Casee‘s review of Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London.
Whose wife was she?
Macy Lockhart’s life shattered in a moment with the news that her husband, Finn — serving in the military overseas — has been killed in the line of duty. Their ardent and devoted marriage is over, leaving Macy alone, empty, directionless. But while she tries to sustain herself with memories of Finn, the quiet, strong man who made her and their small Texas ranch the center of his life, it is wealthy Wyatt Clark who slowly brings joy back into her life. Her love for Wyatt may be less romantic than the breathless passion she’d once shared with Finn, but she vows to cherish him, and their marriage is happy and as solid as a rock. Until the day that Finn, miraculously spared from death, returns home to claim his bride….
Okay, I keep saying that I’m not fond of love triangles. Yet here I am again, with another one. Honestly the love triangles that are the most emotional to read are when both of the men are good heroes. Srsly. It makes it verrah sad b/c you know that one of these two men (who are both in love with the heroine) is going to get his heart broken.
Spoiler alert: There will be lots of spoilers ahead, including who Macy ends up with.
When Macy’s husband is killed in Iraq, it takes her a long time to pick up the pieces. Wyatt Clark was a big part of that. When she married him, they both knew that she didn’t love him the same way she loved Finn Lockhart, but they were both okay with that. Wyatt was in love with Macy and he was content that Macy loved him in return. The fact that she didn’t love him the same way didn’t much bother him. Until her husband returns from the dead.
Finn was a prisoner of the Taliban for three years before he escaped. All he is looking forward to is going home, getting his wife, and starting his life right where he left off. That’s a problem when he discovers that Macy has remarried. Not only that, but she isn’t sure that she should leave Wyatt at all.
I think that Julia London did a spectacular job of writing the inner turmoil that Macy went through. Finn was the one and three years hasn’t changed that. But she also loves Wyatt and can’t easily set that aside. It’s apparent from early on who she is going to choose. Still, getting to the point where she can actually say it out loud is another story.
The book really was sad. Macy didn’t want to hurt Wyatt, but she doesn’t want to dissolve her marriage to Finn. There’s a point when Wyatt realizes Macy has chosen that he turns into a real dick. He ends up making up for it, but it was still very sad. At the end of the book, JL said she was writing another Cedar Creek book. I only hope that Wyatt gets his happily ever after.
3.75 out of 5.
This book is available from Pocket Star. You can buy it here.
I’m not fond of love triangles books either… but I don’t mind one in a while… my problem though is that this is what, the third one this summer? Granted, it’s the first contemporary one… I just hope it doesn’t become a new trend.
I would understand why Wyatt would be a jerk. I mean, he did love her after all and it’s not easy to lose someone you love.
Nath, it’s not the first contemporary love triangle I’ve read this summer. The first was Toni McGee Causey’s Bobbie Faye series.
Though there do seem to be more historical love triangles these days.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a contemporary love story with this kind of love triangle.
Does Finn experience POW flashback trauma? I’m not sure I can take that… I teach near a military base and A LOT of my former students are being shipped overseas right now.
I’m not fond of love triangles, historical or contemporary. I’ll pass even though your review is tempting me to read it…but I know that I won’t finish the book even if I buy it.
Kate, Finn definitely has flashback trauma and symptoms of PTSD. I admired how JL addressed it, but I understand your hesitance. His problems coming home were pretty prominent.
Tabitha, I say the same thing yet I keep reading them. LOL
I just can’t do this book right now. After A Hint of Wicked and Love at First Flight, I simply cannot do another love triangle where you root for both heroes. It’s a timing thing for me.
Perhaps someday I’ll read it, as I do like Julia London and I’d love to read a contemp by her. She’s tackled a brave topic here. I wish her all the success in the world with this book.
I didn’t read your review because I’m very interested in reading this book for myself but the grade you gave it isn’t too bad so that’s good.
Hmm… I was waiting for a review on this book and frankly after A Hint of Wicked, I just can’t do it! I don’t like triangles and this just looks painful — although I’m sure it’s well done. 🙂
The only one I can think of is one by LaVyrle Spencer – I think it is called Twice Loved.
Pat L.
I read the blog even with the spoiler. It would be great if Wyatt finds his true love and I am sure Julia will take care of that – she better – lol.
Pat L.
I have to say I love the cover for this book. It caught my eye a few weeks ago. After reading your review I know I have to pick it up. I like books that aren’t your usual romance. This sounds like the perfect book to ad to my ever growing to be read pile.