What We Keep: A Small Town Firefighter Romance

Heartfire Falls #1

by J.H. Croix

A swoony, small town romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!When the grumpy firefighter falls for the sunshine girl who turns his world upside down…
Elsa Whitney walks into my life like she owns the sun, all warmth and light, and shatters the quiet I’ve been clinging to. Not that I can blame her. She’s impossible to ignore. And somehow, I’m the idiot who offered her a place to stay.

Brilliant move.

I’ve got enough on my plate—raising my son, rebuilding my family’s resort, and trying to keep the pieces of my family together. The last thing I need is a distraction, especially one as tempting as Elsa.

Too bad my family is already smitten. Worse? They swear I’m less of a grouch with her around.

They’re not wrong.

Because the truth is, I don’t just want her in my house—I want her in my life, in my bed, in every moment I can steal. And once I finally give in? There’s no turning back.

A sizzling, heart-melting small-town romance perfect for readers who

🔥 Grumpy single dads who fall hard and fast
☀️ A sunshine heroine who won’t stop until she melts his walls
🏡 Forced proximity & roommates who can’t stay in separate rooms
💬 Small-town gossip, meddling family, and a protective hero who will risk everything for love
💖 Emotional depth, oodles of swoon, and just the right amount of angst

If you love a grumpy firefighter who sets hearts ablaze and a heroine who makes him burn for more, this story is for you.

*A full-length, standalone romance.

Genres: Small Town Romance, Romance, Firefighters, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

228 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


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Reviews

[ri ⊹.˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

what we keep
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎⌗ aug. 12 - aug. 12
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎⤿ 3 stars

༉ initial thoughts- spoilers ahead

i didn’t not notice going in that this book was 200 pages and honestly wish it was just a tad bit longer.

let’s start with the story, i feel like we just ended this main couples story way to fast. there were some plot points that i think were left too open to just move to the next couple in the series. we never really see the resort officially open, nor do we see even the beginning of elsa rebuilding her house or her mom visiting.

there were just so many things that didn’t have closure or weren’t expanded on. haven’s relationship with tommy, his son is not very present and that includes his pov not just elsa’s. i mean they don’t even live in the same house.

the plot of the story itself was good, i really myself, i just think that it deserved more to really do it justice but again i had fun.

༉ characters - spoilers ahead

‎ 🐋 elsa - love the marine biologist career that she has, i wish we got to see more of her work in the field and what she was doing. i personally love when we get to see the small details of the characters career and marine biology is one of the field i take a lot of interest in even if i don’t wish to work in it. her character has depth, especially when it came to family and the mental health repercussions that it has on her. i really liked her and i just think that the story while it did not feel rushed it was indeed rushed if that makes sense.

‎ 🥾 haven - first thing first, i loveeee his name, i love when people have names that are pretty sounding words with like neutral meanings so yea. just like with elsa i really found his job interesting considering that he was a lawyer, firefighter and owner of a resort. but we also didn’t get to see much of his job and again o personally really enjoy that aspect of storytelling i think it can add a lot to a story. his relationship with tommy exist but not in a the way that i expected it to, tommy calls him dad but in my opinion he never really acts much like a dad. that being said the flaw is that we don’t get to see much of them together. not them going to school or grocery shopping, like the mundane things between a parent and child.

༉ final thoughts- spoilers ahead

i really liked the story, once again i just wish it had been longer. it was just missing a couple things. quite honestly i was shocked when i tapped to the next page and saw that it was the epilogue. while i do not think the story was rushed, i do think it ended abruptly.

༉‧₊˚. pre - read

did i watch 2-3 tiktoks that convinced me to read this instead of tackling my tbr? yes i did, yes i did. sue me

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsa and Haven🥰

Elsa returns to Alaska after being away for years and runs into the one person she secretly crushed on in high school, Haven Silver. Unbeknownst to her, she was his highs school crush as well😉 She has nowhere to stay and Haven offers her accommodation at the resort himself and his family are rebuilding.

What a great story, great characters and some sweet romantic moments. Tommy is hilarious and so loveable❣️ I can’t wait to read Kendall and Jude’s story next😍

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to read this as an ARC. The ending is a little abrupt into the epilogue but the book is fantastic. All of the characters seem to be well crafted, the chemistry is 🔥. And the little boy Tommy? Icing on the cake. Plus who doesn’t love a random goat with attitude … looking at you Dolly.

[Mandy Pittman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book but unfortunately I didn’t. Things I liked were the FMCs job (that was different), I liked that there was no “trope” at least a basic one about them (such as enemies to lovers, faking dating, marriage of convience). Things I didn’t like how many times the word “bottom” and “arousal” was used. It got to a point where it just felt awkward and repetitive with those words. I didn’t like how she randomly decided to talk to this group of girls she doesn’t know really at girls night to decide she wants to tell Haven she loves him. Also the third act (not break up but will call it disagreement) was over the stupidest thing possible. Also saw this book advertised several times on social media about MMC being a firefighter. The only time it showed him doing anything about firefighting was when he carried Janet out when her building caught on fire.

Things that didn’t make sense to me? Why the ex wanted collateral? Why the ex was never mentioned until almost the end when he randomly showed up? Why the random fire where MMC needed to rescue Janet and the cat? Why the mom never actually came back tho it was hinted at the she would?

I think this book had a ton of potential. It was just missing somethings and honestly needed to just slow down. The book was constantly skipping time (that evening, later that day, last night, etc). The epilogue did leak my interest so I’ll read the second book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Haven and Elsa’s story.
Haven is a grumpy single dad to his son, and he is a firefighter, while Elsa is a marine biologist, whose work brings her back to her hometown, and in the process turns Haven’s world on its axels. Haven is busy with raiding his son, and rebuilding his family’s resort, and when Elsa’s home is destroyed on a wildfire, he offers her a place to stay.
This is a well written east to read, emotionally charged story, with a meddling family, friendships, angst, gossiping, tension, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity, determination, humor, witty banter, roommates / lovers, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, unpredictable, and heartwarming, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brand new series, Heartfire Falls from JH Croix, has Elsa her job bringing her home to Willow brook. She is starting over again. Haven is a firefighter and single dad, restoring his family's resort. But there is a history between Elsa and Haven, and Haven thinks his crush is long buried.

As Elsa’s place was destroyed in a fire, Haven offers her a place to stay until she figures things out.
As the two spend more time together, she begins to thaw the grump he has become. Add in the meddling, the gossip, the side characters, old and new, and the goats, make for a great small town read.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Keep

A great story about a young woman who moves back to Alaska, where she grew up. Sadly her mother moved her and herself away when her father died to get away from the memories. Now starting over, seeing friends from before, realizing that there
Are new opportunities, people who are happy to have her back. Beautiful story about new beginnings, love and opportunities.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so sweet… I’m sad the next book isn’t out yet…. I love this family and the healing journey they’re all on…

[Donna Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started with the goats!

Elsa moves back to Alaska, where she used to live, for a new job as a wildlife biologist. While standing on her property where years ago a fire destroyed her home and wondering how she’s ever going to have a new one built, five goats head right toward her, and she sure hopes they’re friendly! Then she hears a boy’s voice calling for the goats, and as she’s standing there one of the goats starts circling her, and she turns around and falls right down on her bottom!

And of course, that’s when Haven shows up and asks her who she is and what is she doing here?! Haven’s family’s resort also was destroyed in the wildfire and the family is restoring it and making it bigger, so Haven offers Elsa a place to stay while she’s trying to figure out her life. He thought that his high school crush on Elsa was over, but realizes he still has feelings for her…and he might be in big trouble!

At first Elsa thinks Haven’s married, since she already met his son, Tommy. But after talking with Janet, she learns the real story and it’s a heartbreaker. Haven is the eldest of six sons and Bree, their only sister, also died from the fire, right after giving birth to Tommy. Haven, being the oldest, decided that he would be the one to adopt Tommy to give him a dad and the rest of the family all pitched in to nurture and love Tommy. Now that Elsa knows that Haven isn’t married, she feels better about wanting to get to know him better.

As Elsa and Haven spend more time together, Haven actually becomes less grouchy and his whole family teases him…they can all see that he’s falling in love with Elsa. She is like a big burst of sunshine and his high school crush turns into something more, something better, something real.

I loved this book so much! The author has a way with words and her characters benefit from it. She makes them seem so down to earth that you just relate to them. This book was funny and witty, with lots of other emotions thrown in! I swear, for the last couple of pages, I was just crying…tears of happiness of course! This book is going to be another winner for J. H. Croix and I am already waiting for the next book in this new series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Keep by JH Croix is a Heartfire Falls novel taking place outside of Willow Brook, Canada. We see a few characters we are familiar with, most notably Janet, who serves coffee and advice to all. Elisa has returned to Willow Brook hoping for a job with wildlife services tracking whales. She had left there after he father died when she was a sophomore in high school. There had been a wildfire several years later which had destroyed their cabin, but the land was hers. While she was looking it over, she met a young boy and his goats. Then she met his father, Haven, one of the Silver boys who lived “next door” in what used to be a guest lodge, offering outdoor experiences to their guests. It had been destroyed in the fire, too, but they were rebuilding. When she told Haven, who she barely knew, that she was looking for a place to live, he offered her a room at the lodge. He told her no rent, but she couldn’t do that, so instead she helped with the rehab, mostly painting. She had her interview and got her job. At the same time, her attraction to Haven was growing out of control.

Every time I think she can’t write a better book; write more compelling characters, but I am often wrong, as I was in this case. Elisa is bright and bubbly but underneath she is a mass of bad memories, mostly aimed at her dad who had died of pneumonia because he refused to see a doctor. He had been an off-the-grid kind of guy but carried it to an extreme. From that episode she had developed some very bad attractions to the wrong kind of man, trying to find one as different as possible. Haven was a lawyer, but hadn’t really liked it and had spent the past few years wading through the insurance paperwork after the fire. He also worked with his brothers on the remodel and was a part-time firefighter. He had had a massive crush on Elisa in high school. She had never known, but it seems like everyone else did. Great story dealing with real human problems: the aftermath of grief being an important one for both of them. Decent plot for a romance. Excellent characters, all of Haven’s family. Really, a joy to read.

I was invited to read What We Keep by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #JHCroix #WhatWeKeep

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something oddly charming about a meet cute involving goats. Seriously, who doesn’t love a playful little goat butting in at just the right moment? This book reminded me just how heartwarming, and sometimes hilarious, those unexpected moments can be.

Told through the alternating perspectives of Elsa and Haven, their story unfolds beautifully. It explores themes of grief, fresh starts, and the adventure of finding love.

Elsa Whitney is a kind and socially awkward wildlife biologist who has her walls firmly erected around her heart. She learned the hard way that needing someone can lead to heartache. I admired her courage to step out of her comfort zone. Watching her grow and embrace new challenges was honestly inspiring. There are plenty of scenes where we see her nerves and apprehensions, but it’s her determination to try that just makes her so lovable and relatable.

Lawyer and firefighter Haven Silver is the the perfect counterbalance to Elsa’s guarded nature. There’s just something so uplifting about a character who is dedicated to making a difference in the world by taking care of his family, especially when his past has tried to hold him back. Haven is the oldest of the Silver boys and a “good guy” ready to move on with the one woman he’s had a crush on since high school. Haven’s protective instincts shine through beautifully, making you root for him every step of the way.

The beauty of their journey is they begin to navigate the tangled mess of emotions, grief, and past mistakes by finding solace in each others’ arms. And, I appreciate there was no third-act break up to mar the relationship.

The humor in the story is a lovely addition especially through Haven’s family dynamics. His mom, Maggie, is exactly what Elsa needs, and she seems to know her son’s heart better than he does himself. The family banter is funny yet insightful, giving readers a glimpse into family love that is both tight-knit and liberating especially after a tragic past.

If you enjoy feel-good relationships about starting over and navigating life’s adventures with the people you love, please pick up the first book in the Heartfire Falls series. You won’t regret it.

Thank you to Ms. Croix for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Heartfire Falls series and it is Elsa and Haven’s story and omg what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. Elsa and Haven have history because at one time they went to the same school and he had a serious crush on her but when her father died her mother moved them away but now fifteen years later and she has returned to the only place that ever felt like home. Haven is a firefighter, lawyer and single dad while helping his family build their family resort after it was destroyed by fire so his life was always busy and he didn’t need any complications but them in walked Elsa with her light, laughter and sunshine and he realised that nothing will be the same again. Elsa is a wildlife biologist and missed her hometown of Heartfire Falls so much that she decided to return after many years away and rebuild her home that was devastated by fire so when the shy and awkward woman Haven again after so many years she realised that he is still as handsome as ever but after suffering so much heartache she has walls built around her that are so high that it will take someone really special to be able to break them down but is Haven that person. The more time that Elsa and Haven spend together the stronger their attraction and chemistry grows and when they eventually come together they are absolutely explosive and their connection and bond becomes so strong and intense but will they continue to grow together or miss out on something special. Elsa and Haven are so perfect together and for each other and they deserve all the happiness in the world especially after everything that they have both been through in their lives. Wow I absolutely loved this book and it kept my attention throughout and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is impossible not to enjoy this grumpy/sunshine, unrequited crush romance. Both Haven and Elsa have experienced loss, grief and trying to start anew. She has just returned to Willow Brook, Alaska after years away, determined to build a life and future in the only place that ever felt like home. She hopes to find a job as a wildlife biologist, but right now she needs a place to stay. After an encounter with a little boy and some mischievous goats, Elsa talks to Haven the boy’s father, whom she recognizes from high school. He offers her a place to stay at his family’s lodge on the property that neighbours the one she owns now, which only has a burned out shell of a cabin since a wildfire swept through the area years ago. The lodge is part of the Heartfire Falls Resort and is in the process of being rebuilt, but there is plenty of room for her.

Haven had crushed on Elsa fifteen years ago, and though both of their lives have changed a great deal since then, all those feelings are resurfacing quickly, stronger than ever. Having her so close wreaks havoc on his control, and his nosy and meddling family has taken notice of his change in behaviour. Suddenly he is getting lots of advice and encouragement, whether he wants it or not. Elsa is made very welcome in her new home by both Haven’s family and old friends from her childhood. Even though their chemistry and attraction are intense, she is hesitant about love and relationships, afraid to love a lose someone again. Haven shows her that it is okay to let love in. Both have emotional baggage to handle, but it becomes more manageable when they do it together. Their story is heartwarming, insightful and very enjoyable.

I am happy to recommend this charming book.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up What We Keep hoping for a swoony small-town romance, and J.H. Croix delivered with flying colors. The grumpy firefighter/sunshine girl dynamic is one of my favorites, and Haven Silver absolutely nailed the quietly tortured, protective hero. Poor guy’s got his hands full rebuilding the family resort, raising his son solo, and trying not to get distracted by Elsa Whitney—the warm, socially awkward wildlife biologist who turns his quiet life upside down.

Elsa is instantly lovable: awkward, earnest, and determined to start over in Heartfire Falls. I really felt for her walls and her journey to let someone in again. Their chemistry feels effortless, from family banter to those stolen intimate moments—seriously, who knew goats could be this good at matchmaking?

This book hit all my comfort zones for small-town romance: meddling family, lots of feel-good humor, believable baggage, and side characters I wanted more from. I especially loved that there was no third-act breakup—just real challenges and honest growth. At times, I wished for deeper conflict, but I appreciated that this story kept things light and uplifting even while handling themes like grief and starting over.

If you love grumpy/sunshine dynamics, protective heroes, strong heroines ready for new beginnings, and stories that leave you smiling, What We Keep absolutely belongs on your shelf. I’m already looking forward to the next visit to Heartfire Falls.

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

After many years away, Elsa has moved back to Alaska and wants to rebuild her family home that was destroyed in a wildfire. Elsa had trouble fitting in when she was younger and in school being the daughter of a wilderness prepper. Haven is the oldest son of the family of the adjoining property next to Elsa's. Haven is a lawyer and a part-time firefighter. Haven adopted his sister's newborn son after she succumbed to her burns and injuries she sustained in the wildfire that destroyed the family resort and Elsa's family home. Haven and his brothers are working to get their resort. Haven and his brothers are working to get their family resort up and running, so they can open it to the public. Haven offers Elsa a room at his family's resort. Will Haven's and Elsa's feelings grow as they spend time together? How will Elsa react when she learns Haven crushed on her since high school? Will Elsa finally feel like she has found her home with Haven? Will Haven be there for Elsa when she needs him after she puts space between them? Will Haven and Elsa find their happily ever after? I loved What We Keep by J.H. Croix. Haven and Elsa are a great couple with amazing chemistry. I love Haven's family, and how they bring Elsa into their fold. What We Keep is a great start to the Heartfire Falls series by J.H. Croix, and I would highly recommend getting it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When the man stepped out of the sun's glare, a bolt of lightning might as well have struck me. He towered over me. I sarcastically considered that he took the phrase tall, dark and handsome way too seriously."

Lawyer Haven Silver is the oldest of the Silver brothers of Heartfire Falls, Alaska. His family's home and business was burned down by a wildfire and they're just now seeing the light at the end of years of wrangling with the insurance company and rebuilding the business.

"Maybe I hadn’t seen Elsa Whitney in about fifteen years, but I could see traces of the girl she had been. Same bright hair. Same pretty green eyes. I hadn’t been the only guy with a crush on her in high school. I’d been two years ahead of her when she left town."

Shy marine biologist Elsa Whitney left Heartfire Falls with her mother after her father died. She always missed her home town and has finally made the decision to return.

Both main characters had a tumultuous and tragic past. This story catalogues each their struggles to capture a good future.

I fell in love with Haven's hard working, caring and protective nature and I loved that the socially awkward Elsa stepped out of her comfort zone.
But most of all I loved the peripheral characters like Haven's family and the people of the nearby town.
Now I'm greedily anticipating the next book in this series.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsa Whitney was the girl next door, the girl that captured his heart back in high school, the girl he wanted. But then unexpected tragedy happened and she moved away... but now she is back in town and needs a place to stay.

What We Keep is a beautifully penned story of healing, loss, personal growth, and finding love. Elsa and Haven have both been dealt a devastating hand at life and it's left them shells of the people they once were. They struggle everyday with their healing and the loss of their loved ones, but they get up everyday and try.

Haven is a busy man, single father working hard to make ends meet, and also trying to rebuild all that his family lost. Elsa has returned home to the place that she's always loved and was forced to leave when she lost her father. It's a new beginning she has been craving for some time now... but she might find far more than she bargained for.

This beautiful story will break your heart at times and have it soaring at other times, it's such a soul touching journey! If you like emotional romances, with handsome protective grumps, then you have to take a chance on this one, it's words will melt your heart! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Return to Alaska Romance!!

I was pulled in from the first chapter. Elsa Whitney grew up in Alaska, but on the death of her father her mom moved them away. Her father was independent, a prepper and did not believe in modern medicine. This made life awkward for Elsa, and may ultimately have caused his death.

Haven Silver remembers “the girl next door”. He is the oldest of seven siblings. When his father died, their outdoor resort burned down and his sister died, he held the family together and adopted his nephew. They are just reopening the resort and opening their doors to Elsa while she interviews for her dream job as a biologist, specializing in whales. (Her home burned down too.)

Elsa finds her early connections are friendly and welcoming, especially Haven; “This wasn’t my first kiss, but I’d always felt a little detached. I’d honestly never grasped the whole chemistry thing. Kisses usually let me down. Kisses from Haven were the opposite. This was like being dropped into sensation, a fire burning up inside me.”

Emotional, small-town aspects, recovery, determination and grit, and a romance with chemistry that cannot be denied. This one really will pull at your heartstrings in all the best ways. I loved it!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you read a book and it feels like it’s hugging you !? Well this is one of those reads that just enfold you and leave all warm and fuzzy 🥰 ooooo and the cover art just gets the blood pumping !!

“For learning to give yourself grace “ LOVE THIS ❣️📕


Elsa grew up in Willow Brook Alaska but after her dad passed she and her mom moved away but she’s always longed after it and now she’s home and I love the goats and little Tommy as her welcoming home committee , let’s not forget the delectable Haven 🥰

Haven and his family grew up next to Elsa and her family , her dad was a strange but kind man and they were there fur her when he passed but also in high school they had feelings for each other but neither knew but those feelings are still there …..

Maggie the matriarch of the family is a real honey and has always has a soft spot for our Elsa and I think she fills a bit of the void left by Bree’s death 🤗 so Elsa is living in the little apartment above the farm and settling into the family routine and just blending in with them and it’s so beautiful to watch and be a part of it 🥰

Word of warning Tommy will own your heart along with his goats 🐐

These people have had fair share of heartache and deserve every ounce of happiness that comes their way 🥰 I didn’t want this read to end but now that it has the excitement can build for the next one 🥰📕😉

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It pulled me in from beginning to end and I found it very entertaining. It's a grumpy/sunshine, single dad story. I loved getting to know Elsa and Haven. When they were younger they went to the same school for awhile and Haven had developed a huge crush on Elsa but then her mother moved them away. A few years ago a wildfire burned down the house that was on the land that Elsa owns as well as the Resort that Haven's family owns. Haven and his family are in the process of rebuilding and he offers her a place to stay. She is looking to get a wildlife biology job and has to figure out how to get the house rebuilt. It was cute how the two of them met and how Elsa's sunshine personality helped to lighten up Haven and make him less grouchy, so much so that his family notices and teases him. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and the family. Haven is a single dad but there isn't another woman in the picture. Due to the close proximity with Elsa staying at the lodge and helping them to rebuild, feelings develop and truths come out about situations and it allows them to start building their relationship. They both have some things they are working through and obstacles to overcome. This story was easy to read and engaging. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish the real world could be as sweet and tender as the story. Haven and Elsa lived next door in high school. Haven had a crush on Elsa. After Elsa’s father died of pneumonia at home with Elsa alone, Elsa’s mother moved them away to heal. The neighborhood was burned down by wild fire subsequently. Haven lost his father and sister. It took years for Haven and his brothers to rebuild their home. Elsa recently moved back and wanted to rebuild her family home as well. Haven’s family happily took Elsa in their newly built house/resort and promised to help her rebuild. Seeing Elsa everyday, Haven’s childhood crush now turned into full bloom feelings. Knowing what it felt like to lose people in their lives, they were both afraid to have a deep relationship. But they couldn’t fight the chemistry between them. They completed each other and they felt safe together. The sweet and tenderness between Haven and Elsa is as natural as water flowing down the stream. The story is fun with all kinds of animals. Elsa also started to enjoy friendship with other females after coming back. Everyone is nothing but kind and helpful.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written love story about small-town Heartfire Falls, Alaska. Ms. Croix tells us the story of Elsa and Haven, two people who have been dealt the hardships of a fire that took everything from them. Their story is filled with laughter, sweet moments, a family that welcomes you with open arms, and a love that will make you smile from ear to ear.
Haven and Elsa's story was sweet, filled with laughter, a family who welcomed Elsa with open arms, entertaining, and easy to get lost in. Both of their pasts were filled with sorrow and losses. I loved how Haven tried to act all cool and at ease that his childhood crush was living at his place. Elsa was the perfect girl/woman, the girl next door, sweet, beautiful and had only gotten better the older she got. What was sweet was that his family, including his adopted son Tommy, and the townsfolk all saw the love they had for one another but they denied it until it was too much to ignore. They had a magnetism that saw them unable to keep away from one another.
I laughed at the chats between Haven and all his brothers, especially Jude. I can't wait for his book which is a best friends to lovers one.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ray of Sunshine Re-Enters Grumpy’s Life
Haven Silver had a crush on Elsa Whitney back in highschool. Her sweet smile, radiant warmth, and that soft uncertainty underneath as if she was not sure she belonged made him want to give her everything. He wanted to unfurl the world for her and ensure she always knew just how special she was. She has been gone from Alaska for almost fifteen years, but when you grow up in Alaska you tend to feel like the place stay yours. Now she is back home. Sizzles of heat bolt through the two, but they both know it could be reckless and unwise to act on it, but does that stop them? This is a swoon-worthy steamy small town romance about two characters that have suffered so many losses. It is the first book in J.H. Croix’s “Heartfire Falls” Series, but takes us back to Willow Brook, Alaska and I was pleasantly surprise to read about some of the characters from her previous series. Looking forward to reading about the rest of the Silver Brothers finding love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found Love and Family Romance

This is the first book in J H Croix’s new series set in a small town in Alaska. The characters are both recovering from personal losses, which adds angst to the story. Haven is the oldest son in the family and has been taking charge of rebuilding their family’s wilderness resort that was destroyed in a wildfire. He’s a lawyer and a firefighter, and has had a crush on Elsa since high school.

After many years apart, Elsa returns to her home in Alaska and is staying at Haven’s family’s home, while hoping to rebuild her home that was destroyed in the same wildfire as the resort. As the daughter of a wilderness ‘prepper’ father, she struggles to feel socially accepted.

The two characters have such chemistry and feelings for each other that they find hard to resist.
This is a story of finding love, peace, and happiness with the right person. There are quite a few secondary characters that add to the depth of the story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Schellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsa has moved back home after being gone for yrs. She has lost her dad, an Alaska prepper who kept her quite isolated when she was young. Standing on her property, there is no home anymore, the wildfires made sure of that. Now it is time to rebuild her home, her life & her dream job, there's just one problem, no place to stay.
Haven is raising his nephew after the wildfires destroyed their family. As the oldest, he felt he should be the one to adopt him. Rebuilding the family adventure resort is top priority for the boys. The sooner they get it open, the sooner they begin to make a real living again.
Finding Elsa on her property, Haven can't believe his eyes, she is stunning. When he finds that she has nowhere to go, he offers her a place to stay. The only problem, the chemistry burns so hot, that they can't keep their hands off each other! This can't end well!
This story was so much fun to read! I loved the dynamic of the family, the heat between Haven & Elsa & the spicy of the relationship that nearly melted my Kindle! Enjoy!!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4,5 stars*
This was such a sweet enjoyable read that also had heartbreaking moments but there was also hope in the story that was very heartfelt. I loved the chemistry between Haven & Elsa but also with the side characters; their banter was playful but also very enjoyable. There was just something about the story that was relatable and I truly felt the emotions of the characters. It was a really great read and I definitely can't wait to see what happens next!

When Elsa moves back into town after being away for years, it really feels like coming home again. While trying to figure out what's next and hopefully find a new job, she meets Haven again. Haven never really thought he'd see Elsa again but after seeing her, he makes her an offer that she can't refuse. As they reconnect, Elsa finds herself more reconnected to small town. The spark between Haven & Elsa continues to grow and their relationship grows stronger. After everything they've been through in their lives, they're looking forward to the future. Will they find their way to one another?...

[Anakalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven and Elsa's story is deeply moving, due to what they have both been through in their lives. It brought tears to my eyes a few times. When the two meet again for the first time in years, sparks fly. I felt every molecule of this connection, that is how convincingly Ms. Croix captured this immediate attraction. I got all tingly myself whenever Haven showed up, lol.
The story is gripping and engagingly written, it's sweet and funny, hot and heartwarming, full of tragic memories from the past and happy moments in the present ... in short, emotional to the max.
It is the first in a new series that takes readers back to the already familiar small town of Willow Brook, Alaska, with many appearances from already familiar characters and locales, making the book even more special.
It feels like coming home ... simply wonderful, like the entire book, which I highly recommend reading.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What we keep in our hearts is precious and not to be forgotten.

I loved this new series! I was hooked from page one and couldn't put the book down!

I love that characters from her other series set in this wonderful small town make appearances. It really makes it come full circle.

Elsa left Willow Brook after the death of her father and now she's back home where she belongs. Her future here all starts with a goat that literally knocks her over; not to mention the man of her dreams and his adorable son, Tommy, who I just loved.

This story reminded me that you’re not allowed to beat yourself up for overthinking things that you can't change. Thank you for that reminder.

The way J.H. Croix writes these amazing tales pulls you right in and you feel like you are a part of this wonderful small town and never want to leave!

If you love wonderful characters, intrigue, humor, and steamy scenes you will love this! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this small town!

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was just so incredibly sweet from beginning to end, and it truly felt like a warm hug in book form.

If you're tired of all the typical relationship drama that often fills romance novels, you are absolutely in for a treat here because there's practically no drama whatsoever. It's a breath of fresh air! Instead, it's just two wonderful people, Haven and Elsa, who meet under gentle circumstances and slowly, beautifully, fall for each other. Their connection felt so incredibly genuine and natural.

It's got all the feels without any angst or misunderstandings. You just get to watch them support each other and build something truly special and enduring.

I loved the relationship Haven had with his family, his brothers added some humour and banter to the story.

All the characters are super likeable and easy to root for, and the whole vibe of the book is just warm, fuzzy, and utterly comforting.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new Heartfire Falls series by J.H. Croix. I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. It is taking place in Willowbrook, Alaska, which means there are some of my favorite characters from previous books that have cameo appearances.

What We Keep has a lot to do with memories and things that have happened in the past. For instance Haven Silver looks at his son Tommy. Tommy is the marker of the before and after the wildfire. For Elsa Whitney it was when her father died from pneumonia.

Haven always had a crush on the girl next door, in this case Elsa. For Elsa, coming home is hard but her work as a Marine Biologist brings her back to Willowbrook. Her home was destroyed in the same wildfire that changed Haven's life. Maybe together these two can move forward and make great new memories to replace the bad ones from the past.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.