The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne

 💖💖💖💖💖/5

The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne is a moving, heartfelt, heartwarming story about friendship, found family, lost love, chronic illnesses, and second chances, as half-siblings discover one another later in life, and more.

 

Alison Wells and Juniper Connolly are strangers who share a link, one that Juniper doesn't know about; after the results of a DNA test reveals they are half-sisters After completing law school, Ali takes a job as a marketing intern in Juniper's company; needing an excuse to meet her. As Juniper is about to fire Ali, she suffers a cardiac event. Fortunately Ali had recently taking a CPR course, after the death of her famous novelist father from a heart attack, and was able to work on June while waiting for paramedics; saving her life. Ali invites Juniper to recover at her late father's ranch in Wyoming, so she can get to know her and work up the nerve to tell her that they are most likely sisters. While at the ranch, June becomes involved in reading the journals of her favorite author and what she discovers will rock both of the sisters’ lives.

 

Ali has an amazing family support system: her grandmother, a family friend in Beckett (Beck) Hunter, and her best friend Xander Scott. This is more than June has; or so she thinks. She has her two company partners, who have been friends from college, but they have their own lives. June has been living her life at a fast pace, is now forced to slow down. While she recovers, with the support of Ali, Beck and his dog Hank, she does a lot of soul searching; surprised by the spark between her and Beck, one neither expected.

Ali is at a crossroad with her own life, trying to decide if the legal profession is really what she wants for her career. She and Xander have been best friends since grammar school, sharing a deep, unique friendship. It was beautiful watching it grow and blossom. These four have a lot going on, lots of interconnected relationships, and a whole lot of love as these sisters find true happiness with each other and with the men that love them fiercely.

Ms. Thayne wrote a story that reaches the soul; the soul of her characters as well the soul of her readers.  This story draws the reader into the lives of Ali and June, two women navigating the complicated terrain of family secrets, personal discovery, and unexpected love. The themes of vulnerability, forgiveness, and the redefining of what family means are skillfully explored and the small-town Wyoming setting provides a perfect backdrop for these revelations and heart-to-heart connections. The Lost Book of First Loves is an absolute must-read; a story that stay with you long after the final page.

 

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