I often found myself smiling as I read this, both because Noah’s reactions to his new situation were entertaining and because the whole setting was just so sweet. He is over his head, having been away for most of Bella’s life. If it weren’t for video calls, he wouldn’t know nearly as much about his niece as he does, nor would she know who he was. But now he’s needed at home, and his service commitment is up, so he’s returning home where he’s needed most. His biggest problem is that he doesn’t know what a 5 year old needs, so it’s a good thing his cousin’s best friend is available to help with the transition.

Teagan has an inside track into what Bella needs, not just because she is a mother herself, but that she is the mother of Bella’s best friend and was good friends with Bella’s mom. It’s a good thing Teagan is so willing to help, because Noah lands himself in several tight spots over the first few days. As she helps Noah and Bella settle into their new normal, she finds she likes having someone else to lean on to help with her own son as well.

There is an element of suspense and danger, as Teagan is hiding a secret from her past that is back to cause trouble. I enjoyed the added tension as she starts to realize what is going on, but also loved the opportunities is afforded Teagan and Noah to get closer.

Bella and Will are such sweet additions to the story lines. I loved the friendship they have together, and the way they lighten the mood so many times. Bella has been through a lot recently, and her resilience and brilliance keep her precocious and tenderhearted throughout. Their innocence and energy, in hindsight, added another element of fun to the storyline.

This was a departure (slightly) from Cristin’s Titan and Delta series. There is a crossover character who makes appearances as a side character, but the storyline and feel of Noah is completely different. I hadn’t fully realized that Noah would be part of a collection of stories about soldiers (mostly because Cristin is on my list of always read authors), and the references to a few other characters in the collection has me curious about their stories as well.