Honestly, I
don’t think Sarina Bowen could write anything that wasn’t amazing. I don’t even
know how to put into words how truly perfect her characters are in the most
genuine, real, warts and all kinds of ways. From the moment a new book is
announced I just know I am going to live in it from the first page to the very
last word. Because she has built the most amazing small town, with the most
beautiful hearted people who are all sort of interconnected but not so much
that it doesn’t feel authentic. It all just feels like she is sitting in the
middle of a small-town cafe and writing the tales of all the people that live
there and I am completely here for it.
Nash and
Livia were no different and yet were so unique in their own personalities and
problems and life dramas. I couldn’t get enough of the chemistry between them,
and I love that they had this random little initial meeting that set the match
for the inevitable explosion between them. The story was so sweet and there
were so many things that needed to be resolved and the chemistry was so hot I
jumped my poor husband on his way passed.
I really
loved the book and it all flowed so naturally but with so much happening that
all felt so believable I never wanted to put it down. The Giltmaker’s are
definitely a family that I can relate to in their dysfunction and love. I’m so
glad that Livia gets to have that because she seriously deserved it by the end
of this book. And I really can’t wait to get the next book (come on Poppy and
Mitch) no matter who it is. Even better if it’s more bruisers. But seriously I
am ready to read an instructional manual if Sarina writes it.
Sarina
Bowen knows how to give me all the feels. And any time she wants to take me to
Vermont I am there. But it feels like forever since the last book of hers I've
read. Then I start reading and all of these characters and places start jumping
out at me, and I feel like I'm actually visiting somewhere I've been before.
Leila
and Mateo had a long and complex history and getting to see them back in time
added so much depth and heartbreak to where their relationship was at the start
of this story. Because there was so much that could have gone differently and
yet it played out so realistically and naturally. I kept expecting some big
drama or weird revelation and instead I got emotions and just the right amount
of angst.
The
whole story had so much sweet and just enough heartbreak that I didn't want to
put it down to adult. I loved that we got another Rossi sibling married off and
got to catch up with so many awesome characters from previous books. This is a
complete standalone and although there are a lot of cross over characters it
really doesn't matter. I can't wait to see who is up next and maybe get another
glimpse of some more old fictional friends.
