*** 5 STAR REVIEW *** THE NEXT ALWAYS (Book one of The Inn Boonsboro Trilogy) by Nora Roberts

 

 

The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. Beckett is the architect of the family, and his social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen.

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. Busy, 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 the building and the man behind it.

With the grand opening inching closer, Beckett’s happy to give Clare a private tour - one room at a time. It’s no first date, but these stolen moments are the beginning of something new - and open the door to the extraordinary adventure of what comes next . . .

I love this story.  The Next Always and the rest of The Inn Boonsboro trilogy have been on my bookshelf since they were first released.  I picked them up when I went to a book signing at Turning the Page, and I was lucky enough to have a room at the Inn Boonsboro. It was a memorable experience that I relived reading this series.

The series focus is the Montgomery brothers, their family, friends, and love interests.  The Montgomerys are an old family in the Boonsboro area.  The brothers carry on their father’s construction business while their mother is busy buying property to renovate and bring businesses to the small town.  The family dynamic is one of the best elements of these books.   The brothers can argue about the company, who is picking up the tab, and women, but a solid foundation of love keeps the boys grounded.  They know they have one another’s back. 

Claire Brewster returns to Boonsboro after her husband dies.  She has two boys and one more baby on the way when she returns to her hometown.  Beckett Montgomery had a big crush on Claire in high school, but she only had eyes for Clint Brewster.  Claire followed him when he joined the army. Over the years since she returned home, Claire has built her own business and is doing very well for herself. 

Across the street from her bookstore, the Mongomerys are busy renovating the Inn, where they find a romantic ghost, Lizzy, has taken up residence.  Lizzie is looking for her love and playing matchmaker. Lizzy nudges Beckett into making a move on Claire, which he does.  It is so much fun seeing Becket with Claire and the boys.  He has a “man night” with the kids, while Clarie has a girl’s night out with her friends.  The interaction between Beckett and Claire’s sons is a hoot.  They have a great time together.  These scenes are heartwarming, and you can’t help but fall in love with Beckett. 

There is a little drama in the story, but mostly it is a feel-good piece of love, family, and home.  I know I felt good when I finished reading this story, and it still warms my heart thinking about it.  I highly recommend this book, especially if you need a pick-me-up.  What a great read.