Review by Kevivas03 -- The Reel Sisters

[Kevivas03]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Reel Sisters" by Michelle Cummings.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Have you ever had a connection to a group of friends so deep that it transcends the bonds of a family? Have you ever had to rely on acquaintances for spiritual, financial, and emotional support, knowing that you will not be judged and that the support is given by a willing heart?

The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings is a story of one such cohort of buddies. The plot takes us through the lives of five different women of various ages and careers. These ladies are brought together by a hobby they all love; fly fishing. The oldest of the team, Rose was portrayed as thoughtful and wise, one who was always ready to give a helping hand. The cabin they would gather in for most fishing weekends was built by her and her late husband. Sophie was a green-house business owner. Not so lucky in love, always caring for others more than herself. Amanda was a teacher, raising two children of her own, with her husband, a soldier deployed in Afghanistan. We also see Veronica, a career woman who ran a female CEO coaching business and was married to a restaurateur, Thatcher. Last but not least Melody, a young photographer, who was estranged from her parents and was desperately trying to carve out her own story, her own destiny in the world.

Where will the story of these five lead?

I liked that each chapter's title was the name of one of the five protagonists, from this you would immediately know whose perspective of the five ladies you were reading. The 1st person narrative took me through moments as if I was the one experiencing them. This title was alive. Pearls of fly fishing wisdom are found all across the book, I now know a thing or two. The chapters were to the point. There were very few errors. The fly fishing clubs, blogs, and outfitters given at the end of the book are great, especially if a reader decides to delve into the sport, he/she will have a good start. When I first selected the book, the reel I pictured was a film reel and I thought the book was a play or something, catchy title kudos to Michelle. The plot is very relatable.

Themes of love, grief, camaraderie, family, fly fishing, and hope are found throughout the reading.

The use of profane words was too much in certain chapters, especially in those focused on Melody. The author was trying to capture the essence of youth; as a youth, I am somewhat offended as vulgar words do not define youth. The word ornery was used too much in the book.

In as much as the women in the story were brought together by fly fishing, the focus on the sport became too much at times which dulled the book in some places. For this reason and for the unnecessary profane language I give this book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars . I would recommend this book to people who are 18 years of age and older. The Reel Sisters can work well in a women's book club or even one for men. It should definitely be a shared read, a mother and daughter perfect selection. Anyone into plots that deal with friendship, love, and family will have a blast.

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The Reel Sisters
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[Rashida10]

I also enjoyed the theme and fluidity of this story. Michelle exhibited artistry and absolute creativity. You chose a good book.

[Kevivas03]

I also enjoyed the theme and fluidity of this story. Michelle exhibited artistry and absolute creativity. You chose a good book.

She really is a great author. Thank you for the comment.

[Susmita Biswas]

I reviewed this book and it was wonderful. You are right the it was too much for the sport sometimes. Great review.

[AtlanticGrace]

The fact that the author took the time to explain the story from each of the 5 protagonists is really enticing ! Might give the book a read , thank you for the beautiful review

[pablo10]

I loved this book. Great review.

[Reader5698]

I really liked this book. I found the parts about the sport quite interesting, but I also understand how someone might feel that they were a bit too much. Great review!

[Kevivas03]

The fact that the author took the time to explain the story from each of the 5 protagonists is really enticing ! Might give the book a read , thank you for the beautiful review

Yes it really is enticing. You will not even notice that the book is fairly long.

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. I like books with 1st person POV. That way we can see more of their emotions through their own thoughts. And the relationship between the characters is beautiful.

[honesty_pays]

This book shows how friends can be strong together and work to make their lives better. They truly were sisters. Nice review

[Kevivas03]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. I like books with 1st person POV. That way we can see more of their emotions through their own thoughts. And the relationship between the characters is beautiful.

1st person perspective is King! Thank you for the comment.

[123Esther]

sounds interesting. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Saint Bruno]

It is nice to learn that these women enjoyed a sport that is peculiar to men. I enjoyed reading your review. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Eutoc]

So thoughtful of the author to give out fly fishing blogs, clubs and outfitters at the end of the book. It indicates the encouragement for readers' knowledge beyond her book. Nice review Kevivas.

[Justine Ocsebio]

The relationship between the characters sounds wonderful. I hope to read this sometime. Your review is very insightful.