Rainy Day Friends: The feel-good read of the year! (Wildstone, #2)

by Jill Shalvis

Rainy Day Friends is the second Wildstone novel from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis, a moving story of heart, loss, betrayal and friendship, for fans of Susan Mallery, Kristan Higgins and Robyn Carr.

It's time to learn to trust again... Six months after her husband's death, it's hard to imagine anything could deepen Lanie Jacobs' sense of pain and loss. But then she discovers she isn't the only one grieving his passing. A serial adulterer, he left behind several other women who also believed they were his legally wedded wife.

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 but slowly comes to feel like she belongs, especially when Mark Capriotti, a gruffly handsome Air Force veteran turned deputy sheriff, manages to wind his way into Lanie's cold, broken heart.

Everything is going well for her, until the arrival of River Brown. 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.

Return to Wildstone in Lost and Found Sisters and The Good Luck Sister and check out Jill's warm, funny Heartbreaker Bay novels, visit gorgeous Cedar Ridge, spellbinding Lucky Harbor or experience some Animal Magnetism in Sunshine, Idaho in Jill's other unforgettable series.

• ISBN10: 1472244885
• ISBN13: 9781472244888
• Publish Date: 19 June 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
• Imprint: Headline Eternal
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Leigha]

Lanie discovers love and friendship as she attempts to get over the death of her husband in this disappointing sequel to Lost and Found Sisters.

Once again, like many romance novels I have read recently, this book suffers from poor pacing. How am I to believe this woman met the love of her life as well as a woman she considers a sister in six weeks? Listen, I get infatuation. I get feeling immediately connected to someone (both in a romantic and platonic sense) despite not knowing them for long. However, the issues Lanie and the gang face are complex. These characters coming to terms with their issues in a short time frame is not believable.

Despite the problematic pacing (and sweeping away of complicated issues), I mostly enjoyed reading the novel. The Capriotti family is charmingly endearing. I always love when big families sweep loners off their feet. Lanie’s character arc resonated with me, but I did not connect to River. Considering her story line is an important thread in the narrative, it made for a disjointed read.

tl;dr Problematic pacing and unsatisfying character moments left me not really enjoying this sequel.

[nitzan_schwarz]

Nov 27:
I really do love Shalvis and her books. This one was very sweet and cute, and I love the addition of kids to the stories! I find kids kind of making everything more fun in books haha My maybe one complaint is that the ending felt very forced. Like, Laine is talking to the baby VERY SPECIFICALLY so that Mark would hear her true feelings in a roundabout way. Also, why are they talking forever so quickly, and why did she get pregnant literally two months later??? It's way too fast haha



I found a signed book by one of my favorite authors *^*

This is not the edition tho, it has a different ISBN.

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis is book 2 in the Wildstone series. This installment features a completely new set of Characters. The only thing this book has in common with the previous books are the town in which the stories are set.

Can you imagine discovering you were not the only woman married to the man you considered your husband? Well, this happened to Lanie Jacobs. Six months after his death she discovered there were several other women who believed they were his legal wife. Poor Lanie, no wonder she left Santa Barbara to take up a temporary position with Capriotti Winery. This helped to make her question her ability to trust again.

What Lanie did not know was that her decision to go to Wild stone would set her on a path that led to healing and finding love.

Rainy Day Friends is one of those stories that will stay with you for a long time. Its features a rich and strong cast of characters. The main characters were relatable and easy to like. They each had their demons dealing with and it took a toll on their emotional wellbeing. They had a lot in common especially River and Lanie. I loved the chemistry between Lanie and Mark. I am hard-pressed to find anything I did not like about these two. I especially loved how Lanie bonded with Mark's twin daughters.

The Capriotti family were a riot. They were a caring group, and I admired how they quickly embraced River and Lanie in their fold. Their banter and the way they treated each other was a true reflection of what a family ought to be.

The story had the perfect blend of humor and emotions. The romance developing between Mark and Lanie was not the type that occurred in the blinking of an eye. Instead, it was the type, which experienced obstacles in the form of fear and mistrust. I loved how it developed slowly from a single flame to a blazing inferno.

Aside from the main romance, there was a secondary subtle one, which I found sweet and endearing. This too had its own share of issues.

My heart bled for Lanie. Her pain, shame and insecurities were real and I could not help but to emphatize with her. My happiness increased when Lanie realised her worth and that the actions of her ex was not a mark against her. In doing so, she ably let go of the hurt and resentment giving her the chance to embrace the love and friendship bestowed on her.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Fans of Jill Shalvis will enjoy this heartwarming story of love, friendship, family and healing.

[Sam@WLABB]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times - Jill Shalivs NEVER disappoints me! She and the Capriotti family have won my heart, and Wildstone is fast becoming my favorite Shalvis series.

Who?
• Lanie - a recently widowed graphic designer, who was NOT mourning her husband after discovering she was one of many wives.

• Mark - a handsome deputy sheriff and single dad, who was trying to focus on raising his twin daughters.

What?

Lanie was quickly enchanted by the Capriotti family, especially Mark, but both Lanie and Mark were still nursing wounds from previous relationships, and did not believe they were ready for anything serious. Their mutual affection grows more and more as the days pass, but will Lanie be able to trust her heart after it had previously led her so far astray?

Why?

I have always fallen in love with the "families" Shavlis assembled in all her books, but I think the Carpriottis are my new number one. There was just something so special about this group. They loved so fiercely and didn't fear opening their hearts to new people. At one point, Cora, the matriarch, was referred to as a collector. She would find broken people and make them part of her family, and that just filled my heart with joy.

Aside from the family being so full of love, they were also comprised of some really colorful characters. I loved all their different personalities and found myself terribly amused by them. The twins were so adorable, and Shalvis featured them quite well in the story. But obviously, the romance between Mark and Lanie was what I loved most.

From their very first interaction, there was a fantastic chemistry between the two. The book was filled with great banter, but the best was saved for Mark and Lanie. It was fun and flirty and sometimes really sexy. I loved almost every second they spent on page together. And the way they grew and changed as their relationship grew and changed was beautiful to watch, because I was rooting for both these characters to get their mojo back.

River's plot line added an interesting twist to this story. She created a little conflict and drama, which kept it interesting. I didn't expect to care about River, but then I found myself shedding tears for her. I am also hoping Shalvis will revisit River in a future book, because she started something, that I would like to see finished.

I read a string of books this week with endings that were meh, but this ending was stupendous! People, take notes, because THIS is how you do an epilogue. It's short, but we get so much closure and happiness delivered in those few pages. Way to leave me with a smile on my face, Jill Shalvis.

Overall: Another amazing book from Shalvis, which made me laugh, smile, swoon, and wanting to get back to Wildstone ASAP.

[Lorelei's Lit Lair]

Today I finished reading Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis and I really enjoyed it! It’s the second book in the series, but it stands alone well. I haven’t read the first book-Lost and Found Sisters yet. I hope to squeeze it in.
Rainy Day Friends is a story about loss, betrayal, family, friendships and love. What I liked most about this story is the Capriotti Family. Lanie can’t deny the attraction she feels for Mark, and he’s charmed by her, too. Their chemistry is off the charts. He will likely be one of your favorite heroes. While Lanie is trying to overcome her husband’s betrayal, I felt more connected to Mark’s struggles and also River’s. There’s humor, quirky family members and adorable ones, too. You may even tear up in some tender scenes, as I did.
This story flowed well, and kept me engaged until the very end. I did on occasions want to shake Lanie, but I guess that’s part of her not trusting and feeling she doesn’t deserve to find love again. I was all for Mark and rooting for him to overcome his own person struggles and find his happiness.
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher for an honest review.

[stacey_is_sassy]

***IT'S ALIVE!!!***

Finding a new path…

I felt guilty for my thoughts while reading Rainy Day Friends. I wanted to hate a pregnant woman. I wanted to hate a man in the army who dedicated his life to his career instead of his family. I wanted to hate a mother for blaming her child for her mistakes. But, in true Jill Shalvis fashion, I learned to love them more for their life blunders.

The choices we make in our lives lead us down a path. Sometimes the path we choose is bumpy and can even take us to a dead end. There are even paths we take because of someone else’s directions. Our faith and trust in that person make us follow the path without question, almost like we have blinkers on. We don’t see the warning signs or the risks up ahead. Then, we're surprised when we find ourselves on a dangerous path and confounded that we threw caution to the wind and trusted blindly. Rainy Day Friends brings together people who have had their path hit a roadblock that left them a little bit battered and bruised. Somehow they manage to back up a bit, take a look around, and find a new path.

Lanie’s had a pretty tough life. From the outside, it probably didn’t look that bad but once I got her full story, seeing her vulnerability made me want to protect her. I hated when her secret was exposed. Now, this was quite surprising, to be honest. I’m one of those people who thinks a secret shared is a burden shared. In her case, Lanie’s secret wasn’t just a burden, it was an anchor that seemed to pull her further and further down. Her secret was a constant reminder that she shouldn’t get close to people. Taking a risk on friendship or love will just get you hurt. Then…she met the Capriotti's.

Now, Mark, well he was a little harder for me to warm up to. A single father of twin girls, he’s working long hours as a deputy sheriff to buy a house to live in. He’s currently moved back to his childhood home because he needs his family to help look after his daughters. His ex-wife did a runner and broke all of their hearts with her abandonment. There is no way he’s willing to risk his heart again. Famous last words...

Rainy Day Friends made me feel. I was frustrated when the main characters were being stubborn and denying their feelings. I was devastated when Lanie’s secrets were exposed and blubbered like a baby. I smiled like a loon when Samantha (one of Mark’s 6-year-old daughters) bestows her words of wisdom or shares about Daddy’s night time walks to Lanie’s cottage. Mia was a crack up, Cora was a gem, Alyssa was a hormonal nutcase (proof that there is such a thing as baby-brain), Uncle Jack was a shocker and Holden was a sweetheart. There were just so many characters to love.

One of my favourite parts though was seeing River grow, mature and strengthen over time. A 21-year-old pregnant woman who practically falls through the front doors into the motherly, loving arms of Cora. From a homeless woman without a job to practically a Capriotti by the end.

These characters came alive for me. I knew the Capriotti's and loved them for their busybody ways. The vulnerability of the characters when their paths took a bad turn made me feel closer to them. I think we all go through stages of vulnerability but if you’re lucky, you’ll have someone to hold the map and help you find a better way.

Seriously, Jill Shalvis has MAD skills and I think this is by far one of her best books ever. She manages to capture the highs and lows of finding love after a broken heart. She gets the dynamics of having a crazy family and living with well-meaning busybodies. Jill Shalvis also understands that sometimes you just have to ignore your brain and let lust override common sense. All of these things together is exactly why Jill Shalvis is one of my very favourite authors. She writes, I read it, it’s just that simple.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

[kimbacaffeinate]

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.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Linda]

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Edelweiss. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Rainy Day Friends was a very emotional read. I cried so hard! But I also laughed and swooned very hard!

Story:

Lanie had really been through hell and back before Rainy Day Friends even started. She felt like nothing in her life was right anymore, which is one of the reasons why she took a temporary job at a winery away from her LA home. As soon as she arrives, she's taken in by a huge, noisy family who run the winery together. And she feels utterly out of place. Even if everyone there tries to help her feel welcome.

Lanie doesn't want her employers to know just what it is she's running away from, and Rainy Day Friends definitely deals with acceptance a lot. Mostly, Lanie needs to accept her life for what it is, and know that the way her late husband acted had nothing to do with her. She still feels like she should have known something was wrong, though, and that is a hard cross to bear.

Then one day, River arrives, pregnant, alone, and broke. Rainy Day Friends is also a story about friendship. And Lanie was really good at those - even when she tried not to put down any roots, she did. And River got under her skin in more than one way. They were both alone in the world. Both had to fight to move forward - and they became rainy day friends in more than one way.

When River's secrets surface, Lanie's only wish is to flee. To get as far away from her new job, her new friends, and her new family as possible. And there is also the simmering chemistry and attraction between Lanie and Mark.

Characters:

Lanie has been broken by life, her late husband, and has no more love or trust to give - or so she thinks.

Mark is a single father to two adorable girls, and he's a rock when it comes to his family - but not so much when it comes to love.

River has been through so much, alone and pregnant, she wants to figure out where everything went wrong.

The rest of the Capriotti family is delightful! I loved them all, and felt like I was with them at the winery.

Writing style :

Rainy Day Friends is very well written. Shalvis managed to convey the characters feelings through the third person point of view, past tense, and the numerous dialogues between them all.

Feels :

Oh my feels! I just felt both sad and hopeful for Lanie. And the simmering romance between her and Mark was well done, because it was slow, and very reluctant. The friendships and strong family ties made everything even better.



She let out a laugh, though it was rusty as hell. It'd been a while since she'd found something funny. Not that this changed her idea of him. He was still too sure of himself, too cocky, and she'd had enough of that to last a lifetime. But she also was good at multitasking and could both not like him and appreciate his sense of humor at the same time. 

She crawled back into her bed and this time fell right asleep, although she maybe had a few crazy dreams involving a tall, dark stranger with a bad 'tude and a really great laugh and incredible hands. She had no idea if the incredible hands part was true, but in her dream it definitely was.