For bookstore owner Lydia White, another geographical move doesn’t faze her. She doesn’t even bat an eyelash at one more curveball thrown into her life plan. Five years running from a man who broke her heart, and her spirit, has taught her to keep her walls up. Scared to trust again, Lydia swears to keep all men off limits. Even Aaron Casey, who seems too perfect to be true. With a daughter to … daughter to protect and a life to build, she simply can’t afford to let her guard down.
But when William Davis, a seventy-something recovering alcoholic, steps into Lydia’s bookstore for the first time, holding the secret to saving both of their lives, she might have to learn that trusting a man with her life is just as dangerous as trusting one with her heart.
more
5 STARS
This book brought me to tears!!! J. Lynn Bailey is a new to me author and I can’t wait to devour her backlist.
Although Lilies on Main is the fourth book in the Granite Harbor Series, it can be read as a standalone. Lydia White is a bookstore owner raising her five year old daughter in Granite Harbor where she has escaped the difficult life she has previously lived. I felt for Aaron and his struggle to tear down the walls that Lydia has so that they can see where their connection will lead them.
They have to battle a lot, but I can say you will not regret joining them on their journey. Lilies on Main by J. Lynn Bailey is an EPIC book that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTORCRACY!!!
The pace of this book was excruciatingly slow; it had a slight melancholic tone, was very introspective, and there were beautiful, lyrical parts. This is not my style of books to read, but I could appreciate the beauty of its prose and the quiet courage of a woman who escaped from abuse and is establishing a new life for her and her 6 y/o daughter Lilly. Lilly is an exceptional character, wise beyond her years, very sensitive to everyone’s moods and needs, a little otherworldly.
When Aaron first met Lydia, he recognized she was a remarkable woman, and also realized she was perfect for him but she needed space. Lydia had a hard time opening her heart. She was very protective of it and of her daughter’s heart. She had overcome several very strong issues, and came a victorious warrior at the end, but also wary of trusting another man.
In this book we face a lot of things, and the author treated them all with sensitivity and respect. There’s heart transplant, skin cancer, domestic violence, alcoholism, and small town gossip. There’s a low thrum of suspense as usually happens with the story about an abused woman who escaped from a monster. There’s delight in Lilly’s antics, a little impatience with Lydia’s hesitation. Aaron is a champion, he waits when he has to, pushes when needed, protects and nurtures all the time.
Even though the slow pace killed me, it’s a beautiful, ethereal love story, with three beautiful characters who encompass what an HEA really means.
I had never been to Granite Harbor until I read Lilies on Main. It is indeed a charming place, and I kind of want to go there now. Anyway, on to the story. The setting is thoughtfully and vividly depicted which makes it come alive. These characters are so good! Lydia defines how the struggle is real; however, her misfortune has been character building. All of the atrocities from her past have shaped Lydia into a formidable, insightful and loving woman. Lily is a product of her environmental. She has absorbed the kindness, strength and intelligence of her mother. I was invested in these two, and I wanted all good things for them. Aaron is the kind of man whose very existence is a myth. His type do not exist, yet here he is. A man with feelings who loves and shares it openly and unafraid, well, it’s a miracle. Aaron and Lydia meet, and we know their destinies are intertwined. I like Aaron so much as a person. Reading these characters felt like observing reality. They are so relatable, and they jump off the page right into your heart and mind. I loved every aspect of this beautiful story. The premise is perfect, and the town is picturesque. Every little thing is exactly as it should be. It’s got all the feels. I will be reading the rest of the series. Lilies on Main has an overarching presence that is hard to explain-it’s like the essence of the capacity of the human spirit to love and heal has been captured in a bottle and poured into these pages.
*Thank you to Inkslinger PR and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Lilies on Main would be the the second book that I have read by the author and I can’t wait to read more by the author on the future I hope to see more of this series in the future . This can be read as a standalone characters from the previous stories are mentioned . I really admired the strength that Lydia had after everything she has been through then along with her amazing daughter just made the perfect mother daughter relationship . Loved loved loved Aaron everything about his character just drew me in to were I wanted to see him happy and he found his happiness with Lydia and her adorable little girl . There were a few tears shed through the story my heart really jumped out of my chest a couple of times . I can’t wait to read more by the author in the future and to see more of the characters in the future .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
****************************************
hero=9 heroine=9 secondary characters=9
Chemistry=10 steam=4 romance=8
humor=4 darkness level=4 action=3 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 Blurb =10 Stars = 4
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone = yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
Lilies on Main wraps up the The Granite Harbor series and Lydia and Aaron don’t disappoint. Lydia, who is a bookstore owner, a single parent is escaping from a horrible past and creating a new life with her daughter. Aaron is willing to wait because he knows Lydia and Lilly are his future and he’ll do whatever it takes to see that happen. Lydia being so hesitant (and rightfully so) Aaron is so very patient and caring you’ll enjoy this story of courage, love and friendships!
Wow. I’m not even sure where to start with this one. It hit everything that my heart holds so close. Strong, single mom, abuse survivor, but yet still full of so much hope and love. From the very beginning of this book I was hooked and did not want to put it down. It pulled me in and did not want to let go. Even now, hours after finishing I am going over it in my head.
Lydia and Aaron were perfect. The slow burn to their relationship was everything we all want in life. Aaron proved time and time again his love was pure and real just by being patient with Lydia and her demons. And Lydia, man what a woman. What a damn fighter. Her love for Lilly is something I think we all hope we show our own kids.
J. Lynn Bailey’s secondary characters are always some of my favorites. Lilly was perfect. She brought so much joy to this book and reminds us all that there is so much happiness in this world if we just look for it. Will, Audrey, and of course all the crew from the rest of the series. Just perfect.
J. Lynn Bailey is a gem in this world with her writing. She writes real, raw stories that sink their claws in and don’t let go until days after you’re done reading. Her stories may be fiction but they hold so much truth in their words. This series is one that could change lives. Make a person see life in a whole new light. That is her magic.
I’m going to miss these characters, this town, just all of it. Now who wants to take a trip to Maine?
This is the 4th and final book in the Granite Harbor series, and I have loved getting to know these characters. These HOT Game Wardens of Maine kept me coming back for more every time and Aaron was no different. Lydia & Aaron’s story was sweet, steamy and suspenseful!
What I have loved the most about this series is that JLynn Bailey has created this quaint small town of characters who have gradually weaved their way into my heart one by one. Not only will you fall for Lydia & Aaron, but you will be drawn into the interwoven suspenseful lives of their friends and family. Each book and story has been unique in it’s own way, and I am sad that this is the end of this beautiful series. Aaron’s charm and protective nature, along with Lydia’s nurturing and compassionate demeanor create a couple who you can’t help but cheer for every step of the way. Lydia’s daughter, Lilly, was the icing on top! She was just as strong of a character as Aaron & Lydia, and her personality shined on every page and stole several scenes!
This final book in this series is a MUST READ and I commend JLynn Bailey on an absolutely fantastic finale to Granite Harbor and it’s characters!
“It’s been a good ride.”
As usual, the cover is perfection! And the map of the town is incredible!!
Since I started reading the first book, I knew Granite Harbor would be the perfect place to escape real life!!! And Lilies on Main, is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year! Granite Harbor series is one of my favorites and every single character has marked my heart in every possible way!!! The world Jen has created is exactly why I love reading!
Aaron, Lydia and Lilly made the end of the series magical! The love story is sweet, sexy, sentimental and healing!
The way these two interact as a couple is emotional and perfect! And Lilly…. OMG, she is the best! Between Ida and Lillie, I can’t pick a favorite!
I love single mom stories way too much, and even more if the mom is a strong woman like Lydia. Aaron is protective and so sweet! He and Lydia were combustible
So yeah, it’s been a good ride! Can’t believe this is the end… though I hope to read more about this gang in the future!
Lilies on Main is another beautiful and emotional love story set in small town Granite Harbor, Maine. I absolutely adored everything about this book! I went through so many emotions reading Lydia and Aaron’s story. To say Lydia has been put through the emotional wringer is an understatement, but what I love about her was her strength to keep going, especially for her daughter Lilly’s sake. And then we have Aaron, his ability to love was absolutely swoon-worthy. He has had his eyes on Lydia ever since she moved into town, but because of her past Lydia has put up walls and her fears to trust again is too real. But when opportunities presents themselves to spend time with each other, Aaron was all in. Slowly the walls start to crumble and Lydia allows herself to let go of the past and learn to trust again. The patience that Aaron had and the absolute adoration he felt towards both Lydia and Lilly was breathtaking.
The secondary characters were all simply amazing. Lilly was a beautiful child, inside and out. The joy she brought to everyone around her and her ability to empathize for someone so young was truly awe-inspiring. And William Davis, he becomes so integral to everyone’s lives.
If this book was truly the final book in the Granite Harbor series, everyone in this fictional town will be sorely missed. Another fantastic 5-star read!
Wow! What an amazing book!
I truly enjoyed reading it from the
very first pages to the last.
It’s a captivating, & moving story.
Lydia, Aaron & Lilly, steal your heart.
It has great characters & small town charm, making it the perfect summertime escape.
I loved everything about this Must
Read Story!!!