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MWSA Review
Where There’s Smoke by Rees Walther reads like literary fiction rather than a romance novel because of the intricate descriptive prose used by the author in his debut novel. Walther creates an artistic tapestry of text in setting the scene for Mae Whitaker, who lives and works in New York City, receiving the news that her mother’s health is deteriorating, and Mae is needed at home. Mae takes time off from her high-pressure job to return to her hometown of Twinsdale, Texas.
In the anticipatory grieving stage, Mae helps to care for her ailing mother. When Mae’s unsympathetic boss pressures her to return, using thinly veiled threats of another employee replacing her, Mae wonders why she has given so much of herself to build up this company when it cares so little about her, as her mother lies dying.
While in town one day, Mae crosses paths with a former heart throb, Jim Carter, the owner of the popular Rocket Ribs & BBQ. There is instant chemistry between the two. Throughout the story, Jim Carter remains in the background, providing stalwart support, in the hopes of something more with Mae.
The entire story revolves around the illness and death of Sandy Whitaker. Mae and her father John devote their time to Sandy as her illness progresses while navigating the emotions at the end of her life. When Sandy dies, the entire town comes together to mourn and celebrate her.
In the aftermath of losing her mother, Mae faces a big decision: return to the life she built in New York or stay in the welcoming town surrounded by friends and her father. A solution presents itself out of the blue when a friend proposes a remote position utilizing Mae’s vast talent reserves. With her future more settled, Mae opens her heart to a possible love with Jim Carver.
Where There’s Smoke explores how grief can shape us and change the trajectory of our lives, and how love defines us. If you have ever grieved deeply, this story will speak to you.
Review by Nancy Panko
Author's Synopsis
WHEN HOME ISN'T WHAT YOU LEFT... BUT WHERE YOUR HEART STILL LIVES.
Mae Whitaker left her small Texas hometown years ago, trading rolling hills and slow-smoked barbecue for the fast pace of New York City. But when her mother’s illness calls her back to Twinsdale, she finds herself at a crossroads—one that forces her to rekindle lost connections and question everything she thought she wanted.
As Mae navigates grief, family, faith, and the uncertainty of her future, she crosses paths with Jim Carter—the boy she once knew, now a man who has built a quiet life in the heart of Texas. Mae's return was supposed to be temporary. But the more time she spends in Twinsdale, the harder it is to resist the pull of a place—and a man—that feels more like home than she ever expected.
With the unwavering support of her best friend Jenny, the quiet wisdom of her parents, and the warmth of a community that reminds her of what is really important, Mae must decide:
Will she return to the life she built in New York—or embrace the one waiting for her back home?
A slow-burn romance of second chances, healing, and the strength of love in the face of loss.
Where There’s Smoke is a soulful, small-town love story filled with heartfelt moments, vivid characters, and the tender ache of rediscovery. Set against the smoky backdrop of rural Texas, this contemporary Western romance explores how grief can shape us—but love is what ultimately defines us.
Perfect for readers who love:
The emotional depth of Virgin River and Pack Up the Moon
The lyrical romance of The Notebook and Before We Were Strangers
The warmth of Things We Never Got Over and The Secret Life of Bees
If you’ve ever grieved someone deeply, or felt pulled between two versions of yourself... this story will speak to you.
With evocative prose and emotionally grounded characters, Where There’s Smoke is a heartfelt journey through the spaces we lose and the homes we find again.
Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Romance
Pages/Word count: 344 / 61,069