The Family You Make: A Novel

Jane and Levi didn't meet under normal circumstances. They met on a gondola in a wicked snow storm. Thinking they won't make it out alive, Levi called home and in speaking with his mom, telling her Jane was his girlfriend just to make his mom happy. That was the worst thing he could have ever done. After making it out alive he now has to pretend Jane was his girlfriend. Jane, a nurse who never stays in one place for very long due to her childhood. Both Jane and Levi had to get over some past issues. I love the family dynamic of Levi's family. The dinner Levi brought Jane to was hysterical. I love how Jill's books include animals and a secondary couple. This book it's Charlotte and Mateo. Mateo wanted Charlotte for a while. Knowing he had to go slow to break down Charlotte's walls. He did just that. I love them just as much as Jane and Levi. As always, Jill's books do not disappoint. There is always humor and they pull at your heart strings. I highly recommend you this story.

Terrific start to a new series from Jill Shalvis! I love books with the found family trope and The Family You Make fit the bill perfectly. Jane and Levi meet under some intense circumstances, which leads to a connection neither can really deny. Jane does her best, though- thanks to her upbringing she tends to keep herself closed off from forming close attachments. But Levi works hard to break down her barriers, as does her best friend Charlotte. Between the two of them Jane finally starts to accept that she is loved. Jane's not the only one with issues, though- Levi has his own share, that he's working to resolve, with his family and friends. The Family You Make is a charming read, the characters are all really delightful. It was fun to have a side story with Charlotte and Mateo, Jane and Levi's best friends. There were some intense, heartrending scenes in this book, which was a little different from what I've come to expect from Ms. Shalvis. I mean, she's good at pulling at the ol' heartstrings, but I was a little surprised at how stressful and anxiety inducing certain parts were- especially the beginning of the book, when Jane and Levi first meet. I was sweating there for a bit! Relationships were a central focus in this book- romantic, friends, familial, and I really enjoyed the way Ms. Shalvis handled them all.

Every time I read a book by Jill Shalvis I am in love with the characters she creates and The Family You Make is no exception. This is the first book in her new Sunrise Cove series which takes place near Lake Tahoe. It is exemplifies Shalvis’ sense of humor, the personalities she gifts unto her characters, allowing the reader to connect with each of them. This wonderful story is a reminder that family is not necessarily the one you are born into, but formed of the love and support of people you surround yourself with; creating your own family. This is an amazing story about how the past, family, and friends can affect our present and how hard it is to open up and faith in others again; even love again. We follow two couples: Levi and Jane and Mateo and Charlotte, with Levi and Jane's initial encounter being a few hours of wondering if they are going to see the next morning. Both couples are perfect for each other, they just have to overcome personal past issues to trust their feelings. Both Levi and Mateo are extremely patient, understanding and totally supportive of Jane and Charlotte; carefully building trust and a connection. Once again Ms. Shalvis delivers a sweet, lovable story. Jane and Levi need each other almost as much as Charlotte and Mateo. Throw in a zany family, complete with a temperamental cat and capricious six year old and it’s the perfect life to live in Sunshine Cove. The passion, the snark, the laugh-out-loud moments, the tears, the difficult situations, the pain, the memories, are all handled with a sense of empathy or compassion so the reader falls more in love with the characters and the story. I highly recommend The Family You Make to other readers and look forward to what’s next in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.