Shilo

The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue #7

by Jennifer Lynn Cary

From Breck Girl to Hippie to Jesus People…

…It’s been a long journey back home

But can her heart truly find peace where it all began?
When free-spirit Shilo Anderson inherits two million dollars with an unexpected condition—marriage—she refuses to be bound by her grandfather's will. Until her beloved aunt faces cancer with no insurance to cover chemotherapy.

She won’t marry for money for herself, but to save her aunt’s life? She’ll make that sacrifice in a heartbeat.

Maybe.

Jesse Franklin never forgot his first love. When her grandfather's will brings Shilo back to their hometown, he discovers his love for her has only deepened with time. Offering to marry her to help save her aunt, no problem.

Keeping it a marriage of convenience, that might be a problem. More like impossible.

As their feelings grow stronger, Shilo faces her greatest revealing the truth about her past decade. Can she make Jesse see she doesn’t belong on anyone’s pedestal?

Return to 1973 Kokomo, Indiana, where faith shapes the journey and the legend of the cardinal in the sycamore still proves true love endures all seasons.

You will enjoy this sweet, quirky tale of second chances, because sometimes the rough patches prepare us for the wildly wonderful.

Get Shilo today.

Genres: Christian Romance, Christian Historical Fiction

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Hi there! My name is Jenny though I write Christian Historical Romance under the name Jennifer Lynn Cary. I enjoy sharing God-centered stories of love, forgiveness, and redemption. And romance, gotta have romance. I'm a retired teacher about to celebrate forty years with the same wonderful guy, the mother of three beautiful and brilliant young women who married three handsome, intelligent young men and gave me three amazing grandchildren. And, sorry (not sorry), this Mimi loves to brag on them. You've been warned. Besides reading, I love to crochet and bake (if someone else will clean), and travel. I've even been to Ireland and stood in the ruins of where my great, great, great grandfather's great, great grandparents were married. That was a trip--pun intended. Feel free to follow me for updates on my writing and to sometimes get a glimpse of this crazy writing life. You can also visit my website for more information: https://www.jenniferlynncary.com/
Hope to see you there!
BTW, if you want to see my official bio, here it is.

Jennifer Lynn Cary likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can't take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with the family where she shares tales of her small town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren.

Reviews

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Shilo and Jesse's story!! Shilo and Jesse grew up together, and they thought they'd marry after high school and college. However, things didn't work out that way. Now, Shilo is back to find out about her grandfather's will. She realizes she still loves Jesse, and when she needs her inheritance to provide a way for her aunt to have cancer treatment, Jesse steps up and asks her to marry him. Jesse has always had a problem speaking up about matters of the heart. Will he be able to tell Shilo that he still loves her and wants a real marriage with her?? Shilo knows she shouldn't marry Jesse has he doesn't share her faith, and she's hoping he'll come to see how much he needs God. Will these two be able to get their wires uncrossed and get their happy ever after?? Love how everything comes together for them!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Jessica Klarheden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chances! It's never to late if u give it to God and trust he will redeem. A different kind of romance that was uplifting to read. A nice change from mainstream romance where everything is so easy and predictable. This is more like real life and over coming obstacles but still enjoyable to read. I will read more books by this author.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shilo is a groovy read that transports readers to 1973 in Kokomo, Indiana, full of it’s hippie vibes (courtesy of the Jesus Revolution) and allows the Reader to feel the closeness of God on every page. Shilo is the 7th story in Jennifer Lynn Cary’s The Weather Girl’s Wedding Shoppe and Venue series that tells the story of Shilo, a hippie girl who has fallen in love with Jesus and His Ways. When Jesus leads Shilo to return home to Kokomo, Shilo doesn’t know why other than to hear her Grandfather’s Will. Shilo hitchhikes from California to Kokomo—no questions asked. Trusting God every step of the way, Shilo sees God meeting her every need—especially when Shilo gets arrested for no reason at all. Shilo calls the Executor of her Grandfather’s Will and her Best Friend, Jesse, to comes to her rescue. As Jesse and Shilo reunite, Shilo is read her Grandfather’s Will. In order to receive her inheritance, Shilo must marry within 30 days. Shilo flat out refuses her inheritance and decides to visit her Aunt Sarah. During their visit, Shilo learns that her Aunt Sarah has cancer and does not have the money for the treatment. This makes Shilo reconsider her Grandfather‘s inheritance and realizes that this could be the reason Jesus sent her back to Kokomo. Returning to Jesse’s office immediately, Shilo tells Jesse that she wants her inheritance and why. Jesse offers to marry Shilo, also for his own reasons—His own Grandfather’s Marriage Edict and to move up within the Family Law Firm—but primarily because Shilo has always been his dream girl. Shilo is much more than your stereotypical Marriage of Convenience Story. Shilo is a story about fallowing the Lord’s Leading wherever that may take you and being confident in who He made you to be.

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that I love Shilo! The books that Jennifer Lynn Cary creates seem to come my way when I need to read them most. Shilo is one of those books for me. The Marriage of Convenience plot is not anything new in Fiction in general, but the places that Ms. Cary takes her version of the Marriage of Convenience Story gave Shilo a refreshing twist—like the Marriage of Convenience plot was a new thing. I loved that Shilo was portrayed as a hippie! I love the Testimony that Ms. Cary gave Shilo in the book. I loved how Shilo depended on God for everything, regardless of what His Prompting had her do or where it led. I love how comfortable Shilo was in her own skin and that she was blissfully happy being who God Created her to be. The way Ms. Cary wrote those facets of Shilo and her Relationship with the Lord really resonated with me. Jesse was the sweetest! I love how honest Jesse was about where he stood with God and that despite not being on the same wavelength as Shilo with God, Jesse still encouraged Shilo in her relationship with the Lord and her Pursuit to go Deeper in Him. I love how Jesse and Shilo were polar opposites and at the same time a perfect fit for each other. I love how seriously they both took their commitment to each other despite it being a “Marriage of Convenience” and how they were there for each other and showed up for one another as soon as they were engaged. I especially love how uptight Jesse was with affection and how Shilo was softening Jesse to it! (The scenes involving Officer Nucum were hilarious! Read Shilo for all the details!) I love how both Jesse and Shilo were passionate about what they believed in and how protective they were of one another. I love the reminders of God and His Provision that reading Shilo gave me. I love the escape that being in 1973 gave me and how I truly felt as though I was in the middle of the remnants of the Jesus Revolution! If you are looking for a great escape that truly sweeps you in and encourages you towards Jesus, then I highly recommend Shilo by Jennifer Lynn Cary! I am looking forward to traveling to Kokomo again real soon to see the worlds that Ms. Cary creates in The Weather Girl’s Wedding Shoppe and Venue series!

Have you read Shilo? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Jennifer Lynn Cary for giving me a copy of Shilo to review and supplying the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shilo: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Muddle (The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue: Book 7) by Jennifer Lynn Cary continues the story of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue. It is a sweet romantic comedy. If you have not read the original stories about the Weather Girls and how the venue came to life, I suggest reading them first.

Shilo Anderson, a free spirit, inherits two million dollars from her grandfather. But it comes at the price of getting married. She initially decides to walk away from the inheritance. But then her beloved aunt gets diagnosed with cancer and has no money to pay for treatments.

Jesse Franklin has always remembered his first love. When she comes back to town for her grandfather’s will, he recognizes his love has only deepened with time. The two agree to marry for convenience. With twists and turns, demonstrations of love, and more, this book will keep your interest. Out of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue, I think this book falls amongst my favorites in this series. You can read this book on its own, but I recommend reading The Weather Girls series first so you understand how the venue came to be.

So if you want a sweet romantic comedy, check out Shilo: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Muddle (The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue: Book 7) by Jennifer Lynn Cary.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Christian Historical Romance. Shilo by Jennifer Lynn Cary is Book 7 in the series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue. I have been anticipating this book release for awhile and I was excited to read it.

WOW, another amazing book in this series. We are back in Kokomo, Indiana in 1973. The main characters in this book are Shilo Anderson and Jesse Franklin. Shilo is back HOME in Kokomo, IN to settle an inheritance she received from her late Grandfather. She is unsure of accepting the condition of the Inheritance, as it would require her marry. Jesse, her first love, notices Shilo is back in town and then discovers her reason for being back. Shilo has a change of heart about the conditions from her Grandfather, when her Aunt is needing to fight her cancer without money or insurance. Jesse feels he needs to be able to let Shilo know that he would marry Shilo to help save her Aunt. The inheritance would be sufficient to help the Aunt. Shilo and Jesse really have a history together and I find it commending that they would put the Aunt before themselves. The bold move helps them rediscover how deep their love is for another. The story is one of Second Chance Romance, following God's plan for our lives, letting Go of the Past and moving forward. The book is filled with Romance and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who likes good Clean Christian Romance and a step back in history! AMAZING BOOK!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite yet of the series. This is Shilo and Jesse's story, of their once upon a time friendship, and now their marriage of convenience. Shilo is traveling from California to Kokomo, Indiana. She is taking it slow as the song goes. However, she is finally there and is a very thankful and faith filled person. What she finds back at her hometown is more than she bargained for, though. A rather large inheritance, a sick aunt, and a marriage with the man she has secretly loved for years.

Jesse, now a lawyer at his grandfather's firm, also has loved Shilo for years. However, she seemingly disappeared from his life with no word. Now she is back and this is his chance to have her for his wife and make his every dream come true.

But what happens when the truth comes out. When all the secrets are revealed. Especially with what happened to Shilo all those years ago? Can Shilo's faith be big enough to see them through, or does Jesse need a faith of his own? This was a great story, full of heartwarming love and an emotional punch. I can't wait for more in this series.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all of the Weather Girls books and this series as well. They’re amazing!! So when this book came up for review, I knew that I was going to want to read it! And read it I did. Such fun!

Shilo could have two million dollars if she’d marry. That’s the stipulation in her grandfather’s will. But she won’t do it! At least, not for herself. But for her aunt. Yes, she would. She would do anything for her aunt.

So she goes back to her home town. Back to the boy from her past. Back to a boy who is now a man and still loves her.

Finding someone to marry isn’t the hard part. The hard part might be trusting someone with her past and what she’s been doing for the last decade.

For some hints on that, this book takes place in the 1970s.

I really loved seeing the characters in the book and getting to know them. It was a lot of fun. I would definitely read it again and can’t wait for more in the series to come out!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a box of tissues near when you finish this novel because you will need it. Cary has crafted another wonderful romance in the Weather Girls series. I was rooting for Jesse and Shilo as they enter into a marriage of convenience with great motives of helping others. Cary includes a number of obstacles and misunderstandings so it looks like a true marriage is impossible. But God has a way...

There is a really strong Christian faith message included and a clear message about how God can redeem past mistakes. There is also the struggle of breaking free from a controlling parent or here, grandparent. The cultural setting of the 1970s is so much fun. I remember those products, those songs. What a fun trip down memory lane.

I highly recommend this novel. Cary's writing style is a delight to experience. While this novel is a part of a series, it reads well on its own. The series is so good, however, I suggest you read them all.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this story and the characters in it.
It was 1973 and I think the author did her research about the time period. Shilo had a rough life until she almost died and found Jesus in the process. She had such a sweet faith and trusted God with all aspects of her life, including safe travels as she hitchhiked from California to Kokomo Indiana. She also had a compassionate heart as she helped her aunt through a cancer diagnosis. Jesse was a long time friend but also a lawyer she was to meet about an inheritance. Things are never smooth in life and so it was with Shilo and Jesse. They had several obstacles to overcome to get their happily ever after and I loved the epilogue at the end. Interestingly was the saying about the sycamore tree and the cardinal. Another bonus was a sneak peek to the author’s next novel, Bernadette also set in 1973 Kokomo.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

[Karla Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

My memories of 1973 are sketchy at best. For sure, I don't remember much about the adult world of that era... things like the Jesus People and Breck Girls. However, I find it a fascinating time to read about because I have a child's perspective on that time period, and I enjoy fitting pieces together that I hadn't considered before.

Shilo is an entertaining read. The plot is somewhat predictable--small town girl comes home to Indiana after 10 years in California to enter into a marriage of convenience with her first love, the boy next door. What kept me turning the pages, though, was the characters. Shilo is quirky, independent, and altogether lovable. Jesse is dependable and thoughtful.

This is the first book I've read of this series, but it worked well as a stand-alone story. However, it would be fun to go back and read earlier installments as well.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. All views expressed are my own.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story of second chances touched my heart. Set in 1973, it brought back memories of my teen years and life at that time, but the time period isn’t the main focus—the love story that almost wasn’t is the essence of the book. The tale contains an element of suspense and a load of pain from the past and the present. Readers hope the main characters can overcome their issues and relationship struggles to find a life of love together. Jesse Franklin provides a wonderful hero, usually patient and understanding—although rather slow to act on his feelings. Shilo Anderson has put aside her wild past and now exudes the love of God and lives her faith. The spiritual growth thread in this novel is a powerful element and crucial to the plot. The intriguing characters and the gripping plot come across as genuine. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone not even born in the 1970s, I nonetheless enjoy reading Ms Cary’s series and visiting old friends from other books in the series, like the Weather Girls. ShiloI deals with themes of secrecy, loss, life, death, hope, and of course, faith and salvation. I always know when I pick up a Jennifer Lynn Cary story I will find great humor mixed with faith. My favorite scene ever for this author is in this book and involves the cardinal putting a rival for Shilo’s affections in his place at their wedding…. Five stars and definitely recommended!

I received an ARC of this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.

[Christina S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect reminder of how to trust God, to listen to the Holy Spirit and to allow Him to take everything from your past, make it new and bring joy from the pain.

These characters are real, have their own issues, their own baggage that they bring to the situation and yet we see the beauty in allowing God to work even when we don't see what might be the outcome.

I found myself smiling, crying, and feeling all the emotions of dealing with the shame of the past and being concerned about how it might affect your future.

This was a quick and easy read and I encourage you to read it too.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book so much! It’s got everything you want in a novel- an interesting plot, fascinating characters with strong, if not quirky, personalities. Shilo is back in Kokomo, after her grandfather passes away, and her favorite aunt is diagnosed with cancer… She was just going to let the money she inherited go, but she needs that money to pay for her aunt’s medical expenses. But, there’s a catch. She gas to get married right away. Will she and her old flame, Jess, figure out how to get their relationship back to what it was ten years earlier?? You need this book! It’s fantastic! I highly recommend it. I was on the AR team, and this is my honest opinion of this book! 📕 ♥️

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Shilo: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Muddle (The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue: Book 7" by Jennifer Lynn Cary is part of a series but like the other books in this series can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading all the books in the order they were written. This is another story of a marriage starting out to be one of convenience and a second chance at love. Both partners need help from each other. This is a story that has a strong faith message. This book is something that I can imagine has happened in "real life" sometime in the past.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read! It hooked me on the first page and I couldn't put it down. The author brings the book to life with her words, you can see the scenery, feel all of the emotions and you feel like you are there. It's a sweet, clean second chance romance that is full of hope and inspiration. I loved it and highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A legend’s been handed down for many generations, some believe all the way from the Native American days, concerning the sycamore tree in our backyard and a cardinal. They say if a couple kisses beneath its branches, and a cardinal lights above them, then theirs is a true love destined for a long and happy marriage.”

Kokomo, here we come again! Shiloh by Jennifer Lynn Cary is the 7th book in the loosely connected series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. This series is a hoot! After this many books, how Cary keeps coming up with fresh 70s references that delight me and cause me to remember things like Kreske’s, is beyond me. The many time-related references kept me eagerly reading the story, just as the storyline did.

Two former childhood friends, Shilo and Jesse, separated by 10 years of silence, are suddenly thrust back together by a will. Shiloh has returned to small-town Kokomo from California, to find her former dear friend much more serious, competitive, and spineless than ever. On the outside, Jesse is doing well, a successful lawyer at his grandfather’s firm. However, Jesse’s biggest fault may be that he no longer ventures out like when he followed adventurous Shilo, but rather kowtows to his totally overbearing, demanding grandfather.

Shilo is everything that Jesse remembers. Beautiful, compassionate, and unafraid. Except… she now has joined the Jesus people and has a real relationship with Him, living her life differently because of her beliefs.

Shiloh’s compassion leads to a marriage of convenience. While this marriage has benefits for both, both hold secrets that could destroy any renewed relationship Shilo and Jesse are attempting. As Shilo worries and informs Jesse, “‘if you put me on a pedestal, I’m going to disappoint you…you have to see me as I really am.’
‘And what’s that?’ ‘A messed-up chick who God chased down and dragged out of a never-ending spiral.’”

This is one of those stories when I wanted to shout at the characters, “Communicate!” But how many times do doubts or fears of what others might think of us hold us back from saying things we know need to be said? These two are blessed to have forces like Aunt Sarah (“Just talk to each other. Always. It’ll make the difference, or at least be one thing that will.” ) and Viv in their lives. Maybe less blessed to have Grandfather and Eli!

One quote that I loved, because it illustrates how quickly Shilo turns her problems to God. “‘What haven’t you told me, Jesse? Something I should know?’ Dread tasted like bile in her throat. Oh, she needed to get somewhere where she could pray and talk with Jesus.” THIS!! Because Shiloh’s first panic reaction is prayer!! How many times do we first attempt to reason things out, complain, discuss them with others, then finally turn to prayer as a last resort?

A sweet little 5-year-old recovering in the hospital is my third choice after Aunt Sarah and Viv for fave secondary characters.

Next up in the series is Bernadette, which I am more than eager to read. These Kokomo 70s faith-filled romances are quite addicting!!

I received a copy of the novel from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy of the book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Their marriage wouldn’t be genuine until he saw her, the imperfect but redeemed ragamuffin, now a daughter of the King.” -(Shilo)

“Believing something doesn’t make it true. It’s true whether anyone believes it or not. Nothing changes the truth.” - Shilo

“God remained here with her. Even if Jesse let go of her hand, He never would.”
- (Shilo)

“And when one gives up their backbone at an early age to please the one in power, it’s mighty difficult to grow another.” - (Jesse)

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to be back with this series is amazing. I adore the Weather Girls so much and love how their business brings glorious hope and memories. I would encourage everyone to read the series so you don’t miss out on any character.

The nostalgia in the story is so so good. Shilo is someone who reminds me of a care free sold out to Jesus person. I remember the commercials of Breck and the girls whose gorgeous hair sold their shampoo. As Shilo mentions the hair shampoo all I could think about was how I wanted my hair to shine like the girls in the commercials. Shilo also shared about a music festival she went to where Janis Joplin performed. I’m showing my age, but Janis Joplin has always been a favorite of mine. There is mention about how she died but I found it be to important to the story because of the era we are covering.

Shilo never thought she would come back to Kokomo but she makes the decision to for a very good reason. Her mode of travel is questionable though. Hitchhiking is dangerous as a young woman but Shilo seems to not be bothered by the danger. I loved her heart that shows how important family is to her. Every step she takes in the story is selfless and humble. Her grandfather’s will is very specific about how Shilo can inherit his wealth. Don’t miss the reason on she decides to do something. It is definitely not for monetary gain, but to help someone she cares deeply for.

Jesse has had a crush on Shilo for such a long time. Seeing her back in town kinda gets his hope of rekindling a relationship with her. Now he has his own problem to focus on though. I don’t like parents that put pressure on a child to take a career that they aren’t sure about. Jesse surprises me with a decision that not only will change his future but somebody else’s as well.

I don’t want to ruin any part of the story so let me say how gifted the author is as she creates characters that are relatable with flaws that we can understand. Her look at the seventies is perfect and brings me back to my teen years. Trying to please others is not what God wants and wants us to leave our past behind. Will Shilo and Jesse find themselves in a relationship of convenience or will true love happen?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Jodie Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free-spirited Shilo Anderson is a delightful heroine. Not only does she live out her faith, but her openness and sweet spirit make her someone you'll want to read about. Once again, Jennifer Lynn Cary has created a stunning novel, one that's difficult to put down. While it's part of a series, it easily can be read as a stand alone. You'll want to check out this book!

~ While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2025)