Title: The Lemon Sisters
Author(s): Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #3
Also in this series: Almost Just Friends (Wildstone, #4), The Summer Deal , Mistletoe in Paradise , The Forever Girl , Love for Beginners
Published by William Morrow Paperbacks on June 18, 2019
Pages: 400
Genre(s): Women's Fiction
Source: Edelweiss
Format: ARC, eBook
Purchase: Amazon|B&N|Audible
Rating:
Series Rating:
Heat Level:
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.
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I was preparing myself to read the latest book in the Wildstone series, when I realized I missed out on reading The Lemon Sisters. Although the books need not be read in order, I felt compelled to read this before reading The Summer Deal.
The Lemon Sisters turned out to be an enlightening tale about secrets, family, PTSD and OCD. In this installment we meet Brooke and Mindy. Brooke appeared to have her life well put together, which made her the perfect choice for her sister Mindy to dump her family and emotional problems on her when she faced a meltdown. However, as the story progressed, I discovered Brooke was a great at pretending and running away from her problems.
I admired Brooke’s willingness to look after her niece and nephews while her sister tried to gain some much-needed rest and perspective. Her bravery shined throughout the story. I loved how she faced her fears head on and enjoyed watching her grow as the story developed.
Garett turned out to be another of my heroes created by Shalvis. Not perfect by far, but definitely the right person for Brooke. He had his own share of issues to work through. Like most men, he kept his feelings deeply buried. One thing I admired about him was his willingness to help youths who have experienced the same things he did as a child.
My feelings regarding Mindy were mixed. I understood why she felt overwhelmed by everything that came with being a wife and mother. I appreciated her need to get some much needed break, and I was happy to know she had someone she could rely on. However, her need to micromanage despite wanting a break grated on my nerves. I didn’t like how she treated Brooke most of the time. Granted she didn’t know the truth, but at least she could have tempered her words knowing the sacrifices her sister made for her.
Mindy’s children provided some light and heart-warming moments in a story filled with secrets and heartbreak. I looked forward to every scene involving these adorable kids.
This story provided a perfect example of the purpose of effective communication. Most of the issues highlighted could have been resolved, if the characters had only communicated. They could have avoided all the pain and heartache. It also showed the dangers of misconceptions. Mindy was of the belief that Brooke had the perfect life, but she would eventually learn this was far from the truth.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, I found The Lemon Sisters to be a heart-warming story about family, friendship, love and second chances. Another great addition to the Wildstone series. Now I am off to read The Summer Deal.
The Lemon Sisters, a heart-warming story about family, friendship, love and second chances. #romance #secondchances #smalltown Click To Tweet
About Jill Shalvis
- Good as Gold by Sarina Bowen - June 2, 2023
- An Armored Heart by R. C. Boldt - May 31, 2023
- 🎧Awaken the Darkness by Dianne Duvall - May 30, 2023
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Netgalley and Edelweiss
I’m glad you loved this book so much, it definitely sounds like a heart-warming story, and one can’t really go wrong with that, right? Hope you are having a great time with The Summer Deal as well 🙂
This series looks so good Nadene and its been way to long sine I read Jill. Thanks for sharing xo
This looks like a good story!
This looks so sweet.
I adore Jill Shalvis
I love her work.
I’ve heard great things about Jill Shavis books. I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
I remember the kids being super cute in this book, but what I recall really loving was the way Linc fought for Mindy. He won my heart.
Yes, Linc was an awesome guy. He loved Mindy with all his heart.
Oh my. I think I would love this.
I do believe you would, Robin
I have so many of Jill Shalvis’s books on my TBR but haven’t had a chance to grab one yet 🙂 This looks like one I would enjoy.
I do hope you get the chance to read her work.
I’ve been enjoying this series and liked this one too.
Great review.
I’ve not read her work for ages. Great review. Looks fab.
I’m definitely going to have to read more of her books at some point.
Love Jill Shavis! Great review!