Book Review: Just Down the Road by Jodi Thomas

Just Down the Road by Jodi Thomas

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 3, 2012

Paperback, 318 pages
Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction
 ISBN: 978-0425246924
Harmony, Texas #4

My Review:
Four books in the series and not a one has disappointed yet.  I eagerly await each new installment, usually read the whole book within a day and then lament the fact that I have at least 6 months before the next one comes out and I get my copy a little early so I can participate in a promotional blog tour.  But I still like to whine because I love being a part of Harmony, Texas for a little over 300 pages every 6 months or so and I am so glad that Jodi includes me in her world.  You can be a part of that world too, on April 3rd and I encourage you to.  You don't have to start at the beginning.  Yes there is some history running through the books, especially with two of the ongoing stories in the book, but Ms. Thomas lays down enough backstory that if you pick up this book you will be fine.  Each book stands nicely on it's on, but the series is wonderful together giving a full picture of the town and it's inhabitants.

Tinch and Addison are the stars of Just Down the Road, but as with the other books, there are many stories to follow as there are in any town.  But the focus is on Tinch and Addison.  Tinch can't seem to get over the loss of his wife and Addison is on the run from something.  When little Jamie is thrust into Tinch and Addison's life he changes everything and makes both of them see that there is much more to life than they thought.  I loved Jamie, the little boy.  He is such a perfect little boy, so full of wonder and questions.  I love how he fits into their life as well.  I also liked how Ms. Thomas didn't sugarcoat how life with a child was like.  She shows that Tinch's life changed, he couldn't just go about things the way he did.  I really like that she keeps things real in her books.  The growth in Tinch and Addison's characters is a wonder to watch.  It's subtle but it's there and I enjoyed that.

The plot is great.  There is some mystery to it and that kept me turning the pages as well as the romance and character development did.  I also loved that Ms. Thomas kept going back and forth between the various characters' stories.  Focusing on Tinch and Addison, Reagan and Noah, Biggs and his brother and also the undertaker and his lady.  A lot was tied up in this one and I really hope it's not the end of the series.  I will honestly cry when I find out there are no more Harmony books.  I love this town and the characters and want more stories about more of them that I don't even know because I will learn more about the ones I do know as well.  I have a feeling there are more, but this one did tie up several story lines that have been going on for awhile.

A great Sunday afternoon read.  It's exciting and relaxing all at the same time.  It's like settling in at home with your favorite people, ones you know will do anything for you.  I can't quit gushing about how much I like these books and Just Down the Road may just be my favorite in the series so far.  Romance, friendship, mystery, guys acting crazy when a woman goes into labor, a great child, a rodeo champ, his best girl, and a town that will do anything to protect their own.  That's what Just Down the Road has, plus so much more. 

My Rating: 5.0/5.0

Be sure to check out Jodi's Guest Blog and giveaway for Just Down the Road.

The Welcome to Harmony Series (with links to my reviews):
Welcome to Harmony
Somewhere Along the Way
The Comforts of Home
Just Down the Road

About the Book:
When Tinch Turner lost his wife, he gave up on living. Now he spends his nights brooding, boozing and brawling. When one of his escapades lands him in the ER, he finds himself staring up at the beautiful new doctor in town. For the first time in years, he feels a spark, but Addison Spencer wants nothing to do with the unruly rancher—or any man for that matter. She’s only in Harmony four months, long enough for the trouble she left behind to be over. But then a vulnerable little boy barrels into both of their lives, forcing them out of the past —and into a future where love is just down the road…

About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels and 11 short story collections. In June 2011, WELCOME TO HARMONY won a RITA, the highest award for women’s fiction. Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.

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FTC Information: I received this book from the author for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository and B&N.com, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.