Thirty-three-year-old Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is a free-spirited and sassy tree hugger and animal lover (she has an opossum for a pet). She is also a young widow. Four years ago, Bridget’s husband, Easton, died from a tragic accident, and she still hasn’t fully accepted his death. Not only has she not yet removed her wedding ring, she can’t even bring herself to say the words “Happily ever after” when reading her niece and nephew a fairy tale. The fact is, Bridget believes there is no happily ever after. And she makes no secret of the fact that she blames God for taking away her happiness when Easton died.

At the moment, Bridget needs to find a buyer for her family’s mansion, which sits on acres of prime land. She sets off to find someone who is eco-friendly and attempts to contact J.C. Dirk, a developer who is nationally known for his “green” projects. But J.C. is not returning her calls. Irritated, Bridget heads to Atlanta without an appointment for a face-to-face meeting. It doesn’t go quite as she had planned.

As romance books often go, despite the sparks that fly between Bridget and J.C., a series of mishaps and miscommunication follows. Then there’s the personal heart struggle Bridget experiences as she decides if she is ready to move on and find love again. Slowly, she takes small steps to shed her “widow’s weeds,” as she calls them. But just when a breakthrough seems possible, secrets are revealed about J.C. that turns Bridget’s green world to red.

Thrown into the mix is Caleb Merriman, another potential developer who seems interested in winning both Bridget’s affections and the bid for her family’s estate. Bridget’s controlling father approves of him and continually tries to set her up with him. Bridget likes Caleb, but the romantic feelings just aren’t there.

There is so much to love about this book, the third and final installment in the Southern Discomfort series. I have not read the first two --- LEAVING CAROLINA and NOWHERE, CAROLINA --- which are written from the perspectives of two other Pickwick cousins. However, I had no trouble following along. There were references to things that happened to characters in previous books, but nothing that detracted from Bridget’s story. What I understand from others who have read all three, the ending of RESTLESS IN CAROLINA --- and ultimately the series --- ties up some loose ends and answers questions from books one and two regarding the Pickwick family. But not having read them, I’d never know that.

The topic of “green living” is definitely a part of the plot, but never seems to be an agenda. It is simply an aspect of Bridget’s character. Likewise, Bridget’s resistance to God is realistically portrayed. She talks to God frequently throughout the book, usually berating herself for talking to Someone she “doesn’t believe is there.” As many references as there were of God, church and faith, RESTLESS IN CAROLINA is anything but preachy.

Tamara Leigh has created fresh, original and quirky characters who leap from the pages into our hearts. The writing is crisp, funny, and filled with Southern charm and delightful phrasing. One of my favorite funny moments was in the opening scene when Bridget’s niece, five-year-old Birdie, informs her that Bridget has a “constipated heart.” This gives readers a good idea of the softening we come to witness in Bridget’s heart.

More than strictly a romance novel, Bridget’s story touches on overcoming grief, finding forgiveness, and working through those tough periods in our Christian walk, when we question God and He feels far away. If you’re looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read with memorable characters who encounter real-life struggles, RESTLESS IN CAROLINA will not disappoint.