Years ago, Bear McKinley gave up his reputation and life for family, and now they need help again--this time dumping his niece and nephew on him when he doesn't even have a job or home. Thankfully, Maple Valley, the place where he'd started over before, is still a refuge--and his friend Raegan is ready and willing to welcome him home. For the record, Raegan Walker is fine. Just because she's stayed at home her whole life, scarcely stepping foot outside town, with no ambition for greatness like all her older siblings, there's nothing wrong with her life. Though sometimes she might wish for a life that is better than merely fine. However, when a commission for a painting--her old love--and Bear arrive in the same week, maybe she can reach for something better--if she can face the fears that have held her back for so many years.Like each other book by Melissa Tagg I've read, this one can make you smile in one sentence and cry in the next--a heartwarming romance with both depth and humor. She has a way of pinpointing the root of a character's inner struggles, and making it easy to see that root in ourselves, all packaged in a fun and wholesome romance.
I have to say, I didn't expect Raegan's secret or Bear's past, but man, I get Raegan; not that I have panic attacks, or exhibit my fears in the same way, but I understand that fear of sharing when something is wrong, to be able to hold secrets so close to the chest that the people who know you best have no idea they're even there. Not a recommended course of action, but I get it.
I was surprised and intrigued by the touch of suspense to the story--not enough to tip this into the romantic suspense genre, but enough to shake things up for Maple Valley! It was a fun and fitting turn of events, given Bear's history. The romance was just as sweet and satisfying as I expected (and my expectations have been high, since I've been waiting on it since book one!). It's a great conclusion to the Walker Family series, though I am sad to see it end. Can't wait for whatever the author has coming next!
Walker Family
0.5: Three Little Words (novella)
1. From the Start
2. Like Never Before
3. Keep Holding On
4. All This Time
"A Maple Valley Romance" (published in Right Where We Belong collection of small-town novellas)
Related Series:
Enchanted Christmas Collection (now together in the omnibus Enchanted)
1. One Enchanted Christmas
2. One Enchanted Eve
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