Secrets of the Tulip Sisters By Susan Mallery

A wonderful story full of romance, forgiveness and the unavoidable ties that bind, Secrets Of The Tulip Sisters is Susan Mallery at her very best.

Kelly Murphy's life as a tulip farmer is pretty routineâ€"up at dawn, off to work, lather, rinse, repeat. But everything changes one sun-washed summer with two dramatic homecomings: Griffith Burnettâ€"Tulpen Crossing's prodigal son, who's set his sights on Kellyâ€"and Olivia, her beautiful, wayward and, as far as Kelly is concerned, unwelcome sister. Tempted by Griffith, annoyed by Olivia, Kelly is overwhelmed by the secrets that were so easy to keep when she was alone.

But Olivia's return isn't as triumphant as she pretends. Her job has no future, and ever since her dad sent her away from the bad boy she loved, she has felt cut off from her past. She's determined to reclaim her man and her place in the family…whether her sister likes it or not. For ten years, she and Kelly have been strangers. Olivia will get by without her approval now.

While Kelly and Olivia butt heads, their secrets tumble out in a big hot mess, revealing some truths that will change everything they thought they knew. Can they forgive each otherâ€"and themselvesâ€"and redefine what it means to be sisters?

Told with Mallery's trademark heart and humor, the Tulip Sisters are in for the most colorful summer of their lives… Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

If there is one thing that the Susan Mallery does well, and I mean really well. is writing about family and friendships. If you are in the mood for a great story with both of those things, then The Secrets of the Tulip Sisters is the book for you. I adored this story. It's messy, gut-wrenching, funny and awkward. It's also a story about how we perceive ourselves and others. It's about personal growth and feeling comfortable in your own skin. And, finally, finding forgiveness.

As I said, I loved this book. While there is romance in the book, it was the relationship between Kelly and here sister Olivia that really made the book for me. Their family dynamic has been pretty dysfunctional. I was really rooting for them to find their way back to becoming the sisters they should have been all along. It was wonderful to watch. I also thought that Olivia had the most growth out of the sisters. I loved watching her find her confidence again. As for romance, my favorite out of the three was Helen and Jeff's. I wasn't in the least bit bothered by the age gap. Their relationship was so adorable and I loved every minute of it.

I highly recommend this one. It is a wonderful story to get lost in and would make a great vacation read this summer. Go out and get it, you won't be sorry! Secrets of the Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery have such a great disposition in terms of its title, cover and premise. A story about secrets and the bond between sisters. Add in romance, and this should be a no brainer to go high on my list. Yet it doesn't. Sadly to say, though the premise and even the story line are fairly on par and have some great moments, the overall language and dialogue was rather cringe-worthy. I'm not a reader that only reads clean fiction. I read many novels from the general market and though some will include an intimate scene, I prefer those that are done tastefully. From the very first chapter to the end, I can't say how many times I've recoiled from what I've read, be it the graphic scenes or the type of dialogue between our characters. Was it necessary? I honestly don't think so, since I felt it took away from the story itself. And with that, I end my review, because when I close a book, and the only thing that jumps out at me or stay in my mind are the cringe moments, everything else didn't take hold.


For my clean readers, please note there are numerous intimate scenes that are at times graphic and not appropriate for underage readers, as well as some profanity. Overall language are rather crude in my opinion.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion. 384 Honestly this just wasn't good. There are ever changing romantic partners, stupid secrets being kept from people, and honestly the chemistry between the entire cast of characters was non-existent. Then Mallery tries to include a plot about the evil mother who abandoned her children that didn't work at all. I am wondering if I should stop reading her hoping to find the magic I did in the Blackberry Island series.

Secrets of the Tulip Sisters has Kelly Murphy at a crossroads in her romantic life. Her long time boyfriend that she felt meh about broke up with her. And now a man that she used to have a crush on is pushing for them to have a friends (well not that) with benefits situation cause apparently neither of them have heard of masturbation. Seriously the entire plot point between Kelly and Griffith was something that I read like a bad 80s romantic comedy. Shit, maybe early 2000s, I feel like I watched a movie called Friends with Benefits and now I feel slightly horrified. On top of this, Kelly's younger sister Olivia (who she is slightly estranged from) has returned home. Olivia is running from some things she hasn't told her sister of father. She thinks returning back home to where her ex now lives may lead to something more. Instead, Olivia finds herself in a, hey we just met, let's have sex situation with someone.

Look, I love romance novels, but this whole book was flat out nonsense. The two sisters romantic partners were bland and beige. I also hated, hated that apparently Kelly never apparently had an orgasm and we were forced as readers to read as Griffith talked to her about her g spot. I lost the will to live. And no, it's not because I don't think those are conversations that lovers should have with each other. It was because it didn't feel realistic and oh, it wasn't hot! I was bored. Kelly and Olivia both needed therapists and to tell their father what a shit person he was by never standing up to their terrible mother.

And speaking of their father, his romance was weird and not sexy at all. He was a joke and a half and his love interest being into him was not believable.

When Kelly and Olivia's mother returned, I was hoping for some actual conversations to take place, but nothing doing. Either they hid form her, had nasty comments, and their mother deflected and acted like an asshole. I don't know what was going on. I found myself frustrated the whole time I read this.

The writing was meh, maybe if we just followed one of them it would have worked better. Mallery trying to juggle three love stories didn't work in this one. No one had priority and there was too much going on.

The flow was bad. I should have DNFed, but kept punishing myself. I saw a lot of people shelved this one as a DNF or posted a review they couldn't finish it. This needed edited heavily. We either needed to focus on the estranged sisters becoming closer trope, or the evil mother one. And if you are doing evil mother, don't make her a Disney cartoon character. Well shoot, maybe, Cinderella's stepmother still scares the shit out of me.



The setting of the book could have worked. Kelly and her father are running their family tulip farm. Too bad we don't focus on that more. Instead we focus more on Griffith's business into building tiny houses which honestly says more about this character than I could actually write.

The ending slaps everything together for a rushed HEA for all couples. ebook This story was nice but did feel slightly incestuous with the incredibly small dating pool. Susan Mallery 3.5 stars

Kelly Murphy has a pretty routine life. She works with her father as a successful tulip farmer. Six months ago her long term relationship ended and she is very aware that her high school crush, Griffith Martin is back in town. What makes things even more interesting is that Kate's younger sister, Olivia, who she has not seen in 6 years has also come back to town. Olivia was sent away to finish school when she was 15 after her parents divorce. Kate turns to her friend, Helen, as she always does, for advice and a shoulder to cry on upon Olivia's return to town. Helen owns the local diner where Kate's father, Jeff goes every morning for coffee. Helen and Jeff have become friends over the years and also play together in a band.

Griffith has come back into town and is managing a successful business. His younger brother, Ryan works for him but is not pulling his own weight at work. Griffith has made his interest in Kate known and is willing to do whatever it takes to be with her. Olivia decides to start over in her hometown after she grows closer to her father and sister. Helen is deeply routed in the hometown but is wrestling with her feelings for an older man.

Almost everyone has secrets in this book. Kate, Olivia and Helen are three women with secrets. Eventually their secrets come out and they individually have to deal with them. To add turmoil into the mix, someone comes back into town to throw a wrench into everyone's happiness,. A blast from the past who will not be happy until everyone is unhappy.

Is the book predictable? Yes, but aren't most romance books? If you go into this book with that in mind you will not be disappointed. This is a light fast read about family bonds, the bonds of friendship, and starting over. I appreciated that this book did not seem to end abruptly as most romance books do. I get so annoyed when I read a book and in one page everything is resolved, everyone declares their love and off to the chapel they go! This book came to an ending at the perfect pace. Nothing felt rushed or tied up too quickly. There is an epilogue which I also appreciated.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit

4.5 stars. Secrets of the Tulip Sisters was a winning read for me. I really enjoyed the characters, the constant roller coaster ride of relationships between various people, and most of all the sisters themselves, Kelly and Olivia.

Both girls hold secrets that the other doesn't know and some of them could push them over the brink of never speaking to each other again! Olivia has just returned home after many years away. Their mother left them when they were young girls, just let me say... no one would want her for a mother and that's for sure. I liked both girls and the journey they take as they renew their relationship, and reach out into romantic relationships as well.

Olivia is a very organised person with a number of talents that see her making herself very useful to the people of Tulpen Crossing as she sets about showing them how they might improve their businesses. Its not long into the time she realises Ryan isn't the one for her, however unbeknown to her Sven, the one she attaches herself to might be a time bomb waiting!

Kelly has a best friend Helen, they are great mates, however Helen is falling for someone that is going to rock Kelly's world. How will that work out? I wasn't sure right to the last move, but it all worked out for the best in the end.

I loved the job that Griffith had building tiny houses, and the tulip growing business that Kelly is so involved in. These combined with Olivia's love of design and improving the appearance of her sister and others just sweetened this story.

Griffith was a piece of work! He is determined to have a relationship with Kelly but no commitment or love, he was burned once in marriage and never again. Of course the man is living in lala land, he's on the road even though he doesn't realise it. His care and concern over Kelly is admirable and the lengths he goes to - superb. Especially with one difficulty that Kelly has that he deals with by some research and very straight talking.

A wonderful, romantic story with that something extra that made it a delightful read. ebook EXCERPT: Kelly Murphy was willing to accept certain injustices in the world. That brownies had more calories than celery. That wearing white pants meant getting her period - regardless of where she was in her cycle. That her car would be low on gas only on days when she was running late. What she did not appreciate or accept was the total unfairness of Griffith Burnett not only returning to Tulpen Crossing, Washington, nearly a year ago, but apparently waking up last month and deciding that stalking her was how he was going to spend his days.

The man was everywhere. Every. Where. He was the aphid swarm in the garden of her life. He was kudzu, he was rain at an outdoor wedding, someone spoiling the end of the movie just as you were getting to the good part, all rolled into one.

THE BLURB: Kelly Murphy's life as a tulip farmer is pretty routineâ€"up at dawn, off to work, lather, rinse, repeat. But everything changes one sun-washed summer with two dramatic homecomings: Griffith Burnettâ€"Tulpen Crossing's prodigal son, who's set his sights on Kellyâ€"and Olivia, her beautiful, wayward and, as far as Kelly is concerned, unwelcome sister. Tempted by Griffith, annoyed by Olivia, Kelly is overwhelmed by the secrets that were so easy to keep when she was alone.

But Olivia's return isn't as triumphant as she pretends. Her job has no future, and ever since her dad sent her away from the bad boy she loved, she has felt cut off from her past. She's determined to reclaim her man and her place in the family…whether her sister likes it or not. For ten years, she and Kelly have been strangers. Olivia will get by without her approval now.

While Kelly and Olivia butt heads, their secrets tumble out in a big hot mess, revealing some truths that will change everything they thought they knew. Can they forgive each otherâ€"and themselvesâ€"and redefine what it means to be sisters?

Told with Mallery's trademark heart and humor, the Tulip Sisters are in for the most colorful summer of their lives…

MY THOUGHTS: 4.5 ☆ for this heart-warming story from my 'comfort food author' Susan Mallery. I can always relate to her characters, they are unreservedly human, flawed, but lovable anyway. And I always want to belong to the families she writes about, warts and all. Mallery is the master of family dynamics. And she always has me wondering, if this were happening to me, how would I react?

While you might know that everything is going to work out in the end, and you are going to get a 'happy ever after', the journey itself is a maelstrom of emotions. Parental upheaval, sibling rivalry, old flames, jealousy and an unforseen love affair all contribute to this wonderful read. 

I listened to the audiobook of The Secrets of the Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery, narrated by Tanya Eby, published by Harlequin Audio, via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.

This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/... Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

Susan Mallery

Received from Netgalley


I don't know why I waited so long to read this book. I've always enjoyed reading Susan Mallery and SECRETS OF THE TULIP SISTERS is exactly why. Kelly Murphy owns a tulip farm along with her dad, Jeff in Tulpen Crossing, Washington. Kelly's mom left her and her sister Olivia over ten years ago to live in Phoenix, never looking back. At the same time, Olivia is sent away to boarding school to keep her from becoming just like her mother. Now it's ten years later and Olivia has come back to visit. Hang on readers, it's one wild and crazy ride.


Both of the sisters have secrets and when they are divulged, it could ruin their relationship and make the sisters enemies once again. SECRETS OF THE TULIP SISTERS have the sisters trying to become sisters once again but all these secrets keep popping up and while they are serious, you can't help but giggle along the way. Kelley is also dealing with secrets from her best friend Helen. Helen is falling in love with someone that is going to blow Kelly away when she finds out the truth. Helen doesn't know how to tell the man that she is in love with him, never mind telling Kelly who it is! I honestly don't know how I would have handled this situation, but Susan Mallery makes it work. Perfectly I might add.


While all of this is going on, Kelly's high school crush Griffith Burnett has moved back to town and decides he wants to get to know Kelly better. He wants a relationship with her but with no lifelong plan and no marriage either. Haha well, you know how much fun this is going to be right? SECRETS OF THE TULIP SISTERS reaffirms my belief that Susan Mallery sure does know how to write about friendship and family. She has you laughing and tearing up all at the same time. I love how Susan Mallery writes about Kelly and Olivia growing and becoming comfortable in their own skin. They both go through huge changes as do most of the secondary characters. To make matters worse, they all receive a blast from the past that threatens to blow all of their lives to hell and back if not dealt with. I can not wait to read more of Susan Mallery and I promise not to wait so long between books next time! Secrets of the Tulip Sisters *https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
*3.5 stars
It has taken the 2017 release of bestselling romance author Susan Mallery’s stand alone novel, Secrets of the Tulip Sisters, for this reader to become acquainted with Mallery’s work. Known for her heart-warming women’s fiction novels focussed on the business of love and relationships, Secrets of the Tulip Sisters is a charming novel, incorporating Mallery’s distinctive style.

Secrets, relationships, friendships and love are at the core of Susan Mallery’s latest. It is the story of two sisters, Kelly and Olivia, who have been estranged for almost a decade. The separation of their parents saw Kelly remain with her father, working on the family tulip farm, while Olivia, the younger of the two sisters, went to boarding school. Kelly thrives on routine and order, so when the wayward Olivia arrives unexpectedly on her doorstep, she finds her life completely out of balance. Olivia has come home to the small town of Tulpen Crossing, Washington, to reconnect with her family and rekindle an old love. The two sisters find they are now complete strangers and work on rebuilding their strained relationship. This is made harder by the complications the two face in their love lives, the secrets that surface in these conditions and the meddling of family and friends.

More than the pulling power of the author of Secrets of the Tulip Sisters, who is a bestselling New York Times novelist, the title of the book propelled me towards this novel. I absolutely adore tulips and any opportunity to grab hold of a story that incorporates my favourite flower into a storyline is highly welcomed. On the whole, I have to say I enjoyed the lightness of this wholesome tale.

The secrets that are aired and the repair of the fractured relationship between sisters Kelly and Olivia is what essentially drives this novel to its final destination. Kelly and Olivia’s relationship is a complex one, that goes through a complete overhaul during the progression of the story. Initially, we see how distant the sisters have become, due to the family circumstances that pulled them apart. We witness how time and opportunities to bond, works to help the two sisters make it over the difficult bridge to reconciliation. It is a heart-warming process to observe the new-found relationship that blooms between the sisters.

The narrative of Secrets of the Tulip Sisters unfurls in such a way that it is easy to delve into the hearts and minds of the main characters. I found myself establishing an early liking to Kelly and I seemed to enjoy her journey the most. I admired Kelly’s sense of routine, passion, work ethic and loyalty. Kelly also had a vulnerable side that I enjoyed unpacking. Olivia on the other hand was not a character I immediately warmed to, it was more a gradual process of connection with Olivia. The path Olivia takes to get to know aspects of herself, her family and what she wants in life romantically was interesting to observe. The two sisters are also supported by the strong presence of Kelly’s best friend Helen, who is a pleasurable character on the whole. Helen plays a significant role in the story, offering moments of romance, friendship and secrets to the novel as a whole. It is also important to mention the men who have an integral place in the overall interactions in this novel. With the character of Ryan excepted, Griffith, Sven and Jeff are all charming in their own ways.

Mallery does do a solid job of recreating small town life in the US for the reader to follow. Tulpen Crossing is wonderfully realised. I got a great sense of the unconditional support of one another and the small town gossip ring that exists in communities such as Tulpen Crossing. I loved the use of a tulip farm at the heart of this novel, all I can say is I wanted more on this aspect, as I found it completely fascinating. I loved Kelly’s career as a tulip farmer. What a great profession to cast a female lead character in.

If you are expecting romance, which is always high on Mallery’s agenda, then you will be more than pleased with Secrets of the Tulip Sisters. This book kindly offers the reader a three in one romance style novel, as Kelly, Olivia and friend Helen all embark on their own pathways to love. Within the narrative, Mallery shows us how love can take many forms and offers up some diverse romantic interludes. The romance in this novel is mostly sweet, but there were some rather hot and heavy scenes in Secrets of the Tulip Sisters that took me a little aback! The ending was a happy one, even a little clichéd at best!

A feel good story focussed on the bonds of family, the complications of love, intermingled secrets and the road to forgiveness is at the soul of this solid women’s fiction title. Secrets of the Tulip Sisters is a one that I would expect would easily hold wide appeal, due to the balanced romantic narrative and inviting story elements.

*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty and Lace/Harlequin Books Australia. Susan Mallery Kelly Murphy and her father Jeff own a tulip farm in Tulpen Crossing, Washington. They have lived alone for over ten years after her mother left the family for Phoenix. Her younger sister Olivia left home around the same time for boarding school to curb her “wild ways”. Olivia sided with her mother after the divorce and they work together in the same estate office. Eager to rekindle her ties with her family, Olivia decides to visit Tulpen Crossing.

Kelly hasn't warmed up to Olivia’s return and is unsure how to move forward in their relationship. Through the years she has relied on best friend Helen for advice. She owns the local coffee shop and influences how Kelly handles her sister. Throughout the story Kelly, Olivia, and Helen each hold back secrets from one another. When all the truths start to unfold, all of their their relationships take a step forward.

This story is about family, romance, and the power of friendships. There are many secondary characters that add interesting fabric to the story. This was a fun read by Susan Mallery. Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit