The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow
Series: The Secret Diamond Sisters #1
on April 2014
Pages: 382
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Life without a father has been difficult for Savannah, Courtney and Peyton. Their mother has her own problems and the three sisters barely manage to make ends meet. That is until their father comes back into their lives after being absent for over fifteen years. And whilst they may have wondered about their dad their whole lives – nothing could have prepared them for the reality that their father is one of the wealthiest, well-connected, hotel owners in the world and he wants them to transplant their lives from the middle of nowhere to their own private penthouse suites on the Las Vegas strip.

The Secret Diamond Sisters is a novel which follows four very different teenage girls. There is Savannah – the youngest Diamond sister who has only dreamed of this kind of life and aims to enjoy it as much as she can. Courtney, the studious middle sister, is appreciative of all her father can provide but feels odd having money without working for it. The oldest sister, Peyton, is resentful of her father and is counting down the days until graduation and she can go back to the life has had to abandon. Finally there’s Madison – the queen bee of the Vegas teen social scene who appears to be rather resentful about the new girls in town.

Each of them has their own problems and Ms. Madow has interwoven them delightfully. In a novel which reads a little like Annie meets Gossip Girl, this book shows off all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas and those who live there full time. From those who grew up in the city that never sleeps to the new transplants – they all experience the city in a different way. There are books you read which could be moved and set anywhere but this is a book which utilizes the setting in a great way. The themed hotels, musicals, shopping and the ability to find a place which has karaoke at some insane hour of the night – The Secret Diamond Sisters shows off what Las Vegas has to offer.

As a first book in a series, this novel does a great job at introducing the characters and their circumstances. From the girls who tell the story to the boys they are involved in and the parents which allow the teens their extravagant lifestyles. Romantic complications, interesting backstories, sisterly bonding, awkward step-parents to be, addictions and disorders – and this is just the beginning. But I wanted more. I’m glad this book is part of a series because it ends just as it starts to get interesting. Everyone has their own problems and the girls have only been in Vegas for less than a fortnight!

I couldn’t quite understand why Mr Diamond walked out of all obligations to his family all those years ago. If he is the tycoon they say he is then I find it reprehensible for him to let his children grow up in way they did – especially considering he knew just how bad things were. And to be honest – the way their father treated them in the past and his behaviour in the present is why I gave this book a three instead of a four.

All four girls – Savannah, Courtney, Peyton and Madison – have their own things going on and I can’t wait for the next book to see just how everything plays out next. This series is one that I know is just going to get better with each instalment.

Thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia for the review copy. 

Also – Remembrance by Michelle Madow (the first book in her Transcend Time series) is currently free for kindle on Amazon.