When Sonnet finds out her mother is unexpectedly expecting, and that the pregnancy is high risk, she puts everything on hold—the job, the fellowship, the boyfriend—and heads home to Avalon. Once her mom is out of danger, Sonnet intends to pick up her life where she left off.
But when her mother receives a devastating diagnosis, Sonnet must decide what really matters in life, even if that means staying in Avalon and taking a job that forces her to work alongside her biggest, and maybe her sweetest, mistake—award-winning filmmaker Zach Alger. So Sonnet embarks on a summer of laughter and tears, of old dreams and new possibilities, and of finding the home of her heart.
"Susan Wiggs paints the details of human relationships with the finesse of a master."
-Jodi Picoult
"Wiggs's storytelling is heartwarming... clutter free... [for] romance and women's fiction readers of any age."
--Publishers Weekly
"Wiggs's talent is reflected in her thoroughly believable characters as well as the way she recognizes the importance of family by blood or other ties."
--Library Journal
"Susan Wiggs writes with bright assurance, humor and compassion."
--Luanne Rice
"Empathetic protagonists, interesting secondary characters, well-written flashbacks, and delicious recipes add depth to this touching, complex romance..."
--Library Journal on The Winter Lodge
"Emotionally intense."
Booklist on The Winter Lodge
"Wiggs is at the top of her game here, combining a charming setting with subtly shaded characters and more than a touch of humor. This is the kind of book a reader doesn't want to see end but can't help devouring as quickly as possible."
--RT Book Reviews [Top Pick] on Snowfall at Willow Lake
"Rich with life lessons, nod-along moments and characters with whom readers can easily relate.... Delightful and wise, Wiggs's latest shines."
--Publishers Weekly on Dockside
"Wonderfully evoked characters, a spellbinding story line, and insights into the human condition will appeal to every reader."
--Booklist on Summer at Willow Lake
Her mother turned from the window. The late afternoon light shrouded Nina Bellamy's slender form, and for a moment she appeared ethereal and as young as Sonnet herself. Nina looked fantastic in her autumn-gold silk sheath, her dark hair swept back into a low chignon. Only someone who knew her the way Sonnet did might notice the subtle lines of fatigue around her eyes and mouth, the vague puffiness of her skin. Just prior to the wedding, she'd attended the funeral, up in Albany, of her favorite aunt, who had died the week before of cancer, and the grief of goodbye lingered in her face.
"You're not going to screw up," Nina said. "You're going to be fabulous. You look amazing in that dress, you've memorized everything you're going to do and say, and it's going to be a wonderful evening."
"Yes, but—"
"Remember what I used to say when you were little—your smile is my sunshine."
"I remember." And the memory did its magic, bringing a smile to her face. Her mom had raised Sonnet alone, but only now that she was grown did she appreciate how hard that had been for Nina. "You gave me lots of memories, Mom."
"Come here, you." Nina opened her arms and Sonnet gratefully slipped into her mother's embrace.
"This feels nice. I wish I had a chance to come back here more often." Sonnet turned her face to the warm breeze blowing in through the window. The sheer beauty of the lake, nestled between the gentle swells of the Catskills, made her heart ache. Though she'd grown up in Avalon, the place felt foreign to Sonnet now, a world she used to inhabit and couldn't wait to leave.
Despite her vivid memories of her childhood here, playing in the woods with her friends or sledding down the hills in winter, she'd never truly appreciated the scenery until she'd left it behind, eager to find her life far away. Now that she lived in Manhattan, crammed into a closet-sized walk-up studio on a noisy East Side street, she finally understood the appeal of her old hometown.
"I wish you could, too," Nina said. "It's time-consuming, isn't it, saving the world?"
Sonnet chuckled. "Is that what I'm doing? Saving the world?"
"As a matter of fact, it is. Sweetie, I'm so proud to tell people you work with UNESCO, that your department saves children's lives all over the world."
"Ah, thanks, Mom. You make me think I do more than write emails and fill out forms." Sonnet often found herself wishing she could actually work with a child every once in a while. Buried in administrative chores, it was easy to forget.
On the smoothly-mown lawn below, guests were beginning to take their seats for the ceremony. Many of the groom's friends were in military dress uniform, adding a note of gravitas to the atmosphere.
"Wow," said Sonnet, "it's really happening, Mom. Finally."
"Yes," Nina agreed. "Finally."
A chorus of squeals came from the adjacent room, where the rest of the bridal party was getting ready.
"Daisy's going to be the prettiest bride ever," Sonnet said, feeling a thrum of emotion in her chest. The bride was Sonnet's best friend as well as her stepsister, and she was about to marry the love of her life. To Sonnet it felt like a dream come true but also, deep in a hidden corner of her heart, a loss of sorts. Now someone else would be the keeper of Daisy's most private secrets, her soft place to fall, the person on the other end of the phone in the middle of the night.
"Until it's your turn," Nina said. "Then you'll be the prettiest bride ever."
Sonnet gave her mom's hand a squeeze. "Don't hold your breath. I'm busy saving the world, remember?"
"Just don't get so busy you forget to fall in love," Nina said.
Sonnet laughed. "I think you need to embroider that on a pillow. How about—Hello" Her mind drained of everything but the sight of the tallest groomsman in the wedding party, escorting the grandmother of the bride to her seat in the front row.
In a dove-gray swallowtail tux, he moved with long-limbed grace, although his height was not the most striking thing about him. It was his hair, as long and pale as a banner of surrender, giving him the otherworldly look of a mythical creature. She couldn't take her eyes off him.
"Holy cow," she said. "Is that.?"
"Yep," said her mother. "Zach Alger."
"Whoa."
"He's finally grown into his looks, hasn't he?" Nina commented. "I'd forgotten how long it's been since you last saw him. The two of you used to be so close."
Zach Alger. Surely not, thought Sonnet, practically leaning out the open window. This couldn't be the Zach Alger she'd grown up with, the whiter-shade-of-pale boy who lived down the street, with his big goofy ears and braces on his teeth. Her best friend in high school, the freakishly skinny kid who worked at the Sky River Bakery. This couldn't be the college geek working his way through school, obsessed with cameras and all things video.
Zach Alger, she thought. Well, well. Since high school, he and Sonnet had gone in different directions, and she hadn't seen him in ages. Now she couldn't take her eyes off him.
After helping Daisy's grandmother to her seat, he pulled a flask from his tux pocket and took a swig. All right, thought Sonnet. That was the Zach she knew—a guy with more talent than ambition, a guy with a troubled background he couldn't seem to shake, a guy who was part of her past, but had no possible place in her future.
Movement in the next room reminded her she had an important job to do today. She peered through the doorway at Daisy, who was surrounded by the hairstylist, makeup artist, wedding planner, her mom Sophie, the photographer and several people Sonnet didn't recognize. "What do you say?" she asked her mother. "Shall we go help Daisy get married?'
Nina grinned. "She wouldn't dare make a move without you."
"Or you. Honestly, when you married Daisy's dad, she hit the stepmom jackpot."
Nina's grin turned to a soft smile, and her dark eyes took on an expression that pulled Sonnet into days gone by, when it had just been the two of them, making their way in the world. Nina had turned a teenage pregnancy into a small but lovely life for herself and Sonnet. Yes, she was married now—unexpectedly, in the middle of her life—but their two-against-the-world time together belonged solely to Nina and Sonnet.
"You're going all mushy on me, aren't you?" Sonnet said.
"Yeah, baby. I am. Just wait until you're the bride. I'll need CPR." The shadows in the room were just starting to deepen; evening was coming on.
"No, you won't, Mom," Sonnet assured her. "You'll rise to the occasion. You always do."
Nina took her hand again, and together they stepped through the door.
My Review:
This is the first Susan Wiggs book that I've ever read. I know, right? She was a huge romance writer when I was working in the bookstore 20 years ago. I can't believe it's taken me this long to pick up one of her books. But this book is so much more than just a romance novel. This is a book about family and what's really important in life. Just to put it in perspective, the book starts and ends with scenes of Sonnet talking to her mom...not scenes with Zach, although he definitely still plays a big part in the book.
For Sonnet, she doesn't realize it, but her life is at a crossroads. She's had an interesting life that has shaped her into an overachiever. Raised by her single mother and an absent, overachieving father, she has always shaped her life for his approval. She works in NYC at a worldwide agency that helps under-priviledged children. Children are her passion and although the job doesn't put her in direct contact with the children as much she's still convinced herself that she's doing good for them and that's good enough. She has an amazing boyfriend who is her father's senate campaign manager. They met through her father and although they don't have passion, she feels that they are a good match.
When she goes home to attend her step-sister's wedding, she sees her childhood best friend, Zach. They've been best friends since kindergarten although they haven't seen each other in years. In an after-wedding tryst, everything between them changes and not for the better...at least not for the first few months afterwards.
Honestly, I would probably classify this book as women's fiction rather than romance. Yes, there is a romantic element to it and it's a beautiful romantic story, but I did't feel like it was the main bulk of the story. For that, I think it was Sonnet's relationship with both her parents. Her mother who is battling cancer through an unexpected pregnancy and her father who is focusing on winning a senate office and trying to force Sonnet into making all the right moves for HIS career. You definitely start to see a lot of the contrast in Sonnet's life as she begins to realize what's really important. It was an interesting book and is a nice read to while away a quiet Sunday afternoon.
This is the 9th book in this series and while you definitely don't need to have read the other books to enjoy this one, I'm intrigued by some of the other stories (you get glimpses of them throughout this book) and may just pick up a few of them.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs ISBN: 9780778313847 Daisy
Bellamy's wedding at Camp Kioga, finally. Love how Susan brings you up
to date on who the person was and what they did in younger years-that's
what made the bell ring for me :} Sonnet Romano is her best friend and
everything went off without a hitch. She doesn't want to get married
anytime soon and works at UNESCO. Zachery Alger is there also, a
videographer but just a guest at this party. Their renew their
friendship after many swigs of champagne. He is saving money to pay off
his fathers debt to the community. Sonnet has to leave her boyfriend
that her father set her up with, as they continue the campaign for
government office, and she goes back to Avalon to be with her mom who's
having a medical crises. Zach has news from a west coast film production
company that they want him for their next 16 week reality show. He
informs her of her mothers cancer and she changes all her plans to stay
in Avalon to help her along with the treatments and the pregnancy. They
both end up working for the same company. Throw in the reality show and
you have mayhem. Have they made the right choices???? With some hot
steamy sex this is a good read. Love the refresher on the surgeries and
all the tests-been there done that, it's horrid. But good comes out of
it in the end...
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 30, 2012
Its like coming home. Grab a blanket and snuggle down to read this delight!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 23, 2012
This is a beautiful book, inside and out. You will want this for your
collection. It would make a perfect gift for someone special.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Beth_R
Posted September 3, 2012
I was happy to return to Willow Lake!
Sonnet Romano has always been an overachiever. She steps back from her life on the fast track to stay in Avalon when her mother's unexpected pregnancy has unexpected, life-altering consequences. Her father is running for Congress and her boyfriend/his campaign manager don't understand how she can give up her important position to stay in Avalon. Her oldest friend Zach is still in Avalon. Zach provides comfort, irritation and honestly as Sonnet finds herself changing and coming to terms with her goals, her dreams and her reality.
I loved the entire Lakeshore Chronicles series, and I hope this is not the end. I do think a reader would enjoy this book as a stand alone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.My review:
Return to Willow Lake was a first Susan Wiggs' book I have read and I liked it! It was well written, emotional and heart-warming. Reading Return to Willow Lake was like coming home - it was safe, comforting and created lots of great feelings. The novel is a standalone part of her Lakeshore Chronicles.
Plot:
Sonnet is a young woman whose life is filled with possibilities- her UNESCO career has just rocketed with the opportunity of lifetime of getting a world known fellowship, she has a boyfriend who is responsible and supportive, she has established a relationship with her dad. Everything seems so nice and safe.
When Sonnet is visiting her home town Avalon for her best friend's wedding, she reconnects with her best friend from her childhood and school time - Zach. Zach has grown into a gorgeous young man who lives in Avalon and making living of filming and making videos. Zach is quite successful at what he is doing and has no intentions of leaving Avalon - until the day he meets Sonnet again during the wedding.
After an amazing adventure together during the wedding night, Sonnet flees back to her life in New York and tries to forget the night with Zach by convincing herself, that they can't be friends again. She pushes Zach out of her life again to concentrate to her career and tighten the contacts with her dad. Sonnet's dad is a man with military background who is running for the Senate and is preparing for the elections.
During the same time Sonnet get the approval for fellowship to travel abroad, she gets bad news regarding her mother back home in Avalon.
Everything changes and what seemed comfortable, nice and safe is not valid anymore. Big parts of Sonnet's life is turned upside town and suddenly Sonnet finds herself back in Avalon supporting her mother and with the job which is very far from her career in New York.
I truly liked the plot: It was not too complicated, but had interesting story lines which made the reading into a enjoyable experience. The story flowed very smoothly and it grabbed me. The relationships between the characters were well-formed and believable and the plot was heavily character driven which was fun.
Characters:
As said, the story was character driven and had an important role to carry. Return to Willow Lake was rich of characters and both the main characters and supportive characters were lively and easy to relate to and understand.
I liked Sonnet. I did not understand why she kept telling herself that it was not possible to be a friend with Zach, but enjoyed all her other characteristics. She was kind, loyal, smart and it was easy for me to relate to her. I adored her for being so loyal and loving to her mother, I think that was wonderfully written by the author.
I adored Sonnet's mother, her being so brave, caring and loving. I think the relationship between Sonnet and her mom what the most important relationship in this book for me. author did an excellent job with this!
Sonnet's dad was also intriguing. I have to admit, that he was little predictable for my taste, but I found it interesting how his mind was operating and how he acted to get rid of his own daughter. Sonnet's boyfriend was similar to him. He would do absolutely anything to achieve what he wanted not hesitating the means to get it. I despise that in a human being.
Another character who I would like to mention is Jezebel. She was so cool! I would love to have a friend like her, I think everybody would!
Generally:
Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs is a wonderful book about family, relationships, loyalty and finding love. I highly recommend it!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 19, 2013
"I am sorry it took me so long to respond. I am here to bring you and your kit to safety." She padded off to darkness res 1.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 1, 2012
Why is this book 11dollars? The rest of this series is paperback and under 10!
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 26, 2013
The Lakeshore Chronicles series has been my favorite series. I started reading Susan Wiggs books several years ago. I have enjoyed every single one of her books that I have read!
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Posted April 22, 2013
THIS BOOK IS $11? ON MY NOOK? IT IS ONLY $4!
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Posted April 19, 2013
A fox stood over her, saliva driping onto her spasmic belly. She was panting and shaking. A kit, already born, wailed near her belly. With a furious roar, the DarkClan warriors threw themseves on the fox. Badgerfang raced to her side.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 26, 2013
Really enjoyed the book
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Posted March 17, 2013
IVe Reading everyone of her books. Can never put them doing. Judt think author is a great writter
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Posted February 14, 2013
Name: Fireflame Rank: Warrior Description: orange tom with bright orange stripes and green eyes Gender: Tom Mate: none Crush: not saying.. Likes: swimming, and hunting Dislikes: not being able to talk Age: 16 moons History: not much to say
0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 18, 2013
Name-Ashenbird-Age-15 moons-Gender-She-Cat-Description-Grey with a white tail,and yellow eyes with green flecks-Mate-None-Crush-Maybe-Kits-None-Likes-Tree climbing, combat training-Dislikes-Cats with peppy personalities and cats that respond to attacks and murder lists-Personality-Good at hiding her feelings, likes to be alone, not social, will NEVER be super happy, usually kind and sweet, has an air about her that makes her seem gloomy, and likes quiet spaces-Special Attributes-None-History-Doesn't talk about it, and she might if she really trusts someone.
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 14, 2013
NAME: Mudfire...RANK: Warrior...GENDER: Tom...LOOKS: Red-brown pelt with hazel eyes...PARENTS: Fallowlight and Spiderghost...SIBLINGS: Ghosthope...RPS IN: Sunclan, Boldclan, Flameclan, Jayclan, Huskyclan...MATE: None...KITS: None.....
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 14, 2013
Name: Whisperstar (Whisperwillow) •|• Rank: Leader of Peaceclan •|• Looks: Creme pelt with white paws and beige stripes on her back, beige patch around her left eye and a white tail tip. Pale green eyes. •|• Age: Sixteen moons •|• Mate: none •|• Kits: Runningwind, Cresentmoon, Suneyes. •|• Background: She is an older cat so she has arned to handle situations differently than just violence. Her voice is calm and she never raises her voice. Her eyes show her age and knowledge but her body does not she looks to be young still. She comes from Sunclan and be in and out of both Sunclan and Magmaclan.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 31, 2012
Finally Sonnet's story. I loved it. Best cry ever. I read the book in one night.
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Posted November 22, 2012
Its oaky but needs a little action.please read my story at spray results 1-7
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 22, 2012
Nice job
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Overview
Sonnet Romano's life is almost perfect. She has the ideal career, the ideal boyfriend, and has just been offered a prestigious fellowship. There's nothing more a woman wants—except maybe a baby brother?
When Sonnet finds out her mother is unexpectedly expecting, and that the pregnancy is high risk, she puts everything on hold—the job, the fellowship, the boyfriend—and heads home to Avalon. Once her mom is out of danger, Sonnet intends to pick ...