The Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley

The Pearl Sister (Seven Sisters, #4)

by Lucinda Riley

From the breathtaking beaches of Thailand to the barely tamed wilds of colonial Australia, The Pearl Sister is the fourth “brilliantly written” (Historical Novel Society) novel in New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Riley’s epic Seven Sisters series. “Fans of Kristin Hannah, Kate Morton, and Riley’s previous novels will adore” (Booklist) this adventurous and moving story about two women searching for a place to call home.

CeCe D’Aplièse has always felt like an outcast. But following the death of her father—the reclusive billionaire affectionately called Pa Salt by the six daughters he adopted from around the globe—she finds herself more alone than ever. With nothing left to lose, CeCe delves into the mystery of her origins. The only clues she holds are a black and white photograph and the name of a female pioneer who once lived in Australia.

One hundred years earlier, Kitty McBride, a Scottish clergyman’s daughter, abandons her conservative upbringing to serve as the companion to a wealthy woman traveling from Edinburgh to Adelaide. Her ticket to a new land brings the adventure she dreamed of and a love that she had never imagined.

When CeCe herself finally reaches the searing heat and dusty plains of the Red Centre of Australia, something deep within her responds to the energy of the area and the ancient culture of the Aboriginal people. As she comes closer to finding the truth of her ancestry, CeCe begins to believe that this untamed, vast continent could offer her what she never thought possible: a sense of belonging, and a home.

Reviewed by elysium on

4 of 5 stars

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This is my first Riley book and even though this is the fourth in a series, it works well as a standalone.

The book has two timelines: the present day with Cece and the past with Kitty. I really liked Cece and loved seeing how she grew and found herself while learning about her past. I wasn’t huge fan of the Thailand chapters, but it was great to learn more about aboriginals in Australia.
Kitty leaves Scotland in 1906 and moves to Australia which is a whole new world. Her life there is full of twist, and sorrow but fascinating none the less.

This was my first Riley book, but it certainly won’t be the last. I need to go back and read the previous books soon.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 25 January, 2018: Finished reading
  • 25 January, 2018: Reviewed