The Best We've Been is the third book in the Thatcher Sisters series and I absolutely loved it.

The characters were so deep. They had many issues to work through and I LOVED seeing them grow. I liked seeing why Johanna was the way she was and what a journey she had in this book.

All in all, The Best We've Been was a fantastic read and I recommend the series to fans of family drama stories.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I think Beth K. Vogt is an amazing writer! She has a powerful ability to divulge a character's innermost thoughts and motivations, which really brings a story to life.

The Best We've Been continues the ever-evolving story of the Thatcher Sisters--Joanna, Jillian, and Payton. I've enjoyed each of the books in the series, but after finishing this one, I was disappointed to learn this is the last book in the series. There were a few things I thought were left unresolved, but at the same time I wonder if that's by design--leaving the resolution up to me, the reader. In this instance... I'm not sure I got the closure I needed. Or, is it that I didn't get the closure I wanted? I don't know... the jury's still out, I think.

All in all, The Best We've Been is well-written with a significant rhythm and pace, and I while I wish there were more to the Thatcher sisters' story, I can't regret having spent the time devouring that which I was given.

Following the lives of the Thatcher sisters has been quite an emotional journey. Family dynamics are sometimes very messy, and the author has never given these sisters the easy way out. In this book, we have the opportunity to follow Johanna’s story more closely.as she deals with her unexpected pregnancy. The other two sisters, Jillian and Payton, have life-changing decisions to make, too. At the end of the book, not all the storylines are brought to a settled conclusion. I realize that real life is like this, too. I understand that this may be the last book in the series, but I hope that ar some point there might be another book that gives us a glimpse into the sisters’ lives. I appreciated the emphasis on faith in this story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I have really enjoyed this series. I have to be honest I was most excited for this book, to read Johanna’s story because I didn’t really like her in the first book. I started to like her more in the second and finally in this book we get to see her wounds and what has made her into the woman she is.

I so appreciated Beth’s take on this pregnancy and how she revealed the person-hood of the baby before it was even born.

This is a messy family and it drove me crazy how they didn’t just come out and say what was hurting them to each other. But honestly, aren’t we all like that?

I also enjoyed watching Payton’s faith grow and her take on Christianity. I remember being that new Christian, not wanting to pray in front of others and wondering if you sound like an idiot.

My only complaint, and I am noticing this a lot in contemporary Christian books, is that even though this is Christian the name of Jesus is never said, or written. The books talk about God and how God loves them but how to we know He loves us? Because he sent his Son to die for our sins. If I wasn’t a believer I wouldn’t know that from reading this book. I would just think he is a nice person who loves me. I would like to see more Gospel message in these books. But that’s my opinion only.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster!

Having read the previous books in The Thatchter Sisters series, I had already formed an opinion of Johanna. Harsh. Rigid. Driven. Selfish. Closed off. Not exactly my favorite of the girls. Now I was able to find out why.

Confession time! Despite the prologue telling what happened when she was a child and had been so hurt by her parents, I didn't love Johanna right away. And I doubt I was supposed to. But don't worry, by the conclusion my feelings towards her warmed up. She still isn't my favorite sister but I do have high hopes for her now.

I've discovered that as I read books by Beth K. Vogt, I feel like she has been eavesdropping on my conversations with my sisters! The struggles these women have in their relationship with one another and in their perceptions of how their parents treated them when they were children are realistic and poignant. I probably relate best to Jillian, being the middle sister myself. I especially relate to the pain she experienced in learning Johanna's secret as it mirrors similar struggles in my own life.

One of the things that struck me as I read is how so often our life choices are ones that if they are good for us, will hurt others. In getting my way, someone else has to concede. And while sacrifice in some circumstances is needed, it isn't always the answer. Sometimes, the solution is coming to an agreement together.

As with the other stories in the series, The Best We've Been showed the lives and perspectives of all three sisters, though only Johanna's was written in the first person. It was effective and less confusing than if all the perspectives were told that way.

New believers, Peyton and Jillian struggle with their faith when their lives haven't automatically become perfect. Jillian certainly struggled with that the most. Married to an unbeliever who didn't support her dream, she was crushed. Poor Geoff tried so hard to love her and understand yet his own pain kept him from supporting her as she needed.

Peyton's husband Zach was a believer and like all good Christian husbands, brought her to a Bible study. Which should be a really good thing and yet this ended up being a major area of trouble for her. Feeling judged for what she didn't know, afraid to speak for fear of looking stupid, she didn't even tell Zach her struggles. There were some humorous moments when we saw her thoughts as she freaked out and tried to navigate this strange new world! These were some of my favorite moments.

Themes of trust and hope and family fill the pages of this touching story. While there were loose ends - not all the unbelievers became Christians, not all the relationships were healed - like in real life - the ending was satisfactory and appropriate. I would love to see more of what happens next and hope there will be another book that picks up their lives from here.

This was such a great way to end this series. I have always wondered why Johanna is the way she is. She frustrated me in the first 2 series. I wanted to remind her to be grateful that her sisters want a relationship with her. Reading this book has helped me to understand her and empathize with the choices she made. I love how the sisters relationship evolved throughout the stories. You get to be a witness to their struggles in their faith, their insecurities with each other and themselves, The family dynamics is reminiscent of siblings relationships where every takes on a certain role. There were some characters that surprised me in this book. I hope readers will walk away with the hope that we can always change for the better. We will continually have to make choices about what we want our lives to be. This is a series I want in print and would recommend to my BookClub.

I received this book from Netgalley and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

What an ending to the series. I've enjoyed the journey of getting to know the Thatcher sisters . I have three sisters of my own so I understand the dynamics involved in learning to "get along" with them. Throughout each book we have seen how the sisters have overcome obstacles and misunderstandings and learned to lean on each other and trust each other. Johanna being the oldest has always felt the need to be in charge and control everything and everyone. In this final book she has to learn to lean on her family and through that she discovers that she doesn't have to right all the time or the strong one all the time. This series is about love and forgiveness and drawing strength from your family. I really enjoyed it.

This third book in the Thatcher sisters series is quite a story. It has an intensity not found in many books. This book is all about these three sisters and their lives. Their inner struggles. Their love lives.


Mostly, I'm a reader who loves plot driven stories, action packed events, thrilling, and all of that. This book is not where you will find that. Rather, I realized as I was trying to describe the book to my daughter, there aren't a lot of things happening in this book. (I mean, of course, the Thatcher girls' lives, but it's definitely not a plot-driven book)


No, this is a story about family. About sisters, about learning to love in spite of differences. Dealing with really hard things, and learning to trust God in the middle of those hard things.


In the previous books, I really didn't like Johanna at all. But I think it's because I didn't understand her. This book is primarily her story, and we are shown enough of her to be able to understand her so much better. She's got some very real hurts.


And then there's Jillian. She had cancer and is a survivor. But, life won't ever return to normal for her, so she's looking to find a new normal. Her marriage is hard.


Payton is a new Christian and still learning so much about God. She wants to fit into her husband's Christian circles, but is struggling.


At various times, I just wanted to take them and shake some sense into them. My heart ached for them and for what they were going through. I could see bits and pieces of myself in each one of them and their vulnerabilities.


It's nice to read a book with an ending where it all ties up neatly in a perfect little bow. This is not such a book. We are shown progress, as the Thatcher sisters grow and learn, but there is still much room left for your own thoughts and assumptions, for hope, and for more growth.


If you like a story that will make you feel, and search deep within your own soul, then be sure and read this one!


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I enjoyed this last novel in the Thatcher Sisters series. I hope Beth K. Vogt writes more women's fiction. Again in this latest novel, the reader is drawn into the lives of the three Thatcher sisters. I like the way the author writes in first person for the sister who is the main focus of the book while writing in third person for the other two sisters. This book focuses on Johanna, the controlling older sister who finds herself pregnant. I must admit that I didn't like her very much at first, but as the story unfolds, and I began to see her character grow and change as her pregnancy progresses, I grew love her character too. Payton and Jillian are both struggling with their new found faith. Payton is uncomfortable with her lack of knowledge and "how" to be a Christian, while Jillian, who is my favorite of the three sisters, struggles to find hope when her husband refuses to consider adopting children. The only thing that I didn't like about the book was that more characters didn't want to even consider Christianity. It is almost like being a Christian made you odd. Maybe it is because I live in the Bible Belt, and it is unusual for a person to not at least believe in God. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more books by this author.

The Best We’ve Been by Beth K. Vogt

Beth Vogt is one of the new authors I’ve read in the past month. This book is the third installment in the Thatcher Sisters series. It tells us the life and POVs of the three sisters but this is more about Johanna Thatcher, the oldest sister.

There is so much drama among the sisters. It was in Chapter 10 that I started to immerse myself in their stories. I didn’t like the sisters at first, well maybe except for Payton. The more I read it, the more I realized that their story is very real today. We want to have hope but we don't want to see our hope dying in front of us. We want to have faith but we don’t trust God to be there for us. The sisters learn the hard way. No matter what, they are sisters despite their differences, the past and all the heartaches.

I love how the characters have developed especially that of Johanna, Beckett, Jillian and Geoff. The relationship problems stem from mistaken assumptions and walking away from them. But if love is the common ground, everything will fall into place. The birth of Elle is the best their family has ever been. 4 stars

Thank you #netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the free copy. All opinions are my own.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

The Best We've Been is the third and final book in Beth K. Vogt's Thatcher Sisters series. While you will certainly get more backstory about the other sisters and their relationship by reading the previous book, this can be read as a standalone as well. This is personally the first I had read, and I found enough was given that I did not feel lost (though I do look forward to going back and reading the previous books as well).

Reading reviews from others that have read the rest of the series, Johanna- the lead character in this book- is the least likable of the sisters. Perhaps you've read the others and feel the same. To be honest, when the story started I really didn't care for her too much either. However, the more I read and the more I got to understand why she acted the way she did... the more I found myself relating very much to her character. Johanna is a control freak. She likes things to go her way and as such doesn't ask or want help from anyone. While my personality is overall quite different from Johanna, that need to have control... oh, that I very much understand! And sometimes the only way that us in control people can let others in to help is to have something thrown at us that leaves us no option. That is just what Johanna faces in this book... and I loved watching her grow throughout it.

This particular book reads different than many in the Christian fiction genre in that the lead character is not a Christian. We do see perspectives from the other two sisters who are new believers so there certainly is some Christian content, but is definitely unique in that way. I did hope to see Johanna move toward a relationship with God in the story, but I felt that it actually felt very authentic in the way it was written. These sisters were not perfect, their faith was not perfect... but that is so often the case in real life too.

Overall, it was a great read and one that fans of both Christian fiction and more mainstream fiction could likewise enjoy.

While I do not generally like to give any information about books aside from what is given on the back cover info, I do feel like I want to offer a little warning that I personally wish I had been given as this book does deal with a subject that might be sensitive to some readers. If you do not want spoilers, stop reading now.






******************





This book deals with pregnancy and a rather complicated pregnancy at that. While things end well, there is talk of spotting and bleeding during pregnancy (as well as mentions of Jillian's inability to have children). Having dealt with recurrent miscarriages and currently still healing emotionally from the most recent, I had to step away from this book a few times myself. I still liked the book overall and am glad that I read it, however, had I realized this would have been a topic I would have certainly preferred to have waited to start reading until I was more emotionally prepared to do so. If this is a topic that might be difficult for you, this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Johanna is the oldest Thatcher sister and she takes her responsibility very seriously. We all know someone who's an organizer, over-achiever, and over-careful. Well, this sister makes it an art form. In the previous stories, she reminded me of Jethro Gibbs (NCIS) on a very bad day. So when I heard that Beth Vogt was writing Johann's story, I couldn't wait to find out what made this girl tick.

There are times when circumstances are so hard that we must have someone to lean on. (This pandemic is a great example.) And you probably know a person who's too proud (and maybe too scared) to ask for help, right? That's Johanna. She's always been the rock for her family, especially her parents, but now she's in crisis mode and needs help. The sisters will have to navigate a minefield of bruised feelings and broken dreams before they help Johanna and become a family once more.

Who would like this book? If you:
- love drama (women's fiction) that makes you laugh and cry,
- are facing a hard situation that you think no one would understand,
- have your own fragile family relationships, or,
- need a story of hope ... right now.

My review
I recommend only starting The Best We've Been when you have a good chunk of uninterrupted time ahead of you...because once you start, I don’t think you’ll want to put it down! That was sure my experience!

I’ve read the other two books in the series (amazing, I know; defo not the norm for me), and The Best We've Been does not disappoint. Of course, life choices aren’t always optimal (says the outsider about a book character), but many were in line with what we already know about the characters from previous books. And of course, Vogt does not gloss over them, either, not condoning and also not shying away from the struggles.

So much growth occurred between the sisters in this book, which I loved. They grew both as individuals and as siblings.

Thought provoking and well written, just as I’d expect from Vogt. Very well done, and a suitable finish to the series.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into THE BEST WE"VE BEEN. The characters seem immature and I could not get behind their motivations. For example, it didn't seem realistic that Jillian (who was actually my favorite character) would really expect Johanna to hand over her baby simply because she asked. While I like the faith message and the book is written well, my inability to relate to the characters keeps me from rating this higher.

This is book 3 in a series, but don't let that stop you if you haven't read the first two. It's a full family story--lacking nothing. Beth Vogt is a spectacular storyteller, rolling out a complete story a bit at a time, and wrapping everything up in a sensible and believable way.

I love these sisters, and enjoyed their ups and downs, stumbles and successes, and the familial love that binds them.

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from NetGalley

The Best We’ve Been by Beth K. Vogt is book 3 in the Thather Sisters series. This story focuses on Johanna, the oldest of the sisters. Recently split from her fiance, she finds out she is pregnant and does not want to keep the baby. Her younger sister, Jillian, cannot have children and wants to adopt, but her husband does not want children.
This has been a great series of family and family issues to read. While the story focuses on Johanna, it also keeps up with Jillian and Payton. The story shows the struggles the sisters go through and the thoughts they have of how their childhood was and the issues they deal with regarding this. The story also shows the struggles Payton and Jillian have of their new found faith and belief in God. I really enjoyed this series. The thing I like the best is that the series is about all the sisters and follows them along in their journeys.
I received an ebook of this story from Tyndale House publishing through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Friction between family members is all too real! Readers will easily fall in love with this family!

After discovering her fiancé cheated on her, Johanna Thatcher has decided to protect her heart at all costs. Things get more complicated when she finds out she is pregnant. Over the years, friction between her and her sisters, Jillian and Payton, has gone up and down leaving their fragile friendship hanging in the balance. When the family finds out about Johanna’s pregnancy, it causes extra tension between the sisters as this is something Jillian has wanted and may not ever be able to have. To make matters worse, Johanna doesn’t even know if she wants to keep the baby. Each sister has her own life troubles to deal with along with the others and through it all they have to decide what their definition of family is and what they are willing to keep the family together.

When I started this I didn’t realize it was the third in a series; had I read the others I might have understood a little more of the backstory, but since I didn’t realize that until after finished the book, I’m happy to say it didn’t take anything away from the story for me and reads easily as a standalone. There was enough about each character that I felt like I knew them and had a feel for what they were going through. Johanna had a big character development throughout the story and I enjoyed watching her grow and change. Several of the milestone moments the Thatcher sisters go through can be heart wrenching, but in such a good way. I loved the way the story shaped each story of the sisters to bring the whole family together. There is a strong faith element with several characters but nothing that was too pushy and might turn a reader away from the story if that wasn’t what they were looking for. The target audience is going to find this a fast, enjoyable and touching read. With the little glimpses of Jillian and Payton’s lives, I want to go get the others in the series so I can fully know and understand the Thatcher sisters and all they have gone through the be who they are at this point in their stories. Even though this is the third in the series and can be read as a standalone, I do feel I would have gotten even more out of it if I had read the first two. Throughout the novel, Beth Vogt brings a sense of hope and encouragement for readers to cling to. I would recommend this to readers that enjoy a heart touching story with hope, laughter, love and so much more they can relate to.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

A poignant conclusion to a well-written series. The Thatcher Sisters are unique and yet united by a common thread--the loss of a sibling. Beth Vogt portrayed each sister with complexities and strengths not often found in the Christian fiction market. Her incredible ability to dive into the "hard stuff" of life and craft a novel that resonates with readers is obvious in The Best We've Been. Johanna is a challenging secondary character in previous novels, and yet I was so eager to read her story because I knew it was going to be great. The obstacles the characters wrestled with, the questions they asked, and the overwhelming theme of loving one another make this book a new favorite of mine.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

Wow, I was blown away by how this author brilliantly talks about real life stuff, and tough topics in a gritty, believable, no-nonsense kind of way. Family relationships are not easy especially if one member heads down a path that will affect them all. I liked how these sisters reveal their hurts to one another as they work through their own issues. It is not easy. It takes courage and time. I liked how the author tells the story from the varying perspectives, of each of the sisters. Johanna, Jillian, and Payton are in uncharted territory, each struggle in their own way to navigate this new chapter that could blow up the family forever if they go down the path of bitterness and unforgiveness.

I liked how this author shows a real, honest, look at life’s ups and downs, and everything in-between. Jillian and Payton soon discover there is no smooth sailing in the bumpy waves of life. It is not comfortable or easy but well worth discovering that love is the common denominator in everything.

I enjoyed how Zach gently encourages his wife Payton to go to a bible study. I loved how this author describes their first meeting and how Payton asks why they have to go in the first place. She did not need any more "homework." I remember going to my first bible study, I was a teen. This author nails the questions and feelings that I felt at that first meeting and beyond.

Beth Vogt brings hope to her characters through a relationship with God, shown in an encouraging, believable, non-preachy way. Each one of these sisters deals with the need for this kind of love in their everyday lives.

I like what Jillian’s friend Harper tells her about all of life’s struggles and what to do in the storm. “…It’s not about breast cancer….Or anything else that might happen.”…”That’s not the common ground you stand on. You love Geoff. He loves you. That’s your common ground. And nothing else– …should ever come between you.”

It would help if you read book one and two before this one but the author does catch the reader up, so they don’t feel lost in the story. This would make a great read for book club, there is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

This is part of a series. I've only read the second and third books, and they can be standalones. However, you would gain a greater appreciation for the characters and dynamics if you read them in order.

As with the prior book, this is an emotional read, and the characters struggles with issues such as jealousy, abortion, single parenting, and forgiveness. Johanna wasn't as easy to connect to as her sisters. She is a harsher character, but still realistically drawn.

If you're a fan of women's fiction, this is one you'll want to check out.