I absolutely LOVED this book! I was drawn in immediately to the family dynamic between the 3 sisters and their Grandmother. The story was absolutely delightful! Gabriella, Margaret, and Emma are sisters who have just grown apart through the years. Between managing a marriage, two storefronts, dating, and taking care of their grandmother, “the Monroe Musketeers” aren't the same as they once were. When cleaning out their grandmother's attic, the girls stumble upon a secret...and they'll do anything to find out if it's true.
A curveball into the sister's plan brings in Jake Maddox, who Gabby used to have a crush on until dating his cousin Brad spoiled everything. Fun, flawed, dynamic characters, and a plotline that kept me flipping the pages, my only question about the book is when is #2 coming out? Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for this ARC! It was truly a great one!

I enjoyed this heartwarming family drama story by this prolific author. This is the first book in a series and it is Gabby’s story. Gabby is on a mission to regain the strong relationship she had with her two sisters when they were younger. They have started to grow apart and she wants to change that. She is also trying to figure out why her grandmother doesn’t seem to be herself lately. Another problem for Gabby is that she has started to have romantic feelings toward her childhood friend Jake. This was an interesting book and I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series.

A Hallmark movie type of story.
Taking place in a small town three sisters are trying to get back to the way things were before they all went their separate ways.Family drama and a slow burn romance thrown in as well.
We can't forget the sweet grandma who is my favorite character in the book.
Each of the three stories focuses on of the sisters.

Pub Date 11 Jan 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Marvelous Monroe Girls by Shirley Jump is the first book in the new contemporary romance Harbor Cove series. This series will change main characters from book to book set in Harbor Cove although I believe it will be the Monroe sisters so overall it will read best in order but could be understood as a standalone if need be.

Gabby Monroe is at a time in her life she feels nothing is going as it should be and she really misses her sisters, Margaret and Emma. After Gabby stumbled upon some old letters of her grandmother’s she sees it as an opportunity to bring her family back together again inviting Margaret and Emma to home to Harbor Cove.

Gabby, Margaret and Emma embark on a quest to cheer up their grandmother who has seemed to be a bit down lately. The letters that they found point to her being an advice columnist so they find ways to get her to help. Of course helping her grandmother distracts Gabby from her own problems but their plans have Gabby crossing paths with Jake Maddox who Gabby used to have a crush on quite often.

The Marvelous Monroe Girls by Shirley Jump was a great opener to this new series with a sweet romance at it’s core. It was nice getting to know Gabby through her family and their connections along with slowly bringing a love interest into her life too. With a small town setting it wasn’t surprising to find myself enjoying this first book of the new series and interested in getting to know more about the other sisters in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Sisters coming together to help overcome struggles in their grandmothers health and the issues in their lives that can't be solved alone. Together they know they can get through anything and they come to realize that their lives are also not what they seem . Secrets about the families past

The Marvelous Monroe Girls, is the first book in the Harbor Cove series written by Shirley Jump. From what I’ve read so far, I feel like this is going to be a wonderful series. This one will definitely appeal to the heart. There is something special about these women that pull you in and are so memorable. Their journey is full of ups and downs filled with love, second chances and a test of their familial bond.

Gabrielle Monroe, as you will get to know her as Gabby, has such a big heart and is always looking out for the happiness of others before her own. With her business struggling and worrying about her grandmother, she feels the weight of the world. One thing that she absolutely misses is the once impenetrable bond between her sisters Emma and Margaret. Emma is a bit carefree and Margaret is very structured and rigid. At a time where they once were inseparable, life has a way of taking over drifting them farther away.

In an attempt to bring them together, they discover a secret while up in their grandmother’s attic that reignites a spark that inspires Gabby to bring them closer together. They come across some letters that hint that their grandmother had a secret life. Noticing that her grandmother seems a bit down, she comes up with a plan to bring joy back into her life. The problem is her taking a chance might come with some risks but she is willing to do whatever it takes with the people she loves.

Speaking of people that she loves, let me introduce you to Jake Maddox. Jake had a rough childhood with his family and has been a staple in the Monroe household for a long time. The Monroe ladies brought him in as one of their own. From an early age, there was only one gal that made his heart smile, Gabby. There was always something there between them but the love of a good friend is hard to come by. However, the best love is one that begins with a true friendship. As their unspoken attraction seems harder to ignore, Gabby is torned with taking a leap or potentially ruining the best friend that she loves dearly in her life.

Overall, this was a wonderful introduction to the series. This has a beautiful small town vibe that makes you feel like an invited guest. Not only did I love the relationship between the sisters but the role the grandmother played in their lives makes you want to be part of their family. Each character brings something special to the book. These ladies are memorable and draw you into their lives. Also to note, it’s wonderful seeing the opportunity for love for older characters. They bring a refined second chance that makes you want to root for their hea. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend adding this one to your tbr list.

This poignant book was about family dynamics, love, loss, and dealing with grief and relationships among themselves, their family, and others. I liked that it was heartfelt and realistic and it was happy and sad as the girls explored their lives and dealt with their past. This book was really good at delving into the intricacies and complexities of the Monroe sisters. Gabby, Emma and Margaret lost their mother when they were very young and were raised by their grandmother, Eleanor, because their dad could not deal with his grief and take care of them.
It was interesting to see how their past greatly influenced their present, especially Gabby, who had promised her mother at her grave that she would take care of her sisters and not let her mom down. She was only eight when her mom died.
I liked Gabby, who felt guilty over her mom's death and had become a mother to the other two at times. Her relationship with Jake was interesting and intriguing as they both had feelings for each other but Gabby tended to deny them. I also liked learning about Jake's childhood and about his relationship with his father. I found it interesting when Jake's father needed his help.
I liked that the Monroe girls seemed so real. They were not perfect but deep down they all loved each other and would look out for each other. They all wanted to find what made them happy. I really enjoyed the ending to this book and the quilts that Gabby made. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

3 sisters, second chances, love. Small town life and romance. A charming story that could well be a Hallmark movie. A nice story to start out a new year with!

This is a book about family. Gabby has been trying to take care of her sisters since their mother died. But lately that is getting harder to do. Throw in a depressed grandma and a friend maybe becoming more and you have a wonderful story.

I found this book sweet. while I don't have sisters I can imagine having close relationship and helping each other through tough spots in life when you feel like no one else it there for you. I liked Gabi she had a huge heart and always wanting to see things work out for everyone who she loved dearly. Jake has a heart for one sister and will stop at nothing to show her his love is real. He wants to give her the world the way she did when they were in first grade. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I like that sometimes it takes see things different that will give you a look at second chances.

A heartwarming story of family, sisterhood and childhood love. Three sisters are at the centre of the story along with their beloved grandmother. How does one find their place in the world and how does one make themselves happy? Gabby is doing her best, but things aren’t always as good as they appear. She misses the closeness she had with her siblings when they were younger, but when their grandmother seems to act out of sorts, they get together to try to reignite her spark. Doesn’t hurt that her childhood friend, Jake, keeps making eyes at Gabby as well. Or is he just being a good buddy?

✨PUB DAY FEATURE✨

The Marvelous Monroe Girls by Shirley Jump

Gabby Monroe has felt responsible for taking care of her family since her mom passed away unexpectedly. That feels like a tall order these days as she notices her beloved Grandma having more sad days, her older sister Margaret distancing herself from the family, and her younger sister Emma becoming even more restless than usual. Oh, and Gabby herself has her small business to worry about. And, what about those feelings she is suddenly having for her childhood best friend Jake?!

What a delightful and uplifting story that Shirley Jump has gifted us with. A true piece of Southern Fiction transplanted into the suburbs of Massachusetts, this story stole my heart. If you love Southern Fiction, it has a bit of everything; a will they/won't they romance, a lovable and sweet Grandma to take care of, and tons of family drama.

Pick this up if you've watched Sweet Magnolias on Netflix or if you just need a sweet, good natured read.

Thanks to @netgalley and @readforeverpub for the eARC!

#pubday #earc #netgalley #themarvelousmonroegirls #fiction #southernfiction #bookstagrammer #pubdayreview #bookstagram #readersofig #readersofinstagram

I don’t know about you but this cover has me wishing I could book a plane ticket somewhere that is not -25 with the windchill like Chicago is.
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This small town romance was completely heart warming. Gabby is trying to keep her vintage dress shop afloat, her once inseparable sisters have been distant and her grandmother hasn’t been her normal happy self. When they discover their Grandma’s secret life it’s the perfect opportunity to bring the sisters together once again, bring back some energy into their grandmother’s life and for once and for all force Gabby to take her own advice.
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When the boy next door, suddenly becomes the potential man in her life she is too nervous to take the leap, but with faith and courage taking the leap can change her entire life for the better.
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This small town is full of people searching for their own HEA, forgiving past mistakes, second chances and building a brand new future and I love this entire town and their occupants.
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If you need a sweet heart warming story in your life this is it.
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Thank you @Readforeverpub for an advanced copy. This book is out today!

This was an amazing story and in some ways reminded me of a Hallmark movie. Gabriella & her sisters used to be close, once upon a time but they drifted apart. When Gabriella gets concerned for her grandmother she tries to get her sisters to come back together again. She has a lot to deal with especially as her vintage clothing shop isn't doing as well and add in her crush Jake. I enjoyed this book very much.

Three women, Margaret, Emma and Gabriella Monroe are all sisters living in a small town along with their darling grandmother who raised them after their mother died. Each woman has her own memories and pain from their childhood that they are working through. Gabriella had vowed on her mother’s grave to keep their family together, and she is working hard to do just that. When her and her sisters are in the grandmother’s attic, they discover a secret from long ago and it just may be the key to helping raise their grandmothers’ spirits. The girls are on a mission, but for Gabby, there is also something else on her mind, Jake Maddox! Her best friend since she was a small girl, is now an attraction she just will not allow herself to pursue. She has her grandmother and sisters to worry about, a failing business, and a town event to plan. Can she find time to put herself first for a change and find the one thing she has been missing?

This is the first Shirley Jump novel I have read, but it will definitely not be the last. I fell in love with the Monroe sisters, their adorable grandmother and Jake. The family dynamics kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. The writing was brilliant, the characters intriguing and the story line was not only about Gabby and Jake but how to help her grandmother, which made me giggle more than once. I am so excited for the next book to see which sisters’ story is next. Thank you Forever, Grand Central Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review. A solid five star read my friends.

The Marvelous Monroe girls by Shirley Jump is a very enjoyable book. The characters are wonderfully written and the story is interesting, fun, and unique.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever publishing for the opportunity to read.

The Marvelous Monroe Girls is a fun, light, romance-women's fiction hybrid, perfect for a vacation beach read or for a rainy winter's day. Jump is an expert at writing snappy dialogue so one of the pleasures of this book is the witty repartee between the main characters. While mainly a romance, the book also focuses on issues like depression and broken family dynamics without being morbid.

Fans of Hallmark movies and friends to lovers stories will truly enjoy this.

The Marvelous Monroe Girls by Shirley Jump was an enjoyable and fun story to read. This is book one in the Fortunes of Lost Lake series. It was full of family, friendship, and love. Set in a small town it was all about second chances and family drama. Three sisters have all drifted apart and come back together to focus on what connects them. In addition, it includes Gabby and Jakes story. I look forward to reading more from this series and author.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC story in exchange for my honest review.

Family, friendship and love set in a charming small town. I enjoyed this book about siblings re-connecting, second chances and family drama. I can’t wait to see the rest of the series which I assume will each focus on one of the sisters. If you enjoy the series by Sara Richardson I highly recommend you pick this one up too.

#TheMarvelousMonroeGirls:

I loved Sara Richardson’s series also published by Forever, and I was hoping The Monroe Sisters would be about the same. We have 3 sisters that have drifted apart, finding a way to reconnect over something in their childhood. For The Buchanan women, it was the inn. For The Monroe Girls, it’s letters from an attic, it provided a bit of almost mystery with dear Amelia and personality, so it was fun!

While it’s titled The Monroe Girls, we mainly focus on Gabby.. and Jake! They were the best and I truly think this is a great start to a series. I was hoping this would be a series and was so happy to see the authors note in the back of the book! I think it laid a perfect foundation for a series as we got the background and we’re able to establish a genuine connection with the sisters.

This is such a fun and loving read. While it’s definitely a book to keep in your beach bag, it’s a wonderful reminder to keep your family close. Give them a big hug. Thank you so much Forever for the gifted copy. I can’t wait to see what’s next.