***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 heartwarming story about sisters, falling in love, and discovering life’s greatest adventures are made with those who matter most by New York Times bestselling author Shirley Jump.
The youngest of the three close-knit sisters, Emma Monroe is the family wild child. She’s never stayed with anything—job, apartment, boyfriend—for long, and she likes it that way. Except lately, her freedom has seemed less like a gift and more like a burden. Maybe that’s why a yoga retreat in Las Vegas leads to a spur-of-the-moment decision to marry Luke Carter, a man she’s met exactly three times.
The next morning, instead of facing Luke, Emma sneaks back home to Harbor Cove, where she should have nama-stayed in the first place. Still, it shouldn’t be difficult to annul their hours-long marriage. Except Emma’s brand-new husband arrives in town to convince her to give their marriage a chance. With the support of her family, can Emma envision a future where her biggest adventures come not from running away but from staying… and risking it all on love?
The Forever Family by Shirley Jump is an accidental marriage story with some family drama that I just loved.
Story Recap:
Emma Monroe is the youngest of three sisters, and the most impulsive. She proves that when she suddenly marries Luke Carter at a yoga retreat in Nevada. She freaks out and runs home to Harbor Cove instead of facing Luke after the marriage.
Emma is surprised when Luke moves to Harbor Cove for a job, and also, he doesn’t want to annul the marriage without at least trying to see if they are compatible. Emma is determined to end the marriage so she can prove to her sisters that she’s not a flake and is growing more responsible. But, with Luke now living in the same town, can she resist his charms before they can agree on an annulment?
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this cute story. Emma is a bit of a mess but has a huge heart. I liked that Luke didn’t want to give up on the marriage until they tried to make it work. It’s very clear that Emma and Luke have some great chemistry, but once they spend more time together a real friendship happens, and from that comes deeper feelings.
Although this book focused on Emma, I enjoyed the two other sisters as well. It was fun to catch up with Gabriella from the previous book, The Marvelous Monroe Girls and I’m looking forward to Margaret’s story. The sister’s relationships are growing stronger and I enjoy their interactions.
Another adorable character is Scout, Luke’s daughter. Luke isn’t used to being a parent, and Emma helps him with Scout and Luke and Emma start to bond.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Forever Family to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Shirley Jump
When she’s not writing books, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump competes in triathlons, mostly because all that training lets her justify mid-day naps and a second slice of chocolate cake. She’s published more than 75 books in 24 languages, although she’s too geographically challenged to find any of those countries on a map.
I like a main character who is a bit of a mess. They can get a bit annoying but they are usually very interesting and fun. This sounds like a fun read. Excellent review!
Great review, Wendy! Characters like Emma that are a bit of a mess but have a huge heart are some of my favorites to read about. I really love the sound of this story and romance!
I am one of three sisters, but never seem to get into books like these for some reason. I do like the cover and glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful review, Wendy. The plot sounds similar to the last Catherine Bybee book I read and enjoyed, so this one is going on the TBR.
This sounds like a great book and I like the fact that Luke wants to give the marriage a chance.
A great review!
Have a great weekend!
I love stories with sisters and this sounds like a really good romance. I love the sound of Emma and Luke.
Terrific review Wendy! It is appealing.
Thank you, Anne!
Lovely review! Sounds cute and heartwarming!
Thank you, Jolene
I like the premise of marrying in haste and then trying to make it work. Sounds like a cute story!
Yes, it’s a very cute story. Thank you, Rachel
I like a main character who is a bit of a mess. They can get a bit annoying but they are usually very interesting and fun. This sounds like a fun read. Excellent review!
I agree, Tessa.
Sounds like you had a winner here.
Yes! Thank you, Nadene
This one sounds fun. We like the sound of the plot, which gives us season 4 of What I Like About You vibes.
Thank you!
I’m really enjoying this series Wendy! Wonderful review!
It’s such a good series. Thank you, Jodie
Accidental marriage stories can be so fun. And, having sisters myself, I enjoy stories about sisters. Lovely review, Wendy!
Thank you, Tanya!
Lovely review, Wendy!
Thank you, Cindy
Sounds a sweet story and the characters seem likeable too. Great review, Wendy 🙂🙂
Thank you, Mallika!
This sounds like such a heartwarming read. 🙂
It really is! Thank you, Lydia
Awesome review Wendy! I’m so excited to read this one too!🤗📚💜
I think you’ll enjoy it, Susan
This series and this book sounds perfect, another read for my poor TBR. Great review Wendy!
Thank you, Rae!
This does sound lovely, great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny!
Great review, Wendy! Characters like Emma that are a bit of a mess but have a huge heart are some of my favorites to read about. I really love the sound of this story and romance!
I like messy characters too! 🙂
I like the sound of this one.
It was really good.