Title: The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Three
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
The New York Times bestselling author of Rainy Day Friends and Lost and Found Sisters returns to Wildstone, California…
Brooke Lemon has always led the life she wanted, wild adventures—and mistakes—included, something her perfect sister, Mindy, never understood. So when Mindy shows up on Brooke’s doorstep in the throes of a break-down with her three little kids in tow, Brooke’s shocked.
Wanting to make amends, Brooke agrees to trade places, taking the kids back to Wildstone for a few days so Mindy can pick up the pieces and put herself back together. What Brooke doesn’t admit is she’s just as broken . . . Also how does one go home after seven years away? It doesn’t take long for Brooke to come face-to-face with her past, in the form of one tall, dark, sexy mistake. But Garrett’s no longer interested. Only his words don’t match his actions, leaving Brooke feeling things she’d shoved deep.
Soon the sisters begin to wonder: Are they lemons in life? In love? All they know is that neither seems to be able to run far enough to outpace her demons. And when secrets surface, they’ll have to learn that sometimes the one person who can help you the most is the one you never thought to ask.
Review:
The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis is a dazzling story of forgiveness, family and love. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Wildstone series, it can easily be read as a standalone (but I highly recommend the entire series).
Brooke Lemon left Wildstone seven years ago and has since distanced herself from her family. At one-time a photographer of thrill-seeking adventures, she has never quite recovered emotionally from a terrible accident that almost took her life. Brooke is less than satisfied with her behind the scenes job but she is coping with the residual anxiety and PTSD through her OCD rituals. But when her slightly estranged older sister, Mindy, unexpectedly turns up on her doorstep with her three children in tow, Brooke decides to help her sister and deal with her unresolved past at the same time.
Mindy is exhausted, overwhelmed and certain her beloved husband Dr. Linc Tennant is stepping out on her. Although she and Brooke have not been in touch for a year, she instinctively turns to her sister when she cannot face returning home. Mindy eagerly accepts Brooke’s offer to take the kids off her hands while she takes some much needed downtime in her sister’s apartment. Still not ready to return home after a few days and rest and relaxation, Mindy decides to extend her escape from real life.
Meanwhile, in Wildstone, Brooke comes face to face with her past right away. Unbeknownst to her, her oldest childhood friend and former love interest Garrett Montgomery now lives next door to Mindy. She has not seen Garrett in the seven years since tragedy struck but she has every intention of trying to make amends for her abrupt rejection of him. However, Brooke quickly falls back into her old habits of running from her troubles and avoiding any emotional discussions. She is further disconcerted by the realization her sizzling attraction to Garrett has not diminished with the passage of time.
Garrett’s childhood has left an indelible mark on him and he has no intention of allowing Brooke back into his life. But their lives in both the past and present are unavoidably intertwined so he resolves to remain aloof and detached in her company. Garrett is also stunned by his continued attraction to her, but will he give in to his desire?
The Lemon Sisters is an engrossing novel of healing that is fast-paced and engaging. Mindy’s marital woes are easy to relate to and her attempts to reconnect with Linc are realistically portrayed. Brooke’s and Garrett’s struggles to communicate are a bit painful to watch since both of them tend to shut down during emotional discussions. Mindy’s and Brooke’s attempts to repair their fractured relationship are often stymied because of misunderstandings and lack of communication. Jill Shalvis brings this endearing and humorous novel to an absolutely heartwarming conclusion that will delight readers. This latest addition to Wildstone series is a charming and heartfelt story that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.
