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Every Wild Heart
From USA Today bestselling author Meg Donohue comes a mystery, a love story, and a mother-daughter tale about two women on a precarious journey to uncover their true selves.
Passionate and funny, radio personality Gail Gideon is a true original. Nine years ago when Gail’s husband announced that he wanted a divorce, her ensuing on-air rant propelled her local radio show into the national spotlight. Now, “The Gail Gideon Show” is beloved by millions of single women who tune-in for her advice on the power of self-reinvention. But fame comes at a price. After all, what does a woman who has staked her career on being single do when she finds herself falling in love? And is the person who is harassing her in increasingly troubling ways a misguided fan or a true danger to Gail and her daughter, Nic?
Fourteen-year-old Nic has always felt that she pales in comparison to her vibrant, outgoing mother. Plagued by a fear of social situations, she is most comfortable at the stable where she spends her afternoons. But when a riding accident lands Nic in the hospital, she awakens from her coma changed. Suddenly, she has no fear at all and her disconcerting behavior lands her in one risky situation after another. And no one, least of all her mother, can guess what she will do next…
Passionate and funny, radio personality Gail Gideon is a true original. Nine years ago when Gail’s husband announced that he wanted a divorce, her ensuing on-air rant propelled her local radio show into the national spotlight. Now, “The Gail Gideon Show” is beloved by millions of single women who tune-in for her advice on the power of self-reinvention. But fame comes at a price. After all, what does a woman who has staked her career on being single do when she finds herself falling in love? And is the person who is harassing her in increasingly troubling ways a misguided fan or a true danger to Gail and her daughter, Nic?
Fourteen-year-old Nic has always felt that she pales in comparison to her vibrant, outgoing mother. Plagued by a fear of social situations, she is most comfortable at the stable where she spends her afternoons. But when a riding accident lands Nic in the hospital, she awakens from her coma changed. Suddenly, she has no fear at all and her disconcerting behavior lands her in one risky situation after another. And no one, least of all her mother, can guess what she will do next…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2017
147 people are currently reading
3097 people want to read
About the author
Meg Donohue
8 books695 followersMeg Donohue is the USA Today bestselling author of The Memory Gardener (11/25/25), You, Me, and the Sea, Every Wild Heart, Dog Crazy, All the Summer Girls, and How to Eat a Cupcake. Her novels have been translated into Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she lives San Francisco with her husband, three daughters, and dog. She is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
July 6, 2017
Every Wild Heart by Meg Donahue is a 2017 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
This book is a quick, very light, easy to read story, that will appeal to readers of contemporary fiction.
Gail Gideon has a wildly popular radio talk show and is in negotiations to segue into the television market as well. She loves music and it brings much pleasure to her life, as does her teenage daughter Nic.
Nic’s passion, however, is not music, but horses. She’s a quiet girl who struggles socially, and battles a stutter that crops up when she is stressed out.
But, when she is involved in a horse riding accident, Nic’s quiet, unassuming personality vanishes, only to be replaced by a bold, daring, adventurous girl.
The sudden shift in her daughter’s personality troubles Gail, but Nic’s insistence on riding again has her even more worried. To top it all off, Gail seems to have acquired a stalker, who is more aggressive than is normal for her, as a celebrity, and could pose more of a threat than the usual crackpot.
This was a fast read, and overall, it’s not a horribly bad story, but it fell flat for me. Gail’s personality was rather bland, I thought, and she seemed a mite too self-absorbed, maybe a little less mature than her daughter sometimes. Nic’s storyline was much more interesting, and filled with the usual teenage angst.
But, I wasn’t really looking to read about teenage dramas. The mother/daughter dynamic felt contrived to me, and as a parent myself, I struggled to understand Gail’s reaction to Nic’s transformation and the nonchalant way she reacted to how things turned out.
There is a very small element of suspense, and a surprising twist I didn’t see coming, which was interesting, but it was rushed through, and I had some strong feelings about the lack of any real consequences.
The only other thing to hope for is the possibility of a little romance, but sadly that too, was unconvincing. It was awkward, at best, with zero chemistry, and I just wasn’t buying into it.
Nic's romantic entanglements were far more complex, but I can't get into it without giving too much away. But, I can say I had a much stronger reaction to this setup, making me wonder if perhaps the book should have simply focused on Nic, since her part of the story was, by far the most controversial.
However, the book may be perfect to read while waiting in the airport, where there could be a lot of distractions, or it might work as a beach read. The story doesn’t require total focus or concentration and is pleasant enough if you need something to read just to pass the time.
2 stars
*Thanks go out to the publisher and Librarything for the ARC of this book.
This book is a quick, very light, easy to read story, that will appeal to readers of contemporary fiction.
Gail Gideon has a wildly popular radio talk show and is in negotiations to segue into the television market as well. She loves music and it brings much pleasure to her life, as does her teenage daughter Nic.
Nic’s passion, however, is not music, but horses. She’s a quiet girl who struggles socially, and battles a stutter that crops up when she is stressed out.
But, when she is involved in a horse riding accident, Nic’s quiet, unassuming personality vanishes, only to be replaced by a bold, daring, adventurous girl.
The sudden shift in her daughter’s personality troubles Gail, but Nic’s insistence on riding again has her even more worried. To top it all off, Gail seems to have acquired a stalker, who is more aggressive than is normal for her, as a celebrity, and could pose more of a threat than the usual crackpot.
This was a fast read, and overall, it’s not a horribly bad story, but it fell flat for me. Gail’s personality was rather bland, I thought, and she seemed a mite too self-absorbed, maybe a little less mature than her daughter sometimes. Nic’s storyline was much more interesting, and filled with the usual teenage angst.
But, I wasn’t really looking to read about teenage dramas. The mother/daughter dynamic felt contrived to me, and as a parent myself, I struggled to understand Gail’s reaction to Nic’s transformation and the nonchalant way she reacted to how things turned out.
There is a very small element of suspense, and a surprising twist I didn’t see coming, which was interesting, but it was rushed through, and I had some strong feelings about the lack of any real consequences.
The only other thing to hope for is the possibility of a little romance, but sadly that too, was unconvincing. It was awkward, at best, with zero chemistry, and I just wasn’t buying into it.
Nic's romantic entanglements were far more complex, but I can't get into it without giving too much away. But, I can say I had a much stronger reaction to this setup, making me wonder if perhaps the book should have simply focused on Nic, since her part of the story was, by far the most controversial.
However, the book may be perfect to read while waiting in the airport, where there could be a lot of distractions, or it might work as a beach read. The story doesn’t require total focus or concentration and is pleasant enough if you need something to read just to pass the time.
2 stars
*Thanks go out to the publisher and Librarything for the ARC of this book.
March 14, 2019
A short book about Gail Gideon, a famous radio personality, and her fourteen-year-old daughter, Nic.
Told via the alternate povs of the two female protagonists, this was relatively enjoyable, albeit a bit mundane.
My favourite bit was the mother's obsession with music, probably because I'm a middle-aged, music obsessed woman as well (although I'm listening to newer artists, not just the classics). I've been overdoing the concert-going in the past two months - an explanation for my relative lower reading accomplishments.
Every Wild Hearth was extremely easy to digest, albeit not very memorable.
Told via the alternate povs of the two female protagonists, this was relatively enjoyable, albeit a bit mundane.
My favourite bit was the mother's obsession with music, probably because I'm a middle-aged, music obsessed woman as well (although I'm listening to newer artists, not just the classics). I've been overdoing the concert-going in the past two months - an explanation for my relative lower reading accomplishments.
Every Wild Hearth was extremely easy to digest, albeit not very memorable.
July 5, 2017
3.5 stars. Great beachy, summery, feel-good read.
June 4, 2017
1.5 stars - If I want a bad Hallmark movie in book form, this is it. And just like a bad movie, you can fast forward through whole scenes or paragraphs and not miss a thing. I did not like that the main teenage character who was 14!! was dating and sneaking around with an 18-year-old and nobody batted an eye. The random, pointless swear words peppered here and there seemed silly. I cared not at all for the mother and daughter. The head injury and the mysterious stalker were not enough to drive the plot of a 300-page novel. This was recommended as part of the Modern Mrs. Darcy summer reading guide. I trust Anne. I'm certain her other picks will be better for me than this.
March 30, 2017
While I wouldn't consider this complete fluff it was definitely a light chick lit kinda read. I liked the alternating characters between mother & daughter. And any mom can relate to the teenage trouble years drama.
March 31, 2017
Although I have had How to Eat a Cupcake sitting in my TBR pile for ages, Every Wild Heart is my first book from Meg Donohue, although it will not be my last. It is an easy read, not too heavy, and full of warmth, love and humor. Although there is certainly some drama and a touch of suspense in the mix, it is a mostly feel-good story about the relationship between a single mother (Gail) and her fourteen-year-old daughter (Nic) and the changes that they and their relationship go through after Nic has a riding accident. The story is told in dual narration with chapters alternating between the two characters, each offering their perspectives.
At first I was worried that there were a lot of sub-plots with Gail's career indecision, a angry 'fan' who seems to be stalking her, potential romances for both Nic and Gail, Nic's accident, and the horse riding and music (there's a great playlist in the back of the book) that are woven in throughout the story, but Donohue fairly masterfully fits its it all in and makes it work. It makes for a balanced and engaging book that while didn't deliver quite as much suspense as I was expecting from the blurb, certainly delivered in entertainment as there was just enough drama, romance, tense moments, and relationship/family drama to keep me turning the pages to find out what happened next. At it's core, Every Wild Heart is about growth, change, and moving forward despite our fears of letting go, as well as the changing relationship (but unconditional love) between a mother and daughter. It's a definite comfort read and manages to be sweet and thoughtful without being cloying. My only complaint? I would have liked more than 304 pages with these characters.
You can see my review and a recipe for a dish inspired by the book on my blog post here: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...
Note: A review copy of the "Every Wild Heart" was provided to me by the publisher, Harper Collins, and TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
At first I was worried that there were a lot of sub-plots with Gail's career indecision, a angry 'fan' who seems to be stalking her, potential romances for both Nic and Gail, Nic's accident, and the horse riding and music (there's a great playlist in the back of the book) that are woven in throughout the story, but Donohue fairly masterfully fits its it all in and makes it work. It makes for a balanced and engaging book that while didn't deliver quite as much suspense as I was expecting from the blurb, certainly delivered in entertainment as there was just enough drama, romance, tense moments, and relationship/family drama to keep me turning the pages to find out what happened next. At it's core, Every Wild Heart is about growth, change, and moving forward despite our fears of letting go, as well as the changing relationship (but unconditional love) between a mother and daughter. It's a definite comfort read and manages to be sweet and thoughtful without being cloying. My only complaint? I would have liked more than 304 pages with these characters.
You can see my review and a recipe for a dish inspired by the book on my blog post here: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...
Note: A review copy of the "Every Wild Heart" was provided to me by the publisher, Harper Collins, and TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2017
3.5 Meg Donohue's latest novel, Every Wild Heart, has just released.
Gail Gideon, known as G.G., is the host of a successful talk radio show. Her own divorce was the fuel for her nightly advice program. She's also the mom of fourteen year old Nic.
But, not everyone loves Gail's show. There will always be detractors, but one seems to be ramping up into truly dangerous territory. Is it time for a change? And then Nic suffers an horse riding accident and comes out of her coma a changed person.
Donohue explores the ever evolving mother/daughter relationship with all its moments, worries and bumps - and love. But within that dynamic, she also has each character taking a look at themselves - being true to yourself and finding your own path - at any age.
Each character has a passion. For G.G. it's music and for Nic it is horses. Donohue does a good job of making those passions believable. I really enjoyed G.G.'s choice of tunes! Romance also plays a part in Every Wild Heart for both characters - sometimes love is found in the last place you look. And sometimes what seems perfect - isn't. Gail and Nic's paths mirror each other, but at two different stages of life. I liked Gail, but found her a bit harsh and aggressive. I really liked the character of Nic - her insecurities, her joys and her kindness were all well depicted. And I'm sure most readers can identify with those turbulent high school years.
The cover is attractive and there are elements of the story present - the cowboy books and the barn board. But I would have like to have seen something that actually matched the age and description of the main two characters from the book's real timeline instead of the past.
Every Wild Heart was an easy, breezy read - perfect for this summer's beach bag.
Gail Gideon, known as G.G., is the host of a successful talk radio show. Her own divorce was the fuel for her nightly advice program. She's also the mom of fourteen year old Nic.
But, not everyone loves Gail's show. There will always be detractors, but one seems to be ramping up into truly dangerous territory. Is it time for a change? And then Nic suffers an horse riding accident and comes out of her coma a changed person.
Donohue explores the ever evolving mother/daughter relationship with all its moments, worries and bumps - and love. But within that dynamic, she also has each character taking a look at themselves - being true to yourself and finding your own path - at any age.
Each character has a passion. For G.G. it's music and for Nic it is horses. Donohue does a good job of making those passions believable. I really enjoyed G.G.'s choice of tunes! Romance also plays a part in Every Wild Heart for both characters - sometimes love is found in the last place you look. And sometimes what seems perfect - isn't. Gail and Nic's paths mirror each other, but at two different stages of life. I liked Gail, but found her a bit harsh and aggressive. I really liked the character of Nic - her insecurities, her joys and her kindness were all well depicted. And I'm sure most readers can identify with those turbulent high school years.
The cover is attractive and there are elements of the story present - the cowboy books and the barn board. But I would have like to have seen something that actually matched the age and description of the main two characters from the book's real timeline instead of the past.
Every Wild Heart was an easy, breezy read - perfect for this summer's beach bag.
April 5, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
Radio, like the internet, offered a cloak of anonymity that suited harassers perfectly; add to that the dark hours of night during which I was on air, and The Gail Gideon Show had proven itself catnip for crazies.
Lila began ferociously stabbing at the kale, farro, and chia seed salad that her dad had packed. She took an enormous bite and chewed quickly, one dangling ribbon of kale twitching at the corner of her mouth. Lila was tiny with keen brown eyes and sharp features; her steady diet of seeds and greens did nothing to alleviate her overall squirrel air. She vibrated with a unique mix of anxiety and optimism, aware of – but not particularly discouraged by – her low rank on the school’s totem pole.
Years ago, I’d draped a pelt of gray fake fur over my rolling chair, and ever since Simone had referred to it as the Rat Throne.
My Review:
Every Wild Heart was a quick and easy read with hits of humor, intrigue, and highly observant and insightful musings. While the premise and storyline were relevant and entertaining; for me, the vibrant and quirky characters were the heart and soul of this tale. A loud, firebrand, women’s activist and talk-radio celebrity dearly loves yet worries about her timid, quiet, anxious, and social isolated teenaged daughter. Emotions were intense for each of them. The teenager didn’t just feel embarrassed, she was mortified and humiliated when simple missteps. She was desperate to be noticed yet at the same time so very fearful of attracting attention to herself in the torturous walls and halls of high school. But their worlds are rattled for the better when several unrelated incidents incite an awakening and renewal.
Radio, like the internet, offered a cloak of anonymity that suited harassers perfectly; add to that the dark hours of night during which I was on air, and The Gail Gideon Show had proven itself catnip for crazies.
Lila began ferociously stabbing at the kale, farro, and chia seed salad that her dad had packed. She took an enormous bite and chewed quickly, one dangling ribbon of kale twitching at the corner of her mouth. Lila was tiny with keen brown eyes and sharp features; her steady diet of seeds and greens did nothing to alleviate her overall squirrel air. She vibrated with a unique mix of anxiety and optimism, aware of – but not particularly discouraged by – her low rank on the school’s totem pole.
Years ago, I’d draped a pelt of gray fake fur over my rolling chair, and ever since Simone had referred to it as the Rat Throne.
My Review:
Every Wild Heart was a quick and easy read with hits of humor, intrigue, and highly observant and insightful musings. While the premise and storyline were relevant and entertaining; for me, the vibrant and quirky characters were the heart and soul of this tale. A loud, firebrand, women’s activist and talk-radio celebrity dearly loves yet worries about her timid, quiet, anxious, and social isolated teenaged daughter. Emotions were intense for each of them. The teenager didn’t just feel embarrassed, she was mortified and humiliated when simple missteps. She was desperate to be noticed yet at the same time so very fearful of attracting attention to herself in the torturous walls and halls of high school. But their worlds are rattled for the better when several unrelated incidents incite an awakening and renewal.
June 28, 2017
This book had a promising premises, popular radio show host mom, horse obsessed daughter, crazy stalker and plenty of mother daughter drama. But it just kind of fell flat for me. Quick, light read but nothing special.
April 6, 2017
When we used to vacation in Cape Cod, after the kids were put to bed, my husband and I would listen to Delilah After Dark on the radio. People would call into Delilah, tell her a story about a lost love, a current love, anything to do with love, and request a song. It was very soothing to listen to Delilah's voice and drift off to sleep.
Meg Donhue's protagonist in Every Wild Heart, Gail Gideon known as G.G. to her many listeners, hosts a nightly radio talk show (Donohue says that Delilah was an inspiration). G.G. gained national prominence when a YouTube video of her on-air rant the day that her husband asked for a divorce went viral.
G.G. used to play music, but once people heard her rant, she became one of the most popular talk radio hosts in the country. Each night people call in to her show and she doles out advice, basically telling them if she could get over her divorce, they can make it too.
G.G. has a 14-year-old daughter, Nicole, whom she loves more than life itself. She is on good terms with her ex-husband Tyler, now happily remarried with two boys, although she still has feelings for him.
Nicole has a stutter, and that makes her reticient to speak in class. Everyday after school she goes to the stable where her horse is kept. She rides, helps clean out the stables, and is well-liked by Denny, the stable owner.
Nicole has one good friend, and no boyfriends. She is a good kid, with a strong sense of fairness. She can't abide the bullying that goes on at her private school, and wishes she could do something about it.
One day Nicole takes a terrible fall from her horse, and is knocked unconscious. After the fall, her personality changes. She becomes more daring, willing to take risks she never would have thought of trying before. This worries G.G. a great deal.
Also worrying G.G. is the fact that it appears she has a stalker, one who wishes to do her harm. G.G. goes into Mama Bear mode to protect Nicole from the stalker and her own reckless behavior.
Donohue has a way with a phrase, like these:
"I would have taken the opportunity to remind him that he adored the beast in me right up until the moment he decided he didn't."
"The strange thing about crazy people, I'd noticed in the years since my rant about Tyler had gone viral and I'd become a household name, was that they all shared a similar vocabulary, as though love could be found in a million variations, but hate was just hate, any way you slice it."
Every Wild Heart has packed a lot inside- the depth of parental love, teenagers who want freedom to make decisions but don't yet fully understand the consequences of those decisions, chasing your dreams, women trusting themselves, and opening yourself up to love.
The characters are fully drawn, and I particularly liked that the ex-husband isn't 'the bad guy', he loves his daughter and cares about his ex-wife. The story is told in the alternating voices of G.G. and Nicole, making this a great book for mothers and teenager daughters to read together.
If you are a fan of Delilah After Dark, like to ride horses, or enjoy rock'n'roll music (there's a playlist at the end of the book), you'll get an extra level of enjoyment out of Every Wild Heart.
Meg Donhue's protagonist in Every Wild Heart, Gail Gideon known as G.G. to her many listeners, hosts a nightly radio talk show (Donohue says that Delilah was an inspiration). G.G. gained national prominence when a YouTube video of her on-air rant the day that her husband asked for a divorce went viral.
G.G. used to play music, but once people heard her rant, she became one of the most popular talk radio hosts in the country. Each night people call in to her show and she doles out advice, basically telling them if she could get over her divorce, they can make it too.
G.G. has a 14-year-old daughter, Nicole, whom she loves more than life itself. She is on good terms with her ex-husband Tyler, now happily remarried with two boys, although she still has feelings for him.
Nicole has a stutter, and that makes her reticient to speak in class. Everyday after school she goes to the stable where her horse is kept. She rides, helps clean out the stables, and is well-liked by Denny, the stable owner.
Nicole has one good friend, and no boyfriends. She is a good kid, with a strong sense of fairness. She can't abide the bullying that goes on at her private school, and wishes she could do something about it.
One day Nicole takes a terrible fall from her horse, and is knocked unconscious. After the fall, her personality changes. She becomes more daring, willing to take risks she never would have thought of trying before. This worries G.G. a great deal.
Also worrying G.G. is the fact that it appears she has a stalker, one who wishes to do her harm. G.G. goes into Mama Bear mode to protect Nicole from the stalker and her own reckless behavior.
Donohue has a way with a phrase, like these:
"I would have taken the opportunity to remind him that he adored the beast in me right up until the moment he decided he didn't."
"The strange thing about crazy people, I'd noticed in the years since my rant about Tyler had gone viral and I'd become a household name, was that they all shared a similar vocabulary, as though love could be found in a million variations, but hate was just hate, any way you slice it."
Every Wild Heart has packed a lot inside- the depth of parental love, teenagers who want freedom to make decisions but don't yet fully understand the consequences of those decisions, chasing your dreams, women trusting themselves, and opening yourself up to love.
The characters are fully drawn, and I particularly liked that the ex-husband isn't 'the bad guy', he loves his daughter and cares about his ex-wife. The story is told in the alternating voices of G.G. and Nicole, making this a great book for mothers and teenager daughters to read together.
If you are a fan of Delilah After Dark, like to ride horses, or enjoy rock'n'roll music (there's a playlist at the end of the book), you'll get an extra level of enjoyment out of Every Wild Heart.
March 31, 2017
Another winner for "books to pack on vacation," is a quick to read, heartwarming story that will give you what life so often can not: resolutions to almost all of its problems.
The most surprising thing to me was my connecting more with Nic than with G.G. As a mother I expected the latter to be someone I'd have more in common with, but her world view and tenacious attitude are just so far left of me, where the anxiety and insecurity of her daughter were all too familiar.
I appreciated that the author wasn't really trying to make us like one or the other more, that you just naturally get drawn to the characters as the story moves along.
Although the romances in this book weren't anything particularly sweltering or memorable, they were sweet and made sense in the context of the overall story.
I've said it before and I have no doubt I'll say it again. You can enjoy a book that you won't read again. You can indulge in escapism and not have to defend your reading choices. Too many people speak as if every book should monumentally shift your perspective or have a lasting effect on you. will absolutely be that book for someone, it just wasn't for me. Every Wild Heart might not have been that book for me, but that doesn't mean it was poorly written. This author clearly has a way with words, and an audience, one I hope to continue to be part of it. I've been marking a couple of her books on my library list so that when I need another break from reading too much Stephen King (yes it's a thing) I know where to look!
3.5 stars and my sincere thanks to William Morrow and TLC Book tours for the review opportunity!
The most surprising thing to me was my connecting more with Nic than with G.G. As a mother I expected the latter to be someone I'd have more in common with, but her world view and tenacious attitude are just so far left of me, where the anxiety and insecurity of her daughter were all too familiar.
I appreciated that the author wasn't really trying to make us like one or the other more, that you just naturally get drawn to the characters as the story moves along.
Although the romances in this book weren't anything particularly sweltering or memorable, they were sweet and made sense in the context of the overall story.
I've said it before and I have no doubt I'll say it again. You can enjoy a book that you won't read again. You can indulge in escapism and not have to defend your reading choices. Too many people speak as if every book should monumentally shift your perspective or have a lasting effect on you. will absolutely be that book for someone, it just wasn't for me. Every Wild Heart might not have been that book for me, but that doesn't mean it was poorly written. This author clearly has a way with words, and an audience, one I hope to continue to be part of it. I've been marking a couple of her books on my library list so that when I need another break from reading too much Stephen King (yes it's a thing) I know where to look!
3.5 stars and my sincere thanks to William Morrow and TLC Book tours for the review opportunity!
June 29, 2017
3.5 stars
I first heard about Every Wild Heart by Meg Donohue from Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy and What Should I Read Next? podcast). Ann recommended this book to fans of Kristin Hannah. Yes please! I'm a huge fan of Kristin Hannah's books. While I can see a link to Kristin Hannah, Every Wild Heart is not a tear-jerker like Kristin Hannah's books are.
This is a perfect summer, beachy read. I really connected with the character of Nic. She reminded me a lot of the type of teenager that I was when I was growing up. This is a fun story that will have you thinking a bit about family, love, determination and comimng out of your shell and challenging yourself, but for the most part it's just a fun summertime read.
I first heard about Every Wild Heart by Meg Donohue from Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy and What Should I Read Next? podcast). Ann recommended this book to fans of Kristin Hannah. Yes please! I'm a huge fan of Kristin Hannah's books. While I can see a link to Kristin Hannah, Every Wild Heart is not a tear-jerker like Kristin Hannah's books are.
This is a perfect summer, beachy read. I really connected with the character of Nic. She reminded me a lot of the type of teenager that I was when I was growing up. This is a fun story that will have you thinking a bit about family, love, determination and comimng out of your shell and challenging yourself, but for the most part it's just a fun summertime read.
Read
May 23, 2017Really enjoyed this one. A light, warm read that reminded me of Gilmore Girls. :)
May 23, 2017
This was very so-so for me. Definitely not a must for your beach bag or any summer reading, really. It's not that it was a terrible book - I found it rather innocuous, but boring - so if the description sounds good to you, go for it. But if you're not drawn to it, I'd never point you in it's direction.
June 23, 2017
2.5 stars. There wasn't anything bad about this book, it was just a little...boring? I think I was expecting more romance but it was mostly a book about a girl and her love for horses with a little intrigue about a stalker thrown in. I also couldn't really relate to G.G. and found her unlikeable at times. I think a young teenage girl might love this book (although there's some strong language in places) but alas, not really for me.
December 20, 2017
A wonderful story of a mother and daughter navigating the next step in their road together. The descriptions of life as an introverted, anxiety-ridden teen were amazing, sent me back to my own high-school years and that of my daughters. BUT the change that accompanied her recovery was astounding and so full of hope. My favorite part was the horseback riding. Excellent plotting and pacing, great characters, an overall great read!
July 11, 2017
Fun summer/beach read via MMD.
March 26, 2017
At its core, Every Wild Heart is the story of a mother and daughter. More character driven than action oriented, I found myself becoming increasingly interested in the two women whom the story centers around.
Gail Gideon is a household name and radio host of The Gail Gideon Show, famous after an on-air rant nine years prior about her husband leaving her went viral. She is brazen and colorful, encouraging and inspiring millions of women nightly on her show. Though fame hasn’t changed her personality, she has encountered a wide array of fans and haters. Most recently is the troubling anonymous caller whose threats and scary behavior are mounting at an alarming rate.
Gail’s 14 year old daughter, Nic, is often overshadowed by her mom’s big personality. Shy and anxious, she struggles socially and at school. Her time spent riding her horse at the stables is the only time she comes out of her shell… until a riding accident lands her in a coma. Upon awaking from her coma, she is notably different. Brazen, like her mom, and unafraid.
While this wasn’t the most thrilling tale of all time, I enjoyed it quite a bit. The chapters alternate narration and I liked being able to see both women’s perspectives as well as Nic’s evolution from shy, stuttering girl to a more confident (albeit risk-taking) young woman. I could understand her social struggles as I grew up a shy, anxious kid myself, and felt that Donohue was spot on in her portrayal.
While the story includes love, animals, music, and even mystery, the heart of the story is the bond and relationship between mother and daughter. The struggles, the love, the worry, the devotion… it’s all there. This is definitely light reading (though not fluffy) that is perfect for those who enjoy women’s fiction and lighter fare. I look forward to reading more of Meg Donohue’s books (this was my first and her older books have been on my TBR list for far too long!). Ultimately, this was a lovely examination of one the best and strongest relationships that exist in this world.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review. The opinions are my own.
Gail Gideon is a household name and radio host of The Gail Gideon Show, famous after an on-air rant nine years prior about her husband leaving her went viral. She is brazen and colorful, encouraging and inspiring millions of women nightly on her show. Though fame hasn’t changed her personality, she has encountered a wide array of fans and haters. Most recently is the troubling anonymous caller whose threats and scary behavior are mounting at an alarming rate.
Gail’s 14 year old daughter, Nic, is often overshadowed by her mom’s big personality. Shy and anxious, she struggles socially and at school. Her time spent riding her horse at the stables is the only time she comes out of her shell… until a riding accident lands her in a coma. Upon awaking from her coma, she is notably different. Brazen, like her mom, and unafraid.
While this wasn’t the most thrilling tale of all time, I enjoyed it quite a bit. The chapters alternate narration and I liked being able to see both women’s perspectives as well as Nic’s evolution from shy, stuttering girl to a more confident (albeit risk-taking) young woman. I could understand her social struggles as I grew up a shy, anxious kid myself, and felt that Donohue was spot on in her portrayal.
While the story includes love, animals, music, and even mystery, the heart of the story is the bond and relationship between mother and daughter. The struggles, the love, the worry, the devotion… it’s all there. This is definitely light reading (though not fluffy) that is perfect for those who enjoy women’s fiction and lighter fare. I look forward to reading more of Meg Donohue’s books (this was my first and her older books have been on my TBR list for far too long!). Ultimately, this was a lovely examination of one the best and strongest relationships that exist in this world.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review. The opinions are my own.
April 22, 2017
Ah... who doesn't need a good chick lit in their life? We all do from time to time, and Meg Donohue just writes so beautifully you find yourself immersed in the story in no time. I immediately identified with Gail because I have three daughters (and one son) and my oldest is going to be in middle school next year and already I sometimes feel that chasm of teenage angst and the struggle of her wanting to just be a little kid but older than she is. I struggle with making sure I'm guiding her enough but also letting her make her own mistakes and learn who she is.
It's a tough road, this parenting gig.
So not only does Gail try to find the balance between being a good mom (a single one, at that) but she's also balancing out a red hot career with her own radio show which is ready for the big time. She finds herself with a crazy "fan" but also with a budding romance. Just as things start to heat up for her, her daughter has a scary accident which lands her in a coma. Her once overly cautious and timid daughter has seemingly turned into the polar opposite overnight and Gail has to juggle it all and decide where her loyalties lie. Can a woman have it all? Can she excel at every part of her life, even when they all demand the attention simultaneously?
I'm giving this one a solid 4 stars. It's your standard chick lit, but it's not fluff. It has meat to it and you'll find yourself nodding along, chuckling at all the right parts, and you feel how torn Gail always is.
It's a tough road, this parenting gig.
So not only does Gail try to find the balance between being a good mom (a single one, at that) but she's also balancing out a red hot career with her own radio show which is ready for the big time. She finds herself with a crazy "fan" but also with a budding romance. Just as things start to heat up for her, her daughter has a scary accident which lands her in a coma. Her once overly cautious and timid daughter has seemingly turned into the polar opposite overnight and Gail has to juggle it all and decide where her loyalties lie. Can a woman have it all? Can she excel at every part of her life, even when they all demand the attention simultaneously?
I'm giving this one a solid 4 stars. It's your standard chick lit, but it's not fluff. It has meat to it and you'll find yourself nodding along, chuckling at all the right parts, and you feel how torn Gail always is.
January 23, 2020
My expectations were not high when I started Every Wild Heart, and I was pleasantly surprised when they were exceeded. It started out feeling a bit like a literary version of the cooking show Chopped - “Here are three elements you need to include in your story, let’s see what you make - a talk radio show, horseback riding, and some high school shenanigans.” By the end I found myself really enjoying this silly concoction. There are certainly unbelievable moments - breaking into a stable at night to ride and unbroken horse, a rapid fire, hot and cold and hot again romance with an old friend, and a romance between a 14 and 18 year old, but this is all part of what makes this a fun, syrupy sweet read.
April 18, 2017
I was attracted by the fact that Delilah, a radio talk show host I had listened to in the past who played love songs on her program, was the inspiration for the book. So was disappointed to discover this is really for young adults, therefore I was not the targeted audience. But to be fair, in this category, it probably deserves 3*s.
October 21, 2021
Soft 3.5 stars.
I kinda guessed the resolution to the mystery aspect so that part was a let-down. I really enjoyed the mother-daughter relationship side of the story and the romance was cute but it was lacking something maybe a bit more profound and hard-hitting.
I kinda guessed the resolution to the mystery aspect so that part was a let-down. I really enjoyed the mother-daughter relationship side of the story and the romance was cute but it was lacking something maybe a bit more profound and hard-hitting.
August 10, 2019
Nothing super moving or unexpected about this novel - but it was an easy, feel good read that was nice to dive into at the end of a long day to not have to think so hard.
abandoned
February 18, 2020dnf at 30 pages
This just is not my kind of book. I might try a different Meg Donohue book in the future but this one just isn't for me.
This just is not my kind of book. I might try a different Meg Donohue book in the future but this one just isn't for me.
October 4, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. This was enjoyable to listen to and I liked the characters!
May 27, 2017
A bright quick read. I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the relationship between the mother and daughter. I remember what it felt like when my perfect little girls started to grow up and it just about turned my hair gray. Liked a little romance on the side too.
April 30, 2019
I laughed and cried reading Meg Donohue's "Every Wild Heart" ,, another heartfelt mother-daughter family saga which presents many themes for young female book clubs including single parenting, teenagers, career challenges, the price of fame .. read it!
May 26, 2017
Didn't finish or really even start. . .2 f-words on the 2nd page equals no more reading!
November 15, 2017
I just couldn’t get into this book at all. Found myself not reading and realized I wasn’t interested or excited by the characters. Quit it before finishing.
November 25, 2017
I reviewed this for RT Book Reviews be sure to check out my review there
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