Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

I absolutely loved this book. It is the exact type of women’s fiction that I’m typically drawn to: strong female characters, slow burn romance, plenty of drama, and a scenic backdrop (Potomac Shores).

The main character, Katie, is embarking on a new chapter of her life after her daughter leaves for college. She quickly marries and realizes she may have jumped the gun and moved on too quick. This novel sees Katie hitting the “re-set button” on her life more than once in the span of just over a year.

The friendships Katie has are wonderful and provide a lot meat for this story. I wanted to joint their friend group!

Another thing I unexpectedly loved about this novel was that it takes place during the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic and wraps up around the time people are starting to get their first vaccines. I think a lot of writers for books and other media have completely bypassed this important chapter of our lives, but it was real, it happened and the stores deserve to be told. I loved how it was realistically woven into the book.

Lastly, I chose to listen to this audiobook because I’m in IL where the 17 year cicadas are just now making their appearance in May 2024. So I thought the cicada intro as well as the cicada tie-ins later on in the book were particularly relevant for me.

I have to mention that the audiobook was read by Maria Marquis and she did a fantastic job.

I have no idea what author Carolyn McBride has in mind for upcoming novels, but I’d love more Potomac Shores books based on all of Katie’s friends.

I was so connected with this book, and the storyline from the very beginning. I adored the main characters, and just was so engulfed in this sweet story. Highly recommend! I did both the audio and book so I could get through it quicker. Highly recommend!

Have you watched Sullivan's Crossing or Virgin River? How about the respective book series by @robyncarrwriter ?

Carolyn McBride's The Cicada Spring gave me the same vibes! Like Mel who goes to Virgin River for a new beginning, Katie ultimately ends up in the little town of Occoquan after her daughter starts college and her whirlwind romance that began in marriage only to end up in separation mere weeks later.

To top this all off, the timeline of the Co-Vid pandemic has begun and claims someone very dear to Katie. Now she must pick up the pieces of her heart as she begins to make her family's river house her new home.

But Katie gets knocked back down again when her neighbor (someone who she knows, coincidence or no?) tries to take down the trees which house an eagle's nest.

I found these characters to be incredibly relatable, like I could meet them while grocery shopping and pick up a quick chat and just hit it off. I loved that though this is a lot about Katie's romances, we see a lot of her self-discovery and we see that it is never too late to make something of yourself.

Grab yourself a copy of the audiobook because @soundslikemarquis voice makes these characters come to life and has you gripped to the book the whole way!

Thank you @netgalley and @carolynmcbridewriter for the ALC!!!

I cannot wait for the next book, perhaps with one of our favorite Bonfire Beach Babes..?