Michelle Stimpson

(I read this author's debut ChristFic novel almost twenty years ago. Wowzers—the flying of time! Now, on to the book at hand...)

Not only did this contemporary fiction novel's title and vibrant cover grab my attention, but I remained interested all the way through the read.

Granted, greens don't play much of an actual role in this story. I think a title like Sisters with Seasoning or something in that vein would've had more meaning. Especially given that the pair of sisters in this novel are women of a certain age.

In any case, this story has some kick to it with flavorful dashes of humor and sass. And the thoughtful, gradual approach to Rose and Marvina's conflict gave me space to feel for them, to care about their fears and hurts as well as their dreams and joys. By the time the sisters' central matter began coming to a head, rather than feeling tired of the two of them for being at odds, I was pulling for them to reach a resolution.

I especially liked that I couldn't tell ahead of time exactly what the resolution would be.

On a different note, regarding the messed-up behavior of the leadership at Marvina's church: It would take more in a story to really deal with issues like that. They're reflections of deeper, widespread problems damaging real people in the church, and on that score, the sudden, partial smoothing-over toward the end of this novel is like a bandage smoothed over a scratched area of skin while a tumor lies beneath the surface. Unfortunately, that's also a reflection of the case in too many churches, so Marvina's "bandaged up" situation wasn't a good look to me. Didn't leave me hopeful.

Aside from that issue, I loved this novel.… (mehr)

Title: Sisters with a Side of Greens
Author: Michelle Stimpson
Narrator: Susan Spain
Audible Logo Audible Audiobook*
Reviewed by: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sisters with a Side of Greens" by Michelle Stimpson

My Thoughts:

'Sisters with a Side of Greens' is a well-written book that sometimes makes readers laugh and even tear up. From the read, one can see how the read brought out what happened between these two sisters, Rose and Marvina, which made them act as they did toward one another. And seeing how their mother brought on a lot of anger between the two girls had me shaking my head.

With Rose wanting her mom's recipe for this unique spice and only her sister Marvina being able to give it to her, we can see how Rose had no choice but to confront her sister about it. The story is mainly about what will happen with this. Also, will these sisters be able to finally talk and see what the problem was that caused all this rip with them not being able to get along over the years? There will be a lot going on in this story, and one will find out about these two sisters. Their lifestyle, death in the family, husbands, exes, children...[dead and alive], and even helping a young girl with what was going on in her life.

Be ready for a soulful read that will keep you turning the pages to see what is next for these two sisters and a few other interesting characters from the minister, ex, and others.

I loved the ending, especially how they [the sisters] came up with the appropriate name for this unique seasoning. Were these sisters now getting along?

If you are looking for a story about family, southern home cooking, exciting side characters, and, above all, a Spice that only one person had..then you have come to the right place to get it all.

To get all of the story, you must pick up 'Sisters with a Side of Greens' to see how well this author tells it all to the reader.

Yes, I recommend this novel to you.… (mehr)

Though retired, Rose wants to pursue with her The Southern Rose restaurant but she's struggling to read her mother's handwriting for the seasoning used for a specific recipe. Rose drives for hours to see her estranged sister for help but having had an accident with an already-injured knee, Rose has other problems on her hands alongside the difficult relationship with Marvina. On top of that, Marvina has a teenager squatting in her guest house, and Kerresha's pregnancy distresses Rose. The story switches between first- and third-person. The first-person perspective of Rose allows readers to gain an in-depth view of Rose as a character as well as her mental state. The third-person perspective shows an outside view of the sisters so there is an overall view of additional characters - such as Marvina - Rose is otherwise unable to describe from her first-person point of view. The story revolves around Kerresha and her pregnancy and less on the relationship between Rose and Marvina. Nonetheless, this is a feel-good story.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley and author.… (mehr)