A Wedding in the Lowcountry: A Black Southern Romance Where Childhood Friends Reunite and Find Second Chances, Healing, and Happily Ever After

by Preslaysa Williams

Preslaysa Williams, author of the “emotionally stirring debut” A Lowcountry Bride (Oprah Daily), returns to the Lowcountry with a heartwarming friends to lovers story about the courage to fall in love again.

Avila Rogers’ mother kicked her out of the house as a teenager when a one night stand left her pregnant. So when her mother passes away and Avila must return to Myrtle Beach to get her mother’s house ready to put on the market, her feelings are complicated, to say the least.

Things get even more complicated when she runs into her childhood friend, Trevor, who is now a professor at the nearby HBCU. Years ago when Trevor left Myrtle Beach to attend Hampton University, Avila felt abandoned, but it’s clear that their connection hasn’t faded… and may even be something more than the friendship they once shared.

As Trevor supports Avila in the wake of her mother’s passing, they have to deal with the feelings that they have for one another. Avila is wary of trusting others—she’s used to taking care of herself and her daughter, but could Trevor hold the key to opening her heart?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Preslaysa Williams (nee, Preslaysa Edwards) is an award-winning author who writes heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with an Afro-Filipina twist.

Proud of her heritage, she loves sharing her culture with her readers. She has a MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University and an undergraduate degree in Spanish Language & Literature from Columbia University.

Preslaysa is also a professional actress (nee, Preslaysa Edwards), a planner nerd, an avid bookworm, and a homeschool mom who often wears mismatched socks. You can visit her online at www.preslaysa.com where you can sign up for her newsletter community.

You can also connect with her on these social media platforms:

Facebook.com/preslaysa
Twitter.com/preslaysawrites
Instagram.com/preslaysa

Reviews

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the synopsis for this book it sounded interesting; however, the book was not as engaging as I hoped it would be. While I have no issues with a slow burn, which this was, I didn't care for the back and forth with Avila and how she reacted to Terrance. There were too many times where he expressed his feelings of more than friends with her and she dipped her toe over the friendship line making him think that they were going to be more, just retreat back to her shell and leave him confused as to what was going on with her. I understood that she was dealing with the pain and hurt of what happened with her father which caused her to have trust issues with putting her heart out there; however, since Terrance was her friend first I thought she would have been able to communicate with her better.

Once her daughter was introduced to him and they got along well I just knew she was going to give in to his advances but still she tried her best to keep it as just friends. Terrance was a good friend to her; however, he came off a little too strong for me as well with trying to pick up where the left off at and trying to convince her to get back into theater. I knew he meant well but he could have eased into it better. It all worked out in the end but it took forever to get to that place and then from there I felt it was rushed. I would have liked to see more of them as an official couple before we got to the wedding instead of the back and forth of her debating what she was going to do.

This was my first book by this author and I wouldn't mind reading something else but this one was an okay read for me. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[shestaysbooked🍒 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet friends to lovers/second chance romance. The story focuses on healing and love/self love.

Thank you to NetGalley/ Avon books for early access to this audiobook

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook/Book Review 🥂💐

Thank you so much @avonbooks & Harper Audio for the gifted copy + audiobook!

A Wedding in the Lowcountry
by Preslaysa Williams
Narrated by Carmen Jewel Jones

About the book 👇🏽

Avila Rogers’ mother kicked her out of the house as a teenager when a one night stand left her pregnant. So when her mother passes away and Avila must return to Myrtle Beach to get her mother’s house ready to put on the market, her feelings are complicated, to say the least.

Things get even more complicated when she runs into her childhood friend, Trevor, who is now a professor at the nearby HBCU. Years ago when Trevor left Myrtle Beach to attend Hampton University, Avila felt abandoned, but it’s clear that their connection hasn’t faded… and may even be something more than the friendship they once shared.

💐 My thoughts:

The audiobook was wonderful and the narrator was incredible. I really felt the story come to life with Carmen Jewel Jones. It was a beautiful experience! I started this book the moment I received it and I am happy I did. I really enjoyed this story because it is sweet, complicated, and leaves you full of hope. It touches on complicated relationships, what emotions feel like when we’re teens, and what it’s like to process everything as adults. I love a second chance romance and although when Avila and Trevor were younger they weren’t together, the feelings were there and to see it come to life as adults, really tugged at my heart. I also love that friends to lovers stories always holds so much depth and that was no different in this story. This is the first book I’ve read by Preslaysa Williams and I fully intend to read more! A Wedding in the Lowcountry is out 2/18/25!

Happy reading! 📖🎧🥂💐

[LaCricia A'ngelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty for ashes is how I would describe this story. The author has used the beautiful backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina as a place of second chances for Avila should she decide to take it. With the loss of her mother and the inheritance of her childhood home Avila is left with choices that have the potential to change the lives of her and her daughter.

Throughout the book I was begging her to lean in the direction I felt was best for her. The author kept me glued to the story hoping for a satisfactory ending. I recommend this book for readers that don’t mind a slow burn that’s worth the read.

Thank you Avon books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Krishana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needs an editor. Review forthcoming.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third Preslaysa Williams romance is another one set in the South and I really liked the dual POV, single mom, second chance, he falls first, theatre lovers, HUGE Hope Floats vibes. It was good on audio by a new to me narrator and good for fans of authors like Synithia Williams or Farrah Rochon. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

[amarachireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 for the audiobook
3.25 for the story

Thank you, Harper Audio, for this alc for an honest review. I enjoyed the audiobook a lot, the narrator did a good job with the story and made the plot more enjoyable for me.

This short and to-the-point novel is both the fmc finding herself again after the loss of her mother and a romance. It was a cute read the fmc is a single parent who left her hometown after getting pregnant and didn't really speak to her mom again until she got the letter that she had passed. She goes to the funeral and has to take care of the house her mom left. Her childhood friend who she had liked helps her with stuff and they close again and have some angst about her staying and them getting back together. I wish the book had been longer because I think it would have delved more into the romance which was a bit surface-level and didn't have enough time on page. I loved the aspect of her finding herself and getting back to a field and work that she likes and also I would have loved it to go deeper. Overall an okay and diverse read.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

In anticipation of this novel, I was able to read the other 2 novels in the Brides of Lowcountry series. The novels in this series are only very loosely connected, and each novel can easily be read independent of the others.

Avila lives in New Jersey with her preteen daughter, Ebony. She is estranged from her mother, who did not support her through a late teen pregnancy. Upon her mother's death, Avila returns to her hometown with a reluctant but curious Ebony in tow.

Trevor is a successful, divorced professor who was once Avila's BFF. A confession before college changed everything between the best friends. Avila never returned home, and Trevor never stopped thinking about her.

Trevor offers to help Avila get her mother's house ready for sale, and their old friendship is rekindled with a side of romance. This has a clean Christian focused story with little spice. While I liked the characters, the romance felt convenient and a bit like instalove. Avila was needlessly abrasive and annoyingly complicated. At the same time, I felt like Ebony wasn't complicated enough for a preteen in this circumstance.

My favorite aspect of this novel was the author's descriptions of the Lowcountry. It sounds gorgeous, lush, and full of history. This book set a longing in me to visit the Lowcountry myself.

This audiobook is narrated by Carmen Jewel Jones. I appreciate her style because I found Avila a bit trying in her behaviors, but Ms. Jones helped her to feel relatable.

Thank you to Preslaysa Williams, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 11 of 2025 - ✅! Thank you to NetGalley, HarperAudio, HarperAudio Adult, Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon & Preslaysa Williams for an ALC & ARC of A Wedding in the Lowcountry by Preslaysa Williams. I listened to the ALC for the first 55% of the book and then finished my ARC on my Kindle.

A Wedding in the Lowcountry by Preslaysa Williams caught my eye from its gorgeous cover, and description on NetGalley. This is the first book I’ve read by Williams, and it’s a very sweet, clean, rom-com.

Our protagonist, Avila, is a single mom to Ebony - the mother-daughter pair lives in NJ, where Avila has always been supportive of her daughter’s interest in acting and the arts. After the death of Avila’s mom, the two go down to Charleston for the funeral and for Avila to get affairs in order with the intention of selling her childhood home. Her plans take a bit of a turn when, Terrance, her best friend and true love, comes back into the picture. Avila must decide how she wants her and Ebony’s life to continue with her past coming to the forefront in various ways.

Terrance is a lovely MMC - a supportive and kind professor. As for Avila - I love a strong, artistic FMC, especially one who’s pro-union. She’s a member of Actor’s Equity (in this house, we’re pro-union: proud IATSE Local 871 member, here)! Happy endings for POC characters make my heart swell.

4/5 ⭐️ & 0.5/5 🌶️ (there is some kissing, but nothing more than that on the page). #NetGalley #AWeddingInTheLowcountry 💒 🎭 💐

[Maddy (Kristen) Mclain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not for me I think. I had a hard time liking Avila, that might just be where I'm at emotionally right now, but I kept losing patience with her, which doesn't feel super fair, but I also think she needed someone to just give her a shake and tell her she needed therapy, like a lot of therapy. I did like Ebony, Terrance, and Ms. Mable (p.s. if the author or publisher is reading this, the name of the MMC is wrong on the goodreads Synopsis). I thought they were great honestly, I really enjoyed that they were all friends. Other than that I think the other thing I struggled with was just that the writing is pretty clunky, it feels like it needed just one or two more rounds with an editor to get out the repetitive sentences. I might read the other two books attached to this just to see what they're like, but not right now. This is definitely going to be someone else's favorite book, I just struggled with it personally.

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley to read and review. I will say I really enjoyed this book. Avila made me mad most of the book. She is the poster child of childhood trauma manifesting into your adulthood. She was dealing with abandonment issues from her dad and not having the best relationship with her mom. She is forced to return home due to the untimely passing of her mom. She is so determined to do everything herself that she alienates herself and her daughter from everyone. She sees it as protecting her heart. Her childhood best friend, Terence, is determined to break through the guard she has up, and she fights him every step of the way.

I have never read a book where the FMC frustrates me so much. Most of my highlights from the book are to tell this lady to go to therapy. I understood her wanting to protect herself, but she was hurting her child in the process. Little Ms. Ebony got her mama together a few times, and I loved it. Terence had the patience of Job to keep dealing with Avila, and I applaud him for that. I liked this book a lot, and I'm glad a HEA. I was afraid it wouldn't happen the way Avila was fighting the love everyone was trying to give her.

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
Avila returns to her hometown after her mother’s death, and oof. Cue the emotions. She’s dealing with grief, with the memories that come with being in her childhood home, the pressure of being a single mom, feelings for her childhood best friend, and anxieties about creating connections or friendships. Navigating her mom’s estate leads Avila to learning more about her parents and having to make tough choices. I can’t lie, she did annoy me a bit with how hard she rejected help, even when it would benefit her daughter. I really loved Trevor and the way he consistently showed up for both her and her daughter.

[ARC review]

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of themes in this story, love, abandonment, faith, life dreams, mother and daughter relationships. It's a small town story where you can guess the ending but an enjoyable story.
Thank you for the Goodreads giveaway.

[☆Laura☆]

Tristemente, no me gustó el libro y ninguno de los protagonistas me cayó bien.

Ávila es una madre soltera atrapada en lo que su vida pudo haber sido si no se hubiera quedado embarazada. Su personaje me resultó muy egoísta.

Ávila y Terence eran mejores amigos, pero cuando ella estaba lista para ir a la universidad de sus sueños y convertirse en actriz, se enojó con él porque no quería que él hiciera lo mismo (ir a la universidad de su elección). Ella quería que él se quedara cerca, inscribiéndose en cualquier universidad cercana a la suya, porque temía quedarse sola y creía que nadie la cuidaría como él. Como él no accedió a su deseo, ella dejó de hablarle y no se volvieron a ver hasta la muerte de su madre, cuando tuvo que regresar para el funeral.

A lo largo de todo el libro, Ávila se queja constantemente de lo sola que está y de lo mucho que le gustaría tener a alguien a su lado para criar a su hija, pero, al mismo tiempo, se encarga de alejar a todos. Todo esto por daddy issues.

Al principio, sentí pena por Terence, ya que estaba enamorado de ella desde joven. Cuando regresó, vio la oportunidad de estar juntos, pero ella solo lo utilizaba para que la ayudara en todo, y lo único que obtenía a cambio eran excusas para luego alejarlo. Esto ocurrió varias veces, y en un punto deseaba que él tuviera más carácter y la dejara, pero no lo hizo.

Por cierto, no creí que Ebony (la hija) realmente amara el teatro. Si bien creo que le gustaba, lo hacía más porque Ávila la obligaba, ya que era su sueño frustrado.

No entendí por qué tanto misterio con las exesposas y las exnovias de Terence.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Colette Pogasic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neither good nor bad. Just slowwww. Avila, just let people help and love you girl

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 2 out of 5]

#AWeddingintheLowcountry #NetGalley

Likes: multicultural author, vivid eye catching cover, descriptions of low country cuisine, buildings, and vistas.

Dislikes: stilted almost simplistic writing style, failure to engage reader as plot plodded along.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

"A Wedding in the Lowcountry" by Preslaysa Williams is a short PG-rated second-chance, childhood friends-to-lovers romance that, unfortunately, left me wanting more. I think Williams does a good job with three things. One, Williams explores what it feels like to find what you really want to do in life, especially with no parental support network in place. Two, she explains how childhood trauma and abandonment manifest within adults if left to fester. Avila did not have a relationship with her mother as an adult because of her treatment as a child. Ebony, Avila's daughter, is also going through a similar thing with her own father, who is not in her life because he did not have time to be a young father. Finally, she hones in on the main characters' shared history. Avila and Terence were friends throughout their lives/in high school, but something happened to stop their friendship in its tracks. Years later, at her estranged mother's funeral, Avila and Terence reconnect when she comes back to town with her daughter. But, I think their reconnecting felt a little too convenient. There aren't any stakes with their possible relationship. Everything felt way too easy. There's not a lot of pining or yearning going on between the two of them. The pieces of their relationship puzzle just fall into place with a lot of convincing by Terence and little to no fanfare. Terence is clearly obsessed with Avila, but she couldn't seem to care less about him in return. Avila is used to doing everything in her life as an adult and as a parent by herself because she has *had to,* but in the process, she isolates everyone else around her, including her daughter. After about 37% of the book, the plot gets extremely repetitive and a bit boring. Still, I stuck through it and finished the story, hoping it would get better... it's fine, but I definitely won't remember this book come year's end. It doesn't do enough to set itself apart from the other novels that I got much more invested in. I think that, without the addition of the audiobook narration, I would have DNF'ed this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Preslaysa Williams, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A women's fiction romance with a love, hope, faith restored theme

My Review: A Wedding in the Lowcountry by Preslaysa Williams is a 2025 novel. It is scheduled for release on February 18, 2025.

About the Book: "...a heartwarming friends to lovers story about the courage to fall in love again."

In My Own Words: Upon her mother's death, a woman and her daughter go back to their roots. While there, old friends, old dreams, old feelings, and more are encountered.

Question to Consider: Is it possible to grow beyond a shaken faith and a fear of surrendering to love?

About the Characters:

Avila - > Discouraged, unresolved, haunted, struggling, fearful, desirous of something that has evaded her, conflicted

Terrence - > Kind, good, caring, focused, tortured, responsible, empathetic, willing, open

Ebony - > Well-mannered, upset by circumstances, hopeful, talented, understandably emotional

The neighbor - > Wise, transparent, honest, present, soothing

About the Narration: This novel was narrated by Carmen Jewel Jones. She did an excellent job with delivery. As I listened to the story, I was drawn into the emotions and feelings of each of the main characters. It was beautifully done.

My Final Say: This was a wonderful story about life, family, second chances, reconciliation, choices, and love. It held a deeper meaning than I had considered going in. The lives of the mother, the daughter, and the granddaughter were especially telling. I found the story, quite honestly, to be of the realistic fiction variety.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Easy-to-read
Happily Ever After
Romantic
Realistic
Growth evident

Other: This would be sensational as a book club read. I highly recommend it. I think many readers will be able to relate to one or more of the characters.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: Clean
Level: 💛

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to an audio ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review this novel. I look forward to reading more from this writer.

[Roslyn Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preslaysa Williams returns to the Lowcountry with A Wedding in the Lowcountry, a heartfelt friends-to-lovers story that explores grief, forgiveness, and the courage to open your heart again. The story centers on Avila Rogers, a single mother who was kicked out by her mother as a teenager after an unplanned pregnancy. Years later, she returns to Myrtle Beach to settle her mother’s estate and unexpectedly reconnects with Trevor, her childhood best friend, now a professor at a nearby HBCU. The character development is where this novel truly shines. Avila is a deeply layered protagonist fiercely independent, emotionally guarded, and shaped by years of abandonment and sacrifice. Her journey is one of healing, not just from her mother’s rejection but from the walls she’s built around herself. Trevor, meanwhile, is steady, thoughtful, and quietly persistent. His own emotional growth unfolds as he tries to prove to Avila that love doesn’t have to hurt. Their relationship is beautifully paced. Williams doesn’t rush the romance; instead, she lets it simmer through shared memories, awkward reunions, and moments of vulnerability. The chemistry is subtle but strong, and their dynamic feels authentic two people with history, baggage, and a chance to rewrite their story. The plot is emotionally driven, with just enough external tension to keep things moving. The backdrop of Myrtle Beach adds warmth and atmosphere, and the inclusion of secondary characters like Ebony and Ms. Mable brings a sense of community and Southern charm. While the pacing occasionally slows, the emotional payoff is worth it. If you love character-driven romance with emotional complexity and a strong sense of place, A Wedding in the Lowcountry is a rewarding read

[vlm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preslaysa Williams transports readers to the Lowcountry in her latest novel, *Wedding in the Lowcountry*, a heartfelt exploration of love, healing, and second chances. Following the success of her debut, *A Lowcountry Bride*, Williams continues to shine as a storyteller with this emotionally resonant friends-to-lovers tale.

The story follows Avila Rogers, a resilient single mother confronting her past while preparing her late mother’s house for sale in Myrtle Beach. Avila grapples with complicated emotions stemming from rejection and unresolved grief. The return of her childhood best friend, Trevor, now a local HBCU professor, adds warmth and nostalgia, as their chemistry evolves from tentative reconnection to rekindled feelings.

One of the novel’s strengths is its focus on trust and vulnerability. Avila’s reluctance to rely on others is relatable, as the central question unfolds: can she embrace love with Trevor? Both characters are well-developed, with Trevor’s patience beautifully counterbalancing Avila’s guarded nature.

The evocative Lowcountry setting enhances the narrative, making Myrtle Beach feel like a character in its own right. *Wedding in the Lowcountry* is not just a romance; it’s a story of forgiveness and the courage to confront pain while finding home in the people who hold your heart. Fans of contemporary romance will find much to adore in this uplifting novel.

In brief, Preslaysa Williams delivers an emotional triumph, making *Wedding in the Lowcountry* a must-read for those seeking a romance filled with depth and hope.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Wedding in the Low Country by Preslaysa Williams is a second chance at love romance between two childhood friends.

Oof. Avila is a hot mess. Avila left her hometown twelve years ago with big plans. Unfortunately, an unexpected pregnancy with her now twelve-year-old sassy daughter Ebony changed the course of her life. Letting pride stand in her way, Avila let her relationship with her now deceased mom fall to the wayside. She is stuck in the past and she protects her heart at all costs. Avila’s decisions have distanced her from everyone in her life, including her wonderful daughter.

Terence and Avila’s childhood friendship did not survive after they both departed for college. Terence has always loved Avila but he did not let his feelings keep him from moving forward with his life. He is a now divorced college professor and he is delighted when he learns Avila is back. Terence does not hesitate to offer to help Avila get her mom’s house ready for sale. He is also ready to try again for a relationship with her since he is still in love with her.

A Wedding in the Low Country is a romance that is sweet but super frustrating. Avila is a very irritating character who will not let go of past hurts. This need to protect herself is understandable but she just will not get out her own way. Ebony is an absolutely wonderful character that is hard not to love. Terence deserves a lot of credit for putting up with Avila’s nonsense. While it took longer than expected, Preslaysa Williams brings the romance a well-deserved happily ever after.

(there is a little confusion about whether or not the love interest is Terence or Trevor. The name in m review copy is Terence but in the summary it is Trevor.)

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like William's first two books, this third novel sets a leisurely pace, much like the city in which it's set. A character-driven story, it centers on reunited childhood friends, Terence and Avila and Avila's twelve-year-old daughter Ebony.

I enjoyed the characters of Ebony and Terence and connected with them fairly quickly. I tried to connect with Avila but, wow, did she make it tough. She is one complicated woman with a whole host of issues to work through. Those issues add emotional depth to the story and to her character growth, which is the most significant of the main characters, but they sure didn't make it easy to root for her during the process.

Anyone who has ever been around a pre-teen girl should appreciate the character of Ebony. Williams checks all the boxes in her crafting of a hormonal girl and her single, stage mama.
I like a friends-to-lovers trope and Terence is a very good friend to Avila, but I was a little put off by how strongly - and quickly - Terence pushes things forward romantically between them. Given that these two haven't seen one another in more than ten years, it felt a bit too "insta-love" for me. He does eventually slow down and I ultimately felt good about their relationship but it's one of the stumbling blocks that kept this book from being rated higher. Please keep in mind that these are my thoughts. Other readers may have a totally different reading experience.

My small issues aside, I did enjoy the overall story as well as the growth of the characters though I did not enjoy it as much as the author's first two books.

3.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

[Teneisha (Teesbookjourney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Honkers Under the Holly** was the chaotic, hilarious, and heartwarming holiday romance I didn’t know I needed. From the moment Sir Honksalot flapped into the picture, I knew this book would be something special—and it absolutely delivered.

A struggling sports agent and a plus-size model pretending to be engaged to save a bad-tempered goose? It’s the perfect setup for Christmas mayhem, and the story leans into it beautifully. The fake relationship trope is already one of my favorites, but throw in forced proximity, a one-bed situation, and a social media-famous goose with a sock-stealing habit? Perfection.

What really made this book shine was the chemistry. The tension between the main characters felt so real, and every little touch, every stolen glance, had me completely hooked. I loved that she knew her worth and never dimmed her light, and I adored that he was secretly a romantic under all his exasperation. Their banter was sharp, their slow-burn feelings delicious, and when things finally came to a head? Absolutely swoon-worthy.

And of course, Sir Honksalot stole every scene he was in. Chaos and comedy followed that goose like a personal storm cloud, and I laughed out loud more times than I can count. But this wasn’t just a lighthearted romp—there were some truly tender moments that made the romance all the sweeter.

If you love a holiday romance that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, with a heroine who owns her confidence, a hero who falls hard, and a goose with main character energy, this book is a must-read. I’m obsessed.

[Turtleberry Turtleberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb of this book wasn’t accurate. Avila hadn’t been kicked out of the house because she got pregnant. She chose not to return home because she got pregnant. Also, the male main character’s name was Terrance. She left home before he did so the notion that she felt abandoned was lost somewhere in the shuffle.

Avila comes home with her pre-teen daughter after finding out that her mother died. She is supposed to just be getting the house ready to sell and making sure her mother’s affairs are in order. Terrance lives a few doors down in his family’s home. He is a professor at the local college. He steps up to help Avila with getting things together. She is reluctant to ask for help but can’t seem to turn Terrance away.

Just before they both left for college, he told her that he loved her. She couldn’t say the words back because she knew that they would be apart and didn’t want to complicate things. As an adult, he still feels the same way about her. She also has feelings for him but she is reluctant to admit them. She has a fear of him leaving.

This book moved very slowly. She kept pushing him away. He didn’t give up. Finally, she was able to see a future for them.

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the other books. The only tie that this one had to the others was that it was set in the lowcountry. This was a good book but not exactly what I had expected.

[Codi Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being kicked out as a teen for an unexpected pregnancy, Avila is reluctant to return to Myrtle Beach with her twelve year old daughter to settle her late mother’s estate. Her emotions grow even more tangled when she reconnects with Terrance, a childhood friend she has avoided since leaving for college. Now a professor at a nearby university, Terrance is eager to support Avila through her grief, and as old feelings resurface, Avila must decide if she’s ready to fall in love.

Avila is often overwhelmed by anxiety and a deep sense of failure. Rather than face the past, she’s determined to sell her childhood house and leave back to New Jersey as quickly as possible. Her childhood friend Terrance reenters her life, but Avila struggles to connect, keeping him and everyone else at arm’s length. She’s entirely focused on motherhood and survival, pushing her dreams aside and focusing on her daughter's acting career, all while refusing to acknowledge her own emotions. As more of her history is revealed, her guarded nature makes sense, but even after recognizing her pattern of avoidance, she continues it.

While Avila’s journey is compelling, the story feels repetitive at times, and the resolution comes a little too late. More time spent exploring the aftermath of her growth would have made for a stronger read.

I'm giving this book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 for this review). Thank you NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for this eARC.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, sweet read.

Avila returns home to Charleston with her daughter after 12 years away to prepare her late mother’s house to be sold. During that time, she reconnects with her childhood friend, Terence. The two of them have unresolved feelings from the last time they saw each other. As they spend time together working on the house and Terence also gets to know Avila’s daughter, they experience a lot of back and forth to find their way forward.

The concept of this book was intriguing, and while it was an easy read, I had a hard time feeling engaged in it. I think I felt this way because it was very internally focused in the way it was told with Avila and Terence’s prospective being conveyed in their thoughts rather than in depth conversations and interactions together. This meant getting to know them each well as individuals, but I never connected to their relationship. We’re told they have a rich history together from their childhood but were never really shown much to reinforce that.

I did really enjoy Ebony’s role in the story. She and Terence’s bonding was the place I felt the most genuine connection. I think her impact on Avila’s choices and decisions also added a lot to the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the eARC and Avon for the finished copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Quira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much appreciation to NetGalley and Harper Audio for this ALC/ARC. I’m honored this is my first one ever.


I love a “he falls first” trope, but Terrence was a lil too eager, he came off as strong at first. This was a “friends to lovers” trope as well, but was it necessary for them to be lovers?
Avila was pushing Terrence away 80% of the book. For this to have been a romance…where was the romance?

I was bored most of the book because the lack of plot movement. Parts were repetitive…Avila likes Terrence, then pushes him away, her daughter gets mad, repeat. I got to the end wondering why Terrence even tried? Avila needed therapy big time from the childhood trauma, trust issues and insecurities. Her character development didn’t really feel fleshed out either. I like that Avila ultimately will get back into the field she loves, but it felt thrown in and not built up. I did also appreciate the theme of trying to find forgiveness in mourning someone she didn’t leave on good terms with. Avlia’s feelings around that felt realistic and relatable.

The audio was easy to listen to and the narrator did very well with both POV’s, which helped me actively stay engaged with the book.

Overall rating is a 3 as it was just okay for me. Easy enough read, a couple sweet moments. A light, albeit not too memorable, palate cleanser between books.

[Avery B-Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

This heartwarming novel follows Avila as she returns to her childhood home with her daughter when her mother dies. She and her mother had had a tumultuous relationship that resulted in no contact between them after she got pregnant with her daughter from a one-night stand. Intending to fix the house and return to New Jersey, she deals with the heavy emotions of coming to terms with the time she lost with her mother and begins falling in love with the Lowcountry again. While working on fixing the house, she runs into her former flame, and sparks fly, but she is determined to keep her feelings at bay so her impending departure will not hurt.

This story is full of love and highlights the connections of a tight-knit community while grappling with the tough decisions a single mother must make.

It did not quite hit the mark for me and did not keep me engaged, but it was a very sweet novel.

I loved Avila's character, but I was very frustrated by some of the decisions she made and the back-and-forth that occurred between her and her love interest.

I think that if you enjoy small-town romance with a pair working through their shared history, you could really enjoy this.

*I received an online advanced reader copy for my honest review. This did not impact how I rated or reviewed this book.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. It’s one of those if someone asked me whilst reading I would say “meh, it’s ok”.

I almost feel like I read a memoirs as it dragged and the execution just wasn’t there sadly. I can’t even put my finger on how to change it.

That being said. The narrator Carmen Jewel Jones did a great job. She most importantly to me, spoke at a reasonable pace and I loved the different character voices she used. It was that that kept me going listening.

I do think folks would want to connect with stories that resonate with their experience may enjoy this book for that reason as it has descriptive content that makes you feel like you’re in the situation. For that I enjoyed it.


I am thankful to have gotten the ALC for free from Harper Audio Adult through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I write my review, I want to point out that the blurb is wrong. This takes place in Charleston, not Myrtle Beach. It mentions the cobblestone streets multiple times, so that setting has very different feel that Myrtle Beach. And that feeling of Charleston really enhanced some of the magical feel between Avila and Terrence (Not Trevor). I hope those tidbits get updated because I think it does make a better story with Terrence in Charleston.
On to my actual review, I like a slow burn romance and this was a slow burn. I like it when the characters have their own issues to deal with and Avila had plenty to deal with! There was something missing though because Avila often came off as annoying and standing in her own way without me truly understanding and feeling for her. I'm glad for the way things worked out in the end because it was the happy ending I really wanted her to have.
The narrator of the audiobook did a fabulous job making the characters seem real. Her great work made even more annoyed with Avila and maybe that is the point. Avila is standing in her own way and we, the readers, want so much more for her. The narrator, Carmen Jewel Jones, did an amazing job making me feel that.
Overall a great fluffy romance.