Lovely conclusion to the Survivor's Club -- and just a general gentle joy all around. Smart characters finding and falling and taking care of each other. ( )

These two older characters were sweet. They were practical and sort of staid compared to a lot of leads, but it was realistic and a nice break from dramatic temper tantrums and things. I guessed the secrets and climactic event ahead of time, which maybe took away a little bit, but it was still a pretty good ending. I like that all the leads in this series were solidly their own unique characters and not just variations on one character placed in differing circumstances. It was pretty easy for me to set down unfortunately, but decent. ( )

Oh I’m so happy that George and Dora found love with each other; this was a perfect end to these novels and definitely shouldn’t be read separately from the others. I was quite pleased that I figured out the sorta mystery happening, but mostly it was good to see the epic HEA (I love epilogues at the end of a series). ( )

The last book in a series always brings mixed emotions. Joy for another great story and sadness to lose old friends. That is especially true in this case. The Survivors Club series has closely followed the lives of 8 member of an exclusive club. It’s not a club you would want to join but these 7 men and 1 woman have been shaped by the pains of war. Each has been damaged, either physically or emotionally. As part of their healing process they managed to forge strong bonds that go beyond healing and become family.
This final story is about the man who started it all, George, the Duke of Stanbrook. George did not go to war but his son did. Unfortunately when his son did not return his wife committed suicide. In his grief and loneliness, he opened his home as a hospital for the war wounded. The 7 club members stayed long past all the other injured soldier and formed their club. Even after leaving, the continued to meet every year to support each other.
As they began to heal – one by one the member found love and got married until only George remained. After the last wedding, George decides that 48 isn’t too old to find companionship with a wife of his own. As soon as he has the thought only one woman comes to mind, 39 year old Dora Debbins. Even though they had only met once (a year ago) he sets his sites on her. He immediately travels to see her and propose – no flowers or courtship, he just comes right out and proposes. This isn’t a love match but a match of two older people seeking companionship and friendship in their later years.
It is always interesting to read a story about an older couple. The dynamics are less about hot passion and more about lasting affection. Even though they hardly know each other, they are well suited. After a large society wedding (which was slightly marred by the appearance of George’s half-brother-in-law) the couple settles into a comfortable companionship. But, something is lingering in the background. Among the Survivor Clun members George is known as a great listener and Dora finds this to be true. But, as is often the case of people who are great listener and givers, they are not very good at sharing or receiving themselves.
While the Survivors have always shared their pain, George has never shared what happened in his life. There is something in his background that is holding him back but he will not share it. Finally, after something happens to threaten Dora, George is able to share the pain he has been living with for 12 years.
The Epilogue to this book is also a fitting close to the entire series. The 8 Survivors have found peace and love in their lives in a way they would not have expected during the 3 years they had spent with George. While I love all the books, this one was especially touching. The two characters have such a quiet, loving way about them. They were born to be care-givers and only together can they finally find the love they deserve. I applaud Mary Balogh – she has literally saved the best for last.
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This book really touched me, probably because both characters were older and more mature. They fit together so beautifully and once George's secret was revealed, it made a perfect backstory which explained who he was. It was the final book in the series and it was worth it. I loved the epilogue with all of the couples and their children. Yes, i'm a sucker for seeing couples a few years after their romance has resulted in marriage and children. Seeing them happy and fulfilled makes it the best HEA. ( )