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jbarr5's review
4.0
Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne
Like this series because it's so real, the problems, the solutions and the community working together.
This one is about Charlotte Caine and she now runs the Sugar Rush, where she makes gourmet sweets. She also has other sweets from other distributors on hand.
Spencer Gregory is back in town with his daughter Peyton who stops in to buy chocolate but is given them as a welcome to the town gift.
He doesn't realize that they knew one another when she was 15. Then she was much overweight and he wouldn't have given her the time of day. He was the high jock who went on to college and got hurt there.
He's back now to be in charge of the rec center that is just being built.
She had tutored him so he could pass and go onto college with his sports scholarship. He didn't treat her very well.
Love hearing about the plans for the center for injured vets and their families. She realizes he's not in it for the publicity.
Nice to learn of the struggles of Peyton and how she fits into everything...
Angel of Mercy-just love this and how others in town pull together when they are needed.
Loved hearing about beading and books and all the yummy food! Due to Peyton's illness they are drawn together more and she finds out what really happened once he left the town when he was 19.
Didn't care for how the book ended and I'm pretty sure there will be more in the series..
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion
Like this series because it's so real, the problems, the solutions and the community working together.
This one is about Charlotte Caine and she now runs the Sugar Rush, where she makes gourmet sweets. She also has other sweets from other distributors on hand.
Spencer Gregory is back in town with his daughter Peyton who stops in to buy chocolate but is given them as a welcome to the town gift.
He doesn't realize that they knew one another when she was 15. Then she was much overweight and he wouldn't have given her the time of day. He was the high jock who went on to college and got hurt there.
He's back now to be in charge of the rec center that is just being built.
She had tutored him so he could pass and go onto college with his sports scholarship. He didn't treat her very well.
Love hearing about the plans for the center for injured vets and their families. She realizes he's not in it for the publicity.
Nice to learn of the struggles of Peyton and how she fits into everything...
Angel of Mercy-just love this and how others in town pull together when they are needed.
Loved hearing about beading and books and all the yummy food! Due to Peyton's illness they are drawn together more and she finds out what really happened once he left the town when he was 19.
Didn't care for how the book ended and I'm pretty sure there will be more in the series..
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion
vicrine's review
3.0
Think I need to read the first 4. Very fast read, could have been padded out more. Sweet.
5/10.
5/10.
scoutmomskf's review
4.0
Good small town reunion story. Charlotte is a lifelong resident of Hope's Crossing. She lost her mother at a young age and used food as comfort, leading her to become very overweight. Her high school years were miserable because of it, the only bright side being her crush on Spencer Gregory, the high school baseball star. Recently, she has taken control of her life, lost a lot of weight, and feels much better about herself. Then Spencer returns to town, throwing her life back into turmoil.
Spencer couldn't wait to leave Hope's Crossing when he was a teen. The son of an alcoholic mother, he spent his teen years working three jobs just to keep their lives together. When he was offered a baseball contract, he took it and never looked back. Now he is back, trying to put his life back together. His career ended with a shoulder injury, during which he got hooked on painkillers. He came through rehab stronger, but was then accused of dealing drugs and steroids to fellow teammates, lost his wife to a drug overdose, and is now the sole parent to his twelve year old daughter Peyton. With nothing left for him in the baseball world, he accepts the offer to run the new recreation center in Hope's Crossing. Peyton is angry about being taken away from her friends, and the people of Hope's Crossing aren't too sure they want Spencer running the center.
Charlotte is stunned to find out that Spencer is back in Hope's Crossing. She first met his daughter, before she knew who Peyton was, and recognized some similarities in their lives. But she's not too sure she wants anything to do with Spencer and his problems. Plus, she can't forget the way he broke her heart as a teenager. Though she is wary around him, the old feelings are still there, and she finds herself drawn back into his life. She fights it because she can't see anything between them ending well.
Charlotte is suspicious of his intentions at the beginning. She thinks he is only back in Hope's Crossing as a way to repair his reputation, but he slowly begins to show her that he wants more. I liked the way that Spencer wants to repair his relationship with Peyton, and how hurt he is by her attitude toward him. I thought he did a really good job of keeping his patience with her. He was very glad to be able to get Charlotte to help him connect with Peyton. Spencer remembers what a good friend Charlotte had been when they were in school, but now there is something more that he starts to feel for her. I liked the way he wants to show her that he's not the same jerk he was back in school.
When Spencer first came back to town, he was still feeling a bit lost. Without baseball he isn't sure who he really is. I liked the way he started to feel more a part of things while working at the center, and things really took off for him when Peyton suggested that he find a way to work with wounded veterans. That cause really appealed to him and he felt an enthusiasm he hadn't felt in years.
I loved the rekindling of the relationship between Spencer and Charlotte. I really liked that Spencer saw the woman inside Charlotte, not just the new and hot outside. I also liked the way that Charlotte was able to look past the scandal surrounding him, remember who he had been, and realize that there was more to the story than the public knew. It was really good to see how they each brought out the best in the other. I really liked how Charlotte was there for Spencer when Peyton had a health crisis, and was able to help both of them get through it. Spencer finally realized what his feelings for Charlotte were, but she still has issues with herself and can't believe that there's any chance of a future for them together. I loved the way Spencer got help from her friends and made his case in a really sweet and romantic way.
I really liked the part that Peyton played in bringing Spencer and Charlotte together. Spencer loves his daughter, but he is somewhat lost in knowing how to deal with her. There were times that Peyton was a real brat, and I felt sorry for Spencer. Charlotte recognizes a lot of the same things in Peyton that she went through herself, so she tries to help Peyton settle in. It was pretty easy to see the problem that was building for Peyton, and when it came I liked that Spencer was determined to do whatever he needed to. Charlotte's support was just what they both needed to become the father-daughter team that they were capable of.
The ending of the story was great. The veteran's center was really coming together quickly. It was also interesting to see Spencer's former teammates come out to support him, and show how much they respect him. There was an interesting twist involving one of those teammates, which led to a very satisfying revelation.
Spencer couldn't wait to leave Hope's Crossing when he was a teen. The son of an alcoholic mother, he spent his teen years working three jobs just to keep their lives together. When he was offered a baseball contract, he took it and never looked back. Now he is back, trying to put his life back together. His career ended with a shoulder injury, during which he got hooked on painkillers. He came through rehab stronger, but was then accused of dealing drugs and steroids to fellow teammates, lost his wife to a drug overdose, and is now the sole parent to his twelve year old daughter Peyton. With nothing left for him in the baseball world, he accepts the offer to run the new recreation center in Hope's Crossing. Peyton is angry about being taken away from her friends, and the people of Hope's Crossing aren't too sure they want Spencer running the center.
Charlotte is stunned to find out that Spencer is back in Hope's Crossing. She first met his daughter, before she knew who Peyton was, and recognized some similarities in their lives. But she's not too sure she wants anything to do with Spencer and his problems. Plus, she can't forget the way he broke her heart as a teenager. Though she is wary around him, the old feelings are still there, and she finds herself drawn back into his life. She fights it because she can't see anything between them ending well.
Charlotte is suspicious of his intentions at the beginning. She thinks he is only back in Hope's Crossing as a way to repair his reputation, but he slowly begins to show her that he wants more. I liked the way that Spencer wants to repair his relationship with Peyton, and how hurt he is by her attitude toward him. I thought he did a really good job of keeping his patience with her. He was very glad to be able to get Charlotte to help him connect with Peyton. Spencer remembers what a good friend Charlotte had been when they were in school, but now there is something more that he starts to feel for her. I liked the way he wants to show her that he's not the same jerk he was back in school.
When Spencer first came back to town, he was still feeling a bit lost. Without baseball he isn't sure who he really is. I liked the way he started to feel more a part of things while working at the center, and things really took off for him when Peyton suggested that he find a way to work with wounded veterans. That cause really appealed to him and he felt an enthusiasm he hadn't felt in years.
I loved the rekindling of the relationship between Spencer and Charlotte. I really liked that Spencer saw the woman inside Charlotte, not just the new and hot outside. I also liked the way that Charlotte was able to look past the scandal surrounding him, remember who he had been, and realize that there was more to the story than the public knew. It was really good to see how they each brought out the best in the other. I really liked how Charlotte was there for Spencer when Peyton had a health crisis, and was able to help both of them get through it. Spencer finally realized what his feelings for Charlotte were, but she still has issues with herself and can't believe that there's any chance of a future for them together. I loved the way Spencer got help from her friends and made his case in a really sweet and romantic way.
I really liked the part that Peyton played in bringing Spencer and Charlotte together. Spencer loves his daughter, but he is somewhat lost in knowing how to deal with her. There were times that Peyton was a real brat, and I felt sorry for Spencer. Charlotte recognizes a lot of the same things in Peyton that she went through herself, so she tries to help Peyton settle in. It was pretty easy to see the problem that was building for Peyton, and when it came I liked that Spencer was determined to do whatever he needed to. Charlotte's support was just what they both needed to become the father-daughter team that they were capable of.
The ending of the story was great. The veteran's center was really coming together quickly. It was also interesting to see Spencer's former teammates come out to support him, and show how much they respect him. There was an interesting twist involving one of those teammates, which led to a very satisfying revelation.
kbranfield's review
4.0
4.5 stars. Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne is a wonderfully heartwarming and engaging romance with delightfully charming characters and a lovely small town setting. This fifth installment in the Hope’s Crossing series can easily be read as a standalone story. Please click HERE to read my review in its entirety.
kdf_333's review against another edition
3.0
soooo i read [b:Sugar Pine Trail|32905317|Sugar Pine Trail (Haven Point, #7)|RaeAnne Thayne|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1491134897s/32905317.jpg|53521775] and thought it was cute and wanted to read the start of the series. turns out the Caine's started in the hope's crossing series and not the haven point series.
ok the entire hope's crossing series was like a hallmark movie with a lil nicholas sparks thrown in. cuz in hallmark there is not as much bad stuff going like folks dying and whatnot, nick sparks likes death or dismemberment or some awful tragedy.
i enjoyed the hope's crossing series for that hallmark feel.
they were cute. they are good lil romances. no graphic sex, a lil bit of violence. a lot of dogs, kids, and family members. and nothing was mysterious. oh she tried, but nope. she tried to be all nicholas sparks and throw in some twists but nope it was hallmark. you saw the "surprises" coming a mile away. i really liked the big family and small picturesque town aspect. so hallmark.
even though i read them all one after another, the stories and characters were sufficiently different that i could enjoy each one.
not so with the haven point series. they have all the same stuff yet the no hallmark feels. except for the first one in the series([b:Snow Angel Cove|20821540|Snow Angel Cove (Haven Point, #1)|RaeAnne Thayne|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1406525511s/20821540.jpg|40167366])and the last one[b:Sugar Pine Trail|32905317|Sugar Pine Trail (Haven Point, #7)|RaeAnne Thayne|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1491134897s/32905317.jpg|53521775]). (both of which have Caine's in them- like everyone of the hope crossing series does.) i am almost done with that series and it sucks. it started out very good with adian caine but it went downhill form there. why? cuz every book was VERY similar to the first one. i am literally recognizing entire phrasing. (like i am positive she used some of the exact sentences in all the books!) the lead characters all remind me of the previous leads. and they are so very quick to judge. like how can you be attracted to a person and feel this "hunger" (she uses that word A LOT) when you think they are mean or nasty or uptight or something else very unpleasant? the situations are even similar (crutches for everyone!) also every book is i really NEED help but i don't want your help but i guess i'll take it and try to be grateful and oh now i am in love.
i am saddened by this since i really enjoyed hope's crossing and the first and last book in the haven point series. oh welll...
ok the entire hope's crossing series was like a hallmark movie with a lil nicholas sparks thrown in. cuz in hallmark there is not as much bad stuff going like folks dying and whatnot, nick sparks likes death or dismemberment or some awful tragedy.
i enjoyed the hope's crossing series for that hallmark feel.
they were cute. they are good lil romances. no graphic sex, a lil bit of violence. a lot of dogs, kids, and family members. and nothing was mysterious. oh she tried, but nope. she tried to be all nicholas sparks and throw in some twists but nope it was hallmark. you saw the "surprises" coming a mile away. i really liked the big family and small picturesque town aspect. so hallmark.
even though i read them all one after another, the stories and characters were sufficiently different that i could enjoy each one.
not so with the haven point series. they have all the same stuff yet the no hallmark feels. except for the first one in the series([b:Snow Angel Cove|20821540|Snow Angel Cove (Haven Point, #1)|RaeAnne Thayne|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1406525511s/20821540.jpg|40167366])and the last one[b:Sugar Pine Trail|32905317|Sugar Pine Trail (Haven Point, #7)|RaeAnne Thayne|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1491134897s/32905317.jpg|53521775]). (both of which have Caine's in them- like everyone of the hope crossing series does.) i am almost done with that series and it sucks. it started out very good with adian caine but it went downhill form there. why? cuz every book was VERY similar to the first one. i am literally recognizing entire phrasing. (like i am positive she used some of the exact sentences in all the books!) the lead characters all remind me of the previous leads. and they are so very quick to judge. like how can you be attracted to a person and feel this "hunger" (she uses that word A LOT) when you think they are mean or nasty or uptight or something else very unpleasant? the situations are even similar (crutches for everyone!) also every book is i really NEED help but i don't want your help but i guess i'll take it and try to be grateful and oh now i am in love.
i am saddened by this since i really enjoyed hope's crossing and the first and last book in the haven point series. oh welll...
bookwyrm_lark's review
3.0
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
Willowleaf Lane is the first book I've read in this series, which is set in the fictional Colorado town of Hope's Crossing. It's a warm, feel-good romance with several "issue" subplots. Hope's Crossing reminds me a little of both Creede and Ouray, Colorado: a small, charming resort town.
I admire Charlotte's determination; she was apparently heavily overweight several years before the novel begins, and has been steadily working on her weight and fitness because she realized she was courting diabetes and poor health. That can't be easy for someone who makes and sells candy for a living! Clearly, she has a strong will. Charlotte is also dedicated to her family, though we only see her father (owner of a diner) and her brother, a war veteran and amputee suffering from depression, alcoholism, and possibly PTSD. She's a good friend, loyal, helpful, and empathetic. No one is without flaws, of course, and Charlotte's main ones are that she lacks self-confidence when it comes to men (understandably, given her past) and she holds on too tightly to past hurts.
Both of those flaws can be blamed at least in part on the hero. Spencer Gregory is a home-town boy who made good as a star baseball player, then self-destructed rather spectacularly when he was implicated in a steroids scandal, followed by the death of his estranged wife. Back in their high school days, Spencer was Charlotte's friend and secret crush. . . the boy who shattered her confidence along with her heart. Now he's back in Hope's Crossing, trying to pick up the pieces of his life and forge some kind of relationship with his sullen daughter Peyton.
The pain Spencer caused Charlotte, which he was unaware of, is at the root of the tensions between them throughout the book, even as they're fighting a strong present-day attraction to each other. Their relationship is complicated by Peyton's problems. Charlotte empathizes with and befriends the girl, and Spencer needs her help in dealing with Peyton. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll just say that Peyton has her own issues, and it was obvious to me what those were well before any of the adults around her caught on.
One of the things I particularly liked about the book was Spencer's growth. It's clear from the start that despite the scandals that brought him down, he's basically a decent man, but he becomes a better one through the course of the story. It's also clear he's hiding something and/or protecting someone, possibly several someones, and that he may not have been as guilty as he appeared, which lends just a hint of mystery to the book. There's even a bit of a showdown toward the end -- nothing violent, but satisfying in how it clears up the questions of what really happened.
The secondary characters in Willowleaf Lane are almost universally likeable. Several of them clearly have back stories that were told in earlier books in the series, but I had no trouble starting with this novel instead of one of the earlier ones.
One aspect of Willowleaf Lane did make me uncomfortable: the whole issue of weight and sexual attractiveness. Apparently Charlotte didn't attract guys when she was heavy; now that she's lost the weight, she gets the sexy hero. It's a message that bothers me even though Thayne really tried to avoid tying the two things together. It's clear that Charlotte's concerns about her long-term health were her primary motivation for losing weight and becoming active, and for that, I applaud the author. At least she's not doing it just to get a guy, or to try to fit into unrealistic expectations of female "beauty." But I really wish that Spencer had come back to town in the middle of Charlotte's transformation, and been just as attracted to her -- and then supported her in working toward her goals. Having him show up only after she's already thin and fit sends a message that you can't be attractive and sexy and build a great relationship if you're overweight. As someone who struggles with both my weight and my body image, that really bothered me.
That one caveat aside, Willowleaf Lane is a good choice if you're looking for a gentle small-town romance with likeable characters and a community you can return to.
Willowleaf Lane is the first book I've read in this series, which is set in the fictional Colorado town of Hope's Crossing. It's a warm, feel-good romance with several "issue" subplots. Hope's Crossing reminds me a little of both Creede and Ouray, Colorado: a small, charming resort town.
I admire Charlotte's determination; she was apparently heavily overweight several years before the novel begins, and has been steadily working on her weight and fitness because she realized she was courting diabetes and poor health. That can't be easy for someone who makes and sells candy for a living! Clearly, she has a strong will. Charlotte is also dedicated to her family, though we only see her father (owner of a diner) and her brother, a war veteran and amputee suffering from depression, alcoholism, and possibly PTSD. She's a good friend, loyal, helpful, and empathetic. No one is without flaws, of course, and Charlotte's main ones are that she lacks self-confidence when it comes to men (understandably, given her past) and she holds on too tightly to past hurts.
Both of those flaws can be blamed at least in part on the hero. Spencer Gregory is a home-town boy who made good as a star baseball player, then self-destructed rather spectacularly when he was implicated in a steroids scandal, followed by the death of his estranged wife. Back in their high school days, Spencer was Charlotte's friend and secret crush. . . the boy who shattered her confidence along with her heart. Now he's back in Hope's Crossing, trying to pick up the pieces of his life and forge some kind of relationship with his sullen daughter Peyton.
The pain Spencer caused Charlotte, which he was unaware of, is at the root of the tensions between them throughout the book, even as they're fighting a strong present-day attraction to each other. Their relationship is complicated by Peyton's problems. Charlotte empathizes with and befriends the girl, and Spencer needs her help in dealing with Peyton. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll just say that Peyton has her own issues, and it was obvious to me what those were well before any of the adults around her caught on.
One of the things I particularly liked about the book was Spencer's growth. It's clear from the start that despite the scandals that brought him down, he's basically a decent man, but he becomes a better one through the course of the story. It's also clear he's hiding something and/or protecting someone, possibly several someones, and that he may not have been as guilty as he appeared, which lends just a hint of mystery to the book. There's even a bit of a showdown toward the end -- nothing violent, but satisfying in how it clears up the questions of what really happened.
The secondary characters in Willowleaf Lane are almost universally likeable. Several of them clearly have back stories that were told in earlier books in the series, but I had no trouble starting with this novel instead of one of the earlier ones.
One aspect of Willowleaf Lane did make me uncomfortable: the whole issue of weight and sexual attractiveness. Apparently Charlotte didn't attract guys when she was heavy; now that she's lost the weight, she gets the sexy hero. It's a message that bothers me even though Thayne really tried to avoid tying the two things together. It's clear that Charlotte's concerns about her long-term health were her primary motivation for losing weight and becoming active, and for that, I applaud the author. At least she's not doing it just to get a guy, or to try to fit into unrealistic expectations of female "beauty." But I really wish that Spencer had come back to town in the middle of Charlotte's transformation, and been just as attracted to her -- and then supported her in working toward her goals. Having him show up only after she's already thin and fit sends a message that you can't be attractive and sexy and build a great relationship if you're overweight. As someone who struggles with both my weight and my body image, that really bothered me.
That one caveat aside, Willowleaf Lane is a good choice if you're looking for a gentle small-town romance with likeable characters and a community you can return to.
allingoodtime's review
4.0
The feelings in this book are what earned it a 4 star rating from me. As much as I loved the characters and the story, there were a few things I would have liked to see done differently. So if it wasn't for the great love story, the palpable feelings, between Spencer and Charlotte it may have gotten knocked down to a 3 star book for me.
I mentioned in my review of Woodrose Mountain, Book 2 of the series, that I was so glad for RaeAnne Thayne's writing style that made it possible for the reader to not only get the inner thoughts of the hero and heroine, but also of Taryn who was going through physical therapy. I would have loved to have seen this extended to this book. While we got to see inside Spencer and Charlotte's thoughts, this story could have been so much richer and deeper if we could have also had some insight into young Peyton's mind. Not only had Peyton been through more than any 12 year old should have to endure, she was now dealing with a major health concern that I would have loved to see explored more in this book.
As for Charlotte and her journey, I felt the author took wonderful care in showing the right way for things to be done. I'm sure someone in Charlotte's situation would have a bit more fear about excess skin and stretch marks at this point, but even without that being included I was glad she wasn't written as a sudden exercise/diet fanatic.
I'm still loving the Hope's Crossing series, I just think this particular book had a lot of overlooked potential that could have been tapped.
I mentioned in my review of Woodrose Mountain, Book 2 of the series, that I was so glad for RaeAnne Thayne's writing style that made it possible for the reader to not only get the inner thoughts of the hero and heroine, but also of Taryn who was going through physical therapy. I would have loved to have seen this extended to this book. While we got to see inside Spencer and Charlotte's thoughts, this story could have been so much richer and deeper if we could have also had some insight into young Peyton's mind. Not only had Peyton been through more than any 12 year old should have to endure, she was now dealing with a major health concern that I would have loved to see explored more in this book.
As for Charlotte and her journey, I felt the author took wonderful care in showing the right way for things to be done. I'm sure someone in Charlotte's situation would have a bit more fear about excess skin and stretch marks at this point, but even without that being included I was glad she wasn't written as a sudden exercise/diet fanatic.
I'm still loving the Hope's Crossing series, I just think this particular book had a lot of overlooked potential that could have been tapped.
beckymmoe's review
4.0
Full review can be found here.
3.5 stars. This was a nice story, but that's about it...just nice. I liked the characters and love the setting (every time I read one of the books in this series and the characters spend time in Claire's bead shop, it always makes me want to pull out the jewelry-making supplies again), but I just couldn't seem to get too invested into the lives of the H/h. I think a major reason is because I kept feeling like parts of the story were missing and/or were glossed over. For example, the fact that Charlotte (h) is a virgin didn't even get mentioned until page 159--and then it was done in such a casual manner that I actually used the search feature to make sure I hadn't somehow missed that fact earlier (nope, I hadn't). (Not that she should have been dwelling on it every second or anything, but it was as if the fact was a big deal for about a millisecond of the story and then bam! everyone moved on to other things. It was just very odd.) Much later on, she overhears a private conversation between Spencer (H) and a former friend. She's in the next room and in the dark, and there's no indication that either of the two men (or anyone else) saw her go in there--yet as soon as we see things from the hero's point of view, we find that he's assuming she's in there listening. Why? I have no idea. Again, I stopped reading and went back to see if I had overlooked something, but how he knew (or guessed) she was there wasn't ever explained. When we finally get to the big, revealing, let's-get-on-to-our-HEA scene...the story ends. Right there. Not that I need a wedding/baby/riding off into the sunset epilogue, but really, it was abrupt.
In a nutshell: a nice story about nice people, but felt unfinished. Still, I enjoy this series and hope for a more solid connection with the next one.
(I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
3.5 stars. This was a nice story, but that's about it...just nice. I liked the characters and love the setting (every time I read one of the books in this series and the characters spend time in Claire's bead shop, it always makes me want to pull out the jewelry-making supplies again), but I just couldn't seem to get too invested into the lives of the H/h. I think a major reason is because I kept feeling like parts of the story were missing and/or were glossed over. For example, the fact that Charlotte (h) is a virgin didn't even get mentioned until page 159--and then it was done in such a casual manner that I actually used the search feature to make sure I hadn't somehow missed that fact earlier (nope, I hadn't). (Not that she should have been dwelling on it every second or anything, but it was as if the fact was a big deal for about a millisecond of the story and then bam! everyone moved on to other things. It was just very odd.) Much later on, she overhears a private conversation between Spencer (H) and a former friend. She's in the next room and in the dark, and there's no indication that either of the two men (or anyone else) saw her go in there--yet as soon as we see things from the hero's point of view, we find that he's assuming she's in there listening. Why? I have no idea. Again, I stopped reading and went back to see if I had overlooked something, but how he knew (or guessed) she was there wasn't ever explained. When we finally get to the big, revealing, let's-get-on-to-our-HEA scene...the story ends. Right there. Not that I need a wedding/baby/riding off into the sunset epilogue, but really, it was abrupt.
In a nutshell: a nice story about nice people, but felt unfinished. Still, I enjoy this series and hope for a more solid connection with the next one.
(I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)