When Ivy first reaches Sisters, Oregon, she wants nothing more than to wrap up her assignment, leave the town, and never look back. Given her upbringing and the expectations her father had from her, it was difficult for her to show emotions and let anyone in, always fearing that her vulnerabilities would be preyed on, especially when she was raised to lead in a field dominated by men, who often underestimated her.

As she spends time with the Wilders, working on restoring her grandparents home, she realizes what a family should truly be like. How there shouldn't be terms and conditions to receive their love, and how home is a place where she should be able to be herself.

Cameron was genuinely amazing, and I loved him. He took over the family business and did his best to be everything his family needed, making sure they all had what they needed and always willing to help everyone out. Being responsible for his family's business meant he didn't get time to date, and neither was he interested—that is, until he met Ivy. I loved how he knew right from the start that there was more to Ivy than she was willing to admit, even to herself. He tries to keep her distance from her but can't stop himself from wondering more about her, wanting to know everything she was hiding behind her hard exterior.

The analogy that Cameron gave with respect to the abused dog Poppy had rescued and how it took time for it to trust and believe that not everyone was out to hurt it was so fitting because Ivy didn't even see the extent of emotional abuse she had endured because she had no point of reference to understand. Which is why she kept everyone out and stayed by herself, but she yearned for that connection and affection deep down.

Their relationship grew gradually, where initially Ivy kept Cameron at arms length, unwilling to admit any feelings she had towards him. But as she got to know the kind of man Cameron was, she slowly started accepting her feelings for him. The whole time Cameron waited patiently, but he acknowledged his feelings for her and knew he wanted her in his life but didn't want to push her for anything she wasn't ready for. It was difficult for her to feel like she could be something different and not disappoint the people in her life.

He was so careful with her, always honest and patient, letting her figure things out by being a constant presence by her side and supporting her through everything. He made her believe that she could do anything she put her mind to and that she didn't have to work herself to the bone to gain anyone's favor in his family, and just being herself was enough.

Just like in book one, I loved the Wilder family. The bond between these siblings, even when they aren't related by blood, is just so strong and so pure that you can't help but feel like you want to be a part of their family too. The siblings were all in each other's business, messing and meddling, but also being supportive and protective when needed.

Just like in the case of Ivy, everyone welcomed her, made her feel comfortable, and accepted her as she was. Except Ian, who took a long time to warm up to her, but he does eventually.

The whole family getting together for the fall festival was just so bittersweet. I'm happy they all got that chance to be together and give the entire family the chance to say their farewells. This book made me so emotional. After reading One and Only, I knew what Tim's condition was like, but watching it get worse and watching the family come to terms with it was an emotional journey, and you as a reader can also feel these emotions—helplessness, denial, anger, and grief—along with the family members, especially with how close they all were.

I loved when Ivy finally confronted her father and set the boundaries that needed to be set for her own well-being and growth, both personally and professionally.