Risking It All

I ~really~ liked this second chance romance.Willow Creek was second home for Darby, usually it was the summer time when she would visit her Aunt & Uncle. But she became close to the next door neighbors. Caleb was quite with a chip on his shoulder many would say. Darby was the"girl next door" only when she visited her Aunt and Uncle. But oh boy those days sure did count when it amounted and a special friendship grew,these two were best friends. Life has an terrible way of stepping in and making itself known in the worse way. It did and created a cavern of 7 years between these two again. When these two re-meet life just keeps on giving. I enjoyed the way that our author gave us a true to life peek into the lives of two people who do what they can who survive. One because she feels it is her only way and one emotionally.

Risking It All, the third book in the Willow Creek series by Shannon Stults, hits all the emotional hot spots…from young unrequited love, to the frustrations of waiting for “your person” to realize she’s that person, the story takes you on the twists and turns of a love that takes years to become realized. Caleb and Darby’s friendship began as middle schoolers, but through fear of heartbreak, Darby uses her wanderlust as an excuse to keep Caleb at arms length and her “best friend” in order to not face what they could become. The heartwarming moments of truths (Caleb) are juxtaposed by the heartbreaking moments of fear (Darby)…but through cleverly used flashbacks, the reader is treated to a unique method of setting the stage for the here and now. There is so much to unpack in this story that it was nice to just settle in and enjoy the ride that this couple took me on. This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

A great book of returning home and finding love. Darby had no choice but to return home to Willow Creek, she was broke. Caleb, her best friend while growing up is still in Willow Creek, As their friendship redevelops Darby is afraid of heartbreak, she doesn't believe in forever but can Caleb change her mind. Great characters, love friends to lovers. Loved how the story showed bits and pieces 0f their past while growing up. Love this little town of Willow Creek, wonderful friendships. I highly recommend this book. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.