In their Brooklyn neighborhood, we follow three sisters as they negotiate love and life. I truly enjoyed the chapters' transitions between points of view and occasionally their lengthy time jumps. No chapter was wasted, every word felt purposeful. I fell in love with all of the characters, even though I didn't believe that was possible. Their development and growth seemed genuine. I'm glad things didn't turn out the way I had hoped. I thought it was great that there was a glossary of terms and expressions that some readers might not be familiar with at the conclusion of the book. The plot, the sisterhood, and all that goes along with it were all very enjoyable to me.

Sisters of Fortune by Esther Chehebar is a captivating historical fiction novel. It follows the journey of three Syrian Jewish sisters in Brooklyn as they navigate the challenges of marriage in modern-day New York. Prepare to be enchanted by these unforgettable characters and a plot full of twists!

This one didn't draw me in. I tried picking this up a few times but it wasn't for me! The plot sounded interesting as I have never read anything about this particular Jewish population. I hope to come back to it at some point.

Bahhh my favorite YA romance in a long time! I knew I was going to read this when I saw it was written by Tia Williams. But when I saw the main character was Audre, the daughter from SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE, this shot right to the top of my TBR. The romance between Audre and Bash is so swoony. And they really bring out the best in each other. But they also bring out each other's shadow selves, the emotions and childhood traumas both have been keeping hidden from everyone else. The dialogue and language choices felt so fresh, funny, and realist for teenagers (at least to me as someone who teaches 18 and 19 year olds). It's a beautiful, emotional, romantic book in its own right. And a follow up to SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE that is both deep and fun to read.

A great coming of age story that follows three sisters in their journey navigating love, cultural traditions, expectations, and their place in the Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn, NY.

Nina the eldest sister, single at 26, is feeling the pressure from her community. She wants to set her own path that may look different than the traditional one in her Syrian Jewish community. Fortune, the middle sister, is “perfect” by community standard and doing everything right. She’s engaged and has her future laid out before her, but she starts to question if her decisions so far have been too comfortable. Lucy, the youngest, has found herself smitten by an older bachelor. She is navigating her senior year and the idea of an exciting life with the man 11 years her senior.

I loved that Esther Chehebar introduced me to a new culture! Her writing did an incredible job explaining Syrian Jewish traditions, religious rituals, and cultural expectations. The glossary in the back was very helpful with the Syrian Jewish phrases. Chehebar’s writing made me feel like I was part of the Cohen sister’s lives and in their community.

I enjoyed the character development and was invested in each character’s story. Surprisingly, one of my favorite characters was not one of the main daughters but Sitto! One thing that I felt added depth to the story was understanding the differing viewpoints of the generations of immigrants. I found this book to be very heart warming and thought-provoking.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Esther Chehebar for the ARC of Sister’s of Fortune. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward for the release date on July 22, 2025. These are my own opinions. #NetGalley #SistersofFortune

We follow three sisters as they navigate life and love in their Brooklyn community. The chapters switch between POVs, sometimes jumping long stretches of time: both things I really loved. Every word felt intentional, no chapter wasted. I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love with all the characters, but I did. Their growth and development felt real. I love that things didn’t go how I thought they would. I really adored the inclusion of a glossary at the end of the book for words/phrases that some readers may not be familiar with.

DNF’d this one. I didn’t feel like I connected to the characters very well and had a hard time getting into the story. I read a little over a third of the book and couldn’t convince myself to finish the entire thing.

3.5 stars

I had mixed feelings about this book, but in the end, I’m glad I stuck with it. The first half felt like a slog—so slow that I almost fell into a reading slump. But right around the halfway point, the action finally picked up, and from there, I was hooked.

The story follows three sisters—well, really most of the women in the Cohen family—as they navigate life and relationships within the Syrian Jewish community. One sister is single, one is engaged, and one is in a long-term relationship, giving us different perspectives on love, family, and tradition. Before reading this, I didn’t know much about the Syrian Jewish community, but I felt completely immersed in it. The book beautifully captures the traditions and rituals, especially leading to the wedding day. I had no idea how intricate and meaningful these customs were, and it was fascinating to learn about them.

That said, the pacing felt uneven. The first half moves painstakingly slow, covering what seems like every single day in the sisters' lives. Then, once the big turning point happens, the timeline suddenly jumps weeks and months at a time. It was a little jarring, but I was invested enough in the characters by then that I didn’t mind as much. In fact, by the final chapter, I even got a little weepy.

While the book could use a bit of polish, and I wish the Jewish terms had been explained within the text instead of being tucked away in a glossary, I still enjoyed the sisters’ journeys. Maybe footnotes would have helped? Either way, I appreciated the subtle humor sprinkled throughout, which made the story feel even more real.

I could not get enough of this book. It was giving "Little Women" vibes mixed with Jewish culture. These sisters go through life and love together and take their own lives into their own hands. How powerful to read this sweet and strong coming of age novel from the perspective of these sisters. I would read more and more about them. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Random House for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Thank you Nettgalley and author Esther Chehebar for allowing me to read this arc.

I am in awe of author Chehebar for her strong debut that is going to go out into the world. hopefully others like it as much as I did (until the end). the novel moves strongly and smoothly, the characters feel honest and real. I enjoyed the eldest sister, Nina, the most. Smart, witty, and not afraid of being the odd ball out.

All that being said, the ending of the book felt flat and the resolution was not finished, very compared to the rest of the book.

Still glad, I read it nonetheless.

"Sisters of Fortune" is a delightful novel that masterfully blends humor and lightheartedness with profound emotional depth, which took me by surprise. Initially, I was uncertain if this book would align with my preferences, but I found myself captivated by the journey of the protagonist, Fortune. As she approaches her wedding, she grapples with doubts about her upcoming marriage, delving into her feelings regarding her fiancé's parents and her own. Fortune recounts her family history, revealing a seemingly loving relationship between her parents that belies deeper complexities. Additionally, her two sisters are also facing pivotal moments in their lives. Through tender storytelling, Fortune shares her experiences with warmth and insight, prompting thoughtful reflection.

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC for this review. This reflects my genuine opinion.

Does this give anyone else Jane Austen vibes? I really enjoyed the story, the sisterhood, and all that goes with both. I appreciate the opportunity to read this one. Thank you!

I did not enjoy this book very much. The story of three sisters growing up in a Sephardic Jewish family in Brooklyn could have been a good story, that’s why I was looking forward to reading it. However, I found the story boring and predictable. Middle sister Fortune is engaged, but not in love. Youngest sister still in high school dating a much older man, but he is going to be a doctor, thus he is a good catch. The oldest daughter is in no rush to get married even if her younger sisters get married before her. There are a few humorous moments, but otherwise not much is happening and then the book just ends without wrapping up some story lines. There are numerous mentions of Syrian food with their original names, which most American readers would not understand. Although there is a glossary at the end of the book, it is not much help, especially when reading an e book. Overall, no more than two stars for me.
I received a complimentary copy, opinions are my own.

Sister of Fortune by Esther Chehebar is a captivating historical fiction with rich cultural depth. The characters are unforgettable, and the plot is full of twists. A must-read for fans of emotional, immersive stories!

This was an interesting look into a culture that I am not very familiar with. It made me uncomfortable at times but that's one of the best parts of reading- it's a safe to be exposed to things that you might never have encountered. These three sisters are all in different spots in their lives but they all tend to revolve around men, their relationship status (or lack thereof), their family, and food. This wasn't a bad read but it was a bit slow and I'm not sure how many of my patrons will enjoy this one.

In this engaging debut novel, three sisters from a Sephardic Syrian Jewish family in Brooklyn navigate the tension between tradition and personal desires. Fortune, the middle sister, secretly questions her upcoming marriage while her family makes financial sacrifices for her wedding. Nina, the rebellious eldest at 26 (ancient by community standards), finds unexpected freedom working at an indie music label. Meanwhile, high schooler Lucy pursues a troubling relationship with a 30-year-old doctor that her family enthusiastically endorses.
Set against preparations for Passover, a father's health anxieties, and a struggling family business, the novel offers a flavorful immersion into Middle Eastern Jewish culture through its food, language, and customs. The author skillfully examines the suffocating expectations placed on young women—to marry well, maintain impossible beauty standards, and uphold community traditions—while portraying the complex love binding this family together.
Sisters of Fortune is a compelling exploration of how we reconcile our cultural roots with our individual dreams, delivered through authentic characters and rich cultural detail that stays with you long after the final page.

Set in Portland Oregon during 1880’s where Chinese were treated poorly. Celia hides her Chinese background and gets a job. She ends up in dire circumstances and faces many problems, homeless, brothel, kidnapping, etc. Very good storyline with info on Chinese murders and Shanghai Tunnels. No foul explicit language which makes the story even more enjoyable.

Fortune, the obedient middle sister, is days away from her wedding — a match that seems perfect on the surface — but doubts are quietly creeping in. Her struggle to reconcile her growing uncertainty with the pressure of her impending nuptials feels relatable. Meanwhile, Nina, the headstrong eldest sister, is considered practically a spinster at 26, but when she reconnects with an old friend, she’s offered an unexpected glimpse into a different future — one that challenges her community’s expectations. Lucy, the youngest and still in high school, embarks on a secret and risky relationship with an older bachelor, adding another layer of complexity to the story.

This novel stands out because of its delicate yet unflinching exploration of the clash between tradition and modernity. The author expertly captures the unspoken pressures women often face — from the expectation of marriage to the fear of being labeled an outsider. Each sister’s story feels uniquely personal but universally relatable, especially for readers who have questioned the path seemingly laid out for them.

The writing is sharp, immersive, and emotionally resonant. The author paints a vivid portrait of the sisters’ community, allowing readers to understand the warmth and comfort it provides while also feeling the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) weight of expectation it places on women. This story has no clear villains — just human beings navigating the murky waters of societal norms and personal fulfillment.

As the wedding day approaches, tension mounts, and readers will find themselves deeply invested in each sister’s journey. The conclusion is deeply satisfying, leaving readers reflecting on the complexity of family, love, and the courage it takes to choose one's own path—even when it defies expectations.

The Cohen sisters will stay with you long after the final page, reminding you that sometimes the most challenging choices lead to the most fulfilling lives.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fortune Cohen is the middle sister and has always done what was expected of her. She doesn't make waves, so when she starts to question her feels about getting married in general and to her fiancé in particular, she hides it well, Meanwhile, her older sister Nina is making waves for being twenty-six, unmarried, and having a job at a record company. Finally, youngest sister Lucy is in her senior year of high school and dating a thirty year old. Told in the sisters' own voices, each finds themselves at odds with the traditions of their Sephardic community and modernity. I enjoyed the novel until the end, where it feels as if the author just stopped. There were several things left unsettled.

Fortune’s Sisters is a lively story about three young Jewish women who have been raised in the Syrian Sephardic tradition. The antecedents of this tradition are very much present for everyone in their community. It is a small one, and everyone knows everyone else.

Fortune, the middle sister, is preparing for her wedding. It and the preparations for it are going to be very traditional. Nina, her older sister, is feeling the pinch of being the eldest and unmarried. The younger sister, Lucy, doesn’t care too much about this because she already has a boyfriend.

Both the sisters’ mother and grandmother are truly interesting characters and play a major part in the young women’s lives. From them comes the teaching and the sharing. All five are truly close-knit, but only the elder women realize this.

We learn so much about this community’s customs and people. And we also learn how much of a prison that can sometimes feel like to the younger people. The question of who to marry is so important to everyone but in different ways. The young ones want to marry for love. The older ones want the marriage and the in-law’s family to be a solid part of the community.

Yet as generations are added, this is not so easy. Other views have already made inroads, especially because many people’s work is outside the community. There is a real tug between the traditional and modern, and author Chehebar has wonderfully portrayed this for us.