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Where There's Smoke:
A Texas Love Story
A slow-burn romance where grief meets healing, and love finds its way home.
About the Book
Mae Whitaker traded her small Texas hometown for the bright lights of New York City years ago—but when her mother’s illness calls her back to Twinsdale, old ties and unexpected feelings begin to surface. As Mae navigates grief, family, and the pull of a life she thought she left behind, she finds herself drawn to Jim Carter—the boy she once knew, now a man rooted in the heart of Texas.
With the quiet strength of her parents, the fierce loyalty of her best friend Jenny, and the warmth of a community that never forgot her, Mae faces a life-changing choice: return to the fast pace she built or embrace the home she never truly left. Where There’s Smoke is a soulful, slow-burn romance filled with heart, hope, and the undeniable magic of finding your way back to where you belong.
Exciting news! Where There’s Smoke: A Texas Love Story — the debut novel by Rees Walther — has been named a Finalist in the 2025 American Fiction Awards in the Inspirational Fiction category. This heartfelt, slow-burn romance about grief, healing, and second chances is already resonating with readers — and now it’s gaining national recognition!
Where There's Smoke is also available at these fine online retailers:
Music From The Book
In the book, this is a heartfelt song inspired by Mae’s poem to her mother. It was brought to life by Jim at the perfect time, that made her feel seen. Download it now and feel the emotion behind the words for yourself.
If you have ever lost someone close to you, and felt the quiet after they're gone, this song will speak to you.
In real life, “The Quiet After” was written as an emotional tribute to my mom, who we lost to Alzheimer’s in 2023.
In November 2025, this song was awarded an Honorable Mention in the USA Songwriting Competition, placing 2nd overall in the Country Music category. To put that into perspective, this prestigious competition receives 30,000–50,000 song submissions each year from around the world, making this recognition an extraordinary honor for me.
Where There’s Smoke: A Texas Love Story | Official Soundtrack
I believe music is one of the keys to an open heart.
Music has always been more than background noise in my life. It shapes how I remember, how I heal, and how I write. Long before words land on the page, music sets the emotional tone and helps me understand what characters are feeling, especially the things they cannot say out loud.
This playlist is woven into Where There’s Smoke: A Texas Love Story. These songs helped shape scenes, guided moments between Mae and Jim, and carried the emotions of grief, hope, and the slow burn of love finding its way home. Each track marks a moment from the story, either while it was being written or in the reflection afterward.
Let the songs play, and welcome to the world where there’s smoke, love is never far behind.
About the Author
Rees Walther writes wholesome, emotionally rich stories rooted in family, community, and the redemptive power of second chances. Drawing inspiration from real-life moments of loss, healing, and unexpected joy, Rees crafts stories that linger long after the final page—stories where love feels earned and home is more than just a place.
Before turning to fiction, Rees spent 27 years serving in the Air National Guard and Reserves, including multiple tours in war zones around the world. He later retired from federal service at the U.S. Department of State. These experiences—marked by resilience, service, and a deep appreciation for human connection—influence the heart and depth found in every story he writes.
When not writing, Rees can often be found behind the smoker at Rocket Ribs & BBQ, perfecting slow-cooked flavors, roasting and smoking small-batch coffee, or sharing life’s quiet magic with family and friends.