I’m sorry but I usually love Emily March books but this series is just family drama! If I’m going to read a book it needs to be cheerful and happy not drama.

Such a wonderful story that blends family, romance, life's hard knock, and joys! This tells three stories in one. Families dealing with trauma, death, divorce, marriage, and moving forward. Finding someone after your first marriage ends. Thirdly, dealing with moving forward after you hit a certain age.

Willow Eldridge is picking up the pieces from her broken marriage after finds out about her husbands affair only to have him die in a car accident that their son was with him in. Drew still has issues from the accident and has been accident prone himself lately. Her daughter Emma is her little ray of sunshine.

Her brother Jake is marrying his love and business partner Tess. Her other brother Jake is forgiving the argument that brought a wedge in the family. Her sister Brooke is healing from her divorce from an abusive husband.

Her mother, Genevieve Prentice, sold everything to move to Colorado to start a new life and figure out her balance of who she is and what she wants for her "golden" years. Genevieve sister Helen, is the quintncial traveler and adventure junkie in her "golden" years. Her sister, Helen McDaniel, tries to help everyone. Gage Throckmorton is Genevieve partner in a few businesses.

Maggie and Tom Eldridge, Willie's in laws play a role in the havoc on her.

Noah Tannehill, is an injured firefighter trying to recovery. He is befriended by Drew and dragged into the family. He builds miniature housrs/doll houses for fire training as part of his rehab therapy.

The song "Who' cheating who, who's being true, and who don't care any more" is very appro for this book. Removing into family lives, interactions, and the results are the bases for how our characters mix together. The ups and downs, struggles and joy are explored. It is very well defined with very dynamic characters and plot twists. Very good read for getting out of your own world and seeing another family in just as much drama

Very enjoyable women’s fiction. I jumped into the story and reading as a stand alone before I realized I’ve read the previous (first book) in this series, The Getaway (Sept 2022). Willow Eldridge moves with her two children to Lake in the Clouds, Colorado. Her mother and aunt own and run a guest lodge there. Willow was widowed a couple of years earlier and feels now is the time to reconnect with her mother. While there she meets reclusive neighbor Noah Tannehill. He is recovering from injuries sustained as a firefighter. And some of the injuries are psychological.

The story is an easy to read, low angst and closed door romance. The characters are likable and behave and communicate like adults. Beyond the budding romance of Willow and Noah the story is about mother Genevieve finding balance and passion in her life. Her family is what has defined her and she is looking for what fulfills her beyond being a mother and grandmother. And I love the easy reconnection between mom and daughter and the supportiveness they give each other.

I liked the first book but thought a lot of the time was setting up the series and the adult children of Genevieve as future main characters for their own stories. I found this one more focused and flowed better. I’ll look forward to the next story and a return to Lake in the Clouds. Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

Balancing Act
Emily March
November 28, 2023

Genevieve Prentice has been in Colorado with her sister, Helen at Lake in the Woods for time enough to get cabins ready and rented. They have taken trips together, partied and worked hard as well. Genevieve’s daughter Willow has struggled throughout her marriage. Just as she had decided to divorce her husband, Andrew for cheating on her, he died in a car accident. Their son, Drew was in the car with him, He did survive but recovery was difficult. Since then he has a habit of losing his attention and creating an accident. Consequently he has an injury - some minor, some more severe. Willow decided it was time to sell the house, pack up and move to Colorado. In Texas she had very little support. With her mom and Auntie Helen perhaps her children will develop a secure and safe family relationship.
Balancing Act will be published by Forever of Hachette Publishing on November 28, 2023. I was able to read and review March’s latest Lake in the Clouds novel via NetGalley. I have enjoyed reading the Eternity Springs novels and now the continuation of many characters evolving into Lake in the Clouds. It is a fun and family oriented series that gives us a taste of the Prentice clan. Balancing Act is a spirited story of Willow and her children making a home and finding new roots in Lake of the Clouds. Very enjoyable!

Emily March is one of those authors that I'd read any book by her immediately. She never disappoints a reader with her location description, characters, or storyline.

You can't help but empathize with the main characters as they've both suffered great losses and tragedy in their lives. They open up to a fascinating relationship where they both have to learn to trust, not only in themselves but the circumstances and each other.

There's personal angst for both of then but with honest communication, they come to terms with the past and face the future with gusto. Their families and friends support them along the way and it's a wonderful process for the author to share with us. Truly a 5 star read!

Although I received a free ARC ebook from net galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are the honest truth.

“Balancing Act” by Emily March, the second installment in the Lake in the Cloud series, beautifully weaves the story of Genevieve Prentice and her daughter Willow. Set in the picturesque Lake in the Clouds, the novel explores the complexities of family relationships and the challenges of rediscovering love after loss. The author skillfully reintroduces characters from the first book in the series and vividly portrays the tranquil beauty of the area. The book can also be read as a standalone.

Personally, I found the multigenerational aspect engaging, particularly the deeper exploration of Willow’s life and her family’s dynamics. The novel resonates with relatable themes of personal growth and overcoming doubts, as Genevieve and Willow navigate their evolving connection against the backdrop of the scenic surroundings.

The inclusion of older characters adds a delightful layer, portraying their adventurous spirit and the quest for joy in their senior years—an aspect I found personally relatable. Genevieve’s journey mirrors universal struggles, enhancing the book’s appeal.

The well-developed characters, including Drew, a firefighter with a compelling backstory, contribute to the charm of the narrative. The friends-to-lovers romance between Willow and Drew, intertwined with Drew’s growing bond with Willow’s children, adds a heartwarming touch to the story.

In conclusion, “Balancing Act” is a delightful read with interesting characters and a sweet romance. The author’s skillful storytelling leaves me eagerly anticipating the third book in the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

An emotional story of family secrets, reconciliation, healing and love. Willow surprises Genevieve (Vivi) when she moves home in the wake of her husband's death, the details of which hover over Willow. Her children are struggling as well but then her son befriends Noah, Vivi's neighbor, a firefighter with his own issues. Fans of the genre know that Willow and Noah will build a relationship and March does well by both of them. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

The second book in the Lake in the Clouds series by Emily March, Balancing Act, takes place right after the first book ends! I was luckily enough to get an ARC of this book just after I finished the first book!

This book centers around Willow, Genevieve's widowed daughter. Willow has moved to Lake in the Clouds to be near her mom. Genevieve doesn't want to be taken advantage of again. There were issues that took place before Willow's husband was killed and these pop up in this story. Genevieve genuinely loves her daughter and her two grandchildren, but is having second thoughts about being at her daughter's beck and call. She and her sister Helen want to travel and do stuff before they're too old to enjoy these types of trips. But oh....the mom guilt!

Willow's son, Drew, has found a new friend. Noah, is a firefighter who was injured on duty and just wants to be left alone. He does begin to come out of his shell when Drew just won't stop visiting!

This is a story of shattered dreams, forgiveness, healing, and...a great big secret that comes out of no where for Willow!! A fabulous story! I can't wait to read the 3rd installment of this series.

Genevieve Prentice has been settling in well in Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, where she’s finally finding balance between being all and everything to her adult children and still finding herself and the life she wants to be living. Things have been strained between Genevieve and her daughter, Willow, for quite some time, even more so when Willow unexpectedly shows up in Lake in the Clouds.

Willow has been keeping a secret that involved her deceased husband, and she’s been dealing with issues with her young son, Drew. When she finds that Drew has met their new neighbor, Noah, Willow isn’t quite sure how she feels about that. The more she gets to know Noah, though, and sees how he helps Drew, her feelings start to grow. But is she ready to open her heart and risk being hurt again? Can she rebuild her relationship with her mother?

Noah is dealing with his own emotional issues and is in Lake in the Clouds while healing from a work-related injury. All he wanted was to be left alone. He keeps running into Drew and Willow and slowly comes out of his shell.

A story of secrets, family dynamics, healing, forgiveness, second chances, new beginnings, and more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a continuation of The Getaway, we now focus on one of the "children". Secrets rule here and influence decisions. Mom (grandma) is sucked in and realizes this as she misses out on travel and adventure. The daughter has been holding onto a secret that will influence her next steps. Once all comes to light, the story resolves and the daughter grows. As always with the author, the interaction of the characters is engaging. Again, while there is no cliffhanger, you are left with the hope that there will be additional books for the other siblings.

This is the second book in the series. And I was waiting impatiently for this.
I love this author, her books, her characters!!!

This book starts out slow, but drags you into the characters’ stories, leaving you clamoring for more! I have read all of Emily March’s Eternity Springs books, and this series is a little different. While I feel like each of the Eternity Springs books is a standalone, this one is more of a series about a particular family that builds upon the last one. You COULD read this as a standalone, but you might miss some of the character development of Helen and Genevieve, and the nuances of their dialogue.

I liked the characters, and the way that they broke down each other’s walls, and also mended old rifts. In addition, there are new beginnings! What’s not to love?

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

Another Brilliant book by Emily March! The saga of Genevieve started in The Getaway, and her evolution continues in Balancing Act. When her estranged daughter Willow reaches out for help, Genevieve has to work at not falling into old patterns. Growth is never easy and “Vivi” runs into a few bumps. Both women grow in strength both individually and together. What an engrossing read, and as fully heartwarming as all of Emily March’s stories.

Balancing Act was a great second book following The Getaway. I very much enjoyed seeing the Prentice family again and Noah is a swoon worthy hero and Auntie Helen is a hoot.
I look forward to more books in this series. I do recommend reading the books in order of their release dates. It will make it so much easier to follow the characters.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to early read and review this book.

this is the second book in the Lake in the cloud's series, it deals with three generations. love the characters and the setting.

I fell in love with the Prentice family in book one, and loved getting to revisit them all in this story. This book featured Willow and her two children. Willow decides to stick around Lake in the Clouds when she realizes family might help her and her children to deal with their losses. Early in the story Willow and her children meet Noah, a recluse and former firefighter fighting his own demons. As Noah and Willow keep getting thrown together they forge a friendship and start to deal with the trauma and loss in their pasts. I loved getting updates on Genevieve and Helen and learning more about their journey in life. This was such a beautiful story of love, loss, and discovering how to move on after tragedy. Another great story by Emily March. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This is a story about a family, 3 generations. All the problems, issues between family members and the joy that comes from family. There is also a cute romance as part of the story. This was an enjoyable book and even tho the happy ending is expected, the journey there is fun. Thank you to net galley for an advanced issue for an honest review.

Loved it. Romance, family, young and older. Three generations of problems, joys, issues past and present. Tears and laughter. I am eager for the next story. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I have really enjoyed this series so far. Emily can really write familial relationships. I also love how she writes her men, Noah is wonderful, and I have much hope that she will write more about Gage! These are all flawed characters that no matter what, they work to find their true happiness … I am excited to see how this series progresses with the rest of Genevieve’s kids. You can’t beat an Emily March novel … definitely give this one a whirl!

Once again, Emily March produced a book that could tug on my heartstrings and also have me ponder bits and pieces of my own life at the same time.

Set in Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, we join Genevieve's family once again, this time focused on Willow. A return of favorite characters as well from the first in the series, The Getaway, Emily's Lake in the Clouds produces a background of little town life to give a healing time to Willow as well as the potential for unlooked for romance.

When I read this book, I found the balance between the desire Genevieve had to be grandmother and her own self the most interesting part of the story. The romance between Willow and Noah was exactly what I would expect from any book Emily March has written, because it is similar to others in Eternity Springs as well as the Bad Luck series.

Genevieve's struggle of trying to do it all, and not doing it well at all is something that I believe everyone can relate in some way. There are give and take moments in all family situations and the desire to be the mom and grandmother that Willow and her children needed and yet also be the independent, explore her own life woman that moved to Lake in the Clouds originally.

I love the character development of the characters that had a part in this plot, especially as sometimes characters don't progress when they aren't the main focus. I love how Emily wove many of the hints from The Getaway into this one so clearly and yet, allowed the reader to pull on those threads one at a time. I enjoyed Helena's backseat subplot that also was important to the main theme of the book.

Overall, I consider this book one of Emily March's big wins.

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for giving me the chance to review the ARC of this book.