Della and Darby

I love this book. I cannot stress that enough. It has most assuredly earned a spot on my all-time favorites shelf. And it’s so surprising, because I am not a huge fan of contemporary fiction. It has to be something really special for me to get excited about contemporary fiction. Della and Darby is so far beyond “something special.”

Susannah B. Lewis just has a gift. Her way with words is something magical. I just lose myself in her books and come out feeling so full when I’ve turned the last page. I loved her last novel, Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton, but Della and Darby is on a whole other level, in my opinion.

I think one of the reasons this book resonated with me so much is the complexities of the two sisters and their relationship. They are twins and have been through everything together, yet they have been affected by their circumstances in such different ways. Della’s pain manifests itself as a need for perfection, to prove herself to those around her. Darby withdraws into herself, preferring to spend her quiet life working at the local factory and evenings with her grandmother. Della and Darby are like most other sisters; they argue and hurl hurtful words at one another. They misunderstand one another at times, yet at others know exactly what the other needs. And underneath it all, there is a deep love that no circumstance can diminish.

Another thing that I adore about this book is that it does not glamorize the South, as so much Southern fiction is wont to do. Yes, people “bless” each other’s hearts, and there is sweet tea and fried green tomatoes aplenty, but it paints a true picture of what life in the South is like. The class divides, the struggles, the hypocrisy, the community, and the simplicity of a quiet life in a small town. I also like how “regular” lives were portrayed. Della works as a receptionist at a doctor’s office, and Darby works at a factory. It was nice to see “blue collar” workers positively portrayed in fiction for once.

I can’t say enough good things about Della and Darby. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a funny and endearing read. It felt like a YA coming of age book, but for two sisters that had a reality check about different paths they took in their lives, and that maybe things need to change. The sisters relationship is relatable and I loved all the characters. It was such a lovely and easy read. I will definitely be buying this book to gift to friends.

This is the second book I've read by this author and I will happily read every one she puts out because they're great books. The first was Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton. I like Ms. Lewis' books because they feature strong Southern women who are both wise and funny. Southern humor fiction is one of my favorite genres to read.

Meet Della and Darby, identical twins but opposite in every way. They live with Birdie, their grandmother, who raised them since their mother died when they were children. Their lives have not been easy. All three women have been judged since that death and people have not been kind. We meet the twins and Birdie on the girls' 29th birthday, and a whole lot happens between then and a year later, at their big 30th bash.

Quite a lot of this book is very funny, especially Della's secret thoughts towards her nasty coworkers and her swoon-worthy boss, Dr. Brian Faulkner, but this book is going to hit you in all the feels, especially if you have ever been the target of school bullies. It'll make you laugh, and cry, and yell and cheer.

Read this book. It's a perfect beach read. Read all her books.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are mine and given freely.

I loved this book and its southern charm. I loved the faith element and it was a heartwarming story. The characters were likable with realistic backgrounds.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.