Return to Willow Lake: Lakeshore Chronicles Book 9 (The Lakeshore Chronicles)

Having read all of the previous Lakeshore Chronicles, I was excited that a new one was out. I was not disappointed at all. Sonnett definitely deserved her own story and if that story was more about her family problems and her personal struggles with life, then a story based only on romance,then so be it. It was a wonderfully written story that takes us on Sonnets journey of self discovery, sacrifice of dreams for a much finer purpose and yes even to the love of her life.Along the way, we are treated to glimpses of a lot of other characters that have also had their own book previously. That's always fun in series books. I noticed that several previous reviews were by people that hadn't read the previous books. I don't think a review written without the back story is very fair. Had these people known the whole story their reviews might have been much higher because this book deserves the 5 stars I gave it! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I just think it should be a more informed opinion. Anyway my advice is to just read and enjoy!

True to her writing history, Susan Wiggs delivers another heartwarming tale of small town life with it's idealistic roots, character flaws and foibles that speak to us of both reality and redemption. I've looked forward to Sonnet's love story; it did not disappoint. Fully focused on being the ultimate professional and overcoming all the obstacles of her childhood, Sonnet has made herself into everything she wanted to be. But when she returns home to visit her mother and is confronted by her mother's illness and her childhood friend Zach, she is forced to re-examine her path in life. Like all the Willow Lake series, she finds her way through a delightful mix of good and bad moments to her heart's best home.

I love that you get to see aside of characters you have grown to know in previous willow lake novels . In many ways you forget about zach and all the struggles he goes through until it's brought up in this novel. Same with sonnet you don't really know the relationship with her father. I didn't cry in this but I loved the stories. I think by far my two favorite are marrying daisy Bellamy because wow that story with her and Julian it is heartbreaking, also to this day one of my favorite novels of all time is summer at willow lake Olivia and Connors story because I relate to the chubby kid who turned into a real beauty but has an amazing heart. I love all of Susan wiggs stuff and I highly recommend reading the willow lake series!

you can't go wrong with Susan Wiggs. Her books just take you to a place you would want to live. I love the continuing stories of the people I have reading about for years. Susan's stories have deep character development and true depth of emotion without smut. Don't get me wrong I love my smutty books but Susan Wiggs, Robyn Carr, and Sherryl Woods are the three authors that tell a story so compellingly and full of romance that I forgive them for leaving out the steamy sex. If you haven't read the Lakeshore Chronicles books you could absolutely dive into this book as a standalone and love it but you would be missing out on a wonderful series so go back and read those as well.

When I received Return to Willow Lake on my Kindle, I decided to go back and read the previous eight books in the Lakeshore Chronicles. I was captivated once again! It was good to have all the stories fresh before reading the latest installment. However, I realize that Susan Wiggs is a master at weaving in the important details of previous works in a series, so that it is not necessary to have read the earlier works. But I enjoy her writing so much that it was a joy read these again. And Return to Willow Lake did not disappoint! In fact I think it probably is the best to date. I have long wondered what would happen with Sonnet and Zach, and the story was better than I would have expected. This was truly a family story, as are most of the Lakeshore Chronicles, and I'll likely read it again and again.

I've read this series from the beginning and I'd have to say this and the last book (Daisy was the focus) have become fairly predictable. You know the main character's arc is going to have a happy ending. Maybe all of them were and I just didn't pay attention in the beginning! Perhaps I'm of an age that I enjoyed the earlier books because they dealt with the parents instead of the younger generation? There was so much more backstory for them. With 20-somethings, neither book was very satisfying. Whichever's the case, I guess that's why we read romantic FICTION, isn't it: happy endings?

As we stumble thru life it is often hard to see what is right in front of us. Love comes in ways, and sometimes we have to almost loose it. Had read this book before, still great second time around.

This was a great book of courage and following your heart for yourself and your family. I enjoyed this story so much. Thank you

Once again I was absorbed in , I love this series, the way each book has its own story and could be read without having read the others first. I am glad that I read from book one though!Highly recommend this series and can't wait for the next one which I believe is in the pipeline ! Leaves me wondering where it is going next

I have read all the series and have loved each and every book. I love the style that Susan Wiggs writes in, its just so easy to read and the story just unfolds. The pages turn very quickly and then alas the who series is finished!! Hoping she will continue with the stories. Enjoy the read.

Brilliant

I thoroughly enjoy ed this book as I did the others in the series, I read them all in about 2 months. The stories are well interwoven and interesting. It is not what I'd call stellar fiction but a good, quick and entertaining read.

Not the best book of the Lakeshore Chronicles,with a few plot holes, however still an enjoyable read. Could have done with more mention of periphery characters, some of whom where notable by their absence (the old best friend)

The books based on characters at or around the lakeshore are all sure winners. They are well written by Susan Wiggs and each character has a story to tell with the other various characters inter woven into the story line.

I enjoyed reading this book although it made me cry. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and captured the imagination and my empathy with the characters in The book, I do hope that this is not the last of the series.

As always Susan Wiggs engages interest in the characters who we meet in the Lakeshore Chronicles. It's lovely to find out what happens to characters we have met in the early books and see how their lives change over the years. Another thoroughly good read.

Another good story in the series.

Lovely book enjoying reading it

I loved loved loved this book, and I have realy enjoyed the whole series, and will re -read all the books.

Another good story by Susan Wiggs but felt this lacked a little in the middle. Enjoyable none the less. Onwards to the next one.

Have read all sthe previous Lakeshore Chronicles books and this one just lives up to its predecessors

Fantastic series of book following the Bellamy's and people of Avalon . Read all of them hope there are more to follow. Thank you

I have read all the previous lakeshore chronicles and found it good to keep up with all the characters lives. I would recommend them all