by Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Following the USA Today bestselling author of Lost and Found Sisters comes Jill Shalvis' moving story of heart, loss, betrayal, and friendship
Six months after Lanie Jacobs’ husband’s death, it’s hard to imagine anything could deepen her sense of pain and loss. But then Lanie discovers she isn’t the only one grieving his sudden passing. A serial adulterer, he left behind several other women who, like Lanie, each believe she was his legally wedded wife.
Rocked by the infidelity, Lanie is left to grapple with searing questions. How could she be so wrong about a man she thought she knew better than anyone? Will she ever be able to trust another person? Can she even trust herself?
Desperate to make a fresh start, Lanie impulsively takes a job at the family-run Capriotti Winery. At first, she feels like an outsider among the boisterous Capriottis. With no real family of her own, she’s bewildered by how quickly they all take her under their wing and make her feel like she belongs. Especially Mark Capriotti, a gruffly handsome Air Force veteran turned deputy sheriff who manages to wind his way into Lanie’s cold, broken heart—along with the rest of the clan.
Everything is finally going well for her, but the arrival of River Brown changes all that. The fresh-faced twenty-one-year old seems as sweet as they come…until her dark secrets come to light—secrets that could destroy the new life Lanie’s only just begun to build.
Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis is the second full-length novel in her Wildstone stories, and it delivered all the humor, warm, and swoons I expect in a Shalvis novel. Rainy Day Friends one tugged at my heartstrings, made me laugh and feel right at home. I want a job at the family-run Capriotti Winery. Heck, I want to be adopted by them.
Coffee Dates with Rainy Day Friends
- First Date: The story begins with Lanie Jacobs arriving at the family-run Capriotti Winery as she talks herself down from an anxiety attack. Six months ago her husband died and sent her world off kilter when she learned she wasn’t the only one mourning him. Apparently, he had several wives. Since she was the first, the life insurance policy allowed her to escape town and the questions by accepting a three-month contract with the winery. It includes boarding and hopefully room for her to breathe again. Right away I liked Lanie and felt for her, first for the asshat of a husband she had, and second, the Capriotti’s are loud and peaceful and quiet aren’t their strong point. Each chapter is prefaced with a saying or meme about anxiety, and I looked forward to them.
- Second Date: The story has several threads, but the primary focus is Lanie and very sexy, Mark Capriotti, an Air Force veteran turned deputy sheriff. He too has been betrayed in a relationship, but while he is protecting his heart, it gifted him the two greatest joys in his life. We also get a low-key secondary romance with another new arrival whose carrying big secrets. And of course, we get plenty of time to enjoy the Capriotti family shenanigans. All the characters in this series are wonderful from Mark’s loud sisters to their Uncle Jack. I loved being a part of it all.
- Third Date: Two little girls stole my heart in this story and made me burst out laughing until I had tears rolling down my cheeks. This story tugged at my heartstrings. Both hero and heroine have been hurt and betrayed by a loved one, so the romance is a slow-build with lots of sizzling chemistry and negotiations before they become intimately involved. Attraction gives way to more allowing for character growth, a little drama and plenty of heartwarming moments. Shalvis knocked this one out of the park, allowing me to become entangled in their story from beginning to the end. I ended my final date hugging myself and wishing another book in this series was ready for download.
Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis while part of the Wildstone series this book works on its own. Spend the afternoon in wine country with the irresistible Capriotti family and get caught swept up in Laine and Marks romance.
Anxiety: Is it safe to read Rainy Day Friends By Jill Shalvis? Me: Yes grab some chocolate and devour Laine and Marks' romance. The Capriotti family will take good care of you. #NewRelease Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This does sound swoon worthy! Love your review!
Mary
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I’m reading this now but had to put it on hold for a review book but I miss it! Shalvis does such fantastic big families and this one sounds really wonderful.
Cyn @ Bookmunchies
This was such a sweet and heartwarming read!! I loved the twins, too! And the romance was cute and the whole Capriotti was amazing! Glad you loved it too!
Anne @ The Reading Life
Woah tears are flowing too? Damnnn…this must be one hell of a book.
Sam@WLABB
I just started this book today (I am about 30% through), and I am already won over by the Capriotti family. They are all sorts of wonderful and totally my people. I am with you! Those twins are simply precious, and when they interact with Mark, my heart melts. I cannot wait to finish this book . Great review!
Melissa
She is so solid! I’m behind on her books but will eventually get to this one!
Angela Adams
Jill Shalvis always comes up with great stories! Thanks for the post.
blodeuedd
Jill SHalvis!! One day
Lorna
Sounds like a good one to me. I love idea of the big boisterous family and the two little ones as well.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I’ve been eyeing this book for a while, but must read my copy of Lost and Found Sisters first…I think.
Why does a title that elicits images of “rainy days” grab me so? Could it be my Rainy Days and Mondays blog? Or my name (Rain)? LOL
Definitely sounds like one for me. Thanks for sharing.
Melliane
I always enjoy Shalvis books and I need to read this one as well!
Anne
Yes, it’s a winner! Anne – Books of My Heart
Debbie Haupt
Oh my gosh that’s one mixed up storyline Kim. I want it and oh the doggie on the cover. Yes Please
Angie @ Ba_BAMB
Oh my gosh! This sounds SO good! I love the synopsis, and your review made picking this one up a shoo-in! Thanks for putting this on my radar.