When the author dropped the bombshell of a third book in the Contract series, it was a pleasant surprise for her legions of fans. Richard VanRyan is a character who is long remembered and had significant character growth over his 62 years on earth. We were first introduced to him when he was in his 30s and Katy was his administrative assistant. Even after all these years, Katy could do no wrong in my eyes and is someone I strive to emulate. She has such class and always handles herself with dignity and grace.
Their relationship was unhealthy and codependent when it began, and grew into one of the greatest love stories. Happily married for decades now with five grown children, the book reflects on the past as they celebrate his retirement and their daughter Heather’s wedding along with their friends and family. Their friends include those from the BAM series, and although this book can be read as a standalone, I loved having the gang all back plus getting to know their children. I absolutely loved every single book in both series and The Addendum was an added treat that I devoured.
I commend the author for going to a place that some readers may not embrace…the land of conflict and uncertainty for a well-established beloved couple. Before he was married, Richard was not a loveable grump in my opinion, he was a total jerk who became a role model and a pillar among men after he had gotten to know Katy on a deeper level and had a mentor who believed in him. Richard now has to face a very real piece of his past in living color and it rocks their perfect world.
If you are a fan of the author’s Insta Spark books, where they meet and fall in love and everything is peachy, this is not that kind of book. The Addendum is as real as it gets with family members vacillating with their feelings as they deal with their new truth. I know I am being vague but I don’t want to give away the surprise! Please know there is NO cheating.
I thought the author did a fabulous job realistically representing how everyone would feel in their situation. No feelings were spared or judged and all were justified, and I thought it was brilliantly written.
And through it all, Katy stood by Richard. She put the needs of other’s first as she tried to digest her own feelings and is the very foundation of the family. Richard did not sugarcoat his past with his children and I admired his strength and honesty as he tried to explain that the man he was is very different from the man he is today. It was very emotional for me personally because I basically hated him at first, and because of the author’s gift of storytelling, I grew to love him. Love, love, love Richard! I laughed and cried right along with his family!
There is a second love story that unfolds throughout the pages, and that is of Ashley and Luc. Luc is a friend of all of the main and secondary characters and I thought he was such a stand-up guy. He was strong and loyal, and there for Ashley when she needed him most.
The Addendum is filled with lots of witty moments, tender moments, and scenes where you are filled with angst and just want to cry. But ultimately, it’s a story about family, acceptance, and forgiveness. Relatable people who persevere and turn adversity into something to cherish.