Where is My Sister  by Jane Daly

This is a fascinating novel exploring psychological manipulation. The story features justice and especially redemption for at least two major characters. Other themes this brave author takes on include homelessness, addiction and recovery, sex trafficking, adoption dynamics, and trauma.

Brianna comes from the ideal Christian family. Her life is set until a horrible cheerleading accident which drives her into the painful world of drug addiction. She spirals out of control to the point of ending up homeless and living on the streets of Sacramento. This is where the book picks up. Her salvation comes from a free women’s leadership program she’s introduced to by a college-age girl she meets. But is this program and its charismatic leader, Elizabeth Collins, truly what they are portrayed to be? Or is there something sinister going on in the beautiful mansion in the Los Lagos section of Sacramento?

The story is seen through the eyes of twenty-one-year-old Brianna and her older sister Morgan, who was adopted as a toddler from Haiti. Brianna also has a brother, Dillon, who was adopted from China. Daly portrays these major characters well and deeply explores the challenges of mixed-ethnic adoption. I felt for them, was frustrated with them, and rooted for them throughout. She also draws an excellent portrait of Elizabeth Collins. It’s easy to be drawn into Brianna’s confusion with how to feel about Elizabeth. About halfway through, the reader will know what Brianna doesn’t yet understand. There are enough clues dropped by Daly to lead the reader to understand the situation. This heightens the suspense and the frustration with Brianna.

Things heat up when Elizabeth’s estranged son, Malachi “Kai”, shows up. He’s the same age as the girls in the leadership program and in their words hot. His interactions with Brianna and her new best friend Emily add to Brianna’s confusion. His actions and words also add to the suspense, keeping the reader in the dark as to what his motivation is.

This is a clean read. Christianity plays a major factor in the story. Brianna becomes convinced that she is Esther from the Bible, and that God has placed her where she is for a purpose. Both Brianna and Morgan grow in their faith throughout the story. The book kept me reading. The writing was well crafted. Here’s a challenge for the reader: Count how many different types of gazes and looks characters can give. There are also some well-placed and creative metaphors that I appreciated.

I’m going to rank this one fourth of what I’ve read this year. The streak continues. Still not one less than good read this year.

1. The Record Keeper by Charles Martin
2. The Samaritan’s Patient by Chevron Ross
3. The Maid by Nita Prose
4. Where is My Sister by Jane Daly
5. The Dark Wind by Tony Hillerman
6. A Vanishing Act by Edwina Kiernan
7. Cali’s Hope by John Matthew Walker
8. Deadly Pursuit by Elle Gray

Commission earned