I loved the conclusion to this series of novels by Beth K Vogt...So much so that I did not want this story to end. I have grown to love and appreciate each one of the sisters and their stories. Highly recommended. Five stars.

I'd deprived myself of so much because I'd looked...and seen the wrong thing.

Vogt’s conclusion to the Thatcher Sister’s series is an emotional story for all three siblings that I'm glad to have experienced.

I’m not even sure how to break it down where it makes sense but one of the things that moved me the most was Payton’s experience when she went to her first Bible study. I can vividly remember being a new Christian and when I was around mature Christians it was easy to feel ‘stupid’ when they were talking about biblical things. Payton’s struggle reminded me I need to be sensitive to others who may not know the ‘lingo’ and that maybe I need to stop using so much church slang.

Jillian’s journey is ongoing and I can’t say I’m completely satisfied with where she and her husband ended up. It’s like real life though. Sometimes we have to focus on the present, not what we are wishing for in the future. They settled in a good place for now but I sure would like to know what happens in a year or two. *hint hint ;-)

Johanna….oh, Johanna! In the first two books, I didn’t like her at all. I was seriously wondering how the author was going to make me care about her but oh, boy, did she! Not until I went through the ringer again though. I was grumbling under my breath about a decision she was facing but then the beauty of Vogt’s story telling brought hope and love into Jo’s life. Later the author showed me how a single misunderstood moment can have a devastating impact on a young girl. My heart ached for Johanna and I was brought to tears when she finally realized the truth of the situation so long ago. I think she is another character that needs a sequel one day. ;-)

The Best We’ve Been is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It is a top read in 2020 for sure! Anyone who enjoys family drama and complex characters facing challenging life circumstances will find promise in this book. I recommend reading the series in order for the full affect.

I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher (Tyndale) via Net galley. I was under no obligation to write a review. No compensation has been received.

DNF- this book was not a good fit for me. It felt very women’s literature and that is not my chosen genre.

The Best We’ve Been is a beautiful story of three sisters. Well written plot and great characters development. Ms. Vogt has delivered another winner. I really hate to see this series end. Recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

'It seems every time I grasp even the smallest bit of hope, it gets taken away from me.'

Beth Vogt brings us Johanna's story in this last of her Thatcher Sisters series and she saved the best for last. I will confess that I did not like Johanna in the previous books. She was not likeable, in my opinion. But I was taught a lesson in this book. I admit I had no idea how Vogt would bring her into a place where she would indeed be likeable to the reader, but she manages this admirably.

Johanna finds herself in a desperate situation and reacts like a typical Johanna at first, but soon she changes her mind and decides to go forth in the style she manages her entire life: head held high, allowing no one to see her pain and confusion. She is Johanna Thatcher. She can do this. No matter what. After all, she is very good at closing herself off to avoid pain. She's actually become a master at it.

It is a rare book that manages to bring out such deep emotions in me. This one pulled at everything inside me as Vogt continues to explore these sisters to such a degree that it's just amazing. I was stunned at times at the incredible emotional depth she manages to pull out of these women. I was left weeping several times as I marveled at the powerful realness of this novel. It's not just a fluffy story of three sisters. No, it's way more than that. It's deeply moving and heart wrenching, but also full of hope and precious love. I was moved greatly during the reading of this book and it will stay with me a very long time to come. I can highly recommend this book.

*My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

I have really enjoyed reading The Thatcher Sisters' series by Beth K. Vogt. It reads a lot like Lousia May Alcott's Little Women with the hurts, truths, and lies all laid on the table for everyone to see. Vogt does a wonderful job at not hiding the truths and making this family appear perfect. They have their faults, and I'm glad they work through them. This is the last story, so of course, there is going to be forgiveness and reconcilation. Even though I knew it was coming, I couldn't wait to see how it happened. The characters are brought to life with their internal and external struggles. Joanna, Payton, and Jillian are wonderful characters who survive a lot, but in the end, have a much closer relationship. I don't usually gravitate toward this genre, but I hope Vogt goes back in a couple of years and shares an update on this family novel. It would definitely be one I would pick up and read. Recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of The Best We've Been by Beth K. Vogt from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

This is the last of the Thatcher Sisters series, and let me just say "I want more!". I want to know what happens next in so many of the story lines in this book.
This book is Johanna's story. She is a tough one but finds herself in an even tougher situation than she ever thought she would be in. She wants control of her life, like she has always had, but now feels she has lost all control and must experience things she never planned.
This book takes an honest look at the feelings and consequences of lives that don't always turn out as expected. Our faith and family are support systems but we have to experience many growing pains to get where we need to be in our hearts and minds.
Beth Vogt never fails to write thought provoking family stories. I always gain new insights when I read her books. I very much recommend this one!.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Best We've Been is book 3 in Vogt's "Thatcher Sisters" series. The book details the lives of three sisters facing tough life circumstances. One sister is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, one sister facing the aftermath effects of chemo, and the third sister is a newlywed. Two of the sisters are new Christians, learning how to trust God. Each of the sisters grow closer to one another and their spouses. Great story. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, it would make FAR more sense to read as part of the entire series. This book is well-written. It grabs your attention from page one. I didn't want it to end!

THE BEST WE'VE BEEN by BETH K. VOGT is a Christian family drama that is the third and final novel in the Thatcher sisters series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
This is Johanna, the oldest and most difficult sister's, story. Without friends except for her sister Jillian, with whom she does not always see eye to eye, no longer engaged to Beckett who cheated on her, and pregnant with his baby, her well ordered life falls apart.
Jillian and her husband Geoff have issues. When Jillian finds life too hard, and her new found faith not giving her the answers she wants, her first reaction is to run away.
Payton, whose twin sister Pepper died in an accident when ahe was sixteen, is happily married to Zach, who has been a believer for a while, whereas she has only recently made a commitment to the Lord.
There's a lot more to the story in which family dynamics, jealousy, forgiveness, marriage, abortion, single parenting and the inability to have a child, are issues that are dealt with. Through it all there is a strong message of hope and I really enjoyed the book.
I can highly recommend The Best We've Been to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given an ARC of the book by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.