I wish I could give this book a 100 stars for rating... that's how good it was!

Aster Lavender is the youngest and often forgotten Lavender of the town. She is the quiet, studious one that prefers to get lost in books while also creating the best gourmet doughnuts in town and its surroundings. That is not to say she has big dreams.
Beautiful Brynn Garrett arrives in Homer Bluff’s to replace the town's only veterinarian. Coming from a big city and an awful break up, the change of pace from a small town is a welcome change. When she meets Aster they develop a fast friendship which grows with time and so does their attraction.

I have not read a book this good in a while. Not only were the characters amazing and compelling but the story was all consuming!!! I was either reading the book or thinking about it (when I wasn't reading it). Aster was a really interesting and different character. I really love how the author took us a journey with Aster from when we meet her to where she is on the last page of the book. Definitely a different character from the ones we have read about before from this author. This makes Aster extra special. The story between Aster and Brynn was incredible and it filled me with so much happiness but there were time when I yell at the book and shed some tears.

This book definitely takes you on a wild unforgettable ride. One you should and need to experience! I will definitely be reading this book again.

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars. Aster Lavender lives in a very small town running a gourmet donut shop. She wants something more than just living in a small town, which is the only place she has known her whole life. Her friend, the town vet decides to take a class and bring her friend from school in to run the clinic. Brynn Garrett is unsure what to expect as a small town vet. She did not expect to meet Aster and be attracted to her. When Aster and Brynn start to spend more time together, they cannot help but want to at least be friends with her. They did not expect the connection they both have to each other.

I loved the tension in this novel and the long drawn out relationship. There were times when this book was a little bit frustrating which is why it did not get 5 stars. The drama in this book was frustrating and I did not like at all, it was a little bit rushed and I did not like that. Otherwise, this book was good and I kept wanting to read more. I enjoyed the character development and how both characters evolved as the book went on. Would definitely recommend as it was a good novel.

1st Melissa Brayden novel. Will go back and read others. Good book but it took the characters a long time to get together

Aster Lavender is my favorite character to date from Melissa Brayden and mind you I've read all of her books and Aster "Al" Lavender is my spirit animal. I love the growth you see from Aster throughout the book and after each segment and heartbreak I was amazed that she never gave up on love. Brynn, I'm not going to lie she was annoying and I found myself frustrated with her lack of growth throughout the book; almost like everyone around her had to convince Brynn that Aster was worth it. It was disheartening and had me tearing up for Aster. The side characters storyline were so well written and the ultimate surprise comes from MG and you will not be disappointed. I look forward to more of this unique universe of characters they deserve their time in the sun!

“The Last Lavender Sister” mainly tells the story of Aster Lavender. She is the youngest of the family and the only one not working for the family business. In the first part of the book she’s often forgotten or people don’t remember her name because compared to her siblings she’s a wallflower. The only thing they seem to remember her for is her boutique doughnut shop with a variety of gourmet doughnuts each day. Quietly Aster dreams of leaving her small hometown in search of learning more culinary wise in a school in Boston. Before she actually takes the leap of faith, Aster meets the new temporary vet who is taking over for her friend who’s going back to school for a bit. At first the two women try to form a friendship and nothing more, but as a reader you’ll notice that both characters definitely have the hots for each other. They both don’t pursue anything further at the time because they’ll be separated across the country in the future, either Aster at culinary school or Brynn back to her old life in the city.

The story spans over a couple of years divided into parts which gives all characters the chance to grow and learn how to live. You’ll see Aster growing from the quite wallflower into a confident, but gentle woman. Outgoing Brynn will also get her growing moments. She’ll learn how to overcome past heartbreak and betrayal, and will learn how do deal with her insecurities in new relationships. This takes a while and can be frustrating for both you – the reader -, and Aster, as she’s pushed away more than once because of said insecurities.
I do warn you though that this is a slow-burn story and it takes aaaggeees for the characters to get together, but to me it was worth it in the end because you can feel the chemistry oozing from both women.

One thing I didn’t fully understand is why Brynn seemed to only read straight romance novels. As a sapphic woman myself I know that there’s enough novels out there she could’ve been reading instead. But alas, maybe she just likes those novels.

Overall, an enjoyable summer read which I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good slow-burn sapphic romance. I would, however, love to see another novel about Aster’s older sister Marigold! I just have to know what happens next for her after that big revelation towards the ending of the book.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for letting me read an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

When I see a Melissa Brayden book, I usually jump on it knowing what to expect. I must say this read was not typical. Sure there was family, elapse time, romance, and a sense of will they or will they not.

Brynn Garrett, veterinarian, comes to town after a break up to cover the clinic for a friend while she is away taking classes. While there, she interacts with Aster Lavender, successful business owner, talented artist, and a person with a lot of self-reflection. Aster and Brynn get along really well. I especially liked Aster for her love of books, seeing beyond the here and now and speaking her mind. I also appreciated Aster's brother and sisters as well as her mother and father. The side story with Tyler and Sage was unexpected and interesting.

This is what I hope for when I pick up a book by Brayden, romance and heartache dueling it out until that happy ending. It has the typical Brayden style, mixing close friends/family with fun and banter and the low points in life, and even puppies are thrown in. It is more subdued than the last books by Brayden, which was exactly right for me, as some of Brayden’s latest books felt like she was trying a too hard with the banter and quips for my liking.

This book spans over a couple of years divided in parts and this gave time and space for Aster and Brynn to grow and make their story believable. Especially, Aster’s storyline was wonderful, growing from a wallflower into a confident (and nerdy, sci-fi books, gotta love them) but gentle woman. Bryn is outgoing but has her insecurities and yes, those insecurities could send someone into madness, but it worked for me including the dark moment. Brayden knows how to keep them apart just long enough to make you wanting them together badly.

I can only recommend to read this book if you’re a romance fan and I want to mention that I now need a book about Aster’s older sister Marigold!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Melissa did not disappoint as usual. This was a slow burn romance that took span over several years. I enjoyed the story line that captured me from the beginning. I'm not going to lie I got a little frustrated but thoroughly enjoyed the story. The main characters are lovable and had amazing chemistry.
I recommend 5 stars.

I have come to love Melissa Brayden's books and this one did not disappoint. However, she chose to use a manner of telling the story that didn't work as well for me as her other books. The long timeline with jumps of several years wasn't my favorite. Similarly, I felt like the misunderstanding that kept Aster and Brynn apart for two years after they slept together wasn't the strongest.

All those complaints aside, it's a fun, engaging romance with a large cast of characters and a couple sweet dogs that I think many readers will truly love.

First things first this is already one of my favorite books of 2022. 5 stars no doubt.
I'm a huge fan of storylines which span over years and years, even though it can be *so* frustrating when the couple misses out on their chances due to bad timing. But I also love how characters can believingly change over time, gain confidence, get over breakups, come to terms with their undeniable feelings, ... which just doesn't make sense or seems realistic if the book doesn't cover a longer timespan. So far this book and Olive Oil and White Bread by Georgia Beers hit me right in the feels.

Brayden's title is so clever and you quickly realize why, I could relate to Aster in so many aspects and think many will as well. Not necessarily her exact circumstances but simply her development over those years. Her and Brynn are a match made in heaven and it's obvious from the start, to us readers and also to them which makes the whole plot feel so much more emotional.
Melissa Brayden writes such nuanced dialouge, gets my applause for having her characters actually communicate with each other and knows exactly how to turn on the waterworks. There was this one line in the book which just made my heart ache "How odd to share common space with the person you felt closest to in the world and still have them feel millions of miles away." Pure poetry and this book is filled with it. The supporting characters were wonderful as well, Vi's experience was a hard pill to swallow and there's another really sad family related part but it just made this book feel so freakishly real.

I couldn't put it down until I got to finish it, Aster and Brynn made my heart happy and it stayed with me for a few days. What a wonderful journey this was, I'll come back to it again and again for sure.

I received an ACR from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The Last Lavender Sister features Aster Lavender as the youngest Lavender sibling in a family of four. Aster lives in small town Homer's Bluff, Kansas, and owns the drive thru donut shop called Hole in One. But Aster dreams of more in her life. She dreams of experiencing culinary school in Boston and seeing the world. One day she meets the new town veterinarian, Brynn Garrett, and there is an instant connection between the two women. Brynn is filling in for a six month stint while the town veterinarian is receiving training in Chicago.

This was an amazing story that takes place over a seven to eight year period based on my calculations. The story is divided up into four parts based on distinct divisions of time and aspects of Aster and Brynn’s relationship. Part one of the book is pure magic as Aster and Brynn get to know each other and establish a remarkable friendship. Animals also obviously play a key role in the story, with Brynn being a veterinarian. Part of Aster and Brynn’s friendship revolves around their adoption of puppy Dill (Aster) and Dill’s mother, Pickles (Brynn).

The story is a progression of Aster and Brynn’s relationship over a long period of time. The writing is raw, emotional, and at times heartbreaking. I found myself crying at several points throughout Part 2, 3, and 4 of the book. At times I wanted to talk some sense into Brynn about her stubbornness. But it all stemmed from a past hurt that she suffered from that left her heart shattered. She didn’t want to experience that again. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful story. 5 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Probably more like 4.5 stars, if I could.

Wow, a book that takes place over multiple years! I love a good time jump!

This was probably one of the more unique books that Melissa Brayden has written, because it didn't follow the normal 1-3 month timeline that most books in this genre, and of hers, do. I found it refreshing, and it helped add the whole "soulmates" feel to Aster and Brynn. They were always meant to be (I don't think this is a spoiler) but it just takes...awhile. Life isn't always clearcut, and sometimes you just aren't ready for your person when you meet them.

I took 1, really only half if I could, star away because at times Brynn annoyed me. There were points in the book where I wanted to strangle her and tell her she needs a bit of therapy. They could have shaved off some of the time apart if she had tried even a little bit to work on herself but...tis life I guess. Still annoyed me, when Aster was always willing to give up so much for just a chance.

Overall, it was a lovely book to read.

I have a short list of favorite authors, and Melissa Brayden is on that list. She's one of the few whose books go to the bottom of my list (yep, I said bottom) because I want to look forward to it and save the best read for last.

However, this book wasn't it for me. It fell flat for several reasons. While I could connect with the characters, they didn't have chemistry between them, It all felt forced. I didn't like how the other Lavender sisters treated Aster, unintentionally, but still. I liked that the book was written in parts, and jumped ahead sometimes years between each part, but sometimes the gap seemed too long for the story to flow. And there was too much back and forth - I want to be with you, I can't be with you, I DO want to be with you. I love drama and angst in a book, but usually, ONE breakup and makeup per book are enough. This one just kept going on.

Okay read, but not one of her best.

“The Last Lavender Sister” is a slow-burn, small-town romance. This is a standalone, at least for now. Aster Lavender is the youngest of her sisters and that’s where the title comes from. I’ve seen people question if this is part of a series but as of right now, this is it. I wouldn’t mind seeing a follow up featuring another sister if Ms. Brayden is so inclined.

I have to start by saying this doesn’t quite follow the Brayden formula that you may be used to and I’ll admit, I liked it. “The Last Lavender Sister” spans several years and I enjoyed seeing the growth and changes the main characters go through, especially Aster.

I absolutely loved Aster. In the beginning she’s a little on the meek and quiet side. Her older siblings have always gotten the attention and she’s used to being in the background. Over time, she gains confidence and really comes into her own. And while she’s quiet and lets other’s get the attention, she speaks up for herself with her wants and needs. She spends her days making doughnuts, reading books and dreams of leaving her hometown. She wants love but has convinced herself it will never happen in her sleepy little town. Then Brynn Garrett comes to town and shakes things up.

Brynn is taking over for the local vet for some time and starts a friendship with Aster. She has just gotten out of a long-term relationship where she was cheated on so she’s not in a hurry to trust and love again. I really liked Brynn in the beginning. She’s funny and confident and the perfect foil to Aster. However, as time went on, I liked her less and less. While she clearly cares for Aster she also came across as selfish with some of her decisions and it made her unlikeable towards the end.

As the story spans several years Aster and Brynn’s relationship changes and evolves as they do. Brayden really took them (and me) on an emotional journey, there are some highs and lows. Some of them I enjoyed and some not so much.

Even though I spent some time frustrated I still really enjoyed the book. Aster and Brynn have a lot of chemistry and I loved the humor, heart, and banter that is expected in a Brayden book.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

With her new novel The Last Lavender Sister, Melissa Brayden has created an wonderful new world in Homer's Bluff, Kansas. I was enchanted by the charming, quirky townsfolk Ms. Brayden always peppers her stories with, but the power and breadth of the Lavender family knocked my socks off!

Both Aster and Brynn are intriguing characters, and the changes each of them undergo over the course of the story is fascinating. They grow together, and apart, several times as their friendship and romance evolves. (And it's a little bit heartbreaking.) But the message Ms. Brayden is sending is clear: the foundation of life is self knowledge, and finding true happiness needs to start from within.

Melissa Brayden always explores such unique relationships in her stories, and The Last Lavender Sister is one of her best. I've got my fingers crossed Aster's sister Marigold's story is next!

The Last Lavender Sister by Melissa Brayden
Aster Lavender is the youngest of the Lavender siblings, oft forgotten by the town and given various monikers of "that last one" "the doughnut one" and various others. She is the smart, introspective one who's rather read a book and create amazing food. She's unidirectional in her own way. She's not good at social situations, yet when she meets Brynn she is immediately drawn to her.
Brynn needs a change her life in Chicago has come to a screeching blown up halt after a nasty breakup. When Tyler hands her the opportunity to come to Homer's Bluff to run the veterinary practice she jumps at the chance for a change. She just didn't expect Aster.
This is a story of chances taken. When you choose to push past your fears you may just get what you always wanted.

This story is of strong women, close family and small town living. I love that we don't see stereotyped females for the main characters.

I think we all have go-to-authors that we just know they will be giving us a good read but this time Ms Brayden has done something different. This story revolves around the ups and downs of two main characters, Brynn and Aster and a supporting cast that takes place over a three year period. Simply a wonderful read. One of the best to come from Ms Brayden. I can’t help but wonder if, after dropping a reveal near the end of this book. Is Marigold Lavender next in line for a story of her own? Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

The Last Lavender Sister by Melissa Brayden sent me on a roller coaster ride of emotion, in a good way. Ms. Brayden’s novels have always touched my heart with her beautiful love stories. This book did much more than that. This one grabbed my heartstrings and played them like a harp.

The novel tells the love story of Aster Lavender and Brynn Garrett. Aster is the owner and operator of a small gourmet doughnut shop in the equally small town of Homer’s Bluff. She loves her job and her family, but longs to do something more with her life, maybe in a city instead of a small town where she often feels ignored as the last Lavender sister. Brynn is a veterinarian who comes to work at the vet clinic while her friend, who owns the clinic, goes to Chicago for more training. Brynn is also hiding from a bad breakup that broke her heart. She is definitely not looking for romance, but she can’t seem to get that youngest Lavender sister (Aster) out of her mind.

This book seemed a little different from some of Ms. Brayden’s other novels. The time period of the tale is longer than usual, taking place over the course of several years. This gives the reader a chance to really see the characters as they meet, and then slowly mature and come together as a couple. This is not an easy growth though, and we need the lengthy time period for that to happen. Be prepared for many highs and lows, missteps and heartache along the way to happiness in this tale. That is what makes this a very special story.
The characters make the novel something special, especially Aster. She is just so real, so likeable. All of the people in the book are well-developed, even the secondary characters which adds to the realism of the story.

The Last Lavender Sister is one of the best character driven romances I’ve read in a while. I’ve listed it in my favorites folder, and it has my highest recommendation.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

Effortlessly good. I’m sure it does take a lot of work, but the flow is so easy to read and enjoy. Every character is richly written. The setting is wonderful. The dynamics between family, friends and townsfolk just beautiful. Add in cute animals, donuts and other yummy sounding food and you have a winner. I mean you almost don’t even need the romance! It is of course there and through every page you keep rooting for them. Team Aster all the way. Plus I’m looking forward to Marigold finding love next.

This is a very engaging book. Aster is the last Lavender child and is the owner of a doughnut shop. She meets Breena when Brenna fills in for Tyler in the veterinary clinic. A relationship develops and the rollercoaster ride of love begins. The plot revolves around the fear and anger the two girls experienced when they felt they were hurt by each other.
As the character develops, you can see the changes in their love, Unforgiveness and lack of communication play a big part.
I recommend this book for all romance readers.