I am here for all these contemporary sequels and Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses has to be my favorite this year. This sequel tackles the importance of talking it out, of realizing when to walk away, and when to fight. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
The Songbird Inn has always been the perfect home. No one knows that better than the Singh sisters. Nidhi, Avani, Sirisha, and Rani have been lovestruck and heartbroken and everything in between, all at their dad’s cozy bed-and-breakfast. And today the whole Singh family will support aspiring filmmaker Rani in her first film festival—if only they can make it through the windstorm ravaging the Pacific Northwest.
After spending the last few months in India, Nidhi is coming back to Orcas Island, and she can’t wait to see her sisters again! But thanks to a series of weather-induced travel delays, she finds herself struggling to make her way home—beside none other than her sort-of ex, Grayson. Will an old flame spark to life once again?
Avani can’t decide what she wants from her future. What college, what major, what career—it’s all so stressful! The only thing she’s sure about is Fernando, but lately, things between them have been anything but smooth. Will they manage to save their relationship? And how will she ever decide what to do with her life?
Sirisha is trying to overcome her first heartbreak after her romance with Brie has fizzled out. But it’s not easy—especially when your ex wants to be friends and everyone acts like they’ve got you all figured out. Sirisha’s ready for a change. Will she be able to break out of her shell?
Rani has the perfect relationship with her boyfriend, Raj. And she won’t let anyone forget it! That’s why her short film for the festival is all about their epic love story, one that transcends time and space. But when filmmaking stress reveals cracks beneath the surface, how will Rani respond?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses explores what home means to each of us. Whether it be the people we love, the places that wrap us in hugs, or the feelings we chase. With alternating chapters and sister POVs, this sequel is full of tenderness. Of the love and support we find in family, but also the frustration when they become wrapped up in their own lives. Of love with a partner, but also the ways in which we think that things should be easier, but they aren’t.
This sequel seems to begin by asking us what happens when happy ever after isn’t what we thought. When the credits roll, but the bonus scene isn’t a sure bet. Flashbacks, emerging side characters, and dance, Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses is another home run. Prasad features characters who have to wonder about their ability to surprise ourselves. To find answers to questions we never knew we were asking, to seeing new opportunities in people. It’s an exploration of love, but also self.
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The miscommunications. How we think we know what someone wants, or what we want, and how it can change without us noticing. There is messiness in love. Sometimes our great happy ending doesn’t work out, but that’s okay. But that doesn’t mean our story, our ability for love, ends. Find Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, & Blackwells.