An unputdownable book club read about that bonds that can bind or break a family

I always enjoy Ms. Richards' books, but this one is far and away not only the best of hers, but the best book I've read in a year, and probably in at least five years. The bond between sisters can be among the strongest there is, and When We Were Sisters celebrates the fact that the bond is not dependent on biology, but on love and trust.

The growth both sisters reach for and achieve, despite the traumas in their past, is hard won, but worth all the more for that. I wanted to reach out and hug both of them, and learn from them.

As a story, the book is superb. As a celebration of the best of the human spirit, it is so much more

II am trying really hard to get through this book and wishing there were page numbers on my kindle so I knew how much longer I will have to trudge through this. I stopped caring about the characters at least two chapters ago (on chapter 23 now.) I don't care about Robin's boring, ordinary marriage. I don't care about Cecilia-she doesn't seem as big a star as she thinks she is. This book is slow moving and for the most part there is no action at all. Too bad that Kris is a workaholic husband who never sees his kids...I just don't care. There is not enough excitement in this book and the characters are not interesting enough to keep me wanting to read this book.

This book was delivered and written with such great form. You follow these women back in time and see the terrible hand they have been dealt. Despite all odds these women become each others saving grace and succeed as wonderful adults. I Hooghly recommend.

Emille Richards has done a wonderful job weaving the lives of the two sisters. I don't know much about the foster care system, but I think this offers a pretty accurate insight into some of the possible scenarios that can develop. The characters are depicted as "survivors", and they are very believable. Well-written.

By Melissa Amster

As soon as I started reading When We Were Sisters, I was immediately drawn in to the story. Both women have interesting situations to deal with from the start. Then the documentary they are working on shows what it's like to be filming over a long period of time. and all the emotional aspects that go into it. It had a realistic feel with genuine dialogue and settings that were easy to visualize. I enjoyed reading the different perspectives, including Kris' (Robin's husband). Sometimes I'd get Robin and Cecilia's narrative mixed up, but then I'd find myself back on track. The story kept me guessing. Each time I thought I had predicted what would happen, another twist got thrown in.

When We Were Sisters is a beautifully written story that proves family doesn't always have to be blood-related. It has an Iris Rainer Dart feel to it, and not only because of a red-haired famous singer named Cecilia (I believe that was Cee Cee's actual first name in Beaches).

I'd love to hear Cecilia's songs on a soundtrack. However, Emilie Richards has put together a playlist ([...] to accompany the story. Even so, I could see it as a movie and I've shared some casting choices below.

Robin: Maria Dizzia
Cecilia: Amy Adams
Donny: Sam Rockwell
Kris: Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Emilie Richards has again written a story that held me enthralled all the way through. I read it slowly because I wanted to linger and be with the characters in their struggles to sort through their lives and see what they truly valued and wanted. It is a powerful story, with complex characters - with two women, while meeting in the foster care system are truly sisters. The only part I hated was the end. No the ending of the story was fine - I just wanted it to go on and on!

I loved the main characters and the minor ones. Each had their part to play and enriched the experience. I think especially of Hayley, a young girl in the foster care system, Roscoe a dog in need of rescue, Robin and Kris' children, well just about each one of them - good or bad - made this novel what it is.

Secrets, lies, guilt, hard heartedness, cruelty and deep hurt on one hand, - revelation, love, forgiveness, standing for self, owning the real self and trust in the other. And very importantly - the rights of children to safety, care and love. The kind of book I totally love, placing it on my Keeper's Shelf!

Cecilia and Robin first met in foster care when Cecilia and was 13 and Robin was 9 and they became very close and decided that they would be sisters forever. Once grown up Cecilia makes it big as a singer but she never forgets her sister and is godmother to Robins daughter

When Robin has an accident in which she is nearly killed she starts to revaluate her life and so when Cecilia wants her to take part in a project filming foster homes and in particular Cecilia's life in foster homes she wants to take the opportunity to restart her life as a photographer. Her husband Kris is not so keen though it would mean him stepping up to the plate and getting home from work and becoming a parent!

The journey is harrowing for both girls - their life in foster care was mainly unhappy and it was the bond between them that kept them going but are they strong enough to withstand all the long kept secrets that come out, secrets that they even kept from each other.

A great story, very emotional in parts, and one that I couldn't put down until I reached the end - great characters and story showing how they became the people they are today. The story was told in different chapters by Cecilia, Robin and Kris which was great so that you got all of their viewpoints.

In the same foster care homes since Cecilia was 13 and Robin was 9, the sisters have relied on each other for support to get through the tough times. Although Cecilia is now a successful singer-songwriter, she drops everything to be at Robin's side after a terrible car accident. Married and raising two children, Pet and Nic, Robin was once a professional photojournalist. When Cecilia proposes a journey through their childhoods, as a way to get personal closure and to professionally jumpstart Robin's career, will she be able to ignore her husband's wishes and choose herself?

Written from the perspectives of Robin, Cecilia, and Robin's husband Kris, When We Were Sisters highlights the pitfalls and challenges of the foster care system in America. Cecilia and Robin were successful in making it through simply because they had each other but, realistically, many are not that lucky. Rich in character development and with a good premise, the story of Cecilia and Robin is wonderfully written. Although the eventual reveal is somewhat telegraphed, it did not ruin the flow of the book. Readers who enjoy books by Diane Chamberlain will find When We Were Sisters to their liking.

Emilie Richards has long been a favorite author of mine. With When We Were Sisters she has gifted her readers with another poignant story with multi-layers of plot, emotion and growth of characters. Foster Sisters Robin and Cecilia are part of a documentary on foster care and revisit places and incidents in their past. Emilie Richards is a master story-teller. She weaves details and plots throughout the story. The story is revealed one layer at a time. I highly recommend this book for readers who like novels with well-developed characters and lots of character growth. It is a super selection for book clubs to discuss.

In addition to reading the novel, I listened to the book as an audiobook from Audible.com. Three actors narrated the story. It was wonderful to have a man read the male part of Chris, Robin’s husband. It is sometimes irritating to listen to a women read the male dialogue and it still sounds like a women. This audiobook is definitely rated with Five Stars.

Wow... What a truly powerful story.

I have to admit that I love reading Emilie Richards stories. I have loved all the series (including her cozy mysteries). And as with all the authors that I really enjoy I figure there will eventually be a story that I do no like as much or cannot connect to. THIS wasn't it.

I had felt when I read what the story was about that I might not quite GET this book as I consider my childhood as very happy. But to write this novel off as being about two girls that had a horrendous childhood and stuck who together as "sisters" would do THIS story a disservice. Oh, it was shown that childhood is important, and that it can (and does) build the character that one will become as an adult--and the story was so much more...

The author can and does characterize beautifully. I could feel what each and everyone of her characters felt...and agree with the feelings. Which makes this story sound foreseeable. All I can say is that it was... but it really wasn't. This sounds crazy but is true.

I hate noticable "preaching" in a story. I realize that the author wanted to make a point and in my opinion she was able to without preaching. The worse part of this book is that it lingers. And it is going to make it really hard to get into another novel, no matter how good that novel will be.

This novel is a departure from Richards recent series "The Goddess Anonymous". Plot centers around two "sisters" raised in foster care, Cecilia and Robin. Cecilia and Robin stay together through two foster placements which is unusual. The novel opens in their adult lives when Cecilia surprises Robin with a visit. Cecilia has become a famous singer/songwriter. Robin was a photojournalist before marrying and raising her family.

Cecilia 's visit has an ulterior motive. She is working with a documentary filmmaker to explore her survival of the foster care system. Her goal is to change the system with this film. Cecilia's "surprise" visit has an another purpose. She wants Robin to be the photographer for the film.

Robin's decision to accompany her sister and revisit her past sends her family into a tailspin. Her workaholic husband must step up and parent his two children, age 14 and 11.

I devoured this book. Thoroughly enjoyed being on Cecilia and Robin's journey as they conquered their past to pave the road for a stronger future. Exposure of the foster care system was deftly handled. Richards has a knack for delving into difficult topics with a compassionate approach that grants the reader a new understanding of a sensitive topic.

When We Were Sisters is a thoughtfully written book that will tug on you; make you think, then stay with you when you've finished the book. I find myself reading Emilie Richards books slowly because I don't want them to end and also because I want to absorb what she has written.
Even if you've not had experience with foster care it gives the reader some clues about what it is like to grow up in the system. Of course everyone has different experiences. Miz Richards helps the reader feel what it must be like to be a child...uncertain of many things: why didn't
the family keep them; will they be going to a good home; are they bad; are they unloved? These things follow them through life.
Cecilia has become rich and famous and plans a documentary to open the publilc's eyes about what it's like to be in the fostering world. Her "sister" Robin is asked to help with it...the process is painful but in the end helps them bury the bad experiences and celebrate the good ones,
especially the bond with each other. This is a special book...my favorite read of the year so far.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Robin and Cecelia grew up in the foster care system. They were not biologically related but they formed a bond that could not be broken by time or miles. Each moved on in her own direction but continued to keep in touch. Robin’s high-powered attorney husband and Cecilia do not get along but could this be more from not wanting to share Robin than not seeing eye to eye? A life changing accident gives Robin food for thought. When her “sister” asks for her help in a project she agrees for many reasons. It is time for her husband to step up and take some responsibility for his children and she is ready to get back into her former career. I have knowledge of the foster care system and Emilie’s portrayal is spot on. There are many good, safe placements but others that are not. I found the journey that CeCe and Robin travelled to be entertaining but most importantly enlightening.

Lovingly written, this book gives you a glimpse of the foster care system, where two sisters of the heart keep in touch and remain friends as adults. Cecelia met Robin in a foster care home when they were 13 and 9, respectively. Cecelia took Robin under her wing and together they pulled each other through many challenges and struggles. This story takes place nearly 30 years later. They explore their past through the making of a documentary about the system. I love how the chapters switch between Cecelia, Robin, and Robin's husband, Kris. Each of them are able to take you through what they think and feel, and the reader gradually gets to know each of them, which I believe is a very important aspect of this story. The author wrote this with a lot of heart, and I felt that care and understanding of the characters with every page. [I received an advance copy of the book in return for a fair and honest review.]

Once again, Ms Richards goes beyond the story and into our hearts and makes us take a look within ourselves.
The main characters are Cecilia and Robin. They became “sisters” in the foster care system and vowed to always be “sisters”. Life after foster care takes them in different directions. One as a superstar singer-songwriter, and the other , a well known photojournalist, who puts her career aside to create her own family.
Life doesn’t always work out the way they expect, and obstacles are thrown their way . But are they really obstacle or opportunities?
I love that Ms Richards always makes me take an introspective look within myself and makes me want to be a better me .
+ I got this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have read Emilie Richards for years & this is one of the best stand alone books she has ever written. I love the fact that they aren't blood relatives but have remained real sisters and best friends to each other thru there whole lives taking the good with the bad- Cecelia is a Superstar singer song writer and Robin gave up her career as a successful photo-journalist to marry Kris and raise her 2 kids. Until one day a film producer contacts Cecelia to see if she's interested in doing a documentary on the Foster care system. Cecelia agrees if Robin can be the photo-journalist and the journey into the past begins and they both have to uncover some unpleasant truths along the way....

Emilie Richards has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. She had a way of writing about women that is heart felt and inspiring. Sisters certainly did not disappoint.

When we were Sisters is the story of two women who met, by chance, when they werein foster care. During the book they are visiting the locations associated with their childhoods. As they confront their past they begin to understand their adult feelings and relationships.

Excellently written. I would say it is a must read.

Storytelling at its finest. I was sucked in from the first chapter and held until the end. Love the character development and the storyline. Sadly too much truth concerning the Foster Children’s stories. I want to believe things are improving and this story will make people aware.

I’ve always loved Emilie Richards’ books and this one was no different! Wonderful story about two girls that meet in a foster home and become sisters, one protecting the other throughout their lives. The documentary on foster care gives Robin and Cecilia a chance to go back to all the foster homes they used to live and gives the reader a glimpse into what foster care can be like. Understandably not all foster homes are like the ones portrayed in the book, this gives the reader an idea of what could happen if the foster care system does not have the proper checks and balances in place. Definitely a book I will read again and again! I received this book as a gift from the author, Emilie Richards.

Fantastic book but of course all of Ruchard's books have been fantastic. I received this book as an advance copy and I must say it was great. It is the story of two young girls who met in the foster care system. Even though they were not related by blood they became sisters who even as adults maintained a close relationship. When you read you will get caught up in the story and not want to put it down until finished. Highly recommend this and any if her other books

Once again in this novel, we realize that sometimes we have more "family" in those we meet along the way in life than we have in our own blood relatives.
I didn't want an ending to the story but yet I wanted to reach the end to see how it all resolved. I want more.
It also fun to read about places in the state of Florida where lived or grew up. It made the whole book "in reach."

A well written, emotional account of growing up in the Foster Care System and surviving thanks to a sister made through the system and a strong sense of self. I shed a few tears but am amazed at the story and how true it is for some children still today.

When We Were Sisters by Emilie Richards is a heartrending, poignant and healing novel that highlights both the positive and negative aspects of the foster care system. This riveting story about two foster sisters, Robin Lenhart and Cecelia, is a sensitive and realistic depiction of a system that is oftentimes woefully overburdened and underfunded. And most heartbreaking is the all too real fact that the children who end up in foster care through no fault of their own are the ones who pay the highest price when the system fails to adequately protect them.

Cecelia aka CeCe and Robin grew up together as foster children who are consider themselves sisters of the heart. As adults, their lives took them in very different directions but there is absolutely nothing that can destroy the bond they forged as kids. While CeCe is a wildly famous and popular singer/songwriter, Robin put her career as a photojournalist on hold to stay at home with her two children, Nik and Pet. Although still deeply in love with her lawyer husband Kris, Robin is slowly realizing that everyone she knows seems to be moving on with their lives while hers remains exactly the same. After surviving a car accident that took the life of one of her best friends, Robin accepts CeCe’s offer to become the photographer for a documentary about foster care. While it is a difficult yet cathartic journey for both women, will long held secrets and long forgotten memories destroy the lives they have worked so hard to build?

Robin has always found it difficult to give voice to her dissatisfaction but in the aftermath of the car accident, she is much more open and honest about her discontent. She takes full responsibility for letting Kris take advantage of her but she is no longer willing to continue on their current path. His long hours and heavy workload mean little time spent together as a family and Robin is tired of allowing him to put his career first. Kris is not at all happy about her decision to accompany CeCe but Robin refuses to change her mind and their once close marriage slowly begins to crumble under the weight of his anger and inability to see things from her perspective.

CeCe is a strong willed survivor who tackles life on her own terms. She lets nothing and no one stand in her way as she sets about accomplishing her goals. Although she has achieved success beyond her wildest dreams, CeCe is still haunted by the events of her childhood and she hopes that facing her past will finally put her demons to rest. At long last ready to face her worst memories, CeCe jumps headlong into the foster care documentary but as she soon discovers, nothing can prepare them for the sheer terror awaiting them as they confront the horror they experienced at one of the hands of one of their foster families.

CeCe and Robin’s reasons for participating in the documentary are quite different yet this decision serves as a catalyst for change in both of their lives. Robin’s marriage is in crisis but for the first time, she is finally putting her needs first despite her discomfort. She is also taking an important step once she begins talking about her problems instead of keeping silent. CeCe at long last reveals the darkest parts of herself and her past and although she continues to try to maintain an emotional distance from everyone but Robin, true healing does not begin until she takes a chance on love.

Despite its sometimes dark and gritty subject matter, When We Were Sisters is surprisingly uplifting and hopeful. While Robin and CeCe experienced traumatic life altering events, they also had positive experiences with foster parents and family members who truly loved them. Emilie Richards presents a fair and balanced perspective of both the good and bad elements of the foster care system. A beautifully rendered and impeccably researched story that has a realistic storyline that does not shy away from difficult or sensitive topics, this incredibly moving novel is an emotional and healing journey that will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
My only complaint is I thought the book was a bit long and could have cut a few scenes. But the story itself is so good, so heartfelt, and a story that needed to be told about foster care (both good and bad.) I liked the two "sisters" coming to terms with their past, and as with all great books, there were a few surprising twists toward the end.

I’ve always loved Emilie Richards’ books and this one was no different! Wonderful story about two girls that meet in a foster home and become sisters, one protecting the other throughout their lives. The documentary on foster care gives Robin and Cecilia a chance to go back to all the foster homes they used to live and gives the reader a glimpse into what foster care can be like. Understandably not all foster homes are like the ones portrayed in the book, this gives the reader an idea of what could happen if the foster care system does not have the proper checks and balances in place. Definitely a book I will read again and again! I received this book as a gift from the author, Emilie Richards.

Fantastic book but of course all of Ruchard's books have been fantastic. I received this book as an advance copy and I must say it was great. It is the story of two young girls who met in the foster care system. Even though they were not related by blood they became sisters who even as adults maintained a close relationship. When you read you will get caught up in the story and not want to put it down until finished. Highly recommend this and any if her other books

Once again in this novel, we realize that sometimes we have more "family" in those we meet along the way in life than we have in our own blood relatives.
I didn't want an ending to the story but yet I wanted to reach the end to see how it all resolved. I want more.
It also fun to read about places in the state of Florida where lived or grew up. It made the whole book "in reach."

A well written, emotional account of growing up in the Foster Care System and surviving thanks to a sister made through the system and a strong sense of self. I shed a few tears but am amazed at the story and how true it is for some children still today.

When We Were Sisters by Emilie Richards is a heartrending, poignant and healing novel that highlights both the positive and negative aspects of the foster care system. This riveting story about two foster sisters, Robin Lenhart and Cecelia, is a sensitive and realistic depiction of a system that is oftentimes woefully overburdened and underfunded. And most heartbreaking is the all too real fact that the children who end up in foster care through no fault of their own are the ones who pay the highest price when the system fails to adequately protect them.

Cecelia aka CeCe and Robin grew up together as foster children who are consider themselves sisters of the heart. As adults, their lives took them in very different directions but there is absolutely nothing that can destroy the bond they forged as kids. While CeCe is a wildly famous and popular singer/songwriter, Robin put her career as a photojournalist on hold to stay at home with her two children, Nik and Pet. Although still deeply in love with her lawyer husband Kris, Robin is slowly realizing that everyone she knows seems to be moving on with their lives while hers remains exactly the same. After surviving a car accident that took the life of one of her best friends, Robin accepts CeCe’s offer to become the photographer for a documentary about foster care. While it is a difficult yet cathartic journey for both women, will long held secrets and long forgotten memories destroy the lives they have worked so hard to build?

Robin has always found it difficult to give voice to her dissatisfaction but in the aftermath of the car accident, she is much more open and honest about her discontent. She takes full responsibility for letting Kris take advantage of her but she is no longer willing to continue on their current path. His long hours and heavy workload mean little time spent together as a family and Robin is tired of allowing him to put his career first. Kris is not at all happy about her decision to accompany CeCe but Robin refuses to change her mind and their once close marriage slowly begins to crumble under the weight of his anger and inability to see things from her perspective.

CeCe is a strong willed survivor who tackles life on her own terms. She lets nothing and no one stand in her way as she sets about accomplishing her goals. Although she has achieved success beyond her wildest dreams, CeCe is still haunted by the events of her childhood and she hopes that facing her past will finally put her demons to rest. At long last ready to face her worst memories, CeCe jumps headlong into the foster care documentary but as she soon discovers, nothing can prepare them for the sheer terror awaiting them as they confront the horror they experienced at one of the hands of one of their foster families.

CeCe and Robin’s reasons for participating in the documentary are quite different yet this decision serves as a catalyst for change in both of their lives. Robin’s marriage is in crisis but for the first time, she is finally putting her needs first despite her discomfort. She is also taking an important step once she begins talking about her problems instead of keeping silent. CeCe at long last reveals the darkest parts of herself and her past and although she continues to try to maintain an emotional distance from everyone but Robin, true healing does not begin until she takes a chance on love.

Despite its sometimes dark and gritty subject matter, When We Were Sisters is surprisingly uplifting and hopeful. While Robin and CeCe experienced traumatic life altering events, they also had positive experiences with foster parents and family members who truly loved them. Emilie Richards presents a fair and balanced perspective of both the good and bad elements of the foster care system. A beautifully rendered and impeccably researched story that has a realistic storyline that does not shy away from difficult or sensitive topics, this incredibly moving novel is an emotional and healing journey that will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
My only complaint is I thought the book was a bit long and could have cut a few scenes. But the story itself is so good, so heartfelt, and a story that needed to be told about foster care (both good and bad.) I liked the two "sisters" coming to terms with their past, and as with all great books, there were a few surprising twists toward the end.

This is my first time reading an Emilie Richards book, but I was captivated! She gives a very vivid picture of the foster care system in our country. I'm sure not every situation is the same that CeCe and Robin experienced, but I fear there are many more like their stories, than not. The book also weaves a story of the three main characters' lives, and shows a side of Kris and Robin's married life that is almost too real! At times, I had a hard time going to sleep after reading each night because the scenes were just so real to life. I highly recommend this book!!

This story about foster sisters Cecilia and Robin touched my heart. After Robin experiences an eye-opening accident, their relationship is explored and tested during the course of several months while working together on a documentary about their childhood in the system. Cecilia, now a famous singer, and Robin, a housewife hoping to revive her photography career, expose the foster care system they experienced as not so happily-ever-after. At the same time, Cecilia’s Hollywood lifestyle, Robin’s marriage and family turmoil all have intriguing twists and turns. I loved this book!

This is certainly true of her newest stand alone novel "When We Were Sisters." The story explores how two foster sisters confront their pasts in order to understand their present lives and look with hope to their futures. Every reader will be able to empathize with the idea that one's family is not always created by blood.... Great read, will leave you thinking about the story long after you finish it.

Emilie Richards' book didn't disappoint me. I've read others of hers and enjoy the characters immensely. I love that she writes a "many-paged" book that gives you the time to get to know the characters and make them your family or friends for the time it takes to read it. This book has a surprise ending and surprise endings are always a good way to make you remember that life itself is always a surprise, good or bad!

What a wonderful book! Each chapter tells a part of the story from the perspective of one of the three main characters. Although I had to go back to the beginning of a chapter a few times to check who was talking in the first person, I think the story was better using this method. The reader has the opportunity to learn more about each individual character and really understand what he or she is feeling.