We met Evie Blanchard in the first book of the series Blackberry Summer. She works for Claire in the bead shop but before she came to Hope's Crossing she lived in Los Angeles and was a very successful physical therapist. After a very emotional year there she sought refuge in the relaxed pace of Hope's Crossing. She is shocked when her friend Katherine who knows her history asks her to help with her granddaughter Taryn's rehabilitation. Taryn was injured in a accident the shook up the whole town. Evie was able to turn down dad Brodie's request when he asked her to help but there was no way she could turn down his mom.Brodie is a single dad that will do anything he can to help his daughter recuperate and is happy when Evie agrees to at least get things set up and started. She is immediately drawn in by Taryn's spirit and realizes the she can help her. The feelings that she is starting to feel for Brodie are the last thing she needs.With some help for her friends Taryn starts to make strides in her recovery and Evie and Brodie are on a path to find a love neither of them expected.Dollycas's ThoughtsThis book hit me on a very personal level. Many of you know my story. I was in a accident back in 2001 that has left my right side paralyzed. I spent 75 days in the hospital and then another year in outpatient therapy. I was privileged to work with some awesome physical and occupational therapists. Thankfully my brain and speech was not affected like Taryn, but it was a long road and while I can walk very short distances, any trips outside of our home require a wheelchair and learning to do things left-handed and one-handed has been a journey I would not wish on anyone. My prognosis wasn't that good and there have been bumps along the way but each day I wake up is a gift.Because of what I went through Taryn's story rings true. Her depression, her anger, her temper, are all things just like I experienced as well as the joy she felt when a goal is reached. The therapist's push you beyond what you think you can do. That's what Evie did for Taryn.Yes, this a romance novel, and the romance was engaging. Like the first book in the series the characters and their relationships with each other is wonderful. Hope's Crossing seems like a great place to live. The author has created a place I want to visit again and again. But it was Taryn's story of strength and drive and doing the right thing in the end that made me absolutely love this book. [Woodrose Mountain] Book: Woodrose MountainAuthor: RaeAnne ThayneSeries: Hope's Crossing #2Genre: Contemporary romanceSummary: After some painful personal losses, physical therapist Evie Blanchard decided to relocate from Los Angeles to Hope's Crossing, a small town in Colorado, and take up beading. Evie is happy with her new life and finally feels like she is healing. But when her friend's granddaughter, Taryn, is sent home after a horrible accident, Evie agrees to help set up Taryn's physical therapy, even though she doesn't like Brodie Thorne, Taryn's father. But there's more to Brodie than meets the eye, and he and Evie slowly start to find some common ground, despite how different they are ...First line: On a warm summer evening, the homes and buildings of Hope's Crossing nestled among the trees like brightly colored stones in a drawer -- a brilliant lapis-lazuli roof here, a carnelian-painted garage here, the warm topaz of the old hospital bricks.Cover thoughts: I like landscape covers, and this is a nice contemporary cover.What I liked: The small-town setting. I like small-town romances, and Thayne paints a lovely picture of Hope's Crossing and the surrounding countryside. Plus, it was nice to see characters from the first book, Blackberry Summer, and to learn more about how the various plots in that book carried over into and unfolded in this book. I also enjoyed reading about Taryn slowly overcoming her injuries with the help of Evie, Brodie, and other folks in Hope's Crossing.What I didn't like: The romance. Much of the book focuses on Taryn and her road to recovery, and it just didn't seem like there was all that much romance in the story. There's also a lot of backstory regarding Evie and everything she's been through. Also, some of the things brought up in the first book weren't given all that much attention in this one, like who the mysterious angel is who has been anonymously helping the folks in Hope's Crossing.Overall: It didn't work for me on every level, but this book should appeal to those searching for a sweet (and ultimately uplifting) contemporary romance.Would I read this author again: Yes. I'm interested to see what happens with the other characters.My grade: C
What do You think about Höstskimmer (2013)?
This was an enjoyable read. This is a sweet romance series, lots of chemistry but no gratuitous sex.
—Lillian
