Review of Jude Devereaux's Ever After

Life is anything but perfect for Hallie Hartley, a young physical therapist who has given up nearly everything—even her love life—for her beautiful blonde stepsister, Shelly. Though Shelly's acting career has never taken off, she has certainly perfected the crocodile tears to get what she wants—which all too often means Hallie's boyfriends. When Hallie arrives home early from work one fateful day, she makes two startling discoveries that will turn her life upside down: Not only has a mysterious relative left Hallie a house on Nantucket, but Shelly has been trying to steal it. Desperate to put her troubles behind her, Hallie impulsively flies to Nantucket.

New trouble, however, has already settled into Hallie's guest room in the form of her newest client. Hallie is told that wealthy, young James Taggert has injured his leg in a skiing accident. Assuming that the devastatingly handsome man has led a charmed life, Hallie is surprised by Jamie at every turn throughout his recovery. His attentions draw her out of her shell—but he has a dark secret, and is tormented by nightmares that only her presence can keep at bay. She suspects there's more to his injury than he's letting on.

On this gorgeous island rich in history, magic is everywhere, even in Hallie's own backyard. As Jamie's relatives arrive for a wedding gala, something wonderfully unusual is in the air. There's an aura of romance—enhanced by a pair of matchmaking ghosts and a colorful island legend. In their own little corner of the world, Jamie and Hallie unravel the timeless secrets of their own hearts, and a very special story of True Love destined to last forever after.

Releasing June 23, 2014

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My thoughts:

Jude Deveraux, master storyteller, gives us the third in her Nantucket Brides trilogy and more of her Montgomerys.

Ever After is a sweet story of Hallie and Jamie. Hallie inherits a house on Nantucket and agrees to be physical therapist to Jamie, a war veteran who has injuries from battle and from a recencent a skiing accent. He keeps his background secret from Hallie, allowing her to believe him a rich playboy in order to avoid sympathy. There is much to push these two together between physical therapy, meddling family members, nosy neighbors and the fascination of potential ghosts.

This was a good story, but it lacked some sparkle between the main characters. There was a lot of outside world distraction with everything else that was going on around the main characters. It helps to read the other stories in the trilogy but can be read as a stand alone.

ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.