The Sweeney Sisters: A Novel [B1428]

2020 HCDJ in excellent condition. An accomplished storyteller returns with her biggest, boldest, most entertaining novel yet--a hilarious, heartfelt story about books, love, sisterhood, and the surprises we discover in our DNA. Maggie, Eliza, and Tricia Sweeney grew up as a happy threesome in the idyllic seaside town of Southport, Connecticut. But their mother's death from cancer fifteen years ago tarnished their golden-hued memories, and the sisters drifted apart. Their one touchstone is their father, Bill Sweeney, an internationally famous literary lion and college professor universally adored by critics, publishers, and book lovers. When Bill dies unexpectedly one cool June night, his shell-shocked daughters return to their childhood home. They aren't quite sure what the future holds without their larger-than-life father, but they do know how to throw an Irish wake to honor a man of his stature.

But as guests pay their respects and reminisce, one stranger, emboldened by whiskey, has crashed the party. It turns out that she too is a Sweeney sister. When Washington, DC based journalist Serena Tucker had her DNA tested on a whim a few weeks earlier, she learned she had a 50% genetic match with a childhood neighbor--Maggie Sweeney of Southport, Connecticut. It seems Serena's chilly WASP mother, Birdie, had a history with Bill Sweeney--one that has remained totally secret until now. Once the shock wears off, questions abound. What does this mean for William's literary legacy? Where is the unfinished memoir he's stashed away, and what will it reveal? And how will a fourth Sweeney sister--a blond among redheads--fit into their story? By turns revealing, insightful, and uproarious, The Sweeney Sisters is equal parts cautionary tale and celebration--a festive and heartfelt look at what truly makes a family.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "I really enjoyed the family drama that unfolded, and liked the style it was written in. I also enjoyed the character growth that developed for each individual sister, and for the group as a whole. A good read!"; "It's a perfect beach read or something to enjoy on a quiet weekend, especially if you're missing your family or your sisters. It's comforting, has just enough drama to keep things interesting, and it never feels too heavy."; "Unknown author to me but I was intrigued by the cover and the book jacket! I'm so glad I followed my instinct! Wonderfully rich story of familial relationships and staying true to one's self. A beautifully executed story of recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and allowing grace for others to step in. Absolutely loved this book!"; "Hooked me from start to finish. I loved the way the sisters loved on each other and stuck together despite what they were going through. This was heart warming, found family, grief, and new beginnings. So good..."