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Light This Candle
Each year, the Harlequin More Than Words award is given to three women who have worked hard to change people's lives for the better. Inspired by their accomplishments, three bestselling authors have written stories to honor these real-life heroines.
In Light This Candle, Major Mitch McConnell has arrived home after serving overseas for nearly two years. Now he can finally give his condolences to Cassidy Frazier, whose husband died under his command. But when he tracks down the single mother, he finds out that Cassidy is about to be evicted and her son, Cody, is in the hospital.
At first, Cassidy tells Mitch she doesn't want his help. The military wasn't there for her when it mattered most, so she certainly doesn't need them now. But Mitch is more than a soldier: he's a caring, gentle man who's determined to ease Cassidy's burdens. And if she lets him into her family, perhaps she can give Mitch something worth fighting for...
Look for all three ebooks inspired by real-life heroines: Good Neighbors by Sheila Roberts, Just Joe by Carla Cassidy and Light This Candle by Cindy Dees. Visit the Harlequin More Than Words website at www.HarlequinMoreThanWords.com or your favorite ebook retailer to download these free novellas today.
In Light This Candle, Major Mitch McConnell has arrived home after serving overseas for nearly two years. Now he can finally give his condolences to Cassidy Frazier, whose husband died under his command. But when he tracks down the single mother, he finds out that Cassidy is about to be evicted and her son, Cody, is in the hospital.
At first, Cassidy tells Mitch she doesn't want his help. The military wasn't there for her when it mattered most, so she certainly doesn't need them now. But Mitch is more than a soldier: he's a caring, gentle man who's determined to ease Cassidy's burdens. And if she lets him into her family, perhaps she can give Mitch something worth fighting for...
Look for all three ebooks inspired by real-life heroines: Good Neighbors by Sheila Roberts, Just Joe by Carla Cassidy and Light This Candle by Cindy Dees. Visit the Harlequin More Than Words website at www.HarlequinMoreThanWords.com or your favorite ebook retailer to download these free novellas today.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
89 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Dees
172 books1,953 followersCindy Dees started flying airplanes while sitting in her dad’s lap at the age of three and got a pilot’s license before she got a driver’s license. At age fifteen, she dropped out of high school and left the horse farm in Michigan where she grew up to attend the University of Michigan.
After earning a degree in Russian and East European studies, she joined the U.S. Air Force and became the youngest female pilot in the history of the Air Force. She flew supersonic jets, VIP airlift and the “C-5” Galaxy, the world’s largest airplane. She also worked part-time gathering intelligence. During her military career, she traveled to forty countries on five continents, was detained by the KGB and East German secret police, she got shot at, flew in the first Gulf War, met her husband and amassed a lifetime’s worth of war stories.
Her hobbies include professional Middle Eastern dancing, Japanese gardening and medieval reenacting. She started writing on a one-dollar bet with her mother and was thrilled to win that bet with the publication of her first book in 2001.
After earning a degree in Russian and East European studies, she joined the U.S. Air Force and became the youngest female pilot in the history of the Air Force. She flew supersonic jets, VIP airlift and the “C-5” Galaxy, the world’s largest airplane. She also worked part-time gathering intelligence. During her military career, she traveled to forty countries on five continents, was detained by the KGB and East German secret police, she got shot at, flew in the first Gulf War, met her husband and amassed a lifetime’s worth of war stories.
Her hobbies include professional Middle Eastern dancing, Japanese gardening and medieval reenacting. She started writing on a one-dollar bet with her mother and was thrilled to win that bet with the publication of her first book in 2001.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 3, 2015
Light This Candle by Cindy Dees is a 2013 Harlequin Special Release.
The More than Words short stories highlights real women doing extraordinary things to enrich the lives of others.
In this story Mitch is visiting the widows of the men lost in combat from his unit. When he locates Cassidy, a very young woman with a sick child, he discovers she is completely alone and in financial difficulties as well.
He is called out by a real character named Rose who challenges him to help the young widow by doing chores around her place and sticking by her through her son's illness.
Mitch accepts that challenge and soon finds himself falling in love with Cassidy and her son, Cody.
This story deals with a very difficult topic and the dire circumstances in which Mitch and Cassidy meet does not make the best scenario for a romance to develop. As you can imagine the romance takes a backseat to the drama. Still, the story was touching and unique, Mitch being a guy taken completely unawares and discovers he has been wanting and needing what Cassidy and Cody can give him... love and family. A Sweet and Touching Story. 3 stars
The More than Words short stories highlights real women doing extraordinary things to enrich the lives of others.
In this story Mitch is visiting the widows of the men lost in combat from his unit. When he locates Cassidy, a very young woman with a sick child, he discovers she is completely alone and in financial difficulties as well.
He is called out by a real character named Rose who challenges him to help the young widow by doing chores around her place and sticking by her through her son's illness.
Mitch accepts that challenge and soon finds himself falling in love with Cassidy and her son, Cody.
This story deals with a very difficult topic and the dire circumstances in which Mitch and Cassidy meet does not make the best scenario for a romance to develop. As you can imagine the romance takes a backseat to the drama. Still, the story was touching and unique, Mitch being a guy taken completely unawares and discovers he has been wanting and needing what Cassidy and Cody can give him... love and family. A Sweet and Touching Story. 3 stars
January 19, 2018
I sat down at the close of a rough night to enjoy a little naughty romance, a happy ever after and a book that made me squee… this was me about 45 seconds into the book
The characters just really destroyed me…. A woman who has lost everything.. her best friend, her husband the situation is just awful… the references to the military are slim and that is the reason I was drawn in to the book so I was immediately distraught….. no strong sexy military man..
Both characters are broken trying to the put the pieces together.. to rebuild a life they both missed out on.
The characters just really destroyed me…. A woman who has lost everything.. her best friend, her husband the situation is just awful… the references to the military are slim and that is the reason I was drawn in to the book so I was immediately distraught….. no strong sexy military man..
Both characters are broken trying to the put the pieces together.. to rebuild a life they both missed out on.
March 17, 2021
This sweet, uplifting romance is as comforting and delightful as the best mug of hot chocolate you’ve ever had.
June 2, 2022
A novella that is touching, heartwarming , and full of emotions. It is about the gift n the midst of grief and how every day in life is valuable. I love it so much.
October 9, 2014
For such a short book, it sure packed a lot of emotions, and the characters seemed both realistic and moving.
However the story was a bit too much: I had trouble accepting that the hero invested so much in a woman whom he only just met and who moreover had been such a harpy to him at first, and that later on she could accept so easily his gestures, without feeling threatened or overwhelmed.
However I liked the tone of the book, the characters managed to touch me. I might well try on another book from this author.
However the story was a bit too much: I had trouble accepting that the hero invested so much in a woman whom he only just met and who moreover had been such a harpy to him at first, and that later on she could accept so easily his gestures, without feeling threatened or overwhelmed.
However I liked the tone of the book, the characters managed to touch me. I might well try on another book from this author.
April 17, 2015
:) apesar de ser breve esta historia é tão "humana", tão doce...
apesar de não ser o "romance" o grande centro da questão, é super intenso, porque o amor de facto é um sentimento que não conhece nem limites nem se consegue justificar.
nesta historia o amor revela-se nao so do ponto de vista romantico, mas tambem fraternal.
deixa-nos de facto com energia para acreditar num mundo melhor, de amizade e de interajuda e que há "anjos" por aí que nós nem suspeitamos.
apesar de não ser o "romance" o grande centro da questão, é super intenso, porque o amor de facto é um sentimento que não conhece nem limites nem se consegue justificar.
nesta historia o amor revela-se nao so do ponto de vista romantico, mas tambem fraternal.
deixa-nos de facto com energia para acreditar num mundo melhor, de amizade e de interajuda e que há "anjos" por aí que nós nem suspeitamos.
August 8, 2014
Tiny light read that was very touching and moving. I love stories with returning soldiers, this one had a twist the soldier had to come home to visit families of soldiers that had been killed. Very sweet romance with a touch of faith.
April 21, 2018
Beautiful story.
This was a sweet, sad, and wonderful short story, and I enjoyed it immensely. It was about a mother whose son needed a new heart and had been struggling since her husband, who was in the military, died in an accident. His commanding officer came to visit the soldier’s wife to give his condolences and see if he could assist her. He stayed when he found out the awful situation the soldiers family was in and offered to help. The author Cindy Dees wrote this book about an organization called Patches of Light that helped single parents pay bills so the parents can be there for their sick child while there in the hospital. This is close to my heart because I was the child who had a chronic illness that kept me and my sister and brother in the hospital a lot. It’s nice to know an organization is out there to help families. We were lucky we had a Mom and Dad for us. My dad was in the Air Force, so I understand the military.
This was a sweet, sad, and wonderful short story, and I enjoyed it immensely. It was about a mother whose son needed a new heart and had been struggling since her husband, who was in the military, died in an accident. His commanding officer came to visit the soldier’s wife to give his condolences and see if he could assist her. He stayed when he found out the awful situation the soldiers family was in and offered to help. The author Cindy Dees wrote this book about an organization called Patches of Light that helped single parents pay bills so the parents can be there for their sick child while there in the hospital. This is close to my heart because I was the child who had a chronic illness that kept me and my sister and brother in the hospital a lot. It’s nice to know an organization is out there to help families. We were lucky we had a Mom and Dad for us. My dad was in the Air Force, so I understand the military.
March 19, 2021
Here’s what this book is about:”Major Mitch McConnell has arrived home after serving overseas for nearly two years. Now he can finally give his condolences to Cassidy Frazier, whose husband died under his command. But when he tracks down the single mother, he finds out that Cassidy is about to be evicted and her son, Cody, is in the hospital. At first, Cassidy tells Mitch she doesn't want his help. The military wasn't there for her when it mattered most, so she certainly doesn't need them now. But Mitch is more than a soldier: he's a caring, gentle man who's determined to ease Cassidy's burdens. And if she lets him into her family, perhaps she can give Mitch something worth fighting for.”
I got this ebook for free on Amazon in 2018 and I finally got around to reading it. I liked this book. This book was heartwarming and sweet.
I got this ebook for free on Amazon in 2018 and I finally got around to reading it. I liked this book. This book was heartwarming and sweet.
April 25, 2025
Emotional
Now this is how you write a short story! Excellent, brilliant, sensational, and where is the Thesaurus when I need it. I absolutely loved this story. I must confess that the beginning didn’t get me super excited but then the emotions were building up and up and I started crying and feeling so much for all these characters. I am also proud to be an organ donor. I hope whoever reads this book decides to do the same. I will say this story is super necessary. Great job, Ms. Dees, great job indeed!
Now this is how you write a short story! Excellent, brilliant, sensational, and where is the Thesaurus when I need it. I absolutely loved this story. I must confess that the beginning didn’t get me super excited but then the emotions were building up and up and I started crying and feeling so much for all these characters. I am also proud to be an organ donor. I hope whoever reads this book decides to do the same. I will say this story is super necessary. Great job, Ms. Dees, great job indeed!
December 15, 2018
A novella about a widowed mother, her son's health troubles and a charity that helps families like hers. Someone who knew her late husband in the military comes to see her and before the book is over all her problems are fixed.
It was okay but if a dude that I'm dating redecorated my house without asking me first I'd probably think it's a warning sign.
It was okay but if a dude that I'm dating redecorated my house without asking me first I'd probably think it's a warning sign.
June 28, 2018
Good reading
The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is the speed of the romance. Having jumped into marriage quickly with a man who appeared to be perfect for me and to have it all together, I strongly oppose books that suggest that what you see is what you get.
The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is the speed of the romance. Having jumped into marriage quickly with a man who appeared to be perfect for me and to have it all together, I strongly oppose books that suggest that what you see is what you get.
July 4, 2017
Heartwarming
Nice story about saving ailing hearts. People should have huge hearts to help others in need, children mainly. Love Harlequin books.
Nice story about saving ailing hearts. People should have huge hearts to help others in need, children mainly. Love Harlequin books.
August 29, 2017
I love it
A happy ever after ending for Cody his mom Cassidy and Mitch their admirer. I would have !ove to know Cody's progress and if the marriage took place.
A happy ever after ending for Cody his mom Cassidy and Mitch their admirer. I would have !ove to know Cody's progress and if the marriage took place.
December 9, 2018
Very emotional but worth the read!
kindle-free-self
August 28, 2021Mitch McConnell?
April 18, 2023
Precious
Light This Candle is a touching and very precious story. The story is carefully developed and the characters will touch your heart.
Light This Candle is a touching and very precious story. The story is carefully developed and the characters will touch your heart.
July 13, 2023
One of my favorite harlequin novels that I've ever read!!
February 15, 2024
Hope!
An excellent read. I really enjoyed this short but very meaningful story. Love and hope is what keeps us going and moving forward in life.
An excellent read. I really enjoyed this short but very meaningful story. Love and hope is what keeps us going and moving forward in life.
November 4, 2024
This was a short story wish it was a longer book but I still gave it a 5 because it was still good.
November 13, 2024
This e-book has been in My Digital Library since October 18, 2015,
This book is based on a true story selected for Harlequin's More Than Words Award. I found it to be heart-warming and a feel-good story which made it enjoyable to read and recommend.
It rates 4 stars.
This book is based on a true story selected for Harlequin's More Than Words Award. I found it to be heart-warming and a feel-good story which made it enjoyable to read and recommend.
It rates 4 stars.
December 30, 2015
"Light this candle and make a wish. Remember the light in our lives never truly goes out as long as we have hope."
The feels!!! Oh, the feels!!
This book was beautiful! I'm not afraid to admit that it made me cry quite a few times because it pulled so hard at my heartstrings.
Cassidy is an amazing woman and mother. Putting everything on the line to save her dying son after losing her husband overseas. She's had so much thrown at her, but she can't give up hope.
Mitch is all about the military. He lives and breaths it. But when a curiosity visit turns his world upside down, he has no clue how to handle it, or the woman and child causing his sudden change of heart.
"If everybody waited for all the pieces to be in the right places before they took a shot at relationships, no one would ever end up together."
I adored this short story and I wish there was more because I don't want to let these characters go!!
This story restored faith in people and in life in general. It gives hope that maybe there is a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
So good!!
"I'll be here for you as long as you'll have me..."
The feels!!! Oh, the feels!!
This book was beautiful! I'm not afraid to admit that it made me cry quite a few times because it pulled so hard at my heartstrings.
Cassidy is an amazing woman and mother. Putting everything on the line to save her dying son after losing her husband overseas. She's had so much thrown at her, but she can't give up hope.
Mitch is all about the military. He lives and breaths it. But when a curiosity visit turns his world upside down, he has no clue how to handle it, or the woman and child causing his sudden change of heart.
"If everybody waited for all the pieces to be in the right places before they took a shot at relationships, no one would ever end up together."
I adored this short story and I wish there was more because I don't want to let these characters go!!
This story restored faith in people and in life in general. It gives hope that maybe there is a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
So good!!
"I'll be here for you as long as you'll have me..."
April 29, 2016
A cute story and a very quick read... but while I enjoyed it, it was a little unbelievable for my tastes. Cassidy is a widowed mother of a 5 y/o little boy who is in the hospital dying from a heart condition. Mitch is a Major in the military, having served with Cassidy's husband, who in the beginning of the book came home for mandatory leave following a two-year deployment. He pays a condolancee visit to Cassidy at the hospital and, after seeing her struggle, decides to help support her and her son... . I'm all for love and all, but I don't buy that an abiding love can develop like that (*snaps fingers).
Still, if you're looking for a quick read and a feel good book, it's worth taking an hour or two to sit down with.
Still, if you're looking for a quick read and a feel good book, it's worth taking an hour or two to sit down with.
January 16, 2014
This book was really good and hit really close to home as I myself am a military spouse. We live everyday wondering if I loved ones are going to come back to us. We come to know that no news is sometimes the best news there is. I cried quite a few times during the book, poor woman had already lost her husband and now she's in the process of losing her son. When her unexpected angel comes into her life you just know something special is going to happen.
November 26, 2015
Heart wrenching but life affirming!
I think I cried throughout this entire story. Finding out that Cody, a five year old, needed a new heart and was having heart attacks destroyed me. My grandson is 5 and I can not imagine him having to suffer like Cody did. I cried again when Cody had the heart transplant and survived. Even though this story took me on a roller coaster ride, I have to say it was very well written and I would recommend it to others.
I think I cried throughout this entire story. Finding out that Cody, a five year old, needed a new heart and was having heart attacks destroyed me. My grandson is 5 and I can not imagine him having to suffer like Cody did. I cried again when Cody had the heart transplant and survived. Even though this story took me on a roller coaster ride, I have to say it was very well written and I would recommend it to others.
August 16, 2013
What a wonderful charity to showcase. Famlies dealing with very sick kids should not have to worry about bills.
This book brought a woman dealing with the loss of her husband and the potential loss of her son a true hero. Who helped her cope, fixed her car, spruced up her house and loved her.
Great short read
This book brought a woman dealing with the loss of her husband and the potential loss of her son a true hero. Who helped her cope, fixed her car, spruced up her house and loved her.
Great short read
October 16, 2013
I gave this book 4 stars because it was a very touching romance. It didn't have gratuitous sex scenes that had nothing to do with the book. The hero is someone we'd all want in our lives. The heroine is going through something no parent should ever have to.
I will admit that I had tears a few times.
I will admit that I had tears a few times.
March 6, 2014
I don't typically enjoying reading about weak protagonists (unless they grow up into something more by the end of the story), but this short read addressed a painfully realistic topic. I was drawn into the story and loved how Major Mitch McConnell stepped onto the stage as a classic, loveable hero.
May 10, 2014
A very pleasant, quick read
Straight out of today's realities about families being torn apart by war, Cindy Dees has woven a tale of love and hope called Light this Candle. In spare, immersive prose that goes down like a fine wine she creates characters we care about and cheer for.
Straight out of today's realities about families being torn apart by war, Cindy Dees has woven a tale of love and hope called Light this Candle. In spare, immersive prose that goes down like a fine wine she creates characters we care about and cheer for.
April 5, 2013
This Harlequin book made me cry so hard - the loss of a soldier, husband, father, and hero. Cassidy lost her husband and how her son will die without a new heart, she is broke and broken and in walk Mitch into their lives. Must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews