The Epicenter of Forever

by Mara Williams

A moving story about family, forgiveness, and unexpected love—where the fault lines of a fractured past become the foundation for building something new.

Eden Hawthorne spent idyllic childhood summers in Grand Trees, a mountain town perched along a restless earthquake fault in the heart of California’s fire country. But her family and future were shattered there, and she vowed never to return—until news of her estranged mother’s illness forces her back twenty years later.

Still reeling from her recent divorce, Eden has to confront her mom’s found family, including single father Caleb Connell, who blames Eden for the seismic rift that drove her away. But as they move beyond a battle of wills, Eden and Caleb discover shared wounds and intertwined histories—and succumb to an attraction that feels fated.

When her mother’s condition worsens, Eden faces an impossible choice between the man she’s falling for and the mother she’s just beginning to forgive. And with time running out, Eden fears her decision will doom her to relive the aftershocks of past heartbreak.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Adult

303 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 1, 2026

Reviews

[veerali · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋮ many thanks to lake union publishing and netgalley for the eARC—all thoughts are my own!

this story, set in the mountainous hometown of grand trees, is a deeply emotional journey about second chances and confronting a painful past. it follows eden, a woman who is forced to return home after two decades of estrangement from her mother.

eden's life is in crisis. she has just been through a difficult divorce after being cheated on, and now she has received devastating news that her mother has been diagnosed with parkinson's. their relationship has been fractured ever since her mother left her father for another man 20 years ago. eden returns not just to help, but to finally face the resentment and unresolved anger she’s carried for half her life.

while trying to navigate this complicated family dynamic, eden meets caleb, the nephew of her mother’s late, controversial boyfriend, sonny. the connection between eden and caleb is immediate and intense. they become a source of unexpected comfort as eden deals with her mother’s illness and their complicated history. but circumstances soon pull them apart. it takes a dramatic natural disaster striking the small town to force them back together and potentially heal all the emotional wounds. both new and old.


── ୭ thoughts and overview

overall, i found this book to be very emotional and compelling. it tackles heavy subjects like grief, estrangement, illness, and recovery with a writing style that is easy to read and highly engaging. diving into eden’s life and watching her try to piece together her relationships was genuinely enjoyable.

but the book’s biggest issue is its length. it is simply too short for the amount of plot and emotion it tries to pack in.

because the story is so short, the pacing is incredibly fast. while i enjoy a swift read, this speed led to some key developments feeling rushed, especially the romance. the relationship between eden and caleb suffers from what i call insta-lust. they meet, they feel an immediate, lusty connection, and they fall in love almost instantly, without enough time for the chemistry and emotional bond to truly develop on the page. i found it difficult to root for their relationship because it lacked the foundational slow burn that makes a romance feel real.

another area i wanted more of was the secondary characters. the story focuses heavily on eden and her internal struggles (which are fascinating), but characters like caleb were underdeveloped. i really liked the short glimpses we got of caleb and wanted to see more facets of his personality, his own history, and his interactions with eden, rather than having him serve almost exclusively as a supportive figure in her journey.

in the end, while the book tackles powerful themes and has a promising premise, i was left wanting more. it’s a good story, but one that needed to be significantly longer to allow the relationships and life altering events the space they deserved to breathe.

[Sarah]

I have 12 days left to read this...whoops 😅😏

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me up past my bedtime more than once and made me cry twice- because of how poignantly the author writes feelings. No sophomore slump here, Mara’s second book is as good as her first, if not better. I loved the community of Grand Trees, Caleb’s huge, tender heart, the chemistry between him and Eden, and what Eden overcomes and figures out about herself. And then there’s Cassie, and best dog, Houdini, and Abby. A great cast of characters supporting a beautifully written love story…this is what romance is all about! No queer rep

Short summary: Eden is a complex swirl of emotions when she’s asked to return to the place her life fell apart, on the heels of her failed marriage. What she finds is totally unexpected and altogether seismic.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️ Thank You Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC copy! ❤️❤️

This book. Wow. Mara Williams beautifully wrote an enchanting and heart wrenching story of loss, forgiveness, and learning to love again. Eden Hawthorne grew up revisiting Grand Trees every summer to enjoy the mystery and fun of her childhood at camp - that was, until her mother cheated on her father for a camp counselor there and left them a year later to go to Grand Trees permanently. After a surprise phone call from one of her mother’s friends about her mother’s diagnosis that Eden knew nothing of, she returned to the place that brought up emotion and hatred. Between loss, relearning to love again after her recent divorce, learning to put her pride aside and heal and forgive, Eden faces a beautiful story of becoming a person she’s meant to be, in a place with magical roots.

Overall, 5 ⭐️ Cassie is the friend that everyone needs and had me laughing since page 1. The love story painted between Eden and Caleb had me cry, smile, and root for them through all of the difficult turns they faced. The forgiveness and trust Eden rebuilt with her mom tugged at my heart strings and made me reflect on several of my own personal relationships. This book is a definite, must have read!

[Dua · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this e-arc.

The Epicenter of Forever follows our main character Eden, who's a new divorcee with complicated parental relationships. Her mother's diagnosis with Parkinson's brings Eden to Grand Trees, a place filled with the worst - and, arguably, the best - memories. There, she experiences a torrent of emotions, managing her broken relationship with her mother all while enduring her mother's insufferable primary caretaker, Caleb Connell.

I loved how every character in this book is anything but surface level. The way each one of their emotions were so raw and real is just * chef's kiss *.
Eden was a fascinating character to follow because it feels like she had almost treated her life as if she isn't the one living it? So unaffected and unemotional towards everything that has happened?
Caleb was your usual grumpy/broody (borderline a**hole) MMC but I feel like this is one of the very few times where I felt he was (mostly) valid. Just need to work on his delivery 😀. But what's interesting and new in this book is that he's patient and nice to everyone EXCEPT the FMC - that is, at the start obviously.
This book gives small town vibes but with a unique mountainous setting which I loved! The way this book shows actions (this is NOT a justification btw) as gray and not just black & white was such a breath of fresh air for me, however, I'd have liked a bit more explanation from her mom for what she did.
This book has it all - trauma, healing, envy, complicated relationships, forgiveness, second chances - and it does everything so well.

I don't like how insta love/lust this book is or how Eden just keeps thirsting over the mmc despite having somewhat intense back and forth with him, and one of them always ends up getting hurt. One other thing I disliked is that his teen at times doesn't sound or act her age, like at all. Oh, and I would've REALLY liked it more if we had gotten Caleb's POV.

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about it. No notes. Etc

[Ashley (aneverendingbookstack) Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Mara Williams for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review!

Eden Hawthorne returns to her old hometown of Grand Trees, California—a place full of painful memories she tried to leave behind. She comes back because her mother is seriously ill, even though they’ve been estranged for 20 years after a family tragedy.
While there, Eden meets Caleb Connell, a single dad who doesn’t exactly welcome her. But as they spend more time together, they realize they have a lot in common—especially when it comes to loss and healing. Slowly, a romantic connection starts to grow.

I went into this book with zero thoughts and expectations and I came out with a lot of feelings. I really did love this book.

At its core, this story is about reconciling with family—especially with the parts that are painful, broken, or unfinished. Eden and her mother have a strained relationship marked by grief and emotional distance. Eden's return isn’t just about caretaking; it’s about confronting unresolved pain from the past. The idea of “family” is also challenged: Eden’s mother has built a found family in Grand Trees, including Caleb, which makes Eden feel both like an outsider and a daughter who's been replaced. Forgiveness isn’t portrayed as easy or linear—it’s a process Eden must earn, not only from others but from herself. This theme captures how hard it can be to go home—especially when it means facing the people (or memories) that hurt you. The novel treats forgiveness not as a given, but a choice rooted in courage.

Eden feels disconnected—from her family, her past, and her own identity. Coming home forces her to redefine what it means to belong, not just in a place, but in a life she once abandoned. Through reconnection—with her town, with Caleb, with her roots—she slowly rebuilds a sense of self that includes both her past and future. It explores the emotional journey of returning to where you came from—not to stay stuck in the past, but to reclaim your place in the world.

The romance between Eden and Caleb is slow-burning and rooted in emotional vulnerability. Caleb doesn’t initially trust Eden and carries his own pain. Their relationship doesn’t fix their problems but becomes a mirror—reflecting where they’re stuck. Their connection grows as they realize they’ve both suffered losses that left scars. In sharing those wounds, they begin to heal together. Love in this book is not flashy or dramatic—it’s about emotional safety, empathy, and rebuilding trust in yourself and others. This isn’t just a second-chance romance—it’s about opening your heart again when you’ve taught yourself to stay closed. The love story is emotional, not just romantic.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel covers a host of relationship issues including infidelity, divorce, and abandonment as well as the challenges of physical trauma and grief. The author does an admirable job of exploring all these with sensitivity without being overly melodramatic. Above all, this story is about love in its many permutations.

At fifteen, Eden Hawthorne’s dream of being a professional ballet dancer shatters with a serious leg injury at the same time she discovers her mother’s infidelity and her family implodes. All this occurs in the small idyllic town of Grand Trees in the Sierra mountains of California. Twenty years later Eden is called to return to her once favorite town to reconcile with her mother who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

While the story focuses on the healing of the rift between mother and daughter, it also explores a romance with a handsome local man who is deeply connected to Eden’s mother and her now deceased lover. Add to the mix a bright, adorable girl, a charmingly rambunctious dog, and a host of caring, community members to round out an enjoyable and engaging storyline.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Vera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

3,5 🌟
I was really excited about this book, and it did not disappoint! I'll definitely be reading more from Mara Williams in the future.

I was hooked from the very first page and instantly connected with Eden.
I loved Abby and Caleb and their relationship with Grams as it beautifully shows how love and family can be found in the most unexpected places.

At first, I couldn't understand why Eden would return to someone who had abandoned her, but as the story unfolds, we begin to understand her reasons and it's easy to empathize with the entire situation. This book is a powerful reminder that we re all living life for the first time, parents included, and that everyone makes mistakes.

In the end, this book had me laughing in one moment and crying on the next. It's emotional, honest and full of heart!

[shelby | shelbybooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh. 🥹🥹🥹🥹

i'll be back to properly review but oh how i loved it

[Heidi (MinxyD14)]

*January 2026 Amazon Prime First Read

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that teaches you something about yourself. My heart was racing, I was sweating and crying and laughing. Reading this book was a full body experience that was magical and immersive. Don't miss this stunning book!!!

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is a nice romance, but it's also a book about a complex mother-daughter relationship and about forgiveness. During her childhood and teen years Eden and her mom spent every summer at camp in Grand Trees, California. Up until the year when Eden witnessed something that caused her family to fall apart and her relationship with her mother to become so distant that they barely talk anymore. Now twenty years later, a recently divorced Eden gets a call from one of her mother's friends telling her her mom's condition is deteriorating... when Eden didn't even know about her mother's diagnosis up until this phone call. So Eden returns to the place she used to love, up until she started to hate it. Among trying to repair her relationship with her mom, she also meets her mom's found family - including Caleb and his teenage daughter. While Eden and Caleb definitely get off on the wrong foot, there's an undeniable attraction between them almost from the start.

I liked Eden as a main character, she felt relatable, and the more that was slowly revealed about what happened that fateful summer when everything changed, the more her actions and feelings made sense. Caleb took a while to grow on me. He comes across as very judgmental of Eden, and since we never get his POV, his initial reaction to Eden made me dislike him at first. It seemed like he was being an a-hole for no good reason, which made me question how Eden could be attracted to him. Caleb's daughter Abby on the other hand, I fell immediately in love with. She was hilarious, and seeing how Caleb was with her is a huge part of what made him seem redeemable, like maybe he had his reasons for how he acted towards Eden (even if they were based on misunderstandings or false/incomplete information). Also, how he is so nice to everybody, with Eden (at the beginning) being the only exception, is a nice twist on the trope if the broody love interest who is an a-hole to everyone except the main character. Generally speaking, Caleb is not an a-hole at all.

I enjoyed the journey of Eden and Caleb getting to know and understand each other. And I also enjoyed the exploration of the past and current relationship between Eden and her mom. The small town setting was also very nice and their little community really came to life for me. This is a story about forgiveness, getting over bad memories of a place by making new good memories, coming to terms with the fact that parents are also just people and make mistakes, that most people aren't black or white but shades of gray. It is a book about second chances, unexpected romance and re-evaluating your outlook on life. It is filled with complex characters experiencing many complicated emotions.

The only thing I didn't love was the insta-lust, which had Eden salivating over the guy even when every time he opened his mouth, he was being mean or hurtful (whether entirely intentional or not). Their intense love seemed to develop very fast, especially considering the initial dislike, which is brushed off in favor of the physical attraction-at-first-sight.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


Eden acaba de divorciarse tras diez años de matrimonio, convencida de que su esposo simplemente ya no la amaba. Pero la verdad la golpea con más fuerza: él no solo le fue infiel, sino que también dejó embarazada a su amante. El impacto es devastador, sobre todo porque Eden había renunciado por años a su deseo de ser madre, creyendo que él no quería hijos... cuando en realidad solo no los quería con ella.

Mientras intenta lidiar con esta traición, recibe una llamada urgente: su madre, Nicki, está enferma y necesita tratamiento, pero se niega a recibirlo. Eden es la única que puede convencerla. El problema es que su relación con Nicki es prácticamente inexistente desde hace dos décadas, tras una ruptura profunda entre madre e hija. Aun así, Eden accede, esperando que solo sea una visita rápida… pero termina quedándose semanas.

Al llegar, descubre que su madre ha formado una vida de la que ella no sabía nada, incluyendo a Caleb, a quien Nicki crió desde que era adolescente y que ahora la considera una madre. Caleb ve a Eden con recelo y la culpa por su ausencia todos esos años. Ambos chocarán en más de una ocasión, intentando lo mejor para Nicki, a pesar de sus diferencias... y sin esperar que una conexión inesperada comience a surgir entre ellos.



----


Disfruté mucho del libro, sobre todo el desarrollo de la relación entre Eden y Caleb. Sin embargo, no me gustó cómo se manejó la historia de Nicki, Sonny y Len. Hay cosas que simplemente no se pueden justificar. Que Nicki llevara cada verano a Eden a Grand Trees con la excusa de pasar tiempo juntas, cuando en realidad era para tener una aventura con Sonny, fue una traición enorme. Además, Sonny se hizo amigo de Eden, lo que hace todo aún más cruel. Imaginar el dolor de Eden al descubrir esta doble vida, y ser ella quien tuvo que decírselo a su padre, fue desgarrador.

Lo peor es que, cuando todo se descubre, Nicki se hace la víctima. En vez de intentar reparar su relación con su hija, se va a vivir con Sonny y forma una familia feliz junto. Y Len, el verdadero afectado, nunca logró rehacer su vida. Nicki decía amarlo, pero también amaba a Sonny, y creyó que podía tener una vida doble sin consecuencias. Len quedó destrozado, nunca volvió a enamorarse, y dedicó su vida a Eden. Incluso al saber que Nicki estaba enferma, no dudó en ayudarla, porque aún la amaba. Fue horriblemente injusto para él: merecía mucho más que una vida de dolor por alguien que no lo valoró.

Me molestó que Eden, supuestamente tan dolida por lo que su madre le hizo, evitara el tema con ella, mientras que con su padre era dura e injustamente crítica. Él fue la verdadera víctima y nunca logró superar lo que pasó.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

[Blurb It Down Official · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Epicenter of Forever is a heartwarming, emotionally rich story that embraces second chances—in love, in family, and in self. From the very first page, Mara Williams crafts a romance that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, especially for anyone who’s ever had to return to a place they thought they’d outgrown, only to find that it held something they never knew they were missing.

Eden’s life is in pieces when she returns to her childhood town—newly divorced, emotionally frayed, and caring for a mother whose health is in decline. What she doesn’t expect is to find a new kind of chaos waiting for her: her mother’s makeshift family, including Caleb, a grumpy single dad who seems determined to push every one of Eden’s buttons. Their relationship begins with sharp edges—snappy arguments, sly jabs, an irresistible undercurrent of tension—but slowly evolves into something tender, funny, and soul-deep.

What makes this book stand out isn’t just the chemistry (though it’s chef’s kiss perfect) or the witty dialogue (which will genuinely make you laugh out loud). It’s the way Williams builds a world around her characters that feels so full—of warmth, flaws, healing, and unexpected joy. The supporting cast is lively and lovable, and yes, the rescue dog steals every scene he’s in.

There’s something quietly triumphant about Eden’s journey. Her story isn’t just about falling in love again—it’s about finding her footing, reshaping her idea of home, and finally asking for the things she’s always been too scared to believe she deserved. The emotional payoff is everything.

For readers who like:
- Second-chance love stories
- Grumpy/sunshine banter
- Small town settings

Final Verdict
This is the book you reach for when you’re in a slump and need to believe in hope again. The Epicenter of Forever will make you laugh, cry, and stay up way too late turning the pages. An absolute gem of a romance with heart, humor, and a well-earned happily ever after.

Grateful to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Mara Williams for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[bluevioletbb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A moving, emotional read that hooked me from page one.

This story was so compelling and heartfelt that I devoured it in a single day. Eden and Caleb are absolutely perfect for each other—two people who complement one another in all the ways that matter and meet at exactly the right (and wrong) moment in their lives.

Eden, our FMC, is navigating a brutal emotional fallout. Fresh off a divorce, she learns her ex not only cheated with his therapist but is now expecting a child—something she’s always wanted and feels she wasted years hoping for with the wrong person. Layered on top of that is the unresolved trauma of her mother’s infidelity and abandonment. Returning to Grand Trees forces her to confront wounds she’s avoided for decades.

Then there’s Caleb, who stumbles into her life like a breath of fresh air. He’s the man everyone leans on, steady and dependable, but he longs for a partner who makes his “nerve endings crackle.” Despite his own trauma, he's gentle yet firm in the way he pushes Eden to face hers. Their emotional connection grows with beautiful sincerity, though I genuinely wish the story had been longer—to more fully flesh out their relationship (certain parts felt insta-love), individual arcs, and the fantastic secondary characters (loved Cassie and Abby).

At its core, this is a story about family, forgiveness, sacrifice, and unexpected love—a romance born from shared fractures and the courage to rebuild. Emotional, intimate, and powerfully honest, it left a lingering ache in the best way.

A deeply moving 4.5-star read.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not want to put this book down! A lot happened within the first 50 pages, but the book was well-paced and the story flowed. Everything that happened was connected and none of it felt far-fetched. The story follows themes of second chance romances, unexpected love, small town charm, forgiveness, familial strain, and the impending risk of natural disasters.

Grand trees is home to Eden’s best and worst memories. Her childhood memories flourished here, but also died here. Eden experienced a tragic injury along with witnessing her mother’s betrayal. Eden rarely visits the town due to this and only comes back when she receives a call about her mother’s diagnosis. Enter Caleb Connell, charming stranger who saves her from an awkward encounter. The sparks are immediately there. She meets Caleb again through family connections and soon realizes he has given her mother the life she couldn’t. I wouldn’t go as far as to say they’re enemies, but they certainly do not like each other after meeting again. They share many moments that are tense and heated. I will not dive more into the book as I don’t want my review to contain spoilers, but this book is definitely worth the read. Many people in the town experience second chance romances, a second chance at creating the families and lives they desired. The town is sweet in the sense that everyone looks out for one another. It is a close-knit community that relies on each other in times of crisis.

[Kate Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high expectations of The Epicenter of Forever after having read the author’s debut, and this book completely surpassed those expectations! This novel is going to stick with me long after reading, and I already know I’ll be rereading it for its beautiful portrayals of complex family dynamics, the loss of life dreams, the levels of sacrifice for those you love, and the courage to seek something more than what you’ve settled for in the past.

Eden has been largely estranged from her mother for twenty years and only returns to see her after a terrifying diagnosis. There she finds that her mother has built a whole new found family for herself in Grand Trees, including Caleb, the single dad who’s deeply protective of her mother and also may have different views of the rift that divided her family years ago.

In this book, Eden copes with the aftermath of her divorce while learning to see her mother with new eyes, grappling with whether or not she can ever truly forgive her mother’s mistakes. And while she shares the care of her mother with fiercely loyal Caleb, she just might also find herself falling for him.

The book is filled with layered and thoughtful characters, including a lovely cast of small-town residents who lift each other up and support each other through the hardest of times. The romance is powerful and life-affirming.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC of this gorgeous novel.

[laurakellylitfit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Febuary 26th, 2026
The novel opens with a quiet unease that gradually builds into a crescendo of emotional and philosophical tension. At its heart lies a character grappling with the ripple effects of a single moment—an event that fractures not only their sense of reality but also the relationships that once anchored them. The narrative structure is both intimate and expansive, shifting between timelines and perspectives with a fluidity that mirrors the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

What makes the story compelling is its deft balance between introspection and suspense. The plot unfolds like a puzzle, each chapter revealing fragments that deepen the mystery without overwhelming the reader. Themes of identity, grief, and resilience are explored through lyrical prose and evocative imagery, creating a reading experience that feels both cerebral and visceral. The setting—whether urban or remote—acts as a mirror to the emotional landscape, amplifying the stakes without resorting to melodrama.

Ultimately, The Epicenter of Forever is a meditation on the fragility of truth and the power of connection. It challenges readers to consider how far one might go to rewrite the past or reclaim a future that feels just out of reach.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!

[Ivy Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the ARC of The Epicenter of Forever by Mara Williams in exchange for my honest review.

This story follows Eden, who returns to her mountain hometown of Grand Trees after she gets cheated on, goes through divorce, and receives the Parkinson's diagnosis of her mom, with whom she's been estranged for two decades. Why you say? Because her mom had left her dad for another man years ago! She now has to confront both her past and the people she avoided. During the process, she can't help but fall in love with her mom's late boyfriend Sonny's niece. Circumstances pull them apart, but a natural disaster might just br the cure for love!

The novel weaves together themes of family, forgiveness, and second chances, set against the vivid backdrop of California’s fire country and earthquake-prone landscapes.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. The setting felt atmospheric and cozy, and the general plot had a heartwarming pull. However, for me, it wasn’t exactly a page-turner. While the author tried to add “spice” in various moments, I found it a little unpleasant—especially when it popped up during very serious or emotional scenes. That said, I still think romance readers who enjoy small-town drama, family secrets, and a cozy yet emotional setting will find much to love here.

[Savannah Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Mara Williams for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review!

The was one of the best romance books I’ve read in a looooooong hot while, with some of the most beautiful and metaphorical writing!

“We’re performing choreography we’ve already learned, perhaps in another life. We’re a duet with perfect musicality and timing. And the intimacy, the rightness, is so shocking I have to settle my breathing, turn down the chorus in my head that screams yes, now, more”

This was stunning and far less predictable than the other romances I have been reading lately. These characters were SO lovable I felt like I actually knew them and cared about them irl.

This is perfect for anyone interested in

Mild enemies to lovers
Small town romance
Cuddling for warmth microtrope
Second chance romance (not for the main characters)

The way this book dealt with trauma, guilt, and grief in such a beautiful and wholly realistic way had me genuinely forgetting I was reading a romance book at times (this is a compliment coming from me). I loved this wholeheartedly and firmly believe everyone who enjoys any of the things I’ve mentioned above will also love it.

[Rosie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐

A brilliant story, absolutely loved it. The tension between Caleb and Eden was incredible. I found it a touch strange that they went from being strangers to loving each other in a week, but then the rest of the relationship seemed well-paced. I loved the complex mother-daughter relationship and how it blossomed. The divergence in experience was relayed incredibly. My biggest regret for this book is that the reunion of Eden and Caleb right after the earthquake felt anticlimactic, followed by his proposal in the epilogue. I also felt like the start of their relationship was fierce and passionate, their break-up was heartbreaking for me too, but their reunion felt superficial in a way. Overall, the emotional impact from the book is worth 5 ⭐ alone.

This will definitely be a book I re-read.

Favourite quote:
"I'm finding the rhythm of forgiveness. It's not an epiphany, I realise now. It's a practice. And practicing grace has loosened the ball in my stomach and neutralised my numbness. Absolution isn't a gift I'm offering to Mom; it's a kindness I'm granting myself."

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of The Epicenter of Forever.

[Claire (Clairby11xxx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(7/10) Eden makes a trip into her past following a tremor in her present. Along the way she has to deal with a complex mother daughter relationship, some painful childhood memories, a grumpy sunshine mountain man and a landslide of earthquake metaphors.

This was unexpectedly deep, I was expecting the cliche city girl goes to a small town and falls in love trope, but instead it was heavy on family angst and a lot of repressed feelings. I think it was this more than the romance that kept me reading, the characters were realistic and the emotions were messy but it was all believable and no one person was in the wrong, all sides were examined and addressed. The romance aspect was also more than surface level, with two broken characters working through their own baggage and finding their way to each other through a literal disaster zone. I wish there was slightly more of Caleb’s backstory as this was much more focused on Eden and her demons. The obligatory best friend was also present in Cassie the voice of tough love who I adored.

On the whole a lovely surprise and an author I will look out for again. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Epicenter of Forever is a solid, enjoyable read for those who like their romance blended with heavier themes. It delivers all the hallmarks of a small-town romance—complicated family dynamics, a picturesque setting, and a small cast of supporting characters. However, readers who prefer a slower, more deliberate romantic buildup might feel that the central love story unfolds a little too quickly.
The novel shines in its exploration of the main character's personal journey, particularly her complex relationships with her parents and the process of moving past a painful past. This women’s fiction element is where the book truly finds its heart.
The romance, however, is a bit of a mixed bag. The "insta-lust" between the main characters is immediate and fairly quickly transitions to a deep, forever-type love without the reader getting to fully experience the in-between stages of a connection truly growing.
Ultimately, The Epicenter of Forever is a nice read and balances its romantic and women's fiction elements well, even if the rapid-fire romance doesn't feel entirely earned.
3.5/5 stars.

[Megan Heginbottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Williams and I was pleasantly surprised!

Trigger warning: infidelity, pregnancy, illness

Eden temporarily relocates to the small town in California she spent summers attending camp as a child to care for her estranged mother.

This book was part romance, part heartbreak, part the story of a woman reclaiming her life. I genuinely enjoyed Eden and having the story told from just her point of view. Her flaws and the raw emotion she feels being back in town truly make the book what it is.

And Caleb. CALEB. I can’t say too much without giving the plot away, but I loved him. LOOOVED. My only complaint is that we dive deep into Eden’s past trauma, but barely skim the surface on his. I would have loved to see the story be a bit less one dimensional in regards to that.

It was definitely slow in the middle and I felt myself getting bored, but as soon as I felt that, the story took a turn and kept my attention until the very end.

I won’t hesitate to pick up another book by Williams. Special thanks for NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Small town romance has always been one of my favourite tropes, so this book called to me as soon as I saw it on NetGalley.

Eden and Caleb are both too stubborn for their own good, but I really like how vulnerable they are to each other when they get trapped at camp.

The difficulties on the relationship between Eden and her mum are something that I was very curious about, and exploring their broken relationship and their way to healing was really interesting to understand the characters better.

When she arrives at Grand Trees, Eden feels too much anger to be able to focus on anything else, but when she finally lets it all out she finally gets space to feel more, and to realise what she feels for Caleb. I cried my eyes out when she has to leave, it's not fair and it broke me.

Eden and Caleb deserved their HEA, even if it took an earthquake for Eden to realise that. 😅😅

100% recommended.
Happy reading! ❤️

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved Mara Williams’s The Truth Is in the Detours, so I was excited for this one. While it didn’t hit quite as hard for me, it’s still an emotional story about Eden returning to her estranged mother’s mountain town, where she faces old wounds, family secrets, and an unexpected romance with Caleb.

The theme of forgiveness was powerful, but I struggled with how little accountability the people who hurt Eden actually took. Too often the focus was on how her reaction affected them, instead of how their actions affected her, especially when she was a literal child when the impetus of the family breakdown occurred. She deserved more.

The romance was sweet, but it moved quickly from dislike to love without much build-up.

Tropes you’ll find:

Estranged parent relationship

Dislike to love

Forced proximity

Second chances / redemption


A heartfelt read—even if I wanted more accountability and a slower romantic burn.

[Kelly Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woah boy, this one was emotional. This story dives into grief, estrangement, complex family issues, divorce, infidelity, illness, and healing with an easy-to-read, engaging writing style. While I didn’t fully connect with Eden, mostly because her traumas are so far from my own—I still found the overall journey compelling.

The themes are heavy and handled with care, but the fast pacing made some moments feel a little rushed (especially when we are dealing with so, so much here!). I can’t help but feel the story would’ve benefited from a longer format to explore the depth of the characters and give the ending more impact. I really liked Caleb, I love a good grump; but I felt like his story could have been explored more. It left me wanting just a bit more from his character arc.

Still, it’s a heartfelt read with an overwhelming surge of emotion packed into every page.

Thank you to Mara Williams, NetGalley and lake Union Publishing for an eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Helen O · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the heart of this novel lies a romance, but it is not simply a romance novel. The complex lives and histories of all the characters are given as much room and intricacy, and it is all the better for it. They are deeply crafted, their foibles and idiosyncrasies, the damage their lives have wrought upon them, their interconnections and communications are all woven beautifully into this well written and convincing book. The two families intertwined, the developing relationship between them are engaging and I found myself rooting for everyone involved, which is quite unusual and not easy to achieve. It candidly explores the troubles each individual has had to endure, and how they find ways to begin to heal. All the while the romantic connection develops in a realistic and enjoyable way. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in almost one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down. Mara Williams wrote it in a way that made me laugh, cry, and feel every single emotion at the same time. Eden and Caleb’s story was intense and tender, with so much chemistry that I found myself holding my breath in several scenes. The romance was beautifully written, slow burning, and full of passion, and the second chance themes really worked without being predictable. Even though I wished the final reunion was a bit longer, the ending still left me satisfied and emotional. Thank you so much to the author, Lake Union and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.