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Where Warmth Waits: Secrets of Skyline: Mae
Parlor maid, Mae Hopper, is doing all she can to protect her daughters and keep a quiet life, until the Stratford family’s second son is found dead, and whispers start pointing toward her.
Detective Leland West, once a close friend to Mae and her late husband, returns to investigate, and finds that his long-buried feelings for Mae have endured.
As winter deepens and secrets unravel, light begins to flicker through the forgiveness, second chances, and a quiet, enduring love that may have been waiting all along.
Where Warmth Waits is a clean, faith-filled historical romance with a thread of mystery about resilience, redemption, and the quiet strength it takes to choose love and light in a world that too often forgets both.
Detective Leland West, once a close friend to Mae and her late husband, returns to investigate, and finds that his long-buried feelings for Mae have endured.
As winter deepens and secrets unravel, light begins to flicker through the forgiveness, second chances, and a quiet, enduring love that may have been waiting all along.
Where Warmth Waits is a clean, faith-filled historical romance with a thread of mystery about resilience, redemption, and the quiet strength it takes to choose love and light in a world that too often forgets both.
207 pages, ebook
Published September 3, 2025
9 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Terri Rosa Fox
5 books15 followersA wife and mom trying her best, with God’s help. Terri Fox is a self-proclaimed “jack-of-all-trades” who finds joy in art, photography, crafting, and storytelling. From children’s tales to historical romance, her work is grounded in a love for God’s creation and the quiet strength of everyday moments.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 14, 2026
4.5 stars
“How do you guard your heart when the thing it longs for is standing inches away, looking at you like you’re the answer he’s been chasing?”
Pardon me a moment while I keep fanning myself from all the longing-laden chemistry between Mae and Leland. Particularly from Leland who’s loved Mae for twelve years. Oh my heart, I adore a romance where the guy has been suppressing his feelings for a long time and then finally the woman he loves is within reach. And author Terri Rosa Fox writes it very well. Where Warmth Waits appears to be her debut novel, so I can’t wait to read more from her in the future!
The story takes place during the Great Depression and focuses on Mae, a young widow with precocious twin daughters. Mae’s such a sweetheart and genuine in spirit, and I have a feeling you will embrace her as quickly as I did. The author vibrantly brought to life the hustle and bustle of working belowstairs for a wealthy family in this era – as well as the complex workplace politics – so it’s easy to put ourselves in Mae’s shoes and picture each scene as it occurs. I instantly loved some of the supporting characters too, while others immediately had my hackles up… and though I was pretty spot-on in my assessments of who could be trusted and who couldn’t, one of my fave parts of this story is the redemptive thread that transforms some of those same characters I was side-eyeing into heroine potential for future novels.
And then there’s Leland, once a close friend of Mae and her late husband Sam. He’s been out of her life since Sam’s death, but he shows up again in a big way – as the detective brought in to solve the murder of her employers’ middle son. Watching him with Mae is truly swoony. It’s clear he loves her deeply, even though she’s unaware of his feelings, and I’m so glad we got to spend time in his head as he navigates how to work the case, protect Mae, and deal with all the emotions that seeing her again brings. Plus, he’s just such a good guy – kind, smart, and tender while still exuding a steady strength that Mae can lean on when she needs to. She’s no shrinking wallflower though either, and I enjoyed watching them support each other.
“Even when I can’t see Him, I trust He still sees me.”
Bottom Line: Set during the Great Depression, Where Warmth Waits by Terri Rosa Fox blends upstairs/downstairs dynamics with a layered murder mystery, redemptive themes, and a friends-to-more romance that’s full of sparks! But what truly sets this novel apart is the author’s deep care for character – not just the ones you immediately love but also those who surprise you over time, or are themselves surprised by the grace of Jesus through Mae’s kind heart. Leland’s long-held affection for Mae and his steady presence left me all a’swoon while Mae’s genuine warmth and resilience made her impossible not to root for. Their initial reunion left me wishing for a bit more discussion of his long absence, particularly before his feelings for her are so readily apparent, but overall I loved that their renewed relationship is built on history and trust and deep love, rather than rushed attraction. The mystery was the perfect plot device for the vibrantly written setting, and it kept me engaged (and sometimes surprised). If this is just the beginning for this author, I am eager for whatever comes next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“How do you guard your heart when the thing it longs for is standing inches away, looking at you like you’re the answer he’s been chasing?”
Pardon me a moment while I keep fanning myself from all the longing-laden chemistry between Mae and Leland. Particularly from Leland who’s loved Mae for twelve years. Oh my heart, I adore a romance where the guy has been suppressing his feelings for a long time and then finally the woman he loves is within reach. And author Terri Rosa Fox writes it very well. Where Warmth Waits appears to be her debut novel, so I can’t wait to read more from her in the future!
The story takes place during the Great Depression and focuses on Mae, a young widow with precocious twin daughters. Mae’s such a sweetheart and genuine in spirit, and I have a feeling you will embrace her as quickly as I did. The author vibrantly brought to life the hustle and bustle of working belowstairs for a wealthy family in this era – as well as the complex workplace politics – so it’s easy to put ourselves in Mae’s shoes and picture each scene as it occurs. I instantly loved some of the supporting characters too, while others immediately had my hackles up… and though I was pretty spot-on in my assessments of who could be trusted and who couldn’t, one of my fave parts of this story is the redemptive thread that transforms some of those same characters I was side-eyeing into heroine potential for future novels.
And then there’s Leland, once a close friend of Mae and her late husband Sam. He’s been out of her life since Sam’s death, but he shows up again in a big way – as the detective brought in to solve the murder of her employers’ middle son. Watching him with Mae is truly swoony. It’s clear he loves her deeply, even though she’s unaware of his feelings, and I’m so glad we got to spend time in his head as he navigates how to work the case, protect Mae, and deal with all the emotions that seeing her again brings. Plus, he’s just such a good guy – kind, smart, and tender while still exuding a steady strength that Mae can lean on when she needs to. She’s no shrinking wallflower though either, and I enjoyed watching them support each other.
“Even when I can’t see Him, I trust He still sees me.”
Bottom Line: Set during the Great Depression, Where Warmth Waits by Terri Rosa Fox blends upstairs/downstairs dynamics with a layered murder mystery, redemptive themes, and a friends-to-more romance that’s full of sparks! But what truly sets this novel apart is the author’s deep care for character – not just the ones you immediately love but also those who surprise you over time, or are themselves surprised by the grace of Jesus through Mae’s kind heart. Leland’s long-held affection for Mae and his steady presence left me all a’swoon while Mae’s genuine warmth and resilience made her impossible not to root for. Their initial reunion left me wishing for a bit more discussion of his long absence, particularly before his feelings for her are so readily apparent, but overall I loved that their renewed relationship is built on history and trust and deep love, rather than rushed attraction. The mystery was the perfect plot device for the vibrantly written setting, and it kept me engaged (and sometimes surprised). If this is just the beginning for this author, I am eager for whatever comes next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 18, 2026
I loved everything about this book. It was such a warm, heartfelt story, filled with faith and God’s gentle reminders in a way that felt natural and comforting. This book truly wrapped around my heart.
I adored the characters, well mostly all of them. Iykyk. Mae and Leland were so easy to love, and the sweet girls completely stole my heart. The found family element was especially beautiful and added so much depth and warmth to the story.
Mae’s quiet strength and fierce love for her daughters pulled me in right away, and Leland’s return brought so much emotion and history with it. I loved how the mystery unfolded alongside the romance, and how themes of forgiveness, second chances, and enduring love were woven throughout without feeling heavy.
This was a clean, faith filled historical romance that felt meaningful, hopeful, and deeply comforting. It was a truly special book and one I will be thinking about for a long time.
I adored the characters, well mostly all of them. Iykyk. Mae and Leland were so easy to love, and the sweet girls completely stole my heart. The found family element was especially beautiful and added so much depth and warmth to the story.
Mae’s quiet strength and fierce love for her daughters pulled me in right away, and Leland’s return brought so much emotion and history with it. I loved how the mystery unfolded alongside the romance, and how themes of forgiveness, second chances, and enduring love were woven throughout without feeling heavy.
This was a clean, faith filled historical romance that felt meaningful, hopeful, and deeply comforting. It was a truly special book and one I will be thinking about for a long time.
January 25, 2026
PICK UP THIS BOOK!! This book was such a great kickoff to the new year and it had all the good stuff: murder mystery, slow burn, second chances, and completely faith filled. I can’t tell you how much I loved Mae. Like way to start off the year by giving me a character that I totally want to be. I loved how she never let anything shake her faith! Even when everyone around her was horrible and the conditions were awful, she still knew God would provide for her. I love how it showed that with time and grace, even the darkest situations can be turned to light. And Leland! Goodness that man is all the green flags! I loved his journey and his patience. Seriously I adored this book and I can’t wait for book 2!
Mae has lost a lot in her life. Most would look at her circumstances and think she would have every right to give up hope and quit. But not Mae, she holds tight to her faith. When a murder is pinned on Mae, she is just about to give in. But then she finds out the family has called in a detective by the name of Leland…just like the name of her best friend. The same best friend she hadn’t seen since after her husband died. Can she let him in again? Or will the fear of abandonment be too much for her?
Leland was a coward and he knew it. He should have never ran away from the woman he loved but he couldn’t risk hurting her. When his friend calls to let him know she’s suspected of murder, he drops everything to come to her aide. Proving Mae is innocent? That’s the easy part. Getting her to trust him enough to open her heart to him? That’s where his real work begins.
Mae has lost a lot in her life. Most would look at her circumstances and think she would have every right to give up hope and quit. But not Mae, she holds tight to her faith. When a murder is pinned on Mae, she is just about to give in. But then she finds out the family has called in a detective by the name of Leland…just like the name of her best friend. The same best friend she hadn’t seen since after her husband died. Can she let him in again? Or will the fear of abandonment be too much for her?
Leland was a coward and he knew it. He should have never ran away from the woman he loved but he couldn’t risk hurting her. When his friend calls to let him know she’s suspected of murder, he drops everything to come to her aide. Proving Mae is innocent? That’s the easy part. Getting her to trust him enough to open her heart to him? That’s where his real work begins.
September 13, 2025
What an endearing and intimate read. I don’t see many books that incorporate whodunnits with the Christian work of loving your neighbor and waiting on God to move. Mae and Leland's longing for each other is so palpable and devotional. You feel her pain, confusion, and undeniable calling towards him. Terri Ross Fox has done a beautiful job detailing how the depths of a love between soul mates compares to anything else. The way that Mae's God-given humility and faith is used to reach those around her makes for a profound message that many should hear. I only wish the time period and location was made clearer. You can kind of infer that all the characters are Italian but it's still unclear. The cover features what looks like— if I am correct— characters living in the 1860s-ish to 1890s-ish? But there is mention of lipstick and Chevrolet. Granted I don't know what model Chevrolet is referenced, but lipsticks are definitely not used in the 1800s. Other than that, I highly enjoyed the thoughtful writing and look forward to more from this author.
September 16, 2025
If you’re looking for a mystery based in Christianity with a second chance romance this is the book for you. I appreciated the authors descriptions and attention to details, I felt like I was experiencing winter along with the characters. Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review this book!
September 1, 2025
It was a very heart warming book. Mae was strong in her faith during her trials and shared her love for Christ to others. It kept me reading from beginning to the end! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
November 28, 2025
This book is like a warm hug just in time for Christmas. This is clean, Christian romance for your Christmas reading shelf. I give it 5 stars. I received a complimentary review copy and writing this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2025
Perfect Faith-Filled Murder Mystery
Faith and murder, not two things you usually see together, and yet Ms. Fox did an incredible job weaving both elements seamlessly together! I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who wants an intriguing story that also uplifts and inspires. I found myself wanting to be more like the protagonist, Mae. I loved her quiet example of faith and love, even for those that seem the least lovable.
Faith and murder, not two things you usually see together, and yet Ms. Fox did an incredible job weaving both elements seamlessly together! I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who wants an intriguing story that also uplifts and inspires. I found myself wanting to be more like the protagonist, Mae. I loved her quiet example of faith and love, even for those that seem the least lovable.
September 28, 2025
🎶Just as I am - Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
-O Lamb of God, I come! 🎶
Terri Fox has woven the beauty of the Gospel in her novel, Where Warmth Awaits. Mae is a beautiful, strong, and grace-filled woman who has been through so much in her life, yet allows the Lord to be her strength even in her hardest of seasons. Leland is a courageous leading man, but is honest about his struggling faith, allowing the Light of Christ to lead him forward. I cannot forget to mention the beauty of many side characters within this story, too, drawing us to the importance of fellowship. There is beauty in being amongst believers, and Terri does an excellent job of drawing the reader in and making you feel like you’re a part of this beautiful, yet flawed, amazing group!
Through a harrowing story of many trials (I don’t want to spoil the story!), there is redemption, forgiveness, justice, and truth found within the pages of this page-turning novel. I loved the way that Teri wrote in ways to share faith and hope in the midst of crisis; gracefully and with compassion. Not going to lie, I cried a few times reading this book. One of the stories touches very close to home about how I came to know Him. “Come what may..” looked like “If He can forgive you, so can I..” and a beautiful blessing brought me to my Savior’s grace.
If you’re looking for a Christ-filled and wholesome book to cozy up to, grab this one now! You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll be readily anticipating the next to come!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars!
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
-O Lamb of God, I come! 🎶
Terri Fox has woven the beauty of the Gospel in her novel, Where Warmth Awaits. Mae is a beautiful, strong, and grace-filled woman who has been through so much in her life, yet allows the Lord to be her strength even in her hardest of seasons. Leland is a courageous leading man, but is honest about his struggling faith, allowing the Light of Christ to lead him forward. I cannot forget to mention the beauty of many side characters within this story, too, drawing us to the importance of fellowship. There is beauty in being amongst believers, and Terri does an excellent job of drawing the reader in and making you feel like you’re a part of this beautiful, yet flawed, amazing group!
Through a harrowing story of many trials (I don’t want to spoil the story!), there is redemption, forgiveness, justice, and truth found within the pages of this page-turning novel. I loved the way that Teri wrote in ways to share faith and hope in the midst of crisis; gracefully and with compassion. Not going to lie, I cried a few times reading this book. One of the stories touches very close to home about how I came to know Him. “Come what may..” looked like “If He can forgive you, so can I..” and a beautiful blessing brought me to my Savior’s grace.
If you’re looking for a Christ-filled and wholesome book to cozy up to, grab this one now! You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll be readily anticipating the next to come!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars!
September 5, 2025
Great historical romance with intriguing plots!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews