Review by Yolimari -- The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings

[Yoli García]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Written by Michelle Cummings, The Reel Sisters is the beautiful and touching story of a group of women who share a strong friendship and love fly fishing. Originally from Kansas, Sophie fell in love with fly fishing during her twenties, moved to Colorado, bought some land, and started a greenhouse and nursery business. Veronica is the CEO of her own company, Executive Coaching for Women. After meeting Sophie in an airplane, she started practicing fly fishing, which changed her career. Amanda, whose husband is stationed at Fort Carson, went one day to Sophie's pumpkin patch. After another visit with her fifth-grade class to the greenhouse, Sophie invited her to fly fish. Amanda loved it and was a natural. Rose is the leader of the group and the owner of the cabin, located next to the Arkansas River, where the ladies meet to fly fish and get away from it all. Melody is a young photographer with a peculiar personality and who joins the group unexpectedly.

The Reel Sisters is a fictional novel about fly fishing and the power of friendship through great and hard times. Cummings created a diverse and dynamic cast of strong female characters who come together through the sport of fly fishing. Each of the women has a distinct personality and life story. Cummings masterfully weaved their stories while making fly fishing the center of the story. In addition, the serene and sublime setting of the novel in Colorado, particularly near the Arkansas River, gives an organic depth to the book.

My favorite element of the book was the amazing cast of characters. The story is narrated from the perspective of each of the women, allowing the reader to get to known them. My favorite character was Rose because she shares her cabin with the ladies, making it a place for the sisterhood. She also imparts wisdom while keeping her wit. I enjoyed Sophie's earthy vibe. I admired Veronica's tenacity and discipline. I liked Amanda's resiliency and positive attitude. Lastly, it was fun reading about Melody's odd personality.

My other favorite element of the book was its setting. It was a joy reading about fly fishing, mountains, rivers, landscapes, and fish. At first, I thought the book was going to be boring. I had never read a book about fishing before. However, I found myself immersed in the natural setting of the story. I even rented out the film A River Runs Through It, which Sophie mentions inspired her to get fly fishing lessons. Reading The Reel Sisters is literally a breath of fresh air.

The only thing I did not like about the book was its ending. The women's stories are so powerful, the setting is beautiful, and the bond of sisterhood is strong. While reading, I thought the book was marvelous. As a result, I did not take well how it ends. I understand, nonetheless, there is a lesson to take away from it. Overall, the whole book uses fly fishing as a metaphor to life. The end of the story works the same way.

Without a doubt, I rate The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings 4 out of 4 stars because it has strong and diverse female characters, the setting of the story is gorgeous, and the author depicts a wonderful sisterhood. The book only has a few minor errors and one incorrect use of perspective. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about strong women, fly fishing, nature, and friendship.

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The Reel Sisters
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Like Yolimari's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Kat Berg]

It is funny, ages ago I worked at a fishing resort (long before I became a vegetarian) and so I have had some exposure to this kind of fishing and I can relate to the beauty of the surroundings. But I never really understood the appeal of fishing. However, I do get the appeal of the bond of friendship, especially through a shared interest. And I love books with strong female characters. Thanks for the review.

[Yoli García]

It is funny, ages ago I worked at a fishing resort (long before I became a vegetarian) and so I have had some exposure to this kind of fishing and I can relate to the beauty of the surroundings. But I never really understood the appeal of fishing. However, I do get the appeal of the bond of friendship, especially through a shared interest. And I love books with strong female characters. Thanks for the review.

After reading this story, I think people like fishing because it is serene and practiced in nature. I do not fish but I enjoyed reading about it. I think the bond of sisterhood in a natural and beautiful setting made it a good story. Thanks for commenting and stopping by!

[Samy Lax]

Oh, I miss reading books with a lovely setting. I have (I know it's my fault) been reading too many tragedies of late. Strong female characters AND fly fishing? I am sold! Thank you for this lovely review

[Marylynn]

From the nice review I can tell that you really enjoyed the book. The plot of the books seems to have been well thought out by the author. Thank you for the review.

[Yoli García]

Oh, I miss reading books with a lovely setting. I have (I know it's my fault) been reading too many tragedies of late. Strong female characters AND fly fishing? I am sold! Thank you for this lovely review

Personally, I think reading too many tragic books consecutively can be heavy on the heart. I try to alternate genres for that reason. I am sure you will like The Reel Sisters. Thanks for your kind words and stopping by!

[Yoli García]

From the nice review I can tell that you really enjoyed the book. The plot of the books seems to have been well thought out by the author. Thank you for the review.

Yes, I liked it very much. Thanks for commenting and stopping by!

[Nelsy Mtsweni]

I did not find the cover for the book to be attractive and inviting, so, I probably would not have chosen to read the book. Having read the review and the sample, I found the book to be nice, but I still will not read it entirely because it focuses on the flying fish sport, and since I am not much of a sporty person, I might not understand some of the things they talk about. But I do think one can learn a lot about these women's personal challenges. Thanks for an interesting review.

[Ian Preston]

From the review, this seems like a nice book that needs sitting under an Orange tree and a glass of orange juice nearby Definately i cant wait to start reading the book

[Juliet+1]

I agree with you about the ending. I did not like it at all! But otherwise it was a wonderful book.

[djr6090]

This was a great 'getting away from it' book. I gave it the highest marks, too. Thanks for the review.

[Harry Benjamin]

Friendship requires love to keep it strong. These five ladies genuinely loved one another.

[Adeleye Seun]

In addition to exposing me to the sport of fly fishing, this book also broadens my understanding of the beneficial effects of friendship. I appreciate your entertaining review.

[Johnson Vince]

I commend the author for her flawless editing because it made reading the book much easier