REVIEW: Starlight and the Christmas Dare by Michelle Major

Starlight and the Christmas Dare by Michelle Major: Glassblower Chase Kent became the guardian of his teenage half-sister, Stella, when his estranged father and Stella’s mother died in a car crash. He was accustomed to living on his own and hiding behind his grumpy artist persona. He wanted what was best for Stella but did not know how to raise a teenage girl. When his workshop exploded and Chase was injured, he had no choice but to accept Madison’s offer to help him and Stella.

After working in several fine restaurants, chef Madison Maurer moved to Starlight and became the chef at a popular local bar, Trophy Room. After years of only being able to rely on herself, she keeps people at a distance. She hides behind sarcasm and aloofness, but she shows her caring by cooking for people and helping them anonymously. While volunteering at the youth center, Madison recognizes herself in Stella when they met. Madison knew that if she did not help Chase and Stella, they would have no one else to help them.

“I love you with my whole heart. The one I didn’t think I possessed. I was a tin man, but you brought me to life. You showed me what it was like to be cared for and loved just the way I am.”

Starlight and the Christmas Dare is the seventh book in the Welcome to Starlight series, but I had no problem reading it as a standalone. The small town of Starlight had a lovely feel, and I loved meeting all the characters. Both Chase and Madison had trouble asking for help and allowing themselves to trust others. So, when Chase must accept Madison’s help, their personalities clashed and their interactions were explosive. It was wonderful seeing them grow while they learned to trust others and accept help from their friends when they needed it. I really enjoyed this heartbreaking holiday story and would highly recommend it.

Book Info:

Publication: November 29th 2022 | Harlequin Special Edition | Welcome to Starlight #7

Guardian of his teenaged half sister, glassblower Chase Kent is determined to steer his sibling onto the right path. But volunteer counselor Madison Maurer knew that he was missing that path by a long shot. So when Chase is injured in an accident right before Christmas, Madi opens her home to both brother and sister. She finds herself falling for Chase—and hoping he might open his heart, if only to discover the family he didn’t know he was missing…

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.