Keepsake: True North #3

4.5 stars — Welp, I do believe this is my favourite series by Sarina Bowen…which is saying something, b/c she has a lot of amazing books. But every book in this series offered up something different, but was consistent in giving me characters I loved, humour, feels, and the desire to visit Vermont. 😛 Zachariah was the whole reason I was looking forward to this book. From the first moment I met him in Bittersweet, I was all in. I wanted to know his story. I was half in love with him already. And he did NOT disappoint. He was everything I was hoping for and more. We all, as romance readers, have characters that we’re drawn to…and not everyone’s are the same. Zach was the epitome of what tends to draw me in. He’s a bit more beta, he’s kind, he’s generous, he’s sensitive…he’s just GAH! And he has no idea how attractive he is (not just physically). I loved getting in his head, even as my heart broke for him and his own issues. I felt like we really got to watch him grow and come into his own in this book…sometimes all it takes is meeting someone who brings you out of yourself. But it wasn’t just Lark, I appreciated the way Zach’s relationship with the Shipley family grew as well. I had a completely different expectation for Lark’s character, and I honestly have no idea where it came from. And I was looking forward to that character, so you’d think I’d be disappointed right? But I wasn’t! Lark was fantastic! She was sassy, smart, kind, and dealing with an absolute nightmare. It’s not that I didn’t want to smack her when she kept trying to hide her mental state from everyone, and kept rejecting professional help, but at the same time I got it. It’s really hard to make yourself vulnerable, and to allow others to care for you and be there for you. It’s funny how it’s so much easier to see that Lark’s being a dummy assuming she’s a burden, but I know I’ve likely done the same thing in many aspects of my life…stupid human nature. I loved the way her story played out…I wasn’t sure how it was going to go, but I absolutely loved the way her PTSD was handled and how she worked through her issues. And Zach and Lark together were just sweet and smoking. I loved the way they came together, and how their relationship built. I truly felt their chemistry, and how they brought out the best in each other. I even appreciated the struggles their relationship met, but how it grew stronger in the end. I wasn’t expecting all the little side stories we got in this one. I now understand why everyone wants May’s story (and thank the baby jesus that is happening). I appreciated the way that all played out as well. Obviously I loved seeing the Shipley family again, and seeing glimpses of what was happening in all their lives. I loved learning more about Isaac and Leah, and the surprise new character we met nearer to the end…it helped give some closure to Zach’s cult story. And I loved the little teaser for Zara’s book at the end! Again, makes me want to reread Bountiful now. So yeah. It’s hard to decide, but I almost think this is even my favourite story in the series. They’re all so fantastic, but I can’t help but want to place Zach at the top. I kind of don’t want it to be over. So glad I’ll get more in a few months. I’ve also convinced my hubby we need to go find some Keepsake apple trees this summer…because they sound tasty. And that we need to visit Vermont in the fall and be one of those annoying tourists…

Zach had a difficult life growing up in a cult where he had no worth except as a work horse. He wasn't fed enough, educated properly or loved. He was whipped harshly and still has the scars. He was never shown how to be a good person, but he's practically a saint. He's first to volunteer help in any situation, and he truly cares about people. Lark has always been an adventure-seeker. She's traveled the world and had crazy times. Because of her free nature, she didn't put much stock into safety, until she was kidnapped abroad. She's suffering from PTSD. Trying to outrun her issues, she visits the Shipley's farm. I like Lark. Even with fear and depression trying to take hold in her life, she has a spark in her personality that draws you to her. Between the two of them, Zach is the one who's inexperienced sexually. I like that. He's a big, tall, muscled, thoughtful, quiet, intelligent sweetheart. I LOVE Zach. He is a beautiful human being inside and out. This series is full of great people. They work hard and live well. The Truth North series has fresh air, good food and quality people. I adore the lack of negativity and melodrama. I really recommend Keepsake. It's the type of story you can connect to emotionally and come away feeling good. The characters are the type of people you want to know in real life.

Keepsake by Sarina Bowen is the third standalone novel in her True North series. While books one (Bittersweet) and two (Steadfast) don't HAVE to be read to enjoy this book, the timeline is continuous throughout the series. Also, the other books are equally as fabulous! I really thought nothing could top the emotions that Jude and Sophie's book evoked but good Lord, this one was pretty darn close. Zach and Lark are so utterly different from each other. From their backgrounds to their upbringing and their views on life, except in all the ways that matter. They are such a great couple and their back and forth, their deliberation and Lark's healing process was so extremely well-written this book practically reads itself. I loved it! Enjoy!