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Crystal Creek #1
Confessions to the Girl Next Door
They were high school best friends—bonding over terrible puns while their fingers froze to their clarinets. So what if she crushed on him while he thought of her as a band friend? It was still a glorious friendship . . . until it all crumbled in a single disastrous night.
Zack Partridge broke his best friend’s heart at senior prom. He was stunned when Laura left for college, vowing never to speak to him again. But now that she’s back in town, he wants nothing more than a second chance to renew their friendship . . . and to explore the spark between them he discovered just before everything went wrong.
Laura Anderson can’t believe her bad luck. After an eight-year hiatus, how did she buy the one house in all of Crystal Creek next door to the man she wanted to avoid for at least a millennium? Even worse, he’s the PR rep assigned to help launch her new flower shop. She’s determined to keep their relationship professional. No way is she giving into the temptation named Zack Partridge ever again. Nope. Not gonna happen.
And seriously, could things get any more complicated? (Note to yes, they can.)
Laura strives to keep her protective barricade intact, but Zack’s confession notes just might have the power to prune back the wall of sharp thorns and sneak past the sign labeled ‘Keep Out’. Can she find the courage to trust him again? And if she does, will Zack protect her heart or risk breaking it once more?
Zack Partridge broke his best friend’s heart at senior prom. He was stunned when Laura left for college, vowing never to speak to him again. But now that she’s back in town, he wants nothing more than a second chance to renew their friendship . . . and to explore the spark between them he discovered just before everything went wrong.
Laura Anderson can’t believe her bad luck. After an eight-year hiatus, how did she buy the one house in all of Crystal Creek next door to the man she wanted to avoid for at least a millennium? Even worse, he’s the PR rep assigned to help launch her new flower shop. She’s determined to keep their relationship professional. No way is she giving into the temptation named Zack Partridge ever again. Nope. Not gonna happen.
And seriously, could things get any more complicated? (Note to yes, they can.)
Laura strives to keep her protective barricade intact, but Zack’s confession notes just might have the power to prune back the wall of sharp thorns and sneak past the sign labeled ‘Keep Out’. Can she find the courage to trust him again? And if she does, will Zack protect her heart or risk breaking it once more?
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
65 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Danyelle Ferguson
15 books131 followersRONE Award-Winning Author
Danyelle Ferguson is author of the award-winning Crystal Creek sweet romance novels. She loves writing stories that feature strong women conquering difficult challenges and finding love along the way.
When she’s away from her laptop, Danyelle enjoys dancing in the kitchen with her family, all things pink, and is obsessed with pretty pens. Follow her online for IRL goofiness, cat photobombs, and writing life updates.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 18, 2022
This was a cute story, had some sweet moment between Zack and Laura. I liked the letter aspect of the story, thought that was cute. Zack and Laura were best friends in high school, but Zack makes a big mistake that pushes Laura away. Eight years later and they're now neighbors and Zack wants to give them another chance. This was a nice afternoon read, I liked the setting and characters were nice.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
May 16, 2022
What I loved:
- I love the idea of two high school sweethearts reconnecting through a series of letters
What I didn't like:
- couldn't feel the chemistry. Even though its a novella I was hoping for a lot more fire between the two.
- a woman who opens up a flower shop. Unfortunately I had just read Lease on Love and I kept comparing this book to that. And this book just fell short.
- the ending was jumbled and disappointing. Kinda felt very disconnected from the rest of the story.
⭐⭐/5
🔥/5
- I love the idea of two high school sweethearts reconnecting through a series of letters
What I didn't like:
- couldn't feel the chemistry. Even though its a novella I was hoping for a lot more fire between the two.
- a woman who opens up a flower shop. Unfortunately I had just read Lease on Love and I kept comparing this book to that. And this book just fell short.
- the ending was jumbled and disappointing. Kinda felt very disconnected from the rest of the story.
⭐⭐/5
🔥/5
August 12, 2025
Audiobook - Kobo
Narrated by
Cindy Gunderson
⭐️⭐️
Luckily this was short, or it would be a DNF.
The main reason this was not for me, I would guess cultural differences.
Well, not a guess.
It's cultural differences.
This was VERY American. By that, I don't mean the whole American continent.
I mean usa.
It did not vibe with me.
Narrated by
Cindy Gunderson
⭐️⭐️
Luckily this was short, or it would be a DNF.
The main reason this was not for me, I would guess cultural differences.
Well, not a guess.
It's cultural differences.
This was VERY American. By that, I don't mean the whole American continent.
I mean usa.
It did not vibe with me.
June 15, 2025
Laura is moving back home. She's bought an adorable little house and is the proud owner of the local florist she loved as a teen. Her life is good. Then she realizes her next-door neighbor is the guy who humiliated her and broke her heart at prom. And he's the PR rep assigned to help her launch her florist, so there's no way to avoid him. She's determined to keep things professional, but Zack needs her to understand what really happened in high school. He needs her to give him a second chance because he's never forgotten his best friend, the girl he fell for, and he still wants her.
This is a sweet second-chance romance. I generally think major groveling is required for the guy to be given a second chance, but once Zach's side of the story comes out, I was firmly in his corner. And his method of breaking through Laura's defense was adorable. I was a big fan. Laura was a bit frustrating, but once she came around, she and Zach made a cute couple. The rest of the cast of characters were all likable as well. Quick, sweet read.
This is a sweet second-chance romance. I generally think major groveling is required for the guy to be given a second chance, but once Zach's side of the story comes out, I was firmly in his corner. And his method of breaking through Laura's defense was adorable. I was a big fan. Laura was a bit frustrating, but once she came around, she and Zach made a cute couple. The rest of the cast of characters were all likable as well. Quick, sweet read.
April 14, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
A disastrous prom. Eight years apart. Now that Laura’s back in town, can Zack win her heart again?
Zack Partridge broke his best friend’s heart at senior prom. He was crushed when she left for college, vowing never to speak to him again. But now that she’s back in Crystal Creek, he wants nothing more than a second chance to win her heart.
Laura Anderson can’t believe her bad luck. How did she buy the house next door to the man she had sworn to avoid? Even worse, he’s the PR rep assigned to help launch her new flower shop. Could things get any worse? Laura strives to keep her heart barricaded, but Zack’s confession notes just might have the power to make the walls crumble. Can she allow herself to trust him? If she does, will he keep her vulnerable heart safe or shatter it once more?
MY TAKE
This was such a sweet second chance romance. Ferguson does a great job rebuilding the old friendship and the confessions were so fun! Swoony resolution!
A disastrous prom. Eight years apart. Now that Laura’s back in town, can Zack win her heart again?
Zack Partridge broke his best friend’s heart at senior prom. He was crushed when she left for college, vowing never to speak to him again. But now that she’s back in Crystal Creek, he wants nothing more than a second chance to win her heart.
Laura Anderson can’t believe her bad luck. How did she buy the house next door to the man she had sworn to avoid? Even worse, he’s the PR rep assigned to help launch her new flower shop. Could things get any worse? Laura strives to keep her heart barricaded, but Zack’s confession notes just might have the power to make the walls crumble. Can she allow herself to trust him? If she does, will he keep her vulnerable heart safe or shatter it once more?
MY TAKE
This was such a sweet second chance romance. Ferguson does a great job rebuilding the old friendship and the confessions were so fun! Swoony resolution!
July 8, 2022
I loved this trip down memory lane. Laura and Zack were good friends in high school. Her dreams came true when he asked her to prom. It all came crashing down when she found out that his invitation had been mean for cheerleader Laura, not bandmate Laura.
Years later, Laura moves back and happens to move in next door to Zack. It's an uphill battle getting her to give him the time of day, but Zack had realized on prom night that he was with the right girl.
I loved the notes they exchanged back and forth. They built a bridge back to friendship and eventually a relationship.
My only complaint was a reference to a female character dressed in a tux and there with her girlfriend. It felt very jarring.
Years later, Laura moves back and happens to move in next door to Zack. It's an uphill battle getting her to give him the time of day, but Zack had realized on prom night that he was with the right girl.
I loved the notes they exchanged back and forth. They built a bridge back to friendship and eventually a relationship.
My only complaint was a reference to a female character dressed in a tux and there with her girlfriend. It felt very jarring.
October 26, 2022
I thought the idea of confession notes was really cute, and I loved the way Zack put it into motion. I wish there had been a little more focus on the continued notes. The relationship issues seemed to wrap up pretty quickly, but sweetly. The rest of the story seemed a bit jumbled with rushed, incomplete solutions.
April 22, 2024
Sweet confessions
What happens when the one person you never wanted to see again is suddenly your new neighbir? I liked the story line, and the characters. This is a very sweet romance that has the beginnings of a series. The ending came pretty abruptly for me, but I can see where the author is picking things back up with the next book. Excited to read on in this series.
What happens when the one person you never wanted to see again is suddenly your new neighbir? I liked the story line, and the characters. This is a very sweet romance that has the beginnings of a series. The ending came pretty abruptly for me, but I can see where the author is picking things back up with the next book. Excited to read on in this series.
July 7, 2024
Very Cute
This was a very cute story with absolutely no steam, which didn't hurt the story, imo. Zach...what is it about guys named Zach in Romance books? They're always the sweethearts. I just loved him. I think he and Laura made the cutest couple. I really liked that he was willing to do just about anything to prove to her that he was crazy about her. Very cute, quick read.
This was a very cute story with absolutely no steam, which didn't hurt the story, imo. Zach...what is it about guys named Zach in Romance books? They're always the sweethearts. I just loved him. I think he and Laura made the cutest couple. I really liked that he was willing to do just about anything to prove to her that he was crazy about her. Very cute, quick read.
December 7, 2022
This was a fun second chance, forced proximity romance. Lovely characters with misunderstandings and fears and a fun set of getting a dream business running. The kisses were on the spicier side and there was a nod to LGBT.
January 29, 2023
It took me a little while to get into the book. I don't know what it is was about it. Once I got into it, the book was good. There were a couple of things in there that I don't agree with, but to each his own. My girls will not be reading this book.
Read
February 29, 2024Cute, sweet, fun
Get a bit frustrated with her and then she figured it out too. I love her hobbies and friends. I'm really excited to read the next book now that I've read the reast and think I've a good grasp on all the "background" characters. ^_^
Get a bit frustrated with her and then she figured it out too. I love her hobbies and friends. I'm really excited to read the next book now that I've read the reast and think I've a good grasp on all the "background" characters. ^_^
June 15, 2024
Clean Romance
I liked this book, it was a good story about two friends getting a second chance at happily ever after. It moved at a good pace, yet developing the love relationship.
MK
I liked this book, it was a good story about two friends getting a second chance at happily ever after. It moved at a good pace, yet developing the love relationship.
MK
June 14, 2022
Sweet romance with likeable characters and love the mailbox idea! This is a perfect beach read to place a smile on your heart.
December 30, 2022
Sweet short second chance story. It was fun to see them work through their past and overcome obstacles together. I'm new to this author and this book definitely makes me interested in more.
May 26, 2024
What a breath of fresh air!!! I absolutely loved this book. It was like hopping into a hallmark movie and I loved every second!
May 10, 2025
Okay that was cute read. He was not tooooo perfect, and she was bubbly and funny. Short, sweet, only kisses, no swearing. Recommend for a quick read!
May 15, 2025
It all happened so fast. There wasn't really any depth but it was kinda cute
May 17, 2025
Zach was so swoony!!! I loved the mailbox. I totally understand Laura hating him. I get it. But I loved that Zach was able to get her to co.e around.
July 4, 2025
Short and sweet.
July 26, 2025
Loved this one!!!
August 26, 2025
"Why didn't you kiss me last night?"
"The problem is that I don't want just one kiss. I want a forever of kisses."
🌹Second chance romance
🌹Forced proximity
🌹Secret crush
Two former best friends, Zack and Laura, reconnect after eight years apart. After Zack broke Laura’s heart at senior prom, Laura moved away and tried her best to leave Zack in the past. Now Laura's back in Crystal Creek and discovers she's living next door to him! Complicating things further, Zack is the PR rep helping her launch her new flower shop. Zack is determined to win Laura's heart again through a series of “confession notes”. Will his plan work? Can Laura resist Zack's charm?
This was such a cute read! I loved every second of it and was definitely rooting for Zack to win Laura's heart. The confession notes were so sweet and fun! It was a short read but kept me intrigued.
"The problem is that I don't want just one kiss. I want a forever of kisses."
🌹Second chance romance
🌹Forced proximity
🌹Secret crush
Two former best friends, Zack and Laura, reconnect after eight years apart. After Zack broke Laura’s heart at senior prom, Laura moved away and tried her best to leave Zack in the past. Now Laura's back in Crystal Creek and discovers she's living next door to him! Complicating things further, Zack is the PR rep helping her launch her new flower shop. Zack is determined to win Laura's heart again through a series of “confession notes”. Will his plan work? Can Laura resist Zack's charm?
This was such a cute read! I loved every second of it and was definitely rooting for Zack to win Laura's heart. The confession notes were so sweet and fun! It was a short read but kept me intrigued.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews