Item: Bountiful
Rating: 4.00
Author: kozbisa

by Sarina Bowen

No last names. No life stories. Those were the rules. Now a USA Today bestseller!

Once upon a time a cocky, copper-haired tourist sauntered into Zara’s bar. And even though she knew better, Zara indulged in a cure for the small-town blues. It was supposed to be an uncomplicated fling—a few sizzling weeks before he went back to his life, and she moved on.

Until an accidental pregnancy changed her life.

Two years later, she’s made peace with the notion that Dave From Brooklyn will never be found. Until one summer day when he walks into her coffee shop, leveling her with the same hot smile that always renders her defenseless.

Hockey star Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach.

Or does it? Vermont’s countryside has a way of nurturing even tortured souls. The fields and the orchards—and hard won love—are Bountiful.

I don't think I have mentioned it lately, but I love this series. Just when I didn't think Bowen could delight me any more than she already has, she does a crossover!

I was overjoyed, when I heard about this book, because I had wanted to know Zara better since we met her in the first book. I felt like there was a lot more to her, than we were seeing, and I was ecstatic to see her get her HEA.

Bowen gave Zara quite a hero. I felt like Zara had met her match with Dave. Besides their white hot chemistry, they had a great rapport. But all that emotional baggage kept getting in the way of them finding their forever together. It was sometimes maddening, but I think my heart grew slightly with each bit of progress they made reconciling with their pasts.

Bowen did a ton of things in this book, which were quite pleasing to me. She treated us to some new "views" of VT, while unfolding two love stories - one between David and Zara, and one between David and his baby girl. Watching that little girl win Dave's heart made my heart melt. There was a lot of "awww"-ing, believe me. We also got some great updates on Audrey and Griff, and from some family interactions, I now have some (separate) theories about Mae and Kieren. I hope these characters are explored in later books.

I was really surprised by the ending, but I loved it so much! The only thing Bowen could have done to make it better is add an epilogue. I am curious about the after. Since I am one book behind, I am holding out hope that I get an update on this little family sooner than later.

Bountiful (True North, #4)

by Sarina Bowen

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on Jun 18, 2018

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