***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
A wedding brings a shocking surprise in New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde’s newest Moonglow Cove novel. Perfect for fans of Susan Wiggs, Jill Shalvis, and Robyn Carr.
It wasn’t the wedding night she’d expected!
When Samantha said “I do” to Luca Ginelli, she knew she’d found a reliable soulmate—a strong, sexy man who’d stand beside her through thick and thin. And so she’d started her wedding day filled with joyful expectation, only to have her dreams shattered when the man she married years before shocking, unexpectedly, reappears, insisting she was still his wife!
Seven years before, Luca’s brother, Nick, had stubbornly set off in a sailing adventure, ignoring the pleas of his young bride and all common sense. He’d disappeared without a trace; everyone thought he was dead—but now he’s expecting to pick up where they’d left off. He’d once been Samantha’s “lightning strike,”—the person you know is the one from the moment you first see them.
But seven years is a long time and so much has changed. Now Samantha is faced with an impossible choice and no matter which decision she makes, it threatens to shred the very fabric of the one thing she holds most dear—family.
The Wedding at Moonglow Bay by Lori Wilde is the fourth book in the popular Moonglow Cove series. This can be read as a stand-alone.
Story Recap:
Samantha was excited to marry Luca Ginelli, after losing her first husband Nick, seven years ago to a sailing accident. Luca is the brother of her first husband and Samantha appreciates his strength, reliability, and sexiness.
When Nick suddenly returns and claims he’s still married to Samantha, she has some tough choices. Nick left suddenly on an impulsive sailing adventure that left Samantha a widow, and now Nick wants to pick up where he left off. Nick was Samantha’s “lightning Strike” the one person who she was meant to love for the rest of her life.
Samantha has a very tough choice ahead of her. Nick wants to pick up where they left off, but Samantha now has a daughter and has changed and grown up.
My Thoughts:
I have enjoyed this series and The Wedding at Moonglow Bay is a terrific addition. Although the plot device of a long-lost husband returning on a woman’s wedding day to another man is a bit of a stretch for believability, I found the story fascinating. The story was more about the blush of first love versus the more mature love of someone more reliable with a slow build. Or insta love versus friends to lovers. And I thought the author did a terrific job of examining the dilemma Samantha faced trying to decide between the two men.
I loved the characters and liked how much all of the characters grew and learned more about themselves. I liked this plot device because I felt like it was a real dilemma for Samantha, Nick, and Luca and I couldn’t figure out what the best outcome would be for all involved. However, the author did a terrific job of figuring out how best to make guide these characters through this tough time for all of them.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Wedding at Moonglow Bay to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Lori Wilde
Lori Wilde is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today and Publishers’ Weekly bestselling author of 87 works of romantic fiction. Her books have been translated into 26 languages, with more than four million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her breakout novel, The First Love Cookie Club, has been optioned for a TV movie.
Lori is a registered nurse with a BSN from Texas Christian University. She holds a certificate in forensics and is also a certified yoga instructor.
A fifth-generation Texan, Lori lives with her husband, Bill, in the Cutting Horse Capital of the World; where they run Epiphany Orchards, a writing/creativity retreat for the care and enrichment of the artistic soul.
Great review, Wendy. I have also read and enjoyed the previous books in this series and have requested this one from the library. I just read another book with this same plot of a long lost husband, assumed dead returns. I will have to see how this one measures up.
This is an interesting spin on a romance and it does sound good even if it does strain believability a bit. I have several other books by this series on my TBR and really need to try her books.
The timing is a tad unbelievable–alright, a lot–but anything else would not have had the same dramatic impact. It sounds like one of those books where you have to keep reading to help the protagonists find resolution.
It sure sounds unbelievable. What that guy was doing for 7 whole years! This wasn’t in the era where there were no phones or emails, was this? Amazing review!
The synopsis reminds me a little bit of One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid, with the husband’s reappearance and the need to essentially “pick a man.” I’m sure it was an emotional rollercoaster! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Great review, Wendy. I have also read and enjoyed the previous books in this series and have requested this one from the library. I just read another book with this same plot of a long lost husband, assumed dead returns. I will have to see how this one measures up.
Beautiful cover! Glad you enjoyed it. Great review!
Well now, I want to read all the books in the series. I do not think I have read this author. Wonderful review Wendy!
This sounds like a story I’d enjoy. Excellent review!
This is an interesting spin on a romance and it does sound good even if it does strain believability a bit. I have several other books by this series on my TBR and really need to try her books.
The timing is a tad unbelievable–alright, a lot–but anything else would not have had the same dramatic impact. It sounds like one of those books where you have to keep reading to help the protagonists find resolution.
So excited to get to this one! Excellent review Wendy!📚🤗💜
I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed this series! These characters sound fantastic. Great review Wendy!
Thank you!
Sure complicates things when they’re brothers!
Yes, it’s a pretty complex love triangle.
It sure sounds unbelievable. What that guy was doing for 7 whole years! This wasn’t in the era where there were no phones or emails, was this? Amazing review!
He was stuck on a desert island! Thank you, Yesha
We’re curious to see which brother she chooses!
It’s very hard to tell until the end.
I love the cover! The story sounds great!!
It is a great story! Thank you, Cindy
I love the moral dilemma at play here. Great review Wendy!
Thank you, Rae!
The synopsis reminds me a little bit of One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid, with the husband’s reappearance and the need to essentially “pick a man.” I’m sure it was an emotional rollercoaster! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Yes! It’s very similar to One True Loves.
This sounds like a wonderful book and series! Thanks for sharing another great review Wendy!
Thank you, Jodie!
First of all, the cover is amazing. This book sounds really good and dramatic. The perfect beach read!
It is! Thank you!
Moonglow Bay is such a lovely name for a place. Very romantic and mysterious.
I agree, it’s such a pretty name for a place on the ocean.
I love the images the name Moonglow Bay conjures up.
Yes, it’s a lovely name for a bay.
It does seem a bit hard to believe but I think it makes it sweet but a hard choice for the woman, great review 😊
I like that the decision is really difficult.