Book Blurb
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns to Blackberry Island with the poignant tale of two sisters on the verge of claiming their dreams.
Small-town nurse Nina Wentworth has made a career out of being a caretaker. More "Mom" than their mother ever was, she sacrificed medical school—and her first love—so her sister could break free. Which is why she isn't exactly thrilled to see Averil back on Blackberry Island, especially when Nina's life has suddenly become…complicated.
Nina unexpectedly finds herself juggling two men—her high school sweetheart and a younger maverick pilot who also wants to claim her heart. But as fun as all this romance is, Nina has real life to deal with. Averil doesn't seem to want the great guy she's married to, and doesn't seem to be making headway writing her first book; their mom is living life just as recklessly as she always has; and Nina's starting to realize that the control she once had is slipping out of her fingers. Her hopes of getting off the island seem to be stretching further away…until her mother makes a discovery that could change everything forever.
But before Nina and Averil can reach for the stars, they have to decide what they want. Will Averil stay? Will Nina leave? And what about the men who claim to love them? Does love heal, or will finding their happy ending mean giving up all they've ever wanted?
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Toot's Review by Stacy Sabala
Nina is a nurse who lives on Blackberry Island in Washington. She grew up there and has never left. Nina grew up with just her mother, Bonnie, and younger sister Averil. Nina was the one who took on the adult role in the family as her mother wouldn’t, giving up her dreams of being a doctor and leaving the island. Someone had to make money and take care of things. So she finds herself being trapped.
One rainy day when her car decides to break down and strand her, she is rescued by her ex-boyfriend Dylan. She knew he was coming back to the island after becoming a successful doctor. He went on and followed his dreams while she stayed behind. Seeing him again makes her feel more disappointed in her life.
Then things get crazy. A man from her past shows up to sweep her off her feet. Her sister comes home troubled and unsure. Her mother and her partner find an unexpected treasure while off on their buying trips. All these things plus Dylan’s return throw Nina into a tailspin. She is fighting a never ending battle for control but is unsure if she should continue doing so. She is going to have to make some tough choices.
This book was a good story showing a difficult family dynamic and how it can affect the lives of the members. It was extremely difficult for all involved because the traditional roles weren’t there. In some instances they were reversed and it caused anger, resentment and frustration. It was the biggest issue in the book in which Nina’s life may have been different if her mother was different. Nina settled for something easier and safe.
I like the fact that Kyle, the younger pilot, had an effect on how Nina looked at her life. She really was able to stop and look at what she wanted compared to what she really had. He seemed to be exactly what she needed to wake herself up before she lost the chance to change things.
Unfortunately for me the characters were so dysfunctional that it border lined on annoying. I wanted to shake Bonnie. I also couldn’t believe that no one would speak up with how they felt. They were all drowning in their own self pity and resentment. It was a good story overall, but difficult to keep my attention after the constant eye rolling. I give it a 3 out of 5.
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