Title: Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne
Haven Point Series Book Three
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
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?
Review:
Evergreen Springs is a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances. This latest release by RaeAnne Thayne is a heartwarming holiday romance that is sure to delight old and new fans of the wonderful Haven Point series.
Devin Shaw is a caring and compassionate doctor who wants to fix every problem she encounters. So when she meets rancher Cole Barrett and his two adorable children Jazmyn and Ty and realizes they could use some short term assistance, she is quick to volunteer her help. She is immediately drawn to the taciturn cowboy but he is very closed off and reluctant to accept outside assistance. The two strike up a deal and Devin slowly but surely works her way past his formidable defenses. But will Cole’s inability to forgive himself for past mistakes ruin their chance at happiness?
Nothing much ruffles Devin’s calm demeanor. She is incredibly patient, cool under pressure and positively radiates serenity. All of these characteristics make her absolutely the perfect person to help Cole and his two children. Without knowing anything about the family except they need help, she swiftly reaches out to her sister ( who also happens to be the town’s mayor) and together, they come up with a plan of action to provide them assistance. Stepping in to help care for the grieving children is a little bittersweet given her circumstances, but Devin has such a big heart that it is impossible for her not to care for them. She is never put off by Cole’s gruffness or aloofness and she never quits trying to convince him to stop letting his past define him.
Cole is completely out of his depth with his kids but there is never any doubt how much he loves them. He has a very troubled past and while he has completely turned his life around, he refuses to forgive himself for his transgressions. Although he is very devoted to his sister, Cole stubbornly refuses to let his estranged father back into his life. He tries to distance himself from Devin but she slowly makes him realize that his children’s needs are more important than his self-imposed isolation. Cole gradually opens up to her but because he continues to define himself by the man he used to be, he pushes her away as their feelings for one another deepen.
An uplifting story of healing, Evergreen Springs is also a sweet romance that is heartfelt and engaging. The characters are complex and appealing with realistic shortcomings and believable issues to overcome. This captivating addition to RaeAnne Thayne’s Haven Point series is a thoroughly charming novel that fans of small town love stories are sure to love.
Thanks Kathy