Review: Better than the first in the series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 11, 2012
My 4.5 review from GuiltyPleasuresbookreviews.comWith as many books as I read in a year, I really and truly appreciate a well written romance.  I love when an author can build the anticipation to where you're ready to jump in the book and help the couple along because you can't stand waiting any longer so you know they must be in agony!  Elisabeth Barrett is a master at this type of romance novel and her newest release, Blaze of Winter, is even better than the first one in this series, Deep Autumn Heat.Theodore (Theo) Grayson returned to Star Harbor to reconnect with his brothers in the fall.  On the advice of his older brother, Cole, Theo decides to stay in town hoping it will provide some inspiration for his next novel.  He's struggling not only professionally but personally.  He's feeling unsettled, tired, and out of touch.Avery Newbridge is in town helping run her aunt's inn while she's recovering from chemotherapy.  She's a social worker who is on a sabbatical from work following the death of a client.  She's feeling raw and doesn't trust her judgment anymore.  She loves being closer to her aunt and her sister but isn't sure she's cut out for life in such a small town.When Theo decides to rent a room at the inn, he meets Avery and the attraction is immediate.  So much so Avery tries really hard to convince him to find someplace else to live.  She doesn't want or need this kind of a complication.  Theo is insistent, rents a room, asks Avery out to dinner and honestly begins an old fashioned wooing.The relationship between Theo and Avery develops over time, I enjoyed the back and forth and the chase of it all.  It makes this story even more interesting. Theo confides in Avery, telling her he's having trouble with his book and she helps him.  In fact, she helps several people in town knowing just the right thing to say. Theo is very caring, thoughtful, and is a master of thinking things through.  It was fascinating watching him evaluate their relationship and Avery's lack of trust in anyone including herself.  Avery just refuses to let herself think about the future, she really struggles making decisions and has a hard time communicating her feelings to anyone. Both are very strong personalities which led to some interesting times as they explored their feelings for one another.  Of course they did have some help, both of their families and the residents of Star Harbor are more than happy to push, shove, and coerce them into spending time together.In addition to the building relationship between Theo and Avery there are several other storylines taking place making this a very well rounded book.  A book like this seems like real life; just because you are falling in love doesn't mean everything else in the world around you stops.  There is still illness, job turmoil, crime, and family expectations and you must deal with all of these in addition to the new person in your life.  Yep, just like real life.  To me, that's what makes Elisabeth Barrett such a fantastic author.  I can imagine myself in this town, with these people just going about my day.  Blaze of Winter is a fantastic addition to this series, with each one I become more enthralled with Star Harbor and its residents.  We have two more Grayson brothers left and I'm already mourning that this series is half way done.  Here's hoping Elisabeth will tackle some of the other residents of Star Harbor and keep it going for a good, long while!