Chasing Shelter by: Catherine Cowles

Chasing Shelter (Sparrow Falls #5)
Author: Catherine Cowles
Published: July 2025
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pages: 392
Format: ARC eBook/Paperback
Rating: 5/5
Summary:

I came here seeking sanctuary, I never meant to fall for the broody single dad next door.

I've spent my life hiding in plain sight, burying my past beneath layers of carefully constructed lies. Moving to Sparrow Falls was supposed to be a fresh start. A place to lay low. But when I end up living next door to the single dad who just happens to be one of my brother’s best friends, everything changes.

Trace Colson sees too much, asks too many questions, and his protectiveness is as infuriating as it is alluring.

And when danger comes calling, it’s Trace who stands between me and the darkness.

But being close to him is its own kind of risk. Because with every heated glance and every stolen touch, Trace tempts me to open my heart, to dream of a life I’d long since given up on. The only problem? Trace has his own demons, and when they collide with mine, the fallout could destroy us both.

Forever.

Review:

First, I'd like to thank Catherine Cowls & her team for sending me an ARC copy to review! I have to say, diving back into another Sparrow Falls book feels like coming home! You've grown to know and love all these characters (Especially Lolli, the kids and any adorable animal that comes along!) wonder what everyone is up to now and of course try to solve another mystery of who the bad guy is!

Right from the beginning I was sucked in, and let me tell you that didn't stop until the last page! There was so much with Trace and Ellie - and Keely - that I was in love with from page 1. I think this might be one of the most relatable stories for people in many ways and Catherine did an amazing job navigating each aspect of it. For me, when it came to Trace, Ellie, and Leah... that was kind of a refreshing take. I think it's been a while since I've read a book where the mom wasn't terrible or dead and showing her emotions and how all three of them were able to find a common ground and navigate co-parenting was amazing. I think it's important to showcase these characters that are able to actually have a good friendly relationship even if their relationship as a couple didn't work out.

I wanna talk about Trace and how incredibly sweet and protective he is. Of course I probably say that for all of Catherine's MMC in her books, but it's so true! He's an amazing dad that'll do whatever he can for his daughter, he looks after his whole family in any way possible, and while he may have started off a little rough with Ellie, it took no time for him to come around and want to take care of her and make sure she's protected at all costs. Because the relationship Ellie formed with Keely is one you can't hate. They're besties in every way, Ellie loves to help Keely with her hair, and the simple things of a little girl wanting to be seen and loved is there from the beginning. It was so cute to see how their relationship developed even more!

Ellie really grew in this book too and I loved seeing her get her strength back. When you keep reading, you learn more about all the ways she was molded to fit into this box that really wasn't her. And throughout the novel, you get to watch her come out of this box, paint it every color of the rainbow and showcase who she truly is and what she wants out of life. It was emotional but so powerful for her character to be able to finally shine in a wold that was previously dull.

Now, as for every single Catherine Cowles book... I was only half right figuring out the bad guy. I'll admit, I had a lot of suspects while I read, which was probably the best way to get into my head about it! Of course with the suspense aspect in this book, I was hooked and constantly sitting on the edge of my seat wondering when the shoe was going to drop, and what would happen to these characters.

Overall, this was another fantastic read from Catherine Cowles, and probably one of my favorites from the series so far! I love all the characters you meet and come to love, Ellie and Trace's relationship was a roller coaster, and yet so healing at the same time! I couldn't put it down! Trace clearly has some of his own demons and you get to watch him slowly learn that his past doesn't define his future! I seriously can't wait for the next book in the series, and what else is to come from Catherine!

That's all for my review, I hope you enjoyed it and be sure to one-click your copy today!

So until the next time, keep reading!

Your Graduated Bookworm!! :)