This story is part of the Love Brothers series, based in Kentucky. The first books were about the four brothers and this story is mainly about Lindsay, the mother, and Angelique, the daughter. This is such a compelling story of Lindsay’s fifth child and only daughter, and their contentious relationship.
I can’t imagine having so many children so close together and the diversity of personalities in this family. As a parent, I truly enjoyed the various shenanigans of the boys growing up and laughed out loud many times. By the time Angelique was born, I believe that Lindsay was just too tired and depressed, which carried over into all of their interactions. Of course, Angelique had Anton, the father, wrapped around her finger from birth.
Ms. Crowe has captured the joy and angst of a couple and their children, throughout the various events and interactions of their lives. I have an invested interest in this family and love so many things about each of the characters and have cried over many parts of all of the books. This book was no exception, with my heart breaking at times. I enjoyed going back in time to when Anton and Lindsay first met, with their strong and clashing personalities. There were many times in this series where I wanted to whack a few people upside the head due to their stubbornness.
I loved how this story followed Angelique into adulthood, with her wild years, some frightening events, and eventually to a more mature woman. This is not a repeat of the other books but more of her POV throughout the years and how things affected her.
As with all Liz Crowe books, she takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Ms. Crowe doesn’t hesitate to write real life events, even if it breaks your heart and leaves you exhausted. I’ve read many of her books over the past couple of years and some scenes have never left me. You will definitely want to begin the series with Love Garage and follow all of the family through to Family Love, where you will see all of the main characters and their spouses, children, and more. The author NEVER gives the reader a fairytale HEA, but more of real life and sometimes a bittersweet HEA.