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.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Haven Point with New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne, where hope, home and happily-ever-after are as close as your holiday stocking…
Christmas is the last thing on Cole Barrett's mind this year. He's barely hanging on trying to care for his two grieving children since his ex-wife died in a tragic accident. For the reclusive Cole, this is no time for gift-giving and celebration—and certainly not for a sunny-natured optimist to blow into his screwed-up life.
Physician Devin Shaw has long researched the curative powers of Lake Haven's mineral waters. Unfortunately, the hot springs are on Barrett property, forcing Devin to strike a bargain with the ranch's attractively gruff owner: she'll give Cole's children a magical Christmas, and Cole will allow her patients access to the springs. But can she work her holiday magic to heal the Barrett family's battered hearts—and her own?