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Evening Stars (2014)

by Susan Mallery(Favorite Author)

3.9 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0778316130 (ISBN13: 9780778316138)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Harlequin MIRA

series

Blackberry Island

review 1: Book Review- Evening Stars by Susan MalleryNina is a nurse who lives on Blackberry Island in Washington. She grew up there and has never left. Nina grew up with just her mother, Bonnie, and younger sister Averil. Nina was the one who took on the adult role in the family as her mother wouldn’t, giving up her dreams of being a doctor and leaving the island. Someone had to make money and take care of things. So she finds herself being trapped.One rainy day when her car decides to break down and strand her, she is rescued by her ex-boyfriend Dylan. She knew he was coming back to the island after becoming a successful doctor. He went on and followed his dreams while she stayed behind. Seeing him again makes her feel more disappointed in her life.Then things get crazy.... more A man from her past shows up to sweep her off her feet. Her sister comes home troubled and unsure. Her mother and her partner find an unexpected treasure while off on their buying trips. All these things plus Dylan’s return throw Nina into a tailspin. She is fighting a never ending battle for control but is unsure if she should continue doing so. She is going to have to make some tough choices.This book was a good story showing a difficult family dynamic and how it can affect the lives of the members. It was extremely difficult for all involved because the traditional roles weren’t there. In some instances they were reversed and it caused anger, resentment and frustration. It was the biggest issue in the book in which Nina’s life may have been different if her mother was different. Nina settled for something easier and safe. I like the fact that Kyle, the younger pilot, had an effect on how Nina looked at her life. She really was able to stop and look at what she wanted compared to what she really had. He seemed to be exactly what she needed to wake herself up before she lost the chance to change things.Unfortunately for me the characters were so dysfunctional that it border lined on annoying. I wanted to shake Bonnie. I also couldn’t believe that no one would speak up with how they felt. They were all drowning in their own self pity and resentment. It was a good story overall, but difficult to keep my attention after the constant eye rolling. I give it a 3 out of 5.
review 2: This series is so heartwarming that it puts me in a great mood when I read it. The stories are so much more than just romance, and while this book had more romance than the previous with two love interests, it really focuses on family dynamics and inner growth.With a flighty mother and a spoiled little sister, Nina has grown up with too much responsibility and as such, put her own dreams aside to concentrate on taking care of everyone else. When things happen and she has a chance to look at her life, she isn’t really happy with it, but is scared to make changes.Chronicling Nina’s journey to discover her inner strength, and her true dreams, this is a beautiful story. The characters are deep and complex, and very realistic. Nina’s inner doubts and worries were very familiar feeling, and I was genuinely happy any time she had something happen to make her smile.There was a playfulness in this story that was lacking in the previous books, with two love interests, especially the younger Kyle who idolized Nina when he was a kid and she was his babysitter. It was amusing to watch their interactions.Overall, this was a great addition to the series. The stories are so human and endearing. I love travelling around Blackberry Island with the characters. There is a predictable HEA feeling to it, but the journey there is worth it. less

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