The Forever Girl

A Novel

By: Jill Shalvis

Narrated by: Erin Mallon

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged BFF and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.

©2021 Jill Shalvis (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Best Love Story!

Jill Shalvis never disappoints. She has hit a home run with this new story. I laughed and I cried. I will definitely be listening to this one over and over.

If u slow down the narration speed to 1.0

Ok i really really like the book! If you hav a soft heart toward kids issues hou will cringe a bit when you find out.. how some characters came go be in foster care... even with that I would read this again! Some reviews complain about narration.... but all did was slow it down so I could enjoy Erin Mallon’s inflection and personality that makes the story soooo good!

Download this book.. i hated that it ended❤️😩🤓😩😩😩😩

Loved the story, can't stand the narrator.

Jill Shalvis delivers a beautiful story about family, redemption, and honoring oneself. I almost gave up listening, because the narration is so grating. The dialogue isn't so bad, but when the narrator is reading anything else, all her sentences end with a strange inflection. She sounds like Kelly Preston's character in Jerry McGuire. Buy the print book.

Family by choice, not blood.

The Forever Girl is a heartfelt and cleverly women tale of four childhood friends who need each other now more than ever. Although they've grown apart over the years after a death created a rift, they're all reunited again for Cat's wedding festivities.

From the moment we meet Cat and her fiancee Dillon, you get the vibe that they're not on the same page, except for in the bedroom. Heather surprises everyone with the fact that she's a single mom, and Sammie will steal your heart throughout this book.

Walker is the one who got away after he put his heart on the line, but then had it broken by Maze. She in turn is still hurt from their last several encounters, so she brings along her boss as a fake boyfriend, but it's the typical case of poor communication.

With a few plot twists to keep you guessing, strained friendships, and changing relationships - you'll be guessing how it all plays out until the end. Each one of their stories pulled emotions out of me that I haven't felt in a while and I enjoyed the journey. I love the Wildstone series with my whole heart! I highly recommend the audiobook as well, it beautifully brought each character to life.

I really really liked this book

I really enjoyed every word of this book. Great listen and Erin Mallon is just the best. Great combination

Another Heart-warming story by Shalvis

I’ve been a fan of Shalvis for a long time and really enjoy her Wildstone series, where she tackles weightier subject matter while still managing to keep things somewhat lighthearted and there’s always a HEA. This entry does not disappoint. It deals with larger issues of abandonment, foster care, and guilt, among others, while still showing the importance of family, however it’s made, and the bonds that exist between members. Here we get a look into the relationships between Maze, Walker, Caitlin, and Heather, whose bonds were forged during one momentous year they spent as family and how the tragic end to that year continues to affect them years later. Set around the events during the week before Caitlin’s wedding, secrets and truths come out, and bonds are forged deeper than ever, especially for Maze. I devoured this in a single sitting after getting my hands on the audiobook. Erin Mallon does a fantastic job on the narration, using distinct voices for each character. Her sense of timing and pace are spot on, making the story a fantastic listen. If you’re a Shalvis fan, you won’t be disappointed. If you haven’t experienced her yet, pick this one up and you’re sure to find a new favorite author.

Not My Favorite

I am a big Jill Shalvis fan but found this book to be a little to repetitive and, therefore, long.