Leigh and Helen Culver were all each other had, but Leigh moved to Sullivan's Crossing to be a small town doctor. What you think is one story really becomes two as Leigh is moving along her and starts dating. Helene goes to write at the inn and starts to fall for someone as well. As their lives are parallel Helene has to remind Leigh that she has her own life and its time for Leigh to live her own and to not depend on her as much.
This was a great story my favorite in this series so far.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

he Best of Us has a lot of themes that echo back to the first book in this series, What We Find. Not that you have to have read that to enjoy this. More that the stories hit some similar beats, and that the issues that led to the situation Maggie finds herself in at the beginning of What We Find have parallels with rather different outcomes in The Best Of Us.

Also that Maggie’s father Sully, who all of the residents of the Crossing and the nearby town of Timberlake love, finally gets his own romance in addition to the central love story between the 30somethings that this series has featured so far.

Unlike the Jones siblings featured in the first three books of this series, Leigh Culver comes to Timberlake with a purpose. She has come to take over the urgent-care clinic in town. Well, that’s her job. Her personal purpose is to finally live on her own after spending the first 34 years of her life living with her Aunt Helen, the woman who raised her.

As part of that living on her own, Leigh is also in Timberlake to actually get a life – not that she would see it that way. She went through high school intending to marry the boy next door, and when he left her at the altar she threw herself into her studies, not just college but also medical school, an internship, a residency and ultimately a practice as both an ER doctor in a major Chicago hospital and a private family practice.

She’s been part of the rat race for too long, and as much as she loves her work, it hasn’t left her time for a life outside of it. So she comes to Timberlake, where she has a practice that keeps her busy but not insanely so, makes friends and has time to look around her and see what she wants to do next.

What she sees is her neighbor Rob Shanahan, a single father of two nearly grown up boys. One of whom lands in her clinic after slicing his hand open at Rob’s pub. In the process of treating Finn’s cut and Rob’s fainting spell, he manages to ask her out. She thinks he’s delirious – and he kind of was – but he’s serious about the date.

And once they’ve finally figured out that what they have is more than a fainting spell and some truly amazing chemistry, they can’t keep their hands off each other. No matter how difficult it is to find some private time between his boys and her Aunt Helen coming to Timberlake for a long visit.

Not that Helen doesn’t find plenty of ways to keep herself busy. She’s a very successful mystery writer, and the Crossing turns out to be the perfect place to write away an afternoon. That she finds herself amused and entranced by Sully is definitely a surprising but lovely added benefit.

It all seems too good to be true, until things start to go pear-shaped, at least for Rob and Leigh. Neither of them has wanted to talk about love. Rob’s wife died when the boys were babies, and he hasn’t been looking for love since then – he hasn’t had time either. Leigh has resigned herself to being alone like her Aunt. She may have gotten over loving that boy next door who abandoned her, but she’s never recovered from the betrayal.

When Leigh discovers that the birth control implant she thought still had a couple of years to run had in fact expired a couple of years before, there are suddenly a lot of decisions to make, and a lot of acknowledgements to figure out – before that hot spark gets smothered.

Escape Rating B: There were three things I really, really loved about this story, and one that personally drove me bananas – although I realize that this is one of my quirks and other people will love it.

First, I love this place. The Crossing and Timberlake have turned out to be yet another of this author’s lovely, friendly, liveable communities, filled with marvelous scenery and absolutely terrific people. I’ve sincerely enjoyed every single visit, and hope there are lots more. It’s a place that I think anyone would love to live in.

Second, I really got into the romance between Leigh and Rob. They are terrific people, and it was fun to get to know them and their families. I enjoyed the way that, while Leigh had been in town for several months, there hadn’t been a reason for them to really get to know each other until his son’s accident. And that they both discover themselves unexpectedly “all in” to a relationship that neither expected.

Their difficulties in managing to get time alone were priceless.

Third, I very much enjoyed Sully and Helen’s relationship. Falling in love, including a sexual relationship, is not a need that gets turned off at some age. These are two really interesting people who actually don’t have much in common but their joy in life. But they also have perspective and experience and each gives the other something that they lack. And they make each other laugh. The way that they tentatively reach towards romance and their clear happiness when it is reciprocated is marvelous.

That Leigh is completely thrown for a loop that her Aunt and Sully have fallen in love with each other was well done. I’ve always said that the two things that no one wants to think about are their parents having sex and their children having sex. We all know that it happens, but our minds don’t want to go there. Leigh’s reactions when forced to go there were very real, as is Helen’s joy and happiness.

However, the part of the story I wish hadn’t happened was Leigh’s unplanned pregnancy. Early in their relationship, Rob and Leigh had agreed that neither of them wanted children – or in Rob’s case more children. While the tension of how to resolve the situation once the choice had been taken from them provided realistic conflict in the story – it’s just not a plot device I personally care for.

That does not mean it wasn’t well done in this instance, because like all of the stories in this series so far, it certainly was. But that plot thread just isn’t my cup of tea.

Which does not mean that I didn’t love the rest of the story, because I certainly did. It also doesn’t mean that I won’t be thrilled to return to Sullivan’s Crossing at the next available opportunity – because I most definitely will!

Leigh has moved to Timberlake, Colorado to get away from the rat race of a Chicago ER. She has set up a small town practice and has settled in nicely. When love finally finds her, she is not as ready as she thinks!

Leigh is a hard working doctor and she has no intentions of getting involved in relationship. She has been burned before and she is just NOT INTERESTED. But life has a way of changing on you. She meets Rob. Leigh fights this relationship but their connection is just too strong. And to be honest…he is the perfect guy for her. These two (of course) make it work and make it work well!

I have read some serious books lately. I needed a good “fluff” book, or as some people call them “palate cleanser” books. Robyn Carr is one of my favorite go to authors for “fluff”. I have been a huge fan of Robyn Carr for years. She always creates the best characters inside some of the best towns. My favorite character in this book is Sully. Sully and Leigh’s Aunt Helen end up together. There could not be a more perfect pair on this earth than these two. I hope the next Sullivan’s Crossing book includes these two!

I received this novel from Harlequin-Mira via Netgalley for a honest review.

Okay spoiler alert THE BEST OF US gives us a happy reunion with some of Robyn Carr’s absolutely best characters – and that’s saying something since I don’t think I’ve met one yet that I don’t love. In THE BEST OF US Robyn Carr sets about to complete some families that probably didn’t even realize they were missing something but this author did. And one of the stars is none other than Sully. Yes Sully has been the supporting cast for too long. In THE BEST OF US Sully discovers that age is just relative.
Here’s the difficult part. Not giving too much away. So I will have to be content to give you some small glimpses into a fabulous romantic family romp from beginning to end. Robyn Carr intentionally makes us sit on our hands at times impatiently waiting for the characters to figure out what is best for them.
We know that Robyn Carr is a hopeful romantic but in THE BEST OF US many of the characters are busy with life and careers. They are busy with the mundane daily rituals. And then life takes some unexpected turns and rituals are thrown out the door.
Sully Sullivan is still busy overseeing Sullivan’s Crossing which changes with the seasons just like the leaves on the trees. Dr. Leigh Culver has settled in town and runs the emergency clinic. As in all small towns people run into each other all the time so there truly are no strangers. But just because you have run into them doesn’t mean you actually know them. And that’s the case with Dr. Culver and Rob Shandon owner of the local pub. Both Leigh and Rob have hectic lives. Busy with their jobs and in Rob’s case he has two teenage sons that he has basically raised as a single parent.
An accident involving Finn’s hand had them spending more time together and they were equally surprised to find themselves looking forward to seeing each other. Neither Leigh or Rob felt they had time to devote to any sort of relationship but it was nice to have someone to go out to dinner. Someone their own ages since Leigh’s closest relative was her Aunt Helen and Rob’s his boys.
Aunt Helen brought up Leigh. It’s been the two of the most of their lives. Helen is a mystery writer and so she has the flexibility to travel and visit Leigh often. Her latest visit has her spending quite a bit of time at Sullivan’s Crossing. It seems as if Helen and Sully have more in common than most folks would expect. One of the best lines is spoken by Maggie, Sully’s daughter when she finally meets Helen. Maggie’s comment is that she likes putting a face to the reason Sully is using so much lotion on his hands. Great line. So telling. So Robyn Carr. Sully just can’t get over that sweet Helen writes very detailed sometimes gruesome murder mysteries and never fails to poke fun about it. Strange couple for sure but wondrous all the same.
Robyn Carr likes to end chapters with quotes. Here’s one: There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth: not going all the way, and not starting. Something we can all learn from.
So don’t miss this latest addition to some great stories by Robyn Carr in the tradition of Sullivan’s Crossing.


Each chapter starts with a little quote.

There is little that is cozier than heading into one of Robyn Carr’s small American towns. You know they will be scenic, populated with decent people living small but satisfying lives, and that the conflicts will never be too melodramatic or immutable. The Best of Us, her fourth Sullivan’s Crossing tale, is no exception, and to add to the delicious confection of it all, this outing features a charming senior romance as well as a gentle, just lovely central relationship as well. There’s not too much here to surprise or confound, but you don’t go into a Robyn Carr book looking for either. You go into a Robyn Carr book for the same reason you might return to the same hotel every time you visit a particular town or city. It’s feels like going home to a place you’ve never even lived. – Rachel Hyland

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #4.

After reading and enjoying Any Day Now and The Family Gathering, books two and three in the Sullivan’s Crossing series, I was more than willing to dive into the fourth book in the series. In all honesty, I really need to go back and read What We Find – this has nothing to do with a lack of understanding, but simply because I want to know all the details – yet the pull of The Best of Us was too strong to ignore.

In all honesty, I did not enjoy The Best of Us quite as much as I enjoyed my two prior Robyn Carr books in the series. However, it was still a great read and an easy four-star rating. It was both sweet and emotion filled, and I was addicted throughout. Once I started reading, I found it to be an extremely difficult book to put down. It had me hooked in all the best ways, leaving me happy to devour the book.

With this one, our main romance is the sweet read. The way the relationship blooms between the two characters, the way they interact, is all kinds of adorable. I was sucked into their story, and even when the drama started I found the things happening were more cuteness than angst. There were some heavy emotions in their story, but the majority of the heavy emotions were found in the side stories we were told throughout. In addition to the main romance, we have two other blooming love stories. One of which deals with a heavy topic, will have you dealing with all kinds of emotions.

It’s certainly a book that hooks you on numerous levels, one that will leave you happy to read more Robyn Carr.

The Best of Us is #4 in Robyn Carr's small town series of Sullivan's Crossing, Colorado.  A new book in any of her series has always been a delight and this is just as much so in this case.

I liked especially the variety of age range in this book. Firstly we have I guess what might be the central couple of Leigh Culver - the local doctor and Rob Shandon the local pub owner. Leigh is thirty four, Rob is forty and has two teenage sons.  Rob is the brother to Sid, we met her in a previous book when she fell for Dakota Jones.

It's not long before Leigh and Rob fall for each other, there is a fun first meeting and from then on its all on. But... do this couple have their act together? They both have previous experiences that make them cautious. When one is hot the other is cold on a permanent relationship. So will they ever be on the same page... and believe me they sure need to get there!

Helen is Leigh's aunt and she comes to stay with Leigh. In fact she brought Leigh up as Leigh lost her mother at the age of four. Helen is a retired teacher and a writer of mystery books - quite gory ones if her new reader can be believed!  She finds that she loves sitting on Sully's porch out at the camp at Sullivan's Crossing, looking out at the wild life while she writes. And that's not all that she finds herself looking at.

The young people are represented by Finn (Rob's son)  and his girlfriend Maia,  both just finishing high school and preparing for college. They are a delight and full of tender, young love. There is a rather huge crisis that brings Finn stepping up very much to the plate and indicates what kind of man he is going to grow into.

This is very much a story of family, being there for each other, sorting through challenges and coming out the other side. Another charming developed story, with characters I couldn't help falling for.  Sean and Finn looking right at you!

The Best of Us, fourth book of the Sullivan's Crossing series, takes place in a small town called Timberlake, Colorado. It's the perfect place for Dr. Leigh Culver, who recently moved from Chicago looking for a more relaxing lifestyle. She's selfish, judgemental, and has a lot to learn if she's going to open her heart for local pub owner, Rob. Rob's son, Finn, is in his first serious relationship during his last year of high school. Leigh's Aunt Helen is a retired teacher and author, who raised Leigh after her mother died when she was young. When Helen comes to visit Leigh she strikes up an unexpected relationship. This quick read is a character-driven, feel-good story about friendship, family, and romance.

There are a lot of characters, many mentioned in the first chapter. It felt like an overwhelming info-dump. I almost gave up reading when I was almost a quarter into the book because I wasn't enjoying the writing style at all, however, something happens and that's it - hooked till the end (and even shed some tears).

Sullivan's Crossing, the campground owned by Sully, is a charming place. Sully, a 72-year-old, is my favourite character. He's smart, gentle, kind, and funny. I haven't read any of the other books in the series (and had no idea it was part of a series when I requested the ARC on Netgalley), but I would like to read more stories by Carr if they take place at Sullivan's Crossing.

There were many little things that made this story feel very dated:
1. Referring to salad and diet coke as "girl food"
2. "doesn't look like he could've been the kind of kid to get picked on" because the kid was good-looking.
3. Why in the world would a 34-year-old woman bring her Aunt on a first date?
4. What's the problem with an unmarried pregnant woman?

I recommend this one to adult readers who enjoy a sweet romance story.

Setting: 3/5
Plot: 1.5/5
Characters: 2.5/5
Writing: 2.5/5
Message: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.4

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*

I've really enjoyed my visits to Sullivan's Crossing and while I was a little sad to be away from the Jones family I was thrilled to be back - and especially thrilled to spend more time with Sully. Leigh is an interesting character. She has a bad relationship in her past but while she definitely has trust issues regarding it she doesn't have a chip on her shoulder. Rob had a good marriage and takes his responsibilities regarding his sons very seriously. I loved seeing his interactions with the boys and with Leigh. Carr has a gift for creating genuine and authentic feeling relationships and this book positively glowed with that. While I wouldn't classify Rob and Leigh's relationship as a slow burn the evolution of feelings and intensity felt very realistic and was lovely to watch. I also really enjoyed the storyline involving Helen. I like the different relationships Carr weaves into the story. It really makes the little town feel like a real place.

What kept me from absolutely loving this one is pretty much the opposite of what I just said. While I do like the secondary relationships that are woven throughout the book. I didn't care for the romance between Rob's son and his girlfriend. I liked both the kids but I don't really enjoy teenage romance so I could have happily done without it. This is purely personal and it's well done so I suspect this complaint won't bother most people.

This is a nice romance with mature characters, strong family bonds, and an established community feel. It's a fast read with that's got a bit of heart and a solid helping of warm and fuzzy.

This is the fourth book in the Sullivan's Crossing series. I've yet to be disappointed by this series. Each book is fantastic and I can't wait to read more. Highly recommended! I stayed up way too late reading this because I just couldn't put it down!

Travelling back to Sullivan's Crossing is always a pleasure and THE BEST OF US by Robyn Carr is no different. Engaging characters, a breathtaking setting, and romance that will warm your heart, this story has it all and more.

Dr. Leigh Culver is enjoying the more laid-back atmosphere that exists working in Timberlake, Colorado and is getting used to this community that welcomes you with open arms. Making new friends and keeping in touch with her beloved Aunt who raised her, Leigh has no time for romance and complications. She learned the hard way before that love only leads to heartbreak. But when she agrees to dinner with the local pub owner, she knows it can be nothing serious, can it? And when Leigh's Aunt comes to visit she may just find a deeper connection to this place than one would ever imagine.

Inviting, compelling and completely unputdownable, THE BEST OF US by Robyn Carr is the perfect romance to kick-start the new year and I couldn't read it fast enough. The setting, as always, is like a character in it's own right and made me dream of Colorado in all of its magnificence. There are mishaps, misunderstandings, drama, love, and true friendship, and I highly recommend this story to all lovers of contemporary romance.

This is the fourth in a series and while I’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed every book, this one is hands down my favorite so far. I’m not sure exactly what made me love it so much this time, maybe it was that the two main characters this time around were so lovable or maybe it was just that I’ve grown to love reuniting with the residents of Timberlake, but whatever it is, Carr has made me a huge fan of this series.

There is always a lot going on in Carr’s books but this one had two separate developing romances and I was fully invested in both. I don’t want to ruin things for anyone but Helen ends up in a relationship with one of my favorite reoccurring characters and I was so excited about this storyline. The characters truly make this series special as well as the authenticity with which Carr writes, I always feel like I’m reading about real people in ordinary relationships which is so refreshing and appreciated.

The Best of Us in three words: Touching, Satisfying and Warm.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Robyn Carr is great at writing small town romance. I read and loved her Thunder Point series, but never read any of this Sullivan's Crossing series. She adds character updates from previous books without making you feel like you're missing half the story though and shortly after starting this book, Timberlake felt like home.
Leigh runs the small medical practice in town and Rob is the pub owner. After his son, Finn, injures himself, Leigh stitches him up and helps Rob calm down from the ensuing panic attack. He jokingly asks her out on a date. Leigh's aunt Helen raised her from a small child and is now a successful author who loves to travel. She comes to visit Leigh and meets the elderly campground owner, Sully, who's porch provides the perfect atmosphere for writing...and flirting
This feel good, lighthearted romance is a must read while cuddled up on a cold winter day.

I am so happy to be back in Sullivan's Crossing! Robyn Carr's series grabbed me in Any Day Now and I can't stop myself from visiting the idyllic town. The Best of Us introduces the town's new resident, Leigh Culver, who has fallen in love with the people and her fulfilling role practicing medicine in a small community.

Leigh convinces her Aunt Helen, who raised her after the death of her young mother, to visit and escape the Chicago winter. Aunt Helen's arrival sparks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and the changes they face could make or break their relationship. Rob Shandon, introduced in The Family Gathering, never thought he'd ever consider marriage after the death of his wife nine years ago. But his whirlwind relationship with Leigh takes a complicated turn and he has to rethink the next phase of his life.

I love how this story has drama from every angle of the story. From Helen and Sully to Finn and Maia, there is something extra to pull you into the lives of these ordinary people with big hearts. I thought it was interesting that two characters experienced life-changing events, but only one of them was life-threatening and actually made me wish that it was the focus of the novel, or maybe in a novel on its own. It didn't seem balanced to me, but in terms of upping the stakes and keeping reader interest that side drama did its job.

The Best of Us is a feel-good story that focuses on more than just romantic relationships. Helen and Leigh have more of a mother-daughter relationship that goes through it's ups and downs and is definitely far from perfect. I loved seeing them overcome misunderstandings and arguments and work towards building their separate lives while remaining close to each other. Don't miss this exciting entry into the Sullivan's Crossing series! It's perfect for fans of Mariah Stewart and RaeAnne Thayne!
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

The characters in The Best of Us are so believable and relatable, I felt like I've know them for a long time. The setting is a small Colorado town where everybody knows everybody's business and the people are kind hearted and supporting. The scenery described is beautiful - I could almost smell the fresh mountain air! Of course there's romance and drama on a multigenerational scale. This story is part of the Sullivan's Crossing series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone. I have enjoyed all of the Robyn Carr stories I've read, and this one is no exception. I need to catch up on the Sullivan's Crossing series!

Many Thanks to HARLEQUIN - MIRA and #NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was delighted when I saw that this book was available for reviewers as I have been binge reading books by Robyn Carr and had actually just finished reading the previous book in the Sullivan's Crossing Series before I was given permission to read and review this one. While this book is #4 in the series and I would recommend reading the books in order if possible, it can also be read as a stand-alone book as the author gives enough background information to make it work.

I have grown to love the characters that inhabit Sullivan's Crossing and Timberlake, Colorado more and more with each book of the series that I have read. Although the description for each book focuses on one couple, the reader really is being exposed to the whole community and is learning more about the relationships that inevitably develop over time between the different characters.

In this book the author focuses on three separate relationships - one between the new local doctor Leigh Culver and local pub owner and widower Rob Shandon, another between Leigh and her Aunt Helen who raised her from an early age and lastly the relationship between Helen and another much loved local character. (You'll have to read it to find out who!). Each one of these individuals has faced different challenges through their lifetimes which affect their ability to move on and learn to trust in new relationships. None of them are youngsters and it was fascinating to watch them deal with stressful situations and support each other and others in their lives throughout.

This is definitely a feel good book although there were moments that made me shed a tear or two. I hope it will not be the last in this series. I would love to read more and would definitely recommend this book and the series to others'

I’ve only recently discovered Robyn Carr but she has written an impressive amount of novels in her career. I have seen her books randomly, usually at airport bookstores or in the supermarket book displays.

Like many of her fans, I love a good romance and often a well written romance is such a refreshing break from real life when you get home and dinner still needs to be made and the baby is crying and your husband is late from work. Those are the times that a good romance are especially welcoming which is why I think I see her books (as well as others) at the supermarket checkout stand or end-cap display.

People want to believe in romance and something thats different from the day to day. This last month I’ve been slowly but surely making my way though a lengthy, heavy novel (Fire and Blood) and to e honest, I desperately needed a break from the carnage that is Westerosi history!

I intentionally scheduled this book on my review calendar for this reason—I should have been done with Fire and Blood before Christmas so I could start this one and I knew I would need a break—something relaxing and romantic. I’m not done with Fire and Blood yet, but I took a break from the tedious history and welcomed in the new year with this wonderfully written novel about romance that would warm my heart.

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 (summary from Goodreads).

I read the third book in this series back in April and while I thought it was a great read, there were clearly references to other plots and characters from other books in the series and I continued to see that in this book. It wasn’t awful or confusing, but it is noticeable and if you want to enjoy all the plot nuances then I would recommend starting with the first book in this series. They are quick reads so it shouldn’t take you too long if that’s your thing, but overall as a new reader to this series, I wasn’t completely lost, but I could tell I was missing out on other pieces of the larger story.

For example, Rob was introduced in the third book, so readers of the larger series will already know him and be familiar with him. Where as newer readers are meeting him for the first time. So that’s the kind of thing you might expect if you are new to the series. It’s not critical to read the others but be aware that there are things that you will enjoy more if you are familiar with the others.

This romance was so sweet and was everything that I would expect in a happily ever after. Rob was everything I would hope for in a love interest. He was sweet, a stand up guy, and knows who he is. I like that he wasn’t all moody and unsure of what he wanted. When he meets Leigh, it’s comical, endearing, and charming. I loved it!

I loved how the characters in the book helped Leigh work through her issues. There were times when I was annoyed with her but on the whole I felt that she was a solid heroine but for me Rob stole the show and my heart.

Carr is clearly a practiced and seasoned writer. It shows in her ability to discern what is important to the plot. She uses humor in her novels but it isn’t distracting. I can see why so many people love her books. You are getting what you are promised—-quality writing, well developed characters, a charming romance, and a happily ever after.

Book: The Best of Us (Sullivan’s Crossing #4) by Robin Carr

Kindle Edition, 384 pages
Expected publication: January 8th 2019 by MIRA
ASIN B07DB84TBN
Review copy provided by: Publisher/Author in exchange for an honest review.
This book counts toward: NA

Hosted by: NA
Books for Challenge Completed: NA
Recommendation: 4 out of 5

Genre: contempo lit, contempo romance, romance

Memorable lines/quotes:

A Robyn Carr novel always makes me want to quit my real life and move to a quaint small town, preferably with a sexy single dad included. THE BEST OF US follows three couples as they navigate small-town life, growing relationships, and changing life circumstances.

The three couples represented three different generations. Our main twosome, Leigh and Rob, are 34 and 40 respectively, Maia and Finn are high schoolers, and Helen and Sully are seniors (not in high school). Ms. Carr’s veteran author status is evident as she shows relationship growth and the multitude of problems couples have, no matter their age.

I was pleasantly surprised by the emphasis on romance in this novel! The sexy moments don’t scorch the pages or anything, but intimacy was a conversation and plot point for each couple, making the whole plot more relatable.

The Cons: I feel that Maia and Finn’s relationship is neglected. Not only is their plot left dangling a bit, but Maia is also like a shadow character. She’s perfectly sweet, pretty, and kind, she had no dimension and besides a significant plot point, didn’t really play a role in the story. Jimmy, Leigh’s ex was a superfluous addition to the book, his pages could have been removed entirely.

I also wanted to slap Rob and Leigh upside the head more than once. For mature adults with successful careers, I found them both to be incredibly selfish and unlikable at times. I think that was supposed to make them more human, but both their actions were more annoying than anything I usually relate too.

Overall, this is a fast and easy read. Robyn Carr invests you in her characters and settings from page one. I don’t think this is Ms. Carr’s best work, but it’s a solid read.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Reading The Best of Us is like snuggling into a warm comfy chair, all bundled up while sipping a delicious cup of hot Cocoa -familiar, cozy and delicious.❤️ That’s how I felt as I began reading the first few chapters. Robyn Carr has a way of enveloping the reader into the story. Once I was in Sullivan’s Crossing I didn’t want to leave. Lots of engaging drama that kept me turning page after page.
There are three romances in this story of different generations. I finished the story with a smile yet it was really hard to leave this wonderful community. I can’t wait for visit Sullivan’s Crossing again!
I highly recommend THE BEST OF US and give it 4.5 stars.

I cannot tell you how sweet it is to read about Sully finding romance. While he’s an older gentleman and has had many experiences in his life, he’s also been quite sheltered living in a rural area of Colorado. That gives his part of this story a somewhat innocent feel. I appreciate that Sully and Aunt Helen are so different yet seem to fit together like puzzle pieces.

Leigh and Rob also have a sort of innocence about them at first. Sure, they’re grown adults, but neither of them have had anything more than one long/serious relationship their whole life. But once they allow themselves to admit they want to try to date, the fireworks are there. Leigh has allowed a bad relationship experience when she was young color her social/dating life ever since. In part because she had never found the right guy for her, but also because she no longer trusted her judgment. As the relationship between Leigh and Rob heats up and get serious faster than either of them anticipated, she trusts that judgment less and less. This causes her to act in ways that really had me irritated with her, even getting to the point of disliking her attitude and her decision-making skills. I was afraid Aunt Helen would end up enabling her. The confrontation Leigh and Aunt Helen eventually have is probably the most emotionally taxing part of this whole book to me.

Speaking of emotionally taxing…the relationship between Rob’s son, Finn, and his girlfriend Maia is wrought with emotions. Not only did I feel for the couple and understand their actions, I could also understand Rob’s fear of where it was all going to lead. As much as he agrees that Maia is a wonderful girl, he still can’t help but want to make sure his son is not biting off more than he can chew. Or more than he’ll want to chew in the future.

I feel as if this series still has more story to tell. In other ways I feel like it’s come to a natural conclusion. If there is more story there, I’ll be here to read it!