Goodreads Summary:

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.

My Thoughts:

I always love when my reading takes me to the world of Sullivan’s Crossing, in Timberlake, Colorado. There is just something so real about these characters, and I have enjoyed reading about their challenges and triumphs in the previous novels. This installment was no different, I finished it in one day, a record for me these days!

Leigh Culver has settled into the community of Timberlake comfortably, healing their hurts in her clinic, sharing stories and hellos in the pubs and restaurants, slowly making friends and inroads into this friendly community. Her life seems to be just how she wants it, with the exception of missing her beloved aunt, who raised her. When a white-faced Rob Shandon, owner of the town pub, comes in one evening with his injured son, little does she know that her world is about to change in a big way. After stitching up Rob’s son’s hand, she finds she has a new patient, Rob himself, who almost faints at the sight of the blood. Leigh capably calms him down by massaging his head, something she does for patients who need some help slowing down, and boom – fireworks for Rob, immediately. Their quick friendship turns into a relationship even quicker. Spring has definitely sprung in Colorado, and love is in the air for everyone.

With spring in full bloom, Leigh’s aunt Helen comes for a visit. Helen is a popular mystery writer, and spends her time visiting different friends spread out through the U.S., avoiding midwestern winters like the plague. Helen is planning on spending much of her time with Leigh, but finds herself drawn to the front porch and kitchen table and eventually bedroom, of someone special herself.

But like Shakespeare said, the course of true love never did run smooth, as many of the couples in this book go through their share of hurdles. From Finn’s story with his girlfriend Maia, to Leigh and Rob, to Helen and her new love, all must find their way and their path to that true happiness.

I loved Leigh’s story with Rob, although, I do have to say I have to give it to Rob in this book. Leigh was a little difficult at times, and a little selfish, and I felt Rob’s character remained strong and steadfast and loyal, qualities that are also reflected in his son Finn. I loved the Shandon family, I have to say, in this book.

All in all, this was a great read from start to finish, and one to shake off those winter blues!

Giveaway! For a chance to win a brand new hardcover The Best of Us, just leave a comment below! I’ll do a drawing next Wednesday, Jan. 16th. Open to U.S. residents only, sorry!

Thank you to Little Bird Publicity for the chance to read and review this book! I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.