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Solar Burn #1

Wait For Me

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Three days.

3 days until Tessa gets her husband back from his military deployment. 72 hours until she and the kids can hold Landon in their arms again. 4,320 minutes until she doesn't have to live life alone anymore.

And then the lights go out.

Solar flares and multiple coronal mass ejections wrack havoc on the power grid and bring the earth to a screeching halt. The internet doesn't work. All communications are disrupted. And people are running out of water in the dry Southern California desert.

Landon's ship is still out to sea while Tessa is forced to take care of her young kids in a new town and trust in her neighbors who she barely knows. But can she trust them? Or does she need to seek safety somewhere else?

Three days isn't too long to wait for the love of your life.

Unless the world as you know it is crumbling at your feet.

Wait For Me, book one in the Solar Burn series, is the start of a slow burn apocalyptic love story that explores the depravity of humanity and the internal struggle when dealing with a major crisis. How far would a mother go to protect her young children in the face of impending doom? And how long is too long to wait when time is running out?

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2022

71 people are currently reading
663 people want to read

About the author

Heather Carson

28 books124 followers

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5 stars
116 (62%)
4 stars
53 (28%)
3 stars
15 (8%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Rain.
2,558 reviews21 followers
May 7, 2022
I liked it! A strong military wife with two young kids. Husband is due back from his deployment in three days, when the world begins to fall apart. The story is told quite realistically. With that initial confusion by the public, questioning what they're being told by the government, and mild panic.

On the way to pick up her son from school, having to pull her husband's old truck out of the garage because her newer car won't start, she begins to suspect something is wrong. It always annoys me when people in these books fail to recognize all the clear signals of impending doom. Don't these people read apocalyptic stories?!! LOL! She does fill up her bathtub with water, so I have to give her bonus points for remembering to do that.

Told in dual pov, alternating between her and her husband's voice, as they both struggle to get back to each other. For all of the romance lovers who, like me, enjoy a little steam in their world ending stories, there's none to be found in this book. There is however, good storytelling, some intense action, and some really great characters. Ends on a cliffhanger and I was suuuuuper disappointed to see book two isn't out yet. My fault for not double checking.
Profile Image for Shawn-Joy Martin.
1,017 reviews13 followers
April 13, 2022
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars - Fight me I swear.

Are you thinking of reading this? Well don't think, JUST DO IT!

Heather Carson, I hate you and I love you. Please hurry book 2 to me because I'm not sure I can handle a long wait.

Non Spoiler Review:

This could happen. This story could happen and I am certain it would go down exactly how it is written here and THAT is part of what makes this story so anxiety inducing and "on the edge of my seat" feeling.

Basically a thing that everyone knows could happen but no one (with power) really makes time to prepare for happens. It happens and everything goes to poop. Tessa though? She's a determined mother and absolute BAD ASS. Is she scared? Duh. Will she overcome it to take care of her kids? OF COURSE!

Spoilery Review:

Profile Image for Piscesbooknerd.
355 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2022
I’m actually really surprised how much I liked this book! This was a whole different genre for me being an end of the world kind of book. I love end of the world movies and this book was totally epic !
It follows Tessa and her two kids when a sudden event happens. She’s just trying to make it when her husband is away in the marines. Can’t wait for book two!
Profile Image for Jena.
596 reviews29 followers
May 8, 2022
A great start to this series! I love all the characters, although Tessa's indecisiveness got on my nerves at times. I imagine it would be hard to make what could be life or death judgments with kids though. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Pao Zrt.
4 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2022
Got the ARC from the author and let me tell you I was so excited,but also so nervous about reading it.

Might contain spoilers:

At the beginning I had a hard time connecting with the main character since she is a mom and I’m not, which felt really different from her other books, and also since I’m not form the USA it was a little bit hard trying to understand the militar rankings, since it’s not part of our culture over here.

But to be honest, I just can’t wait to be able to read book 2. Since the first time I read one of Heather’s books I just felt connected to her writing and even though this book was a little bit different, I loved it; couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.

I just loved Sally and Arthur, couldn’t help picturing my students with everything Mason and Emily did, and I hope if I ever need to, I can be like Tessa.

I can’t wait to know lots more about them, this book is so worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Keradwen Sweeten.
424 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2022
Recieved an ARC and I was super excited to read it.

Heather Carson is a beast at dystopian and this debut into the adult realm doesn't disappoint. I was so excited to see her up the ante so to speak by giving the protagonists not one but two children to fend for during an "end of the world as we know it" event.

A solar event destroys communications and our lead gal is stuck in a city with no friends/family near by and a husband on deployment. She needs to step up to the plate and boy does she smack that homerun hard.

Overall this is an absolutely stunning novel and I recommend all of Heather's books to fans of dystopian.
Profile Image for Liz DiBenedetto.
253 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2022
Thank you for the ARC!

I could not put this book down. If you love natural disaster books or movies you need to read this one.
Tessa is such a badass momma that will stop at nothing to keep her two kids safe when there is a solar event that wipes out the whole powergrid. Torn to stay or leave her home though because her husband is still in active duty. He is due to be home in 3 days but the world is falling apart.

I loved this book. It was exactly what I love about this genre. To stop ans make you think about how you would react in the situation. If I could give it 10 stars I would.
Profile Image for Literature_leona.
60 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2022
So freaking good! Heather has done it again. She made a seamless switch from writing YA to adult. I cannot wait to continue reading this series as the books are released. I was on the edge of my seat for so much of the book. Not to mention I held my breath for practically all of the last chapter. Of course, in pure Heather fashion, we ended with a cliffhanger. It will absolutely be worth the wait though!
Profile Image for Chantal H. .
35 reviews
January 4, 2024
Very good!
A military wife trying to adapt to an impossible situation after a major event which caused looting, riots, and the worst of humanity to emerge.
Every character served a purpose to the book and the protagonists were people that you’re rooting for. On my way to read book 2 immediately.
Profile Image for Crystal’s Pets.
104 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2025
Very Good

This is my first book by this author it was very good I am going to the second book in the series
Profile Image for Lauren.
622 reviews83 followers
April 21, 2022
HEATHER. You know I have to yell at you over that ending, but honestly... this was so great. I couldn't put this down, I stayed up later than I should've last night and had to force myself to put it down so I could get to bed, and that was only the first 50 pages.

I FLEW through this book today because I had to see where it ended. I knew I should've expected better, but of course it ended with a cliffhanger. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to be in my hands.

I CANNOT get enough of this story- it was so real and so raw, and I loved Tessa's character so much. She had such realistic reactions to the situations at hand and it felt so authentic. I cannot properly imagine what the S.O.'s of those in the service go through, and of course, those in the service themselves, because I know it's just as hard, if not harder, on them.

What a book. Heather, I've loved seeing your writing improve over time and this one really just hit the nail on the head, you've always been so great at writing characters, but Tessa was such a solid character and I adored her from the beginning.

Thank you for writing this and for being willing to share with me as always, I cannot wait to continue to read your books because I love them and I adore you just as much. Thank you for reaching out all those years ago and bringing me into your chaos, I love you and your books so much.
Profile Image for Barbara.
121 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2022
Interesting plot,poor execution

I am a Navy veteran - a journalist - and while the plot was very derivative, I was willing to give it a chance. My husband served as a Marine,so I think I am a pretty good judge of the military bits in the "book." I found it surprising that the parts that took place between the Navy and the Marines were more believable than the parts about the Navy wife. The best written part of the "book" is the bit at the "end." I'm using quotation marks because I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but also because this was too short to be a proper book and, as such, ended far too soon and suddenly. This wasn't a cliff hangar; it was a hanging on the struts of a helicopter. The main character seems to make decisions and take actions that aren't logical. For example, she does a complete 180° about her neighbors. Finally, I feel as if I should charge the author for editing - everything from wrong words to typos to grammar errors. I marked only a few because I wasn't, in fact, being paid to edit. Having said all that, I don't think I'll be reading anymore installments in the series.
Profile Image for Donna (BookDragonGirl).
1,453 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2023
Heather Carson just keeps on surprising me!! This End of the World/Survival theme is awesome and really makes you take a better look at you neighbors and think…hmm, should I get to know them better or should I move now?!!

This woman Tessa doesn’t know how strong she is, until Mama Bear needs to protect her children! She finds a strength that she didn’t know she had. Yet her husband always told her she was strong. Her husband, Landon, is a medic in the navy and has been away, due to come home in 3 days when the solar flares wreak havoc on the power grid. The internet doesn’t work, so communications are downs, including phones, cellphones, even most cars don’t work anymore. Landon’s out to sea with a ship that stopped. He has no idea what’s going on back home, but rumors are they can’t be good.

This book was definitely hard to put down!! It had me a few pages in and I just needed to see what happened! But Heather, she gives us an ending that makes you want to scream for book two!! Luckily I already bought it and the third one is on the way!!

EVERYONE should read this book!!! It is FREAKIN FANTASTIC!!!!
2,503 reviews
October 3, 2025
tv warning 3 solar flares
her dad called telling her to bring the kids and come to him but she wanted to wait for her husband, deployed on ship due home in 3 days

car didnt work but she had his old truck and got her son from school, no elect

the husbands ship turned back to hawaii, he wont be coming home in 3 days and no texts either way

she waited for her husband to come back, she went to the base twice. she picked up a woman who had been attacked who is going to marry her husbands friend on the same ship

they got attacked at their house. she killed a man. then they were leaving and got attacked again. the nice neighbor came out and his wife shot the man attacking her. they left to go to her dads, the neighbor arranged for her to get gas stops with friends on the way. she left a note for her husband and the other lady left a note for her man too

the husband and friend got off the ship and were going to go home and the book ended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle.
697 reviews13 followers
April 14, 2022
Received an ARC and just WOW.

It's always fun to read a book set in an area you know well. Even in a scenario like this. But also, I felt a lot of anxiety because what happens, is exactly how it would really play out. Unfortunately.

Anyways, Heather Carson knows how to hook you from the first page. This isn't my first novel from her and will most certainly not be my last. This is a planned series and I can't wait until July when the second book comes out.

In this, we juggle the POV from Tessa, the mil spouse at home with 2 kids while Landon, her husband is deployed, on his return home. Solar events happen that put the world into catastrophe. In this quick paced book, we not only see how a world wide event is handled by a family but also get a glimpse into the hardships between a military family during long periods of time away.

This is a well fleshed out beginning!
Profile Image for Anna C.
104 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2022
Miss ma'am!!! This was incredible! Thank you to Heather Carson for sending me an ARC.

Tessa is a milspouse and her husband is due to come home from deployment in three days when a solar event wipes out the power grid and communications worldwide. She has 2 kids and LA is no longer safe. With the world in chaos, and no way to contact her husband Tessa has to decide whether to stay and wait for her husband or head up to her small hometown where her father is.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The events that happen are exactly how something like this would play out. It's honestly one of my greatest fears because it absolutely COULD happen and we would be absolutely screwed. I can't wait for book 2 because that cliffhanger was MEAN 🤯😭 BRAVO. 5 billion stars!
Profile Image for Robinbythecatsandbooks.
118 reviews8 followers
July 26, 2022
What can't she write? Heather Carson does if again in her new Solar Burn series.

What would if be like if the sun knocks out power and threatened human life as they know it? What if you have kids to think of and a husband deployed with no communication on when he will be back. What if you simply cannot wait before making life and death decisions for you and your family.

Heather Carson weaves a tale of what ifs and how human beings and their instincts and relationships can drive them to extreme outcomes. This family story will have you thinking how you would react in this situation and if you are prepared for a life without power and communication for a long period of time.

Can't wait for book 2 (currently reading)
Profile Image for Ellie Adams.
Author 1 book3 followers
April 18, 2022
I received this book as a beta read. This book gives you the raw and real version of what military life is like from the perspective of both the soldier and the family they left behind. Follow this amazing couple on their journey back to each-other as they make the unlikeliest of friends who become family. This book represents a very accurate account of the mental health toll that is presented for soldiers and their families so be kind and check your TW this book makes you fall in love with the story and makes you want to disappear into this world. Do you have what it takes to survive the apocalypse? Read this to find out!
Profile Image for Rebecca Dee Reads.
621 reviews13 followers
April 26, 2022
While thinking about my next read, I remembered this was released yesterday and I throughly enjoyed devouring everything Heather had ever written last year so this seemed a sound choice.
I have no words. This book was so gripping. Heather's does dystopian and post apocalyptic books amazingly, and I finished this book within a few hours.
To summarise, we meet Tessa, patiently waiting on her husband to get home from deployment when disaster strikes in the form of solar flares. No power, no normality.... how long does it take for chaos to ensue. Will Landon make it home to Tessa and the kids!
I cannot wait for more in this series, Heather, you've done it again!
Profile Image for Andrea Peyton.
38 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
What would you do if your husband is out on deployment and the world as you know it changes forever?

This story is epic and so very realistic, I could see something like this happening and I have no clue what I would do. What hard choices have to be made and what would need to be sacrificed? THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH!!!

Solar flares of this magnitude are unheard of, communications are down, power goes out, most vehicles stop working.

Tessa is a military dependant and a mother of 2. She has to do whatever it takes to survive and keep her family safe. Her husband did not come back on time and she has to decide what to do next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Marie Pirrello.
53 reviews
April 21, 2022
I’m a HUGE fan of Carson’s books! She creates the most imaginative worlds and dynamic characters, I’m always enthralled by her stories!

“Wait For Me”, is the first book in Carson’s new Solar Burn series and it was an absolute 10/10 read! From page one I was hooked! (Also I LOVE duel perspective novels! To me, they add so much depth to the story—and these alternating voices did not disappoint!)

Carson also does an excellent job of leaving her readers wanting more!😂 I CANNOT wait for book two, “Almost There” which releases in July!
Profile Image for Jalia.
308 reviews
March 4, 2024
4.5⭐️
i picked this book up a couple of months ago and put it down about 10% in because of a slump. I decided to pick it back up yesterday and finished it all in one sitting.

I love apocalyptic/ end of world books, there’s just something about characters surviving things that i never would in real life😂

This apocalyptic book is different from other ones that i have watched i love the aspect of the main character being a woman who is responsible for 2 young kids also while dealing with her husband being deployed. Tessa is such a strong character.

Heather Carson’s writing is so easy to read and the books are so short. I 100% would recommend these books if you love post apocalyptic books.
Profile Image for Kathy Landers.
91 reviews
October 20, 2022
Edge of your seat from the beginning!

This book was recommended by one of my fav TicTok (BookTok) friends and ho-boy! Was she right on the money!! I immediately downloaded this first book of the series and quickly finished up the read I was reading at the time. So glad I did! Get it-read it and get the second as I just did!
If you like apocalypse type stories, this is a good one!
Profile Image for Andrea Payne.
709 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2023
She's done it again!!

I have read so much by Heather Carson and have LOVED every single one. When I saw this book my brain did a happy dance and... here we are!! And here I go!!! To book 2!!

I would highly recommend this book. It is mostly clean with some minor cursing, one instance with allusion to intimates violence and a few gun violence scenes. There's also a scene involving self harm.
Profile Image for Rachael.
972 reviews
March 19, 2024
Great post-apocalyptic novel

This story was very good. It is the first in the series and I plan to read the next book. The characters are likable and the plot is well paced. I like that there is no foul language in the story and we get to read both Tessa and Landon’s POV.
I think Tessa develops strength as the story progresses which I really liked. There is a cliffhanger ending which doesn’t surprise me with a series in this genre.
Profile Image for Lauren Douie.
25 reviews
June 20, 2022
Heather totally knocked it put of the park with this story! While this takes a step away from her “normal” style of writing she did an amazing job with it! I absolutely can not wait for book two to come out and see what happens next with Tessa and Landon! I definitely recommend this to anyone who like to read YA dystopian but also needs a more “adult” style writing.
Profile Image for Ami.
2,367 reviews13 followers
January 9, 2023
Natural disaster apocalyptic thriller!

Wait for Me is a great apocalyptic tale that could so easily become reality. Which would be horrendous! The characters are realistic and interesting. There are many dramatic moments that kept me turning pages to the end. I enjoyed it very and already have book 2. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Ashley.
45 reviews10 followers
May 28, 2022
Very good story, enjoyed how there were points of view from Tessa and Landon. The characters and plot were well written.
My only dislike was all the military acronyms and abbreviations. I had a hard time following those.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,541 reviews41 followers
October 22, 2022
I did really enjoy this! A new writer for me & really pleased I picked it up! I like it all, the ideas & storyline, the characters & the situations they find themselves in! Over all, a really good, fun read! I will definitely look for more by this writer!!
57 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2023
Fast pace clean great series

Enjoyed the story of how a strong woman protected her family while waiting for her husband to come home from sea.this is first book I have read by this author but will not be my last will be looking for more of her books.
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