Trilogies are sometimes tricky with the enthusiasm, characters and
storyline falling flat with the final installment.That’s not the case with author Nora Roberts’ trilogy, Inn Boonsboro. The final installment in the series, THE PERFECT HOPE, is as powerful as the first two books with an added bonus as it ties everything nicely together.
MacLeod Andrews does a superb job with the narration. His vocalizations of the characters gives each their own unique style and voice. His cadence is mesmerizing drawing the listener in, making them feel a part of the story.
This installment focuses on Hope Beaumont, the inn keeper of the Inn Boonsboro and Ryder Montgomery, the eldest of the three Montgomery brothers who built the inn under the supervision of their mother, Justine.
Hope was burnt by her last relationship when she realized Jonathan Wickham was only using her. To make matters worse, so was his family as she managed The Wickman, their hotel in Georgetown. Coming to Boonsboro at the urging of her two friends, Hope is determined to be a good inn keeper and has little time for romance.
To add to her drama, Hope recently learned she is related to Lizzy, the resident ghost who inhabits the inn. Circumstances has lead Hope to begin a search to know more about the man Lizzy lost in the war. She may be a big city girl, but Hope is quickly learning to enjoy the small town lifestyle.
Ryder has his hands full working on the numerous construction projects his mother continues to develop. He is sexy with a strong stubborn streak. With one brother and sister-in-law busy with three boys and a couple more on the way, and the other brother about to marry his childhood sweetheart, Ryder isn’t looking for romance either.
The chemistry between Hope and Ryder is electrifying. Their quick-tempered bantering is fun. They seem like opposites, but share very much in common. The secondary characters are colorful, zany and well-developed. They add realism to the mix. The inn and the town are beautiful described casting them as major characters in the story as well.
THE PERFECT HOPE is a stand alone book. However, to completely enjoy the journey of the Montgomery brothers and their ladies, the trilogy should be read/listened to in order. Reading/listening in order also enhances the adventure of Lizzy and her quest for Billy.
Roberts has brought the trilogy to a delightful close tying up lose ends and giving all involved their time in the limelight. The best thing to me is that even though the trilogy ends, it is not so final that another chapter (book) couldn’t be written later to update the lives of those in Boonsboro.
Author Nora Roberts’ website is www.noraroberts.com
The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts, Inn Boonsboro Trilogy Book Three, Read by MacLeod Andrews, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1455807093, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 10 Hours
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Thanks everyone for stopping by today. When you read the last installment in a series, do you want it to be final, final? Or do you prefer closure with an opening where the author could come back and write more?
I just finished the book. I loved this trilogy, and I particularly enjoyed it because I visited Boonesboro this summer. Unfortunately, the Inn was closed to tours because the guests were having brunch. I would have loved to have seen some of the rooms.
ReplyDeleteMason - You're right that trilogies can be tricky. That said though, there are some real advantages to them. Some stories are just better told in that slightly more drawn out way (i.e. longer than one novel). And If they're crafted so that each novel naturally leads to the next, it can be really effective. Thanks for making me think about this.
ReplyDeleteI love Nora Roberts' stories! I haven't read this trilogy yet - but it's definitely on my wishlist. I think Roberts generally does a great job of keeping that 3rd book strong - and that's not easy to do!!
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