Montana Mornings

The Wildes of Birch Bay, Book 3

by Kim Law

Gabe Wilde has never been more ready for a change. Thirty-three and in the midst of a divorce, he’s packed up his second-grade daughter and come home to Birch Bay, Montana. New house, new career, new life. Only, with changes come stress. His daughter is struggling with the transition to their new norm—and Gabe is out of ideas as to how to help.

Erica Bird is mired in her own worries. After impulsively leaving the teaching job she loved, she may finally be free from her cheating ex, but separated from her family and everything she’s ever known, second guesses linger. Substitute teaching in Birch Bay is fine for the time being, but what will her future hold?

When Gabe’s daughter winds up in Erica’s class, the two meet—or rather, reunite. Neither has forgotten their college romance or the tender feelings they once shared, but will their complicated pasts destroy their second chance? Or will old desire lead to a new love when each needs it most?

I enjoyed the first book in this series, Montana Cherries, but somehow I missed out on the second one.  And while this one can easily stand on its own, I think that having read the first story helped me understand where the Wilde kids are coming from.  I’m not sure if Montana Rescue plays into Gabe’s story but I know that Dani’s definitely sets up the family history.  I’ll say it again – this one can stand alone, Law does a great job of giving you the details you need.  Although I think having that framework would make it easier to understand where Gabe is coming from.

And you’ll need it because Gabe is a very complex man.  He has been badly hurt by women in his past, first by his mother and then his wife, and now he’s got a daughter who needs him desperately.  She’s overwhelmed with everything she’s feeling and at her age she has no idea how to deal.  It’s heartbreaking to see what these two are having to deal with but Gabe is dedicated to doing what is best for his little girl.

Erica and Gabe meet again, but the years haven’t been all that kind to either of them.  While he’s dealing with the fallout from his narcissistic ex, she’s got her own relationship problems to deal with.  A cheating husband and a small town don’t go together so she’s moved to get away from the pressures of gossip & proximity.  Unfortunately as badly as she wants to, it’s hard to just turn off her feelings so she’s trying to figure out how to let go.  The sexy man and wounded little girl next door help to take her mind off of it but she quickly finds herself getting involved.

There are so many emotions that run through this book and Law has you twisted up in knots before you know it.  I desperately wanted them to find the peace and love they deserve, but it takes a lot of effort to overcome their histories.  Little progresses though make things worthwhile and before you know things are looking up all around.  It’s not going to be easy but nothing good ever is!