Portrait of a Sister + Giveaway

Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life — leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did…

Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces — a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.

Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s every known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future.

My Review:

published in 2018

The most heartbreaking opening scene I’ve ever read put my emotions on high alert and they stayed there all the way through to the end. Such a complex story that hurdles Katie toward the unexpected. I was torn in two trying figure out what she should do — because you gotta know, there’s heartbreak and loss no matter what she chooses. So be prepared to become so invested in this story that you’ll have to let real-life things slide until you help get Katie sorted out.

Love the Beiler family and their tight-knit community, which includes a wise elderly English neighbour who is often the voice of reason and faith in the midst of all the confusion. I was often frustrated by Hannah’s words and actions — the way she wanted to push her own agenda on Katie. It was like she couldn’t empathize with her twin at all. But Bradford does a great job of uncovering the complicated emotional layers in their unique sisterly bond.

I listened to the audio edition of Portrait of a Sister and enjoyed narrator Amy Melissa Bentley’s incredible performance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Portrait of a Sister leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.