Woodrose Mountain by RaeAnne Thayne

I had been asked to review another book by RaeAnne Thayne and while I dived right in, I realized that once I had started to read it, I was completely at a loss because I missed out on the first book in the series. So, I had to stop reading and go back to the beginning so I could have a better understanding of the town, Hope's Crossing. Now that I've made it through those books, I am able to review Woodrose Mountain with a clearer understanding of Hope's Crossing and it's characters. Evie Blanchard has left her occupational therapist life behind to start over in a small town. But as life would have it, she is asked to help the daughter of Brodie Thorne, who has been in a terrible accident. Reluctant to do so because Evie has to struggle through her own personal demons, she eventually gives in and tries to help Taryn for a short while.

 

The themes in this book are really difficult to write about in any given circumstance but Ms. Thayne has handled it beautifully. She has balance the sensitivity of the subject with the growing attraction between Evie and Brodie. Although it took awhile to get there, as these two are as opposite as any two characters could ever be.

 

While some books just beg to never be put down, there are others that are meant to be savored and read slowly. Woodrose Mountain falls into the latter category. I know that many of you will want to plow through this book as quickly as possible in order to get to the next one, but trust me on this, take your time. While RayAnne's first book, Blackberry Summer, sets up direction for this series, Woodrose Mountain lays the groundwork for the rest. As hard as it was for me to read this book because of the storyline alone, it was well worth it for me to keep on reading. I understand all too well what it is like to leave an old life behind to try and create a new one for myself. While I may not have suffered the tragedies depicted in Woodrose Mountain, I have felt the pain of loss, so I could relate to these characters on a very personal level.