Ever After

Starred review from March 9, 2015
The thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to the Nantucket Brides trilogy (after For All Time) features the offspring of the Montgomery-Taggerts, who have populated many of Deveraux’s previous novels, but it’s entirely accessible to new readers. Jamie Taggert, a physician and military veteran struggling with physical injuries and debilitating PTSD, seeks to pacify his overly solicitous family by hiring a private physical therapist. Hallie Hartley, a meek “good girl,” flees to her newly discovered Nantucket house after learning of her stepsister’s plot to steal it, and contracts to treat a wealthy private patient. Scarred Jamie and self-deprecating Hallie are mutually attracted but have trouble believing in each other’s interest. However, their friendship deepens as they openly enjoy each other’s company and commune with the house’s invisible inhabitants, the Bell Sisters, who provide elegant teas, work continually on embroidery, and appear only to those who have not connected with their “True Love.” While boisterous, meddling relatives descending for a family wedding exacerbate the couple’s misunderstandings, kindly ghostly interventions bolster their courage and compassion. A sweet cast of supporting characters rooting for the lovers adds zest and humor to this thoroughly pleasurable novel.