What do you think?
Rate this book
The Silent Woodsman
Holed up in an isolated cabin in the Hoh Rain Forest, county music heartthrob Joe Bob Blade is under strict doctor’s orders not to utter a sound. During a freak storm, a beautiful woman collapses at his door. Ali’s gentle humor and hard-luck story captivate Joe, raised in privilege and until recently, sailing smoothly to the top of the charts. Surprised that she doesn’t recognize him, he decides to keep his identity a secret. It’s a novelty being treated like a normal guy, and besides, Joe can communicate only in writing. Ali doesn’t reveal her last name, either. Sparks fly, but both resist the heat. Their timing couldn’t be worse.
Back in civilization, Ali and Joe struggle to move on. Over the next year and a half, neither can forget those two magical days.
Book 1 of the Olympic Peninsula series.
Back in civilization, Ali and Joe struggle to move on. Over the next year and a half, neither can forget those two magical days.
Book 1 of the Olympic Peninsula series.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2023
62 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 20, 2023
What a great summer read! Just the right amount of romance, suspense, and humor set in one of my favorite places on earth--the Pacific Northwest
July 17, 2023
This was an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages.
Country music heartthrob Joe Bob Blade is under strict doctors orders to not speak, and so takes himself off to an isolated cabin in the Hoh Rain Forest. He didn’t expect to find a woman collapsed on his doorstep during a freak storm, however he takes Ali in to look after her. Joe is surprised when it is obvious that Ali does not recognise him, and so decides to keep his identity a secret, as he’s enjoying being treated like a ‘normal’ guy. Even though Joe can only communicate by writing the connection between the pair is obvious, however they both resist as the timing is awful. It’s not until they are both back in the real world again that Joe realises that Ali never told him her surname. Both of them struggle to move on, and even a year and a half later they have not forgotten the two magical days they spent together. No spoilers as to whether they find each other again! I loved the original storyline with the main male character not being able to speak, as this added a different dimension to the story. The chemistry between Ali and Joe really came across in the story and the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life.
Country music heartthrob Joe Bob Blade is under strict doctors orders to not speak, and so takes himself off to an isolated cabin in the Hoh Rain Forest. He didn’t expect to find a woman collapsed on his doorstep during a freak storm, however he takes Ali in to look after her. Joe is surprised when it is obvious that Ali does not recognise him, and so decides to keep his identity a secret, as he’s enjoying being treated like a ‘normal’ guy. Even though Joe can only communicate by writing the connection between the pair is obvious, however they both resist as the timing is awful. It’s not until they are both back in the real world again that Joe realises that Ali never told him her surname. Both of them struggle to move on, and even a year and a half later they have not forgotten the two magical days they spent together. No spoilers as to whether they find each other again! I loved the original storyline with the main male character not being able to speak, as this added a different dimension to the story. The chemistry between Ali and Joe really came across in the story and the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life.
July 17, 2023
The Silent Woodsman is book 1 of the new Olympic Peninsula series which is set in the 1990’s. It was an interesting and heartfelt tale will have you falling in love with our MC’s as they navigate their feelings.
A storm brought them together, but their worlds keep them apart.
Cat’s vivid narrative definitely bring this story to life. There are many small storylines and an interesting supporting cast of many, but the overarching story is about JJ a country music superstar and Ali a down on her luck kind of gal.
She believes that her twin is still alive and refuses to believe otherwise. He struggles with his world, surgery and relationship with his music partner. She is too good to be taken down by his world and she has no idea who he is. With one song he hopes to find what is missing and she dreams of a man and two days in the woods.
With pressures, fame, jealousy, frustrations, hopelessness, hope, passion and sparks the story has a little of everything for romance lovers.
The Silent Woodsman is a well-written fun romance tale, but you will have to read the book to have all your questions answered.
With surprising plot developments and some emotional twists, A Silent Woodsman, should be a must on your reading list.
Whilst I really enjoyed the story there were times where the pace seemed a little slow and towards the end it felt a little rushed. But I cannot wait to see what Cat brings to the second book in the series.
A storm brought them together, but their worlds keep them apart.
Cat’s vivid narrative definitely bring this story to life. There are many small storylines and an interesting supporting cast of many, but the overarching story is about JJ a country music superstar and Ali a down on her luck kind of gal.
She believes that her twin is still alive and refuses to believe otherwise. He struggles with his world, surgery and relationship with his music partner. She is too good to be taken down by his world and she has no idea who he is. With one song he hopes to find what is missing and she dreams of a man and two days in the woods.
With pressures, fame, jealousy, frustrations, hopelessness, hope, passion and sparks the story has a little of everything for romance lovers.
The Silent Woodsman is a well-written fun romance tale, but you will have to read the book to have all your questions answered.
With surprising plot developments and some emotional twists, A Silent Woodsman, should be a must on your reading list.
Whilst I really enjoyed the story there were times where the pace seemed a little slow and towards the end it felt a little rushed. But I cannot wait to see what Cat brings to the second book in the series.
July 18, 2023
Country music singer Joe is recovering in a remote cabin after surgery with strict orders of not a single peep. During a storm, Ali seeks refuge in the cabin and Joe is very surprised, and pleased that Ali doesn't recognize him. Ali is looking for clues for her brother and Joe is not sure where is Current "relationship" stands. With so much going on in both their lives, they both fight to ignore the sparks that are between them. After they part ways, a year and a half goes by and neither can shake those days they spent together in the cabin
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to the next books in the series.
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to the next books in the series.
September 25, 2024
This book was definitely a slow burn. I have now found out that I strugggllee with slow burn. I love them in movies though so I was shocked it was hard to read. But I was sitting there going OH MY GOSH JUST DATE HER ALREADY!!! or going STOP BEING AN IDIOT. This book was good though, it was definitely a cute little story and I'm glad I read it.
June 21, 2023
The Silent Woodsman, which is book one in a new series by Cat Treadgold, is a fun, suspenseful at times and amusing at other times, romance book that looks to be the start of something really great. While this first book covers the lives of only two of the characters, there is so much woven into the storyline about other characters that it is easy to see how things can and will be continued and makes the reader crave for the next person’s story to be developed and put on paper.
The beginning of The Silent Woodsman introduces Ali Ryan, a young woman who is out in the woods searching for some peace in her life. Her twin brother, Liam, is presumed dead and Ali goes to the woods they both truly enjoyed in hopes of feeling something, as she is the one person who does not believe her brother is gone for good. Of course, life and nature intervene and Ali is stuck in the woods during a bad storm. She collapses on the porch of a small cabin, completely lost and suffering from hyperthermia. JJ, the man living in the cabin, takes her in and nurses her back to health as they spend two days learning a bit about each other. JJ is stuck in the cabin recovering from serious surgery which has left him unable to talk so our two characters have to learn what they can about each other through only writing as a form of communication. What Ali does not know at the time is that JJ is actually Joe Bob Blade, a very famous country music singer who is known to all...except, obviously, Ali. At the end of their two days, JJ sends Ali back to her own world as quickly as he can because he finds himself really falling for this girl and knows that his world is not a place for someone as caring and sweet as she is.
Now the story takes us back to reality and we find Ali trying hard to get over the feelings that she developed for her silent caretaker in such a brief period of time, as well as spending time trying to find the right job, the right place to live, and whether or not her brother is truly alive. In JJ’s case, he returns to the world and writes a song about Ali that quickly becomes an overnight hit. But is the song enough to find her and see if all of these feelings that he still has are real and possible in light of his true lifestyle? For these answers my friends, you will have to read the book.
The Silent Woodsman is a well-written story that is enjoyable on so many levels. The main characters are strong and interesting people and it is easy to fall into the story and truly care about what happens to them and route for them to come together in the end. While Ali and JJ are both excellent characters, the supporting cast is outstanding and makes the book come alive. From JJ’s overbearing mother Carrie to his on-again, off-again singing partner and girlfriend Rina to Ali’s best friend Becca and Becca’s new boyfriend, Jean-Louis, just to name a few, there are just tons of great characters and small additional storylines that make the book so much fun to read.
Cat Treadgold’s extremely descriptive writing is such a plus to the story. The way she describes the woods, the cabin, and the city make the reader feel that they are really there. In addition, the story is set in the 1990’s which is a time period where the world was much less reliant on social media and cell phones. The author’s wonderful details such as the characters reading books, listening to the radio, using an actual telephone, and picking up tabloid magazines at the supermarket help bring the story to life. For those of us who were actual adults in the 90’s, it makes it feel a bit like going home.
This is a book that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good romance that is actually a well-written and creative story, and not just a lot of fluff without a lot of substance. The Silent Woodsman is just such a book, which will be enjoyed by many fans of the genre, I am sure. Given such an interesting and enjoyable storyline in this first of the series, I cannot wait to see what this author will produce for the second book in the series.
Quill says: An excellent example of the romance genre, A Silent Woodsman, should be a must on your reading list. While the main characters are excellent and make it worth the time, a book with such an incredibly written supporting cast is one that is absolutely not to be missed.
The beginning of The Silent Woodsman introduces Ali Ryan, a young woman who is out in the woods searching for some peace in her life. Her twin brother, Liam, is presumed dead and Ali goes to the woods they both truly enjoyed in hopes of feeling something, as she is the one person who does not believe her brother is gone for good. Of course, life and nature intervene and Ali is stuck in the woods during a bad storm. She collapses on the porch of a small cabin, completely lost and suffering from hyperthermia. JJ, the man living in the cabin, takes her in and nurses her back to health as they spend two days learning a bit about each other. JJ is stuck in the cabin recovering from serious surgery which has left him unable to talk so our two characters have to learn what they can about each other through only writing as a form of communication. What Ali does not know at the time is that JJ is actually Joe Bob Blade, a very famous country music singer who is known to all...except, obviously, Ali. At the end of their two days, JJ sends Ali back to her own world as quickly as he can because he finds himself really falling for this girl and knows that his world is not a place for someone as caring and sweet as she is.
Now the story takes us back to reality and we find Ali trying hard to get over the feelings that she developed for her silent caretaker in such a brief period of time, as well as spending time trying to find the right job, the right place to live, and whether or not her brother is truly alive. In JJ’s case, he returns to the world and writes a song about Ali that quickly becomes an overnight hit. But is the song enough to find her and see if all of these feelings that he still has are real and possible in light of his true lifestyle? For these answers my friends, you will have to read the book.
The Silent Woodsman is a well-written story that is enjoyable on so many levels. The main characters are strong and interesting people and it is easy to fall into the story and truly care about what happens to them and route for them to come together in the end. While Ali and JJ are both excellent characters, the supporting cast is outstanding and makes the book come alive. From JJ’s overbearing mother Carrie to his on-again, off-again singing partner and girlfriend Rina to Ali’s best friend Becca and Becca’s new boyfriend, Jean-Louis, just to name a few, there are just tons of great characters and small additional storylines that make the book so much fun to read.
Cat Treadgold’s extremely descriptive writing is such a plus to the story. The way she describes the woods, the cabin, and the city make the reader feel that they are really there. In addition, the story is set in the 1990’s which is a time period where the world was much less reliant on social media and cell phones. The author’s wonderful details such as the characters reading books, listening to the radio, using an actual telephone, and picking up tabloid magazines at the supermarket help bring the story to life. For those of us who were actual adults in the 90’s, it makes it feel a bit like going home.
This is a book that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good romance that is actually a well-written and creative story, and not just a lot of fluff without a lot of substance. The Silent Woodsman is just such a book, which will be enjoyed by many fans of the genre, I am sure. Given such an interesting and enjoyable storyline in this first of the series, I cannot wait to see what this author will produce for the second book in the series.
Quill says: An excellent example of the romance genre, A Silent Woodsman, should be a must on your reading list. While the main characters are excellent and make it worth the time, a book with such an incredibly written supporting cast is one that is absolutely not to be missed.
September 12, 2025
Cat Treadgold’s The Silent Woodsman delivers a tender, slow-burn romance wrapped in the lush, rain-soaked mystique of Washington’s Hoh Rain Forest. This is a story about secrets, silence, and the unexpected intimacy that blooms when two people are stripped of pretense—and, in this case, even words.
When country music superstar Joe Bob Blade is sidelined by vocal cord damage, he’s ordered to retreat from fame and remain completely silent. Seeking solitude, he isolates himself in a remote cabin, prepared for quiet and healing—not for an unconscious woman to collapse at his doorstep during a storm. Ali, mysterious and hurting in her own way, becomes an unintentional houseguest. As neither shares their full identity, what follows is an unusual and deeply emotional connection forged through written notes, glances, and shared silences.
Treadgold excels at evoking atmosphere—both in the physical setting and the emotional terrain between her characters. The rain forest isn’t just a backdrop; it mirrors the isolation, healing, and unexpected growth happening within Joe and Ali. The premise of forced silence could easily feel gimmicky, but here it’s handled with thoughtfulness, giving room for reflection and truly unique character interaction.
Joe’s anonymity, while convenient for the plot, also provides a fresh twist on the “celebrity falls for a normal girl” trope. Watching a man used to screaming crowds discover the quiet joy of being seen for who he is—without the fame—is both poignant and charming. Ali, for her part, is no mere love interest; her past is complex, her humor subtle, and her reluctance to trust well-earned.
The Silent Woodsman is a heartfelt, gently dramatic romance with a fresh concept and beautifully drawn characters. It’s about more than love—it’s about rediscovery, the power of quiet connection, and how two days in the wilderness can echo across a lifetime. Treadgold fans and readers who enjoy emotionally rich, character-driven romance with a touch of mystery will find much to savor.
When country music superstar Joe Bob Blade is sidelined by vocal cord damage, he’s ordered to retreat from fame and remain completely silent. Seeking solitude, he isolates himself in a remote cabin, prepared for quiet and healing—not for an unconscious woman to collapse at his doorstep during a storm. Ali, mysterious and hurting in her own way, becomes an unintentional houseguest. As neither shares their full identity, what follows is an unusual and deeply emotional connection forged through written notes, glances, and shared silences.
Treadgold excels at evoking atmosphere—both in the physical setting and the emotional terrain between her characters. The rain forest isn’t just a backdrop; it mirrors the isolation, healing, and unexpected growth happening within Joe and Ali. The premise of forced silence could easily feel gimmicky, but here it’s handled with thoughtfulness, giving room for reflection and truly unique character interaction.
Joe’s anonymity, while convenient for the plot, also provides a fresh twist on the “celebrity falls for a normal girl” trope. Watching a man used to screaming crowds discover the quiet joy of being seen for who he is—without the fame—is both poignant and charming. Ali, for her part, is no mere love interest; her past is complex, her humor subtle, and her reluctance to trust well-earned.
The Silent Woodsman is a heartfelt, gently dramatic romance with a fresh concept and beautifully drawn characters. It’s about more than love—it’s about rediscovery, the power of quiet connection, and how two days in the wilderness can echo across a lifetime. Treadgold fans and readers who enjoy emotionally rich, character-driven romance with a touch of mystery will find much to savor.
August 15, 2023
The Silent Woodsman had me on my toes for quite a while! Almost the whole book I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I kept hoping Ali would find her way back to her woodsman somehow, but man was it hopeless!! Ali was told that her brother was killed in an explosion, but she refuses to believe it. She FEELS that her twin is still alive and out there somewhere. In an attempt to get a sign from him, she goes for a hike in the rainforest. They loved to hike together, so she finds a fitting area to hike. Getting trapped in a sudden storm she seeks shelter in the only random remote cabin around. Fortunately for her JJ (Joe) isn't an ax murderer who has people cut up in the walls! Unfortunately for them both though, JJ can't speak due to his vocal chores healing and being under orders to completely rest his voice. Trapped together for a couple days with only paper and pen, charades, and facial expressions to communicate the two get a little closer. Ali is the main speaker, but JJ keeps his identity a secret and with much regret he never tells her who he is. She leaves back to her life after an unforgettable kiss and he slowly gets back to his own as well. He searches for her, calling every coffee shop he can, but never finds her. She dreams of him, but knows it's hopeless with only knowing his nickname JJ. When she runs into his double she has a spark of hope, but it's quickly dashed away. Can either of them move on? Will they forever pine for the one who got away? There are a few twists that will have you wondering how this book will end, but I don't want to give an hints. Very up and down with the storyline that will keep you guessing. You just have to read it yourself to see how it ends though!! I can't wait to read the 2nd book to the series soon, which is about her twin brother!!
July 24, 2023
This is book 1 in Olympic Peninsula series.
This is a sweet contemporary romance. This is quite a unique story and the author does an amazing job with the characters. You can't help fall in love for them both as you learn their stories.
Joe is a country singer who has been hiding away in a log cabin trying to recover from surgery on his voice. He's been told he can't talk until his voice is healed else he risks losing his singing voice for good.
While he is hiding a young woman appears on the doorstep. She is drenched from the storm so he offers her shelter.
Ali is a young womnen struggling to come to terms with her brothers disappearance and maybe death. She visits the woods trying to connect with him but when the weather turns she finds herself lost and in need of shelter.
When she turns up on the doorstep of Joe's cabin she doesn't know who he is, and when he offers her shelter she takes it. Over 2 days they grow close but what happens when they leave and go back to their own lives?
Will they both be able to move on from each other? What happens when the feelings are too strong to ignore? After over a year will their connection still exist?
This is a moving, heartwarming story which has so many twists and turns you never know what to expect. The connection that was built between Ali and Joe even know he could not communicate with words made it all the more unique as he can only communicate by writing but the connection between them was very strong and felt from every interaction they had. I can't wait to read more.
This is a sweet contemporary romance. This is quite a unique story and the author does an amazing job with the characters. You can't help fall in love for them both as you learn their stories.
Joe is a country singer who has been hiding away in a log cabin trying to recover from surgery on his voice. He's been told he can't talk until his voice is healed else he risks losing his singing voice for good.
While he is hiding a young woman appears on the doorstep. She is drenched from the storm so he offers her shelter.
Ali is a young womnen struggling to come to terms with her brothers disappearance and maybe death. She visits the woods trying to connect with him but when the weather turns she finds herself lost and in need of shelter.
When she turns up on the doorstep of Joe's cabin she doesn't know who he is, and when he offers her shelter she takes it. Over 2 days they grow close but what happens when they leave and go back to their own lives?
Will they both be able to move on from each other? What happens when the feelings are too strong to ignore? After over a year will their connection still exist?
This is a moving, heartwarming story which has so many twists and turns you never know what to expect. The connection that was built between Ali and Joe even know he could not communicate with words made it all the more unique as he can only communicate by writing but the connection between them was very strong and felt from every interaction they had. I can't wait to read more.
July 23, 2023
The Silent Woodsman
By: Cat Treadgold
I was absolutely fascinated by this story. In the beginning I felt it seemed a little far fetched. However, as the story progressed, I truly fell in love with the characters and how Ali was really hoping for everything to work out. I felt like in the beginning Ali seemed very naive but as I kept reading, I realized she had a tough life and really wasn’t very trusting, her time in the cabin in the woods was just an accident. However, there were definite subplots that I loved more and wanted to really find out even more about. Ali’s recurring dream. I love that despite being raised in a foster home Ali had a positive outlook in her life and had definitely worked hard for the things she had. She also had a friend who cared about her whose family cared for her as her own. I couldn’t help but think about how lucky she really was.
JJ was the man in the woods and I really loved his character. He was someone who really wanted a simpler life. I loved that part of what he loved about Ali was that she had no clue who he was. I also related to how there were areas of his life he didn’t feel he had any control over. I loved their overlapping story lines and how they both tried to move on from their time in the woods but they really couldn’t .
I’m glad that this is the start of a new series. I cannot wait to see where the series grows and develops from here! I definitely recommend it!
By: Cat Treadgold
I was absolutely fascinated by this story. In the beginning I felt it seemed a little far fetched. However, as the story progressed, I truly fell in love with the characters and how Ali was really hoping for everything to work out. I felt like in the beginning Ali seemed very naive but as I kept reading, I realized she had a tough life and really wasn’t very trusting, her time in the cabin in the woods was just an accident. However, there were definite subplots that I loved more and wanted to really find out even more about. Ali’s recurring dream. I love that despite being raised in a foster home Ali had a positive outlook in her life and had definitely worked hard for the things she had. She also had a friend who cared about her whose family cared for her as her own. I couldn’t help but think about how lucky she really was.
JJ was the man in the woods and I really loved his character. He was someone who really wanted a simpler life. I loved that part of what he loved about Ali was that she had no clue who he was. I also related to how there were areas of his life he didn’t feel he had any control over. I loved their overlapping story lines and how they both tried to move on from their time in the woods but they really couldn’t .
I’m glad that this is the start of a new series. I cannot wait to see where the series grows and develops from here! I definitely recommend it!
September 8, 2025
Joe Bob is a country music superstar hiding away in the Hoh forest while his vocal chords heal and he isn't allowed to speak, according to his doctor. He has gone to the most remote place he can find to unwind, heal up, and avoid the necessity of having to speak to people and risk his career.
Ali is a woman who is grieving that she was told her twin brother had been killed - but also because she can feel her brother Liam isn't dead. In a desperate attempt to figure out where he is, she decides to hike in the forest, as hiking was a favorite pastime for them to do together and she thinks maybe she will be able to feel him. When a nasty freak storm pops up, Ali runs for the only shelter she can see - Joe Bob's remote cabin.
Lucky for Ali, Joe doesn't turn out to be an axe murderer. In fact, he's sweet and charming, despite his lack of a voice. As for Joe, not only is Ali beautiful and genuine, but she has no idea who he is. It's such a novelty for him that he wants to enjoy it while it lasts. They have a chemistry neither can deny, and enjoy their 2 days together, until it's time to part ways.
The two of them spend 18 months thinking they would forget the other, but neither can get past those two beautiful days. While you can probably figure out the ending of the story, you'd really be missing out to let yourself take the journey to get to know Ali and Joe. Sweet, with the dramas and stages of life woven in that will keep you turning the page.
Ali is a woman who is grieving that she was told her twin brother had been killed - but also because she can feel her brother Liam isn't dead. In a desperate attempt to figure out where he is, she decides to hike in the forest, as hiking was a favorite pastime for them to do together and she thinks maybe she will be able to feel him. When a nasty freak storm pops up, Ali runs for the only shelter she can see - Joe Bob's remote cabin.
Lucky for Ali, Joe doesn't turn out to be an axe murderer. In fact, he's sweet and charming, despite his lack of a voice. As for Joe, not only is Ali beautiful and genuine, but she has no idea who he is. It's such a novelty for him that he wants to enjoy it while it lasts. They have a chemistry neither can deny, and enjoy their 2 days together, until it's time to part ways.
The two of them spend 18 months thinking they would forget the other, but neither can get past those two beautiful days. While you can probably figure out the ending of the story, you'd really be missing out to let yourself take the journey to get to know Ali and Joe. Sweet, with the dramas and stages of life woven in that will keep you turning the page.
September 2, 2025
Cat Treadgold definitely knows how to write a good romance novel! The spice is mostly fade-to-black and hinted at. I was going to rate this book a 5 star, but she wrote the book based in the 90's, and I just didn't get the feel that it was in that time frame. I was expecting more 90's nostalgia, so a slight disappointment there, but otherwise a solid book.
We have two points of view here, and that comes from our main characters, Ali and Joe (JJ).
Ali finds herself almost lost in the woods after trying to "commune" with her brother, who has been missing since his trip to Jerusalem. Most have assumed he is dead, but Ali is holding out hope because he's her twin and she doesn't "feel" that he's dead. The weather turns rainy and cold, and she happens to stumble upon a cabin in the woods.
Joe, or JJ, hears Ali yelling to see if someone is home in the cabin, and he rescues her. He takes care of her for a few days before sending her back on her way. The kicker here is that he cannot speak due to being on vocal rest. He is a famous country singer, but Ali has no idea.
As they get to know each other in the cabin, both develop feelings that they don't act upon. Throughout the rest of the book, we get to see how their lives intertwine and all the funny little incidents that happen here.
I recommend this one. It's a cute little read, and good for a palate cleanser. 4.75/5.
We have two points of view here, and that comes from our main characters, Ali and Joe (JJ).
Ali finds herself almost lost in the woods after trying to "commune" with her brother, who has been missing since his trip to Jerusalem. Most have assumed he is dead, but Ali is holding out hope because he's her twin and she doesn't "feel" that he's dead. The weather turns rainy and cold, and she happens to stumble upon a cabin in the woods.
Joe, or JJ, hears Ali yelling to see if someone is home in the cabin, and he rescues her. He takes care of her for a few days before sending her back on her way. The kicker here is that he cannot speak due to being on vocal rest. He is a famous country singer, but Ali has no idea.
As they get to know each other in the cabin, both develop feelings that they don't act upon. Throughout the rest of the book, we get to see how their lives intertwine and all the funny little incidents that happen here.
I recommend this one. It's a cute little read, and good for a palate cleanser. 4.75/5.
July 18, 2023
The Silent Woodsman is Book One in The Olympic Peninsula Series. It is an unlikely romance story that focuses on the characters of Ali Ryan and Joe Bob Blade. Ali has gone to the woods to seek solace after the loss of her brother. She gets caught in a bad storm and falls on the deck of a cabin in the woods. The owner of the cabin, JJ, takes her in and the two spend the next couple of days getting to know each other. The tricky part is in the fact that they can only communicate by writing because JJ is recovering from a serious surgery. What Ali does not know is that JJ is really a famous country music singer. Over the course of their time together Ali and JJ begin to develop feelings for each other. Unfortunately, they both must return to their lives in the real world. Is there any hope for Ali and Joe Bob to find their way back to one another and have a relationship? This was a beautifully written story that fully immerses the reader in the lives of the main characters of Ali and Joe Bob, while also introducing us to other characters for future stories. The author writes in vivid detail that makes you feel as though you are there in the story along with the characters. This book will pull you in from the beginning and have you hooked until the end.
July 22, 2023
This was a wonderful story. It was sweet, pulled at the heartstrings, expressed independence, and strength. The Silent Woodsman was different from those of the same genre I’ve read in the past. A wealthy man and a not so well off woman, that’s been told in so many different ways. However I liked the story the author told.
Survival seems to be Ali’s middle name. Alone on her life’s journey, after her brother disappeared. She’s strong and independent. She doesn’t let her misfortunes hold her back, she perseveres.
Joe”JJ” is a man that’s never wanted for anything, well maybe his voice. A country music star from a well off family, is hiding away in isolation. Why? To heal. He never expected a beautiful woman would stumble upon his domain. Just one problem: he can't speak to her. He’s intrigued and wants to know more, but how does one ask without speaking? A notebook.
Once returned to civilization though he realized he made a mistake. He never got her full name. How will he find her?
What happens when she shows up under his nose one day? Does he go after her?
The author keeps you guessing, while taking you on a ride. A ride you won’t want to get off of. I know I didn’t. It just makes me look forward to future books in this series.
Survival seems to be Ali’s middle name. Alone on her life’s journey, after her brother disappeared. She’s strong and independent. She doesn’t let her misfortunes hold her back, she perseveres.
Joe”JJ” is a man that’s never wanted for anything, well maybe his voice. A country music star from a well off family, is hiding away in isolation. Why? To heal. He never expected a beautiful woman would stumble upon his domain. Just one problem: he can't speak to her. He’s intrigued and wants to know more, but how does one ask without speaking? A notebook.
Once returned to civilization though he realized he made a mistake. He never got her full name. How will he find her?
What happens when she shows up under his nose one day? Does he go after her?
The author keeps you guessing, while taking you on a ride. A ride you won’t want to get off of. I know I didn’t. It just makes me look forward to future books in this series.
August 12, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was good and enjoyable, however, it felt slow and long-winded. This story takes place before our age of modern technology and everyone having cell phones so the story line actually works well for this time period. Ali is caught in a storm in the Hoh Rainforest and stumbles upon a solitude cabin that JJ(Joe), a famous country singer, is staying at to heal his vocal cords. During this brief encounter, they are connected and drawn towards each other but part ways which leads to the long period of time before they can reconnect.
While the storyline and love story between Ali and Joe was sweet, it was somewhat anticlimactic. I was very hopeful in part 1 of this storyline and breezed right through, excited to follow these two on their path to romance. Part 2 lagged a lot and I became disengaged while Part 3 attempted to reel me back in but I was not fully back into the story and beginning to dislike the BFF Becca and her scrutiny towards Ali's life choices. I enjoy feeling like the characters are real and will continue on long after the final page is read, but this one left me not feeling that joy, rather I was happy to part ways. While the author is a great author, this storyline failed to capture me fully.
This was good and enjoyable, however, it felt slow and long-winded. This story takes place before our age of modern technology and everyone having cell phones so the story line actually works well for this time period. Ali is caught in a storm in the Hoh Rainforest and stumbles upon a solitude cabin that JJ(Joe), a famous country singer, is staying at to heal his vocal cords. During this brief encounter, they are connected and drawn towards each other but part ways which leads to the long period of time before they can reconnect.
While the storyline and love story between Ali and Joe was sweet, it was somewhat anticlimactic. I was very hopeful in part 1 of this storyline and breezed right through, excited to follow these two on their path to romance. Part 2 lagged a lot and I became disengaged while Part 3 attempted to reel me back in but I was not fully back into the story and beginning to dislike the BFF Becca and her scrutiny towards Ali's life choices. I enjoy feeling like the characters are real and will continue on long after the final page is read, but this one left me not feeling that joy, rather I was happy to part ways. While the author is a great author, this storyline failed to capture me fully.
September 12, 2023
We have 2 people that need healing but in different ways and often it’s that “common ground” that brings people together
Ali and her twin brother were orphaned but they were fortunate enough to be taken in by a caring foster family once they were old enough they head on to live their own lives. Ali gets a message that her brother was killed in a bombing but she’s having a hard time believing it because she’s hearing him and feeling him and she heads to Hoh rain forest in hopes of either finding him or a clue as to where to find him , but she meets up with a rainstorm and end up on the doorstep of a cabin ..,,
Said cabin belongs to Joe Bob Blade , famous singer that needs time to heal , he’s not to utter a word and when you’re on your own it’s easy but when you get an unexpected house guest that piques your interest things become a little harder and definitely a lot more interesting 😉
Being stuck together on a cabin with awful weather outside ms not much else to do could lead to steamy moments without real steam I know that sounds confusing but you’ll get it when you read this and once back in reality both have a hard time forgetting each other and will they find they way to each other !?
A different kind of read … a good different ❣️📚😉
Ali and her twin brother were orphaned but they were fortunate enough to be taken in by a caring foster family once they were old enough they head on to live their own lives. Ali gets a message that her brother was killed in a bombing but she’s having a hard time believing it because she’s hearing him and feeling him and she heads to Hoh rain forest in hopes of either finding him or a clue as to where to find him , but she meets up with a rainstorm and end up on the doorstep of a cabin ..,,
Said cabin belongs to Joe Bob Blade , famous singer that needs time to heal , he’s not to utter a word and when you’re on your own it’s easy but when you get an unexpected house guest that piques your interest things become a little harder and definitely a lot more interesting 😉
Being stuck together on a cabin with awful weather outside ms not much else to do could lead to steamy moments without real steam I know that sounds confusing but you’ll get it when you read this and once back in reality both have a hard time forgetting each other and will they find they way to each other !?
A different kind of read … a good different ❣️📚😉
July 14, 2025
Ali is out on a hike trying to get closer to her brother spiritually after learning that he could possibly be dead, but she doesn’t believe it. Then a storm hits and she winds up at a cabin in the middle of the Hoh Rainforest. Joe is hiding out while his vocal chords recover from surgery. He is playing his guitar when a woman stumbles onto his porch soaking wet and faints. Joe warms her up and when she finally wakes they try to get to know each other. He can’t talk so she asks questions and he writes answers. He says his name is JJ because he is a famous singer and he isn’t sure that she isn’t a fan trying to track him down. She stays a few days and then can’t stop thinking about him once she returns to her life. Joe writes a song based on a poem he wrote to Ali to say goodbye but she doesn’t hear it for a long while. She is focused on work, her best friend and her upcoming wedding, trying to figure out if her brother is still alive, and life. Joe has a lot happening in his life and isn’t sure if it isn’t better that Ali didn’t find him. This book takes place over quite a bit of time and a lot of things are happening. I liked the side characters and I love books set in my home state since I know the places they are writing about!
August 17, 2023
Ali Ryan is on a quest to find out what has happened to her twin brother, Liam. She's heard that he was involved in an explosion while in Israel but she keeps hearing his voice (twin telepathy). In an effort to "hear" him better, she goes exploring in the Hoh Rain forest. She's marked her path well but then the weather starts to get dicey and she finds herself standing on the porch of a cabin.
Joe Bob Blade is on vocal rest after having a surgery for the nodes on his vocal chords. He's hoping that by hiding out at the cabin in the woods that he'll get the rest he needs without his adoring fans finding him. Next thing he knows, a "wood nymph" appears on his doorstep and he has to rethink his thoughts on his girlfriend and duet partner, Rina.
This is a fun, romantic read that will have you cheering for different character depending on the situation. There were a few areas where the story dragged but they were short-lived. A great little story that will continue with another O'Connell family member! I'm looking forward to Theresa's story but I think I'm most intrigued by David's story.
Joe Bob Blade is on vocal rest after having a surgery for the nodes on his vocal chords. He's hoping that by hiding out at the cabin in the woods that he'll get the rest he needs without his adoring fans finding him. Next thing he knows, a "wood nymph" appears on his doorstep and he has to rethink his thoughts on his girlfriend and duet partner, Rina.
This is a fun, romantic read that will have you cheering for different character depending on the situation. There were a few areas where the story dragged but they were short-lived. A great little story that will continue with another O'Connell family member! I'm looking forward to Theresa's story but I think I'm most intrigued by David's story.
July 18, 2023
3.5 Stars
The Silent Woodsman is the first book in The Olympic Peninsula series by Cat Treadgold. This appears to be Ms. Treadgold’s debut novel, so I will be keeping an eye out for more of her work in the future.
This is a sweet contemporary romance with a secret identity element, grief, loss, a wilderness rainforest, a might storm, a cozy cabin in the woods, chemistry, connection, and two truly unforgettable days.
Ms. Treadgold has crafted a touching story woven with plenty of emotion and enough angst and drama to keep things interesting. I did feel that the story was a little slow to get going and while the pace did pick up a bit it still tended to lag a bit in places, but then the ‘ending’ seemed to be rushed. I put this down to being a debut novel and it didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
I am interested in seeing what the author has in store for us in ‘The Guardsman” (Book #2)- which is Ali’s twin brother Liam’s story.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Cat Treadgold!
The Silent Woodsman is the first book in The Olympic Peninsula series by Cat Treadgold. This appears to be Ms. Treadgold’s debut novel, so I will be keeping an eye out for more of her work in the future.
This is a sweet contemporary romance with a secret identity element, grief, loss, a wilderness rainforest, a might storm, a cozy cabin in the woods, chemistry, connection, and two truly unforgettable days.
Ms. Treadgold has crafted a touching story woven with plenty of emotion and enough angst and drama to keep things interesting. I did feel that the story was a little slow to get going and while the pace did pick up a bit it still tended to lag a bit in places, but then the ‘ending’ seemed to be rushed. I put this down to being a debut novel and it didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
I am interested in seeing what the author has in store for us in ‘The Guardsman” (Book #2)- which is Ali’s twin brother Liam’s story.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Cat Treadgold!
September 14, 2023
Cat Treadgold is an amazing author, who has a knack for weaving a tale that will have you guessing the outcome at every turn! This romance novel takes place in a small area of Washington state. The beauty that she describes in her book is so breathtaking and so surreal, it's like a paradise where people can go to hide away from the world, which is exactly what country star, Joe, was seeking after having surgery that required him to remain silent. The atmosphere of this entire book was just so realistic, it was as if the author was telling someone's story that she'd been a part of. I love how easily the story flowed, and all the ups and downs. It was exciting, as well as a thrill ride to see who Joe would end up with. The sweet, down-to-earth girl of his dreams, Ali, who happened to stumble upon Joe out of the blue while recovering from his throat surgery, or his on-again-off-again wild ride of a girlfriend who was also his duet partner. The second you start this series; you are not going to want to stop so be prepared to hop on the roller coaster ride this book promises to give, because you won't be disappointed.
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023
September 15, 2025
The Silent Woodsman: A Second Chance Romance Set in the 1990s by Cat Treadgold
5 Star Review
This is the first book in The Olympic Peninsula Series. This is the story musician Joe and damsel in distress, Ali. Ali has no idea that the nice guy that helped her is a famous musician. Joe is staying in a remote cabin in the woods while healing his vocal cords. Ali is wandering through the forest and gets turned around in a storm. When she finds the cabin, she literally falls at Joe’s feet. Both of them keep their identities a secret, and they enjoy spending time, with Joe actually feeling normal for a time. There are wonderful moments in this story, even though they might take a little while to get through. This book has a lot of twists and turns. The writing is clear and easy to read. There’s lots of descriptive details and not a lot of clutter. This book was one that I couldn’t put down. I literally was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Cat Treadgold had a knack for keeping the reader glued to the pages!
5 Star Review
This is the first book in The Olympic Peninsula Series. This is the story musician Joe and damsel in distress, Ali. Ali has no idea that the nice guy that helped her is a famous musician. Joe is staying in a remote cabin in the woods while healing his vocal cords. Ali is wandering through the forest and gets turned around in a storm. When she finds the cabin, she literally falls at Joe’s feet. Both of them keep their identities a secret, and they enjoy spending time, with Joe actually feeling normal for a time. There are wonderful moments in this story, even though they might take a little while to get through. This book has a lot of twists and turns. The writing is clear and easy to read. There’s lots of descriptive details and not a lot of clutter. This book was one that I couldn’t put down. I literally was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Cat Treadgold had a knack for keeping the reader glued to the pages!
July 17, 2023
This is the first in the Olympic Peninsula series focusing on Ali and Joe.
The beginning chapters were very sweet and started the story well. The writing was very descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the rainforest and log cabins. The chemistry builds between Ali and Joe quite well and I began rooting for the couple.
My heart went out to Ali and what she was going through (and what she previously went through) but admired the strength she displayed in surviving and moving forward.
Following the initial chapters, we are shown the pair separately which started well, however I personally felt this went on a little longer than necessary and slowed the pace of the book right down. This did then pick up again in part 2 but then there were a couple of things thrown in which felt a little random. Despite this, the story was still very interesting, and I enjoyed reading.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
The beginning chapters were very sweet and started the story well. The writing was very descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the rainforest and log cabins. The chemistry builds between Ali and Joe quite well and I began rooting for the couple.
My heart went out to Ali and what she was going through (and what she previously went through) but admired the strength she displayed in surviving and moving forward.
Following the initial chapters, we are shown the pair separately which started well, however I personally felt this went on a little longer than necessary and slowed the pace of the book right down. This did then pick up again in part 2 but then there were a couple of things thrown in which felt a little random. Despite this, the story was still very interesting, and I enjoyed reading.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
July 21, 2023
The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold. This is a great contemporary romance. Its the story of country singer Joe Bob who is staying at a cabin in the woods to recover from vocal problems. He's not to utter a word until his vocal cords recover. Ali is trying to find some peace in her life. Ali's twin brother Liam is missing and assumed dead so she is devastated. She goes to the woods that she and Liam loved growing up. What she doesn't expect is a storm to blow up and her to be stuck out in it. When she finally finds a cabin isolated in the woods she falls onto the porch. Joe Bob finds her and takes her in and cares for her. Ali has no clue who Joe Bob is and Joe Bob loves that. They eventually start having feelings for each other and of course romance ensues. For 2 weeks they are together but soon realize they have to go back to their normal lives. Will they be able to stay together or will they drift a part.
August 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this sweet, HEA from Cat Treadgold. JJ is a country music star who is under strict doctor's order not to utter a word in order to heal so he heads to the woods, away from society, to heal and figure some things out. Ali is trying to figure out if her twin is still alive and gets caught in the woods during a storm and has to seek shelter in JJ's cabin. Here's the kicker...Ali has no idea who JJ is and he can't speak so they ride out the storm together. But alas, they are from two different worlds and eventually reality hits and they have to return to them...but can they keep their flame alive? I really enjoyed Treadgold's writing; however, there were times where it was a little slow and I wished the story would just move along. There are many twists and turns in The Silent Woodsman so there's really something for every romance lover. I can't wait to see what Treadgold has in store for the second book in the Olympic Peninsula series.
August 10, 2025
Ali ventures into the forest to feel closer to her brother when a storm arrives she scrambles for shelter to avoid hyperthermia. She finds a cabin off the beaten path and collapses when a woodman opens the door. The woodman does everything to save the young woman from the chill and bring up her core body temperature. When she wakes up, she encounters a sturdy man who can not use his voice so communication is limited. He calls himself simply JJ and shares limited information about his true self. They share a few close days together with a few situations where sparks fly. Once back in the real world, both Ali and JJ struggle with their memories of time in the woods. A romance set in a time before social media and advanced communication devices and famous people could hide out in the woods. The first book in Olympic Peninsula series Treadgold sets the stage for O’Connell siblings who have strained family ties. Will they resolve their squabbles and find their soulmates?
July 31, 2023
The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold, narrated by the author herself, is a distinctive and charming audiobook that leads listeners on an unexpected journey. This audiobook provides a wholly immersive experience thanks to its vivid storytelling and compelling narration.
The protagonist's silence develops into a potent narrative device that enables readers to learn more about the character's feelings and inner struggles.
The story gains depth from Cat Treadgold's masterful narration, which also enhances the mood of the story's woodland setting.
The subtle exploration of more profound themes, such as the value of silence in a noisy world and the impact of human connection, is one thing that distinguishes "The Silent Woodsman" from other books. These introspective components enhance the narrative and take it beyond the level of a straightforward story.
The protagonist's silence develops into a potent narrative device that enables readers to learn more about the character's feelings and inner struggles.
The story gains depth from Cat Treadgold's masterful narration, which also enhances the mood of the story's woodland setting.
The subtle exploration of more profound themes, such as the value of silence in a noisy world and the impact of human connection, is one thing that distinguishes "The Silent Woodsman" from other books. These introspective components enhance the narrative and take it beyond the level of a straightforward story.
September 14, 2025
The first book in The Olympic Peninsula Series, The Silent Woodsman, is a sweet romance filled with angst, drama, music, and a touch of the paranormal. Cat Treadgold introduces a wealth of realistically flawed characters and a whimsical story set in the Pacific Northwest. Joe is a famous country singer recovering from vocal surgery while in a remote forest cabin; Ali is a lone hiker caught in a storm. A charged couple nights in the woods together with Joe unable to talk leads to a connection neither is able to forget. I liked that I could feel Joe and Ali's connection through the page; I could hear and see the sights and sounds of the forest. I felt that some of the story was rushed while other parts were drawn out a little too much. Overall, a great start to a series that I cannot wait to read more of.
July 24, 2023
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading and look forward to seeing what is next for them in the future. I found this book to be well written, engaging and hard to put down. A romance story where two days, one cabin and two people who have a strong attraction. What will fate have in store for them once they are back in their real lives? Will they find themselves gravitating back to each other? I enjoyed watching the chemistry and growth with Ali and Joe. They are great, strong, connectable, engaging characters that made the story easy to read. They had me hoping they would find their HEA for sure. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down and is entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading Ali and Joe’s story for sure. I highly recommend this book.
August 15, 2023
This was a marvelous contemporary romance book, and I am extremely excited for the next in the series! I loved Ali and Joe because their chemistry was palpable, and they were so adorable. I felt like all of the characters were incredibly relatable which made the story much more real to me. The flow of the story was a little bumpy sometimes, so I got pulled out of my groove a bit, but it was pretty minor. I don’t want to give away anything because it caught me off guard a couple times which is always so enjoyable for me! I am looking forward to the second book because I need to have more of this author’s writing in my life. I highly recommend picking this up and going on an adventure in the stormy, isolated cabin!
September 14, 2025
This is the first book in the Olympic Peninsula series. Joe Bob Blade is a country star that just recently under went vocal cord surgery. He is under strict doctor orders not to a word while he is recovering. One night during a storm a hiker by the name of Ali ends up on his cabin's doorstep. Ali's story of hardship draws him in and he is captivated by her beauty. It also helps that she does not recognize him. He keeps his identity a secret. He finds it nice to be treated normally for once. While they both feel an attraction the timing couldn't be worse. Once they are back to civilization they both try to move on with their lives, but they are finding it hard to do. Will they find their way back to on another and give me relationship go?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews