The Soulmate Theory

Soulmate #1

by Sarah A. Bailey

When fate brings them back together, can their love survive the secrets that tore them apart?

Carter Edwards has always been a go-with-the-flow type of guy. Except when it comes to Penelope his childhood neighbor, and the only girl he's ever fallen in love with. When he finally gathers the courage to make his life-long love for Penelope known, he finds that she's already chosen a future for herself- one without him in it.

Penelope Mason is a planner by nature. She'd do just about anything to secure the future she imagined for herself, including leaving behind the boy she never planned on falling for. But at twenty-three, that future blows up in her face when she's expelled by her prestigious university and forced to move back in with her parents.

Things only seem to get worse for Penelope when Carter re-enters her life unexpectedly. She forces herself to keep him at arms-length in attempt to stop him from learning the truth of her past five years. Yet, Penelope can't ignore the realization that the one person who always made her feel most herself has walked back into her life at the time she needs him most.

Carter won't give up so easily on his second chance with the girl of his dreams. But is Penelope's past, and her looming secrets, too hard to overcome?

In this heartwarming second-chance romance, two childhood friends find themselves pondering fate, coincidence, and maybe even... the existence of soulmates?

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

438 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2023

About the author

Sarah fell in love with reading as a child, starting with the Magic Treehouse Series. She quickly learned that books can take her to all the places she always dreamed of going, and allow her to live endless lifetimes in the one that we are given.
Sarah believes that a good, fluffy romance novel can make even the darkest days a little bit brighter. She believes in love stories readers can root for, the kind that will make even the skeptics believe in all that cheesy stuff like soulmates. She longs to produce stories that readers can pick up, and regardless of what’s weighing them down in life, feel a little lighter when they finish.
Sarah was born in California and raised in Southern Oregon, and still considers herself a Pacific Northwest gal at heart; right down to being a coffee snob, collecting hydro flasks, adamantly believing in Sasquatch, and feeling like rain-drenched forests are a form of therapy. Sarah now resides in North Carolina with her husband, Mike, and their dog-baby, Rue. When she’s not writing, she’s likely reading, and if she’s not reading, odds are she’s out searching for a decent cup of coffee, or a rainy pine forest.

Reviews

[Mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5) Second-chance romances absolutely destroy me, and I love every second of it. Sarah Bailey’s writing had me completely hooked. The way she captures her characters’ inner emotions feels so raw and real.

I read this series after waiting for book #3 in Pacific Shores, and I’m so glad I did. This story was beautifully done. Carter and Penelope felt incredibly real and deeply relatable, which made their journey hit even harder.

💫 Friends to Lovers
💫 Second Chance
💫 Slow Burn
💫 Right Person, Wrong Time

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ for such a wonderful debut from SAB ❤️ this book was such a delight & had so many glimmers of what I loved so much in the pacific shores series ✨📖 the dedication & love the mmc showed was wonderful & I can’t wait to continue this series!

[Rachel Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay first off, her name is Penelope!! I’ve always been obsessed with that name so right off the bat this was off to a good start. I received this as an ARC and I was not disappointed. This story was a little different than the other romances I’ve read. There was no huge, debilitating, life changing event that got in the way. The couple had a huge challenge to overcome but it was different in the sense that no one necessarily truly betrayed the other. I did at times find myself struggling to get through the story due to the lack of drama. But seriously this was such a cute story! I found myself annoyed, happy, jealous, sobbing. This gave me allll the feels. If you’re looking for a cute, easy read this is it!

[Emily Tudor · Rating 5 out of 5]

if sarah has a million fans, i’m one of them. if sarah has one hundred fans, i’m one of them. if sarah has ten fans, im one of them. if sarah has one fan, it’s me. if sarah has no fans, ive died.

this book will be cemented in my ♡ for a long time.

♾️🩶

[Sabrina Eagleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM OBSESSED 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
This book is like a love saviour - she did not miss the ball on this one 🥺
I loved every single part of the book, I don’t even have one bad thing to say about it!! I loved the characters, the friends to lovers and how WELL Sarah spoke about Penelope’s trauma - none of it would of been easy and the way she explained everything was so well done so absolute hats off to her.
As always, I liveeee for dual POV, to see all sides of stories and learn about the inner workings of both Penelope and Carter makes it even better - I loved the small glimpses into Macie as well - and her realisations around never letting someone dull your sparkle because that’s SO important!!
I just know that Sarah is gonna slaaaay every other book she brings out because if this is what they’re gonna be like then forever sign me up!!!
A massive 5 stars to this 🌟
Also a massive thank you to Sarah for letting me be one of her ARC readers! Very privileged 🤍

[Donna Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Soulmates are the person who inspires us to become the best version of ourselves, regardless of where they fit into it. Even when it means letting someone go when they need to find themselves. When they need to live without us"

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love a good romance where the characters have loved each other forever and finally get the moment to make it work, and The Soulmate Theory absolutely delivered that for me. There’s something so satisfying about watching two people who were always meant to be together finally get their chance. I was rooting for them from the very beginning.

I also really appreciated how Sarah wove deeper issues and mental health into the story in a thoughtful and meaningful way. It added emotional depth to the romance and made their journey feel even more real. By the end I was so happy to see everything come together for them, and I’m already excited to start the next book in the series.

[Angela | nerdslovebooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several Sarah A Bailey books this year and have really enjoyed most of them, but sadly this one didn't do it for me. Overall, I would give this book 3 stars. A small part of the reason were the narrators; they sounded way older than the FMC and MMC who were only supposed to be in their early twenties and I couldn't get past it. The friendship between Pep and Carter was sweet but I really had a hard time telling if they were besties when they were younger or just normal friends? Yes, Carter has always loved her, but we didn't get much on their relationship when they were younger. Some of the personal issues with Pep felt unresolved, like her secret was such a big deal to her, and then once it was out in the open, people just kind of breezed over it in a matter of days? Personally, I needed more on that. Carter was a really good MMC, in terms of his devotion and love for Pep. I loved how he spoke his mind and confronted issues head on.

*Second chance
*Friends to lovers
*Forced proximity (neighbors and workplace)

Format: audiobook

Thank you NetGalley, Sarah A Bailey, and Tantor Media for the ALC!

[Tori Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read Sarah’s new book coming out in May (Heathen & Honeysuckle) and immediately closed that book and went to download her debut novel. It took me a day to read it and I need to read book 2 ASAP!

I was nervous because I realized it wasn’t dual timeline for a second chance. While that’s not a deal breaker for me, I was just thinking “man, I love dual timeline” and that’s what H&H is. But I was like “okay, Sarah’s writing is worth it and you know it.”

Within the first few chapters I was hooked and could not close the book. Dual timeline forgotten.

By chapter 27 I was sobbing hysterically and couldn’t control it. Sarah knows she’ll be receiving my next therapy bill.

Every second of this book is magical and I’m mad at myself to taking so long to read it. Everything Sarah writes is going to be gold.

There’s something even more special to me about this book… I have a thing about soulmates. The funny thing is when I read H&H and reviewed it, I talked about how I don’t think I believe in soulmates but they made me believe in them for a moment. And then I go and read this book and am confronted by an FMC who might literally be me in the relationship sense. Questioning what soulmates may be, the different theories, having someone with you who believes in it for you. I was very emotional through this story.

Macie was an amazing best friend and I cannot wait to read her book next.

You’ll like this book if you like
✨ Second chance
✨ One bed
✨ Childhood friends
✨ Forced proximity
✨ He fell first & harder
✨ Soulmate theories

Please look up TW before diving into this book 💗 protect your peace, sister!🤘🏻

4.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️

[Caitlyn Kautz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you so much Sarah for the ARC opportunity!

5/5 Stars and if I could rate it more I would!

The Soulmate Theory is a beautifully written story that has quickly become one of my top reads of the year. As a photographer who lived on the Oregon coast for the past few years, I found myself deeply connected to the narrative and descriptions of the setting. Carter's description of what he thinks heaven is like and its comparison to the beauty of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest truly captivated me.

The love between Carter and Penelope is portrayed in such a sweet way and their connection is so genuine. They were childhood neighbors and friends and after what seems like a lifetime they find each other again as coworkers in a school setting. Carter doesn't give up on Penelope and continues to chase after the love of his life.

Throughout the story we are kept in suspense, trying to unravel the mystery surrounding what happened to Penelope. The way in which this unfolds is done perfectly.

The Soulmate Theory is a beautiful story that I highly recommend picking up and would be a perfect Summer read, Sarah's writing is a work of art. It was released today so make sure to get yourself a copy because it's seriously such a good one!

The book also comes with a playlist and is another perfect addition to my summer.

So excited for Sarah's next book that releases in November!

[Lexie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this so much more than I did. But sadly this was not my favorite by Sarah.

This book was pitched as an epic friends to lovers story that spanned over multiple years filled with pining, angst and love. But instead I got a really long dragged out book of our FMC just really needing therapy. To the point where I’m so mad it took everyone in her life that long to realize how bad she needed it from how she was hurting. I understand that sometimes people in Penelope shoes can’t help and feel like they have to suffer in silence. But come on not even her parents or siblings. But I digress. Even though I’m nitpicking I still overall enjoyed the story. Sarah always does a fantastic job of creating such detailed and thought provoking characters. You connect to them so easily making it ash to fall for Penelope and Carter. Carters supportive and absolute devotion of her was one of the best things about this book, in my opinion.

Overall, I think if this book had been a little shorter and maybe omitted a few things the book would’ve flowed a little better. But even with that said I still enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read book 2.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!

[Luise · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this is what soulmates are I don’t think I want it.
Seriously where was the chemistry between Penelope and Carter and why exactly are they supposed to be soulmates.

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah writes romance like she’s trying to pry your heart open with beautifully crafted sentences, and The Soulmate Theory proved (again) that she’s dangerously good at it. Her prose is soft, poetic, emotional in that “oh great, now I’m feeling things” way, and every line hits exactly where it’s supposed to.

Penelope’s healing arc was raw and real, and Carter? Please. That man is a walking green flag with golden-retriever loyalty and main-character devotion. He’s been in love with her since forever and acts like it—loudly, proudly, and without a single ounce of shame.

Their second-chance, childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamic? Elite. The yearning was premium-grade. The tension? Criminal. And the way Sarah writes those almost-confessions and emotional gut punches? Illegal. Truly.

Beautiful, emotional, and full of that “fine, fate, we’ll try again” energy. I devoured it.

Thank you to Sarah, her team, and NetGalley for the ARC! I need the rest of this series immediately.

[Afton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this book was really intriguing but I do feel like it was long winded. The internal thoughts dragged on and were repetitive. I maybe would have fallen in love with it as a novella or 100 pages less.

[Athena 💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author never misses! I love the added depth to all of Sarah A. Bailey’s contemporary romances and The Soulmate Theory was no exception.

Carter is a man in love. For years he has pined over Penelope but when he finally finds the courage to make his move it is too late. Now, years later he gets his second chance and he is not going to lose it.

My only complaint with this one was it dragged on a little in the middle and the inner monologue started to become a bit overkill but other than that, I was fully invested in the characters and their story.

If you love angst, YEARNING, childhood friends to lovers, and a romance that takes you on an emotional journey then definitely add this to your TBR.

[Breakfast In Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜, 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚏𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚒𝚝. 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚐𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜. 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚞𝚜”

ARC Review for @sarahbaileyauthor s The Soulmate Theory, available June 20th! I love this book so much I want to shout it to everyone I know!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5/5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5/5

My on-brand review (NO SPOILERS)
- Let me start off by saying this might have been a love story, but the plot was original and parts of this story were so creative I absolutely loved every second, monologue and lesson learned
- Penelope is clearly traumatized from an event that happened while she was at Oxford, we try to figure out what happened through the whole book, and the way the truth unfolds is not ideal, but definitely a plot twist.
- Throughout the whole book Penelope is punishing herself for a mistake, and I genuinely thought she made a big one, but when you realize/hear what the reality of the situation was, you will see how trauma can truly effect a human
- Carter, something about BBF’s named Connor … chefs kiss
- His easy going demeanor, his smile, and his outlook on life were exactly what Penelope needed
- I’ve also never read a book with a Hawaiian MC and really enjoyed it, I think more Hawaiian characters are in my future
- Childhood crushes aren’t really my jam, but I loved this pining situation - they truly never disconnected
- My favorite favorite part of this book though, is the back and forth on soulmate theories, this isn’t a spoiler but the creative way Sarah wrote Penelope’s hypothesis really blew me away
- We read so often, it’s hard when the books don’t exactly surprise you. But TST truly truly was written wonderfully and surprised me.
- I do love a happy ending, and this did not disappoint. I will 200% be adding this to my physical shelf once it is released on June 20th!!

[madmanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

✨ Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
✨ Second chance
✨ Small beach town
✨ Slow burn
✨ FMC returns home
✨ Soulmates

Penelope and Carter were just everything. I loved getting the glimpses into their past and seeing how protective he was of her in their childhood. Penelope had a tough past for multiple reasons and she was such a real and raw character. Carter really helped her forgive herself with the way he loved and accepted exactly who she is.

🌶️ that slow burn and the tension were SO GOOD! I loved all of the sneaking around when they finally got together, but all of the almost touches and lingering glances really did me in!! These two were so down bad for each other and I loved that Carter was always putting her first after her lackluster experiences in the past.

The family dynamics had me howling. Everyone who has had a pestering little sibling can definitely relate, and the way the parents interacted was hilarious. I cannot wait to read Macie & Dom’s book!

Sarah A. Bailey is comprised of only magic, I’m sure of it. Her characters and their stories feel like a warm hug from your favorite person. Her writing is so incredibly poetic and thought provoking and I always walk away from her stories feeling like I understand myself and the world around me a little bit more.

Thank you so much to Sarah A. Bailey and Page & Vine for the gifted copy of The Soulmate Theory for me to review!

[Ashley ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

I loved the concept of the book and the topics relating around soulmates. Other than that, this book kinda of dragged a lot. Some of the chapters were excruciatingly long for my preference (20-30 pages sometimes). So it made it tough for me to concentrate. There were some sweet moments. Penelope gradually began to annoy me at some point. However, I adored Carter and thought he was super sweet and patient with Penelope.

I read H&H first (and loved it) and decided to read her two first books. Her writing surely did improve because this storyline did not pull me in at all. I wanted to finish the book but never felt eager to pick it up. Do what you will with that information. But overall, this was a decent read but not a memorable one. Looking forward to reading The Fate Philosophy!

[Sav | SavtheBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter and Penelope were childhood neighbors until she left… after he kissed her one night. They didn’t talk for years until he shows up as her new coworker, who shares an office with her LOL

I really enjoyed this one. The secrets that Penelope has to hide were shocking, Carter is literally a gold retriever boy that will do anything for her even after she left years ago.

If you love:
-slow burn ish
-childhood friends to lovers
-second chance
-“it will only ever be you”

4.5/5 stars
1.5/5 spice

[Ivy b · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute read!!

I had the opportunity to read this as and ARC, and ugh can I just say I love carter? I love that he’s just such a free spirit, so calm yet willing to put someone in their place when out of line.

I just love when childhood friendships turn into something more in adulthood, the bond / connection is just so special and I just loved reading about these two

[Macie Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too cute and so fun. I loved it. And I’m so excited to read more about Macie obviously

[Maureen · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

“Maybe I’m the sun and the tides, and you’re the moon and the stars, but all that means to me is that you are light in the dark. You’re every wish in my night sky, and I’ll follow you wherever you go."

Carter Edwards, the man you are. I mean, we knew I was going to devour this. I devour it every single time I read it. I devour it every single time I read ANYTHING by Sarah. I've said it once, I'll say it a million times more, she is on my Mt. Rushmore for a reason. This was one of my very first Sarah A Bailey books way back in the day and it still hits just the same as it did then. Hearing it come to life by the skillful narration of Rebecca and JT was truly something special. Carter and Penelope are the poetic, written embodiment of right person, wrong time, combined expertly with "it's always been you." The PAIN that their slow burn causes me each time I read it is just as welcomed as it is wounding. Sarah has this beauty in her writing that is hard to really describe and define unless you have experienced it yourself. While Carter and Penelope may not be my holy grail SAB couple, they are truly one of the blueprints into her lyrical mind and I will forever love them for it. Rebecca and JT were dripping with hunger and longing and if you can hold out the slow burn, it is worth every bit of hard fought happiness to see them to the end. 4.5/5 stars.


::What To Expect::

-Childhood Friends to Lovers
-Right Person, Wrong Time
-"It's Always Been You"
-Second Chance
-Slow Burn
-Forced Proximity
-Artist FMC x Photographer MMC
-Yearning and Pining
-Small Town
-Only One Bed
-Soulmates
-Returning Home

[Karine Angers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soulmate Theory — Sarah A. Bailey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (honestly… SO close to 5)

Sarah A. Bailey is literally a QUEEN. Every single book she writes feels like a masterpiece, but I think this one might actually be my favorite.

Second chance.
Always been you.
Friends to lovers.

All my weakness in one story.

This book was beautifully written—so much so that I’m grateful it was an ebook because I highlighted so. many. quotes. The emotions, the tension, the history between the characters… it all felt so real and deeply felt.

Heart full, soul wrecked (in the best way), and already thinking about a reread.

If you love stories about timing, fate, and the one person who’s always been your person… don’t walk. Run. 💫📖

[୨ৎ Tiff ୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. I want a love like Carter & Pep, that’s my hope one day I swear because there are some books sometimes where you feel like the main characters may not REALLY make it in the long haul… this isn’t one of them. Carter & Pep are literal soulmates, they’re FATED, and I loved every bit of it. I also loved the epilogues (BOTH), and loved how the author threw August from Vice & Violet in there too — he did Carter’s tattoo — which was cool!

This book had me sobbing, in the BEST way. I had so many feelings and that’s exactly what I want in my romance books💞 I can’t wait to read the next in this series!

🫶🏼 thank you Page & Vine for the gifted copies!

[Bella Lucca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, the way this book was written was beautiful, I can’t even comprehend what my soul just went through. Usually I hate how long the chapters are but I had no problem speeding through this book. I LOVE CARTER. The love he had for Penelope was amazing, he made her love herself before they fully emerged themselves into this relationship. I absolutely loved this book and will forever recommend to many people. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.

[Jane Hasni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor audio for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the soulmate theory. By Sarah A Bailey. I have read so many of this Author's books and I love the way she develops relationships and the way her characters interconnect. The strong message of family not requiring a blood connection to be close and loving. I loved this book and I also really enjoyed the narrators

[Alax Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean are we surprised I loved Carter and Penelope as much as I did? I've never met a SAB MC I didn't love.

About the audio:
Rebecca Lam and JT Londale brought Carter and Pen to life and the audio was so incredibly done.

Thank you to Sarah, Tantor Media and Netgalley for an alc!

read if you love:
childhood friends to lovers, right person wrong time, "it's always been you", second chance, slow burn, forced proximity, artist fmc, yearning and pining, photographer mmc, small town, only one bed, returning home

[Dorina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It had everything I want in a second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance, and it completely stole my heart.

Carter Edwards is truly top-tier book boyfriend material. He’s patient, steady, and so deeply in love with Penelope that it hurts in the best way. The way he never gives up on her, even when she’s pushing him away, just did something to me. He feels like home in human form.

What really made this story special, though, was Penelope’s growth. I loved that she didn’t magically fix everything overnight. She struggled, made mistakes, and actually put in the work to heal and figure out who she was outside of her carefully planned life. Watching her rebuild herself while Carter stood by her side—supportive but never overbearing—was incredibly satisfying.

The friends-to-lovers-to-second-chance arc was done so well, full of quiet longing, shared history, and that feeling that these two were always meant to find their way back to each other. It was emotional, tender, and comforting all at once. If you love soulmates, childhood connections, and soft but meaningful romance, this one is an absolute win.

[Malin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw this cover I though “wow this looks cute”. And it really was! The connection between these two is so deep and I’m in awe at how Sarah A. Bailey always manages to make me so invested in her characters.

Carter is the greenest flag I think I’ve ever read about. He’s so caring, protective, strong and all he wants to do is makre sure the people (Pep especially) around him are okay and that they feel his love.

“We were nine years old when I found a penny on the ground and I gave it to her. I thought she needed luck more than I did because I felt lucky just to know her.”

“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.”

I’ve cried and laughed, this book made me feel so much. Their story is quite different to other books I’ve read, and I love how their joy becomes my joy and their heartbreak becomes mine. It’s one of the things I love the most when it comes to Sarah A. Bailey’s books, she truly makes me feel all the emotions and meant to feel in her writing.

“Don’t read to escape, read to live.”

[gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️
cute romance with emotional depth but I felt like we were trauma dumped on at the end?