In this one, we finally get to meet the youngest MacGregor! In this conclusion to the Men of Valor series, Hannon takes a break from her usually fast-paced suspense to slow things down just a tad. This one is more romance-and-character-centric. In a rare move, the mystery doesn't really start until the book does, meaning, we see the villain's motivations BEFORE we see the crime. Generally it's the other way 'round, and I have to say that I enjoyed seeing it done this way.
The small town and woodsy feel were well done, and the characters were well developed.
So, why 4 stars? Wellllll...a couple of scenes felt very rinse-and-repeat (a lot of focus on food, which I don't usually mind, but it was even the same foods at times), AND. I'm ready to see the word "java" take a backseat. I guess I've read too many Hannons lately or something, but that word is on my bad list. It's overused, and overtired. I get it, they need caffeine. But, please, for the love of everything, can we just call it coffee?