Book: Smoke Signals by Cassie Lein
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
I have a total soft spot for Cassie Lein's Holiday Hearts series and although this is not quite as Hallmark-y, it's definitely more along those lines. This is such a lovely story; Hartley and his niece Alaska, are on a grief journey following the death of Hartley's brother. Lance died a hero and Hartley is struggling with being the one left behind in a world of what-ifs.
Stellan is brought in as a tutor to help Alaska who hasn't spoken since her father died but the connection with Hartley starts to simmer in the background. The slow burn is perfect as Hartley has to decide whether he can risk being with someone who runs towards the danger once he finds out Stellan is also a firefighter. Alaska is always the most important person in the room, with both Hartley and Stellan putting her wellbeing first; watching them become a family is just so sweet. It's relatively low angst considering the subject matter and perfect if you want a heart warming read with a well deserved HEA!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read