Sunshine Reservations

by Lilly Mirren

An old bed and breakfast by the beach and a restaurant that was burned to the ground, give Gwen an opportunity to start afresh after divorce.

Emily and Aaron are dating, and she’s finally figured out which direction to take her life. She’s studying at university for the first time, and she’s moved out of Joanna’s house and into a dorm room. But independence is harder than she imagined it would be.

Joanna learns that an empty house can lonely. But a friendly neighbour might be just what the doctor ordered, to help fight off the blues. And a new project will give her the boost she needs to keep moving forward. Then she welcomes an unexpected guest into her life who will shake everything up in the most delightful way.

Gwen is learning to cope with her marriage breakdown and the string of girlfriends her estranged husband brings into his life. She’s navigating their messy divorce while enjoying her new beachside lifestyle as a single woman. When she spies a rundown old inn for sale, attached to the restaurant that Joanna and her husband used to own, it gives her an idea.

Debbie is doing her best to bring more balance into her life, after decades of being a workaholic. She wants to heal her marriage, and she’s found that a part-time schedule with less stress, works best. That is until a disaster at the office throws more work than she can manage her way, and she finds herself back on the corporate hamster wheel instead of winding down towards retirement. If she’s not careful, the entire business, everything she’s spent her life building, may come crashing down around her.

The ladies wrote a cookbook, and now it’s published and is doing well, but the publisher seems intent on only highlighting Joanna’s contributions, which causes some tension between the friends. Can their decades together help them work through the conflict, or will they be torn apart over their fifteen minutes of fame?

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Lilly Mirren is a USA Today Bestselling women's and contemporary fiction author.

She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.

"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this series! Debbie and Caleb are finally discussing past differences and how a miscarriage of years ago affected both of them. As their marriage is healing, Debbie begins to relax and cut back her work hours when a crisis at the office strikes and has the potential of ruining all she's worked for. Joanna is enjoying her friendship with the next-door neighbor when an unexpected guest turns her world upside down. Gwen is coping with life after divorce and decides to take on an exhausting yet lifelong dream. Will these women succeed? Will the lifelong friendships of these women carry them through?
I thoroughly love this series where these special friends--aging 20s to 60s--support and help each other while looking forward to living their best life yet. Hurrah for each one of them and their courage to face the future with its challenges and joy!
I thoroughly recommend "Sunshine Reservations" and this entire series. It's a heartwarming series full of life and proof that new beginnings can be enjoyed at any age!
I received a complimentary ARC and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I managed to miss the first book in the series so am not up to speed with the back stories, however this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. The story centre around four friends who co-authored a cookery book and the various events going on in their lives.
The four friends vary in age from their early twenties to the sixties, so readers of all age can relate to at least one of them, although I left my sixties many years ago. It covers the stress of running their own business, divorce, going to university and forming new relationships in a sympathetic way that draws you into their individual stories. I must really go back and read the first story in this series, but in the meantime I am looking forward to reading the next one and can recommend this one for those who enjoy character centric books.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smile! That is what will happen to your soul as you read this wonderful book. It’s a grand story about life. Gwen, Emily, Joanna and Debbie, all best friends with entirely different lives, publish a book together, eat potluck together, know each other's families, and cry together when something goes wrong. Whether it is a sudden death of a marriage, school studies, being a hermit or a failed business, they are friends forever. I loved the storyline when a pregnancy is announced, as well as when a divorce becomes evident. Thanks to the author for terrific writing and making me smile.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. It continues the story about three life long friends and their younger friend, Emily. Emily has, recently, started college, a little later than most. The rest of the ladies are also having changes in their lives, including new projects, retirement and a new man friend. It is a fun story/series about mature women and friends.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen gets divorced and buys an old building and opens a B&B and bistro. Joanna gets out of the house with help from a cookbook tour and her neighbor, Chris. Debbie volunteers, reconnects with her husband, Caleb and tries to figure out retirement. Joanna’s granddaughter, 16 and pregnant comes to live with her and have her baby.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how this book focused on real problems which brought the characters to life. Though these four best friends struggle with their busy lives they still make time for each other. In this installment there is new life, new beginnings and changed relationships. Very heartwarming.

[Nethanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life has changed for all the ladies because good and bad things have happened . They all have to deal with it.
I enjoyed reading this book, but a little less than the first one because it is a ‘middle’ book but I’m looking forward to read the conclusion.

[Penny Perse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunshine Resevations

What a wonderful story. The Inn is only something I can imagine. And I wish I could go stay at a place like this.

[Barbara Casparian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading these books. I love long friendships and women of a certain age adjusting to the season of life they are in, with enthusiasm.
I also love the relationships with Beth and Emily.
Can’t wait for books three and four.