by Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
The New York Times bestselling author of Rainy Day Friends and Lost and Found Sisters returns to Wildstone, California, where two completely opposite sisters — who are still nursing wounds from the past — realize they need each other more than they think.
When Brooke’s older sister, Mindy, shows up at her door with her three kids in tow, she barely recognizes her sibling who looks like she’s on the verge of a total breakdown. While adventurous, wanderlust Brooke was always the problem child, eager to slip free of Wildstone and its small-town constraints, Mindy was the golden child, who never had a hair out of place or a GPA below 4.0. The Mindy that arrives at Brooke’s apartment however, is a far cry from the ever-perfect doctor’s wife.
Brooke’s further stunned when Mindy asks to trade places with her for a few days so she can pick up her pieces and put herself back together. What Mindy doesn’t realize is that Brooke is just as broken. Her sister needs her though, so Brooke takes the kids and returns to Wildstone.
But how does one go home after seven years away and what feels like a lifetime of secrets? 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, or so he says. Only his words don’t match his actions, leaving Brooke feeling things she long ago shoved deep.
The sisters begin to wonder if the childhood taunts were true, are they lemons in life? In love? True or not, they know one thing — you can’t run far enough to outpace your demons. And when long-dead secrets surface, they’ll have to overcome their differences and learn that sometimes the one person who can help you the most is the one you never thought to ask.
The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis takes us back to Wildstone in the third novel of the series. It offers a second chance romance, renews the bonds of sisterhood and there is personal growth for both Lemon sisters.
Jill Shalvis mixes motherhood, PTSD, secrets and a household of children into this tale. Photographer Brooke Lemon hasn’t been back to Wildstone since her accident. She is keeping a secret from her family and doesn’t want to face the boy now man she left behind. But when her sister, Mindy shows up at her door with her three kids in tow she just might have to face her fears.
Mindy is having a mid-mom/marriage crisis and Brooke steps up to give her sister a well deserved break. Mindy’s husband is out of town at a Physician’s convention, so Brooke heads back to Wildstone to face her past and care for her niece and nephews. While Mindy tries to find Mindy again.
Wilful cats, turtles, toilet training and the sexy man from her past await her. The tale that unfolds was delightful, heartwarming and humorous. Character growth, renewed relationships, communication and more curled my toes and had me swiping my eyes.
Garrett Montgomery, lives next door on the homestead he inherited from his Aunt. The Lemon sisters and Garrett all grew up together. The chemistry, banter and memories between Garrett and Brooke will give readers all the feels. Brooke’s secret is a painful and the author allowed us to understand her actions but I was equally glad to see her come clean.
I felt for Mindy; I had three children close together while my husband advanced his career and worked on his Master’s degree. I loved Mindy’s husband Linc. The man stepped up but I also appreciated the character growth in Mindy and how Shalvis handled everything. The kids were an absolute hoot and added to both romance threads.
Secondary threads involving careers, businesses and family added depth and grounded the characters. I loved the small-town setting and hope we see more. You’ll want to add The Lemon Sisters to your summer line-up.
Small-town charm, sisters, pets, sticky-fingers and swoon worthy men make The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis, the perfect summer afternoon treat! #MustRead #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!
I don’t know why I haven’t started this series. It sounds like it would be so much fun to read and I love the covers! Great review!
Mary
Carla
I love the looks of this one and your review makes it even more inviting. I will have to see if the library has this one.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I loved Brooke and Garrett and Linc. I felt for Mindy but I thought she was selfish and a bit immature in not speaking up for what she wanted which is why there was a problem. Linc may have been clueless at times but he was not uncaring or uncommitted. It’s actually fine to BE selfish if you communicate well about it, what you need and work it out with your partners. Rant over. I loved the story and I cried a bit along with laughing. Lovely review. I love everything Jill Shalvis.
Olivia Roach
What a combination of things to mix together! Secrets always make for an intriguing story and despite not being a mother myself, I love reading books with motherhood themes to them. So this one appeals to me. I have yet to try a Shalvis book but I know she is a much loved author ^.^
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
This sounds like a great read Kimberly! I always love small town settings, so this one sounds great. I’m definitely adding this one to my TBR list.
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
Sounds great, it’s freezing here right now and I could do with some warming up, adding to my wishlist!
Lorna
I have been seeing this one everywhere. Good to know how enjoyable you found it!
Sam@wlabb
Linc stole my heart. That man was fighting with his full arsenal for his wife, and that is just such a beautiful thing.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I’ve really been enjoying Shalvis’ more women’s fiction titles and I like the sound of this one. I have a feeling Mindy will annoy me but I think everything else will more than make up for it.
Sophia Rose
Sounds like a good amount of stuff is going on for the sisters individually and neat how it all swirled together in this heartwarming story. I’ve still got the first two books to read, but I’m looking forward to this one, too.
Melliane
Oh I always have a good time with her books! I need to try this series too!
sherry fundin
great cover and a perfect read for heating up the summer
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
I’ve read and enjoyed some Jill Shalvis before. I like how this book explores multiple aspects of the characters’ lives – and also the small town setting 🙂
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Jill Shalvis is an author I’ve been meaning to try forever and somehow still haven’t made it happen yet. This series sounds lovely though since I’m always a fan of books that focus on siblings. That second chance romance is a bonus too! Great review!
Jen
I haven’t read this series, but I do enjoy Jill’s books, and I love second chances. Can this be read without reading the earlier books?
Nick
I love Shalvis, but I have not started this series. It sounds different from her contemporary romances, but also something that I would like. I like that there are so many different relationships. I should add this to my vacation tbr!
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
I absolutely loved The Lemon Sisters – I felt like the relationship between the sisters was at least as important as the romance. And I could definitely relate to Mindy 🙂
Great review, Kim!
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love Jill Shelves and this story sounds really good! Garrett and Brooke’s romance sound wonderful, and you have me curious about Brooke’s secret. Lovely Review Kim!