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A review by so_many_books
The Geography of Happiness by Jay Hogan
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I love this series, mostly because of the setting but also because of the characters. I wanted to read Spencer's story from the very first moment the flirty bisexual vet first appeared in book 1.
The Geography of Happiness (amazing title, by the way) tells Spencer and Terry's story. It's so much fun because Spencer's been the most desirable bachelor of Mackenzie Country for years and has not planned to fall in love and settle ever. Yet, when Terry and his daughter Hannah arrive at Miller Station, the tables turn very quickly for him.
Terry is a single dad caring for a daughter who lives with a disability. It is time-consuming, and he had very little time for himself, focusing on raising Hannah to be strong and independent yet struggling to let her be her own person. He's also demi and has not really had the desire to find someone for himself.
Terry and Spencer build a friendship in a few days that rivals years of connection. Yes, it is rooted in attraction, but it's so much more. Even the inevitability of the distance between their homes once Terry and Hannah go home can't come between them.
Their story felt fast-paced yet slow at the same time. Most of the book is set in the week Terry is at Miller Station, but then there are quite big time jumps when they try to figure out how they can stay friends or more. It's a bit strange pacing wise as I felt the stroy dragged sometimes, and it took me a few days to finish.
Both Spencer and Terry are well-built characters, both with their own stories and struggles, which are explored in great detail apart from their relationship development.
I also adored Hannah, and I appreciated how well her JIA is included in the story. Her struggles are very much interconnected with Terry's doubts and fears. The fact that her disability and the logistical and health challenges coming from it are such a big part of the story is great and well thought out.
Obviously, the country and small-town vibes are as good as ever. Especially because we have double trouble when it comes to small town gossip and antics. Not only the beloved inhabitants of Mackenzie Country but also of Painted Bay are here to give their peace of mind when it comes to Terry and Spencer's lives. They bring the much needed humour and lightheartedness that brings a little light to the more difficult topics discussed in the book.
I hope we'll have more in the series because I would happily go back to Mackenzie Country for many more stories.
The Geography of Happiness (amazing title, by the way) tells Spencer and Terry's story. It's so much fun because Spencer's been the most desirable bachelor of Mackenzie Country for years and has not planned to fall in love and settle ever. Yet, when Terry and his daughter Hannah arrive at Miller Station, the tables turn very quickly for him.
Terry is a single dad caring for a daughter who lives with a disability. It is time-consuming, and he had very little time for himself, focusing on raising Hannah to be strong and independent yet struggling to let her be her own person. He's also demi and has not really had the desire to find someone for himself.
Terry and Spencer build a friendship in a few days that rivals years of connection. Yes, it is rooted in attraction, but it's so much more. Even the inevitability of the distance between their homes once Terry and Hannah go home can't come between them.
Their story felt fast-paced yet slow at the same time. Most of the book is set in the week Terry is at Miller Station, but then there are quite big time jumps when they try to figure out how they can stay friends or more. It's a bit strange pacing wise as I felt the stroy dragged sometimes, and it took me a few days to finish.
Both Spencer and Terry are well-built characters, both with their own stories and struggles, which are explored in great detail apart from their relationship development.
I also adored Hannah, and I appreciated how well her JIA is included in the story. Her struggles are very much interconnected with Terry's doubts and fears. The fact that her disability and the logistical and health challenges coming from it are such a big part of the story is great and well thought out.
Obviously, the country and small-town vibes are as good as ever. Especially because we have double trouble when it comes to small town gossip and antics. Not only the beloved inhabitants of Mackenzie Country but also of Painted Bay are here to give their peace of mind when it comes to Terry and Spencer's lives. They bring the much needed humour and lightheartedness that brings a little light to the more difficult topics discussed in the book.
I hope we'll have more in the series because I would happily go back to Mackenzie Country for many more stories.