Book Review: The Next Always by Nora Roberts

Tweet

I remember Nora Roberts as J.D. Robb writing for Harlequin. That kind of sappy romance doesn't usually appeal to me but her writing has evolved tremendously. This book is 2011 and was passed on by a friend. Now I'm in search of the two follow-up novels (aren't I always?) ~~~~ [/i]The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, the changing of hands, and even rumored hauntings. Now it's getting a major face-lift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect in the family, Beckett's social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there's another project he's not his eye on: the girl he's been waiting to kiss since he was sixteen.[i] [/i]After losing her husband and returning to her hometown, Clare Brewster soon settles into her life as the mother of three young sons while running the town's bookstore. Though busy and with little time for romance, Clare is drawn across the street by Beckett's transformation of the old inn, wanting to take a closer look... at both his building and the man behind it.[i] [/i]With the grand opening inching closer, Beckett is happy to give Clare a private tour - one room at a time, in between blueprint meetings and kindergarten pickups. It's no first date, but these stolen moments are the beginning of something that could arouse the secret yearning that resides in Clare's independent heart - and open the door to the extraordinary adventure of what comes next.[i] ~~~~ Yes, it's a romance, but it's a good one. There's not much push and pull but some major interference from an unwanted admirer. This is where the intensity lies. And then there's the ghost. I love a good ghost story and this one is entertaining, if not a little creepy. This is a wonderful book that I couldn't stop thinking about all day. I couldn't wait to get back to reading it at night. I just felt so connected to the characters and the story. Romance, tension, ghost mystery, humour... I gave this book 5 stars. You oughta check it out.