The Lemon Sisters: The feel-good read of the summer! (Wildstone, #3)

by Jill Shalvis

'Perfect, feel-good fiction' Sarah Morgan

'Full of Shalvis' signature verve and wit; it touches on sisterhood and forgiveness while also serving up plenty of romance. The perfect beach read for any romance reader' Booklist

The heartwarming new novel from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis. The Lemon Sisters is a story of friendship, love and family, where two completely opposite sisters - who are still nursing wounds from the past - realize they need each other more than they think. For fans of Susan Mallery, Kristan Higgins and Robyn Carr.

When life gives you lemons...

Brooke Lemon has always led the life she wanted, wild adventures - and mistakes - included, a fact that her perfect sister Mindy never understood. So when Mindy shows up on Brooke's doorstep in the throes of a breakdown with her three little kids in tow, asking to switch lives with Brooke, she's shocked.

Wanting to make amends, and find a way back to being sisters, Brooke agrees to trade places with Mindy for a few days so she can put herself back together...without admitting she's just as broken. Her sister needs her though, so she takes the kids and returns to Wildstone. But how do you face home - and the man you left behind - after seven years away?

The Lemon sisters are about to learn you can't outrun your demons - but if they can overcome their differences they might realise that the one person who can help them the most is the one they never thought to ask.

Jill Shalvis. Delightfully addictive.

'If you're picking up a Jill Shalvis book, you're in for a treat' Julie Cohen

'My go-to read for humour and heart' Susan Mallery

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: 1472252276
• ISBN13: 9781472252272
• Publish Date: 18 June 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
• Imprint: Headline Eternal
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

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.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Leigha]

Brooke Lemon returns to Wildstone to help her sister out, igniting an old flame in the process, in this sweet contemporary romance.

Jill Shalvis excels at writing complex sibling relationships, swoony romances, and small town charm. The Lemon Sisters does not disappoint – it contains all of her familiar beats as it focuses on Brooke’s return to her hometown of Wildstone. Brooke is an amazingly selfless character dealing with PTSD and OCD. Mindy struck me as bitchy and entitled most of the time, although her story of getting lost in the minutia of everyday life resonated more. The rebuilding of Brooke and Mindy’s fractured relationship is satisfying despite not enjoying both characters equally.

Brooke and Garrett have insane chemistry. While their backstory is heartbreaking and emotional (trigger warning: miscarriage), I never doubted their love or connection to one another. Linc and Mindy’s relationship is given some development, but I did not find their romance as interesting. It’s too bad, too, I would love to see a well-done reigniting of the flame between a married couple.

tl;dr Complex sibling relationships, sweet romances, and small town charm kept me glued to the book to the very end.

[pagesbycyndy]

My Review Of

The Lemon Sisters

The Lemon sisters are having a difficult time in their lives when both of them enter into each other worlds for a few days.

This is the first book that I have read in this series but this book can be read as a standalone. I  loved these characters, setting and storyline  so much that I will go back and devour the other two books.
Brooke works on making travel movies but has had an injury and is suffering from some PTSD and no longer is as adventurous as she once was. Mindy is just burnt out from raising three young children, running a business and worrying that her Doctor husband is no longer interested in her and having an affair with the nanny.

We go back in forth in the book between the two sisters as they are experiencing each others lives. I think that Brooke is hilarious the way that she deals with her niece and nephews and I had to laugh out loud a few times at her solution for various things like potty training. Mindy is just an over the top anxious control freak but I can hardly blame her as her husband Linc is never home and has put his career and friends before his family.

It also turns out that Brooke's once love interest Garrett is living next door and there is still some sizzling hot chemistry between Brooke and Garrett, not to mention unresolved issues that both of them need to work on. In fact both couple, Mindy and Linc as well, need to has=h out their issues and misunderstandings in order to move on.

I enjoyed meeting these characters and visiting this picturesque town that I could definitely visit. The animals have their own personalities and are a big part of this story as well.

I look forward to going back and reading the previous books in this series as well as looking forward to book number four.This review was originally posted on Fictional Reviewer

[Sam@WLABB]

After being out of touch with her sister for over a year, Mindy showed up on Brooke's doorstep in a frenzied state. Brooke, agreed to mind her niece and nephews and give he sister a few days of R&R, but never expected this agreement to be her pathway home.

As always, Shalvis crafted a story with a wonderful mix of humor, romance, family drama, and a lot of feels. This book was true to its title, and spent quite a bit of time examining the relationship dynamic between the Lemon sisters, but it was also about each sister individually.

Mindy was a harried mother of three, who had been feeling abandoned by her husband. She felt as though she lost herself, and believed a little timeout would help restore her to her former perfect state. I will admit, Mindy was a bit intense, but I did enjoy her part of the story, which I attribute largely to her husband, Linc. Once Linc was aware, that he had not be fulfilling his duty as father and husband, he really dug in, and fought for his relationship with his wife. There were quite a few super sweet and happy tear inducing moments between these two, and being the sap that I am, I loved every second of it.

Then, there was Brooke. Brooke had been involved in a helicopter crash seven years prior, and it was then that she began distancing herself from all her loved ones. She rarely communicated with her parents or sister, and had abandoned Garrett, the man she loved, without looking back. This was supposed to be her atonement tour. She was going to apologize to Garrett, fix her sister's situation, and reclaim her old life. I won't say it was easy watching Brooke muddle her way through all these things, but it was satisfying to see her grow and discover some truths about herself.

Things that made me smile:
• The cats - I loved them all
• The kids - they added a lot of fun to some of the scenes
• Tommy - he was pretty hilarious
• Clown party - now, that was actually scary and hilarious
• The last chapter - yes, there were tears, but only the happy kind
• The epilogue - sweet, touching, and still, humorous

I am a diehard fan of Shalvis' books, and she once again, delivered a delightful story, packed with laughs, swoons, and happy feels.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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[kimbacaffeinate]

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. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Linda]

*I received a free copy of The Lemon Sisters. This has in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased.*

The Lemon Sisters is a beautifully written story about family, friendship and second chances. It shows an honest take on family relationships, and how difficult it can be to say the hard truths. Sometimes, it's easier to stay away than to come back and deal with things. And sometimes, coming back gives all the rewards.

[stacey_is_sassy]

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

I think this is Jill Shalvis’ best book…since her last one 😉

I just wrote a review and deleted the whole bloody thing. I’m struggling to get my feeling down as to how much I LOVED The Lemon Sisters. To be honest, my family are not helping me in this endeavour. My son is chatting with his mate VERY LOUDLY. My hubby is in the kitchen baking his famous Banana, Butterscotch Pudding (which I appreciate) and listening to music VERY LOUDLY. Now, it’s raining and it’s VERY LOUD.

STUFF IT…I’M GOING TO HAVE A SHOWER!!!!

That did the trick. For some reason, I have my best ideas in the shower, and again, I found the answer. The reason why I love Jill Shalvis’s romance stories is that her characters are looking for their happy place. That’s it. The heroine isn’t looking for a billionaire to drape her in diamonds. She’s not looking for a superstar to guide her into the spotlight. A biker…mafia man…hitman isn’t called for to show her a bit of the dark side. Jill Shalvis creates heroine’s that are just looking for someone to share their happy place. Someone to share the good times with the bad. The person who will put them first and expects the same. These women just want to love and be loved, put first and not forgotten about. I get it because it’s realistic and, in some ways, that is what we should all be hoping to attain.

I LOVED meeting and getting to know Brooke and her sister Mindy, Linc, Mindy’s husband, and Garrett, Brooke’s first love. These four people were awesome in their own way but completely flawed. They all have outstanding attributes that made them shine, alongside characteristics that, while negative, also made them themselves. No one is perfect, they realise this and they know expecting perfection is unrealistic. What made them even better characters was their ability to acknowledge their flaws and accept that they needed to work on them.

The Lemon Sisters took me on an emotional journey and left me extremely satisfied. I laughed, cried, squirmed and sighed. While the main four characters were riveting, we were also treated to some very special additional characters. Mindy and Linc’s kids were so cute and I loved seeing their quirkiness accepted and encouraged. Brooke’s friends from her job were amazing and I really would love a story for both Tommy and Cole (I think that was their names).

Seriously, I can not recommend this book highly enough. I guess the reason why I loved it so much was because it put me in my happy place. Last night, I was lucky enough to hit the trifecta…a fantastic book to read, a glass of wine in my hand and hubby making me dinner and singing off-key to make me smile. Who could ask for more???

Thank you, Jill Shalvis, your words made my day.

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