Jill Shalvis returns to the blog with the sixth book in her Wildstone Series, this one focused on coming home, forgiveness and reconnecting with the family you choose in
The Forever Girl
Maze was a throwaway child: raised by the state after her own mother’s failure to provide her with security or love, she’s always had the belief that no one will ‘stick’, which leads to her inability to ‘settle’. As a teen, she had come to Caitlin’s house to foster with her parents, brother and two others: Walker and Heather. Instantly, despite her determination to push them away, Cat’s parents were different and loving, and Cat simply refused to let Maze be a loner.
After the tragic death of Cat’s little brother and the separation of the kids – Maze’s issues reared their head, and her own guilt over the fire along with feeling pushed aside yet again took over. She ignored everyone and everything – from Cat and Walker’s attempts to connect, to moving away from Heather and starting her own life. Now, with Cat’s wedding coming up and her earnest desire to bring everyone together for a weekend to celebrate and reconnect, Maze agrees to attend, with her boss / friend as her “plus one”, to push off questions and matchmaking efforts.
When Walker arrives, there’s a secret and undeniable attraction between them – and plenty of drama to go around – most centered on everyone’s inability to talk about their ‘real’ feelings, and Maze’s refusal to discuss things further. Here is where Shalvis excels – we care about Maze, worry about the adults who haven’t quite grown up to deal with their issues, and delight in Cat’s very canny deceptions and her bossy demeanor as she tries to control, push and prod everyone into acquiescence with her wishes. When you add in Maze’s innate protectiveness, her belief that everyone and everything will be taken away or out of reach, and the surprises that arrive with Heather, the story envelops readers in a never-ending series of issues to sort, emotions to work through and attractions to cheer for. I loved Maze, Cat, Heather and Walker – and couldn’t help but appreciate Maze’s boss / friend and the connections that everyone had to Wildstone and its people, even all these years later. Of course, we think we know what will happen, and want for it – but it was close going and made the ending all the sweeter. This is a wonderful series focused on people, relationships and the magic of the little town – and well worth your time. Grab this and the others and escape with the people of Wildstone.
Title: The Forever Girl
Author: Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #6
Also in this series: Lost and Found Sisters, The Good Luck Sister, Rainy Day Friends, The Lemon Sisters, The Summer Deal, Love for Beginners
Genre: Coming of Age, Contemporary Elements, Contemporary Woman's Fiction, Dual Narration, Family Saga, Friendship, Grief, Humor elements, Romantic Elements, Second Chance, Small Town
Published by: William Morrow
ISBN: 0062897853
Published on: 12 January, 2021
Format:eARC
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Pages: 400
Audio Length: 9 Hours: 17 minutes
Rated:
Heat:
Get Your Copy: Amazon ♦ Barnes&Noble ♦ iTunes ♦ Kobo ♦ Downpour ♦ IndieBound ♦ Book Depository ♦ Google ♦Audible ♦Direct from Publisher New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.
When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.
Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.
Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.
A copy of this title was provided via Publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
2 responses to “The Forever Girl: Wildstone #6 by Jill Shalvis”
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Great review I love her books I’m looking forward to this one
Penney
I think this was my favorite set of characters in this series so far – they were all so very real and palpable. Thanks for stopping in!
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