Happily Ever Ashten

by: Erynn Mangum
Publisher: Self Published
Dates Read: March 31 - April 3
Pages: 325
Source: Own it

Why did I read it?
It's by Erynn Mangum.  'Nuf said.  

Happily Ever Ashten is the third and final book in the Carrington Sping series (see Katie in Waiting and Once Upon Eliza for the others).   Ashten is a teacher who works at her family's very popular restaurant during her summers.  Some people in her life, not by her choosing, are rubbing her the wrong way.  Ashten learns, with us learning the lesson alongside her, how and when to forgive.  To say much more would give away the plots of the first two books, so I will just jump right in. 

This just might be Erynn Mangum's best book yet.  I told you I was jumping in.  It was well crafted and thought out.  It was very Austenian without being overtly so or advertised as such.  When I started the book I did not think it was going to go quite where it went.  The first two books played into it perfectly without me even realizing they were playing into it.  

The book was also incredibly relatable.  When I read my first Mangum novel I was 17 and the main character was 23 and finding love without looking for it.  It was what I wanted.  Now I am 24 and these characters are 31, in the middle of their careers and doing life on their own (mostly).  Lauren Holbrook, Mangum's first series, will always have a soft spot in my heart but I think Carrington Springs might have it beat.  

Not only was the story impecable, but the editting was better.  There were still some small mistakes but not nearly as often or as painful.  Maybe now that her kids are a little bit older she has more time to sit and read it over.  Who knows, it's better and I am happy about it.  But girl, I would still gladly edit your books for free (just ignore the fact I started that sentence with a but).   



Rating: 4.75/5
I cannot give it a full five because there were still too many mistakes - too many is any more than one.  Great characters.  Great story.  Jane Austen would be proud.  Way to go Erynn!


Recommendation: 
I have said it twice before: If you are a female 14+ you will probably like her books.  Now that the characters are a little older maybe the 14 year olds won't like it quite as much, but it is a light, fun read.  I laughed, I pondered life, I learned about Jesus - what more could you ask for?