“The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.”
— Owen to Avery, discussing moving on from past hurts.
Archivist's Choice
The Next Always
Nora Roberts (2011)
Genre
Romance
Reading Time
350 min
Key Themes
See below
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An architect renovating a historic inn finally builds the courage to pursue the bookstore owner he's liked since adolescence, as their small town watches their love story unfold.
Synopsis
The Montgomery brothers and their mother renovate a historic inn in Boonsboro. Beckett, the architect, focuses on the project and on Clare Brewster, a woman he's liked since they were teenagers. Clare, a widow with three sons, has returned to her hometown and runs the local bookstore. She is interested in the inn's transformation and in Beckett. As Beckett gives Clare private tours of the inn, their lingering feelings re-emerge, and a romance blossoms amid the renovation and their family lives. Despite challenges, their relationship deepens, ending with the inn's grand opening, their acceptance into each other's lives, and a proposal for a shared future.
Reading time
350 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Romantic, Comforting
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy contemporary romance with a small-town setting, family dynamics, and a touch of history.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer high-stakes drama or intricate plot twists over character-driven romance.
Plot Summary
The Montgomery Brothers and the Inn
The story opens with the Montgomery brothers – Beckett, Owen, and Ryder – and their mother, Justine, beginning the renovation of the historic Boonsboro Inn. Beckett, the eldest and the family architect, is invested in restoring the inn. He meticulously plans every detail of the construction. The inn, rumored to be haunted by a friendly ghost named Eliza, holds sentimental value for the family and the town. As they rebuild, the brothers' distinct personalities and close dynamic are immediately clear, setting the stage for their individual love stories.
Clare Brewster Returns to Boonsboro
Clare Brewster, a high school classmate of Beckett's, has recently moved back to Boonsboro with her three young sons, Harry, Luke, and Kevin, after her husband's death. She is a strong, independent woman who has channeled her grief into creating a new life for her family. Clare opens 'Turn the Page,' a cozy bookstore across the street from the Boonsboro Inn. Her bookstore quickly becomes a beloved spot in town. She often observes the inn's renovation from her shop window, noticing Beckett's focused presence.
A Reacquaintance and Lingering Feelings
Beckett and Clare's paths cross, and their initial interactions have a comfortable familiarity and unspoken tension. They have known each other since childhood, and Beckett admits to having had a crush on Clare since he was fifteen. Clare, initially guarded due to her past loss and responsibilities as a single mother, is drawn to Beckett's quiet strength, his passion for his work, and his kindness. Their conversations often revolve around the inn's progress and daily happenings in Boonsboro, but a deeper connection is clearly rekindling.
Private Tours and Shared Moments
As the renovation continues, Beckett invites Clare for private, after-hours tours of the inn. These tours become their special time. He shows her each room, explaining his vision and the history, and they share quiet moments, discussing their lives, dreams, and fears. These stolen moments in the evolving inn allow their relationship to deepen. They share their first kiss in one of the unfinished rooms, a moment charged with years of affection and new hope. Clare's boys also grow fond of Beckett, seeing him as a consistent, friendly presence.
Eliza's Presence and the Inn's History
The Boonsboro Inn is haunted by Eliza, a gentle spirit from the Civil War era. Eliza's presence is a consistent, benevolent force throughout the story. She occasionally interacts with the Montgomery family, especially Justine, and her subtle interventions often help move the plot forward or add whimsy. Clare, initially a skeptic, starts to sense Eliza's presence, especially in certain rooms of the inn. Eliza's story, intertwined with the inn's history, becomes a backdrop to Beckett and Clare's romance, symbolizing enduring love and the timelessness of the inn itself.
Balancing Family and Budding Romance
Clare is devoted to her three sons, Harry, Luke, and Kevin, and their well-being is her priority. Her past loss makes her cautious about opening her heart again, especially if it could impact her children. Beckett is understanding and patient, never pushing her, and naturally connects with the boys. He helps them with homework, plays games, and becomes a steady, positive male figure in their lives. Clare observes Beckett's interactions with her children, which reassures her that he is a good man and someone who could be a loving presence for her family, slowly eroding her reservations.
Challenges and Misunderstandings
While their relationship blossoms, Beckett and Clare face minor challenges. The pressures of the inn's grand opening weigh on Beckett, demanding much of his time. Clare, too, is busy running her bookstore and raising her sons. There are small moments of miscommunication or doubt, often stemming from their individual pasts and responsibilities. However, their strong foundation of friendship and mutual respect helps them navigate these bumps. They learn to communicate openly, addressing any concerns, which strengthens their bond and commitment to each other.
The Grand Opening of the Inn
The day of the Boonsboro Inn's grand opening arrives, the culmination of months of hard work and the Montgomery family's vision. The town gathers to celebrate the restored landmark. The event is a huge success, showcasing Beckett's architectural talent and the family's hospitality. Clare is there, supporting Beckett and witnessing his triumph. The inn, now bustling, is a symbol of renewal and community, much like Clare's own journey of rebuilding her life. The opening marks a new chapter not just for the inn, but for Beckett and Clare's relationship.
Acceptance and Integration
As their relationship solidifies, Clare and her sons become an integral part of the Montgomery family. The boys adore Justine and the brothers, finding a sense of belonging and extended family. They frequently visit the inn and the bookstore, becoming familiar faces in town. Clare herself finds comfort and joy in the close-knit community of Boonsboro and the unwavering support of the Montgomerys. This integration signifies Clare's full acceptance of her new life and her willingness to embrace the love and connection offered to her and her children.
A Proposal and a Future
In a heartfelt gesture, Beckett proposes to Clare. The proposal is personal, reflecting their shared history and hopes for the future. Clare, having processed her grief and embraced her love for Beckett, joyfully accepts. The proposal signifies not just their love for each other, but also Beckett's acceptance of her children and his commitment to building a family with them. Their engagement marks the beginning of their 'next always,' promising a future filled with love, family, and the enduring spirit of Boonsboro.
Principal Figures
Beckett Montgomery
The Protagonist
Beckett learns to open up and pursue the love he's always wanted, moving from quiet longing to actively building a family with Clare.
Clare Brewster
The Protagonist
Clare moves from guarded widowhood to embracing a new chance at love and family, finding joy and security with Beckett.
Owen Montgomery
The Supporting
Owen remains a steady, supportive force, setting the stage for his own romantic journey.
Ryder Montgomery
The Supporting
Ryder contributes his energy and humor to the family project, maintaining his playful and loyal nature.
Justine Montgomery
The Supporting
Justine continues to provide spiritual guidance and unwavering support, witnessing the flourishing of her family and the inn.
Eliza
The Supporting
Eliza continues her role as the inn's guardian spirit, subtly influencing events and witnessing new love.
Harry Brewster
The Supporting
Harry learns to accept a new male figure in his life, finding comfort and security with Beckett.
Luke Brewster
The Supporting
Luke embraces Beckett as a positive presence, enjoying his playful interactions.
Kevin Brewster
The Supporting
Kevin's innocent affection helps solidify Beckett's role within the family.
Themes & Insights
Healing and Second Chances
The novel explores healing after loss and the courage to embrace second chances at love and happiness. Clare, widowed and initially guarded, gradually opens her heart to Beckett, symbolizing her journey from grief to renewed hope. The renovation of the Boonsboro Inn itself mirrors this theme, as an old building is given a second chance at life and purpose. Eliza's enduring spirit also suggests that love transcends time and loss, offering a comforting backdrop to Clare's personal healing. Clare's bookstore, 'Turn the Page,' subtly reinforces this idea of new beginnings.
““Love wasn’t a choice, it was a need. It wasn’t a decision, it was a destiny.””
Family and Community
The strong bonds of family, both biological and chosen, are central to the story. The Montgomery brothers' unwavering support for each other and their mother, Justine, forms the core of the narrative. The town of Boonsboro itself functions as a close-knit community where everyone knows and cares for each other, providing a supportive environment for Clare and her sons. This theme is evident in the brothers' collaborative efforts on the inn, Justine's spiritual guidance, and the way the town embraces Clare's bookstore and her new life. Family is a source of strength, comfort, and enduring love.
““Family wasn’t just blood. It was the people who let you in, the people you let in.””
The Power of Place and History
The Boonsboro Inn is more than just a setting; it is a character, with history, memory, and a resident ghost. The renovation process highlights the importance of preserving the past while building for the future. The inn's stories, particularly Eliza's, intertwine with the present-day lives of the characters, suggesting that history shapes identity and destiny. Beckett's dedication to restoring the inn reflects deep respect for its legacy. The sense of place in Boonsboro, a small town with a rich past, provides a grounding and comforting atmosphere for the characters' romantic and personal journeys.
““Some places just held on to their stories. And sometimes, if you listened close enough, they’d tell you.””
Destiny and Enduring Love
The idea that certain connections are fated or destined is a recurring motif. Beckett's long-held feelings for Clare, dating back to their adolescence, suggest a love that was always meant to be. The benevolent ghost, Eliza, often seems to subtly nudge the characters towards their romantic partners, reinforcing the notion of predestined love. The title itself, 'The Next Always,' speaks to the enduring nature of love and the promise of a forever future. This theme provides a romantic underpinning to the realities of building a relationship and a family.
““He’d known, deep in his gut, for longer than he could remember, that she was the one. His next always.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Haunted Inn
The Boonsboro Inn is home to the benevolent ghost of Eliza.
The presence of Eliza, the inn's resident ghost, serves multiple functions. She adds a touch of magical realism and whimsy to the romance, reinforcing the theme of enduring love and destiny. Eliza often acts as a subtle matchmaker, influencing events to bring the couples together. Her story also provides a historical backdrop to the inn, deepening the sense of place and connecting the present-day characters to the past. Her benevolent nature ensures that the supernatural element enhances rather than detracts from the central romance.
The Renovation Project
The ongoing renovation of the Boonsboro Inn serves as a metaphor for new beginnings and rebuilding.
The extensive renovation of the Boonsboro Inn is a central plot device. It provides a physical setting for Beckett and Clare's interactions, particularly during their private tours. Metaphorically, the rebuilding of the inn parallels Clare's journey of rebuilding her life after loss and Beckett's construction of a future with her. The transformation of the old inn into a beautiful, functional space reflects the characters' personal growth and the forging of new relationships. It also showcases Beckett's talents and passion, making him attractive to Clare.
The Bookstore
Clare's bookstore, 'Turn the Page,' symbolizes new chapters and the power of stories.
Clare's bookstore, 'Turn the Page,' is strategically located across from the inn, providing a natural meeting point and a symbol of her independence and new life. The name itself is a clear metaphor for turning a new chapter after grief. The bookstore acts as a community hub, allowing Clare to integrate into Boonsboro and providing a contrast to the male-dominated construction site across the street. It also subtly reinforces the idea of stories unfolding and lives being written, echoing the romantic narrative.
Childhood Connection
Beckett and Clare share a history from their childhood, including Beckett's long-standing crush.
The fact that Beckett and Clare have known each other since childhood, and that Beckett harbored a crush on her for years, establishes a strong foundation for their romance. This shared history provides an immediate sense of familiarity and comfort between them, allowing their relationship to develop quickly and feel destined. It bypasses the need for lengthy introductions and deepens the emotional resonance of their connection, suggesting that their love was always meant to be, just waiting for the right time.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Love isn't a decision. It's a feeling. If we could decide who we love, it would be a lot less complicated, but a lot less magical.”
— Avery reflecting on her growing feelings for Owen.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let someone love you.”
— Justine advising Avery to open herself up to Owen.
“You can't live your life waiting for someone to complete you. You have to complete yourself first.”
— Avery's internal monologue about her journey.
“Happiness is not a destination. It's a way of life.”
— Owen sharing his philosophy with Avery.
“Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”
— Avery feeling accepted by the Montgomery family.
“Building something beautiful takes time and effort. And a little bit of magic.”
— Owen talking about the Inn and also his relationship with Avery.
“Fear is a liar. It tells you all the things that aren't true, just to keep you from trying.”
— Justine encouraging Avery to overcome her fears.
“You don't just fall in love once. You fall in love over and over again with the same person, in different ways, as you both change and grow.”
— Owen explaining his evolving love for Avery.
“The heart wants what it wants, and it rarely listens to reason.”
— Avery acknowledging her undeniable attraction to Owen.
“Sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get a little lost.”
— Avery reflecting on her journey to Boonsboro.
“It's not about being perfect, it's about being real.”
— Owen comforting Avery about her insecurities.
“A good book can take you anywhere. A good life can take you even further.”
— Avery, a librarian, reflecting on her life changes.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
'The Next Always' centers on Beckett Montgomery, the architect of the Montgomery family, as he renovates the historic Boonsboro Inn. Simultaneously, he pursues a romantic relationship with Clare Brewster, a widowed mother of three who runs the town's bookstore, a woman he's been interested in since adolescence.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
