It's Not Like It's Meant To Be

by Grace J. Croy

Sometimes a girl has to shake things up by quitting her job, moving to a small town, buying a bookstore, and kissing the guy next door. I didn't expect that girl to be me, but here I am.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2025

About the author

Visit Grace's website gracejcroy.com and join her MVR (Most Valuable Reader) group to get her e-book, KISS ME, JANE free.

She is the author of both historical and contemporary romance that is clean and uplifting.

Grace loves reading, writing, her cats, travel, and delicious potatoes. She lives in Utah in a little house at the bottom of a little mountain, where the snow piles high in the winter.

She graduated with a BA in English from Utah State University, and then went on to study Library and Information Science from Emporia State University. When she's not writing, she works as a librarian. It’s the second-best job in the world—she gets paid to buy books, plan awesome community events, and advise readers on what books to try next. Creating stories is, of course, the best job in the world.

Her favorite places to travel include New Zealand, California, and Paris. No matter how long she's away, she always loves to come home.

Reviews

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the story a little hard going at first—poor Stella has some truly awful friends, and the way they treat her is difficult to read. Drew was a welcome, grounding presence, and I really enjoyed watching Stella slowly carve out a new life for herself. Her journey is genuinely heartwarming.

That said, the bitter taste of others’ cruelty still lingers by the end, so I wouldn’t call this an easy, light-hearted read. However, the small-town vibes are uplifting, and love does eventually win out. A story with heavier moments, but ultimately a hopeful one.

[Gayla Worrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read and the perfect escape book. I was not expecting to be pulled in as quickly as I was, and I definitely was not expecting such a strong emotional reaction, but I am still mad at Stella’s so called friends. They were awful and I could feel my frustration building right along with hers. That early frustration shifted into real pride as she started taking charge of her life, and I loved watching her grow page by page.

A bookish main character and a book theme story line (and a Hot Handyman) and some wonderful side characters created such an engaging mix. This one hit all the right notes for me and kept me turning pages.

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a heartfelt and satisfying read with a heroine you can genuinely cheer for.

This was a great read and the perfect escape book. I was not expecting to be pulled in as quickly as I was, and I definitely was not expecting such a strong emotional reaction, but I am still mad at Stella’s so called friends. They were awful and I could feel my frustration building right along with hers. That early frustration shifted into real pride as she started taking charge of her life, and I loved watching her grow page by page.

A bookish main character and a book theme story line (and a Hot Handyman) and some wonderful side characters created such an engaging mix. This one hit all the right notes for me and kept me turning pages.

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a heartfelt and satisfying read with a heroine you can genuinely cheer for.

Thanks to Grace Croy for the advanced copy!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do two such great people end up in friendships and relationships with such selfish and immature people? You can tell the story hits all the notes for me, as I was quite angry/annoyed with some of the characters. Grace J. Croy has written a lovely story that focuses on growing when treated with cruelness and disinterest by those that say they care for you. Her characters, Stella, Drew, and Julia, find the takeaways from other’s ugly behavior to be learning to take risks, trusting in yourself, allowing others (and a town) to rally around you, and following your instincts. Stella and Drew are kind, insightful into the needs of other people, and help themselves (and others) through friendship and understanding. I’m looking forward to Julia having her own story one day. This is a great small-town story with terrific characters, and you will cheer in seeing their successes.

I gratefully received an ARC copy, but all opinions are my own.

[Emily White · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys, THIS STORY!
We got glimpses of Stella in the first books, and she did always seem sort of uptight, but in this book, we get to find out why. She ended up being one of my favorites of the siblings.
And Drew? Melt-your-heart Drew? Oh my goodness, that man with his sweetness.
The small-town vibe was fun and fit both Stella and Drew so well.
I really liked how you got to see the other members of the family, but it was never intrusive and always made sense to the story.
And the scene in the art room? ❤️❤️❤️
I highly recommend this one, even if you haven't read the others in the series (though I recommend those as well).

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story. Stella is a sweet shy librarian who prefers to stay in the background. Her best friend Mallory is more outgoing which helps her mingle with others without being the center of attention. Stella has a crush on a library patron and thinks he might be interested in her. She's anxious to share with Mallory however she's not been at their apt to talk to unless her new friend is there. Krystal doesn't seem to like her much. I felt like I was right there as the story progressed and couldn't put it the book down until I reached the end.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant to Be Read Again and Again

I loved this book! It’s already in my reread list for next year. First my heart was breaking for all the friend drama she went through. Just horrible stuff. But she went through it with such grace and came out stronger in the end. But Drew was amazing in this story. He was such a stand up guy, ready to defend Stella to anyone and everyone, my heart just melted! He is a great MMC! The connection and chemistry was off the charts.
Rating: PG, clean sweet romance. Nothing graphic, a little bit of kissing.

[MaryEllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

I normally DNF if I don't like a story by 25%, but I stuck it out because I trust this author. I'm not at all into cliquish, schoolgirl drama. I hated the first six chapters, but it got a whole lot better after that.

Stella is so much more worthy than she thinks she is. She's genuinely kind and caring, humble and strong. Drew is her perfect match. I loved their part of the story.

[GPReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one! It's sweet , sad , funny and very well written . I'm sad it's the last book of the series. This works as a standalone. But the rest of the series is so good, be sure to get them all. Sweet, clean, kisses only, no cussing and an HEA! Tropes: He falls first/ found family/ age gap/ small town

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars time a billion. One of the best books I’ve read this year. Full of heartbreak, betrayal and massive misunderstandings. Leading to redemption, strength and hope. The characters are wonderfully crafted. There is plenty of entertaining situations. Makes living in Arizona look promising and small town life look transparent. This is one you can’t put down.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

I really liked this book. I have liked the other siblings books but I think this one was my favorite because of the way Drew treats Stella from the very beginning. I did struggle a little bit at first with the age difference but as I read their story I got over it quickly.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book, it kept me riveted all the way. The banter is fantastic, Stella and Drew are completely charming and I loved how they became a family with Julie. An all around terrific read with a lovely feel-good ending.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story!! I loved it! I totally thought it was going a certain way in the beginning and then, plot twist! I didn’t see it coming. This is such a gifted author. I loved it her work! Highly recommend this one!

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Very candid and easy to follow many characters. I do like how Krystal was handled at the end