ARC received from publisher for an honest review

I don't know what rock I have been under, but this is my first Rachael Johns read - even though I have had the pleasure of meeting her.

I will definitely be rectifying that situation soon though.

I adored The Patterson Girls - what was there not to love. Four sisters, all so different, but with a bond that time nor distance can break. Each sister has their strengths and weaknesses that the others rely on or help with.

When they all get together for a family Christmas, their lives and loves all come to the fore. Each has their own struggles, but with the love of each other they can get through. Family secrets and curses are revealed, which gets them all thinking.

The Patterson family just feels so real. None of those perfect-made-for-TV families here. They fight, they laugh, they cry. They bicker like any siblings do.

This story is told from all 4 sister's perspectives, with alternating chapters. Each sister has such a distinct voice that I never felt confused as to who I was reading at the time.

Word of advice though - don't read this book on a coach tour like I did - you will need to hide those tears! I had to stop reading until I got to my hotel room at night! I swear I went through a whole box of Kleenex!

I love a book that tugs at the heartstrings though!

Ms Johns has written a beautiful, emotion-packed story and now I really, really need to read more of her work.

Cannot wait to see what she brings us next.