Title: Ever After
Author: Jude Deveraux
First published January 1, 2015
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780345541857 (ISBN10: 0345541855)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
Bestselling author Jude Deveraux presents the final installment in her Nantucket Brides trilogy, Ever After. Hallie Hartley, a selfless physical therapist, has always put her stepsister Shelly’s needs before her own.
But when Hallie discovers that Shelly has been trying to steal her inheritance, she impulsively flies to Nantucket to escape her problems. There, she meets the charming and mysterious James Taggert, who draws her out of her shell and into a world of romance and adventure.
But as James’ secrets come to light, Hallie realizes that magic is everywhere on the island – even in her own heart. With the help of a pair of matchmaking ghosts and a colorful island legend, Hallie and James unravel the timeless secrets of true love and destiny.
Ever After is a captivating tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Editoral Review
In Jude Deveraux’s novel Ever After, readers are transported to the historic town of Edilean, Virginia, where stories of true love and destiny unfold. Known for her captivating romance novels, Deveraux’s Ever After is a delightful addition to her vast collection.
This novel was first published on January 1, 2015, and since then, it has been a favorite among romance novel enthusiasts. The novel tells the story of Sara Shaw, who is convinced that her true love is out there but hasn’t found him yet.
When she receives a mysterious invitation to a masquerade ball in Edilean, she accepts and unknowingly sets off a series of events that will determine her future. What Sara doesn’t know is that some townspeople have their own agenda and are more than happy to meddle in the affairs of strangers.
It is not long before Sara realizes that she is in love with Edilean’s most eligible bachelor, a man whose life is all but perfect. Although the two experience the rush of love, their budding relationship is challenged by a secret that could send Sara running away from the man she loves.
Deveraux does an excellent job of creating a magical and idyllic world in Ever After. The backdrop of the historic town of Edilean adds a sense of timelessness to the story.
The author’s attention to detail in describing the town, its residents, and their ways of life are masterful. Readers will feel transported back to a time when love stories were simpler but just as sweet.
The characters in Ever After are well-developed and endearing. Sara’s character is relatable and easy to sympathize with, while the hero, Jamie, is charming and enigmatic.
Deveraux does a great job of balancing the emotions of her protagonists and portraying their internal conflicts with depth without being melodramatic. However, Ever After falls short when it comes to the plot structure’s pacing.
While the story’s beginning and the end are captivating, the middle is slow and plodding, leaving readers feeling disengaged. It is worth noting that romance novel enthusiasts may not find this pacing issue bothersome.
Overall, Ever After is an enjoyable read for romance novel lovers. Deveraux’s ability to capture the essence of true love with skillful storytelling is impressive.
Despite the book’s pacing, the novel’s themes of destiny and perseverance shine through. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a lighthearted and charming love story.
Rating: 3.5/5
