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Wildsky
See B07BZ7MS6D for most up to date Kindle edition cover.
Grace Allen had always been a big fish growing up in a very small pond. Of course, just about any place was bigger than her tiny town of Chetwynd, nestled in the wildlands of northern Canada. So when she left to attend college in the states six years ago, she thought she’d never look back. That was until a terrifying breakdown brought her overly ambitious life crumbling down around her.
Shiloh Pierce had always embraced her small town in Canada, with no intention of ever leaving. A quiet cabin and living off the land was all she really needed. Except six years ago her best friend and the love of her life moved thousands of miles away, leaving a gaping hole that she was unable to fill and throwing her entire world off of its axis.
When a damaged and broken Grace finds herself back in Canada over a half decade later, she too finds herself face-to-face with a friendship and a love story that had never quite finished. As Grace begins to reacquaint herself with Chetwynd, she too begins to rebuild her tarnished relationship with Shiloh. Together, the two begin to discover what they’ve really been missing in their lives, and that maybe they can help each other overcome their complicated pasts after all.
232 pages, ebook
First published April 2, 2018
143 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Magnolia Robbins
19 books120 followersMaggie is a bestselling queer romance author from the west coast. When she isn't writing, you'll almost always find a cup of coffee in her hands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 29, 2018
3.25 Stars. I thought this was slightly better than okay. This is the first book I have read by Robbins. I know she gets some up and down reviews but I wanted to give this book and eventually Forbidden Melody a chance. I thought the main storyline was pretty good, but I had some issues with the characters.
The story is about two best friends that reconnect in rural Canada after 7 years apart. While this story is about the fight they had and if they can reconnect, it really is a story about mental health. One of the mains is dealing with server anxiety and some depression. I thought the book did a pretty good job with the mental health aspects. However, the big deal about a stupid fight between them, seemed lame when you have bigger issues going on. I do think the anxiety issues were “resolved” a little quickly, but the author mentioned some of this was based in reality and she had trouble writing about it. I can understand that, so overall I thought it was handled pretty well.
My problem more than the storyline, was really the characters. While I wanted to know what would happen and cared about the outcome, I wasn’t invested as much as I wanted to be. I didn’t feel the character’s emotions to the point it would affect me. I also wasn’t crazy about Shiloh as a character. While I believe she loved Grace, I found her to be kind of wooden. The actual romance and the sex scenes were decent, though the one time when Grace gagged on Shiloh’s tongue I thought a bit odd instead of sexy.
Overall, not a bad read. I think for the most part people will like this. It’s not a wow story but interesting enough to keep you reading. This book is currently available through Kindle Unlimited.
The story is about two best friends that reconnect in rural Canada after 7 years apart. While this story is about the fight they had and if they can reconnect, it really is a story about mental health. One of the mains is dealing with server anxiety and some depression. I thought the book did a pretty good job with the mental health aspects. However, the big deal about a stupid fight between them, seemed lame when you have bigger issues going on. I do think the anxiety issues were “resolved” a little quickly, but the author mentioned some of this was based in reality and she had trouble writing about it. I can understand that, so overall I thought it was handled pretty well.
My problem more than the storyline, was really the characters. While I wanted to know what would happen and cared about the outcome, I wasn’t invested as much as I wanted to be. I didn’t feel the character’s emotions to the point it would affect me. I also wasn’t crazy about Shiloh as a character. While I believe she loved Grace, I found her to be kind of wooden. The actual romance and the sex scenes were decent, though the one time when Grace gagged on Shiloh’s tongue I thought a bit odd instead of sexy.
Overall, not a bad read. I think for the most part people will like this. It’s not a wow story but interesting enough to keep you reading. This book is currently available through Kindle Unlimited.
October 8, 2018
This book is available on KU / Unavailable on Scribd. Kindle price USD 4.99.
According to Ms.Robbins, this book is quite dear to her as it touches the subject of mental health in which she suffers from. Grace, the h suffers from anxiety and depression. Luckily for her, she has a very loving parents, sister, a male bestie and of course Shiloh, her soulmate. As Ms.Robbins said, you are not alone. There is always someone there for you to rely on, including me.
According to Ms.Robbins, this book is quite dear to her as it touches the subject of mental health in which she suffers from. Grace, the h suffers from anxiety and depression. Luckily for her, she has a very loving parents, sister, a male bestie and of course Shiloh, her soulmate. As Ms.Robbins said, you are not alone. There is always someone there for you to rely on, including me.
April 2, 2021
Deeper than I thought it would be - but took a little while to get there - Kindle Unlimited.
A good second chance romance story. 6 years ago Grace left her small town in Canada to study in the United States at Berkley. She's back home on a sabbatical but isn't completely telling the truth as to why. Meanwhile former friend Shiloh had stayed behind, working now as a hot butch carpenter with tatts, both having never forgotten each other, or the hurt that came about the last day Gracie was in town.
As is the case, it takes a fair while for the whole picture to be revealed about what happened, and what went down between the two, and also with Grace and her studies. (There's mental health stuff going on, but I don't want to reveal too much, just enough to give fair warning if anyone needs them.) But we see the sparks are still there, and firing rapidly between them throughout each interaction.
Once they do get together, it's hot and sweet in equal measure. (There's some steamy sex scenes including strap-on.) But I did feel it took a bit too long for them to clear to air and discuss what happened and what was going on.
It really did become deeper as the story went on and I was surprised at the difficult subject matter - but did feel perhaps it could have come far sooner and been slightly more detailed and that the epilogue and ending could have been longer, too. I guess by the time it ended I was so invested, I just wanted more - which only gives points to its favor.
So a recommended story, on Kindle Unlimited. I don't think I've read this author before, and would be interested in reading their other works, too!
A good second chance romance story. 6 years ago Grace left her small town in Canada to study in the United States at Berkley. She's back home on a sabbatical but isn't completely telling the truth as to why. Meanwhile former friend Shiloh had stayed behind, working now as a hot butch carpenter with tatts, both having never forgotten each other, or the hurt that came about the last day Gracie was in town.
As is the case, it takes a fair while for the whole picture to be revealed about what happened, and what went down between the two, and also with Grace and her studies. (There's mental health stuff going on, but I don't want to reveal too much, just enough to give fair warning if anyone needs them.) But we see the sparks are still there, and firing rapidly between them throughout each interaction.
Once they do get together, it's hot and sweet in equal measure. (There's some steamy sex scenes including strap-on.) But I did feel it took a bit too long for them to clear to air and discuss what happened and what was going on.
It really did become deeper as the story went on and I was surprised at the difficult subject matter - but did feel perhaps it could have come far sooner and been slightly more detailed and that the epilogue and ending could have been longer, too. I guess by the time it ended I was so invested, I just wanted more - which only gives points to its favor.
So a recommended story, on Kindle Unlimited. I don't think I've read this author before, and would be interested in reading their other works, too!
February 9, 2024
3 stars
Not bad. I'll probably forget about it soon, but for the few hours I read it, it was okay. Didn't exactly love the writing style but didn't hate it either. Just wasn't a good fit for me. The same goes for the story.
If you get triggered by mentions of suicide attempts, avoid this.
Not bad. I'll probably forget about it soon, but for the few hours I read it, it was okay. Didn't exactly love the writing style but didn't hate it either. Just wasn't a good fit for me. The same goes for the story.
If you get triggered by mentions of suicide attempts, avoid this.
April 12, 2018
It was ok...
The couple of books I think I have read from this author has dealt with some heavy or at least sad things (Lighthouse dealt with memory loss). This one...minor spoiler...deals with depression more than a lost love. Well, it does deal with a reuniting of two best friends and of course one being in the love with other. What annoyed me a bit was that through what felt like 50% of book we had no idea why the two friends had a falling out but it was referred to constantly. With the other issues going on I would have prefered the falling out to be a prolgue. I also felt the major issue of depression and aniexty was glossed over and we really werent given the information until pretty much the end which didnt really leave time to "solve" it. I mean it was "solved" i guess but not really addressed. Dont know if that makes much sense.
Anyway it was an okay read. And I will read more from this author cause I like her writing style. Free on kindleUnlimited.
The couple of books I think I have read from this author has dealt with some heavy or at least sad things (Lighthouse dealt with memory loss). This one...minor spoiler...deals with depression more than a lost love. Well, it does deal with a reuniting of two best friends and of course one being in the love with other. What annoyed me a bit was that through what felt like 50% of book we had no idea why the two friends had a falling out but it was referred to constantly. With the other issues going on I would have prefered the falling out to be a prolgue. I also felt the major issue of depression and aniexty was glossed over and we really werent given the information until pretty much the end which didnt really leave time to "solve" it. I mean it was "solved" i guess but not really addressed. Dont know if that makes much sense.
Anyway it was an okay read. And I will read more from this author cause I like her writing style. Free on kindleUnlimited.
April 27, 2018
Wildsky weaves a love story filled with dramatic tension.
Grace Allen lives life in her own head. When she made the biggest decision of her young life at eighteen, she completely ignored her heart. Her plan was to follow in her father's footsteps and complete a graduate degree in philosophy before going to law school. The tiny town of Chetwynd, B. C. faded in the rearview mirror and Berkeley, CA became her home away home. Six years later, Grace can't stand her stateside life or her graduate studies. As a swirling array of emotions drag her down, she can't escape the idea that her potential academic failure will hurt her loved ones.
Shiloh Pierce fills her daily life with work and family. By trade, she is a journeyman carpenter. There is no lack of work and she takes ample time to enjoy the wonders of nature that surround her. She built her own cabin on her grandparent's land that borders the Allen family property. Grace and Shiloh grew up together. Shiloh built herself a safe closet space to hold her feelings for Gracie as soon as they started in middle school. Her father is the town minister and she kept her lesbian identity locked away even after Grace Allen left for college.
Wildsky treats Shiloh and Grace the way most lesfic does. Teenage girls in love fall apart and find each other again in second chance romance novels. Time can pass, but combustible feelings wait primed to explode. Magnolia Robbins is a truly talented author. The characters of Wildsky are vibrant, caring and big hearted. The wilds of beautiful British Columbia cannot be oversold, although I could have done without the several hundred times the sound "eh" was uttered.
Fathers, of two very different kinds, hold sway over their daughters. Grace looks like her father and thinks she wants to retrace his career path. Shiloh makes serious and crippling concessions to earn her father's tolerance. Her closeted lifestyle is for his benefit because she cares about his church goers. Both daughters battle demons that haven't rested since they broke apart six years ago. Grace practiced stuffing her feelings in order to make her folks proud. Shiloh worked to overcome feelings that never changed. Wildsky isn't a light weight romance. It deals with mental health issues and homophobia, but it balances that with a magnificent love story.
Grace Allen lives life in her own head. When she made the biggest decision of her young life at eighteen, she completely ignored her heart. Her plan was to follow in her father's footsteps and complete a graduate degree in philosophy before going to law school. The tiny town of Chetwynd, B. C. faded in the rearview mirror and Berkeley, CA became her home away home. Six years later, Grace can't stand her stateside life or her graduate studies. As a swirling array of emotions drag her down, she can't escape the idea that her potential academic failure will hurt her loved ones.
Shiloh Pierce fills her daily life with work and family. By trade, she is a journeyman carpenter. There is no lack of work and she takes ample time to enjoy the wonders of nature that surround her. She built her own cabin on her grandparent's land that borders the Allen family property. Grace and Shiloh grew up together. Shiloh built herself a safe closet space to hold her feelings for Gracie as soon as they started in middle school. Her father is the town minister and she kept her lesbian identity locked away even after Grace Allen left for college.
Wildsky treats Shiloh and Grace the way most lesfic does. Teenage girls in love fall apart and find each other again in second chance romance novels. Time can pass, but combustible feelings wait primed to explode. Magnolia Robbins is a truly talented author. The characters of Wildsky are vibrant, caring and big hearted. The wilds of beautiful British Columbia cannot be oversold, although I could have done without the several hundred times the sound "eh" was uttered.
Fathers, of two very different kinds, hold sway over their daughters. Grace looks like her father and thinks she wants to retrace his career path. Shiloh makes serious and crippling concessions to earn her father's tolerance. Her closeted lifestyle is for his benefit because she cares about his church goers. Both daughters battle demons that haven't rested since they broke apart six years ago. Grace practiced stuffing her feelings in order to make her folks proud. Shiloh worked to overcome feelings that never changed. Wildsky isn't a light weight romance. It deals with mental health issues and homophobia, but it balances that with a magnificent love story.
April 18, 2018
Very touching story
This was a very touching poignant story. Grace and Shiloh's love story is very special with a sweet Canadian twist. It is a small town love story and there are mental health issues that also needed to be addressed. A well written story.
This was a very touching poignant story. Grace and Shiloh's love story is very special with a sweet Canadian twist. It is a small town love story and there are mental health issues that also needed to be addressed. A well written story.
May 2, 2018
Nice love story.
I thought this one was great love story. The storyline and characters were great and believable. I definitely recommend this book.
I thought this one was great love story. The storyline and characters were great and believable. I definitely recommend this book.
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January 7, 2026Author faked disease and other despicable things
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September 4, 2018
This was my first read from Magnolia Robbins, not a bad read but the author kind of flawed her own book and easily could have done a sequel verse rushing the ending in the last 20 pages.
With Wildsky, you have two likable characters in Grace Allen and Shiloh Pierce, just don't get that at 50% of the story, you get the back story as to why the two act so cold towards each other so far in the book. It's great that the author tied in from her own experience with Grace having anxiety, depression and suicide even but this is one were the author kind of killed the story for me and it didn't have anything to do with the author keeping it light.
With Wildsky, you have two likable characters in Grace Allen and Shiloh Pierce, just don't get that at 50% of the story, you get the back story as to why the two act so cold towards each other so far in the book. It's great that the author tied in from her own experience with Grace having anxiety, depression and suicide even but this is one were the author kind of killed the story for me and it didn't have anything to do with the author keeping it light.
October 23, 2018
I think this is probably more 2 stars than 3 for me.
The story centres on a woman returning from college in the states to her small-town home in the Canadian Rockies, after suffering a mental health breakdown. When she returns to her family she meets a carpenter working on the roof, and she does not recognise her as anyone she knows. This kind of thing ruins my book journey for me. I won't comment on the depiction of mental health, or problematic reaction towards mental health problems depicted in the book, as the author makes clear that this reflects much of her lived experience.
The romance left me deeply uncomfortable. Having one woman with severe mental health issues, and the other quite domineering, with bunch of pent up anger at the woman who left her, can easily lead to issues. And for me it does, in the treatment of making future plans that either focus on finishing college or staying with her now lover. And in particular in the description of some of the love scenes Given the many positive reviews here, I am maybe on my own with finding this uncomfortable and far from sexy.
The story centres on a woman returning from college in the states to her small-town home in the Canadian Rockies, after suffering a mental health breakdown. When she returns to her family she meets a carpenter working on the roof, and she does not recognise her as anyone she knows. This kind of thing ruins my book journey for me. I won't comment on the depiction of mental health, or problematic reaction towards mental health problems depicted in the book, as the author makes clear that this reflects much of her lived experience.
The romance left me deeply uncomfortable. Having one woman with severe mental health issues, and the other quite domineering, with bunch of pent up anger at the woman who left her, can easily lead to issues. And for me it does, in the treatment of making future plans that either focus on finishing college or staying with her now lover. And in particular in the description of some of the love scenes Given the many positive reviews here, I am maybe on my own with finding this uncomfortable and far from sexy.
October 8, 2018
Taken a really difficult subject and worked with it superbly. Really sensitive and meaningful. Totally brought into the characters. A really good book, thank you.
July 5, 2018
Wow
This was so much better than I was expecting!!! One of the most relatable stories I have read in awhile, dealing with what choice is the right choice to make that will affect your future and pathway in life. Also very real topics are handled beautifully (depression, anxiety, suicide, etc)
This was so much better than I was expecting!!! One of the most relatable stories I have read in awhile, dealing with what choice is the right choice to make that will affect your future and pathway in life. Also very real topics are handled beautifully (depression, anxiety, suicide, etc)
January 18, 2019
I'd read a couple of books by Robbins previously and found the inability to stay in one tense to be...problematic, at best. But the covers are so pretty, and this one is set in the Middle of Nowhere, Canada, and...and the cover is pretty. So.
But guys. If I had a 'most improved' award to give out, this would put Robbins in contention. Previous books couldn't stay in one tense to save my sanity, but this? This is consistently in past tense. Either Robbins took a crash course in tenses (and aced it) or she found somebody to go through it for her, but the improvement is genuinely impressive.
This is not to say that the book is without problems. (I promise I have more good stuff to say, though, so stay tuned for the latter part of this review.) The apostrophe situation remains erratic. The characters end every third line in 'eh' to remind you that they're Canadian (yes, the Canadian side of my family says 'eh', but within reason!). Little inconsistencies abound: it's been seven years since Grace has been home, or it's been six years. Grace somehow manages to take fall-semester finals before Canadian Thanksgiving (which is in early October). At one point Shiloh scrapes herself; her mother Judy asks what happened, then leaves to get the first aid kit...Shiloh answers, and then her mother returns. Grace is a grad student (who is two years in with two or three more to go...but has already finished her dissertation...wait, what?) who is taking time off, but she repeatedly refers to said time off as a 'sabbatical', which is...not a thing. (Some professors can take sabbaticals, often to work on research they wouldn't otherwise have time to complete—seven years is a common eligibility period, and they're often offered full pay for a semester or half pay for a year—but when a grad student takes time off it is taking time off. Unpaid. Or taking a medical leave, or whatever. Grad students don't get sabbaticals.)
There's this, which made me laugh: 'The front door opened into a small living room with an old beat up leather sofa ... Windows along the side wall of the house looked out at a small pond and a row of thick pine trees. ... On the backside of the house was a small kitchen and a bathroom fixed with a small shower and a washer and dryer against another wall. Upstairs was Shiloh's small bedroom loft and a makeshift closet that never held clothes. They were often left in the dryer. Instead, the space was for Einstein's bed. The cabin was small, but for the two of them it was all they needed.' (loc. 308) I don't know, guys. Is it me, or is the cabin...small?
One of the more frustrating things about the book was this: Grace is a PhD student in philosophy. She hasn't really decided what to do when she finishes, though she thinks she might go to law school. But she's also struggling with perfectionism and depression and not sure she wants to complete her program. All this is fine—but the question of 'what will I do without a PhD?' is...pretty much solved by her father saying, 'Oh, no problem, kiddo, there's always nepotism. Why don't I just get you a university teaching position that you're unqualified for?' I don't have a problem with Grace teaching, or not finishing her degree (more on that in a moment), but the idea that a major university basically creates a position for her based on her father's say-so and a half-assed interview...newp. Sorry. Maybe if her father had gotten her an in with a junior college, sure. She could adjunct for a while and figure out how to translate her experience into a permanent job. But pretty much nothing is going to make me believe that the University of Calgary would hire her on for a full-time, potentially permanent (tenure-track? Unclear) position that they apparently didn't even do a candidate search for. (She's in philosophy. I have a master's degree in the humanities! I know how scarce, and competitive, teaching jobs are!)
Oh, and my favourite typo of the book, when Grace and Shiloh are in the choir loft at church: There were eyes looking up from the naive at them. (loc. 2107)
I promised the positives, though, and I'll deliver. First, on a broader level, there's more conflict here than in the previous books I've read by Robbins. Shiloh's parents aren't okay with her being gay, Grace is trying to figure out whether or not to stay in graduate school and how to stay emotionally/mentally healthy, and they have some backstory between the two of them that makes them both a little leery of starting something new. So that's nice. And second: Grace's trajectory is complex. She's home for much of the book, and she's fine: she's somewhere safe and comfortable, somewhere with limited pressures. But when she does decide to go back to California, it's not a straight shot. She goes, and she's okay for a while, and then she isn't. She gets help, and she's able to continue with school...and then she still has to decide whether that's really what she wants, and what it will mean (professionally, emotionally, romantically, in terms of her own pride and self-worth) if she decides to let her academic dream go. It's a back-and-forth that feels quite realistic. It's a huge decision for Grace, and one she's not making under the best of circumstances. I like that she has to reinterpret her dreams in order to be happy.
It's progress. I'll take it.
But guys. If I had a 'most improved' award to give out, this would put Robbins in contention. Previous books couldn't stay in one tense to save my sanity, but this? This is consistently in past tense. Either Robbins took a crash course in tenses (and aced it) or she found somebody to go through it for her, but the improvement is genuinely impressive.
This is not to say that the book is without problems. (I promise I have more good stuff to say, though, so stay tuned for the latter part of this review.) The apostrophe situation remains erratic. The characters end every third line in 'eh' to remind you that they're Canadian (yes, the Canadian side of my family says 'eh', but within reason!). Little inconsistencies abound: it's been seven years since Grace has been home, or it's been six years. Grace somehow manages to take fall-semester finals before Canadian Thanksgiving (which is in early October). At one point Shiloh scrapes herself; her mother Judy asks what happened, then leaves to get the first aid kit...Shiloh answers, and then her mother returns. Grace is a grad student (who is two years in with two or three more to go...but has already finished her dissertation...wait, what?) who is taking time off, but she repeatedly refers to said time off as a 'sabbatical', which is...not a thing. (Some professors can take sabbaticals, often to work on research they wouldn't otherwise have time to complete—seven years is a common eligibility period, and they're often offered full pay for a semester or half pay for a year—but when a grad student takes time off it is taking time off. Unpaid. Or taking a medical leave, or whatever. Grad students don't get sabbaticals.)
There's this, which made me laugh: 'The front door opened into a small living room with an old beat up leather sofa ... Windows along the side wall of the house looked out at a small pond and a row of thick pine trees. ... On the backside of the house was a small kitchen and a bathroom fixed with a small shower and a washer and dryer against another wall. Upstairs was Shiloh's small bedroom loft and a makeshift closet that never held clothes. They were often left in the dryer. Instead, the space was for Einstein's bed. The cabin was small, but for the two of them it was all they needed.' (loc. 308) I don't know, guys. Is it me, or is the cabin...small?
One of the more frustrating things about the book was this: Grace is a PhD student in philosophy. She hasn't really decided what to do when she finishes, though she thinks she might go to law school. But she's also struggling with perfectionism and depression and not sure she wants to complete her program. All this is fine—but the question of 'what will I do without a PhD?' is...pretty much solved by her father saying, 'Oh, no problem, kiddo, there's always nepotism. Why don't I just get you a university teaching position that you're unqualified for?' I don't have a problem with Grace teaching, or not finishing her degree (more on that in a moment), but the idea that a major university basically creates a position for her based on her father's say-so and a half-assed interview...newp. Sorry. Maybe if her father had gotten her an in with a junior college, sure. She could adjunct for a while and figure out how to translate her experience into a permanent job. But pretty much nothing is going to make me believe that the University of Calgary would hire her on for a full-time, potentially permanent (tenure-track? Unclear) position that they apparently didn't even do a candidate search for. (She's in philosophy. I have a master's degree in the humanities! I know how scarce, and competitive, teaching jobs are!)
Oh, and my favourite typo of the book, when Grace and Shiloh are in the choir loft at church: There were eyes looking up from the naive at them. (loc. 2107)
I promised the positives, though, and I'll deliver. First, on a broader level, there's more conflict here than in the previous books I've read by Robbins. Shiloh's parents aren't okay with her being gay, Grace is trying to figure out whether or not to stay in graduate school and how to stay emotionally/mentally healthy, and they have some backstory between the two of them that makes them both a little leery of starting something new. So that's nice. And second: Grace's trajectory is complex. She's home for much of the book, and she's fine: she's somewhere safe and comfortable, somewhere with limited pressures. But when she does decide to go back to California, it's not a straight shot. She goes, and she's okay for a while, and then she isn't. She gets help, and she's able to continue with school...and then she still has to decide whether that's really what she wants, and what it will mean (professionally, emotionally, romantically, in terms of her own pride and self-worth) if she decides to let her academic dream go. It's a back-and-forth that feels quite realistic. It's a huge decision for Grace, and one she's not making under the best of circumstances. I like that she has to reinterpret her dreams in order to be happy.
It's progress. I'll take it.
June 13, 2021
Good Storyline But!
I loved the coupling of Shiloh and Grace. I loved the overall feel of the story and the serious topic. Mental health issues in any form is a touchy topic. Anxiety is the worse. As the story unfolds and you begin to realize that Grace has this going on, you know early on that school in itself is causing it. Being home and being loved and supported helped Grace to feel more stable. As she realizes that Shiloh is the repair person doing the work on her family’s home, she goes back to when she left. Remembering how they left off and how she acted. Shiloh remembers quite well and has no interest in talking with Grace. The story takes a weird turn for me as Grace and Shiloh try to reconnect. It becomes clear that Grace knows how Shiloh feels and as she becomes better at dealing with her own feelings, she is better at handling their budding relationship than Shiloh. Shiloh, who I absolutely adore, is afraid of people finding out about her as her father is the minister. However when she is on a forced date in the neighboring town with a guy, she runs into an ex girlfriend who her date picks up on right away. As her relationship with Grace starts to bloom, she is still hiding herself where as Grace is more open and accepting. I found Shiloh was having more issues than Grace. Again the story of their love plays out and it is so sweet, they both are happy and enjoying their time but their is a time restraint on it. The time has come to decide about going back to school. Low and behold, Grace’s anxiety is slowing coming back. I get where this story goes from here and as much as I like the story it loses me because she was seeing a couple of different professionals and no one pin pointed school as the trigger. Her own father, who was the most loving and supportive man I ever read about knew but couldn’t relay to her what she needed to hear. I know the writer herself has a personal attachment to the storyline and I do too. I do believe that there was sort of a detachment from the professional help and family help that could have bettered this story. Still worth the read and Magnolia’s storytelling is still right up there.
I loved the coupling of Shiloh and Grace. I loved the overall feel of the story and the serious topic. Mental health issues in any form is a touchy topic. Anxiety is the worse. As the story unfolds and you begin to realize that Grace has this going on, you know early on that school in itself is causing it. Being home and being loved and supported helped Grace to feel more stable. As she realizes that Shiloh is the repair person doing the work on her family’s home, she goes back to when she left. Remembering how they left off and how she acted. Shiloh remembers quite well and has no interest in talking with Grace. The story takes a weird turn for me as Grace and Shiloh try to reconnect. It becomes clear that Grace knows how Shiloh feels and as she becomes better at dealing with her own feelings, she is better at handling their budding relationship than Shiloh. Shiloh, who I absolutely adore, is afraid of people finding out about her as her father is the minister. However when she is on a forced date in the neighboring town with a guy, she runs into an ex girlfriend who her date picks up on right away. As her relationship with Grace starts to bloom, she is still hiding herself where as Grace is more open and accepting. I found Shiloh was having more issues than Grace. Again the story of their love plays out and it is so sweet, they both are happy and enjoying their time but their is a time restraint on it. The time has come to decide about going back to school. Low and behold, Grace’s anxiety is slowing coming back. I get where this story goes from here and as much as I like the story it loses me because she was seeing a couple of different professionals and no one pin pointed school as the trigger. Her own father, who was the most loving and supportive man I ever read about knew but couldn’t relay to her what she needed to hear. I know the writer herself has a personal attachment to the storyline and I do too. I do believe that there was sort of a detachment from the professional help and family help that could have bettered this story. Still worth the read and Magnolia’s storytelling is still right up there.
January 13, 2019
I really wanted this to be better than it was. I thought the content and the characters had potential but the overall consensus from me was that the overall story telling quality wasn’t there for me. There were issues with the way the story moved, some of the story choices and the way parts of the story felt underdeveloped.
I couldn’t get a rhythm as I read through. There are these jumps in events and time from paragraph to paragraph without transition or development.
I also had challenges with some of the story choices and part of this was likely because I was looking for a bit more development overall. The lack of initial recognition when Grace gets back into town and meets Shiloh didn’t make sense to me given their back story. The backstory itself was also missing something. I couldn’t get a feel for who these characters were, what drew them to each other or what drove them apart.
The big reveal was that Grace has severe anxiety but I found it strange that it didn’t manifest even in a minor degree when she was home. It was like being home was this panacea for all her mental issues and that felt over simplified. I think the complexity of her anxiety/depression should have been better fledged.
The premise was good but I had issues with execution.
I couldn’t get a rhythm as I read through. There are these jumps in events and time from paragraph to paragraph without transition or development.
I also had challenges with some of the story choices and part of this was likely because I was looking for a bit more development overall. The lack of initial recognition when Grace gets back into town and meets Shiloh didn’t make sense to me given their back story. The backstory itself was also missing something. I couldn’t get a feel for who these characters were, what drew them to each other or what drove them apart.
The big reveal was that Grace has severe anxiety but I found it strange that it didn’t manifest even in a minor degree when she was home. It was like being home was this panacea for all her mental issues and that felt over simplified. I think the complexity of her anxiety/depression should have been better fledged.
The premise was good but I had issues with execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2018
I'm in two minds about this novel.
On the one hand, as someone who's experienced depression/knowing someone close who has depression, I liked that it tackled the theme. It was also well focused on towards the end.
However, I suffered from mood whiplash especially when the two main leads aren't 'together' yet.
It was tough to... empathise at the beginning with either character. I think the thoughts and emotions of Grace weren't as defined/hashed out for the reader at the beginning, so it was a little difficult to understand the pain she was going through. It was definitely subtle, perhaps too subtle?
Shiloh, while a lovable character, I felt didn't really complete her growth, maybe I've been spoiled by romance novels but I sort of expected Shiloh to give up/give in for something.
I still like the main duo, but the beginning was... a little difficult to get through. Once their feelings were mainly sorted out and the theme of depression was tackled, I started to enjoy reading a bit more. (And by enjoy I mean start to get my guts wrenched)
On the one hand, as someone who's experienced depression/knowing someone close who has depression, I liked that it tackled the theme. It was also well focused on towards the end.
However, I suffered from mood whiplash especially when the two main leads aren't 'together' yet.
It was tough to... empathise at the beginning with either character. I think the thoughts and emotions of Grace weren't as defined/hashed out for the reader at the beginning, so it was a little difficult to understand the pain she was going through. It was definitely subtle, perhaps too subtle?
Shiloh, while a lovable character, I felt didn't really complete her growth, maybe I've been spoiled by romance novels but I sort of expected Shiloh to give up/give in for something.
I still like the main duo, but the beginning was... a little difficult to get through. Once their feelings were mainly sorted out and the theme of depression was tackled, I started to enjoy reading a bit more. (And by enjoy I mean start to get my guts wrenched)
July 7, 2018
Overall I enjoyed this book. I didn’t mind not knowing exactly what happened until deep into the book because it felt realistic to not tell anyone else about it.
I appreciated each major development and feel like it made sense. Multiple times I called Shiloh’s dad a dick while listening. Lol
I will certainly read more books from the author. I appreciated the author’s note at the end as well as it answered questions for me.
FYI, I listened to the audiobook which was distracting at times because I wasn’t fond of all the character voices. Being from Wisconsin I am no stranger to the word eh, but it became a but distracting in the audio. Still worth listening to though.
I appreciated each major development and feel like it made sense. Multiple times I called Shiloh’s dad a dick while listening. Lol
I will certainly read more books from the author. I appreciated the author’s note at the end as well as it answered questions for me.
FYI, I listened to the audiobook which was distracting at times because I wasn’t fond of all the character voices. Being from Wisconsin I am no stranger to the word eh, but it became a but distracting in the audio. Still worth listening to though.
June 5, 2018
&*#£32mnb=
There are no adjectives available for how wonderful this book is I’ve spent most of last night and today at work trying come up with a review to do this book justice, i finally came up with the obvious
THANK YOU!!
For having the courage,fortitude,persistence,bravery and most of all a wonderful passionate ability to write moving literature.If you only read one Magnolia Robbins book it should be this one!!
There are no adjectives available for how wonderful this book is I’ve spent most of last night and today at work trying come up with a review to do this book justice, i finally came up with the obvious
THANK YOU!!
For having the courage,fortitude,persistence,bravery and most of all a wonderful passionate ability to write moving literature.If you only read one Magnolia Robbins book it should be this one!!
June 20, 2018
Highly recommended read
Thank you for such an amazing read... I can most definitely relate to Grace's character I suffer from anxiety and depression and u can have a huge support group and still feel so alone it's hard...This is a beautiful love story and it shows how that love helps Grace's resilience to want to live not only for Shiloh and her family but for herself and lets not forget also for the "mutt " Please read it!!!
Thank you for such an amazing read... I can most definitely relate to Grace's character I suffer from anxiety and depression and u can have a huge support group and still feel so alone it's hard...This is a beautiful love story and it shows how that love helps Grace's resilience to want to live not only for Shiloh and her family but for herself and lets not forget also for the "mutt " Please read it!!!
June 30, 2018
I really enjoyed the love story in this book but more importantly the messege about depression an mental health. The author dealt with these issues in a very thoughtful and caring manner. The love story shows how important having someone to confide in and care is to someone dealing with the demons in their own head. I would definately recommend this book. I think, besides being and enjoyable read, that it may be able to help some people.
October 26, 2018
Well written. Grace's struggle with depression and anxiety were well written; it's debilitating effects and the thoughts not shared. Shiloh's silence, concern, love, and her honesty in not knowing what to do but being present-believable.
Shiloh's parents, specifically her father, and their hate for their daughter. Painful but true.
A story of moving through and living with oneself and how talking with someone is the answer.
Shiloh's parents, specifically her father, and their hate for their daughter. Painful but true.
A story of moving through and living with oneself and how talking with someone is the answer.
April 11, 2018
Follow your heart
Grace and Shiloh are meant to be. Obstacles are forever present. They both have secrets they're hiding from family. We all know what's done in the dark will be revealed. Can Grace and Shiloh overcome the backlash? Read their story. I think you will enjoy it. ARC reader
Grace and Shiloh are meant to be. Obstacles are forever present. They both have secrets they're hiding from family. We all know what's done in the dark will be revealed. Can Grace and Shiloh overcome the backlash? Read their story. I think you will enjoy it. ARC reader
July 31, 2018
Surprising plot
I was astounded by the frankness of the storyline,one U also can relate to. Most people are completely unaware of the torment suffered by some less
fortunate. This was a gentle reminder that our,lives don't always go to plan,and if we're lucky we get a helping hand.
I was astounded by the frankness of the storyline,one U also can relate to. Most people are completely unaware of the torment suffered by some less
fortunate. This was a gentle reminder that our,lives don't always go to plan,and if we're lucky we get a helping hand.
October 23, 2019
Highly recommend!
Robbins delivers difficult subjects enveloped in a wonderful story of affection and deep love. Depression and anxiety are not understood by many but sharing this love story helps.
There are some scenes with incongruities that pulled me out of the story at times thus only four stars.
*kindle unlimited reader
Robbins delivers difficult subjects enveloped in a wonderful story of affection and deep love. Depression and anxiety are not understood by many but sharing this love story helps.
There are some scenes with incongruities that pulled me out of the story at times thus only four stars.
*kindle unlimited reader
June 29, 2018
Wildsky
I loved this book! I found parts hard to read because it was so close to home. I still struggle but like Gracie, I found help. I love the way that Gracie and Shill kept their love and found each other again.
I loved this book! I found parts hard to read because it was so close to home. I still struggle but like Gracie, I found help. I love the way that Gracie and Shill kept their love and found each other again.
May 1, 2020
Beautifully written love tale . With splendid detail to the scenic image's . Though the 2 main characters struggle with long buried angst for each others choices . Once they clear out the rubbish these two are perfect for each other !
August 17, 2021
Intense story
I really enjoyed Shiloh & Grace's story, not always a light hearted read but very good none the less. It tackles some very real issues and handles them excellently. The romance underneath everything is lovely. Well worth a read.
I really enjoyed Shiloh & Grace's story, not always a light hearted read but very good none the less. It tackles some very real issues and handles them excellently. The romance underneath everything is lovely. Well worth a read.
April 17, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed reading this story and I think it discussed a mental health issue very well without being pushy or dismissive.
I enjoyed reading this story and I think it discussed a mental health issue very well without being pushy or dismissive.
April 25, 2018
So Good!!!
I loved this book. The subject matter was tough but it was honest and empowering. Mental health issues are always hard but the writer did the subject matter justice.
I loved this book. The subject matter was tough but it was honest and empowering. Mental health issues are always hard but the writer did the subject matter justice.
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