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Before You Say I Love You
Grief taught her how to survive.
Love could teach her how to live again.
Maddie Whittle is done with heartbreak — or so she tells herself. Six years after losing her beloved brother, she’s transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.
The work is hard, the stakes are high and Maddie has no time for distractions.
Until a runaway piglet from the local farm brings her face to face with James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.
Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more hope.
As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined by love.
Love could teach her how to live again.
Maddie Whittle is done with heartbreak — or so she tells herself. Six years after losing her beloved brother, she’s transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.
The work is hard, the stakes are high and Maddie has no time for distractions.
Until a runaway piglet from the local farm brings her face to face with James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.
Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more hope.
As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined by love.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2025
129 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 2, 2025
Sarah Gate has said her ultimate goal is to create compelling characters and stories that linger in your mind — and with Before You Say I Love You, she doesn’t just achieve that, she exceeds it. This story stole my heart, stayed in my head, and touched me in ways I wasn’t expecting. This is the second book in her Unforgettable Love Stories series, and it absolutely works as a standalone. I didn’t even realise at first there was another book — but the moment I turned the final page, I knew I needed more. From the very start, I was swept into Maddie Whittle’s world. The scene setting is so vivid that I could picture the estate and countryside as though I was standing there myself. But more than that, it was Maddie herself who captured me. She isn’t a perfect heroine — far from it — and that’s exactly why she felt so real. Some of her faults and flaws echoed my own, and that made her journey hit all the harder. Watching her wrestle with grief, stubbornness, and the fear of opening herself to love again felt like looking in a mirror at times. Then along comes James Byron — and with him, the delicious mix of old wounds, slow-burn tension, and the kind of spark that makes you grin and ache at the same time. Their partnership, with all its bickering, humour, and unexpected tenderness, was just irresistible. And yes, even the piglet brought exactly the light touch the story needed. I adored how the estate’s renovations became a reflection of Maddie’s own healing — brick by brick, step by step, daring to build something stronger and more hopeful than before. The pacing was perfect, and by the end I didn’t want to let these characters go. This book is more than a romance. It’s about grief, resilience, second chances, and the courage to believe in love again. I laughed, I teared up, I saw pieces of myself in Maddie — and I finished the final chapter with my heart full. This is a definite five-star read for me, and one that will stay with me.
November 12, 2025
Glad it was free
August 23, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
Before You Say I Love You was a tender, slow-burn romance that beautifully balanced grief and hope. It wrapped its love story in an atmosphere that was both cozy and emotionally resonant. Sarah Gate’s writing was heartfelt and lingering, the kind that warms you even as it breaks your heart.
Maddie Whittle was still grieving her brother’s death six years later, throwing herself into turning her family’s estate into a wellness retreat. She kept her guard up until a runaway piglet led her back to James Byron, an unwelcome figure from her past. What started as clashing and banter gradually built into a slow-burn connection that opened the door to love she never expected.
Before You Say I Love You was heartfelt and tender, with an emotional slow-burn romance and characters that felt warm and relatable. I found it moving, uplifting, and beautifully written. On the contrary, I felt the characters lacked depth and connection, and I thought the themes and messaging came across as heavy-handed, which distracted from the love story.
Altogether, Before You Say I Love You was a tender hearted slow-burn romance that captured both the ache of grief and the quiet beauty of second chances. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven love stories with themes of healing, resilience, and finding hope after loss.
Thanks again to Net Galley and Joffee Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.
Before You Say I Love You was a tender, slow-burn romance that beautifully balanced grief and hope. It wrapped its love story in an atmosphere that was both cozy and emotionally resonant. Sarah Gate’s writing was heartfelt and lingering, the kind that warms you even as it breaks your heart.
Maddie Whittle was still grieving her brother’s death six years later, throwing herself into turning her family’s estate into a wellness retreat. She kept her guard up until a runaway piglet led her back to James Byron, an unwelcome figure from her past. What started as clashing and banter gradually built into a slow-burn connection that opened the door to love she never expected.
Before You Say I Love You was heartfelt and tender, with an emotional slow-burn romance and characters that felt warm and relatable. I found it moving, uplifting, and beautifully written. On the contrary, I felt the characters lacked depth and connection, and I thought the themes and messaging came across as heavy-handed, which distracted from the love story.
Altogether, Before You Say I Love You was a tender hearted slow-burn romance that captured both the ache of grief and the quiet beauty of second chances. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven love stories with themes of healing, resilience, and finding hope after loss.
Thanks again to Net Galley and Joffee Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.
October 27, 2025
This was sweet and I wanted to love it but this is hands-down the most politically correct romance I’ve ever read…to the point of distraction. I don’t mind some feminism but that and the self-righteous veganism etc just left me thinking this was a little too niche…otherwise a sweet enough story of loss and love.
August 21, 2025
3.5 stars! I didn’t realise this was a part of a series but everything was really well explained so it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the first one! I love the characters and their family dynamic was so lovely to see. The depiction of grief was so well done and I really enjoyed seeing the characters manoeuvre through this. The writing was really good also and kept me captivated the entire time. The way James knew Maddie so well was lovely to see and the way he could read her was beautiful. The female characters always putting the men in their places was perfect too😂
However the blurb says that the FMC is spending a lot of time with ‘a blast from her past’ which gave me the impression of a second chance romance which it wasn’t, There was a lot of modern slang and references too which isn’t really my cup of tea but it didn’t really change the reading experience! Nonetheless, this was really fun and I was intrigued to see where the story was going so don’t let that other factor put you off. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for the arc <3
However the blurb says that the FMC is spending a lot of time with ‘a blast from her past’ which gave me the impression of a second chance romance which it wasn’t, There was a lot of modern slang and references too which isn’t really my cup of tea but it didn’t really change the reading experience! Nonetheless, this was really fun and I was intrigued to see where the story was going so don’t let that other factor put you off. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for the arc <3
August 22, 2025
I read the first in this series last year as one of the first ARCs I ever received, so it was fun to get this one and continue following the Whittle family, six years after the heartbreaking events from the first book. Here, we follow Maddie and her family as they continue to navigate their grief. Maddie continues to work through honoring her brother’s memory, while figuring out whether she’s ready to trust and allow love (and possibly more heartbreak) in her life again. The MMC is so patient and sweet. The whole family is a group of supportive and endearing characters. This story wasn’t as heavy or emotional as the first one, but I’m glad that was the case. It was more hopeful, while still holding the range of emotions related to the hardship they experienced. I think this can work as a standalone, but will be more impactful after reading the first book.
Thanks to the publisher (Joffe Books - Choc Lit) & NetGalley for this advanced reader copy - all opinions are my own!
Thanks to the publisher (Joffe Books - Choc Lit) & NetGalley for this advanced reader copy - all opinions are my own!
October 2, 2025
What a beautifully emotional read this was. This is a follow on a few years later from Autumn's story, and while I hadn't read that, enough was explained that I didn’t feel lost, knowing how beautiful the writing of this was though, I sure wish I had read book 1!
I absolutely love Maddie's family. Like James thats the kind of family I could only have dreamed of. The relationship between them all was so sweet. I especially loved Pip, the way you knew that when he spoke up, it was truly time to listen.
I found the idea of the retreat, and all the work being done super interesting. Of course when you bung in a couple of cute animals you know you are onto a winner, Pigglesworth- ahh my heart! How cute!
I loved the early flirtation between James and Maddie, and knew when they got together eventually it would be great. I loved their relationship, even if in the latter chapters I was screaming at them in frustration! My one wish was that we saw the much needed conversation that took place between the final chapter and the epilogue. I think that could have been a really beautifully written piece.
This book brings out all the emotions and I really enjoyed it.
I absolutely love Maddie's family. Like James thats the kind of family I could only have dreamed of. The relationship between them all was so sweet. I especially loved Pip, the way you knew that when he spoke up, it was truly time to listen.
I found the idea of the retreat, and all the work being done super interesting. Of course when you bung in a couple of cute animals you know you are onto a winner, Pigglesworth- ahh my heart! How cute!
I loved the early flirtation between James and Maddie, and knew when they got together eventually it would be great. I loved their relationship, even if in the latter chapters I was screaming at them in frustration! My one wish was that we saw the much needed conversation that took place between the final chapter and the epilogue. I think that could have been a really beautifully written piece.
This book brings out all the emotions and I really enjoyed it.
October 4, 2025
Thank you @zooloosBT For letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Before I Say I Love You is book 2 in the series, and you can read it as a standalone, as I did. This is a romance genre which has a beautiful front cover. The story is about Maddie, who has lost her brother and is attempting to move on, and then she meets James. I love the descriptions in the book; I can really visualize what’s happening in the story. I found this book to tug at my heart and genuinely felt for Maddie and her family with their grief. Furthermore, I also felt it was a heartwarming read and loved the chemistry between Maddie and James. Not only that, but I did feel I was on the edge of my seat at times reading this book. The story is easy to get into, and I was hooked from start to finish and will definitely go and read book 1. The story is written beautifully and is an engaging read. 5 stars
August 6, 2025
Even though this book was part of a series and I hadn't read anything previously by the author, I soon understood what was happening. I really enjoyed this novel. The story was beautifully written and easy to follow with a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💜 Thank you to Choc lit and the author, Sarah Gate for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💜 Thank you to Choc lit and the author, Sarah Gate for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
Without doubt the best romance books I’ve read in so long!!
November 9, 2025
Easy listen. It is a perfect book to have in the background when you don’t need to really pay attention.
October 23, 2025
Loved it through and through, I couldn’t put it down
November 13, 2025
If very liberalism is your thing then this book is for you. Bisexual, Pansexual… you get it.
Not my thing and it’s getting increasingly irritating that authors refuse to label their books as homosexual/gay/ trans/ and whatever else is out there.
If that’s your thing then great, I really don’t like spending my money or audio credit for such material!
LABEL YOUR BOOKS!
Not my thing and it’s getting increasingly irritating that authors refuse to label their books as homosexual/gay/ trans/ and whatever else is out there.
If that’s your thing then great, I really don’t like spending my money or audio credit for such material!
LABEL YOUR BOOKS!
October 29, 2025
This book could have been ok-ish without all the white bashing and mentioning veganism every 10 pages .. sheesh 🙄 this was not for me..
November 5, 2025
I really liked the story and the characters but found it too indirectly preachy. So many references to feminism, patriarchy, sexuality, veganism, etc, etc, etc. I’m all for promoting values and causes, but there was something about the way it was done that just felt almost like trying to tick boxes for the causes rather than feeling authentic. The first book wasn’t nearly as bad for it, and felt like it was a bit more honest about it, but in this one I felt I was being sneakily lectured as I read it and it wound me up more and more the further I got through the book so massively detracted from the story.
October 10, 2025
Here is my review for Before You Say I Love You by Sarah Gate
I found this to be an intriguing enemy to lover romance story. Maddie, who was still grieving for her brother, Bowie, who unfortunately passed away six years ago, still finds it hard to tell people he’s no longer here. One day when Maddie is nearly felled by a runaway piglet. Then frightened by James Byron who is trying to catch the piglet, to return it to the local farm where it came from, she takes umbrage as the events unfold and the piglet enters the house. She then refuses to return the piglet and in the end, her brother Marley gets involved to tell James the piglet stays with them. James isn’t happy and plays the hand that he could lose his job on the very first day if he returns empty handed. Maddie is attempting to transform the family home into a wellness retreat but things aren’t going as well as she had hoped and she was getting hopelessly behind. It turned out that James could use a drill and he needed to be near at hand to pop home to check on his rescue dog. That clenched it and Maddie offered him a trial job with doing whatever she needed but he must bring his dog with him everyday. Things went wrong the next day when James asked about Bowie and how he was? He didn’t know he had died and Maddie had neglected to tell him. He instantly froze her out of further conversations, only including her where necessary. This was the start of an intriguing read and what happened between Maddie and James. It was beautifully written and totally engaging, it drew me in from the start. The characters were totally realistic with their emotions and everything seemed so real. It seemed like a film that I could see as I was reading the story, it was surreal. I liked bringing the dog into the story and including it with its antics, it seemed more real and I loved that it was a rescue dog showing that they can be rehomed. The story is really easy to get into and I found I couldn’t put the book down as I was riveted by it. The synopsis of the story drew me to read this book and I enjoyed it. This is book two in the series of Unforgettable Love Stories but it can be read as a standalone. It’s very poignant.
Blurb :
Grief taught her how to survive.
Love could teach her how to live again.
Maddie Whittle’s life has been shaped by loss. In an attempt to move past her grief, she’s dedicating herself to transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.
The work is hard, and Maddie has no time for distractions.
Until a runaway piglet from the local farm leads her straight into the path of James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.
Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more dangerous: hope.
As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined not by loss, but by love.
Perfect for fans of Cecilia Ahern, Nicholas Sparks, Shari Low, Amanda Prowse, Jojo Moyes or Holly Miller.
I found this to be an intriguing enemy to lover romance story. Maddie, who was still grieving for her brother, Bowie, who unfortunately passed away six years ago, still finds it hard to tell people he’s no longer here. One day when Maddie is nearly felled by a runaway piglet. Then frightened by James Byron who is trying to catch the piglet, to return it to the local farm where it came from, she takes umbrage as the events unfold and the piglet enters the house. She then refuses to return the piglet and in the end, her brother Marley gets involved to tell James the piglet stays with them. James isn’t happy and plays the hand that he could lose his job on the very first day if he returns empty handed. Maddie is attempting to transform the family home into a wellness retreat but things aren’t going as well as she had hoped and she was getting hopelessly behind. It turned out that James could use a drill and he needed to be near at hand to pop home to check on his rescue dog. That clenched it and Maddie offered him a trial job with doing whatever she needed but he must bring his dog with him everyday. Things went wrong the next day when James asked about Bowie and how he was? He didn’t know he had died and Maddie had neglected to tell him. He instantly froze her out of further conversations, only including her where necessary. This was the start of an intriguing read and what happened between Maddie and James. It was beautifully written and totally engaging, it drew me in from the start. The characters were totally realistic with their emotions and everything seemed so real. It seemed like a film that I could see as I was reading the story, it was surreal. I liked bringing the dog into the story and including it with its antics, it seemed more real and I loved that it was a rescue dog showing that they can be rehomed. The story is really easy to get into and I found I couldn’t put the book down as I was riveted by it. The synopsis of the story drew me to read this book and I enjoyed it. This is book two in the series of Unforgettable Love Stories but it can be read as a standalone. It’s very poignant.
Blurb :
Grief taught her how to survive.
Love could teach her how to live again.
Maddie Whittle’s life has been shaped by loss. In an attempt to move past her grief, she’s dedicating herself to transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.
The work is hard, and Maddie has no time for distractions.
Until a runaway piglet from the local farm leads her straight into the path of James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.
Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more dangerous: hope.
As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined not by loss, but by love.
Perfect for fans of Cecilia Ahern, Nicholas Sparks, Shari Low, Amanda Prowse, Jojo Moyes or Holly Miller.
September 26, 2025
Book review: Before You Say I Love You by Sarah Gate.
Thank you to Joffe Books, Choc Lit, and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Here’s the thing—grief is messy, love is inconvenient, and apparently, piglets are the great unifiers. Who knew? Maddie Whittle certainly didn’t sign up for any of this. Six years post-tragedy, she’s buried herself in the kind of emotionally sanitized project only a Type-A grief survivor could cook up: turning her family’s crumbling estate into a wellness retreat. Cleanse your chakras, ignore your feelings, and install mood lighting—Maddie has it covered. That is, until James Byron reappears. Yes, James, the human embodiment of unresolved tension and questionable timing. Enter one runaway piglet, a barn full of metaphorical baggage, and voilà: we have a story.
Sarah Gate’s writing is sharp, funny, and way too emotionally astute for comfort. The banter? On point. The slow-burn romance? Frustrating in the best way. And the emotional depth? Sneaks up on you like a therapist disguised as a cozy romcom. James is equal parts charming and maddening, which—if you’ve ever had a crush on a man who owns more than one flannel shirt—you know is basically a trap. Maddie, meanwhile, is the kind of character who makes “emotionally unavailable” look like a full-time job with benefits.
What I didn’t expect was how well the book balances sarcasm with sincerity. One second you’re rolling your eyes with Maddie at a faux-spiritual influencer type, and the next you’re reading a line like: “Grief doesn’t leave quietly. It just learns how to sit in the corner without screaming.” Excuse me? Who gave this book the right?
It’s a romance, yes, but not the frothy, everything-tied-up-with-a-bow kind. It’s about people who don’t know how to move on until someone else shows them it’s possible. There’s construction dust, emotional avoidance, and more than one scene that made me yell at fictional characters like I was watching a reality show.
Four stars, only because I wanted just one more argument, one more kiss, one more chapter. But really, it’s a 4.5 in my cold, sarcastic heart.
#BeforeYouSayILoveYou #RomComWithFeelings #PigletsAndPastTrauma #NetGalley #EmotionalDamageWithBanter #WittyRomance #SecondChanceLove #GriefButMakeItSassy #FlannelFeelings #RomanceReadersUnite #BookReview
Thank you to Joffe Books, Choc Lit, and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Here’s the thing—grief is messy, love is inconvenient, and apparently, piglets are the great unifiers. Who knew? Maddie Whittle certainly didn’t sign up for any of this. Six years post-tragedy, she’s buried herself in the kind of emotionally sanitized project only a Type-A grief survivor could cook up: turning her family’s crumbling estate into a wellness retreat. Cleanse your chakras, ignore your feelings, and install mood lighting—Maddie has it covered. That is, until James Byron reappears. Yes, James, the human embodiment of unresolved tension and questionable timing. Enter one runaway piglet, a barn full of metaphorical baggage, and voilà: we have a story.
Sarah Gate’s writing is sharp, funny, and way too emotionally astute for comfort. The banter? On point. The slow-burn romance? Frustrating in the best way. And the emotional depth? Sneaks up on you like a therapist disguised as a cozy romcom. James is equal parts charming and maddening, which—if you’ve ever had a crush on a man who owns more than one flannel shirt—you know is basically a trap. Maddie, meanwhile, is the kind of character who makes “emotionally unavailable” look like a full-time job with benefits.
What I didn’t expect was how well the book balances sarcasm with sincerity. One second you’re rolling your eyes with Maddie at a faux-spiritual influencer type, and the next you’re reading a line like: “Grief doesn’t leave quietly. It just learns how to sit in the corner without screaming.” Excuse me? Who gave this book the right?
It’s a romance, yes, but not the frothy, everything-tied-up-with-a-bow kind. It’s about people who don’t know how to move on until someone else shows them it’s possible. There’s construction dust, emotional avoidance, and more than one scene that made me yell at fictional characters like I was watching a reality show.
Four stars, only because I wanted just one more argument, one more kiss, one more chapter. But really, it’s a 4.5 in my cold, sarcastic heart.
#BeforeYouSayILoveYou #RomComWithFeelings #PigletsAndPastTrauma #NetGalley #EmotionalDamageWithBanter #WittyRomance #SecondChanceLove #GriefButMakeItSassy #FlannelFeelings #RomanceReadersUnite #BookReview
October 3, 2025
Sarah Gate’s Before You Say I Love You is a sparkling, addictive romance that perfectly captures the irresistible tension between two people who claim they can’t stand each other—until fate pushes them closer than either expected. At the heart of the story are Maddie and James, whose sharp banter and undeniable chemistry turn every encounter into a page-turning delight.
What begins as a reluctant connection slowly develops into something deeper, and Gate writes this progression with both charm and authenticity. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is handled with just the right balance of wit, heat, and emotional vulnerability. Maddie’s resistance feels believable, James’s persistence never crosses the line, and when the walls between them start to crumble, the payoff is immensely satisfying.
The strength of this novel lies not only in its romance but also in the way it’s written. Gate’s prose flows effortlessly, with dialogue that feels fresh and natural, and moments of intimacy that are heartfelt without being overdone. The pacing is spot-on, ensuring that readers stay hooked from the very first clash of personalities to the final, swoon-worthy moments.
At its core, Before You Say I Love You is about more than just romance—it’s about vulnerability, trust, and opening your heart to the possibility of love even when it feels impossible. The characters are relatable, their struggles genuine, and their journey together one you can’t help but root for.
Sarah Gate has crafted a romance that is engaging, witty, and impossible to put down. Maddie and James’s story is the kind of love story readers crave: full of tension, laughter, passion, and ultimately, the joy of finding love where you least expect it.
What begins as a reluctant connection slowly develops into something deeper, and Gate writes this progression with both charm and authenticity. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is handled with just the right balance of wit, heat, and emotional vulnerability. Maddie’s resistance feels believable, James’s persistence never crosses the line, and when the walls between them start to crumble, the payoff is immensely satisfying.
The strength of this novel lies not only in its romance but also in the way it’s written. Gate’s prose flows effortlessly, with dialogue that feels fresh and natural, and moments of intimacy that are heartfelt without being overdone. The pacing is spot-on, ensuring that readers stay hooked from the very first clash of personalities to the final, swoon-worthy moments.
At its core, Before You Say I Love You is about more than just romance—it’s about vulnerability, trust, and opening your heart to the possibility of love even when it feels impossible. The characters are relatable, their struggles genuine, and their journey together one you can’t help but root for.
Sarah Gate has crafted a romance that is engaging, witty, and impossible to put down. Maddie and James’s story is the kind of love story readers crave: full of tension, laughter, passion, and ultimately, the joy of finding love where you least expect it.
November 21, 2025
This was my first time reading something by this author and I was pulled into the story from the very first chapter. Maddie Whittle is a woman carrying quiet, heavy grief, and watching her try to rebuild both her family’s estate and her own sense of purpose feels honest and heartfelt. The setting—a rural estate being transformed into a wellness retreat—adds a cozy, wintery charm that made me want to curl up with a blanket and keep reading.
The dynamic between Maddie and James Byron is classic “irritating blast from the past,” but it never feels overdone. Their banter is warm, their frustrations believable, and the slow burn between them builds in such a gentle, hopeful way. Even the runaway piglet that brings them back into each other’s lives feels perfectly placed, adding a touch of humor without breaking the emotional tone.
What I loved most is how the romance doesn’t erase Maddie’s grief—it sits beside it. The book treats healing as a long, uneven process, and James becomes someone who doesn’t fix her pain but walks with her through it. By the end, the story feels like a quiet reminder that love doesn’t replace loss, but it can help you step into the future again.
A tender, wintry, second-chance romance with a lot of heart. Perfect if you enjoy emotional healing stories, soft humor, and characters learning to choose hope.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Joffe Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The dynamic between Maddie and James Byron is classic “irritating blast from the past,” but it never feels overdone. Their banter is warm, their frustrations believable, and the slow burn between them builds in such a gentle, hopeful way. Even the runaway piglet that brings them back into each other’s lives feels perfectly placed, adding a touch of humor without breaking the emotional tone.
What I loved most is how the romance doesn’t erase Maddie’s grief—it sits beside it. The book treats healing as a long, uneven process, and James becomes someone who doesn’t fix her pain but walks with her through it. By the end, the story feels like a quiet reminder that love doesn’t replace loss, but it can help you step into the future again.
A tender, wintry, second-chance romance with a lot of heart. Perfect if you enjoy emotional healing stories, soft humor, and characters learning to choose hope.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Joffe Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Read
August 14, 2025Seis años después de la muerte de su hermano Bowie, Maddie Whittle sigue atrapada en el duelo. Su vida entera se ha centrado en facilitarle las cosas a su familia y en honrar su memoria, dejando de lado sus propios sueños. Ahora, está decidida a transformar la antigua propiedad familiar en un retiro de bienestar, un proyecto que le exige tiempo, energía y dedicación… sin espacio para distracciones.
Pero todo cambia cuando un cerdito escapado de la granja local la pone cara a cara con James Byron, un viejo conocido con el que comparte más de lo que imagina. Maddie necesita ayuda. James necesita un trabajo. Lo que ninguno busca es la tensión creciente que amenaza con convertirse en algo más profundo: esperanza.
Mientras el invierno avanza y las renovaciones los acercan, Maddie y James deberán enfrentar el dolor que han intentado esconder. Ambos han perdido a sus hermanos y, aunque cada uno lidia con la pérdida a su manera, compartir sus heridas les abrirá la puerta a nuevos sentimientos. ¿Serán capaces de dejar atrás el miedo y apostar por un futuro definido por el amor?
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Pero todo cambia cuando un cerdito escapado de la granja local la pone cara a cara con James Byron, un viejo conocido con el que comparte más de lo que imagina. Maddie necesita ayuda. James necesita un trabajo. Lo que ninguno busca es la tensión creciente que amenaza con convertirse en algo más profundo: esperanza.
Mientras el invierno avanza y las renovaciones los acercan, Maddie y James deberán enfrentar el dolor que han intentado esconder. Ambos han perdido a sus hermanos y, aunque cada uno lidia con la pérdida a su manera, compartir sus heridas les abrirá la puerta a nuevos sentimientos. ¿Serán capaces de dejar atrás el miedo y apostar por un futuro definido por el amor?
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 24, 2025
This heartwarming stand-alone romance is the second slow burn instalment of the Whittle family story.
The Whittle's are a family radiating love, an outshining love for each other, and all comers. There is so much love that it overflows to everyone who comes in contact with them. However, there is a cloud of sorrow hanging over them all. The tragic death of Bowie, their brother and son six years ago, is never far from their thoughts. No one is more affected than Maddie, who has become withdrawn. She and her brother Marley had a part to play in Bowie's death, and this secret is weighing heavy on her mental health.
Maddie is planning to turn the extensive family home into a retreat in Bowies memory for patients suffering terminal illnesses. Hard at work, she is disturbed when in bursts James, a burley farmhand from next door, chasing an escaped piglet! A hilarious scene follows with the porker wreaking havoc in the newly planted Orangery and finishes with the family of vegans kidnapping and adopting the piglet rather than letting it go back for meat production.
James and Maddie are at first wary of each other, but she is persuaded to hire him as a handyman. James soon proves his worth with his skill and dedication.
Maddie and James are working closely together to convert the house, when powerful chemistry kicks in, and the inevitable very steamy scene follows! James has his own family troubles, and their mutual grief gradually forms a bond between them. Eventually, they realise that they are in love. Can this love break Maddies deep-rooted anxieties, and can James tame his need to escape his problems.
This is a heartwarming tale, and the back story of Bowies death will make you want to read Sister in Law Autumn's story and Bowie's first love in Sarah Gates "Before You Say Goodbye".
The Whittle's are a family radiating love, an outshining love for each other, and all comers. There is so much love that it overflows to everyone who comes in contact with them. However, there is a cloud of sorrow hanging over them all. The tragic death of Bowie, their brother and son six years ago, is never far from their thoughts. No one is more affected than Maddie, who has become withdrawn. She and her brother Marley had a part to play in Bowie's death, and this secret is weighing heavy on her mental health.
Maddie is planning to turn the extensive family home into a retreat in Bowies memory for patients suffering terminal illnesses. Hard at work, she is disturbed when in bursts James, a burley farmhand from next door, chasing an escaped piglet! A hilarious scene follows with the porker wreaking havoc in the newly planted Orangery and finishes with the family of vegans kidnapping and adopting the piglet rather than letting it go back for meat production.
James and Maddie are at first wary of each other, but she is persuaded to hire him as a handyman. James soon proves his worth with his skill and dedication.
Maddie and James are working closely together to convert the house, when powerful chemistry kicks in, and the inevitable very steamy scene follows! James has his own family troubles, and their mutual grief gradually forms a bond between them. Eventually, they realise that they are in love. Can this love break Maddies deep-rooted anxieties, and can James tame his need to escape his problems.
This is a heartwarming tale, and the back story of Bowies death will make you want to read Sister in Law Autumn's story and Bowie's first love in Sarah Gates "Before You Say Goodbye".
October 30, 2025
This book was full of uniformly kind-hearted characters being gentle with each other. The strifes that add any depth and dimension to them -- death of a family member, trauma, falling out and falling in -- were all in the past, before the events of this book. Plus, our heroine was someone who was self-sacrificing to the point of being self-sabotaging.
In short, nothing about this would normally work for me.
However, the sheer earnestness with which the story was told won me over. I loved the Whittles' love for animals, their delicious vegan spreads, their house in the countryside, their Christmas games, and their men who'd give up their dreams to support their women. Perhaps any character growing up in this environment would be as self-sacrificing as Maddie was. The hero, James, was so tailor-made for someone as sensitive and introverted as Maddie that I couldn't even fault the speed with which their love affair takes off. It was like a woke Hallmark movie with more depth minus the terrible acting.
In short, nothing about this would normally work for me.
However, the sheer earnestness with which the story was told won me over. I loved the Whittles' love for animals, their delicious vegan spreads, their house in the countryside, their Christmas games, and their men who'd give up their dreams to support their women. Perhaps any character growing up in this environment would be as self-sacrificing as Maddie was. The hero, James, was so tailor-made for someone as sensitive and introverted as Maddie that I couldn't even fault the speed with which their love affair takes off. It was like a woke Hallmark movie with more depth minus the terrible acting.
October 1, 2025
This book was heartwarming, heartfelt and heartbreaking all at once! It was such an emotional rollercoaster, but it was a lovely read. The cover is simple and understated. It is visually striking with the purple and snowdrops. Such beautiful wee flowers. I thought the book was beautifully written and that it flowed really well. The writing was extremely emotive, which I enjoyed. I liked Sarah exploring the issues of veganism and animal rights. I'm not vegan, but I do love animals and think they deserve all the love and the best lives. The setting was very tranquil. The seclusion in the house, for the most part, was good. I loved all the characters and thought they fit in perfectly. I love the dynamic between Maddie and James. Their interactions were brilliant, and I love how their story unfolded. I definitely recommend this, but read book one first. This book will contain some plot points from it.
September 24, 2025
I enjoyed the book didn’t realise it was a series
Blurb
Grief taught her how to survive.
Love could teach her how to live again.
Maddie Whittle is done with heartbreak — or so she tells herself. Six years after losing her beloved brother, she’s transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.
The work is hard, the stakes are high and Maddie has no time for distractions.
Until a runaway piglet from the local farm brings her face to face with James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.
Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more dangerous: hope.
As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined by love.
Blurb
Grief taught her how to survive.
Love could teach her how to live again.
Maddie Whittle is done with heartbreak — or so she tells herself. Six years after losing her beloved brother, she’s transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.
The work is hard, the stakes are high and Maddie has no time for distractions.
Until a runaway piglet from the local farm brings her face to face with James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.
Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more dangerous: hope.
As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined by love.
October 7, 2025
This is book two in the Unforgettable love stories and I would say you can read it as a standalone as I have done. Maddie lost her brother a few years ago and since then has pulled herself into work, building a wellness retreat at her family’s estate. She wants to get on and distract herself from the time when her brother was so poorly, but a blast from the past throws everything up in the air especially when said someone starts helping her with her wellness retreat. What happened back then and can they ever rekindle what they once used to have? It was a predictable but easy enough read, relatable characters and the author Sarah has done a great job of keeping things light but also dealing with sensitive issues. I would say it was well written and look forward to exploring more of Sarah’s books.
September 21, 2025
This is a follow on from Before you say goodbye however can very easily be read as a standalone book. I did enjoy this one more than the previous book and found I warmed to the characters a lot more. Maddie misses her Brother Bowie a lot and has decided to create a home for respite care. James has returned back from travelling and the first encounter with Maddie is when he is chasing a pig around outside her home. Unfortunately that seems to be the only humour in this book and although the books explores the budding relationship between Maddie and James there is still the background of grief from Bowie’s death six years ago. Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe books for an advance copy of this book but opinions are all my own.
October 9, 2025
Another ARC read through NetGalley...
A wonderful story which takes you on a rollercoaster of highs and lows, talking about love, life and loss.
This story is full of tension, particularly as it follows the events after the passing of Maddie's brother, and then there is Maddie and James's relationship which at first is initially strained, but then how they eventually open up to each other and help was fantastic. James understands Maddie more than she realises, and he is always finding ways to getting her to see herself in a different light.
Also loved the family dynamic and how they all looked out for each other.
It will definitely gives you the feels.
💕 Slow Burn
💕 Strangers to Lovers
💕 Boss x Employee
💕 Sworn off a relationship
A wonderful story which takes you on a rollercoaster of highs and lows, talking about love, life and loss.
This story is full of tension, particularly as it follows the events after the passing of Maddie's brother, and then there is Maddie and James's relationship which at first is initially strained, but then how they eventually open up to each other and help was fantastic. James understands Maddie more than she realises, and he is always finding ways to getting her to see herself in a different light.
Also loved the family dynamic and how they all looked out for each other.
It will definitely gives you the feels.
💕 Slow Burn
💕 Strangers to Lovers
💕 Boss x Employee
💕 Sworn off a relationship
September 29, 2025
Maddie has never been truly happy since the passing of her brother. She seems to be just plodding along in her life and caring for her close knit family. Until a runaway piglet brings a blast from the past onto the scene in the form of a dark brooding James. I think Maddie and James have a undeniable chemistry from the start and I loved watching it deepen. I cried ugly tears often but surprisingly it felt good to release the tension and I think the characters in the book felt the same. The author has done a fabulous job of making you feel how they are feeling. I found the characters to be endearing even the cheeky animals. I was charmed and captivated by the engagingly appealing plot.
September 29, 2025
4.5 Stars
It is a welcome return to the Whittle family. It has been a few years now since the death of Bowie and the family are still struggling with their loss. Maddie is turning the family home into a wellness retreat for cancer sufferers, (with the agreement of the family) when a stranger arrives at the door looking for a lost piglet. He needs work and Maddie needs help but will she agree to him helping out? This is a nice romantic story, and it has lost half a star as I found it a bit too sweet at times (if there is such a thing) and it seems the characters are always giving each other "knowing looks" and I found it a bit irritating.
It is a welcome return to the Whittle family. It has been a few years now since the death of Bowie and the family are still struggling with their loss. Maddie is turning the family home into a wellness retreat for cancer sufferers, (with the agreement of the family) when a stranger arrives at the door looking for a lost piglet. He needs work and Maddie needs help but will she agree to him helping out? This is a nice romantic story, and it has lost half a star as I found it a bit too sweet at times (if there is such a thing) and it seems the characters are always giving each other "knowing looks" and I found it a bit irritating.
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