The Candle Palace
(Jamison Valley Book 6)
Devney Perry

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I have been interested in Milo Phillip's story since the series began. And in this one, we get a peek at the future followed by a look back into the past. 

Milo Phillips was a deputy in Prescott, Montana who was a good guy, but usually overlooked by women. He was a reliable friend, loyal, and honest. But when he is injured, he ends up in a hospital in Spokane undergoing a difficult recovery. He is angry, hurting, and feeling guilt and hopelessness. 

Sara Foster is a hardworking nurse that sees herself as plain, dull, and a homebody. Her family life has not helped her sense of self-worth. She truly cares about her patients and that has been enough for her.

This is more a book about regular people in a challenging circumstance. They both struggle with their attraction and connection to one another. Sara brings comfort, peace, and light to his darkness. Something about Milo's strength and heart calls to her soul. He makes her feel beautiful and special. She takes away his pain and gives him hope. They know they should follow the rules since there could be consequences, but it is hard. And they can only hide for so long.

This novella is not as action-packed or suspenseful as some of the books in the series, but there is some angst and drama.  It is more of a sweet, heartfelt, forbidden, nurse-patient, slow-burn, friends-to-love story.  I adored this couple, their big hearts, and their full love story. And I enjoyed getting more in the future with the Jamison Valley girls. And the side character of Luna just sparkled off the pages as well. 

During a spa evening with the girls, Sarah shares the events at the Candle Palace, the nickname for the burn ward where she worked and Milo was a patient. Series readers knew they met during Milo’s time recovering from severe burns, and that when Milo returned to town, Sarah came with him. But we hadn’t seen what they felt or did in their time in Spokane.

I really enjoyed this quick glimpse of how Sarah and Milo came to be, as well as a bit of the daily grind they face. The events from the past still color their present, as evidenced by the argument that sent Sarah from the house frustrated. Most of the story takes place in the past though, as told from Sarah’s perspective. I loved watching as she and Milo navigate both his healing journey and the first tentative steps of their relationship. Sarah is rightly hesitant to encourage anything with Milo, as he is her patient, but I liked how she kept a line between her role as his nurse and the developing feelings between them.

Milo and Sarah’s story is sweet and a little forbidden, with just enough drama to keep things moving along. I didn’t know I needed their story. I’m one of those readers who sees a side character story and doesn’t need all the gritty details, but now that I have read The Candle Palace I can honestly say I needed this story! Milo and Sarah are both quiet, behind the scenes kinds of characters, and seeing their story take center stage is a thing of beauty. The Candle Palace as a setting isn't as comfortable as their homes, nor is Milo as alpha as many of the men from his hometown, but these two shine together -- their genuineness, their care for others, and their protective natures.

Jamison Valley Series

This series is a collection of six standalone novels following a group of characters living in the small, fictional town of Prescott, Montana.

Kim's 4.5+ star review