Jonetta's Reviews > Christmas in Silver Springs

Harper Devlin gave her heart and soul to husband Axel, helping him on the way up to becoming a renowned lead singer for the rock band, Pulse. Now that he’s a success, he’s declared they’re finished and wants to explore life as a rock star and all that implies. Harper takes her two young daughters to Silver Springs, California to spend the Christmas holiday with her sister and her family, hoping to heal her broken heart and pray that Axel has a change of heart. When Tobias Richardson sees her eating alone in a diner and notices her sadness, he gives her words of encouragement and a rose to brighten her spirits. This begins an unusual relationship neither saw as a possibility.

After the last book, I was hoping for more about Tobias who was released from prison five months ago after 13 years of incarceration for a tragic accident he committed as a teen. Not all of that time was for the original charge as he was given more years for defending himself in prison. That’s important because Tobias was never a hardened or habitual criminal and is really working hard to make something of his life following prison. So, when he reached out to Harper, it was without guile or ulterior motive.

What I loved about this story was the possibility of hope and redemption that was always in the background. It is perfect that Tobias’ story happened during Christmas, a time of goodwill and giving. In Tobias, Harper found someone who appreciated her for who she was and not as the wife of someone famous. In Harper, Tobias found a woman of compassion with a lovely spirit. I enjoyed their journey, even though the heat ramped up rather quickly. I am happy I opted to listen to the story as Veronica Worthington is one of my favorite narrators for romance. She does male voices very well, avoiding the pitfall of lowering her voice to emulate the change in gender. Worthington finds better and effective ways to provide distinctions.

I really enjoyed this story and while it stands alone very well (as do most of the books in this series), I highly recommend reading the preceding book because it gives Tobias much more texture and layers. I rarely read out of order so that’s a big statement for me.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)