Step into the enchanting world of the Seven Sisters, where six adopted sisters embark on a global quest to uncover their origins, weaving tales of love, loss, and identity against a backdrop of rich historical fiction. Lucinda Riley’s bestselling series blends mystery, romance, and meticulously researched history, captivating readers with its emotional depth and far-flung settings.
From the shores of Lake Geneva to the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, the Seven Sisters series invites you to lose yourself in a saga inspired by the mythology of the Pleiades star cluster. Each book follows one sister’s journey, unraveling clues left by their enigmatic adoptive father, Pa Salt, in a narrative that spans continents and centuries.
How Seven Sisters Began
Lucinda Riley, a former actress turned prolific author, conceived the Seven Sisters series in 2012 while gazing at the Pleiades star cluster in Norfolk’s night sky. Inspired by the myth of the seven sisters, Riley crafted a series celebrating strong women across history. Her extensive research—living in Rio, studying historical archives, and traveling globally—brought authenticity to the series, which launched with The Seven Sisters in 2014 and concluded with Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt in 2023, co-written by her son Harry Whittaker after Riley’s passing in 2021.
The Heart of Seven Sisters
The series comprises eight books, each focusing on a sister’s quest for her roots. The Seven Sisters follows Maia D’Aplièse to Brazil, intertwining her story with the 1920s construction of Christ the Redeemer. The Storm Sister takes Ally to Norway, exploring Edvard Grieg’s music and perilous yacht races. The Shadow Sister delves into Star’s British heritage, touching on Edward VII’s era, while The Missing Sister hunts for the elusive seventh sister, set against Ireland’s fight for independence.
Riley’s dual-timeline narratives blend past and present, merging historical events with personal dramas. Themes of identity, family bonds, and resilience shine through, as each sister confronts societal prejudices and personal heartbreak. The series’ lush settings—from Paris’s bohemian cafes to Kenya’s savannas—immerse readers in a world where love and loss are timeless. Riley’s lyrical prose and intricate plotting make each book a standalone gem, yet together, they form a cohesive tapestry of sisterhood.
Why Seven Sisters Resonates
The Seven Sisters has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, translated into 37 languages, resonating with fans of historical fiction and romance. Its blend of emotional storytelling and historical depth appeals to readers of Kristin Hannah and Kate Morton. Riley’s celebration of women’s strength—past and present—strikes a universal chord, while the ongoing mystery of Pa Salt keeps readers hooked. Plans for a seven-season TV series promise to bring this saga to new audiences.
- Publication Years: 2014–2023
- Number of Books: 8
- Author: Lucinda Riley, with Harry Whittaker for the finale
- Global Sales: Over 20 million copies
Grab The Seven Sisters and dive into a world of historical fiction where love, mystery, and sisterhood collide. Your next obsession awaits!