Dreams do come true!
The final book in Sarah Adams’ Rome, Kentucky series did not disappoint.
I’ll be honest. When it comes to book series, I usually find that the later books don’t quite live up to the first one. But this series completely proved me wrong. Every single book had me hooked, and somehow Sarah Adams managed to make me care deeply about each of the Walker siblings in their own unique way.
This final book follows Madison, the middle Walker sister.
Unlike Emily, who seemed to have her life together, Madison has always felt like she was simply following the path others expected of her. Deep down, she knew she wanted something different, but she was terrified of disappointing the people who believed in her.
One of my favourite things about this book was how honestly it portrayed failure. Like Maddie, I tend to overthink my own abilities and worry about being seen as a failure or incapable… basically a pessimist hahahah. So that part of her story was pretty relatable.
Anyways, Madison moved to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a chef, only to realise that reality looked nothing like what she’d imagined. She slowly lost confidence in herself, convinced that she wasn’t good enough. Watching someone chase their dream only to question whether they truly belonged there felt incredibly real. You could really feel how lonely Madison was because she wanted so badly for everything to work out.
Then came one phone call.
By accident, Madison poured her heart out to the wrong James, and somehow that unexpected conversation became the turning point she didn’t know she needed.
James was honestly such a green flag.
He never tried to “fix” Madison. Instead, he believed in her when she couldn’t believe in herself. Sometimes that’s exactly what we need—not someone with all the answers, but someone who gently reminds us of the person we’ve forgotten we can be.
Their relationship is one of those friends-to-lovers stories where the feelings have always been there. Neither of them is brave enough to make the first move, so they just keep accidentally friendzoning each other because of all the mixed signals and assumptions they make 😭. It was equal parts funny and frustrating in the best way.
Beyond the romance, I also loved how much this book focused on family. Whether it was the Walker siblings constantly showing up for one another, James’ relationship with his own family, or the way both families became intertwined despite their imperfections and stood by one another through life’s hardships, it reminded me that love isn’t only romantic. Sometimes it’s found in the people who quietly keep choosing you, even when life gets messy.
If you love:
💛 Friends-to-lovers romances
👨👩👧 Stories centred around family and community
🌱 Characters rediscovering their confidence and purpose
✨ Gentle, supportive love interests
🤍 Small-town romances that feel like home
…then I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
Finishing this series honestly felt a little bittersweet. It felt like saying goodbye to a family I’d grown attached to over the past few books, but I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. As a family-oriented girlie, this series completely stole my heart, and I genuinely can’t recommend it enough.
Happy reading! 📚🤍 See you in the next chapter of mindful.chapters!
One aspect of Sarah Adams' final book in the Rome, Kentucky series that resonated deeply with me was its authentic portrayal of chasing dreams and facing setbacks—especially through Madison's experience as a chef in New York. Many readers, including myself, relate to the daunting challenge of pursuing ambitions in a demanding environment and the inner battles with self-doubt that come with it. Madison's story reminded me how important it is to have compassionate support, much like James provided, to help us regain confidence when we question our worth. The friends-to-lovers dynamic was another highlight that brought warmth and a realistic touch to the romance. I've found that stories where love develops naturally over time, amid misunderstandings and shy steps forward, offer a comforting reflection of real-life relationships. It’s refreshing to see characters who aren't rushed but grow together with vulnerability and humour. Beyond romance, the emphasis on family and community gave the narrative a rich texture that mirrors many of our own experiences. The intertwined lives of the Walkers and James’ family showcase the imperfect yet steadfast nature of familial love. It’s a reminder that being chosen and supported by family—even when life is complicated—is a powerful kind of love that sustains us. The phrase from Sarah Adams’ book cover, "Beg, Borrow, or Steal and Practice Makes Perfect," encapsulates the perseverance needed in pursuing dreams—a message that felt inspiring throughout the read. For anyone navigating self-doubt or career challenges, Madison’s journey is a relatable testament to resilience and finding one’s place. If you appreciate stories that blend heartfelt emotional growth, genuine romantic tension, and the warmth of family ties, this book is a wonderful conclusion to the series. It's a perfect pick for those who seek inspiration and a feeling of belonging in their reading choices.