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River's Run Duet #1
Full Circle
Celeste Hendricks has lived in the small town of River’s Run, Georgia her entire life. After the tragic death of her mother, Celeste is lost and broken. Her family’s restaurant, The Comfy Cushion, just isn’t the same without her mother, and she doesn’t know how to move forward…until Wesley enters her life.
Wesley Madden is the unwanted son and heir of Madden Enterprises. Kicked out of every elite school in Atlanta, his father is fed up and sends him to live with a distant relative in the tiny town of River’s Run. Wesley is despondent and angry at the world…until Celeste crosses his path.
As tragedy strikes again, forcing them apart, Celeste and Wesley have to learn how to survive alone. One day fate intervenes, reuniting them in River’s Run, where their feelings are just as strong as ever and their worlds collide. They are the only ones who can decide—does love ever come full circle?
Wesley Madden is the unwanted son and heir of Madden Enterprises. Kicked out of every elite school in Atlanta, his father is fed up and sends him to live with a distant relative in the tiny town of River’s Run. Wesley is despondent and angry at the world…until Celeste crosses his path.
As tragedy strikes again, forcing them apart, Celeste and Wesley have to learn how to survive alone. One day fate intervenes, reuniting them in River’s Run, where their feelings are just as strong as ever and their worlds collide. They are the only ones who can decide—does love ever come full circle?
- GenresRomance
516 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2024
21 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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June 7, 2025
“I've got you love bug. I'll always get you.”
Celeste Hendricks has a big smile and heart. After losing her mother at the age of twelve, she has been lost but she still has her dad right by her side. That’s when trouble walks into the small town, a boy named Wesley with lots of anger dropped off by his disappointed billionaire father to live with his aunty. These two are inseparable but as time goes on and they are ripped apart how long will it take to find each other again?
This was a great Cinderella retelling story. These two are soul mates where you get the coming of age for up to 60% of the book then it jumps to adults. It made me happy, emotional and angry. Some of these characters were horrible I was here for both of them to be together by the end. They deserve to be happy as both went through a lot. I did get teary but I didn’t cry.
In the first section, I found there were some over-the-top dramatics at times and then also some unrealistic moments. I feel this is more of a personal preference.
Overall a great story that pulled on the heart.
If you love:
🔹Small Town
🔹Coming Of Age
🔹Second Chance
🔹Accidental Pregnancy
🔹High School Sweethearts
🔹Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: New Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 475
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 In The River Runs Duet
Tropes or Themes: Cinderella Retelling, Small Town, Best Friends To Lovers, Coming Of Age, Second Chance, Accidental Pregnancy, High School Sweethearts, It’s Always Been You, Soul Mates, Taken Care Of, Masquerade Ball, Medical Content, Terminal Illness, Fire, Death Of Parent, Emotional and Physical Abuse, Violence, Cursing, SA Attempt, Sexual Content and Virgin.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Celeste Hendricks has a big smile and heart. After losing her mother at the age of twelve, she has been lost but she still has her dad right by her side. That’s when trouble walks into the small town, a boy named Wesley with lots of anger dropped off by his disappointed billionaire father to live with his aunty. These two are inseparable but as time goes on and they are ripped apart how long will it take to find each other again?
This was a great Cinderella retelling story. These two are soul mates where you get the coming of age for up to 60% of the book then it jumps to adults. It made me happy, emotional and angry. Some of these characters were horrible I was here for both of them to be together by the end. They deserve to be happy as both went through a lot. I did get teary but I didn’t cry.
In the first section, I found there were some over-the-top dramatics at times and then also some unrealistic moments. I feel this is more of a personal preference.
Overall a great story that pulled on the heart.
If you love:
🔹Small Town
🔹Coming Of Age
🔹Second Chance
🔹Accidental Pregnancy
🔹High School Sweethearts
🔹Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: New Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 475
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 In The River Runs Duet
Tropes or Themes: Cinderella Retelling, Small Town, Best Friends To Lovers, Coming Of Age, Second Chance, Accidental Pregnancy, High School Sweethearts, It’s Always Been You, Soul Mates, Taken Care Of, Masquerade Ball, Medical Content, Terminal Illness, Fire, Death Of Parent, Emotional and Physical Abuse, Violence, Cursing, SA Attempt, Sexual Content and Virgin.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
May 26, 2024
Full Circle is a modern, real world Cinderella retelling.
It's not set in a fantasy, or even royalty, world.
However, it does have an evil stepmother.
There isn't any Bibbidy Bobbity Boo. However, there are some family members and friendships that can only be described as magical.
Sam, the author, found a BEAUTIFUL way to break your heart with the injustices the two main characters, Celeste and Wesley, face.
Yet, she is able to (realistically) bring it Full Circle to Happily Ever After in true Cinderella fashion.
*I had to keep telling myself to trust the process because Cinderella HAS to get a happy ending! lol
Celeste and Wesley are the truest of soulmates. They came into each other's lives when they most needed the other. They are polar opposites, but balance each other perfectly for many years.
One terrible day, they each have terrible reactions, each to different incidents and they lose each other.
Unfortunately they both had the shittiest of people responsible for them. The manipulations held against them following that day were catastrophic.
I liked that when it was time to hash out their reasonings for why they stayed away; the way they were manipulated made it believable and didn't piss me off thinking that it was a bit far fetched.
Often, during book discussions, it's common to hear about how pissed off and annoyed people get at how characters react to crisis when it's not practical behavior. I always hear "Why would they do/believe that?!?"
or
"I could never imagine that doing that!"
or
"That's such unrealistic behavior!"
Granted sometimes that is what makes a story, but what I'm getting at is while the manipulation against Celeste and Wesley and the way things were held over their heads, was severe, it was realistic enough to not question what the hell they were thinking.
I only have 2 complaints, both of which are personal:
1) I want more lol
2) Part 1 is of their tween-teen years. I was caught off guard quite a few times due to the language/descriptions used. Especially in their thoughts. It was PERFECTLY written and was PERFECT for world building, but I just personally don't like when characters use words and descriptions that seem above or out of their maturity/personality level.
"The future stretched ahead like a barren, arid desert—dusty, painful, and empty—without her bright laugh or delicious cooking."
-doesn't seem like how a freshly turned 13 year old would describe a loss.
"Flowers were everywhere around the outside; fat begonia bushes with bright pink blossoms and thick foxgloves towered along the porch railing. A yard was cleared around the house, although an enormous flowering dogwood tree reigned over everything on the righthand side."
-doesn't seem how a 12 year old boy would describe a yard.
It doesn't ruin anything or take away from anything, it just really catches me off guard.
10/10 recommend adding this to your TBR!!
It's not set in a fantasy, or even royalty, world.
However, it does have an evil stepmother.
There isn't any Bibbidy Bobbity Boo. However, there are some family members and friendships that can only be described as magical.
Sam, the author, found a BEAUTIFUL way to break your heart with the injustices the two main characters, Celeste and Wesley, face.
Yet, she is able to (realistically) bring it Full Circle to Happily Ever After in true Cinderella fashion.
*I had to keep telling myself to trust the process because Cinderella HAS to get a happy ending! lol
Celeste and Wesley are the truest of soulmates. They came into each other's lives when they most needed the other. They are polar opposites, but balance each other perfectly for many years.
One terrible day, they each have terrible reactions, each to different incidents and they lose each other.
Unfortunately they both had the shittiest of people responsible for them. The manipulations held against them following that day were catastrophic.
I liked that when it was time to hash out their reasonings for why they stayed away; the way they were manipulated made it believable and didn't piss me off thinking that it was a bit far fetched.
Often, during book discussions, it's common to hear about how pissed off and annoyed people get at how characters react to crisis when it's not practical behavior. I always hear "Why would they do/believe that?!?"
or
"I could never imagine that doing that!"
or
"That's such unrealistic behavior!"
Granted sometimes that is what makes a story, but what I'm getting at is while the manipulation against Celeste and Wesley and the way things were held over their heads, was severe, it was realistic enough to not question what the hell they were thinking.
I only have 2 complaints, both of which are personal:
1) I want more lol
2) Part 1 is of their tween-teen years. I was caught off guard quite a few times due to the language/descriptions used. Especially in their thoughts. It was PERFECTLY written and was PERFECT for world building, but I just personally don't like when characters use words and descriptions that seem above or out of their maturity/personality level.
"The future stretched ahead like a barren, arid desert—dusty, painful, and empty—without her bright laugh or delicious cooking."
-doesn't seem like how a freshly turned 13 year old would describe a loss.
"Flowers were everywhere around the outside; fat begonia bushes with bright pink blossoms and thick foxgloves towered along the porch railing. A yard was cleared around the house, although an enormous flowering dogwood tree reigned over everything on the righthand side."
-doesn't seem how a 12 year old boy would describe a yard.
It doesn't ruin anything or take away from anything, it just really catches me off guard.
10/10 recommend adding this to your TBR!!
June 7, 2024
Trying to write this review is harder than I thought it would be. It’s highly unlikely I will be able to convey how much love I feel for these two main characters, Celeste and Wesley, but I sure as hell will try.
Celeste is every little girl spinning in circles, wearing their mother’s bridal gown, living with fairytale glasses. All while the world around her slowly collapses in.
Wesley is the little punk your parents tell you to stay away from. He’s the kid that will forever kick the crap out of anyone badmouthing his girl. Even at a young age, his heart was bigger than he knew what to do with…until he met her. Then every tiny dark corner brightened slowly until they both found love.
Cue the catastrophes and heartbreak. Cue the mind numbing pain. I will not sugar coat this…I balled like a baby more than a few times. Was it worth every single ounce of dehydration to my body — HELL YES! I would go back and reread it for the first time if given the chance.
Nobody deserves what Celeste was handed in life, but she sure as hell deserves Wesley to put her back together. There’s always gold at the end of a Rainbow 🥹
Celeste is every little girl spinning in circles, wearing their mother’s bridal gown, living with fairytale glasses. All while the world around her slowly collapses in.
Wesley is the little punk your parents tell you to stay away from. He’s the kid that will forever kick the crap out of anyone badmouthing his girl. Even at a young age, his heart was bigger than he knew what to do with…until he met her. Then every tiny dark corner brightened slowly until they both found love.
Cue the catastrophes and heartbreak. Cue the mind numbing pain. I will not sugar coat this…I balled like a baby more than a few times. Was it worth every single ounce of dehydration to my body — HELL YES! I would go back and reread it for the first time if given the chance.
Nobody deserves what Celeste was handed in life, but she sure as hell deserves Wesley to put her back together. There’s always gold at the end of a Rainbow 🥹
June 17, 2025
Highly recommend for the romance reader. Yes, this is a Cinderella retelling but it's not all flowers and fairy god mothers. There is a HEA but they work for it - this story has grit. This book made me emotional at a few parts, but mostly I really enjoyed it.
And there's some good characters too which is important. Nana particularly, was one of my favorites. At one part, one of the MC's compares Nana to the Grandma from the Disney movie Mulan which was a spot on comparison - if you've seen Mulan, you can't help but love the Grandma lol
And there's some good characters too which is important. Nana particularly, was one of my favorites. At one part, one of the MC's compares Nana to the Grandma from the Disney movie Mulan which was a spot on comparison - if you've seen Mulan, you can't help but love the Grandma lol
May 15, 2024
ARC read......I was SUPER lucky to obtain a copy of this book before it was released. WOW, the range of emotions this book took me on. Loved the characters and development we got to experience with each one. After this read, I believe true love can come full circle ♡
May 28, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Okay first things first: I'm in awe of this modern day cinderalla re-telling where there is a step-mother, step-siblings and a prince, only that the Prince is not a prince in shining armour but a dark prince, Prince nonetheless.
This is a story about two broken children. One who couldn't cope with the death of her mother although she had a loving father, Nana and an aunt. On the other hand, another one having trouble containing his rage since his mother left him when he was born and an absentee father, therefore turning him into a raging and destructive child. When he was expelled from almost all the schools in Atlanta, a distant relative from his mother's side agreed to take him in. That was a turning point in his life when he had to move to a small town called River's Run in Georgia. On a beautiful summer day Wesley met Celeste when she was drowning in her own grief and darkness. They were 13 when they met became friends instantly.
A couple of years went by and they became inseparable but fate has a cruel hand to play. Celeste's father was diagnosed with a brain tumor, she was broken because she was not ready to say goodbye to her only parent left merely within a span of 3 years. Wesley was her rock at that time, until he wasn't. After her father passed away everything changed, her world turned upside down and all the fight she thought she had, left her body and she became numb. Wes tried everything he could to give Celeste a year with her father and made every moment memorable just to see her smile. That was the kind of love they shared since they understood what love is. It happens very rare when you connect with someone on the level deeper than everyone comprehends. They were soulmates and the beauty of it was that they knew.
The book is in two parts. First is when they were teenagers and had heart in their eyes, when they made promises to each other oblivious of the fact how cruel and hard life can be. The second part of the book is 10 years later, when he comes back to town seeking a second chance. He comes hopeful only to find out that whatever notions he had were way too wrong. When he started searching for the answers he found that it was only a tip of an iceberg and his life was a much bigger mess than he could have ever thought.
Since this is an ARC review I won't give any spoilers, so you will have to read it yourself to know whether life came full circle for them or not.
PS: I was high on emotions while reading this book and it was beautiful to witness their journey all along. The book is about a grief journey, friendships, found-family, love, soulmate connection and also a healing journey.
Okay first things first: I'm in awe of this modern day cinderalla re-telling where there is a step-mother, step-siblings and a prince, only that the Prince is not a prince in shining armour but a dark prince, Prince nonetheless.
This is a story about two broken children. One who couldn't cope with the death of her mother although she had a loving father, Nana and an aunt. On the other hand, another one having trouble containing his rage since his mother left him when he was born and an absentee father, therefore turning him into a raging and destructive child. When he was expelled from almost all the schools in Atlanta, a distant relative from his mother's side agreed to take him in. That was a turning point in his life when he had to move to a small town called River's Run in Georgia. On a beautiful summer day Wesley met Celeste when she was drowning in her own grief and darkness. They were 13 when they met became friends instantly.
A couple of years went by and they became inseparable but fate has a cruel hand to play. Celeste's father was diagnosed with a brain tumor, she was broken because she was not ready to say goodbye to her only parent left merely within a span of 3 years. Wesley was her rock at that time, until he wasn't. After her father passed away everything changed, her world turned upside down and all the fight she thought she had, left her body and she became numb. Wes tried everything he could to give Celeste a year with her father and made every moment memorable just to see her smile. That was the kind of love they shared since they understood what love is. It happens very rare when you connect with someone on the level deeper than everyone comprehends. They were soulmates and the beauty of it was that they knew.
The book is in two parts. First is when they were teenagers and had heart in their eyes, when they made promises to each other oblivious of the fact how cruel and hard life can be. The second part of the book is 10 years later, when he comes back to town seeking a second chance. He comes hopeful only to find out that whatever notions he had were way too wrong. When he started searching for the answers he found that it was only a tip of an iceberg and his life was a much bigger mess than he could have ever thought.
Since this is an ARC review I won't give any spoilers, so you will have to read it yourself to know whether life came full circle for them or not.
PS: I was high on emotions while reading this book and it was beautiful to witness their journey all along. The book is about a grief journey, friendships, found-family, love, soulmate connection and also a healing journey.
June 1, 2024
WOW! This was a RIDE.
This was probably the most incredible and all consuming emotional rollercoaster I’ve read this year. I can confidently say this will without a doubt be in my top 5 of 2024.
This is a big book, with A-LOT to digest.
Celeste meets Wesley when they’re 13, just weeks after her mother passes away. They instantly become inseparable, the very best of friends. Wesley knows early on that she is it for him and that he will love and protect her forever.
These two navigate a very difficult adolescence together. They live through heartbreaking and gut wrenching loss,mental and physical abuse, and so much more than any teenager should have to endure.
Through all of the hard stuff they face, Wes remains a rock for Celeste and makes her the center of his universe.
The loss in this story was a level of angst and heartache I wasn’t prepared for, and honestly, with it hitting so close to home, I almost was afraid to continue reading it. But these two beautiful souls needed their story to be told, and I was here to listen and cry along with them.
This will bring you back to all your firsts. First love, kiss, 🍒, every single experience. This author has a way of making it all so real you will feel like you’re reliving all these milestones.
There wasn’t a human emotion I didn’t experience in this book.
There were so many layers and depth to this story. The plot and character development was masterfully done.
I am truly blown away and so grateful I took a chance with this author.
5 ⭐️ does not do this justice.
*triggers : death, loss of parent, suicidal thoughts and ideations, emotional and physical abuse, teenage pregnancy, arson, depression, anxiety, sexual assault
This was probably the most incredible and all consuming emotional rollercoaster I’ve read this year. I can confidently say this will without a doubt be in my top 5 of 2024.
This is a big book, with A-LOT to digest.
Celeste meets Wesley when they’re 13, just weeks after her mother passes away. They instantly become inseparable, the very best of friends. Wesley knows early on that she is it for him and that he will love and protect her forever.
These two navigate a very difficult adolescence together. They live through heartbreaking and gut wrenching loss,mental and physical abuse, and so much more than any teenager should have to endure.
Through all of the hard stuff they face, Wes remains a rock for Celeste and makes her the center of his universe.
The loss in this story was a level of angst and heartache I wasn’t prepared for, and honestly, with it hitting so close to home, I almost was afraid to continue reading it. But these two beautiful souls needed their story to be told, and I was here to listen and cry along with them.
This will bring you back to all your firsts. First love, kiss, 🍒, every single experience. This author has a way of making it all so real you will feel like you’re reliving all these milestones.
There wasn’t a human emotion I didn’t experience in this book.
There were so many layers and depth to this story. The plot and character development was masterfully done.
I am truly blown away and so grateful I took a chance with this author.
5 ⭐️ does not do this justice.
*triggers : death, loss of parent, suicidal thoughts and ideations, emotional and physical abuse, teenage pregnancy, arson, depression, anxiety, sexual assault
May 29, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
The first tragedy in Celeste’s life happens when she loses her mum at twelve years old. While she is still grieving, she meets Wesley (Wes) who has just moved from Atlanta to Georgia.
Wesley is from a rich family and heir to the Madden Enterprises. However, deep down he is just an angry little boy who wants to be loved for who he is. As kids, they become each other’s best friend though they are from vastly different backgrounds.
By the time they turn 16, Wesley already knows that he wants to be more than just best friends with Celeste. However, a second tragedy in Celeste’s life rips them apart.
Ten years passes by and Celeste is heartbroken as Wes has not returned for the past ten years. When their paths collide again, Wes tries to make up for lost time, but reconciliation is not that simple as Celeste is now a woman who wants consistency, reliability and peace….and romance is last on her mind. Just as how Celeste brought Wes back to “life” as children, it is now Wes’ turn to be strong for her.
While reading this, there were many moments when I felt like punching the wall (just like Wes) for all the pain which Celeste had to go through. However, I trusted in Celeste’s mum’s saying which goes: Life always comes full circle. As for Wes, his promise to Celeste remains true ~ For my whole life ~ ❤️
The first tragedy in Celeste’s life happens when she loses her mum at twelve years old. While she is still grieving, she meets Wesley (Wes) who has just moved from Atlanta to Georgia.
Wesley is from a rich family and heir to the Madden Enterprises. However, deep down he is just an angry little boy who wants to be loved for who he is. As kids, they become each other’s best friend though they are from vastly different backgrounds.
By the time they turn 16, Wesley already knows that he wants to be more than just best friends with Celeste. However, a second tragedy in Celeste’s life rips them apart.
Ten years passes by and Celeste is heartbroken as Wes has not returned for the past ten years. When their paths collide again, Wes tries to make up for lost time, but reconciliation is not that simple as Celeste is now a woman who wants consistency, reliability and peace….and romance is last on her mind. Just as how Celeste brought Wes back to “life” as children, it is now Wes’ turn to be strong for her.
While reading this, there were many moments when I felt like punching the wall (just like Wes) for all the pain which Celeste had to go through. However, I trusted in Celeste’s mum’s saying which goes: Life always comes full circle. As for Wes, his promise to Celeste remains true ~ For my whole life ~ ❤️
June 7, 2024
ARC REVIEW
WOW. This book.
Wesley and Celeste are two childhood friends who are from two different worlds and they stick together through thick and thin. Wesley is all charming smiles, protective, and has the temper of a bull. Then we have Celeste who is shy smiles, quick wit, and a heart of gold. Between the two they make the perfect storm. We see Celeste and Wesley grow up together, fall apart together, and become so much more together. This story between the two will leave you in tears, laughter, and of so much love!
Overall, I really enjoyed this coming of age story. I really connected to these two more than I though I would and I was just rooting for their happiness the whole time. The author did an amazing job flushing out this characters and make you just want to keep reading more and more. The only thing I would have liked to see change is maybe the time jump. I wish we got to see their grown up story flushed more because I felt it was a bit rushed at the end.
TROPES
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Second Chance Romance
Coming of Age Romance
Protective MMC
Small Town
Cinderella Retelling
*please check your trigger warnings for this book as it does deal with some heavy topics*
WOW. This book.
Wesley and Celeste are two childhood friends who are from two different worlds and they stick together through thick and thin. Wesley is all charming smiles, protective, and has the temper of a bull. Then we have Celeste who is shy smiles, quick wit, and a heart of gold. Between the two they make the perfect storm. We see Celeste and Wesley grow up together, fall apart together, and become so much more together. This story between the two will leave you in tears, laughter, and of so much love!
Overall, I really enjoyed this coming of age story. I really connected to these two more than I though I would and I was just rooting for their happiness the whole time. The author did an amazing job flushing out this characters and make you just want to keep reading more and more. The only thing I would have liked to see change is maybe the time jump. I wish we got to see their grown up story flushed more because I felt it was a bit rushed at the end.
TROPES
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Second Chance Romance
Coming of Age Romance
Protective MMC
Small Town
Cinderella Retelling
*please check your trigger warnings for this book as it does deal with some heavy topics*
May 25, 2024
Cinderella meets modern small town in all the best ways. Celeste and Wesley were written in the stars, but it takes more than just fate to make it work. Between an evil stepmother and father, no path for them is going to be easy. But for love, that work is worth it.
Samantha Gail just broke my brain in the best way. Trying to find the words to describe this book is impossible, and the blurb above does not even come close to capturing its amazingness but I’m gonna try. The twang of the southern accent can be heard through the pages, and you feel like you are transported to the small town of River’s Run through the imagery Sam creates through her writing; she doesn’t tell you she shows you. The emotional upheaval continues till the very last chapter and destroys you in the best ways. If you like small town romance with twists, turns, and a whole lot of feels, I cannot recommend this book enough!
💜 I am so grateful for the opportunity to have ARC read this book and cannot wait to see what comes out next!
Samantha Gail just broke my brain in the best way. Trying to find the words to describe this book is impossible, and the blurb above does not even come close to capturing its amazingness but I’m gonna try. The twang of the southern accent can be heard through the pages, and you feel like you are transported to the small town of River’s Run through the imagery Sam creates through her writing; she doesn’t tell you she shows you. The emotional upheaval continues till the very last chapter and destroys you in the best ways. If you like small town romance with twists, turns, and a whole lot of feels, I cannot recommend this book enough!
💜 I am so grateful for the opportunity to have ARC read this book and cannot wait to see what comes out next!
June 5, 2024
Sweet baby Jesus I felt all sorts of emotions reading through this book.
Apologies for Samantha for the kinda late review… I needed time to get my emotions in order cause I still wanna cry after finishing this one.
Celeste and Wes’s story—them being literal soulmates—is something so many of us dream of but only a few of us get. Seeing the way they brought the best out of each other as kids to the way they healed and came back to each other as adults had me feeling all the feels. I don’t even have the words to describe it. I just felt *motions wildly* THINGS.
Celeste went through so much in her short time of life and the fact that Iris wanted to make her momma happy hurt my soul. That poor girl.
Unrespectfully, fuck Desiree. Fuck Desiree.
That woman didn’t deserve the sunshine that was Doug and Celeste.
I’m so glad they all got their happy ending and I’d like to send Samantha my bill for the emotional distress I suffered reading this one.
Apologies for Samantha for the kinda late review… I needed time to get my emotions in order cause I still wanna cry after finishing this one.
Celeste and Wes’s story—them being literal soulmates—is something so many of us dream of but only a few of us get. Seeing the way they brought the best out of each other as kids to the way they healed and came back to each other as adults had me feeling all the feels. I don’t even have the words to describe it. I just felt *motions wildly* THINGS.
Celeste went through so much in her short time of life and the fact that Iris wanted to make her momma happy hurt my soul. That poor girl.
Unrespectfully, fuck Desiree. Fuck Desiree.
That woman didn’t deserve the sunshine that was Doug and Celeste.
I’m so glad they all got their happy ending and I’d like to send Samantha my bill for the emotional distress I suffered reading this one.
May 27, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trust the process. This book is the first book I have read by this author. Her writing style is perfect. She is descriptive and thorough and sucks you right in.
In this modern day Cinderella retelling, Celeste is living her life in her small town with her dad and their version of family. Celeste meets Wesley, the bad boy, new kid and the two become instant friends. Wes has a lot but none of it is love and affection. Celeste can give him that. Their friendship grows and they grow together.
The summer that Wesley is not there, things change. Celeste and Wes are not the same kids they were three months prior. They learn each other again, but tragedy strikes again and everything falls apart. Cancer, death, the wicked step mother... betrayal and shattered hearts all come crashing down.
Ten years later, Wesley is back and so much more has changed. He's determined to have Celeste back in his life and pick up the pieces that shattered so long ago.
This is a story of such loveable main characters, constant hurdles and mountains to climb, pain, sadness, anger and trust. The resilience of the characters is admirable. I cried. Everyone deserves to be loved as fiercely as Wes loved Celeste. Reading this, know the triggers and trust the process for the HEA.
3.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trust the process. This book is the first book I have read by this author. Her writing style is perfect. She is descriptive and thorough and sucks you right in.
In this modern day Cinderella retelling, Celeste is living her life in her small town with her dad and their version of family. Celeste meets Wesley, the bad boy, new kid and the two become instant friends. Wes has a lot but none of it is love and affection. Celeste can give him that. Their friendship grows and they grow together.
The summer that Wesley is not there, things change. Celeste and Wes are not the same kids they were three months prior. They learn each other again, but tragedy strikes again and everything falls apart. Cancer, death, the wicked step mother... betrayal and shattered hearts all come crashing down.
Ten years later, Wesley is back and so much more has changed. He's determined to have Celeste back in his life and pick up the pieces that shattered so long ago.
This is a story of such loveable main characters, constant hurdles and mountains to climb, pain, sadness, anger and trust. The resilience of the characters is admirable. I cried. Everyone deserves to be loved as fiercely as Wes loved Celeste. Reading this, know the triggers and trust the process for the HEA.
May 30, 2024
I want to thank the author for allowing me to have an arc copy of this book and to get my honest review of this wonderful story!
This book filled me with so much love, heartache and heartbreak but built me back up. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with them!
I love the Cinderella portion of this retelling! Celeste was put through the wringer and was constantly being tested to see if she could continue to fight and love. Wes grew so much in this book from a scared preteen with anger issues over abandonment and neglect to a powerful man who loved so hard and fought for those he loved. That town turned him into a new man!
Can’t wait for book 2!
This book filled me with so much love, heartache and heartbreak but built me back up. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with them!
I love the Cinderella portion of this retelling! Celeste was put through the wringer and was constantly being tested to see if she could continue to fight and love. Wes grew so much in this book from a scared preteen with anger issues over abandonment and neglect to a powerful man who loved so hard and fought for those he loved. That town turned him into a new man!
Can’t wait for book 2!
May 19, 2024
This one hurts. A lot. Wesley and Celeste were best friends. Then more. So much more. But life gets in the way. Evil is personified. And hope is all but lost. And then….
Wesley finds out some truths. Big bad ugly ones. Celeste learns that she was force-fed lies of the worst variety. And then comes the vengeance and justice we’ve been waiting for. When I say “scorched earth” is the name of Wesley’s game, I mean it. And it’s oh so delicious to be along for the ride that takes down such horrid people for their awful misdeeds. It’s still tinged with sadness over the time lost, but then all of the secrets tumble out and the pieces of the puzzle are finally all present and accounted for, so the whole picture is assembled. And wow, it’s a nasty one. But when people are as nasty as a few are here, the takedown is even sweeter. And the revelation that so many people are cheering for Celeste and Wesley to prevail means that there’s nowhere for the evil to hide.
So yeah. It hurts. It’s time and togetherness lost. But it’s also a love that never betrayed or strayed. You’ll see what I mean. And then you’ll feel the same triumph that both characters and reader alike feel when it all comes together to break holds and ruin lives of those who so richly deserve it to happen.
Wesley finds out some truths. Big bad ugly ones. Celeste learns that she was force-fed lies of the worst variety. And then comes the vengeance and justice we’ve been waiting for. When I say “scorched earth” is the name of Wesley’s game, I mean it. And it’s oh so delicious to be along for the ride that takes down such horrid people for their awful misdeeds. It’s still tinged with sadness over the time lost, but then all of the secrets tumble out and the pieces of the puzzle are finally all present and accounted for, so the whole picture is assembled. And wow, it’s a nasty one. But when people are as nasty as a few are here, the takedown is even sweeter. And the revelation that so many people are cheering for Celeste and Wesley to prevail means that there’s nowhere for the evil to hide.
So yeah. It hurts. It’s time and togetherness lost. But it’s also a love that never betrayed or strayed. You’ll see what I mean. And then you’ll feel the same triumph that both characters and reader alike feel when it all comes together to break holds and ruin lives of those who so richly deserve it to happen.
May 22, 2024
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Samantha Gail once again and OMG 😱🥰
Full Circle had me on the edge. This Cinderella retelling is everything you need in a small town romance! The emotional roller coaster was 👩🍳💋
Started with the emotional low and took you higher and higher until Bam dropped you then put you fully back together again!
Celeste and Wesley are polar opposite she’s a lover from a small town and he’s literally a fighter from the big city and she’s the only one that can ground him. With her sweet, kind heart and his bad boy ways this story will turn you inside out. Insert the evil step mother and you have the most perfect Cinderella retelling.
Full Circle had me on the edge. This Cinderella retelling is everything you need in a small town romance! The emotional roller coaster was 👩🍳💋
Started with the emotional low and took you higher and higher until Bam dropped you then put you fully back together again!
Celeste and Wesley are polar opposite she’s a lover from a small town and he’s literally a fighter from the big city and she’s the only one that can ground him. With her sweet, kind heart and his bad boy ways this story will turn you inside out. Insert the evil step mother and you have the most perfect Cinderella retelling.
June 3, 2024
This is a modern day retelling of Cinderella, I could not put it down once I got started, This really pulls on the heart strings, a emotion rollercoaster. I fell in love with the characters
June 13, 2024
Wes and Celeste's love story has it all: tragedy, heartbreak, hope, romance, healing, and of course a HEA. This story really does come full circle (hense the name). It is a modern retelling of Cinderella (though a lot more tragic than Cinderella I would say). I will not spoil it for future readers but I do want want to say that if you are looking for an entertaining, romantic, heartbreaking yet beautiful story then this is for sure a book to read. I did find the ending to be rushed a bit but other than that it was good and entertaining. I do recommend.
May 19, 2024
Have your tissues ready....
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and boy did I love it. The story follows Celeste and Wesley over the span of many years and different walks of life. Heartbreak, loss, love, healing.... it's all there and the journey is powerful. It's a must-read!!!!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and boy did I love it. The story follows Celeste and Wesley over the span of many years and different walks of life. Heartbreak, loss, love, healing.... it's all there and the journey is powerful. It's a must-read!!!!
June 1, 2024
ARC REVIEW 4 ⭐️’S! This is a Cinderella retelling that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions! Samantha Gail does an amazing job at making her readers feel all the emotions her characters are feeling through her writing. I definitely caught myself tearing up as Celeste and Wesley went through each of their own grieving processes.
✨Please make sure to check the trigger warnings✨
✨Please make sure to check the trigger warnings✨
May 4, 2024
Samantha Gail is a mastermind 🤯
May 30, 2024
ARC REVIEW
4⭐️
This was a fun Cinderella retelling that follows Celeste and Wesley, who were best friends as children and grew into more as they got older.
I really liked this one! I definitely could see all of the elements of Cinderella throughout the story and a few references sprinkled in. I felt this was a good modern take on a classic story.
I did feel that the book could have been about 100 pages shorter, and there were some unrealistic elements. However, I do understand that some things needed to be altered in order to fit Cinderella’s story.
Also, I just want to note the depiction of grief in this story was spot on. It was heartbreaking and it really felt like you were feeling it with the characters.
Overall I really liked this book and would recommend it!
4⭐️
This was a fun Cinderella retelling that follows Celeste and Wesley, who were best friends as children and grew into more as they got older.
I really liked this one! I definitely could see all of the elements of Cinderella throughout the story and a few references sprinkled in. I felt this was a good modern take on a classic story.
I did feel that the book could have been about 100 pages shorter, and there were some unrealistic elements. However, I do understand that some things needed to be altered in order to fit Cinderella’s story.
Also, I just want to note the depiction of grief in this story was spot on. It was heartbreaking and it really felt like you were feeling it with the characters.
Overall I really liked this book and would recommend it!
June 5, 2024
My heart 😭 a beautifully written story, the story of Wes and Celeste takes you on a journey 💜💜
May 21, 2024
Maybe some spoilers -
I will read anything Samantha Gail writes! I've been so excited to read Celeste and Wesley's story for so long and everything about it took my breath away. I started reading this when I didn't really have a lot of time on my hands, and I was so anxious to get back to it every time I had to put it down. I easily could have read this in a day if given a chance, and when I finally was able to sit down, I ripped through the pages. My mouth dropped so many times, from shock at some people's audacity, and from some certain spicy scenes that went there!
Knowing that this was a Cinderella retelling, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. The journey couldn't be that easy for Celeste and Wesley, and my stomach was in knots in anticipation for the pain. My heart was absolutely breaking for Celeste as life kept handing her crappy hand after crappy hand, and for Wesley to be constantly manipulated by his good for nothing father. My emotions really went through the wringer, from giddiness and happiness, to anger, sadness, and rage. This book had it all! I absolutely loved that this took place primarily in a small town. Being from a small town in the south, I felt like I was sucked into the atmosphere and it made me kind of nostalgic for the past. There's so much beauty and kindness in these small towns, but also some ugliness and hate. This book captured everything so wonderfully, from family, friends, and neighbors, to everyone coming together when they're needed.
Celeste is a better person than I could ever hope to be. After experiencing the losses she has, being abandoned by the person she needed most, and manipulated by a wicked stepmother, I would have absolutely snapped. When she did start standing up for herself, she did it in the most graceful, gentle way. Celeste showed so much strength in persevering - even when she thought she was weak and was lost in the darkness, she carried on. I was completely smitten by Wesley from the first scene. There's just something about a punk kid with anger issues that turns into a soft marshmallow for his girl. He was so broken already from his home life and had so much anger with no place to put it. Celeste quieted his darkness and gave him the family he so desperately needed. That is probably one of my favorite parts of this story was Wesley finding a home and family, and his willingness to learn and change to be worthy of it.
I really loved that the first 60% was dedicated to Celeste and Wesley as teenagers, to see them grow from friendship and puppy love, to something deeper. The quote at the beginning of Part Two was so perfect - "'Until we have seen someone's darkness, we don't really know who they are. Until we have forgiven someone's darkness, we don't really know what love is.'" Despite them knowing that they were soulmates and that they wanted to love each other all their lives, it doesn't really mean anything until their relationship is put to the test. It's easy to love someone when it's easy. It's even harder to love someone when it's hard. Going through everything that they did, the pain and loss and grief, only made their connection so much stronger in the end. It made their reunion all the more sweeter and I was so happy with how everything turned out. I was grinning ear to ear!
Every time Desiree popped up, I was so livid. It blew my mind that Doug didn't see through her act and cut her loose. As much as I loved that he was looking out for his daughter in what he set up for her, I don't think I can forgive him for actually going through with the marriage. I know he was probably impaired, but my goodness! The evilness could be seen from SPACE! Everyone got their comeuppance in the end, although I would have made certain people suffer a little more, lol!
This was an absolutely perfect modern Cinderella retelling, that had a little bit of everything. Your heart will be ripped out and put back together, you'll swoon and sign, and rant and rave. What a beautiful book!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will read anything Samantha Gail writes! I've been so excited to read Celeste and Wesley's story for so long and everything about it took my breath away. I started reading this when I didn't really have a lot of time on my hands, and I was so anxious to get back to it every time I had to put it down. I easily could have read this in a day if given a chance, and when I finally was able to sit down, I ripped through the pages. My mouth dropped so many times, from shock at some people's audacity, and from some certain spicy scenes that went there!
Knowing that this was a Cinderella retelling, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. The journey couldn't be that easy for Celeste and Wesley, and my stomach was in knots in anticipation for the pain. My heart was absolutely breaking for Celeste as life kept handing her crappy hand after crappy hand, and for Wesley to be constantly manipulated by his good for nothing father. My emotions really went through the wringer, from giddiness and happiness, to anger, sadness, and rage. This book had it all! I absolutely loved that this took place primarily in a small town. Being from a small town in the south, I felt like I was sucked into the atmosphere and it made me kind of nostalgic for the past. There's so much beauty and kindness in these small towns, but also some ugliness and hate. This book captured everything so wonderfully, from family, friends, and neighbors, to everyone coming together when they're needed.
Celeste is a better person than I could ever hope to be. After experiencing the losses she has, being abandoned by the person she needed most, and manipulated by a wicked stepmother, I would have absolutely snapped. When she did start standing up for herself, she did it in the most graceful, gentle way. Celeste showed so much strength in persevering - even when she thought she was weak and was lost in the darkness, she carried on. I was completely smitten by Wesley from the first scene. There's just something about a punk kid with anger issues that turns into a soft marshmallow for his girl. He was so broken already from his home life and had so much anger with no place to put it. Celeste quieted his darkness and gave him the family he so desperately needed. That is probably one of my favorite parts of this story was Wesley finding a home and family, and his willingness to learn and change to be worthy of it.
I really loved that the first 60% was dedicated to Celeste and Wesley as teenagers, to see them grow from friendship and puppy love, to something deeper. The quote at the beginning of Part Two was so perfect - "'Until we have seen someone's darkness, we don't really know who they are. Until we have forgiven someone's darkness, we don't really know what love is.'" Despite them knowing that they were soulmates and that they wanted to love each other all their lives, it doesn't really mean anything until their relationship is put to the test. It's easy to love someone when it's easy. It's even harder to love someone when it's hard. Going through everything that they did, the pain and loss and grief, only made their connection so much stronger in the end. It made their reunion all the more sweeter and I was so happy with how everything turned out. I was grinning ear to ear!
Every time Desiree popped up, I was so livid. It blew my mind that Doug didn't see through her act and cut her loose. As much as I loved that he was looking out for his daughter in what he set up for her, I don't think I can forgive him for actually going through with the marriage. I know he was probably impaired, but my goodness! The evilness could be seen from SPACE! Everyone got their comeuppance in the end, although I would have made certain people suffer a little more, lol!
This was an absolutely perfect modern Cinderella retelling, that had a little bit of everything. Your heart will be ripped out and put back together, you'll swoon and sign, and rant and rave. What a beautiful book!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2024
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: dual
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers, second chance, found family, different worlds, teen pregnancy, he falls first, small town romance, it’s always been you, HEA, each others firsts
A modern, small town Cinderella retelling
The way that Samantha was able to retell Cinderella without making it fantasy or adding in royalty was amazing. With adding her own modern twist she was able to add in all the elements of the original including an evil step mother and wicked step siblings.
Celeste will capture your heart and have you feeling all the feels along with her. The way she is able to see the good in everyone and wants to make everyone better is evident throughout the entire story.
Wesley is the bad boy that everyone imagines when they think of who their parents warned them to stay away from. The only difference is that deep down Wes only wants to be loved and have a family to support him. The way we see him grown and change from a little punk to a swoon worthy man will have you falling head over heels for him.
After being sent away as a last resort, before being sent to a boarding school in Europe, Wes goes to live with the only family who would take him in. His great aunt Shirley won’t put up with his spoiled attitude and the people of Rivers Run show him how to be the person he is capable of being.
Loosing a parent is never easy, Celeste has gone through so much heartache at such a young age. She meets her soul mate at a young age when she needed a new friend most. Quickly they become inseparable and depend on each other for what they’ve been missing in their lives. Falling from childhood best friends to lovers happens over the course of time and is so realistic in the way their relationship is described. Things seem to happen in 3s and tragedy strikes poor Celeste again and again sending her world into a tailspin. Becoming a shell of a person, another surprise pulls her out of her devastation. Fast forward 10 years and Celeste’s fairytale seems to be coming together full circle. Do yourself a favor and grab this one today!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: dual
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers, second chance, found family, different worlds, teen pregnancy, he falls first, small town romance, it’s always been you, HEA, each others firsts
A modern, small town Cinderella retelling
The way that Samantha was able to retell Cinderella without making it fantasy or adding in royalty was amazing. With adding her own modern twist she was able to add in all the elements of the original including an evil step mother and wicked step siblings.
Celeste will capture your heart and have you feeling all the feels along with her. The way she is able to see the good in everyone and wants to make everyone better is evident throughout the entire story.
Wesley is the bad boy that everyone imagines when they think of who their parents warned them to stay away from. The only difference is that deep down Wes only wants to be loved and have a family to support him. The way we see him grown and change from a little punk to a swoon worthy man will have you falling head over heels for him.
After being sent away as a last resort, before being sent to a boarding school in Europe, Wes goes to live with the only family who would take him in. His great aunt Shirley won’t put up with his spoiled attitude and the people of Rivers Run show him how to be the person he is capable of being.
Loosing a parent is never easy, Celeste has gone through so much heartache at such a young age. She meets her soul mate at a young age when she needed a new friend most. Quickly they become inseparable and depend on each other for what they’ve been missing in their lives. Falling from childhood best friends to lovers happens over the course of time and is so realistic in the way their relationship is described. Things seem to happen in 3s and tragedy strikes poor Celeste again and again sending her world into a tailspin. Becoming a shell of a person, another surprise pulls her out of her devastation. Fast forward 10 years and Celeste’s fairytale seems to be coming together full circle. Do yourself a favor and grab this one today!
June 3, 2024
In "Full Circle" by Samantha Gail, readers are taken on an emotional journey through the lives of Celeste Hendricks and Wesley Madden in the small town of River’s Run, Georgia. Celeste, struggling with the loss of her mother, finds solace and a new sense of purpose when she crosses paths with Wesley, the troubled heir of Madden Enterprises. Their connection is immediate, but circumstances force them apart, testing their resilience and love.
The author weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, and resilience in a small-town setting, capturing the essence of human emotions and relationships. Celeste and Wesley's characters are well-developed and relatable, each dealing with their own personal struggles and growth throughout the narrative. The dynamics between the two protagonists are engaging and heartfelt, making the reader root for their happiness and reunion.
"Full Circle" excels in portraying the power of love and the idea that fate can bring people back together, even in the face of challenges and tragedies. The themes of healing, forgiveness, and second chances resonate strongly throughout the book, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
While the story is compelling and emotionally resonant, some readers may find certain plot developments predictable or cliché. Additionally, further exploration of secondary characters or subplots could have added more depth to the narrative and enriched the overall storytelling experience.
In conclusion, "Full Circle" is a touching and heartwarming tale of love, fate, and redemption set against the backdrop of a small town. Samantha Gail's storytelling is poignant and evocative, making this book a recommended read for fans of contemporary romance looking for a heartfelt and satisfying story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Tear-jerker
Wonderful characters
Great world building
Witty
Entertaining
The author weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, and resilience in a small-town setting, capturing the essence of human emotions and relationships. Celeste and Wesley's characters are well-developed and relatable, each dealing with their own personal struggles and growth throughout the narrative. The dynamics between the two protagonists are engaging and heartfelt, making the reader root for their happiness and reunion.
"Full Circle" excels in portraying the power of love and the idea that fate can bring people back together, even in the face of challenges and tragedies. The themes of healing, forgiveness, and second chances resonate strongly throughout the book, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
While the story is compelling and emotionally resonant, some readers may find certain plot developments predictable or cliché. Additionally, further exploration of secondary characters or subplots could have added more depth to the narrative and enriched the overall storytelling experience.
In conclusion, "Full Circle" is a touching and heartwarming tale of love, fate, and redemption set against the backdrop of a small town. Samantha Gail's storytelling is poignant and evocative, making this book a recommended read for fans of contemporary romance looking for a heartfelt and satisfying story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Tear-jerker
Wonderful characters
Great world building
Witty
Entertaining
December 8, 2024
I have took the time to sit and digest and took everything in.
I loved this book. I don’t think I have read a book that has had this layout of starting as children seeing them age to their adulthood, and let me tell you I ate it up. I don’t often like books that flash back to when they were young, so I think being able to experience them aging along with the characters really solidified the character development for me
This is a Cinderella retelling and I knew what I was getting when I was going into this, but boy was this brutal. Samantha Gail did not come to play with the wickedness of step-mommy and the step-siblings.
Character wise I loved the characters.
Celeste had endured should have never been the case. She lived through so many tragic and traumatizing experiences while trying to be the best version of herself, while maintaining the values she grew up with all with fighting her demons and coping with losses.
Wesley is a character who broke my heart. As a child, he pulled at my heartstrings, and watching him grow into the man he became made my heart so happy. He was always a man of his word and always wanted the best for the people he loved.
The found family aspect of this book was absolutely my favorite. The aspect of Celestes' family taking in a random boy she became friends with and turning him into a respectable man was the best part of the book in my personal opinion. Wes went from a boy who felt unwanted and unloved to someone who was loved and made big impacts on those around him.
I loved this book. I don’t think I have read a book that has had this layout of starting as children seeing them age to their adulthood, and let me tell you I ate it up. I don’t often like books that flash back to when they were young, so I think being able to experience them aging along with the characters really solidified the character development for me
This is a Cinderella retelling and I knew what I was getting when I was going into this, but boy was this brutal. Samantha Gail did not come to play with the wickedness of step-mommy and the step-siblings.
Character wise I loved the characters.
Celeste had endured should have never been the case. She lived through so many tragic and traumatizing experiences while trying to be the best version of herself, while maintaining the values she grew up with all with fighting her demons and coping with losses.
Wesley is a character who broke my heart. As a child, he pulled at my heartstrings, and watching him grow into the man he became made my heart so happy. He was always a man of his word and always wanted the best for the people he loved.
The found family aspect of this book was absolutely my favorite. The aspect of Celestes' family taking in a random boy she became friends with and turning him into a respectable man was the best part of the book in my personal opinion. Wes went from a boy who felt unwanted and unloved to someone who was loved and made big impacts on those around him.
May 31, 2024
I was provided the opportunity to read this novel as an Advanced Reader’s Copy thanks to Greys Promotion and the author Samantha Gail. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and got so many emotions reading this novel. It is a Cinderella retelling and it was sooo enjoyable. This is a modern version with real world problems and realistic characters.
Celeste and Wesley are perfect together and have the utmost love for one another. They are there for each other when the other needs them most, however they are also opposites. The whole “opposites attract” plays out nicely in this novel.
Both characters have not always acted the most appropriate to their life circumstances and have lost contact with one another before. They both grew up in different ways. Celeste was the girl whose world appeared to be good until it collapsed, and Wesley was not the best role model. Celeste saw the best in Wesley from the beginning. Celeste helped Wesley to be a better version of himself.
Celeste was handed a pretty unfair hand in life, and heart break was inevitable in her circumstance. I found myself tearing up on this novel several times, and also found myself being put together again emotionally as the novel went on. I was cheering and hopeful for these two throughout. I loved this modern fairytale retelling.
Celeste and Wesley are perfect together and have the utmost love for one another. They are there for each other when the other needs them most, however they are also opposites. The whole “opposites attract” plays out nicely in this novel.
Both characters have not always acted the most appropriate to their life circumstances and have lost contact with one another before. They both grew up in different ways. Celeste was the girl whose world appeared to be good until it collapsed, and Wesley was not the best role model. Celeste saw the best in Wesley from the beginning. Celeste helped Wesley to be a better version of himself.
Celeste was handed a pretty unfair hand in life, and heart break was inevitable in her circumstance. I found myself tearing up on this novel several times, and also found myself being put together again emotionally as the novel went on. I was cheering and hopeful for these two throughout. I loved this modern fairytale retelling.
June 3, 2024
Oh my gosh I fell in love with this story from the first chapter. I usually start my reviews with a rating but I just had to share that I loved it. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could.
This story is about Celeste and Wesley. It’s a modern day Cinderella story in the aspect that it has a terrible horrible woman who comes in and marries Celeste’s daddy and just ruins everything. The story brings small town, friends to lovers, suspense and so much more.
Samantha does an amazing job of getting us hooked on Celeste and Wesley when they’re just young kids who fall madly in love. You get so hooked on what’s to come in their story. Then Samantha just rips out our hearts but while you’re down and hurting you just keep needing to read to find out their story and what’s coming next. Celeste and Wesley get a happy ending and it’s so beautifully written. I could not put this book down.
This books is sooo good, you don’t want to miss out on the story and the emotions it brings. Plus it’s a can’t put down kind of book.:.they’re always the best. And even better yet is this is book 1 which means we are getting more and I don’t know how I’ll ever wait!!
This story is about Celeste and Wesley. It’s a modern day Cinderella story in the aspect that it has a terrible horrible woman who comes in and marries Celeste’s daddy and just ruins everything. The story brings small town, friends to lovers, suspense and so much more.
Samantha does an amazing job of getting us hooked on Celeste and Wesley when they’re just young kids who fall madly in love. You get so hooked on what’s to come in their story. Then Samantha just rips out our hearts but while you’re down and hurting you just keep needing to read to find out their story and what’s coming next. Celeste and Wesley get a happy ending and it’s so beautifully written. I could not put this book down.
This books is sooo good, you don’t want to miss out on the story and the emotions it brings. Plus it’s a can’t put down kind of book.:.they’re always the best. And even better yet is this is book 1 which means we are getting more and I don’t know how I’ll ever wait!!
June 6, 2024
The down to earth, emotional rollercoaster of a Cinderella retelling.
I loved reading along as Wesley and Celeste’s relationship changes, blooms and takes off. Gail has a way of writing a story that beats you into submission. I may have sobbed in my workplaces break room a few times while reading this book. I have no issues seeing the pair as true soulmates and even touched my heart personally as I, too, have literally been with my husband since high school when we didn’t know what we were remotely doing.
When it came down to where they rehashed the former events and goings on that lead to the big separation— It hit just right. It didn’t seem over the top or unrealistic and really allowed the ways that they were manipulated to sink it. The events from those moments definitely made a wave and a bigger crash when everything came back together. Truly chef’s kiss magic over here. I really loved this book and I can’t wait for Gail’s future releases. She’s truly an author worth keeping an eye on.
I loved reading along as Wesley and Celeste’s relationship changes, blooms and takes off. Gail has a way of writing a story that beats you into submission. I may have sobbed in my workplaces break room a few times while reading this book. I have no issues seeing the pair as true soulmates and even touched my heart personally as I, too, have literally been with my husband since high school when we didn’t know what we were remotely doing.
When it came down to where they rehashed the former events and goings on that lead to the big separation— It hit just right. It didn’t seem over the top or unrealistic and really allowed the ways that they were manipulated to sink it. The events from those moments definitely made a wave and a bigger crash when everything came back together. Truly chef’s kiss magic over here. I really loved this book and I can’t wait for Gail’s future releases. She’s truly an author worth keeping an eye on.
January 29, 2025
This is book one in the " rivers run series" Celeste and Wesley's story and what a story it was, it will definitely stay with me for a long time. This powerful, emotional and heartfelt story will have you laughing and crying throughout. It will break your heart into a million pieces and then be put back whole again.
Samantha delivered an excellent modern day take on a re-telling of Cinderella. I normally don't go for retelling's as it's not my thing. Some don't do it justice but Samantha really did , it captivated me from the beginning to the end.
It's a very emotional rollercoaster ride that's just keeps on giving, it's action packed with loads.
Two broken souls coming full circle to meet each other again. The author really made you feel everything in her story. The characters, storyline and plot where executed really well, I can't wait to read more from this authors , she's one off my top favourite authors. Highly recommend.
“I've got you love bug. I'll always get you.”
Samantha delivered an excellent modern day take on a re-telling of Cinderella. I normally don't go for retelling's as it's not my thing. Some don't do it justice but Samantha really did , it captivated me from the beginning to the end.
It's a very emotional rollercoaster ride that's just keeps on giving, it's action packed with loads.
Two broken souls coming full circle to meet each other again. The author really made you feel everything in her story. The characters, storyline and plot where executed really well, I can't wait to read more from this authors , she's one off my top favourite authors. Highly recommend.
“I've got you love bug. I'll always get you.”
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