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Hope's Crossing #2
Woodrose Mountain
Evie Blanchard was at the top of her field in the city of angels. But when an emotional year forces her to walk away from her job as a physical therapist, she moves from Los Angeles to Hope's Crossing seeking a quieter life. So the last thing she needs is to get involved with the handsome, arrogant Brodie Thorne and his injured daughter, Taryn.
A self-made man and single dad, Brodie will do anything to get Taryn the rehabilitation she needs...even if it means convincing Evie to move in with them. And despite her vow to keep an emotional distance, Evie can't help but be moved by Taryn's spirit, or Brodie's determination to win her help - and her heart. With laughter, courage and more than a little help from the kindhearted people of Hope's Crossing, Taryn may get the healing she deserves - and Evie and Brodie might just find a love they never knew could exist.
A self-made man and single dad, Brodie will do anything to get Taryn the rehabilitation she needs...even if it means convincing Evie to move in with them. And despite her vow to keep an emotional distance, Evie can't help but be moved by Taryn's spirit, or Brodie's determination to win her help - and her heart. With laughter, courage and more than a little help from the kindhearted people of Hope's Crossing, Taryn may get the healing she deserves - and Evie and Brodie might just find a love they never knew could exist.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2011
886 people are currently reading
2016 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
313 books3,875 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
November 28, 2015
Now that's more like it! I had feared, based on the disappointment with the first in the series, that I wouldn't like these earlier books in Hope's Crossing. This book, book two, thoroughly dispelled that concern. This had everything I like about RaeAnne Thayne's books with the added bonus of some elements that struck very close to home for me on a personal level. It's a shame that you really need to read the first book before this one if only because the events in it play such a pivotal role.
Evie is a good protagonist, but relatively standard. She has some deep-seated heartache from a life she left behind. Thayne does a good job with gradual exposition so that you know her emotional turmoil even as you discover it only slightly ahead of Brodie—so you can see the effects in a way empathetic to both perspectives. I'm not generally a fan of the withdrawal into self to cope with tragedy, but this wasn't unreasonable and you could see Evie's progress towards recovery and being there with her during her healing was engaging. It helps that she isn't a wallower and that her strength was evident from the start.
So Evie was fine, but I was all in for Brodie. This may be due to his background of ADD. He has my kind of ADD and Thayne nailed this in a way that seldom happens in literature. I suspect that she has someone close in her life that has that kind of ADD because she gets it all right, and from an internal perspective that would be nigh impossible without intimate knowledge of the condition. And the very best part of this is how Evie plays into that by being exactly the right kind of person for him and in all the non-obvious ways. It takes a particularly kind of person to weather an ADD spouse, someone capable and self-sustaining who can manage and encourage a steady routine and be able to roll with the inevitable disruptions in creative and supportive ways. I loved seeing Evie and Brodie come together as she gradually penetrates to the man behind the moods.
But don't get me wrong, this isn't an issue novel and Brodie's ADD is mere background. Indeed, it isn't foregrounded more than once or twice and is mostly mentioned in passing. I doubt most people would recognize how much of his character is driven by coping with ADD—it's all just part of his character and flows naturally as it would with any protagonist with a complex personality. Indeed, I may be reading a lot more into it than Thayne actually deliberately put in due to how much I related personally to him and his struggle with his daughter's condition. More important, and more engaging, is his strength in overcoming his anger and despair at his daughter's struggles and being caught as a father with the urge, even need, to protect and repair and being unable to do anything directly about it. He has to rely on Evie and other medical professionals and is merely a spectator as the daughter he loves has to go through emotional and physical pain in managing her own recovery. This shines best in his interactions with Charlie, the boy who carries much of the blame for the accident that changed Taryn's life forever.
I was anxious at first about Charlie's role in the book. It isn't a big role, mind you, though in many ways it's pivotal. Since the events in Blackberry Summer I've wanted to know details of what happened, even as I didn't, really, because stupid teenagers being stupid to the point of tragedy is easy to over-write. Again, Thayne shows mastery in giving exactly the right details and humanity with just the right amount of information, but more importantly letting it carry its own emotional weight without undue or unearned drama. I was surprised to find myself enjoying, even anticipating these elements and the interplay with Taryn, Evie, Charlie and Brodie.
So yeah, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's my favorite Thayne so far and may carry that spot forever. Brodie is just so my jam and he and Evie are so perfect together I've been basking in the glow of finishing a good book for hours.
Evie is a good protagonist, but relatively standard. She has some deep-seated heartache from a life she left behind. Thayne does a good job with gradual exposition so that you know her emotional turmoil even as you discover it only slightly ahead of Brodie—so you can see the effects in a way empathetic to both perspectives. I'm not generally a fan of the withdrawal into self to cope with tragedy, but this wasn't unreasonable and you could see Evie's progress towards recovery and being there with her during her healing was engaging. It helps that she isn't a wallower and that her strength was evident from the start.
So Evie was fine, but I was all in for Brodie. This may be due to his background of ADD. He has my kind of ADD and Thayne nailed this in a way that seldom happens in literature. I suspect that she has someone close in her life that has that kind of ADD because she gets it all right, and from an internal perspective that would be nigh impossible without intimate knowledge of the condition. And the very best part of this is how Evie plays into that by being exactly the right kind of person for him and in all the non-obvious ways. It takes a particularly kind of person to weather an ADD spouse, someone capable and self-sustaining who can manage and encourage a steady routine and be able to roll with the inevitable disruptions in creative and supportive ways. I loved seeing Evie and Brodie come together as she gradually penetrates to the man behind the moods.
But don't get me wrong, this isn't an issue novel and Brodie's ADD is mere background. Indeed, it isn't foregrounded more than once or twice and is mostly mentioned in passing. I doubt most people would recognize how much of his character is driven by coping with ADD—it's all just part of his character and flows naturally as it would with any protagonist with a complex personality. Indeed, I may be reading a lot more into it than Thayne actually deliberately put in due to how much I related personally to him and his struggle with his daughter's condition. More important, and more engaging, is his strength in overcoming his anger and despair at his daughter's struggles and being caught as a father with the urge, even need, to protect and repair and being unable to do anything directly about it. He has to rely on Evie and other medical professionals and is merely a spectator as the daughter he loves has to go through emotional and physical pain in managing her own recovery. This shines best in his interactions with Charlie, the boy who carries much of the blame for the accident that changed Taryn's life forever.
I was anxious at first about Charlie's role in the book. It isn't a big role, mind you, though in many ways it's pivotal. Since the events in Blackberry Summer I've wanted to know details of what happened, even as I didn't, really, because stupid teenagers being stupid to the point of tragedy is easy to over-write. Again, Thayne shows mastery in giving exactly the right details and humanity with just the right amount of information, but more importantly letting it carry its own emotional weight without undue or unearned drama. I was surprised to find myself enjoying, even anticipating these elements and the interplay with Taryn, Evie, Charlie and Brodie.
So yeah, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's my favorite Thayne so far and may carry that spot forever. Brodie is just so my jam and he and Evie are so perfect together I've been basking in the glow of finishing a good book for hours.
March 9, 2012
If you are a sap like me you may need a couple of tissues. There are some really tear jerking spots in the book. Nothing horrifying, I promise. The book is well written, you get a good feel of the characters. Well rounded characters I guess you could say.
The plot has three main characters. Evie, currently a beading jewelry artist. However, two years ago she had a career as a physical therapist. Taryn, an accident survivor, and lastly her father Brodie, a successful business man. Evie and Brodie’s mother Katherine are friends. Katherine knows of Evie’s lamentable past as a physical therapist and suggests her to her son, Brodie. Brodie seeing that she really is one of the best in her field agrees with his mother and they talk Evie into setting Taryn’s therapy up. Much to her chagrin she agrees to help with Taryn in the interim, until a capable full-time physical therapist can be hired.
The car accident that Taryn was involved in left her severely injured. Suffering from brain damage she has to learn how to talk, walk, feed herself, and just generally move around all over again. Being a 15 year old girl doesn’t help matters either. She was in the vehicle with several other students that had been out carousing and instead of pulling over for the sheriff, they tried to get away and that is how the accident came about. Taryn was in a coma for a couple months and finally regain consciousness. Layla ended up being killed in the accident and the driver Charlie and two others of the five kids walked away with minimal injuries. The whole town blames Charlie for the death and Taryn’s affliction.
Evie works with Taryn and starts to become attached to her and Brodie. Which is what she did not want to happen. She is afraid of getting too close and being hurt again, like she had two years ago. Brodie finds himself drawn to Taryn. Her kindness and selflessness are just the beginning of what attracts him. He finds that she calms him and helps him enjoy life in a more carefree way. And of course I left all the juicies out, so if you want to find out what happens between Evie and Brodie, how things fair with Taryn, go out and pick up your own copy!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance.
The plot has three main characters. Evie, currently a beading jewelry artist. However, two years ago she had a career as a physical therapist. Taryn, an accident survivor, and lastly her father Brodie, a successful business man. Evie and Brodie’s mother Katherine are friends. Katherine knows of Evie’s lamentable past as a physical therapist and suggests her to her son, Brodie. Brodie seeing that she really is one of the best in her field agrees with his mother and they talk Evie into setting Taryn’s therapy up. Much to her chagrin she agrees to help with Taryn in the interim, until a capable full-time physical therapist can be hired.
The car accident that Taryn was involved in left her severely injured. Suffering from brain damage she has to learn how to talk, walk, feed herself, and just generally move around all over again. Being a 15 year old girl doesn’t help matters either. She was in the vehicle with several other students that had been out carousing and instead of pulling over for the sheriff, they tried to get away and that is how the accident came about. Taryn was in a coma for a couple months and finally regain consciousness. Layla ended up being killed in the accident and the driver Charlie and two others of the five kids walked away with minimal injuries. The whole town blames Charlie for the death and Taryn’s affliction.
Evie works with Taryn and starts to become attached to her and Brodie. Which is what she did not want to happen. She is afraid of getting too close and being hurt again, like she had two years ago. Brodie finds himself drawn to Taryn. Her kindness and selflessness are just the beginning of what attracts him. He finds that she calms him and helps him enjoy life in a more carefree way. And of course I left all the juicies out, so if you want to find out what happens between Evie and Brodie, how things fair with Taryn, go out and pick up your own copy!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance.
July 1, 2018
2.5 stars, 1.5 heat
First I liked a lot of Woodrose Mountain. But then I had a struggle with one element that took things from a 3.5/4 down to a 2.5
The Gist: Brodie's daughter was in a car crash that left her with both brain and physical injuries and she's in need of a physical therapist to help her recovery at home. There's one person perfect for the job-- Evie. Problem is the two can't stand each other and, well, she's given up work as a PT due to a traumatic experience.
Okay so the good.
Overall I liked Brodie and Evie. She's more colorful and outgoing. Free with her feelings and affections. He's more buttoned up and businesslike. But with a good heart under his somewhat cold exterior. They were good in their opposites. I liked seeing them overcome their preconceived notions about the other. And just seeing how caring and dedicated both were when it came to his daughter.
I liked the set up of her working on PT with the daughter. It was hard and not always pretty but it twas touching and inspiring.
The romance is very slow burn and understated. Really it takes a huge backseat to the PT sessions and dealing with an angry teen who's severely injured/limited. There's hints and peeks at attraction, a little kissing when they get overcome. But it's all secondary. It wasn't bad, though. It was nice seeing them slowly learn more about each other.
My issues.
The series revolves around a group of teenagers that were robbing local stores/vacation homes/drinking and caused a car crash that injured multiple people and killed one of the teens. It's a hard set up. But my issue was everyone in town blamed the 16 year old driver. It was ALL his fault. The crash, the robberies. Everyone wanted him strung up and sent to prison for forever. Turned him into a pariah. There's never mention of any of the other teens taking any blame. The one who died is turned basically into a saint. Everyone has sympathy and wants to do things for the one who's injured.
Now. I'm not saying the teenage boy didn't deserve some punishment. He absolutely did for his part in things. But it would have been nice for people to make the other teens take some responsibility. Instead they were made out to be innocent victims of the teenage boy.
SPOILER
That irked me so bad! Yes, she was injured in the incident but really? REALLY? Talk about putting the full blame on the wrong person and sticking to it even when everything is revealed. So that took the rating down because it just made me so mad.
First I liked a lot of Woodrose Mountain. But then I had a struggle with one element that took things from a 3.5/4 down to a 2.5
The Gist: Brodie's daughter was in a car crash that left her with both brain and physical injuries and she's in need of a physical therapist to help her recovery at home. There's one person perfect for the job-- Evie. Problem is the two can't stand each other and, well, she's given up work as a PT due to a traumatic experience.
Okay so the good.
Overall I liked Brodie and Evie. She's more colorful and outgoing. Free with her feelings and affections. He's more buttoned up and businesslike. But with a good heart under his somewhat cold exterior. They were good in their opposites. I liked seeing them overcome their preconceived notions about the other. And just seeing how caring and dedicated both were when it came to his daughter.
I liked the set up of her working on PT with the daughter. It was hard and not always pretty but it twas touching and inspiring.
The romance is very slow burn and understated. Really it takes a huge backseat to the PT sessions and dealing with an angry teen who's severely injured/limited. There's hints and peeks at attraction, a little kissing when they get overcome. But it's all secondary. It wasn't bad, though. It was nice seeing them slowly learn more about each other.
My issues.
The series revolves around a group of teenagers that were robbing local stores/vacation homes/drinking and caused a car crash that injured multiple people and killed one of the teens. It's a hard set up. But my issue was everyone in town blamed the 16 year old driver. It was ALL his fault. The crash, the robberies. Everyone wanted him strung up and sent to prison for forever. Turned him into a pariah. There's never mention of any of the other teens taking any blame. The one who died is turned basically into a saint. Everyone has sympathy and wants to do things for the one who's injured.
Now. I'm not saying the teenage boy didn't deserve some punishment. He absolutely did for his part in things. But it would have been nice for people to make the other teens take some responsibility. Instead they were made out to be innocent victims of the teenage boy.
SPOILER
That irked me so bad! Yes, she was injured in the incident but really? REALLY? Talk about putting the full blame on the wrong person and sticking to it even when everything is revealed. So that took the rating down because it just made me so mad.
June 13, 2012
This is a sweet story about redemption, forgiveness, healing and love. As a fan of these types of romances I am happy to say that this is the perfect read for a stormy night. I was able to forget about the storm around me and come to love the people of Hope’s Crossing.
Woodrose Mountain is about a woman named Evie who after a personal crisis leaves her job as a physical therapist and becomes a beader in the small town of Hope’s Crossing. It is there she meets Brodie who desperately needs her help as a physical therapist. His daughter Taryn had been in a car accident that claimed the life of one of her friends and almost claimed hers. With Evie’s help, Brodie hopes that one day his daughter will one able to walk and talk like she used to.
This captivating story drew me in and by the end of the book and I had laughed and cried. It wasn’t until after I had started reading Woodrose Mountain did I find out it is actually the send one in a series. I found this book to be perfect as a standalone but because I enjoyed it so much I will be reading the first one as soon as I can.
Woodrose Mountain is about a woman named Evie who after a personal crisis leaves her job as a physical therapist and becomes a beader in the small town of Hope’s Crossing. It is there she meets Brodie who desperately needs her help as a physical therapist. His daughter Taryn had been in a car accident that claimed the life of one of her friends and almost claimed hers. With Evie’s help, Brodie hopes that one day his daughter will one able to walk and talk like she used to.
This captivating story drew me in and by the end of the book and I had laughed and cried. It wasn’t until after I had started reading Woodrose Mountain did I find out it is actually the send one in a series. I found this book to be perfect as a standalone but because I enjoyed it so much I will be reading the first one as soon as I can.
June 19, 2013
Looks like a cute small town romance, but parts of it are a little dark. I liked the romance, though I wish more time had been spent on it. There just wasn't enough Evie and Brody together to make their love fully satisfying. Though I really liked their scenes together. And moving from their misconceptions of each other to appreciating and loving their differences. I also liked them individually. Though I do wish Evie hadn't caved to the emotional blackmail. It bothered me that Katharine, who knew why she shouldn't subject herself to the PT job still pushed when she wasn't the only option.
This book is basically the epitome of my "why-i-am-never-having-children" shelf. It's like a how-to on raising bratty, menace-to-society teenagers. All the parents make excuses for their shitty behavior and choices. Most weren't made to account for their actions (and I get Taryn suffered terribly for her crimes but what the hell good is telling her she bears no blame, etc.? She does. And while her suffering taught her a lesson on reckless, criminal choices, her unhinged response to what was a simple – and warranted – punishment definitely still needed to be discussed). Really by the end of the book the kids were showing more maturity and responsibility admitting to their wrongdoing while their parents were still trying to shield them. Okay, and call me an asshole, but . Ugh, seriously, this is why I don't read YA. I have a severely low tolerance for teenage bullshit and there was too much in this book. Some people hate babies and little kids in their romance. I generally have no problem with them – even love the trope most times – but teenagers? No. Just ruins all the fun, sexy, and romance.
That said Brody and Evie could be cute about Taryn. And she was okay when she wasn't being a brat. I could feel bad for her struggle. I know I've complained a lot but there was something about the writing and story I did enjoy so, 3 stars. Would have been 3.5 or four were it not for what didn't work for me.
This book is basically the epitome of my "why-i-am-never-having-children" shelf. It's like a how-to on raising bratty, menace-to-society teenagers. All the parents make excuses for their shitty behavior and choices. Most weren't made to account for their actions (and I get Taryn suffered terribly for her crimes but what the hell good is telling her she bears no blame, etc.? She does. And while her suffering taught her a lesson on reckless, criminal choices, her unhinged response to what was a simple – and warranted – punishment definitely still needed to be discussed). Really by the end of the book the kids were showing more maturity and responsibility admitting to their wrongdoing while their parents were still trying to shield them. Okay, and call me an asshole, but . Ugh, seriously, this is why I don't read YA. I have a severely low tolerance for teenage bullshit and there was too much in this book. Some people hate babies and little kids in their romance. I generally have no problem with them – even love the trope most times – but teenagers? No. Just ruins all the fun, sexy, and romance.
That said Brody and Evie could be cute about Taryn. And she was okay when she wasn't being a brat. I could feel bad for her struggle. I know I've complained a lot but there was something about the writing and story I did enjoy so, 3 stars. Would have been 3.5 or four were it not for what didn't work for me.
August 24, 2013
Woodrose Mountain by RaeAnne Thayne is a HQN publication and was released in March of 2012. This is the second book in the Hope's Crossing series.
Evie has moved from L.A. to Hope's Crossing after a terrible blow. She was a physical therapist and now her heart just isn't in it anymore.
She now host arts and crafts fairs and does bead work in her little store. But, a terrible car accident involving a car load of teenagers and drunk driving has left Hope's Crossing in mourning. One girl is dead and another girl, Taryn, was left in a coma.
The town's most influential and wealthy family is trying to protect their son, the driver of the vehicle, from going to jail.
Taryn's father, Brodie, is not Evie's favorite person. But, Taryn's grandmother is a close friend. So, when Taryn comes out her coma and needs extensive physical therapy, Evie is asked to help out.
At first she refuses out right. But, a deal is made that Evie will work with Taryn until a replacement can be found.
No matter how hard Evie tries to maintain a distance from Taryn and Brodie, she still winds up emotionally involved. Taryn is a difficult patient and Brodie is too good looking for his own good.
Evie hates every day she has to be in Brodie's home working with Taryn and looks forward to the day when she can return to her beadwork and the store.
But, when the driver of the vehicle, Charlie, begins to visit Taryn, true healing begins to take place for Taryn and Charlie. But, will the town, the law, and most importantly, Brodie, be able to accept the good that Charlie is trying to do and will anyone ever really listen to Taryn as she tries to explain what really happened the night of the accident?
In the meantime, Brodie and Evie struggle with the feelings they have for each other. Can Evie let go of her fears and allow herself to take the risk of falling in love and starting a relationship with Brodie?
This is an emotional story. So many lives were disrupted and forever changed by the accident. Taryn's life of an active, popular teenager is over. She has scars and can't walk and may never come out of her wheel chair. Seeing your daughter in that condition would be very hard on a parent. Bitterness toward Charlie is Brodie's way of coping. Evie's trying to cope with her emotions while working with Taryn. The memories of why she walked away from her career is never far from her thoughts. Taryn's guilt and frustration is palpable. While at times she appears petulant and downright spoiled, she is dealing a lot and despite her being difficult, she is a teenager and never had the chance to deal with the emotional trauma of losing one her friends and the impact the accident has had on the lives of everyone in Hope's Crossing.
Hard work and compromise will have to take place before people will be able to move forward with their lives. The story is uplifting as the teens take responsibility for their actions and lead the adults toward forgiveness and peace and healing.
The story is paced to show slow progress and not some overnight miracle. The author does a good job of giving the reader a view of all sides to the story. This is a good series, probably appealing to readers of Women's Fiction. It is a romance, but not of the very steamy variety.
Overall this one gets an A.
Thank to the publisher and Edelweiss for the DRC of this book.
Evie has moved from L.A. to Hope's Crossing after a terrible blow. She was a physical therapist and now her heart just isn't in it anymore.
She now host arts and crafts fairs and does bead work in her little store. But, a terrible car accident involving a car load of teenagers and drunk driving has left Hope's Crossing in mourning. One girl is dead and another girl, Taryn, was left in a coma.
The town's most influential and wealthy family is trying to protect their son, the driver of the vehicle, from going to jail.
Taryn's father, Brodie, is not Evie's favorite person. But, Taryn's grandmother is a close friend. So, when Taryn comes out her coma and needs extensive physical therapy, Evie is asked to help out.
At first she refuses out right. But, a deal is made that Evie will work with Taryn until a replacement can be found.
No matter how hard Evie tries to maintain a distance from Taryn and Brodie, she still winds up emotionally involved. Taryn is a difficult patient and Brodie is too good looking for his own good.
Evie hates every day she has to be in Brodie's home working with Taryn and looks forward to the day when she can return to her beadwork and the store.
But, when the driver of the vehicle, Charlie, begins to visit Taryn, true healing begins to take place for Taryn and Charlie. But, will the town, the law, and most importantly, Brodie, be able to accept the good that Charlie is trying to do and will anyone ever really listen to Taryn as she tries to explain what really happened the night of the accident?
In the meantime, Brodie and Evie struggle with the feelings they have for each other. Can Evie let go of her fears and allow herself to take the risk of falling in love and starting a relationship with Brodie?
This is an emotional story. So many lives were disrupted and forever changed by the accident. Taryn's life of an active, popular teenager is over. She has scars and can't walk and may never come out of her wheel chair. Seeing your daughter in that condition would be very hard on a parent. Bitterness toward Charlie is Brodie's way of coping. Evie's trying to cope with her emotions while working with Taryn. The memories of why she walked away from her career is never far from her thoughts. Taryn's guilt and frustration is palpable. While at times she appears petulant and downright spoiled, she is dealing a lot and despite her being difficult, she is a teenager and never had the chance to deal with the emotional trauma of losing one her friends and the impact the accident has had on the lives of everyone in Hope's Crossing.
Hard work and compromise will have to take place before people will be able to move forward with their lives. The story is uplifting as the teens take responsibility for their actions and lead the adults toward forgiveness and peace and healing.
The story is paced to show slow progress and not some overnight miracle. The author does a good job of giving the reader a view of all sides to the story. This is a good series, probably appealing to readers of Women's Fiction. It is a romance, but not of the very steamy variety.
Overall this one gets an A.
Thank to the publisher and Edelweiss for the DRC of this book.
October 24, 2020
I liked that this wasn't just a romance but also about a teen getting back on track by physical therapy by the main character after a car crash. The love was cute to read about.
June 26, 2018
A very sweet story of tragedy, love and ultimately forgiveness. I just had a bit of a problem liking Evie (the main character) at times.
September 9, 2022
Woodrose Mountain is a book that I have been meaning to read, I have only read a couple books from this series so far, but I was randomly browsing my libraries catalog and the cover just made such an impression. I was so intrigued to see what this book would have, but as always RaeAnne Thayne never disappoints and she definitely satisfied me with this piece of work. I will say that her books now are fade to black/closed door, so if you struggle with that or need more steam, I don't recommend them. She writes a little chemistry build up but there isn't much more than that, so fair warning.
The story starts off with our hero, whose daughter was in a accident and she suffered a brain injury and he wants to bring her home and so he goes to the one person that lives in the area that has returned to Hope's Crossing to get her help with the rehabilitation of his daughter and help her recover. At first, Evie refuses as she is still healing from a trauma of losing her daughter, but through a set of events, reluctantly agrees. She slowly works her way into the Thorne household and falling in love with both the daughter and father while also helping the town to heal. But the journey is an emotional one.
There was such a beautiful journey in seeing this family truly come together and man my heart when everything is revealed. I really felt for the daughter and what she went through but also her friend whom the town blames for everything when there is much more to the story that people know. I really loved seeing how everything gets resolved in the end. The romance is poignant and sweet but slow built. I really enjoyed the relationship that Evie builds with both the father and the daughter. The setting was so picturesque for Autumn and just seemed like the perfect book to kick off my Autumn reading with! The only issue I had is with the heroine. Even though in the beginning we don't know about her daughter, I struggled with her because of how cold and unfeeling she seemed to be toward the father and his daughter. Even if she was rejecting the offer, she could have been kinder about it.
Overall I found this story to be a solid delightful read that worked my emotions in all the ways that RaeAnne Thayne does best!
The story starts off with our hero, whose daughter was in a accident and she suffered a brain injury and he wants to bring her home and so he goes to the one person that lives in the area that has returned to Hope's Crossing to get her help with the rehabilitation of his daughter and help her recover. At first, Evie refuses as she is still healing from a trauma of losing her daughter, but through a set of events, reluctantly agrees. She slowly works her way into the Thorne household and falling in love with both the daughter and father while also helping the town to heal. But the journey is an emotional one.
There was such a beautiful journey in seeing this family truly come together and man my heart when everything is revealed. I really felt for the daughter and what she went through but also her friend whom the town blames for everything when there is much more to the story that people know. I really loved seeing how everything gets resolved in the end. The romance is poignant and sweet but slow built. I really enjoyed the relationship that Evie builds with both the father and the daughter. The setting was so picturesque for Autumn and just seemed like the perfect book to kick off my Autumn reading with! The only issue I had is with the heroine. Even though in the beginning we don't know about her daughter, I struggled with her because of how cold and unfeeling she seemed to be toward the father and his daughter. Even if she was rejecting the offer, she could have been kinder about it.
Overall I found this story to be a solid delightful read that worked my emotions in all the ways that RaeAnne Thayne does best!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2021
a sweet read
January 16, 2016
We met Evie Blanchard in the first book of the series Blackberry Summer. She works for Claire in the bead shop but before she came to Hope's Crossing she lived in Los Angeles and was a very successful physical therapist. After a very emotional year there she sought refuge in the relaxed pace of Hope's Crossing. She is shocked when her friend Katherine who knows her history asks her to help with her granddaughter Taryn's rehabilitation. Taryn was injured in a accident the shook up the whole town. Evie was able to turn down dad Brodie's request when he asked her to help but there was no way she could turn down his mom.
Brodie is a single dad that will do anything he can to help his daughter recuperate and is happy when Evie agrees to at least get things set up and started. She is immediately drawn in by Taryn's spirit and realizes the she can help her. The feelings that she is starting to feel for Brodie are the last thing she needs.
With some help for her friends Taryn starts to make strides in her recovery and Evie and Brodie are on a path to find a love neither of them expected.
Dollycas's Thoughts
This book hit me on a very personal level. Many of you know my story. I was in a accident back in 2001 that has left my right side paralyzed. I spent 75 days in the hospital and then another year in outpatient therapy. I was privileged to work with some awesome physical and occupational therapists. Thankfully my brain and speech was not affected like Taryn, but it was a long road and while I can walk very short distances, any trips outside of our home require a wheelchair and learning to do things left-handed and one-handed has been a journey I would not wish on anyone. My prognosis wasn't that good and there have been bumps along the way but each day I wake up is a gift.
Because of what I went through Taryn's story rings true. Her depression, her anger, her temper, are all things just like I experienced as well as the joy she felt when a goal is reached. The therapist's push you beyond what you think you can do. That's what Evie did for Taryn.
Yes, this a romance novel, and the romance was engaging. Like the first book in the series the characters and their relationships with each other is wonderful. Hope's Crossing seems like a great place to live. The author has created a place I want to visit again and again. But it was Taryn's story of strength and drive and doing the right thing in the end that made me absolutely love this book.
Brodie is a single dad that will do anything he can to help his daughter recuperate and is happy when Evie agrees to at least get things set up and started. She is immediately drawn in by Taryn's spirit and realizes the she can help her. The feelings that she is starting to feel for Brodie are the last thing she needs.
With some help for her friends Taryn starts to make strides in her recovery and Evie and Brodie are on a path to find a love neither of them expected.
Dollycas's Thoughts
This book hit me on a very personal level. Many of you know my story. I was in a accident back in 2001 that has left my right side paralyzed. I spent 75 days in the hospital and then another year in outpatient therapy. I was privileged to work with some awesome physical and occupational therapists. Thankfully my brain and speech was not affected like Taryn, but it was a long road and while I can walk very short distances, any trips outside of our home require a wheelchair and learning to do things left-handed and one-handed has been a journey I would not wish on anyone. My prognosis wasn't that good and there have been bumps along the way but each day I wake up is a gift.
Because of what I went through Taryn's story rings true. Her depression, her anger, her temper, are all things just like I experienced as well as the joy she felt when a goal is reached. The therapist's push you beyond what you think you can do. That's what Evie did for Taryn.
Yes, this a romance novel, and the romance was engaging. Like the first book in the series the characters and their relationships with each other is wonderful. Hope's Crossing seems like a great place to live. The author has created a place I want to visit again and again. But it was Taryn's story of strength and drive and doing the right thing in the end that made me absolutely love this book.
February 22, 2022
The book started off strong, I loved the setting and the plot of assisting a disabled girl post-accident was initially interesting--but it fell apart for me very quickly.
There's a lot of telling vs. showing, and it felt like the author was afraid to explore real conflict between the characters. For example, Taryn throws a weight at Evie--something I honestly wouldn't expect a 15-year-old girl to do--and there's no real consequences for it, i.e. Evie going to the hospital for a serious injury, Brodie becoming furious and severely punishing his daughter, perhaps causing a rift between them and Taryn's depression deepening...this incident just gets glossed over within a few pages. Or when Brodie comes home and discovers Charlie at their house, I expected he and Evie to have a blow-out argument. Instead, she explains her actions and he basically says "okay fine." Where is the supposedly stubborn Brodie, or the supposedly fiery Evie? Though the narrator insists that Evie/Brodie initially intensely dislike each other, we never actually explore that beyond vague references to disagreements at city council meetings--and they realize their mutual attraction WAYYYY too quickly for me to believe there was any believable friction between them at all.
The action was often interrupted by characters, again, telling us what they feel instead of showing us how they feel. Brodie and Evie's inner thoughts about each other ("she wanted to kiss him" "he wanted to kiss her") quickly became repetitive and boring. Taryn's confession at the court hearing, and the reveal that Charlie was a good deal less responsible for the tragedy than we thought, fell flat for me; we never get to see the community's reaction to this complicated news.
I give it two stars because the setting, prose, imagery were solid--but I really did not enjoy this book. This could have been a much more hard-hitting story, but it pulled its punches every step of the way.
There's a lot of telling vs. showing, and it felt like the author was afraid to explore real conflict between the characters. For example, Taryn throws a weight at Evie--something I honestly wouldn't expect a 15-year-old girl to do--and there's no real consequences for it, i.e. Evie going to the hospital for a serious injury, Brodie becoming furious and severely punishing his daughter, perhaps causing a rift between them and Taryn's depression deepening...this incident just gets glossed over within a few pages. Or when Brodie comes home and discovers Charlie at their house, I expected he and Evie to have a blow-out argument. Instead, she explains her actions and he basically says "okay fine." Where is the supposedly stubborn Brodie, or the supposedly fiery Evie? Though the narrator insists that Evie/Brodie initially intensely dislike each other, we never actually explore that beyond vague references to disagreements at city council meetings--and they realize their mutual attraction WAYYYY too quickly for me to believe there was any believable friction between them at all.
The action was often interrupted by characters, again, telling us what they feel instead of showing us how they feel. Brodie and Evie's inner thoughts about each other ("she wanted to kiss him" "he wanted to kiss her") quickly became repetitive and boring. Taryn's confession at the court hearing, and the reveal that Charlie was a good deal less responsible for the tragedy than we thought, fell flat for me; we never get to see the community's reaction to this complicated news.
I give it two stars because the setting, prose, imagery were solid--but I really did not enjoy this book. This could have been a much more hard-hitting story, but it pulled its punches every step of the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2014
Forgiveness, redemption and giving back to others to help deal with your own troubles are the underlying themes of this second light romance in the Hope's Crossing series by RaeAnne Thayne.
Evie Blanchard works in the beading store with Claire (from BLACKBERRY SUMMER) but she's actually a physical therapist. A tragedy in her past has caused her to forgo that path for her own emotional security. But when single dad, Brodie, begs her to take over his 15 year old daughter, Taryn's therapy, Evie is torn in making a decision. Taryn was almost killed in an accident that did kill one of Evie's friend's daughter, and Taryn is her best friend's granddaughter, so she relents and agrees to help until they find another therapist. Hearts and emotions of many people are affected by Taryn and her struggle with guilt and recuperation, including her dad and Evie.
I really enjoyed this light romance with underlying themes that relate to so many different people. The "Angel of Hope" again appears in this book, which I appreciate as a grand idea for any community. The romance is nicely done without any overdone sex scenes. The writing is terrific and flows nicely with a group of endearing characters. Definitely will continue with this series!
Evie Blanchard works in the beading store with Claire (from BLACKBERRY SUMMER) but she's actually a physical therapist. A tragedy in her past has caused her to forgo that path for her own emotional security. But when single dad, Brodie, begs her to take over his 15 year old daughter, Taryn's therapy, Evie is torn in making a decision. Taryn was almost killed in an accident that did kill one of Evie's friend's daughter, and Taryn is her best friend's granddaughter, so she relents and agrees to help until they find another therapist. Hearts and emotions of many people are affected by Taryn and her struggle with guilt and recuperation, including her dad and Evie.
I really enjoyed this light romance with underlying themes that relate to so many different people. The "Angel of Hope" again appears in this book, which I appreciate as a grand idea for any community. The romance is nicely done without any overdone sex scenes. The writing is terrific and flows nicely with a group of endearing characters. Definitely will continue with this series!
October 2, 2021
Evie Blanchard is a physical therapist. She moved to Hope's Crossing after having a loss with one of her patient's that just made her lose her interest and purpose to be a therapist.
She has a career at a beading shop.
However, Brodie Thorne has a daughter that needs her help and Evie is one of the best in the business
when it comes to physical therapy.
Evie has also sworn off of relationships, they just don't work out for her.
But Brodie and Taryn, his daughter, seem to find a way to get through those barriers that Evie has put up.
They all learn a lot along the way.
She has a career at a beading shop.
However, Brodie Thorne has a daughter that needs her help and Evie is one of the best in the business
when it comes to physical therapy.
Evie has also sworn off of relationships, they just don't work out for her.
But Brodie and Taryn, his daughter, seem to find a way to get through those barriers that Evie has put up.
They all learn a lot along the way.
July 8, 2022
The main story deals with a teen severely injured in an alcohol related car crash that had a fatality. An occupational therapist who has set aside her career due to her own traumatic issues is manipulated into working with the brain injured teen while other therapists are sought out. It was an interesting novel in that the girls father had ADHD which made it much more difficult for him to deal with some of the emotional impacts of his daughters accident. It shows how a whole community is impacted by the trauma of the event and the story includes some possible suicidal ideation.
January 23, 2021
I liked this book much better. The characters were more fully developed and it’s another heartwarming small town story.
May 13, 2022
Repetitive and boring.
November 10, 2025
Another book in a cute romance series for when you don’t want to think too hard and just need a happily ever after.
February 7, 2022
Actually a reread but still enjoyable
June 21, 2014
Very emotional book. Evie left Los Angeles and her job as a physical therapist when the emotions involved in one of her cases got too hard to handle. She came to Hope's Crossing at the urging of a friend and has found a sense of peace while she works at the local bead store. She has put her life as a physical therapist behind her until Brodie comes to her asking for help with his daughter. Taryn was in a terrible accident that left her unable to move or speak easily, and has been refusing to cooperate in therapy. Brodie is desperate and will do anything he can to convince Evie to help.
Evie tries hard to refuse to help. She knows that she can't handle getting emotionally involved with Tayn or Brodie. But something about Taryn compels her to help, though she tries to protect herself. It isn't long before she is as emotionally invested as she'd feared. To top it off, Brodie isn't as much of an arrogant jerk as she had thought he was, and she sees past the attitude to the worried father. Evie is determined to do whatever is necessary for Taryn and this sometimes puts her at odds with Brodie. She stands up for her methods and things start to look up for Taryn.
Brodie is a man with a mission. He wants Evie's help and he will do whatever he has to in order to get it. It doesn't help that he doesn't like her much, her free spirit knocking up against his need for control and order in his life. Being around her as much as he is, he starts to see a different side to her. Soon he is fighting an unwilling attraction to her, and finding that being with her brings him a sense of calm that he hasn't experienced with anyone else.
Things don't always go very smoothly between them as they find themselves on opposite sides of one particular therapy issue. Evie has discovered that Taryn's therapy is more successful when assisted by friends. One of those friends is the young man who caused the accident that injured Taryn. Brodie is furious at his presence, but Evie stands up for what she feels is best for Taryn. The romance itself is slow building as they get to know each other and open up about their own issues. Brodie comes to the realization of his feelings before Evie does, and tries to get her to agree to pursue them. Evie has to find the courage to risk her heart again.
Taryn's story is emotional in itself. She has gone from a vivacious teenager to a girl who needs help with the most basic of needs. She wants to get better, but she also feels that she may deserve everything she is going through. Throughout the book there are indications there may have been more to the accident than everyone believes. Taryn's emotional ups and downs seem to be tied to the blame everyone places on Charlie. There's an extremely emotional scene at the end when Taryn attends Charlie's hearing and speaks in his defense.
Evie tries hard to refuse to help. She knows that she can't handle getting emotionally involved with Tayn or Brodie. But something about Taryn compels her to help, though she tries to protect herself. It isn't long before she is as emotionally invested as she'd feared. To top it off, Brodie isn't as much of an arrogant jerk as she had thought he was, and she sees past the attitude to the worried father. Evie is determined to do whatever is necessary for Taryn and this sometimes puts her at odds with Brodie. She stands up for her methods and things start to look up for Taryn.
Brodie is a man with a mission. He wants Evie's help and he will do whatever he has to in order to get it. It doesn't help that he doesn't like her much, her free spirit knocking up against his need for control and order in his life. Being around her as much as he is, he starts to see a different side to her. Soon he is fighting an unwilling attraction to her, and finding that being with her brings him a sense of calm that he hasn't experienced with anyone else.
Things don't always go very smoothly between them as they find themselves on opposite sides of one particular therapy issue. Evie has discovered that Taryn's therapy is more successful when assisted by friends. One of those friends is the young man who caused the accident that injured Taryn. Brodie is furious at his presence, but Evie stands up for what she feels is best for Taryn. The romance itself is slow building as they get to know each other and open up about their own issues. Brodie comes to the realization of his feelings before Evie does, and tries to get her to agree to pursue them. Evie has to find the courage to risk her heart again.
Taryn's story is emotional in itself. She has gone from a vivacious teenager to a girl who needs help with the most basic of needs. She wants to get better, but she also feels that she may deserve everything she is going through. Throughout the book there are indications there may have been more to the accident than everyone believes. Taryn's emotional ups and downs seem to be tied to the blame everyone places on Charlie. There's an extremely emotional scene at the end when Taryn attends Charlie's hearing and speaks in his defense.
April 8, 2012
A tragic accident leaves Brodie Thorne’s teenage daughter, Taryn, in a wheelchair. She has the enormous task of learning how to do the simple things in life all over again. Brodie seeks the help of Evie Blanchard, a top physical therapist who recently moved from the big city to the small town of Hope’s Crossing. However, he’s stunned when Evie turns his offer down.
Evie left Los Angeles and her job after having to deal with her own personal tragedy and she no longer wants to deal with the ups and downs of being a physical therapist. She’s very happy working in a local bead store making jewelry. When Brodie and his mother pressure Evie to help Taryn, she caves in and agrees to at least set the girl up with a good rehabilitation program. Then, with Evie’s help, Brodie would hire another physical therapist.
Evie didn’t plan on growing attached to both Taryn and her father, but she is. Several obstacles are thrown in their path, especially a major secret about the accident leading to Taryn’s disability. Things look bleak for Evie and Brodie, but they are determined to overcome whatever is thrown in their path.
In the fashion of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr and Sherryl Woods, RaeAnne Thayne creates a beautiful, poignant and touching romance story that’s sure to grab the reader’s heart. It’s chock full of emotions, love and a realistic take on dealing with disability.
I do have to add a warning, though. This is a sequel to her first book “Blackberry Summer”, which I have not read yet – although it’s on my Nook. I really believe I would have loved this book even more if I read the first one. Although it’s a standalone book, it really helps to read the first book as it dealt with the accident that left Taryn injured. I definitely plan to go back and read the first. These are characters I truly fell in love with.
There will be a third book coming in October. I'm happy about that as Hope’s Crossing has quite a few characters who deserve a story of their own. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of this one.
FTC Disclosure: NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Evie left Los Angeles and her job after having to deal with her own personal tragedy and she no longer wants to deal with the ups and downs of being a physical therapist. She’s very happy working in a local bead store making jewelry. When Brodie and his mother pressure Evie to help Taryn, she caves in and agrees to at least set the girl up with a good rehabilitation program. Then, with Evie’s help, Brodie would hire another physical therapist.
Evie didn’t plan on growing attached to both Taryn and her father, but she is. Several obstacles are thrown in their path, especially a major secret about the accident leading to Taryn’s disability. Things look bleak for Evie and Brodie, but they are determined to overcome whatever is thrown in their path.
In the fashion of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr and Sherryl Woods, RaeAnne Thayne creates a beautiful, poignant and touching romance story that’s sure to grab the reader’s heart. It’s chock full of emotions, love and a realistic take on dealing with disability.
I do have to add a warning, though. This is a sequel to her first book “Blackberry Summer”, which I have not read yet – although it’s on my Nook. I really believe I would have loved this book even more if I read the first one. Although it’s a standalone book, it really helps to read the first book as it dealt with the accident that left Taryn injured. I definitely plan to go back and read the first. These are characters I truly fell in love with.
There will be a third book coming in October. I'm happy about that as Hope’s Crossing has quite a few characters who deserve a story of their own. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of this one.
FTC Disclosure: NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 2, 2012
You will find this entire review at Forever Book Lover.
This is the second book in the Hope's Crossing series, have you had a chance to read my review on the first book, "Blackberry Summer"? This book starts off right where the other ended. The town is still recovering from the tragic car accident. One of the victims in the accident is Taryn. She was badly injured, and she is finally coming home. If you read the summary above, you know that her dad will settle for nothing but the best for her recovery.
Evie is doing anything not to be a therapist again. Evie has her share of tragic loss, and she is unwilling to put herself it that emotional situation again. She compromises, she will help with the initial PT while she helps him find a replacement.
Jacques, Evie's labradoodle, steals the show. How can you not fall in love with this friendly dog. He plays a key role in the rehabilitation of Taryn. There is a surprise character that also plays a huge role in her recovery. I won't say more on that, you will need to read the book for yourself.
This book is about growing, reaching beyond your comfort and surviving. Each one of the characters, other than the two main ones, there's two just as strong secondary characters, have to come to terms with themselves ~ healing and forgiving. With the help and support of the people of Hope's Crossing, anything is possible.
I love how the author brought these characters to life. In the end, Taryn is the one who helps the healing process, she has so much courage and determination to make sure she rights a wrong.
This book was filled with so much emotion, I was laughing and crying. I would say this is low on the "heat" scale. Evie and Brodie's love doesn't immediately happen, they both trend lightly, learning to trust, but in the end love and faith prevailed.
Another wonderful book in the series. Glad I added this to my summer book reads!! Now, I am looking forward to Maura's story, SWEET LAUREL FALLS. I know that I will need a box of kleenex for that one.
Happy reading by friends. Until we meet again in Hope's Crossing.
I receive this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Hope's Crossing series, have you had a chance to read my review on the first book, "Blackberry Summer"? This book starts off right where the other ended. The town is still recovering from the tragic car accident. One of the victims in the accident is Taryn. She was badly injured, and she is finally coming home. If you read the summary above, you know that her dad will settle for nothing but the best for her recovery.
Evie is doing anything not to be a therapist again. Evie has her share of tragic loss, and she is unwilling to put herself it that emotional situation again. She compromises, she will help with the initial PT while she helps him find a replacement.
Jacques, Evie's labradoodle, steals the show. How can you not fall in love with this friendly dog. He plays a key role in the rehabilitation of Taryn. There is a surprise character that also plays a huge role in her recovery. I won't say more on that, you will need to read the book for yourself.
This book is about growing, reaching beyond your comfort and surviving. Each one of the characters, other than the two main ones, there's two just as strong secondary characters, have to come to terms with themselves ~ healing and forgiving. With the help and support of the people of Hope's Crossing, anything is possible.
I love how the author brought these characters to life. In the end, Taryn is the one who helps the healing process, she has so much courage and determination to make sure she rights a wrong.
This book was filled with so much emotion, I was laughing and crying. I would say this is low on the "heat" scale. Evie and Brodie's love doesn't immediately happen, they both trend lightly, learning to trust, but in the end love and faith prevailed.
Another wonderful book in the series. Glad I added this to my summer book reads!! Now, I am looking forward to Maura's story, SWEET LAUREL FALLS. I know that I will need a box of kleenex for that one.
Happy reading by friends. Until we meet again in Hope's Crossing.
I receive this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2012
STARS
It is a sweet tender book. Made me cry and laugh, and end with a smile.
Evie Blanchard loves her new town called Hope' Crossing and her job working in a bead shop. Evie also goes to craft fairs and part of each sell goes to a scholarship fund. What Evie doesn't do his physical therapy even though she is licened in Colorado.
Brodie Thorne life has taken a bad turn. He almost lost his daughter. Taryn was in a bad accident that put her in a coma with brain injurie while another teen lost her life. Taryn wont work with therapist so she is getting kicked out of rehab center and is coming home.
Brodie tries to hire Evie to work and set up therapy for Taryn at his house but she keeps saying no. Brodie mom uses emotional blackmail to get her to help at least for a few weeks till they can hire someone else.
Evie had her own physcal therapy practice in California but could not to it after her adoptive daughter died any more.
Evie, uses her dog and taryn's friends to help her to do her therapy and makes a difference. Evie also gets closer to Brodie.
This book hit close to home for me since I had to learn to walk,talk and everything after I had stroke and was paralized on right side along time ago but still have weakness.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
03/27/2012 PUB Harlequin HQN
It is a sweet tender book. Made me cry and laugh, and end with a smile.
Evie Blanchard loves her new town called Hope' Crossing and her job working in a bead shop. Evie also goes to craft fairs and part of each sell goes to a scholarship fund. What Evie doesn't do his physical therapy even though she is licened in Colorado.
Brodie Thorne life has taken a bad turn. He almost lost his daughter. Taryn was in a bad accident that put her in a coma with brain injurie while another teen lost her life. Taryn wont work with therapist so she is getting kicked out of rehab center and is coming home.
Brodie tries to hire Evie to work and set up therapy for Taryn at his house but she keeps saying no. Brodie mom uses emotional blackmail to get her to help at least for a few weeks till they can hire someone else.
Evie had her own physcal therapy practice in California but could not to it after her adoptive daughter died any more.
Evie, uses her dog and taryn's friends to help her to do her therapy and makes a difference. Evie also gets closer to Brodie.
This book hit close to home for me since I had to learn to walk,talk and everything after I had stroke and was paralized on right side along time ago but still have weakness.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
03/27/2012 PUB Harlequin HQN
April 22, 2012
This book is a sequel to Blackberry Summer, which I reviewed a few months ago. Taryn was one of the kids hurt in the accident which happened in that book, but you do not have to have read it to enjoy this one. The book takes us through rehab after a major incident; both the rehab of Taryn's body and the rehab of Evie's heart. The mystery person from Blackberry Summer is back, and if this person is who I think s/he is, I'd love to read his/her story--I'd like to read it even if my guess is wrong.
While the book includes passionate kissing and one couch scene with a couple of undone buttons, the characters stop at that point, definitely putting this in the "clean" category. However, the physical attraction between these two crackles every time they are in the same scene.
I really enjoyed this quick easy read and since the rehab subplot was almost more important than the romance plot (which was pretty standard and predictable, I'll give the book a B+.
I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review, or any review.
While the book includes passionate kissing and one couch scene with a couple of undone buttons, the characters stop at that point, definitely putting this in the "clean" category. However, the physical attraction between these two crackles every time they are in the same scene.
I really enjoyed this quick easy read and since the rehab subplot was almost more important than the romance plot (which was pretty standard and predictable, I'll give the book a B+.
I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review, or any review.
March 4, 2012
Finally, a romance story that's right up my alley! I love romance. I think most of us do. I always get sidetracked and frustrated when the romance is disrupted by lurid sex scenes. There's a huge difference between love and lust and, sadly, I fear most writers don't see the difference. That's not true of RaeAnne. Not only did she provide me with an intriguing story, she provided me with characters that I could care about and a romance that was sure and true. I didn't even have to skip any pages to avoid someone's 'love rocket'!
RaeAnne says in a forward in the book that she feels this book is about redemption, forgiveness, and healing. I couldn't agree more. The romance is definitely there, but there are two teenagers in this book that will capture your heart. Actually, the whole town will. This was my first forray into Hope's Crossing and I can't wait to go back.
Fans of Macomber's Blossom Street will find a new love in Hope's Crossing. The characters will wheedle their way into your heart and it will be difficult to let them go.
RaeAnne says in a forward in the book that she feels this book is about redemption, forgiveness, and healing. I couldn't agree more. The romance is definitely there, but there are two teenagers in this book that will capture your heart. Actually, the whole town will. This was my first forray into Hope's Crossing and I can't wait to go back.
Fans of Macomber's Blossom Street will find a new love in Hope's Crossing. The characters will wheedle their way into your heart and it will be difficult to let them go.
November 12, 2019
2.5 stars. I very much liked the first book in this series, Blackberry Summer, but this book , I merely tolerated. If I had been in a different situation at the time of my reading this, I may have come off with a totally different perspective on this book; although I did not like the 2 main characters, Evie and Brodie. I did not feel any chemistry between them either. But my biggest problem with the book is that the book hits a little too close to home or me at this time. The book deals with Brodie's daughter who was involved in a terrible accident that killed one of her friends and left her with physical problems and a TBI (traumatic brain injury) and is having endless therapies...In July of this year, I suffered a stroke and am currently still going through therapy. For this reason it hits too close for comfort and I like my books to be away for me to escape from reality. I also read this book, immediately after reading the first and I rarely ever read a series back to back. but I enjoyed the first book and wanted to know more of what would happen in the series.
October 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this book even more than the first book in the series. It could easily be read as a stand-alone, but if you plan to read the series, this book is based on events that happened in the first book, so it will give spoilers for Blackberry Summer.
This is a very clean book. There may be a tiny bit of cussing. I remember more in the first book than this one. Some sexual tension, but definitely no sex scenes. It was just a very good heartfelt story.
If this were a cozy mystery series, the theme would be about beading since lots of the action is set in a bead store and some of the main characters are artists who make jewelry. This particular book is also centered around physical therapy and rehabilitation.
This is a very clean book. There may be a tiny bit of cussing. I remember more in the first book than this one. Some sexual tension, but definitely no sex scenes. It was just a very good heartfelt story.
If this were a cozy mystery series, the theme would be about beading since lots of the action is set in a bead store and some of the main characters are artists who make jewelry. This particular book is also centered around physical therapy and rehabilitation.
October 1, 2016
While I liked the first book, and its couple Riley and Claire, I think I like this book a little bit more and especially its couple Brodie and Evie. And their many, many flaws and how they learn to overcome it. All the while, a possible romance between them?
I also liked that this one is more focus on the plot, while it does have its romance elements to it. I don't know what else to say really but that this was a pretty good installment in the series so far and I look forward to read the next book.
I also liked that this one is more focus on the plot, while it does have its romance elements to it. I don't know what else to say really but that this was a pretty good installment in the series so far and I look forward to read the next book.
March 7, 2016
This was a good story but I didn't care for the writing style; five pages about walking in the door with description of every little thing and every single thought and dialogue of 'come in'. I starting skimming early, reading only the dialogue ... finished book quickly that way. Brodie asks Evie to do physical therapy with his brain-damaged daughter but she balks because of a past experience.
December 8, 2020
Another great read by RaeAnne Thayne.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting. It is taking me a wee bit longer to get into this series that it did Haven Point but am looking forward to reading more of this series.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting. It is taking me a wee bit longer to get into this series that it did Haven Point but am looking forward to reading more of this series.
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