Brenda Novak has a way of tugging on the reader’s heartstrings; the characters are so well developed that they immediately seem like family. Natasha has just emerged from the worst few months of her life.; ready for a fresh start, she accepts Mack’s help, but realizes their feelings may be too much to handle. Warm, romantic, with off-the-charts-chemistry, this story does not disappoint. Thank you NetGalley. My comments and opinions are my own.

Loved this story, can be a standalone although characters are part of both Silver Springs and Whiskey Creek books. Great blending and character interaction. If you enjoy Brenda Novak books you will not be disappointed. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Oh boy, I am so happy about this book! Brenda Novak takes us back to Silver Springs AND Whiskey Creek, two of my all time favorite locales. But, this can truly be read as a stand-alone, something Ms. Novak does so well. And once again, she does it with so much heart and soul. We get to revisit the Amos brothers from Whiskey Creek; Natasha, who lived with the Brothers as a teen after her mom married their father, and Mack,the youngest of the brothers. This story happens many years later and develops slowly to a wonderful HEA. I loved Lucas, Natasha’s son, and what a great little guy he was. Two families intertwined over many years, once again give us a wonderful melding between Silver Springs and Whiskey Creek.

Emotional second chance story with complex characters. Natasha's life in LA is upended when her pediatric practice ends in scandal thanks to a criminal nurse, and her husband ends their marriage at the same time. Tash takes a job as a nurse at the New Horizons Ranch in Silver Springs, where she hopes to start over with her six-year-old son Lucas. Helping her move is Mack, her once-upon-a-time stepbrother, and teenage crush.

Mack has had feelings for Tash, too, but she was sixteen, and he was twenty-five. He knew that was wrong and worked hard to keep her at a distance. She always held a special place in his heart, so continuing to help her is a no-brainer. The difficulty remains in keeping his feelings under control.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Tash and Mack grow, but it wasn't an easy one. Their history is complicated. When her mom was married to his dad, Anya and JT had a very toxic relationship, leaving Mack and his brothers as the ones watching out for Tash. After what she saw as multiple rejections, Tash couldn't wait to go. A few years later, on a visit back to Whiskey Creek for the holidays, Tash encountered Mack, and the old feelings came rushing back for both of them. But after one night together, Mack's guilty feelings caused him to pull back, breaking her heart once more. While she's grateful for his help now, Tash wants Mack gone before her heart gets involved again.

Mack is tired of denying his feelings. Tash is free now, and Mack is determined to show her how he feels. He knows she wants nothing to do with another relationship, and winning back her trust will be a challenge, but he's up for it. I liked Mack's patience as he chipped away at Tash's resistance. He knows her well and manages an excellent blend of pushing and stepping back. The biggest issue is proving to her that he will be there when she needs him. Some sweet scenes show progress there, such as when she was sick and again during an issue with her mother later in the book. I also loved Mack's connection with Tash's son Lucas. He's an adorable kid, and the two of them are sweet together.

Tash fights hard against her feeling for Mack. After everything that's happened, she feels that the only one she can count on is herself. Mack says he'll be there, but he's walked away before. However, the longer he sticks around, the harder it is to resist the attraction between them. I got a little frustrated with how she dwelled on the past and refused to see that Mack's attitude changed dramatically. Even when she finally gave in to the sparks, she refused to see their connection as anything but physical. It takes some significant family trauma and drama to break down her walls at last. I loved the ending and seeing them both happy at last.

A lot is going on in this book besides the relationship between Tash and Mack. First up, we have Tash's ex-husband, a whiny man-child named Ace. His lack of support for her during the collapse of her practice and his selfishness during the divorce showed how horrible he was. It gets worse when he finds and reads an old diary of hers, and it stirs up suspicions about her son. His actions are childish at best and vicious at worst. Then there's the paternity issue raised in that diary. Mack is hopeful, Ace is furious, and Tash wants it all to go away.

Back in Whiskey Creek, more family drama comes home to roost. Years ago, Cheyenne Amos (Dylan's wife) made a decision with questionable ethics. That decision comes to light, and the parties involved must now answer for their choices. When I read that book, Come Home to Me, I was furious with Cheyenne and knew that it would come back to bite her. I ended up being pleased with the handling of the issue, and the relationships came out stronger.

At the end, Anya and JT's relationship takes center stage. After years away, Anya returns to JT, and they resume their shenanigans. Both of them abuse drugs and alcohol, which adds to the volatility of their relationship. When JT is found shot, and near death, suspicion immediately falls on Anya. Tash is torn between her feelings for Mack, her belief in her mother's innocence, and Anya's inability to remember what happened. Add in the reaction of the other Amos brothers, and the tension is off the charts. I had no idea which way this one would go, and it kept me turning the pages.

When Natasha Gray's life has fallen apart, Mack Amos is there when she needs him the most, although she doesn't want him to be. She has always compared every man in her life to him, and he has never returned her feelings. While she is thankful for his help, she is afraid to get close to him again, especially now that she is a single parent to her son. While they are trying to sort out their feelings, her Mom is accused of shooting his Dad. Another great addition to the Silver Springs Novels. You will not be disappointed in this story!

Part of the Silver Springs book series. I have never read any of them, highly recommend this book and I will definitely be going back and reading the whole series. Don't you just love it when you find an author or a series that you love! Family, love, second chances, such a good story>

When I Found You is part of a series but you can definitely read it as a standalone.
This was a fast, easy read that I really enjoyed.
Natasha and her son Lucas move to get away from a divorce and job ending. Mack is a family friend that has always been the one to support her through everything.
A story of family, love, forgiveness and most of all, second chances.
Perfect romantic comedy to delve into.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the super sexy story of Mack Amos and Natasha "Tash" Gray.....FINALLY! Mack is the youngest of the famous Amos brothers that we know and love from Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek series. Sixteen year old Tash came to live with Mack and his brothers when her mother married their dad, J.T. while J.T. was still in jail. Mack was always attracted to Tash, but he was nine years older than her and knew that meant hands off. Fast forward 17 years to present day.

Tash's life is spiraling out of control. She has lost her Pediatric practice because of a nurse, is now bankrupt, newly divorced and a single mom to her six year old son, Lucas. When Mack comes to help Tash and Lucas move to Silver Springs, old feeling begin to spark. Mack thinks the time is finally right for these two, unlike the one time they were together seven years ago where he has always wondered if Lucas was his. Funny part is Tash has always wondered the same thing!

As things start to look up for Tash and Mack, other things in their life start to explode.....her ex...her mom...his dad...his nephew...his brothers. Just when it looks like Mack and Tash will never find their happy ever after, certain things come to life that make their world whole again.

I loved seeing how the Whiskey Creek and Silver Springs series were going to mesh. I always just adored Mack and it was wonderful seeing him get what he has always wanted....Tash! Mack is such a sweet, thoughtful and hardworking person you just can't help but adore him. Tash's whole life she has just wanted someone to love her for her. She always felt she would have that with Mack but she never thought it would take so long for it to actually happen. I just really loved their story and I can't wait for Grady's story next!

4.5 stars

This is a sort of crossover book as Natasha and Mack were peripheral characters in this author’s Whiskey Creek series. In one of her previous books, she mentioned that she would be wrapping up a thread from that series in this series. I knew she had to be talking about the Cheyenne/Dylan storyline that really upset me and made me seriously dislike the character of Cheyenne. If you’ve read the Whiskey Creek series, the incident happens in Come Home to Me which is book 6 in the series. While that does get addressed in this story, you will not be lost if you haven’t read that book. It’s all explained. I was pleasantly surprised to realize this story was really about Dylan’s brother, Mack. The Dylan/Cheyenne thing does get resolved in this book, but it’s a very small part of the story.

It took me a minute to really remember the characters of Natasha and Mack. After all, I haven’t read a Whiskey Creek book in almost 5 years. Once I remembered them, I was delighted this would be their story. Rest assured, you will in no way be lost if you haven’t read the other books. This story truly can stand alone. Back in the Whiskey River books, Natasha was a teenager whose mom married Mack’s dad. Both parents are drug addicts and terrible people, but Mack and his brother always looked out for Natasha even when though their parent’s relationship didn’t last long. She was hopelessly infatuated in Mack, but he was too old for her at the time.

Natasha and Mack have an undeniable connection. On top of their chemistry, there is also a wonderful bond between Natasha’s son and Mack. Lucas and Mack mesh immediately, which has a lot to do with Mack’s caring, kind, and patient nature. But it could also have to do with biology. Yep, this book has one of my least favorite tropes…the secret baby. There is a bit of a different take on that as Mack knew she was pregnant and had a baby within the timeline of them being intimate. The fact that Mack was so understanding of Natasha’s reasons of keeping things from him really helped me to accept things, too. I won’t spoil anything, but the paternity issue is a big part of the storyline.

I just realized that there isn’t much I can say about this storyline without spoiling one thing or another. What I can tell you is that this story had a ton of emotion. There were butterflies, gut-punches, joy, and sorrow. This one really put me through the paces and I didn’t want to put it down.

This series isn’t always bright and cheery, but there is always a so much love and heart and, of course, an HEA.

This is my first Brenda Novak book that I have read in the Silver Springs series.

Natasha Gray, is a recently divorced doctor that has lost her pediatrics practice due to unfortunate circumstances. She is forced to move away and rents a house in Silver Springs with her young son, Lucas.

Mack, a good friend and former stepbrother, has come back into her life to help her move and get settled. Natasha has always had feelings for Mack since she was 16 years old but with him being much older than her they could never have a relationship…that is until now. Natasha is very guarded with her feelings for Mack and doesn't want to get her heart broken again. Can she open her heart and allow Mack back into her life?

This was a great little romance filled with some lively family drama. I enjoyed the storyline and characters. Mack's love for Natasha is quite apparent and I really enjoyed their love story. If you're looking for an enjoyable book that's an easy read, I highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and MIRA Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) on June 28, 2021.

I love Brenda Novak's book and this one was a charming romantic novel!!!!!!!! It has Ms Novak's signature style of comfort romance that her fans adore. I highly recommend this book.

A nice mix of the two series. It was good to know about a interesting baby now a teen. Loved the action and the tension as issues were resolved. Slow build romance but a nice HEA

Lovely story about second chances with such a fun cover! The blurb sounded interesting but love for this author had me grabbing this title!

What did I like? Second chance romance has always been a huge favorite of mine! Natasha has only ever loved one man since she was sixteen years old. Mack, her step brother through marriage, does everything he can to resist her. After he pushes her away years go by before he’s given a second chance. Life can get a little messy but love always finds a way! Great HEA! Five stars!

Would I recommend or buy? This would make an amazing beach read. I highly recommend it! Such a unique story! Second chance romance anyone?

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!

When I Found You
Brenda Novak
June 29, 2021


Natasha Gray left Whiskey Creek, attended college, then med school. She became a pediatrician, married, had a son and opened a practice in Los Angeles. Not close but keeping in contact with her family of ‘brothers’ she moved in with when she was in high school. The Amos boys were step brothers, older than she so they kept a careful watch over Tash. Her mother married their father, J.T. Amos. The couple who had no business raising kids, spent most of their time drunk or stoned, fighting and bar hopping. When J.T. landed in jail, the oldest of the clan, Dylan, took over raising his brothers and watching out for Natasha. He was only 18 at the time but someone needed to take charge of the family and it could not be Anya, Natasha’s mother.
In the years following Tash’s practice opening things went terribly wrong. The nurse practitioner caused ruin for a young patient’s family as well as the business. Tash ended up bankrupt and divorced. It was time to leave LA and find a new job. She couldn’t be picky when the school nurse position opened up in Silver Springs at New Horizons school. Aiyana Buchanan, school principal, had hired her in spite of being overqualified for the nursing position. In fact, she believed that being a pediatrician could help her deal with the students and their unfortunate family circumstances. Mack Amos, the youngest of the Amos, was charged with helping Tash move into her new home. He drove the moving truck from LA to Silver Springs only to discover the duo standing on the porch of a broken down two story house.
The Silver Springs and Whiskey Creek series are the background for this latest Novak update on the Amos family and Aiyana’s progeny from the school and home. It is a heartwarming continuation in this amazing love story for Natasha and Mack.
When I Found You by Brenda Novak will be released on June 29, 2021 by Mira of Harlequin Books. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review the ARC of When I Found You. It is a marvelous reopening into the world of Whiskey Creek and Silver Springs. She has written over 65 books in the field of romance, historical fiction and suspense. Her followers are many and with this latest addition have waited patiently to unearth the sequel of events in those two series. Reading her series is like reuniting with old friends. I totally relished this next chapter in her terrific character's lives. Pick this one up and by all means, enjoy!

This storyline connects her Silver Spring series with characters we have met in her Whiskey Creek Series.
Natasha has been in love with Mac since she was sixteen and he was twenty five. Natasha and her mother went to live with Mac's father and his four other brothers. Mac has done the right thing over the years and stayed away from Natasha even after her many attempts to seduce. Even when she turned nineteen and was on her way to college Mac stayed away. One Christmas years later Natasha comes home to visit and Mac could no longer fight his feeling for her and they become intimate. Soon after Mac felt disappointed in himself sensing his brothers would not be happy that he cross the the line with a Natasha who was once his stepsister, when Natasha realizes Mac feels guilty she leaves to go back to Los Angeles never to return . Fast forward to present time we find out Natasha has a six year son name Lucas and she has just gone through a horrific divorce and another tragedy in her life. Mac has returned to her life by helping her move to Silver Springs after her divorce. This story is not only about Mac and Natasha but their are other storyline subplots going on that keeps the reader wanting to see what comes next on the pages. A great addition to the series and added bones of get two series in one.
Reviews on goodreads and amazon.

I really enjoyed this ride but I did have a few issues with some character choices. Our heroine is a recent single mom who had to shut down her practice and is starting anew in silver springs. She has been burned many times so she tries to keep everyone at an arms distance. Except Mack won't take no for an answer. My issue with the heroine was how her choices with her ex husband and his family didnt match her personalities. I wish she would have been more upfront and stronger her in her decisions towards them. However, I still really enjoyed this book and even though Mack's brother's have their own books I didnt feel like I was missing anything by not having read them (yet).

When I found You by Brenda Novak is the eighth book in her Silver Springs series. However, this also makes a good stand-alone novel. I’ve read several of her Silver Springs books, but have missed a few, and I never get confused reading these books out of order. They are all heartwarming stories with complex characters and they feel like coming home when I read any of her books.

Natasha Gray is a pediatrician, who has moved back to Silver Springs after her marriage and her practice imploded. Broke, divorced with a young son to raise, she takes a job as a nurse at the New Horizons Girls & Boys Ranch. She takes the job as a nurse as it’s all she can get after her pediatrics practice dissolved along with her marriage.

Mack is technically her stepbrother. Mack’s father and Natasha’s mother were married briefly and Mack and his brothers helped raise Natasha when she was a teenager. Natasha had a crush on Mack, but he was several years older and he squashed her adolescent crush and she’s never forgiven him.

This is a well-developed story with characters I could root for and I loved seeing Natasha gain back her self-confidence and watch her fall back in love with Mack. I read this one straight through as it’s a fast-paced book. I recommend this book to lovers of romance and small-town stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another fast, easy read by Brenda Novak. Some parts were better than others. No surprises, a pretty predictable read. This is a good one if you aren’t looking for anything too deep and want something to finish in a few hours.

3.5/5

Thank you #netgalley and #htp and #mira for the eARC.

I understand that forgiving someone and starting over is hard but it gets pretty repetitive when you keep bringing up betrayal time after time. Starting over is a fresh start. It's hard but that's what you decide when you both agree upon it. I don't know why Natasha is becoming difficult. I really did not appreciate how much Natasha keeps flip flopping throughout the book. It was getting so annoying that I could not get the hang of her with Mack. I was so annoyed with her. I'm sorry but this book was just not it for me. I understand people are flawed but goodness stop flip flopping, that's very annoying.

This book was a real downer. Natasha has suffered quite a lot of horrible luck. It was just depressing. Meanwhile, Mack has had feelings for her ever since their loser parents had been briefly married when she was a teenager. But he hadn’t acted on his attraction because he was older than her and felt it wasn’t appropriate even though she clearly had a crush on him. What follows is a rather dreary slow burn that I could never really feel all that engaged with as I have with other romances by Brenda Novak.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.