Tähistagem jõulumaagiat Haven Pointis koos New York Timesi bestsellerite autori RaeAnne Thayneʼiga kohas, kus lootus, kodu ja igavene õnn on sama lähedal kui jõulusokk...
Cole Barrett ei jõua sel aastal jõuludele mõeldagi. Ta peab hoolitsema oma kahe leinava lapse eest, sest tema eksabikaasa hukkus traagilises õnnetuses, ja saab sellegagi hädavaevu hakkama. Erakliku Coleʼi jaoks ei ole see kingituste tegemise ega tähistamise aeg – ja kindlasti ei soovi ta oma kaootilisse ellu mingit päikselise iseloomuga optimisti.
Doktor Devin Shaw on pikka aega uurinud Lake Haveni mineraalvete tervendavaid omadusi. Paraku asuvad kuumaveeallikad Barretti maadel, mis sunnib Devinit sõlmima kokkulepet rantšo tõreda, ent seksika omanikuga – ta pakub Coleʼi lastele imelisi jõule ja Cole laseb tema patsientidel kuumaveeallikat kasutada. Ent kas Devin suudab oma pühademaagia abil tervendada Barrettite pere liikmete ja ka iseenda südame?
I'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
Cole Barrett's ex-wife recently died and now he has sole custody of his two young children. With his housekeeper gone, and his pregnant sister Tricia (who was helping him out) now in the hospital on bed rest, he is in over his head. He is overwhelmed with all the work that needs done before Christmas. Dr. Devin Shaw meets Cole and his children when Cole brings his sister to the emergency room. Devin learns from Tricia that Cole could use some help, so in her free time Devin offers to help Cole out with the kids and Christmas preparations in exchange for use of the hot spring on his land for her senior citizen yoga class. While spending time with Cole and the children, she finds herself falling for his kids and fighting her attraction to Cole. Cole's feelings for Devin are mutual, but he's fighting them as well, since he feels that Devin deserves better than him.
This was a wonderful Christmas read, with so many things that I love in a Christmas book--snow, building snowmen, cutting down and decorating the tree, stringing lights and decorations around the house, Christmas festivities, helping those in need. The cast of characters really came to life, not only the hero and heroine, but also Cole's children (sweet Ty and bossy Jazmyn), Cole's sister Tricia, Cole's estranged father, the senior citizens who visited the hot spring, and the other secondary characters, as well. The story is set in the lovely small town of Haven Point. It's a very heartwarming read and perfect to cozy up with for the holiday.
Evergreen Springs is the third story in Thayne's Haven Point series and it features Devin Shaw, the town's physician and Mayor MacKenzie's older sister (the heroine from book #2) alongside the reclusive ranch owner slash single dad, Cole Barrett.
It didn't take too long for me to feel charmed with the relationship; although I must admit that it was significantly buoyed by Cole's son, Ty. The six-year-old was wonderful and so endearing. His older sister Jazmyn was more prickly and prone to say things bluntly without thinking that it could hurt other people's feeling.
Cole had a lot of issues with opening up himself for a chance for love. His wild past, his strain relationship with his estranged father, his divorce ... it was easy to see why he struggled with suddenly having two kids to take care of. Devin, on the other hand, was a natural caretaker. Unable to have kids of her own, a side-effect of pancreatic cancer she suffered when she was teenager, Devin gave her love towards her younger patients easily, including Ty and Jazmyn.
Sure, I liked Devin and Cole just fine but in any case, it was how Devin's building the connection with Cole's children, giving them the joy and spirit of Christmas that just made this a compelling read for me. What can I say, kids and Christmas season, totally make me weak in the knees.
All in all, I think that this is a heartwarming clean romance that embodies the spirit of holiday read.
EVERGREEN SPRINGS was a quick read for me. I was instantly captivated in their lives and was flipping the pages like crazy to see how RaeAnne Thayne was going to wrap up all the story lines. I never skipped a single word, I was that engrossed in all their lives. The secondary characters in this story will have you cheering for the whole lot of them. Cole and Devin have some major hurdles to get over and problems to overcome, but if anyone deserves to be happy, it is these two. Even though this is book three of the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I didn't realize I was holding my breath near the last page until I let it out to let the tears flow. EVERGREEN SPRINGS is filled with heart tugging moments and will have you laughing and crying all at once.
This is not a series you want to read out of order. You can and Thayne gives all the right background and stuff so you won't miss important byplay or interactions. I just think it's enough extra satisfaction that I would definitely recommend going in order. So I'm assuming you know more or less what you're getting by this time and I'll stick to the highlights.
I knew I'd like Devin from seeing her in the other books. She's even better than I imagined, with that deep-seated vulnerability and loneliness buried under her strength and determination. Seeing her interact with Cole and his children was a delight.
Cole is the epitome of strong manly man with a hard-won kindness and deeply seated insecurity. I actually don't find that damaged-by-life-choices thing very interesting, though, and this is no different. Cole's hatred for the man he used to be is deeply seated and the source of pain for both him and the parts of it he lets splash on Devin. Complicating that is his non-relationship with his father that dragged on and on and ended up being rather shallow for all the stage time it received.
Which makes it sound like I didn't enjoy the book much and that's not really the case. Cole is engaging enough with his care for his kids and his bewilderment with Devin. Coupled with my affection for Devin, I couldn't put the book down and gulped it over a very fun couple days (stupid work obligations). The kids were really outstanding and enhanced both Cole and Devin in different, but very useful, ways. I loved every scene they were in and it wasn't a few.
So yeah, this was a solid four stars all the way through. My quibbles with Cole were minor enough given my interest in Devin and the kids and, in the end, for Cole, too.
Such a heartwarming Christmas story! I loved every minute of it and hated to see it end. Devin and Cole are so cute together and Cole's two kids are adorable. This is a story of second chances and forgiveness. It will make you laugh and cry. A MUST READ for the Christmas season!
You know what, I really, really love Christmas. I adore everything about it and am eagerly awaiting the beginning of the Advent to start decorating, blasting Christmas music all day every day and bake too many cookies.
And I adore Christmas stories; I can't help myself, I just do. JOY AND LOVE TO ALL, OKAY. I have no regrets.
This just worked, in spite of all the clichés and cheesiness laced throughout. I didn't care about either, Christmas can really never be cheesy enough. And there was just something about Devin's quiet strength that outshined anything else in this book. I loved her and Cole, but mostly I loved her. And Ty. I loved Ty a lot.
Also, this: "Nobody gets to walk through this world on a trail littered with rose petals. Thorny bushes, deep ravines, jagged glass. Everybody faces something.”
Devin, subtly shutting down Cole's pity party. She is my favourite. In case that wasn't obvious yet.
I read Book 1, Snow Angel Cove and Book 2, Redemption Bay and choose to continue the series with Book 3. Although they can be read as stand alone, characters from past books have cameo appearances.
These stories are fast pace and nicely written. They don't necessarily stand out from the chic lit crowd as the story line is predictable, but if this is your genre choice then it's definitely worth the read. Ms. Thayne develops likable characters, infuses a little Christmas spirit and provides a nicely developed plot.
Recommended Read, soon-to-be-a-classic, contemporary Christmas story destined for your keeper shelf!
How do you know you've read one of the best books ever written by RaeAnne Thayne? When you feel wistful and sigh-worthy at the end of the book and yet, oh-so-sad because you can no longer see into the characters' lives. I didn't want the book to end. EVERGREEN SPRINGS is a Christmas story perfect for every keeper shelf!
From the beginning, I was captivated with EVERGREEN SPRINGS and read as fast as possible without missing a word until the last page. Devin didn't stand out to me more than any other character in the previous two novels, so I was very surprised how fast I became enamored with her story. As a small town doctor, Devin has her hands full. Her cancer survival, then living life with gratitude is admirable. She'll steal your heart with her compassion and inner spirit. There is one key motivation in Devin's emotional want-list that Cole and his children fill and you'll want it for her too.
Cole is a great hero. He's a dark and brooding ex-con with a tiny bright light just waiting to shine when nurtured by the right woman. He's a handsome, rugged cowboy whose bad boy ways have almost broken him, like the horses he hopes to train. Love will fix him if he follows his heart. Cole's two children are a fabulous component to this story, adding just the right touch to embolden the childlike wonder of a Christmas-themed book. Eight-year-old Jazmyn is a bit contrary toward her father, having been influenced more by her mother and her grandmother with unsavory words about him. Her six-year-old brother is such a treasure, especially since he puts up with his bossy sister without complaint.
There are so many secondary characters that make this book brilliant beyond the lead couple, which is saying a lot since I really enjoyed them. None of the secondary characters seem frivolous, each of them move the story forward with their circumstances that involve Cole or Devin. Cole's father intervenes even though Cole wants nothing to do with him. He's even more broken than his son and he'll touch your heart. Cole's sister Tricia is pregnant with twins and estranged from her husband, another storyline that's especially poignant in the holiday season.
I really enjoyed Cole's darkness against Devin's light. Although they've both faced adversity, Devin was surrounded by a positive, loving environment. Whereas Cole was faced with sorrow and uncertainty. Cole's adversity led to recklessness, while Devin's led to devotion to healthcare due to her care during her own illness. Both learned lessons that made them better people, but what each of them lacked is filled by the other in order to eventually complete them. The story evolves as the characters awareness of each other expands and their mutual need is realized in each other. Such a beautiful story.
Another key factor to this book that made it such an easy, enjoyable read is the magical snow-covered mountain setting with a hot spring to heat things up. Throw in a bunch of cute animals, plus a group of seniors who need that hot spring, and you've got some aww moments that will melt that snow and any ice in your heart.
EVERGREEN SPRINGS is the third book in the HAVEN POINT series which is lightly related to the HOPE'S CROSSING series. It is not necessary to read SNOW ANGEL COVE and REDEMPTION BAY in order to understand this story, nor the previous series, even though they're each special in their own way. Fans of this series will be delighted with cameo appearances of their favorite characters from the previous two books, while catching up on what's happening in their lives right now.
I think EVERGREEN SPRINGS may be my favorite holiday story ever. It's one of those books that can easily become a yearly re-read because it's that special. Its positive, hopeful message clearly illuminates the season.
Like a crackling fire on a cold night with the magic of a starlit sky – EVERGREEN SPRINGS will warm your soul and melt your heart. RaeAnne Thayne has surpassed my expectations with this novel - sure to become a treasured holiday favorite for years to come. Recommended Read!
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Print ARC provided by the publisher or publicist.
Very good book about redemption and second chances. Devin is one of Haven Point's doctors and is working in the ER when Cole brings in his very pregnant sister. She has fallen and is in premature labor, so she is ordered to bedrest at the hospital. This leaves Cole, a single father who has recently gained custody of his children, without any help. Devin steps in to give him a hand.
Devin is a woman who is a fixer at heart. She is a cancer survivor who has found meaning in helping other people. There is something about Cole and his children that has her getting really involved in their lives. I loved seeing how she mobilized her friends to make meals that she delivered to him, and how she stayed to build snowmen with the kids. She sees that Cole is overwhelmed by everything going on and offers to help him prepare for his first Christmas with the kids. Though he seems rather cold and grumpy at the beginning, she soon discovers that there's a good man underneath, one she'd like to get to know better.
Cole came back to Haven Point to try to put his life back together. When his mother died and his father abandoned him and his sister, Cole reacted by going a bit wild. He became a rodeo cowboy, and lived a life filled with booze and women. He married a buckle bunny who got pregnant, later divorced and had to deal with her erratic behavior. He ended up spending some time in prison for an event he can't even remember. Since getting out, he has worked to get his family ranch back in working order, avoiding most people while he was at it. When his ex-wife is killed in an accident, Cole gets custody of his children, but is at a loss on how to deal with them. Losing his sister's help makes things even more difficult. He's stunned when Devin shows up at his door and doesn't understand why she is so determined to help him.
I loved seeing the relationship develop between them. Devin has found an outlet for all the love and mothering she has in her heart. She is cautious at first, knowing that she could get really attached to the whole family. Her attraction to Cole is strong, and she finds herself unable to resist getting closer. The more time she spends with him, the deeper she falls. Devin has doubts about her ability to win the love of a man because of her inability to have children. Cole is very attracted to Devin, and also drawn to the love she shows his children. But he believes that there is too big a gulf between the beautiful town doctor and himself, as a recovering alcoholic and ex-con. When the strength of his feelings gets to be too much, he tries to drive her away. It was an emotional scene, as Cole does everything he can to make his point. Devin is initially devastated, but I loved seeing her natural optimism and intelligence come through as she realizes the truth of what happened. The ending was sweet as Devin finally gets Cole to accept that he's a much better man than he wants to admit. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in later books.
There were a couple of secondary stories in the book also. First is the story of Cole's sister Tricia and why she is staying with Cole. They are very protective of each other, as is shown by her concern over what will happen to Cole and the kids while she's in the hospital. Cole is also worried about her and her separation from her husband during her pregnancy. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her to suck it up and talk to her husband. As the story went on, her reasons and motivations are explained. It all came to a head as she went into labor for real, and the drama was quite riveting. I liked seeing how it worked out. There was also the story of Cole's father, who returned to the ranch a few months earlier. He wants to mend his relationship with Cole, and Cole wants nothing to do with him. Cole harbors a lot of bitterness about his father, and he doesn't believe the man can change. I loved seeing the slow thaw of the ice between them, and how it's the kids who start the process.
I liked the group of seniors that Devin brings to Cole's hot springs. They are a very fun group. Devin's friends "The Helping Hands" were also great. All of them showed the positive aspects of life in a small town, where everyone watched out for everyone else.
Cole Barrett is a single father with a sordid past. His ex-wife has recently passed away leaving him to suddenly be a full time father while he's also struggling to get his life on track and his ranch turned into a successful business. When his very pregnant with twins sister who has been visiting takes a tumble he rushes her to the ER where they meet the young doctor Devin Shaw.
Devin knew Trisha when they were growing up and considers her a friend so when she hears of her brother Cole's struggles and knows Trisha will be on bed rest she decides to pitch in and do something for the struggling little family. Devin puts out a call to the helping hands group of Haven Point and soon has a bunch of meals to deliver to the Barrett's but when going out she can't help but volunteer to spend more time with the two grieving children and soon finds herself falling in love with them and their father.
I've really enjoyed all of the Haven Point books that I've read so far but this one just not quite as much as the first two in the series. I think for me, while I enjoyed Devin's character immensely and her helping others spirit, I just found myself struggling to connect to Cole for most of the story. He seemed so distant to me which is what his character is meant to be but it's hard to really root for him when I don't feel much of his personality stood out either. Also, Devin admits that she wants to fix everyone in the book. While this makes her a lovely soul who enjoys helping others it also makes me question the idea of a relationship starting off on her wanting to "fix" Cole and his problems.
Still overall a lovely book set in Haven Point, a small community where everyone cares about each other and what seems would be a beautiful place to live. It's very hard not to enjoy the overall atmosphere and warmth in this series. This one takes place right before Christmas so you get to enjoy reading all of the holiday warmth and activities associated with the season in this lovely town.
This story was so sweet and a lovely romance to read. I read the first book in this series and loved it. So when I saw this book I thought it was the second the book but it was actually the third. Although it didn't matter because this book could be read as a standalone.
I loved Devin and Cole! I enjoyed the road to their relationship although I guess I did expect more then a few stolen kisses during this book but I still thought it was sweet. The way the town pulled together to help Cole and his children during a difficult time was sweet and touching.
Devin was strong and has a successful career but you can see right away something is missing from her life. She doesn't want to get close to Cole and his kids but she does while she is helping him out and she couldn't help herself.
Cole didn't have a easy life from a ex who wouldn't let him see his kids, to being an drunk and ex con. He is trying to do the best for his two children who lost their mother recently. He wants to make this ranch work so his children have a legacy.
There was a few questions that were left unresolved so I didn't see why those things were brought up such as his exs mother trying to get custody for his kids but I just assumed she didn't. The end actually ended pretty fast and I kind of wanted more.
Hopefully in the next book we will get to see these characters again.
Definitely didn’t think “grumpy cowboy” types would appeal to me, but Cole was great. I was really eager to read a book about Devin after the first two stories and this didn’t disappoint. Again, the adorable setting of Haven Point and the Christmas feels were so cute. I can’t wait to see how these characters continue to intertwine over the next books.
Title: Evergreen Springs Author: ReaAnne Thayne Publisher: HQN Books Series: Haven Point # 3 Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Four Review:
"Evergreen Springs" by ReaAnne Thayne
What I liked about this novel...
This was another one of this author's Haven Point series...the third and during the Christmas holiday...where we get to know Devin who was the towns Doctor and Cole a single dad with two children and a ranch to run. This storyline was put together so very well that will keep your attention until the very end. We find from the read that Devin has been ill but she still wanted to be a mom....as for Cole ...he had a dark past [being a drunk and ex con] that had him thinking that he wasn't worthy of a person like Devin in his life. Now, why was this? As this story comes together Cole's sister Tricia[who just happened to be one of Devin's old high school friends] had a small accident that had caused her to go into labor and it seems that Devin is their to help the children and Cole...if only he doesn't push her away. I liked the way this author was able to bring in the children Jasmine and Ty which was done so beautifully especially during this Christmas time and also how the town pulled together to help Cole. I loved how this story brings in 'not letting our past define our present or future.' This story wasn't a easy love story due to all of its complications that were involved with the two main characters but I like how this author presented this well written story that will keep you turning the pages that will helped bring in the spirit and healing along with this season of Christmas.
What I wish...
I wish that there had been a little more information about Tricia's and Sean's relationship and maybe a even an epilogue dealing with Christmas day with Cole, Jasmine, Ty and Devin,...but there wasn't so we will just have to end it here and see what will come next in this series by this author.
If you are looking for a good Christmas read about love, redemption, and family this would be a good novel that I would recommend to you.
I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.
A perfect holiday romance, Evergreen Springs, exceeded my expectations. Revisiting the small town setting of Haven Point during the holiday season and all of it's denizens made it so easy to fall right into this story and get swept away in the charm and magic of the holidays and RaeAnne Thayne's romance.
I'll be honest, I had a little bit of trouble with the main characters in this one at first. Devin is a very reserved, fairly regimented individual who was a little hard to connect with at first. Cole is an ex Rodeo Cowboy (a career choice the animal lover in me can not admire) and a parolee to boot. It didn't take long though for me to check my reservations and let the past stay in the past (as Devin so admirably did) and soon both of these characters began to really grow on me.
Cole is now trying to save the family ranch, while harboring his pregnant sister Tricia and struggling with the new full time parenting upon the heels of the tragic death of his ex wife.
Devin steps in and shows how big her heart and that of Haven point is. She finds herself drawn to Cole despite her reservations and can't help but feel a pull to his children who've so recently lost their mother. She makes it her mission that they have a real special Christmas...and from there the magic just happens.
This is a really heartfelt and warming tale with a great mix of personal challenges, second chances, familial issues and resolutions and of course heartwarming romance. And it all takes place during the most magical time of the year in an amazing small town setting that will charm the mitten off you.
I'd been looking forward to Devin's story and her Happily Ever After and was so happy that she found it with Cole. You will be too.
Don't hesitate to pick this one up. Save it for a chilly afternoon and curl up with a mug of cocoa and Evergreen Springs...I promise it will warm you right up:)
I highly recommend this heartwarming Christmas romance!
Cole Barrett is an overwhelmed single father who has only had custody of his 2 kids for a few months, after their mother was killed in a car accident. Six year old Ty is a super lovable little guy who just wants everyone to be happy. Eight year old Jazmyn has a big chip on her shoulder and doesn't want to live there. She's just waiting for the day that grandma will come to take her home with her.
Dr. Devin Shaw is the town sweetheart, having grown up there and spent her whole life there other than when she was away at medical school. When Cole brings his sister into the hospital with a sprained ankle and in premature labor with twins, Devin steps in to help keep Tricia's mind at ease while she's on bed rest and can't help him at the ranch. She gathers the community to help feed the kids, she babysits them while he's working with his horses, she even enlists her sister, the mayor's help in finding the perfect housekeeper to start as soon as possible.
Along the way, Cole and Devin each fight hard to control their attraction to each other. He thinks that even though he's a hard working man trying to make a life with his kids, that he's still defined by the wild guy he was back in his rodeo days. The hard partying, womanizer who can't even remember the bar fight that sent him to prison, just can't forgive himself for the past deeds that he's done and instead keeps to himself so the community won't feel the need to shun him.
Spending time with Devin brings out a side of Cole that he doesn't show with anyone else. He laughs, he goes to town functions, he lives! When Cole panics about what he's feeling for Devin and tries to push her out of his life, will she listen? And will he be able to let her go so she can be with someone better than him? Devin loves him, but she doesn't know if she can trust in what she thinks he feels for her too.
I just finished reading the third, and latest book, in Rae Anne Thayne's Haven Point series and I was so impressed I one-clicked books one and two almost immediately. Evergreen Springs is the story of Devin Shaw and Cole Barrett. Devin is a doctor who lives in her childhood home with her two cats, Seamus and Simone. She is a strong and compassionate woman with many friends. She is also a cancer survivor, which still greatly impacts her life. Cole Barrett is, in his own words, a "struggling, out-of-his-depth single father". He is an ex-con and a recovering alcoholic, but he is also a loving father to his children, Jazmyn and Ty, and a wonderfully overprotective brother to Tricia. Devin and Cole meet when he brings a very pregnant Tricia to the emergency room. Tricia and Devin were in high school together, so they have an instant rapport. Through Tricia, Devin learns that Cole is in over his head with the kids and he doesn't have any help at the house. The next day, Devin shows up on Cole's doorstep with enough food, made by friendly townspeople, to feed him and his kids for a month. Devin proceeds to build snowmen, decorate his house for Christmas, entertain Jazmyn and Ty, take care of his sister and burrow her way into Cole's heart. They both have issues to work through, but they have enough love in their hearts to give to everyone around them and each other. Evergreen Springs is a wonderful Christmas book that will entertain anyone looking to read a sweet romance.
EVERGREEN SPRINGS is the third book in the Haven Point series. When Cole Barrett’s pregnant sister, Tricia, must go to the hospital due to a fall Devin Shaw is her attending ER physician. Devin’s a caring and competent doctor and when she finds out Cole’s ex-wife died and he’s now taking care of his two children full-time, she decides to help out the family. So Devin strikes a deal with Cole, she’ll help give his kids the wonderful Christmas they deserve and he’ll let her use his hot springs for some of her patients. Devin’s surprised when Cole and his kids, Ty and Jaz, steal her heart. Perhaps there is some magic left in the holidays. EVERGREEN SPRINGS is a sweet romance featuring two characters which have both had trials and tribulations in their lives. Devin is a strong woman who had to deal with some tough issues growing up and Cole got himself into some trouble when he was younger. Now they’re both a little fractured and it will take a little TLC and some magic to make them whole again. I loved Cole’s kids; even though they sounded a little mature for their ages it made sense at times because of their tragic upbringing before coming to live with Cole. I also loved how the whole town of Haven Point comes together to help those in need. EVERGREEN SPRINGS is a charming and tender story which will help readers get into the holiday spirit.
RaeAnne Thayne has done it again!!! In Evergreen Springs, we return to Haven Point, Idaho and all of her wonderful, heartwarming residents. Cole Barrett is a handsome, single father and cowboy rebuilding his ranch and trying to heal the hearts of his two children after the death of their mother. Devin Shaw is a beautiful doctor trying to recover from the emotional and physical toll of a frightening, childhood illness. Cole is trying to redeem his past by rebuilding his family ranch and making a loving home for his children. Devin is trying to be a wonderful doctor and friend to all the people in Haven Point. Both, Cole and Devin believe love, romance, and a loving family are out of their reach. You will be pulling for them to find romance, happiness, and each other. Thayne creates wonderful, complex, sympathetic characters but she also renews are hope in humanity. She brilliant illustrates the miracles that can happen when people come together to help those around them. Thayne offers a new, optimistic perspective on life and romance. You will always leave Thayne's novels with a renewed sense of optimism, I always look forward to RaeAnne Thayne's latest novel. You will love Evergreen Springs and will fall in love with Haven Point and all its residents!
I loved this book by one of my favorite authors, RaeAnne Thayne. Evergreen Springs is the third book in her Haven Point series. RaeAnne has a knack for capturing the essence and spirit of living in a small town. It was a joy to meet the interesting, fun, caring people of Haven Point. This book was Cole and Devin’s story. Cole, a retired cowboy, is now a horse trainer who is having a hard time trying to forgive himself for past mistakes. His two children recently came to live with him after the death of his ex-wife. Devin is a doctor who is struggling with her own problems. She is able to bring out the best in Cole and his children. The two main characters were imperfect, but very interesting and likeable. It was fun to see their relationship grow and develop. The story drew me in immediately and kept my interest throughout. This book is part of a series but is also a stand-alone book. It isn’t necessary to read the books in order, but it was fun to see the characters from her other Haven Point books pop up in this one. RaeAnne’s books are always well-edited, which makes them a joy to read. I have rarely found any typos or mistakes to distract me. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves good, clean romance stories. Thanks, RaeAnne Thayne, for another great read.
Once again RaeAnne Thayne has hit another one out of the ballpark. I was immediately pulled into the book, and finished it in one sitting.
The greatest compliment I can pay any author is that their book allows my imagination to soar to the point that I feel that I am part of the place and the story. Haven Point is a just such a place, a small town with all the problems that small towns have, but despite its problems, it has the one thing that all towns and cities need, people that care. Devin is one of those characters that in real life each of us should try to emulate, someone that is there for others and in the end gets her HEA( no surprise here if you’re a RaeAnne Thayne fan). Cole on the other hand is struggling with forgiving himself for past failures and feeling unworthy of love. Another big plus for me is that this is a sweet and clean romance.
I was given an ARC version of this book, but after I had already pre-ordered a copy of it. If you like series set in small towns with great characters, do not pass this book up. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series that’s fine, it stands alone. That said, take my advice, buy them and read them anyway.
It's almost Christmas in Haven Point, Idaho when rancher Cole Barrett brings his pregnant sister, Tricia, into the emergency room after she takes a fall on the ice. And who should happen to be the doctor on duty that day but beautiful Dr. Devin Shaw.
Cole has everything Devin wants in a man, including two children and Devin ends up helping Cole get his house in the Christmas spirit.
Snowmen, Christmas trees, a puppy, a hot spring, a boat parade - all seem to work together to bring these two lonely people together.
I liked the hero/heroine of this Yuletide tale. Both have problems to overcome and they fight their mutual attraction and that was part of the fun.
The ending was rather abrupt. I would have liked to read an epilogue tying loose ends up. But this was still a sweet story and I enjoyed it.
NOTE: I received this book from HQN Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
this is my first book into the Haven Point series. I have to say I will be looking for the rest! It has it all: a man trying to overcome his past, kids that need him, a father he hasn't forgiven, pregnant sister that leaves him in a lurch and a charming doctor that comes to his rescue.
Cole Barrett is trying to adjust to a new reality of being a full time dad to his two children after their mom dies in crash. Devon Shaw is a doctor who happens to be working the emergency room when he brings in his sister after she slips and falls. Devin has her own ghost to chase.
These two broken souls dance around each other and in the end finally come to the conclusion that together they are better than apart. The story does have a few slow spots but picks back up relatively quickly. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to getting the rest of the series!
Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne is a blissful romance that captures your heart from page one. The author does a fantastic job creating the characters in this book. I loved them. And to have this book set during the Christmas season won me over. Ms. Thayne’s rich writing has left me spell-bound. I devoured this book in a few hours. Dr. Devin Shaw is such a kind-hearted soul and Cole is the perfect match for her. I love their coming together in the end. Overall a beautiful story with a cast of beautiful characters that takes your breath away. A great novel to read for this Christmas season!
A wonderful Christmas story as Dr. Devin Shaw has a chance to help Cole Barrett an his two adorable children have a Christmas celebration even though the children are missing their deceased mother. Devin also has a chance to make her life a little happier with their help. RaeAnne Thayne is a great writer and has created a nice little town in Haven Point. Looking forward to returning and catching up with all the residents.
This is a beautiful poignant story of a badass, loner cowboy with two children, and a smart, savvy small town doctor. Both have some pretty toxic baggage, but manage to find their way home to each other. The characters are complex and real; the story very believable. I got so wrapped up in the storyline I was in tears and let out a big breath I didn't realize I was holding as I finished reading. I'm fairly easy to please, but this book is a standout! Must read!
Another sweet story from RaeAnne Thayne, this one taking place at Christmas time. Somehow this author makes you forget the story takes place and the characters fall in love over just a few days. Whenever I read one of her books I don't dwell on things that maybe aren't all that realistic. I just sit back and enjoy the heartwarming tale.
I love Haven Point and the cast of characters we have met so far. Dr. Shaw is a hero in my eyes, she stepped up to the plate to help take care of some broken spirits and ends up fixing her broken pieces too.