The Country Guesthouse - Contemporary Romance Review

Goodreads:  The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing #5) by Robyn Carr

Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher

Description:  A summer rental, a new beginning…
Hannah Russell’s carefully crafted plans for her life have been upended without warning. When her best friend died suddenly, Hannah became guardian to a five-year-old named Noah. With no experience at motherhood, she’s terrified she’s not up to the challenge. She and Noah need time to get to know each other, so she decides to rent a country house with stunning views on a lake in rural Colorado.

When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas and Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog. As Hannah learns to become a mother, Owen Abrams, who is recovering from his own grief, can’t help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.

But life throws more challenges at this unlikely trio and they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family. And the people of Sullivan’s Crossing will rally around them to offer all of the support they need.

Genre: Romance - Contemporary

Why I Picked This Book:  I have absolutely loved this series and any book involving a clumsy Great Dane is one I can't resist.

My Impression:   I must admit I'm predisposed to like a book that involves a Great Dane - especially when that Great Dane is described as clumsy.  Romeo did not disappoint and it did not damper my desire to get a Great Dane puppy.  I adored the relationship between Romeo and little Noah and I could believe that the big goofy dog could provide a little boy with more comfort then just about anything else.  Hannah is a nice person.  She's had a bit of a tough time of it - especially with relationships - but isn't too bitter or prickly.  She's a bit guarded but not overly so and no more then Owen.  I liked that all the secrets between them were cleared up pretty early with no overreacting or misunderstandings.  I loved seeing Sully and Helen as well as all the rest of the characters from previous books.  As usual Carr does a great job of having previous characters appear organically to the story and not in an unnecessary characters from past books parade that adds nothing but confusion to the reading experience. 

My main issue was that the suspense aspect overshadowed the romance.  The suspense was well done and definitely kept me turning pages but it definitely pushed Hannah, Noah, and Owen to the background occasionally.  I did love seeing Helen take an active role in that plot though so it worked out pretty well.  As I've come to expect from Carr, this was an enjoyable read with likable characters and a story you can't help but get invested in.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely.  I really enjoy this series and am looking forward to the next book.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would.  It wasn't my favorite in the series but I did enjoy it and think most fans of contemporary romance or Robyn Carr in general would enjoy it as well.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *