3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fantastic read!, Mar 7 2011
By Jo Dogz - Published on Amazon.com
What a wonderful book. I enjoyed it so much, that as soon as I finished reading it, I immediately started to read it again. Sarah has built a new and interesting world where young girls can find themselves called to serve as Sisters of Salbine. When they enter the order, they learn how to draw on and use the elements. The book follows Maddy, who has left her family and all she knew to become a Sister of Salbine, who is sure in the knowledge that she's where she's meant to be. Her relationship with the outwardly irascible, yet inwardly shy Lillian, an older Mistress of the order, is bringing her joy. Especially when, after a few stumbles, they work out that they both want more from the other than just a bed partner. All this changes however, when she suffers a crisis of faith after she discovers she can't draw on the elements, which sets her apart from all other Sisters. This prompts her to travel to another monastery to research her condition and hopefully gain an understanding of her place in the world. Little does she know how life changing the journey will be.
Maddy and Lillian are wonderfully written, their budding romance is wonderful, as is the way Maddy can see right past Lillian's gruff exterior. Sarah has given us a wonderful cast of supporting characters and a story that engrosses you from the start. I really like the way Sarah writes, she doesn't bombard you with huge passages of facts and data in setting up this new world, but masterfully weaves snippets of important history and information throughout the story. The Salbine Sisters has everything you would want, at heart a romance but liberally laced with adventure, humour and character growth that has you cheering them on. It's a complete story with no threads left hanging, yet there are some intriguing elements of the story that call out for another book, I'd love to read more in the story of Maddy and Lillian and the Salbine Sisters.
Thank you for giving us such a great book Sarah :)
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Recommended . . . this was a lovely read, Dec 21 2010
By Sally (Bibrary Book Lust) - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Salbine Sisters (Paperback)
Sarah Ettritch's new novel is one of those stories that sneaks up on you, snuggles in close, and seduces you into reading just a few more pages before you put it down. The words flow so easily and so sweetly on the page that you're halfway through it before you realise the house is quiet, the news is muted on TV, and everybody else has long since gone to bed.
This is lesbian romance at its finest, with characters who are so wonderfully alive that you can't help but fall in love with them from the very first page. Rarely do I come across a character who so completely, so instantaneously, and so effortlessly makes such a lasting connection with me as I found myself enjoying with Maddy. She's honest and genuine, both a loving friend and a friendly lover. Even though she's involved in a May-December romance with Lillian, their love never feels cliched or tenuous.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A very enjoyable read, Dec 18 2010
By Astrid - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Salbine Sisters (Paperback)
I really enjoyed 'The Salbine Sisters'. Sarah Ettritch created an interesting world and two very likeable heroines.
The dynamic between Maddy and Lillian is captivating and often enough really funny.
These two are so different that they are a perfect fit for each other.
Emmey, the pickpocket is a nice addition to the story.
The focus on the character development is a big bonus from my point of view.
The worldbuilding is well done and well thought through.
Honestly, once started I couldn't put the book down. This one is a keeper.
Well done, Sarah Ettritch. And pretty please: I want to read more about Maddy and Lillian.