4.5 stars

Evergreen Springs is a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances. This latest release by RaeAnne Thayne is a heartwarming holiday romance that is sure to delight old and new fans of the wonderful Haven Point series.

Devin Shaw is a caring and compassionate doctor who wants to fix every problem she encounters. So when she meets rancher Cole Barrett and his two adorable children Jazmyn and Ty and realizes they could use some short term assistance, she is quick to volunteer her help. She is immediately drawn to the taciturn cowboy but he is very closed off and reluctant to accept outside assistance. The two strike up a deal and Devin slowly but surely works her way past his formidable defenses. But will Cole's inability to forgive himself for past mistakes ruin their chance at happiness?

Nothing much ruffles Devin's calm demeanor. She is incredibly patient, cool under pressure and positively radiates serenity. All of these characteristics make her absolutely the perfect person to help Cole and his two children. Without knowing anything about the family except they need help, she swiftly reaches out to her sister ( who also happens to be the town's mayor) and together, they come up with a plan of action to provide them assistance. Stepping in to help care for the grieving children is a little bittersweet given her circumstances, but Devin has such a big heart that it is impossible for her not to care for them. She is never put off by Cole's gruffness or aloofness and she never quits trying to convince him to stop letting his past define him.

Cole is completely out of his depth with his kids but there is never any doubt how much he loves them. He has a very troubled past and while he has completely turned his life around, he refuses to forgive himself for his transgressions. Although he is very devoted to his sister, Cole stubbornly refuses to let his estranged father back into his life. He tries to distance himself from Devin but she slowly makes him realize that his children's needs are more important than his self-imposed isolation. Cole gradually opens up to her but because he continues to define himself by the man he used to be, he pushes her away as their feelings for one another deepen.

An uplifting story of healing, Evergreen Springs is also a sweet romance that is heartfelt and engaging. The characters are complex and appealing with realistic shortcomings and believable issues to overcome. This captivating addition to RaeAnne Thayne's Haven Point series is a thoroughly charming novel that fans of small town love stories are sure to love.
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Looking for emotional. Evergreen Springs is definitely that. I felt so many things while reading this story. Compassion for all the pain Cole and his children were going through. Proud that Devin was a worthy female character determined enough to do battle with Cole. Lastly, Hope. The belief in miracles and having faith that good or bad things happen for a reason. Evergreen Springs is the belief that anything is possible: love, hope, understanding and healing. I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review. A tearjerker that will leave you believing. ( )

Review originally published on my blog: http://www.literaryfeline.com/2015/12/bookish-thoughts-evergreen-springs-by.html

Evergreen Springs (Haven Point #3) by RaeAnne Thayne
Harlequin Books, 2015
Romance; 384 pgs

From Goodreads:
Christmas is the last thing Cole Barrett is thinking about this year. He's barely hanging on trying to care for his two grieving children since his ex-wife died in a tragic accident. For the reclusive Cole, this is no time for gift-giving and celebration—and certainly not for a sunny-natured optimist to blow into his screwed-up life.

In the years since her cancer treatments, physician Devin Shaw has researched the curative powers of Lake Haven's mineral waters. Unfortunately, the hot springs are on Barrett property, forcing Devin to strike a bargain with the ranch's attractively gruff owner: she'll give Cole's children the magical Christmas they deserve, and Cole will allow her patients access to the springs. But can she work her holiday magic to heal the Barrett family's battered hearts—and her own?

I do not think I have ever read as many holiday-themed books as I have this year. I thought Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne would be a good place to stop. Sort of coming full circle since it was RaeAnne Thayne's A Cold Creek Christmas Story which started off my holiday-themed reading in the first place. Evergreen Springs and A Cold Creek Christmas Story have some similarities, both about single fathers raising children who have just lost their mothers. In both cases, the fathers are devoted to their children and a bit rough around the edges.

I admit I worried a bit at first that the two books would be too similar, but I had nothing to worry about. The two novels were different enough from one another, as were the characters. In Evergreen Springs, Cole Barrett is stretched very thin. His sister, who had been helping him out, is stuck in the hospital on bed rest, pregnant with twins and with a sprained ankle. He's already been through two housekeepers. His two children only just moved in a short time ago and are still acclimating to their new home, life and the loss of their mother. Add to that work obligations to which Cole must keep because his business is still new and getting off the ground. He is not the kind of person who would ask for help, but he recognizes he cannot say no when Dr. Devin Shaw, his sister's childhood friend, steps in to do just that, seeing a family in need.

Devin is a caring family doctor who would go out of her way to help any of her patients, however, she's never felt as strong a pull to them as she does to Cole and his children. She finds herself volunteering to watch the children while Cole is out of town and arranges for the community to pitch in with meals and such. The children adore her as she does them. Plus, there's no denying (although she tries to) to the growing attraction she feels toward their cowboy father. Cole doesn't think he is good enough for someone like Devin, not with a past like his. Devin has her own reservations--and her own secret (although I'm not sure it really is a secret--she just doesn't talk about it), which she keeps close to her vest.

Both Cole and Devin are characters with pretty heavy baggage. I appreciated the way the author dealt with all of that. While there is drama, it isn't over the top drama. Cole is in a difficult place in his life, unable to let go of his past, while at the same time trying to make a better life for himself and his children. Devin finds it easiest to lose herself in her work and avoids getting too close to people--at least she did until she meets Cole and his children. I really came to care for both of them and was rooting for them to have a happy ending.

I also came to care for Ty and Jazmin, Cole's young children. Both Ty and Jazmin are very different from one another and have been through a lot. Thayne was very sensitive to their grief and lifestyle before they came to live with their father. It was so obvious they were in need of attention and love, and it was no wonder, really, that they grew attached to Devin so quickly under the circumstances. There is also Cole's father, Stan, who Cole has such strong feelings about. I wanted so much for Cole to let go of his anger and ease up on his stubbornness, even if only to talk to his father.

While at first I had my doubts about Evergreen Springs, I quickly got over them and by the end, I was tearing up quite a bit. I finished the book with a smile on my face. RaeAnne Thayne is definitely an author I plan to read more by in the future.

Source: E-copy provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. ( )

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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. ( )