Brodie Thorne is a man determined to get what he wants when he wants it, no matter what tactics are necessary to get his way.  And he wants Evie Blanchard.  Not that he likes her much.  She's a liberal, full-on-color free spirit, often challenging his fiercely defended ideas for the town.  His mother, Katherine, who is also Evie's best friend, convinces Brodie that she's their best choice as a therapist for his daughter, Taryn.  Taryn was a vibrant teenager prior to the accident that almost killed her, but in the end it has left her paralyzed, barely able to speak — a mere shell of the active cheerleader she was before.

 

Evie agrees to a short-term role in getting Taryn's rehabilitation organized because of her friendship with Katherine, but she is adamant that her heart and soul will remain unscathed.  She tries to ignore how appealing Brodie is to her senses, plus how those within her care can so easily tug at her heart.  Brodie isn't able to resist Evie's charm either, so the question remains, how will they help Taryn without intertwining their hearts?

 

Evie and Brodie are extremely independent individuals.  Like oil and water, it's perfectly clear they're nothing alike, but at the same time, they're insanely attracted to each other.  The two steps forward, one step backwards dance that they can't seem to stop isn't easily resolved with unbridled passion.

 

Although Taryn was the one physically injured who has to face more pain on the road to healing, she's not the only one who has been hurt.  Physical pain isn't all that needs fixed in Hope's Crossing, and there's more than one person who needs to be eased toward forgiveness.  What's revealed in the process is stunning, heartbreaking and will hopefully propel the town's residents to move forward.

 

WOODROSE MOUNTAIN continues the emotional storyline where BLACKBERRY SUMMER left off, following the results of a tragic accident that changed the lives and attitude of an entire town.  Hope's Crossing is still healing, some residents faster than others, but when secrets are revealed, can any of them come close to predicting the outcome?

 

I immediately felt connected to Evie.  She had an active, satisfying life before she became involved with Brodie and Taryn.  Father and daughter both have issues and I wondered if they deserved Evie's kindness, or would they ever allow her inside their world enough to help them.  Brodie shut himself off emotionally; mostly angry at what happened to his daughter, enhanced by guilt that he had almost lost her at a time when their relationship was a struggle.  Evie's selflessness and fearless approach to Taryn's therapy was admirable, especially when her actions might cost her any future she may have with Brodie.  Taryn is a rollercoaster which is to be expected, considering what it will take to bring a sense of normalcy back to her life.  There are also several other characters who add considerably to the plot, but it's Evie whose heart seems the most exposed.  I think that's why Evie stood out so much for me—she risks everything to right a wrong when she may live to regret it for a lifetime.  It makes you wonder whether you could have done the same.

 

To me, WOODROSE MOUNTAIN is very different from BLACKBERRY SUMMER, but riveting when the facts start to unfold.  In truth, now that I've read book two, I can't imagine one without the other, and as it should be, I can't wait for book three, SWEET LAUREL FALLS.  WOODROSE MOUNTAIN is a book full of dreams—some shattered then rebuilt, layered sadness sprinkled with hope, all surrounded by love and friendship to aid a town toward healing.  I don't think anyone can read this book without imagining actually living within this small town.  I can't wait to find out what happens next for those who live and love in Hope's Crossing.

 

If you haven't read BLACKBERRY SUMMER, book one of the HOPE'S CROSSING series by RaeAnne Thayne, read my review, and then grab it to read back to back with WOODROSE MOUNTAIN, releasing in April 2012.  Great series!

By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Dorine Linnen Click here to Buy this Book Now!   Romance Junkies Content Editor: Dottie Romance Junkies Publishing Editor: Dottie   Top of Page