I read this out of order, but it really didn't make any difference. I read Harbor Lights - the third in the trilogy - before this one.
I like Bree and Jake's story, but I was disappointed that the way they dealt with the past was for Jake to finally read a partial manuscript that she'd poured her emotions into and then it was over after a few sentences of I guess we were both wrong. I wished I could have seen them grieve together. To really deal with what happened, to bare their souls - and come out stronger. They both want a family - are there any lingering worries because of what happened in the past? That wasn't touched on either.
To have Marty jump in towards the end and put a wrinkle in the works was fine, but it went on too long and Jake acted like a baby at the restaurant. He should have had faith in her, and wrapping it up in the last few pages with Bree repeating what she's been saying all along...it was more like Jake finally believed her without any big reason why.
I enjoyed this trilogy a lot, and I learned a lot about single title writing from the books. They weren't perfect, but you're still left with a good, warm feeling when you're done. Chesapeake Shores and the O'Briens are memorable.
Donna
HONEYMOON WITH THE RANCHER, Cherish UK March 2011
A FAMILY FOR THE RUGGED RANCHER, Cherish UK June 2011
HOW A COWBOY STOLE HER HEART, Cherish UK October 2011
www.donnaalward.com
