Robyn Carr is a national treasure and THE FAMILY GATHERING is a perfect example of the magic between the covers of any of her books.

We finally get to meet the elusive Dakota Jones -- sibling to Sierra, Sedona, and Cal and just as wonderful. In THE FAMILY GATHERING we are once again back with Sully and Maggie who we've met before in this Sullivan's Crossing series by Robyn Carr. If you're looking to smile and be entertained, then look no more. THE FAMILY GATHERING is part of an amazing series written by an author who easily dredges up smiles and warmth with her flawed wonderful characters. I've never met a Robyn Carr character that I didn't love.

My smile began as soon as Sully's name was mentioned at the beginning of THE FAMILY GATHERING. I realized in a flash that I was so happy to be reunited with these people.

Dakota has been roaming all these years. He needed space from his rather odd parents, but he did try to keep up communications with his siblings. Dakota knows family is important but looked for community in other ways. In the army he found a new kind of family, but discovered taking orders that put this family in harm's way wasn't something he could live with. So let's just say Dakota parted ways with the military.

He winds up in Sullivan's Crossing and is immediately welcomed, drawn in and included in his family -- old and new. And surprising himself, Dakota sees less of an urgency to continue roaming. He's going to try some slow and less aggressive life for a change. And Sidney -- Sid -- has caught Dakota's eye.

Sid doesn't want any of Dakota's attention or attentiveness. She is still in cocoon mode after a disastrous divorce. But as Dakota points out -- there are no happy songs about divorce. That's Dakota. That's what makes Sid laugh and smile. But Sid is still very fragile.

So Dakota is going to have to be really careful about how he handles his attraction to Sid. Careful maneuvers are in order. Lucky for us all Dakota is as smart as he is good looking.

Best line in book that absolutely made me laugh out loud was during a conversation between Dakota and Sid where he is treading slowly in his attempt to get -- gun shy -- Sid to do on a date. Date being a really dirty word for Sid. As Dakota bites into a yummy burger he says "Your brother likes me." I just cracked up, but I guess you had to be there. Well you can. THE FAMILY GATHERING is on the shelves. Do not miss it or any other books in this amazing series. Enjoy.