Heart of Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt is a captivating story that follows the residents of Evergreen, a quaint town in Colorado. Dmitry's life comes crashing down when he realizes that his secrets could have devastating consequences for both himself and the community he has come to love. In a bid to protect everyone, especially his beloved Susan (Suz), Dmitry turns himself in to the authorities, but to start anew, he must essentially die. His community mourns him and seeks healing amidst their sorrow. Meanwhile, Kim and Paul experience the joys and surprises of pregnancy, while James and Alice discover love in their old age. Despite the trials and challenges the residents face, they remain resilient and grateful, holding onto hope for miracles in their lives.

Heart of Evergreen is the third book in this series and explores themes of love, sacrifice, community, and belonging. Mary L. Schmidt presents her fans with familiar characters embroiled in a new plot centered on grief and longing. Readers who are familiar with the series will enjoy catching up with the residents of Evergreen, and newcomers will find an excellent introduction to these compelling characters. The main storyline revolves around Dmitry and Suz's love story, emphasizing the importance of not wasting time and cherishing every moment. The other narratives also celebrate the arrival of new life and the persistence of love. These profound lessons will resonate with readers. The story also incorporates suspenseful elements; with each chapter, readers anticipate the unfolding of Dmitry's fate and the community's reaction to his drastic choice. Overall, this is a fantastic read and a wonderful addition to the series.

Heart of Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt tells the story of Dmitry Ivanov, a Russian agent whose carefully constructed life begins to unravel. With his handler dead and a crucial operative compromised, Dmitry finds himself in a precarious position. With mounting threats from all sides, including the possibility of being targeted by his own government, Dmitry takes the drastic step of seeking asylum with U.S. authorities. That is where he meets the lovely Susan Davis. She was everything he needed and never had! Falling in love with Susan was easy, but sustaining that love and relationship was tough, considering his circumstances. He found love and peace in Evergreen, but would Dmitry be able to keep this peace and love? Was he putting Susan in danger? Was there a way out of this mess for Dmitry and Susan?

I loved how author Mary L. Schmidt crafts a suspenseful narrative that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for redemption. Dmitry's internal conflict, torn between his duty and his desire for a new life, drives the story forward. The contrast between his past as a trained operative and his attempts to integrate into a peaceful community provides an interesting dynamic. I loved his character development and how he opened up and allowed Susan to become an integral part of his life. The emotional core of the story lies in Dmitry's relationship with Susan and his growing attachment to Evergreen. The romance with Susan provides a touching counterpoint to the otherwise stark and dangerous world Dmitry inhabits, offering glimpses of hope and humanity. Heart of Evergreen is a rich, detailed novel that leaves readers satisfied. I enjoyed the pace, the characters, and the story, and I highly recommend it!