How can you choose what is right for you when your decision will break the heart of someone you love?Having abandoned her childhood dream years ago, Johanna Thatcher knows what she wants from life. Discovering that her fiancé was cheating on her only convinces Johanna it’s best to maintain control and protect her heart.Despite years of distance and friction, Johanna and her sisters, Jillian and … and Payton, have moved from a truce toward a fragile friendship. But then Johanna reveals she has the one thing Jillian wants most and may never have–and Johanna doesn’t want it. As Johanna wrestles with a choice that will change her life and her relationships with her sisters forever, the cracks in Jillian’s marriage and faith deepen. Through it all, the Thatcher sisters must decide once and for all what it means to be family.
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Beth Vogt’s poignant novel, The Best We’ve Ever Been, shows how secret resentments and unwise comparisons can poison family relationships. As the story progresses, the adult siblings reveal their vulnerabilities and worst sides. And what makes it so painful to read is seeing ourselves in their insecurities, fears, and self-destructive lies. You might find a button or two pushed as they work through their issues. But rest assured, their faith brings them home to the forgiveness, comfort, and strength to be found in healthy family living.
Part cautionary tale, part family saga. Thoughtful and uplifting.
Side note: I appreciate the author’s stand for life, embodied by the female OB-BYN, who succinctly states in chapter 1, “I choose not to perform abortions because they could be harmful to mothers-to-be, like you, and they are most definitely harmful to unborn children. Why, then, would I help you get one?”
Beth Vogt covers every detail of sibling life . . . and all the emotions we face as grown women. I loved this book!
Readers of Beth Vogt’s Thatcher Sisters series get deeper insight into the eldest—and sometimes least likable sister.
Joanna’s drive and determination make her a good employee but her unwillingness to forgive (sometimes perceived) wrongs make her a difficult character to connect with. Especially when it comes to some of her reactions to her sisters.
Vogt’s ability to take a character like this and make her a little more likable, a little more understood, and a little less rough around the edges is not to be dismissed. There’s still plenty of drama in these three sisters’ lives and relationships with each other and with those in their individual worlds but there’s also growth and compassion and conversations.
While The Best We’ve Been leaves a few things unresolved as the series ends, readers are left to determine how the future for everyone will progress. Much like life, we revel in the good times, share our pain in the bad times, and live with the hope of further reconciliation and moments of joy.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A great book about sister relationships. I did not want this book to end. I want to know more about Payton, Jillian & Geoff and Joanna and Beckett. Such a real life book about family issues. Please write more in this series.
The Thatcher Sisters series is one of my favorite series, and I felt this final installment was the best. That’s a bit surprising since I didn’t care much for Johanna in the first two books. As the author revealed the emotions and feelings Johanna had been carrying with her, some since childhood, my heart hurt for her. I loved that the sisters fought for their relationship, unwilling to let it fall apart. This was a good reminder of how important family is and that we should be there for each other, even when we may not agree or even like each other at times. It was also good to see what was going on in Jilllian’s and Payton’s lives.
This was a wonderfully written, heart warming story that you don’t want to miss out on reading.
I think Beth K. Vogt is an amazing writer! She has a powerful ability to divulge a character’s innermost thoughts and motivations, which really brings a story to life.
The Best We’ve Been continues the ever-evolving story of the Thatcher Sisters–Joanna, Jillian, and Payton. I’ve enjoyed each of the books in the series, but after finishing this one, I was disappointed to learn this is the last book in the series. There were a few things I thought were left unresolved, but at the same time I wonder if that’s by design–leaving the resolution up to me, the reader. In this instance… I’m not sure I got the closure I needed. Or, is it that I didn’t get the closure I wanted? I don’t know… the jury’s still out, I think.
All in all, The Best We’ve Been is well-written with a significant rhythm and pace, and I while I wish there were more to the Thatcher sisters’ story, I can’t regret having spent the time devouring that which I was given.
I enjoyed the first two books in Beth Vogt’s Thatcher Sister series . . . a lot. When I read the first book, I wasn’t a big fan of Johanna, the oldest Thatcher sister. I liked her a little more in the second book.
Can I own that The Best We’ve Been, Johanna’s story is probably my favorite in this series?
Pharmacist Johanna Thatcher has had to adapt to working for a boss with a knack for rubbing her in all the stretching ways. As if it wasn’t hard enough that her job environment has been altered, big changes have occurred in her life as well. After discovering in the second book that her fiancé was cheating on her, Johanna grapples with disappointment and betrayal.
And, because Johanna needs one more thing, life throws an unexpected surprise with a life-changing decision that must be made.
As Johanna Jillian, and Payton move from almost strangers to the beginning of friendship, it’s beautiful to watch their messy relationships grow into something authentic through the course of the story. Each must work out their beliefs and struggles in their relationships with each other and with significant others.
This thought-provoking story explores family relationships in such a real way, highlighting desires each sister has and how the three of them work through conflict.
Another theme included navigating disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Jillian yearns for something Johanna can give her, but will she? For people who enjoy stories that dig below the surface and tackle the tougher issues of life in an authentic way, this story is sure to please.
Vogt doesn’t tie up all the loose ends with neat happily-ever-after bows. Sometimes, real life doesn’t have those endings either. But, this book is a very satisfying conclusion to this series.
I laughed at some points, and I teared up in others. And my heart found agreement with some of the struggles the sisters had to work through. Vogt has created art in the way she breathes life into her characters.
People who enjoy books involving relationships, sisters and friends, and that tackles real-life issues in a genuine manner will especially appreciate this finale to the Thatcher sister series.
The Best We’ve Been by Beth K. Vogt is the third book in the Thatcher Sisters series and definitely worth reading if you love inspirational heartfelt women’s fiction.
Just when the Thatcher family seems to be making amends for past hurts and growing closer together Johanna finds out her fiance has been cheating on her and her perfect world turns upside down. In the middle of all of that she finds out, the thing that her sister Jillian wants the most in life and may never have, Johanna now has been blessed with and she’s not sure she wants it.
Through all the messy life issues the Thatcher sisters must learn not only what it means to be family again, but also friends.
I really enjoyed this series by Beth K. Vogt and look forward to reading more wonderful books by her in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
This is the third book about the Thatcher sisters and I’ve loved everyone. Primarily about the oldest sister, Johanna, I love how the story also brings us up to date on Jillian and Payton and what’s going on in their lives. And like true siblings they don’t always get along. These characters are so real and their lives aren’t perfect, quite messy actually. Jillian and Payton are struggling in their new Christian lives and have questions about their beliefs. It was beautiful to see how their lives developed throughout the story. Payton’s husband is a Christian and helps her with her newly found beliefs. Jillian however is married to a nonbeliever and wasn’t a believer herself when they first married. She wants to be stronger but still has many questions and troubles within her marriage.
Johanna is a career minded pharmacist who broke up with her fiancé after learning of his unfaithfulness. Her life is upended in a way she never saw coming and also tests her relationship with her family, especially Jillian. This was a story about family, love, conflict and resolution that will be with me for a very long time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming
My rating is 4.5 stars
Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster!
Having read the previous books in The Thatchter Sisters series, I had already formed an opinion of Johanna. Harsh. Rigid. Driven. Selfish. Closed off. Not exactly my favorite of the girls. Now I was able to find out why.
Confession time! Despite the prologue telling what happened when she was a child and had been so hurt by her parents, I didn’t love Johanna right away. And I doubt I was supposed to. But don’t worry, by the conclusion my feelings towards her warmed up. She still isn’t my favorite sister but I do have high hopes for her now.
I’ve discovered that as I read books by Beth K. Vogt, I feel like she has been eavesdropping on my conversations with my sisters! The struggles these women have in their relationship with one another and in their perceptions of how their parents treated them when they were children are realistic and poignant. I probably relate best to Jillian, being the middle sister myself. I especially relate to the pain she experienced in learning Johanna’s secret as it mirrors similar struggles in my own life.
One of the things that struck me as I read is how so often our life choices are ones that if they are good for us, will hurt others. In getting my way, someone else has to concede. And while sacrifice in some circumstances is needed, it isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, the solution is coming to an agreement together.
As with the other stories in the series, The Best We’ve Been showed the lives and perspectives of all three sisters, though only Johanna’s was written in the first person. It was effective and less confusing than if all the perspectives were told that way.
New believers, Peyton and Jillian struggle with their faith when their lives haven’t automatically become perfect. Jillian certainly struggled with that the most. Married to an unbeliever who didn’t support her dream, she was crushed. Poor Geoff tried so hard to love her and understand yet his own pain kept him from supporting her as she needed.
Peyton’s husband Zach was a believer and like all good Christian husbands, brought her to a Bible study. Which should be a really good thing and yet this ended up being a major area of trouble for her. Feeling judged for what she didn’t know, afraid to speak for fear of looking stupid, she didn’t even tell Zach her struggles. There were some humorous moments when we saw her thoughts as she freaked out and tried to navigate this strange new world! These were some of my favorite moments.
Themes of trust and hope and family fill the pages of this touching story. While there were loose ends – not all the unbelievers became Christians, not all the relationships were healed – like in real life – the ending was satisfactory and appropriate. I would love to see more of what happens next and hope there will be another book that picks up their lives from here.
Read my review of The Best We’ve Been by Beth K. Vogt at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
This was such a great way to end this series. I have always wondered why Johanna is the way she is. She frustrated me in the first 2 series. I wanted to remind her to be grateful that her sisters want a relationship with her. Reading this book has helped me to understand her and empathize with the choices she made. I love how the sisters relationship evolved throughout the stories. You get to be a witness to their struggles in their faith, their insecurities with each other and themselves, The family dynamics is reminiscent of siblings relationships where every takes on a certain role. There were some characters that surprised me in this book. I hope readers will walk away with the hope that we can always change for the better. We will continually have to make choices about what we want our lives to be. This is a series I want in print and would recommend to my BookClub.
I received this book from Netgalley and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This is a very moving conclusion to the Thatcher Sisters series. In the first two books, it was hard to relate to Johanna, though I am also the oldest of three sisters. All of the sisters have lessons to learn whether it is issues of control, faith, or finding common ground and keeping in mind what is most important. Johanna comes to understand that some of the impressions that have shaped her view of family for years are flawed. As some of her layers peel back and her heart softens, Johanna becomes easier to understand and more likable. Beth Vogt is very skilled at writing complicated dynamics between sisters and imparts great wisdom. Harper, Jillian’s best friend, played an integral part in helping Jillian and gave her wise advice. I shed a lot of tears in the reading of this book, especially in the last chapters. The Best We’ve Been is excellent.
I received a complementary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
Sisters! With each book of this series Ms. Vogt evokes a roller coaster of emotions. These Thatcher sisters are flawed, real, and frustrating. As a mother of three daughters I have watched my girls love each other and hate each other at the same time. I say that to say that Beth Vogt’s characters are real on every level and these sisters are learning how to navigate the waters of being adults not only as sisters but with the disappointments and trials life brings.
Even with all the heartbreaking situations that Ms. Vogt puts her characters in she weaves a thread of hope throughout the entire story.
One of the best quotes from the book comes from Jillian’s friend Harper . . . It’s not about breast cancer….Or anything else that might happen.”…”That’s not the common ground you stand on. You love Geoff. He loves you. That’s your common ground. And nothing else– …should ever come between you.
How many times do we allow ourselves to get caught up in the circumstances of life and totally forget the common ground we stand on.
I am sad to see this series come to an end. It feels like saying good-bye to dear friends. If you enjoy books with real characters dealing with real life issues that gives hope then you need to read this series! This finale can standalone but I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series first.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
“We’re all good. . . . The best we’ve been in a long time.”
“The best” for the Thatcher sisters was indeed, a long time coming. Their personalities were so distinct that independence meant constantly leaving someone out, or their arguments predictably generated a peacemaker in the middle of the three; and like a song repeating itself over and over and over again, the fragile balance of their friendship would topple hopelessly to the ground. And topple it did when Jillian acted uncharacteristicly impulsive, and Johanna nearly made the worst decision of her life; leaving Payton to pick up the pieces in between. Why did their family always feel the need to keep secrets?
In some ways, this book really doesn’t end. In other ways, its open ended conclusions create a deeper sense of realism and authenticity. The emotional journey between the pages is a road that many readers have either already travelled, are currently travelling, or will have to travel at some point in their life. Ultimately, to quote their beloved Pepper, . . . . “Sometimes you have to forget everything else and remember you’re family.”
I know it seems like it took me a while to read this book, but here’s the scoop. I knew this was the last book, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the Thatcher sisters. Sometimes when I finish a series, it feels satisfying. I think I’m honestly grieving here. I’ve loved being invested in this family and their struggles. And the brilliance of this last book is the feeling that life is going to continue. There isn’t a neat and tidy bow to finish this off, but it feels like for now these characters are better people than they were at the beginning of the book…and maybe this reader is too. 🙂
Joanna Thatcher’s life has gone off the rails. As she does everything in her power to start putting it back together, she realizes that there are things that will have to change. Though I don’t know many big fans of radical change, I really wanted to wrap Jo in a hug as she realizes how little control she really has. As life tests her limits, its sweet to see Jo find the courage to let others in. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!! Happy Reading!
I have really enjoyed reading The Thatcher Sisters’ series by Beth K. Vogt. It reads a lot like Lousia May Alcott’s Little Women with the hurts, truths, and lies all laid on the table for everyone to see. Vogt does a wonderful job at not hiding the truths and making this family appear perfect. They have their faults, and I’m glad they work through them. This is the last story, so of course, there is going to be forgiveness and reconcilation. Even though I knew it was coming, I couldn’t wait to see how it happened. The characters are brought to life with their internal and external struggles. Joanna, Payton, and Jillian are wonderful characters who survive a lot, but in the end, have a much closer relationship. I don’t usually gravitate toward this genre, but I hope Vogt goes back in a couple of years and shares an update on this family novel. It would definitely be one I would pick up and read. Recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of The Best We’ve Been by Beth K. Vogt from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Beth K. Vogt is a skilled word artist creating memorable scenes with a rich palette of colors. In The Best We’ve Been, the third book in The Thatcher Sisters series, Vogt stays true to her characters to weave their stories forward into more meaningful relationships. With sustained metaphors and practical helps the sisters experience forgiveness, deeper self-awareness, and greater love until they truly become best friends. Their futures from here are not neatly packaged but it is clear that if each moves forward as they are now, their journeys will reach even more fulfilling outcomes.
This book is written with honesty and exceptional relationship wisdom. At its end, each character says, “we’re the best we’ve been”. Grateful readers will say the same. I received a gift copy of this book but it has not influenced this review.
Heartbreaking Situations, Heartrending Story
The Thatcher Sisters series, described as “’Little Women’ gone wrong,” recounts the fragile relationship between three sisters and the hard, real-life problems that drove them apart. Vogt’s newest release is the story of the oldest sister, Johanna Thatcher.
Johanna takes her responsibility as first-born very seriously. We all know someone who’s a serious, over-achieving organizer, right? Johanna makes it an art form. She reminds me of Jethro Gibbs (NCIS) on a very bad day. When I heard that Johanna’s story was coming out, I couldn’t wait to read it. I’d finally learn her “why” and maybe even start to understand her.
And I did. You know how we need someone to lean on, but sometimes we’re too proud to ask? That’s Johanna’s story and it’s both heart-breaking and heart-mending.
You’ll love this book if you:
* love drama (women’s fiction) that touches your heart,
* are facing a hard situation and feel that no one understands,
* have fragile family relationships.
* need a story of hope — right now.
This book is a “standalone,” meaning you don’t have to read the others in the series to understand everything. (But I think you’ll love the others, too.) I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no obligation to post a review.
The lives of the three Thatcher sisters, Johanna, Jillian, and Payton take another complex turn when Johanna finds herself pregnant, unwed, and not on speaking terms with ex-fiancé Beckett, the baby’s father. As each sister takes in the news and struggles with it in her own way, each one finds they must do some soul searching and come to terms with how the pregnancy will affect their life and their family relationships.
This book is an emotional story filled with struggles of family, faith, marriage, and so much more. The girls find out that life is what happens when you least expect it. I struggled in order to like Johanna’s character. She is controlling and comes across as cold, a bit selfish and uncaring for a great deal of the book. I didn’t get to like her and understand her better until the later part of the story. However, the book was definitely worth the read. Solid story for readers of women’s fiction and contemporary fiction!
This copy was received from Tyndale House and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
‘I’d deprived myself of so much because I’d looked…and seen the wrong thing.’
Vogt’s conclusion to the Thatcher Sister’s series is an emotional story for all three siblings that I’m glad to have experienced.
I’m not even sure how to break it down where it makes sense but one of the things that moved me the most was Payton’s experience when she went to her first Bible study. I can vividly remember being a new Christian and when I was around mature Christians it was easy to feel ‘stupid’ when they were talking about biblical things. Payton’s struggle reminded me I need to be sensitive to others who may not know the ‘lingo’ and that maybe I need to stop using so much church slang.
Jillian’s journey is ongoing and I can’t say I’m completely satisfied with where she and her husband ended up. It’s like real life though. Sometimes we have to focus on the present, not what we are wishing for in the future. They settled in a good place for now but I sure would like to know what happens in a year or two. *hint hint 😉
Johanna….oh, Johanna! In the first two books, I didn’t like her at all. I was seriously wondering how the author was going to make me care about her but oh, boy, did she! Not until I went through the ringer again though. I was grumbling under my breath about a decision she was facing but then the beauty of Vogt’s story telling brought hope and love into Jo’s life. Later the author showed me how a single misunderstood moment can have a devastating impact on a young girl. My heart ached for Johanna and I was brought to tears when she finally realized the truth of the situation so long ago. I think she is another character that needs a sequel one day. 😉
The Best We’ve Been is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It is a top read in 2020 for sure! Anyone who enjoys family drama and complex characters facing challenging life circumstances will find promise in this book. I recommend reading the series in order for the full affect.
I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher (Tyndale) via Net galley. I was under no obligation to write a review. No compensation has been received.