The One That Got Away

by Amy Rafferty

She lost everything—her son, her love, her voice. Now she's back… and so is he.

Thirty-three years ago, Charlotte Weiss left England with a broken heart and empty arms—her newborn son taken, her love stolen by lies she never saw coming.

Now, newly divorced and humiliated by scandal, she returns to Notting Hill with her teenage daughter, determined to reclaim the pieces of the life she was forced to leave behind.

She never expected to see Max Ashford again.

The man she never stopped loving has built a life—and a fortress around his heart. To him, Charlotte walked away without a word. But when fate throws them back together, long-buried secrets rise to the surface… including a betrayal that neither of them fully understood.

A hidden bank account. A child stolen by silence. And a love that never truly died.

Can Charlotte and Max untangle the lies that tore them apart—or is the past too painful to rewrite?

If you love later-in-life second chances, clean romance with emotional depth, and stories of lost love rekindled, this one’s for you.

Start reading now and discover whether the one that got away… is the one who was meant to stay.If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if “the one that got away” came back with unfinished business and a secret that changes everything—this book is for you.

Start reading now and discover a heart-tugging, later-in-life second chance romance filled with forgiveness, family, and the kind of love that refuses to die.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2025

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty

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Reviews

[Crazy4more · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars

Wow… and I meant wow!!!

I loved the fast pace, layers and layers of lies and deceits. All the characters that should be loved… loved and vice versa.

I can’t wait for the next book, fight!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Maybe this could be a chance to finally get some closure and really start to heal.”

Thirty-three years ago, Charlotte Weiss left England, heartbroken and alone, her newborn son taken from her by powerful forces she didn’t understand. Now, recently divorced and hoping for a fresh start, Charlotte returns to Notting Hill with her teenage daughter, Hannah. But the past isn’t so easily left behind.

When Charlotte comes face-to-face with Max Ashford—her first love and the man she was forced to leave behind—old wounds are reopened. As heir to one of England’s most powerful investment families, Max has his own scars and questions about Charlotte’s sudden departure decades ago. Their chance reunion stirs long-buried feelings and unearths shocking truths.

As betrayal, love, and forgiveness collide, Charlotte and Max must face their shared history and decide whether the future they once dreamed of is still within reach—or if their love was lost forever.

This contemporary sweet and clean romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Notting Hill and characters that are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the one that got away in this sweet and clean romance where betrayal, love, drama, heartfelt emotions that will leave readers needing Kleenex/Puffs to wipe the tears that threaten to spill down their cheeks, action, adventure, and forgiveness collide, love could be lost forever, and more. I recommend reading this book to find out if there is a happily ever after that is written by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the one that got away and a sweet and clean romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that extremely emotional and unforgettable.

[Cricket · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a good read. The character development was great. The protagonist Charlotte is well written and very likeable. Max the male main character is also well written, but I do not like him as much as I like Charlotte. Max just seems to gullible. The secondary characters are also well written. The story moves along at a nice pace, has enough twists to keep you turning the pages. When I reached the end I wanted more and more I shall have when I get the second book in the series " A Notting Hill Romance series."
A bit about the main characters Charlotte is a student at Oxford when she meets Max. They end up falling in love, but Max's family feels that Charlotte is beneath them and they interfered in the relationship and manipulate things until they finally drive Charlotte away.
After moving to the United States and living there for over thirty years, Charlotte moves back to England with her daughter. She runs in to Max and all of the old wounds open back up.
Things were left unsaid, and some things that were said were lies but who is was lying and who is doing the manipulation?
As a second chance romance, this book is different than most second chance romance books I have read.
If you like a kind of mystery that is also a second chance romance this one is for you.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Amy Rafferty and this does not disappoint, this is book one in The Notting Hill Romance Series. An amazing new series, I wanted to continue reading for the rest of the story; if I could give this 100 stars I would. Charlotte Weiss and Max Ashford met in college at Oxford and married, and she became pregnant. He was her first love and only true love. Max's parents are manipulative, and broke them up after the birth of their son Bas. Charlotte moves from the UK to America to finish her education. Bas stayed in the UK with his father. Charlotte remarries in the US and has a daughter Hannah. After thirty years of marriage her husband is headed to jail. Charlotte returns to the UK, where her mother and best friend lives. She runs into her son Bas and Max. Max's mother finds out that Charlotte is back and tries to cover up lies that she made all those years ago when Bas was born. Does the truth come out and does Max believe it? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!! Ms. Amy you need to write faster!!!

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet second chance, later in life romance.
Some of the lines I really like ---- “You were bullied at a very vulnerable time, and they knew just how to get to you to get what they wanted.” --- The truth is like weeds in a garden, Char. You can try to bury it under soil or burn it to ash, but it always comes back. Stronger, tougher, and harder to kill. Telling the truth stings—sometimes worse than the lie—but at least it clears the ground for something honest to grow. ---
--- “You think you have all the time in the world, but in an instant, anyone can be gone from your life." ---- You learn as you go. As long as you stick to the basic rules of giving the kids love, attention, and comfort, all the rest will follow. ----
This is Book 1 and you'll need to read Book 2 to get answers to some of your questions.
I loved Charlotte and Max's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[MsBitsyB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One That Got Away
A Nottingham Hill Romance - Book 1
By: Amy Rafferty

It is always refreshing to read an Amy Rafferty book & just like her others, this one did not disappoint. From the very first page, you’re on a delightful journey that takes you away! I could relate completely to Charlotte’s dire situation & what an inspiration in how she handled everything thrown her way! It made me miss my best friend who is thousands of miles away but always in my ♥️ ~ friends for a lifetime….they’re integral to anyone’s life & happiness. From love…loss…life stages & changes, I remained entertained.

Don’t miss this amazing story, the first in the series….and many thanks to Ms. Amy Rafferty who never ceases to entertain, enlighten, & amaze me, as I’m sure she does with all her readers! Blessings to you!

I received an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review. Honestly - don’t miss this story and the ones to follow!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when the love of your life is ripped away from you and your newborn son it taken from you for "your own good?" You run away from your hometown, Notting Hill. In fact you leave England completely and try to forget. But Thirty-three years later, divorced and with her teenage daughter, Hannah, Charlotte returns, hoping to start fresh. But when she runs into the love of her life who she ran from, wounds open up. Max didn't know the story and she couldn't understand why Max acted the way he did then. It is obvious that not only are there wounds, but there is also memories and deep down feelings. Can they overcome the past and have a future? Or will they just move on with their lives? This is a very well written real story that will make you run through all of your feelings as you turn page after page. I highly recommend this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me fuming at how Max's parents had manipulated Charlotte, her family and her best friend and flat out lying whenever anyone confronted them about their machinations. So sad for Max, Charlotte and Bas as their lives were controlled by his mother. Years later, Charlotte is back in the UK after losing everything due to her husband's mishandling of funds. And yes Max's mother is still trying to control everything and pushing Max to get back with his ex-wife who is a piece of work herself. Part of the time I was aggravated with Max as he always seemed to want to believe his parents over other people no matter what. I did enjoy the story although it ended on a cliff hanger. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[LINDA BASS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one that Got Away had me cursing up a storm as Max's parents sniffed up their noses that Charlotte was not good enough for their son! The nerve of his mother who manipulated to break up with her. but she was pregnant, and they devised a way to get rid of her and keep their grandson as she flew off to America! She had written him a five page letter as she poured out her heart, but after a year she started divorce proceedings. Max never knew his wife had written a letter only that she had left him with a newborn son. I chose not to read a portion of book two as I can't imagine what his mom and his ex-wife plotted next!

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book in the Nottingham Hill Romance series. Lots of emotions and secrets are revealed. Charlotte leaves the US when her ex-husband is accused of fraud. Losing her home and having assets frozen Charlotte returns to the UK with her daughter Hannah. This allows her to reconnect with her friend Lexy

When she learns her investment firm is being sold, to her shock the new boss is a former past relationship. It’s of secrets, hurts and betrayal rise to the surface as Charlotte and Max try to unwind their past. When Charlotte sees Bas in the elevator she realizes she has more explaining to do

What secrets has Mac’s mother been hiding? How
Much manipulation took place. Where did the money come from?

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much can one woman handle?
Charlotte has had two men in her life, both let her down. The father of her daughter Hannah let her fown by cheating and then fraud which took everything from her.
She goes back to the UK, her home, and the second man in her life, who kept her down thirty plus years ago continues to hurt her.
There are so many lies, secrets, extortion, all done in the name of love and protecting family. It's going to take a bit to figure out who really is lying and who may be behind all that has happened to Charlotte and her family.
A web has been spun

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy does it again. You won't believe this newest series....What can I say???
Charlotte has returned home to Notting Hill after 30+ years bringing along her daughter Hannan to live with her Mother, until she can get her life back on track.
And she runs smack into into her ex-husband Max(33 years her ex.), who is still wondering why she left in the first place(hmmm).
Be ready for some real twists and turns, this one is a real Roller Coaster.
Absolutely loved it.
I received this as part of Amy's advanced reader team, and am leaving my honest review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m just going to state it right up front; Amy Rafferty is no longer a friend. Okay, she really isn’t, just one of my favorite authors, but with the cliffhanger at the end of this book, that status might change. She has me all involved and then” Continue Reading ,,,The One Who Came Back”. I will be sitting here with my fingers tapping waiting for MARCH 10th. I do highly recommend this book if you don’t mind the wait for the next installment. I can’t even tell you what makes it so good without spoiling the suspense, but Max is an idiot. I’m too old for this suspense.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what a fantastic read! Caroline is back in England after 33 years, her life having fallen apart, again. With her teenage daughter, Caroline is trying to get her life back on track when she bumps into her Ex Max, the one she left behind. Old wounds are opened as they reconnect and secrets and lies are revealed and manipulations from the past, bought to light and Twists and turns thrown in their path as certain people try to stop them getting their second chance! It’s a wonderful read that had me hooked from start to finish.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Charlotte, a divorcee who returns to Notting Hill with her young daughter when her ex-husband is investigated for fraud.
Ironically, she knows she'll eventually have to face her past and there is a high potential she'll see her first husband, Max.
You'll be surprised to learn more about her past and how Max's family controlled the narrative of her life at that time. But, WOW...the level of interference from so many will shock you.
Will Charlotte and Max reunite?? Or will others continue to interfere in their lives?
Be prepared to get Book 2 cause this one is a cliff hanger.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional story!

Another exceptional story by Amy Rafferty. I'd add more stars to my rating if I could! The story is compelling, emotional and drew me in to the life of Charlotte and her family. Lies, deception, manipulation abound. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Charlotte met in college, fell in love, married, had a son. Due to manipulations and machinations of his family they broke up. She moved to USA, but now 30 years later has returned to UK and Max is very much in the fore front. Lies and deceit are the catalysts for twists and turns coming into place. As the past drove the present, the present is now driving the past. A slow start to this likely complicated relationship.

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one that Got Away is a great story, but also unsettling as the ramifications of people not opening up about their thoughts and feelings are revealed. The silence between Charlotte and her ex-husband Max over many years is sad, but the manipulation of their parents in the background is infuriating! Can't wait to read Book 2 in the Notting Hill Romance series.
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte’s world was turned upside down when her husband’s was involved in a fraud scandal. Everything was lost. She decided to move back to the UK with Hannah, her daughter, and herself. She happens to run into her first love and is discovering many secrets. Max has to accept the person behind all of the secrets and deceit! Loved the book can’t wait for the next one. I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading about a love story where the H and h are deceived and break up never knowing what really happened. When they meet years later they bring their feelings forward and slowly learn the truth but trust is something they have to work on. There is no HEA as they still face hurtles. Their story continues in the next book. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. ENJOY!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as ARC reader.

Charlotte has been dealt a bad hand by her ex husband Henry. Max is still reeling from 33 yrs ago when Charlotte supposedly walked out on him and their son. Add some manipulation and lots of lies. Will they be able to figure out what really happened all those years ago and find peace?

[Danette Fowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great beginning for new series. This book is full of shocking plot twists and is absolutely amazing. If every book in the series is as well written, we are in for a wonderful read each time.The ending insists you want to read the next part of the story.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Rafferty is a master storyteller! Once you start her books you will not be able to put it down! This book was no exception so many lies and deceipt misguiding the main characters slowly unfolds and leaves you wondering what their fate will be. I am so relieved the next book releases soon. I can't wait to see how this story unfolds!!!!

[Bonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

book not complete

I loved the story until the break. This story is broken into sections and it’s difficult to enjoy. I have to go find part two which was very short. And now to find part three. If I could request anything, please put the story into one complete book. Thanks so much.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One That Got Away

This was a short Story with great storyline and Characters that was well matched. This is story with a little of angst and powerful and rich family not wanting a lower class female for their son involved with. This is a story that I would recommend that this story be read. I read this book in 1 sitting.

[reader 1085 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly 3 1/2 stars. Cliffhanger!! Story just ends. Good storyline with good characters. Lots of twists and turns. But..lots of annoying typos. Main character hasn't worked in 16 years and is arising star in an investment company, landing large accounts effortlessly ,handling clients' millions of dollars- a bit of fantasy

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Weiss returns back to the UK with her daughter Hannah for a new start but comes across Max Ashford she had a lot of history with. There is a lot of deceit and heart break in this intriguing read I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers .

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and heart breaking story. So much of the time I was holding my breath to see what was going to transpire next! I truly got wrapped up in this series and simply cannot wait to get the next installment. So devouring to read. Love and evil together in this package.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a complex saga spanning decades. There’s deception, extortion and secrets by friends and family across those years. Someone thought they were protecting family, not knowing the betrayals. Some were playing their own game. Others built a life that deceived, but gave them joy. Slowly, bit by bit, it all starts to unravel. This is riveting and intense. Feisty characters. A great series starter. Highly recommend.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte‘s past hasn’t been an easy road. Back home she tries to put her life together. Meeting up with a past love brings back memories. How will things turn out for them. Is there a second chance at love. Absolutely loved it.