The Palms

by Sara Celi

Three days on Palm Beach will change everything.

We all have one--the one who got away. For 31-year-old Trent Matthews, that woman is Lauren Crawford. For 28-year-old Lauren Crawford, that man is Trent Matthews.

Ten years after they last saw each other on Palm Beach, an unexpected night at The Breakers sends Lauren and Trent roaring back into each others lives. She's still sassy, sexy, and sophisticated. He's still rich, handsome, and an expert with women. The years have passed, but old feelings haven't died.

Not even close.

Now, these two have a second chance at love.

The problem is--Trent left Lauren without any explanation in 2002. She's still mad and confused. Back then, Trent had his reasons--about a dozen--for his abrupt exit from her life. But even a decade later, he doesn't want to admit all of them--or make them public. And that hesitation may cost him Lauren. Forever.

Will Trent admit the mistakes of his youth? Will Lauren grant Trent her forgiveness? Or will they lose love again underneath THE PALMS?

*This story is novella length, at 23,000 words.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2013

About the author

New Orleans born Sara Celi has lived all over the United States. She calls the Greater Cincinnati area and the Queen City home.

She has spent more than a decade working in journalism and broadcasting, with jobs both on-air and off-air at TV stations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications, magazines and newspapers, and she is a contributing author to Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Power of Positive.

Sara graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004.

In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fund raise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids.

Reviews

[Allison J. Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Palms is story of rekindled love, holding the truths of pain that some or most of us can relate to in some way. You're swept away in the scenery Celi has created. You feel the ocean breeze; taste the fruity drinks. But most of all, you turn the pages with fervor to find out what will happen to Trent and Lauren.

Will Trent be able to open his heart enough to tell the truth, and will Lauren be receptive? Is there hope for a future that doesn't hinge on the mistakes of the past?

You won't be able to put it down. Not just because it's a passionate, well written book, but because there is something in it that everyone has felt at least once in their life. And like Trent and Lauren, we're all just searching for that perfect sunset.

Celi has a magical way with words, and you'll hang on to each and every one.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Palms is a short story about two people given a second chance at true love. Usually, when I've given a short story to read, I find that it lacks necessary detail or doesn't cover all of the many things I want it to cover. This was one of those rare exceptions. There were plenty of details to suck me into the story, and I could perfectly visualize every scene. Everything was covered too. I was left wishing there was more, only because it was such a fantastic story, but I wasn't left feeling as though anything were missing, if that makes sense. S. Celi is an impeccable writer. The way she spins a story is both eloquent and descriptive, without being overdone. I would recommend this story to anyone look for a light read to kill a few hours with. Trust me, once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down until it's done!

[Jessica Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, especially the relationship between the two main characters. I was definitely rooting for them to make things work. The ending bothered me a bit simply because there was so much build up for the reader to find out what had gone wrong and the outcome was a bit disappointing. The reaction from Lauren seemed so unnatural, for her to go from such anger to almost instant acceptance, after allowing her anger to build up for ten years. There were several minor editing errors throughout but other than that, this was well written.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first 'Novella' that I've read so I wasn't sure what to expect. I usually prefer long books so this was a little out of the norm for me. That said, it's nice to be able to read a story in one sitting. I liked the premise of the book; a romance about second chances. I think that there was just enough detail to set the scene and reveal the personalities of the characters, without being too wordy. The problem is that it leaves me wanting more! I think that a series of Palms novellas would be great!

[Preet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book is what pulled me in and it started off well. Somewhere close to the end well after half way through the book it lost me. There was a plot twist that was mentioned that was a surprise, but it was tolerable until what happened next. Nothing really, which made it seem like this development was big but didn't need to be handled properly. A simple mention and then brush off wasn't enough. I feel if that aspect had been better developed I wouldn't have felt as if Lauren was thinking of her past self as opposed to the woman she is now.

[J.D. Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this novella! The characters were easy to love and the storyline kept me wanting more. I could not put this down! I also loved the writing style and the way everything was described. I felt like I was actually there.

Do yourself a favor and read this!!!!

[Maria Nickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book. Even under bad circumstances, you can get a second chance at love. I look forward to reading more of your books ,Sara.

[Laurynne Gouws · Rating 5 out of 5]

actual rating: 4·5

review to come :)



Blurb:

Three days on Palm Beach will change everything.

We all have one--the one who got away. For 31-year-old Trent Matthews, that woman is Lauren Crawford. For 28-year-old Lauren Crawford, that man is Trent Matthews.

Ten years after they last saw each other on Palm Beach, an unexpected night at The Breakers sends Lauren and Trent roaring back into each others lives. She's still sassy, sexy, and sophisticated. He's still rich, handsome, and an expert with women. The years have passed, but old feelings haven't died.

Not even close.

Now, these two have a second chance at love.

The problem is--Trent left Lauren without any explanation in 2002. She's still mad and confused. Back then, Trent had his reasons--about a dozen--for his abrupt exit from her life. But even a decade later, he doesn't want to admit all of them--or make them public. And that hesitation may cost him Lauren. Forever.

Will Trent admit the mistakes of his youth? Will Lauren grant Trent her forgiveness? Or will they lose love again underneath THE PALMS?

*This story is novella length, at 23,000 words.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered about the one who got away? Have you ever wanted the elusive chance to find out what happened? I think we can all say YES! S Celi takes that idea and turns it into a wonderful story about what happens when Trent and Lauren run into each other in an iconic bar in Palm Beach, 10 years later. Trent's character is so well crafted that I can completely imagine him - his "voice" is perfectly captured. As is Palm Beach itself - a definite character in this story! Loved it all!

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Palms by Sara Celi was a great quick read. This story proves that your life can change drastically in just a few days. Trent and Lauren both have some regrets about their past. After ten years a chance meeting in Palm Beach can change everything. I loved reading about Trent and Lauren's past as well as their present. This was a great book that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more by Sara Celi.

[Syrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always loved stories about second chances in love. This book is definitely about that. I love how the characters had their friendship as kids their foundation of the love they had when they grew up. I'm really into detailed shit though when it comes to stories so I just wished for more when I read this book. But hey, for a quick-read this is a good one.

[Dottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an interesting idea; the book all really does take place over three days. It's a second chance at love book. Bit I'm confused about what really happened back then, the first time. It just didn't make a lot of sense to me. If they were each the one rack other had pined over, this should have been overcome. It makes no sense to me

[Anjie Kendall · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was far too short. The conflict was good, but it was all forgiven far too quickly and tied up with a neat little bow. There was far more build up than actually dealing with anything that happened. There needed to be more.

[Caroline Hattrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. A quick read for me. It's a wonderful story about a second chance at romance. The characters just draw you in and your hooked from the start. I really enjoy her books and can't wait to read more.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author of this book, so I'm biased.

But I had fun writing this. I really did.

Enjoy!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite sweet but WAY too short.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, quick read about a second chance at romance.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to a 3.5

Decent afternoon read.

[McKinlay · Rating 1 out of 5]

awful. just awful.

[Meckesha Booher · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok short read