I’ll Stand by You
Author: Karen Grey
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
What I’m Talking About:
I’ll Stand by You is an entertaining short novella featuring a group of five 20-somethings who are at crossroads trying to decide the direction each life is headed. It’s also a lovely wrap up of Grey’s Boston Classics series. Set in Coastal North Carolina, the book introduces five life-long friends: Violet, Dani, Ford, Sully, and Whitney. They all work at a resort where the gang from the Boston Classics series is in town for Henry and Bella’s wedding (Child of Mine).
The setting of a wedding with a missing dog is the perfect opportunity to check in with the five friends. The author jumps from character to character, putting the reader inside five different POVs, allowing readers to really start to understand what’s going on with each. While this jumping around gives the novella a disorganized, jumbled feel, it is well-suited for the craziness of the situation.
The story is a wonderful way to kick off the new Carolina Classics series. Readers get just enough of each character, learning why each is conflicted and confused and not certain where their life is headed. While this is a good spot for new readers to jump into Ms. Grey’s world, it’s all the more special for fans of the Boston Classics series. And while the story is a fun adventure, I would caution new readers that this is not an example of her full-length romances, which are full of emotions and focus on two well-developed characters falling in love.
In the end, I’ll Stand by You is a fun romp on the beach. It’s the end of a wonderful series, and glimpse into something exciting to come.
My Rating: B
Jen
About the Book:
Can five friends grow up without growing apart?
Summer, 1991: Working at a beachfront hotel in their sleepy southern coastal town gives life-long friends Violet, Danielle, Whitney, Ford and Sully the chance to spend as much time as possible together after college graduation and before real life begins.
One exceptionally busy and very long night—which includes no less than a wedding, a lost dog, hatching sea turtles and a job offer—has each of them facing hopes and fears for the future. As each wrestles with life- changing choices, loyalties are tested and alliances shift.
Don’t miss this combo sequel to Grey’s Boston Classics series and prequel to her new Carolina Classics series. It’ll take you from the neon, big-haired, shoulder-pads of the 1980’s into the boho, laidback 1990’s.
Release Date: May 18, 2022
Publisher: Home Cooked Books
Series: Boston Classics #4.5; Carolina Classics #0.5
Genre: Nostalgic, Women’s Fiction, novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)
Review in the Series:
What I’m Looking For by Karen Grey (Boston Classics #1) – Audiobook Review
Forget About Me by Karen Grey (Boston Classics #2) – Audiobook Review
Like It’s 1999 by Karen Grey (Boston Classics #2.5)
You Spin Me by Karen Grey (Boston Classics #3) – Audiobook Review
Child of Mine by Karen Grey (Boston Classics #4) – Audiobook Review