The Setback

This was a great HEA for all characters. There’s more coming (Amanda Saddler gets her own story) but this was still a highly satisfying end for everyone else.

We are back in Birch Creek. This is not a standalone but has to be read as part of the series. And if you had this on pre-order and did not realize that it is not the original book 6 make sure to read ‘The Surprise’ first or you will struggle. If you have noticed every one of the female characters has been having her own book but they still keep reappearing. Well the one character I did not think would get her own story was Helen but here she is. And thank you Bridget for this great story. Helen might almost be my favorite after this book. Well lets see; Abigail is pregnant which means she has officially broken the Vow she made to her late husband Nathan. Now, we all know this was not on purpose but some surprises are the best. In true Bridget style everything is not roses and sunshine for Abigail but are her twists and turns again a breaking point between her and Steve or is something else happening? Amanda and Eddy are planning their wedding. But as an influencer who has to share everything with the world this is turning into a job instead of a joyful situation. Is Amanda going to figure out a way to still find joy in her wedding or is she going to take the easy way out once more and just drop it all? Donna and Will are getting closer. Do we hear more wedding bells in the future? And what is Donna going to do about Beth? What is her brother going to say when he finds out his daughter is with child? Will this bring the Ellingson family back together or completely tear it apart? Mandy is back under the living but will her stunt she pulled, which she says was to bring Eddy and Amanda back together, have left a damaging impact on their business? Or are Amanda and Mandy going to find a way to come out on top? This book has so many unanswered questions from previous books that Bridget has expanded on without making it boring because not only are we getting some answers we also learn so much about Helen. Helen, older sister of Abigail, a pain in the butt that goes above and beyond. A woman in whose opinion money is all you need and all this lovey dovey stuff is just a distraction. What a fun way to have such an opposite character become the big star. Helen feels it is her job to keep her family safe and if they refuse to leave this podunk honky donkey town, well then she has to do something about it to make this town more appealing to the world. Helen’s sass and witt are fun and keep the book light hearted yet a page turner that makes you want to know what she will come up with next. So, the big question is, will Helen be able to take her big heart and change the course for it from money is everything to love is important in life? This was another absolutely great book by Bridget. I had been waiting for this story because the first time we met Helen I was not her fan but she has grown on me throughout the series. I mean who rents a circus for a baby shower? This book was a must read for me.

This series has come to feel like catching up with old friends every time I read one! And Helen really surprised me in this book, becoming a new friend whose life I’m now invested in. Along those lines, if you haven’t read the first six books, definitely start with the first. This story builds upon itself in a beautiful way but you aren’t likely to enjoy it as much if you jump into the middle of it. The humor is spot on in this book. It’s fast paced. There’s a lot going on but not to the point that it’s difficult to follow. None of the characters are perfect but they are all like-able and relatable (well, the main characters at least). I cannot wait for the seventh book and, if the blurb plays out how it sounds, a love story I did *not* expect us to get!

There is so much love in this book. This is where friends become family. I love how I didn’t know exactly how this would end. I’m looking forward to Amanda Saddler’s story in the next book.

When I started the Birch Creek series, I was not expecting to love the characters so much and be so invested in their story, but invested I have become. I devoured the stories, not wanting to put the book down. As we learned more about each woman, I found parts of myself reflected in them. I love how B.E. Baker makes the characters so real, with strengths and flaws. I have especially loved Amanda's story arc. She definitely was a character I both related to and wanted to shake some sense into. At times I almost hated her for being so shallow or stupid but she really has grown through the series. We also get Helen's perspective in this book, instead of just observing her from the outside. And of course we get to continue with what Beth is going through. Seriously, B.E. Baker's ability to write 5 different women and their thoughts and motives just boggles my mind and she does it so well. I highly recommend this entire series and it wouldn’t be complete without this book!