Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

Narrated by Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum

Fifth in a series of connected standalones. Romantic Suspense.

Thank you to Catherine Cowles and her team for providing me with an early copy for an honest review. All reviews on my site are my 100% honest opinion. This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

“I’ve been searching for something for as long as I can remember. Looking for belonging, safety. I’ve been chasing shelter, and you’re the one who finally gave it to me.”

It’s getting ridiculous how Catherine Cowles can do no wrong. Chasing Shelter is the fifth book in the Sparrow Falls series and the one I was most excited for. Single dad and town sheriff Trace has been a steady presence throughout the series, and I couldn’t wait for this tortured soul to finally get his happily ever after.

Ellie’s brother, Linc, got engaged to Trace’s sister, and he’s been carrying years of guilt for leaving Ellie with their abusive father, who is finally in prison. So when Ellie called off her wedding to an abusive douchebag, the first place she went was to Linc in Sparrow Falls. Wanting to stay permanently, she needed a place to live—so overprotective Linc found her a house right next door to the sheriff himself, Trace Colson, and his adorable daughter, Keely.

It wasn’t long after she moved in that the notes and texts started. Someone was watching Ellie, and Linc’s instincts to keep her close proved to be spot on. Having Trace just steps away made her feel safer, and the town quickly rallied around her like they always do in Sparrow Falls.

I love a single dad book so much. But honestly, it was Ellie and Keely’s sweet friendship that stole the show for me. Keely’s mom is present in her life but focused on her career and not the glittery, girly stuff that 6-year-old Keely loves. Ellie is. And if Trace wasn’t already falling for her, seeing how much his daughter adored their new neighbor would’ve sealed the deal.

The Colson family in the Sparrow Falls series is EVERYTHING. Their group chats (with a new name every day) made me so happy to read. They may not have been born to the same mom, but they are even stronger because they CHOSE their family. The love and care between these once-broken people is my favorite part of the series. And Lolli? Lolli is one of my favorite characters in any book ever. I’d love to try her brownies… just sayin.

Trace and Ellie didn’t exactly start off on the right foot, but that tension turned into something really beautiful. Their shared pain brought them closer, and their chemistry was undeniable. Even though Trace arguably has the darkest backstory in the entire series, Chasing Shelter might also be the most fun book of them all. There were so many joyful moments: Ellie and Keely’s scenes, the sibling group chats, Lolli (again, I love her), and the antics of Gremlin the dog and Bumper the goat. My cheeks hurt from smiling.

I’ve read around 20–25 of Catherine Cowles’ books, so I know her patterns. I know to expect a twist. But even after all those reads, she still manages to surprise me. I never saw the ending coming.

“You deserve the world, Blaze. Don’t settle for anything less.”

Likes:

Made me smile more than any of her other books.
Keely was such a sweet, bright spot.
Finally seeing Trace get his HEA.
The Colson sibling chat.
Lolli!!!!
Visiting all the couples from previous books and getting a little foreshadowing of the final book.
I didn’t even come close to guessing the bad guy.
Even more anticipation for Fallon and Kye’s book.
The banter between the couple. I love how she kept calling him Chief. The grumpy/sunshine worked so well.

Dislikes:

I wouldn’t call this a dislike, but longtime Catherine Cowles fans know a twist is coming. We may not know what it is, but we know not to let our guard down.

The Narration:

Phenomenal. Jason Clarke was perfect as the broody sheriff, and Desiree Ketchum nailed Ellie’s voice—plus she did a great job with Keely, which isn’t easy. I’m not sure why I haven’t listened to more books narrated by her. Together, they were excellent, and the audio truly enhanced the experience.

The Down & Dirty:

Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles stood out to me in the Sparrow Falls series, because despite the suspense and past trauma, it made me happy to read. I found myself smiling almost the whole time and it had some romcom elements I just loved. Knowing that there is only one left in the series has me all kinds of sad, but relieved for Sparrow Falls, because how many bad guys can this town take? If you haven’t read any in the Sparrow Falls series, what are you waiting for? While each book in the series stands alone, they are so much better in order. Start with Fragile Sanctuary, and thank me later.