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Charming, Texas #6
Once Upon a Charming Bookshop
Time to rewrite their story?
He’d always simply been her best friend. But when Noah Cahill moved back to town, bookstore owner Twyla Thompson knew something was different. Was it holiday memories of the loss they'd both shared or Noah’s surprising decision to reignite a dangerous career? Their solid friendship had been through so much, yet now Twyla grew breathless every time Noah was near. Why wasn’t Noah—handsome, fun, but never one to cross the line—showing any signs of stopping?
He’d always simply been her best friend. But when Noah Cahill moved back to town, bookstore owner Twyla Thompson knew something was different. Was it holiday memories of the loss they'd both shared or Noah’s surprising decision to reignite a dangerous career? Their solid friendship had been through so much, yet now Twyla grew breathless every time Noah was near. Why wasn’t Noah—handsome, fun, but never one to cross the line—showing any signs of stopping?
244 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 28, 2023
17 people are currently reading
2467 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 8, 2023
This is the sixth book in this series. They can be read as stand alone romance. I haven’t read any of the others in this series and wasn’t confused. This is also the first book by Heather I have read. Twyla and Noah have been friends for most of their life. Everyone around them knows they are in love but neither will admit it for fear of being rejected. There is also the small matter that Twyla had dated Noah older brother Will. The death of Will still hangs over both of them. Some people in their small town have trouble moving forward. Noah has moved back home from Austin. Will it finally be their time? Noah is tired of fighting what he feels for Twyla. The people around them may be what finally bring them together but will it be enough to keep them together? This was a sweet small town friends to lovers romance with a tiny bit of heat. These two have been in love with each other from almost the moment they met. However they both let fear keep them apart. This book was a great sweet read. I look forward to reading more books by Heather in the future.
November 26, 2023
Four and a half stars
ONCE UPON A CHARMING BOOKSHOP is the sixth in Heatherly Bell’s series set in Charming, Texas. This is a sweet and poignant friends-to-lovers story, about bookshop manager Twyla Thompson, who runs her family’s business, and Noah Cahill, who’s returned to Charming to take over a local boating establishment. The two have been close friends for years, their friendship surviving a shared loss that cut deeply.
Heatherly Bell writes Twyla and Noah sympathetically, as they struggle to handle their grief and their changing feelings. Each has reasons for keeping their emotions under wraps, even as their hearts want to express their deepest desires. Their families and friends pull for them, especially as they fumble initially. The small-community dynamics definitely come into play as their families and friends have opinions on their relationships and other aspects of their lives. Once Upon A Charming Bookshop is a lovely and moving read.
ONCE UPON A CHARMING BOOKSHOP is the sixth in Heatherly Bell’s series set in Charming, Texas. This is a sweet and poignant friends-to-lovers story, about bookshop manager Twyla Thompson, who runs her family’s business, and Noah Cahill, who’s returned to Charming to take over a local boating establishment. The two have been close friends for years, their friendship surviving a shared loss that cut deeply.
Heatherly Bell writes Twyla and Noah sympathetically, as they struggle to handle their grief and their changing feelings. Each has reasons for keeping their emotions under wraps, even as their hearts want to express their deepest desires. Their families and friends pull for them, especially as they fumble initially. The small-community dynamics definitely come into play as their families and friends have opinions on their relationships and other aspects of their lives. Once Upon A Charming Bookshop is a lovely and moving read.
December 1, 2023
Noah Cahill and Twyla Thompson are best friends. They grew up together with Noah’s brother, Will. Noah never told Twyla that he loved her since he first layed eyes on her but stepped aside for his brother, Will. Since Will passed away years before, Noah carries a big secret. Now that Noah moved back home to Charming, Texas he’s starting his own business just like he always wanted. Will his mother and Twyla understand why he decided to start over? Will Twyla confess that it was always Noah and that he was never second best. Noah always felt second to Will, his parents and Twyla. Like he was never good enough. Will they come to terms with the loss of Will? Will Noah forgive himself? What will his mother think when he finally tells her his secret? Will she accept it? Will Twyla believe him? This story is wonderful. Lot of sadness, love and forgiveness. The characters are wonderful and they deserve happiness, love and a future. Worth the read. This story is one of my favorite of all time. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily
November 28, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this one.
Twyla and Noah have been BFF for years. Twyla was Noah's brother girl friend many years ago. When Noah and his brother Will were out boating years ago, the boat crashed into a sand bar and Will was killed. Noah left for Austin and became a firefighter. After a roof almost collapsed on him, Noah returns home to Charming.
Can the truth about the deadly boating accident free Noah from guilt? Will Twyla and Noah move past the friendship line and into a more meaningful relationship?
This is written in a dual POV format. Getting a glimpse into the main characters' thoughts really help me to connect and understand them so much better.
The sexy times were alluded to but always behind closed doors.
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this one.
Twyla and Noah have been BFF for years. Twyla was Noah's brother girl friend many years ago. When Noah and his brother Will were out boating years ago, the boat crashed into a sand bar and Will was killed. Noah left for Austin and became a firefighter. After a roof almost collapsed on him, Noah returns home to Charming.
Can the truth about the deadly boating accident free Noah from guilt? Will Twyla and Noah move past the friendship line and into a more meaningful relationship?
This is written in a dual POV format. Getting a glimpse into the main characters' thoughts really help me to connect and understand them so much better.
The sexy times were alluded to but always behind closed doors.
October 16, 2023
Can they work it out?
A really sweet enjoyable best friends to lovers storyline.
A long ago tragedy had Noah leaving his home town to try and start his life over leaving his best friend Twyla behind.
New events have him coming home where he belongs with plenty of secrets that would eventually unfold.
A story of overcoming grief, telling truths, believing in yourself and having the courage to be brave, but most of all about love.
With charming, really likeable characters and add in a crazy cat this book kept me interested and keen to find out the outcome.
A really sweet enjoyable best friends to lovers storyline.
A long ago tragedy had Noah leaving his home town to try and start his life over leaving his best friend Twyla behind.
New events have him coming home where he belongs with plenty of secrets that would eventually unfold.
A story of overcoming grief, telling truths, believing in yourself and having the courage to be brave, but most of all about love.
With charming, really likeable characters and add in a crazy cat this book kept me interested and keen to find out the outcome.
October 11, 2023
This was a sweet story. I have enjoyed all the others in this series, and this one is no different. You get to see some familiar characters if you have read some of the previous books in the series. But even without reading the previous books, this one would still work well as a standalone.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
October 18, 2023
Best friends to lovers, a great small-town Christmas season story. Really enjoyed the story. Now , I want to go back and read the rest of the Charming ,Texas series. Thank you to Heatherly Bell for the ARC. This review is my opinion.
December 4, 2023
Really enjoyed this heartwarming holiday! This emotional roller-coaster is non stop from beginning to end, I laughed, cried, was filled with surprise and cheered my heart out for a happy holiday ending. Another delightful trip to Charming, Texas.
July 4, 2024
I have to admit that I only read this because it was about a bookstore owner, but it was really cute. I liked both heroine and hero, and the supporting characters were adorable.
January 10, 2024
Good friends to lovers story. Noah and Twyla have been best friends for most of their lives. Their connection is evident to everyone around them, many of whom insist the two are in love. But Noah and Twyla insist they are just friends because each fears losing that bond. Complicating matters, Twyla briefly dated Noah's brother, Will, before he died in a boating accident.
Noah's grief over Will's death, the guilty feelings he has over not being able to save him, and his complex relationship with Will drove him away from town, looking for a new start as a firefighter. But a narrow escape brings him back to town and Twyla. He's ready to follow his dream of running his own boating business, but will he find the courage to tell Twyla how he feels?
Twyla runs her family bookstore and pines for Noah. She's kept her feelings for Noah to herself because he shows no interest in being anything more. She's tried dating, but none can hold a candle to Noah. Meanwhile she throws herself heart and soul into keeping the bookstore going and fending off her friends' matchmaking attempts.
I enjoyed watching Noah and Twyla's relationship develop, though there were times when I wanted to knock their heads together. Their feelings for each other grow stronger, but denial is a long-standing habit that is hard to overcome. Complicating matters, Noah's guilty feelings make him feel unworthy of Twyla, so that's one more thing that holds him back. I loved seeing the lights finally go on and they realize they'd been in love for a long time. There are still some obstacles to overcome, but love, patience, and communication win the day.
I loved the bookstore setting. As a bookaholic and former bookseller, it was easy to relate to Twyla. From the poetry club and costume party to receiving book shipments, I felt like I was in the shop with her. I worried with her over the bookstore's financial woes and rooted for her to win the angel investor prize.
I also enjoyed the secondary characters. The Almost Dead Poets Society always makes me smile. I loved seeing Noah settle into his new business and deal with his inherited employees. I especially liked the ultra-cool T and his variety of T-shirts.
Noah's grief over Will's death, the guilty feelings he has over not being able to save him, and his complex relationship with Will drove him away from town, looking for a new start as a firefighter. But a narrow escape brings him back to town and Twyla. He's ready to follow his dream of running his own boating business, but will he find the courage to tell Twyla how he feels?
Twyla runs her family bookstore and pines for Noah. She's kept her feelings for Noah to herself because he shows no interest in being anything more. She's tried dating, but none can hold a candle to Noah. Meanwhile she throws herself heart and soul into keeping the bookstore going and fending off her friends' matchmaking attempts.
I enjoyed watching Noah and Twyla's relationship develop, though there were times when I wanted to knock their heads together. Their feelings for each other grow stronger, but denial is a long-standing habit that is hard to overcome. Complicating matters, Noah's guilty feelings make him feel unworthy of Twyla, so that's one more thing that holds him back. I loved seeing the lights finally go on and they realize they'd been in love for a long time. There are still some obstacles to overcome, but love, patience, and communication win the day.
I loved the bookstore setting. As a bookaholic and former bookseller, it was easy to relate to Twyla. From the poetry club and costume party to receiving book shipments, I felt like I was in the shop with her. I worried with her over the bookstore's financial woes and rooted for her to win the angel investor prize.
I also enjoyed the secondary characters. The Almost Dead Poets Society always makes me smile. I loved seeing Noah settle into his new business and deal with his inherited employees. I especially liked the ultra-cool T and his variety of T-shirts.
December 1, 2023
From the beginning, I have loved the relationship between Twyla and Noah. Very rarely do romances contain heroes and heroines who experience extremely close, platonic friendships. Especially friendships that last more than half of their lives, and have no conditions or expectations except to be there for each other
Yet, truthfully, not everything in this friendship is as it seems. In fact, Twyla has always loved Noah, even as a young girl. Noah, also, has always been infatuation with Twyla. However, he knew that his older brother, Will, also liked her. Therefore, since Noah adored his brother, he made the decision to step aside and let Will and Twyla date. Even, after Will dies, Noah continues to hide his feelings because he believes it is impossible for him to compete with Will’s memory.
Twyla also hides her true feelings because she does not believe that Noah feels the same way as she does. Thus, Noah and Twyla become very close friends, and they continue to deny their feelings. At this point, neither one of them wants to change their relationship because it may ruin their necessary friendship.
Noah, who had move away from Charming, now chooses to return home where his mother, friends and Twyla lives. In a controversial decision, he decides to buy a boat charter when its current owner retires. Even though this upsets his mother, Twyla and some other townspeople, Noah is determined to take over the business.
This story mainly concentrates on Twyla and Noah strong friendship and their suppressed emotions. The more they are together, the more they become aware of these deeply hidden feelings for each other. Even though Twyla wants to reveal her love, Noah does a fantastic job of keeping his love a secret.
To further complicate the couple’s journey to love, Noah’s mother still refers to Twyla as Will’s girlfriend. Because of that she believes that Noah and Twyla do not belong together.
Readers will greatly appreciate the hard-working and good-hearted main characters of Twyla and Noah. They will also have great respect for a friendship that allows them to always be there for each other!
Yet, truthfully, not everything in this friendship is as it seems. In fact, Twyla has always loved Noah, even as a young girl. Noah, also, has always been infatuation with Twyla. However, he knew that his older brother, Will, also liked her. Therefore, since Noah adored his brother, he made the decision to step aside and let Will and Twyla date. Even, after Will dies, Noah continues to hide his feelings because he believes it is impossible for him to compete with Will’s memory.
Twyla also hides her true feelings because she does not believe that Noah feels the same way as she does. Thus, Noah and Twyla become very close friends, and they continue to deny their feelings. At this point, neither one of them wants to change their relationship because it may ruin their necessary friendship.
Noah, who had move away from Charming, now chooses to return home where his mother, friends and Twyla lives. In a controversial decision, he decides to buy a boat charter when its current owner retires. Even though this upsets his mother, Twyla and some other townspeople, Noah is determined to take over the business.
This story mainly concentrates on Twyla and Noah strong friendship and their suppressed emotions. The more they are together, the more they become aware of these deeply hidden feelings for each other. Even though Twyla wants to reveal her love, Noah does a fantastic job of keeping his love a secret.
To further complicate the couple’s journey to love, Noah’s mother still refers to Twyla as Will’s girlfriend. Because of that she believes that Noah and Twyla do not belong together.
Readers will greatly appreciate the hard-working and good-hearted main characters of Twyla and Noah. They will also have great respect for a friendship that allows them to always be there for each other!
November 27, 2023
This book features a sweet and charming best friends to lovers romance. Noah and Twyla have been best friends since they were children. They have a special connection that everyone around them can clearly see, though some call it friendship and others call it love. In this case both groups are right. Both Noah and Twyla feel more than friendship for each other though they have never told each other, for fear of losing their bond and also because of his brother. Twyla dated his brother just before he died in a terrible accident. Noah’s guilt, grief and history with his brother have made him feel unworthy of Twyla’s love so he refuses to even try to change their friendship. His tangled feelings led him to leave town to pursue a career and life away from Twyla and the town that doesn’t know what really happened the day his brother died. A near death incident has brought him back to town and to Twyla. Will he find the courage to actually reveal his love to her?
Twyla has no idea how Noah feels. Her has had to bury her own feelings because she fears that Noah will alway keep her firmly in the friend zone because she dated his brother. Staying friends is better than not having him in her life at all. Her friends and family have tried matchmaking for her, but none of the guys are Noah. She is happy to have Noah back in town again, but she just wishes there could be more between them. She is tired of being lonely and even asks Noah to help her get a date with his friend, shocking him. When Noah finally makes his move, Twyla is delighted. Unfortunately, there are those that are definitely not happy for them. Like any relationship, changes can cause some trouble or even some doubts. Will Noah and Twyla find a way to build their own happily ever after? Maybe the magic of the season will see their love for each other thrive.
I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Twyla has no idea how Noah feels. Her has had to bury her own feelings because she fears that Noah will alway keep her firmly in the friend zone because she dated his brother. Staying friends is better than not having him in her life at all. Her friends and family have tried matchmaking for her, but none of the guys are Noah. She is happy to have Noah back in town again, but she just wishes there could be more between them. She is tired of being lonely and even asks Noah to help her get a date with his friend, shocking him. When Noah finally makes his move, Twyla is delighted. Unfortunately, there are those that are definitely not happy for them. Like any relationship, changes can cause some trouble or even some doubts. Will Noah and Twyla find a way to build their own happily ever after? Maybe the magic of the season will see their love for each other thrive.
I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 5, 2023
Twyla has taken over the family bookstore and is happy in the small town of Charming, Texas. She has good friends and her grandmother close by. She does miss her best friend from childhood, Noah, who moved away and is a firefighter. It seems he is doing okay and has a girlfriend named Michelle.
When Noah moves back to Charming, he says it's due to almost being killed in a fire when part of the building fell in. Of course, the new business he's starting sounds more than a little dangerous. He's calling it Nacho Boat Adventures.
Noah's brother, Will, was killed in a boating accident years ago and their mother has never gotten over her grief. She's still remains a recluse for the most part. Noah has tried to move on, but he's still haunted himself by the event.
Twyla is glad to have her friend near again. She doesn't understand why Noah broke up with his girlfriend. When she and Noah were younger, she was Will's girlfriend. Has Noah seen her as more than a friend over the years?
Twyla's friends and family are after her to date. The failed process adds some humor to the story. How can she get close to other men when she and Noah even have their own special book?
I loved how this friends to lovers theme grew naturally. Both characters are very likable and charming. The small town setting is always a favorite of mine. How can you not love a book that includes a bookshop? The secondary characters add energy and depth to the plot.
This novel is the sixth in a series. It stands very well on its own. I met the author earlier this year and she is very friendly and kind as so many romance authors are. I highly recommend this novel and anything else she's written. I'll be going back to catch up on her back list of those I've missed.
When Noah moves back to Charming, he says it's due to almost being killed in a fire when part of the building fell in. Of course, the new business he's starting sounds more than a little dangerous. He's calling it Nacho Boat Adventures.
Noah's brother, Will, was killed in a boating accident years ago and their mother has never gotten over her grief. She's still remains a recluse for the most part. Noah has tried to move on, but he's still haunted himself by the event.
Twyla is glad to have her friend near again. She doesn't understand why Noah broke up with his girlfriend. When she and Noah were younger, she was Will's girlfriend. Has Noah seen her as more than a friend over the years?
Twyla's friends and family are after her to date. The failed process adds some humor to the story. How can she get close to other men when she and Noah even have their own special book?
I loved how this friends to lovers theme grew naturally. Both characters are very likable and charming. The small town setting is always a favorite of mine. How can you not love a book that includes a bookshop? The secondary characters add energy and depth to the plot.
This novel is the sixth in a series. It stands very well on its own. I met the author earlier this year and she is very friendly and kind as so many romance authors are. I highly recommend this novel and anything else she's written. I'll be going back to catch up on her back list of those I've missed.
November 30, 2023
This book is all about reading, my favorite thing. From our heroine who owns the bookstore and loves books, the Almost Dead Poets Society who has meetings in the bookstore and share their poetry, she also has a costume party where you dress as your favorite book character and the christmas tree lighting and ornament idea was a great idea. I really liked our main characters, Twyla and Noah and learning so much about their past and how Will (Noah’s deceased brother) still affects things years later. These two are best friends but each has underlying feelings for the other and neither of them wants to admit it or make the first step and rock the boat, so to speak. However when Noah comes back to town for good, things change in a major way. I was definitely rooting for these two but then Noah’s ex comes back into town on a mission to get him back. I have to say I was not a fan of his ex. However when things are at a bad point, these two find their way back to each other and I look forward to seeing what comes next for them. I loved how Will (Noah’s deceased brother) comes into play in this book especially with the boat and the angel investor’s name, a coincidence, I think not. I would definitely love to hang out with Twyla and talk about all the books in her bookstore with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Wonderful book!
December 2, 2023
Once Upon a Charming Bookshop ~ Charming Texas #6 by Heatherly Bell
Simply... brilliant, I just love reading Heatherly's books, they each draw you in from the very first page until the end, which you don't want to happen:)
I have read a few from this series, and the characters feel like family. Noah and Twyla have been best friends for years, both had feelings for each other but didn't act on them back then. Could now be the time?
Once Upon a Charming Bookshop is very well written with wonderful characters and a very strong believable storyline, put together over the Christmas season this is magical.
I highly recommend this book to all, and hopefully, I shall be catching up on the ones I missed as well as more to come.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
Simply... brilliant, I just love reading Heatherly's books, they each draw you in from the very first page until the end, which you don't want to happen:)
I have read a few from this series, and the characters feel like family. Noah and Twyla have been best friends for years, both had feelings for each other but didn't act on them back then. Could now be the time?
Once Upon a Charming Bookshop is very well written with wonderful characters and a very strong believable storyline, put together over the Christmas season this is magical.
I highly recommend this book to all, and hopefully, I shall be catching up on the ones I missed as well as more to come.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
December 9, 2023
This book had me at bookshop, Christmas, and a cat. How could I not want to read a book with a book nerd heroine! Plus one of my favorite tropes friends to lovers well in this case best friends to lovers. Another draw to this book is my grandma was a huge fan of the Harlequin Special Edition line especially at holiday time. She couldn't wait for the Christmas books to come out so I thought of her while reading. Noah is back to their small town to stay, but his new career path has some concerned. Both Noah and Twyla want to move on from the shadow of the tragedy with Will. Well Noah's new career path which has always been his dream may make that just a bit harder. I loved the small town vibe and all the Christmas activities that go on. It makes me wish I could visit during the holidays especially the book shop! A delightful read with plenty of heart and connection between the characters. Loved the kitty though he sure is a grump.
November 26, 2023
Wow. That was an emotional roller-coaster. There’s a little bit of a ‘second chance’ feeling between Twyla and Noah even though they’ve never been officially together. It’s not really so much “the one that got away” as maybe “the one it should have been all along”. Noah and Twyla had a really steep hill to climb, both to recognize that they felt more for each other than simply best friends, and to overcome the boxes they’d been placed in when Noah’s brother died. Their story pulled me in from the moment the book opened. I mean, I was a goner the second I learned one member of our leading couple ran a bookstore. Sigh! This pair were perfect together, and now that we’ve met some of Noah’s friends, I’m hoping they’ll get books of their own in the future.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
November 28, 2023
A mildly steamy, contemporary romance. Twyla Thompson runs the only bookstore in Charming. It's been in the family for generations, but business is flagging. Growing up, Noah Cahill was the bad boy to his older brother's perfect son. After Will, his older brother, died in a boating accident, Noah moved out of town as soon as he could to become a paramedic. Another incident had him moving back.
Heatherly Bell produced a credible story involving a decade of grief recovery. Many of the subplots revolve around the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While the story does come to a happy ending, it stops abruptly.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Heatherly Bell produced a credible story involving a decade of grief recovery. Many of the subplots revolve around the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While the story does come to a happy ending, it stops abruptly.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
December 9, 2023
This really is the perfect candidate for a Hallmark movie 🥰
This was “ You’ve got mail” with a twist and I’m taking nothing from this beauty of a read because Twyla herself says that she remodelled her store to that of the one in the movie , I’m like hello bestie ! She’s also a BFF with benefits she’s owns a family bookstore ! What more could a girl want !? She doesn’t have to share Noah though , she waited long enough for him and theirs good together 🥰
While there’s a Christmas theme going there’s so much to this read , there’s loss , grief , insecurities, sadness, forgiveness, friendship, redemption and so much more .
I just wanted to reach out and touch Katherine ( her grief ) Noah ( he’s so worthy but feels inadequate) Ganny ( who wouldn’t want to hug this gem of a dame ) and Bonkets ( temperamental cat🐾🤣)
Every moment spent with these people has been a gift 🥰📚
This was “ You’ve got mail” with a twist and I’m taking nothing from this beauty of a read because Twyla herself says that she remodelled her store to that of the one in the movie , I’m like hello bestie ! She’s also a BFF with benefits she’s owns a family bookstore ! What more could a girl want !? She doesn’t have to share Noah though , she waited long enough for him and theirs good together 🥰
While there’s a Christmas theme going there’s so much to this read , there’s loss , grief , insecurities, sadness, forgiveness, friendship, redemption and so much more .
I just wanted to reach out and touch Katherine ( her grief ) Noah ( he’s so worthy but feels inadequate) Ganny ( who wouldn’t want to hug this gem of a dame ) and Bonkets ( temperamental cat🐾🤣)
Every moment spent with these people has been a gift 🥰📚
March 14, 2024
I liked the premise and the characters, but IMO this book was not well written. It felt like a first draft of a story that still needed a lot of editing to make into a good book. The pacing, in particular, was terrible. Instead of regular progression to the plot it was like long stretches of going in circles followed by huge changes that seemingly came out of the blue, like characters just suddenly doing a complete 180 in their course of action based on nothing at all. The characters' interior thoughts did not make sense with their actions, and then the explanations for the actions that came later felt like a sociopath trying to justify themselves after the fact when they've confused everyone with their weird behaviour. It was disconcerting and made characters I originally liked become incomprehensible and annoying and I've never wanted to re-write a book more.
October 19, 2023
In this best friends to lovers story, Noah Cahill and Twyla Thompson have been best friends for over half of their lives. When tragedy struck when they were teens, they still stayed by each other’s sides and supported each other. Noah leaves town to start over where no one know what happened. However, life just isn’t right for him. When Noah moves back to Charming, Twyla senses something different with him. It isn’t until she has a minor accident that everything becomes crystal clear. They have to work to get past the past hurt and learn that they are truly meant for each other. This is another great Charming book and I’m looking forward to reading more about the people of this small town.
November 28, 2023
This was my first book by Heatherly Bell, but it won’t be my last! I love series that take place in small towns, and this is no exception. Being a retired librarian, I could relate to Twyla’s feeling for books and her bookstore. Twyla and Noah have been the best of friends, but Noah left Charming to start over, due to a long-ago tragedy. However, when he moves back to Charming, it seems that something between them has changed. As they work their way through their feelings, secrets are finally shared. They realize they have to believe in themselves, and in the end, that they really do love each other. I look forward to reading the previous books in the Charming, Texas series!
Thank you to Heatherly Bell for the ARC. This review is my opinion of the book.
Thank you to Heatherly Bell for the ARC. This review is my opinion of the book.
November 28, 2023
Best friends from childhood, tragedy drives Noah from Charming and then brings him back again. Not wanting to mess up their close friendship, neither Twyla nor Noah want to admit that their feelings have become more than 'best friendish'. Talk to each other for goodness sake!
The holiday season and some very real worries about careers have them reaching for each other and beginning a romantic relationship. So satisfying when they're finally together!
I love the town of Charming and all the characters therein. This book is a very sweet best friends to lovers read. If you like this trope, you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. The review is my own
The holiday season and some very real worries about careers have them reaching for each other and beginning a romantic relationship. So satisfying when they're finally together!
I love the town of Charming and all the characters therein. This book is a very sweet best friends to lovers read. If you like this trope, you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. The review is my own
November 28, 2023
WOW, what a fantastic friends to lovers romance. This is now my favorite book by Heatherly Bell. I absolutely loved Twyla and Noah. Twyla and Noah have been friends for years, but they’ve never dated. She did date his deceased brother, Will, in high school, before Will broke up with her. Then, the accident happened, in which Will didn’t make it annd Noah did. Everyone still thinks of Twyla as Will’s girl. Noah thinks he’ll always be second best, but Noah has been keeping some secrets. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say I loved the moment that Twyla realized she actually did think of Noah as more than a friend. Grab your copy and see if you don’t love this book as much as I did.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 29, 2023
Great hallmark-esque Christmas book.
Lots of love and emotion. And a tiny bit of spice.
I enjoyed the friends to lovers aspect of this story. Especially with the added in loss of a brother that previously date his best friend. It added angst and depth to the story.
Charming is a small town and no town is ever complete without a bookstore at its heart.
Twyla is the typical small town bookstore owner with a soft spot for her best friend, the slightly bad boy hero of the story. Noah feels like he’s lived in his brothers shadow forever and has been pining for Twyla since they were teens.
Navigating their relationship together felt real and heartfelt. It’s the perfect feel good Christmas read.
I received an ARC of this for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Lots of love and emotion. And a tiny bit of spice.
I enjoyed the friends to lovers aspect of this story. Especially with the added in loss of a brother that previously date his best friend. It added angst and depth to the story.
Charming is a small town and no town is ever complete without a bookstore at its heart.
Twyla is the typical small town bookstore owner with a soft spot for her best friend, the slightly bad boy hero of the story. Noah feels like he’s lived in his brothers shadow forever and has been pining for Twyla since they were teens.
Navigating their relationship together felt real and heartfelt. It’s the perfect feel good Christmas read.
I received an ARC of this for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 26, 2023
When Noah endured a devastating loss he believed that the only way to heal was to try and distance himself from the past. He has now returned to his hometown where he will reunite with his best friend Twyla who is feeling like so much more.
Twyla shares Noah’s loss but she chose to remain and now manages the town’s bookstore. Seeing Noah again fills an emptiness she didn’t know she had and will force them to face how they really feel about each other.
This enchanting romance has characters that draw you in and I enjoyed getting to visit this wonderful town and the other people who live in it.
Twyla shares Noah’s loss but she chose to remain and now manages the town’s bookstore. Seeing Noah again fills an emptiness she didn’t know she had and will force them to face how they really feel about each other.
This enchanting romance has characters that draw you in and I enjoyed getting to visit this wonderful town and the other people who live in it.
November 30, 2023
Noah has always had feelings for Twyla, but his brother expressed his feelings to Twyla when they were teenagers and they started dating. Noah and his brother involved in accident and his brother was tragically killed. Twyla was always known to be the one to lose the love of her life. Noah went on with living his life always being Twyla’s best friend. He had moved away to try to escape the accident, but decided he needed to move back to Charming. Sweet story about two best friends trying to each acknowledge their feelings but afraid to ruin the friendship- all while sharing the guilt of the loss of Noah’s brother. Loved this HEA.
November 30, 2023
Twyla and Noah have know each other for years and have a past that is hard to get over. Noah comes back to town to run the boat shop and Twyla runs the bookstore. No matter how good things are going Noah never fells good enough for her. This was a sweet story that grows on you. I was rooting for Noah but to many things were getting in the way. He had to learn that he was good enough. I would recommend this book. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own. I really liked the last sentence in this book. “Oh, Noah. You don’t have to be a real-life hero.” She smiled and lowered her lips to his. “That’s why we have books.”
December 3, 2023
This is the 6th book in this series, and this is Noah and Twyla’s story.
These two were best friends, and Twyla dated his brother Will in high school, until he broke things off with her. Noah has returned to his small hometown, and Twyla knows instantly that there is something different. Noah survived a tragic accident which Will did not survive, and he has always felt he is second best.
This is a well written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with friendships, loss, grief, guilt, romance, challenges, healing, friends / lovers, and love, which leads to a sweet, and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
These two were best friends, and Twyla dated his brother Will in high school, until he broke things off with her. Noah has returned to his small hometown, and Twyla knows instantly that there is something different. Noah survived a tragic accident which Will did not survive, and he has always felt he is second best.
This is a well written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with friendships, loss, grief, guilt, romance, challenges, healing, friends / lovers, and love, which leads to a sweet, and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
December 3, 2023
Another fun story in Charming by Heatherly Bell.
Twyla is single and runs her family’s bookstore and it’s been having a couple rough years financially.
Noah is her best friend for years and he’s decided it’s time to come home to Charming. He’d almost died in a fire in Austin and feels now is the time to quit being an adrenaline junky.
They have been best friends for years but she had dated his late brother and neither of them are ready to admit their feelings.
Will they spend their life as friends or will they have more?
**Adult situations.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Twyla is single and runs her family’s bookstore and it’s been having a couple rough years financially.
Noah is her best friend for years and he’s decided it’s time to come home to Charming. He’d almost died in a fire in Austin and feels now is the time to quit being an adrenaline junky.
They have been best friends for years but she had dated his late brother and neither of them are ready to admit their feelings.
Will they spend their life as friends or will they have more?
**Adult situations.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
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