The Next Always is the first book in author Nora Roberts's Inn Boonsboro trilogy featuring the three Montgomery brothers. This first story introduces the readers to the brothers but focuses on the youngest, Beckett Montgomery.

The historic Boonsboro, Maryland hotel has stood strong throughout two centuries of change and after years of neglect and abandonment, the landmark is getting a makeover to return it to its former glory by the Montgomery Family Contractors. Eldest brother Ryder is the head contractor and job boss, middle brother Owen is the details man, he takes care of everything down to the smallest detail, including driving his brothers crazy with his lists, schedules, calendars and projections. Beckett, the youngest Montgomery brother is the architect on the project.

Bringing the old hotel back to the beauty it once was has become a family obsession and Beckett isn't unaffected. This project has its claws in him like no other project ever has and about the only thing that can temporarily divert his attention away from the hotel and its resident ghost is his old high school crush, Clare Murphy Brewster.

Clare was the girl that Beckett has crushed on since he was a sixteen-year-old boy. They each went their own separate ways after high school with Clare never knowing about Beckett's crush. After the death of her soldier husband, Clare moved back to Boonsboro and now spends her time running her bookstore Turn the Page, and raising her three young sons.

The Next Always is an enticing contemporary romance with a touch of mystery and paranormal woven in from the hotel ghost. It's filled with rich, vibrant details that not only make the story pop, but also take it to the next level, making it come alive in your hands.

Nora Roberts has created a compelling, poignant tale that starts her Inn Boonsboro trilogy off with a bang. This pitch-perfect, well-crafted tale provides readers with heartwarming, genuine characters, an organic, luscious romance and a bit of mystery that retains impetus and appeal throughout.

The down-to-earth, hardworking Montgomery family is sure to resonate with readers, leaving them eager for the next story that will once again immerse them into the charming town of Boonsboro.

Reviewed by: Tammy