Beneath the Broken Sky (Wisteria Creek)

Review of an advance copy received from author

Aww, what a sweet, sweet read about healing, hope, and home. A very slow, slow-burn romance that becomes easier to enjoy because of Olive, Madison’s daughter. Her presence is so prominent in the best way possible, as her cute behaviors and little drawings slowly break down the walls around both Madison’s and Seth’s hearts.

I was in awe of Madison’s and Seth’s chemistry once they finally let their guards down and allowed themselves to be free. But I have to admit, Olive stole a bigger piece of my heart. I love that little girl! 💙💙

If I had to share one disturbance in my reading experience, it would be the chapter length. The chapters are really short. Most of them narrate just one single moment. Some chapters could have been merged together so the story wouldn’t reach 50-ish chapters.

Not that there’s anything wrong with having 50-ish chapters. There really isn’t. But when readers see that many chapters, they automatically expect something more complex. They start imagining an eventful small town romance packed with layers of conflict and extended drama after the main characters decide to love one another, while this story is actually way simpler than that.

But overall, I truly enjoy reading this book. I love how it emphasizes that home doesn’t always come from a house. Sometimes, home comes from people. And this story delivers that message beautifully.

———

The story takes place in a small town called Wisteria Creek.

When a violent storm hits the town, Madison’s house is badly damaged. The ceiling collapses. A place built through years of hard work and hope for stability, both for herself and her daughter, is suddenly no longer safe to live in.

Madison is forced to stay in her best friend’s older brother’s guest house.

Yes, that Seth.

An architect who spent his childhood teasing her. A teenager who later kept his distance. And now an adult who quietly watches over her with care.

Madison never wants anything to do with Seth again. Ever.

Until circumstances leave her with no other choice.

But through long evenings, quiet conversations, and soft moments created by a storm and forced proximity, something between them slowly shifts into love.

Beneath the broken sky, Madison begins healing from all the heaviness she has been carrying alone. She learns to let love challenge her fears. No more worrying about being left behind like she was by people she once depended on.

Meanwhile, from the main house, Seth watches Madison and Olive and slowly realizes something too. He doesn’t have to hide behind his work forever. He doesn’t have to bury his feelings because of a betrayal from the past. And he is allowed to love a woman and a little girl at the same time if that’s what his heart truly wants.

We already know how the rest of their story goes.