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The Willows: a novel
Aubrie McCane thought she’d buried her past along with her heart. For five years, she’s tried to forget the boy who broke her and the tragedy that tore them apart.
But when Chase Thomas shows up at her father’s funeral, the life she’s built threatens to crumble. He was her first love—the boy who once made her believe in forever—until the night everything changed and sent her sister spiraling deeper into addiction.
The last time they spoke, Chase’s words were enough to push her away forever, cutting deeper than she ever let on. Then he disappeared, serving time for what he did. Now he's back—carrying a secret about her father she never saw coming. And as much as she wants to keep her distance, his return stirs up everything she’s fought to bury.
Aubrie isn’t alone, though. Derek has been there—steady, dependable, always around when she needs him. Maybe even when she doesn’t. But with old wounds resurfacing and the past refusing to stay where it belongs, she’s left questioning what she really wants… and who has truly been there all along.
As emotions run high and unspoken truths rise to the surface, Aubrie and Chase must confront the wreckage between them. The weight of what happened. The ache of what could have been. And the question neither can ignore—after everything, is there still something left to save?
Gripping, emotional, and deeply tender, this coming-of-age story explores the power of forgiveness, the complexities of addiction, and the kind of love that refuses to let go—even when the world says it should.
But when Chase Thomas shows up at her father’s funeral, the life she’s built threatens to crumble. He was her first love—the boy who once made her believe in forever—until the night everything changed and sent her sister spiraling deeper into addiction.
The last time they spoke, Chase’s words were enough to push her away forever, cutting deeper than she ever let on. Then he disappeared, serving time for what he did. Now he's back—carrying a secret about her father she never saw coming. And as much as she wants to keep her distance, his return stirs up everything she’s fought to bury.
Aubrie isn’t alone, though. Derek has been there—steady, dependable, always around when she needs him. Maybe even when she doesn’t. But with old wounds resurfacing and the past refusing to stay where it belongs, she’s left questioning what she really wants… and who has truly been there all along.
As emotions run high and unspoken truths rise to the surface, Aubrie and Chase must confront the wreckage between them. The weight of what happened. The ache of what could have been. And the question neither can ignore—after everything, is there still something left to save?
Gripping, emotional, and deeply tender, this coming-of-age story explores the power of forgiveness, the complexities of addiction, and the kind of love that refuses to let go—even when the world says it should.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2025
28 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 22, 2025
I was invested from page one! All the reminders of young love flooded my mind reading this book. I also loved the thrill of all the twists and deep conflict. Fingers crossed there’s more to come because I’ll miss these characters!
June 4, 2025
Brianna Sargent's The Willows is an emotional gut punch in all the best ways. From the very first page, I was pulled into Aubrie McCane’s world a place shaped by grief, guilt, and a love that never quite let go. Aubrie is a beautifully complex character; I felt her pain, her longing, her strength in the face of heartbreak. Watching her navigate the return of Chase the boy who broke her heart and disappeared with a secret was equal parts devastating and hopeful.
What stood out most to me was how real everything felt. Sargent doesn’t shy away from the messiness of grief or the weight of addiction. The dynamic between Aubrie and her sister was raw and honest, and the unspoken history between Aubrie and Chase crackled on the page. I could feel the years between them, all the things left unsaid. And then there’s Derek the quiet, stable presence whose role in the story brought a different kind of emotional depth.
This novel isn’t just a love story; it’s about forgiveness, loss, and learning how to move forward when the past won’t let go. Sargent writes with such tenderness and clarity that I found myself rereading entire passages just to sit with the emotions. The Willows left me heart bruised and hopeful a story that lingers long after the last page.
What stood out most to me was how real everything felt. Sargent doesn’t shy away from the messiness of grief or the weight of addiction. The dynamic between Aubrie and her sister was raw and honest, and the unspoken history between Aubrie and Chase crackled on the page. I could feel the years between them, all the things left unsaid. And then there’s Derek the quiet, stable presence whose role in the story brought a different kind of emotional depth.
This novel isn’t just a love story; it’s about forgiveness, loss, and learning how to move forward when the past won’t let go. Sargent writes with such tenderness and clarity that I found myself rereading entire passages just to sit with the emotions. The Willows left me heart bruised and hopeful a story that lingers long after the last page.
August 11, 2025
In the little town of Maysville Aubrie knows all 5 decent looking guys. Until one day she runs into chase. Fighting her inner demons on which boy to choose. The boy she has grown up with and shared so many memories with? Or the boy who is new to town? I loved Chase and Aubrie’s “first date” at the putt putt place and how it ended. So cute. I wasn’t expecting Emma’s news while in rehab at all.
One shocking action causes life altering consequences for everyone in the book. Fast forward 5 years later and the boy Aubrie thought got away comes crashing back in on the worst day of her life. Then he leaves again. Does she put her heart back on the line for the boy who shattered it to begin with?
I like how the POVs change to see events from everyone’s perspective. This book does an amazing job talking about the struggles people around you go through with addiction. I love the acknowledgments and pages after the book ends. Most people skip this part but I always read them. Brianna thank you!
One shocking action causes life altering consequences for everyone in the book. Fast forward 5 years later and the boy Aubrie thought got away comes crashing back in on the worst day of her life. Then he leaves again. Does she put her heart back on the line for the boy who shattered it to begin with?
I like how the POVs change to see events from everyone’s perspective. This book does an amazing job talking about the struggles people around you go through with addiction. I love the acknowledgments and pages after the book ends. Most people skip this part but I always read them. Brianna thank you!
September 6, 2025
This isn’t a light read, it’s messy, emotional, and sometimes painful. But that’s exactly why it’s so powerful. The Willows doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of grief or addiction. Instead, it portrays them with brutal honesty while still finding room for hope.
I loved how Brianna Sargent balanced the love story with family dynamics. Derek’s presence was both comforting and complicated, while Chase brought unresolved feelings to the surface. The way Aubrie navigated both relationships felt true to life confusing, emotional, and never black and white.
The prose is gorgeous, the pacing deliberate, and the emotions raw. If you want a story that makes you feel deeply, this is it.
I loved how Brianna Sargent balanced the love story with family dynamics. Derek’s presence was both comforting and complicated, while Chase brought unresolved feelings to the surface. The way Aubrie navigated both relationships felt true to life confusing, emotional, and never black and white.
The prose is gorgeous, the pacing deliberate, and the emotions raw. If you want a story that makes you feel deeply, this is it.
March 24, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. From the very beginning I was captivated by the characters and trying to figure out what twist and turns had gotten them to where they were in the prologue.
The Willows is a beautifully written coming-of-age story blending the joys of young love with suspenseful twists. Trust me, you’ll be captivated as you follow the emotional journeys of each character as they navigate their own experiences with love, loss and the unexpected twists that life throws their way.
I am hopeful to read more from this new author!!
The Willows is a beautifully written coming-of-age story blending the joys of young love with suspenseful twists. Trust me, you’ll be captivated as you follow the emotional journeys of each character as they navigate their own experiences with love, loss and the unexpected twists that life throws their way.
I am hopeful to read more from this new author!!
April 12, 2025
I couldn't put it down! I've always been an avid reader and this book hooked me from the beginning. Was it the fact I personally know the author? Maybe that it's set in my hometown of Maysville KY? Or because it has an amazing story line and characters who you have an instant connection with? There are some adult themes in the book that do not make it suitable for younger readers, but I loved every page. I laughed and cried alongside the characters! I highly recommend adding this book to you collection!
March 28, 2025
This was a book I simply couldn’t put down! It captures your attention from the first page, then throws you into a past that has you questioning what happened with these characters. The author has such a beautiful way of showing you the character’s thoughts and feelings that the reader can relate to. It’s a beautiful coming of age story with twists and turns you don’t expect, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
March 21, 2025
AMAZING BOOK
This book is a beautifully written exploration of love, heartbreak, and the slow, tender journey toward healing. From the very moment I started reading, I became completely invested in the characters, rooting for them through every twist and turn. I am an AVID reader and couldn’t put this book down!
This book is a beautifully written exploration of love, heartbreak, and the slow, tender journey toward healing. From the very moment I started reading, I became completely invested in the characters, rooting for them through every twist and turn. I am an AVID reader and couldn’t put this book down!
May 12, 2025
A redemptive love story with all the twists and turns to keep you coming back for more. I was captivated by the characters throughout the entire story and love the way their stories were woven together throughout. If you’re looking for a beautiful story of love, healing, and redemption, look no further!
September 13, 2025
I loved this book. It hooked me right away. Chase and Aubries story was so emotional, but I loved. Emma's news threw me for a loop and I would love to read more about her. I also have a couple questions for Gigi (mainly, what did she get from Cooper?) Hopefully, we have at least a couple more stories coming our way?
April 2, 2025
Couldn’t put this book down!
This book pulls you in and won’t let go. I felt a connection to the characters and hung on every word until I learned their fate. Heartfelt and profound. Loved everything about it.
This book pulls you in and won’t let go. I felt a connection to the characters and hung on every word until I learned their fate. Heartfelt and profound. Loved everything about it.
May 20, 2025
Maybe it’s the setting… my hometown. Maybe it’s all the reminders of where I’m from that flooded back great memories of my beautiful hometown. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hope she writes more! I’ll definitely be looking for another book! Thank you for a fun read!
April 22, 2025
Loved this book! Beautiful reminder of the power of love amidst all life throws your way. The cover of the book is stunning!
May 2, 2025
Wonderful read! I love a love triangle! So many different layers to this one so you can’t put it down!
June 8, 2025
Loved it
I was born and raised in Mason County and I lived alot of what the story talks about. Its worth the time to read and enjoy.
I was born and raised in Mason County and I lived alot of what the story talks about. Its worth the time to read and enjoy.
June 18, 2025
Loved this! Kept me guessing the whole time. I couldn’t put it down, and finished in just a few days!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews