Sometimes the best thing for a reading slump is to try something completely different. So, when I was scrolling through the numerous books on my Kindle that I’ve bought over the last year (I’ve been grabbing a lot of free and discounted ebooks to build up my indie author collection!) I found The Lost Sister by Kaylie Night. I had to look up the description because I couldn’t remember why it had piqued my interest in the first place; as you can tell from my reviews, I tend towards fantasy and clean romance for the most part. But I thought, “Maybe this is just what I need! Something completely different.” And boy was I right!
The story follows a pair of twins, Jack and Sophie, who’ve been blessed with an extraordinary gift: they can read the minds of those around them. Upside? It’s a lot easier to navigate getting to know people when you know if they’re lying. Downside? Their powers have limits, including not working when the two of them are separated. And they’ve been separated for the last few years due to different foster home placements. But Jack is pretty sure he’s found his forever home, and he wants Sophie to feel like part of his new family too. Will she be able to trust the Weston’s or will she be determined to take Jack away from them?
When I first started reading, I was captivated by these two characters as well as the insights (via mind reading, of course) that we see into their foster parents. Such a beautiful story about two teens finding a family that loves and accepts them! But then the author added her own little twist that kept me reading far past my bedtime: yet another downside to being able to read minds…what happens when you overhear a crime being plotted?
The introduction of the suspense element came just as naturally as the “super-powered” element of mind reading, and I thought the author continued to weave in her chosen theme of found family quite seamlessly. There were action sequences, accompanied by difficult discussions on the part of both the kids and their foster parents. I loved how the author didn’t hide the insecurities of any of the characters, but instead used them to show how a family works together even when they aren’t perfect.
This was such an excellent read that I immediately went and bought the next book in the series, as well as pre-ordered the third book that will be coming out later this year! If you’re looking for a feel good book that keeps you on your toes, I highly recommend The Lost Sister.
Kathleen Bird 