North Star is a debut novel and M.E. Montgomery is a new author? I'm not sure I got that right. The way this is written, it is just, simply, honestly, beautiful.
Life isn't totally happy. Death is inevitable and causes a lot of pain for those who are left behind. However, getting over that death (very different from dealing with loss) is, in a way, helping and healing others who've been affected by that same kind of pain. This is what Mikayla and Alex share - the loss of people they love - and what brought them together.
Kayla has been hurt more times that she cares to remember. Apart from a recent devastating loss, she also seems to be a total loser in the love department with boyfriend after boyfriend putting her down until she completely loses confidence in herself. While she isn't bitter, in fact it's made her more understanding and compassionate, she is very insecure when it comes to men showing any interest in her. So it's quite natural when she's unsure of what Alex finds interesting in her.
Alex is one of those men who have had a charmed life; that is, until the day he lost his twin sister and best friend. The only glimmer of light he had left was their son, Aiden. Alex dedicates himself to becoming a substitute father for his nephew despite the overwhelming pain he himself carries. But, just seeing happiness on the little boy's face makes all his sacrifice worth it.
Alex and Kayla are drawn together, and their friends notice it, too. With encouragement from both sides, they slowly piece a relationship together with Aiden at the center. While they can and do heal each other, a part of Aiden's past tries to blow them apart. Are they both stronger now that they can build their family despite the pressures?
These characters are so real, they tug at your heart and pull you into the book. I hurt for Kayla and her insecurities, some of them more familiar than I wanted to admit. Alex is such a generous soul, completely giving and selfless, thinking of everyone before himself. And Aiden! He is such a beautiful boy full of joy and laughter. You hope they work together as the family they should be.
There are so many unexpected twists to this story that don't stop until the very cliffhanger ending. I know it's the first part of a series but could there be a less tension-filled non-conclusion than that? There were more questions raised than answered in the last two chapters which makes it a perfect hook for True North, the next installment. And maybe there will be something about Tyler and Jen? Please?