Dmitry wasn’t sure what to do…his handler stateside was dead…no intel…even worse was the fact that the Russian agent who’d infiltrated Scotland Yard had news…Olga Pasternak had been caught placing a chipped frame onto a painting in London at the art gallery…that intel was unsettling to put it mildly…he needed that chip! He needed Olga Pasternak doing her part…now he was fully alone…Olga Pasternack was kept locked up somewhere…and she could break…the complications maddened him…he must stay calm…be the Russian you were born to be…the one heavily trained in special tactics and more…the expert…keep that persona inside and remain the nice, rich, oligarch from Russia…that he could do with aplomb…until the oligarch above him stopped funding him…and that would mean only one thing…he would then be on that Russians’ hit list…best not think about that overly much…     

***

He had become a liability and Dmitry had to protect himself. He would not take his own life like the general. Yes, he was heavily trained in special tactics, and yes, his own oligarch money sat nicely in a Swiss bank account under a holding company that was untouchable. Russia could do absolutely nothing about his Swiss bank account. Yet he WAS touchable!!! Even though he, himself had never once killed anyone, he had been complicit by his position between those who ordered hits and those who carried them out. Thus, he packed a bag and drove his luxurious SUV down to Denver, to the Federal Center, and asked at the gate for Director James Tilson, that he, Dmitry Ivanov, had top-secret information for him. One of the guards radioed inside and spoke with the director. Director Tilson informed the guards that two members of his team would go to the gate and escort Dmitry Ivanov inside. Dmitry had to turn himself in if he wanted to live!

It was the last Thursday in May, a lovely day in the mountains, and he wondered if he would ever see the mountains again…or daylight, for that matter…or Susan Davis…he’d come to love her…at age 30, his budding romance with Suz, a gorgeous 25-year-old, green-eyed redhead who was a perfect angel…his angel…she painted like an angel…in watercolor…he would never see her again…he’d come to love her…love…True Love…now that part of his life was over…again…he wouldn’t see any of the people he’d come to know and truly cared about during his time spent in Evergreen…so many regrets…he’d come to care deeply for the children as well…he was racked with grief for what was not to be…and for his numerous regrets...

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite

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.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite Heart of Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt follows Dmitry Ivanov, a Russian defector and former intelligence operative. Dmitry escapes to the U.S. with critical knowledge of a rogue oligarch network planning to infiltrate strategic sites in Colorado. He provides evidence of espionage involving microchips hidden in artwork and reveals the oligarchs’ ambition to control Denver International Airport and NORAD, believing underground facilities are key to global dominance. The U.S. stages Dmitry’s death in a fiery explosion to protect him, creating a new identity as Sergey Vegorov. Now living under the radar in Evergreen, Colorado, Dmitry must adjust to his new life while his associates investigate the oligarchs’ activities and dismantle their operations. Throwing a spanner in this are Dmitry’s lingering feelings for Suz and the threat of danger to those he cares about looming over his attempts to build a normal life.

Heart of Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt is a mixed bag of thrills, romance, country living, and international terrorism, all wrapped up in the tranquil backdrop of Evergreen, Colorado. The juxtaposition of Dmitry’s high-stakes, tumultuous past as a defector and his desire for peace as Sergey Vegorov is an interesting premise and Schmidt does well in making it believable. The writing is simple and straightforward, making it an accessible read. Dmitry is a likable character and I think what stood out to me most is that Schmidt defied the usual “bad Russian, good American” trope by giving the angle of heroism to a character that most wouldn’t. The story is compact but packs a strong punch. With a satisfying conclusion, Schmidt’s work is an ode to identity and second chances, offering readers a nice slice of escapism. Recommended.

New Review From Literary Titan

Heart of Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt is a psychological thriller that masterfully delves into the unraveling life of Kim Dailey. A devoted wife, Kim’s seemingly perfect marriage takes a chilling turn when she discovers her name linked to a hit list on her husband Steve’s laptop. This revelation propels her into a whirlwind of doubt and fear, where every moment becomes a high-stakes journey to uncover the truth. As Kim confronts the possibility that her husband may be a covert assassin, the narrative explores themes of deception, resilience, and the lengths one will go to protect their family.

One of the novel’s standout strengths is its seamless blend of suspense, mystery, and romance. Schmidt crafts a deeply personal and intimate story, grounding the tension with the raw, emotional depth of her protagonist. Kim’s love for Steve, even amidst her mounting suspicion, and her compassionate observations of him as a father figure to her children, create a poignant duality that resonates. A particularly haunting moment arises when Dmitry’s death is contemplated—a scene so viscerally portrayed that it lingers long after reading. Schmidt juxtaposes the brutal finality of loss with the tenderness of grief, making it both heartrending and unforgettable. The story’s backdrop is a festive celebration overshadowed by the threat of an unseen assassin that creates gripping tension, while the richly layered characters bring authenticity and nuance to the narrative. The novel’s exploration of human relationships is deeply resonant, capturing moments of heartbreak, love, and hope with equal finesse. A notable strength lies in its portrayal of women’s resilience. Whether navigating life-altering choices or enduring harrowing trials, the women in Heart of Evergreen shine as embodiments of strength and grace. Balancing its weighty emotional themes are heartwarming glimpses of Kim’s moments of joy, particularly with her children. These scenes lend a warmth that counterbalances the darker aspects of the plot, offering moments of reprieve amidst the tension. The crescendo of the narrative, the poignant demise of Dmitry stands out as a masterfully written moment, weaving hope and heartbreak into an unforgettable climax.

Heart of Evergreen is an evocative tale that will captivate readers who enjoy romantic family sagas infused with elements of crime, desire, and emotional complexity. Fans of Ian McEwan’s Atonement will be drawn to its layered storytelling and profound exploration of the human spirit. This is a novel that lingers in the mind, leaving readers both moved and reflective.

NABE Summer 2025 Pinnacle Book Achievement AWARD WINNERS – Best Books in the Category of ESPIONAGE THRILLER – Heart of Evergreen