This month’s Writer Spotlight goes to Elsie Silver, an author who has completely taken over my reading life.

I’ve read every single one of her series, and honestly, each one has left its mark. From the Gold Rush series, which holds a very special place in my heart, to the Rose Hill series, which is AMAZING, Elsie Silver has mastered the art of emotionally rich, character-driven romance.

Even though I’ve already written about Wild Card, one of my two all-time favourites alongside Wild Side, today I wanted to focus on a series that deserves its own moment: Chestnut Springs.

Chestnut Springs

The Chestnut Springs series? Unmatched.

From Flawless all the way to Hopeless, the perfect ending to an incredible series, Elsie Silver’s exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery is intricate, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

My favourite from this series? Reckless. HANDS. DOWN. (though Heartless is a very close second!)

Reading about Theo’s subtle but intentional way of breaking down Winter’s armour with his quiet charm and steady strength was genuinely heartwarming. And Winter? She is without a doubt my favourite character in the entire series.

A pillar of strength, Winter has been let down so many times by the men in her life, starting with her father. So, it makes sense that she eventually develops an icy demeanour. She’s learned that vulnerability isn’t safe. And who wouldn’t?

Theo’s quiet persistence and willingness to support her, even when she has been taught to hide her feelings, is where her healing begins. During an especially trying time in her life, he gently exposes her vulnerability, and from there, she starts to heal.

Eldest daughters, this is for us!

Special mention goes to Harvey Eaton, the patriarch of the Eaton family. Harvey is such a legend, an absolute gem of a character! All the snippets of him across the entire Chestnut Springs series, including the notorious family dinners (iykyk) had me cackling out loud!

The Chestnut Springs series is funny, heartwarming and makes you want to bask in the warmth of the abundance of love. The women are so wholeheartedly themselves and the men that eventually sweep them off their feet love them through it all. Through their insecurities, through their self-consciousness about the past and ultimately their self-discovery.

There’s a lesson in that somewhere. Pay attention!

My Thoughts

Elsie Silver’s writing has a way of making every small-town setting feel alive, and every emotional moment hits exactly where it should. Gold Rush, Chestnut Springs and Rose Hill are so well-written, whenever I reread anything from Elsie Silver, I find myself wanting to book a one-way ticket to each of these locations, before reality kick in.

And, my gosh, does it kick in.

Sigh.

And the book boys? Oh, the book boys! Across all the series have a special place in my heart. Rhys Dupris, Sebastian Rousseau, Stefan Dalca, Cade Eaton, and yes, freakin’ Theo Silva. Wow. Just wow. Ms Silver, well done. You have officially spoiled me for any other book boyfriend. (Kidding… kind of!)

As for the heroines, from Skylar Stone to Gwen Dawson to Willa Grant, Elsie Silver has created the perfect counterparts to strong, stoic men who sometimes get stuck in their ways (Sebastian? Cade? I’m looking at you). But as the stories progress, these heroines grow, heal, and show immense strength, which is so inspiring.

A New Series?!

I absolutely cannot wait to read Fever Dream, the first book in the Emerald Lake series. I’m so excited to see how the Emerald Lake series develops. If it’s anything like Chestnut Springs, I know I’m in for emotional twists, swoon-worthy romance, and characters I’ll never forget.

Emmett? Julia? We’re ready when you are!

If you enjoyed this post, check out my review of Wild Card.

If you’d like to read try out

See you in the next one!
Bibi x