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Pages of Our Past

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Blair Cunningham didn't just leave town; she burned every bridge behind her. Chasing a dream her parents didn't understand and running from a secret too painful to speak, she built a quiet life far away. But when she returns home to help her best friend through a difficult pregnancy, the last person she expects to see behind the bar is Greyson Shaw, her first crush, her almost, her what-if. Now, Greyson is all grown up. Broader shoulders. Rougher edges. The same smoldering eyes that used to take her breath away. And he remembers everything. What starts as a cautious reconnection turns into late nights, slow touches, and the heat that Blair has spent years trying to forget. When the truth about her past threatens to rip everything apart, including Greyson's own family, she'll have to choose between protecting her heart or finally surrendering it. He's not just the man she used to dream about. He's the one who makes her feel like coming home might not be so scary after all.

A stirring, cozy small-town romance full of second chances, friends-to-lovers chemistry, and the power of telling your own story, Pages of Our Past is perfect for readers who believe in love after loss and healing that begins with the truth.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

5 people are currently reading
174 people want to read

About the author

Emily Scotto

1 book28 followers
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a South Carolina romance author who believes in small towns, second chances, and happily ever afters. When I’m not writing, you can usually find me in the garden, curled up with a good book, or hanging out with my husband. My debut novel, Pages of Our Past, is releasing October 1st!

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5 stars
41 (32%)
4 stars
47 (37%)
3 stars
20 (15%)
2 stars
12 (9%)
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6 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for cat.
182 reviews44 followers
September 25, 2025
Pages of Our Past is a quick novella that had potential but ultimately left me wanting more.

Blair is a writer returning to her hometown after years away. The reason for her leaving does eventually come to light, but the way it was revealed felt a little thin and underdeveloped, leaving me wishing for more depth and clarity. Grey, is the local bar owner who always carried a quiet crush on Blair. When she unexpectedly walks back into his life, it feels like no time has passed for him—yet everything between them moves at lightning speed.

Their history could have set the stage for a slow-burn second-chance romance, but instead, it leaned heavily into insta-love. (Which isn’t a bad thing. I just didn’t like how it was written) While they had known each other long ago, neither confessed their feelings back then. So when they reconnect and almost immediately fall head over heels, it felt rushed and unrealistic. What should have been a heartfelt, gradual reconnection ended up feeling more like a skipped-over step, with the romance jumping ahead before the foundation was fully built. 🤷🏼‍♀️

One highlight was Blair’s friendship with Madison. Their bond gave off warm, found-family vibes that brought some heart to the story. Madison’s loyalty and support made her feel like a bright spot in an otherwise uneven narrative.

Unfortunately, the novella’s pacing worked against it. Sensitive topics were brushed over without the depth they deserved, making parts of the story feel incomplete. There were also moments where the POV seemed to shift mid-chapter, which pulled me out of the story and left me confused.

While the cover is undeniably cute and the characters had some relatability, the story itself felt disconnected and underdeveloped. I really wanted to love this, but the rushed romance and lack of depth left me disappointed. If you’re looking for a super quick read with small-town vibes, this novella might scratch that itch. But for me, it just didn’t deliver the emotional weight or believable love story I was hoping for.

A huge thank you to Emily Scotto for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
Profile Image for Courtney Pityer.
764 reviews45 followers
September 18, 2025
Let me tell you I have been pumped to read this arc ever since I signed up for the street team. Let me tell you this story is pure gold and don't let the short length fool you because a lot does happen despite it being a short book. Pages of Our Past is a breathtaking story of returning back home and fixing what has been broken.

We are introduced to Blair who returns to her hometown after being gone for so many years. In all this time since leaving she has suffered a terrible trauma and has been at odds with her parents. One of her dreams that she has is publishing her own book. While waiting to hear back she decides to reconnect with ger first crush Greyson. Will these two be able to reconnect again after so much time apart.
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
143 reviews25 followers
September 26, 2025
3.75🌟, 2 🌶️

Pages of Our Past is a cozy and emotional debut that mixes small-town charm with deeper, heavier themes.

Blair and Greyson's story was easy to fall into, and I read it in just a couple of sittings. The fall setting, adorable baby Olive, and lovable side characters made it extra heartwarming.
Blair's journey after trauma is the heart of this book.

Blair’s journey through guilt and isolation felt raw and real, and I loved how her support system showed that healing can be shared — and deeply strengthened — by the people who love you.

With a short page count, this quick read packs a lot into a small space, with a romance that leans toward insta-love — which, while not for everyone, adds a sweet, whirlwind quality to their connection. The pacing can feel rushed at times and the timeline is occasionally a little jumpy, but it’s still a tender, uplifting story that leaves you feeling warm and hopeful.

~~~~

Many thanks to Emily Scotto and Hayling Bookstorm Ltd. for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
Profile Image for Haley Williams.
24 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
ARC Review: thank you to emily for letting me get a glimpse into Wisteria Creek & Blair and Greyson’s HEA 🐝

Pages of Our Past hit me right in the feels in the best way. This is one of those small-town, second-chance romances that sneaks up on you with how heartfelt it is. Blair’s return home isn’t just about rekindling something with Greyson (though, trust me, you’ll swoon). It’s also about facing the messy pieces of her past she thought she’d left behind, and learning that love (both from others and for herself) can be healing.

I loved how the story balanced tender romance with deeper themes of forgiveness and self-discovery. Blair’s journey to mend broken relationships felt raw and real, and Greyson? Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really hooked me was how safe and steady he feels for her, even when she’s still figuring herself out.

If you’re into heartfelt second chances, small-town charm, and a heroine who finally learns to accept the love she deserves, this book will give you all the warm-and-cozy feels with just enough grit to keep it grounded.
Profile Image for Akku.
575 reviews12 followers
September 21, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨

✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - October 1, 2025

✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• small town romance
• second chance love
• friends to lovers vibes
• emotional healing
• hometown return

✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Blair never thought she would step back into her hometown but life brings her there again, straight into the path of Greyson, the boy she once loved. What follows is a journey of healing, old feelings, and a secret that could change everything.
This book was so heart-touching and dreamy. I loved the slow burn, the emotions and the way the author showed the beauty of second chances. The writing had such a warm vibe, I felt like I was living in Wisteria Creek myself. The little details of small-town life made the story extra cozy and real, giving that perfect autumn feel.
Blair and Greyson’s chemistry was soft yet intense, and I adored how their connection bloomed all over again. Every moment between them felt like a stolen page out of a love letter. I loved the balance of sweetness and angst, how the author didn’t rush anything, instead letting the love grow naturally.
It’s one of those reads that stays in your heart long after you close the last page. A perfect cozy romance filled with nostalgia, healing, and so many butterflies. Truly a book that feels like comfort in the form of words.
Thank you so much hayling bookstorm for the free ARC!
Profile Image for Nicole.
624 reviews12 followers
September 30, 2025
Very sweet first novel. I liked the characters and the back story for Blair. Love seeing her abuser get what’s coming to him. And seeing her come out on top was great.
Profile Image for Rosa.
51 reviews
September 22, 2025
✨Arc Review✨

Rating 4.5 ✨
Debut novel

Tropes:
-2nd Chance
-best friends to lovers
-fall cozy read


I was so lucky to be given the chance to read Emily Scotto’s debut novel, Pages of Our Past. This novel had some of my favorite tropes, second chance, best friends to lovers, a strong Fmc. In this novel we have Blair who left her town years ago harboring a secret where she thought she would never return but fate had other plans. She sees her first love, Greyson who owns a bar that belonged to his late father, he sees Blair again & he realizes he feels the same. This novel is only 150 pages but you get a lot of story within these pages, romance, self discovery, loving yourself, healing, some spice, swooning, fall cozy vibes, found family. Honestly if you love small town romance with a caring Mmc & healing, this is the book for you. This book will stick with me because it was executed beautifully, I just wish it had more pages(I’m just being greedy) that’s how much I loved it. Please read the authors note because I know these themes can be triggering.
Profile Image for TheBookNookBabe.
75 reviews
October 7, 2025

Pages of our Past, yet there is no real “past” in this book.
A book like this should be longer than 150 pages, because there's no real plot. The whole thing was just instalove between the two main characters and a bunch of extremely cringy spicy scenes in a 150 page book was just not it. The writing wasn’t good at all. I feel like this really should be advertised as a novella, instead of a book, because it all just felt very rushed pieced together. The author had a good idea to start with, but the execution just made the book fall flat. I don’t understand all the high ratings.
Profile Image for herbookcorner.
51 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2025
Pages of Our Past was such a lovely and cozy read! I was actually in a bit of a reading slump when I started this book and it truly helped me find joy in reading again. I devoured it in just a couple of sittings because I was so absorbed by Blair and Greyson’s story.

What struck me the most was how deeply the book explores the aftermath of trauma. The author captures so well how a single act of violence can ripple through someone’s life, leaving them disorganized, disconnected, and stuck in survival mode rather than actually living. Blair’s isolation, her guilt, and her struggle to piece her life back together felt heartbreakingly real. It made me reflect on how unfair and horrifying it is when people with so much potential have their lives derailed by trauma.

I was also really touched by how Emily Scotto portrayed Blair’s support system. It became a source of strength for Blair and it was really moving and so important to see. It reminded me of the power of community and how healing isn’t something you have to do alone.

If I had one small critique, it’s that the timeline sometimes felt a bit unclear between chapters. I wasn’t always sure if days or weeks had passed between chapters.

Also, in chapter 32, the POV switches between Blair and Greyson, which could have been confusing, but I actually found it easy to follow because Emily Scotto had built such distinct and recognizable voices for both characters. One of the author’s strength is to make each character very unique.

Overall, this was a heartfelt and emotional read that pulled me in from the very beginning. Thank you Emily Scotto for such a beautiful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jasmin.
360 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2025
Pages of Our Past completely stole my heart and pulled me in from the very beginning. Don’t let the short length fool you — so much happens in this story! Emily Scotto did an amazing job with her debut novel. The writing was beautiful, and the characters were so well developed.

Blair and Greyson are perfect for each other. Their story was raw, emotional, real, and full of undeniable chemistry. I loved how they supported one another and could truly count on each other. Blair’s journey felt incredibly authentic — I just wanted to reach into the pages and hug her for being so strong and brave in coming back home and confronting her past. And I adored how supportive Greyson and Madison were throughout it all.

If you love cozy small-town romance, second chances, slow-burning heat, and the power of telling your own story, Pages of Our Past is perfect for you. I highly recommend it!

Huge thanks to Emily Scotto for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Ryann Henning.
120 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2025
Debut author Emily Scotto nailed it with this cute, comforting fall read!! Blair and Greyson are so beautiful and perfect I can’t stand it! Blair is this aspiring author and comes back to town to help a friend but runs into an old flame. Will their paths cross again or are they just pages of their past? This book pulled on all my heartstrings. Blair and Greyson’s story was just raw and shows first loves are everything. They are each others support system and lean on each other. The chemistry between them is undeniable. I highly recommend this fall read! Thank you Emily for trusting me with Blair and Greyson. They are beautiful and I’m claiming Greyson before anyone else! Must read this book!
Profile Image for Kayleigh.
53 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2025
I got the privilege to read Emily Scotto’s debut novel! Blair is such a strong character that learns to overcome so many obstacles with the help of her friend. She wasn’t supposed to return to her old life, but it somehow found her and made her whole again.

I loved the little town of Wisteria Creek! It sounds so cozy and even has a cute small town bookstore.

I really felt like this ending pulled on my heartstrings and there were so many moments during Blair’s journey that I was amazed at how far she had come.

•TROPES•

🧡 Small town
🍁 Friends to lovers
🧡 Second chances
🍁 Dual POV
🧡 Found family
🍁 Overcoming trauma

•QUOTES•

“One girl clutched her copy to her chest like it was sacred. “This book felt like someone understood,” she whispered.”

“Because sometimes the most complex stories to write are the ones we’re still living. And this messy, beautiful, ordinary life I’ve built here is the best story I’ve ever told.”

“And when I woke hours later, tangled in his arms, I didn’t feel scared. I felt at home.”
Profile Image for Lily.
102 reviews31 followers
October 31, 2025
This was a cute novella with so much potential and fall vibes. I really liked the premise of the book and some quotes. But it felt rushed and repetitive at times. Sometimes we’d skip from one scene after another without warning and people telling other people what one person should have said. It does touch one very hard and traumatic event that happened to the FMC but it didn’t go deep enough. I expected an instalove since it was just 150 pages, yet it was too instant with just a few random interactions between the MCs. If it had been longer and with more depth to the story and the characters then it would have worked.

Thank you to the author and Hayling Bookstorm for the early copy. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for enchantedmelreads.
162 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2025
5⭐️ 2🌶️🌶️

🧡small town
🍁second chance
🧡past trauma
🍁friends to lovers
🧡dual POV

This was the perfect cozy fall read! This was a quick heartwarming story about past traumas and finding a support system to move forward. I loved how real and beautiful Blair’s story was. I loved how she overcame all her struggles in the end after returning to her hometown. I loved how supportive Greyson and Madison were. Greyson calling her his honey bee 🐝 melted me into a puddle. I really hope we will be getting Madison’s HEA in the next book!

“I’m not going anywhere,” he murmured. “You can fall apart here, and I’ll still be holding you.”
Profile Image for Alyssa Mohring .
391 reviews52 followers
September 20, 2025
This is a wonderful debut novel. It is heart-wrenching and sweet. The plot was very real-life life which I love. The writing is good. There are some parts where the story felt a little rushed and some places where I felt we were missing some of the story. I felt all the emotions with this one. I felt anger, love, heartbreak, happiness, and sadness.

The characters were people you would meet in real life and be friends with. Grayson and Blair are so cute together. Madison is awesome. Baby Olive is adorable. I would be friends with them all.

If you love small-town romance with fall vibes and romance this book is for you. Just please read the trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Jess.
176 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2025
Arc review: Pages of our Past by Emily Scotto

Released 1st October.

Blair Cunningham didn’t just leave town; she burned every bridge behind her.

I was thrilled to be chosen to read Emily’s debut novel which is a cosy autumn read perfect for this season. Blair returns back to her hometown after years away and bumps into Greyson and the flame they held for each other never really went out. Together they go on a beautiful journey of healing and self discovery in this gorgeous 2nd chance romance! It may only be 150 pages but this book has so much heart and warmth that you will wish you could step right into Wisteria Creek!
Profile Image for Amy Wallis.
22 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Emily Scotto’s ✨debut✨ novel!

3.5 ⭐️rounded up to 4 for Goodreads

I loved the different storylines and the love between Greyson and Blaire (and his nickname for her 😍), however I wish the book would’ve been a little longer so we could’ve had more plot development and character development between all the characters. Overall it was a fun, quick read! Can’t wait for her next book!
Profile Image for Kala Frick.
80 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2025
ARC Review! Thank you for choosing me to read and review your book.

This is Emily’s debut novel! Can we hear a big clap for her! Congratulations on this huge accomplishment!
This story was filled with small town romance, second chances, and healing! Blair has some trauma that she needs to break free of and I loved reading her story! Also I love the wit of her friend Madison!

If you want a short read that has all the fall cozy vibes then definitely check this one out!
Profile Image for Hailee Guerin.
1 review1 follower
October 9, 2025
I really adored this book! I loved every second of Blair and Greyson together! They are so perfect for each other! I smiled everytime he called her Honey Bee. Blair and Madison’s friendship was just as great as well! Everything was well written on the characters and on really getting to know everyone and their past. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Emily!💜
Profile Image for Liz_Dolphin70_Reads.
261 reviews8 followers
December 14, 2025
Such a cute book I really enjoyed the characters. I would recommend for a short sweet story that was well written . it was about Blair who was running from her past and coming back to help her friend out, but in the end, decides to stay faces refuses and falls in love with her forever friend Greyson.
Profile Image for Emily Dooley.
17 reviews
September 20, 2025
ARC REVIEWER// I had the pleasure of reading this book and getting to experience the characters that are Blair & Greyson. It was a perfect small town romance but the trauma she endured and had to overcome tied it all together perfectly. It was well thought out and reuniting with the people that make you feel all the love in the world is truly a blessing.
Profile Image for Cindy M.
34 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2025
A debut novel about a difficult childhood. Second chances and writing your story. (Both figuratively and literally). This book had me crying! So much of this book hit me to the core! I wish there had been more, as it did move quick. I’ll be looking forward to more novels by this author!
Profile Image for Kristin K.
1 review2 followers
November 9, 2025
I was lucky enough to meet Emily today and was so happy I did! She was so sweet. I have a soft spot for small town love and going back to your roots. I really enjoyed this quick read and loved being able to connect with the characters. Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Courtney Herring.
46 reviews
September 20, 2025
3.5-4⭐️ I received an Arc of this book to review honestly. I really enjoyed getting immersed into a cozy small town book. The characters were lovable and so easy to read about. Greyson was definitely written by a woman 💁🏻‍♀️ it’s a super quick and easy read when you need something to cleanse your palate with a little bit of heavy topics (trigger warning of SA).
Profile Image for Chia.
751 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2025
I read this in one night and it was AMAZING. Thank you, Hayling Bookstorm for the early copy!

Beautifully nostalgic and heartfelt, Pages of Our Past is about love, memory, and second chances. Emily Scotto writes with emotion that lingers long after you finish.
Profile Image for Courtney.
65 reviews
September 25, 2025
Wisteria Creek is your dream small town romance setting! I could picture myself walking down the tree lined streets, through the Town Square, visiting Greyson's bar and Delilah's bookstore. Emily Scotto knocked it out of the park with such a picture perfect place for Blair and Greyson's second chance love story to unfold! I hope there's more to come from this town and their characters!
Profile Image for Alex ✨.
245 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2025
if you like small town romances, this one is for you! it's cozy and has all the feels. honestly, it doesn't take much to make me cry... I loved how this was written, the characters, the cover is even gorgeous! it was a great debut novel!
1,077 reviews15 followers
September 18, 2025
This is a very good read. It touches on some really emotional traumas. The characters are well written, especially Blair and Greyson. This is a book about surviving your past so that you can build your future. Be prepared for different parts of the book to grab your heart and give it a squeeze. The book will also give you hope so enjoy reading it.
Profile Image for Karen Wheat.
77 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2025
This is a sweet little story. It has triggers of a past but they are not in a harmful way in my opinion as a survivor of such myself. I loved how she was put back together home really is the best place to be healed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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