Veena’s review of Ever After (Nantucket Brides Trilogy, Book 3) by Jude Deveraux
Contemporary Romance published by Ballantine Books 23 Jun 15
We’re back on Nantucket Island with two entirely new characters whom we haven’t met before, but with a smorgasbord of new Montgomerys and Taggarts that I hope to see featured in forthcoming stories. This is an emotionally rich and satisfying story featuring James Taggart (a twin) and Hallie Hartwell (only child), with a stepsister from hell who come together to find healing and love. The story is rife with characters from earlier stories in the series, time travelers, ghosts and other benign things that go bump in the night that are such a trademark of Ms. Deveraux’s writing. This is a not-to-be-missed entry in the Montgomery/Taggart stories, especially since I feel and hope that it’s a set-up book for a host of new ones to come.
James Taggart has lived a life of privilege which he has tried to pay back for by enlisting in the army where his horrific experiences and survivor’s guilt have left him with a bad case of PTSD, which is now aggravated by a knee injury from skiing. He’s recuperating away from the stifling protection of his family in the house which Hallie has just inherited out of the blue on Nantucket Island. Slowly but surely the peace and quiet and Hallie’s persistent physical therapy starts acting as a balm, healing both of their emotional hurts.
Hallie has escaped from an emotionally abusive Cinderella-like childhood where her stepmother and stepsister from hell starved her of love and affection. The beautiful teas that their neighbor brings over and the quiet house and beautiful island start to weave a spell over her. When Jame’s family all descend on the island, emotionally damaged Hallie soaks it in. Of course, it’s all too good to last, and, before she knows it, her idyll is upset when her stepsister shows up, followed by their handsome neighbor and James seems to be drifting away from her.
Surprise after surprise awaits the reader as the story evolves. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag, because it will impact your enjoyment of the story, but it’s all about living each experience with the characters as you turn the pages. Along the way we do get to do a brief catch-up with some of the characters from the original series and their very grown-up children, who, as I’ve already said, I hope to see in future stories.
The only disappointment – Hallie can definitely tell the twins apart, but I guess that part about the true love is only true for Montgomery twins, because it doesn’t have the desired impact on James or his twin.
Grade: A
Summary:
New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux’s eagerly awaited third novel in her blockbuster Nantucket Brides trilogy continues the spellbinding saga of the Montgomery-Taggerts, set on an island steeped in beauty and unforgettable romance.
Life is anything but perfect for Hallie Hartley, a young physical therapist who has given up nearly everything—even her love life—for her beautiful blonde stepsister, Shelly. Though Shelly’s acting career has never taken off, she has certainly perfected the crocodile tears to get what she wants—which all too often means Hallie’s boyfriends. When Hallie arrives home early from work one fateful day, she makes two startling discoveries that will turn her life upside down: Not only has a mysterious relative left Hallie a house on Nantucket, but Shelly has been trying to steal it. Desperate to put her troubles behind her, Hallie impulsively flies to Nantucket.
New trouble, however, has already settled into Hallie’s guest room in the form of her newest client. Hallie is told that wealthy, young James Taggert has injured his leg in a skiing accident. Assuming that the devastatingly handsome man has led a charmed life, Hallie is surprised by Jamie at every turn throughout his recovery. His attentions draw her out of her shell—but he has a dark secret, and is tormented by nightmares that only her presence can keep at bay. She suspects there’s more to his injury than he’s letting on.
On this gorgeous island rich in history, magic is everywhere, even in Hallie’s own backyard. As Jamie’s relatives arrive for a wedding gala, something wonderfully unusual is in the air. There’s an aura of romance—enhanced by a pair of matchmaking ghosts and a colorful island legend. In their own little corner of the world, Jamie and Hallie unravel the timeless secrets of their own hearts, and a very special story of True Love destined to last forever after.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
