Lost and Found Sisters
Jill Shalvis     
December 2021 Releases

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Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
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From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women's fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins.

They say life can change in an instant… 

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.'s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she's looking for a missing piece she can't find? 

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn't quite fit in right away, she can't help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked. 

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there's another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn't a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she's searched so long for.

Quinn is going through the motions of life. She has a decent job, a man chasing her and a family who adores her.  They can’t replace the ache she feels from losing her sister.  Ever since that tragic day, Quinn has been numb. Her body has shut down and she is a shell of her former self.
While at the restaurant she works at, a stranger approaches her to inform her that she has an inheritance from her birth mother. Quinn is shocked to discover that she is adopted and rushes to confront her parents. The news is hard to take once she confirms that her whole life is a big mystery.  Dealing with the pain, she packs up and heads to Wildstone, California to learn who her birth mother really was. What she gets is more secrets and turmoil.

When Quinn checks into the local B&B, she meets Mick and she cannot stop her desire towards him. This is the first time since her sister died that she feels an ounce of anything. Mistaken Mick for the handyman, she sets off to befriend him. Her newfound friendship is on pause when she discovers that she inherited a café and a baby sister, Tilly.

This story read more like chick-lit than a straight contemporary romance. There are several characters and elements swirling around. This is a story about forgiveness, love and strength. Quinn struggles to deal with her emotions over her deceased sister while figuring out how to love her new sister. 

Tilly gives Quinn a run for her money as most teenagers do. There is pain and fear of being alone. There is conflict with young love and just the growing pains of life. I laughed whenever Quinn embarrassed herself in order to impress Tilly who posted everything on instagram.

Ms. Shalvis always write a good small town romance. This is no different.  The romance is a slow and steady burn. There are no sparks. The steam is just smoldering which surprised me given that she could have revved it up a bit between Quinn and Mick.

There are some issues with Mick. He is struggling with returning home to take care of his mother. He wants to help his best friend who loves his ex-girlfriend, Lena. Speaking of Lena, I hated how she attacked Quinn over Mick. She did her dirty but I loved how Quinn held onto Mick and Lena learned to befriend Quinn. I can see there are layers there and I hope she gets a story next.

Overall, this is the perfect beach read. It will pull on the heartstrings and make you laugh.

~ Samantha