EVERGREEN SPRINGS is third in a series located in a small town named Angel Cove. I have truly enjoyed the two preceding books and eagerly awaited this new one. I am delighted to say it was worth the wait.

EVERGREEN SPRINGS is about learning to live with expectations. You all know the old adage: don't judge a book by its cover. Well there is plenty of that happening in Angel Cove. Surprisingly, by people that are known to open their hearts to just about anyone. But here's the thing: sometimes you have to be responsive to that help. You have to get out of your own way to see clear to accepting help. Help comes in all manners and for Cole Barrett, a tough ex-rodeo cowboy and ex-con to boot, hiding away on his ranch was a way to avoid not only the knowing glances, but pity.

Each of us has internal expectations that somehow we never quite measure up to, and often it is due to circumstances beyond our control. Sometimes life has put up challenges that, depending on our circumstances at the moment, we meet with less than gracious means and the results can be everlasting. Sometimes we are handed challenges that suddenly alter our future expectations or plans. In EVERGREEN SPRINGS we meet some very strong-willed characters that have been asked to meet individual challenges.

RaeAnne Thayne takes a very realistic outlook at people dealing with personal issues in EVERGREEN SPRINGS. Thayne is honest and sometimes brutal in her appraisal of dealing with the consequences of the past, but she always remains optimistic. In EVERGREEN SPRINGS, RaeAnne Thayne illustrates how bad things happen to otherwise good people -- kind of like making lemonade out of lemons. But at the core of life's trials and tribulations is love and trust. Earning love and winning trust is really what life and EVERGREEN SPRINGS is all about.

Dr. Devin Shaw is very comfortable in her role as physician in this small town. Sure it means friendly conversation peppered with health issues, but it is Devin's nature to care for people. There are times when her job gets to her, especially when confronted with issues that are too close to home. But Devin's friends, neighbors and sister know what a kind-hearted soul she has, which at times makes her vulnerable to taking on other people's problems.

Well no one has more problems than Cole, and Devin is going to learn these problems are deep rooted. Cole fights tooth and nail against any help or intrusion in his life. But with custody of his two children even Cole has to relinquish some of his infamous control. Not only did the kids just lose their mother, but with the holiday season approaching Cole's entire way of life is going to need a woman's touch, and Devin is up for the challenge. As always RaeAnne Thayne created a superb supporting cast in this genuinely lovely story. EVERGREEN SPRINGS is an exciting entry into the Angel Cove series.