Book Review: Names I Call My Sister by Mary Castillo, Berta Platas, Sofia Quintero and Lynda Sandoval

Names I Call My Sister had two strikes against it when I picked it up for review. First, it isn't a novel, it's four novellas, and I am notoriously impatient when it comes to short fiction, and secondly, the cover is a little dull. Which is a real shame, because the quick-fire, funny reads inside are anything but.

The novellas are linked by the theme of sisterhood, and cover topics such as sharing secrets, running away from your husband (briefly), and S&M (not as naughty as it sounds, apparently).

Till Death Do Us Part is from Switchcraft-author Mary Castillo.  I hadn't read Castillo before, but knew she was a hot writer of Latina Lit and that Keris loved her third book In Between Men.  Unfortunately, perhaps as a result of my high expectations, this was my least favourite of the novellas. It follows sisters Dori and Sela as they live up to their reputation as 'those wild Orihuela girls' at their brother's wedding. It's  suitably fast-paced with some wonderful one-liners, but somehow the characters left me cold. Castillo gives us both Dori and Sela's points-of-view, but their voices just weren't distinct enough and I found them confusing rather than enlightening.

What Stays in Vegas by Bertas Platas. The heroine, Anita, is snarky and fun and the plot takes us to Vegas to retrieve Anita's usually-sensible sister Susu. Platas's style reminded me a little of Janet Evanovich, and I will certainly be looking out for more of her work.

Sofia Quintero's Whipped introduced me to another new (to me) writer. Michelle Saez is straighter-than-a-ruler by day, but at night she lives a double life in leather as Madame Michelina.  When her attorney sister, Jennifer, starts running for office, Michelle's secret becomes a problem. Although sexy, Whipped doesn't quite live up to the premise, but it's a fun, quick read.

And finally, my favourite from the collection; Diss-Connected by Lynda Sandoval. Cristy's world is turned upside down when her blabbermouth sister, Marisol, lets slip her dark secret live on radio. I loved these characters and the setting (Christy runs a yarn-shop and cafe which I would love to visit - yes, I know it isn't real) and I am in awe of how Sandoval managed to pack so much into 127 pages without ever seeming rushed. Although, and this is where my short-fiction gripe comes back, I really didn't want it to end...

Rating: 3/5

Like this?: Try Santa, Baby by Jennifer Crusie, Lori Foster and Carly Phillips

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