The Next Best Thing

Highly recommend this book -- a bit of everything -- happiness, sadness, and just the wacky world of how families are there for each other. You won't be sorry for picking up this book and reading it until the end.

This is my first Kristan Higgins book and will not be my last. The quality of her writing is far and away better than what you usually find in paperback romances. This particular story was hard to read because of the emotional content, the pain and loss young widow Lucy still feels five years after the death of her husband. And because she lost her husband in the first year of their marriage, she has managed to idealize him to the extent that nobody else could ever replace him. Her love interest here is her brother-in-law Ethan, who has silently loved Lucy since meeting her and who lost her to his brother when he brought her home to meet the family. Some reviewers have complained about Ethan being a bit of a wimp and not standing up for himself. I did not feel that way about him. It's more about his patience and nobility in a difficult situation. Lucy had to come on her own to the realization that she needs to move on and to the realization that she needs to take the risk of loving even when you can lose the one you love. Whether you are happy or not with the actions of the characters in this book, it's impossible to deny the excellent writing abilities of Ms Higgins.

Sniff, sniff - have some tissues at hand because she's done it again. This is a poignant story filled with characters that felt real and true and will leave your heart feeling satisfied. Higgins' ability to infuse tough life-changing experiences with humor is ramped up to a new level in this book. The three aunt characters were my favorites. They were often laugh-out-loud funny with their not too delicate approach to finding Lucy a new husband but, also gave touching accounts of their deceased husbands. It's that mix that Kristan Higgins masterfully balances. Highlights for me included Grinelda, the overeating of Twinkies, the appetizing descriptions of bread baking and frankness Lucy shared with her best friend. The one thing that I was a little skeptical was that this time Higgins gave the heroine a cat - what no dog? That's because I am an owner of a 20 pound beast/cat and you can't make up what owning a cat like that is like. Of course, she nailed it - if Fat Mikey was black he would have been my over-sized kitty. Thanks yet again Ms. Higgins! You never disappoint!

I read this book in two days because I had to frequently stop and compose myself. The book has a feel good ending but it takes you on an emotional ride.

Another one of Kristan Higgins real down to earth great stories. Sad and endearing and real emotions that are captured so well with her descriptive storyline and wonderful characters. She is truely one of my favorite authors. And in the end you'll see the meat of the story and what really makes it possible for Lucy to love again. No one is perfect but I think Ethan might be pretty close. Also it was laced with humor and the cuteness of the Black Widows. Thanks Ms. Higgins for another great tale!