What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweetbriar Mountain #1
In My Heart
Luke was my first love, my first kiss, my first everything.
He always swore I was his reason to live but he lost himself in the army then I lost him.
I never thought I could be with anyone after him, but I was.
I never thought I’d go back to the small town where we grew up, but I did.
Running back to my family as a thirty-year-old widow was never in my life plan. But for the sake of my children I returned home to the memories I had fought so hard to leave behind.
What I didn’t know was that Luke was back too. With only one thing on his mind. Me.
But there is something he doesn’t know and our son can’t wait to tell him what he’s missed.
Our past brought us back together but if we can’t trust each other it will tear us apart.
He always swore I was his reason to live but he lost himself in the army then I lost him.
I never thought I could be with anyone after him, but I was.
I never thought I’d go back to the small town where we grew up, but I did.
Running back to my family as a thirty-year-old widow was never in my life plan. But for the sake of my children I returned home to the memories I had fought so hard to leave behind.
What I didn’t know was that Luke was back too. With only one thing on his mind. Me.
But there is something he doesn’t know and our son can’t wait to tell him what he’s missed.
Our past brought us back together but if we can’t trust each other it will tear us apart.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2019
731 people are currently reading
2356 people want to read
About the author
Nora Everly
32 books1,216 followersSign up for my newsletter: https://www.noraeverly.com/newsletter
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now, she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Follow Nora!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornoraev...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.everly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraEverly
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now, she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Follow Nora!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornoraev...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.everly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraEverly
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 29, 2019
What a beautifully written second-chance-at-love story! Lily is blindsided when she moves back to town after her life was shattered, and her family lets her know that her former fiance, and father of her son, has recently returned to town as well. Lily is still reeling from the loss of her husband and went through a difficult pregnancy without him. Luke never knew he was a dad until he came back to Sweetbriar, suffering from PTSD and injuries from his time in the Army. The author did a good job describing how Luke felt, the struggles he faced and the pressure to be a good father to his new-found son. Dylan is such a big-hearted little man; he acted his age at some moment, but at other times, was so insightful. Parts of the story were very sweet while others were heartbreaking. A very well-written contemporary romance.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
July 28, 2019
Lily and Luke had a past relationship and went their separate ways she move on with her life and he went into the military. When she returns with her children seeking the peace of a small town and Luke is healing from his wounds but he knows one thing he has to have - and that is Lily. With the pain they both have had in the past can they find their second chance?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2019
In My Heart is a sweet contemporary romance with relatable characters.
Back in her hometown, Lily encounters her ex, Luke. Circumstances have given Luke and Lily a second chance to repair their relationship and fall in love again. Can they acknowledge their doubts, overcome their pasts, and face a serious challenge to their future to earn their HEA?
An engaging read that brings the reader into Luke and Lily’s lives and has you rooting for them.
Back in her hometown, Lily encounters her ex, Luke. Circumstances have given Luke and Lily a second chance to repair their relationship and fall in love again. Can they acknowledge their doubts, overcome their pasts, and face a serious challenge to their future to earn their HEA?
An engaging read that brings the reader into Luke and Lily’s lives and has you rooting for them.
November 9, 2019
This is a sweet story.
The Hero had PTSD so he and the heroine broke up, he felt a danger to her.
He didn't know she was pregnant and ignored all attempts she made to tell him.
Eventually she re-married and went on to have another baby.
She is now a widow.
She returns to her hometown where all her family are.
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Angst threat from outside the couples story.
HEA.
Secondary characters wit the possibility of their own book.
The Hero had PTSD so he and the heroine broke up, he felt a danger to her.
He didn't know she was pregnant and ignored all attempts she made to tell him.
Eventually she re-married and went on to have another baby.
She is now a widow.
She returns to her hometown where all her family are.
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Angst threat from outside the couples story.
HEA.
Secondary characters wit the possibility of their own book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2020
DNF at 22% just extremely rushed and wasn't believable, people dont talk how these ones were written, oh and that family was awful. I know it was ment to be portrayed as a big loving family but for me it failed to deliver that message.
The author I think has promice but I needs to take more time, not rush to get the story out, a good editor would have done wonders.
The author I think has promice but I needs to take more time, not rush to get the story out, a good editor would have done wonders.
October 5, 2021
Thought I would love it because I love a "broken hero" trope, I love little kids, and I love a strong heroine.
Suffice to say, I didn't love it, so it gets a whopping 2 stars.
Just not what I'm looking for when i read the blurb, I would've liked to get more specifics of what Luke went through during the years he and the h were apart, but unfortunately, that didn't happen.
Suffice to say, I didn't love it, so it gets a whopping 2 stars.
Just not what I'm looking for when i read the blurb, I would've liked to get more specifics of what Luke went through during the years he and the h were apart, but unfortunately, that didn't happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2020
I don’t know where to start
I really don’t— the book went from beginning to end in the first 2 chapters. The underlining “suspense” was misplaced, making following along impossible— it shouldn’t have been added if the main character was just going to ignore it for most of the book.
The author had a minor character almost kill himself— again misplaced— just to add drama. This added no character development to anyone, seemed as if it was just an excuse for the two main characters to have rough sex and for him to apologize for it.
The storied love of the couple was rushed, it got to the point of me skimming through just so it could be over.
Don’t waste your time and money.
It ends as abruptly and rushed as it started.
I really don’t— the book went from beginning to end in the first 2 chapters. The underlining “suspense” was misplaced, making following along impossible— it shouldn’t have been added if the main character was just going to ignore it for most of the book.
The author had a minor character almost kill himself— again misplaced— just to add drama. This added no character development to anyone, seemed as if it was just an excuse for the two main characters to have rough sex and for him to apologize for it.
The storied love of the couple was rushed, it got to the point of me skimming through just so it could be over.
Don’t waste your time and money.
It ends as abruptly and rushed as it started.
May 5, 2021
Second chance romance
Small town romance
I’m not normally a fan of second chance romances. But I read some reviews to find the Hero was in the military, had PTSD, and was celibate during the 6-7 year separation. So the heroine was his one and only. Literally. Love that!
The heroine goes on to live her life. Gets married to her best friends brother and later becomes a widower.
The writing isn’t great and the twist was a little weird. Didn’t like how that tied into her late husbands death. But a part of this strange twist sets up for the next book in the series. I feel invested in these characters (and there a LOT of them. A confusing amount actually), so I will probably continue the series since they’re in KU.
Small town romance
I’m not normally a fan of second chance romances. But I read some reviews to find the Hero was in the military, had PTSD, and was celibate during the 6-7 year separation. So the heroine was his one and only. Literally. Love that!
The heroine goes on to live her life. Gets married to her best friends brother and later becomes a widower.
The writing isn’t great and the twist was a little weird. Didn’t like how that tied into her late husbands death. But a part of this strange twist sets up for the next book in the series. I feel invested in these characters (and there a LOT of them. A confusing amount actually), so I will probably continue the series since they’re in KU.
February 15, 2024
Rose and Trevor met once and couldn't deny their connection. Despite his messy life, she was all in on building a relationship with him. Then he broke her heart with good intentions. Now he wants to try again and she is hesitant to try.
Dual POV, romantic suspense, love at first sight, single dad, sex scenes: yes.
Trevor and Rose are sweet together but both have personal trauma that dominates their relationship. Once they get out of their own way they can break the cycles. Once again, I'm not a fan of a bad guy lurking in the background. Love the message of this big found family community.
Dual POV, romantic suspense, love at first sight, single dad, sex scenes: yes.
Trevor and Rose are sweet together but both have personal trauma that dominates their relationship. Once they get out of their own way they can break the cycles. Once again, I'm not a fan of a bad guy lurking in the background. Love the message of this big found family community.
May 7, 2020
Oh, man. This book was tragic and sad from page one until the end. Death, abandonment, PTSD, sadness, heartache, stalkers, drama. There was not one sweet or carefree moment with these two. Not even one glimpse at the joy and elation that comes with love, even love in hard circumstances.
It was a total downer and not at all a read that would bring happiness into your heart. It was definitely not for me.
It's totally necessary for characters to experience obstacles and trials in life and find love despite those trials, but this book was ALL heartache and NO happy.
It was a total downer and not at all a read that would bring happiness into your heart. It was definitely not for me.
It's totally necessary for characters to experience obstacles and trials in life and find love despite those trials, but this book was ALL heartache and NO happy.
March 26, 2021
Plenty of potential, but badly needed editing and stream-lining.
Want to read
March 15, 2020🎁 Sweetbriar Hearts Series (2 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/15/2020)! 🎁
March 16, 2025
3.75⭐️
It’s a really cute story…. But it’s written kinda choppy so I had a hard time getting into it, but I really did quite enjoy it.
It’s a really cute story…. But it’s written kinda choppy so I had a hard time getting into it, but I really did quite enjoy it.
October 11, 2019
Small town, second chance romance is right up my alley and In My Heart delivers a deliciously complicated romance invaded from every angle by hurtful memories and nosey well meaning family members. Lily is coming home with her small children to her family after tragically losing her husband. I admire her courage and keeping it together and upbeat for her adorable kids. Lily is a strong female lead and I really liked her through the whole book. Her family is enormous and I will admit having a little trouble keeping them all straight in my head. I enjoyed the openness and clear affection they all have for each other and their "adopted" family members as well. Luke being one of those adopted family members and lifelong bff turned boyfriend to Lily. Being an Army Ranger ended badly for him and he's worked hard to get back to the old Luke. The romance was a slow burn that caught on fire while the couple navigate rebuilding their relationship. The story kept me involved with a bit of a mystery and action! My heart was warmed and I laughed at many scenes with the children. I am very interested in the next book about Lily's twin sister Rose and what shenanigans the family get up to.
November 5, 2023
This was an okay book. Since the first page, everything felt rushed. The two MCs didn’t work out any of their core issues. They went from never seeing each other in years to happy ever after too quickly. The children were not written well. No 6 year old child does not talk the way they did in this book. There was no mourning for the late husband at all, despite the heroine claiming she did love the guy.
The romance between Lily and Luke was cute overall. I loved the snark from Violet and Rose at every scene they were in. I won’t be continuing with the series because of how lacklustre I found this one but if you’re looking for a good fluff book, this is for you.
The romance between Lily and Luke was cute overall. I loved the snark from Violet and Rose at every scene they were in. I won’t be continuing with the series because of how lacklustre I found this one but if you’re looking for a good fluff book, this is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2022
J'ai adoré les Green Valley Library de la même autrice et j'ai un petit faible pour les histoires de retrouvailles et de parents célibataires. Cette lecture semblait donc être un combo gagnant. Ben non.
Grosse précipitation dans l'intrigue (genre le récapitulatif dans les premières pages qui explique en une discussion tous les troubles du passé et résous les problèmes), dramas sortis d'on ne sait où (cette histoire de clé usb qui arrive comme un cheveu sur la soupe) et j'en passe. C'est peut être l'effet premier roman ?
Grosse précipitation dans l'intrigue (genre le récapitulatif dans les premières pages qui explique en une discussion tous les troubles du passé et résous les problèmes), dramas sortis d'on ne sait où (cette histoire de clé usb qui arrive comme un cheveu sur la soupe) et j'en passe. C'est peut être l'effet premier roman ?
July 30, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Nora Everly and I am looking forward to more of her writing.
The story is a beautifully written second chance romance that includes a stalker for drama, a nosy family for fun, and Luke and Lily for a wonderful romance. Can they let go of the past and head for a future together?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is a beautifully written second chance romance that includes a stalker for drama, a nosy family for fun, and Luke and Lily for a wonderful romance. Can they let go of the past and head for a future together?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2019
The first book in the Sweetbriar Hearts series a well written story with a great storyline. This is a new Author to me and it looks like this is a new Author. I will be watching to see if there is more to come in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2020
It's one of the rare second chance romances where i think the reason for them parting was quite reasonable and them reuniting makes sense. The problem is that they got back together way too quickly and it got a little boring. Did not bother to read till the end because i was disinterested in the side plot.
Read
March 31, 2023
In My Heart has a new cover, new edit, and new content!
--> mybook.to/inmyheart
April 7, 2020
DNF at 70%, I got sick of both of them and lost interest...
April 20, 2020
A well written and sweet second chance romance with a little extra drama thrown in. This is my first Nora Everly book and I will be watching for the continuation of this series.
April 14, 2022
I started this series because I loved Nora Everly's books that she wrote for Smartypants Romance.
This is her first novel, and it's a valiant first try! Some of it felt kind of choppy. I'm sorry, I don't know how else to describe it.
The couple had broken up before the book started and this was their second chance romance. But it wasn't just a break up. It was an abandonment due to mental illness, PTSD and unwillingness to lean on one's partner.
TRIGGER warning: attempted suicide, stalking, kidnapping, violence and self defense. There's a lot going on in this Lil small town romance! It had a suspense element to it as well.
The romance itself was sweet and I liked the way their relationship progressed. Lily was understandably very wary of Luke's intentions and went to great efforts to protect herself, while trying to allow him a relationship with their son. I really liked that about 40% in, she was ready to start trying to trust him for real.
I did think it was odd that the first time we learn about Luke unconsciously attacking Lily wasn't shared earlier in the book. The information kinda felt like it came out of nowhere.
I was happy to see her come to a realization that she couldn't do everything all on her own and that it was ok to gracefully accept help when it's offered. And I was glad to see her continue to push Luke to open up to her when he tried to retreat into himself.
Once they really opened up emotionally, they got physical! They had a lot of sex all over Luke's house. All of it was pretty much contained to two consecutive chapters, but they did it at least three or four times, in different positions. And there was a finger bang earlier on in the story. There's mild uses of the f-word, but not a lot.
I liked how the suspense all played out and that Lily basically saved herself. I'm looking forward to starting the sequel and to reading more about this family!
This is her first novel, and it's a valiant first try! Some of it felt kind of choppy. I'm sorry, I don't know how else to describe it.
The couple had broken up before the book started and this was their second chance romance. But it wasn't just a break up. It was an abandonment due to mental illness, PTSD and unwillingness to lean on one's partner.
TRIGGER warning: attempted suicide, stalking, kidnapping, violence and self defense. There's a lot going on in this Lil small town romance! It had a suspense element to it as well.
The romance itself was sweet and I liked the way their relationship progressed. Lily was understandably very wary of Luke's intentions and went to great efforts to protect herself, while trying to allow him a relationship with their son. I really liked that about 40% in, she was ready to start trying to trust him for real.
I did think it was odd that the first time we learn about Luke unconsciously attacking Lily wasn't shared earlier in the book. The information kinda felt like it came out of nowhere.
I was happy to see her come to a realization that she couldn't do everything all on her own and that it was ok to gracefully accept help when it's offered. And I was glad to see her continue to push Luke to open up to her when he tried to retreat into himself.
Once they really opened up emotionally, they got physical! They had a lot of sex all over Luke's house. All of it was pretty much contained to two consecutive chapters, but they did it at least three or four times, in different positions. And there was a finger bang earlier on in the story. There's mild uses of the f-word, but not a lot.
I liked how the suspense all played out and that Lily basically saved herself. I'm looking forward to starting the sequel and to reading more about this family!
did-not-finish
December 28, 2021The idea was interesting and sweet for a small-town romance. I did enjoy time with children and family love.
But it was not enough to hold my attention and interest. Around the middle of the book I have enough of "I want to go slower", "I am scared" - I understood it after the first hundred times. It was like watching exaggerated taming of a scared animal. And the author knew it probably because there was some kind of mystery or dangerous action in the background - probably in order to the reader wasn't too bored. Nonetheless, I have had enough - I don't want to know what the mystery was.
And one more thing, there were too many members of the family (in the meaning of knowing them all, it was overwhelming and unimportant for the story). I got the feeling that Nora Everly gave too much place to introduce all of them, probably because of the next books of the series.
Again, the idea was nice - just "poor workmanship".
But it was not enough to hold my attention and interest. Around the middle of the book I have enough of "I want to go slower", "I am scared" - I understood it after the first hundred times. It was like watching exaggerated taming of a scared animal. And the author knew it probably because there was some kind of mystery or dangerous action in the background - probably in order to the reader wasn't too bored. Nonetheless, I have had enough - I don't want to know what the mystery was.
And one more thing, there were too many members of the family (in the meaning of knowing them all, it was overwhelming and unimportant for the story). I got the feeling that Nora Everly gave too much place to introduce all of them, probably because of the next books of the series.
Again, the idea was nice - just "poor workmanship".
April 24, 2020
In My Heart checked off so many of "My Favorite Genres" that I couldn't help but happy dance.
*It is a small town romance in my favorite state of Oregon.
*It is a second chance romance of high school sweethearts reuniting after 10 years.
*It is a military romance. Luke was in the Army when he fled after reacting to an issue resulting from PTSD. His best friend, Liam, was his commander in the Army Rangers.
*It deals with a lot of police action
*There is a big suspense factor when someone starts messing with Lily, getting more violent over time. Is her life at risk? What do they want?
*It is a romance with a beautiful happily ever after and it is only book one. SQUEEEEEE!!!
*It is a small town romance in my favorite state of Oregon.
*It is a second chance romance of high school sweethearts reuniting after 10 years.
*It is a military romance. Luke was in the Army when he fled after reacting to an issue resulting from PTSD. His best friend, Liam, was his commander in the Army Rangers.
*It deals with a lot of police action
*There is a big suspense factor when someone starts messing with Lily, getting more violent over time. Is her life at risk? What do they want?
*It is a romance with a beautiful happily ever after and it is only book one. SQUEEEEEE!!!
July 13, 2020
A new to me author and I loved this second chance story. Luke has loved Lily since they were teens. And lily has loved Luke just as long but Luke’s time in the army got in their way. Then Lily losses her husband and comes home for help from her family. Can Luke and Lily find their way back to each other. Will Lily’s son Dylan finally have his dad in his live. Grab the book and read on to find out.
March 17, 2020
Oh my!
From tragedy to HEA! This book has all of the feels. I started it and could not put it done.
From tragedy to HEA! This book has all of the feels. I started it and could not put it done.
June 29, 2024
This was swoony and I enjoyed it. It pulled at the heartstrings with a little spice and suspense added in. I definitely will read the rest of this series!
November 21, 2022
Small Town Swoon
Nora Everly writes the swooniest characters. Second chance romances can be too full of angst sometimes, but this one wasn’t at all. The story made complete sense and it was very heartwarming. I loved Luke & Lily and was so happy to see them get their HEA. Can’t wait to read Rose & Trevor’s book next.
Nora Everly writes the swooniest characters. Second chance romances can be too full of angst sometimes, but this one wasn’t at all. The story made complete sense and it was very heartwarming. I loved Luke & Lily and was so happy to see them get their HEA. Can’t wait to read Rose & Trevor’s book next.
April 26, 2021
Great second chance love story.
Very emotional with heartbreak and steam between these two characters. I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. Tears can flow from the reader throughout this book. The love is overflowing. I absolutely loved this story.
Very emotional with heartbreak and steam between these two characters. I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. Tears can flow from the reader throughout this book. The love is overflowing. I absolutely loved this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews