Kristina Anderson
My Sister’s Prayer by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould is the second book in Cousins of the Dove series. Madeline “Maddee” Talbot is twenty-seven years old and has a busy life (and it’s about to get busier). Her sister, Nicole gets into a car accident (because of drugs) and needs around the clock care (broke both her legs). She is staying with their Nana (who has a big house and money for caregivers), but Nicole feels smothered. Nicole wants to stay with Maddee (she is whining). Maddee finally agrees to let her stay with her with a few conditions (daily AA meetings are a part of it). Maddee is a little nervous because Nicole was a drug addict, and Maddee is not sure how she will be able to care for Nicole (she has a full-time job). Nicole has doctor appointments, AA meetings, and physical therapy. The two sisters were close when they were little but grew apart after Nicole started her downward spiral with drugs. It all goes back to the dead body that they found in a cabin when they were little (along with their cousins Rene and Danielle). By the time the girls returned with their parents, the body had vanished. No one believed their story. The case is still unsolved. But there is new evidence (thanks to the cousins) and Detective Ortiz is looking into the case. Can solving this case help heal Nicole and the breach between the two sisters? While the two are staying together, Nana gives them some family letters and journals to read. She wants them to go through the papers together. Celeste Talbot has always done what she has been told to do. But she fell in love with Lt. Jonathan Gray who has been recently assigned to the New World (he had to leave without her). Celeste is running away to be with him. What Celeste does not expect is her sister, Berta to follow her. Celeste does not have enough money for the passage, and signs on as an indentured servant (for four years) to pay for her voyage. Celeste knows Jonathan will buy her contract when they arrive in Williamsburg. Celeste discovers Berta on the ship. Berta ends up very ill and needs constant care. When The Royal Mary arrives in the New World, they land in Norfolk (instead of Williamsburg). The captain sells their contracts and the two girls end up in different cities. Celeste has to find a way to get in touch with Jonathan. Celeste promised Berta she would rescue her as soon as possible. Celeste is in for a big dose of reality. Will she be able to reunite with Berta? Can she find Jonathan and get out of her contract? Join these two sets of sisters on their journey of discovery in My Sister’s Prayer. My Sister’s Prayer goes back and forth from present day to the past to tell the story. It is told in the first person (which I really dislike, but after a while I do not notice it). While this is the second book in the series, it can be read alone. The book has very good writing (as usual for these two great authors) and the story draws in the reader. It deals with forgiveness, adversity, the impetuousness of youth, and trusting that God has a plan for your life. You can see the parallels between the two sets of sisters as you read the novel. I give My Sister’s Prayer 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould did a very good job at capturing the historical time period. Their writing is very descriptive. I can envision what they are describing. Past events are not wrapped up in My Sister’s Prayer. We will have to await the next novel to find out more about the man that died in the cabin. I will definitely be reading more books by these two authors. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Vivian Brandon
The story continues with sisters struggling to find faith, themselves and each other. Deceit leads the way. They must find their way through lies, addiction and false beliefs. The modern family (Maddie, Nicole and Nana) and the ancestors (Celeste and Berta), all struggling to find their way. Sensitive, thought-provoking contemporary/historical romantic drama. Continues the story in a similarly engrossing way! Enjoy! Book free for honest review from publisher and Netgalley.
