Well, I made it through the book and it earned my average rating--but barely. I do think I read another book from this series in the past but haven't checked yet to see.

Al must really love Millie, because I, as a reader, wanted to throttle her several times (though I wouldn't do it in real life--but she would have heard a piece of my mind). Al and Millie have a plan and she deliberately invited people to stay without consulting him about it at all. I can't blame him for being upset. I do admire him for pitching in after Millie got hurt.

I do admire Millie sticking up for Lulu. Lulu really did put a lot of work into the application and did seem to know her stuff (especially when she stood up to Mark Logan). Yes, Lulu needs to work a bit on her "filters" but it might just be a nervous thing when she's around people she doesn't know well or who she thinks might be judging her.

Lorna sounds like the guest from h-e-double hockey sticks. I thought Ross might be cut from the same cloth at first, but he turned out to be a fairly likable guy. And I'm gathering Susan's relatives were not so bad based on the ending--though we really don't get to see much of them.

I wonder if the twins have learned a lesson?

Bottom line is that I probably wouldn't seek out other books in this series though I do wonder if they will get the grant/program. ( )

The Room with the Second Best View by Virginia Smith is the third book in Tales from the Goose Creek Bed and Breakfast. Millie Richardson has convinced her husband, Al to sell their home and buy this beautiful, big Victorian home. It will be a bed and breakfast that they will run after Al retires (in about two years). In the meantime, Millie and her friend, Violet have been working on each room along with the handyman, Justin Hinkle. Justin had been staying in the house, but now he is moving into his own home and his marrying the local veterinarian, Dr. Susan Jeffries (of Goose Creek Animal Clinic). The two have planned a simple wedding, but Justin’s Aunt Lorna has some different ideas (and she always gets what she wants). Millie is going down the steps in her bunny slippers one morning, slips, and falls. Millie sprains her wrist and her caboose. This puts a wrinkle in some of Millie’s activities and the burden is going to fall to Al. Millie agreed to let Justin and Susan’s wedding guests to stay with them. Millie considers it a trial run for the B&B (she is going to find out how unprepared she actually is for this new venture). Al is not thrilled especially now that the works is going to fall on him. Millie assures him that the guests will only be there for a few days. But then Aunt Lorna shows up three weeks early with a mountain of luggage (demanding the best room in the house). There is no other place in town for Aunt Lorna to stay. Justin’s new home is not furnished. This is just the beginning of the problems for Al, Millie, Justin, and Susan. Will the four of them make it to the wedding day? What is going to happen to Justin and Susan’s “simple” wedding? What else is in store for Millie and Al? You will have to find out by reading The Room with the Second Best View.

The Room with the Second Best View is a must read. It had me laughing frequently throughout the story (especially Aunt Lorna’s antics). While it is the third book in the series, it can be read alone (background information on characters is provided). The writing is very good, and the book has a good flow. I was totally engrossed in this book while reading it (and I got annoyed every time my mother interrupted me to ask why I was laughing). The characters are entertaining and very relatable. Ms. Smith really brings them to life through her writing. I did not want the story to end. I give The Room with the Second Best View 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I am definitely getting the other books in the series to read. I especially like that there is no foul language or sex in the books (it does not need it). The author achieved just the right tone with her humor (it is not over the top and the incidents are things that could happen to any of us). I hope I have nudged you in the direction of reading this charming book!

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions provided are strictly my own. ( )

Readers of Jan Karon or Ane Mulligan, here is another small-town series sure to delight and entertain. While Room with the Second Best View is Book Three of three in the Tales from the Goose Creek B & B, I had no problem entering into the spirit of friendships and difficulties of Goose Creek.

Virginia Smith has populated her town with so many wonderful, quirky people. Unfortunately, some of them are just too true to life. Justin's great aunt thinks her money allows her to control everything,including Justin and Susan's wedding. I loved the way that Millie and Al have learned to work through their issues after so many years of marriage. The town even has Lulu, the requisite person nobody likes, but none can ignore. How do you deal with such an irritating resident as Lulu?!

One word of warning. If you choose to read this book in the presence of others, let them know you may break out in frequent, unexpected whoops of laughter. This is something beyond your control.

I highly recommend this book as an infusion of endorphins for the soul. I gratefully received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )