Title: The Last in Love (Book 5 in the Ardent Springs series)
Author: Terri Osburn
Release date: 2017
Medium: E-book (Kindle Unlimited)
My grade: B
I believe this is the last book in the series, though the end of it hints that if the author could make it a six book series if she wanted to. This one focuses on Abby Williams, a widow of two years who ends up falling for a man five years younger than her – and someone she used to babysit back in high school. Justin Donovan is recently home after having lost his job, his fiancée and best friend. Both Abby and Justin have some issues to work through.
The book in general is good. The pacing is a little off, but not so much that it really bothered me. It was a nice lazy morning read. Some of the accessory characters (such as Justin’s former fiancée and best friend) are a bit flat as well. It did well to tie up some loose ends from previous books in the series, as well as tie up overall arcs (such as the Ruby Theater, and Carrie’s women’s shelter).
I did like the theme of women discovering themselves, and building each other up. Other then Victoria, most of the women in this novel are friends or at least friendly towards each other. Sometimes when you pick up novels (and definitely tv shows) there is this inclination to make cat fights or have a love triangle where the two women don’t get along because they are fighting over a guy. This novel stays free of that for the most part.
So if you enjoy low-key romances, I can recommend this book. Terri Osburn in general is a good author and I have enjoyed both the series that I have read from her. Many of her novels are available on Kindle Unlimited if you subscribe to that service.
Sokorra Lewis 