First and foremost I admit that I greedily nab anything by Jill Shalvis. I review hundreds, if not thousands by now, books by a varied collection of authors, topics and genres. I know what I like, and I covet any and all works by this amazing woman whose stories reach deep into your heart and stay forever. Perusing the list of Jill Shalvis books is like revisiting old friends. Each and every title brings back a treasured memory and admittedly a broad smile. MY KIND OF WONDERFUL is another Jill Shalvis creation and will undoubtedly become a dog eared favorite of many. Shalvis had me by the middle of chapter three -- okay -- she had me at page onem but I was totally hooked midway through three.

People have issues and problems. Families deal with these every day. Some crumble and others actually come out stronger. MY KIND OF WONDERFUL centers on wonderful loving warmhearted people who are trying to muddle their way through what life throws at them. Shalvis shows us there is great strength in love, and good family and friends are what gets us through life—hopefully landing on our feet most of the time. MY KIND OF WONDERFUL is a story about tenacity.

Hudson Kincaid had dreams but his responsibilities to his mother and siblings came first—always. His ski patrol job required great strength, endurance, patience. Caring for his wonderful mother who now sufferes from dementia needed those same qualities.

Bailey Moore was intent on living life. Her ongoing bout with illness left her rather fragile but determined to live each day to its fullest. Every life is precious, and as someone who battled for hers, Bailey wanted to experience things she missed—kind of a bucket list for living in her case. She won her battle and now to the spoils of war. Nothing in life is definite. Bailey knows that better than most.

Hudson's mother Carrie hires Bailey to paint a mural at the family resort. Hudson feels this is another crazy notion from his mother, who candidly thinks of him as still a school age boy. He is conflicted with defying his mother who he absolutely adores. But they can't afford this foolhardy idea even though Carrie seems to have a clear idea of what she wants and why.

Bailey decides to go ahead with the mural—at her own expense—on her own time. Memories are so important to her and somehow she gets the feeling that they are to the Kincaid family, too.

Life is too precious to put it on hold waiting for the ideal moment. Bailey is determined to live her life to the fullest and having time with Hudson who has caught her eye would be a bonus. There are no expectations. Bailey is somewhat of a realist—but there is still a part of a dreamer in her. And that's the part you will fall in love with. Bailey and Hudson have tenacity and they both are survivors. They have the strength and determination to forge ahead in spite of the hand they were dealt.

MY KIND OF WONDERFUL is a love story—the best kind in my estimation. Jill Shalvis fashions real down to earth folk that touch your heart; at times making you smile and others time quite wrenching. Her writing style is infectious and her stories grab your interest with their truth, honesty and recognized attention to detail.