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Flipping Hearts and Homes
Handywoman Rowan is rooted in her small-town community, accepting every odd job to keep her family’s hardware store afloat. When she inherits an old house, it’s the perfect opportunity to flip it to pay off her mom’s debt.
She never intends to get tangled up with beautiful, adorably nerdy Maia, a visiting big-city radiologist, staying at her aunts’ place to mend a broken heart.
Evenings at a nearby lake, renovation projects, and a wild storm keep throwing Maia and Rowan together, and an undeniable attraction sparks. But what future could there ever be for two people with such different goals?
A heartwarming, low-angst lesbian romance about finding a home and family in unexpected places.
She never intends to get tangled up with beautiful, adorably nerdy Maia, a visiting big-city radiologist, staying at her aunts’ place to mend a broken heart.
Evenings at a nearby lake, renovation projects, and a wild storm keep throwing Maia and Rowan together, and an undeniable attraction sparks. But what future could there ever be for two people with such different goals?
A heartwarming, low-angst lesbian romance about finding a home and family in unexpected places.
227 pages, ebook
Published October 21, 2024
85 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Chris Zett
12 books179 followersChris Zett lives near Berlin, Germany, with her wife. TV inspired her to study medicine, but she found out soon enough that real life in a hospital consists more of working long hours than performing heroic rescues. The part about finding a workplace romance turned out to be true, though.
She uses any opportunity to escape the routine by reading, writing, or traveling. Her favorite destinations include penguin colonies in Patagonia and stone circles in Scotland.
She is a graduate of the GCLS Writing Academy 2017.
She uses any opportunity to escape the routine by reading, writing, or traveling. Her favorite destinations include penguin colonies in Patagonia and stone circles in Scotland.
She is a graduate of the GCLS Writing Academy 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 4, 2024
Thank you to Ylva publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my favorite Chris Zett book so far!
It's a feel-good, low-angst summer romance about two women reconnecting after they missed their chance in high school and falling in love. Rowan, a big butch softie who blushes all the time, and Maia, with her heart of gold, make for an incredibly sweet pairing. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a warm, uplifting read.
I also liked the nods to Emily and Diana from Irregular Heartbeat, and Jess from Heart Failure, along with appearances from other minor characters from those stories. It's always nice when different books can stay in the same universe.
This is my favorite Chris Zett book so far!
It's a feel-good, low-angst summer romance about two women reconnecting after they missed their chance in high school and falling in love. Rowan, a big butch softie who blushes all the time, and Maia, with her heart of gold, make for an incredibly sweet pairing. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a warm, uplifting read.
I also liked the nods to Emily and Diana from Irregular Heartbeat, and Jess from Heart Failure, along with appearances from other minor characters from those stories. It's always nice when different books can stay in the same universe.
October 25, 2024
Sweet, low-angst. A feel good book for when you read something to cheer you up.
This was the first time I read anything by Chris Zett. I have to say that it took me a while to warm up in the beginning, because I am not that much used to a writing style with short and very descriptive sentences (my preference is a mix of sentence structures, and I love the long complex ones). I felt the rhytmn had yet to pick up and grab my attention. But after a while, I started getting used to it and just enjoyed the cute settings, the nature and the sweet characters depicted by Zett.
Flipping Hearts and Homes is a heart-warming novel about finding your "home" where you would never have thought; discovering that life doesn't have to be always complicated by choices dictated by others, and that following your heart can be the best choice you'll ever make.
I liked a lot both main characters, Rowan and Maia, but I felt I wanted to know more about Maia's feelings. Rowan was more complete to me in terms of character description. Hence, I ended up loving her a bit more than Maia. All her insecurities made her dear to me.
If you read my reviews, you might have noticed that I usually prefer novels with the highest angst possible, but once in a while I truly enjoy a non-complicated story, where characters actually communicate with each other and are honest about how they feel, and this is exactly what happens in Flipping Hearts and Homes.
Plus, some scenes are truly romantic, sweet, goofy and spicy.
Read this novel when you want to feel all warm and cosy.
This was the first time I read anything by Chris Zett. I have to say that it took me a while to warm up in the beginning, because I am not that much used to a writing style with short and very descriptive sentences (my preference is a mix of sentence structures, and I love the long complex ones). I felt the rhytmn had yet to pick up and grab my attention. But after a while, I started getting used to it and just enjoyed the cute settings, the nature and the sweet characters depicted by Zett.
Flipping Hearts and Homes is a heart-warming novel about finding your "home" where you would never have thought; discovering that life doesn't have to be always complicated by choices dictated by others, and that following your heart can be the best choice you'll ever make.
I liked a lot both main characters, Rowan and Maia, but I felt I wanted to know more about Maia's feelings. Rowan was more complete to me in terms of character description. Hence, I ended up loving her a bit more than Maia. All her insecurities made her dear to me.
If you read my reviews, you might have noticed that I usually prefer novels with the highest angst possible, but once in a while I truly enjoy a non-complicated story, where characters actually communicate with each other and are honest about how they feel, and this is exactly what happens in Flipping Hearts and Homes.
Plus, some scenes are truly romantic, sweet, goofy and spicy.
Read this novel when you want to feel all warm and cosy.
November 1, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I’m a Chris Zett fan and happy that she found time to write a new book for us to enjoy.
This is a story about Rowan who helps her mom with a hardware store in a rural New York small town. She also does handywoman repair jobs around town. Maia is a radiologist who temporarily moves back home to live with her aunt after she discovers that her finance is cheating on her. Maia finds an online job diagnosing cases for various hospitals throughout the country. This is only a temporary job until she can get her old job back in NYC.
I enjoyed this easy going romance, both characters were very likable and well written. Both were strong, independent characters. There was good dialogue between them to keep their relationship honest.
I did question how easily Maia got her online job. It seemed way too quick and easy.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
This is a story about Rowan who helps her mom with a hardware store in a rural New York small town. She also does handywoman repair jobs around town. Maia is a radiologist who temporarily moves back home to live with her aunt after she discovers that her finance is cheating on her. Maia finds an online job diagnosing cases for various hospitals throughout the country. This is only a temporary job until she can get her old job back in NYC.
I enjoyed this easy going romance, both characters were very likable and well written. Both were strong, independent characters. There was good dialogue between them to keep their relationship honest.
I did question how easily Maia got her online job. It seemed way too quick and easy.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
October 6, 2024
Super easy to read, very low angst love story in a small town.
Everything about this story is just cute, no other way to describe it. Our two mains are in their early thirties and struggling with expectations and live goals, mostly expectations they set and now struggle with. Together they find a way through it, find a lot of support and encouragement in the other. As well as a cute place to call home. What’s not to like about any of that?
I like the addition of the animals and the friends, they make it a more comfortable and rounded out story.
Would definitely recommend when you are in the mood for low angst and easy, but with substance.
Everything about this story is just cute, no other way to describe it. Our two mains are in their early thirties and struggling with expectations and live goals, mostly expectations they set and now struggle with. Together they find a way through it, find a lot of support and encouragement in the other. As well as a cute place to call home. What’s not to like about any of that?
I like the addition of the animals and the friends, they make it a more comfortable and rounded out story.
Would definitely recommend when you are in the mood for low angst and easy, but with substance.
August 10, 2025
This was freedom. But what was freedom worth if it kept her from following her heart?
3.5 stars. This was a really sweet, simple small town romance, that was surprisingly emotional at times, in a way that really got to me. I think it's my favourite from this author so far; another medical sapphic romance. We're following Maia, a radiologist who moves in with her aunts after a bad break-up. She reconnects with Rowan, who she knew briefly when she stayed with her aunts in high school. Rowan is a handywoman/carpenter who does odd jobs around town. Even though they both want pretty different things from life (Rowan is content with her small town life, while Maia has always seen herself making a life in the city) they're inevitably drawn together.
Reading this was just... really lovely? IDK, it was slow and character focused in the way I really like, and it showed the development of their feelings in a gradual and really natural way. Rowan is this perfect swoony butch with a soft interior and complex vulnerabilities, and I loved her immediately. I really enjoyed and appreciated the dyslexia rep. Maia is sweet and strong and competent in all the perfect ways. I loved their dynamic together. The cute little dates at the lake, bonding with the dog, all the ways they helped each other... augh, it was so good. This is pretty low angst and low conflict, which I loved. That isn't to say that there was NO conflict, because there was. But when it came about, they discussed and handled it like adults, which is always nice to read, particularly because it's not the norm in romance. There were several moments with side characters that made me emotional and teary. I guess I was just in an emotional mood? Whatever it was, I came to really care about all the characters. There were a few heart-breaking moments, and some perilous moments where my heart was effectively in my throat.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Anastasia Watley, and she definitely contributed towards turning a good book into a great book. I have to admit that while I really liked this, there was nothing about the writing that really stood out to me? It was the audiobook experience that pushed it over the edge, made me round up instead of down on this 3.5. She just has such a lovely voice. Even if I wasn't wowed by the writing, this made me feel all the things I want to feel from a romance. Who knows, maybe if I'd been in a different mood, I would have rounded down to 3. But as it is, I'm glad to count this as a win.
Content warnings:
November 11, 2024
Flipping Hearts and Homes by Chris Zett is a delightful, feel-good romance that’s perfect for a relaxing read. The story follows Rowan, a soft-hearted butch who’s always blushing, and Maia, whose warmth and kindness shine through every page. Reconnecting in their small hometown after missing a chance to be together in high school, they find themselves navigating life’s expectations and discovering a renewed sense of purpose.
The romance between Rowan and Maia is incredibly sweet and low angst, which was completely ideal for me last week as I needed a cozy love story. The book is rounded out with charming side characters, including animals and friends that add depth and a sense of community, making the story feel even more welcoming.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming escape with a touch of substance, this book is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to read, uplifting, and leaves you with a smile – now my definite favourite from Zett!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The romance between Rowan and Maia is incredibly sweet and low angst, which was completely ideal for me last week as I needed a cozy love story. The book is rounded out with charming side characters, including animals and friends that add depth and a sense of community, making the story feel even more welcoming.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming escape with a touch of substance, this book is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to read, uplifting, and leaves you with a smile – now my definite favourite from Zett!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2025
Das Buch "Eine Dosis Liebe" war wirklich sehr süß und hat mir gut gefallen. Es war einfach eine Wohltat für die Seele mal eine Liebesromanze ohne jegliches Drama zu lesen. Wer denkt, dass es dadurch langweilig wurde, dem kann ich nur widersprechen. Ganz im Gegenteil: ich war besonders begeistert von der gesunden Kommunikation der beiden Frauen Rowan und Maia. Endlich mal ein Paar, das offen mit ihren Gefühlen umgegangen ist und dem Gegenüber diese auch mit samt der Unsicherheiten mitteilte.
War die Geschichte vorhersehbar? Ja, das Ende war keine große Überraschung für mich und trotzdem war es genau das, was ich gebraucht habe. Eine Liebesstory, die mich berührt, ohne Angst vor eine 3. Akt Trennung zu haben. Auch mochte ich das Kleinstadtfeeling. Jeder kennt jeden und ist füreinander da, egal wie schlimm die Situation ist.
Insgesamt ein schöner und einfühlsamer Roman mit einem positiven Lebensgefühl, den ich empfehlen kann.
Danke an NetGalley!
War die Geschichte vorhersehbar? Ja, das Ende war keine große Überraschung für mich und trotzdem war es genau das, was ich gebraucht habe. Eine Liebesstory, die mich berührt, ohne Angst vor eine 3. Akt Trennung zu haben. Auch mochte ich das Kleinstadtfeeling. Jeder kennt jeden und ist füreinander da, egal wie schlimm die Situation ist.
Insgesamt ein schöner und einfühlsamer Roman mit einem positiven Lebensgefühl, den ich empfehlen kann.
Danke an NetGalley!
July 20, 2025
What a beautiful slow burn love story! Rowan had to come home years ago when her father grew ill to help at the family hardware store. She also started a handy woman business, and her hobby is making beautiful furniture with reclaimed wood. Her life since her ex went back to the city was good. To keep herself grounded she swims across the local lake and back.
Maia is a radiologist who left her last job and her cheating fiance' behind. She's staying at her aunts while nursing her bruised life. She takes on a remote radiologist job to help pay for her school loans.
When Maia takes her aunts dog Jasper to the lake so he can run around, she sees a beautiful human come out of the lake. It's Rowan. Both women are working through their pasts, but the attraction is to much to stop. Such a heartwarming love story. 5 stars!
Maia is a radiologist who left her last job and her cheating fiance' behind. She's staying at her aunts while nursing her bruised life. She takes on a remote radiologist job to help pay for her school loans.
When Maia takes her aunts dog Jasper to the lake so he can run around, she sees a beautiful human come out of the lake. It's Rowan. Both women are working through their pasts, but the attraction is to much to stop. Such a heartwarming love story. 5 stars!
November 26, 2024
Sweet Slow Burn Romance
Rowan is keeping her family’s hardware store going and making her way in life doing odd jobs and making furniture. Maia is staying with her aunts while trying to mend her broken heart, when she meets Rowan, and there is an instant attraction. They end up spending time together as Rowan renovates a house she has inherited and Maia needs a quieter space to work, but an unexpected storm brings them even closer together.
Loved this! It was the perfect slow burn romance born from instant attraction. Rowan broke my heart, she was so unsure of herself and really didn’t give herself enough credit, so I am glad that Maia could help her get to a place where she really recognised her worth and was deserving of her dreams. She was under so much pressure to help her mom with the debt and keep things going for her family that she was neglecting her own wants and needs, and really talking things through with her mom to make sure they all got the best of the situation.
Maia had really been through a heartbreaking situation, so to have someone as kind and caring as Rowan come into her life was just what she needed to raise her spirits. Everything she did with Rowan reminded her there was more to life than her career, and all those experiences lead to her rethinking her plans in the end. I really enjoyed witnessing the love slowly blossom between them, and then that moment when they realised that everything they’d built together had potential for a happy future neither of them had envisioned.
A really lovely romance with a strong sense of community and family playing a big part in Maia and Rowan finding peace and happiness for the future they didn’t know they wanted but they definitely needed.
Rowan is keeping her family’s hardware store going and making her way in life doing odd jobs and making furniture. Maia is staying with her aunts while trying to mend her broken heart, when she meets Rowan, and there is an instant attraction. They end up spending time together as Rowan renovates a house she has inherited and Maia needs a quieter space to work, but an unexpected storm brings them even closer together.
Loved this! It was the perfect slow burn romance born from instant attraction. Rowan broke my heart, she was so unsure of herself and really didn’t give herself enough credit, so I am glad that Maia could help her get to a place where she really recognised her worth and was deserving of her dreams. She was under so much pressure to help her mom with the debt and keep things going for her family that she was neglecting her own wants and needs, and really talking things through with her mom to make sure they all got the best of the situation.
Maia had really been through a heartbreaking situation, so to have someone as kind and caring as Rowan come into her life was just what she needed to raise her spirits. Everything she did with Rowan reminded her there was more to life than her career, and all those experiences lead to her rethinking her plans in the end. I really enjoyed witnessing the love slowly blossom between them, and then that moment when they realised that everything they’d built together had potential for a happy future neither of them had envisioned.
A really lovely romance with a strong sense of community and family playing a big part in Maia and Rowan finding peace and happiness for the future they didn’t know they wanted but they definitely needed.
November 7, 2024
A sweet and easy butch-femme, small town, low angst romance. All ingredients are there. An insecure, sexy butch with a tool belt and skills to die for. A smart, femme doctor with a heart of gold leaving the big city to lick her wounds in a small town after a break up. And, last but definitely not least, an undeniable attraction between these two adorable women.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maia did not see this coming. After finally moving to Seattle to be with her long distance boyfriend, she learns that he cheated on her the whole time they were together. That’s how Maia ends up with her life in boxes stacked into the small guest room of her aunts’ house in tiny Ashlake. Taking on a remote job as a radiologist for now, Maia is determined to pick up her life and figure out her next steps. She didn’t expect actually liking life in this tiny town and especially liking Rowan. Mmmm, Rowan, the extremely sexy, handywoman that offers to introduce Maia around town.
Rowan likes her life. Living in her hometown of Ashlake she is content in working as a handywoman for her parent’s hardware store, hanging out with her friends and swimming in the gorgeous Lake Ash. After a failed marriage and multiple girlfriends leaving to chase excitement in the big city, Rowan has lost hope of finding someone to love. She did not account for Maia though. The beautiful niece of her friends Ann and Gabby. The attraction Rowan feels is undeniable but is she really falling again for a woman again that is bound to leave town and break her heart?
This story follows all the plot points you would expect from a classic small town trope. That does make it predictable but sometimes that’s just what you need, right? The characters are well developed and both Rowan and Maia feel like real people.
Rowan struggles with dyslexia and has had very bad experiences with people not understanding the condition. Maia is a breath of fresh air for her. She never once makes Rowan feel inferior or dumb. For Maia dyslexia is something like bad eyesight, you wear glasses or contacts for one condition and for the other there are other ways to make life easier. Maia doesn’t think twice about it and her approach enables Rowan to feel more powerful and less of a failure than ever before. For me that’s a sign of true love and care. It made me feel all warm inside, especially because for Maia it’s such a small and normal gesture.
The town of Ashlake and its inhabitants are so endearing. It’s easy to see the appeal of living there. Friendly people, quite a few queers, breathtaking nature..I would seriously want to live there too!
Flipping Hearts And Homes is a cute romance. Did it put me on the edge of my seat? No. Is it an enjoyable read, very much so!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maia did not see this coming. After finally moving to Seattle to be with her long distance boyfriend, she learns that he cheated on her the whole time they were together. That’s how Maia ends up with her life in boxes stacked into the small guest room of her aunts’ house in tiny Ashlake. Taking on a remote job as a radiologist for now, Maia is determined to pick up her life and figure out her next steps. She didn’t expect actually liking life in this tiny town and especially liking Rowan. Mmmm, Rowan, the extremely sexy, handywoman that offers to introduce Maia around town.
Rowan likes her life. Living in her hometown of Ashlake she is content in working as a handywoman for her parent’s hardware store, hanging out with her friends and swimming in the gorgeous Lake Ash. After a failed marriage and multiple girlfriends leaving to chase excitement in the big city, Rowan has lost hope of finding someone to love. She did not account for Maia though. The beautiful niece of her friends Ann and Gabby. The attraction Rowan feels is undeniable but is she really falling again for a woman again that is bound to leave town and break her heart?
This story follows all the plot points you would expect from a classic small town trope. That does make it predictable but sometimes that’s just what you need, right? The characters are well developed and both Rowan and Maia feel like real people.
Rowan struggles with dyslexia and has had very bad experiences with people not understanding the condition. Maia is a breath of fresh air for her. She never once makes Rowan feel inferior or dumb. For Maia dyslexia is something like bad eyesight, you wear glasses or contacts for one condition and for the other there are other ways to make life easier. Maia doesn’t think twice about it and her approach enables Rowan to feel more powerful and less of a failure than ever before. For me that’s a sign of true love and care. It made me feel all warm inside, especially because for Maia it’s such a small and normal gesture.
The town of Ashlake and its inhabitants are so endearing. It’s easy to see the appeal of living there. Friendly people, quite a few queers, breathtaking nature..I would seriously want to live there too!
Flipping Hearts And Homes is a cute romance. Did it put me on the edge of my seat? No. Is it an enjoyable read, very much so!
June 24, 2025
3.25 ⭐
November 1, 2024
Flipping Hearts and Homes is the latest Chris Zett romance, and it’s the perfect recipe of angst free, heart-warming romance.
After finding out her boyfriend has been cheating, Maia is left homeless and without a job. She retreats to the small town her aunts call home, a place she spent a little time in during high school. She takes on a working from home job and prepares to assess what lies ahead for her. She never expects to run into her high school crush Rowan, but when she does, she finds the attraction is still there and begins to go out of her way to spend time with her.
Rowan has had her heart broken by city girls who think country living is for them, but then don’t stick around. She is guarded and trying to come to terms with what is expected of her; taking over the family hardware store. Maia coming to town pushes her out of her comfort zone and has her reconsidering what her capabilities are. As friendship turns to something more, both Rowan and Maia begin to question whether the paths they have always envisioned for themselves should be altered.
Zett has created two very different yet compatible characters, with flaws and expectations that readers can relate to in one way or another. The plot is smooth and steady, with just enough oomph to keep it gliding along without unnecessary upheavals. The inclusion of a few characters from previous books is a cute bonus that Zett's fans are sure to love.
I received an ARC from YLVA Publishing VIA NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review
After finding out her boyfriend has been cheating, Maia is left homeless and without a job. She retreats to the small town her aunts call home, a place she spent a little time in during high school. She takes on a working from home job and prepares to assess what lies ahead for her. She never expects to run into her high school crush Rowan, but when she does, she finds the attraction is still there and begins to go out of her way to spend time with her.
Rowan has had her heart broken by city girls who think country living is for them, but then don’t stick around. She is guarded and trying to come to terms with what is expected of her; taking over the family hardware store. Maia coming to town pushes her out of her comfort zone and has her reconsidering what her capabilities are. As friendship turns to something more, both Rowan and Maia begin to question whether the paths they have always envisioned for themselves should be altered.
Zett has created two very different yet compatible characters, with flaws and expectations that readers can relate to in one way or another. The plot is smooth and steady, with just enough oomph to keep it gliding along without unnecessary upheavals. The inclusion of a few characters from previous books is a cute bonus that Zett's fans are sure to love.
I received an ARC from YLVA Publishing VIA NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review
December 18, 2024
A beautiful story from Chris Zett.
Rowan is the town handywoman, her mom owns the hardware store and Rowan does their repairs, plus work of her own. She also has a much undersold hobby making wooden furniture from reclaimed wood.
Maia is staying with her aunts while recovering from a relationship gone bad, and working from their home as a tele-radiologist.
The two women meet at the lake, when Rowan is skinnydipping there. They become good friends, but the attraction between them is strong, and although they both fight it, eventually they become more than friends.
This is a lovely, gentle, feelgood story. Both women have their hangups to get over, but the romance is so sweet between them, with very little angst.
Rowan is the town handywoman, her mom owns the hardware store and Rowan does their repairs, plus work of her own. She also has a much undersold hobby making wooden furniture from reclaimed wood.
Maia is staying with her aunts while recovering from a relationship gone bad, and working from their home as a tele-radiologist.
The two women meet at the lake, when Rowan is skinnydipping there. They become good friends, but the attraction between them is strong, and although they both fight it, eventually they become more than friends.
This is a lovely, gentle, feelgood story. Both women have their hangups to get over, but the romance is so sweet between them, with very little angst.
October 3, 2024
ADORABLY HEARTWARMING! Firstly threatening to neuter a man, thats when I knew I was in for a treat. What's not to love about this book, Maia moves back in with her aunts after her love life goes pear shape in Seattle. Fortunately she's not as heartbroken by this as she probably should be. Whilst back in the small town she starts to build a friendship with Rowan, a college drop out, injured jock who moved home to help her parents. Whilst Rowans self doubt would have you to think she doesn't have much to show because of her past Maia helps prove she's more then enough and that her hobbies and her wants are important! A storm, Forced proximity YES YES YES. I loved the fact they had to work together when unknowingly combating one of their fears, the support they offered each other the friendship and the love honestly it was all incredible. My heart dropped when I realised what was happening to Mrs Woods but the story we got because of it was incredible. I loved these characters so much and all the characters I will definitely be checking out more of this authors work.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
December 13, 2024
Really enjoyed this - no real angst, just a lovely story that warms the heart of my soul. Highly recommended.
October 9, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the way it starts, this book is surprisingly low-angst. The two main characters both have great honest communication and a wonderful friendship that leads to more.
I really enjoyed Rowan and Maia getting to know one another, they had so many cute moments. In addition, I thought it was great how they both supported each other so well even when they didn't think they'd be together. If I had to describe this book in just a few words, I'd say it's very sweet. Rowan in particular was my favorite character, and definitely stole the spotlight for me personally.
Overall, I think this is another great novel from Chris Zett, and I recommend giving it a read! 4.8/5 stars.
Despite the way it starts, this book is surprisingly low-angst. The two main characters both have great honest communication and a wonderful friendship that leads to more.
I really enjoyed Rowan and Maia getting to know one another, they had so many cute moments. In addition, I thought it was great how they both supported each other so well even when they didn't think they'd be together. If I had to describe this book in just a few words, I'd say it's very sweet. Rowan in particular was my favorite character, and definitely stole the spotlight for me personally.
Overall, I think this is another great novel from Chris Zett, and I recommend giving it a read! 4.8/5 stars.
October 12, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
rowan is very good with her hands and is the one that the town calls for any repairs.... she also owns with her family the local hardware store, her one time dream was to be a professional swimmer but her injury put paid to that idea...
maia is a radiologist, she was engaged to be married but found out just as she moved to a new city that her boyfriends was a first class cheater in the worst way....
she was now home with her aunts wondering how her life had ended up like this... she was remote working from home and was trying to think on how to improve her life....
rowan and maia had both gone to the same school as each other but never went around in the same circles.... but things were about to change....
an enjoyable quick read... love a good butch with a tool belt and this story had all the elements that i love
rowan is very good with her hands and is the one that the town calls for any repairs.... she also owns with her family the local hardware store, her one time dream was to be a professional swimmer but her injury put paid to that idea...
maia is a radiologist, she was engaged to be married but found out just as she moved to a new city that her boyfriends was a first class cheater in the worst way....
she was now home with her aunts wondering how her life had ended up like this... she was remote working from home and was trying to think on how to improve her life....
rowan and maia had both gone to the same school as each other but never went around in the same circles.... but things were about to change....
an enjoyable quick read... love a good butch with a tool belt and this story had all the elements that i love
October 6, 2024
This was such a cute story.
Maia's life unexpectedly blows up on the first day of her new job and not knowing what else to do she moves in with her aunts to a small town that was her prison when she was a teen. There she meets a slightly aimless handywoman Rowan, who helps her rediscover the small town she used to dislike.
I really enjoyed this story, it was light and fluffy and 100% feel good. And I'll be honest it made me dream of a small-town house with a big kitchen, a garden and a few pets.
I think this book skillfully avoids the common issue with the trope of "city girl moves to a small town and falls in love" where it feels like the woman is giving up on too much just for love. In this story it felt like both the main characters found what they needed in this place and they didn't just stay there because that was the only option to be together.
Maia's life unexpectedly blows up on the first day of her new job and not knowing what else to do she moves in with her aunts to a small town that was her prison when she was a teen. There she meets a slightly aimless handywoman Rowan, who helps her rediscover the small town she used to dislike.
I really enjoyed this story, it was light and fluffy and 100% feel good. And I'll be honest it made me dream of a small-town house with a big kitchen, a garden and a few pets.
I think this book skillfully avoids the common issue with the trope of "city girl moves to a small town and falls in love" where it feels like the woman is giving up on too much just for love. In this story it felt like both the main characters found what they needed in this place and they didn't just stay there because that was the only option to be together.
November 14, 2024
3.5 rounded up !!
This was one of those kind of cookie cutter friends to lovers feel good stories but I enjoyed it !! Lots of lessons in being your true self and doing what’s best for you rather than what’s best for other people. Sacrifices were made by the characters but it was all to get to a happier future.
I will say this one was a little too cookie cutter for me when I read it. I may have been burnt out on sickly sweet romances because I felt a little bored. Perhaps if I read it at a different time I would have enjoyed it more ?? I still liked it but I feel like it could have been a little more engaging.
All in all something you could definitely read casually or quickly if you’re looking for something sweet and romantic with a happy ending !!
This was one of those kind of cookie cutter friends to lovers feel good stories but I enjoyed it !! Lots of lessons in being your true self and doing what’s best for you rather than what’s best for other people. Sacrifices were made by the characters but it was all to get to a happier future.
I will say this one was a little too cookie cutter for me when I read it. I may have been burnt out on sickly sweet romances because I felt a little bored. Perhaps if I read it at a different time I would have enjoyed it more ?? I still liked it but I feel like it could have been a little more engaging.
All in all something you could definitely read casually or quickly if you’re looking for something sweet and romantic with a happy ending !!
September 21, 2025
Such a wonderful, heartwarming love story! I really enjoyed this friends to lovers small town romance with low angst and plenty of loving tender moments! Both the handywoman/ talented furniture maker and the young radiologist are relatable and very likable, and their instant chemistry and their kindness towards their family and friends feel realistic and believable. When faced with the hard choice of love and career, this couple made the perfect decision. A great read to escape the hush reality and lost in this sweet and tender love story.
May 19, 2025
3.5 taking a 3 month break wasn’t particularly helpful but im pretty sure it was good overall
September 1, 2025
Cute and cozy, like a lesbian version of a Hallmark movie.
June 9, 2025
Was fine. Some things were stated so many times that it got annoying but I liked the characters a lot and like how it worked out.
November 28, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am sharing my review voluntarily.
This book is an absolute gem—a delightful love story that unfolds through layers of self-discovery, the search for a place in the world, and the trials of building a life from the ground up. It's the kind of story that lingers with you long after you've turned the final page, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read it.
In the midst of navigating my new job and the complex dynamics of a workplace, this book felt like a warm hug. Rowen’s journey—her search for her footing in the "city jungle"—spoke to me deeply. There’s something incredibly relatable about trying to carve out a space for yourself, and Rowen's character, with her adorable quirks and determination, truly captured that essence. And let me tell you, she has an incredible talent for woodworking and maintenance—a skill I would happily trade my day job for if I had the chance to work with wood!
As for the other characters, I found Rowen's journey to be so captivating that I didn’t connect with Maia as much. Maia, while an interesting character, seemed to fade into the background as the focus remained on Rowen. This slight imbalance made it harder to get fully invested in Maia’s story, but I still appreciated the dynamics between the two.
One thing this book will do is make you crave food! Every time a delicious dish—pizza, dosa, laddoo, burger, you name it—was mentioned, I immediately found myself craving it. If you're a foodie, get ready for some serious food envy!
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel-good, cozy read without too much angst or drama. It's perfect for those moments when you just want to unwind and enjoy a charming, uplifting story.
This book is an absolute gem—a delightful love story that unfolds through layers of self-discovery, the search for a place in the world, and the trials of building a life from the ground up. It's the kind of story that lingers with you long after you've turned the final page, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read it.
In the midst of navigating my new job and the complex dynamics of a workplace, this book felt like a warm hug. Rowen’s journey—her search for her footing in the "city jungle"—spoke to me deeply. There’s something incredibly relatable about trying to carve out a space for yourself, and Rowen's character, with her adorable quirks and determination, truly captured that essence. And let me tell you, she has an incredible talent for woodworking and maintenance—a skill I would happily trade my day job for if I had the chance to work with wood!
As for the other characters, I found Rowen's journey to be so captivating that I didn’t connect with Maia as much. Maia, while an interesting character, seemed to fade into the background as the focus remained on Rowen. This slight imbalance made it harder to get fully invested in Maia’s story, but I still appreciated the dynamics between the two.
One thing this book will do is make you crave food! Every time a delicious dish—pizza, dosa, laddoo, burger, you name it—was mentioned, I immediately found myself craving it. If you're a foodie, get ready for some serious food envy!
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel-good, cozy read without too much angst or drama. It's perfect for those moments when you just want to unwind and enjoy a charming, uplifting story.
November 6, 2024
(4.5 Stars) A low angst, small town, romance. After leaving her cheating fiancé Maia seeks a break by staying with her aunts in a small town of Ashlake, New York. She is a radiologist and can work online. She connects with Rowan, a local handy-woman. They remember each other from a year they attended high school together but weren’t friends. There is a nice butch/femme dynamic between the pair. Rowan unexpectedly inherits a house that could pay off some medical bills for her mother. And with Maia renting a room as an office she has funds to start refurbishing the house.
Maia is very caring as a physician and I like that she enjoys her work. When Rowan opens about her struggles with reading (dyslexia) Maia is understanding and helpful. I married a person who I went to middle school and high school with. We weren’t in the same friend groups and re-met later after college. So to me it is delightful and believable when I find similar stories in books.
Reading two books back to back by the author makes me appreciate her well developed characters. I like the lack of game playing and honesty between the pair. I always find it a bonus when the author writes the books in the same universe. A situation from Irregular Heartbeat (Oct 2018) and a character from Heart Failure (Jan 2020) are briefly mentioned. It is a treat to careful readers.
The romance is easy to recommend. I enjoyed the characters including the aunts and Rowan’s friends. I think my only negative was how often the term city girl was thrown in to describe Maia. Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Maia is very caring as a physician and I like that she enjoys her work. When Rowan opens about her struggles with reading (dyslexia) Maia is understanding and helpful. I married a person who I went to middle school and high school with. We weren’t in the same friend groups and re-met later after college. So to me it is delightful and believable when I find similar stories in books.
Reading two books back to back by the author makes me appreciate her well developed characters. I like the lack of game playing and honesty between the pair. I always find it a bonus when the author writes the books in the same universe. A situation from Irregular Heartbeat (Oct 2018) and a character from Heart Failure (Jan 2020) are briefly mentioned. It is a treat to careful readers.
The romance is easy to recommend. I enjoyed the characters including the aunts and Rowan’s friends. I think my only negative was how often the term city girl was thrown in to describe Maia. Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the copy and I am leaving an honest review.
December 22, 2024
Flipping Hearts and Homes follows Maia, a radiologist that moves Ashlake to live with her aunt after finding out her fiancee was cheating on her. While settling into the town and figuring out her next steps, Maia runs back into Rowan, the local handywoman, and a former schoolmate of Maia's when she lived with her aunt in her teens. As Rowan and Maia get reacquainted, they both help each other find their way to their next chapter.
This book has been a long time coming. I loved Zett's first 2 books, Irregular Heartbeat and Heart Failure, so I was super excited to see another book come from her. I really enjoyed this book. It is promoted as a low angst book and the romance was wonderfully low angst. There is still some exciting moments, but they are everyday moments and not relationship oriented, which I greatly appreciated. I really liked Maia! She was funny and passionate, and I really like how she took what life gave her and rolled with it. There wasn't a lot of angst in the decisions and life changes that came her way. There was uncertainty and doubt but not angst. I would love to have the same level of grace when facing changes. Rowan was also wonderful, but I will leave her story for, you, dear reader to enjoy when you read this book. Which I would definitely recommend.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of Zett's other works as well as fans of contemporary romance with minimal angst.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has been a long time coming. I loved Zett's first 2 books, Irregular Heartbeat and Heart Failure, so I was super excited to see another book come from her. I really enjoyed this book. It is promoted as a low angst book and the romance was wonderfully low angst. There is still some exciting moments, but they are everyday moments and not relationship oriented, which I greatly appreciated. I really liked Maia! She was funny and passionate, and I really like how she took what life gave her and rolled with it. There wasn't a lot of angst in the decisions and life changes that came her way. There was uncertainty and doubt but not angst. I would love to have the same level of grace when facing changes. Rowan was also wonderful, but I will leave her story for, you, dear reader to enjoy when you read this book. Which I would definitely recommend.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of Zett's other works as well as fans of contemporary romance with minimal angst.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2024
This novel is about a girl named Maia who, on the verge of getting engaged to her boyfriend, accidentally discovers that he's a real player who's been cheating on her. This turns her whole world upside down because she was counting on starting her new job at the same hospital where he worked, then getting married and starting a family. But this discovery makes her abandon all those plans and take refuge at her aunt's house, in a small town where she spent a short time as a kid. There, she'll reconnect with some old classmates from that brief stay, people she thought she had nothing in common with but now has the opportunity to get to know better. Maia's going to reconnect with Rowan, who was on the swim team and still swims. And heir first meet is super cute.
They've both got baggage from their pasts that has shaped their choices. Maia's last relationship was a total bust, and Rowan's been dealing with mental health issues and family drama that has really messed with her decisions. Maia's also got this whole idea in her head about what it's like to live in the country, and she's totally idealized city life. But Rowan, Jasper the dog, and everyone else in the Ashlake community are about to show her that things aren't always as we see them.
Ylva Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
They've both got baggage from their pasts that has shaped their choices. Maia's last relationship was a total bust, and Rowan's been dealing with mental health issues and family drama that has really messed with her decisions. Maia's also got this whole idea in her head about what it's like to live in the country, and she's totally idealized city life. But Rowan, Jasper the dog, and everyone else in the Ashlake community are about to show her that things aren't always as we see them.
Ylva Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
October 7, 2024
Chuckle, smile and 'awwww' your way thru this sweet romance
If you're looking for a low angst romance with endearing main characters you can't help but root for, fabulous secondary characters and some adorable animals this is a solid choice. There's a bit of drama and at least one intense scene but it's mostly oh so sweet romance between two women who know what they want and don't want, show a maturity you'd expect from much older folk, and communicate all of that without the usual misunderstandings. Set in a small town that possesses a genuine sense of community where people help each other out without keeping score, Flipping Hearts and Homes delivers plenty of feel good content and some steamy moments as well. I read thru it quickly wanting to see how mains Rowan and Maia found a way to be together without having to sacrifice what they each wanted individually. They have wonderful chemistry and they're easy to get attached to. If you're a fan of Easter eggs in lesfic, there is at least one character from another beloved author's stories that gets a mention.
If you need mental and emotional relief from the real world, give this book a read and get caught up in a romance that has all the good feels.
If you're looking for a low angst romance with endearing main characters you can't help but root for, fabulous secondary characters and some adorable animals this is a solid choice. There's a bit of drama and at least one intense scene but it's mostly oh so sweet romance between two women who know what they want and don't want, show a maturity you'd expect from much older folk, and communicate all of that without the usual misunderstandings. Set in a small town that possesses a genuine sense of community where people help each other out without keeping score, Flipping Hearts and Homes delivers plenty of feel good content and some steamy moments as well. I read thru it quickly wanting to see how mains Rowan and Maia found a way to be together without having to sacrifice what they each wanted individually. They have wonderful chemistry and they're easy to get attached to. If you're a fan of Easter eggs in lesfic, there is at least one character from another beloved author's stories that gets a mention.
If you need mental and emotional relief from the real world, give this book a read and get caught up in a romance that has all the good feels.
October 13, 2024
Sweet f/f small town romance
After a failed relationship Maia reluctantly has to go back to the small town in Upstate New York where her aunt lives. It’s only temporarily until she figures out her next step and goes back to New York City. Fortunately as radiologist she can work remotely.
Rowan, the local handy woman (tool belt alarm!), is stuck. She knows what she doesn‘t want: to take over her parent‘s store with all the paper work she can‘t handle. Romantically she has been burned. Where to go forward is a mystery.
The two keep meeting, but are hesitant to start something before they know where to go. So a unhurried dance and slow burn starts with a great mix of summer in Upstate New York, lazy evenings, good friends, cute animals and small town life.
I loved the small town, lazy summer vibe. The book read like a coming-of-age novel and at the same time the characters were quite mature, just at the cusp of their lives finding a new direction. I enjoyed this relaxing read and the development of the romance. I appreciated that Zett got the medical part and Maia‘s nerdiness spot-on.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
After a failed relationship Maia reluctantly has to go back to the small town in Upstate New York where her aunt lives. It’s only temporarily until she figures out her next step and goes back to New York City. Fortunately as radiologist she can work remotely.
Rowan, the local handy woman (tool belt alarm!), is stuck. She knows what she doesn‘t want: to take over her parent‘s store with all the paper work she can‘t handle. Romantically she has been burned. Where to go forward is a mystery.
The two keep meeting, but are hesitant to start something before they know where to go. So a unhurried dance and slow burn starts with a great mix of summer in Upstate New York, lazy evenings, good friends, cute animals and small town life.
I loved the small town, lazy summer vibe. The book read like a coming-of-age novel and at the same time the characters were quite mature, just at the cusp of their lives finding a new direction. I enjoyed this relaxing read and the development of the romance. I appreciated that Zett got the medical part and Maia‘s nerdiness spot-on.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
January 28, 2025
I enjoyed this.
Maia hears about her fiancé cheating on her at lunch on the first day of a new job where she has moved across the country to join him. She does not hesitate to confront him and then move out.
She then goes to live with family in the countryside and meets Rowan a popular handywoman. She is not stopping though - she wants to move back to the city.
This is a tale that meanders slowly into friendship with attraction and then expands into a relationship.
It addresses whether anyone knows what they are looking for - to the extent that they have a goal and can not deviate from it when opportunity and the right woman comes along.
The countryside offers the opportunity for tress, wildlife, wild swimming, community and belonging. All the city had going for it was people, resources, costly small apartments and jobs.
Only it appears the countryside has jobs too - and the local hospital has a long standing vacancy for her speciality!
There is of course an epilogue.
Life has carried on smoothly without a move back to the big city
Maia hears about her fiancé cheating on her at lunch on the first day of a new job where she has moved across the country to join him. She does not hesitate to confront him and then move out.
She then goes to live with family in the countryside and meets Rowan a popular handywoman. She is not stopping though - she wants to move back to the city.
This is a tale that meanders slowly into friendship with attraction and then expands into a relationship.
It addresses whether anyone knows what they are looking for - to the extent that they have a goal and can not deviate from it when opportunity and the right woman comes along.
The countryside offers the opportunity for tress, wildlife, wild swimming, community and belonging. All the city had going for it was people, resources, costly small apartments and jobs.
Only it appears the countryside has jobs too - and the local hospital has a long standing vacancy for her speciality!
There is of course an epilogue.
Life has carried on smoothly without a move back to the big city
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews