Jo’s Little Library
Every month our resident bookworm, Jo will be recommending a juicy read perfect for switching off from wedding planning or for relaxing with on honeymoon after the excitement of the big day.
This month’s review:
The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley
I think this book needs to come with a warning: if you read The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley, you will almost certainly find yourself committing to the entire series. This first book has a powerful hook — once it catches you, it doesn’t let go!
The story follows Maia, the eldest of six adopted sisters, all named after the stars of the Pleiades. When she receives the devastating news that her beloved father, the enigmatic Pa Salt, has passed away, she returns to her childhood home — Atlantis, a stunning house on the shores of Lake Geneva. There, Maia, along with her other sisters are each given a letter and a clue about where they came from.
Maia’s journey takes her all the way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and this is where the story really opens up. Through a collection of letters she discovers, we are transported back to 1927 and introduced to Isabella, who is desperate for her life to begin. I loved how the dual timeline unfolds — it’s a story where the past and present slowly weave together, and you can’t help but keep reading to see how everything connects.
One thing Riley did so well is creating an atmosphere. The settings feel vivid and immersive, and it’s incredibly easy to get lost in the story. That said, if you’re looking for a fast paced thriller, this isn’t it! It’s much more of a slow, emotional, character driven read, the kind you curl up to and sink into.
What really stood out to me is the focus on strong, independent women. Each sister has their own personality and struggles but they are all united by this underlying theme of self discovery and resilience. Riley’s storytelling reinforces the idea that feminism is about equality not dominance, and this message resonates powerfully through the lives of her characters.
Overall, The Seven Sisters is the perfect read if you love family secrets, historical fiction, and stories about finding out where you belong. Just be warned… you’ll probably end up needing the next book immediately.
“Riley’s storytelling reinforces the idea that feminism is about equality not dominance”
A bit about me…
Hi, I'm Joanne Harnett; I live in Crawley with my husband, my two daughters and my tortoise. My career has primarily been in childcare. These days, I am mainly a stay at home mum but still work part time at local children's day nursery. My passions are reading and crochet when I get the chance. I also enjoy baking, who doesn't love a cup of tea and a slice of cake whilst reading right!