Blog Tour Review & Excerpt: The Friendship Club by Robyn Carr

 

The Friendship Club by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: January 23rd 2024 by MIRA 

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Bookshop.org 

Books-A-Million | Harlequin 

My Thoughts:

Marni McGuire is a famous cooking show host, married twice, widowed and then divorced, she is now happily single. Her life is filled doing a job she loves, cooking and styling food, with her best friend and production manager/chef, Ellen, and regular visits with her sister and daughter. Her pregnant daughter, Bella, worries that her mother isn’t as happy as she could be though, and arranges a date for her. However, Marni strikes up a friendship with a man on her own and the sparks of chemistry fly between them.

Bella, Marni’s daughter has her own issues being overloaded with pregnancy hormones, her emotions are all over the place and her marriage is suffering because of it.

Marni’s best friend, Ellen, married later in life to an older man. He suffered an aneurysm two years after, severely crippling him mentally and physically, and she ended up a caregiver for many years before he died. Widowed and happily single as well, she’s surprised when her neighbor, a retired firefighter, invites her over for dinner.

Sophia, Marni’s college intern has found herself in a passionate relationship that quickly turns into a frightening situation when the guy turns obsessive. She’s reluctant to share, feeling embarrassed and somehow responsible, but Marni, Ellen, and her father, Sam all step in to help. I was frightened for her and all involved!

The Friendship Club was part women’s fiction, part romance, with a surprising amount of suspense thanks to Sophia’s storyline! I loved the strong, supportive female friendships portrayed here, as well as the two mature romances! Don’t even get me started on all the mouth-watering food mentioned! There’s a reason Robyn Carr is so popular. Her stories are completely engrossing from the first page, and I was fully invested as these women navigated the ups and downs in their lives! 

4 Stars

Excerpt:

Book Summary:

Four women who work on a popular cooking show band together when they discover the youngest member of their group has an abusive boyfriend. The Barefoot Contessa meets Big Little Lies in this drama-filled novel about the power of female friendships.

Marni McGuire is the host of a popular television cooking show and leads a very happy life. Twice married, she has been widowed and divorced and now, in her mid-fifties, she enjoys being a successful single woman. But Marni's daughter Bella, who is pregnant with her first child, is convinced that Marni is lonely and she is determined to find a new man for her mother. To humor her daughter, Marni goes on a series of terrible dates. Marni's best-friend and colleague from the cooking show, Ellen, is a widow who has no interest in meeting anyone new and the two women have discussed the challenges of marriage and the joys of being single. But, while Ellen is adamant she wants nothing to do with men, Marni has to admit to herself that she would like to be with someone but only if he is the right fit.

As Bella's pregnancy progresses she admits to her mother that she has some concerns about the state of her own marriage, and all three women are concerned that the young intern on the cooking show is caught in a toxic relationship.

Marni and Ellen are determined to guide the two younger women to have the strength, confidence and support to improve their situations and the women gather regularly to talk about the important issues in their lives.

When Marni and Ellen each unexpectedly find themselves falling for new men in their lives the younger women help them navigate the dating world.

Together these four women form a strong bond of family and friendship that will anchor all of them as they navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of life.

About the author:

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women’s fiction such as Four Friends, The Summer That Made Us and The View from Alameda Island, as well as the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan's Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit her website at robyncarr.com.

Connect with Robyn Carr:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Review: Holidays in Virgin River by Robyn Carr

 

Holidays in Virgin River (Virgin River #7.5, 10.5) by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: October 4th 2022 by MIRA

Pages: 368

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Harlequin | B & N | Bookshop | Powell's | Goodreads 

My Thoughts:

I’ve been a fan of the Virgin Rivers series for years so reading these two novellas was like coming home! I love this fictional charming town with its group of tight-knit, caring characters! I’ve watched the TV series as well and while I think they did a great job with the casting and setting, the plot lines don’t compare to the beautiful and passionate stories Ms. Carr has written!  Not that I’ll stop watching, lol.

Loved both novellas and I enjoyed that they’re connected. The first, Under the Christmas Tree, centers on Annie McCarty a longtime resident who stumbles an abandoned litter of puppies that need care. Nate Jensen, the local vet, steps up to help, along with the rest of the town. Their romance was a delight, full attraction and yearning. Annie’s a bit gun-shy after being burned by her last relationship, but Nate isn’t deterred.

The second, Midnight Confessions, centers on Nate Jensen’s twenty-five-year-old niece, Sunny. She’s sworn off men after being left at the altar a year ago. She’s angry, and rightly so, but on New Year’s at Jack’s bar she meets Drew Foley who helps her to see that getting dumped may not have been a bad thing. After all, Sunny wouldn’t be spending an evening getting to know the sweet, handsome man otherwise.

In addition to the two novellas, Holidays in Virgin River includes a note from Robyn Carr describing how the story of Virgin River came to her and several delicious sounding recipes inspired by the series (some listed below in the book description). Comfort-food type of recipes I plan on trying!

4 Stars

Book Description:

A special gift Christmas hardcover anthology of 2 Virgin River novellas by #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr plus an introduction from the author and select recipes and explanations of the holiday traditions celebrated in Virgin River.

Contains two Virgin River novellas: Under the Christmas Tree and Midnight Confessions along with at least 10 recipes and anecdotes written by Robyn Carr about why the recipes are special to specific characters from VR. We'll also have an introduction written by Robyn explaining why she wrote Virgin River in the first place and why it resonates so strongly with audiences today. Examples of recipes are: The VR cookie exchange (Gingerbread cookies, Traditional Scottish Shortbread, Lemon Bars, Chocolate Chip Cookies) Hot drinks to enjoy as they decorate the town Christmas tree (mulled wine, homemade hot chocolate) Preacher's famous meatloaf and garlic mash, to name a few.

About the Author:

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women's fiction such as Four Friends and The View From Alameda Island and the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan's Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix Original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit her website at www.RobynCarr.com. Connect with Robyn Carr: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Review: A Family Affair by Robyn Carr

 

A Family Affair by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: April 5th 2022 by MIRA & Harlequin Audio

Pages: 320

Source: Publisher & Purchased Audiobook

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Powell's | Goodreads | Bookshop.org 

Books-A-Million | Harlequin 

My Thoughts:

Fifty-seven-year-old Anna has just lost her husband, Chad, in a rafting accident, and it sends her family into a swirl of chaos and change. Her husband was far from a saint, unfulfilled and unhappy, playing the blame game with Anna. She’s angry with him for his recklessness, but she doesn’t share their troubles with their kids until they get a shock with the terms of Chad’s will.

I just loved this story so much! As usual Robyn Carr grabbed my attention from the first page! There are several story lines, with Anna the main focus and her children having to deal with the loss of their father and the issues they had never examined before. Jess and Michael had the most personal growth, both were self-centered in their own way even though Jess seemed like more of a mess at first. Angry and demanding as she went about her life, she managed to self-sabotage any romantic relationship in short order. It was interesting getting to the bottom of that and I ended up really liking her!

Michael, while likable was pretty juvenile and careless with his girlfriend. Grief made him act like a jerk, but I was happy to see him turn around.

My heart went out to Anna as the details of her marriage were recounted. I was impressed by how she dealt with everything, and she was such a great example! I was thrilled she had a second chance at happiness with a love interest of her own, and I thought it was refreshing to show a mature romance fulfilling and passionate!  

I alternately read and listened to A Family Affair, not wanting to put it down while I had to get things done! It was a treat to listen as Therese Plummer is one of my all-time favorite narrators. Perfection! I was filled with happiness for all the characters on finishing. Five star read all the way! A definite recommend!

5 Stars

About the book:

An exceptional storyteller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr beautifully captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of any family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as they discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most.

When a woman notices a young pregant woman attending her husband's funeral she realizes his mid-life crisis went far beyond his weekend warrior lifestyle. But Carr's story of a family dealing with their grief is full of surprises and as everyone examines their own beliefs and behavior, they become closer than they ever thought possible. Carr tackles the serious issues women face with humor and heart.

About the author:

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women’s fiction such as Four Friends, The Summer That Made Us and The View from Alameda Island, as well as the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan's Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit her website at robyncarr.com.

Connect with Robyn Carr:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Review: Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr

Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: April 14th 2020 by MIRA Books

Pages: 400

Source: Publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | iBooks

Google | Kobo | Walmart | Target | Harlequin

About the book:

Sometimes the happiness we’re looking for has been there all along…
Adele and Justine have never been close. Born twenty years apart, Justine was already an adult when Addie was born. The sisters love each other but they don’t really know each other. 

When Addie dropped out of university to care for their ailing parents, Justine, a successful lawyer, covered the expenses. It was the best arrangement at the time but now that their parents are gone, the future has changed dramatically for both women 

Addie had great plans for her life but has been worn down by the pressures of being a caregiver and doesn’t know how to live for herself. And Justine’s success has come at a price. Her marriage is falling apart despite her best efforts.

Neither woman knows how to start life over but both realize they can and must support each other the way only sisters can. Together they find the strength to accept their failures and overcome their challenges. Happiness is within reach, if only they have the courage to fight for it.

Set in the stunning coastal town of Half Moon Bay, California, Robyn Carr’s new novel examines the joys of sisterhood and the importance of embracing change.

My Thoughts:

Even though they are sisters, Adele and Justine are twenty-years apart, and haven’t really been close, but they’re both at a crossroads in their life. Adele, the younger of the two had put her life on hold to care for her ailing parents, but now that they’re both gone, she’s not sure what to do next. Add to that is her feelings for her best friend Jake: friend or more? Justine’s marriage of twenty-eight years is over after her husband is caught cheating. Even though they hadn’t been close, their situations make is so they have to be, but this proves to be a blessing as they draw close, and support each other through the tough times.

I love Robyn Carr’s heartfelt, and emotional stories with characters you can relate to, flaws and all. The Virgin River series is one of my favorites, but her women’s fiction reminds me a bit of Kristan Higgins’, so I think fans of KH would enjoy Sunrise on Half Moon Bay. Even though I think this would be considered more women’s fiction than romance, there was a bit of that in there, too. 

4 Suns

Author Bio: 

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women's fiction such as Four Friends and The View From Alameda Island and the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan's Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix Original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit her website at www.RobynCarr.com.

Connect with Robyn Carr:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Review: The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr

The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing #5) by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: January 7th 2020 by MIRA

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher & Audio Book Purchase

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

A summer rental, a new beginning…

Hannah Russell’s carefully crafted plans for her life have been upended without warning. When her best friend died suddenly, Hannah became guardian to a five-year-old named Noah. With no experience at motherhood, she’s terrified she’s not up to the challenge. She and Noah need time to get to know each other, so she decides to rent a country house with stunning views on a lake in rural Colorado.

When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas and Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog. As Hannah learns to become a mother, Owen Abrams, who is recovering from his own grief, can’t help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.

But life throws more challenges at this unlikely trio and they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family. And the people of Sullivan’s Crossing will rally around them to offer all of the support they need.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers an emotional and triumphant novel about the fierce power of a mother’s love.

My Thoughts:

As usual with Robyn Carr’s stories, The Country Guesthouse sucked me right in from the first chapter. 

Hannah’s life is turned upside down in more ways than one when her best friend, Erin, dies unexpectedly and she’s named as the guardian to her five-year-old son, Noah.  Erin and Hannah had been best friends since college, bonding over shared goals and horrible mothers.  Of course, when Hannah agreed to take care of any of Erin’s future offspring should something happen, Hannah never dreamed she’d have to carry out that promise.  She’s determined to cherish and raise Noah right, and to get better acquainted and smooth the transition Hannah takes them on a vacation to a secluded Colorado house. Little does she know that due to a scheduling mishap, the owner, Owen Abrams will be staying on the property as well, but this turns out to be the best thing for Hannah, Noah, and Owen.

Owen Abrams is no stranger to loss, and so Hannah and Noah’s situation tugs at his heart.  His big Great Dane, Romeo, immediately breaks the ice and lifts Noah’s spirits, but it’s Owen’s help and friendship that truly make their vacation special. Days swimming and fishing in the lake and nights spent making dinner and relaxing on the porch make it so Hannah and Noah never want to leave. Hannah and Owen grow closer and closer making leaving a painful prospect. Never fear, love finds a way!

The situation was both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I was captivated from page one. As with real life, there were bumps in the road.  There’s usually a little suspense and danger with Ms. Carr’s stories, and there’s a situation that definitely put me on edge and had me worrying for Noah’s safety, but Hannah and Noah had love, support, and protection from Owen, as well as many of the residents in Sullivan’s Crossing, most I’d met in the previous installments. 

Characters from past stories pop in, but I think The Country Guesthouse can be read as a standalone since this is very much Hannah, Owen and Noah’s story.  Sullivan’s Crossing has been a thoroughly enjoyable series, and I love digging into every new installment! Set in the Colorado mountains, where the Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail intersect, Sullivan’s Crossing sounds like a beautiful small town, and I’ve grown to love the colorful characters.

I had an ARC e-copy of The Country Guesthouse, but I usually can’t resist buying an audio copy of Robyn Carr’s books because of Therese Plummer’s superb narration.  I alternately listened and read, and loved the story!

4 Suns

Review: The View from Alameda Island by Robyn Carr

The View from Alameda Island by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: April 30th by MIRA

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher & Purchased Audio copy

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Kobo

About the book:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers a poignant and powerful story about how one woman’s best intentions lead to the worst of situations and how the power of love helps her to heal and ultimately triumph.

From the outside looking in, Lauren Delaney has a life to envy—a successful career, a solid marriage to a prominent surgeon and two beautiful daughters who are off to good colleges. But on her twenty-fourth wedding anniversary Lauren makes a decision that will change everything.

Lauren won’t pretend things are perfect anymore. She defies the controlling husband who has privately mistreated her throughout their marriage and files for divorce. And as she starts her new life, she meets a kindred spirit—a man who is also struggling with the decision to end his unhappy marriage.

But Lauren’s husband wants his “perfect” life back and his actions are shocking. Facing an uncertain future, Lauren discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had as she fights for the love and happiness she deserves.

My Thoughts:

I LOVE Robyn Carr’s writing, so I’ve been looking forward to The View From Alameda Island, it was amazing and crazy!  I think this has been the craziest exes I’ve read from Ms. Carr, but the relationship between Lauren and Beau was steady and calming throughout any drama that came at them.  Their romance was slow and steady, felt real, but also had heat and chemistry! I loved it!

Let me just tell you I wanted to strangle both of their exes! Their pictures would be up by the words “narcissistic”, “megalomaniac”, and “delusional” in the dictionary!  Wow! I honestly can’t believe they both put up with so much, but I can somewhat understand because there were kids involved.  Each wanted to wait until their kids were out and mostly settled on their own path.  Beau get special props for being a stepfather and not bowing out because he split from the boy’s mom. They truly needed a stable force in their life since their mom was flighty, full of drama, and manipulative!

I was touched by the wonderful friends and family Beau and Lauren had, a testament to the kind of good people they were at heart, they definitely needed the support!  I loved how each ex had their own comeuppance at every turn, and never got away with things too long.  I’m so sad for anyone who goes through this kind of drama in their family.  At any rate, I loved how it all turned out. 

The setting of Alameda Island was lovely!  I’m in East Bay San Francisco just about every other weekend, but I haven’t got over to that neck of the woods yet, but now I want to! It sounds like a charming little town full of character!

I mostly listened to the audio version narrated by Therese Plummer, one of my all-time favorite performers!  She nails both the male and female characters, and I love her easy cadence.  She narrates most (if not all) of Ms. Carr’s books, as well as the Casey Duncan (Rockton) series by Kelley Armstrong. Another favorite author/series!  I’d be willing to give just about any author a go if Ms. Plummer is narrating the story!

4 Suns

Review: The Best of Us by Robyn Carr

The Best of Us (Sullivan's Crossing #4) by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: January 8th 2019 by MIRA

Pages: 336

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

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:

At thirty-four Dr. Leigh Culver has all but given up on marriage and children, and she’s been okay with that finding fulfillment as a doctor. Leigh didn’t expect to find herself wrapped up in an all-consuming kind of romance with Rob Shandon, the local pub-owner.  No one has revved her up as much and they just can’t get enough of each other!  But it’s more than just the physical, they click mentally, too.  Leigh feels so much it scares her, so she’s determined to be sure before she rushes into anything. 

Rob Shandon lost his wife nine years ago and had to go it alone with two young boys. He’s fine with casual dates here and there, until Leigh.  He’s seen her around but when his oldest boy has a minor accident they collide and connect, and even though he still isn’t keen on anything serious like marriage he’s finding it harder to picture a future that doesn’t include Leigh.  They squeeze in lusty meet-ups whenever they can because they’re so crazy for each other!  Rob thinks he’s fine with keeping things the way they are until an unexpected turn of events has them thinking about more.

Leigh finds herself feeling vulnerable, and worried about the future which has her stalling at making any decision.  Her Aunt Helen (basically her mom) finally had to show her some tough love to shake some sense into Leigh. I didn’t blame Leigh, since I know from personal experience Highlight for spoiler: that hormones can make you crazy! Lol! End of spoiler So I can excuse her thinking.  Plus, she didn’t dilly dally that long.

It always feels like coming home to family and friends I love when I crack open one of Robyn Carr’s books. I was pleased to get more of Sullivan’s Crossing in this installment since Sully finally had his own romance with Leigh’s aunt.  Sullivan’s Crossing sounds like an amazing place if you love hiking and camping or just enjoy the outdoors.  It’s a campground, general store, post office, and more, where The Continental Divide Trail and The Colorado Trail intersect. I love how Leigh’s Aunt Helen, a world traveler and mystery writer, succumbed not only to Sully’s charms, but to the charm and beauty of this magical place! The Best of Us is the fourth installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series, and it’d work okay as a stand-alone, but you’d get more enjoyment starting from the beginning, which I don’t consider a hardship since I love this series! 

4 Suns

Quick Update & Giveaway

Hi there readers! I hope all have had wonderful summer trips, lots of fun! Maybe visiting a beach like the one pictured above! 

I haven't been reviewing that much lately, just here and there so I thought I'd catch you up on some books I've enjoyed the last few weeks:

       

    

So you can see, I've been all over the place with romances, from historical to romantic suspense/mystery to PNR.  I finally broke down and read a Nalini Singh! The first of the Psy-Changeling series (I guess there's 15 out now!) and I really enjoyed it!  I listened to the audio version, courtesy of the library and the narration was excellent. Actually, most of the books you see above were audio books for me, except for Cowboy Christmas Miracle and Gone Too Deep.  

Smoke Screen (5 Stars) by Sandra Brown was better than Smash Cut (3.5 Stars) for me.  The couple in Smash Cut (or I should say, heroine) didn't fully trust or confide until the very end so that was a mark against their romance for me. Still, it's hard to beat Sandra Brown's books even when its not her best work. She is the queen of a twists!  

I'm making my way through J.R. Ward's BDB series.  Lover Unbound was good, but I had just a tinge of disappointment over how she managed to make Jane and Vishous' romance a (Highlight for Spoiler) long term, given that Jane is human when they fall in love.  I know it had to be accomplished somehow, but I didn't want that.  Oh well. I've read later books and I would've never known, just thought she was normal if I didn't read this installment, so I need to stop bitching! (End of Spoiler).

I'm continuing on with Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series and the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr and loving both! I can't get enough of the Virgin River series, where I get to visit with all my favorite couples while enjoying a new romance with each installment.  Although, I must say I wanted to smack Mel a time or two in Moonlight Road! I need to be a little more understanding because it's not like I haven't had emotions that make me a bit crazy, too! 

A Cowboy Christmas Miracle is not to be missed by anyone who loves a sexy, sweet cowboy! Carolyn Brown finishes up her Burnt Boot, Texas series with this book, and I just melted over Declan! Betsy was a feisty sweetheart, too!  You can enter the giveaway for Carolyn Brown's One Texas Cowboy Too Many HERE. 

Gone Too Deep by Katie Ruggle is my favorite in the series so far! I've been on many a backpacking trip, so I could relate to all the hard work, and "enjoy" the beauty of untouched wilderness! It was a thrilling mystery, and I loved the sweet, innocent nature of the romance. My jaw just dropped with that ending! I'm reading the next one very soon.

I have a Paperback Copy of Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh to giveaway to one lucky follower.  US & CA residents only.  Just enter the rafflecopter below:

Review: Never Too Late by Robyn Carr

Never Too Late by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: May 1st 2006 by Mira Books

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

Number-one New York Times best-selling author Robyn Carr examines the lives of three sisters as they step beyond the roles of wife, mother, and daughter, and discover the importance of being a woman first.

Clare Wilson is starting over. She's had it with her marriage to a charming serial cheater. Even her own son thinks she's given his father too many chances. With the support of her sisters, Maggie and Sarah, she's ready to move on. Facing her 40th birthday, Clare is finally feeling the rush of unadulterated freedom.

But when a near-fatal car accident lands Clare in the hospital, her life takes another detour. While recovering, Clare realizes she has the power to choose her life's path. The wonderful younger police officer who witnessed her crash is over the moon for her. A man from her past stirs up long-buried feelings. Even her ex is pining for her. With enthusiasm and a little envy, her sisters watch her bloom.

Together, the sisters encourage each other to seek what they need to be happy. Along the way, they all learn that it's never too late to begin again.

My Thoughts:

Never Too Late focused on the lives and loves of three sisters, Clare, Sarah and Maggie, but mainly centered on Clare, a wife and mother recently separated for the FOURTH time from her cheating husband of sixteen years!! Even her fifteen year old son doesn’t want his mom to get back together with the idiot! When an accident shakes up her life, Clare knows it’s time to move on and embrace change.

At first I could sympathize with Clare’s family and their frustration over not kicking Roger (the cheating douche bag) to the curb sooner, but as Clare’s history is revealed I could understand why she didn’t.  I appreciated that I didn’t have to “see” the back and forth, because the story tuned in after she firmed her resolve.  Clare was a wonderful person and mother, and instead of dwelling on the negative, she tried to focus on the positive things she shared with Roger, the good times.  Clare didn’t bash her husband to her son; she let him form his own opinions about his dad, and tried to support their continued relationship. Something I thought was highly commendable and mature.  I thought Clare’s romance would take one path when the story started, but it diverted, and I was happy with the direction it went!

Maggie, the oldest of the three seems so put together, with a charmed life.  But after years together her marriage isn’t as passionate as it once was, and for some reason her husband, Bob, doesn’t seem to mind all that much. Maggie’s teenage daughters are going through some growing pains, as well.

Sarah has never found “the one”, not that she’s been really looking.  Clare’s changes inspire her to make some of her own.  Well that, and a new, gorgeous man!  I don’t want to get into her story too much so as not to spoil things.

Never Too Late was my first Robyn Carr book and I was impressed!  I loved this story! She wrote realistic, but oh-so-hot romances with no ridiculous drama or angst, but the story was so much more. Witnessing these sisters navigate the ups and downs of their lives, and come out on top was a pleasure.  I felt that Robyn Carr perfectly captured the struggles of a long term marriage, family life, and romances.  I was caught up and enchanted by each story, fully invested in the HEA of each sister! 

As for the audiobook version, Therese Plummer did a fabulous job narrating Never Too Late, both female and male voices.  

5 Suns