#MySistersLies by S.D. Robertson |@SDRauthor #Bookreview | #Extract |@AvonBooksUK | #BlogTour

I am delighted to be joining S.D. Robertson on tour with his latest novel My Sister’s Lies.

Just released on the 21st March with Avon Books, it is described as ‘an emotional story that delves into the true meaning of family, sisterhood and secrets. Perfect for fans of Kerry Fisher and Adele Parks.’

I have my review for you all today and a short extract from the novel to whet your appetites so I do hope you enjoy…

Not every secret should be shared….
You trust your sister….don’t you?

[ About the Book ]

Hannah’s life is pretty close to perfect – she has a great job, she’s married to Mark, and her enjoys her child-free existence.

The only sadness in her life is a fall-out with her sister Diane, who hasn’t spoken to her in over ten years. But now Diane is on her doorstep – and this time, she’s got her teenage daughter Mia in tow.

When Diane asks if Mia can stay with Hannah and Mark for a few days, Hannah is glad of the chance to get to know her niece. But as the days turn into weeks and Diane doesn’t return, Hannah begins to worry. Why hasn’t her sister been in touch?

Diane is carrying a devastating secret that will destroy Hannah’s carefully constructed life. But how much is she willing to reveal – and when will she pick her moment?

[ My Review ]

Hannah and Mark have a life many dream of. On a whim they can pack up their bags and head off to the airport or spend an evening in a top-class restaurant. But life hasn’t always been like that, as Hannah has been dealing with her own demons for a number of years.

Hannah had a major disagreement with her sister, Diane, some time back, following the death of their mother. The damage was irreparable, causing Hannah many years of anxiety and pain. With the help of counselling and Mark’s patience, Hannah came through it. Having always dreamed of being a writer, Hannah made changes in her life and now works from home, with her debut novel about to be published and her second book a work-in-progress. Mark’s job is both successful and secure, allowing her to fulfill her dreams and Hannah is happy.

But the day Diane, very unexpectedly, shows up on her doorstep, shakes Hannah to the core. Diane has her teenage daughter Mia with her and is looking for a favour, a very big favour.

Hannah’s world is upended as old memories come back to haunt her. She accepts Mia into her home, as she relishes the opportunity of reacquainting herself with her niece, but she fears for the Pandora’s box that is about to opened. Diane is very cagey about her reasons and Hannah doesn’t push too hard, but after a few days when there has been little communication from Diane, Hannah begins to get a little concerned.

Diane has had a chequered past. Growing up she struggled with life and relationships, always striving to be the popular one, the girl everyone loved. As the years passed, Mia arrived into her world and Diane’s life changed dramatically. After the death of her and Hannah’s mother, Diane was in a tough place and following the disagreement with Hannah, she never could find a way to right some wrongs. Now Diane’s story is about to change and she needs Hannah back in her life. Will Diane and Hannah past history prove to difficult to overcome? Can the sisters reunite or is the damage already done?

My Sister’s Lies tells the story of many different relationships. Hannah and Diane, sisters, have a history together, one that is revealed slowly as the pages unfold. They have quite a complex sibling dynamic, one that has seen many highs and lows over the years and now is facing it’s biggest challenge yet.

Hannah and Mark, husband and wife, have been together for a number of years. Meeting quite young and falling in love, their marriage has stumbled through many obstacles, yet strengthening over the years into a very stable union. Diane’s appearance exposes a few cracks but can their love see them through this testing period?

Hannah and Mia, aunt and niece, are starting all over again, with Mia having no memory of Hannah. Hannah struggles with things initially as she attempts to negotiate the teenage pitfalls and tantrums but she does not shy away from the awkwardness of the situation.

My Sister’s Lies is not a fast-paced suspense driven novel, but a gentle read, a family drama, focusing in on some major issues that unfortunately affect many families in today’s society. An emotional story of family dynamics, relationships, secrets and tragedy…..

I have a short extract for you now from the scene where Hannah and Diane come face-to-face after so many years apart…..A teaser for you!

[ Extract ]

‘I will, but not in front of Mia.’
‘She’s not here now.’
‘She’ll be back any minute, and it will be better if Mark’s around too.’
‘Mark? What—’ Hearing the toilet flush, Hannah changed tack. ‘Come on, quick. Just tell me.’
‘I can’t now. Sorry. It’ll have to be tonight – after Mia’s gone to bed.’
‘Gone to bed?’ Hannah repeated, as it dawned on her what Diane’s words implied. ‘Where are you staying?’
‘Um, well, I was hoping you might be good enough to put us up for the night.’
‘What? You don’t even have an overnight bag.’
‘Our things are in the car.’
‘You didn’t think to phone ahead?’
‘I didn’t have your number to start with and then . . . Well, I got your landline from Dad, but I wasn’t sure you’d take my call. Turning up here seemed a better option.’ Diane threw her sister a sheepish look. ‘I know it’s a lot to ask in the circumstances, but . . . please don’t make me beg.’
Mia walked back into the lounge at the same moment as Hannah’s mobile started to ring.
‘Sorry, you’ll have to excuse me,’ Hannah said, wondering whether her niece had overheard any of their discussion. ‘That’ll be a business call I’ve been waiting on. I need to take it.’ She slid the phone from its facedown position on the arm of the chair, knowing it was almost certainly Mark calling, and raced to the relative safety of the kitchen before answering.

[ Bio ]

Former journalist S.D. Robertson quit his role as a local newspaper editor to pursue a lifelong ambition of becoming a novelist.

An English language and literature graduate from the University of Manchester, he has spent time living in France, Holland and Australia, working in roles as diverse as a holiday rep, door-to-door salesman, train cleaner and mobile phone network engineer.

Stuart’s love of writing and inquisitive nature led him back to university to study journalism. He went on to work at various newspapers in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, rising from trainee reporter to editor in just five years and remaining in the hot seat for another four.

Eventually, in the face of major cutbacks – and after somehow convincing his wife to swap roles and return to her career – he chose to leave. This life-changing decision granted him the golden opportunity to write fiction while spending much more time at home with his family.

Stuart lives in a village near Manchester with his wife and daughter. There’s also his cat, Bernard, who likes to distract him from writing – usually by breaking things.

Website ~ https://www.sdrobertsonauthor.com/p/home_28.html
Twitter ~ @SDRauthor