I’ve read, and for the most part loved, RaeAnne Thayne’s other series Hope’s Crossing and Haven Point. I decided it was time to go back and read some of her older stuff. I’m happy I did. Even as this story played out pretty much as expected, it was still a joy to read.

Wade is a man’s man and seems to have an old-fashioned view on gender roles, although he never outright says as much. It doesn’t seem as though he thinks the traditional female roles (cooking, child rearing, etc.) are beneath him; he just doesn’t have time for that stuff and doesn’t think that it’s an issue since he’s running the ranch and a man. It doesn’t seem to faze him that his mom is raising his children…not helping to raise them but actually raising them.

Caroline is the perfect heroine for Wade. She’s loving and kind and has a knack for seeing what people need even when they don’t express those needs. Caroline is also not one to hold her opinions to herself. She never is really rude or mean about speaking her mind, but she does get her point across. Sure she takes on the gender normative role of caregiver to the kids when the need arises, but she doesn’t let Wade get away with not being involved in their care.

As grumpy as Wade could be about being told what his children do and don’t need, once he thinks about the things said to him he follows through on doing the right thing. Baby steps are the way to go! And when it really matters he steps up and proves to himself that he can have more.

The growing feelings between Wade and Caroline are very sweet and warm. I love when a first kiss is as unexpected for me as it is for the characters. There were a few issues that were raised about how Wade’s daughter may feel about her dad and Caroline being together but that was never followed up with a resolution. I’m not sure if that means it may carry over into the next book, but I would kind of doubt that it would. Also, I recall realizing I was on the last chapter and expressing to my husband that I didn’t know how it could actually all be wrapped up in that last chapter. The author accomplished getting it all in, but it felt a bit rushed.

https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/16/light-the-stars-book-review/