Goodbye to the Blues

Karen Grace #3

by Lynne M. Spreen

Every woman needs a friend like Karen Grace. In this third book in the series, Karen travels from Palm Springs to Newport Beach to Denver reuniting with friends, all of whom struggle with matters of the heart. In Palm Springs, longtime couple Fern and Belle are on the verge of breaking up, but everyone knows they were meant for each other. Now in their late seventies, will Fern accept the truth about their relationship before it’s too late? In Newport Beach, Rita, a fiercely independent trucker, must choose between the call of the open road and her devotion to Grady, who needs her now more than ever. In Denver, Jessie has managed to keep her troubled mother at arm’s length, but Sandy is desperate for reconciliation. While Jessie fights to protect her family, her marriage hangs in the balance.

Caught up in the drama, Karen fears repeating her own mistakes. When she returns home to North Dakota, husband Curt drops a bombshell that threatens to tear them apart. Goodbye to the Blues is an upbeat testament to the power of love in all its forms.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2018

About the author

Lynne M. Spreen writes later-in-life romance and women’s fiction that celebrates reinvention, resilience, and the rich complexity of a woman’s second act. Her debut novel, Dakota Blues, won a literary award and launched a new chapter in her life--she's up to twelve books and counting. After waiting half her life to pursue her dream of writing, she brings hard-earned insight to every story she tells.

Lynne lives in Southern California with her husband, where she balances the demands of the author life with line dancing, gardening, and the occasional round of zombie video games with her grandkids. When not writing, she’s most likely reading, researching, or quietly cheering for anyone brave enough to begin again.

To see more, please visit http://www.SilverRomanceBooks.net

Reviews

[Ellen Daum-Grod · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first two books were better. I Didn’t like they all ended up wealthy.
I was okay with Karen having money. But they married money or were all wildly successful.
I prefer books with more middle class people. Luckily, there are authors that write about those people. Librarians, small business owners, teachers.
I won’t read her other series, because of this.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasure to read this final (?) book about Karen Grace. She's happy, but she's certainly still the same Karen: too easily distracted from the path of her desires onto side roads focused on helping others--friends, neighbors, relatives. I felt tension as she wound her way home from her "hero's journey" of good deeds and rescues to her own hearth. Karen Grace is someone I know intimately, probably because she's also me (or I am she?). I hardly even noticed how much I was reflecting on my own path while reading about Karen's. Readers who have appreciated the first two books in this series must not fail to read this third installment! A tip o' the hat to the author who, I suspect, has been on a few hero's journeys of her own en route to her hearth.

[Eve Gaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me from beginning to end. Karen, the main character, worked so hard in previous books, I thought she had earned the right to snuggle, instead of traversing all over the United States helping friends with difficult issues. But, as you read about all the other lovable characters, you’ll be glad they have someone like Karen in their life. We all need a Karen to remind us of balance.
The author delves into topics such as: risking true love for family, the possible beginnings of Alzheimer’s, drugs, ethics, elder abuse, same-sex marriage, just to name a few. Almost every negative point has a positive counterpoint. One of my favorite lines, “While I complained, a half-dozen black and grey chickadees flitted over and began feeding.”
Spreen is an excellent writer. She keeps things lighthearted by even breaking through that fourth wall at times, addressing the reader. As in Chapter 20 about a hand gesture and how it’s “not the one you’re thinking,” or when she has to “plan” a trip and says, “you know”. Which cracked me up. The personal style makes for comfortable reading, as if Lynne Spreen is relaying her story to a close group of friends. Then, near the end there are even more clever surprises but you’ll have to read the book to find out more!

[Rose Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a treat to reconnect with all the characters in Goodbye to the Blues. That’s what I love most about series like this, it feels like revisiting old friends and slipping right back into their world. The story is heartwarming and full of real-life emotions, and I loved how each character’s journey brought something different to the table. That said, I have to admit Karen got on my nerves a bit this time around. She was always there for everyone except her husband, and that imbalance started to wear on me. Still, the story was engaging and I really enjoyed the audiobook version. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing everyone to life. All in all, a strong addition to the series and definitely worth the listen!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Ms. Spreen for finishing for us the stories of your wonderful characters. I so enjoyed learning "what happened next." Karen Grace has been a pleasure to know. She has taught me some important life lessons.

I was gifted an audio version of this book from the author through Story Origin. The narrator, Jennifer Jill Araya IS Karen to me. She performed this book with heart and care. She has distinct voices for the characters. 5 stars for the narration as well.

[Carrie McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wraps up all the things that have happened to Karen and all her friends from the first 2 books and adds a lot of wisdom to this one. A beautiful way to complete a series. Note, read books in order. I missed book 2 somehow and was lost a bit. oops
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job with bringing all the feels to life.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book until the ending

I loved the first person view of this book! And her wild ride was awesome! I'm 'A once was cowgirl' now a wish I still could do that! I didn't care for the ending as I wanted to see her do something with the mare instead of taking the choice they did. But books are not written to please my cowgirl ways. This was awesome story!

[Stephanie L Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfortable and relaxing reading

I have so enjoyed reading the 3 books. They are written in a way that you are drawn in and feel as if you are experiencing the lives of your own family.

[Betty]

Goodbye to the Blues

A good close to the series where Karen and Curt go in different directions but maintain the strong love for each other. It was good learn the outcome of family and professional concerns.

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye to the Blues

This is a fantastic series about strong independent women that are loyal, deeply kind and a community. What a great group of women that are so unique, and you feel like you made new friends I highly recommend this series to everyone. Enjoy

[Hanau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Just finished the third book in this series and it’s another wonderful story. I started the first book three days ago. Couldn’t put them down.

[Lee Terpening · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun reading, especially if you've read the first two books. It's nice getting to know the characters and seeing them evolve.

[Anita Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace

New adventures ew worries and the threat of old age . North Dakota farm to California memories. An entertaining adventure. Plus some return to previous adventures

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye to the Blues
: Lynne M. Spreen

It was a treat to get to re-visit Karen and her friends. I enjoyed the drama that most of the friends were going through, and yes Karen's as well. It was interesting to find out she didn't really know her friends as well as she thought. I hope there might be just one more of these adventures, but if not ......this ending satisfies.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Jennifer Jill Araya voice is quite entertaining!



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.