EVERGREEN SPRINGS, book three in the Haven Point series, introduces you to the local doctor Devin Shaw. Devin is not only the town doctor but she is also the fixer of all things broken. Which is how she gets involved with the town bad boy, Cole Barrett. Cole is a single father of two kids, Ty and Jazmyn who have just lost their mother. All three are struggling to move on with their lives when they meet Devin. When Cole's pregnant sister winds up in the hospital after a fall, they are all grateful to Devin for helping her. They are also leery of how much Devin wants to help the rest of the family. Why is she going out of her way for them? Cole believes he doesn't deserve her help. She is totally out of his league and he thinks he is no good for her.

Devin was someone I connected with from the very beginning of EVERGREEN SPRINGS. She has her hands full and never stops trying to help everyone she knows and meets. Ten years ago she was very ill, but has recovered and never forgets all she has been through. Devin decides to strike a deal with Cole. If he lets her yoga class use the springs to help with their aches and pains, she will help Cole with his kids and give them an awesome Christmas which she believes they deserve.

Cole is very hard on himself. He made some big mistakes in his life and does not feel deserving of any love or happiness. EVERGREEN SPRINGS is his story and how Devin tries to make him see that everyone deserve a second chance. At one point, Cole becomes verbally abusive towards Devin and I wanted to reach into the book and smack him right in his mouth. Devin didn't deserve what he said to her, but she was smart enough to realize that it was his way of coping and protecting his heart. She knows he is trying to push her away, but doesn't believe a word he is saying to her.

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 storylines. I never skipped a single word, I was that engrossed in all their lives. The secondary characters in this story will have you cheering. 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.

Book Summary

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Haven Point with New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne, where hope, home and happily-ever-after are as close as your holiday stocking… 

Christmas is the last thing on Cole Barrett's mind 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. 

Physician Devin Shaw has long 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 a magical Christmas, 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?