My Heart Lies with the Evergreen by Cate Neilson Raye

Thank you to Cate Nielson Raye for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review prior to release. I will be referring to both books in this series within this review. My Heart lies in Pisciotta (Pisciotta) and My Heart lies with The Evergreen (Evergreen)

Firstly I have to say it is so exciting to have a new release from my only favourite romance writer. The anticipation for the next book in this series has been endless.

I absolutely adore the characters in this series of books so far. The continuation following Abby and Tom; characters we only briefly met in Pisciotta was a wonderful direction for the series. I have to say I was definitely hoping that that is what would happen in the second book! Something about Abby as a character really intrigued me in Pisciotta so to be enhancing her character with the same depth and dedication in Evergreen gave me exactly what I was craving.

Abby for me is a relatable yet complex character that I think if we are honest with ourselves, every woman on at least one level can identify with. From the first chapter I was completely invested in learning more about this interesting character. Throughout the book I felt elated at every high and completely shattered at every low she faced, almost as if she and I were best friends. I often found myself unconsciously commenting either positively or negatively on her decisions as the story progressed, saying things like “Bad idea Abby” or “Yes Abby! Go for it!” which resulted in many a strange look from those around me whilst I read. I became obsessed and I am in no way ashamed to admit it!. Her background was thought-provoking, I would often be thinking about her long after I would put down the book for the night. Which for me proves that this is a fabulous book, if you continue to think about it when not reading it.

Tom seemed to be a very secretive character in Pisciotta that if I’m honest I wasn’t the biggest fan of, especially considering what came to pass with both Ana and Abby in the course of that book. Boy was my first impression of him wrong! Tom is a glorious man! Even more so because he has a Scottish background and well, I don’t think I need to say anymore. As I did with Ana and Sam in Pisciotta I have created such a detailed picture of who Abby and Tom are. The beautifully detailed descriptions of them left very little to imagination which I really enjoy. I want to know the author’s vision when it comes to characters in a story, they obviously have a specific way that they want their readers to see their characters so when the writing allows me to see that I am a very happy reader.

As in Pisciotta the atmosphere of this story left nothing to be desired I was completely absorbed and immersed from the first moment. I’ve learnt so much more about the beauty of York and I am now desperate to visit the Eden Project!

I really enjoyed the level of maturity that the writing presented in this book, it has most definitely improved from Pisciotta. I could sense the pride that the author has in her characters by the richness in their depth and I could undoubtedly feel a contentment to the writing, in the way that it felt as if the author had found a comfort in her writing, I got the impression that she began to trust herself and the quality of her work, which most definitely shown out in Evergreen.

There were so many ups and downs for Abby in this book I could completely understand her own frustrations with the direction of her own life. In the same way that for Tom his internal struggle to face his unrequited love for Ana whilst also trying to understand and accept his love for Abby, made this book a ride of a read that kept me glued throughout.

I don’t want to say that I did or didn’t enjoy Evergreen more than Pisciotta. I enjoyed them both immensely but I do feel that Evergreen has a slight edge on Pisciotta for the reasons I have discussed above.

Thank-you again so much to the author for the opportunity to read this book prior to its release, I cannot wait to see what comes next from someone who is fast becoming a favourite.