Whitney gotten to know about her latest health issue and unable to decide what to do but decided to keep it from Trent. She focus on her work instead. Trent, her fiancé noted the changes in her but unable to find out what has been bothering her. It’s seem like the more he tried to approach her, the further Whitney is pushing him away.

It is a quick read for me despite the main characters doesn’t seem to be communicating to each other. Reading this story make me realized just how important communication is. Both of them keep presume that what they are doing is for the goods of the other without realizing that it has the opposite effect.

*review post scheduled to be posted on 10/8/22*

Whitney Carlisle is a workaholic living in the small town of Blue Moon Bay, California. She is a real type A personality and very driven -- so much so that she can't focus also on her wedding plans to Trent Connolly. (As in, can't even get started making plans!) Whitney is also hiding a health secret -- while Trent has a secret of his own.

I wanted to read this book because the small town romance sounded appealing.

This is the third book in the Blue Moon Bay series, but it also read well as a standalone.

I liked the structure of the storytelling, with some parts "Now" and others "Then." We are able to see how Whitney and Trent got together, what appealed to them both about each other and their relationship, and their individual backgrounds.

Whitney has a lot going on. Her mother is struggling with Alzheimer's and Whitney also has a serious health issue that she is not addressing. I sometimes felt a bit frustrated with her extreme drive to work and to tamp down her feelings (with Trent and with not spending as much time with her mother, who needs her). The conflict Whitney and Trent have could have been resolved by better communication -- and not keeping secrets.

That said, I got really engrossed in this book and kept reading (late at night!) because I wanted to see how it would all resolve. I kept pulling for Whitney and Trent to open up to each other. The supporting characters in this book (especially Trent's family) were very appealing as well.

I recommend A Lot Like Forever for fans of small town romance. Based on the author's storytelling and sensitivity telling this story, I think the entire series would be a good read.

I enjoyed this small town romance. It gave me all the emotions. Angry from the lack of communication between the two with the big decisions, sad when the secrets came out, and happy for the special moments they shared. I loved the small town feel and how it was set during fall/Halloween, makes me want to visit the pumpkin patch. The dual timeline was nice to see how the relationship started and why Whitney was having a hard time having the important conversation she needed to have with Trent. This was my first by this author and I really enjoyed the writing style and I can’t wait to read some more of her work.

Thank you @entangled_publishing @jensnowauthor, @netgalley and @tlcbooktours for the gifted copy

A Lot Like Forever by Jennifer Snow is a quick read, telling the story of Whitney Carlisle, who is hiding something from her boyfriend Trent Connolly.

Jennifer knows she needs help, but doesn't want to bother Trent with her issues. Trent knows she's keeping something from him, but then, he's keeping something from her too. There are so many mixed signals sent in this novel that you just want them both to open up, but that would take you away from the charming location of Blue Moon Bay much too soon.

Thank you to the author,Entangled: Amara and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

A Lot Like Forever is a good, quick read with characters that have flawed...so in other words, they are actually human. I felt like I got to know both Whitney and Trent, although there was a least one surprise I did not see coming right away. Definitely an enjoyable read, with good solid character development. Critics may feel that they could have solved everything right away with better communication...but the truth is, in real life most problems can also be resolved with better communication. I like the love that Whitney and Trent have for each other and how they interact, even with communication issues.

I definitely enjoyed the book, the two timelines work well for me as a reader. I hope you will enjoy A Lot Like Forever as much as I did!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Jennifer Snow, and Entangled Publishing, LLC for this review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my review is voluntary and my opinion is my own.

This is a very quick read because you really get absorbed into this world. Whitney and Trent have a rocky love story because in an effort not to hurt each other because they deserve better they stop talking. Can two people who clearly love each other stop trying to protect the other and be honest? Will they miss out in their life together because they didn’t take time to talk about it?
Thank you netgalley for complimentary copy!

This is the first book in the Blue Moon Bay series I have read. Boy so much of this novel could have been solved by communicating and being a grown-up - You've been together for seven years.

Whitney also seemed a bit immature compared to Trent's demeanor in the book. And boy I did not see the ending coming with Angel, her son and Trent, so he was a player in his youth which didn't fit at all. So will we see how their life turns out with there newly adopted child in the next book, otherwise it was a miss in the epilogue.

Even with ALL that I am still a fan of small town romances.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy of this novel.

A Lot Like Forever by Jennifer Snow

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Whitney Carlisle has everything under control—or at least that’s what she needs everyone in Blue Moon Bay to think. She has always faced the hard times in her life head-on and come out stronger for it. But this time, she isn’t so sure. Whitney knows she needs help, but how can she put that burden on Trent, her fiancé? How can she crush his dreams by telling him the plans they made for a future together have to change?

All Trent Connolly wants is to get married, have kids, and spend the rest of his life loving Whitney. Their relationship has had its share of ups and downs—like any other couple—and they’ve always managed to get through it unscathed. So when Whitney is clearly struggling with something, Trent is ready to help. His fiancée’s strong will is part of what draws him to her—but this time, it feels like it’s pushing him away.

My Opinion

This is such an emotional read. Whitney has a lot of challenges ahead of her and as a reader you feel for her. The story is told in two timelines 'then' and 'now', as we learn about Whitney's relationship with Trent. I have mixed feelings about this book, I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous book in the series, but this was still a great read.

Rating 4/5

How is it that I have never read a Jennifer Snow book before? I loved every page of A LOT LIKE FOREVER and need to read her backlist very soon, like yesterday! Whitney Carlisle has a wonderful fiance named Trent Connolly who basically worships the ground she walks on. There is nothing this man won’t do for Whitney. So why is she hesitant to follow through on their wedding plans? Why does he feel like she is pushing him away? Whitney has a secret of course. A big life changing secret and she won’t share it with anyone!

A LOT LIKE FOREVER at different points in the book, frustrated me. Trent and Whitney have been together for seven years and she feels she can’t tell him her big secret? To say these two had a communication problem would be such an under statement! The story goes back and forth from present day to when Trent and Whitney first started dating which I thought was very cool as the reader gets a glimpse of how their relationship has grown.

I still can’t believe A LOT LIKE FOREVER is my very first Jennifer Snow book. I am beyond excited to read her previous books! She made me feel so many different things while I was reading this heart-tugging story. One minute I’m giggling and the next there is a huge lump in my throat. All of the characters are flawed in different ways, but you will find yourself cheering for them throughout the book. My heart melted while Trent tried to figure out what Whitney really wanted. I tried not to rush through their story. I truly wanted these two to work out their problems and repair their relationship. I just wanted to reach in the pages and give them all hugs. I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from TLC Book Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was so sad, it made me cry, laugh and felt so joyous. Whitney got on my nerves, but I understand her not letting people help her. I like the setting of this series, I only wish it was a real location. Jennifer Snow has some good series, it's time to check out her Alaskan series.

Mixed feelings after reading this book. I am not a big fan of Whitney (the h) but liked Trent's (the H) character a lot.
The blurb was intriguing but the story did not meet the expectations.
Note:
Received an ARC in exchange of honest review.
This book is #3 in the series. I hadn't read the first two books in the series but it wasn't difficult to follow.

Whitney Carlisle has everything she wants in her life. But she knows she is not well and needs help but does not want to be a burden to her fiancé Trent. When she finds out how Ill she is she pushes Trent away. Trent just wants to get married , have kids and spend the rest of his life loving Whitney. With the help of her friends she faces her medical crisis. Can Whitney and Trent find their happily ever after she is healthy again?


Thanks to Jennifer Snow and Entangled Publishing for the book

What a sweet and intricate follow up to the Blue Moon Bay books! You kind of knew Whitney's book was coming based on the first two, and it definitely tied in well with the series. This was one of the more frustrating books I've read - I just wanted these people to TALK for once! Overall, super sweet and really enjoyed it.

This book had much potential; unfortunately, it was not well executed in my opinion. The writing was more telling instead of showing and the flashbacks between “then” and “now” did not work in this instance.

I felt extremely frustrated with these characters because they never talked to each other about meaningful things and they kept huge secrets from each other. The characters are supposed to be deeply in love and have been together for a long time. Without spoiling anything, there are some plot points that either didn’t work for the storyline, we’re not fully researched/fleshed out, and/or we’re not conclusive by the end of the book.

I thought the intimacy scenes were ok, but nothing exciting. Trent was a sweetheart with endless patience but had me shaking my head several times. One plot point involving was kind of hinted at, but ultimately didn’t quite make sense for the characters. I was either bored, annoyed, or unenthused for 95% of the book. The ending was meh and not what I would have chosen as the outcome.

I was privileged to have read an advanced copy of this book, I really enjoyed Whitney and Trent’s story Jennifer ‘s fun, small town romances will have you coming back for more, I can’t wait to read future books from her.

Let me start by saying that I absolutely love Jennifer Snow's writing and previous books...

This one, however, I couldn't connect with. Whitney and Trent have been together for years and are engaged, but they don't communicate. I struggled with this whole part, which was the majority of the storyline...keeping secrets and not discussing the "situation" with Trent. And then the ending...sigh.

I don't know...like I said, I do love the author's previous books, including the first two books in this Blue Moon Bay series, but I just couldn't love this one.

If you are looking for a Fall read this one definitely got me in the mood for all things Fall and cooler weather. Unfortunately living in South Texas I am far from it, which makes reads like this so much better! I loved this love story and I especially loved the little surprise near the end regarding Trent it was completely unexpected which is rare for a romance. Unfortunately, Whitney was my main problem. She is a horrible girlfriend, friend and employee. I seriously didn't like anything about her. She never even really redeems herself or makes it up to any of the people who love her. So since she has this horrible medical condition it makes it totally ok for her to be so selfish?? I understand she was going through a difficult time but that's just no excuse. I didn't understand her need to be so "independent". She was adopted but she also said she had very loving and attentive parents so that didn't make sense to me. I'm sorry it just didn't fit with me and Trent was damn near perfect. He deserved better and I just couldn't even root for them or even want them together. The writing is really great and it was fun to read. I'm sure many will feel differently from me about Whitney. So if you love romances set in small towns and need that Fall/Autumn feel give this one a try!

The more I read romance books I’ve decided one of my less favorite tropes is miscommunication and A Lot Like Forever centered around it. For two people who have been in a relationship for over 7yrs they stink at communicating to each other. Ever since her accident last year, Whitney’s health has been declining but she’s chosen to hide her diagnosis behind the stress of her job. Trent is struggling to get through to Whitney, she’s been hesitant to finally start planning their wedding claiming she’s too busy with work but he knows something else is going on.

I just wish Trent would have pushed harder to get Whitney to talk- he’s an understanding guy with the patience of a saint and he’s completely gone for Whitney. I get the need for her independence but she’s in a committed relationship built on trust and love and she just needed to shallow her pride and tell Trent.

I’ve read the other two books in the series and this is my least favorite. I get that it was a relationship in trouble romance but I just felt it lacking and could easily tell one was more invested than the other making me wonder if it would even work out half the time. The ending of the book felt rushed but was glad to see Whitney and her best friends get through her struggles. Also there was an unnecessary storyline thrown in that I felt took away from the relationship the book was supposed to be focusing on and didn’t really offer any conclusion.


Thank you @entangled_publishing and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

I was really torn with this book, I will say that I did like it. Let me explain though I am one of those people who will judge a book by its cover and don't ever read the back. So Going in I wasn't sure what to expect, the story started off super strong and I was on board until about half way through. I liked Trent a lot he seemed like a really good guy with the biggest heart but it also seemed not matter what he did as far as in his life it seemed he was always on pins and needles with Whitney just waiting for the "ball to drop". Whitney came off like a strong female at first but then came off as whiny almost annoying. I felt like she spent more time pushing away those who loved her. I really loved the relationship with the four friends they were "ride or die" they would drop anything and help each other out. I wish the world had more friendships like that. Overall the story was a fun read, it does have adult content so it may not be suitable for all readers.

Jennifer Snow was a new-to-me author with A Lot Like Christmas. While A Lot Like Forever is technically the 3rd book in the Blue Moon Bay series, all of them can be read as standalone titles. I thought the author did an exceptional job making sure readers understood the relationships between the main and secondary characters, as well as how the secondary characters' own stories played out. She did so quite seamlessly throughout the story and without it feeling like an information dump.

The first two books in this series had definite Hallmark book vibes. More sweet than angsty with a sprinkling of deeper emotion than you’d typically find in a Hallmark book. But this story was a lot more emotional and definitely more angsty. I deeply felt Whitney and Trent’s struggles, which made this story so much richer. It was great to see the author breaking out of the mold of the first two books in the series while maintaining their feel-good, small-town romance vibe.

Rating: 4.5 stars