Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
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.
#netgalley
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.
#netgalley
