Love for Beginners: A Novel

Jill Shalvis

Jun 2021 · The Wildstone Series Book 7 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

What would you change if you had to start your life—and love life—over again?

When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive she starts over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer. 

Eager for a new beginning, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care in desperation then on top of that, she and Ali bring the term ‘frenemies’ to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.

In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to realize that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it. 

Ratings and reviews

This is not just Emma's story but also Ali's and I found it a little confusing at first but the way the story wrote the story had me engrossed in nonetheless. It's a story of new beginnings and will have you rethinking your life right along with the characters. I may have cried but I also laughed and smiled. There are some things thrown in that I didn't like and I didn't think had a place in the story but overall it's another great addition by this author that will have you maybe making some changes in your own life.

I loved this sweet, and emotional story about family, regrets, second chances, and love. When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma after a horrific accident, life isn't the same. She is determined to be stronger and live life on her own terms. But guilt and pain make it difficult to recover completely. Simon is her sexy physical therapist. He is intrigued by this woman who won't give up, and pushes her to be her best. They have an attraction that they both fight, neither being ready for a relationship, but can't hold back either. Simon's cousin, Ali, is heartbroken when, Ryan, the love of her life, breaks up with her. She works for Simon, but wants something to build as her own. She wants to be partners with Emma in her new Doggy Daycare business. But since they are frenemies since high school, they must learn to get along and work together. Maybe they might learn from each other and find the strength to build the kind of life they always wanted, that just may include Simon and Ryan as well. Shalvis has created a beautiful story that is so moving, and funny, with quirky characters and a heartfelt slow burn romance. I loved this charming story and can't wait for more from Wildstone!

Love for Beginners, the 7th book in the Wildstone series, is a heartwarming story of friendships, family, romance, determination, resilience, humor, forgiveness and loyalty. The romance between Emma and Simon is mostly sweet and not too steamy; the focus of the book is on the interpersonal relationships that revolve around them and help to shape them individually and as a couple. Wonderful characters, as always, from Jill Shalvis. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this series!

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold and visit her website, jillshalvis.com, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.