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When We Were Young
Hazel Wallace arrives in Playa Tortuga, a resort on the Oregon coast, longing to spend a month refocusing her life. As a travel writer, she has been to some of the most beautiful spots on the planet, but now she needs a safe place to heal and plan her next move.
Although she intends to spend the month in solitary pursuits, she quickly becomes enmeshed in the lives of the people who call Playa Tortuga their home. And even though she has sworn off finding love, she meets a man who makes her reconsider her staunch position.
However, escaping the past is harder than she thought, and when that past arrives at her door, she discovers that sometimes hiding isn’t enough. Can Hazel face the past she ardently tried to flee? Or will it devour her?
Although she intends to spend the month in solitary pursuits, she quickly becomes enmeshed in the lives of the people who call Playa Tortuga their home. And even though she has sworn off finding love, she meets a man who makes her reconsider her staunch position.
However, escaping the past is harder than she thought, and when that past arrives at her door, she discovers that sometimes hiding isn’t enough. Can Hazel face the past she ardently tried to flee? Or will it devour her?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
7 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Hamilton
117 books423 followersML Hamilton taught high school English and journalism in Central California for 32 years.
Teaching students to appreciate literature made her career rewarding; however, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel.
In 2010, the dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing. The sequel to Emerald, The Heirs of Eldon, followed the next year.
In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two daughters-in-law, two dogs, and three amazing grandbabies.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.authormlhamilton.net for free offers and the latest book information.
Teaching students to appreciate literature made her career rewarding; however, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel.
In 2010, the dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing. The sequel to Emerald, The Heirs of Eldon, followed the next year.
In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two daughters-in-law, two dogs, and three amazing grandbabies.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.authormlhamilton.net for free offers and the latest book information.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 15, 2025
When We Were Young is everything I love in a romance novel—beautifully written, emotionally rich, and laced with just the right touch of suspense to keep me hooked from start to finish. M.L. Hamilton has once again proven why she’s my favorite author. Her storytelling is heartfelt and authentic, with characters that feel so real, I found myself completely invested in their journey.
Kelley Hazen’s narration is nothing short of phenomenal. Her voice brings every emotion to life, adding depth and nuance to each character. She has a rare talent for drawing listeners in and making the story feel personal. I could listen to her narrate all day—she’s truly my favorite!
This audiobook was an absolute joy to experience. If you’re looking for a romance that will make you feel deeply and stay with you long after it ends, this is the one. Highly, highly recommended!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Kelley Hazen’s narration is nothing short of phenomenal. Her voice brings every emotion to life, adding depth and nuance to each character. She has a rare talent for drawing listeners in and making the story feel personal. I could listen to her narrate all day—she’s truly my favorite!
This audiobook was an absolute joy to experience. If you’re looking for a romance that will make you feel deeply and stay with you long after it ends, this is the one. Highly, highly recommended!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
August 30, 2024
When We Were Young by the wonderful M.L. Hamilton is just delicious. This title is our first romantic suspense to record together. As always ML tests the genre; stretches and pushes against it to see what it will reveal to her and what she can learn from it. We, the listeners, are the beneficiaries in her search.
When We Were Young gives us not only an unexpected romance that blooms between strangers. We get women of every persuasion and in every condition, vying for identity. Friendships buckling under and withstanding the tests of life. A sinister threat. An idyllic location. Hope. Fear. Love. Loss. A story that is what every romance should be - the stuff that dreams are made of.
When We Were Young gives us not only an unexpected romance that blooms between strangers. We get women of every persuasion and in every condition, vying for identity. Friendships buckling under and withstanding the tests of life. A sinister threat. An idyllic location. Hope. Fear. Love. Loss. A story that is what every romance should be - the stuff that dreams are made of.
December 29, 2024
When We Were Young was a great read by M.L. Hamilton. Hazel Wallace goes to Playa Tortuga to spend a month refocusing her life. It is a resort on the Oregon coast where she is needing a safe place to heal and plan her next move. She quickly gets involved in the lives of the people of the resort. She has sworn off love but finds a man there that may make her reconsider. Unfortunately her past arrives at her door. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
August 30, 2024
When we were young
What a inspirational read! It told the story of how 1 person can affect the lives of people around them. How you don't need to be a blood relative to become family. That bullies are just bullies & we need to stand up to them. It made me hope that the footprints I leave behind are good ones.
What a inspirational read! It told the story of how 1 person can affect the lives of people around them. How you don't need to be a blood relative to become family. That bullies are just bullies & we need to stand up to them. It made me hope that the footprints I leave behind are good ones.
August 30, 2024
Excellent Book
I love ML books this book was fabulous can not wait for her next bok to come out this book should be a ten star book I highly recommend this book to everyone Dorothy Schaefer
I love ML books this book was fabulous can not wait for her next bok to come out this book should be a ten star book I highly recommend this book to everyone Dorothy Schaefer
September 16, 2024
A delightful insightful read
Hazel didnt want to be a victim, but leaving the uncomfortable for the unknown isn't easy. The right person & the right place brought her to the realization that she was finally home. Loved this well written story.
Hazel didnt want to be a victim, but leaving the uncomfortable for the unknown isn't easy. The right person & the right place brought her to the realization that she was finally home. Loved this well written story.
October 28, 2024
A great read
I haven't read to much from this author,but this books title caught my eye and once I started reading I was hooked. I really enjoyed this book.
I haven't read to much from this author,but this books title caught my eye and once I started reading I was hooked. I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews