend. Sensing this, well, relationship isn't helping her move on, Jenny trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where she'll be able to bask in her sister Rachel's picture-perfect family life…and hopefully make one of her own.
Her timing couldn't be more perfect, since Rachel will need her younger sister. Her idyllic marriage has just fallen to pieces in spectacular fashion after she discovers her husband sexting with one of his colleagues. Second chances aren't in Rachel's nature, but the desire for an intact family has her rethinking her stance on adultery, much to Jenny's surprise. Rachel points to their parents' "perfect" marriage as a shining example, but to protect her sister Jenny may have to tarnish that memory—and their relationship—and reveal a secret about their family she's been keeping since childhood.
During this summer of secrets and lies, temptation and revelation, Jenny and Rachel will rely on each other to find the humor in their personal catastrophes, the joy in their triumphs…and the strength to keep hanging on.
A Kristan Higgins book always hits the spot! I really enjoyed the exploration of these sisters' lives and their relationships.
Things I loved:
- The triplets
- The sisterhood
- The dresses
- The personal journeys of both Jenny and Rachel
- Leo
I want to say more about Leo. He was a wounded man, and oh! My heart broke when I found out what happened to him, but I think he is one of my favorite of Higgins' love interests. And let's face it, the other men who got a lot of page time were terrible or insufferable. I raged so hard every time Rachel's husband spoke, and Owen was selfish and oblivious.
I endured those ups and downs with both Rachel and Jenny and was really proud of them in the end. As always, the story had lots of humor, warmth, and depth with characters I grew to care for and a story I was eager to see play out. At this point, it seems Higgins can do no wrong, and I am looking forward to reading more of her backlist.
On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins
Published by HQN on January 31, 2017
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
From the New York Times bestselling author of Good Luck With That , If You Only Knew and Now That You Mention It comes an irresistible look at the affection and the acrimony that bind sisters together
Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is being blindsided by a breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own.
Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her.
Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley’s and Kate’s heartaches bind their summer together when they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.
I have been working my way through Higgins' books this year, and I was a bit worried about reading the older ones. I have to admit, this is my favorite one yet. There was something really beautiful about these sisters bonding over their respective losses which tugged at my heartstrings.
Kate's was devastating, and I hated that she struggled with the idea that her loss was less because she had not been married that long or didn't know her husband that long. I have heard this idea tossed around before in books and real life, and the length of time does not determine the amount of love or loss. That was something Kate had to work through.
I was glad she had Ainsley by her side. They were a mutual support system for each other. The idea that it's never too late to form that bond is a lovely one. They ended up being very important people in each other's lives as Kate navigated being a new widow and Ainsley tried to figure out who she was without Eric (who was garbage and we hate him). And after just saying that Leo was my favorite love interest, he may be neck-and-neck with Daniel. Gosh! That man said things that made me swoon, and I really didn't expect it.
The book had all the elements I appreciate from Higgins - humor, warmth, emotion, family, romance. I always feel her books have it all, and she tells these stories that hit all the right notes for me while also being relatable on some level. Overall, I throughly enjoyed being part of this journey with Kate and Ainsley and was thrilled with how it all worked out for them.
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