Mend These Broken Stars by Emma Hartley is a modern romance with a touch of mystery to spice things up. Blake Anderson returns to his home town for the first time in more than a decade. His only reason is to sell off the lakeside cabin he’d inherited after his father’s death as soon as possible. But the cabin is in bad repair and needs a fix-up. Enter Alex Taylar a small-town contractor struggling to make ends meet in a man’s industry. She can do her job as well as any man. The attraction between Blake and Alex is instant. Unfortunately, their remodeling work will uncover more than either bargained for. In their quest for the truth, they’ve knocked over a hornet's nest that could possibly send them to the coroner's office in a bag.

Emma Hartley’s Mend These Broken Stars is a story about two protagonists who’ve both been abused as kids and bear the scars in their hearts. I loved the simple romance between these two but I also liked how the author tackled an important social issue as well. It is important for people to realize that looking the other way only perpetuates abuse of any kind. The plot in this story is solid and full of suspense as the reader learns more about Blake’s past. It was sad but also provided much-needed closure for the main characters. I’m glad there was a silver lining in this story that proves love will always win out in the end. And the bad guys get their just deserts. Readers who love their romance mixed in with a bit of danger will definitely like this small-town story.

Blake has returned to his former family home following the death of his father. He has just one mission to fulfill: gut the cabin, restore it and flip it. This will allow him to return to his present life as personal trainer to the Chicago Cubs. However, Blake needs the help of a contractor and the only one to show any interest is Alex Taylar, so Blake arranges for a quote. When a feisty chick with the face of an angel turns up in her truck, he is taken aback but agrees to her terms. While they work together restoring the natural beauty of the cabin, they have to overcome their personal issues that are merely superficial. He is nurturing his anger about his childhood while Alex is prickly about the fact that she is a female in a traditionally male profession. As the cabin begins to reveal not just its hidden beauty but also some deep dark secrets, Alex and Blake also grow closer. Can they deal with the harsh truths from their past or will the pressure be too much for their relationship? When the chips are down and their lives are in danger, can Blake and Alex come together as a team and overcome the threat posed by some dangerous people?

Mend These Broken Stars is a book about domestic violence and other troubling aspects of life. Emma Hartley has written a book that covers the subject cleverly and compassionately. What a great read! Alex is a passionate, talented woman who has her fair share of trauma to deal with from her past. Blake is also harboring emotions that can destroy any chance they have as a couple in the future. Emma Hartley has the reader rooting for this amazing couple and cheering them on. Mend These Broken Stars is a story that shows us that no matter how well put together people seem on the outside, they will have secrets and hang-ups that haunt them. I loved this book and urge you to jump into the world of the Adirondacks and the spectacular country that surrounds it.