Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I Found You by Brenda Novak Narrator: Veronica Worthington
Series: Silver Springs #8
Published by Harlequin Audio on June 29, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 10 hours, 27 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
After everything she worked for is destroyed, pediatrician Natasha Gray is determined to build a new life. Divorced, bankrupt, and suddenly a single mom, she’s ready to start over in Silver Springs - on her own. She certainly doesn’t need help from Mack Amos, the man who’s already broken her heart twice.
Although Mack has had feelings for Tash since they first met, too many things have stood in the way. He’s always given her the support she needs, though, and he’ll do the same now. Even if the desire he wrestles with threatens to undermine his intentions....
But her heart is not the only reason Natasha wants to keep Mack at bay. More time in her life means getting closer to her son, which could lead to a revelation neither of them is ready to face.
I am always happy to come back to Silver Springs and this story began in Whiskey Creek. I actually remembered these characters from reading Whiskey Creek probably from 7 or 8 years ago (my time).  The main story features Natasha, and Mack Amos. Their parents were married, so they knew each other as step siblings.
Natasha has just had a professional tragedy and an acrimonious divorce. Mack steps up to help her get settled for her new job in Silver Springs.  Their long felt attraction finally has a chance but there are some big complications. They both have some trust issues because of different events in their past. It does seem to be a theme that women have to be rescued. Even a well-educated doctor like Natasha is in a bad place financially and emotionally, and Mack really stands up to support her. He’s terrific with her son, Lucas.
Another story arc is related to Dylan and Cheyenne Amos, with their son Kellan. I really enjoyed getting to revisit all the Amos family and where they are nearly 15 years (after the Dylan / Cheyenne story early in the series). It’s a bonus for the long time readers.
And to complicate things even more, the Amos father JT is shot.  Some of the brothers think Natasha’s mother is responsible so this creates even more friction. Mack really does a great job of being there for Natasha and searching for the truth rather than going on an emotional tirade.
I really enjoyed When I Found You because it gave me vignettes of characters from both series. There was plenty of heart and events in both worlds, now being combined. I was so happy to “see” everyone again.
At the end of the audio, a novella which occurs before When I Found You is included, Home for the Holidays. The novella is about 7 years earlier. I enjoyed it a lot, although it was a little weird to follow, rather than before as it happens previously. It would have given a few things away if it came first though.
Narration:
Veronica Worthington is a familiar narrator to me for the series. Her male and female voices are comfortable and with some distinctions for the different characters.  The narration was clear and easy to understand at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip here:
About Brenda Novak
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. A New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of fifty novels, Brenda Novak has been nominated for a prestigious Rita Award three times and won The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Bookbuyer’s Best, the Bookseller’s Best, the Writer Touch Reader Award, the Golden Quill, the Hold Medallion and the Award of Excellence, among others.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. When she’s not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually working on her annual fund-raiser for diabetes research—an online auction held on her Web site (www.brendanovak.com) every May. To date, she has raised over $2 million for this cause.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Summer
So cool that old characters that you liked came back, I love when that happens?
It is cool and great for fans. I was really surprised how many details I remembered from so many years ago.
I just finished this early today and was surprised to find that novella at the end, which I hadn’t read! I’m posting reviews for both books tomorrow. The character crossover was handled well, don’t you think? I hated the secret that Chey was keeping from Dylan so I’m glad that got resolved. You’ve captured everything nicely, Anne?
Thank you Jonetta! I was surprised by the extra novella which maybe is very new, even though it happened in the past? I also was happy I remembered so many characters and details from both worlds after so much time has passed since the beginning of the series.
She released that novella last October via a free download to newsletter subscribers but now it’s a $2.99 eBook. I had downloaded it but forgot it.
I keep a group on GR with character lists for my series because I read so many. Yeah, I have to cheat and look at notes?
It’s nice to pick up a long time loved series and re-visit with past characters. Glad to hear the series is enjoyable after all these years. Wonderful review, Anne!
Thank you Rachel. It is a couple of series which now connect up in this one.
Oh Brenda is a fave of mine but I’m behind in this series, looks like I have some backlogging to do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Anne
I have enjoyed several of her series and this was fun since 2 series meet up here.
Oh that’s nice! It’s an author I have tried yet but I heard a lot about her. I should try!
I’m picky about who I will read for contemporary romance and I have read hers. She has also written some romantic suspense which I read.
I love revisiting favorite characters like this. This sounds like such a lovely read.
It really was. It brought together 2 series and cleared up some long standing plot arcs.