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Something Beautiful: A Small Town Love-After-Loss Romance
In the aftermath of an unimaginable loss, Olivia Brooks is thrust into the challenging role of single motherhood, her life forever altered by the sudden, tragic loss of her husband. Grief-stricken and suffocated by the sympathy of her small town, Olivia packs up her life and her four-year-old daughter Kennedy to embark on a cross-country move from Wyoming to Rose Hill, Delaware in an attempt to rebuild her shattered world.
Grappling with the guilt and grief surrounding the death of his wife, brooding mechanic Noah Kent is dead-set on a life of solitude. Despite the concern of his family and a town that knows and loves him, he shields the shattered remains of his heart, convinced he is unworthy of the life and happiness he once knew.
Their lives, each marked by tragedy, are intertwined through an unlikely twist of fate, and when Olivia lands a job working alongside Noah, their shared pain becomes the foundation of an unlikely friendship. They aren't looking for love, just understanding. But as they navigate the complexities of grief and guilt together, they realize that sometimes, healing comes in the most unexpected ways.
As Olivia and Noah lean on each other for support and understanding, their connection deepens, sparking a glimmer of hope neither thought possible. They find solace in their shared experiences, slowly piecing together the fragments of their broken lives.
But just as they begin to see the possibility of a brighter future, they must confront the ghosts of their pasts and the inner demons that threaten to keep them apart. Will Olivia and Noah have the strength to let go of their guilt and find the courage to love again?
Grappling with the guilt and grief surrounding the death of his wife, brooding mechanic Noah Kent is dead-set on a life of solitude. Despite the concern of his family and a town that knows and loves him, he shields the shattered remains of his heart, convinced he is unworthy of the life and happiness he once knew.
Their lives, each marked by tragedy, are intertwined through an unlikely twist of fate, and when Olivia lands a job working alongside Noah, their shared pain becomes the foundation of an unlikely friendship. They aren't looking for love, just understanding. But as they navigate the complexities of grief and guilt together, they realize that sometimes, healing comes in the most unexpected ways.
As Olivia and Noah lean on each other for support and understanding, their connection deepens, sparking a glimmer of hope neither thought possible. They find solace in their shared experiences, slowly piecing together the fragments of their broken lives.
But just as they begin to see the possibility of a brighter future, they must confront the ghosts of their pasts and the inner demons that threaten to keep them apart. Will Olivia and Noah have the strength to let go of their guilt and find the courage to love again?
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2024
28 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 4, 2025
“Sometimes I think that my heart forgot how to beat until you came into my life.”
This follows Olivia and her daughter Kennedy who move away from their hometown in Evergreen to a small town in Delaware to start life again after a tragic incident in their hometown. But little does Olivia know that things will change when she runs into a grumpy mechanic battling his own grief.
Wow, what a debut novel. I loved this story so much. Starting with the playlist the author chose for this book was beautiful. I listened to it many times. Olivia showed growth from being at a low point to finding joy in life again. Her daughter Kennedy is four and is a fantastic kid to read about. Olivia was welcomed with open arms to this small town and they showed her a place to call home again. Noah the grumpy mechanic has also been dealing with a loss but everything changes when a single mum rocks up in his hometown needing a job. Noah is so understanding of the situation, patient and would do anything for Olivia and Kennedy after realising to let go of the past and take chances on his future. The slow burn was worth the wait and the Fortune Cookie storyline was really beautiful. I cried in the final chapters of this book the full circle moment was just a perfect way to finish off the book. Olivia and Noah deserved a chance again at love.
Thank you to Kait and the team for letting me read this fantastic debut novel.
If you love:
🔹Love After Loss
🔹Single Mum
🔹Small Town
🔹Grumpy Mechanic
🔹Finding Yourself Again
🔹Perfect Touch Of Spice
Genre/Type: Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Release Date: 16th Jan 2024
Pages: 505
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Love After Loss, Single Mum, Workplace, Slow Burn, Age Gap (6 Years), Grumpy Mechanic, Receptionist, Chemisty, Taken Care Of, Full Circle Moment, Made Me Cry, Self Doubt, Tension, Sexual Content, Cursing and Playlist. Mentions: Suicidal Thoughts, CA and Death
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This follows Olivia and her daughter Kennedy who move away from their hometown in Evergreen to a small town in Delaware to start life again after a tragic incident in their hometown. But little does Olivia know that things will change when she runs into a grumpy mechanic battling his own grief.
Wow, what a debut novel. I loved this story so much. Starting with the playlist the author chose for this book was beautiful. I listened to it many times. Olivia showed growth from being at a low point to finding joy in life again. Her daughter Kennedy is four and is a fantastic kid to read about. Olivia was welcomed with open arms to this small town and they showed her a place to call home again. Noah the grumpy mechanic has also been dealing with a loss but everything changes when a single mum rocks up in his hometown needing a job. Noah is so understanding of the situation, patient and would do anything for Olivia and Kennedy after realising to let go of the past and take chances on his future. The slow burn was worth the wait and the Fortune Cookie storyline was really beautiful. I cried in the final chapters of this book the full circle moment was just a perfect way to finish off the book. Olivia and Noah deserved a chance again at love.
Thank you to Kait and the team for letting me read this fantastic debut novel.
If you love:
🔹Love After Loss
🔹Single Mum
🔹Small Town
🔹Grumpy Mechanic
🔹Finding Yourself Again
🔹Perfect Touch Of Spice
Genre/Type: Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Release Date: 16th Jan 2024
Pages: 505
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Love After Loss, Single Mum, Workplace, Slow Burn, Age Gap (6 Years), Grumpy Mechanic, Receptionist, Chemisty, Taken Care Of, Full Circle Moment, Made Me Cry, Self Doubt, Tension, Sexual Content, Cursing and Playlist. Mentions: Suicidal Thoughts, CA and Death
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
January 16, 2024
The title is appropriate because this is something beautiful. Noah and Olivia were both dealt huge losses and are picking up the pieces. After a hallway breakdown by Olivia leads to her meeting her neighbor Avery, she begins her healing journey with a new friend and a new BFF for her daughter. Olivia moved to Delaware from Wyoming with her daughter to escape the small town scrutiny after her husband's death. Noah is still grieving the kids of his wife 4 years later. He reluctantly hires Olivia after Avery suggests she applies for a job at his auto shop. The two build up a friendship that becomes therapeutic to both of them and develops into what each of them needed, a new beginning. I loved watching both characters grow and deal with their grief. Heartbreaking in parts, but heartwarming in others. A worthwhile read for sure.
I was provided an advance copy in exchange for an authentic and honest review.
I was provided an advance copy in exchange for an authentic and honest review.
December 6, 2023
I cannot get over just how incredible this book is. There is an element to this romance that makes it feel like it’s a natural progression. I feel like I just sat here and watched my best friend fall in love in real time. It doesn’t feel rushed or forced or anything.
Like another review said, they never stopped loving their partner who passed, but learned to love and welcome love after.
The writing?! I can’t get over the flow and the ease of the words I was reading. Like I said, it felt like such a natural progression of a relationship where other books are meet, angst, I love you, married, babies. But not this. I truly feel like this is just the beginning of Noah, liv and Kennedys beautiful journey
I was SPOILED by getting to have an advance copy of this book and I promise you that you won’t be disappointed🥰❤️
Like another review said, they never stopped loving their partner who passed, but learned to love and welcome love after.
The writing?! I can’t get over the flow and the ease of the words I was reading. Like I said, it felt like such a natural progression of a relationship where other books are meet, angst, I love you, married, babies. But not this. I truly feel like this is just the beginning of Noah, liv and Kennedys beautiful journey
I was SPOILED by getting to have an advance copy of this book and I promise you that you won’t be disappointed🥰❤️
July 30, 2024
The title definitely suits the book quite well! It is something beautiful. Love after loss 🥹 gosh this book made me so emotional. It’s very good! I loved Noah and Olivia so much! This story will definitely stick with me for awhile! I highly recommend! I can’t believe it’s her first book!
December 6, 2023
I have been a fan of Kait’s writing for a couple of years. I was so excited for her first novel and it didn’t disappoint!
Kait is a master at creating characters that will stick with you long after you read her stories. Noah and Olivia are no exception. In Something Beautiful, two young people are dealt crushing blows that throw them both into the depths of grief no one would want to experience. Both must deal with the juxtaposition that is life in a small town - everyone knows your business and while supportive, the whispers and judgment are never far away. Through a series of unlikely events, they find each other and soon realize they are both digging out of crippling sadness that only they can fully understand.
Olivia leans into her most important role in life- being Kennedy’s mom - and after leaving her support network, knowing she may be burning bridges with family, she moves her daughter to a new place where she hopes a change of scenery will help them both heal. In this small town, she finds not only who she is after her loss, but a family and friends that help her pull herself out of her grief and realize that there is life for her still to be lived.
Noah has cut himself off from most everyone, buried in his work at the family business. His young niece is about the only person who can bring a smile. The weight he carries after the loss of his wife won’t allow him to feel anything but shame and guilt.
When these two souls find each other, sparks fly, and slowly, healing can begin. I loved every minute of this page turner. I couldn’t put it down and will think about the story for some time to come. I certainly couldn’t get enough of all of these characters. Highly recommend this enjoyable read.
Kait is a master at creating characters that will stick with you long after you read her stories. Noah and Olivia are no exception. In Something Beautiful, two young people are dealt crushing blows that throw them both into the depths of grief no one would want to experience. Both must deal with the juxtaposition that is life in a small town - everyone knows your business and while supportive, the whispers and judgment are never far away. Through a series of unlikely events, they find each other and soon realize they are both digging out of crippling sadness that only they can fully understand.
Olivia leans into her most important role in life- being Kennedy’s mom - and after leaving her support network, knowing she may be burning bridges with family, she moves her daughter to a new place where she hopes a change of scenery will help them both heal. In this small town, she finds not only who she is after her loss, but a family and friends that help her pull herself out of her grief and realize that there is life for her still to be lived.
Noah has cut himself off from most everyone, buried in his work at the family business. His young niece is about the only person who can bring a smile. The weight he carries after the loss of his wife won’t allow him to feel anything but shame and guilt.
When these two souls find each other, sparks fly, and slowly, healing can begin. I loved every minute of this page turner. I couldn’t put it down and will think about the story for some time to come. I certainly couldn’t get enough of all of these characters. Highly recommend this enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
Beware of TW: Grief & Loss
In this story, we follow Noah and Olivia. Olivia and her husband, Liam, are high school sweethearts, and they have a daughter named Kennedy. Liam always texts Olivia when he is heading home from work, but one night, Olivia doesn't get a text, and the next thing she knows, a cop is standing at her door, flipping her and Kennedy's world upside down. Olivia and Kennedy go on a cross-country road trip from Wyoming to Delaware, and Noah and his nosy sister, Avery, and her daughter Nellie enter Olivia and Kennedy's life.
Noah has been living in isolation from everyone in his small town since he lost his wife in a car accident. He has been surviving the dark days by living the same boring routine, but when Olivia and Kennedy crash into his life, he starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I loved how Noah was described in this book as a grump but he wasn't really a grump. He was just going through a hard time. I loved seeing the transformation that Noah went through of isolating himself and refusing to let anyone in again because that meant getting hurt to slowly letting his walls down, and leaning on Olivia when he needed someone and vice versa. When Olivia lost her husband, the small town that she came from instilled in her that she had to be a single mom and do everything on her own. I loved to see Noah and his small town step in and help her when she needed it and prove to her that she didn't need to do everything alone. What I loved the most about this story was watching Noah and Olivia transform from the dark place that they were in and just surviving day to day to actually living. The only way to describe Noah and Olivia's story is as something beautiful. Noah's relationship with Olivia and Kennedy was definitely something beautiful to watch.
Don't miss out! This is definitely a beautiful debut novel that you will want to pick up 💗
In this story, we follow Noah and Olivia. Olivia and her husband, Liam, are high school sweethearts, and they have a daughter named Kennedy. Liam always texts Olivia when he is heading home from work, but one night, Olivia doesn't get a text, and the next thing she knows, a cop is standing at her door, flipping her and Kennedy's world upside down. Olivia and Kennedy go on a cross-country road trip from Wyoming to Delaware, and Noah and his nosy sister, Avery, and her daughter Nellie enter Olivia and Kennedy's life.
Noah has been living in isolation from everyone in his small town since he lost his wife in a car accident. He has been surviving the dark days by living the same boring routine, but when Olivia and Kennedy crash into his life, he starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I loved how Noah was described in this book as a grump but he wasn't really a grump. He was just going through a hard time. I loved seeing the transformation that Noah went through of isolating himself and refusing to let anyone in again because that meant getting hurt to slowly letting his walls down, and leaning on Olivia when he needed someone and vice versa. When Olivia lost her husband, the small town that she came from instilled in her that she had to be a single mom and do everything on her own. I loved to see Noah and his small town step in and help her when she needed it and prove to her that she didn't need to do everything alone. What I loved the most about this story was watching Noah and Olivia transform from the dark place that they were in and just surviving day to day to actually living. The only way to describe Noah and Olivia's story is as something beautiful. Noah's relationship with Olivia and Kennedy was definitely something beautiful to watch.
Don't miss out! This is definitely a beautiful debut novel that you will want to pick up 💗
January 8, 2025
I'm adding one more star to this review to make a little noise... Miss Kait I'm waiting for another book, HELLO!
•
I was slow reading this right from the start to the 30% of the story, but then I had a day off and basically ate more than a half of the story in a sitting.
This was such a lovely and emotional book, I may be biased when talking about love after loss romance, because is one of my favorite plots, but this one was truly beautifully written. I think it was the author's first book, so I'm looking forward to read anything she publishes next! The small-town, single parent, found family and mutual healing atmosphere here was on point. Can't believe I'm saying goodbye to Noah, Kennedy and Olivia (plus Nellie and Avery) 🫂
That said... I'm a swiftie myself, but the way authors have been just throwing Taylor as a topic of conversation in their books, it feels so... unnatural, I cringed a lot (except the part where Noah sings The Man with Nellie and Ken, that scene I'll be protecting forever). I also think sometimes there was so much narration it was tiring, as a wannabe author I know how hard it is to just cut scenes out, because for the person who's writing it, everything means something. But I really think some things could've been cut out without causing this beautiful story any harm.
But AGAIN, these negative aspects do nothing to make the book any less enjoyable and amazing. I had an absolute great time!
•
I was slow reading this right from the start to the 30% of the story, but then I had a day off and basically ate more than a half of the story in a sitting.
This was such a lovely and emotional book, I may be biased when talking about love after loss romance, because is one of my favorite plots, but this one was truly beautifully written. I think it was the author's first book, so I'm looking forward to read anything she publishes next! The small-town, single parent, found family and mutual healing atmosphere here was on point. Can't believe I'm saying goodbye to Noah, Kennedy and Olivia (plus Nellie and Avery) 🫂
That said... I'm a swiftie myself, but the way authors have been just throwing Taylor as a topic of conversation in their books, it feels so... unnatural, I cringed a lot (except the part where Noah sings The Man with Nellie and Ken, that scene I'll be protecting forever). I also think sometimes there was so much narration it was tiring, as a wannabe author I know how hard it is to just cut scenes out, because for the person who's writing it, everything means something. But I really think some things could've been cut out without causing this beautiful story any harm.
But AGAIN, these negative aspects do nothing to make the book any less enjoyable and amazing. I had an absolute great time!
February 21, 2024
I was fortunate enough to discover Kait on a whim and participate in the ARC reviews, and boy it did NOT disappoint!! I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I could not pry myself away from this beautiful story. Kait does an amazing job of building characters with so much love and attention to detail that I was immediately in love with them. I recommend it to everyone!!
December 10, 2023
This was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL book. I am so grateful to have gotten to read this via an ARC and to have watched the evolution of this stunning story since its very first chapters.
Kait Weaver-Smith, you have such a way with language and have crafted the most heartfelt, moving, BEAUTIFUL story here, with whole, imperfect, lovable, and dynamic characters who feel like friends by the final page.
To all of this book's future readers, prepare yourself to embark on a wonderful, beautiful, emotional journey that you won't forget-- and you most certainly won't regret.
This book tackles heavy, difficult, important topics with the utmost care. While there are hysterical, laugh-out-loud moments in this novel and the sweetest moments that will have readers smiling at the sweetness of falling in love, there are moments of deep hurt, grief, and the pain of healing that are so gently and carefully crafted. I love that no character in this book is left as a shallow caricature; these are real, imperfect, HUMAN characters, and none is left behind in the shadows of the narrative. This is a love story, but it's focused on so much more than romantic love; this is a story of a love between a mother and her daughter, of the love living on beyond the grief of death, of the love between great friends, of finding love in a new community and revisiting the love existing in one's hometown, AND of love between two at-first broken people who find healing in their love and understanding of one another.
This is so well-done, and I cannot wait for more stories from this wonderful author and friend.
Kait Weaver-Smith, you have such a way with language and have crafted the most heartfelt, moving, BEAUTIFUL story here, with whole, imperfect, lovable, and dynamic characters who feel like friends by the final page.
To all of this book's future readers, prepare yourself to embark on a wonderful, beautiful, emotional journey that you won't forget-- and you most certainly won't regret.
This book tackles heavy, difficult, important topics with the utmost care. While there are hysterical, laugh-out-loud moments in this novel and the sweetest moments that will have readers smiling at the sweetness of falling in love, there are moments of deep hurt, grief, and the pain of healing that are so gently and carefully crafted. I love that no character in this book is left as a shallow caricature; these are real, imperfect, HUMAN characters, and none is left behind in the shadows of the narrative. This is a love story, but it's focused on so much more than romantic love; this is a story of a love between a mother and her daughter, of the love living on beyond the grief of death, of the love between great friends, of finding love in a new community and revisiting the love existing in one's hometown, AND of love between two at-first broken people who find healing in their love and understanding of one another.
This is so well-done, and I cannot wait for more stories from this wonderful author and friend.
January 1, 2024
I got the privilege of receiving an ARC of this book and I'm so grateful for that!
Stunning book! Would highly recommend if you like the following:
• Slowburn romance
• Minimal spicy scenes; Thankfully, the main spicy scene did not contain any of the popular ick words I have seen floating around the (spicy) romance book community
• Compelling, raw, and realistic characters
• No Third Act Breakup
• Dual POV
• Small Town Romance
• Age Gap (6 years)
• Single Mom
Please check for triggers!
I have listed the potential content/trigger warnings I personally found below:
Content/Trigger Warnings
1. Spousal/parental loss
I know this one is obvious based on the summary but never hurts to reiterate. Both MCs (Noah Anderson Kent & Olivia Claire Brooks) have lost their spouses, Adeline & Liam, prior to the starting events; FMC's deceased spouse is the father of her daughter, Kennedy.
2. Stomach flu and nausea as a result of this sickness
Olivia and Kennedy get it toward the end.
3. Mental Health Representation
Both Noah’s and Olivia’s struggles with their mental health as well as the positive and negative side effects are highlighted throughout the novel.
4. Emotional and Mental Parental Abuse
Only Olivia goes through this throughout the novel.
I do want to mention that this book’s on the longer side at roughly 505 pages (50 chapters and an epilogue). Therefore, if you tend to prefer books that’re on the shorter side (between 300-400 pages), just keep the length in mind when selecting this one as it may take you longer to finish, especially if you’re the type of reader that frequently needs to take breaks.
Stunning book! Would highly recommend if you like the following:
• Slowburn romance
• Minimal spicy scenes; Thankfully, the main spicy scene did not contain any of the popular ick words I have seen floating around the (spicy) romance book community
• Compelling, raw, and realistic characters
• No Third Act Breakup
• Dual POV
• Small Town Romance
• Age Gap (6 years)
• Single Mom
Please check for triggers!
I have listed the potential content/trigger warnings I personally found below:
Content/Trigger Warnings
1. Spousal/parental loss
I know this one is obvious based on the summary but never hurts to reiterate. Both MCs (Noah Anderson Kent & Olivia Claire Brooks) have lost their spouses, Adeline & Liam, prior to the starting events; FMC's deceased spouse is the father of her daughter, Kennedy.
2. Stomach flu and nausea as a result of this sickness
Olivia and Kennedy get it toward the end.
3. Mental Health Representation
Both Noah’s and Olivia’s struggles with their mental health as well as the positive and negative side effects are highlighted throughout the novel.
4. Emotional and Mental Parental Abuse
Only Olivia goes through this throughout the novel.
I do want to mention that this book’s on the longer side at roughly 505 pages (50 chapters and an epilogue). Therefore, if you tend to prefer books that’re on the shorter side (between 300-400 pages), just keep the length in mind when selecting this one as it may take you longer to finish, especially if you’re the type of reader that frequently needs to take breaks.
January 22, 2024
I don’t even have words. This book was breathtaking, raw, and truly something beautiful. I ugly cried several times. PERFECTION.
January 20, 2024
What an incredible book! It made me laugh and cry and it had the perfect amount of spice. I feel like these were characters I wanted to really know. It was such a natural progression through a relationship and I really enjoyed getting to see it through both Olivia and Noah’s POV’s.
March 7, 2025
4.5⭐️ Had no idea really what to expect going in, but what a read. Loss and love and grief and joy. Small town and found family. It got me in the feels - just beautiful.
December 10, 2023
So excited for everyone to get their hands on Kait’s debut novel!
This was a beautiful story about two people who have lost their spouses and they slowly learn to trust and love again. The story felt so real and raw.
The end had me in TEARS and the epilogue?! WOW.
This was a beautiful story about two people who have lost their spouses and they slowly learn to trust and love again. The story felt so real and raw.
The end had me in TEARS and the epilogue?! WOW.
December 12, 2023
This was the most beautiful story of love after loss. Noah and Liv were both doing the best they could after being widowed, but after meeting each other, they learned how much better life could be. Their love was so pure and healing.
I loved the way neither of them lost their love for their first partners. It wasn’t an erasure of their existence, but a creation of a life after. I feel like so many times in books like this, they learn that they didn’t love their first partner as much as they thought. But Liv and Noah just fell in love differently.
This book made me so happy and it was just so beautiful.
I loved the way neither of them lost their love for their first partners. It wasn’t an erasure of their existence, but a creation of a life after. I feel like so many times in books like this, they learn that they didn’t love their first partner as much as they thought. But Liv and Noah just fell in love differently.
This book made me so happy and it was just so beautiful.
December 5, 2023
If I could give this book 100 stars I would. Something Beautiful is an understatement by a long shot. This amazing love story of two people at their lowest is simply breath taking. You can feel what they are feeling and see all the details throughout the book. Do it. Read it. You won’t regret it.
February 26, 2024
A *beautiful* love after loss story, that is so well crafted. Kait has a special way with words that leaves the reader feeling what the main characters feel. I cried and laughed and smiled with Liv and Noah. Rose Hill is a real place to me. Liv and Noah and Kennedy and Avery and Nel are real to me. I wish I could read this for the first time again. Or the second or third time. It will never get old.
December 22, 2023
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Small Town Romance
Friends to Lovers
Love After Loss
Grief Journey
Single Mom
Grumpy Tattooed Swifty Mechanic
Dual POV
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
After losing her husband in a tragic accident, Olivia Brooks decides to move to Rose Hill with her 4 year old daughter, Kennedy, in hopes of finding some semblance of normalcy. She's at her lowest when she meets Noah Kent, who almost trips over her in the hallway of her apartment building. Their initial meeting is barely even a meeting but what it turns into is something beautiful. Noah is in the midst of his own grief after the tragic loss of his wife, and never in his wildest dreams did he think that the crumpled mess of a woman he saw in the hallway of his sister's apartment building would end up changing his life.
It took me longer to read this one than most because of all the feelings I had while I was reading it. This book... *sigh* I finished this book last night, and when I say it WRECKED me... I mean I was a literal heap of sobs for at least an hour. I had to collect myself and my thoughts before I could even begin to write a review. This book is so aptly named. When I stop to think of how I would try to describe it to someone, the first word I think of is beautiful. It's a breathtakingly beautiful story. The writing, the story, the characters, their relationships, the kids... literally everything about this book was so well done and so beautifully written. Every piece fits perfectly. Nothing feels cliché. Nothing was rushed. It was slow and sweet. It made me smile and cry. It tugged at my heartstrings and felt like a big comforting hug. It makes me miss that feeling of being in love. It was so good in so many different ways.
Grief is so hard to navigate, and I think Kait did a wonderful job showing how different it looks for everyone. No two journeys are the same. When Noah and Olivia meet, she is a year into hers while he's been navigating his grief for 4 long years. Their experiences, while both tragic accidents, have lead them on very different paths, and it just shows how different it can be for everyone. The pain of losing someone you love is indescribable and all consuming. All we can do is learn how to live life along side the grief and make room for new people, new experiences and new love.
For my spicy romance readers, this book is not super spicy. However, this is one of those rare books where you barely notice. The spice is secondary to the relationship that they build, and the love that you can see between them before either of them really realize it or accept it. It's not about the lust. It's about the journey, and it is 100% worth the wait.
I go back and forth between hoping that we get another glimpse into Noah and Olivia's life in a second book, and hoping that story just stays in its perfect little bubble as a standalone. When the book ends, not everything is tied up in a perfect bow and gift wrapped for us. There are still questions about what will happen, but that's life isn't it? Nothing is perfect, but we learn to live in the imperfections as happily as we can.
This is easily in my top 5 books for this year. I know I will be thinking about this story for a long time after this. I cannot recommend this book enough. It releases January 16th. Go pre-order it. You don't want to miss this one!
Small Town Romance
Friends to Lovers
Love After Loss
Grief Journey
Single Mom
Grumpy Tattooed Swifty Mechanic
Dual POV
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
After losing her husband in a tragic accident, Olivia Brooks decides to move to Rose Hill with her 4 year old daughter, Kennedy, in hopes of finding some semblance of normalcy. She's at her lowest when she meets Noah Kent, who almost trips over her in the hallway of her apartment building. Their initial meeting is barely even a meeting but what it turns into is something beautiful. Noah is in the midst of his own grief after the tragic loss of his wife, and never in his wildest dreams did he think that the crumpled mess of a woman he saw in the hallway of his sister's apartment building would end up changing his life.
It took me longer to read this one than most because of all the feelings I had while I was reading it. This book... *sigh* I finished this book last night, and when I say it WRECKED me... I mean I was a literal heap of sobs for at least an hour. I had to collect myself and my thoughts before I could even begin to write a review. This book is so aptly named. When I stop to think of how I would try to describe it to someone, the first word I think of is beautiful. It's a breathtakingly beautiful story. The writing, the story, the characters, their relationships, the kids... literally everything about this book was so well done and so beautifully written. Every piece fits perfectly. Nothing feels cliché. Nothing was rushed. It was slow and sweet. It made me smile and cry. It tugged at my heartstrings and felt like a big comforting hug. It makes me miss that feeling of being in love. It was so good in so many different ways.
Grief is so hard to navigate, and I think Kait did a wonderful job showing how different it looks for everyone. No two journeys are the same. When Noah and Olivia meet, she is a year into hers while he's been navigating his grief for 4 long years. Their experiences, while both tragic accidents, have lead them on very different paths, and it just shows how different it can be for everyone. The pain of losing someone you love is indescribable and all consuming. All we can do is learn how to live life along side the grief and make room for new people, new experiences and new love.
For my spicy romance readers, this book is not super spicy. However, this is one of those rare books where you barely notice. The spice is secondary to the relationship that they build, and the love that you can see between them before either of them really realize it or accept it. It's not about the lust. It's about the journey, and it is 100% worth the wait.
I go back and forth between hoping that we get another glimpse into Noah and Olivia's life in a second book, and hoping that story just stays in its perfect little bubble as a standalone. When the book ends, not everything is tied up in a perfect bow and gift wrapped for us. There are still questions about what will happen, but that's life isn't it? Nothing is perfect, but we learn to live in the imperfections as happily as we can.
This is easily in my top 5 books for this year. I know I will be thinking about this story for a long time after this. I cannot recommend this book enough. It releases January 16th. Go pre-order it. You don't want to miss this one!
January 20, 2024
WOW. I am not typically one for reading romance, as I usually think they are kind of cheesy, but this book MIGHT be able to change my mind.
The story was amazingly written, following both characters from a dual POV. Seeing how they are both struggling with their feelings of grief and love made you really connect with them so well as a reader. As a male reader, it is also often hard to find a well written/believable MMC in romance, and Noah was definitely a realistic and likable MMC. Seeing Noah’s struggles and how he feels shy or uncertain or has all of these feelings but still tries to put on that macho grumpy mechanic facade (with everyone but Liv) was really cool to see. I can’t recommend this book enough! 5/5⭐️
December 15, 2023
This book was so good. And it’s been hard for me lately to find a debut novel that hits all the right spots.
Olivia and Noah are perfect for each other. Not only with their shared trauma, but because they both have something that the other needs to help them learn to live again. Trauma bonding is never easy, and the author wrote this book beautifully.
Liv and Noah learn to love again after a deep and heavy loss. It’s not an easy journey, especially with Kennedy to factor in. Olivia’s family and in-laws also don’t make her journey easy. I was so mad for her about that. I am also extremely glad there is no third act breakup in this book. You never know how satisfying it is to not have that come up until after you read several romances featuring it. It honestly gets a bit old.
This book hit me in the feels often. It is definitely in the running for top read for December. Well done to the author!
Olivia and Noah are perfect for each other. Not only with their shared trauma, but because they both have something that the other needs to help them learn to live again. Trauma bonding is never easy, and the author wrote this book beautifully.
Liv and Noah learn to love again after a deep and heavy loss. It’s not an easy journey, especially with Kennedy to factor in. Olivia’s family and in-laws also don’t make her journey easy. I was so mad for her about that. I am also extremely glad there is no third act breakup in this book. You never know how satisfying it is to not have that come up until after you read several romances featuring it. It honestly gets a bit old.
This book hit me in the feels often. It is definitely in the running for top read for December. Well done to the author!
January 14, 2024
This is a love story that will break your heart and make you laugh out loud in the same chapter! Olivia and Noah’s story has intense emotional depth but is surrounded by such amazing characters that give the story warmth and heart too. Kait’s writing is absolutely beautiful and her character development makes you feel like you know everyone from Rose Hill in real life. Kait has this amazing ability to balance intense emotions of grief with light hearted banter and humor. She allows Liv and Noah to have these complex emotions of grief without huge overwhelming feelings of guilt about moving on, it’s so tender and sweet. This is a really beautiful story about trusting yourself and your heart.
January 17, 2024
Something Beautiful by Kait Weaver-Smith 🥹💙
This story pulled at my heartstrings so hard I think they almost unraveled 💔❤️. Olivia is so sweet and it broke my heart how hard she fought to put on a front after her husband died. I don’t know if I would have the strength. I would 100% be Noah if I didn’t have my son. He threw himself into work when his wife died and drowned himself in self-loathing. I don’t blame him one bit.
I grew so attached to these characters and the storyline. There were times when I couldn't put the book down. There were also times when it hit me so hard that I had to step away to clear my head and remind myself it was a work of fiction. Which is by no means a bad thing.
Overall, I loved it so much. Like Kait-Weaver-Smith-please-marry-me so much 😂. It was a well-written, feel-good romance that very much reminded me of Virgin River on Netflix. Except for less drama and more healing. Also, my favorite character was either Kennedy or Nellie ❤️😂.
1000/10 Recommend.
Genre - Romance (Small town—love after loss)
5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1/5 Spice 🌶️
5/5 Comprehensible ✍️🏽✍️🏽✍️🏽✍️🏽✍️🏽
Predictability - Average
💋Read on, my loves💋
This story pulled at my heartstrings so hard I think they almost unraveled 💔❤️. Olivia is so sweet and it broke my heart how hard she fought to put on a front after her husband died. I don’t know if I would have the strength. I would 100% be Noah if I didn’t have my son. He threw himself into work when his wife died and drowned himself in self-loathing. I don’t blame him one bit.
I grew so attached to these characters and the storyline. There were times when I couldn't put the book down. There were also times when it hit me so hard that I had to step away to clear my head and remind myself it was a work of fiction. Which is by no means a bad thing.
Overall, I loved it so much. Like Kait-Weaver-Smith-please-marry-me so much 😂. It was a well-written, feel-good romance that very much reminded me of Virgin River on Netflix. Except for less drama and more healing. Also, my favorite character was either Kennedy or Nellie ❤️😂.
1000/10 Recommend.
Genre - Romance (Small town—love after loss)
5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1/5 Spice 🌶️
5/5 Comprehensible ✍️🏽✍️🏽✍️🏽✍️🏽✍️🏽
Predictability - Average
💋Read on, my loves💋
January 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
"Something beautiful is on the horizon."
Beautifully written. I was stunned by how much I loved this book. Noah and Oliva now have a piece of my heart ❤️
Trauma strikes in the first three percent of this book, bringing tears to my eyes. When Oliva suddenly looses her husband to a tragic accident, she is left alone and grieving to take care of their young daughter, Kennedy. After a year of hardly living and barely making it by, she needs a change of scenery to escape Liams ghost. She finds that escape in Rose Hill, Delaware... which happens to be where the broody Noah Kent, locked away with his own demons, resides.
🌶🌶
"Something beautiful is on the horizon."
Beautifully written. I was stunned by how much I loved this book. Noah and Oliva now have a piece of my heart ❤️
Trauma strikes in the first three percent of this book, bringing tears to my eyes. When Oliva suddenly looses her husband to a tragic accident, she is left alone and grieving to take care of their young daughter, Kennedy. After a year of hardly living and barely making it by, she needs a change of scenery to escape Liams ghost. She finds that escape in Rose Hill, Delaware... which happens to be where the broody Noah Kent, locked away with his own demons, resides.
January 19, 2024
This is a beautiful story about Olivia a single mother who moves across the US with her 4 year old daughter after the loss of her husband. Through her new neighbor she meets Noah who lost his wife. He offers her a job. The longer the get to know each other the closer they get and together they go on a journey to create something beautiful.
This story was so swoony, it also had sad moments which is expected with the subject matter so I had some tissues on hand. I loved these characters and reading about how Noah is there for Olivia and her daughter Kennedy. Avery is also a great character. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it!
Thanks to Kait Weaver-Smith for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story was so swoony, it also had sad moments which is expected with the subject matter so I had some tissues on hand. I loved these characters and reading about how Noah is there for Olivia and her daughter Kennedy. Avery is also a great character. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it!
Thanks to Kait Weaver-Smith for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 19, 2023
This book took me by the heart and led me down a path that I don't want to come back from. The characters are a stunning reflection of real people. Noah and Olivia's story did not feel rushed or just thrown together. I had a hard time not reading this at work. Just an all around stellar novel.
January 30, 2024
Very good book. I want to read it maybe 4.75 stars. I just wish the epilogue would’ve been a little bit longer or a little bit more in depth. But overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is a very slow burn. I would say the first half of the book had just a little bit too much inner monologue for me. So I did find myself kind of scrolling through. How the author handled grief and a death of a loved one was amazing. Spice level around a one.
January 21, 2024
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BOOK!!
Kait is truly so talented and I hope that the whole word eventually will know that. Her writing is so beautiful, thoughtful and intentional. Cannot wait for her next books!!!
Kait is truly so talented and I hope that the whole word eventually will know that. Her writing is so beautiful, thoughtful and intentional. Cannot wait for her next books!!!
March 7, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading this book as an ARC and it was absolutely amazing!
Everything about it from the plot, the character growth, the ROMANCE!! I was crying by the third chapter, and my investment for these characters only got stronger from there.
This being a debut novel is crazy, it’s got everything a romance book should have, and even more (including a Swifty MMC, like… come ON).
I cannot recommend this book enough.
Everything about it from the plot, the character growth, the ROMANCE!! I was crying by the third chapter, and my investment for these characters only got stronger from there.
This being a debut novel is crazy, it’s got everything a romance book should have, and even more (including a Swifty MMC, like… come ON).
I cannot recommend this book enough.
March 21, 2024
BOOK REVIEW ✨
Title: Something Beautiful
Author: Kait Weaver- Smith
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
I don’t even have words. This book was absolutely breathtaking, raw, emotional, & truly Something Beautiful. DEBUT NOVEL?? Holy cow😭😭
Kait did an amazing job with such a delicate trope (love-after-loss), and if you are looking for something to shatter you into a million pieces then put you back together, this is the one. I was crying at 3%🥺
The book follows Olivia and her daughter Kennedy who move away from their hometown after a tragic incident. But everything is about to change once Olivia runs into the grumpy mechanic, in the new town they moved to, who is battling with his own grief. Olivia and Noah were meant to find each other, to help heal their broken hearts, and man did they ever.
Title: Something Beautiful
Author: Kait Weaver- Smith
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
I don’t even have words. This book was absolutely breathtaking, raw, emotional, & truly Something Beautiful. DEBUT NOVEL?? Holy cow😭😭
Kait did an amazing job with such a delicate trope (love-after-loss), and if you are looking for something to shatter you into a million pieces then put you back together, this is the one. I was crying at 3%🥺
The book follows Olivia and her daughter Kennedy who move away from their hometown after a tragic incident. But everything is about to change once Olivia runs into the grumpy mechanic, in the new town they moved to, who is battling with his own grief. Olivia and Noah were meant to find each other, to help heal their broken hearts, and man did they ever.
January 13, 2024
This is a book that is about unexpectedly finding love after unimaginable loss. I knew this would be a dual POV, small town, single mom, slow burn but really those descriptors do not do this book justice.
Olivia decides a drastic move across the country is exactly what she and her daughter need after the death of her husband. She was hoping to find a place to heal without constant reminders of all she had lost and to help her heal and be the best mom for her daughter. She is hired by Noah who is also struggling to deal with the loss of his wife and feels guilty and fault. The attraction is instant and mutual but comes with guilt on top of massive grief. But the two develop a friendship based on mutual grief and deep-seated understanding of what the other is going through. This heartbreaking connection also allows them to start healing and find ways to bear the grief, treasure the love and memories, while also learning to live freely.
I felt the loss and grief and utter sadness Liv and Noah were experiencing but it was so beautiful to see the growth and love developing. Single parent books get me every time because the MC always loves the kid as much as the parent, this was true with Noah and “his girls”. I love Noah! He does lots of wall leaning, takes care of Live and Kennedy when they are sick, cooks for them, and shows them how cared for they are not just by him but his family and the town! Liv is a wonderful mother! And she was dealing with so much on top of her grief, but I was glad she had Noah and Avery to lean on for support!
Cait, thank you for the ARC! How is this your debut?!? Seriously, it was so well written! You made me SOB through the last 8% of you book! Like ugly sobbing and wiping snot on the sleeve of my Reputation hoodie I haven’t wanted to take off since it came. OMG, sooo good.
Olivia decides a drastic move across the country is exactly what she and her daughter need after the death of her husband. She was hoping to find a place to heal without constant reminders of all she had lost and to help her heal and be the best mom for her daughter. She is hired by Noah who is also struggling to deal with the loss of his wife and feels guilty and fault. The attraction is instant and mutual but comes with guilt on top of massive grief. But the two develop a friendship based on mutual grief and deep-seated understanding of what the other is going through. This heartbreaking connection also allows them to start healing and find ways to bear the grief, treasure the love and memories, while also learning to live freely.
I felt the loss and grief and utter sadness Liv and Noah were experiencing but it was so beautiful to see the growth and love developing. Single parent books get me every time because the MC always loves the kid as much as the parent, this was true with Noah and “his girls”. I love Noah! He does lots of wall leaning, takes care of Live and Kennedy when they are sick, cooks for them, and shows them how cared for they are not just by him but his family and the town! Liv is a wonderful mother! And she was dealing with so much on top of her grief, but I was glad she had Noah and Avery to lean on for support!
Cait, thank you for the ARC! How is this your debut?!? Seriously, it was so well written! You made me SOB through the last 8% of you book! Like ugly sobbing and wiping snot on the sleeve of my Reputation hoodie I haven’t wanted to take off since it came. OMG, sooo good.
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