I took a Library copy of this book on a trip with me and left it at the airport. I later checked and it was not turned in so I had to replace it. I did finish the book and it was great, which is why I decided to take it with me in the first place, something I don't usually do. I just take a paperback for that reason in case it gets lost. Thanks

With Just Rewards, BTB has managed to write the worst book of Woman of Substance series! Emma's Secret and Unexpected Blessings lacked a certain punch and certainly rewrote the history of the first 3 books. However, the characters in those 2 books were at least likable.

In this book, Linnet appears to be a unbelievable snob - pretty much turning up her nose at Evan's sisters because they're adopted (People without the noble Harte/Oneil/Kallinski) blood aren't as good as everyone else.

Evan's mother, father, and grandmother love Evan much more than her adopted sisters. Apparently, Evan's sister was a 'foundling' and has no chance of being as good as a Harte.

Evan is shocked that her father would feel that he is cut out of her life! However, she allows her 'in-laws' to plan her whole wedding, ends up having a secret ceremony in which she is more concerned that Paula and Shane attend than her own parents.

Paula, who used to be one of the smartest business women in the last 30 years, has all of sudden become one of the dumbest.

In the past, BTB made her heroines a bit too perfect - but at least down to earth. Now, we're supposed like people that seem to be insensitive snobs.

Also, this certainlly doesn't appear to be the LAST book of the series...

I liked this author's previous book "A Woman of Substance," so I ploughed my way through the rest of the series. The quality of her writing and characterization has steadily deteriorated with each successive book. I actually find myself sympathizing more with the "villains" than the supposed heroines of the piece. Every time heroines Linnet or Evan refer to Evan's "adopted" sister, the supposed "bad seed" Angharad or old Edwina thinks that "genetics is everything," I feel like slapping someone. Maybe Angharad is jealous and envious because her family was so obviously biased to the supposedly perfect Evan! I feel the same way about Linnet's sister Tessa, who rapidly became my favorite character in this series, such as it was. Tessa's jealous because everyone DID favor her little sister Linnet, who reminds everyone of Emma Harte. The whole family's devotion to the great-grandma who died more than 30 years ago is unnatural. And, sadly, Bradford's dialogue stinks as much as her characterizations. I don't know if even a soap opera would take her on as a writer.

I absolutely loved Woman of Substance and others that followed. So I eagerly bought this book to follow the saga of the Harte women especially. However, even though I had read the first books, I found this one was much too confusing with the constant reference to the past relationships. Much too much time was spent on the past relatives and not enough story line.And there are far too many past relatives. I think Bradford is still an awesome writer and I will continue to read other books by her. But I do believe it's time to put the Harte family to rest and start something new. And it was a great ride. What a family----truly wish they were real and alive today. They would have been fun to know.I'm a shopaholic---and would love to shop in their store. But it's time to move on. I had a hard time finishing this one------a sign to me that it's a worn out story. Sorry.

I personally think if your read her previous books on the Harte saga you can understand all the players in this book. I VERY much enjoyed reading this book and it left me wondering IF INDEED this IS the last in this saga????? Women of Substance is my ALL TIME FAVORITE book of ANY book I've EVER read and that is MANY.... by A LOT of writers!!!! I TRULY hope there are MORE books to come about the Harte family!