Publisher: 1st September 2021 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA
Pages: 400 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction, romance
My Rating: 5 cups
Synopsis:
A sweeping family saga about betrayal, forgiveness and the cost of love.
Sydney, 1941: Olive and Ivy may be identical twins, but they couldn't be more different. While Olive is focused on marrying a man appropriate to her station, Ivy wants to do more, to be more. Joining the Australian Women's Service Army is the perfect chance for her to escape her family obligations and make a real difference in the world. She doesn't expect serving her country to lead to romance ... or devastating betrayal and unthinkable grief.
As the war progresses, both Olive and Ivy find themselves wanting the same thing: for their loves to return safely. But neither of the Buchanan girls is ready for what the future has in store for them.
Sydney, 2008: Escaping her husband's betrayal and an impossible personal loss, Madeline returns home to Sydney to nurse her broken heart. As she settles into her new routine, it's too easy to consider never returning to New York and her old life. But her husband won't give up on what they have so easily, and Madeline can't ignore his messages reminding her of why they fell in love in the first place. With her grandmother's support, Madeline has to decide if forgiveness means reconciliation. But is the biggest betrayal yet to come?
My Thoughts
‘Will the truth destroy her, or set her free?’
Emily Madden has done it again! I raved about her previous books and once again she has produced an absolutely stunning story. The Buchanan Sisters is a tale of epic proportions, a family saga detailing the story of twin sisters with the themes of war and sacrifice, betrayal and forgiveness.
‘Australia may have entered the war with her sons, but it was becoming clear that it was up to her daughters to help her pull through.’
A dual time narrative set in both 1941 and 2008 I loved and lost myself in the historical aspect of the story, yet at the same time, enjoyed and sympathised with the contemporary tale. It takes a great author to cleverly meld two timelines and Emily’s finesse as a writer is evident to all as she deftly weaves and brings them together resulting in both tears and smiles.
‘She inhaled deeply and gathered the strength to slip into the past, just one last time.’
This is a truly heart-wrenching tale, one that I will definitely revisit. My heart was full of the characters, their friendships and relationships. The story of Ivy and Olive, twins so very different and with dreams that would never go to plan. This is such quality historical fiction as Emily draws the reader into her characters with the events and the attitudes of the era combining for dramatic effect. One cannot help but become a part of their story and, whether you see it coming or not, an ending that will leave you breathless.
‘He held his breath then. He had meant every word. And now there was nothing more to do, nothing more to say, except wait and hope.’
The Buchanan Girls is an exceptional novel, there is just so much to love here that I cannot recommend it highly enough to people who love a story rich in drama, history and romance. So do yourself a favour and read some of Emily’s books, you won’t be disappointed.
‘She didn’t know what their future held, what it looked like, or if she was making a big mistake. But what she did know was that not taking a risk … may yield greater regret.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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