Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to read my first book by Robyn Carr called The Family Gathering.  The funny thing was that this book was actually the third book in her Sullivan's Crossing series, but I didn't even notice until after I had finished the book.  I won't lie though, as soon as I posted my review on book three, The Family Gathering, I dashed back to read book 1 and book 2 so I would be all set and caught up when book 4 -- today's book -- The Best of Us.

As is true with the previous books in this series, The Best of Us can serve as a standalone even though it was book four in a series. The Best of Us brings us the stories of Dr. Leigh Culver and local pub owner, Rob Shandon, as well as Leigh's aunt (who raised her), Helen Culver and Sully Sullivan, of Sullivan’s Crossing. 

In the last book we met Leigh, when she moved to Timberlake, and enjoyed her new practice and a slower pace of life after the years she spent in Chicago.  Leigh has never been married and Rob’s a widower with two teenage sons. (Side note: Rob is the brother to Sid, whom readers met in a previous book when she fell for Dakota Jones.)  It doesn't take long before Leigh and Rob fall for each other; they both have previous experiences that make them cautious as they move forward in their relationship.

Then there's Helen and Sully’s story - what a hoot! It's great that they are a little older but still have a great love story of their own. Sully is a character in all the books, of course.  Helen is an independent woman who raised her sister’s orphaned child, Leigh, with love.  Now that Leigh is grown, it's time for Helen to live her own life.  She's a former retired teacher turned successful mystery writer who loves to travel and doesn't intend to live through another winter season again ever. 

The Best of Us is a story of family being there for each other, while sorting through all the challenges of life, and being able to come out the other side intact. The story is a charming story with well-developed characters and I loved it cover to cover.  There were predictable moments in the story, but I enjoyed them all.   

It's a shame there are no more books in this series, but you can bet I'll be moving forward out of this series and reading her next book due out in April of this year!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Best of Us was a very enjoyable read. Having multiple romances this time around made for three times the fun. I was very wrapped up in everything that was going on. I adored Rob, who’s a prince among men, I understood Leigh’s issues, I loved the other two romances for the young ‘uns and the older ones, and what Rob’s boys did toward the end to make Leigh feel more at home was so utterly endearing, I got a little misty-eyed. There just wasn’t anything that I disliked this time around, so I can say without a doubt that this is my favorite in the series so far even if it wasn’t for other readers.

See full review on The Hope Chest Reviews at the link below.
http://www.thcreviews.com/cgi-bin/vts/book_review.html?book_review_id=1041

I have been enjoying this series quite a lot, and this one is no exception. Robyn Carr has effortlessly made her way into writing women's fiction and producing a story that makes you feel all of the feelings. Leigh and her aunt Helen are a great team, and I love the relationship between them. I also love her Helen knows when to push Leigh out of the nest completely, especially as she is finding her own second chance after having raised Leigh.

I loved the character of Rob, and his relationship with his boys. The sparks between him and Leigh are noticeable at first glance, and it was oh so fun to watch them grow. Secondary characters that we have all grown to know and love are present, and Sully makes a big move. This is a satisfying read, with the ending that I was hoping for and expect.

There were a few times where I felt that the story was rushed, and the dialog a little awkward. All in all, very well done and very satisfying!

Like so many of Carr's books, the characters in this one swept me away. It always amazes me how much I find myself caring about the characters and rooting for them.

Although this book could be considered predictable, sometimes that is exactly what you need to be reading at that moment. The characters were charming and their romantic entanglements really added to the sweetness of the story.

Carr's new book, The Best of Us, seems like an old friend. The story has many elements from Carr's Virgin River series. I don't know if this is the first book or number five, she is good at giving enough back details that the reader can just jump in and enjoy.

What an adorable town, it makes me want to live there. Leigh is the local doctor at the clinic, and Rob is the owner of the local bar/restaurant. While they have been friends for over a year, it isn't until he brings his son in for stitches that the sparks ignite.

Rob has been single for 9 years after his wife passed away leaving him to raise his two boys. Leigh was heartbroken when her first love broke off their engagement just weeks before their wedding and vowed to never get involved again. However, when the sparks fly it is hard to keep their feelings from growing. So much character, warmth, love, and drama!

I didn’t realize that this was the fourth book in a series but I didn’t have much trouble reading it as a standalone. But I will be going back and reading the first three in the series because Robyn Carr wrote a wonderful story with this one. Thank you Netgalley and to the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

In the fourth book in the Sullivan's Crossing series, Robyn Carr presents the going-ons in the small town of Timberlake, CO. Because I haven't read the first three book in the series, there were a lot of characters I kept losing track of. I had to make a characters' list, and how they were related. Although the author tried to naturally pepper in info about them all, you could still see there were details that you were missing as a reader. However, it wasn't something to stop you from enjoying the novel, if this is your typical genre.

It's not mine, I am picky with my romance books, but I'm a sucker for a pretty cover. And this one has a preeeeetty cover.

The novel starts calmy, in a typical small town way. Warm and fuzzy feels, the town is homey, the kind where people greet eachother and everyone knows everybody. The characters are likeable, nice and kind, the kind for whom you want nothing but the best. Of course, as mentioned, the long list of them is a tad daunting and I am still not very sure who is married to who. But that can be overlooked.

Although it started so nice, it suddenly turned into people being in so dire need to remove their clothes and just be in bed together. Ummkay! The main character, Dr. Leigh Culver, a woman who hasn't been in a serious relationship for quite some time, finds herself sleeping with the town's bar keeper, Rob, and becoming pregnant with his child due to... wait for it... a faulty anticonceptive overlooking on her part. It's highly unbelievable. But the two of them are mature... actually scratch that, only Rob is, because Leigh behaves like a teenager. In love are also Helen, Leigh's aunt, and Sully, the campground owner. Sparks fly and they too find themselves in bed in a matter on weeks. Love, man! To be honest, Helen and Sully's romance is more believable than Rob and Leigh's, plus they are cute and you just have to root for them.

Speaking of unbelievable, the characters are all mature and think clearly, and everybody does the right thing sooner or later. Small drama with a teenage couple, Finn and Maia, when the doctors discover she has a tumour, but is operable and she's fine in the end. Those two 18-years-olds are mature and every parent's dream. So cute! The award for the most annoying characters goes to Helen, Leigh's aunt. She acts like too good for this world. I know she did a lot of things for Leigh, but I don't like her. The only moment I rooted for her was when she told Leigh she will not help her raise a kid at 50+ years old.

It didn't real like real life at all. It read cozy and a bit of "oh, no!" but all is solvable in the end, don't you readers worry. It read so fast, I kept reading because I was engrossed in it, I really was! But the moment I realised everybody acted so cool and they took everything in stride despite a relatively conservative life thus far, well, I just don't buy it. I read the final quarter of the book just wanting to see where it led: spoiler: a happy ending all around. Shocker, huh?

I may be sarcastic and mocking towards this one, but for those you like cozy romance and happy endings, this is the perfect read. And since it's number four in the series, there is more cozyness to be had at Sullivan's Crossing.

Kudos to Robyn Carr! I always get sucked into all her stories! Her characters are the best. I always feel I know them. Great Book!

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 <spoiler>that hormones can make you crazy! Lol! </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!

A compelling story that kept me turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed Robin Carr’s latest novel, The Best of Us. The cast of characters were endearing, their stories engaging and illustrates that true love can happen at any strange in life.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.25 Hearts I am not sure if it is but it sure seems like this was the end of a great series. If not I am thrilled but if it is then it ended on a high note.

We got the story of Helen and Leigh (aunt and niece) who both find love. But what we also got was a story that shows us love doesn’t have an age limit. We got to meet Sullivan (name sound familiar???) and watch him get what Sullivan Crossing has for everyone else… Love.

Another great story by Carr. Not one to be missed.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book but... The Best of Us, is the fourth book in the Sullivan’s Cross series, and I found this book had quite a few characters, probably from the other books in the series, to get my head around. I have read some of Robyn Carr books in the past and enjoy them but think that I would have enjoyed this more had I read the first three books in the series. That said it’s a good story and I feel that I would like to read the first three books in the series.

Fourth in a series, The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is a delightful contemporary romance novel set in beautiful Colorado. Although I haven't read the others, I have put all of them on my list to read.

From Amazon:
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.

What I loved about the book: Robyn Carr develops loveable characters who, although flawed like all humans, have common sense, decency and the ability to see the best in people. I love Dr. Leigh, even though I thought she was much older than what the character's true age is. Helen, her aunt, seems to be a feisty woman who has raised her niece, retired from teaching and embarked a career as a successful author. Sully is an older man who runs a campground for hikers that populate the area through the spring and summer. He is just like my grandfather, who spoke his mind but in a caring and considerate manner. I'd love to revisit these characters in the future!

If you are interested in reading this book, consider purchasing it from me! I will make a small commission from Amazon, but your price for the book remains the same.

I want to preface this review by saying Robyn Carr is a go-to author on my to-be-read list. However, The Best of Us was not my favourite title that she's written. I didn't find that I was drawn into the story on an emotional level, and there was nothing unpredictable in the book to hook me. All this aside, it was an easy-to-read contemporary women's fiction with a strong romantic storyline and a heavy dose of small-town close-tie community. I've been vested in the characters lives as they're introduced one by one throughout the series, and I loved the secondary romance line - it's never too late for love or second chances. Unfortunately, as a whole, it just wasn't a 5-star rating for me, but a comfortable 3 - it was okay, just not my favourite.

I dont think I have read many books that can so eloquently piece together so many different character views and keep consistency in a way that you have distinction of people but the story in never wavered.
This is a heartfelt book that I didnt want to put down. I wanted more of this family.

Sullivan's Crossing books have such wonderful characters and The Best of Us did not disappoint. I wasn't sure how I would feel about Sully's romance but I enjoyed seeing that side of him quite a bit. Robin Carr is a go to author for me and I one I never hesitate to recommend to others!

4.5 Stars

I've been a fan of Robyn's work since I discovered the Virgin River series which was several years ago. I picked up What We Find and was captivated by the inhabitants of Sullivan's Crossing and Timberlake, and continued with Any Day Now and The Family Gathering. The Best of Us can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the previous titles as they have interconnected story lines and the characters stories continue to grow and develop with each addition to the series.

I highly recommend Robyn's work to anyone who loves a heartwarming small town romance with strong these of family, friendship and community.

The Best of Us features three couples of different generations at different stages of life finding love.

Leigh is a newer resident of Timberlake, the town doctor who runs the urgent care clinic. She's independent, and once bitten, twice shy when it comes to love. The last place she expects to find love is with Rob a widower, and single father to two teenage boys Sean and Finn. Rob owns and runs the town pub. He's such an endearing character. Sweet, kind and a loving father who will do anything to support his sons. His younger sister Sid, was the heroine of The Family Gathering. The chemistry between this pair is undeniable, and just oozes off the page.

Helen is Leigh's aunt, who raised her as her own, after the unexpected death of her younger sister. She's a retired teacher and mystery writer, who comes to Timberlake for the summer, and unexpectedly finds her own romance with Sully. Helen is independent, accomplished, and driven. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to share her opinions. Sully is a constant in each of the previous titles, and owns and runs the Sullivan's Crossing camp ground.

Finn is Rob's eldest son, who is experiencing first love with Maia, who finishing their senior year and preparing to head off to college. Finn is kind, caring, compassionate and thoughtful. This pair face challenges that would confront couples much older, and they both show strength and courage beyond their years.

I thoroughly enjoyed this title and the opportunity revisiting characters who appeared in the previous titles and will be eagerly awaiting Robyn's next release.

I devoured this book. I started it at Christmas time and I read it almost straight through. I couldn’t stop, I couldn’t put it down, and I just had to know that everyone ended up happy. I was invested in the characters relationships, I wanted to be part of their loving family, and I needed to know what was going to happen with them.

While this is Leigh and Rob’s story I loved that it was Sully’s story also. Sully was in need to his happy ever after and this was written perfectly for him. I love his wit, his sense of who he is, and the fact that he didn’t let the Helen sway him from what he wanted, which was her. He knew that he was older and that his life was slowing down but he was willing to do whatever it took to keep her happy and with him.

Rob and Leigh’s story is a hot, slow-moving romancing. The heat is scorching but they take the relationship part slowly. Neither is ready for marriage but they both realize that they have to commit to each other to make it work for them. While they are in different places in life together they are perfect. Rob balances out Leigh’s need for control and Leigh gives Rob some fun that he much needed after raising his two boys alone.

The Best of Us is the perfect, loving romance story. The characters have real relationships with family and friends.

I read a lot of mysteries where I'm trying to figure out how the book will end. In a book like this - chick lit - it's pretty easy to guess how things will end but we read to see what happens along the way. I can't remember the last time I read one of Robyn Carr's books and I wasn't aware until I finished this book that it was part of a series. I can see where it would have been helpful to know more about the various characters but it wasn't necessary for the understanding or enjoyment of the story.

This was a nice break from more serious books - - or those mysteries I usually read like Aunt Helen's books!