'The Second Coming of Lucy Hatch' was a delightful little book - unheralded in the world of books but greatly loved by those who found it. Bad boy Ash and the good widow Lucy met and passion erupted. And Lucy did a lot of growing up.
The second 'Lucy' book - 'The Last of the Honky-Tonk Angels' introduced Denny, Ash's misfit teen-age daughter, and provided further insights into Ash and Lucy's relationship. It was a satisfying read.
The third book, 'Heartbreak Town,' was much less enjoyable for me. Moyer's depiction of Lucy's life married to a 'bad boy' was rather dark and far too talky for me.
So it was with great trepidation that I bought 'Return of the Stardust Cowgirl.' I was led to believe that this is the last of the series and it seems to be as all the threads are neatly tied up by the end. But there's a lot of straightening out to do. Ash has to deal with his alcoholism and inability to compose, Lucy has issues of trust, Denny has to face the results of an impetuous marriage, and even the flower shop has to face a few fiscal realities.

In general Moyer's novels shine with a down-home truth; her characters don't have unbelievable adventures, they simply learn to deal with real life - with grace, courage, and acceptance. We watch Lucy grow and change and learn to make the best of the hand that life has dealt her. ( )