Book #72 - Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

This is the fourth, and unfortunately final, book in the bride quartet series, and it was worth the wait to see how Parker's story turned out. Nora weaved another unique and believable love story with this one, and I found on the last pages I was tearing up while making a goofy smile. I feel a small sadness that the journey with these four women is over because Nora does such an exceptional job of making you feel a part of the story rather than just a spectator. Again, I want to see what the future weddings will be like, if they will have children, if they will all continue to live on the Brown Property, etc. I highly recommend the entire series for an easy yet blissful read.

Book #48 - Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

This was book three in the bride quartet and is the story of Laurel, the pastry chef. I have to admit that all of the talk of cakes almost made me run to the store to get ingredients to make my own. Needless to say, I was able to resist. This book was fabulous, and it left me feeling happy because Laurel got her dream guy. Funny that today I finished a paper on Romeo and Juliet (for my Mom's Humanities class), and I was thinking how pure and naive their love was and especially sad how it ended. "Savor the Moment" was another story of star crossed lovers that ended beautifully with nothing but happily ever after in their future. You would think it would get old to read Nora Roberts' books where they always end happy, but really it doesn't. I never grow tired of knowing it will end happy, and maybe that is why I go back to her. I know in the end I will be uplifted and satisfied. Not to dismiss those Nicholas Sparks books that end the way they should rather than always the way I want...there is a need for reality in love stories as well. But, as I said, they are feel good, and it is like coming back to a comfortable place. In case you are wondering, you will have to wait for the last installment of this series of books because it isn't released until November. Going to be painful, but I guess I'll make it.

Book #46 Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

This is the second book in the Bride Quartet series, and I really enjoyed this one as well. Light hearted love story that ended just right. However, I really enjoyed the independence, perseverance, and back-bone of the main character Emma. She refused to compromise what she was looking for in a life-long partner. She refused to settle for less than she deserved. Although she was a romantic and a bit old fashioned in what she wanted in a husband, she demonstrates that the modern, independent woman can have it all and doesn't have to give up some important part of herself to get the right fit in a mate. Very good book, and I look forward to reading the third book in the series and seeing how Laurel finds love.