Vivie Harris moves from the city to the Adirondacks hoping to find a safe place after she was the victim of a brutal assault. One night, Vivie discovers a bear cub has gotten into her kitchen through the open window, seeking out her freshly baked pies. She finds out from handsome conservation officer Liam Walsh, that the cub’s mother was killed by poachers, and therefore, the cub may need to be put down. Vivie then takes it upon herself to rehabilitate the bear, whom she names Button, so it will have the survival skills it needs to survive out in the wild. But when the time comes to release Button, will Vivie be able to let the bear that she’s become so attached to, go.

This was such a wonderful story! I totally fell in love with Button and I couldn’t blame Vivie one bit for her attachment to Button and her unwillingness to let the bear go. I admired Vivie’s strength, and how fiercely she loved and protected Button. Liam was a sympathetic hero, torn apart by trying to do what was right for Button, while having to risk breaking Vivie’s heart in the process. Vivie and Liam were both damaged souls, finding it hard to move on from their pasts. I liked how their romance took its time to develop and grow.

I loved the book’s setting with the beautiful and vivid scenery of the Adirondacks, the forests, and the mountains. This was a touching and moving story of learning to celebrate life and of trying to live it to the fullest. It’s also a story of learning when to let go. This story really packed an emotional punch, and the epilogue was absolutely perfect. ( )