Balancing Act unfolds a heartwarming tapestry of family, love, and self-discovery in Emily March’s Lake in the Clouds series, as revealed in this captivating book that explores the tranquil beauty woven into its narrative.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
From The Publisher:
Genevieve Prentice is learning to let go. Now settled in Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, forging new relationships with her adult children. She’s even opening up her heart to a handsome widower, for the first time since her husband’s death. But when her estranged eldest daughter moves to Lake in the Clouds, Genevieve’s life is upended once again.
Willow Eldridge has numerous reasons to move to Lake in the Clouds. Regaining the close relationship she and her mother once shared is just one of them. But as much as she wants to explain to Genevieve why she’s pushed her away all these years, her first priority is her troubled young son. And when he forms a connection with a town resident with scars of his own, Willow can’t decide if he’s the answer to her prayers . . . or just another mistake waiting to happen.
With Genevieve’s sixtieth birthday drawing near, mother and daughter struggle to reconnect, and Genevieve worries if Willow will ever let go of her doubts and fears to become the courageous woman she’s always known her to be. But that’s the beauty of Lake in the Clouds—there, beneath its clear blue skies, anything seems possible.
My Thoughts:
“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.
Jody
What an excellent review, Jodie. Have a blessed day ☕📚❄️☃️🩵
thathappyreader
Thank you Jody!
Her Digital Coffee
Beautiful review, Jodie! It’s always nice to read about the inclusion of older characters. This sounds like a heartwarming tale. I’m also glad to hear that it can be enjoyed as a stand alone! Thank you for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Winnie!
Carla @ CarlaLovesToRead
I really like multi-generational stories. This sounds like a great story and I do love Emily March’s work. Wonderful review.
thathappyreader
Thank you Carla!