What do you think?
Rate this book
Northfield #1
The Other Side of Forever
A steamy, single dad, grumpy-sunshine, small-town romance in the charming standalone debut of the Northfield series by Norah Pritchard.
If we get what we think we deserve, maybe it’s time to ask for more.
Pediatric nurse Allie Hart is no stranger to failed relationships. The women in her family are notorious for their bad marriages, but as Allie is confronted with evidence of her own mistakes, she must face an uncomfortable truth: maybe you get what you think you deserve.
Determined to start fresh with a move back to her tiny hometown, Allie’s plans hit a snag when she meets her grumpy and all-too-sexy landlord, Davis Henderson. She didn’t count on seeing him every day, or the evidence that he might just be the best man she knows.
Sometimes life gives us a Second Chance at Love.
Widower Davis Henderson lives and breathes for his kids, but when Allie literally falls unexpectedly into his arms the first time they meet, he is struck by an unexplained desire to stick around and help her and her son settle in.
As the two families get to know each other, they begin to see that what they really want is right in front of them, if they could only find a way to let go of the past that’s holding them back.
If we get what we think we deserve, maybe it’s time to ask for more.
Pediatric nurse Allie Hart is no stranger to failed relationships. The women in her family are notorious for their bad marriages, but as Allie is confronted with evidence of her own mistakes, she must face an uncomfortable truth: maybe you get what you think you deserve.
Determined to start fresh with a move back to her tiny hometown, Allie’s plans hit a snag when she meets her grumpy and all-too-sexy landlord, Davis Henderson. She didn’t count on seeing him every day, or the evidence that he might just be the best man she knows.
Sometimes life gives us a Second Chance at Love.
Widower Davis Henderson lives and breathes for his kids, but when Allie literally falls unexpectedly into his arms the first time they meet, he is struck by an unexplained desire to stick around and help her and her son settle in.
As the two families get to know each other, they begin to see that what they really want is right in front of them, if they could only find a way to let go of the past that’s holding them back.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 8, 2023
A new author I'm going to keep my eye on! I really enjoyed this slowburn with low angst set in a small town, single mom, widower and great family dynamics. The writing and pace was engaging, I couldn't stop reading.
September 4, 2024
I was initially excited about this because it’s a single mom x single dad trope. But AGAIN a hard lesson to be learned is that don’t expect anything because this book was a massive disappointment.
Allie (26) is a recently divorced single mom. She moved back into her hometown with her son Sammy who’s just the sweetest.
There, she met the hot landlord Davis (38) who’s a widowed single dad. Just that, widowed single dad I instantly feel the ick and my fears were proven right because Davis loved and will always love his ex-wife, would not take off his wedding ring even after years of her gone, now that is fine and all butAllie hasn’t felt that kind of love in her marriage. Davis here experienced a great love but Allie doesn’t have a fraction of that in her previous marriage. And it just baffles me because even in a single mom trope, authors can still incorporate double standard, huh 🧍♀️
What pissed me off more was that Davis was giving mixed signals. Very mixed signals, one moment he’ll kiss Allie then the next he’ll say it’s a mistake, one moment he’ll act all jealous and possessive but when Allie took the plunged and asked him point blank if he wants to give what they’re feeling for each other a try, he said he’s not sure. It goes on and on for like 75% of the book anddd I’m like man fuck you! Allie was the main pursuer and honestly comes a little desperate now.
It’s Allie who keeps inviting him to dinner, to hang out, to anything and it’s Davis who keeps hesitating, saying no, agreeing then bolting. Now, I love me an assertive woman but I believe there’s a line between assertive and pathetically desperately.
This have a third act break up because of the stupidest of reasons and anyways I’m tired of men like Davis both irl and fiction.
—Some swoons quotes (🤢)
“I have to go, but I’ll be back in the morning,” he whispered, low and fierce. She tried to read the meaning of that in his eyes, but the shadows were too deep.
She nodded, wondering which version of this man would show up at her door tomorrow morning.
—> This just proved that Davis is a walking red flag because for a woman to wonder WHICH version of him would show up tomorrow…oh I’ve heard this song before.
“I don’t feel very capable. I’m falling in love with him, but I’m not sure he’s on the same page,” she said glumly.
“He will be,” Rosa murmured knowingly. “He’s scared.”
“Probably,” Allie poked at the bubbles in the pancake.
“He must have loved his wife very much. He doesn’t want to get close to anyone and risk losing them again.”
“I know.” Allie sighed.
—> 🥺This feels so very romantic awww (barf) Also I hate it when side characters encourage FMC to fuckin give the walking red flag MMC a chance! And it’s usually a female character who does this and I just wanna go into the book and whack their heads because that’s not what our ancestors meant when they said female empowerment.
Allie (26) is a recently divorced single mom. She moved back into her hometown with her son Sammy who’s just the sweetest.
There, she met the hot landlord Davis (38) who’s a widowed single dad. Just that, widowed single dad I instantly feel the ick and my fears were proven right because Davis loved and will always love his ex-wife, would not take off his wedding ring even after years of her gone, now that is fine and all butAllie hasn’t felt that kind of love in her marriage. Davis here experienced a great love but Allie doesn’t have a fraction of that in her previous marriage. And it just baffles me because even in a single mom trope, authors can still incorporate double standard, huh 🧍♀️
What pissed me off more was that Davis was giving mixed signals. Very mixed signals, one moment he’ll kiss Allie then the next he’ll say it’s a mistake, one moment he’ll act all jealous and possessive but when Allie took the plunged and asked him point blank if he wants to give what they’re feeling for each other a try, he said he’s not sure. It goes on and on for like 75% of the book anddd I’m like man fuck you! Allie was the main pursuer and honestly comes a little desperate now.
It’s Allie who keeps inviting him to dinner, to hang out, to anything and it’s Davis who keeps hesitating, saying no, agreeing then bolting. Now, I love me an assertive woman but I believe there’s a line between assertive and pathetically desperately.
This have a third act break up because of the stupidest of reasons and anyways I’m tired of men like Davis both irl and fiction.
—Some swoons quotes (🤢)
“I have to go, but I’ll be back in the morning,” he whispered, low and fierce. She tried to read the meaning of that in his eyes, but the shadows were too deep.
She nodded, wondering which version of this man would show up at her door tomorrow morning.
—> This just proved that Davis is a walking red flag because for a woman to wonder WHICH version of him would show up tomorrow…oh I’ve heard this song before.
“I don’t feel very capable. I’m falling in love with him, but I’m not sure he’s on the same page,” she said glumly.
“He will be,” Rosa murmured knowingly. “He’s scared.”
“Probably,” Allie poked at the bubbles in the pancake.
“He must have loved his wife very much. He doesn’t want to get close to anyone and risk losing them again.”
“I know.” Allie sighed.
—> 🥺This feels so very romantic awww (barf) Also I hate it when side characters encourage FMC to fuckin give the walking red flag MMC a chance! And it’s usually a female character who does this and I just wanna go into the book and whack their heads because that’s not what our ancestors meant when they said female empowerment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
Allie’s marriage has just blown up in a spectacular fashion and she moves back home to her charming childhood town, with her young son. Davis is a widower, hard worker, and amazing dad, so hunkered down in his day to day that he’s missing out on a full life and real joy.
Am I still swooning over this sunshine/grump, small town, steamy romance? Yes I am! This debut novel is a perfectly seasoned recipe of sweet and spice, humor and self-discovery, ease and tension. Speaking of recipes…I will never again make an apple pie without blushing! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Allie and Davis shine as the flirty stars, but the side characters - from the kids, to the inappropriate aunties, a firecracker sister, and hottie friends - all added so much to the small town feel, and set the stage for a sequel. So well done!
.
Rep of chronic illness/T1D
CW: death of a spouse, infidelity
Am I still swooning over this sunshine/grump, small town, steamy romance? Yes I am! This debut novel is a perfectly seasoned recipe of sweet and spice, humor and self-discovery, ease and tension. Speaking of recipes…I will never again make an apple pie without blushing! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Allie and Davis shine as the flirty stars, but the side characters - from the kids, to the inappropriate aunties, a firecracker sister, and hottie friends - all added so much to the small town feel, and set the stage for a sequel. So well done!
.
Rep of chronic illness/T1D
CW: death of a spouse, infidelity
April 24, 2024
3.5 stars. Cute, small town, slow burn romance. Debut romance by new author. Allie/Davis are the main characters. Both parents with young children. She's divorced, he's a widower. I enjoyed the story even though it was a bit slow at times in the beginning. Then there were a few stumbles in this story along the way where a better proofread would have helped. The wrong word inserted into a sentence, and then later in the story Allie mentions she'd have to get Davis to wear a dresshirt so she could see his forearms with the sleeves rolled up. 🤔 Davis had already worn a dresshirt and slacks on their first date a few chapters earlier. But that aside, I'd like to read book 2. Allie's bold, flirty sister, Amber, is up next. Likeable kids and side characters makes for potential fun in future books.
. .
. .
July 2, 2023
Wowww this book is so dang good! The love, loss, and the chance at finding love again. I liked that both MCs were single parents rather than just one, but the slow burn was great.
August 2, 2023
'Sweet as apple pie' is no longer a phrase I'll be using 👀. I don't think I'll be able to look at an apple pie without getting ✨flustered✨. This was a very cute blended family story in a small town setting. A delicious level of slow burn, my personal fave. And did I mention BASEBALL DAD? Swoon.
Being picky, it skipped a bit too quickly through the first half but really found its rhythm in the second. A great debut, I'll definitely be reading the follow up.
Being picky, it skipped a bit too quickly through the first half but really found its rhythm in the second. A great debut, I'll definitely be reading the follow up.
September 3, 2023
3.5⭐️ Small town is my jam and this one was cute. Rounding up bc the issues I had are more of a personal preference and not the book’s fault. The slow burn was a bit too slow and I’m not into the age gap trope. But if you like these things this is a cute book and a solid debut.
August 5, 2023
really cute debut romance.
small town, single mom, widowed dad, really cute kids.
3.5⭐️
small town, single mom, widowed dad, really cute kids.
3.5⭐️
February 26, 2024
Such a fun and enjoyable read! Love that grumpy sunshine and small town local feels ❤️
January 9, 2024
I honestly could not believe that this was a debut novel by Norah Pritchard. It has everything I love in a romance: small town, single parents, relationship building and a fabulous slow burn. Davis is a widowed father of 2 and Allie is the divorced mom of one. Allie returns to her hometown for a fresh start after divorce and Davis is the landlord of the house Allie and her son move in to. Sparks fly quickly between the two, as Davis is around daily to fix up the house. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and the friendship they build between the two families is easy and heartwarming.
The road was not easy because of grief, betrayal and the guilt of moving on, but it was done delicately and beautifully. I also need to point out that the portrayal of Type 1 diabetes in this book is done perfectly. My daughter has has T1D for 10 years, so I’m always critical about how it is written in books. Norah wrote it wonderfully. Diabetes was just a part of Allie and her young son’s life..it didn’t dictate or define them. And because of this, The Other Side of Forever holds a special place in my heart.
I loved these mature characters and their second chance at love. It had the cutest kids, porch swings, baking (including an apple pie scene) fun side characters, camping, the slowest of burns and then the spice was just chef’s kiss. I highly recommend this to all my swoon loving friends!!!!
The road was not easy because of grief, betrayal and the guilt of moving on, but it was done delicately and beautifully. I also need to point out that the portrayal of Type 1 diabetes in this book is done perfectly. My daughter has has T1D for 10 years, so I’m always critical about how it is written in books. Norah wrote it wonderfully. Diabetes was just a part of Allie and her young son’s life..it didn’t dictate or define them. And because of this, The Other Side of Forever holds a special place in my heart.
I loved these mature characters and their second chance at love. It had the cutest kids, porch swings, baking (including an apple pie scene) fun side characters, camping, the slowest of burns and then the spice was just chef’s kiss. I highly recommend this to all my swoon loving friends!!!!
May 28, 2023
Being a long time follower of Norah Pritchard on social media, I was thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy of her new book. I loved the strong female characters in it and felt like I really knew them. Norah is funny, y’all! There were so many laugh out loud one-liners in it. It was a refreshing change from the typical romance tropes. Living a town over, I loved the many references to Pittsford. It was so fun to be able to really see Northfield come to life. As recipes from Norah’s cookbook are a weekly staple in our household, I appreciated the many times food came into play (sometimes literally with the apple pie scene 🥵). This was a quick read with a nice, sloooow burn… perfect for the summer. 10/10 recommended!
January 10, 2026
This was a sweet and emotional book that i really enjoyed! There was so much angst and chemistry between them, which they tried so hard to fight but couldn’t resist. It was an addictive book that I ended up finishing in one sitting. I’m not usually a big fan of slow burn but this was written so well that I loved it! I loved the small town setting with Allie being a single mum and David being a widowed single dad. Norah Pritchard has become one of my favourite authors and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
🌶️2.5
-small town
-grumpy x sunshine
-single mum x single dad
-dirty talk
-slow burn
-type 1 diabetes rep
-age gap
🌶️2.5
-small town
-grumpy x sunshine
-single mum x single dad
-dirty talk
-slow burn
-type 1 diabetes rep
-age gap
July 25, 2023
Allie Hart heads back to her small hometown with her son after realizing that her marriage is just not working. Luckily, Davis Henderson is renting a house out to her, and as they start seeing each other every day, they start to develop some feelings. But with failed relationships running in Allie’s family and Davis having some baggage as well, can they move past it to make their own future?
Say hello to a new indie author FROM MY TOWN! The Other Side of Forever is based in Northfield, which was the name of the town we live in before it was changed - so it’s REALLY fun to see some local references. I was laughing and swooning, and really enjoyed the added element of single parents with kids. There’s also divorce, Type 1 Diabetes, and grumpy/sunshine present in this read, and all the tropes balance each other so well to create a really memorable small-town romance read. This book has QUITE the opening scene to hook you in fast, and there’s also an apple pie scene that will knock your socks off later in the book.
Read if you:
- love small-town settings
- enjoy the scene in Gilmore Girls where Lorelai shows up at Charleston in cutoffs and cowboy boots
- want to laugh and swoon in a read
- love a single dad trope
- are looking for a KU read!
Say hello to a new indie author FROM MY TOWN! The Other Side of Forever is based in Northfield, which was the name of the town we live in before it was changed - so it’s REALLY fun to see some local references. I was laughing and swooning, and really enjoyed the added element of single parents with kids. There’s also divorce, Type 1 Diabetes, and grumpy/sunshine present in this read, and all the tropes balance each other so well to create a really memorable small-town romance read. This book has QUITE the opening scene to hook you in fast, and there’s also an apple pie scene that will knock your socks off later in the book.
Read if you:
- love small-town settings
- enjoy the scene in Gilmore Girls where Lorelai shows up at Charleston in cutoffs and cowboy boots
- want to laugh and swoon in a read
- love a single dad trope
- are looking for a KU read!
July 8, 2024
3.5 stars
Allie Hart is starting over back in her home town as a single mom. Davis Henderson is trying to keep his head above water by providing for and making sure his two kids have a happy healthy life after the tragic loss of their mother and his wife. When Allie and her son fall into his life, as their landlord, he has this inexplicable need to take care of them. As Davis and Allie, and their children, get to know each other, they have to work through their pasts to find the future they are both starting to want.
This was my first time reading Norah Pritchard and I think I would read the second book in the series.
I thought most of the adult characters were very well developed. I didn't especially love Annette, the mom, as I don't agree with how she looked at love and relationships and pushing those beliefs onto her daughter. I also wasn't a big fan of how aloof she was with Davis.
I loved seeing Allie choose herself after listening to some wise advice from her sister, "We pick the wrong ones because that's what we think we deserve." Watching Allie find herself again after suppressing her wants and needs for her marriage and child was beautiful.
I thought the way Davis' and his kids grief was written was absolutely wonderful, it was the part of the story I loved most. The way the kids connected with Allie and also still wanted to connect with their mom was beautiful.
I really hate to say this but I found Sammy a little annoying. I know he's just a kid, but he felt extremely younger than he was meant to be and nothing much of substance behind his personality. I feel *so bad* saying that about a kid (yes I know he's fictional, but I still feed bad), however I just think there was more potential behind Sammy's character than was written.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to others who love small-town, grumpy/sunshine, and single-mom/dad romances.
Allie Hart is starting over back in her home town as a single mom. Davis Henderson is trying to keep his head above water by providing for and making sure his two kids have a happy healthy life after the tragic loss of their mother and his wife. When Allie and her son fall into his life, as their landlord, he has this inexplicable need to take care of them. As Davis and Allie, and their children, get to know each other, they have to work through their pasts to find the future they are both starting to want.
This was my first time reading Norah Pritchard and I think I would read the second book in the series.
I thought most of the adult characters were very well developed. I didn't especially love Annette, the mom, as I don't agree with how she looked at love and relationships and pushing those beliefs onto her daughter. I also wasn't a big fan of how aloof she was with Davis.
I loved seeing Allie choose herself after listening to some wise advice from her sister, "We pick the wrong ones because that's what we think we deserve." Watching Allie find herself again after suppressing her wants and needs for her marriage and child was beautiful.
I thought the way Davis' and his kids grief was written was absolutely wonderful, it was the part of the story I loved most. The way the kids connected with Allie and also still wanted to connect with their mom was beautiful.
I really hate to say this but I found Sammy a little annoying. I know he's just a kid, but he felt extremely younger than he was meant to be and nothing much of substance behind his personality. I feel *so bad* saying that about a kid (yes I know he's fictional, but I still feed bad), however I just think there was more potential behind Sammy's character than was written.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to others who love small-town, grumpy/sunshine, and single-mom/dad romances.
August 1, 2023
I’m sorry… this is a debut??? No. No freakin way because OH MY GOD what an incredible book. I am blown away and can’t wait to dive into this series.
July 21, 2023
(Thank you to the author for a gifted copy of this book)
Trigger Warnings include:
death of a loved one, including a description on page, a child with stage 1 diabetes, medical complications on page
I know that as a single mom, reading books like this affects me differently than the “average” reader. But I know for certain that even if I couldn’t connect to this book in that way, it would have still destroyed my heart! It was impossible not to fall in love with Allie, Davis, and their kids. To feel protective over each of them. Those kids weren’t just main characters, most times, they stole the show. And that absolutely makes a difference in a single parent/s romance! And if they weren’t stealing my attention, Allie and Davis’s families did a good job stealing the spotlight! Everyone was meddling, and everyone was overprotective. It was easy to fall in love with Davis and his kind, thoughtful, selfless heart. And please don’t get me started on him with the kids. We’ll be here all day while I swoon! I loved Allie’s journey to discover her independence and her strength. Davis’s journey is what destroyed me! He knew how to survive, but he didn’t know how to live. Allie became his guiding light as he figured it out. With all their close proximities, there was no way for them to be apart! And that was half the fun! Any moment involving Amber or Theo got me SO excited for their book! Plus, I can’t wait for more time with these families!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “I feel it, too.”
• “You have no idea how much I admire you.”
• “You make me want things I have no business wanting anymore.”
• “I’d make damn sure it was you.”
• “I knew you’d be like this. So soft. So f!cking delicious.”
• “You make me fucking crazy.”
• “Can you do that for me, sweetheart?”
• “When you look at me like that, all I can think about is kissing you.”
• “You’re like the sunshine. You make things brighter, and when you’re gone, I can’t stop thinking about when I can see you shining again.”
• “This is where I want to be.”
• “Sweetheart, everything about you is desirable.”
• “Show me what you need.”
• “My good f!cking girl.”
• “I’ve wanted you since the second I laid eyes on you.”
8/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Second Chance
10/10 Single Parent
7/10 Slow Burn
Trigger Warnings include:
death of a loved one, including a description on page, a child with stage 1 diabetes, medical complications on page
I know that as a single mom, reading books like this affects me differently than the “average” reader. But I know for certain that even if I couldn’t connect to this book in that way, it would have still destroyed my heart! It was impossible not to fall in love with Allie, Davis, and their kids. To feel protective over each of them. Those kids weren’t just main characters, most times, they stole the show. And that absolutely makes a difference in a single parent/s romance! And if they weren’t stealing my attention, Allie and Davis’s families did a good job stealing the spotlight! Everyone was meddling, and everyone was overprotective. It was easy to fall in love with Davis and his kind, thoughtful, selfless heart. And please don’t get me started on him with the kids. We’ll be here all day while I swoon! I loved Allie’s journey to discover her independence and her strength. Davis’s journey is what destroyed me! He knew how to survive, but he didn’t know how to live. Allie became his guiding light as he figured it out. With all their close proximities, there was no way for them to be apart! And that was half the fun! Any moment involving Amber or Theo got me SO excited for their book! Plus, I can’t wait for more time with these families!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “I feel it, too.”
• “You have no idea how much I admire you.”
• “You make me want things I have no business wanting anymore.”
• “I’d make damn sure it was you.”
• “I knew you’d be like this. So soft. So f!cking delicious.”
• “You make me fucking crazy.”
• “Can you do that for me, sweetheart?”
• “When you look at me like that, all I can think about is kissing you.”
• “You’re like the sunshine. You make things brighter, and when you’re gone, I can’t stop thinking about when I can see you shining again.”
• “This is where I want to be.”
• “Sweetheart, everything about you is desirable.”
• “Show me what you need.”
• “My good f!cking girl.”
• “I’ve wanted you since the second I laid eyes on you.”
8/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Second Chance
10/10 Single Parent
7/10 Slow Burn
August 2, 2023
Let me start this review off by saying that my dear friend wrote this book and I am SO proud of her. In that note, I purchased this book with my own money and this review is my honest opinion.
Spoilers ahead, you've been warned.
This is a sweet, steamy, romance story about two newly-ish single people finding each other and having an immediate attraction to each other. The story follows Allie and her journey after she walks in on her husband cheating on her. At first I was a little bummed at how "easy" the story made it seem like it is to get divorced with a child and move 6 hrs away. Being a divorced person with children, I would have loved a little more of Allie's emotional journey written out for us, however, we do get more glimpses of that later on in the book.
Allie and her son move back to Allie's hometown and she is immediately drawn to her grumpy, widower landlord, Davis. I liked that we get to feel a little bit more about how difficult it is for Davis to move on after losing his wife.
The book goes on a bit of a back and forth roller coaster with these two. While I did feel like Allie + Davis needed a little less ogling and fantasizing and a little more actual communication about real life things (especially since they both have children involved) I loved the tension and build up to the "happily ever after" for these two families.
Overall it was a really fun, fast read. Way to go, Norah!
Spoilers ahead, you've been warned.
This is a sweet, steamy, romance story about two newly-ish single people finding each other and having an immediate attraction to each other. The story follows Allie and her journey after she walks in on her husband cheating on her. At first I was a little bummed at how "easy" the story made it seem like it is to get divorced with a child and move 6 hrs away. Being a divorced person with children, I would have loved a little more of Allie's emotional journey written out for us, however, we do get more glimpses of that later on in the book.
Allie and her son move back to Allie's hometown and she is immediately drawn to her grumpy, widower landlord, Davis. I liked that we get to feel a little bit more about how difficult it is for Davis to move on after losing his wife.
The book goes on a bit of a back and forth roller coaster with these two. While I did feel like Allie + Davis needed a little less ogling and fantasizing and a little more actual communication about real life things (especially since they both have children involved) I loved the tension and build up to the "happily ever after" for these two families.
Overall it was a really fun, fast read. Way to go, Norah!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
JUST. WOW.
This is the debut novel from Norah Pritchard and all I can say is that I CANNOT WAIT for more from her. I’m normally not a fan of third person POV but she hooked me right from the start.
This follows single mom Allie, fresh off a divorce, moving back home and Davis, a single dad widower who lost his wife in an accident 3 years previously. There was attraction from the start but definitely a slower burn than I’ve been reading lately.
I loved the relationships in this book. Between Allie and Davis. Between them and their kids. Between the kids. Such a lovely look at going through grief after death, after divorce and how it looks to blend families together and allow yourself to be happy, even when it might not look like what you had imagined.
Davis, oh boy. The grumps get me every time. I loved him and really felt for him, when he was struggling with allowing himself happiness after his wife’s death and how he navigated the pull towards Allie. And it was so satisfying once they got together, well worth the build up.
5 star read, HIGHLY RECOMMEND, will re read. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
This is the debut novel from Norah Pritchard and all I can say is that I CANNOT WAIT for more from her. I’m normally not a fan of third person POV but she hooked me right from the start.
This follows single mom Allie, fresh off a divorce, moving back home and Davis, a single dad widower who lost his wife in an accident 3 years previously. There was attraction from the start but definitely a slower burn than I’ve been reading lately.
I loved the relationships in this book. Between Allie and Davis. Between them and their kids. Between the kids. Such a lovely look at going through grief after death, after divorce and how it looks to blend families together and allow yourself to be happy, even when it might not look like what you had imagined.
Davis, oh boy. The grumps get me every time. I loved him and really felt for him, when he was struggling with allowing himself happiness after his wife’s death and how he navigated the pull towards Allie. And it was so satisfying once they got together, well worth the build up.
5 star read, HIGHLY RECOMMEND, will re read. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
June 3, 2023
I don’t often reach for books in the romance category but when your Instafriend writes a book and you get the ARC, you go for it and I’m so glad I did!
After her recent divorce Allie Hart moves back to her hometown with her young son for a fresh start. Davis Henderson is her grumpy, widower landlord who’s still dealing with the loss of his wife and trying to be the best dad for his kids. Can they overcome their pasts and fears and find love again?
I really enjoyed the love story of Allie and Davis. Their chemistry was instant and made for some very spicy interactions. I appreciated that there was no miscommunication as that trope is so overdone. It all felt very genuine, especially the melding of their two families.
I also couldn’t get enough of Allie’s family. Her son was a sweetie pie and her relationships with her sisters and aunts were enviable. They were hilarious.
One of the highlights for me was how food played a role in their story. (Who knew apple pie could be so sexy) I wanted it all!
If you love a sexy, sweet romance this book is definitely for you!
After her recent divorce Allie Hart moves back to her hometown with her young son for a fresh start. Davis Henderson is her grumpy, widower landlord who’s still dealing with the loss of his wife and trying to be the best dad for his kids. Can they overcome their pasts and fears and find love again?
I really enjoyed the love story of Allie and Davis. Their chemistry was instant and made for some very spicy interactions. I appreciated that there was no miscommunication as that trope is so overdone. It all felt very genuine, especially the melding of their two families.
I also couldn’t get enough of Allie’s family. Her son was a sweetie pie and her relationships with her sisters and aunts were enviable. They were hilarious.
One of the highlights for me was how food played a role in their story. (Who knew apple pie could be so sexy) I wanted it all!
If you love a sexy, sweet romance this book is definitely for you!
May 28, 2023
For Allie and Davis, the chance of finding happiness in a loving relationship is beyond reach for them both, or so it seems. Allie is convinced she is under the family curse and that any happy relationship is doomed from the start, evidenced by her cheating spouse and failed marriage. She has a young son, Sammy, to protect! Davis is grieving the death of his young wife and is devoted to protect himself and his children (Claire and Ben) from any future loss. But from their first encounter, it’s clear that there is a powerful force at work pushing them both to confront their fears and bring down the barriers. Both Allie and Davis are strong, passionate characters who the reader can connect with and cheer on. The author weaves the story through a beautiful backdrop highlighting life in small town Americana complete with baseball games and local festivals!
December 28, 2023
A beautiful book
I went in dubious with it being in 3rd person. I shouldn't have been concerned as Norah is a great author. She captures the emotions, she builds you up just to break you into little pieces ending with everything being back in their right place.
If you need any temptation to read this book then here are some quotes.
“I do want a taste,” he murmured, catching her hand in his. Instead of taking the apple she held, he licked a hot line down her palm, licking the sweet juices from the apples and sugar. She felt every single one of the sugar crystals press into her skin as his tongue rubbed lazily against her, sucking, licking, and tasting as he held her gaze.
“That’s so good, sweetheart. You’re such a good f*cking girl, Allie, my good f*cking girl.”
“You take it so good”
I went in dubious with it being in 3rd person. I shouldn't have been concerned as Norah is a great author. She captures the emotions, she builds you up just to break you into little pieces ending with everything being back in their right place.
If you need any temptation to read this book then here are some quotes.
“I do want a taste,” he murmured, catching her hand in his. Instead of taking the apple she held, he licked a hot line down her palm, licking the sweet juices from the apples and sugar. She felt every single one of the sugar crystals press into her skin as his tongue rubbed lazily against her, sucking, licking, and tasting as he held her gaze.
“That’s so good, sweetheart. You’re such a good f*cking girl, Allie, my good f*cking girl.”
“You take it so good”
May 26, 2023
The first chapter grabs you, her type of writing and style of voice are very unique and had me laughing right from the beginning. It started with a Practical Magic feel with the cursed family relationships, which being one of my favorite movies could have made or broke this book for me. But she spun the relationships with real life, loss, divorce, childhood trauma, self flagellation, then wraps them up in a pretty bow and with a heap of passion. I related to theses characters and was made to reflect on my own relationships. It was beautiful…. Oh and it had my favorite love language FOOD! This book is definitely going in my reread pile!!!
June 1, 2023
A well written novel on love, divorce, family, and starting over. Allie Hart is starting over after divorce. She’s returning home. Can Allie and her son thrive back in her small hometown. Enter the tall hot landlord who is grieving the loss of his wife and trying to raise two kids with help from his family. Allie’s aunts offer a ton of relationship advice but only one has had success in marriage. Is Allie cursed?? Can Davis turn his sign on before he loses a forever love. A little smutty and a lot of hometown feel. Living in close proximity to the setting pulled me in and help me picture where the characters were.
June 27, 2023
Grumpy widowed single dad rents an investment property home to divorced single mom. She & her seven year old son move in before renos are completed so they see each other on a daily basis. Bonds & friendships are made between the kids as they attend the same school, which leads to the two families spending time together.
This was a lovely small town romance that had a slow burn to it with the typical nosy townspeople sticking their oar into everyone's business. Family members are overbearing, the children are cute as all heck & the two MC's attraction continues to build as both are hesitant to make a move for their own reasons.
A sweet story, with some expected highs & lows including a medical scare involving one of the children. Whew! I'm glad that one worked out well. Once the couple gets going there's a fair amount of heat & a HEA although I would have chosen a more in depth epilogue. It felt rushed to me.
I enjoyed this one & would read another by this author.
This was a lovely small town romance that had a slow burn to it with the typical nosy townspeople sticking their oar into everyone's business. Family members are overbearing, the children are cute as all heck & the two MC's attraction continues to build as both are hesitant to make a move for their own reasons.
A sweet story, with some expected highs & lows including a medical scare involving one of the children. Whew! I'm glad that one worked out well. Once the couple gets going there's a fair amount of heat & a HEA although I would have chosen a more in depth epilogue. It felt rushed to me.
I enjoyed this one & would read another by this author.
July 1, 2023
I thought this was a great debut romance with so much potential. The relationship was authentic and 100% believable, along with the plot. I struggle with 3rd person POV in romances. The chapters weren’t labeled which character we were following, and we would bounce around between the MMC & FMC mid-chapter. I liked the storyline so much that I plan on continuing with the series, even though I have gripes about how it was told.
3.5⭐️
3.5⭐️
July 8, 2023
Just sublime
One of my most favourite reads ever ! I adored every single word. This writer created beautiful, believable characters and made me forget that I was only reading. Her description of Davis's grief and Allie's transition was flawless. I smiled, sighed and sniffed my tears away from the very first page. Bravo Norah Pritchard, and thank you. My new hero .
One of my most favourite reads ever ! I adored every single word. This writer created beautiful, believable characters and made me forget that I was only reading. Her description of Davis's grief and Allie's transition was flawless. I smiled, sighed and sniffed my tears away from the very first page. Bravo Norah Pritchard, and thank you. My new hero .
August 11, 2023
Good writing and a fun story but goddamn I forgot how much I hate slow burn romances haha.
September 17, 2023
great book
This book is just the perfect mix of spice and romance!! Small towns, hot dad, cute kids, this book has it all!
This book is just the perfect mix of spice and romance!! Small towns, hot dad, cute kids, this book has it all!
January 1, 2024
Loved it
What a great book loved the characters and the way Allie found herself again. I'm always a fan of HEA.
What a great book loved the characters and the way Allie found herself again. I'm always a fan of HEA.
January 25, 2024
This was such a good read ! 2 people with different losses find their way to each others and the kids are so awesome now I can’t wait for book 2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews