Always Meant for You

by Krista Sandor

Mabel Muldowney is my best friend’s little sister. Sky-blue eyes. The girl who chased us through fields in pink shoes and dreamed about leaving our small town for the city.

I’m the boy from the farm next door who wasn’t supposed to fall for her.

I loved her anyway. Even when I shouldn’t. Even when I swore I wouldn’t. I buried it—every glance, every urge.

But I slipped–one time–when we were teenagers.

It was raining. We were under a willow tree.

She was ready to give me her heart, but I couldn’t be the guy who reached for his best friend’s sister. So I pulled away and built a life rooted in discipline and distance.

Then my best friend died. And Mabel left for the city.

Now she’s back with nothing but secrets and a suitcase. It’s the second chance I’ve been praying for. But she doesn’t want to stay, and I can’t leave. I’m held to the land by the promise I made to her brother as he took his final breath.

Mabel thinks I’ve spent my life ignoring her. What she doesn’t know is she’s all I’ve ever seen. I’ve got eight weeks to show her this town could be home again. Eight weeks to prove my love.

I don’t plan on wasting a second.

Previously released as The Farm to Mabel Duet, this standalone small-town romance has been rewritten in first-person point of view, featuring new scenes, deeper character arcs, and even more swoon-worthy moments.

Genres: Second Chance, Enemies To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Found Family, Forced Proximity

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Krista Sandor writes steamy contemporary romance with toe-curlingly hot heroes and heroines you'll want as your best friends.

Reviews

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mabel has never fit in with her farming community, never had real girlfriends, being preoccupied with high fashion and vintage clothing, she felt as though she was an oddity among the salt of the earth folks around her. In the middle of her brother’s wake, after overhearing unkind remarks about herself followed by a heated argument with her crush and brother’s best friend, she takes off for NYC with all the money she saved from her waitressing job and a handful of vintage items she’d thrifted. Over the next four years she builds a huge online following based on her personal style mixing vintage high end fashion with inexpensive items, under a different name and with a fictional bio. Just as she’s about to sign a huge deal with a fashion house, however, she’s outed online as being a midwestern farm girl rather than the jet-setting trust fund baby she’d created. Humiliated and broke, she returns to her father’s home farm to find her crush has taken over running the farm for her father and has been forced to sell his own neighboring farmland.

Cal has loved Mabel as far back as he can remember but loyalty to her brother and father have kept him from acting upon it. When Mabel shows back up looking like everything he’s ever wanted, they’re tasked with working together on a partnership with the local farms to increase sales at the local farmers market. While working together, their chemistry is undeniable, and they embark on a torrid affair, but surely Mabel wouldn’t want to remain in their dull hometown while Cal couldn’t imagine life anywhere else.

This was more a sweet romance than a steamy read, and I think it could’ve been condensed a bit more with some judicious editing. A lot of the declarations between the MCs especially in the latter third of the book were saccharine sweet and a bit repetitive. The fashion references while interesting went a bit over my head, and I certainly couldn’t imagine doing farm chores while wearing any couture, let alone all that and high heels, but that’s just my personal opinion. Krista Sandor is a go to author for me, and while I’d read Farm to Mabel, this remake was quite different and expanded from the original version.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was originally published as The Farm to Mabel Duet and it’s even better the second time around. It makes me want to move to a rural area and be part of a farming community. But having grown up in Elverna, IL, Mabel Muldowney has a different opinion. She's too fashion forward for her small town, dreams of seeing the world's cities, and can’t wait to leave.

Now a disgraced social media influencer, Mabel returns  to the farm from New York City with only her pink designer stilettos to show for her four-year effort. With her eye on fashion and dreams of traveling the world, Mabel has always stood out in the small Illinois farming community, but it looks like she has the perfect know-how to help the town's sustainable farming initiative become successful.

Any story that can make a stoic, brooding farmer blush under social media exuberance with real-life fangirling is a definite win for me. This story is delightfully witty and funny but has so much depth of heart that it lovingly squeezed my own, and I couldn’t get enough.

This amazingly talented storyteller has topped herself and set a new bar with Mabel and Cal's story, and this charming, hilarious, heart-felt read is one you absolutely won’t want to miss

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read this as the duet Farm to Mabel I was intrigued to see where Krista would take this one. I was glad she did. What a great read.
I really loved this cute witty small town romance.
Cal and Mabel may be complete opposites, definitely a love to hate you relationship. But they both have many layers and are carrying a lot of history.
They both have past hurts but need to allow themselves the chance to have it all.
Their love/hate relationship adds a definite spark to this book.
They are obviously attracted to each other still but will they give each other the second chance they both deserve when Mabel fibally returns.
But is this just the calm before the storm?
Although both characters grow through the story... old insecurities always surface. Will they destroy their happiness or will they finally get it right this time round?
The banter between the two was witty and the story... heartfelt.
Krista Sandor has outdone herself again.
This is one you don’t want to miss. A definite break your heart and put it back together again.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely hated the FMC's haughty/superior personality in the beginning, and then she matured and started thriving. I liked how they worked together to help their small farm town thrive, and of course, there's always loveable and nosy neighbours. Some parts didn't really feel believable, and the grief part could have been expanded more, but still a decent read.

3.5

[Ashley (booknurse) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐️⭐️.5/5 Plot
🌶️🌶/5 Spicy
💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾/5 Characters

This was such a surprising read in the best way possible. If you love small-town, brother's best friend, will they won't they romance, this one is for you.

Mabel Muldowney wanted more for herself than living in her small farming town. She itched to be a fashion icon and to travel, but, even more, she wanted her brother's best friend, Cal. Little did she know, he wanted her just as badly. When tragedy struck Mabel's family in the form of her brother's death, she was hoping Cal would be there for her, but he wasn't. She left for the city but had to come back for some reason, and Cal won't let her go, not again.

I loved this story. It pulled on my heartstrings from the very beginning. I so badly wanted to understand Cal and bring some happiness to Mabel. This is one of the first stories in a while that I have read where the female main character was worth rooting for and deserved more than what the world handed her. Please give this a read. It truly is a good one.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

I just dived into my first-ever @kristasandor book, and wow, it was an absolute delight! Mabel and Cal stole my heart! 😍 The characters were so engaging, the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat with the will they or won't they, and Ms. Sandor's writing? Simply enchanting! If you're craving a charming small-town vibe infused with the irresistible "brother's best friend" trope this holiday weekend, look no further than *Always Meant for You*! It's available NOW, and trust me, you don't want to miss it! 🥰🩷

A massive shoutout to @theauthor.agency and @kristasandor for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my review

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of Always Meant For You by Krista Sandor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars Spice 🌶️

This is my first book by Krista Sandor and it didn’t disappoint.

You will follow the story of Mabel and Cal who absolutely steal your heart.

Mabel and Cal both grew up in a small farm town. Mabel lost her brother and Cal was his best friend. Mabel had big dreams and left to go to New York to fulfill those dreams of hers. Things don’t go as planned and she goes back home and things between her and Cal blossom. I rooted for these two the entire book! This was such a good back and heartfelt! I would definitely recommend.

[Grace Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ripped my heart out and put it back together again, it was sweet but it covered grief in a sensitive way. I love a book that’s going to get me feeling something and shed a tear and I love the find a little bit of myself in the characters I’m reading as well.

I really felt for our main character and I’ll continue to think of this for days I think.

Highly recommend giving it a go.

I got this arc from Krista & The Author Agency — thank you!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon



After having left her small hometown for the life of a fashion influencer in the big city, Mabel's back with her tail tucked between her legs. Nothing's changed here, but...everything has, because her beloved brother's gone. He's the only one who saw her, championed her, and wanted her to live her dreams. Now she's stuck with her brother's best friend, the man she's always crushed on, but who always looked down on her like everyone else did in this town. Will working so closely together to help the town who looked down on her, lead them to better understanding of each other, and to the love that was always there between them?



Mabel never knew this, but Cal has been in love with her as long as she's been with him. He never acted on it, though, her brother was his best friend, and Cal simply couldn't be the man for her when she dreamed of city life and he was irrevocably rooted to their small town. But now she's back and his chance is there for him to take. Can he be the man for her this time around?



Mabel and Cal finally acting on their feelings, and healing together was a beautiful thing to experience. I hurt so badly for them, especially Mable, and I wanted her to find love, even if it wasn't with her crush. Thank God it was with Cal, though, because once they gave in, their bond couldn't be broken, even if it was a bit wobbly near the end. This is a heartfelt, sweet read with a couple whose emotional rollercoaster got me right in the heart.



ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.

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[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review Always Meant For You by Krista Sandor

From the first chapter I was invested in Mabel Muldowney and Cal Horner’s story set in Elverna, Illinois.

This book had me in tears just reading the first chapter and it only continued to get to me as I read.

This was an emotional, heartbreaking and heartwarming story with characters that you cannot help but fall for.

Can Cal convince Mabel to take a leap of faith and in doing so find the happiness that they both deserve?

One click and find out.

[Tatum Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many thoughts on this book that I don’t even know where to start!!!! 🥹✨

Firstly, I want to say thank you to Krista for this incredible book! After losing my dad reading books about grief tend to be a bit tricky for me, not because I can’t handle it but because sometimes I just don’t agree with how grief it written but I can truly say that this book was done PERFECTLY! I have no notes on it! 🤭💗 The way I could connect to the characters who were struggling with the grief was incredible and it truly makes you feel not so alone in your journey but besides for that let’s talk about the characters that you meet along the way, Cal & Mabel! 🤭🥹✨

Mabel, where do I begin with she was a girl who grew up in a small town, chasing dreams that nobody understood and the only person who ever supported her was her big brother who passed away on her 21st birthday, and after that she had no one! What hurt the most was she was supposed to have another person by her side during this but he had been ignoring her for the past 8 years and she had no idea why! After an encounter with her father and Cal, Mabel runs away from home to chase big dreams in the city and let’s just say things didn’t go as planned! 🤭😭✨ I think Mabel was so kind, and had such a soft heart and I believe she was very misunderstood and I think she misunderstood a lot herself, about how she grew, the town she lived in and it colored the way she viewed things! By the end of the book I was the biggest Mabel fan not only because she fully embraced who she was but she felt so real, there was no mask, she was just Mabel and I absolutely loved that!! 🤭💗

Now of course we have one more very important character to met and that is CAL!!!!!!! 🤭🥹 This man, I loved him, he annoyed me sometimes but I did love him! He was so inlove with Mabel, and he didn’t try and stop it, he just lived with it quietly! 🥹 he didn’t have the best childhood and that affected him deeply and caused him to pull back from her, it was hard to read knowing that he loved this woman so much but just didn’t do anything about it, he called himself a coward and that wasn’t correct, he just wasn’t brave enough yet but when he decided that he was going to prove that she belonged with him, he pulled out all the stops and I love it, I loved them! They truly were each other’s soulmates! 🤭🥹💗

This book was everything I wanted it to be, focusing more on the emotional side of the relationship than the physical side! It was truly an incredible experience and it will be a book that I pick up again and again! 🤭🥹

-Arc Review

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book just isn't my cup of tea. The writing was good, but I just didn't like Mabel. The fashion references got kinda old for people who aren't into fashion themselves. But I just found Mabel to be unlikable. I also didn't get the whole kiss thing when she was 13 and he was 17 or 18. She was 13! I don't know many 17 year olds who have crushes on 13 year olds. I hope I'm just misremembering his age, but it just seemed like an odd age for it to have happened.

I get that she wasn't like the farmers of the area and that they were constantly pointing out that she was different, but she didn't need to be so snobby. You can march to the beat of your own drum, be the ray of sunshine in a world of gray, but you don't need to put other people down in the process. Then there was after the funeral. She could have pointed out that it made her brother smile when she wore the pink shoes, instead she corrected someone's mispronunciation of the brand.

Then fast forward to 5 years later, and she trying to develop a following online, but uses a fake backstory. When it gets leaked that she's lying about her background she seemed upset at being found out rather than realizing other people would be upset that she had lied about her background. She skipped out on working real jobs that pay money so she could look for vintage finds that she didn't really have the money for because she was behind on rent. Then she comes home and is sitting in the restaurant she worked before she skipped town where they treated her well and she liked the ladies she worked with, but now that she is back she is acting like she's too cosmopolitan for that place, asking for things that she knows they don't have like limes and lavender matcha lattes and hiding her face behind a big hat. Why? I get that she's embarrassed, but that's no reason to treat nice people rudely when you don't have two pennies to rub together.

I had to stop when she pulled that stunt. She just seemed like an immature grown woman who, yes she had a whole lot of people judging her unfairly, but she had no reason to be upset that they didn't like her for acting like she was better than them, when she was acting like she was better than them. She just constantly played the victim and I really hope that she matures and the people in her life learn to accept her for who she is later in the book. But she just really annoyed me less than 10 chapters in.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read this year! I struggled to put it down and go on with my day-to-day life. It is that good, so allow yourself the time and space to settle in and be awed.
Opening line, “The first thing grief takes is your appetite.”, grabbed me and I knew I was in for an emotional ride. I am not typically an emotional ride kind of girl, avoid them whenever I can. Thankfully, Ms. Sandor recognized the power of balancing heartache with the love and humor (“Day two in Elverna, and I already look like a cautionary tale.”) in life so we keep getting out of bed each day.

Cal and Mabel-love them separately and together. Most everyone can relate to the feeling of not belonging or being good enough at some point in our life. Mabel takes that feeling and uses it to make herself stronger and comes out the other side having educated others and learned about herself. “She never makes herself smaller to fit anyone’s expectations.” Cal works hard to keep emotions under wraps-“stoic” sums him up, but there’s humor and caring in that package. “I’m conserving energy….It takes effort to appear this broody.” When the layers are peeled back, the stoic effect makes so much sense. Jamie was a pivotal person for both Cal and Mabel and the kind of person everyone would love to know. He was written so beautifully.

Ms. Sandor has captured a small town with all its foibles. Peppered with amazing love and strength, humorous, quirky and caring characters, and a story of growth and change for all of them. There is so much to appreciate here from people as well as a town being rebuilt, and I was impressed throughout.

Ms. Sandor breaks your heart and rebuilds it so many times with the events and relationships in this story. I found myself highlighting pieces that were extra special to me and was amazed by how many there were when I reached the end of the story-atypical for me. Thank you, Ms. Sandor, for an outstanding story that had me crying, yet thankfully joyful and laughing more. I can’t wait to read it again!
*Make sure you follow this story up with the Bonus Story, Fig Leaf Farm, for extra laughs and love!

I gratefully received an ARC copy, but all opinions are my own.

[Amy.Reads.Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small-town romance had everything I love: forbidden love (hello, best friend's little sister!), a sweet second-chance storyline, a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and best of all—no third-act breakup. Krista Sandor truly delivered with this book. The characters felt raw and realistic, and I found myself getting genuinely frustrated with both the hero and heroine at different times—which made them feel all the more real. No one was perfect, but they each had growth, learned from their mistakes, and didn’t let personal baggage get in the way of love.

This was my first book by Krista Sandor, and it definitely won’t be my last!

Cal and Mabel have had feelings for each other for years—feelings Mabel thought were one-sided. Cal had always acted cold and distant toward her, even borderline rude. What she didn’t know was that he’d loved her since they were teenagers. But to him, she was off-limits: too young, and more importantly, the little sister of his best friend.

After the tragic loss of her brother—the one person who always believed in her—Mabel left their small town behind and chased her dreams in New York City. Her goal: to become a fashion blogger with a mission to bring sustainable couture into the spotlight. But five years later, out of money and options, she’s forced to return home with her pride bruised and her dreams on hold. Still, she refuses to admit defeat—not to the town, and not even to herself.

Back home, Mabel finds that while some things haven’t changed, others definitely have. Her brother’s vision for a more sustainable town is finally coming to life—thanks in large part to Cal. The town is working to get a farmers market up and running, but they’re struggling with promotion. When Mabel offers her marketing and social media experience, the town votes her in for the job—much to Cal’s dismay, as he had tried to block her from getting it.

But when Mabel’s ideas actually start working and Cal sees how happy and capable she is, something shifts. Maybe it’s finally time to stop fighting the feelings he’s buried for so long and take a chance on the life—and love—they could build together and — convince Mabel she should stay.

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Butterflies: 🦋🦋🦋

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal and Mabel sucked me into their love-to-hate-you story from the very first chapter, both in the original duet and in the updated, so much more “rip your heart out then put it back in your chest” version we have now. He’s rigid and cold, while she’s shallow and fake...or is that really the case? There are so many layers to both Cal and Mabel that I have to wonder what’s true, what’s the lie, and what Cal is hiding.

Mabel is trying to be acceptable to her father, her town, and the one boy/man she’s ever wanted, but that’s hard to do when she’s also afraid to show her true self with a big “f you, this is me and you should value me for who I am” to everyone who’s carelessly cut her down. I really loved riding with her while she finds just what her passion really is as she works to save her brother’s and Cal’s dream, the town, and maybe herself too.

As for Cal, he’s got some secrets and deep fears that have festered, so his brashness is painful at times, but I’m pretty sure he’s sheltering his hope and heart. But will he learn to let go just enough to let himself be happy? Or is he so tied up in trying to bear the weight and expectations of so many that he simply can’t or won’t take the chance?

I can’t even truly despise the one who set everything in motion, because maybe it was a desperate act to get someone to come home. Maybe it was a very poor attempt at communication to heal huge chasms in a relationship. And trust me, it honestly sort of is exactly that. Add in the emotions when Cal and Mabel try to talk things through, the pain when Mabel thinks she has the full picture, as well as the misery of Cal until an unexpected person shares some truths he never knew he needed. All of this made for a book that I simply didn’t want to put down, but also didn’t want to end.

And what Krista Sandor story would be complete without the almost-disaster comedy of the lightning bolt clarity and the grand gestures full of love and hope? This story delivered both in abundance and made me wish that we could spend more time in Elverna, or at least see these townsfolk again in a future book. Who knows? Maybe we will. I’d be completely fine with that!

[The Good Girl Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

We started this book in tears and ended this book in tears and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. This might be our favorite Krista Sandor Book now. It was just too good. Thank you Krista Sandor and The Author Agency for this ARC.

Mabel Ruth Muldowney is the daughter of a farmer, she dreams of a life in the big city to follow her dreams of vintage couture fashion and traveling the world to finally use her passport. She has always been in love with her brother Jaime’s best friend, the boy from the farm next door Cal Horner. When her brother unexpectedly dies on her 21st birthday she takes off to New York City. Her brother was her greatest supporter and when she lost him she felt like she had no one. My heart broke for Mabel in the first chapters. You are rooting for her so hard you completely forgot that you wanted her to make it back home to Cal because you want all her dreams to come true. But she does make it back home to him and we loved getting to see her become herself and not hide behind her alter ego Bella Mae. She gained the confidence of Bella Mae while still being true to Mabel Ruth and Elverna. We loved finally getting to see her grow a relationship with her dad and the town…yet this was still a love story and the romance was TOP tier.

Cal is the stoic grumpy farmer who is the BIGGEST romantic for Mable. This man was always listening to her and quietly supported her even before they were together. When she thought he was ignoring her and would share everything with her brother he was silently listening and taking it all in. He learned and remembered all things fashion because he knew how much it means to her. There is mutual pining and farm animals named after each other (he named Mabel the Cat and she named Cal the Goat).They each have their own insecurities and demons that they work through and become stronger individuals and even stronger as a couple. We really can’t get over how good this book was. It is one that just snuck up on us. Yes there are quotes and scenes that we loved but it really is just the entire book start to finish. LOVE LOVE LOVE 10/10 Recommend!

[Curly Bibliophagist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mabel lives in a small farming town in Illinois, south of Chicago and north of St Louis. We would have called that central Illinois. Mabel's mom died when she was little and she was raised by her daddy and her big brother. It was her brother who nurtured her and listened to her as she talked about her love of fashion. Mabel does not fit in in their small town and the townspeople don't go to great lengths to hide it. Mabel loves high fashion and thrifting designer pieces. The townspeople think she's pretentious and nuts. She needs to be out in the fields helping her family not strutting around in pretty clothes.

Mabel has a crush on her brother's best friend, Cal. They had a moment years ago but they were interrupted. Cal came to his senses and told himself he could never let anything happen between them. Mabel was heartbroken. She had no friends and she was rebuked by the guy she had crushed on most of her life. But in true Mabel form, she keeps her head high and carries on.

Mabel is bound and determined thay she will go to Paris one day and be involved with couture. One day, her 21st birthday, the unthinkable happens. After, she overheard the townspeople being particularly cruel and talking about her. She has had enough. She packs her bags, taking her treasures designer items she has collected and runs off to New York to fulfill her dreams.

Mabel becomes a social media influencer with a made up backstory. She amasses a large following and has an opportunity to join with a big fashion house, until her true identity is revealed and everything crumbles. She is forced to head home.

Mabel winds up putting her social media savvy to use to help Cal, her father and the town to save their farming community. In the process, Cal starts to see her for who she really is. The townspeople start to realize how short sighted and mean they've been.

This was a cute book and and enjoyed it. I was mad at the people for being so condescending about Mabel's couture collection and the joy that she found in it.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Meant for You is a deeply emotional read about growing up and finding out who you are and your place in the world, also grief and healing and putting your past to rest and Krista Sandor did a fantastic job. That's why I took my time reading it and feeling all the feels and being there with Mabel and Cal every step of the way . Those two loved each other from the start but let unhealed traumas from the past and some major miscommunication to separate them. Add to the mix dealing with grief and you'll get the emotional mess Mabel and Cal are dealing with. Mabel always felt misunderstood and different from all the people in her hometown and finds solace and escape in the world of vintage fashion and in the history behind it and only her brother understands her . But when he dies she looses everything and leaves to chase her dreams. Cal is left behind and is bringing to life the dream left behind by her brother that they dreamed together. And while that dream is coming to life Mabel's dream in the big city is crumbling to dust in a single moment. She ends back in her small town to regroup . But after a town council meeting she's working for the town to make her brother's and Cal's dream reality. For a short time she makes wonders for her community. But the real wonder is that this time around she's accepted and understood. She's slowly falling again for Cal and her town. She even makes peace with her father. I loved it how Cal started to like other places except Elverna by the history behind them. It was similar to what Mabel did with fashion. The story makes a full circle when the people who crushed Mabel's dream reconnect . And let's just say that plot twist I didn't expected but it led to an amazing happily ever after. I loved the epilogue and that bonus story was fun and hilarious. After all there's no boring minute in farmers life and the farmers chic is a real thing.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, Krista you did it again!! This story was amazing from beginning to end!! The is nothing I didn’t love about this second chance at love.

I love how Krista Sandor can bring a story where you just fall in love with the characters and the plot. Cal and Mabel where childhood friends but from one moment to the next they became estrangers. Cal was Mabel crush and when he gave her the cold shoulder Mabel's heart broke but she busied herself becoming this diva that drove Cal insane.

After the tragic death of her brother she left the farm and went to the city. Unlikely for her, the dreams of become an influencer came to an abrupt stop and she is force to come back home.

After facing each other again Mabel and Cal were just like a ticking time bomb. The sensual tension between these two was explosive. I love every single interaction these two had. From their back and forth banter, to every single fight and disagreement , to every dream they had about each other.

So prepare yourself because Mable and Cal are electric, swoony and overall perfection.

I just loved how Mabel and Cal worked together to bring the small town of Elverna to life and Mabel is doing a fantastic job, using all her knowledge to bring her brother and Cal's dream to live. The whole community is adorable , the young “old”sisters are fabulous and Mabel's dad I can honestly say he has grown on me.

But there is also a calm to the storm, because old insecurities come back and this couple is going to face challenges that might brake them forever.

I don't want to spoil the story but if you want a book that will make you fall in love with the characters, laugh out loud with some very entertaining situations and find out some unexpected truths that will leave you at the edge of your sit, then you need to read this book ASAP!!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing story Krista wrote here. Mabel and Cal just stole my heart and brought it to their farm, and I'm not sorry at all! What a sweet, heart stealing story, that brought tears to my eyes, and a full heart! 5 Amazing Stars for this one!
Mabel, always felt different in her town, and her family. Everyone looked at her differently and talked behind her back, except for her brother, who truly believed in her stylish ways, and zest for life. Now he's gone, and its just her and her dad, and to say their relationship is strained is putting it mildly. When she decides its time to leave the farm and that life behind her, along with her crush on Cal, she heads to the big city of New York to make it big. She's finally about to make it big, when one social media post, brings her entire career crumbling at her feet. With no where to go, she's forced to call her dad and head home, back to the town she fled. She thinks she will just rebuild her social media, and head back, but what happens, is nothing short of beautiful. She has an amazing heart and it shows!
Cal, well he's loved her forever. Now that she's back and he's forced to work along side her, how will he be able to keep his true feelings hidden. He certainly doesn't want Mabel's dad to shoot him if he get's close to his daughter, but there is only so much he can take when he's around this spitfire! But their closeness, and the fact that he can tell she wants him, plays a big part when he finally gives in to her, and it's one beautiful night.
This story brought out so many emotions when I read it, I enjoyed it so much I didn't want it to end! Grab this one asap!

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Coming Home Again**

*Always Meant For You* is a delightful standalone novel that follows the journey of childhood friends who drift apart and eventually discover their love for each other. Cal and Mabel's story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster as they navigate their way to a happy ending.

Mabel has always dreamed of leaving the farm to chase her passions in the fashion world. After the heartbreaking loss of her brother, she finally takes the leap and moves on to bigger things. But fast forward four years, and her dream life as a fashion influencer is falling apart when everyone finds out she wasn’t completely honest about her online persona. With nowhere else to turn, Mabel heads back home to face her past—and that includes her old friend Cal.

Even though Cal kept Mabel at arm’s length in their younger years and didn't show his true feelings, he’s always been in love with her. He chose to distance himself because of a promise he made to his best friend. Now that Mabel is back in town, he sees this as the perfect chance to reconnect.

As they work together on the farm, Mabel and Cal begin to rediscover each other, and the chemistry between them is undeniable! Will Cal be able to convince Mabel to stay this time, or will she walk away not just from the farm—but from love, too? This sweet love story is all about second chances and emotional healing. With a slow burn and just the right amount of steamy moments, it beautifully captures the deep connections that make romance so special.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ti · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Always Meant for You by Krista Sandor, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to dive into this story.

From the very first chapters, it’s clear that this book blends heartfelt emotions with the charm of small-town romance. Mabel’s journey of self-discovery, loss, and resilience is beautifully set against Cal’s steady, loyal presence, and together they create the kind of chemistry that makes you root for them from the start. The “brother’s best friend / second chance” dynamic is written with warmth and depth, adding extra spark to every interaction.

What stood out to me was how the author balanced family, grief, healing, and love in a way that feels both tender and genuine. Even in the lighter moments, there’s an emotional undercurrent that keeps the pages turning. Krista Sandor manages to capture not only a romance but also a sense of community, growth, and the courage it takes to come home again.

While I haven’t yet finished the entire book, what I’ve read so far has been moving, engaging, and full of heart. I can already tell this is going to be a story about love, second chances, and finding strength where you least expect it. Krista Sandor has a way of writing that feels both comforting and powerful, and I’m eager to see how Mabel and Cal’s journey unfolds.

If you enjoy small-town romances with emotional depth, witty banter, and characters you can’t help but care about, this is definitely one to add to your list.

Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Kass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Meant for You is a brother's best friend, close proximity, small town, mutual pining romance.

Mabel has been in love with her brother's best friend Cal since as long as she understood what love was. Cal has wanted Mabel just as long but his past and his fear of hurting Mabel or his relationship has made him keep his distance. When Mabel's brother dies, she runs to the city and Cal steps up and becomes the man his best friend was supposed to be, take care of their hometown and help them evolve into different kinds of farmers and save their town.

Mabel has returned and will be working with Cal to help save the town but working with the woman you have loved all of your life is not easy. Cal has eight weeks to convince Mabel that there is something for her in their hometown and a reason for her to stay. Mabel starts to realize there is more to town that she gave it credit for and with Cal by her side, she may be able to have a home there and still follow her dreams.

There were so many emotions written into this book and I enjoyed all of them. Mutual pining between Mabel and Cal, misunderstandings of their feelings for one another as well as the dynamic between Mabel and her dad. This story was very well written with realistic issues parents and children face as well as the need to dream big but also follow your heart in the process. This love story is so beautiful and Cal and Mabel share some truly amazing moments together. This is my first book by Krista Sandor but it will not be my last.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Gerardine Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book!

A real Brother's Best Friend/Next Door Neighbour read.

Mabel has loved Callan since she knew what they feeling really was about.

Callan had also loved Mabel but wouldn't pass that line because she was younger than him and because of the Being Best Friends with her Brother. He always looked out for her though and especially after her Brother Jamie died unexpectantly.

Mabel was always a head of everyone else in their town when it came to Couture and how she dressed. She adored all the Big Names in Fashion and especially Vintage Pieces. Her Dad was a Farmer who didn't like his only Daughter having these kind of Notions and didn't know how to deal with her or her Dreams.

Mabel left for New York for a few years but ended up coming home due to something happening there. When she came home, the town that she grew up in was in Dire straights of surviving and really needed her help with getting their Market which everyone depended on out there and getting Customers to come to their town to buy the products they had for sale.

This idea was a dream of her Brother Jamies with Callan and that was one of the main reasons she agreed to help. They ended up working very close together on this while also fighting their attraction for each other. Callan's Social Media following due to Mabel getting the Market out on the Internet blew up and is quite funny in parts when you read it.

I am not going to say anymore as I don't want to spoil this for you but it's a book that is definitely worth reading. It has everything and more in it and you are going to really enjoy it!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal and Mabel completely stole my heart in this story. From the very beginning, their connection felt genuine and magnetic, the kind of chemistry that makes you smile without even realizing it. Their journey had me swooning, laughing, and fully invested—I didn’t just read their story, I felt it.
Cal is everything you want in a small-town hero: strong, steady, and unexpectedly soft in all the best ways. He’s the kind of character who makes you want to pack up and move to a farm just to see if someone like him actually exists. Mabel was equally endearing—her wit, spark, and vulnerability made her feel so relatable, and watching her grow alongside Cal was truly special.

What really made this book stand out was the community. The setting was written so vividly that I could picture myself there—surrounded by charm, warmth, and friendships that felt as central to the story as the romance itself. The side characters added so much heart, making the world feel alive and comforting.

The banter between Cal and Mabel had me grinning, the character development was beautifully done, and their love story struck the perfect balance of tender and passionate. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling full, like you’ve just been wrapped in a big, cozy hug.

This is one of those unforgettable small-town romances that will stay with me for a long time. Heartfelt, witty, and so full of charm—if you’re a romance lover, you’ll absolutely adore it.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Meant for You by Krista Sandor is just one of those stories you know? Like it hits you in ways that you just weren't expecting but in all the best ways.

4.5 ⭐

If you're a Krista Sandor fan then you may have already read this book- as it was originally published as the Farm to Mabel duet- so this is supposed to be the same story just a little more fine tuned and condensed. I can't 100% speak to how the two compare since I hadn't read the Mabel series, but I can say that this book didn't feel lacking in any way.

This book opens up with just this gut punch that I wasn't ready for- the grief and heartbreak that came with the loss of Mabel's brother but also the feelings of isolation and loneliness that she also endured because she just was misunderstood and didn't fit in with her father or the small farm town they lived in. Almost adding insult to injury, Cal the only boy that she ever had eyes for and her brother's best friend, seemingly wants nothing to do with her and all those feelings and circumstances just give her this push over the edge where she can't do anything else but essentially run away.

Fast forward a few years and Mabel's life is about to blow up spectacularly or go perfectly right- depending on who you ask. I loved Mabel's homecoming- she was still this quirky vintage fashion obsessed girl but she also has this confidence that she didn't have before, and while it wavers there for a moment, I love her spark. Then there's Cal- and oooh boy I both want to hug and shake this man sometimes. He's got this huge heart but doesn't quite have the people skills he needs and his anxiety makes him come off a bit grumpy.

Basically as the title low key suggests- these two are a match made in grumpy sunshine heaven- and the push pull of the interactions and banter between Mabel and Cal are just fabulous. Every bit of the ups and downs between Cal and Mabel just pulled at my heart and I loved how they both kind of became this comfort to each other in spite of their insecurities. The part that I'm a little torn over is the change in the town and how they almost immediately and openly accept and love Mabel for her "worldly" or outside experience on how to help them when she was almost openly mocked for being that same person just a few years before. I loved the growth of the town and how it became the place that Mabel needed for this new chapter of her life while still feeling a little salty for younger Mabel too!

[Brandie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷🩷ARC REVIEW🩷🩷

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book so here is my review.


This one wrecked me, only to piece me back together!

Krista did such a great job telling Cal and Mabel's story. They both have such big feelings to combat with loss, self-awareness, finding their true self, and feeling the weight of keeping the dream alive. You could feel their pain and struggles breaking you from the beginning and slowly making you whole until the very end. There was some repetitiveness with some of the fashion stuff I don't think was needed every time or could have been condensed some but it was still a fantastic read.

Mabel lost the one person who saw her for who she is. After not being accepted by those around her, she sets out to discover who she is. Returning home, she has rediscovered her love for her town, her brother's grand plans and the boy she gave her heart to when she was young.

Cal lost his best friend and is struggling with keeping their dreams for the town together and thriving. While at the same time, trying to keep his long lasting feelings for Mabel at bay. Day by day, Mabel discovers just what lengths one goes through for those they love. With an epic grovel father/daughter moment, to a grand reunion with her man facing his fears, you had all the feels!

[Lila Danisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 rounded up to 5 stars because of the wholesome small town called Elverna.

At first, I really hated Elverna and its people because they were so judgmental and gossipy toward Mabel. But the story took its magic and I loved Elverna (and yes, its people too) so much. The people of Elverna were so great in moving forward and owning up to their mistakes and I loved reading how they grew up into a better small town and a better community.

To be honest, I still can't imagine how farm life and high heels and couture could come hand-in-hand, but Mabel made it work! For me, she was such a unique female character. I loved how she knew what she loved and wanted and she worked for it. She didn't bow down when people looked down on her. I was so proud of her. And how her character grew was also so satisfying to read. Mabel redeemed herself, not for other people but for herself. She might sound kinda immature at the beginning but I loved her so much.

Cal, oh Cal. He was so hardheaded and broody, but he couldn't stop falling for Mabel. While this book mostly focuses on Mabel, Cal got his share of story and it was amazing to read too. How his character grew was also satisfying to read. I loved that he could show up his vulnerabilities.

I really had a great reading experience with this book. It was a cozy read.

Thank you to Krista Sandor and The Author Agency for the ARC.

[Jessika Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy new release! ✨ Always Meant for You by @kristasandor ✨
5⭐ 2🌶️

Mabel never fit in with the farmer, small town community. All she has ever dreamed about was traveling the world and buying vintage clothing brands, until someone finds out who she really is under all the fancy clothing brands and sends her packing back home to try and figure out how to get money to travel again. But once she arrives back home she finds her childhood crush is now running her family farm and had to sell his homeland as well to make a living.


Cal has always had feelings for his best friend's sister Mabel but always pushed his feelings aside in respect of her brother and father. Once Mabel arrives back home they are tasked to work together to try and save the local farmers market that her brother and Cal created before his passing. Cal tries to keep his feelings tucked inside but their chemistry is undeniable, but Cal doesn't see his self leaving this town and Mabel wants to travel the world.


This book has brought out so many feelings, that you will not want to put it down from the opening page to the very end. This was my first book by @kristasandor and I can say it truly will not be the last.

Thank you @kristasandor and @theauthor.agency for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Favorite quote:
"Then listen to your heart, tell me what it wants."-Mabel
"It wants you, Always you"- Cal

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Mabel’s brother dies. She realizes nothing is holding her to Elverna. She never really felt that she belonged here. Since she has always dreamed of traveling the world. She hops on a bus and heads to New York city. After her world in New York shatters. She goes back home to Elverna. The day she gets back her father insists she go to the town council meeting with him. When she finds out the town is looking for someone to do some marketing and PR work, for the Elverna Sustainable Farming Initiative. She volunteers. It’s a way for her to make some money so she can figure out her next move. They decide to do a trial basis and see what she comes up with. What she doesn’t count on is finding out how much she misses being home and home much it has changed. Except for Cal, her brother’s best friend.

This was such a sweet small-town story! They are definitely opposite of each other. I loved how vibrant and full of life Mabel is. Cal was definitely the brooding MC. LOL. But when the town needs them. They give it their all and put their differences aside. Most of their life, they have been running from each other. But then facing all the hard stuff in the end. Shows how much they both care and love each other. This story does give you a lot of different emotions. So, don't be surprised if you need a few Kleenexs.