The Forever Girl
A Novel
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4.5 • 241 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
USA Today Bestseller
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.
When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.
Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.
Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
A weeklong trip turns into a cathartic life event in Jill Shalvis’ compelling novel. Years after a tragedy all but tore them apart, four estranged childhood friends reunite for a wedding. It’s the first time unpredictable Maze, sensible Heather, nurturing Cat, and enigmatic Walker have all been together as adults—and there’s a lot of baggage to unpack. We were drawn right into the story’s clashing personalities, simmering resentments, and awkward wedding drama, so much so that we were completely invested in bride Cat figuring out how to get the once-inseparable group to finally heal. The Forever Girl is a witty and heartwarming read that celebrates vulnerability, family, sisterhood, and forgiveness.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Shalvis returns to Wildstone, Calif., (after The Summer Deal) with a standalone contemporary romance that focuses on how relationships can overcome secrets, shame, and guilt. Eleven years ago, the Walsh family briefly took in foster kids Maze, Heather, and Walker and raised them alongside their own children, Cat and Michael. The teens spent a blissful year on the central California coast before Michael's death tore them apart. Maze has cut herself off from the others ever since but now Cat is getting married and brings them all back together to help her plan her wedding. No longer "Mayhem Maze," Maze tries to be there for Cat while navigating her complicated relationships with Heather and Walker. In particular, she and Walker must decide whether their long-simmering chemistry is enough to propel them into an adult relationship. Though the pace is slow, Shalvis capably weaves the complex, intertwining relationships into an appealing story of second chances. This is sure to satisfy.
Customer Reviews
Perfect Wildstone Addition
The Forever Girl is typical, perfect Jill Shalvis and bonus, we get to return to Wildstone and what a treat it is.
Cat, Walker, Heather and Maze were a tight foursome when they were in high school, life has happened since then and they have not all been together since that time. Cat's wedding has provided them all with the opportunity to be together but also the chance to discover if the magic of their friendship still exists. In addition to friendship, maybe there is something more there for Maze during this trip back to Wildstone.
You will not be disappointed with The Forever Girl - the emotions from friendship, romance and belonging are all beautifully written by Jill. Every child deserves parents like Cat in their corner. My favorite part involves some torn silk on a window sill - just you wait!
Kinda slow, but well worth persevering
I pretty much always enjoy all of Jill Shalvis’s books. Her characters all truly come to life in her books. By the end of her books, I feel like I’m saying goodbye to friends.
Gut Wrenching and Heartwarming
The characters in this story are very real and complicated. The characters make this story worth your time…even with the sappy ending. I would like more…but there isn’t any🤷🏻♀️