REVIEW: Broken Harbor by Catherine Cowles

In Broken Harbor by Catherine Cowles, Moving across the country to Sparrow Falls, Oregon, was the best decision single mom Sutton Holland ever made. Knowing her seven-year-old son Luca has a safe small town to grow up in is her top priority. But she’s also proud to have her own bakery, The Mix Up, gaining momentum. Sutton is holding things together until her smarmy landlord starts giving her (even more) problems. With Luca enrolled in a fairly expensive summer hockey camp locally and no wiggle room in her budget for more expenses, she’s at a loss as to what to do. Then Sutton meets Copeland “Cope” Colson. He’s the star player for the Seattle Sparks who’s coaching Luca’s camp. After only a few times crossing paths, Cope offers Sutton and Luca a place to stay with no string attached. As wonderful as that would be, she’s not sure it’s a smart move. Standing on her own two feet is too important after her rough past. But Sutton is running out of options. Fast.

“You can stay at my place.”
Cope said it so easily, as if it was no big thing to offer refuge to someone who was practically a stranger and her son.
“You don’t know me,” I blurted out.
“Know what I need to. You do everything you can give that kid the best life imaginable. You work harder than anyone I know… You’re a good woman, Sutton, and you deserve someone to cut you a break.”

Cope was raised to be a person who always does whatever he can to help anyone in need. Not for the recognition, but because he and his family have faced their own hardships. That’s why even though he knows it’s playing with fire to have beautiful Sutton in his home, offering her and Luca a place to crash is the right thing to do. Who knew that it would also be exactly what Cope needed to finally feel settled and at peace for once. As they all find their own routine in the house, Sutton and Luca seem to fit into Cope’s life perfectly. But when someone from Sutton’s past resurfaces, causing problems and putting them all in danger, Cope tries to shield them from any harm–with the help of his family and loved ones. It’s when another bad guy unexpectedly enters the fray that he realizes just how much trouble they’re facing. Although Cope is determined to win.

‘I never gave up. Especially when the light at the end of the tunnel was her.’

BROKEN HARBOR was yet another phenomenal installment in Catherine Cowles’ Sparrow Falls series. That addictive mix of sweet & sexy romance, suspense, and small-town family vibes was in full play. But it was the addition of a talented athlete teaching adorable little kids at hockey camp that was pure sigh-worthy magic.

“I love you. With everything in me. All I am is yours. Brokenness and all.”

CW: View Spoiler »Assault, opiate addiction, gaslighting, armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, fatal car accidents « Hide Spoiler

Each time I’ve read a book in Catherine Cowles’ Sparrow Falls series I’ve thought “This is my favorite!”. And BROKEN HARBOR continued that trend. While the small Oregon town always warms my heart, it’s the Colson Clan in particular that makes these books feel like I’m coming home. I so loved having more time with all of them. But the best part was watching hockey star Copeland “Cope” Colson finally deal with darkness in his past, letting go of guilt, and embracing some goodness for himself for a change. And that goodness was a relationship with single mom and bakery owner, Sutton Holland. Wow but she was a strong, absolutely lovely woman! Her seven-year-old son Luca was adorable and every bit as sweet and kind as his mom. So you can imagine how swoony it was to see big tough guy Cope teaching mega hockey fan Luca at camp. Sigh.

Sutton and Cope both had some traumatic events in their past that shaped them into who they were today. Hers was more recent than his, but because of it, she was in a unique position to not only understand where Cope was coming from, but Sutton also gave him grace while he sorted things out. And that built a great foundation of trust between them. It really felt like they became a team, that they were stronger together and better able to care for Luca and the Colsons–let alone each other–with that bond they created.

I have to mention that Cowles surprised me once again with the plot twists toward the end of the story. I had part of it figured out, but wow didn’t she layer in the emotions and pull everything together to ramp up the suspense. Readers will be on the edge of their seats.

QOTD: Everyone was hooked on Sutton’s sugary concoctions. What’s your favorite bakery item to order?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: November 19th, 2024 | The PageSmith LLC | Sparrow Falls #3

Since the moment our lives fell apart, the only thing that mattered was making a good life for my son. A life where he was happy and safe. I just never expected to find that safety with a hockey player known for his brutal dominance on the ice and his recklessness off it.

But Cope Colson is so much more.

The gentle way he makes sure we’re okay. The playful care he shows my son. The way he truly sees me.

When my life comes apart yet again, it’s Cope picking up the pieces. Now, we’re living in his house, eating his incredible, chef-worthy meals, and it’s not just my son who’s falling.

It’s me.

Because when Cope touches me, I lose all sense. I’m no longer thinking about staying safe, I’m thinking about how my skin ignites with every glance, how I come undone with the barest brush of his fingertips, and when we give into temptation…I’m lost.

But Cope has secrets and so do I. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, there’s nothing they won’t do to end our happiness once and for all…