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Book Description
Coming home was supposed to be simple… until he came into my life.
Hicks Creek wasn’t part of my plan, but my best friend’s wedding brings me back to the small town I once left behind, and a new teaching job makes it clear I’m staying. It’s meant to be simple—family, friends, and a fresh start.
Then I meet Derek Townson. He’s rugged, brooding, and completely off-limits. A widowed single dad with walls higher than the mountains surrounding this town. His daughter is in my class, and he’s impossible to avoid.
The more I’m around him, the more I see through the cracks in his armor. But just as we start to connect, I uncover a truth about his past that could destroy everything.
Falling for him was never part of the plan. Now, I have to decide—follow my heart or walk away before it’s too late.
About Kris Abbott
Kris Abbott is a contemporary romance author who thrives on crafting stories brimming with passion, twists, and irresistible brooding alpha heroes. Based in Northern Canada, Kris is an unapologetic romantic with a penchant for weaving unforgettable characters—flawed, raw, and deeply human—that will leave you breathless. When she’s not dreaming up her next plot, Kris loves to travel, often finding inspiration for her novels in the beauty and culture of her destinations. Whether on the road or at home, Kris delights in creating stories that stir your heart and keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Kris Abbott’s socials:
You can find Kris on Instagram @krisabbottauthor
You can find Kris on Tiktok @authorkrisabbott
My Thoughts
Kris Abbott’s Love Under the Stars delivers a heartwarming and engaging small-town romance that effectively balances tender moments with underlying tension. The premise of returning to one's roots for a fresh start, only to be unexpectedly waylaid by love, is a classic trope, but Abbott infuses it with a genuine charm and relatable characters that make it feel fresh.
The Amber’s initial intention for a simple life in Hicks Creek is immediately complicated by the compelling presence of Derek Townson. Abbott paints Derek as a classic brooding hero – rugged, guarded, and carrying the weight of loss. His status as a widowed single father adds a layer of vulnerability that contrasts nicely with his seemingly impenetrable exterior. The dynamic created by his daughter being in the protagonist’s class provides a natural and believable reason for their paths to cross, avoiding forced encounters.
Abbott excels at the slow burn of the relationship. The narrative allows the connection between the two leads to develop organically, with small, significant moments that chip away at Derek’s walls. The reader feels the protagonist’s growing attraction and understands her empathy for Derek’s situation. The internal conflict she faces – navigating her professional relationship with his daughter while battling her feelings – is well-portrayed.
However, the introduction of a significant secret from Derek’s past injects a dose of drama that feels somewhat predictable within the genre. While it serves to create conflict and raise the stakes, the nature of such secrets in romance novels can sometimes feel formulaic. Nevertheless, Abbott handles the revelation and its potential fallout with sensitivity, focusing on the characters' emotional responses and the difficult choices they face.
Ultimately, Love Under the Stars is a satisfying read for those who enjoy small-town romances with emotionally resonant characters and a touch of angst. Abbott’s writing is engaging, and she successfully creates an atmosphere where the burgeoning love feels both inevitable and worth rooting for. While the plot points may not break new ground, the genuine connection between the protagonists and the charming backdrop of Hicks Creek make this a delightful escape. It’s a story about unexpected love, healing, and the courage to embrace a future that wasn’t part of the original plan.
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