The perfect hope by Nora Roberts

Inn Boonsboro trilogy, Book 3. Piatkus, 2012. ISBN 9780749955663.
(Age: Adult) Romance. Roberts brings to a conclusion her Inn Boonsboro trilogy with the story of Ryder Montgomery and Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper. Ryder is a tough character, surly and uncommunicative, and has made it a point to be rude to Hope, who comes from a glamorous big city background. When her former boyfriend turns up and is most unwelcome, Ryder finds the protective side of his nature coming to the fore and discovers that perhaps Hope is perfect for him.
The perfect hope brings the Inn Boonsboro trilogy to an enjoyable conclusion. Roberts has a particular style that is very appealing, (her best selling numbers attest to that) and even though the same themes often appear in her books, her characters are so compelling that readers look forward to a new title. Her women characters are always strong, even if they have flaws, and have skills and confidence. They value friendship and support each other. She includes older women in her stories, and they get on with their daughters-in-law and are well rounded characters in their own right. Her men are diverse and interesting, and often their dialogue and jokes adds humour and fun to the story. The addition of a small paranormal element in the form of Lizzie, the ghost, and some history about the Civil War, has added more interest to the series and her story is brought to a satisfying end in The perfect Hope. This series has been particularly interesting as Roberts has been instrumental in the restoration of a real inn at Boonsboro.
Roberts writes feel good romances, containing a little mystery, some angst and lots of love. There are some love scenes which probably make the series unsuitable for a school library.
Pat Pledger