A return to Jill Shalvis' Wildstone is always an adventure and this time she delivers like always. Maze is returning to Wildstone reluctantly but she can not ignore the request from Cat who is the sister of her heart and her BFF, although currently estranged BFF. Maze grew up in the foster care system and for that one wonderful year lived with Cat and her family plus a motley collection of other fosters who all became their family by choice.
But "Mayhem" Maze has shut herself off from her family because she is afraid of hurting them and being hurt herself. Childhood traumas do have long term effects and need to be healed. And this is a book about the power of love and healing.
Everyone in this novel has issues they need to address due to childhood trauma. It is handled with a very delicate hand and well done. Plus we are able to see how love really can conquer all when we are willing to let down our wall and let someone in who may have the power to hurt us but they really love us. It is something that not only Maze learns in this novel but everyone in her misfit family.
Yes, there is a real love story in this wonderful novel but for me, it is secondary. What mattered the most to me was how everyone was finally able to start the healing from their childhood traumas. Healing is a life long process but it is also freeing. And watching the transformation of Maze as she started to heal was amazing.
Like all of Ms. Shalvis' books, the characters and storyline are well researched and written. She weaves a delicate hand with dealing with childhood trauma and how it makes it harder to trust. Plus there are some really good love scenes in this book as well. After all, it is a romance novel.
I always say her latest book is my favorite and it is quite true. I love this one. And I have already planned my re-read. I took my time reading this one and savoring it. There is a lot to pick up. But if you prefer to plow through your romance books, this book works for that too. However, I think you will miss some of the underlying currents.
Plan a weekend where you can hide away curled up in a comfy spot and escape to Wildstone again.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. The opinion expressed in this review is all mine though.
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Reviews with images
I hope that Jill Shalvis continues the Wildstone series into perpetuity...
When I say I hope that Jill Shalvis continues the Wildstone series into perpetuity, it is no exaggeration. While they all seem to have similar tropes and themes, they are each so nuanced and real and heartwarming and life affirming - I actually hesitate to read them because I know that I will gobble them up and then what will I do? The notion of a "found family" is done so well here: Caitlin's family fostered Maze, Heather, and Walker collectively at one point in their lives and then an accident led to not only a tragic death but also resulted in Maze, Heather, and Walker being displaced once again. So while the romance is real and lovely, the story about these siblings of the heart reclaiming their family and rededicating themselves to each other is the real highlight. Jill Shalvis manages to balance a tightrope between romance and women's fiction in a way that I find irresistible and unmatched. 5 out 5 wine glasses.
Top reviews from other countries
Manda
Brilliant heartwarming story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2021
