Review: The Best of Us by Robyn Carr

Title: The Best of Us by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Four
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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.

Review:

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is delightfully charming romance featuring two love stories. Although this newest release is the fourth installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series, it can be read as a standalone.

Dr. Leigh Culver has no regrets about relocating to the small town of Timberlake. She is enjoying the slower pace and her new friendship with camp ground owner Sully. Having had her heart broken years earlier by her high school sweetheart, Leigh is not looking for love. But after pub owner Rob Shandon brings his teenage son Finn to the clinic for stitches, she is surprised when he asks her out. Since the widowed father of two is not looking for a permanent relationship, Leigh sees no harm in dating him. Their not so secret romance takes an unexpectedly serious turn but is Leigh ready to commit to a future with Rob?

Leigh’s aunt Helen is a retired school teacher and a successful author. Having raised Leigh after her sister’s death, Helen is enjoying the freedom to travel and visit friends across the country.  After selling her house in Illinois, she plans to spend the summer with Leigh while working on her current novel.  After her niece introduces her to Sully, Helen begins spending quiet, slow-paced days with him his campground.  Despite having little in common, Sully and Helen become fast friends and both are shocked to discover their feelings go deeper than friendship.

Leigh and Rob’s relationship is sizzling hot but they do not plan on their romance becoming serious. Rob is the first to realize he is falling in love but Leigh tends to keep him at an emotional distance.  Leigh is not exactly ready to admit to herself that she might feel more for Rob than lust, but her memories of her previous heartbreak still haunt her. When circumstances force them to consider a future together, will Rob convince Leigh to consider taking their relationship to the next level?

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is a sweet novel of family, friendship and love. All of the characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Rob and Leigh’s relationship is quite passionate but Leigh has a lot of a growing to do before she is ready to risk her heart again.  Helen and Sully’s romance is quite endearing and tugs on readers’ heartstrings. The tight-knit community welcomes newcomers into their fold and the small town setting is quite homey. This newest addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series is a warm and heartfelt novel that old and new fans are sure to love.