What do you think?
Rate this book
Free Spirit
She’s lived rent-free in his dreams for years.
Beau Reed has spent fifteen years building a life for himself. A life surrounded by the grapevines and orchards of the charming small town of Canyon Grove. A life near the place of his most cherished childhood memories, Juniper Lane Winery.
But when Harper Sandoval returns to the winery where they both grew up, Beau’s carefully crafted life is thrown into disarray.
The free-spirited teenager he once chased through the grapevines has grown into a self-assured woman who rekindles feelings he thought were long forgotten.
A woman who introduces herself as if she has never kissed him under an apple tree fifteen years earlier.
Leaving behind her city life to sort out the details of her Aunt Charlotte’s will, Harper’s return to the place of so many blissful childhood summers presents an unexpected complication. Her aunt has left her niece with one final list of live at Juniper Lane for six months and create a new wine for the family vineyard.
The only catch? Harper must work with Beau to meet the conditions of Charlotte’s will before her six months at Juniper Lane are up.
She knows there is something familiar in this tall stranger’s lop-sided smile.
But Harper is sure he isn’t the boy who once carved their initials into an apple tree.
That was Jack. This is Beau.
Beau Reed has spent fifteen years building a life for himself. A life surrounded by the grapevines and orchards of the charming small town of Canyon Grove. A life near the place of his most cherished childhood memories, Juniper Lane Winery.
But when Harper Sandoval returns to the winery where they both grew up, Beau’s carefully crafted life is thrown into disarray.
The free-spirited teenager he once chased through the grapevines has grown into a self-assured woman who rekindles feelings he thought were long forgotten.
A woman who introduces herself as if she has never kissed him under an apple tree fifteen years earlier.
Leaving behind her city life to sort out the details of her Aunt Charlotte’s will, Harper’s return to the place of so many blissful childhood summers presents an unexpected complication. Her aunt has left her niece with one final list of live at Juniper Lane for six months and create a new wine for the family vineyard.
The only catch? Harper must work with Beau to meet the conditions of Charlotte’s will before her six months at Juniper Lane are up.
She knows there is something familiar in this tall stranger’s lop-sided smile.
But Harper is sure he isn’t the boy who once carved their initials into an apple tree.
That was Jack. This is Beau.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
4 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 15, 2025
What to expect:
🍷 Second chance / childhood sweethearts
🛻 Hidden identity
🍷 Grief
🛻 Inheritance stipulations
🍷 Small town (set in BC, Canada)
🛻 Slow burn
🍷 More than one open door spicy scene
🛻 She’s half Cuban on her dad’s side (and he was a baseball player)
Harper returns to her aunt’s Canadian winery where she spent her summers after her aunt passes away. Hoping to run into her childhood friend, Jack (who she hasn’t seen or talked to in 15 years), she is instead met by newcomer Beau—who is sneakily tied into the stipulations of inheriting her aunt’s vineyard. In the next 6 months, Harper and this stranger must go through all of her aunts belongings and come up with a new wine.
The catch? Beau is Jack! And he’s been holding onto the spark with Harper since the last time he saw her. How will Harper feel when she finds out? Can she get along with Beau and meet the criteria laid out by her aunt? What will happen when the 6 months are up and Harper needs to return to her home and job in Detroit?
————-
This is dual first person POV, but the flashbacks are third-person narrative.
————-
My review:
First, thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can’t imagine writing anything more than 10 pages long and it’s special when someone puts their heart and soul into something and releases it to the masses. Congrats!
What I appreciated was that this had whispers of great storylines. I got vibes of Anne of Green Gables (this could be because I’m American and when I read summers on a Canadian farmstead and falling in love with a local boy I immediately think of that); I also got vibes from Tessa Bailey’s Unfortunately Yours (two people falling in love making wine to meet someone inheritance stipulations); and Devney Perry’s Crossroads (two people meet as kids and only see each other over summer break but have a chance to fall in love as adults); but this story was also unique enough that it stood on its own.
What didn’t work for me, personally, was the frequent switching between perspectives. I found it disorienting (but also my ARC copy wasn’t always accurate in who was speaking). Sometimes two lines would be from Harper and then suddenly there was a break and the next section would be from Beau, but I didn’t understand why…especially during the spicy scenes…
I also was confused by the baseball subplot. It came out of nowhere and frankly overshadowed the winemaking subplot… I get that it was a way to introduce the readers to more of the towns folk, but I found it distracting.
I also found the amount of times that Harper and Beau said each others’ names to be overkill. Perhaps that’s petty, but when you have “Harper?” “Yeah, Beau?” Or something like that every third paragraph…I lose interest. I believe it was meant to be cute but it didn’t hit that mark with me.
This next part may contain spoilers—————————————————-——————————-
Sadly, the hidden identity actually was what didn’t work for me the most. How have these two known each other since they were 7 and she didn’t know his first name was Beau—and who his best friend growing up was? I can understand not recognizing him immediately if he’s 31 now and was 16 when she last saw him…but surely she’d figure it out sooner than she did? And why would her aunt agree not to tell her…when he’s basically been holding out for her? And in this age of technology? When their families were so connected? I can stretch my imagination for many things, but I struggled with this one.
🍷 Second chance / childhood sweethearts
🛻 Hidden identity
🍷 Grief
🛻 Inheritance stipulations
🍷 Small town (set in BC, Canada)
🛻 Slow burn
🍷 More than one open door spicy scene
🛻 She’s half Cuban on her dad’s side (and he was a baseball player)
Harper returns to her aunt’s Canadian winery where she spent her summers after her aunt passes away. Hoping to run into her childhood friend, Jack (who she hasn’t seen or talked to in 15 years), she is instead met by newcomer Beau—who is sneakily tied into the stipulations of inheriting her aunt’s vineyard. In the next 6 months, Harper and this stranger must go through all of her aunts belongings and come up with a new wine.
The catch? Beau is Jack! And he’s been holding onto the spark with Harper since the last time he saw her. How will Harper feel when she finds out? Can she get along with Beau and meet the criteria laid out by her aunt? What will happen when the 6 months are up and Harper needs to return to her home and job in Detroit?
————-
This is dual first person POV, but the flashbacks are third-person narrative.
————-
My review:
First, thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can’t imagine writing anything more than 10 pages long and it’s special when someone puts their heart and soul into something and releases it to the masses. Congrats!
What I appreciated was that this had whispers of great storylines. I got vibes of Anne of Green Gables (this could be because I’m American and when I read summers on a Canadian farmstead and falling in love with a local boy I immediately think of that); I also got vibes from Tessa Bailey’s Unfortunately Yours (two people falling in love making wine to meet someone inheritance stipulations); and Devney Perry’s Crossroads (two people meet as kids and only see each other over summer break but have a chance to fall in love as adults); but this story was also unique enough that it stood on its own.
What didn’t work for me, personally, was the frequent switching between perspectives. I found it disorienting (but also my ARC copy wasn’t always accurate in who was speaking). Sometimes two lines would be from Harper and then suddenly there was a break and the next section would be from Beau, but I didn’t understand why…especially during the spicy scenes…
I also was confused by the baseball subplot. It came out of nowhere and frankly overshadowed the winemaking subplot… I get that it was a way to introduce the readers to more of the towns folk, but I found it distracting.
I also found the amount of times that Harper and Beau said each others’ names to be overkill. Perhaps that’s petty, but when you have “Harper?” “Yeah, Beau?” Or something like that every third paragraph…I lose interest. I believe it was meant to be cute but it didn’t hit that mark with me.
This next part may contain spoilers—————————————————-——————————-
Sadly, the hidden identity actually was what didn’t work for me the most. How have these two known each other since they were 7 and she didn’t know his first name was Beau—and who his best friend growing up was? I can understand not recognizing him immediately if he’s 31 now and was 16 when she last saw him…but surely she’d figure it out sooner than she did? And why would her aunt agree not to tell her…when he’s basically been holding out for her? And in this age of technology? When their families were so connected? I can stretch my imagination for many things, but I struggled with this one.
April 15, 2025
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Lila Prairie for the opportunity and the trust*
I’m really disappointed because I wanted to LOVE this! I always want to support indie authors, especially debut authors, but this one really missed the mark for me 😞
I found out MCs to be very flat, one-dimensional, and forgettable. I found it really unbelievable that Harper didn’t recognize Jack/Beau. Yes it had been a number of years, but really? She didn’t know his middle name? She didn’t think to actually ask him when she felt like he was familiar, when they met at the funeral? It just seemed like such a convoluted plot point, and then when it’s “resolved” it just so lacklustre. Like, there was literally no point to that whole “conflict” 😣
My main issue with this book though was the structure of the story and the bizarre wording choices Prairie made. Those strange wording choices made the spicy scenes really awkward, and because of that, the emotion of that scene really missed the mark 🫣
This is a dual POV book and just how Prairie decides to switch from one to the other was really awkward 😖 i’ve honestly never seen anything like it. Because we would have a couple of paragraphs of Harper and then pivot suddenly to Beau. Beau would get a paragraph or two and then, BAM, we’re back with Harper for a bit. I think it would be a lot stronger if the chapters themselves were dedicated to one character’s point of view or the other. Instead, it seemed like she was focussing on each chapter being a month.
It made those scenes where Beau and Harper’s relationship was being explored and expanded very hard to follow and connect with. I almost feel like the author was so focussed on allowing each character to have some spotlight in a scene to highlight their emotions, BUT you can do that in a standard dual POV story structure (with each chapter being from one characters POV, and not flip-flopping awkwardly). I feel like if you structure a scene correctly, even if it’s written from one point of view, you can get a lot of information about that other character.
I also feel like the side characters were not well developed, and quite frankly, Nico infuriated me most of the time 😑
I think that there was a lot of promise with this idea, but the execution was just really off for me 🫤 and again I feel really awful because this is an author’s debut work and it’s unrealistic to expect perfection right out of the gate. I do think that there’s a lot of potential with this idea and with this world that she’s created it just needs some refinement.
I’m really disappointed because I wanted to LOVE this! I always want to support indie authors, especially debut authors, but this one really missed the mark for me 😞
I found out MCs to be very flat, one-dimensional, and forgettable. I found it really unbelievable that Harper didn’t recognize Jack/Beau. Yes it had been a number of years, but really? She didn’t know his middle name? She didn’t think to actually ask him when she felt like he was familiar, when they met at the funeral? It just seemed like such a convoluted plot point, and then when it’s “resolved” it just so lacklustre. Like, there was literally no point to that whole “conflict” 😣
My main issue with this book though was the structure of the story and the bizarre wording choices Prairie made. Those strange wording choices made the spicy scenes really awkward, and because of that, the emotion of that scene really missed the mark 🫣
This is a dual POV book and just how Prairie decides to switch from one to the other was really awkward 😖 i’ve honestly never seen anything like it. Because we would have a couple of paragraphs of Harper and then pivot suddenly to Beau. Beau would get a paragraph or two and then, BAM, we’re back with Harper for a bit. I think it would be a lot stronger if the chapters themselves were dedicated to one character’s point of view or the other. Instead, it seemed like she was focussing on each chapter being a month.
It made those scenes where Beau and Harper’s relationship was being explored and expanded very hard to follow and connect with. I almost feel like the author was so focussed on allowing each character to have some spotlight in a scene to highlight their emotions, BUT you can do that in a standard dual POV story structure (with each chapter being from one characters POV, and not flip-flopping awkwardly). I feel like if you structure a scene correctly, even if it’s written from one point of view, you can get a lot of information about that other character.
I also feel like the side characters were not well developed, and quite frankly, Nico infuriated me most of the time 😑
I think that there was a lot of promise with this idea, but the execution was just really off for me 🫤 and again I feel really awful because this is an author’s debut work and it’s unrealistic to expect perfection right out of the gate. I do think that there’s a lot of potential with this idea and with this world that she’s created it just needs some refinement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
Beau Reed has spent years building a peaceful life in Canyon Grove, near the Juniper Lane Winery where his best childhood memories live. But everything changes when Harper Sandoval returns to the winery after fifteen years. She doesn’t recognize Beau as the boy she once kissed under an apple tree. Tasked with creating a new wine to fulfill her late aunt’s will, Harper must work with Beau for six months, unknowingly stirring up old feelings he never forgot.
I’m so glad I got the chance to read this ARC! This was such a cute, quick read. The summery feel of it really did transport me to Canyon Grove. I could practically smell the grapevines and feel the sun on my skin. The setting of Juniper Lane Winery was so vivid and cozy. I really enjoyed how the chapters were labeled by months. I don’t think I’ve read a book formatted like that before. I’m already excited for more Canyon Grove books and can’t wait to see what Lila comes up with next. Thank you so much for the ARC.
I’m so glad I got the chance to read this ARC! This was such a cute, quick read. The summery feel of it really did transport me to Canyon Grove. I could practically smell the grapevines and feel the sun on my skin. The setting of Juniper Lane Winery was so vivid and cozy. I really enjoyed how the chapters were labeled by months. I don’t think I’ve read a book formatted like that before. I’m already excited for more Canyon Grove books and can’t wait to see what Lila comes up with next. Thank you so much for the ARC.
April 23, 2025
2.5⭐️
🍷Dual POV
🍷Friends to Lovers
🍷Miscommunication Trope
🍷Small Town Romance
Thank you so much to Lila Prairie for this advanced reader copy.
I really wanted to love this one but I think there were a couple things that just didn’t work for me and my personal taste.
The miscommunication in this one was tough to read, and starts really early on. I felt like it was something that could have been dealt with quicker to make the story seem more realistic (like why didn’t she recognize him, thats so confusing to me).
The prologue and epilogue were really cute and I loved getting the flashbacks into young Harper and Jack as kids in Canyon Grove.
I liked Harper’s character but I really wanted more from Jack. I felt like there wasn’t a lot that made him stand out and he just felt like a regular guy and needed something to make him more dynamic for the reader.
There was some different formatting and I didn’t mind it too much but some of the chapters I felt like were a little too long. It felt like there were natural breaks where we could start a new chapter but it kept going, which threw me off a bit
Some of the POV switches were kind of sudden and a bit jarring to me. Sometimes they said whose POV it was and sometimes it didn’t and it depended on you to figure it out as you went.
The summer setting was vivid. I did feel like I could imagine myself in a small town during the summer with that rich descriptive language the author used to describe the hot weather.
I also wanted more of the wine plot and I believe that the introduction of the baseball plot pushed the wine one to the side, which was a bit disappointing.
It’s a really cute small town romance but I think just a couple things didn’t click for me unfortunately. But definitely give it a shot if you love a childhood friends to lovers, long chapters, and a small town summer love story.
🍷Dual POV
🍷Friends to Lovers
🍷Miscommunication Trope
🍷Small Town Romance
Thank you so much to Lila Prairie for this advanced reader copy.
I really wanted to love this one but I think there were a couple things that just didn’t work for me and my personal taste.
The miscommunication in this one was tough to read, and starts really early on. I felt like it was something that could have been dealt with quicker to make the story seem more realistic (like why didn’t she recognize him, thats so confusing to me).
The prologue and epilogue were really cute and I loved getting the flashbacks into young Harper and Jack as kids in Canyon Grove.
I liked Harper’s character but I really wanted more from Jack. I felt like there wasn’t a lot that made him stand out and he just felt like a regular guy and needed something to make him more dynamic for the reader.
There was some different formatting and I didn’t mind it too much but some of the chapters I felt like were a little too long. It felt like there were natural breaks where we could start a new chapter but it kept going, which threw me off a bit
Some of the POV switches were kind of sudden and a bit jarring to me. Sometimes they said whose POV it was and sometimes it didn’t and it depended on you to figure it out as you went.
The summer setting was vivid. I did feel like I could imagine myself in a small town during the summer with that rich descriptive language the author used to describe the hot weather.
I also wanted more of the wine plot and I believe that the introduction of the baseball plot pushed the wine one to the side, which was a bit disappointing.
It’s a really cute small town romance but I think just a couple things didn’t click for me unfortunately. But definitely give it a shot if you love a childhood friends to lovers, long chapters, and a small town summer love story.
April 19, 2025
first, I want to thank Lila Prairie for allowing me to be an ARC reader, in exchange for an honest review
it was a cute story with a lot of potential, but it felt really disjointed. I found it hard to keep track of who was talking during the dialogue, and many of the characters’ connections felt forced to me. the core concept was good, I just feel like it just wasn’t executed as well as it could’ve been
the whole book is based off Harper not recognizing her childhood best friend (who she was in love with) when she goes back to Canyon Grove for her aunt’s funeral, which I found so unrealistic that it threw the vibe off the rest of the book. that, on top of errors throughout the book, made it hard for me to enjoy. that being said, I did love the setting. the descriptions of a hot Okanagan summer got me excited for summer
it was a cute story with a lot of potential, but it felt really disjointed. I found it hard to keep track of who was talking during the dialogue, and many of the characters’ connections felt forced to me. the core concept was good, I just feel like it just wasn’t executed as well as it could’ve been
the whole book is based off Harper not recognizing her childhood best friend (who she was in love with) when she goes back to Canyon Grove for her aunt’s funeral, which I found so unrealistic that it threw the vibe off the rest of the book. that, on top of errors throughout the book, made it hard for me to enjoy. that being said, I did love the setting. the descriptions of a hot Okanagan summer got me excited for summer
April 16, 2025
✨ Thank you to the author for the ARC of Free Spirit in exchange for my honest review - and congrats on the debut! ✨
It’s such a treat to see places where I have physically visited and spent ample time vacationing as a kid as the setting for a novel, and a debut novel at that!! The Okanagan is the PERFECT setting for Free Spirit.
I can’t believe how daunting it must be to put your book out in the world, so I want to commend Lila Prairie for working hard to put together Free Spirit! She has definitely done the Okanagan area justice with her rich descriptions (I can feel the dry, summer heat from here!), and portraying life at a winery in an accurate way.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t vibe with me for a few reasons:
🍇 Going into Free Spirit, I thought I was signing up for a sweet summer romance where the main characters reconnect after being apart for 15 years, while also developing a wine together. Wine + romance?! I was ready!! However, the wine making plot seemed to be placed on the back burner for the majority of the novel, which left me a little disappointed.
🍇 The chapters are L O N G. Each chapter represents a month (since Harper and Beau’s objective for the novel is to fulfill Harper’s aunt’s wish of having them develop a new wine together over the course of six months). Within these chapters, we bounce between Harper and Beau’s POVs quite a bit - sometimes in the midst of the same sentence. As a result of this, the chapters felt rather choppy, which was distracting.
🍇 Harper and Beau call each other by their names A LOT. Like almost too much, and I found this to be rather annoying by the end of the novel.
🍇 The hidden identity aspect of Free Spirit didn’t really hit with me either. I found it EXTREMELY far-fetched that Harper wouldn’t recognize Beau at all. They (and their families) spent so much time together on such an intimate level growing up and for her to not recognize him until way later in the novel…? Hmmmm…..
🍷 Childhood Sweethearts
🍷 Long Chapters
🍷 Dual POV
🍷 Baseball Subplot
It’s such a treat to see places where I have physically visited and spent ample time vacationing as a kid as the setting for a novel, and a debut novel at that!! The Okanagan is the PERFECT setting for Free Spirit.
I can’t believe how daunting it must be to put your book out in the world, so I want to commend Lila Prairie for working hard to put together Free Spirit! She has definitely done the Okanagan area justice with her rich descriptions (I can feel the dry, summer heat from here!), and portraying life at a winery in an accurate way.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t vibe with me for a few reasons:
🍇 Going into Free Spirit, I thought I was signing up for a sweet summer romance where the main characters reconnect after being apart for 15 years, while also developing a wine together. Wine + romance?! I was ready!! However, the wine making plot seemed to be placed on the back burner for the majority of the novel, which left me a little disappointed.
🍇 The chapters are L O N G. Each chapter represents a month (since Harper and Beau’s objective for the novel is to fulfill Harper’s aunt’s wish of having them develop a new wine together over the course of six months). Within these chapters, we bounce between Harper and Beau’s POVs quite a bit - sometimes in the midst of the same sentence. As a result of this, the chapters felt rather choppy, which was distracting.
🍇 Harper and Beau call each other by their names A LOT. Like almost too much, and I found this to be rather annoying by the end of the novel.
🍇 The hidden identity aspect of Free Spirit didn’t really hit with me either. I found it EXTREMELY far-fetched that Harper wouldn’t recognize Beau at all. They (and their families) spent so much time together on such an intimate level growing up and for her to not recognize him until way later in the novel…? Hmmmm…..
🍷 Childhood Sweethearts
🍷 Long Chapters
🍷 Dual POV
🍷 Baseball Subplot
![Profile Image for Emilie [Vitals and Villains].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1726541054i%2F116757770._UX200_CR0%2C77%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 16, 2025
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC, this is my honest review.
The entire plot of this book is built on a very unrealistic miscommunication. Harper gets reintroduced to the man that she has been in love with but hasn't seen for 15 years and then she doesn't recognize him because he goes by a different name? Then instead of correcting her Beau/Jack just goes along with it for weeks despite claiming that he has also been in love with her all these years. I know this is fiction but this was an insane premise. Literally this whole book never happens if he just says "Hey it's me, Jack" when they meet again.
The dialogue in this was also very choppy and unrealistic. They said each other's name at the beginning of every sentence which is just not how people talk. I also felt like the chapters were way too long but that is just personal preference.
2 stars because I liked the Okanagan setting and it made me nostalgic for the time I spent there as a kid.
The entire plot of this book is built on a very unrealistic miscommunication. Harper gets reintroduced to the man that she has been in love with but hasn't seen for 15 years and then she doesn't recognize him because he goes by a different name? Then instead of correcting her Beau/Jack just goes along with it for weeks despite claiming that he has also been in love with her all these years. I know this is fiction but this was an insane premise. Literally this whole book never happens if he just says "Hey it's me, Jack" when they meet again.
The dialogue in this was also very choppy and unrealistic. They said each other's name at the beginning of every sentence which is just not how people talk. I also felt like the chapters were way too long but that is just personal preference.
2 stars because I liked the Okanagan setting and it made me nostalgic for the time I spent there as a kid.
May 8, 2025
This reminded me so much of Carley Fortune x Emily Henry!! I loved the backdrop of the vineyard and loved the characters. I do wish there had been a few more twists and turns to keep us on our toes - I found it played out as expected but nothing wrong with predictability! I noticed this is listed as Canyon Grove #1 so interested to see if we’ll get a sequel for Beau and Harper!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
When this book started, it was a solid 4 stars. I could forgive the unusual formatting, and even got used to it. Somewhere around 70% though, everything dropped off. The format became almost unreadable, super confusing, and the story just became a mess. I really wanted to love this because it's everything I normally would love, but I just couldn't forgive the writing style and the uncomfortable wording in certain scenes. I kept it at three stars because of how into the beginning I was.
April 30, 2025
I was happy to get an ARC of Free Spirit by Lila Prairie. This book fell a little flat with me. First, the chapters were far too long. Each chapter was a different month and it was too long to read on and on!! I’m felt I became easily bored. Also, I was really frustrated that Jack/Beau never identified himself to Harper. It was so annoying that he knew obviously who she was, but she had no clue because he went by a different name. This book won’t be one that I remember simply because there was nothing special about it. I’m glad for the opportunity I got to read this book though.
May 5, 2025
Thank you to Lila Prairie for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The way this book had me kicking my feet and giggling with every moment between Beau and Harper. Wine filled summer romance based in British Columbia? Yes please.
The book starts with a flashback to 15 years ago, a hot summer filled with adventures that turns into teenage romance. Life moves on and fifteen years later, Harper is now working for Ford, but is back in the place where she spent every summer, speaking at her Aunt Charlottes celebration of life. It’s here she meets Beau, an apparent important person in her aunt’s life considering he’s been asked to attend the reading of the will with her. He seems familiar but Harper doesn’t want get her hopes up. When Aunt Charlotte’s stipulations for her will are announced, will Harper be able to stay at the winery for 6 months while working alongside Beau? Or will it be too much, juggling the winery and her job in Detroit, as well as her feelings for this mysterious yet familiar man?
This book is written very uniquely. There are only a few chapters which yes are long, but are split between our two characters pov’s which still allows for the proper passage of time and plot. I’ve seen a few reviews talking about the confusion of these pov’s switching, but I honestly didn’t feel that. If you were fully immersed in the story, you could clearly tell when Beau or Harper was speaking. And I loved this approach especially during the more intimate scenes because it allowed us to see into both our MC’s heads.
I absolutely loved the descriptions of the scenery and the winery itself. Hearing Harper’s memories and also watching her dive back into routine was so heartwarming.
While the main plot point of Harper not knowing that Beau was actually Jack, her young love, could be considered unbelievable, you have to remember that one, this is a book. And two, people change, especially when parents pass away or you go to school or you move out of your hometown. People I knew when I was 16 I probably wouldn’t recognize now either. It’s like the Princess Bride with Wesley or Superman being very obviously Clark Kent. It adds tension and makes the reveal so much more precious.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. So many sweet moments and tension filled stares that lead to a quick and easy romance.
The way this book had me kicking my feet and giggling with every moment between Beau and Harper. Wine filled summer romance based in British Columbia? Yes please.
The book starts with a flashback to 15 years ago, a hot summer filled with adventures that turns into teenage romance. Life moves on and fifteen years later, Harper is now working for Ford, but is back in the place where she spent every summer, speaking at her Aunt Charlottes celebration of life. It’s here she meets Beau, an apparent important person in her aunt’s life considering he’s been asked to attend the reading of the will with her. He seems familiar but Harper doesn’t want get her hopes up. When Aunt Charlotte’s stipulations for her will are announced, will Harper be able to stay at the winery for 6 months while working alongside Beau? Or will it be too much, juggling the winery and her job in Detroit, as well as her feelings for this mysterious yet familiar man?
This book is written very uniquely. There are only a few chapters which yes are long, but are split between our two characters pov’s which still allows for the proper passage of time and plot. I’ve seen a few reviews talking about the confusion of these pov’s switching, but I honestly didn’t feel that. If you were fully immersed in the story, you could clearly tell when Beau or Harper was speaking. And I loved this approach especially during the more intimate scenes because it allowed us to see into both our MC’s heads.
I absolutely loved the descriptions of the scenery and the winery itself. Hearing Harper’s memories and also watching her dive back into routine was so heartwarming.
While the main plot point of Harper not knowing that Beau was actually Jack, her young love, could be considered unbelievable, you have to remember that one, this is a book. And two, people change, especially when parents pass away or you go to school or you move out of your hometown. People I knew when I was 16 I probably wouldn’t recognize now either. It’s like the Princess Bride with Wesley or Superman being very obviously Clark Kent. It adds tension and makes the reveal so much more precious.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. So many sweet moments and tension filled stares that lead to a quick and easy romance.
May 11, 2025
ARC review! Thank you Lila for sending me an advance copy of your work.
I think this book was really cute but it had lots of potential to be better. I’m giving it 3⭐️, maybe 2.5.
What I enjoyed most was the setting. It was lovely, the descriptions of the hot summer, the apple orchard, rolling hills and grape vines all had me feeling like I was there, outside underneath the summer sun. What a lovely place this book was set in! The descriptions of the house Harper stayed in were amazing. I wanted to take a vacation there! I also loved that the summer turns into fall in this book, encompassing vibes from two of my favourite seasons.
The scenes with Beau’s friends were good too. Nico was a nice supporting character, and a great friend to Beau. I also enjoyed the letter segments.
But when it came to the main characters… first of all how could Harper not have recognized Beau. She spent her childhood and most of her teenage years with him yet she couldn’t recognize him later? Not his voice, his mannerisms? For being so deeply in love with someone this strikes me as a little unrealistic and unfortunately much of the book was based of this plot line of her not knowing who he was and him not coming clean to her about it. Which was also a what? moment for me. Beau claims to have always been in love with Harper all this time and yet fails to introduce himself when they reconnect??
I found it very hard to follow along with the dialogue. I constantly lost track of who was speaking and had to reread the lines to make sure I knew who was who. It felt a bit stilted and they said each other’s names so many times it didn’t feel like a real flowing conversation. It felt like I was reading a script.
I also did not feel the chemistry between them despite the fact that they were childhood friends, teenage lovers and now lovers again. There should have been a lot more chemistry and angst but I just didn’t feel it. Their connection honestly felt forced and I wasn’t really rooting for them at all. And the spicy scenes did very little for me. They were underwhelming and the language, again, just felt so stilted.
I wanted to lose myself in this book but at no point did I feel like I could do that. Much of the story just felt like words on a page, it never really came to life.
I think this book was really cute but it had lots of potential to be better. I’m giving it 3⭐️, maybe 2.5.
What I enjoyed most was the setting. It was lovely, the descriptions of the hot summer, the apple orchard, rolling hills and grape vines all had me feeling like I was there, outside underneath the summer sun. What a lovely place this book was set in! The descriptions of the house Harper stayed in were amazing. I wanted to take a vacation there! I also loved that the summer turns into fall in this book, encompassing vibes from two of my favourite seasons.
The scenes with Beau’s friends were good too. Nico was a nice supporting character, and a great friend to Beau. I also enjoyed the letter segments.
But when it came to the main characters… first of all how could Harper not have recognized Beau. She spent her childhood and most of her teenage years with him yet she couldn’t recognize him later? Not his voice, his mannerisms? For being so deeply in love with someone this strikes me as a little unrealistic and unfortunately much of the book was based of this plot line of her not knowing who he was and him not coming clean to her about it. Which was also a what? moment for me. Beau claims to have always been in love with Harper all this time and yet fails to introduce himself when they reconnect??
I found it very hard to follow along with the dialogue. I constantly lost track of who was speaking and had to reread the lines to make sure I knew who was who. It felt a bit stilted and they said each other’s names so many times it didn’t feel like a real flowing conversation. It felt like I was reading a script.
I also did not feel the chemistry between them despite the fact that they were childhood friends, teenage lovers and now lovers again. There should have been a lot more chemistry and angst but I just didn’t feel it. Their connection honestly felt forced and I wasn’t really rooting for them at all. And the spicy scenes did very little for me. They were underwhelming and the language, again, just felt so stilted.
I wanted to lose myself in this book but at no point did I feel like I could do that. Much of the story just felt like words on a page, it never really came to life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Harper is back in Canyon Grove after her aunts passing and quickly settles back into country living. Upon the reading of her aunts will, in true romance novel fashion there are some stipulations which bring her closer to Beau….
Beau hasn’t left Canyon Grove but he has grown over the last 15 years since last seeing Harper. Now she’s back after charlottes passing, but she doesn’t remember him…. Will she?
This book was so cute ! Some of the scenes were a little bit predictable but I love the young love - reunited trope and falling back in love with that one young love you never got over. Seeing and experiencing Beau and Harper as innocent teenagers navigating young adulthood and blossoming feelings gave their later romance so much more depth and made me so much more invested in the book.
I sat down to read this book and only got up twice to refill my coffee and get a snack, I was ensnared.
The bare bones of the story is a classic… someone moved away and is all work and no play, and is suddenly thrust back into their old life and comes to realize they prefer the slower paced small town over the city. This book had the added fun of a sommelier and heir to a vineyard though which made it a little bit more unique. I also appreciated the representation of a strong FMC, so often these “hallmark-esque” romances paint the FMCs as incapable of hard-work or learning or showing up the locals, and I always enjoy when that’s not the case.
With regards to the writing style, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The spicier moments flicked, sometimes quite quickly between both points of view which I think really built tension and instilled a sense of urgency between the two, which was great!
Another plus, as a Canadian reader I was excited to have representation of Canadian companies, locations and landmarks playing a large role in the story.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Harper is back in Canyon Grove after her aunts passing and quickly settles back into country living. Upon the reading of her aunts will, in true romance novel fashion there are some stipulations which bring her closer to Beau….
Beau hasn’t left Canyon Grove but he has grown over the last 15 years since last seeing Harper. Now she’s back after charlottes passing, but she doesn’t remember him…. Will she?
This book was so cute ! Some of the scenes were a little bit predictable but I love the young love - reunited trope and falling back in love with that one young love you never got over. Seeing and experiencing Beau and Harper as innocent teenagers navigating young adulthood and blossoming feelings gave their later romance so much more depth and made me so much more invested in the book.
I sat down to read this book and only got up twice to refill my coffee and get a snack, I was ensnared.
The bare bones of the story is a classic… someone moved away and is all work and no play, and is suddenly thrust back into their old life and comes to realize they prefer the slower paced small town over the city. This book had the added fun of a sommelier and heir to a vineyard though which made it a little bit more unique. I also appreciated the representation of a strong FMC, so often these “hallmark-esque” romances paint the FMCs as incapable of hard-work or learning or showing up the locals, and I always enjoy when that’s not the case.
With regards to the writing style, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The spicier moments flicked, sometimes quite quickly between both points of view which I think really built tension and instilled a sense of urgency between the two, which was great!
Another plus, as a Canadian reader I was excited to have representation of Canadian companies, locations and landmarks playing a large role in the story.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
4.5/5✨
“But I don’t need this place to love you. I would love you anywhere, at any time.”
Thank you Lila Prairie for this opportunity to ARC read for you in exchange for an honest review! I absolutely LOVE Beau + Harper (and Harper + Beau), and can’t wait for everyone else to fall in love with them too.
Spice: 2 open door scenes with suggestive language
Some people know that my favorite romances are a combo of best friends to lovers,second chance, small town, and set in the summer. I have a decently high standard for those and this exceeded all of my expectations!
An added bonus: they have to fulfill tasks together to receive her aunt’s full will. Love!
First of all, I rarely fully relate to a fmc, but here, I do with Harper. Cutie, confident, chaotic, spunky, funny, engineer girl. I love her so much. And Beau. Are you kidding me?? So thoughtful, goofy, and the right amount of shy. These early 30 year olds actually ACT like 30 year olds. Which is rare. But I admire so much how maturely they communicate with each other and resolve conflicts. TRULY a breath of fresh air!!!
I adore their banter (before and after Harper realizes who Beau actually is to her). They were quite (pardon my French) horned up for each other. They are so playful with each other, while also knowing exactly what each other needed. I’m in love with their love. It is so so sweet. I was also a big fan of the side characters featured in this story! It kept it fun and exciting. Side note: i really like how this book was structured in months.
I for sure recommend this book for a sweet and swoon-worthy summer romance!
“But I don’t need this place to love you. I would love you anywhere, at any time.”
Thank you Lila Prairie for this opportunity to ARC read for you in exchange for an honest review! I absolutely LOVE Beau + Harper (and Harper + Beau), and can’t wait for everyone else to fall in love with them too.
Spice: 2 open door scenes with suggestive language
Some people know that my favorite romances are a combo of best friends to lovers,second chance, small town, and set in the summer. I have a decently high standard for those and this exceeded all of my expectations!
An added bonus: they have to fulfill tasks together to receive her aunt’s full will. Love!
First of all, I rarely fully relate to a fmc, but here, I do with Harper. Cutie, confident, chaotic, spunky, funny, engineer girl. I love her so much. And Beau. Are you kidding me?? So thoughtful, goofy, and the right amount of shy. These early 30 year olds actually ACT like 30 year olds. Which is rare. But I admire so much how maturely they communicate with each other and resolve conflicts. TRULY a breath of fresh air!!!
I adore their banter (before and after Harper realizes who Beau actually is to her). They were quite (pardon my French) horned up for each other. They are so playful with each other, while also knowing exactly what each other needed. I’m in love with their love. It is so so sweet. I was also a big fan of the side characters featured in this story! It kept it fun and exciting. Side note: i really like how this book was structured in months.
I for sure recommend this book for a sweet and swoon-worthy summer romance!
April 25, 2025
This book was such a cute and spicy story that I ATE up.
There was tension and a slow burn that was so good by the time they got down to business it was 🔥🔥 There was banter and quick comebacks between the two that made me laugh out loud. Beau threw out some wild innuendos that had me kicking my feet - you could tell the man knew how to f*ck before there was even any spice on the page. My ONLY complaint was the amount of times they said each other’s names (it was driving me crazy ngl).
I loved the ending and what they decided to name their wine they created and keeping family traditions alive but doing it together 🧡
I’m a Canadian who lived in BC for many years and loved the setting of this book so so much! Lila does such an amazing job of setting up to atmosphere/setting of the book that you feel fully immersed and like your there harvesting grapes, selling flowers and eggs at your aunts stand, sitting by a lake looking at the stars or sweating it out on a July afternoon playing baseball. I am also 31 years old and loved reading in the perspective of those in their 30s for a change 😅
The MMC Beau was so hot and completely smitten with Harper. The man bought a Ford simply because he knew through the grape vine (see what I did there? 😉) that she worked there. He listens to Taylor Swift, knows how to cook and will fight for her at the drop of a hat! He only made one mistake the entire book that pissed me off but I guess I’ll forgive him lol.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what else Lila Prairie has to write 💕
🍇 Dual POV
🍇 Blindfolds
🍇 Slowwwww Burn
🍇 Tension 🔥
Happy Reading 🗻🌲
There was tension and a slow burn that was so good by the time they got down to business it was 🔥🔥 There was banter and quick comebacks between the two that made me laugh out loud. Beau threw out some wild innuendos that had me kicking my feet - you could tell the man knew how to f*ck before there was even any spice on the page. My ONLY complaint was the amount of times they said each other’s names (it was driving me crazy ngl).
I loved the ending and what they decided to name their wine they created and keeping family traditions alive but doing it together 🧡
I’m a Canadian who lived in BC for many years and loved the setting of this book so so much! Lila does such an amazing job of setting up to atmosphere/setting of the book that you feel fully immersed and like your there harvesting grapes, selling flowers and eggs at your aunts stand, sitting by a lake looking at the stars or sweating it out on a July afternoon playing baseball. I am also 31 years old and loved reading in the perspective of those in their 30s for a change 😅
The MMC Beau was so hot and completely smitten with Harper. The man bought a Ford simply because he knew through the grape vine (see what I did there? 😉) that she worked there. He listens to Taylor Swift, knows how to cook and will fight for her at the drop of a hat! He only made one mistake the entire book that pissed me off but I guess I’ll forgive him lol.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what else Lila Prairie has to write 💕
🍇 Dual POV
🍇 Blindfolds
🍇 Slowwwww Burn
🍇 Tension 🔥
Happy Reading 🗻🌲
April 28, 2025
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3)
Genre: Romance
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
There was a lot of potential here, but ultimately the execution didn’t work for me. There were some confusing formatting issues as well, where it was unclear whose perspective we were following. I also think the frequency of POV-swapping was unnecessary and messed with the pacing. It was also very dialogue heavy, which sometimes made the flow of some scenes feel clunky.
The early conflict is centered around the FMC returning home and not recognizing the MMC, who is now going by his given name instead of his childhood nickname she knew him by. It just didn’t seem believable that it took Harper soooo long to put the pieces together AND that Beau didn’t clear up the misunderstanding earlier.
I liked the writing and thought the characters were well developed. I think if less time had been spent on the miscommunication and more time had been spent with the tension of their childhood connection and them having to adjust to one another as adults (and Harper actually knowing who Beau was), there could’ve been a good foundation for me to get invested in the relationship. I also think if the focus had been more about getting to know the town and Harper’s aunt’s community that I would’ve felt more connected to the story and the world as well. There was an opportunity to lean into the coziness of the small town element that I feel was missed.
I do think this author has a lot of potential in the future, and I will definitely be checking out her future books to see how she improves.
Genre: Romance
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
There was a lot of potential here, but ultimately the execution didn’t work for me. There were some confusing formatting issues as well, where it was unclear whose perspective we were following. I also think the frequency of POV-swapping was unnecessary and messed with the pacing. It was also very dialogue heavy, which sometimes made the flow of some scenes feel clunky.
The early conflict is centered around the FMC returning home and not recognizing the MMC, who is now going by his given name instead of his childhood nickname she knew him by. It just didn’t seem believable that it took Harper soooo long to put the pieces together AND that Beau didn’t clear up the misunderstanding earlier.
I liked the writing and thought the characters were well developed. I think if less time had been spent on the miscommunication and more time had been spent with the tension of their childhood connection and them having to adjust to one another as adults (and Harper actually knowing who Beau was), there could’ve been a good foundation for me to get invested in the relationship. I also think if the focus had been more about getting to know the town and Harper’s aunt’s community that I would’ve felt more connected to the story and the world as well. There was an opportunity to lean into the coziness of the small town element that I feel was missed.
I do think this author has a lot of potential in the future, and I will definitely be checking out her future books to see how she improves.
September 4, 2025
Some books feel like a vacation😌 you didn’t know you needed this one was a whole summer evening bottled in prose. The story felt like a soft exhale after holding your breath too long😮💨. Lila Prairie gives us a romance that’s tender, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded in the kind of quiet moments that stay with you. Harper’s return isn’t just physical, it’s emotional🥹. She’s confronting ghosts, guilt, and her own idea of what “home” really means. And Beau… he’s not flashy, but he is steady, soulful, and honestly? He’s the kind of fictional man who just feels good to root for🫶🏻. Their connection isn’t rushed. It simmers, stretches, and grows with trust like something real. Like something earned🥰
The setting of Canyon Grove is dreamy in that soft-summer-evening kind of way. From vineyard rows to harvest festivals to the hush of porch lights flicking on at dusk, every detail felt like a memory I wanted to crawl into. The side characters from Beau’s loyal pup to the gossipy, golden-hearted townsfolk add charm without crowding the main story👌
What stayed with me most was the emotional honesty. No drama, just two people learning to heal, forgive, and trust again. It’s a story about love that endures through time, distance, and everything life throws in between.
Would I recommend it? without hesitation. This book is for anyone who believes in healing, in home, and in the slow magic of growing love back where it was once lost. It’s the kind of book that lingers. The kind you’ll want to read under a blanket, with a glass of wine🍷, and a full heart♥️✨
The setting of Canyon Grove is dreamy in that soft-summer-evening kind of way. From vineyard rows to harvest festivals to the hush of porch lights flicking on at dusk, every detail felt like a memory I wanted to crawl into. The side characters from Beau’s loyal pup to the gossipy, golden-hearted townsfolk add charm without crowding the main story👌
What stayed with me most was the emotional honesty. No drama, just two people learning to heal, forgive, and trust again. It’s a story about love that endures through time, distance, and everything life throws in between.
Would I recommend it? without hesitation. This book is for anyone who believes in healing, in home, and in the slow magic of growing love back where it was once lost. It’s the kind of book that lingers. The kind you’ll want to read under a blanket, with a glass of wine🍷, and a full heart♥️✨
May 8, 2025
*I received this book as an ARC from the author Lila Prairie in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for my very first ARC and for allowing me to be honest*
I truly wanted to love this book because it has one of my favorite tropes (friends to lovers) but unfortunately this just was not for me for many reasons.
I think the biggest turn off for me was the insanely long chapters and the format or structure of the POVs. Each “chapter” was a different month and was told in both Harper and Beau’s perspective but with the constant back and forth it was difficult to stay in the sorry. There were so many unnecessary scene breaks that felt more like random unfinished dialogue. And again, 2 hour chapter?!! I just dreaded reading the book.
My second biggest issue was the plot, I just felt like it was not very believable that she wouldn’t recognize her childhood BEST FRIEND?! Sure 15 years is a long time but you don’t change THAT much from when you’re 16…
Because the dialogue felt unfinished and scattered it was hard to connect with the main characters or even be invested in there love story.
I will say October was my favorite chapter, I think Lila did a great job wrapping things up. The letter from Charlotte was great and the letter Beau finally wrote to Harper was beautiful.
Overall, this wasn’t for me but there is so much potential and I wish nothing but the best for Lila in her career as an author. 🩷
I truly wanted to love this book because it has one of my favorite tropes (friends to lovers) but unfortunately this just was not for me for many reasons.
I think the biggest turn off for me was the insanely long chapters and the format or structure of the POVs. Each “chapter” was a different month and was told in both Harper and Beau’s perspective but with the constant back and forth it was difficult to stay in the sorry. There were so many unnecessary scene breaks that felt more like random unfinished dialogue. And again, 2 hour chapter?!! I just dreaded reading the book.
My second biggest issue was the plot, I just felt like it was not very believable that she wouldn’t recognize her childhood BEST FRIEND?! Sure 15 years is a long time but you don’t change THAT much from when you’re 16…
Because the dialogue felt unfinished and scattered it was hard to connect with the main characters or even be invested in there love story.
I will say October was my favorite chapter, I think Lila did a great job wrapping things up. The letter from Charlotte was great and the letter Beau finally wrote to Harper was beautiful.
Overall, this wasn’t for me but there is so much potential and I wish nothing but the best for Lila in her career as an author. 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW.
Free Spirit by Lilia Praire had its highs and lows for me. One thing I really appreciated was the setting — being set in Canada gave the book an extra touch of charm, especially with so many familiar places mentioned that I’ve either been to or recognized.
The story itself had potential, especially with the dynamic between Harper and Beau. I enjoyed their chemistry, but I couldn’t help but feel that we didn’t get enough of them really knowing each other. It was surprising that Harper didn’t recognize Beau — they spent several summers together, after all — and I was left wondering why Beau chose to keep his identity a secret. That mystery felt a bit underexplored, and I expected more of a reaction from Harper once the truth was revealed. Still, I did love that once she found out Beau was really Jack, that spark and teenage desire between them instantly returned.
I also really liked Mae and Nico’s characters — they added warmth and depth to the story. However, the book was quite dialogue-heavy and at times choppy, with abrupt scene changes that disrupted the flow. The chapters also felt long, which slowed the pacing for me.
Despite these issues, I was invested enough that the epilogue left me wanting more. Overall, Free Spirit had heartfelt moments and nostalgic charm, but I just wished the execution had been a little smoother.
Free Spirit by Lilia Praire had its highs and lows for me. One thing I really appreciated was the setting — being set in Canada gave the book an extra touch of charm, especially with so many familiar places mentioned that I’ve either been to or recognized.
The story itself had potential, especially with the dynamic between Harper and Beau. I enjoyed their chemistry, but I couldn’t help but feel that we didn’t get enough of them really knowing each other. It was surprising that Harper didn’t recognize Beau — they spent several summers together, after all — and I was left wondering why Beau chose to keep his identity a secret. That mystery felt a bit underexplored, and I expected more of a reaction from Harper once the truth was revealed. Still, I did love that once she found out Beau was really Jack, that spark and teenage desire between them instantly returned.
I also really liked Mae and Nico’s characters — they added warmth and depth to the story. However, the book was quite dialogue-heavy and at times choppy, with abrupt scene changes that disrupted the flow. The chapters also felt long, which slowed the pacing for me.
Despite these issues, I was invested enough that the epilogue left me wanting more. Overall, Free Spirit had heartfelt moments and nostalgic charm, but I just wished the execution had been a little smoother.
April 29, 2025
ARC REVIEW | Free Spirit @authorlilaprairie
I had the absolute pleasure of receiving the ARC copy of Free Spirit and had SO much fun reading it. It is out now for those who would like to experience the slow burn love developing at Juniper Lane.
This was a very cute, fast paced cozy vibes read that had me hooked from the beginning.
Harper returns to Juniper Lane (her late aunts winery that she spent her childhood summers at) and meets Beau. Her aunts final wishes was she stayed at the winery and work with him to create a wine, so this story follows that journey.
The two of them have a past that Harper doesn’t remember - but Beau does and chemistry/banter between them is 🔥
This story made me feel as if I was in Canyon Grove with them experiencing life at Juniper Lane and it felt so COZY.
The characters were well developed and I liked reading each of their POVs.
The chapters were untraditional but easy to follow and a nice refresh from what I am used to reading.
I highly recommend reading this book to those who love a feel good, slow burn romance and it gives off a summery vibe that with pair well with a porch this summer 🏠
Thank you again @authorlilaprairie for allowing me an arc copy, I look forward to reading the next Canyon Grove Book!
Final Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Slow Burn
Hidden identity
He falls first
Childhood friends to lovers
Small Town
I had the absolute pleasure of receiving the ARC copy of Free Spirit and had SO much fun reading it. It is out now for those who would like to experience the slow burn love developing at Juniper Lane.
This was a very cute, fast paced cozy vibes read that had me hooked from the beginning.
Harper returns to Juniper Lane (her late aunts winery that she spent her childhood summers at) and meets Beau. Her aunts final wishes was she stayed at the winery and work with him to create a wine, so this story follows that journey.
The two of them have a past that Harper doesn’t remember - but Beau does and chemistry/banter between them is 🔥
This story made me feel as if I was in Canyon Grove with them experiencing life at Juniper Lane and it felt so COZY.
The characters were well developed and I liked reading each of their POVs.
The chapters were untraditional but easy to follow and a nice refresh from what I am used to reading.
I highly recommend reading this book to those who love a feel good, slow burn romance and it gives off a summery vibe that with pair well with a porch this summer 🏠
Thank you again @authorlilaprairie for allowing me an arc copy, I look forward to reading the next Canyon Grove Book!
Final Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Slow Burn
Hidden identity
He falls first
Childhood friends to lovers
Small Town
May 10, 2025
I received this book as an ARC for free, in exchange for a review.
Lila Prairie's Free Spirit is a sweet little romance set in the Okanagan, which is the first thing that drew me to this book. I love to see landmarks and places that I know well in a book and as a western Canadian, I don't see it often!
Harper is the kind of woman I wanted to be when I grew up. Strong, smart and excelling at her career. She ends up back at her late Aunts' winery with an enormous task set out for her in the will. Create a new wine and stick around for the summer. But where is her childhood friend (and crush), Jack??
Beau is a kind and thoughtful man with good wit and a great palate for wine (my favourite traits!). Beau is a sommelier working for Harper's Aunt for free. This seems odd to Harper, and she has to figure out why this man showed up out of nowhere and has stolen the heart of the Aunt she loved dearly.
I really loved this book because it is miscommunication done right. No 3rd act break up, and the anger and confusion does not stretch on for too long. Harper and Beau are the kind of people who know what they want and go for it, no hesitation (okay maybe a little, but it adds to the tension).
If you want to support a Canadian author, love yourself some wine, or just genuinely love a sweet, small town romance, then pick up this book!
Lila Prairie's Free Spirit is a sweet little romance set in the Okanagan, which is the first thing that drew me to this book. I love to see landmarks and places that I know well in a book and as a western Canadian, I don't see it often!
Harper is the kind of woman I wanted to be when I grew up. Strong, smart and excelling at her career. She ends up back at her late Aunts' winery with an enormous task set out for her in the will. Create a new wine and stick around for the summer. But where is her childhood friend (and crush), Jack??
Beau is a kind and thoughtful man with good wit and a great palate for wine (my favourite traits!). Beau is a sommelier working for Harper's Aunt for free. This seems odd to Harper, and she has to figure out why this man showed up out of nowhere and has stolen the heart of the Aunt she loved dearly.
I really loved this book because it is miscommunication done right. No 3rd act break up, and the anger and confusion does not stretch on for too long. Harper and Beau are the kind of people who know what they want and go for it, no hesitation (okay maybe a little, but it adds to the tension).
If you want to support a Canadian author, love yourself some wine, or just genuinely love a sweet, small town romance, then pick up this book!
April 20, 2025
Book Review: Free Spirit by Lila Prairie
Rating: 4.5/5
I was hooked from the start, this cover is seriously the cutest! Lila Prairie’s writing is so beautiful and descriptive, it reads like poetry. The setting is summery and whimsical, and I loved every bit of it.
The tree carving in the oldest apple tree? Obsessed. And that quote Beau thinks about all the times he and Harper “met” over the years? It gave me chills. So emotional and nostalgic.
As an art lover, I really appreciated how much art was part of the story. I also enjoyed the identity twist, even though he didn’t tell her right away, it added to the tension. The “will” trope, the quirky aunt, and the cozy forced proximity were all so fun.
Beau being a Swifty and having a sweet found family made him even more lovable. Mae might’ve been my favorite side character, though I loved Harper too. And the bond between Nico and Beau? Like brothers, it was so heartwarming.
The moment Harper figures it out? Adorable. The updated tree carving? Eeek! And the epilogue where they meet as kids? The cutest ending ever.
If you love Carley Fortune books, this one is totally for you. Free Spirit is magical, emotional, and full of heart.
Rating: 4.5/5
I was hooked from the start, this cover is seriously the cutest! Lila Prairie’s writing is so beautiful and descriptive, it reads like poetry. The setting is summery and whimsical, and I loved every bit of it.
The tree carving in the oldest apple tree? Obsessed. And that quote Beau thinks about all the times he and Harper “met” over the years? It gave me chills. So emotional and nostalgic.
As an art lover, I really appreciated how much art was part of the story. I also enjoyed the identity twist, even though he didn’t tell her right away, it added to the tension. The “will” trope, the quirky aunt, and the cozy forced proximity were all so fun.
Beau being a Swifty and having a sweet found family made him even more lovable. Mae might’ve been my favorite side character, though I loved Harper too. And the bond between Nico and Beau? Like brothers, it was so heartwarming.
The moment Harper figures it out? Adorable. The updated tree carving? Eeek! And the epilogue where they meet as kids? The cutest ending ever.
If you love Carley Fortune books, this one is totally for you. Free Spirit is magical, emotional, and full of heart.
May 13, 2025
Beau and Harper were childhood friends who fell in love with each other years ago. After Beau’s parents passed away, they separated and Harper went off to pursue a career in engineering. Beau stayed in their hometown, Canyon Grove, and became a sommelier helping out at Juniper Lane Winery, which just so happens to be owned by Harper’s aunt.
Harper’s Aunt passes away and in her will she leaves a very specific set of rules that forces Beau and Harper to work together to create a wine in 6 months. The problem? Harper no longer recognizes Beau, or as she knew him, Jack. Beau decides to keep his identity a secret until it’s accidentally revealed by his childhood friend, and Harper is confused and hurt. She was just beginning to trust Jack, and all of a sudden that is shattered, bringing back a flood of memories about the boy she once loved.
These two have some real chemistry, and I loved the unique storyline of this book. The book was a quick read and is formatted so that instead of chapters, you read a whole month at a time, which I thought was different!
Thank you so much to Lila Prairie for the ARC opportunity!
Harper’s Aunt passes away and in her will she leaves a very specific set of rules that forces Beau and Harper to work together to create a wine in 6 months. The problem? Harper no longer recognizes Beau, or as she knew him, Jack. Beau decides to keep his identity a secret until it’s accidentally revealed by his childhood friend, and Harper is confused and hurt. She was just beginning to trust Jack, and all of a sudden that is shattered, bringing back a flood of memories about the boy she once loved.
These two have some real chemistry, and I loved the unique storyline of this book. The book was a quick read and is formatted so that instead of chapters, you read a whole month at a time, which I thought was different!
Thank you so much to Lila Prairie for the ARC opportunity!
May 14, 2025
I really wanted to like Free Spirit by Lila Prairie. The concept had so much potential—there's a sincerity in Prairie’s writing that suggests this book came from a deeply personal place, and I can respect that.
What didn’t work: Unfortunately, the story gets lost in its own head. The pacing is extremely slow, with long, meandering chapters that feel more like journal entries than a cohesive novel. The main character talks about personal growth, but there’s very little actual change—we’re told she’s transforming, but we never see it in a meaningful or believable way.
Dialogue is sparse and awkward when it appears. Side characters feel like background noise. The book leans heavily into vague spiritual and emotional themes, which might resonate with some readers, but for me, it felt more like vague rambling than grounded insight.
What worked: The scenic descriptions are often lovely. Prairie has a gift for painting landscapes and internal states with poetic language. The idea of slowing down, unplugging, and listening to your own thoughts is timely and important, and I appreciated the intention behind the book.
What didn’t work: Unfortunately, the story gets lost in its own head. The pacing is extremely slow, with long, meandering chapters that feel more like journal entries than a cohesive novel. The main character talks about personal growth, but there’s very little actual change—we’re told she’s transforming, but we never see it in a meaningful or believable way.
Dialogue is sparse and awkward when it appears. Side characters feel like background noise. The book leans heavily into vague spiritual and emotional themes, which might resonate with some readers, but for me, it felt more like vague rambling than grounded insight.
What worked: The scenic descriptions are often lovely. Prairie has a gift for painting landscapes and internal states with poetic language. The idea of slowing down, unplugging, and listening to your own thoughts is timely and important, and I appreciated the intention behind the book.
April 20, 2025
Harper spent many summers at her aunts winery with her friend Jack,which they both fall in love with each later. She leaves one summer and never comes back until her aunt passes away 15 years later. She meets and finds out one of the rather good looking newcomers named Beau is in her aunts will. Harper must go through all her aunts belongings with Beau and also come up with a new wine for the winery!
Then she finds out Beau is actually Jack! He has stayed in love with her all those years he never seen her. What is gonna happen when the 6 months are up and she needs to return to Detroit to her life and job there?
I enjoyed the storyline of this book and it being in BC Canada.
Harper has always loved Jack and you can tell that in her character. Jack/Beau always loved Harper as well.
I enjoyed how it was a slow burn of a book. There is spice but more love in the story line.
3.5⭐️
#secondchance #childhoodsweethearts #hiddenidentity #smalltown #slowburn #mistakenidentity #hefallsfirst #forcedproximity #dualpov
Then she finds out Beau is actually Jack! He has stayed in love with her all those years he never seen her. What is gonna happen when the 6 months are up and she needs to return to Detroit to her life and job there?
I enjoyed the storyline of this book and it being in BC Canada.
Harper has always loved Jack and you can tell that in her character. Jack/Beau always loved Harper as well.
I enjoyed how it was a slow burn of a book. There is spice but more love in the story line.
3.5⭐️
#secondchance #childhoodsweethearts #hiddenidentity #smalltown #slowburn #mistakenidentity #hefallsfirst #forcedproximity #dualpov
April 24, 2025
Sometimes you read a romance novel and know that the problem isn’t the book itself, it just isn’t the perfect book for you.
Starting with the positives, this is a very fun book with a great setting! I am not someone who needs my romance novels to be tethered to reality, so l enjoyed even the more fanciful aspects of the plot and didn't mind having to suspend my disbelief. I enjoyed the inclusions of the side characters, even though I wish they had been a bit more developed.
The thing about romance novels is you can still enjoy a book without it really working for you. If someone were to use the "fun, flirty banter" that features in this book on me, it would not even slightly work. I just personally wasn’t charmed by the things that should have had me kicking my feet. And yet, I can still recognize that it is a fun, well written debut. I think if you love Sarah Adams books, I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Thank you to the author for my digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Starting with the positives, this is a very fun book with a great setting! I am not someone who needs my romance novels to be tethered to reality, so l enjoyed even the more fanciful aspects of the plot and didn't mind having to suspend my disbelief. I enjoyed the inclusions of the side characters, even though I wish they had been a bit more developed.
The thing about romance novels is you can still enjoy a book without it really working for you. If someone were to use the "fun, flirty banter" that features in this book on me, it would not even slightly work. I just personally wasn’t charmed by the things that should have had me kicking my feet. And yet, I can still recognize that it is a fun, well written debut. I think if you love Sarah Adams books, I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Thank you to the author for my digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2025
happy 2 days to Free Spirit!! 📚🎉
i am so grateful i got the chance to read this arc, it’s a cute 196 pages, and it had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through! 🤭
due to the fact that the book is on the shorter end, the story is fast-faced (but not too much), to the point where you’ll reach the end of a chapter and not realize you’ve been sitting down for an hour 😅 but those are the perfect kinds of books! the classic second chance romance/forced proximity tropes will keep you hooked from start to finish!
MEN 👏 WHO 👏 YEARN 👏
Beau is genuinely everything any woman ever wants in a man! he’s thoughtful, kind, caring, protective. i just wish he was real so i could take him home 😍
the epilogue KILLED me! it was a perfect end to the story and i’ve never seen it done like that before! props to you Lila! ❤️
overall this might be my first 6 star read!! i loved it so so much and i can’t wait to read more by this author!
i am so grateful i got the chance to read this arc, it’s a cute 196 pages, and it had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through! 🤭
due to the fact that the book is on the shorter end, the story is fast-faced (but not too much), to the point where you’ll reach the end of a chapter and not realize you’ve been sitting down for an hour 😅 but those are the perfect kinds of books! the classic second chance romance/forced proximity tropes will keep you hooked from start to finish!
MEN 👏 WHO 👏 YEARN 👏
Beau is genuinely everything any woman ever wants in a man! he’s thoughtful, kind, caring, protective. i just wish he was real so i could take him home 😍
the epilogue KILLED me! it was a perfect end to the story and i’ve never seen it done like that before! props to you Lila! ❤️
overall this might be my first 6 star read!! i loved it so so much and i can’t wait to read more by this author!
April 26, 2025
OKAY FIRST OF ALL—I liked this book!! So let me just say that right off the bat.
I went back and forth on a rating for a couple reasons, and one of those is that I’m not sure I found the premise believable..
Harper returns to her late aunt’s winery after 15 years and meets Beau (except he knows her, but she doesn’t remember him). That’s not really a spoiler. That’s THE premise.
LISTEN MAYBE IT’S JUST ME BUT HUH??
There seems to be an epidemic of FMC with amnesia or prosopagnosia or something these days (I’m looking at you Deep End—I’m not over it 👀)
HOWEVER I do want to say that I actually really liked the writing. I didn’t struggle to stay engaged, and I thought honestly the Lila Prairie did a really great job at painting out the scenes with an absolutely gorgeous setting. This book felt like summer. ☀️
They do refer to each other by their names an inordinate amount of times. 🤔
ANYWAY—maybe this book is for you?!
I went back and forth on a rating for a couple reasons, and one of those is that I’m not sure I found the premise believable..
Harper returns to her late aunt’s winery after 15 years and meets Beau (except he knows her, but she doesn’t remember him). That’s not really a spoiler. That’s THE premise.
LISTEN MAYBE IT’S JUST ME BUT HUH??
There seems to be an epidemic of FMC with amnesia or prosopagnosia or something these days (I’m looking at you Deep End—I’m not over it 👀)
HOWEVER I do want to say that I actually really liked the writing. I didn’t struggle to stay engaged, and I thought honestly the Lila Prairie did a really great job at painting out the scenes with an absolutely gorgeous setting. This book felt like summer. ☀️
They do refer to each other by their names an inordinate amount of times. 🤔
ANYWAY—maybe this book is for you?!
May 8, 2025
3.5 stars.
"Harper, we’ve met. We met when I was seven and ran barefoot behind you through these grapevines. We met at a farmstand when I was too awkward to sell flowers, and you insisted on bartering with every customer. We met beside a mountaintop lake when nobody was watching, and the sun dried our sweat, and your arm lay against mine. We met under an apple tree when you kissed me the summer I turned 16."
I enjoyed this story of childhood friends to lovers. Harper and Beau were sweet together, and they brought out the best in each other.
I really liked the setting at the vineyard. It was neat to learn some about the process. All of the settings in the book were beautifully described.
There were times when I wished that there were more details given. It seemed like some scenes were a bit rushed, and descriptions were skipped over.
Overall, it was a nice read.
Thank you to Lila for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.
"Harper, we’ve met. We met when I was seven and ran barefoot behind you through these grapevines. We met at a farmstand when I was too awkward to sell flowers, and you insisted on bartering with every customer. We met beside a mountaintop lake when nobody was watching, and the sun dried our sweat, and your arm lay against mine. We met under an apple tree when you kissed me the summer I turned 16."
I enjoyed this story of childhood friends to lovers. Harper and Beau were sweet together, and they brought out the best in each other.
I really liked the setting at the vineyard. It was neat to learn some about the process. All of the settings in the book were beautifully described.
There were times when I wished that there were more details given. It seemed like some scenes were a bit rushed, and descriptions were skipped over.
Overall, it was a nice read.
Thank you to Lila for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2025
✨ARC review ✨
Harper grew up visiting her aunt every summer in Canyon Grove and her best childhood memories are all from there, not to mention her best friend and first love. Every summer she would spend the days in the orchard with Jack and laughing until their faces were sore. Things were going great, until life happened. Growing up, moving away, going to college and forgetting what it was like being a kid.
When Harper’s aunt leaves her the family farm, there are a few rules that come along with it and Harper is torn between her city life or life back on the farm.
Sometimes all it takes is some time away from away your everyday life to truly find yourself and to see what else you’ve missing out on…friends, love, spicy nights with the man of your dreams, you know…the everyday things 😘
Thank you to @authorlilaprairie for giving me the opportunity to this ARC.
Harper grew up visiting her aunt every summer in Canyon Grove and her best childhood memories are all from there, not to mention her best friend and first love. Every summer she would spend the days in the orchard with Jack and laughing until their faces were sore. Things were going great, until life happened. Growing up, moving away, going to college and forgetting what it was like being a kid.
When Harper’s aunt leaves her the family farm, there are a few rules that come along with it and Harper is torn between her city life or life back on the farm.
Sometimes all it takes is some time away from away your everyday life to truly find yourself and to see what else you’ve missing out on…friends, love, spicy nights with the man of your dreams, you know…the everyday things 😘
Thank you to @authorlilaprairie for giving me the opportunity to this ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews