Series:
Welcome to Starlight (Book 7)
She isn’t the only one looking for a fresh start…
Guardian of his teenaged half-sister, glassblower Chase
Kent is determined to steer his sibling onto the right path. But volunteer
counselor Madison Maurer knew that he was missing that path by a long shot. So
when Chase is injured in an accident right before Christmas, Madi opens her
home to both brother and sister. She finds herself falling for Chase—and hoping
he might open his heart, if only to discover the family he didn't know he was
missing…
Terrific book that I could not put down once I started
reading it. Though part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone. I
loved revisiting Starlight and seeing characters from earlier books and was
very happy to see Madison get her own story.
Chase is a famous glass artist known for being anti-social
and grouchy. Because of events from his childhood, he has thick walls around
his heart. After the deaths of his estranged father and stepmother, Chase
became the guardian of his teenage stepsister, Stella. He feels completely
overwhelmed and unsuited to the task, especially when she gets into trouble at
school. Then an explosion in his studio leaves Chase badly injured, needing rehab
and help.
Madison is the chef at Starlight's popular bar and
restaurant. She, too, is known for the abrasive personality that protects her
heart. She grew up with a negligent mother and the need to protect her little
sister, Jenna. She blames herself for failing Jenna when she needed her most.
She tries to make amends by helping Jenna with kids in need at the teen center.
She connects with Stella, who reminds her of herself at that age. Though Madison
takes her life day-by-day, when Stella calls in a panic after Chase's injury,
she is there to help.
I loved watching the developing relationships in this
book. Chase and Madison believe they are terrible people who aren't good for
those they care about. Stella is lost after her parents' deaths and needs to
feel that someone cares about her. The relationship between Chase and Madison
was fun to watch. Chase hates needing her help, and his initial resentment is
obvious. Madison doesn't hesitate to call him out on his attitude, and their
snarky interactions are amusing. Though neither one believes in love or the
spirit of Christmas, they find themselves partners in their desire to give
Stella a good holiday experience.
I loved seeing the changes in Madison as she grew to love
Stella and Chase. I laughed out loud at her coworker's statement that hugging
her has progressed from hugging a porcupine to hugging a hedgehog. I loved seeing
her open up to her friends and Stella and let them into her heart. Acting like
a family with Chase and Stella has her hoping for something she never believed
possible - a family of her own. Her feelings for Chase grow stronger when the
sparks between them become too much to resist.
Chase was a harder nut to crack. He is so convinced that
he is incapable of giving Stella the life she deserves that he considers
transferring guardianship to another person. His actions show that he loves
Stella and wants what is best for her, but he can't see that he is it. The same
goes for his relationship with Madison. He'll admit to the attraction but
believes that anything more is impossible. I wanted to shake him when he let
his fears come between them. It takes an honest conversation with Stella
(finally!) for him to see what is really important. An unexpected event adds
some drama to the ending, but Chase's big moment with Madison is sweet and adorably awkward.
I look forward to future Starlight books and seeing more
of these characters.
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