{Release Day Review} Forbidden Sister by V. C. Andrews

ISBN #: 978-1439155059

Page Count: 387

Copyright: February 26, 2013

Publisher: Pocket Books

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

Emmie Wilcox was only six when her older sister, Roxy, was thrown out of their New York City apartment. Their stern father's military-style rules left no room for rebellion, and Roxy was as defiant as Emmie - now an outstanding student at a private school - is compliant: a perfect daughter, un fille parfaite, as her Parisian-born mother lovingly calls her. Two sisters, total opposites - yet Emmie is secretly obsessed with the mystery surrounding Roxy: What had she done? Where is she now? And is there a hidden side to Emmie that resembles Roxy's spiteful nature? Knowing only that Roxy is a highly paid escort to the city's wealthiest men, Emmie goes behind her father's back to track down the sister she fears, despises, and inexplicably clings to ... and whose influence might run deeper than Emmie ever imagined.

Mandy's Review:

My love affair with V. C. Andrews began before I was even a teenager. My mother had the Dollanganger series and had forbidden me to read them. Unbeknown to her, as soon as she would leave to go somewhere, I'd grab one of the books and read until I saw her come home. It was easy to see why she didn't want me reading those books at such a young age, yet I was drawn into the story. There was no turning back for me. When asked if I would review Forbidden Sister, I just had to say 'yes!'

Emmie, or M, is the perfect child. Since Roxy was kicked out, Emmie always felt as if she had to be the perfect daughter. She feared losing her father's love and favor like Roxy did. Emmie's father even demanded that Roxy's name never be brought up in front of him ... ever. He seemed to be living by the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. Emmie's mother, on the other hand, had hidden pictures and mementos of Roxy so she could pull them out and look at them on occasion. It irritated me a little that she was so subservient to her husband, but perhaps that was how she was raised. I just would've thought that having her own daughter banished from their home and, basically, existence would've raised the "mama bear" protection instincts in her and she would've fought for Roxy.

There are two things Emmie's parents should have realized: 1.) Even though a child may seem to be perfect in every way, they're not. The child will eventually find a way to circumvent the rules and lie about it. 2.) What's hidden in the dark always come into the light. And Roxy's presence is made known by an unexpected, thought to be trusted, source.

I liked Emmie's character. Although she was a bit naive at first, she grew up pretty fast when she had to. Roxy remained a mystery throughout the book, but I liked her anyway. She seemed sad and trapped, like she wanted to leave her current life but wasn't quite sure how she was going to do it ... and could she do it? Can she give up the fancy apartment, nice clothes, and limousines? What I enjoyed the most was how Roxy and Emmie finally went from being strangers to sisters.

Not since the Dollanganger series and My Sweet Audrina have I read a V. C. Andrews book that pulled me in and swept me away. I love the start to this new series and I cannot wait to read Roxy's Story this September! If you're a fan of V. C. Andrews, then Forbidden Sister is a must-have for you.


*A paperback copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.