Backroads & Beginnings : A Hearts of Briar Creek Novella

by B.K. Stubblefield

She left for the city. He never left her heart.
When Lila Hart returns to Briar Creek for a break from her big-city burnout, she doesn’t expect to fall for Blake Chandler all over again.
He’s still the one who makes her heart race—and still the one she left behind without really saying goodbye.
Now they’re face to face again, caught between small-town gossip, old misunderstandings, and a spark that refuses to fade.
As summer drifts by and second chances bloom, Lila and Blake must are they brave enough to stop running and finally come home to each other?
Backroads & Beginnings is a heartwarming small-town romance full of porch swings, peach pie, and the kind of love that never quits.
Sweet with a touch of sass. Low heat. Big heart.
Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, and Robyn Carr.
Second chance, small-town charm, high school sweethearts, forced proximity
Heat Sweet with sizzling chemistry (closed door)
Yes — full HEA with series tie-ins

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2026

About the author

B.K. Stubblefield is a writer with a passion for dogs and dog rescue. Her dog, Harper, inspired her Oak Creek series, so it is to no surprise that each book features a loveable canine. B.K. Stubblefield was born and raised in Germany, where she met her husband. Supporting his military career, she moved between Europe and the United States for many years. Now she makes her home in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where she draws inspiration from the slower pace of small-town living.
https://facebook.com/BKStubblefield1
https://BKStubblefield.com

Reviews

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story. Lila and Blake were sweethearts from years back, until she left for college. Eight years later she returned. I was ready and waiting for this one. I knew from the beginning that it was going to be a sweet and cozy romance worth sitting down with. And it truly was. I fell in love with the small town and everyone in it. And I fell even more in love with Lila and Blake. The uncertainty of being able to pick up where they left off really hung in the air. But it all came together with an absolute sweetness that was them. Truly and enjoyably read.

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

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this story to be a good read. Main characters Blake and Lila were longtime sweethearts. Everyone in this small town of Briar Creek thought they were destined to be together. Unexpectedly Lila leaves for college and doesn’t come back for 8 years. The townfolk tried meddling and getting them together. Felt plenty of intrigue to not put book down til complete. There was a huge shocker in this story as well.

I received an early and free copy, AR, and am leaving my honest, free and voluntary review.

[Judy Esposito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back roads & Beginnings!


This is book 1 and a wonderful beginning to Hearts of Briar Creek. An interesting storyline that held my attention. I enjoyed following Lila and Blake as they got reacquainted with their past while hoping for a bright future together. I love the entire book and look forward to book 2. JudyE

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not the typical girl comes back to town and decides to stay cause her long lost love is still there. Lila and Blake have some relationship building to do. Lila is back to rest and reevaluate life. As these two spend time together, they have to figure out what their future looks like. I liked their story.

[Barbara Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Honeybee is giving the Southern version of Lady Whistledown and Blake is heavy on the Noah vibes from The Notebook. It's a little like Sweet Home Alabama without the vengeful side. Very sweet storyline. No spice which works well for them. Could be a Hallmark movie.