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Charming Chapter

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A dream trip to find her English roots. A widow who’s settled for the single life. Will she take a chance or close the book on love forever?

Laura sets off to fulfill the travel dreams she’d had with her late husband. After a chance encounter in a London park with a handsome stranger, doubts surface. As attraction grows, two lonely people from separate worlds discover true love.
With her new book club friends telling her to ‘take a chance’ Laura must face her fears and feelings head-on. But heartbreak may be waiting ahead. Will Laura’s fears cause her to shut the chapter before the story begins?

If you enjoy later-in-life romances, uplifting stories of women’s friendships, and happily ever after's, then grab Charming Chapter now!

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2024

27 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

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Lori Haas

5 books4 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer .
1,646 reviews34 followers
April 10, 2024
This was a heartwarming “Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance,” which had me captivated from the moment I picked up the book until I closed it again having read it in one sitting! Having joined a book club after the death of her husband Laura has settled for the single life. However, when her new book club friends tell her to ‘take a chance’, she decides to take her dream trip to England. Whilst in a London park Laura has a chance encounter with a handsome stranger which leads to them meeting again. As the attraction between Laura and Hugh grows she has to face her fears, but with the encouragement of her book club friends she’s able to face her feelings head-on. Just as Laura starts to believe that two lonely people from different worlds can discover love she finds out that Hugh has been keeping a secret from her, which may result in Laura having a broken heart once again.
This was an enjoyable and engaging read and I literally could not put the book down as I felt invested in Laura’s journey right from the start. She is such a wonderfully detailed character and the connection between her and her book club friends really came across in the narrative. I love the fact that this is a later-in-life romance and the main characters are both likeable and relatable. The chemistry between Laura and Hugh really came across in this sweet romance, and I liked how they both brought their life experiences to the relationship and how their connection developed throughout the story. An Uplifting read, and I look forward to the next book in this new series.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
603 reviews17 followers
April 11, 2024
Charming Chapter by Lori Haas certainly lived up to its title - this was a most charming book!
Laura is a widow who has spent her life putting everyone else's needs first, but now in her 60s and widowed for 5 years, she decides it is her time to do something for herself. With the encouragement of her new friends in the book club to 'take a chance', she travels to England to research her ancestry.
One of her book club friends sets her up with a pet-sitting job in London, which leads to an embarrassing encounter due to a misunderstanding with a handsome gentleman named Hugh. As fates would have it, they reencounter each other at the local pub and end up dining together.
When they spend more time together, romance starts to blossom, but Laura is beset with doubts - after all, where can it lead when she lives in the USA and he in England? Is Laura ready to 'Take a Chance'?
The story is delightfully written sweet romance, with lovely characters. It is the type of book that you curl up with on a rainy afternoon with a cup of tea and a biscuit, and end up feeling satisfied.
Profile Image for Lorralei Hoerner.
929 reviews24 followers
March 21, 2024
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Refreshing and wonderful romance story. I love that this is more "seasoned" second chance at romance later in life that takes you on a journey to self discovery, love, fun and a little bit of drama. I am already looking forward to what this series has in store next!

After losing her husband, Laura sets out to discover there is more to life to live and learn about her ancestry. When Laura travels to UK she has a chance encounter with a handsome gentleman, Hugh, the sparks fly. While Hugh and Laura get to know better, and feelings become more clear that this could turn to love, secrets may be holding them back. Could Laura and Hugh discover they can overcome these bumps in the road and have their HEA that they long for.

This story is truly charming and I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,498 reviews82 followers
March 21, 2024
Charming Chapter is a charming Women’s fiction romance tale. It is a quick and easy read and an enchanting read. It’s great to see more authors getting on the older characters band wagon.
The characters feel real, and you become very invested in their story. The book club gang were fun, supportive and friends you want in your corner not like Caroline who came across as a bit selfish. There are a few ups and downs and a few surprises, but it is an enjoyable read.
My Mum died a couple of years ago and she and Dad always travelled around Australia but never any big overseas travelling. Two years ago, my dad at the ripe old age of 83 decided to do the Danube River cruise. So, when Laura decided she was going no matter what I admired her. I love travelling and learning about the history of places and ancestry.
You are never too old to do something. Learning life lessons helps us grow. Falling love later in life is good to see and this is what Laura did and I really enjoyed seeing this happen.
Give this book a go because I know you will love it.
Profile Image for Novels Alive.
279 reviews8 followers
March 30, 2024
Shoulda, woulda, coulda. Laura Rollins was afraid that had become her mantra until her new book club friends convinced her to take on a new mantra—take a chance. So, Laura is doing just that in Lori Haas’s Charming Chapter. The story revolves around Laura’s adventure, taking a chance and stepping out into her brave new world, where she travels alone for the first time after her husband’s death.

When Laura steps onto the plane, she is nervous but determined, and as the trip unfolds, her self-doubts never completely go away, but she resolutely meets each challenge head-on. One of Laura’s book club friends sets her up as a pet sitter in London, and the lovely townhome becomes Laura’s base for soirees to London sites. When one of the dogs in her charge takes off, it leads to a fateful encounter with Hugh, a strikingly handsome man in the park. Laura is embarrassed by a misunderstanding on her part, but when they run into each other again at the local pub that evening, there seems to be a spark between them.

Hugh is charming, quite handsome, a complete gentleman, and Laura finds herself strongly attracted to him. Hugh seems to be as taken with Laura. He plans not only an outing for them in the interest of Laura’s research of her ancestors but also asks her to stay in England longer, arranging another pet-sitting job opportunity closer to his home in the country.

Laura is utterly charmed, not only with Hugh but with the manor house where she will be staying, and she is excited to receive a printed invitation to a dinner party Hugh is hosting in his home that week. Nervous, Laura goes but discovers at the party that Hugh has been hiding something very important from her—something from which Laura is unsure she’ll ever recover. Laura is in love with Hugh, but disappointment, sadness, and even regret are now Laura’s new companions. Could there be anything that would change her mind after learning what Hugh has been keeping from her?

Charming Chapter is an entertaining, well-paced story with thoughtful insights many women may be experiencing. Lori Haas does a splendid job of sharing Laura’s thoughts and feelings while also seamlessly including the history and sites of London and England, as well as its architecture and beautiful homes.

Charming Chapter is a sweetly and splendidly told story of hopes and dreams, doubts and fears, and hope and love. A truly “charming” read in every possible way. ~ Lindy for Novels Alive
Profile Image for Julie.
1,086 reviews75 followers
March 31, 2024
I have some conflicting thoughts on this story. First of all, I love how this book features a "seasoned" woman at the center of the story. It's refreshing to read a book like this as they are so rare.

Laura is a widow of approximately five years who has recently joined a book club. The members of the club have encouraged her to "take a chance" on life. That chance is what is leading Laura to England, where she will be pet-sitting for a couple going on holiday. While out walking the dogs one day, Laura comes in contact with Hugh, and after a rather humorous misunderstanding, the two meet up and have dinner together. One thing leads to another and Laura finds herself in a whole new world that she's never expected.

Second, I love that this is a mostly clean romance novel. There were innuendos at times between two adults old enough to make decisions but that is all they were. It's actually a very sweet romance that blossoms between Laura and Hugh.

Third, I love the character of Celeste. You have to read the book to see why!

The part that I did not like is the twist. I found myself feeling betrayed after investing into this story. My opinion of several characters changed and I had a hard time forgiving them, even when things worked out as I would have hoped in the end. I had some trust issues with this one.

Overall, an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading future books in this series.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,598 reviews121 followers
March 25, 2024
3.5 Stars

Charming Chapter is the first book in the Boomer Babes Book Club series, and debut novel by Lori Haas. It is a sweet women’s fiction story about finding love again later in life. As this is my first read by Lori Haas, I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories- but the cover caught my attention, and the story promised something a little different to what I have been reading of late, so I took a chance, snapped up a copy, and set off to see what happens.
What I discovered is exactly what the title promised, a charming tale capturing a later-in-life romance (clean), friendship, finding love after loss, interesting older characters, sweet + heartwarming details, fun, challenges, and just enough drama to keep things interesting.
The characters were really well-developed individuals with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws- making the story quite realistic and entirely believable. It was great seeing that it’s never too late for love. And the friendships were a fun addition, adding extra interest to the overall storyline.
If you love women’s fiction, clean romances, and stories with charming mature characters finding love unexpectedly -- then this is definitely the book for you…
Looking forward to Book #2, ‘Surprising Chapter’ (due to release in June 2024)…
Hapy Reading…

Thank you, Lori Haas!
Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
1,127 reviews20 followers
May 6, 2024
Loving the cheerful cover !


I so enjoyed this book for so many reasons 😊😉I laughed hard and I ooo and ahed it really was most enjoyable and deserves every one of its ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s


Laura passed a bookstore , went in and started browsing and the way she describes it I could just smell and touch those books 🥰📚 anyhoo Angela approaches her and it’s almost an instant friendship that is formed . They go for coffee , chat about books and the idea of starting a book club , they’ll meet once a month , share dinner and their thoughts on said book ( sounds heavenly ) and that’s how “Boomer Babes Book Club “ is started and let me tell you what this really is an enjoyable bunch of ladies and you just want to climb into the book and be part of their posse !


These girls are more or less the same age but in different phases of life and when it’s her turn she chooses Rebecca and this lead her to research more of her family tree which in turn then led to her trip to the UK 🇬🇧

Now that’s she’s in the UK things really get interesting and it just reminded me that you’re never to old for love and sone really good wine and dining 🥰and hello nobody can be immune to that British accent ! I did warn her if she didn’t fall for x’s charms I’d take him 🤣🥰


A read I’d love to share with my bookclub girls ❣️📚
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,963 reviews26 followers
April 10, 2024
This was a really sweet read. It was a story about a woman who in her later years has decided to take a trip of the life time to find her roots. This is a beautiful story of one ladies journey of discovery to find herself and maybe find love along the way again. Is it possible to find a true love twice in a lifetime?
Laura has found herself in a situation she didn't imagine she would be. After losing her husband she finds herself alone and unsure of what to do with herself.
After joining a book club she is encouraged to follow her passion and find her roots to the England. So despite her nerves about travelling alone she decides to do something's for herself after all the years of helping others.
When she arrives in England her adventure begins as she starts to trace and uncover her heritage. While she is on this journey she meets a gentleman. As their attraction and chemistry grows doubts begin to resurface in Laura's mind but when feelings grow strong and the gentleman reveals a secret that Laura isn't sure she can forgive and move past could this be the end of what could be the chance of the happiness and love again.

This is a really sweet, cosy read. I really enjoyed this story and I loved seeing Laura's growth throughout the story.
Profile Image for Carrie.
712 reviews14 followers
March 20, 2024
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this going in, but quickly became engrossed. First off, this book really got me thinking about my relationship with my own mother, to just spend time with her, and enjoy her. I love that Laura at 60, and after losing her husband was motivated by her book group friends to make the leap and travel on her own to London. I was super annoyed with her daughter Caroline for most of the book. It irked me so much that she just assumed her mom would be there to take care of the things she needed help with, and I applaud Laura for standing up to her daughter and doing something for herself finally, for living for herself. I had a feeling something was off about Hugh the whole time, but didn’t see that coming. The fact that it took him so long to come clean to Laura after she found out bothered me, but I feel like they did have a connection and a strong love. It was sweet that Laura got to explore London and look into her ancestry with her Mother and Daughter, as well as learning life lessons from her own Mother, Celeste, and bestowing some truths on Caroline. I would really love to see what comes of Laura and Hugh.
2,083 reviews20 followers
March 26, 2024
5 Star’s
Charming Chapter (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances) by Lori Haas

Charming Chapter ( Boomer Babes Book Club Romances 1) is a Women’s Fiction Romance that I truly enjoyed reading. I wasn’t real sure what to expect going in but I was happy I decided to pick this book up. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they may have . The characters are relatable, fully developed and make the story come to life. I found myself relating to Laura on certain things. Laura has lost her husband and finds herself on a journey of self discovery. She meets a handsome gentleman and sparks fly. Can these two have a relationship together? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Profile Image for Laura.
203 reviews7 followers
April 5, 2024
This was such a sweet story, and I really enjoyed reading it. In this book, we meet Laura who is a widow still feeling the grief of the loss of her husband after several years. She happens to meet a woman who invites her to join a book club, and that serendipitous occasion takes her on new adventures she could never have imagined for herself. Her book club friends tell her she needs to start taking chances and doing things for herself NOW instead of waiting until later. So that's just what Laura does. It starts with a trip to England to discover her roots. While in England she meets Hugh who seems to be absolutely perfect. Handsome, charming, good manners... They spend more time together and he asks her to stay in England longer, but Laura ends up finding out that Hugh has been keeping a secret from her. Will the secret be a deal breaker?? You'll have to read it and find out!
Profile Image for Megan.
378 reviews
April 5, 2024
Charming Chapter is the story of Laura who has lost her husband and is now trying to find herself. In a chance meeting, she meets a group of women who come together to form a book club and they help her start to find herself. They encourage her to "take a chance" and travel to England to seek out her ancestry. While there Laura meets the handsome and rugged Hugh and falls head over heels for him. However, there are twists and turns that come with that and Laura and Hugh have to decide if taking the chance is worth it. I really enjoyed this late in life romance and the reminder that it's never to late to truly live. The plot is a little slow and repetitive at times but Laura is very relatable and lovely. This is the first book in a series and I can't wait to see what Haas has in store for us in the upcoming books.
Profile Image for Heather Bass.
652 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2024
This is the first book I have read from this author and now she has a new fan. This is the first book in the Boomer Babes Book Club series. I fell in love with all of the characters right from the start. I could not put this book down so I read it in one day. I can’t wait to see who she will write about next.

Laura misses her husband everyday. She is feeling lonely until she meets this amazing book club. Laura is told to take a chance so she goes to London to find out where her family came from. She is staying with an amazing woman that all she wants in return is to walk her dog. Laura is on a walk and bumps into a very handsome gentleman and they start to talk. She is very intrigued with Hugh but she doesn’t know if it can last. Laura finds out all about her roots but will she ever find love again?
Profile Image for Katie Kearney .
1,123 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2024
Listen I need to look into finding pet sitting jobs where I can travel! This book immediately had my heart. I have been married almost 20 years and imagine I’d be just as lost as Laura seems when navigating life after your partner is gone. This is a wonderful story about life after loss. But also about loving yourself and truly living afterwards. Laura drew me in so quickly and she was so easy to connect with I loved her adventures and watching her grow throughout the story. We so easy make everyone else a priority we sometimes lose us along the way and this book is a perfect outline on to find yourself again. This storyline is definitely in my heart and I loved the characters. Need a feel good storyline with amazing characters? Look no further because this one’s gonna steal your heart. Five big stars and very highly recommended.
Profile Image for Shannen.
1,064 reviews26 followers
April 11, 2024
This was such a cute and quick read for my afternoon! You can easily get through this in one day as it’s nearly impossible to put down once you start. I felt like Laura was incredibly relatable and loved the way she evolved as the story went on. It’s also very refreshing to read about a love story that involves a woman that isn’t the typical 20-something year old because that trope is overdone, I feel. I’m also a bookworm so knowing that Laura finds courage in a book club was marvelous! You can feel the work that was put into the characters that make them all the more lovable. A beautifully sweet story about living your life instead of watching it pass you by. I will absolutely recommend this book for anyone looking for a happy ever after and wonderful friends, this should be your next read. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
1,945 reviews25 followers
April 8, 2024
Charming Chapter (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances) by Lori Haas. This is such a good second chance love story. After losing the love of her life, Laura decides to go on a trip that she had been planning. Her dream is to travel to England so when an opportunity to fill in for a dog walker she jumps on it. She can make money and research her family roots. While there Laura finds herself along with her family history. She realizes she can make decisions for herself and do things she couldn't before. She also meets a man named Hugh and even though Laura thought she could never fall in love again, she does. Will they be able to work it out? This is a fun quick read about falling in love and not having to give up on life when you get older.
Profile Image for Christine Goodnough.
Author 4 books18 followers
June 1, 2024
Interesting story and well written, a touch of modern Cinderella. All this American lady needs to do is show up in England to mind someone's pets while they holiday, and a handsome billionaire meets her and falls madly in love with her.
Doesn't mention that he's married. It doesn't dawn on his lordship that someone is bound to clue her in when he invites her to his party? His unique marital arrangement doesn't ring quite true, IMO, but this story is rather a flight of fancy anyway, so...
Some good thoughts about friendship (Laura's book club pals) and family relationships are worked into this story. Especially when Laura's mother, a feisty lady in her 80's, and Laura's rather self-centered daughter, join her in the UK.
Profile Image for Roy Murry.
Author 11 books112 followers
September 13, 2024
CHARMING CHAPTER:
A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance
LORI HAAS

Review by Author Roy Murry

I read so few books as quickly as this lovely romance, which is what they call in the trade "A Chic Book." It is a fast-moving love story about a sixty-year-old named Laura, who retakes a chance on life after joining Babes Book Club.

Club members pressure her to enjoy life after the death of her husband, which kept her in a rut for several years. She travels to England to inquire about her family ancestry.

While pet sitting, yes, pet sitting, she meets a man. And everyone who reads a romance novel knows what is coming.

However, the obvious is not in Laura's cards. That adventure is worth reading this well-put-together short novel.
Profile Image for Cindy.
853 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2024
Laura is in her 60s just like myself. She belongs to a supportive book club that encourages her to do things for herself. She spent so much of herself for her children and husband. Now that her children are grown and her husband has passed away. It is time for her! Even though her daughter has a different point of view, Laura must follow her heart. London here she comes. This author knows just how to engross her readers. I love that she writes for her older readers. Her romance is spot on, just the right amount of relationship building. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
3,109 reviews34 followers
March 27, 2024
This book is such a sweet and heartwarming story. It is unusual to get a book that has such an older character as it focus and even more unusual for one to do it so well. The main character was really engaging and I thought her whole arch was so inspiring and brilliant to read. She is the kind of person that makes me thing you can do anything no matter how old you might be.
I thought the story was really well imagined, and made me appreciate my capital city more than I have in a while. I loved watching the main character explore it and discover more about herself. The story was interesting and I easily became absorbed in it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Profile Image for Colleen N.
369 reviews
March 29, 2024
This was a very sweet later in life love story. I found Laura to be gentle, kind, and in the beginning a bit of a pushover. She was so lost after a loss, but I enjoyed watching her figure out where her life would take her and reminding people that you have to live life to the fullest no matter what has happened, no matter what age you are. The story does have a happy ending, and I thought that the author did a nice job with each of the characters in their role in the book. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author and in the series. This was a great quick read that could easily be read over a couple of hours with a little English tea sitting in a chair.
Profile Image for Krista.
134 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2024
This really gave my "PS I Love You" vibes. Laura lost her husband and part of herself. She threw herself into caring for her daughter and grandkids and stopped doing things for herself. But when she joins a book club, all the other ladies convince her to take a chance and she winds up going on a trip to London. She ends up meeting Hugh and quickly falls for him. There are some unexpected speed bumps in the story that they have to work out, to decide if they want to be together. It was a cozy and short read that serves as a reminder that you can still find love again, no matter what age. And that sometimes when you take a chance you can really find yourself and your happiness again
Profile Image for Toni.
200 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2024
Charming Chapter is a wonderfully written romance, with big bonus points because it is a second chance later in life romance. As a 50-year-old woman it is very refreshing to read books in my own age range. The characters are all likable and easy to relate to and nicely developed. This book will take you on a journey with self-discovery, you may think about your own relationships, a bit of drama and love and even some laughs. It is a fun quick read, and I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Daryian.
216 reviews
March 25, 2024
4/5 stars
This book hits just the right notes of romance and intrigue to keep you hooked. The characters feel like people you'd want to be friends with, making it super easy to dive deep into their stories. The setting is so well-drawn, you practically feel like you're living in it. Sure, the plot might not surprise you every step of the way, but the witty banter and a few clever twists more than make up for it. Giving it a solid 4 stars because it's the perfect pick-me-up read for a lazy weekend chill.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
842 reviews7 followers
March 28, 2024
Charming Chapter was a cute story with a happy ending. I love that it wasn't the typical young characters, but multi generational. Laura, the main character, has just turned 60 and has decided to travel to England to investigate her ancestors roots. She meets Hugh and they hit it off right away. The book is full of all kinds of important messages- Follow your dreams, listen to your heart, don't be afraid to start over or fall in love again. The advice Laura gives her daughter is perfect and so spot on! I will look forward to reading more if this series continues.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
April 5, 2024
What an absolutely lovely story! Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2024 so far! As soon as I started reading, I knew it was going to be one of those books that has my completely glued from beginning to end and I was right. I love how relatable Laura was, her character was just so lovely to read about and I was totally invested in her and her journey, a new chapter in her life after losing her husband.
I am definitely going to be looking forward to more from this author in the future and I have to say what an amazing debut novel!
Profile Image for Shelly.
1,226 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2024
This is one of the sweetest second-chance romances that I’ve read in a bit. It hits a little close to home because I’m the oldest in our relationship by a decade. I found Laura and Hugh’s relationship to be sweet and slow in building. Georgina is the one that I didn’t think was needed. I loved Celeste. She had me rolling in the aisles with her surprise trip. It’s an entertaining romance with the American/Brit interactions. It’s a fun read and I’ll be eagerly awaiting book 2.
10 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2024
I’m not a huge fan of love stories. In my world, they’re all the same. However, Lori Haas’ novel, Charming Chapter, proved that old saying - you can’t judge a book by its cover - to be 100% true.

In the novel, Haas reminds us through main character Laura, about the importance of stepping out of our comfort zone and taking chances - and reminds us that no matter what season of life we’re in, it’s never to late to find love.

Rating: 5/5
Profile Image for Emily.
5,886 reviews552 followers
April 1, 2024
Laura lost the love of her life, but she made him a promise that has her traveling to London to fill in as a dog walker while getting a vacation and researching her family history for free. Laura uses this opportunity as a new chance in her life, while she is an older woman it doesn't mean she has to throw in the towel and can still enjoy an adventure. What she doesn't expect is meeting Hugh has her rambling but the second meeting finds Laura enchanted. As they begin to get to know one another it is not a smooth ride as they both had hoped, but can it last between them?

I thought this was thoroughly enjoyable. A refreshing story with older characters who find something remarkable in each other. I thought the chemistry was charming and you are swept away in their story. Will most definitely read another book in this series.
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