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The Last Lavender Sister
When your parents name you and your three siblings after flowers, the world is stacked against you. At least, that’s how Aster Lavender feels. The youngest daughter, Aster always keeps her head down and lets her siblings stand in the spotlight. She sells her gourmet doughnuts from Hole in One, the small drive-through stand in sleepy Homer’s Bluff, Kansas, and daydreams about seeing the big beautiful world. Love is never going to happen, especially when the only other lesbians in town are already married to each other.
Beautiful Brynn Garrett arrives to fill in for Homer Bluff’s only veterinarian, and suddenly every pet in town is sick. Brynn’s older, smarter, and way out of Aster’s league. Plus, she’s only in town temporarily and definitely running from something. Aster didn’t plan for a connection so strong it knocks the wind right out of her, but Brynn makes her feel like anything but a wallflower.
Beautiful Brynn Garrett arrives to fill in for Homer Bluff’s only veterinarian, and suddenly every pet in town is sick. Brynn’s older, smarter, and way out of Aster’s league. Plus, she’s only in town temporarily and definitely running from something. Aster didn’t plan for a connection so strong it knocks the wind right out of her, but Brynn makes her feel like anything but a wallflower.
264 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2022
58 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brayden
32 books2,758 followersMelissa Brayden is the multi-award winning author of more than twenty-five sapphic romance novels and is hard at work on more. She is a wine enthusiast, a fan of all donuts, and is probably staring off into space as you're reading this. You can find her at www.melissabrayden.com and on most social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
July 11, 2022
At the beginning of The Last Lavender Sister are doughnuts. If you’ve followed Melissa Brayden on social media for more than five minutes, you know how important doughnuts are to her. Aster is the youngest daughter of the Lavender family, the only one not working for the family business. The one whose name people don’t remember, hence “the last Lavender sister”. Her boutique doughnut shop is wonderfully successful but Aster’s dreams go beyond smartly-named heavenly pastries. There’s so much to explore food-wise and she’s thinking of leaving her boring small town and applying to culinary school in Boston. Just before she takes the plunge, Aster meets the vet who is temporarily taking over the town practice and sparks fly, hot, swirly sparks that both women try to harness into friendship and nothing more. Because Aster will be leaving soon and even if she didn’t, Brynn, the new vet, would.
I am so grateful for this book. I’m a huge fan of Melissa Brayden’s books. I’m incredibly proud that I got to translate two of them (which is why I keep mentioning it, it’s not bragging, I simply loved every second of it) and I wish I’d had the opportunity to work on more. I love the way she writes, I fall in love with almost all her characters, she makes me hungry half the time with her food descriptions, and I have a never-ending crush on Jessica Lennox. Kiss the Girl was my first Brayden romance and I have AfterEllen (before they became all TERFy) to thank for that.
In recent years, however, while I’ve enjoyed Brayden’s new releases (even when she’s not at her best, she’s always a good writer), they didn’t touch me as much, they didn’t feel as exhilarating as her older ones. With each new one, I was thinking, will this be the one? Is Brayden back at the top?
This time. This time I think it’s the one.
Melissa Brayden left the old tried-and-true but boring-by-now formula behind and gives us something new. It’s both new and one hundred per cent Brayden, which is what I’ve been hoping for for a while now. It’s also a slow burn, with some gorgeous writing. I’ve had to take some breaks while reading to delight in a turn of phrase here and there, and that’s the best feeling.
One of the things I loved is that Aster is all about communication. She says what she has to say, asks questions when she wants answers. She may be the baby of the family and some people might not notice her, but she’s not a pushover. She wants what she wants. She’s brave, she’s determined, she’s kind, she’s relatably flawed. Brynn is at first the mature one in the relationship, but as time goes by, both characters grow, each in her own way, Aster by asserting herself and Brynn by opening up, letting the suffering she still struggles with since the breakup that led to her moving to Homer’s Bluff show more and more. She’s honest about it, honest about the fact that it somewhat dictates her actions. Both characters are very self-aware and that’s what makes the relationship plausible. That and the chemistry. Aster and Brynn are freaking hot together.
I love Brayden’s trademark banter but in recent books, it felt over the top, holding the fort while everything else was scrambling to find its footing again. She’s toned it down in this book and guess what? It’s still funny, it’s still quirky, and it stops before becoming tedious. It’s like getting the best of Melissa Brayden again.
The previous best with a bonus, though. One thing is better than before: despite all my love for the characters Brayden writes, I’ve often felt that their voices weren’t distinct enough. That they all spoke the same, with the same mannerisms, the same sense of humour. To different degrees but with the same basis always. Not Aster and Brynn. When I hear them in my head, there’s no mistaking one for the other.
Also, food is my love language. Granted, I don’t cook. Dyspraxia gets in the way and I don’t have enough patience. I don’t know which one is the chicken and which one is the egg but the result is, I don’t cook. Cook for me though, and I’m in love (just ask my wife, she knows all about it). So Aster wanting to cook for Brynn? Major swooning here. Add the fact that books are fundamental to this relationship and my day is made. There’s this perfect metaphor but it’s 84% in so I can’t share the quote but I love it. It’s perfect for this book, it’s perfect for these characters, it’s perfect for a lot of readers I think.
Side note: one of my favourite scenes to translate in Kiss the Girl involved carrots doing carrot stuff (get your mind out of the gutter, please) and I smiled every time carrots were mentioned here too.
Yes, The Last Lavender Sister is fluffy. Yes, it’s predictable, to some extent. No, it’s not perfect, I have once again issues with the editing and proofreading, and why does Brynn read straight romance when so much excellent sapphic romance is everywhere now? None of this however diminished my enjoyment of the story. I’m a very happy camper right now.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
I am so grateful for this book. I’m a huge fan of Melissa Brayden’s books. I’m incredibly proud that I got to translate two of them (which is why I keep mentioning it, it’s not bragging, I simply loved every second of it) and I wish I’d had the opportunity to work on more. I love the way she writes, I fall in love with almost all her characters, she makes me hungry half the time with her food descriptions, and I have a never-ending crush on Jessica Lennox. Kiss the Girl was my first Brayden romance and I have AfterEllen (before they became all TERFy) to thank for that.
In recent years, however, while I’ve enjoyed Brayden’s new releases (even when she’s not at her best, she’s always a good writer), they didn’t touch me as much, they didn’t feel as exhilarating as her older ones. With each new one, I was thinking, will this be the one? Is Brayden back at the top?
This time. This time I think it’s the one.
Melissa Brayden left the old tried-and-true but boring-by-now formula behind and gives us something new. It’s both new and one hundred per cent Brayden, which is what I’ve been hoping for for a while now. It’s also a slow burn, with some gorgeous writing. I’ve had to take some breaks while reading to delight in a turn of phrase here and there, and that’s the best feeling.
One of the things I loved is that Aster is all about communication. She says what she has to say, asks questions when she wants answers. She may be the baby of the family and some people might not notice her, but she’s not a pushover. She wants what she wants. She’s brave, she’s determined, she’s kind, she’s relatably flawed. Brynn is at first the mature one in the relationship, but as time goes by, both characters grow, each in her own way, Aster by asserting herself and Brynn by opening up, letting the suffering she still struggles with since the breakup that led to her moving to Homer’s Bluff show more and more. She’s honest about it, honest about the fact that it somewhat dictates her actions. Both characters are very self-aware and that’s what makes the relationship plausible. That and the chemistry. Aster and Brynn are freaking hot together.
I love Brayden’s trademark banter but in recent books, it felt over the top, holding the fort while everything else was scrambling to find its footing again. She’s toned it down in this book and guess what? It’s still funny, it’s still quirky, and it stops before becoming tedious. It’s like getting the best of Melissa Brayden again.
The previous best with a bonus, though. One thing is better than before: despite all my love for the characters Brayden writes, I’ve often felt that their voices weren’t distinct enough. That they all spoke the same, with the same mannerisms, the same sense of humour. To different degrees but with the same basis always. Not Aster and Brynn. When I hear them in my head, there’s no mistaking one for the other.
Also, food is my love language. Granted, I don’t cook. Dyspraxia gets in the way and I don’t have enough patience. I don’t know which one is the chicken and which one is the egg but the result is, I don’t cook. Cook for me though, and I’m in love (just ask my wife, she knows all about it). So Aster wanting to cook for Brynn? Major swooning here. Add the fact that books are fundamental to this relationship and my day is made. There’s this perfect metaphor but it’s 84% in so I can’t share the quote but I love it. It’s perfect for this book, it’s perfect for these characters, it’s perfect for a lot of readers I think.
Side note: one of my favourite scenes to translate in Kiss the Girl involved carrots doing carrot stuff (get your mind out of the gutter, please) and I smiled every time carrots were mentioned here too.
Yes, The Last Lavender Sister is fluffy. Yes, it’s predictable, to some extent. No, it’s not perfect, I have once again issues with the editing and proofreading, and why does Brynn read straight romance when so much excellent sapphic romance is everywhere now? None of this however diminished my enjoyment of the story. I’m a very happy camper right now.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
June 24, 2022
Heartache and happiness.
This story stuck with me like many of Melissa Brayden's stories do. She's a good writer, one of my favourites, in fact, and even though my heart was ripped out and fixed back several times in the course of reading this book, I pretty much just went with it and loved it.
Aster is the main reason for my enjoyment. She's the main character, the youngest Lavender sister and she's a total surprise. I thought she was going to be a wallflower but she wasn't. Even within the first quarter of the book, her personality showed. I like that she's direct and is a good communicator and by the end of the book, she came into her own and really blossomed both in terms of her personality and career. The problem is with her love interest, the interim town vet, Brynn, who's in her own head and so wishy-washy. Brynn frustrates me but the good thing is, I really like the idea of them together and the chemistry is there.
I'm not sure if there's going to be a part two but I do think there's potential for a follow up story and would really love it if it does get written.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story stuck with me like many of Melissa Brayden's stories do. She's a good writer, one of my favourites, in fact, and even though my heart was ripped out and fixed back several times in the course of reading this book, I pretty much just went with it and loved it.
Aster is the main reason for my enjoyment. She's the main character, the youngest Lavender sister and she's a total surprise. I thought she was going to be a wallflower but she wasn't. Even within the first quarter of the book, her personality showed. I like that she's direct and is a good communicator and by the end of the book, she came into her own and really blossomed both in terms of her personality and career. The problem is with her love interest, the interim town vet, Brynn, who's in her own head and so wishy-washy. Brynn frustrates me but the good thing is, I really like the idea of them together and the chemistry is there.
I'm not sure if there's going to be a part two but I do think there's potential for a follow up story and would really love it if it does get written.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2022
This is what I hope for when I pick up a book by Brayden, romance and heartache dueling it out until that happy ending. It has the typical Brayden style, mixing close friends/family with fun and banter and the low points in life, and even puppies are thrown in. It is more subdued than the last books by Brayden, which was exactly right for me, as some of Brayden’s latest books felt like she was trying a too hard with the banter and quips for my liking.
This book spans over a couple of years divided in parts and this gave time and space for Aster and Brynn to grow and make their story believable. Especially, Aster’s storyline was wonderful, growing from a wallflower into a confident (and nerdy, sci-fi books, gotta love them) but gentle woman. Bryn is outgoing but has her insecurities and yes, those insecurities could send someone into madness, but it worked for me including the dark moment. Brayden knows how to keep them apart just long enough to make you wanting them together badly.
I can only recommend to read this book if you’re a romance fan and I want to mention that I now need a book about Aster’s older sister Marigold!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book spans over a couple of years divided in parts and this gave time and space for Aster and Brynn to grow and make their story believable. Especially, Aster’s storyline was wonderful, growing from a wallflower into a confident (and nerdy, sci-fi books, gotta love them) but gentle woman. Bryn is outgoing but has her insecurities and yes, those insecurities could send someone into madness, but it worked for me including the dark moment. Brayden knows how to keep them apart just long enough to make you wanting them together badly.
I can only recommend to read this book if you’re a romance fan and I want to mention that I now need a book about Aster’s older sister Marigold!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2022
This story made me so mad! Aster is lovely. I was all-in for her. But Brynn?
I actually liked Brynn to start. The book is separated into parts and first-part Brynn was kind of awesome. I liked seeing her falling for Aster. Their chemistry was fantastic, but I really loved their quiet moments where they just read, or talked, or ate together. These episodes were sweet and Brynn's resistance to falling for Aster even made sense and gave time for a lovely slow-burn I was totally into.
And then Brynn lets Aster down. The first time. And that becomes the predominant aspect of the story. Indeed, every one of the parts starts with Brynn letting Aster down. Promises are made. And then broken. By the end of the story, I wanted Aster to find someone new to love. Someone who didn't break her heart. Someone worthy of her devotion and sweet caring.
The only high point of the rest of the story is watching Aster's growth. Seeing her gain confidence and pursue her dream was delightful. I was all-in for her journey. And her family was a stand-out along the way. I loved how complex their relationships were and how we got to see their growth as well. There are a couple of beautiful love stories around the periphery of this one and they had exactly the right amount of page-time to feel engaging without taking over Aster's story.
But Brynn? Yeah, she could go jump in a lake. There wasn't a single development that she didn't turn bitter and depressing by being a giant emotionally constipated idiot. By the time we were done, she had wasted years nursing past hurts and piling them onto Aster along the way. And authors? Having your characters say "I always loved you" isn't the win you think it is. Having Brynn say this made everything ten times worse because it means that she was breaking promises to the woman she supposedly loved and hurting her dreadfully while doing so. That's some mixed-up view of love, that is.
I'm giving this a second star for Aster and her family. I loved them all and really liked their growth and support for one another. But if Brynn were a real person, I'd be hoping that she was getting the right kind of therapy because, boy-howdy, does she need it.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. The first was kind of outstanding, but .
I actually liked Brynn to start. The book is separated into parts and first-part Brynn was kind of awesome. I liked seeing her falling for Aster. Their chemistry was fantastic, but I really loved their quiet moments where they just read, or talked, or ate together. These episodes were sweet and Brynn's resistance to falling for Aster even made sense and gave time for a lovely slow-burn I was totally into.
And then Brynn lets Aster down. The first time. And that becomes the predominant aspect of the story. Indeed, every one of the parts starts with Brynn letting Aster down. Promises are made. And then broken. By the end of the story, I wanted Aster to find someone new to love. Someone who didn't break her heart. Someone worthy of her devotion and sweet caring.
The only high point of the rest of the story is watching Aster's growth. Seeing her gain confidence and pursue her dream was delightful. I was all-in for her journey. And her family was a stand-out along the way. I loved how complex their relationships were and how we got to see their growth as well. There are a couple of beautiful love stories around the periphery of this one and they had exactly the right amount of page-time to feel engaging without taking over Aster's story.
But Brynn? Yeah, she could go jump in a lake. There wasn't a single development that she didn't turn bitter and depressing by being a giant emotionally constipated idiot. By the time we were done, she had wasted years nursing past hurts and piling them onto Aster along the way. And authors? Having your characters say "I always loved you" isn't the win you think it is. Having Brynn say this made everything ten times worse because it means that she was breaking promises to the woman she supposedly loved and hurting her dreadfully while doing so. That's some mixed-up view of love, that is.
I'm giving this a second star for Aster and her family. I loved them all and really liked their growth and support for one another. But if Brynn were a real person, I'd be hoping that she was getting the right kind of therapy because, boy-howdy, does she need it.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. The first was kind of outstanding, but .
July 6, 2022
This story is a bit mixed for me.
The first third of the book is very very sweet, and the rest of it is spent with our MCs not together, in a relationship/sleeping with other people. There are long gaps where the MCs are not in touch with each other, and the story jumps years ahead a few times. The ending is abrupt and the relationship goes from 0 to happy heteronormative ending in a very short time.
I did like Aster a lot, although I could have done without the constant sibling involvement. I like her honesty and her sweetness. I didn’t like Brynn very much. Her double standard when it comes to relationships makes her seem selfish and unlikeable. The push-pull lasts way too long and is caused by Brynn not wanting to commit to Aster but not wanting to let her go, which seems very unhealthy to me.
This is a nitpick, but reading books is such a huge part of the story, and Brynn reads straight romance?! Does lesfic not exist in this universe?
Overall the writing is smooth and polished, it’s a nice, easy read but I found the issues with being annoyed by the characters overshadowed the technical value. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I know she’s a powerhouse in lesfic, so I’m sure I’m an outlier in my opinion.
TW: parental death, implied cancer
My rating: three stars
ARC received courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first third of the book is very very sweet, and the rest of it is spent with our MCs not together, in a relationship/sleeping with other people. There are long gaps where the MCs are not in touch with each other, and the story jumps years ahead a few times. The ending is abrupt and the relationship goes from 0 to happy heteronormative ending in a very short time.
I did like Aster a lot, although I could have done without the constant sibling involvement. I like her honesty and her sweetness. I didn’t like Brynn very much. Her double standard when it comes to relationships makes her seem selfish and unlikeable. The push-pull lasts way too long and is caused by Brynn not wanting to commit to Aster but not wanting to let her go, which seems very unhealthy to me.
This is a nitpick, but reading books is such a huge part of the story, and Brynn reads straight romance?! Does lesfic not exist in this universe?
Overall the writing is smooth and polished, it’s a nice, easy read but I found the issues with being annoyed by the characters overshadowed the technical value. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I know she’s a powerhouse in lesfic, so I’m sure I’m an outlier in my opinion.
TW: parental death, implied cancer
My rating: three stars
ARC received courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2022
Well hello Brayden 2.0
If you picked up this novel expecting the usual interesting main characters, witty banter, supportive friends and charming settings you will get your wish, only with thrusters. This one is an emotional rollercoaster and it's a ride you don't want to miss. Nothing insta-love about Aster and Brynn's relationship. It's a slow burn affair with many roadblocks and a lot of soul searching by both women.
A pleasure to read.
If you picked up this novel expecting the usual interesting main characters, witty banter, supportive friends and charming settings you will get your wish, only with thrusters. This one is an emotional rollercoaster and it's a ride you don't want to miss. Nothing insta-love about Aster and Brynn's relationship. It's a slow burn affair with many roadblocks and a lot of soul searching by both women.
A pleasure to read.
July 13, 2022
“The Last Lavender Sister” is a slow-burn, small-town romance. This is a standalone, at least for now. Aster Lavender is the youngest of her sisters and that’s where the title comes from. I’ve seen people question if this is part of a series but as of right now, this is it. I wouldn’t mind seeing a follow up featuring another sister if Ms. Brayden is so inclined.
I have to start by saying this doesn’t quite follow the Brayden formula that you may be used to and I’ll admit, I liked it. “The Last Lavender Sister” spans several years and I enjoyed seeing the growth and changes the main characters go through, especially Aster.
I absolutely loved Aster. In the beginning she’s a little on the meek and quiet side. Her older siblings have always gotten the attention and she’s used to being in the background. Over time, she gains confidence and really comes into her own. And while she’s quiet and lets other’s get the attention, she speaks up for herself with her wants and needs. She spends her days making doughnuts, reading books and dreams of leaving her hometown. She wants love but has convinced herself it will never happen in her sleepy little town. Then Brynn Garrett comes to town and shakes things up.
Brynn is taking over for the local vet for some time and starts a friendship with Aster. She has just gotten out of a long-term relationship where she was cheated on so she’s not in a hurry to trust and love again. I really liked Brynn in the beginning. She’s funny and confident and the perfect foil to Aster. However, as time went on, I liked her less and less. While she clearly cares for Aster she also came across as selfish with some of her decisions and it made her unlikeable towards the end.
As the story spans several years Aster and Brynn’s relationship changes and evolves as they do. Brayden really took them (and me) on an emotional journey, there are some highs and lows. Some of them I enjoyed and some not so much.
Even though I spent some time frustrated I still really enjoyed the book. Aster and Brynn have a lot of chemistry and I loved the humor, heart, and banter that is expected in a Brayden book.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have to start by saying this doesn’t quite follow the Brayden formula that you may be used to and I’ll admit, I liked it. “The Last Lavender Sister” spans several years and I enjoyed seeing the growth and changes the main characters go through, especially Aster.
I absolutely loved Aster. In the beginning she’s a little on the meek and quiet side. Her older siblings have always gotten the attention and she’s used to being in the background. Over time, she gains confidence and really comes into her own. And while she’s quiet and lets other’s get the attention, she speaks up for herself with her wants and needs. She spends her days making doughnuts, reading books and dreams of leaving her hometown. She wants love but has convinced herself it will never happen in her sleepy little town. Then Brynn Garrett comes to town and shakes things up.
Brynn is taking over for the local vet for some time and starts a friendship with Aster. She has just gotten out of a long-term relationship where she was cheated on so she’s not in a hurry to trust and love again. I really liked Brynn in the beginning. She’s funny and confident and the perfect foil to Aster. However, as time went on, I liked her less and less. While she clearly cares for Aster she also came across as selfish with some of her decisions and it made her unlikeable towards the end.
As the story spans several years Aster and Brynn’s relationship changes and evolves as they do. Brayden really took them (and me) on an emotional journey, there are some highs and lows. Some of them I enjoyed and some not so much.
Even though I spent some time frustrated I still really enjoyed the book. Aster and Brynn have a lot of chemistry and I loved the humor, heart, and banter that is expected in a Brayden book.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2022
Got to admit, the title piqued my interest first, then the cover.
This book is extremely ‘warmly’. I absolutely love books where the main characters go back home to their small town village, where they are an extremely close nit community and have large loveling homes. The last lavender sister ticked all the books for me.
It's an amazing storyline, does get a little repetitive in places, but it's a sweet romance where you hope that the two get there happily ever after.
It's a lovely easy read and quite easily one of Melissa Brayden's better books.
I've given The Last Lavender Sister a 4/5.
This book is extremely ‘warmly’. I absolutely love books where the main characters go back home to their small town village, where they are an extremely close nit community and have large loveling homes. The last lavender sister ticked all the books for me.
It's an amazing storyline, does get a little repetitive in places, but it's a sweet romance where you hope that the two get there happily ever after.
It's a lovely easy read and quite easily one of Melissa Brayden's better books.
I've given The Last Lavender Sister a 4/5.
September 24, 2022
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not quite sure where to start with this one. It started with a lot of promise that it largely did not deliver on.
This features MC Aster, the fourth and last child in the Lavender family made up of older sisters Marigold and Violet and brother Sage, who apparently has lived her entire life in a small town in the shadows of her siblings, though I couldn’t see why, they all seemed like nice people, but none were particularly spectacular at anything. Aster is fairly quiet and unassuming and prefers books over people, can’t fault her there, she also runs her own donut business, while the rest of her family work at their lavender farm. The other MC is Brynn, a vet, who comes to town to fill in for her friend Tyler who is going away for six months to do some study. Brynn is also just out of a toxic relationship where her partner cheated on her and is not feeling so great about herself.
So, this set up what I thought was going to be a fairly routine book about two people who find each other and the usual ‘one of us will have to move’ thing due to the short time frame for Brynn to be in town. I will give Brayden points for subverting this, as that’s not really what happens at all. Instead this is a slow, slow, slow burn of a book that spans several years broken up into parts.
I enjoyed Part One, mostly it was very sweet and the way the MCs meet and their relationship unfolds is lovely and full of meet-cutes and banter. Aster is a little shy, but blossoms thanks to her relationship with Brynn and Brynn is obviously smitten with Aster. This bit takes up roughly 40%.
Part Two and most of Part Three form the next 30% and contain some major time jumps, and this is where the book lost me. It started to feel very much like my least favourite Brayden book of all time Back to September, with the MCs living in different places and dating other people. I am not a fan of MCs dating other people in stories, usually this happens at the start of a book and then the MCs get together, but I am really not a fan of them being together and then being with other people and then getting back together. The two also sort of swap personalities here, as Aster starts to really shine and come into her own in these sections but Brynn becomes pretty withdrawn and also a bit unlikable (Aster is never unlikable at any stage). Part 3 also ends with a major miscommunication and Brynn acting like a complete ass, which didn’t help.
Part Four starts with another major time jump and some family circumstances that force Aster home and back into Brynn’s orbit. Brynn’s “woe is me, I could be happy if I could just get out of my own way" shtick is also in full flight here, but Aster has grown enough to call her on it and not put herself back out there. At one point Brynn tells Tyler that Aster is over Brynn’s "back-and-forth" and I was right there with her, it was way past old at that point. They keep running into each other though and eventually discuss what happened, and manage to reconcile after a big gesture from Brynn. The epilogue provides a nice tidy bow on the HEA, though to be honest, I thought Aster deserved someone better.
I enjoyed Aster’s family and her relationship with the various members and their side plots were mostly interesting. I did find the whole ‘no-one knows Aster’s name’ thing a bit hard to believe given this is a small town and she owns a popular business, but it was a plot device to show how far she comes. Brynn’s relationship with Tyler was sweet, and I loved both dogs, dogs are always a plus! I also thought Marigold’s reveal came out of nowhere, but wouldn’t mind reading her book if there is one.
I liked this more than Back to September, but found it very uneven, I’d give Part one 4 stars, Parts Two and Three 2.5 stars and Part four 3 stars, so will round this out to 3.25 stars.
I’m not quite sure where to start with this one. It started with a lot of promise that it largely did not deliver on.
This features MC Aster, the fourth and last child in the Lavender family made up of older sisters Marigold and Violet and brother Sage, who apparently has lived her entire life in a small town in the shadows of her siblings, though I couldn’t see why, they all seemed like nice people, but none were particularly spectacular at anything. Aster is fairly quiet and unassuming and prefers books over people, can’t fault her there, she also runs her own donut business, while the rest of her family work at their lavender farm. The other MC is Brynn, a vet, who comes to town to fill in for her friend Tyler who is going away for six months to do some study. Brynn is also just out of a toxic relationship where her partner cheated on her and is not feeling so great about herself.
So, this set up what I thought was going to be a fairly routine book about two people who find each other and the usual ‘one of us will have to move’ thing due to the short time frame for Brynn to be in town. I will give Brayden points for subverting this, as that’s not really what happens at all. Instead this is a slow, slow, slow burn of a book that spans several years broken up into parts.
I enjoyed Part One, mostly it was very sweet and the way the MCs meet and their relationship unfolds is lovely and full of meet-cutes and banter. Aster is a little shy, but blossoms thanks to her relationship with Brynn and Brynn is obviously smitten with Aster. This bit takes up roughly 40%.
Part Two and most of Part Three form the next 30% and contain some major time jumps, and this is where the book lost me. It started to feel very much like my least favourite Brayden book of all time Back to September, with the MCs living in different places and dating other people. I am not a fan of MCs dating other people in stories, usually this happens at the start of a book and then the MCs get together, but I am really not a fan of them being together and then being with other people and then getting back together. The two also sort of swap personalities here, as Aster starts to really shine and come into her own in these sections but Brynn becomes pretty withdrawn and also a bit unlikable (Aster is never unlikable at any stage). Part 3 also ends with a major miscommunication and Brynn acting like a complete ass, which didn’t help.
Part Four starts with another major time jump and some family circumstances that force Aster home and back into Brynn’s orbit. Brynn’s “woe is me, I could be happy if I could just get out of my own way" shtick is also in full flight here, but Aster has grown enough to call her on it and not put herself back out there. At one point Brynn tells Tyler that Aster is over Brynn’s "back-and-forth" and I was right there with her, it was way past old at that point. They keep running into each other though and eventually discuss what happened, and manage to reconcile after a big gesture from Brynn. The epilogue provides a nice tidy bow on the HEA, though to be honest, I thought Aster deserved someone better.
I enjoyed Aster’s family and her relationship with the various members and their side plots were mostly interesting. I did find the whole ‘no-one knows Aster’s name’ thing a bit hard to believe given this is a small town and she owns a popular business, but it was a plot device to show how far she comes. Brynn’s relationship with Tyler was sweet, and I loved both dogs, dogs are always a plus! I also thought Marigold’s reveal came out of nowhere, but wouldn’t mind reading her book if there is one.
I liked this more than Back to September, but found it very uneven, I’d give Part one 4 stars, Parts Two and Three 2.5 stars and Part four 3 stars, so will round this out to 3.25 stars.
July 5, 2023
4.5 rounded up.
My first Brayden was everything I expected it to be.
I don't really read contemporary romance anymore, being a fan of speculative fiction 99% of the time. And while I've known and admired Melissa Brayden for quite a while, I'm one of the only people in my orbit who hasn't read one of her books. Seeing her win an award for this one, and hearing the heartfelt speech given after, made me pick it up.
The Last Lavender Sister is a very good romance. At first, I thought it would be too predictable, a problem I've often found with contemporary romance novels. I was pleasantly surprised the farther in I went. Their lives were real and emotions both deep and messy.
Aster and Brynn reminded me of two pennies dropped on opposite sides of one of those fundraiser funnels. Circling each other like binary stars, moving closer and closer as gravity pulls them toward the center. And while the ending was expected, predictable in a way that only pure romances can be, it was incredibly cathartic. It was a sweet ending for two characters that I grew to love at the same time they fell into love with each other. Well done.
My first Brayden was everything I expected it to be.
I don't really read contemporary romance anymore, being a fan of speculative fiction 99% of the time. And while I've known and admired Melissa Brayden for quite a while, I'm one of the only people in my orbit who hasn't read one of her books. Seeing her win an award for this one, and hearing the heartfelt speech given after, made me pick it up.
The Last Lavender Sister is a very good romance. At first, I thought it would be too predictable, a problem I've often found with contemporary romance novels. I was pleasantly surprised the farther in I went. Their lives were real and emotions both deep and messy.
Aster and Brynn reminded me of two pennies dropped on opposite sides of one of those fundraiser funnels. Circling each other like binary stars, moving closer and closer as gravity pulls them toward the center. And while the ending was expected, predictable in a way that only pure romances can be, it was incredibly cathartic. It was a sweet ending for two characters that I grew to love at the same time they fell into love with each other. Well done.
June 28, 2022
Aster Lavender is the youngest in her family, quite brilliant and very shy. She dreams of leaving her small town and moving to a big city. She wants to go to culinary school and experience more in life. Brynn Garrett is a vet who moves from Chicago to the small Kansas town to help out a friend.
Brynn is sophisticated and worldly and recovering from a bad relationship.
Aster and Brynn start out as friends who like to read books on a local park bench. And later go through ups and downs in their relationship.
I liked the chemistry and slow burn between the MCs. Yes Brynn was frustrating with her insecurities, but I could sympathize with it. Having been burned once before she was very hesitant to let it happen again. Brayden did a fabulous job with the feels and the angst in this book. I liked both MCs and the supporting cast of characters. Very enjoyable read.
Arc received for a voluntary and honest review from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley.
Brynn is sophisticated and worldly and recovering from a bad relationship.
Aster and Brynn start out as friends who like to read books on a local park bench. And later go through ups and downs in their relationship.
I liked the chemistry and slow burn between the MCs. Yes Brynn was frustrating with her insecurities, but I could sympathize with it. Having been burned once before she was very hesitant to let it happen again. Brayden did a fabulous job with the feels and the angst in this book. I liked both MCs and the supporting cast of characters. Very enjoyable read.
Arc received for a voluntary and honest review from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley.
August 28, 2022
What a fun read! I haven't been able to give a Brayden novel this high of a rating in awhile, but found this one strayed from her normal formula in the most delicious way. One thing I highly admire about this author is her changes of environment, this one being in rural Kansas (for most of it). Yet her other books have been in NYC, Cali, etc etc. This keeps things fresh and interesting.
MC Aster is the stronger of the two characters in this story. Introverted, awkward, quiet compared to the gustos in her family, she yearns for bigger and better things for her life. MC Brynn is a temporary vet in the small town, has some hurts behind her but is outgoing and friendly, and is intrigued by her quiet neighbour. The two start hitting it off slowly. There is good communication between the two, they discuss rising feelings but aware of why it can't work logistically. The story follows the two over a handful of years, and I liked witnessing this character growth.
The actions of Brynn at the 75% mark lost some points for me, I am kind of shocked at how she treated Aster, though Aster was not fully blameless. But for this turn to have happened after the two had created such a strong foundation through various fun communication modes over years was kind of a bummer. Then there's the rushed ending again, maybe I should just accept this as a lesfic thing, but rarely am I satisfied!
4.5/5 for this easy "sitting on the dock overlooking Georgian Bay" cottage read.
MC Aster is the stronger of the two characters in this story. Introverted, awkward, quiet compared to the gustos in her family, she yearns for bigger and better things for her life. MC Brynn is a temporary vet in the small town, has some hurts behind her but is outgoing and friendly, and is intrigued by her quiet neighbour. The two start hitting it off slowly. There is good communication between the two, they discuss rising feelings but aware of why it can't work logistically. The story follows the two over a handful of years, and I liked witnessing this character growth.
The actions of Brynn at the 75% mark lost some points for me, I am kind of shocked at how she treated Aster, though Aster was not fully blameless. But for this turn to have happened after the two had created such a strong foundation through various fun communication modes over years was kind of a bummer. Then there's the rushed ending again, maybe I should just accept this as a lesfic thing, but rarely am I satisfied!
4.5/5 for this easy "sitting on the dock overlooking Georgian Bay" cottage read.
July 30, 2022
Melissa Brayden is one of the most renowned Sapphic fiction authors. I've been reading her books for years, though lately, I felt like her books weren't a good match for me. Even though I liked this one, I still prefer some of her earlier works such as the Soho Loft Series.
Aster is the youngest of the Lavender sisters and is happy to keep a low profile while her sisters stand in the spotlight. She's the owner of a doughnut shop in their small town but dreams to explore the world. The only lesbians in town are married to each other so she has no hope to find love there. Brynn Garrett is the new town veterinarian, covering for a colleague for a short time. As Aster and Brynn get to know each other, neither of them expected to have such a strong connection...
The Last Lavender Sister is not only a romance but also a family saga and a journey of transformation for both characters. Regarding the romance, this is a friends-to-lovers trope with the setting of a small town. The story develops throughout a few years, starting before both characters meet. There is the main f/f romance between Aster and Brynn but the novel also features the love life of Aster's siblings as a very secondary plot, including Aster's brother Sage. I wonder if Ms. Brayden is planning on writing a sequel with one of the other Lavender sisters in mind. I wouldn't mind revisiting this universe again.
Regarding the romance itself, as usual, Melissa Brayden builds the chemistry slowly but surely. I loved that the characters bonded through their common love of reading, "reading as foreplay" in the words of the author, and through their love of animals and food, especially doughnuts (which, incidentally, are also a favourite of the author).
This is a typical push-pull romance which sometimes is tricky to balance. Personally, I felt that the "will they-won't they" dynamic went a bit too far. Even though the author justifies in actions and words the characters' reasons behind each decision, for me it stretched for too long to the point where I wondered if they really were made for each other. I'm sure that people who love angst and drama will like it better than I did, it's just a personal preference.
Lula Larkin did a good job narrating the audiobook version. Her voices are all distinctive and the performance of the different range of emotions is spot on. I think she did justice to the written text and for me personally, her narration increased my enjoyment of the story. 4 stars.
Length: 10 hours, 28 minutes.
Aster is the youngest of the Lavender sisters and is happy to keep a low profile while her sisters stand in the spotlight. She's the owner of a doughnut shop in their small town but dreams to explore the world. The only lesbians in town are married to each other so she has no hope to find love there. Brynn Garrett is the new town veterinarian, covering for a colleague for a short time. As Aster and Brynn get to know each other, neither of them expected to have such a strong connection...
The Last Lavender Sister is not only a romance but also a family saga and a journey of transformation for both characters. Regarding the romance, this is a friends-to-lovers trope with the setting of a small town. The story develops throughout a few years, starting before both characters meet. There is the main f/f romance between Aster and Brynn but the novel also features the love life of Aster's siblings as a very secondary plot, including Aster's brother Sage. I wonder if Ms. Brayden is planning on writing a sequel with one of the other Lavender sisters in mind. I wouldn't mind revisiting this universe again.
Regarding the romance itself, as usual, Melissa Brayden builds the chemistry slowly but surely. I loved that the characters bonded through their common love of reading, "reading as foreplay" in the words of the author, and through their love of animals and food, especially doughnuts (which, incidentally, are also a favourite of the author).
This is a typical push-pull romance which sometimes is tricky to balance. Personally, I felt that the "will they-won't they" dynamic went a bit too far. Even though the author justifies in actions and words the characters' reasons behind each decision, for me it stretched for too long to the point where I wondered if they really were made for each other. I'm sure that people who love angst and drama will like it better than I did, it's just a personal preference.
Lula Larkin did a good job narrating the audiobook version. Her voices are all distinctive and the performance of the different range of emotions is spot on. I think she did justice to the written text and for me personally, her narration increased my enjoyment of the story. 4 stars.
Length: 10 hours, 28 minutes.
July 22, 2022
I am first and foremost a melissa brayden stan.
This book seems to be a hit or miss with loads of people, but for me? Being the most ardent brayden crusader that i am? It was absolutely undoubtedly a hit. Id like anyone that disagrees to look me in the eye and tell me stra*ght up that there is nothing appealing about a vet/chef second chance romance with the most loveable side characters (including and especially the dogs!!!!!!!!!!)
brayden's definitely deviated from her safe and comfortable (and adored!!) formula which must nt have been easy, but one thing is for sure and that is that there is absolutely no doubt in the fact that she is one of THE ultimate comfort wlw authors of our time. with 'the last lavender sister' shes done so so good that i feel such an overwhelming sense of pride at the vastness of her capablities.
Was it a slowburn? Yes. was it at times slightly agonising and infuriating in the way that only lesbians can be? Yes (and that was a self roast). But did the banter between the 2 MC’s quench my thirst for quality lesbian bantert? Y E S. and if there is anyone on gods green earth that can write sapphic banter like it was her god given right to do so, its melissa fucking brayden. aditionally and most importantly: Should brynn garrett step on me at her earliest convenience? abolutely yes.
So yeah. Thats the review. There is nothing in this world i wouldnt do to be a character in a melissa brayden novel or to live in a melissa brayden fictional world.
Long live lesbians.
This book seems to be a hit or miss with loads of people, but for me? Being the most ardent brayden crusader that i am? It was absolutely undoubtedly a hit. Id like anyone that disagrees to look me in the eye and tell me stra*ght up that there is nothing appealing about a vet/chef second chance romance with the most loveable side characters (including and especially the dogs!!!!!!!!!!)
brayden's definitely deviated from her safe and comfortable (and adored!!) formula which must nt have been easy, but one thing is for sure and that is that there is absolutely no doubt in the fact that she is one of THE ultimate comfort wlw authors of our time. with 'the last lavender sister' shes done so so good that i feel such an overwhelming sense of pride at the vastness of her capablities.
Was it a slowburn? Yes. was it at times slightly agonising and infuriating in the way that only lesbians can be? Yes (and that was a self roast). But did the banter between the 2 MC’s quench my thirst for quality lesbian bantert? Y E S. and if there is anyone on gods green earth that can write sapphic banter like it was her god given right to do so, its melissa fucking brayden. aditionally and most importantly: Should brynn garrett step on me at her earliest convenience? abolutely yes.
So yeah. Thats the review. There is nothing in this world i wouldnt do to be a character in a melissa brayden novel or to live in a melissa brayden fictional world.
Long live lesbians.
August 14, 2022
THE PERFECT SMALL TOWN ROMANCE i honestly love it so much melissa brayden never disappoints!!
July 8, 2022
At one point I thought this was one of Melissa Brayden’s best books, but after finishing it I decided that this is her best one, or at least my favorite book of hers :)
The book is listed as 264 pages long for the paperback edition, but to me it felt like a much longer novel, in a good way. The story didn’t feel rushed, and she had enough time to develop the characters, mainly Aster Lavender, and even the town. I loved the small town the author showed us in her Tangle Valley trilogy, and even in this standalone novel she was able to give us enough information about the small town of Homer’s Bluff to feel like we were there. I loved all the characters and I hope we eventually get another book (or maybe a couple more?) set in this town.
I highly recommend this book, particularly if you enjoy slow burns.
The book is listed as 264 pages long for the paperback edition, but to me it felt like a much longer novel, in a good way. The story didn’t feel rushed, and she had enough time to develop the characters, mainly Aster Lavender, and even the town. I loved the small town the author showed us in her Tangle Valley trilogy, and even in this standalone novel she was able to give us enough information about the small town of Homer’s Bluff to feel like we were there. I loved all the characters and I hope we eventually get another book (or maybe a couple more?) set in this town.
I highly recommend this book, particularly if you enjoy slow burns.
July 12, 2022
I liked this book very, very much until Brynn's trip to Boston to finally declare her love to Aster. From then on...
June 27, 2022
It's official. Small-town romance is now one of my favorite tropes! And I have never craved doughnuts this much in my whole life.
Melissa is an incredible storyteller, and the chemistry between the main character is always on the spot. There’s also a second-chance wrapped into this book, Aster and Brynn didn’t get together at first, but I guess it’s reasonable because both of them are not ready even though they have feelings for each other. But I also feel like the story is a little too predictable and fluffy; everything seems magically sorted out.
Overall, I do enjoy this book. And I’m looking forward to reading Melissa's other small-town romance
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review
Melissa is an incredible storyteller, and the chemistry between the main character is always on the spot. There’s also a second-chance wrapped into this book, Aster and Brynn didn’t get together at first, but I guess it’s reasonable because both of them are not ready even though they have feelings for each other. But I also feel like the story is a little too predictable and fluffy; everything seems magically sorted out.
Overall, I do enjoy this book. And I’m looking forward to reading Melissa's other small-town romance
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review
August 13, 2022
I've read all of Brayden's books and her writing just keeps on improving. In this latest novel, she (hooray) takes us to a small town in Kansas. I say hooray because so many of her stories are in Cali and it's nice to see the midwest get a chance. (Colorado next. please Melissa?) Digressing, apologies.
We have Aster Lavender, the youngest of the family who owns a cute and creative donut shop, The Hole in One. She dreams of leaving the small town or at least finding a girlfriend. Cue the new veterinarian, Brynn Garrett, who recently moved to Homer's Bluff to help out a fellow veterinarian and for a change in her life. She's gunshy after being lied to, cheated on, and treated like dirt. Aster is witty, charming, cute, and makes her smile. Can love overcome the fears?
If you enjoy a light and funny HEA, this is right up your alley.
Many thanks to Melissa Brayden, Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.
We have Aster Lavender, the youngest of the family who owns a cute and creative donut shop, The Hole in One. She dreams of leaving the small town or at least finding a girlfriend. Cue the new veterinarian, Brynn Garrett, who recently moved to Homer's Bluff to help out a fellow veterinarian and for a change in her life. She's gunshy after being lied to, cheated on, and treated like dirt. Aster is witty, charming, cute, and makes her smile. Can love overcome the fears?
If you enjoy a light and funny HEA, this is right up your alley.
Many thanks to Melissa Brayden, Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
The Last Lavender Sister by Melissa Brayden sent me on a roller coaster ride of emotion, in a good way. Ms. Brayden’s novels have always touched my heart with her beautiful love stories. This book did much more than that. This one grabbed my heartstrings and played them like a harp.
The novel tells the love story of Aster Lavender and Brynn Garrett. Aster is the owner and operator of a small gourmet doughnut shop in the equally small town of Homer’s Bluff. She loves her job and her family, but longs to do something more with her life, maybe in a city instead of a small town where she often feels ignored as the last Lavender sister. Brynn is a veterinarian who comes to work at the vet clinic while her friend, who owns the clinic, goes to Chicago for more training. Brynn is also hiding from a bad breakup that broke her heart. She is definitely not looking for romance, but she can’t seem to get that youngest Lavender sister (Aster) out of her mind.
This book seemed a little different from some of Ms. Brayden’s other novels. The time period of the tale is longer than usual, taking place over the course of several years. This gives the reader a chance to really see the characters as they meet, and then slowly mature and come together as a couple. This is not an easy growth though, and we need the lengthy time period for that to happen. Be prepared for many highs and lows, missteps and heartache along the way to happiness in this tale. That is what makes this a very special story.
The characters make the novel something special, especially Aster. She is just so real, so likeable. All of the people in the book are well-developed, even the secondary characters which adds to the realism of the story.
The Last Lavender Sister is one of the best character driven romances I’ve read in a while. I’ve listed it in my favorites folder, and it has my highest recommendation.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
The novel tells the love story of Aster Lavender and Brynn Garrett. Aster is the owner and operator of a small gourmet doughnut shop in the equally small town of Homer’s Bluff. She loves her job and her family, but longs to do something more with her life, maybe in a city instead of a small town where she often feels ignored as the last Lavender sister. Brynn is a veterinarian who comes to work at the vet clinic while her friend, who owns the clinic, goes to Chicago for more training. Brynn is also hiding from a bad breakup that broke her heart. She is definitely not looking for romance, but she can’t seem to get that youngest Lavender sister (Aster) out of her mind.
This book seemed a little different from some of Ms. Brayden’s other novels. The time period of the tale is longer than usual, taking place over the course of several years. This gives the reader a chance to really see the characters as they meet, and then slowly mature and come together as a couple. This is not an easy growth though, and we need the lengthy time period for that to happen. Be prepared for many highs and lows, missteps and heartache along the way to happiness in this tale. That is what makes this a very special story.
The characters make the novel something special, especially Aster. She is just so real, so likeable. All of the people in the book are well-developed, even the secondary characters which adds to the realism of the story.
The Last Lavender Sister is one of the best character driven romances I’ve read in a while. I’ve listed it in my favorites folder, and it has my highest recommendation.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
Aster Lavender is looking for excitement. She is tired of her small town, Homer’s Bluff and she is tired of being the forgettable member of her family, always outshined by her more charismatic siblings. She thinks she will have to leave town for something extraordinary to happen to her. Until the temporary vet, Brynn Garrett shows up and brings light into Aster’s overwise gray existence.
Brynn has had her heart broken and Chicago now feels too busy and way too lonely, even though she is surrounded by people. When her vet school friend calls and asks her to take over her practice for six months, Brynn thinks this may be the change she needs. The moment Aster sees Brynn she is struck by her beauty and Brynn finds Aster’s awkwardness endearing. The two strike up a friendship that has the potential to be so much more.
I have loved many of Melissa Brayden’s characters over the years, but I think Aster Lavender, may be my favorite of all of them. She has so many facets to her personality. She is socially awkward and nerdy yet isn’t afraid to make her feelings know and stand up for those she cares about. One of the many things I love about this book is that it spans several years so we get to see how Aster changes and grows as a person. Her character arc is wonderfully written.
Both Brynn and Aster are such memorable characters who have such big hearts you can’t help but root for them to make it work. I wanted to shake Brynn a few times, but it was all part of the journey. A journey I won’t soon forget and one I know I will revisit many times.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Brynn has had her heart broken and Chicago now feels too busy and way too lonely, even though she is surrounded by people. When her vet school friend calls and asks her to take over her practice for six months, Brynn thinks this may be the change she needs. The moment Aster sees Brynn she is struck by her beauty and Brynn finds Aster’s awkwardness endearing. The two strike up a friendship that has the potential to be so much more.
I have loved many of Melissa Brayden’s characters over the years, but I think Aster Lavender, may be my favorite of all of them. She has so many facets to her personality. She is socially awkward and nerdy yet isn’t afraid to make her feelings know and stand up for those she cares about. One of the many things I love about this book is that it spans several years so we get to see how Aster changes and grows as a person. Her character arc is wonderfully written.
Both Brynn and Aster are such memorable characters who have such big hearts you can’t help but root for them to make it work. I wanted to shake Brynn a few times, but it was all part of the journey. A journey I won’t soon forget and one I know I will revisit many times.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
July 10, 2022
This story follows Brynn and Aster on their journey to each other. It's a bit different than most others I've read by this author. It takes place over several years and it's told in small snippets showing their interactions with each other as young adults. They initially meet when Brynn temporarily takes over the local vet's office and are introduced by a friend. Aster feels like she blends into the background of her animated family and struggles to find a place for herself outside of the family business. They both feel a pull to each other but go through several stages in life where the timing isn't quite right for them. I really liked both of these characters and their story was fun to follow. Their series of near misses kept me wanting more for them and kept the story going. I liked that they felt they needed to understand themselves a bit better before driving into their forever relationship. The Lavender family was a great cast of supporting characters throughout. I loved Tyler and Sage too. Great book I'd highly recommend.
dnf-or-no-rating
July 22, 2022
September 1, 2022
I absolutely adored the first half of this book and honestly thought it would end up one as my favourite books of the month. I loved the way Brayden structured this story, and it was a pleasant change from her usual romance formula. I love a story where the MCs take a bit of time to work their crap out before they hook up, as it makes it feel more monumental when they finally get together. Brayden did this superbly.
However, the second half of the book featured Brynn being quite awful to Aster, which just didn't gel with me. Aster was a sweetheart, and after Brynn's behaviour I literally wanted her to move on and find her HEA elsewhere. I think it was a really interesting choice for her character and although I still liked the story, it left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth.
All in all, an interesting premise and one that covers years but also a whole lot of angst.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
However, the second half of the book featured Brynn being quite awful to Aster, which just didn't gel with me. Aster was a sweetheart, and after Brynn's behaviour I literally wanted her to move on and find her HEA elsewhere. I think it was a really interesting choice for her character and although I still liked the story, it left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth.
All in all, an interesting premise and one that covers years but also a whole lot of angst.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2022
With any Melissa Brayden book you know you are in for a treat. And this one delivers on several fronts, fair warning it’ll make you crave artisanal donuts. And that’s a bad thing when you don’t even know where you can get those and you end up just eating a grilled cheese sandwich…
Aster is the last in line of the Lavender brood, who are all named after some type of flower/ plant. She feels that way in her small town as well, no one remembers her, the quiet one, the last one, the little Lavender. She longs to get away, experience bigger things. In comes Bryn, who covers the vet clinic of her friend Tyler (who is entwined with the Lavenders in her own way). She relishes the slower pace of the small town and enjoys the wonder that is Aster. They start what up front might have seen like a unlikely friendship, but they are perfect. So perfect I kept thinking just get together already! Aster is adorable and awkward, I’m on the same page as her with all these social interactions. Bryn is nursing a broken heart and just gets in her own way.
The story takes place over a very long period of time in which the relationship between our two mains keeps changing. With everything that happens, or doesn’t happen, I’m not sure how much I actually enjoyed that. While the ending never feels rushed I do feel like it seems fast. If I were to mention one thing that really just irked me and doesn’t sit right with me: the I love yous. I can’t tell you why because I’ll spoil too much of the story so you’ll have to find out yourself why I have some issues there. That being said, I do have issues there but it is worth the read to find out why. And the relationship, the character growth, it’s just too good to let it pass you by.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Aster is the last in line of the Lavender brood, who are all named after some type of flower/ plant. She feels that way in her small town as well, no one remembers her, the quiet one, the last one, the little Lavender. She longs to get away, experience bigger things. In comes Bryn, who covers the vet clinic of her friend Tyler (who is entwined with the Lavenders in her own way). She relishes the slower pace of the small town and enjoys the wonder that is Aster. They start what up front might have seen like a unlikely friendship, but they are perfect. So perfect I kept thinking just get together already! Aster is adorable and awkward, I’m on the same page as her with all these social interactions. Bryn is nursing a broken heart and just gets in her own way.
The story takes place over a very long period of time in which the relationship between our two mains keeps changing. With everything that happens, or doesn’t happen, I’m not sure how much I actually enjoyed that. While the ending never feels rushed I do feel like it seems fast. If I were to mention one thing that really just irked me and doesn’t sit right with me: the I love yous. I can’t tell you why because I’ll spoil too much of the story so you’ll have to find out yourself why I have some issues there. That being said, I do have issues there but it is worth the read to find out why. And the relationship, the character growth, it’s just too good to let it pass you by.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
July 13, 2022
With her new novel The Last Lavender Sister, Melissa Brayden has created an wonderful new world in Homer's Bluff, Kansas. I was enchanted by the charming, quirky townsfolk Ms. Brayden always peppers her stories with, but the power and breadth of the Lavender family knocked my socks off!
Both Aster and Brynn are intriguing characters, and the changes each of them undergo over the course of the story is fascinating. They grow together, and apart, several times as their friendship and romance evolves. (And it's a little bit heartbreaking.) But the message Ms. Brayden is sending is clear: the foundation of life is self knowledge, and finding true happiness needs to start from within.
Melissa Brayden always explores such unique relationships in her stories, and The Last Lavender Sister is one of her best. I've got my fingers crossed Aster's sister Marigold's story is next!
thank you to Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for providing an ARC of The Last Lavender Sister for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Both Aster and Brynn are intriguing characters, and the changes each of them undergo over the course of the story is fascinating. They grow together, and apart, several times as their friendship and romance evolves. (And it's a little bit heartbreaking.) But the message Ms. Brayden is sending is clear: the foundation of life is self knowledge, and finding true happiness needs to start from within.
Melissa Brayden always explores such unique relationships in her stories, and The Last Lavender Sister is one of her best. I've got my fingers crossed Aster's sister Marigold's story is next!
thank you to Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for providing an ARC of The Last Lavender Sister for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
September 25, 2022
The title may suggest the cooling effect of the lavender scent. Actually, it's a heartwarming tale about maturing and realizing what life has to offer at its best.
Brynn decides to leave her city life to take her colleague’s position in a small town. The change in surroundings is supposed to help her forget about bad experiences with her ex-girlfriend. The exchange is for half a year, and Brynn is happy about the deal. She’s planning a six-month adventure and will be back home completely renewed. What she least expects is Aster, a young woman who owns a doughnut business and is as attractive as she is driven to conquer the world.
Both MCs are adorable. They fall for each other, hurt each other and care for each other so much that they are ready to sacrifice everything just to let the other one be happy in their own way.
Of all, if it weren't for Brayden's writing, this plot would be no different from dozens of other romances. I was unable to put down this narrative because it is so masterfully crafted. At times, the plot is painful. When Brynn did a terrible thing to Aster, I felt incredibly horrible for her. I was unable to comprehend why she did that. But thanks to Brayden's choice of words, I was able to push aside my teary eyes and continue reading until the MCs decided what was best for each of them.
I had a great time with doughnuts, Aster, and Brynn, as well as their friends and families. I’d love to get back to them some day.
Brynn decides to leave her city life to take her colleague’s position in a small town. The change in surroundings is supposed to help her forget about bad experiences with her ex-girlfriend. The exchange is for half a year, and Brynn is happy about the deal. She’s planning a six-month adventure and will be back home completely renewed. What she least expects is Aster, a young woman who owns a doughnut business and is as attractive as she is driven to conquer the world.
Both MCs are adorable. They fall for each other, hurt each other and care for each other so much that they are ready to sacrifice everything just to let the other one be happy in their own way.
Of all, if it weren't for Brayden's writing, this plot would be no different from dozens of other romances. I was unable to put down this narrative because it is so masterfully crafted. At times, the plot is painful. When Brynn did a terrible thing to Aster, I felt incredibly horrible for her. I was unable to comprehend why she did that. But thanks to Brayden's choice of words, I was able to push aside my teary eyes and continue reading until the MCs decided what was best for each of them.
I had a great time with doughnuts, Aster, and Brynn, as well as their friends and families. I’d love to get back to them some day.
June 11, 2022
Dill….Pickles….donuts…..lavender….books….angst. Brynn and Aster found one another when Brynn temporarily moved to town. What started as a tentative friendship quickly blossomed into best friend status. Even though there were lusty romantic feelings on both their parts, the timing just wasn’t right. What do you do when you find your person but aren’t ready for what it means? The journey for these two lovely ladies was a long and complex one, with a lot more angst than we usually have from Melissa Brayden. But it all worked so well. The supporting cast of characters really helped to enhance the overall story. Marigold….please tell me more! The witty dialogue and lovable characters that readers come to except from a Brayden novel were present and accounted for. Enjoy!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2022
The Last Lavender Sister is a Melissa Brayden staple. It has a well developed story, likeable characters, angst galore and plenty of romance. This is a slow burn and second chance wrapped into one book. There’s some back and forth and the book is spread throughout several years but it’s a classic romance with cute dogs and yummy food and have I mentioned the food and the cute dogs? I enjoyed reading this book.
Free ARC via NetGalley.
Free ARC via NetGalley.
October 21, 2022
A lovely read and a thoroughly enjoyable ride; one which I wouldn’t miss especially given that it’s written by my favourite author.
There’s no insta love here with the story between Aster and Brynn spanning over a few years… or if you prefer you can dice it up to 4 different parts. And I’ve come to love reading all 4 parts which had me feeling tense, angst, happy and sad. Such turmoil..but at the end of it, I went away feeling very contented 😊
Solid 5 ⭐️
There’s no insta love here with the story between Aster and Brynn spanning over a few years… or if you prefer you can dice it up to 4 different parts. And I’ve come to love reading all 4 parts which had me feeling tense, angst, happy and sad. Such turmoil..but at the end of it, I went away feeling very contented 😊
Solid 5 ⭐️
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