Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

I was so excited when I saw that the next book of the Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles was out! Chasing Shelter had some big expectations to meet, and Ellie and Trace’s story met and exceeded all my hopes. I love an opposites attract story, I love romance with an element of suspense and danger, and I really love single parent romances. 

Trace is an uptight sheriff who follows the letter of the law exactly. He protects his daughter and his siblings by being alert and aware of anything and everything in their small town. When Ellie, a woman trying to reclaim her free spirit and escape her demons, moves in next door to Trace, his carefully constructed world begins to crumble around him. Trace is simultaneously drawn in by Ellie and distrustful of her. Trace’s daughter, Keely, is immediately enamored by Ellie. Slowly but surely, Ellie becomes an integral part of Trace’s life. When creepy pictures of Ellie are sent to her doorstep, Trace is conflicted–does he hold her close or does he push her away? Which will protect her more?

The tight-knit, small-town aspect of this series is impressive–there are so many side characters that aren’t really relevant to the main plot, but are essential to the atmosphere of the book. So many characters could get confusing, but Catharine Cowles is able to give enough attention to each character to make them all distinct without overwhelming the main narrative. The juxtaposition of small-town life, with scenes like Keely’s crazy hair day at school, with the tension of Ellie’s stalker and the mysteries that haunt both Trace and Ellie make Chasing Shelter feel more real and less like a fairy tale.

Trace and Ellie are so sweet together, and their love for each other is palpable. I honestly don’t have anything negative to say about this book–it’s another great installment of the Sparrow Falls series, and it was so much fun to read. I’m on the edge of my seat for the next book!

Thanks for reading with me,

Katie