Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #2
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: June 19, 2018
Date Read: June 15, 2018
Length: 384 pages
Source: Edelweiss
★★★★☆
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.
Lanie hasn’t had an easy time of things lately. Her husband died only six months ago. That is bad enough but after her husband’s passing, she discovered that she wasn’t the only wife. She takes a temporary position at the winery in Wildstone as a way to get away and regroup for a bit. She does not expect to be surrounded by a family like the Capriotti clan.
I loved the characters in this book. The Capriotti family were all wonderful. They were all genuinely caring people that never hesitated to take those in need under their wing. They were all just a lot of fun. I thought that the banter between the family members added a level of authenticity to their characters. Usually when there is a large cast of characters, I have a bit of difficulty keeping everyone straight but these characters were all so unique and had very distinct personalities from the start of the story. I think that Shalvis did a fantastic job with the character development in this book.
I loved Mark and Lanie together. They were just perfect together and complimented each other wonderfully. I like that they were both coming from a place where they didn’t want a relationship but couldn’t resist the draw towards each other. They had so much chemistry but the parts of the book that really made their relationship feel real were the more touching ones, such as Mark being there for Lanie when she needed him, or Lanie’s interactions with Mark’s girls.
This book had no shortage of excitement. I liked River’s character but I had a feeling that she would make things interesting as soon as she entered the story. River and Lanie have so much in common and I loved how all kinds of relationships were explored in this story. I felt like we really had the chance to see these characters grow and learn how to deal with some of the hardships that have been a part of their lives.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a wonderfully written story filled with swoony and heartwarming moments. I can’t wait to read more from Shalvis and I hope that we get to see some of these characters again in future installments in the series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss.
About the AuthorNew York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
That would suck to discover that after your husband died. Glad to see these continue to get better. I still need to read one of her books.
Shalvis is such a great romance writer, Christy! I couldn't even imagine what it would feel like to discover any big secret about a spouse after their death.
I think this one plus the first one look like great summer reads. Glad you are enjoying them so much!
They really were great romances, Barb!
They both sound like they need to catch a break. I love the sound of this one.
They really have had a hard time of things.
I liked the review. Sounds like a good read.
Thanks, Rita!
I just started this one and am enjoying it so far. I love the big Capriotti family. Shalvis does the best big quirky families!
I can't wait to read your review, Katherine!
Great review Carole! The family was amazing and compassionate. You are correct – her character development is excellent. Anne – Books of My Heart
I am so glad that you enjoyed this one too, Anne!
I always enjoy her books and I need to try this one as well
I think you would like this one, Melliane!
Awww her covers!
This is a great cover 🙂
Lost and Found Sisters was my first book by this author and I LOVED it! I've been waiting ages for this one to come out, and I cannot wait to read it. I'm happy to hear there are plenty of swoony and heartwarming moments. It's crazy to think that she's dealing with her husband's death only to find out she wasn't the only wife he had. There would be so many emotions to deal with! Lovely review!
L @ Do You Dog-ear?
I actually liked this one even more than Lost and Found Sisters, Lindsi! I hope you like it as much as I did when you get the chance to read it 🙂
I love Shalvis's books, and this sounds wonderful. I want a family like the Capriottis!
It would be fun to be a member of this family!
I just finished my last book, and am getting ready to start this one. I had no idea what it was about, and let out a little gasp about the second family as I read your review. I am not surprised you fell in love with the characters, because that's what Shalvis does, she creates a community of people you want to be a part of, and that's what keeps me coming back to her books.
I can't wait to see what you think of this one, Sam!
I am about 30% through and I want to be adopted by the Capriottis! They are so wonderful.
I loved them!
This is the third review in a row I have seen of this book, and I am so sold it's not even funny. (Except a little…LOL) I can't wait to read this one!
Great review!
I hope you love it when you get the chance to read it, Angie Elle!
The family really was something special. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much 🙂
I thought that the family was great. I really enjoyed all of the colorful characters.
It's great to immerse oneself in a wonderful story and it sounds like this one is a truly satisfying read 🙂
I really enjoyed myself reading this book. Lanie and Mark were just a wonderful couple.
Glad you loved it too! I loved this family and Mark and Lanie and the girls were so cute! Lovely review, Carole!
P.S. here's my review!
Thanks, Cyn!
Oh I am reading this now and so hooked. I really love this series so much! Great review!
It is so easy to get hooked on this book, Grace!
I love when they can be read as a stand alone. Glad to hear it. I have heard some great things about this one. Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
Mary
This one works perfectly well as a stand alone. I had such a great time with this book, Mary!