Every Wild Heart

Top San Francisco radio personality Gail “G.G.” Gideon uses her show as a rallying cry for unhappy singles, proving to them that they can make it in the world, and thrive, without a significant other. After all, her own divorce nine years earlier was the inspiration for the show. Luckily, she has her 14-year-old daughter, Nic, and a genial relationship with Nic’s father, Tyler. When Nic suffers a traumatic brain injury after falling from her horse, Gail is determined to protect her daughter at all costs, even if it means not letting her ride, which devastates Nic. When Nic, normally a quiet, thoughtful and responsible girl, starts making reckless decisions, including a flirtation with the popular 17-year-old Lucas Holt, Gail begins to question everything about their lives and their future. Donohue fashions a sparkling story exploring the mother-daughter bond, with Nic’s lovely scenes with her horse and a possible romance for Gail adding extra depth. Woven in is the threat of a possible stalker, resulting in an interesting final twist. While the narrative at times borders on the saccharine, ultimately, it makes for a genuinely warm, uplifting read. (Mar.)