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Golden Hour: A Porch Bitches Novel
They say to mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy. If only.
June McCawley has been the golden girl of Maple Creek, Illinois since she was old enough to walk. The people in her town have always been in her corner, active participants in her successes. But after she experiences a professional tragedy, June loses faith in herself and the girl everyone always said was perfect. Enter Grady Nash.
The broken boy with deep dark secrets and a chip on his shoulder. He’s just passing through Maple Creek to earn a few bucks before he keeps running. What he didn’t realize when he signed up to be a seasonal farmhand at McCawley farms, is that the McCawley family, specifically June, would be harder to leave than he ever dreamed. Can June and Grady put aside their differences and realize that the pieces of themselves they're most ashamed of, could be what helps put the other back together?
June McCawley has been the golden girl of Maple Creek, Illinois since she was old enough to walk. The people in her town have always been in her corner, active participants in her successes. But after she experiences a professional tragedy, June loses faith in herself and the girl everyone always said was perfect. Enter Grady Nash.
The broken boy with deep dark secrets and a chip on his shoulder. He’s just passing through Maple Creek to earn a few bucks before he keeps running. What he didn’t realize when he signed up to be a seasonal farmhand at McCawley farms, is that the McCawley family, specifically June, would be harder to leave than he ever dreamed. Can June and Grady put aside their differences and realize that the pieces of themselves they're most ashamed of, could be what helps put the other back together?
338 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2023
22 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Chelsie Hart
4 books43 followersChelsie lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband and kids. She grew up in a blue collar town and now spends her time daydreaming and writing about what those blue collar people got up to. By day, she sits at a desk and works on a computer. By night, she sits on the couch and writes on a computer. She enjoys watching hockey, snuggling with her dog, and being alone.
Chelsie has been a writer most of her life. Whether that was filling hundreds of college ruled notebooks with journal entries, doodling terrible poetry in those fancy notebooks from Barnes and Noble and then regretting it, or spending an entire summer world-building a complex dystopian society for a book that will never be written.
The only difference between now and then is this time the writing was good enough to share with someone else.
Chelsie has been a writer most of her life. Whether that was filling hundreds of college ruled notebooks with journal entries, doodling terrible poetry in those fancy notebooks from Barnes and Noble and then regretting it, or spending an entire summer world-building a complex dystopian society for a book that will never be written.
The only difference between now and then is this time the writing was good enough to share with someone else.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
June 4, 2024
A PERFECT smalltown romance. Lovable characters, hilarious banter, perfect amount of tension, and a smalltown that feels like a living breathing thing. And Chelsie took it a step further with the porch. A place within the town that was vital to the girls and their friendship. I laughed(a lot), I cried, I swooned...LOVED IT! 
June 18, 2023
“This goddamn woman had to show up with her gorgeous eyes and tight as fuck jeans. Blowing my plans all to hell.”
Happy debut to Chelsie! Golden Hour is swoony, steamy, angsty, and gives you all the feels the entire time. Grady is our broken boy 100% and although he’s broken there is so much good to him. Regardless of his past and the trauma from his parents he is doing everything he can to create a better future for himself. I loved his determination to right his wrongs and not let them stop him. June has the biggest heart and selfless! She puts everything and everyone in her small town before herself to make everyone happy. I related to her character so much. Grady and June had so much tension and he pulled out a side of June she doesn’t show anyone else. This definitely lead to so much banter giving you the enemies to lovers vibes. They had this connection that slowly built even through the tension they couldn’t deny and when they finally gave in it was explosive! They both have their difficulties but the love and support they gave each other was so sweet. June truly showed Grady what love is and Grady helped June find the confidence to truly put herself first. I absolutely loved the friendship between June, Delia, and Louise. I want to be friends with them! I loved all the small town feels in this book, you literally felt like you were in Maple Creek the entire book. Highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Happy debut to Chelsie! Golden Hour is swoony, steamy, angsty, and gives you all the feels the entire time. Grady is our broken boy 100% and although he’s broken there is so much good to him. Regardless of his past and the trauma from his parents he is doing everything he can to create a better future for himself. I loved his determination to right his wrongs and not let them stop him. June has the biggest heart and selfless! She puts everything and everyone in her small town before herself to make everyone happy. I related to her character so much. Grady and June had so much tension and he pulled out a side of June she doesn’t show anyone else. This definitely lead to so much banter giving you the enemies to lovers vibes. They had this connection that slowly built even through the tension they couldn’t deny and when they finally gave in it was explosive! They both have their difficulties but the love and support they gave each other was so sweet. June truly showed Grady what love is and Grady helped June find the confidence to truly put herself first. I absolutely loved the friendship between June, Delia, and Louise. I want to be friends with them! I loved all the small town feels in this book, you literally felt like you were in Maple Creek the entire book. Highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
May 23, 2023
Is there anything better than a small town, enemies-to-lovers romance? Absolutely not.
June & Grady had my heart from the very beginning, and I couldn't get enough of their story! Chelsie does an excellent job of creating such a fun, engaging small town atmosphere and I cannot WAIT to for more stories from Maple Creek and the porch bitches.
And can we take a minute to talk about this friend group? Because I just want to be the 4th porch bitch. June is our quintessential, former beauty queen perfectionist, Delia is like a gorgeous, sassy honey badger, and Louise is our resident mother hen.
Golden Hour is the perfect balance of spicy, angsty, and hilarious, and you will NOT want to miss this one. And I refuse to believe that this is Chelsie's debut novel! The writing is truly exceptional and kept me hooked from start to finish.
Golden Hour goes live on June 20th and will be free with KU!
June & Grady had my heart from the very beginning, and I couldn't get enough of their story! Chelsie does an excellent job of creating such a fun, engaging small town atmosphere and I cannot WAIT to for more stories from Maple Creek and the porch bitches.
And can we take a minute to talk about this friend group? Because I just want to be the 4th porch bitch. June is our quintessential, former beauty queen perfectionist, Delia is like a gorgeous, sassy honey badger, and Louise is our resident mother hen.
Golden Hour is the perfect balance of spicy, angsty, and hilarious, and you will NOT want to miss this one. And I refuse to believe that this is Chelsie's debut novel! The writing is truly exceptional and kept me hooked from start to finish.
Golden Hour goes live on June 20th and will be free with KU!
June 1, 2023
this! book! it has left a lasting impression, my heart is so extremely full. i just love when you open a book and you just know it’s going to be special.
june and grady captured my heart instantly. from their first encounter they got under each others skin, but it was inevitable that they’d start to come around. they had unbelievable chemistry and had immense sexual tension. their banter had me living, my gosh it was so good. no question they were perfect for each other and i loved that together they lifted one another up and made each other better. i just loved them and their story was some kind of magic.
and how can i not talk about the friendship between june, delia, and louise. these three childhood friends had the best friendship, and quite honestly they’re more like sisters. they lifted each other up and encouraged one another and would go to bat if anyone messed with either one of them. they were so in sync and sometimes even knew what the others needed before even they did. i just loved all of them so much.
golden hour was a beautifully heartfelt wholesome small town romance with an abundance of feels. the town of maple creek was like being enveloped in warm hug. this book was so feel-good and i just absolutely loved it. i can’t wait for more and i desperately need the next book!
also, what an exceptional debut novel by chelsie hart.
*thank you chelsie for the opportunity to read your book in exchange for an honest review*
june and grady captured my heart instantly. from their first encounter they got under each others skin, but it was inevitable that they’d start to come around. they had unbelievable chemistry and had immense sexual tension. their banter had me living, my gosh it was so good. no question they were perfect for each other and i loved that together they lifted one another up and made each other better. i just loved them and their story was some kind of magic.
and how can i not talk about the friendship between june, delia, and louise. these three childhood friends had the best friendship, and quite honestly they’re more like sisters. they lifted each other up and encouraged one another and would go to bat if anyone messed with either one of them. they were so in sync and sometimes even knew what the others needed before even they did. i just loved all of them so much.
golden hour was a beautifully heartfelt wholesome small town romance with an abundance of feels. the town of maple creek was like being enveloped in warm hug. this book was so feel-good and i just absolutely loved it. i can’t wait for more and i desperately need the next book!
also, what an exceptional debut novel by chelsie hart.
*thank you chelsie for the opportunity to read your book in exchange for an honest review*
June 15, 2023
I feel like this book was made for me. It is “A Porch Bitches Novel” & I am the ultimate porch bitch! This book made me feel all the feels & that’s so important to me.
I live for a small town romance & Golden Hour delivered. Throw in enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, found family, fierce female friendships & a town that’s a character all on its own - what more could you ask for really!
I can’t believe this is a debut novel! Ugh it was so good! I could go on & on about what I loved about Golden Hour but I think you should just preorder it & see for yourself!
I live for a small town romance & Golden Hour delivered. Throw in enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, found family, fierce female friendships & a town that’s a character all on its own - what more could you ask for really!
I can’t believe this is a debut novel! Ugh it was so good! I could go on & on about what I loved about Golden Hour but I think you should just preorder it & see for yourself!
August 13, 2024
Debut novel: crushed it
Bad boy x good girl
Enemies to lovers
Strong girl gang
Emotional
Small town
🌾
This was something new and real feeling.
It wasn’t cowboys or insta love or anything over the top.
It was a book of honest real people and a real town.
I love Grady. Oh my little heart loves him.
June, strong, bada**. Loved her. Love.
Also the epilogues. My heart.
Bad boy x good girl
Enemies to lovers
Strong girl gang
Emotional
Small town
🌾
This was something new and real feeling.
It wasn’t cowboys or insta love or anything over the top.
It was a book of honest real people and a real town.
I love Grady. Oh my little heart loves him.
June, strong, bada**. Loved her. Love.
Also the epilogues. My heart.
June 20, 2023
Tropes: Small-Town/Grumpy Sunshine
Review: I don’t know how but Chelsie made me fall in love with a small-town romance book. As in, I woke up and was excited to read the next chapters, even though I stayed up the previous night reading her book (now twice over). She has me so invested in her side characters that I am pestering her for the other books in this series. Once again Chelsie I NEED more Beau in my life, please and thank you! As this is her debut as an author, I am incredibly proud of her!! As you read it you sense the fun she had creating these individuals and the love and forethought she put into each one.
June is a beauty queen and chef. Who escaped her small-town of Maple Creek, for a moment. She met an asshole who ruined her escape plan, and as such she had to return home, to the family farm, to the porch with her two best friends, Delia and Louise, to town gossip and their expectations. What she didn’t know was a drifter, alpha-hole, Grady, would be there to welcome her home too, as the new farm hand.
Once their eyes collided on the family farm, Grady sees a perfect princess before him that he doesn’t want to get dirty. He chooses “violence” in the moment and June answers in kind. The banter and sexual tension from their first meeting is intense. Probably the reason they both leave feeling all hot and bothered, and not due to the summer heat. The tension Chelsie built is *chefs kiss*
Grady is a broken man with a troubled past, walls built all around his heart. He is the epitome of grumpy, and I will argue June and this town become his sunshine. June is the towns “princess”, and heavy lays the crown and its duties to cater to all-literally. So despite our desire for Grady and June to have a roll in the hay immediately. You also want them to heal and accept the love for themselves and “dance in the moonlight”. With friends like Delia, Louisa, and even Beau, they absolutely wouldn’t be dancing alone.
If you can, find a porch, pull up a rocking chair, put your feet up on the rail, grab some ice tea or something stronger, and please enjoy this amazing read!
Review: I don’t know how but Chelsie made me fall in love with a small-town romance book. As in, I woke up and was excited to read the next chapters, even though I stayed up the previous night reading her book (now twice over). She has me so invested in her side characters that I am pestering her for the other books in this series. Once again Chelsie I NEED more Beau in my life, please and thank you! As this is her debut as an author, I am incredibly proud of her!! As you read it you sense the fun she had creating these individuals and the love and forethought she put into each one.
June is a beauty queen and chef. Who escaped her small-town of Maple Creek, for a moment. She met an asshole who ruined her escape plan, and as such she had to return home, to the family farm, to the porch with her two best friends, Delia and Louise, to town gossip and their expectations. What she didn’t know was a drifter, alpha-hole, Grady, would be there to welcome her home too, as the new farm hand.
Once their eyes collided on the family farm, Grady sees a perfect princess before him that he doesn’t want to get dirty. He chooses “violence” in the moment and June answers in kind. The banter and sexual tension from their first meeting is intense. Probably the reason they both leave feeling all hot and bothered, and not due to the summer heat. The tension Chelsie built is *chefs kiss*
Grady is a broken man with a troubled past, walls built all around his heart. He is the epitome of grumpy, and I will argue June and this town become his sunshine. June is the towns “princess”, and heavy lays the crown and its duties to cater to all-literally. So despite our desire for Grady and June to have a roll in the hay immediately. You also want them to heal and accept the love for themselves and “dance in the moonlight”. With friends like Delia, Louisa, and even Beau, they absolutely wouldn’t be dancing alone.
If you can, find a porch, pull up a rocking chair, put your feet up on the rail, grab some ice tea or something stronger, and please enjoy this amazing read!
June 20, 2023
Why is it so hard to write a review about the best books?
Golden Hour is Chelsie’s debut novel but it does NOT read like one. It is so incredibly perfect.
It’s an Enemies to lovers. Good good/bad guy. . . . But who takes care of you, book.
The found family in this is 😚👌
Grady needs and deserves someone on his side. Someone who sees him, sees his worth, and shows him they are sticking around. In steps the McCawleys. They are good people!
“The McCawleys are quickly becoming some of my favorite people.”
And then you have The Porch Bitches.
What would I give, to be apart of the porch bitches. I love them, and cannot wait for their books.
As for June and Grady☀️
Grady is such a dick, but when he follows June out to the tractor and holds her when no one else will . . . Be still my heart.
June is supposed to be perfect, but when she lets go 🥹 she becomes who she is meant to be and it’s under the care of Grady.
The tension in this book is 10/10. Grady does not like June, he makes that very clear! And yet, he can’t stay away from her.
June on the other hand is pissed he won’t leave her alone when he hates her so much. I couldn’t put the book down. I just needed them to get together!
Chelsie wrote this book with so much heart and care. You cannot help but become invested in the main characters life, but also the side characters. You root for them and you cry when they do as well.
Chelsie’s writing sucks you in and keeps your heart.
Now I have a void in my life and can’t wait to fill it back at Maple Creek.
- Small Town
- Farmer Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Good Girl/Bad Boy
- Chosen Sisters
Golden Hour is Chelsie’s debut novel but it does NOT read like one. It is so incredibly perfect.
It’s an Enemies to lovers. Good good/bad guy. . . . But who takes care of you, book.
The found family in this is 😚👌
Grady needs and deserves someone on his side. Someone who sees him, sees his worth, and shows him they are sticking around. In steps the McCawleys. They are good people!
“The McCawleys are quickly becoming some of my favorite people.”
And then you have The Porch Bitches.
What would I give, to be apart of the porch bitches. I love them, and cannot wait for their books.
As for June and Grady☀️
Grady is such a dick, but when he follows June out to the tractor and holds her when no one else will . . . Be still my heart.
June is supposed to be perfect, but when she lets go 🥹 she becomes who she is meant to be and it’s under the care of Grady.
The tension in this book is 10/10. Grady does not like June, he makes that very clear! And yet, he can’t stay away from her.
June on the other hand is pissed he won’t leave her alone when he hates her so much. I couldn’t put the book down. I just needed them to get together!
Chelsie wrote this book with so much heart and care. You cannot help but become invested in the main characters life, but also the side characters. You root for them and you cry when they do as well.
Chelsie’s writing sucks you in and keeps your heart.
Now I have a void in my life and can’t wait to fill it back at Maple Creek.
- Small Town
- Farmer Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Good Girl/Bad Boy
- Chosen Sisters
July 14, 2023
‘Sitting on the front porch is a special kind of therapy.’
Wow! What a debut!
This book reads like it’s by an author much further in their career. It’s a beautiful story that is so well written.
Golden Hour is set in very rural America- think very tiny country town rather than small town. I’ve never been to a place like this other than briefly driving through, but Chelsie describes it so well you can picture it really clearly. She treads that very fine line of too much description to hit a word count and enough that you can truly understand just perfectly- I never found myself wanting to skim or thinking anything was over described it that makes sense?! I could see and imagine Maple Creak so clearly, it felt like I was there.
June McCawley is a former pageant Queen who grew up here, left for the city and returns to her family’s farm. Grady Nash is a farm hand working for them during the harvest season. He’s forever moving on, never staying anywhere long in his quest to leave behind his horrific past. He has no intention of staying here any longer than the harvest, and hates his attraction to June from the moment he lays eyes on her.
‘She’s so inherently good that it makes my black heart beat a little differently.’
The chemistry between these two is explosive. June and Grady both have their demons, and are working through difficulties, but together they’re so much stronger and able to lean on each other. Their support and care for each other especially in the latter part of the book is lovely.
I loved the friendships and family within the story, and can’t wait to read Delia and Louise’s books! June has a very close relationship with her 2 best friends and they’re as much a part of her family as her twin brother and parents.
I highly, highly recommend reading this book!
Check your triggers as there are some heavier, sensitive topics dealt with.
Thank you so much Chelsie for the opportunity to read your beautiful debut in exchange for my honest review. It was an absolute pleasure!
Wow! What a debut!
This book reads like it’s by an author much further in their career. It’s a beautiful story that is so well written.
Golden Hour is set in very rural America- think very tiny country town rather than small town. I’ve never been to a place like this other than briefly driving through, but Chelsie describes it so well you can picture it really clearly. She treads that very fine line of too much description to hit a word count and enough that you can truly understand just perfectly- I never found myself wanting to skim or thinking anything was over described it that makes sense?! I could see and imagine Maple Creak so clearly, it felt like I was there.
June McCawley is a former pageant Queen who grew up here, left for the city and returns to her family’s farm. Grady Nash is a farm hand working for them during the harvest season. He’s forever moving on, never staying anywhere long in his quest to leave behind his horrific past. He has no intention of staying here any longer than the harvest, and hates his attraction to June from the moment he lays eyes on her.
‘She’s so inherently good that it makes my black heart beat a little differently.’
The chemistry between these two is explosive. June and Grady both have their demons, and are working through difficulties, but together they’re so much stronger and able to lean on each other. Their support and care for each other especially in the latter part of the book is lovely.
I loved the friendships and family within the story, and can’t wait to read Delia and Louise’s books! June has a very close relationship with her 2 best friends and they’re as much a part of her family as her twin brother and parents.
I highly, highly recommend reading this book!
Check your triggers as there are some heavier, sensitive topics dealt with.
Thank you so much Chelsie for the opportunity to read your beautiful debut in exchange for my honest review. It was an absolute pleasure!
June 21, 2023
Fantastic debut novel!!!
Chelsie absolutely crushed it with her debut novel! June is such a fiery character at times and still such a people pleaser too. It’s an odd combo but I love that she only got wild for Grady and he just brought out the mess in her in the best ways. I love the barbs these two shared in the story and how subtle hints of that continued even after they got together.
Grady was a surprise for me. I didn’t know if I’d like him as much as I did after the first 25% of the book. Probably cause his POV was limited to hating himself and being a pain to June but as he opened up more, he grew on me. And that man was something else in the spicy moments with June. He wasn’t super dominant daddy energy but definitely some BDE with how alpha and dominant he got with June while in bed. While I wouldn’t call June and Grady a a slow burn, it definitely was spice-forward but the spice we did get was perfect for them.
I really enjoyed that the whole journey for these two was about them finding themselves through their love for one another. I liked that the story didn’t really fit into the usual mold and it wasn’t quite what you’d expect. The story was angsty with a major push and pull between them throughout the whole book and it wasn’t really until the third act that they sorted themselves out and without any major external factor. That part surprised me cause I thought I would’ve needed some big plot point but I really didn’t. Chelsie set up a great potential for major conflict with Grady’s parents but it was nice in how that resolved in a more meaningful way rather than a blow up.
Chelsie absolutely crushed it with her debut novel! June is such a fiery character at times and still such a people pleaser too. It’s an odd combo but I love that she only got wild for Grady and he just brought out the mess in her in the best ways. I love the barbs these two shared in the story and how subtle hints of that continued even after they got together.
Grady was a surprise for me. I didn’t know if I’d like him as much as I did after the first 25% of the book. Probably cause his POV was limited to hating himself and being a pain to June but as he opened up more, he grew on me. And that man was something else in the spicy moments with June. He wasn’t super dominant daddy energy but definitely some BDE with how alpha and dominant he got with June while in bed. While I wouldn’t call June and Grady a a slow burn, it definitely was spice-forward but the spice we did get was perfect for them.
I really enjoyed that the whole journey for these two was about them finding themselves through their love for one another. I liked that the story didn’t really fit into the usual mold and it wasn’t quite what you’d expect. The story was angsty with a major push and pull between them throughout the whole book and it wasn’t really until the third act that they sorted themselves out and without any major external factor. That part surprised me cause I thought I would’ve needed some big plot point but I really didn’t. Chelsie set up a great potential for major conflict with Grady’s parents but it was nice in how that resolved in a more meaningful way rather than a blow up.
July 18, 2023
•Debut author
•Good girl x bad boy
•Small town romance
•Enemies to lovers
•Strong girl gang vibes
•Surprisingly emotional
So I picked this debut romance up because I’ve been following the instagrammer turned author, Chelsie for ages. The couple cover is drop-dead gorgeous & I’m a sucker for small town romances. Oh my! This debut blew me away! I fell in love with June and Grady’s romance and the whole cast of characters that came along with them. June is an unexpected mix of sassy & independent yet a self-sacrificing people pleaser. Grady is gruff on the outside but a tortured soul deep down. Something must be in the water because I found myself crying into my kindle yet again. So good! Can’t wait for the remaining 2 romances in the series!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Good girl x bad boy
•Small town romance
•Enemies to lovers
•Strong girl gang vibes
•Surprisingly emotional
So I picked this debut romance up because I’ve been following the instagrammer turned author, Chelsie for ages. The couple cover is drop-dead gorgeous & I’m a sucker for small town romances. Oh my! This debut blew me away! I fell in love with June and Grady’s romance and the whole cast of characters that came along with them. June is an unexpected mix of sassy & independent yet a self-sacrificing people pleaser. Grady is gruff on the outside but a tortured soul deep down. Something must be in the water because I found myself crying into my kindle yet again. So good! Can’t wait for the remaining 2 romances in the series!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 31, 2023
This was a debut novel?! DEBUT?! My gosh, this was incredible! The story felt so real & true to itself. I laughed, I cried, & I was absolutely consumed in this world & at the same time didn't want it to end.
If you've ever been in a pageant I think you'll relate a lot to June. I know I did. I related so much to her & her struggles. Feeling like the weight of a town is on your shoulders can be so daunting. Especially when it's a small town & everyone knows everyone & you're expected to uphold a certain image & can't ever truly be yourself.
Grady is from an abusive household with terrible parents & never knew love. Grady & June came from completely different worlds & each had their own struggles both internal & external. They helped each other to grow & heal & find out exactly who they were meant to be.
Another one of my favorite parts of this book is the friendships & found family. June, Delia, & Louise are what friendships are made of. "I don't know how many soulmates you're allowed to have in one lifetime, but I have at least two and that's non-negotiable." Also, Minnie. Everyone needs a Minnie in their life.
I'm so excited to read more in this series! This was an incredibly heartwarming story with a lot of emotion & love.
I received this book as an ARC & this is my honest review. I had been stepping back from ARC reading for a while because sometimes I just get overwhelmed & I'm a huge mood reader. Well, I wanted to read this book so badly, but I'm also incredibly hesitant when it comes to ARC reviewing for either an author that I haven't read yet or a new author. Wow, I am so glad I read this. Thank you, Chelsie! I loved it so much. Congratulations beautiful! You did the damn thing & I'm so proud of you. Now I will be "patiently" waiting for book 2.
If you've ever been in a pageant I think you'll relate a lot to June. I know I did. I related so much to her & her struggles. Feeling like the weight of a town is on your shoulders can be so daunting. Especially when it's a small town & everyone knows everyone & you're expected to uphold a certain image & can't ever truly be yourself.
Grady is from an abusive household with terrible parents & never knew love. Grady & June came from completely different worlds & each had their own struggles both internal & external. They helped each other to grow & heal & find out exactly who they were meant to be.
Another one of my favorite parts of this book is the friendships & found family. June, Delia, & Louise are what friendships are made of. "I don't know how many soulmates you're allowed to have in one lifetime, but I have at least two and that's non-negotiable." Also, Minnie. Everyone needs a Minnie in their life.
I'm so excited to read more in this series! This was an incredibly heartwarming story with a lot of emotion & love.
I received this book as an ARC & this is my honest review. I had been stepping back from ARC reading for a while because sometimes I just get overwhelmed & I'm a huge mood reader. Well, I wanted to read this book so badly, but I'm also incredibly hesitant when it comes to ARC reviewing for either an author that I haven't read yet or a new author. Wow, I am so glad I read this. Thank you, Chelsie! I loved it so much. Congratulations beautiful! You did the damn thing & I'm so proud of you. Now I will be "patiently" waiting for book 2.
June 23, 2023
Grady and June 🤍 An amazing debut
How is this Chelsie’s debut novel?! I don’t understand!! Not only is the story fantastic but she’s created this world I need to be a part of!
5/5 stars
2/5 peppers
Tropes: small town, broken boy, enemies to lovers, good girl/bad boy, found family
Grady and June are like oil and vinegar. She’s the town princess while he’s the drifter who’s wandered in to work for her family for the harvest. From the minute they meet two things are clear, one, they both find the other hot, and two they can’t stand each other. Their relationship was very much I want you so I’m going to be mean to you. And I’m HERE for it. Because once that tension finally snaps 🔥
Can I say how obsessed I was with this friend group. Well honestly everyone in Maple Creek now has my heart but especially these three girls. June, Delia and Louise. I want to be their friends and sit on their porch. I cannot wait for Delia and Louise’s books. I cannot wait to see what else Chelsie brings us. If this is her debut I see only amazing things to come.
Love you girl! You amaze me.
How is this Chelsie’s debut novel?! I don’t understand!! Not only is the story fantastic but she’s created this world I need to be a part of!
5/5 stars
2/5 peppers
Tropes: small town, broken boy, enemies to lovers, good girl/bad boy, found family
Grady and June are like oil and vinegar. She’s the town princess while he’s the drifter who’s wandered in to work for her family for the harvest. From the minute they meet two things are clear, one, they both find the other hot, and two they can’t stand each other. Their relationship was very much I want you so I’m going to be mean to you. And I’m HERE for it. Because once that tension finally snaps 🔥
Can I say how obsessed I was with this friend group. Well honestly everyone in Maple Creek now has my heart but especially these three girls. June, Delia and Louise. I want to be their friends and sit on their porch. I cannot wait for Delia and Louise’s books. I cannot wait to see what else Chelsie brings us. If this is her debut I see only amazing things to come.
Love you girl! You amaze me.
May 29, 2023
“I spent my whole life being told I was going to do something extraordinary, but at the end of the day, all I really want is ordinary. And it took a while for me to learn that there’s nothing wrong with that.”
I often feel that small town romances use their towns quaintness as a crutch so the author can make the people small too. Chelsie didn’t do that. She made Maple Creek a character itself. She understands the intricacies of small town life - the good and the hard. The beautiful and the trucks on the lawn. She doesn’t shy away from it and paint it with rose colored glasses but shows you how special that character is to the thread of the whole story.
Her characters are human. They have quirkiness and vulnerability. They have trauma and humanity. They are everything you want from a small town romance.
I loved this debut book. Thank you Chelsie for trusting me with an advanced copy. I am beyond excited for the rest of the Porch Bitches stories too. I am also going to go find some apple pie- and maybe sit on my porch for awhile.
I often feel that small town romances use their towns quaintness as a crutch so the author can make the people small too. Chelsie didn’t do that. She made Maple Creek a character itself. She understands the intricacies of small town life - the good and the hard. The beautiful and the trucks on the lawn. She doesn’t shy away from it and paint it with rose colored glasses but shows you how special that character is to the thread of the whole story.
Her characters are human. They have quirkiness and vulnerability. They have trauma and humanity. They are everything you want from a small town romance.
I loved this debut book. Thank you Chelsie for trusting me with an advanced copy. I am beyond excited for the rest of the Porch Bitches stories too. I am also going to go find some apple pie- and maybe sit on my porch for awhile.
July 4, 2023
Well, I’m officially in my Porch Bitch era.
“For as long as I can remember, sitting on the front porch felt like a religious experience.”
This book was like chicken noodle soup for the soul and made me stupid in all the best ways. The love between this group of girls is unmatched. I saw myself in all of them, but especially Delia. Which btw, I can’t wait for her book!
“This goddamn woman had to show up with her generous eyes and smart mouth, blowing all my plans to hell.”
The way that Grady loves June makes me squeal with delight. I mean, he’s obsessed with her freckles & brown eyes, so obviously I respect that. And the angst between the two of them burns so hot you just know it’s going to erupt in this cataclysmic, soul shattering way in which you won’t be disappointed.
“His voice is a low growl when he says, “Fucking finally,” and then takes my mouth in the most all-consuming, intense kiss I’ve ever experienced.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“For as long as I can remember, sitting on the front porch felt like a religious experience.”
This book was like chicken noodle soup for the soul and made me stupid in all the best ways. The love between this group of girls is unmatched. I saw myself in all of them, but especially Delia. Which btw, I can’t wait for her book!
“This goddamn woman had to show up with her generous eyes and smart mouth, blowing all my plans to hell.”
The way that Grady loves June makes me squeal with delight. I mean, he’s obsessed with her freckles & brown eyes, so obviously I respect that. And the angst between the two of them burns so hot you just know it’s going to erupt in this cataclysmic, soul shattering way in which you won’t be disappointed.
“His voice is a low growl when he says, “Fucking finally,” and then takes my mouth in the most all-consuming, intense kiss I’ve ever experienced.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 26, 2023
Absolutely obsessed!! The bickering and sweet talking was so captivating it had me sucked in. June and Grady are the cutest couple and have surpassed to the top of my favorite couples list! Small town romances are my favorite so this book already had a bit of an advantage…but it has exceeded all other books for me!
The spice and the enemies to lovers was portrayed exceptionally! This book is perfect for you if you love the spice but not too much of it. It was so exciting reading about the budding romance between June and Grady, but the friendships between the girls and the blossoming friendships between the boys had me squealing with excitement!
I’m so so proud of Chelsie and her debut novel! I am so excited to read Delia’s book and get sucked back into the world of Maple Creek!
Golden Hour is released on June 20th so y’all better clear your TBR now!!
The spice and the enemies to lovers was portrayed exceptionally! This book is perfect for you if you love the spice but not too much of it. It was so exciting reading about the budding romance between June and Grady, but the friendships between the girls and the blossoming friendships between the boys had me squealing with excitement!
I’m so so proud of Chelsie and her debut novel! I am so excited to read Delia’s book and get sucked back into the world of Maple Creek!
Golden Hour is released on June 20th so y’all better clear your TBR now!!
June 20, 2023
June and Grady are just such great characters. They have so much depth and detail and passion to them. The town itself is one you can envision and picture and is everything true small town life is like.
Chelsie Hart not only gave life to these character but created a world and town I want to spend all my time in. The banter was phenomenal. The descriptors were perfect. Maple Creek is where I want to be sitting on the porch with June and her girls.
This book was such a breath of fresh air. There was so much heart and soul poured into these pages. It did NOT feel like a debut novel at all. I can not wait to see what Chelsie has next because this was simply enchanting to read.
Please give this debut author a shot, I’m sure she will win you over too!
Chelsie Hart not only gave life to these character but created a world and town I want to spend all my time in. The banter was phenomenal. The descriptors were perfect. Maple Creek is where I want to be sitting on the porch with June and her girls.
This book was such a breath of fresh air. There was so much heart and soul poured into these pages. It did NOT feel like a debut novel at all. I can not wait to see what Chelsie has next because this was simply enchanting to read.
Please give this debut author a shot, I’m sure she will win you over too!
January 30, 2024
I read Golden Hour after seeing all the hype about Wilder Days releasing soon and I wanted to hop into it. I am blown away to find this is Chelsie Harts debut novel. It read as though she’s been writing and publishing novels forever. Well done!
I wasn’t a huge fan of Grady’s character. I know his asshole persona is for a reason, based on his past and upbringing but there were times I was thinking good grief you don’t have to be such an ass to June. Lol. I get it, I totally get why his character was the way he was but that’s just my opinion! Now, June’s character? I loved her. I love her girl gang. I love Delia and Louise’s characters.
I thought this book set a wonderful starting point for the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to reading about Delia and Kacey. I can’t wait to finally know what went down between those 2. I really hope Louise gets her own book in the future too.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Grady’s character. I know his asshole persona is for a reason, based on his past and upbringing but there were times I was thinking good grief you don’t have to be such an ass to June. Lol. I get it, I totally get why his character was the way he was but that’s just my opinion! Now, June’s character? I loved her. I love her girl gang. I love Delia and Louise’s characters.
I thought this book set a wonderful starting point for the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to reading about Delia and Kacey. I can’t wait to finally know what went down between those 2. I really hope Louise gets her own book in the future too.
June 24, 2023
Wow! I need more!
Wow! I cannot believe this is Chelsie’s first published book! It’s INSANELY good… like, I devoured it in less than 24 hours, good! The writing is truly flawless and these characters… gosh… they’re so real, so we’ll formed, so endearing… their story is so compelling - and it’s like a warm hug. I just want to climb inside this book and never leave. I need more, SO much more! Chelsie I hope you have a porch full of bitches to write for us because I will read everything you publish! Just fantastic!
Wow! I cannot believe this is Chelsie’s first published book! It’s INSANELY good… like, I devoured it in less than 24 hours, good! The writing is truly flawless and these characters… gosh… they’re so real, so we’ll formed, so endearing… their story is so compelling - and it’s like a warm hug. I just want to climb inside this book and never leave. I need more, SO much more! Chelsie I hope you have a porch full of bitches to write for us because I will read everything you publish! Just fantastic!
July 8, 2023
4.5⭐ this was a DEBUT?
Chelsie girl you knocked it out of the park.
small town, return to hometown, dislike to love, forced proximity/workplace (he works on her dads farm), found family, cool ass girl gang, opposites attract, he bathes her🥵
These characters felt like real people. The town was perfectly created, the girl gang and family dynamic was executed perfectly.
Their struggles were so real and handled with the utmost of care.
I truly loved it.
And the epilogues? I'm a puddle.
I need every other book in this series because I'm SO invested.
I have so many notes about this so stay tuned xoxo
1. This man's VISCERAL reaction the first time he saw her?? He had no intention of staying but immediately thought "hmmm maybe I'll rethink that" just from SEEING her? stunning
2. The way the characters slowly reveal themselves was REALLY well done (hello Grady had so many friggen layers to him, and I LOVE June).
3. She's the princess of the town and they all put her on a pedestal. She goes to town in sweats and gets so many insults, but his first thought is "she looks so fucking cute" I CAN'T 🥰🥰
4. The back and forth was tiresome at some points but the payoff is OH SO GOOD
5. The second half of this book is utter perfection in my eyes. Him going to her when he needs her when he's never gone to anyone?? stunning
6. THE SMUT??? YALL THE SMUT? WITH THE CROWN? some of the hottest shit i've read (the dichotomy of the prim & proper princess coming undone for him? I'm on my knees)
7. Her father is everything to me! Found family will always hit for me
"I never knew what kind of man I was until I met June McCawley."
"Maybe I was uniquely designed to understand her. I see her, and I mean really see her. The tarnished pieces of me call out to her virtue in some fucked up idea that if we're together, maybe we'll finally be whole."
"I'm tired of being scared, and you make me brave. I'm tired of hating myself, and you give me love. I'm tired of running, and you give me rest."
Chelsie girl you knocked it out of the park.
small town, return to hometown, dislike to love, forced proximity/workplace (he works on her dads farm), found family, cool ass girl gang, opposites attract, he bathes her🥵
These characters felt like real people. The town was perfectly created, the girl gang and family dynamic was executed perfectly.
Their struggles were so real and handled with the utmost of care.
I truly loved it.
And the epilogues? I'm a puddle.
I need every other book in this series because I'm SO invested.
I have so many notes about this so stay tuned xoxo
1. This man's VISCERAL reaction the first time he saw her?? He had no intention of staying but immediately thought "hmmm maybe I'll rethink that" just from SEEING her? stunning
2. The way the characters slowly reveal themselves was REALLY well done (hello Grady had so many friggen layers to him, and I LOVE June).
3. She's the princess of the town and they all put her on a pedestal. She goes to town in sweats and gets so many insults, but his first thought is "she looks so fucking cute" I CAN'T 🥰🥰
4. The back and forth was tiresome at some points but the payoff is OH SO GOOD
5. The second half of this book is utter perfection in my eyes. Him going to her when he needs her when he's never gone to anyone?? stunning
6. THE SMUT??? YALL THE SMUT? WITH THE CROWN? some of the hottest shit i've read (the dichotomy of the prim & proper princess coming undone for him? I'm on my knees)
7. Her father is everything to me! Found family will always hit for me
"I never knew what kind of man I was until I met June McCawley."
"Maybe I was uniquely designed to understand her. I see her, and I mean really see her. The tarnished pieces of me call out to her virtue in some fucked up idea that if we're together, maybe we'll finally be whole."
"I'm tired of being scared, and you make me brave. I'm tired of hating myself, and you give me love. I'm tired of running, and you give me rest."
June 24, 2023
It’s about the vibes. As we all know, I’m a sucker for the banter. This book had me grinning so much, I love the back and forth, the angst, the slow burn, ugh. Loved June and Grady so much.
August 3, 2023
This book is beautifully written, love it
June 20, 2023
I loved this story so much!
I had wanted to read this story ever since I saw the cover. Something about it just spoke to me. And let me tell you Chelsie ate and left no crumbs with her debut novel!!
Small town romance, but make it enemies to lovers. YES PLEASE. June and Grady’s relationship is spicy with a side of sweet. Let’s just say I will be getting a crown 🥵👌🏻 Grady’s protectiveness over June is just swoon worthy. June is a spitball and not to be messed with! And her found family with her two best friends is to die for. Chelsie really brought out all the feels with Golden Hour. I laughed, I cried, and I laughed some more.
I can not wait to read the rest of the Porch Bitches stories.
Thank you for the ARC Chelsie, you are the best! 💛
I had wanted to read this story ever since I saw the cover. Something about it just spoke to me. And let me tell you Chelsie ate and left no crumbs with her debut novel!!
Small town romance, but make it enemies to lovers. YES PLEASE. June and Grady’s relationship is spicy with a side of sweet. Let’s just say I will be getting a crown 🥵👌🏻 Grady’s protectiveness over June is just swoon worthy. June is a spitball and not to be messed with! And her found family with her two best friends is to die for. Chelsie really brought out all the feels with Golden Hour. I laughed, I cried, and I laughed some more.
I can not wait to read the rest of the Porch Bitches stories.
Thank you for the ARC Chelsie, you are the best! 💛
June 20, 2023
THIS BOOK!!
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. It was so good there were parts of my that related to all of the girls and it was crazy to me. Grady never stood a chance with his original plans of leaving Maple Creek when the time came, not where June was involved. Her tight jeans were enough to keep him there (iykyk)
i love how June found her voice and wasn’t afraid to truly be herself around Grady and tell him how it was and gave him hell
the epilogues were perfect and had me crying
Chelsie did such an amazing job with this being her debut novel and honestly it was so good & im amazed it was the first novel she’s written
i cannot wait for Delia’s book
5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
tropes:
- slow burn
- small town
- enemies to lovers
- found family
- forced proximity
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. It was so good there were parts of my that related to all of the girls and it was crazy to me. Grady never stood a chance with his original plans of leaving Maple Creek when the time came, not where June was involved. Her tight jeans were enough to keep him there (iykyk)
i love how June found her voice and wasn’t afraid to truly be herself around Grady and tell him how it was and gave him hell
the epilogues were perfect and had me crying
Chelsie did such an amazing job with this being her debut novel and honestly it was so good & im amazed it was the first novel she’s written
i cannot wait for Delia’s book
5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
tropes:
- slow burn
- small town
- enemies to lovers
- found family
- forced proximity
June 11, 2023
June + Grady
5⭐️
3🌶
✨enemies to lovers
✨forced proximity
✨small town
✨broken boy + good girl
✨found family
✨no third act breakup
Chelsie’s debut novel and WOW. SO GOOD.
This story is top tier blue collar, small town romance. A pageant queen and a “temporary” farm hand. Two people, who from the outside look like they don’t have much in common but in reality they do. They are both looking to be accepted and loved for who they truly are.
Deep down, we all have a little (or a lot) of June in us. Trying to be everything for everyone, to be what others perceive us to be, and doing the most so we don’t let our loved ones down. But while doing this we lose ourself.
I am a sucker for a broken boy and Grady is ittttttt. He is a rough, brooding, dirty talking country boy and I am here for it.
June’s best friends, Louise + Delia are my best friends too, they feel so real.
I am SO EXCITED for the next Porch Bitch book.
Thank you Chelsie for the ARC, I am obsessed and invested. You’re a gem.
5⭐️
3🌶
✨enemies to lovers
✨forced proximity
✨small town
✨broken boy + good girl
✨found family
✨no third act breakup
Chelsie’s debut novel and WOW. SO GOOD.
This story is top tier blue collar, small town romance. A pageant queen and a “temporary” farm hand. Two people, who from the outside look like they don’t have much in common but in reality they do. They are both looking to be accepted and loved for who they truly are.
Deep down, we all have a little (or a lot) of June in us. Trying to be everything for everyone, to be what others perceive us to be, and doing the most so we don’t let our loved ones down. But while doing this we lose ourself.
I am a sucker for a broken boy and Grady is ittttttt. He is a rough, brooding, dirty talking country boy and I am here for it.
June’s best friends, Louise + Delia are my best friends too, they feel so real.
I am SO EXCITED for the next Porch Bitch book.
Thank you Chelsie for the ARC, I am obsessed and invested. You’re a gem.
September 28, 2023
Golden hour is about a girl, June, that comes back home to her small town and is trying to figure out where she fits. Grady is someone who is just passing through. He’s working on June’s family farm and running from his past. They both try hard to hate the other but something is pulling them together…
So. Good. Love small town. Love enemies to lovers. The banter was so good plus the banter amongst the friend was so funny! I loved how much the “side” characters were involved in the book so it made the book more interesting.
Loved being apart of Chelsies ARC team, she’s so sweet and I can tell she put everything into this book!
Can’t wait for Delia’s book!
Update: It is still so good the second time around!
@withabookandtea
So. Good. Love small town. Love enemies to lovers. The banter was so good plus the banter amongst the friend was so funny! I loved how much the “side” characters were involved in the book so it made the book more interesting.
Loved being apart of Chelsies ARC team, she’s so sweet and I can tell she put everything into this book!
Can’t wait for Delia’s book!
Update: It is still so good the second time around!
@withabookandtea
June 23, 2023
Grady is running from his past and June is running home. They both run to June’s hometown of Maple Creek. June, Maple Creek’s golden child, is coming back not so golden. Grady is working on the McCawley family ranch to make some money and keep moving. Grady has heard about June and knows that she is a pageant queen and golden child. As soon as he sees her, he instantly hates her. He doesn’t want any reason to stay. June doesn’t take Grady’s hostility lying down and is able to dish his hatred right back to him. As Grady feels more like a family member than a worker in the McCawley family, he can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be part of the family. No matter how much they annoy each other, June and Grady can’t help but to also be drawn to each other as well. As they find out more about each other, they are able to help the other person overcome their pasts and move forward in a healthy way. Are they able to move forward enough to form a strong relationship?
WOW! This is Chelsie Hart’s debut novel but it does not read like a debut novel at all! I felt drawn from the first page. Also, June and Grady’s hostility was almost palpable! It was so evident that they found the other person attractive but they let that hostility linger until the last possible moment. I loved the “side” characters in the book as well. They felt like full, full of life characters that have their own lives and problems. You could feel the love of June’s family and the strong friendship between the porch bitches. Lately, I have noticed authors writing badass female friendships and I am HERE FOR IT! Golden Hour depicts what I expect a small town to be like where everyone knows you, everyone knows your business, and everyone pulls together to help. This book delivers romance, family, banter, and friendship. I feel like I can’t say enough good things about this book without ruining the ending. If you like to read about small-town, enemies-to-lovers, female friendship, farmers, and family, you need to pick up this book immediately! I look forward to reading about the other porch bitches and their men!
November 22, 2023
My TBR is neverending, but this is one of those books I wish I would've checked off the list so much sooner than I did. After having it recommended several times I knew it'd probably be a good one-- I just never expected to fall so head over heels in love as swift or as thoroughly as I did.
June is one of those characters that you can't help but root for, especially considering (for me at least) she was so incredibly relatable. Despite living very different lives, I saw so much of myself in her. I think I would've become wholly invested in her story, regardless, but it certainly made the entire read feel more personal.
And Grady... Grady Nash has claimed himself a permanent place in my roster of all time favorite book boyfriends. His story is heartbreaking to the extreme, and his walls almost impenetrable because of it, but for all he'd suffered and all he'd messed up along the way he was so inherently good deep down. So starved to love and be loved, even if he couldn't admit it.
I found their interactions so entertaining while the book was still firmly in "dislike" territory before reaching "lovers", and getting a glimpse at Grady's POV even while he was doing everything he could to push June away offered such rewarding insight.
Honestly, all of the characters are a huge part of what sold me on this book so completely. Yes, June and Grady are the stars of the show, but there genuinely wasn't a single side character who didn't warm my heart and add something vital to the book. The found family theme is so strong in this one, and I would go to battle for the girl gang trio that is June, Louise, and Delia. I seriously can't wait to see the rest of their stories unfold in later books.
This was such a knockout debut where Hart wove together the threads of their story in a way that made such perfect sense, and I can safely say the rest of the series will be on my auto-buy list.
If you love found family, small town romance, bad boy meets good girl, mutual healing, dislike to lovers, and forced proximity don't pull a me-- grab this book and start reading ASAP.
June is one of those characters that you can't help but root for, especially considering (for me at least) she was so incredibly relatable. Despite living very different lives, I saw so much of myself in her. I think I would've become wholly invested in her story, regardless, but it certainly made the entire read feel more personal.
And Grady... Grady Nash has claimed himself a permanent place in my roster of all time favorite book boyfriends. His story is heartbreaking to the extreme, and his walls almost impenetrable because of it, but for all he'd suffered and all he'd messed up along the way he was so inherently good deep down. So starved to love and be loved, even if he couldn't admit it.
I found their interactions so entertaining while the book was still firmly in "dislike" territory before reaching "lovers", and getting a glimpse at Grady's POV even while he was doing everything he could to push June away offered such rewarding insight.
Honestly, all of the characters are a huge part of what sold me on this book so completely. Yes, June and Grady are the stars of the show, but there genuinely wasn't a single side character who didn't warm my heart and add something vital to the book. The found family theme is so strong in this one, and I would go to battle for the girl gang trio that is June, Louise, and Delia. I seriously can't wait to see the rest of their stories unfold in later books.
This was such a knockout debut where Hart wove together the threads of their story in a way that made such perfect sense, and I can safely say the rest of the series will be on my auto-buy list.
If you love found family, small town romance, bad boy meets good girl, mutual healing, dislike to lovers, and forced proximity don't pull a me-- grab this book and start reading ASAP.
July 20, 2023
I feel so lucky to have gotten an ARC of this book. I loved it from the very beginning.
June has returned home to her family's farm. She will be working there as she figures out what she wants to do next. June is a former beauty queen and is feeling the pressure of expectations from the people who love her in her small town. Grady is the new hire at her family farm and he is immediately drawn to June but he is impossibly rude to her and he acts like he hates her. The spend most of the first half of the book fighting and hating each other.
Grady has a tragic past and he doesn't feel like he deserves love or kindness. He is finding both of those things in Maple Creek with the Crawley family but he fights it. Part of him fighting that is him fighting with June, he knows she has the ability to change everything for him, but he is terrified of that prospect too.
Grady and June slowly morph from enemies to kind of friends and then to a romance. When Grady finally lets his guard down, he and June together are just perfect. He encourages her to be messy and drop the perfection and she shows him he is worthy of love.
I was also in love with the small town of Maple Creek and June's friend group. The porch bitches were amazing and I want to be one of them. It was such a beautiful story of female friendship, how they were all different but still they would do anything to protect each other.
I also love how the other books in the series are set up in this book and I look forward to reading the rest of them!
This book talks about a lot of heavy topics, so I would check trigger warnings before reading. This story is so beautifully told I was in a bit of a book hangover after reading it. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR!
June has returned home to her family's farm. She will be working there as she figures out what she wants to do next. June is a former beauty queen and is feeling the pressure of expectations from the people who love her in her small town. Grady is the new hire at her family farm and he is immediately drawn to June but he is impossibly rude to her and he acts like he hates her. The spend most of the first half of the book fighting and hating each other.
Grady has a tragic past and he doesn't feel like he deserves love or kindness. He is finding both of those things in Maple Creek with the Crawley family but he fights it. Part of him fighting that is him fighting with June, he knows she has the ability to change everything for him, but he is terrified of that prospect too.
Grady and June slowly morph from enemies to kind of friends and then to a romance. When Grady finally lets his guard down, he and June together are just perfect. He encourages her to be messy and drop the perfection and she shows him he is worthy of love.
I was also in love with the small town of Maple Creek and June's friend group. The porch bitches were amazing and I want to be one of them. It was such a beautiful story of female friendship, how they were all different but still they would do anything to protect each other.
I also love how the other books in the series are set up in this book and I look forward to reading the rest of them!
This book talks about a lot of heavy topics, so I would check trigger warnings before reading. This story is so beautifully told I was in a bit of a book hangover after reading it. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR!
August 1, 2023
I read this book because I'd seen Chelsie promote it on social media and was really intrigued by the story. And I'm glad I did read it because I loved it!
Golden Hour is about June, a baker who moved to the city but now returns home to Maple Creek, the small country, farming town where she grew up. When she's back home, she's reunited with her two best friends, Delia and Louise, and her family. June begins working on her family farm whilst also working in the local café with Minnie, who is like a grandmother to June.
But there's a newcomer at the farm in the form of Grady. He's a bit of a mystery, a bit of a closed book, and was just planning to work at the farm and then carry on his way. However, when he meets June, Grady starts wanting to stick around and get to know her.
The two of them have their own insecurities and their own troubled pasts but it was great to see how they overcame them in their own way but also together. I really liked June's character and the scene in the café when she just tells the town what's on her mind - loved it!
The same with Grady, he's had a tough life and is trying to make the most out of it despite not thinking he deserves it. But he finally learns to accept who he is and what he's done and move on from that.
I must say the only bit I was disappointed in was whether or not the issues surrounding Grady's parents were properly sold. But overlooking that, this book was so good!
It's spicy, it's sweet, it's country!
Golden Hour is about June, a baker who moved to the city but now returns home to Maple Creek, the small country, farming town where she grew up. When she's back home, she's reunited with her two best friends, Delia and Louise, and her family. June begins working on her family farm whilst also working in the local café with Minnie, who is like a grandmother to June.
But there's a newcomer at the farm in the form of Grady. He's a bit of a mystery, a bit of a closed book, and was just planning to work at the farm and then carry on his way. However, when he meets June, Grady starts wanting to stick around and get to know her.
The two of them have their own insecurities and their own troubled pasts but it was great to see how they overcame them in their own way but also together. I really liked June's character and the scene in the café when she just tells the town what's on her mind - loved it!
The same with Grady, he's had a tough life and is trying to make the most out of it despite not thinking he deserves it. But he finally learns to accept who he is and what he's done and move on from that.
I must say the only bit I was disappointed in was whether or not the issues surrounding Grady's parents were properly sold. But overlooking that, this book was so good!
It's spicy, it's sweet, it's country!
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