Sullivan finally get to find love as well as a few others during this heart-warming addition.

Carr created a tale of friends, family and love that will put a smile on your face and warm you better than a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream. Not only do we have Leigh’s and Rob’s fun and sweet with a slow progression that lent to a strong and genuine love story. But we also got to see the book’s name sake, Sullivan finally find the perfect woman for him.

If you love a strong, tender romance with genuine, heart-felt relationships (and I’m not just talking about love) then The Best of Us is a wonderful pick.

I received this ARC copy of The Best of Us from HARLEQUIN - MIRA (U.S. and Canada). This is my honest and voluntary review. b>The Best of Us is set for publication January 8, 2018.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Robyn Carr
Series: Sullivan's Crossing
Sequence in Series: Book 4
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: MIRA; Original edition
Publication Date: January 8, 2019
ISBN-10: 0778351300
ISBN-13: 978-0778351306
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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This is a heartwarming small community romantic drama involving three different generations of couples. It is the fourth book in the series but works well as a standalone in my opinion, though it has tempted me to read more books in the series in future.

The main ones are Dr Leigh Culver who has moved to Timberlake, Colorado working as a GP and in the drop in emergency clinic. She’s loving the change of pace but misses her Aunt Helen, the lady who raised her after her mother’s untimely death. At the clinic she treats Finn, a teenager who has badly cut his hand. Finn had been brought in by his Dad, Rob, who faints during his son’s treatment. After this inauspicious beginning, attraction and love grows between the two but there are many obstacles in the path of true love for this pair! One of those obstacles is actually the relationship of Finn and his girlfriend, though not through any fault of their own. When Leigh’s aunt, Helen Culver comes to stay with Leigh, Little did she expect to find romance! As the three romances develop there are plenty of dramatic incidents, many unexpected surprises and a heartwarming special surprise meal to help one of the romances!

The story has a great community feel to it, with a wide range of characters and relationships that are well portrayed so it feels like your part of the community, witnessing events and reacting to them. I especially loved feisty Helen and Sullivan - thank goodness her honesty helps sort everything out in the end!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley. I chose to read it and this is my honest review after doing so.

I've read that one sign of growing up is realizing that your parents have a sex life. Leigh has her man, and yes, Robyn Carr makes it very clear that the two of them are having sex regularly. Leigh's mom is long gone, but she was raised by Aunt Helen and now it is Helen's turn to have a romantic (yes, that's code for "sex") life.

It's funny, I read a lot of romance novels and in my mind, these heroines aren't that much younger than I am--but of course they are. It's finally starting to sink in that the average character in the average romance novel is now the age of my kids, which pretty much puts me in Aunt Helen's age group, and it is interesting to read about a woman whose life experience is more baby boomer than millennial.

Like most of Carr's other books, this one features a beautiful rural setting, a community of characters who make appearances in other books in the series and, of course, love. While clearly part of a series the book can be read as a stand-alone.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. Grade: B.

This book continues the Sullivan's Crossing series and gives us not one but two couples to enjoy. Robyn Carr knows how to combine romance with women's fiction and juggles multiple characters with ease. The novel can stand alone, but it is advisable to read previous entries since multiple returning characters appear. Recommended for women's fiction readers.

Writing the final women’s fiction post for HEA is such a bittersweet moment. It has been an honor to share noteworthy women’s fiction books with you, and I am glad that I have this one last opportunity to do so.
This blog is a hodgepodge — with books that are out now and are soon to be released and won’t be out until months later.
Happy reading …
Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg (out now)
What it’s about:
The feel-good book of the year: a delightful novel of friendship, community, and the way small acts of kindness can change your life, by the bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv
Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets.
When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most.
The right stuff: Perfect for this time of year. Full of wonderful friendships and heartwarming moments. A bit bittersweet, but readers are left more with the feeling that kindness can work miracles than any sadness.
In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
When everything has gone to the dogs …
When Jocelyn Hillier is named legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s pack of pedigreed Labrador retrievers, her world is flipped upside down. She’s spent her entire life toiling in the tourism industry in Black Dog Bay and never expected to be living the pampered life of a seasonal resident in an ocean side mansion, complete with a generous stipend. But her new role isn’t without its challenges: The dogs (although lovable) are more high-maintenance than any Hollywood diva, the man she wants to marry breaks her heart, and she’s confronted at every turn by her late benefactor’s estranged son, Liam, who thinks he’s entitled to the inheritance left to the dogs.
Jocelyn has worked too hard to back down without a fight, and she’s determined to keep her new fur family together. As she strives to uphold the “Best in Show” standards her pack requires, Jocelyn finds love, family, and forgiveness in the most unexpected places.
The right stuff: Zany Black Dog Bay is back! Full of wonderful characters, sometimes adorable dogs and second chances at love. All the things we’ve come to love about this series! (See a fun Q&A on HEA with Beth about In Dog We Trust.)
The Best of Us by Robyn Carr (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.
Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.
When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.
The right stuff: Dare I say it? This feels like almost the conclusion to the Sullivan’s Crossing series, with all the loose ends tied up so neatly with two engaging romances and appearances by the cast of characters.
The Secret Life of Mac by Melinda Metz (Jan. 29)
What it’s about:
He’s the cat thief of love
MacGyver the tabby is feeling very pleased with himself. His human, Jamie Snyder, has found the perfect packmate—and it’s all thanks to Mac. By stealing personal items from the home of Jamie’s handsome neighbor David, the matchmaking cat brought these two L.A. singles together. Now, while the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon, MacGyver is ready for a well-deserved cat nap. That is, until he meets his cat sitter Briony. Like most humans, she’s hopeless when it comes to romance. And Mac can’t resist a challenge …
She’s found the escape claws
Briony feels terrible about leaving her fiancé at the altar. When her cousin Jamie offers her the chance to cat sit MacGyver, the runaway bride leaps at the chance to cuddle up with the only male creature she trusts herself around. But MacGyver has other plans. He lures Briony to a friendly neighborhood retirement community—run by a charming young hottie named Nate. Briony and Nate hit it off instantly. But Briony’s still not sure she’s ready for a relationship. And Nate’s got problems of his own—someone is sabotaging his community.
Crazy humans. Why can’t they follow their instincts and go after the love they deserve? MacGyver is on the case. And this time, he’s not pussyfooting around …
The right stuff: It seems apropos that my first post for HEA featured a book by Ms. Metz — Talk to the Paw, and so does the final one. Charming and cute sometimes get a bad name, but not in this case. Pure delightful escapism with plenty of laughs.
The Military Wife by Laura Trentham (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Harper Lee Wilcox has been marking time in her hometown of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina since her husband, Noah Wilcox’s death, nearly five years earlier. With her son Ben turning five and living at home with her mother, Harper fights a growing restlessness, worried that moving on means leaving the memory of her husband behind.
Her best friend, Allison Teague, is dealing with struggles of her own. Her husband, a former SEAL that served with Noah, was injured while deployed and has come home physically healed but fighting PTSD. With three children underfoot and unable to help her husband, Allison is at her wit’s end.
In an effort to reenergize her own life, Harper sees an opportunity to help not only Allison but a network of other military wives eager to support her idea of starting a string of coffee houses close to military bases around the country.
In her pursuit of her dream, Harper crosses paths with Bennett Caldwell, Noah’s best friend and SEAL brother. A man who has a promise to keep, entangling their lives in ways neither of them can foresee. As her business grows so does an unexpected relationship with Bennett. Can Harper let go of her grief and build a future with Bennett even as the man they both loved haunts their pasts?
The right stuff: Nicely done story of husband’s best friend to lover! Complex relationship issues will keep you turning the pages. Perfect feel-good ending.
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” And since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will?
It’s simply not in Fixie’s nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer’s owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?
But then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life, and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. As always, she wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. No sooner has Seb agreed than the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?
The right stuff: Sophie Kinsella writes wonderful stories about heroines going from low self-esteem to finally getting it right, and this definitely fits the bill. Humor, lots of character growth and a sweet romance.
Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper (April 2)
What it’s about:
Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
The right stuff: Perfect blend of wacky, poignant and amusing. Escaping into one of Molly Harper’s book is pure entertainment.
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center (Aug. 13)
What it’s about:
Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she’s seen her fair share of them, and she’s a total pro at other people’s tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own.
The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie’s old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren’t exactly thrilled to have a “lady” on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn’t seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can’t think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping…and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become.
Katherine Center’s Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt and healing tour-de-force about the strength of vulnerability, the nourishing magic of forgiveness, and the life-changing power of defining courage, at last, for yourself.
The right stuff: I know, you’re thinking, August? But this book is so good! Loved the juxtaposition of the hero’s and heroine’s roles. She’s the expert and he is the rookie. Fabulous forgiveness theme. Humorous and touching!
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.
MORE ON HEA: See more posts by Leigh
Beth Kendrick, Elizabeth Berg, Katherine Center, Laura Trentham, Melinda Metz, Molly Harper, Robyn Carr, Sophie Kinsella, women's fiction, Recommended reads, Top stories

Leigh was looking to build a new life, not find love but both happen in this charming novel of a small town doctor who falls for a widowed dad who runs the local pub. Rob's a good guy- he's raised his boys alone and built his business but like Leigh, love wasn't high on the agenda. It certainly wasn't high for Leigh's aunt Helen, who raised her, or for Sully, a 70 year old widower who runs the local general store. You'll see the parallels with these two couples and root for both of them. You'll also worry for young Maia and Finn. There's a nice surprise in here (although regular readers of the genre undoubtedly will nod when it's revealed.). This was a standalone for me (thanks to Netgalley for the ARC) and if I have a quibble it's that I was a tad confused with some of the the interlocking relationships that clearly had been explored in earlier books. A good read!

I really enjoyed this book. I think the best in the series so far. I liked the story line between Sully and Helen. As a senior myself it was refreshing to see two people in their twilight years come together and have a sweet, loving relationship. The book was full of surprises. Maia's brain tumor was handled very well. With just enough medical jargon that I was able to follow along. Leigh and Rob's story line was predictable so I found it a bit boring but overall I liked the book.

Robyn Carr has the unique ability to create fictional places and people that touch my heart. I want to live in these communities and socialize with these characters. I feel like I know them and I’m invested in their lives. Her newest Sullivan’s Crossing book, The Best of Us delivers another feel-good story.

In fourth book of the series we meet the new town doctor, Leigh Culver. Leigh has transferred from the big city in search of a slower pace of life. Leigh is in her mid-thirties and thinks she has life figured out…until she meets Rob. Rob is a bar owner, a widow and has two teenage sons. Sparks fly when the two connect. Robyn Carr fans will recognize all of the characters and get updates on their lives. Carr also weaves in a secondary story line for Sully and Leigh’s aunt, Helen. If you thought Sully, at age 72, was too old for romance, you will surely get a surprise in this book!

This book wrapped me in the story like a warm blanket on a cold day. I lost track of time and place with my favorite characters of Sullivan’s crossing. I recommend this book to any contemporary romance fans.

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is the fourth novel in her Sullivan’s Crossing series. I have not read the previous books in the series, but this one works well as a standalone. The novel is set in the small town of Timberlake, Colorado, home of the infamous Sullivan’s Crossing. This installment of the series highlights three budding romances.

Dr. Leigh Culver has recently moved to Timberlake in order to head the town’s urgent care facility. In the course of her duties, she meets widower and local pub owner, Rob Shandon, and they soon find themselves in the midst of an unexpected passionate entanglement. Rob’s son, 18-year old Finn, has found love for the first time with his girlfriend, Maia. The young couple is tested, but show both strength and grace in the face of adversity. 62-year old Helen Culver raised Leigh as her own after the death of her sister, Leigh’s mother. She is a former teacher turned mystery novelist. Helen meets 72-year old Sully, the owner of the campgrounds and trails at the aptly named, Sullivan’s Crossing. The two soon discover that love is always a possibility, even in your twilight years. Sully and Rob share their large extended families with the new women in their lives, to everyone’s enjoyment and benefit.

The characters are like your favorite pair of slippers, warm and comfortable. The scenery is, of course, integral to the story. Nature, in all its glory, provides the backdrop for the trials and triumphs of an interesting cast of characters. I loved the inspirational quotes found throughout the novel.

The Best of Us is a heart-warming novel about family, friends and overcoming obstacles, whether real or perceived. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy, enjoyable read that’ll make you cry and laugh out loud. The Best of Us is are rare jewel. I can’t think of any group that wouldn’t enjoy it.

My thanks to Harlequin - Mira and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

You know what you’re getting with a Robyn Carr book and it’s always a pleasure. This newest book is no exception. You’ll enjoy revisiting the residents of this small mountain Colorado town. What I always enjoy about her books is spending time getting to know her characters. As always, they’re good people learning to live their lives and make room for love and new relationships. In this book we have three generations of relationships. Leigh, the clinic’s doctor is starting up something with Rob who owns the local pub. He is a single dad having lost his wife when his two sons were little. He’s a dream father - wise, caring, with a sense of humor. His two boys are delightful. The older one, Finn, is enjoying his senior year with a girlfriend he’s become very serious about. When she has her own difficulties, he is ready to step up because he is a young man of high character, just as one would expect with such a great father. And Leigh’s aunt who raised her, Helen, has come to town to visit. And to her surprise, she finds something unexpected with Sully, the guy who owns the campers’ store and camping ground.

These are all good, decent people and it’s so enjoyable to spend time getting to know them and eavesdropping on their relationships. There’s no real drama, just real people living real lives and figuring things out. You’ll enjoy stopping in for a visit with them and experiencing the simple joys of good people finding other good people and building something together.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Another Sullivan's Crossing novel where hearts find a home and those who are lost find family. Helen and Leigh have always had each other, but while that was enough for some time, now there is something missing as Leigh has moved out on her own and Helen is always traveling. What they both find at Sullivan's Crossing may change both of their lives for the better.

Robyn Carr is one of those authors that I read when nothing else will work. I picked up this book in the middle of the holiday season when I needed something to be easy and entertaining and this did that and more.

The fourth in a series, but this is a series where you can read them in any order you choose as each book focuses on a different character in this town. I have read all of them and suggest reading them all, but you can start wherever you please in this series.

This story focuses mostly on Dr. Leigh Culver and Rob Shandon. Leigh has recently moved to this small town in Colorado for a change in life. Rob has lived here awhile and owns the pub in town. After some meetings, they decide to take a try at dating although their lives are busy their relationship blooms quite slowly. There are two other mini romances in this book - Leigh's aunt who comes for a visit and the general store owner, Sully and one of Rob's kids, Finn and Maia.

I loved having a few romances to follow in this short book. It was fun that each "couple" were at different stages of life and how that affected the pacing of their relationships. I enjoyed seeing love at different ages and how that could affect the story.

Robyn Carr just does romance right. There were a few scenes that could make you blush in this book, but there is still plenty of plot for those readers who want a full story to read. She has just the right balance for me when I want to read some romance.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a total Robyn Carr fan. I have been hooked on her books since I began reading them. The Virgin River series has always been my favorite, but I have to say that this series is rivaling it.

Leigh Culver leaves Chicago and a busy hospital behind for a tamer life in Colorado running a clinic. She has lived there approximately a year and knows a lot of the townspeople. Rob Shandon, a local pub owner, comes in as the clinic with his son, Sean who has sliced his hand on a broken piece of glass while emptying a dishwasher. Leigh stitches Sean up and near the end Rob almost passes out. Leigh soothes him and makes him feel better.

Since the death of his wife, Rob has been raising his two teenage sons while owning and operating the pub. He has family in the area that help him out, but the responsibility for their welfare falls on him.

Leigh was raised by her aunt after her mother died during a routine operation. She has known heartbreak and has not had a lasting relationship in years.

Leigh’s Aunt Helen finally comes out for a longer visit to see Leigh and spend some time with her. Here she runs into Sully, the owner of a campsite on the edge of a hiking trail. Helen is a mystery writer and she falls in love with writing on the front porch of Sully’s house.
This book centers on Leigh and Rob with a side of Helen and Sully with the rest of the cast of characters we have grown to love sprinkled in.
Throughout this book which is woven with issues that occur every day, there is romance, illness, problems, and family. We see couples fall in love, have babies and endure serious illnesses.
5 stars

The Best of Us # NetGally#

This is a typical chick romance novel by Robyn Carr. It has all the nuances that you would expect:: romance (of course) boy meets girl, new surroundings, beautiful setting, a little bit of suspense, and, of course sex. When I first started reading I was not sure if it was for me, romance not being my favorite genre. I kept reading thinking it would draw me in. It does pick up about a third of the way through and I managed to make it to the end. It was so formumatic throughout the entire book. I did enjoy the light reading, but will not be drawn to this author’s books if this is typical of her writing. Overall, just not an inspiring read. Sorry, it was just not my cup of tea. I did receive an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGally. Thank you for the opportunity. Just an average 3 star.

I have yet to be disappointed with this series and I have loved every minute of it so far.
this is the best one yet but I'm sure I'll say that about the next one too...lol

This series is so charming, I always look forward to a new book in the series. I really liked how this one opened, showcasing Leigh's friendship with Sully. Sure it was a bit unusual, but it worked for them. I really loved how accepted Leigh was in the town, it seemed like it was something that she has been looking for.

The first meeting between Leigh and Rob was funny. I loved that Leigh kept her head, while Rob had issues and needed Leigh to soothe him. Their romance was sweet. I liked how it started out slow, but gained steam. It was funny how they were grown adults, yet had to sneak around at times due to family on both sides.

Leigh's aunt Helen was a hoot. I loved how she was with Sully. I found I was loved their secondary romance just as much as Leigh and Rob's. It was fun to see Sully so charming and putting all his best moves forward. I especially liked how Helen had a frank talk with Leigh about what she would and wouldn't do. It was very needed on both sides.

Rob's sons were funny. Finn faced a challenge with grace, while Sean was the funny kid. I loved how the two of them put a meal on letting Leigh know she was very welcome in their family.

The ending was great, 2 big events for the whole crew.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. You can purchase it and read it on January 8th, 2019 at the following link:https://www.amazon.com/Best-Us-Sullivans-Crossing-Book-ebook/dp/B07DB84TBN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543076105&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Best+of+Us+%28Sullivan%27s+Crossing%2C+%234%29


I want to start out by saying that I did not read the previous 3 books, as I did not realize at the time that this was a series. Robyn Carr has been on my radar of want to read books for some time, but I either was committed to reading something else or already had too many books out from the library after hitting the library lotto. This makes this book my very first Robyn Carr book and I have to say, this book left me wanting to find her books like yesterday! These character are so very well developed, aren't these people part of my family?
We begin this book with Dr. Leigh Culver entering Sullivan's Crossing at lunchtime. Dr. Leigh ru ns a local clinic that treats patients with appointments and walk ins. She returns to the clinic after enjoying the wonderful weather, as Spring is approaching. After seeing the usual patients, they are getting ready to close when Rob Shandon, the owner of the pub down the street, brings in his 17 year old son, Finn with a bad cut on his hand. Finn was emptying the dishwasher and picked up a broken glass and cut his hand pretty badly. After wrapping the wound, Dr. Leigh warned Finn and his dad not to unwrap the bandage the wound at any cost. Finn feels some pulsating shortly after the incident and instead of unwrapping the bandage, they head back to the clinic.
This book is packed with romance, pregnancy, unexpected pregnancy, relationship drama and more.
I highly recommend this book!

Robyn Carr adds a new volume to her Sullivan’s Crossing series with The Best of Us.

Cool-under-pressure Doctor Leigh Culver is yearning for spring after a long winter of flu cases.  She has strong relationships with all of her patients and friends in town, but when she moved from Chicago to Timberlake, Colorado, she left behind her Aunt Helen, her only blood relation.  At thirty-four and never having lived independently of Helen before, Leigh decided it was time she built a life of her own, but moving so far away to join a practice has left her yearning for a family connection.  She lost her mother when she was young, never knew her father and was dumped by her fiancé just days before their wedding, so it’s perhaps not surprising that Leigh has become rather reserved around anyone but Helen. Leigh doesn’t harbor romantic hopes and doesn’t tell others much about what she’s feeling.  So, looking to feel a little less lonely, she invites Helen to Timberlake for a vacation.

Helen Culver gave up her life of independence to settle down in Chicago and take care of Leigh when her sister – Leigh’s mother - died.  Helen never regretted foregoing her independence for Leigh’s sake, but now that her niece is grown, Helen wants to live the life she put on hold while raising Leigh.  As Leigh became a rising ER doctor and then a practicing GP, Helen became a bestselling globetrotting mystery writer. She and Leigh once promised to settle down together, but the only thing Leigh wants is a family – and the only thing Helen wants is her independence.  But they get together for a week’s vacation after a long separation anyway.

Fate soon intervenes.  When Leigh treats Finn, the elder teenage son of Rob Shandon, a long-widowed single father who owns the bar across the street from her office, there are instant sparks for Leigh and Rob.  And when Leigh takes Helen to visit nearby Sullivan’s Crossing for a hike up the Continental Divide, Helen takes to a handsome, sweet older gentleman named Sully, who runs the town’s all-purpose store and loves nature as much as she loves the written word and sleeping in.

As time goes by, Leigh begins to evolve into her own woman, and Helen begins to grow her own roots in Sullivan’s Crossing.  But just when it seems that everything is going to work out nicely, Finn’s girlfriend, Maia, is diagnosed with a brain tumor, Leigh’s ex resurfaces and asks her if she’d like to get back together, and another, much more permanent complication rises to threaten Leigh and Rob’s relationship.  Will Leigh allow love into her life?  Will Helen settle down with Sully?  Will Maia survive?

Folksy and quiet are two ways to describe The Best Of Us.  It’s sleepy, but that’s no insult; comforting and easy to slip into as a well-worn robe, it’s a fine slice of women’s fiction that serves as a warm and easygoing character study.  It’s very well-written and very comfortable, and is populated with people who will feel familiar to you.  But it does move in a very slow way that might cause some readers to doze.

Helen and Leigh are human, flawed and understandable, two nice people just trying to live their lives.  I liked the way Leigh and Rob handled their relationship – like actual mature adults who’ve been around the block a few times.  And Rob is that rare romance widower, one who absolutely loved her wife, is haunted by her death, and has PTSD-related trauma related to it.  He and Leigh have real problems and actually speak to each other about them.

Helen and Sully, meanwhile, have a wonderfully sassy relationship; Helen’s delightfully acerbic and Sully’s more of a golly-gee salt of the earth type, so they make a fine contrast.

The bittersweet love story between Finn and Maia feels very true to life and provides the fulcrum through which the tri-generational relationships of The Best of Us are reflected.

While there are a couple of plot points I wasn’t wild about – notably, the unnecessary intrusion of Leigh’s ex into the picture, and a moment where Leigh and Rob discuss a spoilery plot point that feels shortsighted and preachy - the worst sin of The Best of Us commits is its predictability.  But that’s more of a feature than a flaw; you know what’s going to happen when you read a nice, cozy novel like this, and what the story beats are going to be.  But overall The Best of Us is a perfectly sweet, perfectly nice novel.  A warm bath in the dead of winter that will keep the reader feeling cozy and keep them smiling.

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I’ve never read Robyn Carr but I’ve heard good things, now I know why. The setting and the characters were so real and inviting! These were people I can imagine knowing, normal people with normal issues for the most part. As I said, this was my first Robyn Carr (this is the 4th in this particular series). I could see some gaps in character knowledge at the intro of some side characters but it didn’t detract from the overall story. In this story we see love in three different phases of life. It was a good story and made me bookshelves the rest of the series to catch up with before the next one comes out!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and HARLEQUIN - MIRA (U.S. and Canada).

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is the fourth book in the Sullivan's Crossing series and delivers not one but two romances. Small town charm, growing pains and unexpected surprises await you in Colorado.
Drama came in the form of an unexpected surprise and while not my favorite plot move, it was done well and offered some tender moments from Rob's sons to powerful growth and acknowledgement of the sacrifices parental figures make for the children they love. I am not at all sure if this was the last book, but I would gladly visit Sullivan's Crossing again. Full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer January 10, 2019 and will be shared on all social media, Goodreads and Amazon.