Cover Image: Forever Hold Your Peace

Forever Hold Your Peace

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Member Reviews

This was such a cute read and reminded me of a movie I saw a long time ago with Kristen Bell called "You Again". It was witty, funny, and heartfelt at times.

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This novel is about two 20-somethings Olivia and Zack who get engaged after just 6 weeks together in Italy, and the repercussions on their parents. All four divorced parents are initially skeptical of the whirlwind engagement, but a surprise connection between them makes things even more fraught, and some wedding plannings wars between mothers June and Amy ensue. There’s at least one chapter from each of the six main characters’ perspectives, but I’d say there is more focus on the two mothers.

The characters at times are a little cartoonish and over the top, but overall this was a fun light read that packed some nice emotional moments in with the more silly drama. This was my 4th book by this author duo and definitely won’t be my last.

3.75 stars

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This was a pretty cute and fast paced read, the plot seemed a little unbelievable but if you're able to suspend belief it makes it more fun. I struggled with that aspect so this was a bit of a letdown for me.

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When you go in blind with these two authors I guess you never know what you will get and I was shocked by the outcome of this book. I thought I was getting a book where the fiancé was going to somehow push his beloved off a cliff somewhere 🤷‍♀️ but that's the amazing thing about going in blind. I instead read a wonderful tale of found love, past love, heartbreak, secrets, renewed relationships and friendships, and understanding. This was better than I could have ever imagined. I love books by these two authors and even though it went in a different direction I loved ever unexpected minute of it!

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This was a quick paced, fun read! The premise was definitely a little far fetched, but I found myself still interested in what happened to each of the main characters. If you like witty dialogue and easy breezy holiday reads, this one is for you. I would recommend this one to friends!

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This is a really cute story full of equal parts heart and humor. The relationship between Olivia and Zach, the engaged couple at the center of the story is so sweet. However, that is not the only great relationship in this book, it is full of great relationships including those between friends, ex-spouses, siblings, and parents and children. The climax of the story is particularly satisfying especially if you love a good sentimental ending. On the whole, the book is just a pleasure to read.

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Liz and Lisa did it again.

Forever Hold Your Peace felt more mature and deep than their previous works, which I truly appreciated.

I have always enjoyed Liz and Lisa's books because despite dealing with hard topics but they always manage to give us an enjoyable, believable, and relatable story. In this case, a story of more than two people getting married but about true forgiveness and letting things go.

A fast-paced, funny at times, full of drama, which kept me hooked from beginning to end.

Thank you Alcove Press and Netgalley for the Advanced Free Copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Forever Hold Your Peace had me from the start. Who would have thought that these two wonderful, loving people getting engaged would turn their world into such turmoil?

Olivia and Zach fall in love—it's such a romantic story—and are expecting to have a beautiful, sweet wedding. That's all good until all the parents meet over brunch. Then the fun begins. Who knew there was such an interesting, complicated history between the couples? And it just goes on from there, with the battles between the moms to always one-up the other one. It was so hilarious to see what they would come with next.

As the two families work to become one, all of the issues come up. Can they get through them or will it be the end of this loving couple? I loved all of the drama, and humor, of this story. The best part for me was witnessing the fighting between the moms. And they had good reasons for the drama, don't get me wrong. But I loved watching them fighting it out over wedding decisions. Until they can work out their issues, this couple is doomed.

I thoroughly enjoyed Forever Hold Your Peace. It offered me plenty of laughs as I was able to escape my world for a few hours. I don't know how two people are able to write a book together, that idea just blows my mind, but these two women do an excellent job of it and have succeeded with their latest endeavor. I'm always excited to read their stories. Highly recommend this one.

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Super fun & Cute summer read, i really enjoyed the main character "moms" as well as the couple. I thought it was a fun, beach type read that i would reccommend to all the women in my life looking for a light read.

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Oh it was so amazing to have Liz and Lisa back! This is one of my all time new favs by them! Such a fun beach read! Get this one today asap!

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As I read this delightfully funny book, I could imagine all of the action taking place on the big screen and enjoying the action a second time. This book was made to entertain and it did that in spades! The premise is two young people who meet in Italy, have a whirlwind courtship and then get engaged. Then the family drama starts when the in-laws get involved. June, Olivia’s mom, tries to be enthusiastic about the whole quick engagement, but she fails to convince those around her that she is totally in favor of the relationship. That is true until she encounters the mother of the groom, a woman who happens to be a former good friend of hers. Amy and June then engage in a battle for who can show the most fervor for the impending marriage. The interaction between these two made the book so much fun to read and I could not help but choose sides. As a dedicated member of Team June, I waited anxiously each time the two came together because I really wanted introverted and bookish June to be the winner of each round. This book is like watching a good boxing match without real blows being shared. Back and forth they went while Olivia and her new fiancé Zach are blissfully determined to make the best of the conflict and continue on with a new life together. The characters are realistic, the plot is head-spinningly fast and the entire story is remarkably compelling and well-crafted. Fans of Jennifer Weiner will not want to miss this captivating story of love, family and friendships. I could not devour it fast enough and would give it more than five stars if possible.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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Olivia, 24, has always wanted to visit Italy so her parents gift her a trip to the Amalfi coast as a college graduation present before she enters law school. There, she meets Zach and soon they become smitten with one another. When Zach asks her to marry him, she readily accepts.

Olivia is from West Hollywood and Zach is from Pasadena so they actually live close to one another. Zach loves photography and works in real estate.

Back in California, Olivia and Zach invite their parents to brunch to meet one another. Olivia’s mother, June, owns a bookstore and her father, William, is an anesthesiologist. They have been divorced for quite awhile. Zach’s father is also in real estate and they work together. His mother, Amy, is very busy with the Rose Parade. Troy and Amy have also been divorced for quite awhile.

When June arrives late to the brunch, she is shock to see Amy and Troy. They all knew one another when they are younger. Something happened that destroyed their relationship and June has never been able to forgive them. However, June and Amy realize they must put their differences aside and get the wedding planned for Olivia and Zach. Can they do that without scratching each other’s eyes out?

This book is so full of emotions, forgiveness, and love. I can just see the two authors sitting and discussing how they’re going to build these characters to make them all as heartwarming as they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the journey these characters make to find their peace. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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What a lovely read and a fun one at that. Love the characters in this book.

. Zach and Olivia meet in Italy and going to get married, When they meet each others family low and behold they are not strangers but ex-besties. When these 2 ex-besties meet a roller coaster of emotions begin.

I recommend this book for those that love a good family drama. Reading this book I can only imagine the authors having such a good time writing this gem.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Olivia and Zach meet while on vacation in Positano and instantly fall in love. They realize that a lasting relationship is possible since they live in close proximity in California. Zach proposes to Olivia before they head back to the states, and they can’t wait to start their life together.

Both Olivia and Zach have divorced parents, so they decide to schedule a brunch to introduce everyone. No one is prepared for the ghosts of the past that are revisited when June, Olivia’s mother, arrives late to the brunch. It turns out that June and Amy, Zach’s mother, have a history of their own. They were best friends over twenty-five years ago until there was a falling out and their friendship was shattered.

Wedding planning commences and the momzillas start battling, but when they realize their rivalry may push their children apart, they decide to become allies. Unbeknownst to the mothers, there is one more secret they may threaten the happily ever after of Olivia and Zach.

I really enjoyed this novel and had a hard time putting it down wondering what antics the mothers would be up to next. I will definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. #NetGalley #ForeverHoldYourPeace

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Olivia and Zach meet while traveling abroad and their love story is fast and deep. When they announce their engagement, none of their parents are particularly thrilled. So when the couple arranges a brunch for all their parents to meet, it seems the speed of the engagement will be the biggest issue. Oh if only. Turns out the mothers know each other from their college years, and their friendship did not end well. Will the parents be able to navigate their emotions to support their kids or will everything implode just as it did all those years ago?

One thing I especially appreciated was how this story took a "what are the odds" scenario and gave it an explanation. It could easily have fallen apart for me without that. Amy is tough to sympathize with for most of the book and down right hateful in parts. The Rose Bowl stuff was fun to read about. Overall, I enjoyed this and found it keeping my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Available July 11, 2023.

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3.5 stars, cute story.

Zach and Olivia meet while both are on vacation in Italy. They discover that they live fairly close to each other in California. After a whirlwind romance, Zach proposes and the two decide to get both of their pairs of divorced parents together to meet as they plan their wedding. The parents aren't so wild about how quickly the couple got engaged but agree to meet each other. They discover that Olivia's mom and Zach's parents already know each other and have a background that has caused them to not speak for 25 years. Can they call a truce for their kids' sake?

This book reminded me of the movie Father of the Bride combined with The People We Hate at the Wedding and Monster-in-Law. This is a book where you just need to go with it and not over-analyze things, because overall the entire situation is so unlikely it is laughable, and even if it did occur, people wouldn't act this way in real life. However the story is entertaining and kept me invested and giggling at all of the silly things that happen.

I listened to this as an audiobook and that is the perfect format to enjoy this fun beach read. Lots of family drama and sweet romance, but there are also a few heavier and deeper topics that delve into themes of forgiveness, parenting choices, and acceptance.

Overall this is a delightful summer read that should appeal to a wide variety of readers.

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Family drama at its best! June and Amy were best friends but had a major falling out and haven't spoke in over 25 years. Now it turns out June's daughter and Amy's son are getting married! This book was so much fun! I enjoyed reading until the very last page! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

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What a twisty story! Was not surprised by how things resolved in the end and it dragged on for a but but overall was a good beach read!

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When meeting your child's fiancé's family comes to a screeching halt….

June's daughter is engaged and its time to meet the future in laws…cut to June coming face to face with two very important people from her past.

This book was quite entertaining and charming. I loved the way the authors set up the story. They let us meet and get to know the parents of the bride and groom early in the story so when they all met, we had a clear idea of who these characters were.

This book is really about friendship and forgiveness. How do you forgive your best friend when they break your heart? Can you put aside your feelings for your daughter's happiness. It is a tough situation.

Blending families and wedding activiies can already be challenging but this story brings it to a whole new level.

I switched between the audio and the ebook. Really enjoyed both but felt the audio was the way to go!

This is my second book by the writing duo of Fenton and Steinke and I will defintily keep reading their writing!

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Olivia and Zach get engaged after a whirlwind romance on the Amalfi Coast. Although their parents have some misgivings about the young couple getting married, they all agree to meet for brunch. When they all arrive, no introductions need to be made – it turns out they all know each other far too well and parted in the worst of ways over 26 years ago. Once the wedding planning gets into full swing, it’s not the bride that’s a nightmare but the two Mom-zillas. Can they all set aside their differences before their shenanigans destroy the happy young couple’s nuptials?

I was expecting a light-hearted and funny romp about wedding moms behaving badly, but what I got was an introspective novel about forgiveness, friendship, and love that was just okay. The middle of the book gets a bit weighed down with repetitive internal musings about what happened all those years ago and how the characters acted, should have acted, how they felt now, etc. The parents are all kind of selfish and one-dimensional, but I did like the younger characters. I was impressed at how authentic they’re written and how on-trend their dialogue and the pop culture references are. The float scene is charming and adorable, and the conclusion is satisfying.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me an advance copy of this book.

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