Across the Vanishing Sky by: Catherine Cowles

Across the Vanishing Sky (Starlight Grove #1)
Author: Catherine Cowles
Published: March 2026
Publisher: Bloom Books
Format: ARC eBook
Pages: 432
Rating: 5/5
Summary:

He spent a lifetime trying to escape his dark past…but to save her, he’ll wade back into the shadows.

Braedyn Winslow never expected to return to Starlight Grove—the town that took everything from her. Not after her best friend, the one who’d sacrificed so much for her, vanished without a trace. But with a young son to raise and a past that won’t stay buried, Brae is back…and determined to uncover the truth.

She just didn’t count on the brooding, reclusive mountain man living next door.

Dex Archer is the stuff of local legend—silent, rugged, and surrounded by whispers of his and his brothers’ violent father. But Brae sees through the scowl and his parentage to the man beneath: fiercely loyal, unexpectedly kind…and just dangerous enough to protect her when someone starts warning her off her search.

The closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to stay away from Dex. And as things get more perilous, Brae realizes the only person she can rely on is the one man who swore never to trust again.

Only someone isn’t happy that Brae has been digging, and they’ll do anything to stop her. But Dex? He’ll do anything to save her, even slip back into the dark…

Review:

First, I'd like to thank Bloom Books, Catherine Cowles & her team for sending me an ARC copy to review! As always you know I eat up Catherine's books like candy, so it should come as no surprise to anyone I LOVED Dex, Braedyn, Owen and the entire family!

Right from the beginning, you're hooked into the prologue when Braedyn's best friend goes missing. She doesn't stop looking for her, even when so much time has passed, having some inkling she's still alive. So when she moves back to Starlight Grove where her friend went missing, it's only a matter of time before she falls madly in love with her mysteriously handsome next door neighbor... who accidentally is given a key to her cabin and their first meeting is him in nothing but a towel. Way to get things rolling, am I right?

Throughout the story, Catherine always leaves you on the edge of your seat, trying to solve the mystery of who the suspect is. And once again, I got it wrong. I mean I had my suspicions over one particular character which found out to be true in some way, but when that plot twist came about, my jaw was ON THE FLOOR! I totally didn't see it coming which you'd think I'd be used to that by now, but these shocking twists get juicer as each book goes on!

Catherine always writes the best found family characters which you so easily fall in love with. This time she's writing a series with all brothers who are tortured from their past as their father was a serial killer. Showcasing the family dynamic that is the Archers was interesting, entertaining, and of course had me laughing out loud many times!

Speaking of falling in love with characters, let me tell you Owen was so amazing to read. Clearly on the new lingo that is of the generation, it was funny to see it play out. I also really loved how easily Dex wanted to be there for Owen, and while he might've not admitted to it, fallen for Brae's dog as well.

Watching the growth of these characters was so beautiful from start to finish, and they sure as hell didn't keep things cool once they got together! Let me tell you it was hot and heavy in the book! Of course seeing Brae be so vulnerable at times, yet strong with her self defence moves was so entertaining to read! While she may seem like she's helpless, her motherly instincts kick in overdrive and she'll do whatever she can to keep her and Owen safe!

One moment towards the end of the book, I had my doubts if Catherine would have the story end a certain way. As each page turned, I was getting closer and closer to it going in a different direction and then out of nowhere, she reels you back in! It was amazing, and gives you a bit of insight as to how the next book is going to go!

Overall, this was a fantastic read and I loved every bit of it! I couldn't put down this roller coaster ride of a story filled with humor, love, loss, anger, pain, and a whole lot of healing. It was the perfect book to keep you wanting more and devouring the pages!

That's all for my review, I hope you enjoyed it and be sure to grab your copy today!! You won't regret it!

So until the next time, keep reading!

Your Graduated Bookworm!! :)