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Haven Point #9
Season of Wonder
He’s giving her children a season of wonder…
Dani Capelli seized a chance to start over in a small town with her daughters. Now, facing her first Christmas in Haven Point, she wonders if leaving New York was a mistake. Dani loves working alongside veterinarian Dr. Morales, but her two children aren’t adjusting to small-town life. And then there’s Dr. Morales’s son, Ruben—Dani’s next-door neighbor. Gorgeous, muscled and dependable, the deputy sheriff is everything she secretly craves and can’t bear to risk loving…and losing.
Ruben never pictured himself falling for a big-city woman like Dani. But beneath her prickly facade, she’s caring and softhearted and she needs all the love and protection he can give. When Dani’s teenage daughter starts acting out, Ruben draws on family traditions to show the girls just how magical a Haven Point Christmas can be. But can he convince Dani that she’s found a home for the holidays—and forever—in his arms?
Dani Capelli seized a chance to start over in a small town with her daughters. Now, facing her first Christmas in Haven Point, she wonders if leaving New York was a mistake. Dani loves working alongside veterinarian Dr. Morales, but her two children aren’t adjusting to small-town life. And then there’s Dr. Morales’s son, Ruben—Dani’s next-door neighbor. Gorgeous, muscled and dependable, the deputy sheriff is everything she secretly craves and can’t bear to risk loving…and losing.
Ruben never pictured himself falling for a big-city woman like Dani. But beneath her prickly facade, she’s caring and softhearted and she needs all the love and protection he can give. When Dani’s teenage daughter starts acting out, Ruben draws on family traditions to show the girls just how magical a Haven Point Christmas can be. But can he convince Dani that she’s found a home for the holidays—and forever—in his arms?
517 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2018
1508 people are currently reading
3768 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,841 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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October 18, 2018
Dani, a single mom of two girls, moved to Haven Point after her veterinary school mentor invited her into his practice. Haven Point, a small idyllic town sounded exactly like the kind of wholesome town she wants her kids to grow up in. However, Dani holds herself back from getting close, worried that people might find out about her ex and then judge her family by his wrongs. Wrongs that got him killed. Dani re-thinks that decision when her teenage daughter, Silver, has trouble fitting in and gets into trouble. Realizing she may have made a mistake by not taking advantage of the kindness and friendship of the community, Dani reluctantly accepts the help of Deputy Ruben Morales. She’s reluctant because she’s been attracted to him since she first laid eyes on him and doesn’t want or need the complication of a romance with all she’s got going on.
Ruben’s had his eye on Dani since she first moved next door, but she’s been standoffish and prickly until Silver gets into trouble. As Ruben helps with Silver, the walls Dani had erected slowly start to crumble and they get close. Ruben helps Dani and her girls rediscover the magic of the holiday season, experiencing the joy of giving without expecting anything in return.
I loved Ruben and his family! They had so much patience and love. Dani and her girls certainly needed a lot of both! Season of Wonder was so sweet, and low on angst. A story that left me with warm fuzzy feels, perfect for the Winter Holiday season!
A copy was kindly provided by HQN via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ruben’s had his eye on Dani since she first moved next door, but she’s been standoffish and prickly until Silver gets into trouble. As Ruben helps with Silver, the walls Dani had erected slowly start to crumble and they get close. Ruben helps Dani and her girls rediscover the magic of the holiday season, experiencing the joy of giving without expecting anything in return.
I loved Ruben and his family! They had so much patience and love. Dani and her girls certainly needed a lot of both! Season of Wonder was so sweet, and low on angst. A story that left me with warm fuzzy feels, perfect for the Winter Holiday season!
A copy was kindly provided by HQN via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2018
If you like feel-good holiday stories with lots of traditions, hot cocoa and warm fuzzies, you will enjoy the latest book in Haven Point!
September 26, 2018
So now that it’s officially fall I’m assuming everyone is ok with me talking about holiday novels all the time, right? Great! (Haha) just wanted to get that out of the way. I have become a huge fan of Thayne’s magical series set in Haven Point and nothing is better than a new book that’s set during Christmas to me. All of her books have a sense of enchantment but this one had a little extra magic that made me feel like a giddy little kid on Christmas Eve.
This book follows Dani and Ruben who have intense chemistry that they’re both trying to ignore, what is it about those storylines that always make me so happy?! They were adorable and then Dani also has two daughters who rounded out the main cast. Little Mia totally stole my heart immediately and while it took me a little longer to warm to her sister Silver, she won me over in the end. As always, this is full of wonderful characters that you learn to know and love and you get to check in with a handful of characters from the previous books as well.
As much as reading in general is my escape from reality when I really want to be swept away I know I can always turn to a Thayne novel. There is something so uncomplicated and easy about her books, I always end up in a happy slightly giddy mood when I’m finished, I think she always restores my faith in humanity a little with each book and for escapism she is one of the best. I’ll follow this series as long as she keeps writing about it, firm fan here!
Season of Wonder in three words: Magical, Sweet and Heartfelt.
This book follows Dani and Ruben who have intense chemistry that they’re both trying to ignore, what is it about those storylines that always make me so happy?! They were adorable and then Dani also has two daughters who rounded out the main cast. Little Mia totally stole my heart immediately and while it took me a little longer to warm to her sister Silver, she won me over in the end. As always, this is full of wonderful characters that you learn to know and love and you get to check in with a handful of characters from the previous books as well.
As much as reading in general is my escape from reality when I really want to be swept away I know I can always turn to a Thayne novel. There is something so uncomplicated and easy about her books, I always end up in a happy slightly giddy mood when I’m finished, I think she always restores my faith in humanity a little with each book and for escapism she is one of the best. I’ll follow this series as long as she keeps writing about it, firm fan here!
Season of Wonder in three words: Magical, Sweet and Heartfelt.
August 31, 2018
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
SEASON OF WONDER (A Haven Point Novel #9) by RaeAnne Thayne is a contemporary holiday romance set in the small town of Haven Point, Idaho. This book is part of a series and has some crossover characters, but it is easily read as a standalone.
Daniela “Dani” Capelli is done with veterinary school and has moved herself and her two daughters from Boston to the small town of Haven Point. She has a one year internship lined up with Dr. Morales and is hoping to buy his practice when he retires in the next year. It is a fresh start and she hopes this will be the life she has always wanted for herself and her daughters, Silver and Mia. Dani loves her job, but thirteen year old Silver is having difficulties adjusting to small town life.
Deputy Sheriff Ruben Morales lives next-door to the new vet and her daughters. He is curious about his father’s new associate. She seems to be very caring and loving towards her animal patients and her daughters, but she has a very prickly exterior around him. When he goes out of his way to help Dani with Silver, she begins to fall for the handsome deputy, but she has a secret that she refuses to expose which could possibly destroy their new life in this small town and make Ruben hate her. Ruben refuses to give up on Dani and includes all of the girls in his own family’s holiday traditions and a Christmas in Haven Point becomes life-changing for them all.
I loved all the characters in this story. Dani has overcome so much and yet she could not leave her past hurts and mistakes in the past. That past though is what drove her to be everything for her girls. Ruben was the perfect hero for Dani with his steadfastness and belief in love, family and justice. Silver and Mia were realistic and sweet additions to the story. I loved all the dogs, too.
This romance is sweet and has an intense moment of self-forgiveness. No sex scenes, but lots of love. Along with the romance, the author intertwines a believable story of a teenager dealing with emotions and troubles that impact her whole family. The small town of Haven Point is charming and just right for this Christmas love story.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
SEASON OF WONDER (A Haven Point Novel #9) by RaeAnne Thayne is a contemporary holiday romance set in the small town of Haven Point, Idaho. This book is part of a series and has some crossover characters, but it is easily read as a standalone.
Daniela “Dani” Capelli is done with veterinary school and has moved herself and her two daughters from Boston to the small town of Haven Point. She has a one year internship lined up with Dr. Morales and is hoping to buy his practice when he retires in the next year. It is a fresh start and she hopes this will be the life she has always wanted for herself and her daughters, Silver and Mia. Dani loves her job, but thirteen year old Silver is having difficulties adjusting to small town life.
Deputy Sheriff Ruben Morales lives next-door to the new vet and her daughters. He is curious about his father’s new associate. She seems to be very caring and loving towards her animal patients and her daughters, but she has a very prickly exterior around him. When he goes out of his way to help Dani with Silver, she begins to fall for the handsome deputy, but she has a secret that she refuses to expose which could possibly destroy their new life in this small town and make Ruben hate her. Ruben refuses to give up on Dani and includes all of the girls in his own family’s holiday traditions and a Christmas in Haven Point becomes life-changing for them all.
I loved all the characters in this story. Dani has overcome so much and yet she could not leave her past hurts and mistakes in the past. That past though is what drove her to be everything for her girls. Ruben was the perfect hero for Dani with his steadfastness and belief in love, family and justice. Silver and Mia were realistic and sweet additions to the story. I loved all the dogs, too.
This romance is sweet and has an intense moment of self-forgiveness. No sex scenes, but lots of love. Along with the romance, the author intertwines a believable story of a teenager dealing with emotions and troubles that impact her whole family. The small town of Haven Point is charming and just right for this Christmas love story.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
October 21, 2018
This is ninth in a series and most of the books in it are pretty good. Not this one though. So read the others.
I'm abandoning this at a bit over halfway. I have a massive crush on Ruben, but Dani is a stone-cold idiot. She has a monster case of negative motivation*, yeah, but it's so irrational that I just want to shake her. Ruben is sweet and protective and capable and with that whole care-for-others vibe that I can't get enough of. It's almost worth it to continue just for more of him. But Dani just ruins it so hard for me that it's turning out more frustrating than rewarding.
Anyway, the second star is all Ruben. I wish he had a better romantic prospect.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
I'm abandoning this at a bit over halfway. I have a massive crush on Ruben, but Dani is a stone-cold idiot. She has a monster case of negative motivation*, yeah, but it's so irrational that I just want to shake her. Ruben is sweet and protective and capable and with that whole care-for-others vibe that I can't get enough of. It's almost worth it to continue just for more of him. But Dani just ruins it so hard for me that it's turning out more frustrating than rewarding.
Anyway, the second star is all Ruben. I wish he had a better romantic prospect.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
March 21, 2019
When Frank Morales hires Dani Capelli for his vet practice with the view to her taking on more work and ultimately taking over, Dani sees it as a chance to escape from a troubled past. For her and her two girls, Silver and Mia, Haven Point is a new start away from the drama and scandal that her late ex-husband caused. Silver, 13, misses her old friends and has been causing some heartache for Dani with her attitude. Dani, with her background as a foster child and her recent problems with her ex-husband, tries to keep her distance from others in the community. But her next door neighbour Ruben and the son of her boss, is not so easy to ignore. Dani is attracted to him buy wary about becoming involved given her history. Yet he seems determined to be helpful even when Dani tries to deter him and when Silver causes problems that involve others in the community.
The Morales family, Frank, Myra and Ruben are a delightful caring family who enjoy helping others. The type of family anyone would love to belong to. Dani, is likable a she strives to battle the issues of her past, Mia is a sweetie and Silver, though a teenager with a few issues, does tend to grow on the reader. This is a sweet story, not without some dramatic incidents and set in a place that sounds idyllic. I liked the way the community gathered together for their celebrations and to help each other.
Given the state of our world at time and the number of bleak novels around, it’s lovey to read about genuine, warm hearted caring people. Not that all of them are. Like any community, there are those who always want to believe the worst of others but here, they are in the minority. A feel good story about people moving on from the past, I really enjoyed this story of family love, romance and community spirit. A charming beach or holiday read or really, anytime you just need a left in spirits. Although this is apparently book 9 in this series of Haven Point novel, it reads fine as a stand alone novel.
The Morales family, Frank, Myra and Ruben are a delightful caring family who enjoy helping others. The type of family anyone would love to belong to. Dani, is likable a she strives to battle the issues of her past, Mia is a sweetie and Silver, though a teenager with a few issues, does tend to grow on the reader. This is a sweet story, not without some dramatic incidents and set in a place that sounds idyllic. I liked the way the community gathered together for their celebrations and to help each other.
Given the state of our world at time and the number of bleak novels around, it’s lovey to read about genuine, warm hearted caring people. Not that all of them are. Like any community, there are those who always want to believe the worst of others but here, they are in the minority. A feel good story about people moving on from the past, I really enjoyed this story of family love, romance and community spirit. A charming beach or holiday read or really, anytime you just need a left in spirits. Although this is apparently book 9 in this series of Haven Point novel, it reads fine as a stand alone novel.
September 25, 2018
Reading a RaeAnne Thayne Christmas story is one of the best things to do to get ready for the holidays. I love her holiday romances! She has a way of invoking sweet memories and traditions of Christmas and how Haven Point celebrate with their own unique style. Surround it with a romance and you have the best combination for any romance reader. Dani Capelli has moved to Idaho from the east coast and is trying to give her daughters a better life than what she ever had. She’s interning with Dr. Morales as the new veterinarian in hopes she will take over the practice when he retires in a year. Things aren’t going as smoothly as she likes when her oldest teenage daughter Silver gets caught vandalizing her neighbor deputy Ruben Morales, her boss’ son, new boat. Silver has agreed to help him with a Secret Santa project but it proves to be dangerous for Dani’s libido and her heart.
Ruben and Dani felt an attraction and both fight it for one reason or another. He doesn’t want to get involved with a woman with children and she’s worried her past is a big obstacle for any man to deal with. Only their sweet kisses keep getting in their way and making it harder for them to stay away from each other. Silver finds herself in more trouble and Ruben comes to the rescue and helps clear her name. In a roundabout way it also showed Dani that trust and love can be found if given half a chance. Ruben found ways to show Dani what a loving family can be like and would welcome her and her two daughters into the fold. She just needed to give people half a chance and let herself be open to the possibility for her and her daughters.
RaeAnne Thayne has done it again and written a delightful story with romance, charm and warmth. There is nothing more wonderful than being in Haven Point at Christmastime!
October 12, 2018
This is my first read for this author. Although the book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. The book centers around a small Idaho town close to the Christmas holiday.
Dani and her two girls have moved across country for a new start. She works for her new neighbor's father. Life has not been great for Dani and she has walls a mile high in order to protect her family.
Rueben falls for Dani from the start. He just has to work on why she is so spooked. Great slow burn between these two. I kind of wish Dani would have at least told him her issues a little earlier in the book and we could have still watched Rueben break down her walls. Regardless, super sweet story. Spot on teenage angst with Silver and sweet Mia stole the show.
Great book to put you in the holiday spirit.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Dani and her two girls have moved across country for a new start. She works for her new neighbor's father. Life has not been great for Dani and she has walls a mile high in order to protect her family.
Rueben falls for Dani from the start. He just has to work on why she is so spooked. Great slow burn between these two. I kind of wish Dani would have at least told him her issues a little earlier in the book and we could have still watched Rueben break down her walls. Regardless, super sweet story. Spot on teenage angst with Silver and sweet Mia stole the show.
Great book to put you in the holiday spirit.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
September 20, 2018
New town. New start. New neighbor. What more could a girl want for Christmas?
Well, how about a daughter that doesn't get in trouble right from the start and a cop for a neighbor that seems way too interested in helping out when all you want to do is keep your past hidden.
Sweet, truthful, filled with holiday spirit. A great way to spend an afternoon with visions of Christmas dancing about.
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Well, how about a daughter that doesn't get in trouble right from the start and a cop for a neighbor that seems way too interested in helping out when all you want to do is keep your past hidden.
Sweet, truthful, filled with holiday spirit. A great way to spend an afternoon with visions of Christmas dancing about.
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September 26, 2018
Season of Wonder is the ninth book in RaeAnne Thayne’s Haven Point series, and it’s another wonderful addition to the series. Although it is book nine in the series, it’s a book you can easily enjoy as a standalone novel. I have not read all the Haven Point books, yet I never find myself lost. Sure, you appreciate some side characters, some couples, better if you have read the prior books, but this does not take away from the story being given within Season of Wonder.
You should also note, despite the festive theme – the title, the cover, the time of year in which the story takes place – this book is one that can be enjoyed at any point in the year. The story occurs with a festive backdrop, a backdrop that adds to the effect of the story but does not take away from the tale being told. Therefore, do not feel as though this is a festive only book, as the storyline is enjoyable no matter what point in the year you read it.
Although I would not label Season of Wonder my favourite book in the Haven Point series, it did have all I had hoped for from the series, all the things I have come to enjoy. The series is super sweet, offering up a clean romance story that has a deeper tale to tell. With a bit of drama, a tiny bit of mystery (one that is obvious, but still enjoyable), and plenty of feel-good moment, this one sucks you in deep and leaves you turning the pages at a rapid pace.
Without a doubt, you’ll be wearing a stupid smile on your face as the romance develops between the two characters, and by the end you’ll be desperate for more of the series.
You should also note, despite the festive theme – the title, the cover, the time of year in which the story takes place – this book is one that can be enjoyed at any point in the year. The story occurs with a festive backdrop, a backdrop that adds to the effect of the story but does not take away from the tale being told. Therefore, do not feel as though this is a festive only book, as the storyline is enjoyable no matter what point in the year you read it.
Although I would not label Season of Wonder my favourite book in the Haven Point series, it did have all I had hoped for from the series, all the things I have come to enjoy. The series is super sweet, offering up a clean romance story that has a deeper tale to tell. With a bit of drama, a tiny bit of mystery (one that is obvious, but still enjoyable), and plenty of feel-good moment, this one sucks you in deep and leaves you turning the pages at a rapid pace.
Without a doubt, you’ll be wearing a stupid smile on your face as the romance develops between the two characters, and by the end you’ll be desperate for more of the series.
October 15, 2018
I love the worlds RaeAnne has created. I enjoy going to each little town and becoming part of the communities she has made.
October 2, 2018
If I’m judging this book by it’s cover, the first thing that goes through my mind is ‘pass’ mostly because it reminds me of something my grandma would read.
Most of Thayne’s books have a quaint cottage on the front and it just doesn’t scream romance to me. Over the last few years, I’ve tried to pick books based on what the summary says versus what the cover looks like.
That was how I found Thayne in the first place. When I was pitched my first Thayne book, the image of the book cover wouldn’t load. I enjoyed the summary and agreed to read it. Then I hoped on Goodreads and was like ‘ugh why did I decide to review a granny book?’
It was too late to back out so I went ahead and decided to soldier on…..to my surprise, the book wasn’t my grandma’s romance novel! It was like watching a Hallmark movie on steroids but in book form!
Now admittedly, I am not a regular Hallmark channel watcher but I do enjoy their holiday romances. So I was thrilled when I was offered the chance to return to Haven Point but at the holiday season!
Most of the time, I save my holiday reading for November so I can have October reserved for all my favorite spooky reads. This book came out this week, so a little early for the wintery holiday reading that comes out mid Oct. Normally I would wait until the holiday season to read or review this one but I was excited to return to this town and familiar characters.
One of the things that I like best about Thayne’s books is that they could easily be read as standalone novels. Sure there are some cross over characters and plots but for the most part each book seems to be an independent romance. I think I would appreciate the series more if I had started from the beginning, but overall I found it unnecessary.
When I am reading a romance, 90% of the time I have to like the male love interest. If he has nothing to draw me in, offer as a romantic interest, or that I might value, then I usually struggle with the romance. In this book Ruben shined for me. He was honorable and I also liked that he was so understanding and willing to take on a ready made family so to speak. Single moms and dating are no joke and I think that it was admirable that Ruben was willing to take that on especially with Dani’s past etc.
I thought Dani was a little difficult to connect with at times. I realize why her character had to be a little standoffish, considering her past, however I was a little put off with her at times. I mean I didn’t hate her by any means, I just thought that I wasn’t as connected to her as I had hoped be.
The dialogue and plot were so realistic and believable. Thayne seems to know how to hit people in the feels and she does it so wonderfully that I don’t mind if some of the content is a little heavy.
What makes this novel though is the setting. I love the town of Haven Point and the Christmas magic really shines in this book! I love holiday romances, it just makes the season so much more cozy and magical. If you are gearing up for your holiday reading, I would strongly encourage you to add this book to your reading list!
See my full review here
Most of Thayne’s books have a quaint cottage on the front and it just doesn’t scream romance to me. Over the last few years, I’ve tried to pick books based on what the summary says versus what the cover looks like.
That was how I found Thayne in the first place. When I was pitched my first Thayne book, the image of the book cover wouldn’t load. I enjoyed the summary and agreed to read it. Then I hoped on Goodreads and was like ‘ugh why did I decide to review a granny book?’
It was too late to back out so I went ahead and decided to soldier on…..to my surprise, the book wasn’t my grandma’s romance novel! It was like watching a Hallmark movie on steroids but in book form!
Now admittedly, I am not a regular Hallmark channel watcher but I do enjoy their holiday romances. So I was thrilled when I was offered the chance to return to Haven Point but at the holiday season!
Most of the time, I save my holiday reading for November so I can have October reserved for all my favorite spooky reads. This book came out this week, so a little early for the wintery holiday reading that comes out mid Oct. Normally I would wait until the holiday season to read or review this one but I was excited to return to this town and familiar characters.
One of the things that I like best about Thayne’s books is that they could easily be read as standalone novels. Sure there are some cross over characters and plots but for the most part each book seems to be an independent romance. I think I would appreciate the series more if I had started from the beginning, but overall I found it unnecessary.
When I am reading a romance, 90% of the time I have to like the male love interest. If he has nothing to draw me in, offer as a romantic interest, or that I might value, then I usually struggle with the romance. In this book Ruben shined for me. He was honorable and I also liked that he was so understanding and willing to take on a ready made family so to speak. Single moms and dating are no joke and I think that it was admirable that Ruben was willing to take that on especially with Dani’s past etc.
I thought Dani was a little difficult to connect with at times. I realize why her character had to be a little standoffish, considering her past, however I was a little put off with her at times. I mean I didn’t hate her by any means, I just thought that I wasn’t as connected to her as I had hoped be.
The dialogue and plot were so realistic and believable. Thayne seems to know how to hit people in the feels and she does it so wonderfully that I don’t mind if some of the content is a little heavy.
What makes this novel though is the setting. I love the town of Haven Point and the Christmas magic really shines in this book! I love holiday romances, it just makes the season so much more cozy and magical. If you are gearing up for your holiday reading, I would strongly encourage you to add this book to your reading list!
See my full review here
December 22, 2021
Honestly, this may be my favorite of Haven Point's Christmas themed stories!
October 11, 2018
Such a sweet little holiday romance. I always enjoy these Haven Point stories a lot and I liked this one but it definitely wasn't my favorite. I think that is because it took me a while to warm up to Dani our MC. Also, there is a little mystery surrounding her late ex-husband that I thought was kind of silly in the end. Still, I enjoyed her daughters and the romance with Ruben. Also the town is always lovely to visit and catch up with some old characters from previous books.
This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
March 3, 2020
Contemporary Romance / Small Town & Rural Fiction / Holiday Romance
Sweet holiday romance but somehow it didn't grip me. I'm told about things instead of shown. Told from Dani's (31) and Ruben's (33) POVs, so there's not much wondering what other feel or think. Romance was rushed and kinda convenient. Dialogue sounded often awkward.
Author touches themes of single motherhood, doubt and trust. I struggled to like Dani. She was supposed to be capable and smart woman but for me she sounded weak, annoying and immature. As her backround was revealed later, then I didn't understand why she behaved the way she did. When her past [or should I say her ex's past?] was revealed later, I just didn't care anymore and I wanted to get to the predictible end. Didn't understand what Ruben saw in her.
Sweet holiday romance but somehow it didn't grip me. I'm told about things instead of shown. Told from Dani's (31) and Ruben's (33) POVs, so there's not much wondering what other feel or think. Romance was rushed and kinda convenient. Dialogue sounded often awkward.
Author touches themes of single motherhood, doubt and trust. I struggled to like Dani. She was supposed to be capable and smart woman but for me she sounded weak, annoying and immature. As her backround was revealed later, then I didn't understand why she behaved the way she did. When her past [or should I say her ex's past?] was revealed later, I just didn't care anymore and I wanted to get to the predictible end. Didn't understand what Ruben saw in her.
December 8, 2023
A cute holiday read! Predictable but enjoyed the kids in the story.
August 24, 2018
When I started reading this, I didn’t realize it was part of a large series, but I continued on and it was so worth it but with a single mom and her two girls during the Holiday season, I just had to read it.
Dani is the single mother to two adorable young girls. They’ve packed up moved to a small town in Idaho. A town that she believed would be a new start for her and her girls. She was offered a position at the local Veterinarian Clinic that one day day would be hers. This is what she has worked her butt off for, and opportunity like this.
Ruben Morales is one of the towns sheriffs, and live right next door. And the son of the Veterinarian Clinics owner. He’s used to the slow pace of Haven Point, and that everyone knows everyone and their business most of the time. He is smitten with the lady nextdoor, that won’t give him the time of day. So, the question begged, how would be able to peel back the hard outer shell that Dani has built up?
The story is filled with so many wonderful characters. Dani is one those that you can’t help but to admire. She is willing to do anything for her girls. Her tenacity and strength alone was something I just enjoyed so much. After an incident with her daughter get herself in a little bit of trouble, Dani has to let Ruben try and help. I wondered if the shell of armour that Dani has, would she able Ruben any where near her own heart. Would she give in to the attraction that she has for him as well?
The setting in this little won was just beautiful, it’s Christmas time and what better time to find some love and connections with other people. the push and pull between Dani and Ruben was done so well, and I wanted to root for them even through some rough times too. Season of Wonder was a delightful story to read. It was filled with self forgiveness and a love story that slowly burned. It makes for a great holiday read for sure.
Dani is the single mother to two adorable young girls. They’ve packed up moved to a small town in Idaho. A town that she believed would be a new start for her and her girls. She was offered a position at the local Veterinarian Clinic that one day day would be hers. This is what she has worked her butt off for, and opportunity like this.
Ruben Morales is one of the towns sheriffs, and live right next door. And the son of the Veterinarian Clinics owner. He’s used to the slow pace of Haven Point, and that everyone knows everyone and their business most of the time. He is smitten with the lady nextdoor, that won’t give him the time of day. So, the question begged, how would be able to peel back the hard outer shell that Dani has built up?
The story is filled with so many wonderful characters. Dani is one those that you can’t help but to admire. She is willing to do anything for her girls. Her tenacity and strength alone was something I just enjoyed so much. After an incident with her daughter get herself in a little bit of trouble, Dani has to let Ruben try and help. I wondered if the shell of armour that Dani has, would she able Ruben any where near her own heart. Would she give in to the attraction that she has for him as well?
The setting in this little won was just beautiful, it’s Christmas time and what better time to find some love and connections with other people. the push and pull between Dani and Ruben was done so well, and I wanted to root for them even through some rough times too. Season of Wonder was a delightful story to read. It was filled with self forgiveness and a love story that slowly burned. It makes for a great holiday read for sure.
November 6, 2018
Another wonderful holiday romance by RaeAnne Thayne. It gave me such warm feelings, especially with the scenes with the children. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
September 29, 2018
Season of Wonder is the 9th installment of Haven Point series, Haven Point is a small town in Idaho. It is a Christmas time story, so it's a great book to get into the holiday spirit. This book can be read as a standalone too.
Dani Capelli is an intern as a veterinarian at Dr. Morales's clinic. She with her two daughters has moved to the small town of Haven Point from Boston. Even though its worlds apart from the city life, Dani is looking forward to this new life she is going to start in this small town. Her oldest daughter, Silver is probably not. Her daughters, Silver and Mia, play very important parts in the story. Silver is going through a rough patch and as mentioned in the synopsis, she starts acting out.
Enter Ruben, Dr. Morales' son and Dani's neighbour. He is a deputy sheriff of the town. He is very intrigued by his next-door neighbour and his father's new intern. I liked his character a lot. He really is a nice guy and a great cop. He soon becomes slowly involved with the Capelli's when he catches Silver trespassing his backyard. I loved his relationship with Dani's daughters as well.
From the start, Dani and Ruben feel a certain connection and Dani is very certain she doesn't want to get involved as she has a very dark past. She is afraid of her past choices ruining her future. Dani had a lot of self-doubt and Ruben was a great help with that to her. As Ruben helps when Silver gets into trouble, Ruben's and Dani's lives get more and more entangled with each other. Ruben makes Capelli females feel at home and enjoy the Christmas time by introducing family traditions. Mia who was the sweetest, I loved her, opens up to Ruben fast and it's only the matter to make the other two like him. Honestly, I didn't like Silver in the beginning but her character brought the most drama in this story and you end up liking her as well.
This story was about Dani's journey with her daughters and adjusting to the small town life and finding a new life. I liked Ruben and Dani and even if the genre says contemporary romance, I felt like the romance wasn't the main part of the story. Having said that, the romance that we do get is really sweet and lovely, hence the four stars. I actually finished reading this one quite fast, even though I was in a slump and I loved it so this one gets a special recommendation from me. If you're looking for a light, small town, holiday story, this is the one to go for!
*Thank you for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Check out https://abooklionshideaway.blogspot.in/ for more reviews
Dani Capelli is an intern as a veterinarian at Dr. Morales's clinic. She with her two daughters has moved to the small town of Haven Point from Boston. Even though its worlds apart from the city life, Dani is looking forward to this new life she is going to start in this small town. Her oldest daughter, Silver is probably not. Her daughters, Silver and Mia, play very important parts in the story. Silver is going through a rough patch and as mentioned in the synopsis, she starts acting out.
Enter Ruben, Dr. Morales' son and Dani's neighbour. He is a deputy sheriff of the town. He is very intrigued by his next-door neighbour and his father's new intern. I liked his character a lot. He really is a nice guy and a great cop. He soon becomes slowly involved with the Capelli's when he catches Silver trespassing his backyard. I loved his relationship with Dani's daughters as well.
From the start, Dani and Ruben feel a certain connection and Dani is very certain she doesn't want to get involved as she has a very dark past. She is afraid of her past choices ruining her future. Dani had a lot of self-doubt and Ruben was a great help with that to her. As Ruben helps when Silver gets into trouble, Ruben's and Dani's lives get more and more entangled with each other. Ruben makes Capelli females feel at home and enjoy the Christmas time by introducing family traditions. Mia who was the sweetest, I loved her, opens up to Ruben fast and it's only the matter to make the other two like him. Honestly, I didn't like Silver in the beginning but her character brought the most drama in this story and you end up liking her as well.
This story was about Dani's journey with her daughters and adjusting to the small town life and finding a new life. I liked Ruben and Dani and even if the genre says contemporary romance, I felt like the romance wasn't the main part of the story. Having said that, the romance that we do get is really sweet and lovely, hence the four stars. I actually finished reading this one quite fast, even though I was in a slump and I loved it so this one gets a special recommendation from me. If you're looking for a light, small town, holiday story, this is the one to go for!
*Thank you for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Check out https://abooklionshideaway.blogspot.in/ for more reviews
September 28, 2020
Although this is the ninth book in the Haven Point series, it can be read as a standalone. This story introduces us to Dani Capelli and her two daughters. She has moved to Haven Point for a fresh start and being offered an internship at the local veterinarian clinic, with the possibility of purchasing the practice down the road, she sees it a a new beginning. What she wasn't expecting was to fall for her neighbour, Ruben Morales, a police officer and her boss's son. When Silver, her oldest daughter is caught tagging his boat as well as a couple of other properties, he shows them that police can be your friend, or even more.
I loved all the characters in this story. Dani has overcome so much and yet she could not leave her past hurts and mistakes in the past. She tries to keep separate from her neighbours and other townsfolk, but is having a hard time with that. That past still has a hold on her and she still has secrets. What she has to realize is that it was her past that brought her to where she was now and that was a good thing. Ruben was the perfect hero for Dani. He was honest, strong, had a wonderful family that he wants to share, and had finally found someone he could love. He was also caring and generous. Silver and Mia were realistic and sweet additions to the story. I love stories with kids and these two added a lot to this story. There was some angst, involving the kids and Dani's trust issues, but that just made the ending more wonderful. This romance is sweet but clean. There is some self-searching and forgiveness that opens Dani's heart to Ruben. The storyline of a teenager dealing with a new school, trying to fit in as well as normal teen emotions and how this affects the rest of the family, was well-written and believable. The small town of Haven Point is delightful and a great setting for this Christmas Romance. I recommend this one.
I loved all the characters in this story. Dani has overcome so much and yet she could not leave her past hurts and mistakes in the past. She tries to keep separate from her neighbours and other townsfolk, but is having a hard time with that. That past still has a hold on her and she still has secrets. What she has to realize is that it was her past that brought her to where she was now and that was a good thing. Ruben was the perfect hero for Dani. He was honest, strong, had a wonderful family that he wants to share, and had finally found someone he could love. He was also caring and generous. Silver and Mia were realistic and sweet additions to the story. I love stories with kids and these two added a lot to this story. There was some angst, involving the kids and Dani's trust issues, but that just made the ending more wonderful. This romance is sweet but clean. There is some self-searching and forgiveness that opens Dani's heart to Ruben. The storyline of a teenager dealing with a new school, trying to fit in as well as normal teen emotions and how this affects the rest of the family, was well-written and believable. The small town of Haven Point is delightful and a great setting for this Christmas Romance. I recommend this one.
October 27, 2018
A sweet, low angst contemporary holiday romance…
“Have I mentioned before how much I love Christmas?” he murmured.
Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne is a sweet, low angst, contemporary holiday romance. It is set in the charming, wholesome small town of Haven Point, Idaho at Christmastime and is part of a series. The tale works perfectly well as a standalone read if that is your preference. That is actually the way I read it as both this author and series are new to me.
Season of Wonder story features the story of handsome deputy sheriff Ruben Morales and veterinarian intern Daniela “Dani” Capelli. Ruben’s father befriended Dani when he visited her veterinary school. He became her mentor and, when she graduated, he offered her the chance to buy his thriving practice when he retires. Haven Point is the kind of environment that Dani would like her girls to grow up in so she makes the big move from Boston to Idaho. Ruben lives next door to Dani and her brood.
As the story opens, Dani is struggling both as a single mother to two girls and as she trains at Ruben’s father’s veterinary practice. She’s also having trouble adapting to her new home. New Haven welcomes her with open arms, but Dani is standoffish as she’s afraid that they will judge her based upon her ex-husband’s record which she keeps a deep, dark secret. Ruben and Dani are strongly attracted to each other – but they fight their chemistry for different reasons… until Dani’s daughter gets in trouble. Ruben comes up with a way for Dani’s daughter to make amends for what she did. He then involves her in a gifting game that his family plays every Christmas season.
Ruben’s family plays an integral part in this tale as the perfect example of a patient and loving family. I really liked how Ruben and his family included Dani’s in their holiday traditions despite her prickliness. Sadly, I had trouble relating to Dani at first – the barriers she put up to everyone served to wall her off to me too. For a smart woman, I felt that she wasn’t very smart in the relationships’ department. Thankfully, as the story neared its conclusion, she lowered her barriers and I felt my feelings towards her change also. The ending is nice as Dani and her girls rediscover the magic of the holiday season and open their hearts to love.
This is a clean romance. There’s some kissing, but no other hanky panky.
Supporting players include some furbabies that will steal your heart!
Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Season of Wonder:
She didn’t want the kiss to end. It was magical, delicious, like a hundred dreams come true wrapped up in one heated embrace. With the snow fluttering down outside and the Christmas tree lights gleaming beside them, the moment seemed perfect. Better than she ever could have imagined.
---
“Why are you still single, Ruben? Seriously. You’re great with kids and close to your own family. You’re gorgeous – that goes without saying – have a fairly decent job and appear to have all your teeth. What am I missing?”
---
“I needed the reminder that I’m still alive and the world still contains magic and wonder, like Christmas trees and kisses from beautiful women.”
Season of Wonder is a heartwarming, predictable story that will leave you with a happy smile and swaddled in warm fuzzy feels. I enjoy holiday romances year-round. Season of Wonder is just what Santa ordered to put readers in the holiday spirit and to escape from life’s realities for a while. I hope to play catch up with this series in the future!
“Have I mentioned before how much I love Christmas?” he murmured.
Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne is a sweet, low angst, contemporary holiday romance. It is set in the charming, wholesome small town of Haven Point, Idaho at Christmastime and is part of a series. The tale works perfectly well as a standalone read if that is your preference. That is actually the way I read it as both this author and series are new to me.
Season of Wonder story features the story of handsome deputy sheriff Ruben Morales and veterinarian intern Daniela “Dani” Capelli. Ruben’s father befriended Dani when he visited her veterinary school. He became her mentor and, when she graduated, he offered her the chance to buy his thriving practice when he retires. Haven Point is the kind of environment that Dani would like her girls to grow up in so she makes the big move from Boston to Idaho. Ruben lives next door to Dani and her brood.
As the story opens, Dani is struggling both as a single mother to two girls and as she trains at Ruben’s father’s veterinary practice. She’s also having trouble adapting to her new home. New Haven welcomes her with open arms, but Dani is standoffish as she’s afraid that they will judge her based upon her ex-husband’s record which she keeps a deep, dark secret. Ruben and Dani are strongly attracted to each other – but they fight their chemistry for different reasons… until Dani’s daughter gets in trouble. Ruben comes up with a way for Dani’s daughter to make amends for what she did. He then involves her in a gifting game that his family plays every Christmas season.
Ruben’s family plays an integral part in this tale as the perfect example of a patient and loving family. I really liked how Ruben and his family included Dani’s in their holiday traditions despite her prickliness. Sadly, I had trouble relating to Dani at first – the barriers she put up to everyone served to wall her off to me too. For a smart woman, I felt that she wasn’t very smart in the relationships’ department. Thankfully, as the story neared its conclusion, she lowered her barriers and I felt my feelings towards her change also. The ending is nice as Dani and her girls rediscover the magic of the holiday season and open their hearts to love.
This is a clean romance. There’s some kissing, but no other hanky panky.
Supporting players include some furbabies that will steal your heart!
Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Season of Wonder:
She didn’t want the kiss to end. It was magical, delicious, like a hundred dreams come true wrapped up in one heated embrace. With the snow fluttering down outside and the Christmas tree lights gleaming beside them, the moment seemed perfect. Better than she ever could have imagined.
---
“Why are you still single, Ruben? Seriously. You’re great with kids and close to your own family. You’re gorgeous – that goes without saying – have a fairly decent job and appear to have all your teeth. What am I missing?”
---
“I needed the reminder that I’m still alive and the world still contains magic and wonder, like Christmas trees and kisses from beautiful women.”
Season of Wonder is a heartwarming, predictable story that will leave you with a happy smile and swaddled in warm fuzzy feels. I enjoy holiday romances year-round. Season of Wonder is just what Santa ordered to put readers in the holiday spirit and to escape from life’s realities for a while. I hope to play catch up with this series in the future!
September 29, 2018
Season of Wonder
RaeAnne Thayne
You can always count on RaeAnne Thayne to deliver a heartwarming holiday tale and Season of Wonder is another prime example. Mix charming, flawed characters, small town pleasantries and pettiness, a slow burning romance, adorable dogs and two needy kids and you’ll get a done to perfection Christmas story.
Dani trying to juggle being a single mom and her brand new Vet practice plus trying to hide a past she’s ashamed of in a nosey small town makes for an engaging page turning read. But the stand-outs in this seasonal story have to be Dani’s daughters 13 year old Silver, troubled but with a heart of gold and 6 year old Mia who’s simply adorable. Plus the four legged costars and the simmering attraction between Dani and the hunky deputy it’s a win win!
So if you’re looking for a sweet and spicy holiday read heavy on the sweet and light on the spicy put Season of Wonder on your wish list.
SUMMARY:
Dani Capelli fresh out of Vet School needed a fresh new beginning far away from her tragic past and when the Haven Point Idaho town Vet offered her an internship with the possibility of taking over his practice she couldn’t move herself and her two daughters fast enough. But not all is good in paradise, when her troubled teen strikes out by breaking the law she wonders if she should run again. Especially when a gorgeous small town cop that she has no business lusting after offers to help get her daughter back on the right track.
Haven Point deputy Ruben Morales always thought he’d be settled by now with 2.5 kids and a sweet agreeable wife. Trouble is his heart keeps pointing him in the direction of the recently transplanted prickly, standoffish new town Vet, the one that comes with two daughters and a past full of secrets. He’s all for breaking the ice but this ice queen has other ideas.
RaeAnne Thayne
You can always count on RaeAnne Thayne to deliver a heartwarming holiday tale and Season of Wonder is another prime example. Mix charming, flawed characters, small town pleasantries and pettiness, a slow burning romance, adorable dogs and two needy kids and you’ll get a done to perfection Christmas story.
Dani trying to juggle being a single mom and her brand new Vet practice plus trying to hide a past she’s ashamed of in a nosey small town makes for an engaging page turning read. But the stand-outs in this seasonal story have to be Dani’s daughters 13 year old Silver, troubled but with a heart of gold and 6 year old Mia who’s simply adorable. Plus the four legged costars and the simmering attraction between Dani and the hunky deputy it’s a win win!
So if you’re looking for a sweet and spicy holiday read heavy on the sweet and light on the spicy put Season of Wonder on your wish list.
SUMMARY:
Dani Capelli fresh out of Vet School needed a fresh new beginning far away from her tragic past and when the Haven Point Idaho town Vet offered her an internship with the possibility of taking over his practice she couldn’t move herself and her two daughters fast enough. But not all is good in paradise, when her troubled teen strikes out by breaking the law she wonders if she should run again. Especially when a gorgeous small town cop that she has no business lusting after offers to help get her daughter back on the right track.
Haven Point deputy Ruben Morales always thought he’d be settled by now with 2.5 kids and a sweet agreeable wife. Trouble is his heart keeps pointing him in the direction of the recently transplanted prickly, standoffish new town Vet, the one that comes with two daughters and a past full of secrets. He’s all for breaking the ice but this ice queen has other ideas.
November 23, 2018
Good story about starting over. Dani moved herself and her two daughters across the country to get away from the mistakes of her past. After she finished veterinary school she was offered an internship in Haven Point, with the possibility of taking over the practice when the current vet retired. She loves her work, but life in a small town is very different than life in Queens and Boston, and all of them have some trouble adjusting. Dani isn't accustomed to the friendliness and interest of the people around her, six-year-old Mia has become shy and withdrawn, and thirteen-year-old Silver is grouchy and defiant. When Silver is caught tagging the next door neighbor's boat, life becomes much more complicated. Ruben is a deputy sheriff and her boss's son. He is kind, compassionate, and sexy. He was intrigued by Dani from the start, but hesitant about getting involved with the single mom. He had a similar relationship go bad, which has left him wary, but resisting Dani and her girls proved to be impossible.
I loved the development of the relationship between Dani and Ruben. He could have been a hard-nose about Silver's vandalism, but instead found a way to work with her to get her back on the right track. This frequently put him and Dani in each other's company. I loved seeing all of them grow closer as the days went on. There's no doubt about the attraction between Ruben and Dani, but she is determined to resist it. I loved Ruben's patience as he found various ways to spend time with her and show her what could be. I ached for Dani, who was so certain that Ruben would hate her if he found out about her past. There are some very sweet scenes between them as Dani let down her walls a little. But Dani's fears about her past came rushing back when there was another problem with Silver, causing her to jump to conclusions and push Ruben away. It took some words from an unexpected source to show Dani that her fears were ungrounded. I loved that Ruben never gave up on Dani, and showed her that he could be trusted to stick with her.
I loved the family theme of the book. Dani's past choices were caused by her desire for a family of her own. Those choices have made her who she is, which is a woman who will do anything to protect that family. Ruben's family is loving, boisterous, and always there for each other. I loved the way that he drew Dani and the girls into his family's life and holiday traditions. I also loved the connection that Ruben had with both Mia and Silver. It was sweet to see little Mia come out of her shell around him. I especially liked the relationship that grew between Ruben and Silver. He had the firmness that she needed, but also an excellent way of making her look at her actions from a different perspective. I loved how he stood by her at the end and discovered the truth of what had really happened. The epilogue was a nice glimpse into the future of the new family.
I loved the development of the relationship between Dani and Ruben. He could have been a hard-nose about Silver's vandalism, but instead found a way to work with her to get her back on the right track. This frequently put him and Dani in each other's company. I loved seeing all of them grow closer as the days went on. There's no doubt about the attraction between Ruben and Dani, but she is determined to resist it. I loved Ruben's patience as he found various ways to spend time with her and show her what could be. I ached for Dani, who was so certain that Ruben would hate her if he found out about her past. There are some very sweet scenes between them as Dani let down her walls a little. But Dani's fears about her past came rushing back when there was another problem with Silver, causing her to jump to conclusions and push Ruben away. It took some words from an unexpected source to show Dani that her fears were ungrounded. I loved that Ruben never gave up on Dani, and showed her that he could be trusted to stick with her.
I loved the family theme of the book. Dani's past choices were caused by her desire for a family of her own. Those choices have made her who she is, which is a woman who will do anything to protect that family. Ruben's family is loving, boisterous, and always there for each other. I loved the way that he drew Dani and the girls into his family's life and holiday traditions. I also loved the connection that Ruben had with both Mia and Silver. It was sweet to see little Mia come out of her shell around him. I especially liked the relationship that grew between Ruben and Silver. He had the firmness that she needed, but also an excellent way of making her look at her actions from a different perspective. I loved how he stood by her at the end and discovered the truth of what had really happened. The epilogue was a nice glimpse into the future of the new family.
Want to read
October 4, 2018I love RaeAnne Thayne books. She also writes the most heart felt novels. Season of Wonder is no different. It was a sweet story about second chances, regardless of your past mistakes. Guaranteed to put readers in the holiday spirit.
January 17, 2019
Well-written, but slow story. Became bored. Lost interest. Couldn’t finish.
September 28, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
It still feels too early to be reading holiday books, but here we are. And as much as I shivered at the reminders about snow and cold, Season of Wonder is a lovely little story.
It also feels like Haven Point is just down the road from Robyn Carr’s Thunder Point – even though Thunder Point is on the coast of Oregon and Haven Point is in Idaho within a couple of hours of Boise.
Let’s call them sister cities. Or at least sister villages.
Both are small towns where most of the folks are friendly and welcoming of newcomers – and where a family in need of a fresh start has an excellent chance of finding one.
Also, although both series are billed as contemporary romances, and the books in them certainly do include a romance along with its requisite HEA, the real stories often seem to be more in the line of small-town feel good cozy stories. The romance feels like the cherry on the top of the sundae, with that sundae being the newcomers making a place for themselves in a welcoming community in spite of whatever heavy baggage brought them in the first place.
And that’s the story in Season of Wonder, which is a cute holiday story and also feels like a pretty good place to begin your visit to Haven Point if you aren’t already a fan of the series.
Dani Capelli is the new vet in town. She’s got a freshly minted vet degree from Boston, a gigantic pile of student loans and two young daughters. She’s come to Haven Point in the hopes that she can start over, and that her year of interning with retiring vet Frank Morales will enable her to buy his practice when her internship is up.
Both of them want to make this work. Dr. Morales has given her a small house, rent-free, during her internship. He really wants this to work and his wife really wants him to retire. If Dani and her little family like living in Haven Point and the residents of Haven Point end up liking her and thinking she’s a good vet, it could all work for everyone.
But Dani has a past that she wants to bury, along with her late ex-husband. Tommy DeLuca died in a hail of gunfire, robbing a bank and killing two cops, back in Dani’s hometown of Queens. She divorced Tommy years ago, and hadn’t heard from him in all that time.
Which doesn’t mean that when everyone in Haven Point finds out that her ex was a criminal and a cop killer that some people won’t tar her and her daughters with the brush of his crimes. After all, she married him and she had two children with him.
People will speculate that apples don’t fall too far from their parent trees. So when her 13-year-old daughter Silver is caught spray painting her next door neighbor’s boat, she fears that her secret will come out.
After all, her neighbor is a trained investigator – he’s a member of the Haven Point County police. And he’s the son of her boss – who is the one person in town who does know the truth.
When Ruben Morales is more than willing to let Silver clean up all THREE places she tagged in return for not putting her through the system, it gives Dani and Ruben a chance to get to know each other – and to see if the chemistry between them is worth exploring.
Even though Dani is dead certain that a criminal’s ex-wife is no fit partner for a cop. She’s sure he’ll agree, just as soon as he figures out the truth.
Escape Rating B: Season of Wonder is a short and sweet holiday story, just the perfect length to kick off the holiday romance season. (Even if it feels too early to talk about Xmas yet)
But speaking of feels, it feels like the parts of this story that get the most pages are the parts about Dani and her daughters adapting to living in Haven Point – with a bit too big of a heaping helping of Dani’s generally negative self-talk.
The girls, Silver and Mia, are 13 and 6 respectively. They are also day-and-night opposites. Some of that opposition is the age difference. Silver is entering her teenage years, she has all the moody defiance that marks that period of life AND she’s been taken away from her friends and familiar surroundings and stuck in what feels like the middle of nowhere after living in Queens and Boston. That she acts out is not a big surprise – but it is a big disappointment to her stressed-out mother.
Mia is 6 and still believes in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. She’s sweet, light and funny in equal turns. She still sees the best in everyone, and in spite of her initial shyness, is generally a joyful little girl.
It’s Silver who provides most of the drama in the story, as she’s first caught tagging, and is later accused of theft. And it’s the trail of trouble that follows her, not all of it her fault, that both pushes Dani and Ruben together AND pulls them apart.
I’ll admit that I didn’t completely buy the romance. It may be that the book is too short, and there just wasn’t enough time to really make the reader feel the tension between them. A lot went on in a relatively short number of pages. (The blurbs claim 320 but this was only 2800 kindle locs, which is way less than that.)
Dani’s self-talk is very negative, and that’s what causes much of the dramatic tension between her and Ruben. She’s sure she’s a screw-up and a failure, when she most definitely is not. (And not that we don’t all talk to ourselves like that sometimes.) She’s also dead certain that her ex-husband’s terrible crimes are going to follow her and her daughters for the rest of their lives – and there is at least one douchebag in town who espouses that view. But Ruben is also correct that most people, and anyone she might possibly want to associate with AT ALL, will recognize that anything that the jerk did six years after she left him is in no way her fault.
In conclusion, Haven Point is an absolutely lovely little town, especially during the holiday season, and always willing to take a stranger into their hearts. I enjoyed the story of Dani finding her way and her HEA in her new home, and I look forward to many future visits to Haven Point.
It still feels too early to be reading holiday books, but here we are. And as much as I shivered at the reminders about snow and cold, Season of Wonder is a lovely little story.
It also feels like Haven Point is just down the road from Robyn Carr’s Thunder Point – even though Thunder Point is on the coast of Oregon and Haven Point is in Idaho within a couple of hours of Boise.
Let’s call them sister cities. Or at least sister villages.
Both are small towns where most of the folks are friendly and welcoming of newcomers – and where a family in need of a fresh start has an excellent chance of finding one.
Also, although both series are billed as contemporary romances, and the books in them certainly do include a romance along with its requisite HEA, the real stories often seem to be more in the line of small-town feel good cozy stories. The romance feels like the cherry on the top of the sundae, with that sundae being the newcomers making a place for themselves in a welcoming community in spite of whatever heavy baggage brought them in the first place.
And that’s the story in Season of Wonder, which is a cute holiday story and also feels like a pretty good place to begin your visit to Haven Point if you aren’t already a fan of the series.
Dani Capelli is the new vet in town. She’s got a freshly minted vet degree from Boston, a gigantic pile of student loans and two young daughters. She’s come to Haven Point in the hopes that she can start over, and that her year of interning with retiring vet Frank Morales will enable her to buy his practice when her internship is up.
Both of them want to make this work. Dr. Morales has given her a small house, rent-free, during her internship. He really wants this to work and his wife really wants him to retire. If Dani and her little family like living in Haven Point and the residents of Haven Point end up liking her and thinking she’s a good vet, it could all work for everyone.
But Dani has a past that she wants to bury, along with her late ex-husband. Tommy DeLuca died in a hail of gunfire, robbing a bank and killing two cops, back in Dani’s hometown of Queens. She divorced Tommy years ago, and hadn’t heard from him in all that time.
Which doesn’t mean that when everyone in Haven Point finds out that her ex was a criminal and a cop killer that some people won’t tar her and her daughters with the brush of his crimes. After all, she married him and she had two children with him.
People will speculate that apples don’t fall too far from their parent trees. So when her 13-year-old daughter Silver is caught spray painting her next door neighbor’s boat, she fears that her secret will come out.
After all, her neighbor is a trained investigator – he’s a member of the Haven Point County police. And he’s the son of her boss – who is the one person in town who does know the truth.
When Ruben Morales is more than willing to let Silver clean up all THREE places she tagged in return for not putting her through the system, it gives Dani and Ruben a chance to get to know each other – and to see if the chemistry between them is worth exploring.
Even though Dani is dead certain that a criminal’s ex-wife is no fit partner for a cop. She’s sure he’ll agree, just as soon as he figures out the truth.
Escape Rating B: Season of Wonder is a short and sweet holiday story, just the perfect length to kick off the holiday romance season. (Even if it feels too early to talk about Xmas yet)
But speaking of feels, it feels like the parts of this story that get the most pages are the parts about Dani and her daughters adapting to living in Haven Point – with a bit too big of a heaping helping of Dani’s generally negative self-talk.
The girls, Silver and Mia, are 13 and 6 respectively. They are also day-and-night opposites. Some of that opposition is the age difference. Silver is entering her teenage years, she has all the moody defiance that marks that period of life AND she’s been taken away from her friends and familiar surroundings and stuck in what feels like the middle of nowhere after living in Queens and Boston. That she acts out is not a big surprise – but it is a big disappointment to her stressed-out mother.
Mia is 6 and still believes in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. She’s sweet, light and funny in equal turns. She still sees the best in everyone, and in spite of her initial shyness, is generally a joyful little girl.
It’s Silver who provides most of the drama in the story, as she’s first caught tagging, and is later accused of theft. And it’s the trail of trouble that follows her, not all of it her fault, that both pushes Dani and Ruben together AND pulls them apart.
I’ll admit that I didn’t completely buy the romance. It may be that the book is too short, and there just wasn’t enough time to really make the reader feel the tension between them. A lot went on in a relatively short number of pages. (The blurbs claim 320 but this was only 2800 kindle locs, which is way less than that.)
Dani’s self-talk is very negative, and that’s what causes much of the dramatic tension between her and Ruben. She’s sure she’s a screw-up and a failure, when she most definitely is not. (And not that we don’t all talk to ourselves like that sometimes.) She’s also dead certain that her ex-husband’s terrible crimes are going to follow her and her daughters for the rest of their lives – and there is at least one douchebag in town who espouses that view. But Ruben is also correct that most people, and anyone she might possibly want to associate with AT ALL, will recognize that anything that the jerk did six years after she left him is in no way her fault.
In conclusion, Haven Point is an absolutely lovely little town, especially during the holiday season, and always willing to take a stranger into their hearts. I enjoyed the story of Dani finding her way and her HEA in her new home, and I look forward to many future visits to Haven Point.
December 6, 2018
This was a wonderfully heartwarming Christmas story that made me hope the author will include these characters in a future work. Dani came to Haven Point to start a new life for her and her girls. Silvia (Silver) is a teenager and Mia is six. Life hasn't been easy for Dani. When her mother died she was placed in foster care, got pregnant at seventeen, married the baby's father only to have him lead a life of crime and end up in prison. After divorcing him, Dani eventually decides to move across the country to prevent her girls from having to deal with the stigma of their father's bad choices. Thanks to the local veterinarian retiring, circumstances make it possible for Dani to take over his practice. Frank Morales knew about Dani's past but also knew Dani wasn't responsible for her husband's mistakes. He was thrilled to offer her an internship and then eventually leave the practice in her capable hands. Frank's son Ruben was a different story.
Ruben, a sheriff's deputy, can't figure out his new neighbor. One minute she's as nice as can be, the next she's prickly as a porcupine. He wants to get to know her better. He's crazy about her kids. So how does he get past the walls she's built to keep everyone out? Fate lends a hand when Silver gets caught vandalizing Ruben's boat and a teacher's garage. He and Dani work out a plan so Silver can clean up her mess and keep from getting sent to juvie. Ruben knows there were other kids involved in spite of Silver's insistence she acted alone. He understands her wanting to fit into the community but wants her to realize there's a better way than getting into mischief.
As Dani and Ruben spend time together their attraction grows but Dani's afraid Ruben will find out about her past and won't want anything to do with her. She can't afford to let the girls get close to him when they'll end up getting their hearts broken when Ruben learns the truth. This was just an all around good story. I loved the characters. Dani, with all her insecurities, needed someone strong and decisive in her life. Ruben was perfect for her. He was kind and understanding but also a take charge kind of person who got things done. The author did a great job bringing them together. The story left me wanting to see more of this family in the future. Oh, and it didn't hurt it was set at Christmas time.
Ruben, a sheriff's deputy, can't figure out his new neighbor. One minute she's as nice as can be, the next she's prickly as a porcupine. He wants to get to know her better. He's crazy about her kids. So how does he get past the walls she's built to keep everyone out? Fate lends a hand when Silver gets caught vandalizing Ruben's boat and a teacher's garage. He and Dani work out a plan so Silver can clean up her mess and keep from getting sent to juvie. Ruben knows there were other kids involved in spite of Silver's insistence she acted alone. He understands her wanting to fit into the community but wants her to realize there's a better way than getting into mischief.
As Dani and Ruben spend time together their attraction grows but Dani's afraid Ruben will find out about her past and won't want anything to do with her. She can't afford to let the girls get close to him when they'll end up getting their hearts broken when Ruben learns the truth. This was just an all around good story. I loved the characters. Dani, with all her insecurities, needed someone strong and decisive in her life. Ruben was perfect for her. He was kind and understanding but also a take charge kind of person who got things done. The author did a great job bringing them together. The story left me wanting to see more of this family in the future. Oh, and it didn't hurt it was set at Christmas time.
October 8, 2018
Season of Wonder was a beautiful, fun and light-hearted romance. Dani moved to Haven Point with her two daughters to start a new chapter in her life. She is closed off and doesn't really interact with anyone in town, because she doesn't want them to find out certain things about her life. This results in her daughters being skittish as well, and one of them starts to act out. It was obvious that Dani was doing her best to give her kids the best life possible, and was feeling like a failure many times. My heart broke for her, because she was really trying.
Then comes Ruben, her next door neighbor, into the picture. She already noticed him but no way will she start anything with him. However, Ruben isn't that easily pushed away, and does his best to be there for Dani and her daughters. He was such a great guy, who did more than what people would usually do to include this new family. He was exceptional with the kids, and I loved the scenes between them. I enjoyed reading how Dani and her kids slowly started to trust Ruben and started lowering their their guards around him. Season of Wonder is a great contemporary romance. Sometimes I just want to read a nice, light, and fun romance without any darkness. And this book fit the bill perfectly. I am looking forward to reading the previous eight books in the Haven Point series.
December 14, 2019
I have not read many Christmas novels but this year I wanted to change that. I have had a hard time this holiday season without being able to spend it with my grandmother like I usually do so I decided to fill that void by reading feel good Christmas stories.
Season of Wonder was the perfect holiday story of hope, dreams, new friendships, learning and love. A mother of two beautiful girls did not have it easy when it comes to life. She grew up in and out of foster care. She married a man who turned out to be the worst kind of man to have children with but when she was continuously dealt the wrong cards she made the most of every situation and graduated from college to become a veterinarian.
Her and her girls moved to Haven Point after Dr. Morales offered her to work at his Veterinarian's office to take over for him when he retires, she cannot turn it down. A new start to a new life that she has always dreamed of. What she did not expect is that she would be living next to Dr. Morales son, Ruben, who is a deputy sheriff. There are secrets in her past that make her terrified of Ruben but his beautiful smile and personality that can melt any bad feelings away terrifies her even more. She doesn't need the distraction and she definitely doesn't need to fall in love.
As I continued to turn the pages, I became completely consumed with these characters and hope this becomes a movie someday because it is the most heartwarming story of two adults who so desperately try to be together but also to stay a part to honor each others boundaries. I highly suggest this novel to anyone who loves reading about love stories and the holiday season. It was magically perfect.
Season of Wonder was the perfect holiday story of hope, dreams, new friendships, learning and love. A mother of two beautiful girls did not have it easy when it comes to life. She grew up in and out of foster care. She married a man who turned out to be the worst kind of man to have children with but when she was continuously dealt the wrong cards she made the most of every situation and graduated from college to become a veterinarian.
Her and her girls moved to Haven Point after Dr. Morales offered her to work at his Veterinarian's office to take over for him when he retires, she cannot turn it down. A new start to a new life that she has always dreamed of. What she did not expect is that she would be living next to Dr. Morales son, Ruben, who is a deputy sheriff. There are secrets in her past that make her terrified of Ruben but his beautiful smile and personality that can melt any bad feelings away terrifies her even more. She doesn't need the distraction and she definitely doesn't need to fall in love.
As I continued to turn the pages, I became completely consumed with these characters and hope this becomes a movie someday because it is the most heartwarming story of two adults who so desperately try to be together but also to stay a part to honor each others boundaries. I highly suggest this novel to anyone who loves reading about love stories and the holiday season. It was magically perfect.
January 25, 2019
I loved this book. Couldn't hardly put it dosn. One of the best RaeAnne Thane books she's written.
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