Book Review: Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt

If these three sisters don’t change direction, they’ll end up where they’re going.

Darlene Caldwell has spent a lifetime tending Sycamores, an estate located five miles south of a small town called Peculiar. She raised a family in the spacious home that was her grandfather’s legacy, and she enjoys being a pillar of the community. Sycamores is the kingdom where she reigns as queen . . . until her limelight-stealing twin sister unexpectedly returns.

Carlene Caldwell, veteran of the Broadway stage, is devastated when she realizes that an unsuccessful throat surgery has spelled the end of her musical career. Searching for a new purpose in life, she retreats to Sycamores, her childhood home. She may not be able to sing, but she hopes to use her knowledge and experience to fashion a new life in Peculiar, the little town she left behind.

Haunted by a tragic romance, Magnolia Caldwell is the youngest of the Caldwell girls. Nolie has never wanted to live anywhere but Sycamores. She spends her days caring for her dogs and the magnificent gardens she’s created on the estate, but when she meets a man haunted by his own tragedy, she must find the courage to either deny her heart or cut the apron strings that tie her to a dear and familiar place.

Can these sisters discover who they are meant to be when life takes an unforeseen detour? In a season of destiny, three unique women reunite and take unexpected journeys of the heart.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started this book. I’ve not read anything by the author and it falls more under the description of “women’s fiction” than romance, but the title and blurb intrigued me so…

It’s nearly time for Darly and Carly’s 50th birthday. Younger sister, Nolie, is planning a surprise party for Darly and invites Carly as an additional surprise.

There’s surprises all right.

Carly stays much longer than anticipated and all three come to terms with the past. It’s hard to say too much without spoilers but they all have things they need to work through. There’s a bit of romance for two of the sisters in particular which I liked, but mostly it’s about the relationships between the sisters.

So it’s different than what I normally read but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless. I likely wouldn’t turn down another book by Ms. Hunt, especially if it seemed to have a more romantic thread in it, but I don’t know that I’ll seek her our specifically like I do some other authors.

Overall rating: 7.25 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.