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Merry Meet Again

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Yuletide is usually her favorite time of the year, but Cora Sparks isn’t ready for this turning of the wheel.

After having her heart broken and her trust shattered, she decides to return to her hometown to heal—or hide. Valley Creek Hollow is the last place she wants to be, but she has no choice as she flees her ex-fiancé and troubling job situation. With her emotions high and her magic on the fritz, Cora has no patience for the holiday cheer.

Luckily, she has her mother and her best friend to help pull her out of her pit of despair—much to her dismay. What she doesn’t expect is to run into her childhood best friend, Theo Mercer, who now owns the bookstore in town. But he’s not the same goofy boy with crooked glasses who chased her with frogs anymore. No. He’s all handsome face and quiet confidence now.

As she steps in to help Theo save the bookstore from a financial crisis, she feels not only her magic growing, but feelings as well. Feelings that are easily returned by Theo. What isn’t easy is struggling to find the balance between the grief of her past and the hope of her future.

Will Cora be able to quell her fears and reconnect with herself, or is she fated to a life of what ifs? Only the universe knows.

447 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2025

6 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Lily A. Larkspur

2 books5 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for alfz♡ (aprilxsprings).
41 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2025
ARC review for Merry Meet Again
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
There's something undeniably cozy about reading a book on a rainy day, snuggled up in blankets with candles lit and the soothing sound of raindrops racing against my window. It's the perfect setting to get lost in a world of romance and self-discovery, and this book delivered just that for me!🪄

The plot, while simple, is captivating. The story follows our protagonist, Cora as she navigates the challenging journey of moving on from a past relationship. Just as she's finding her footing, she goes back to her magical town and reconnects with her childhood friend, Theo who brings a whirlwind of emotions to her.
The financial situation that Cora tries to help Theo with adds a layer of importance to the narrative, making their blossoming relationship all more sweet and meaningful.

The magical vibes throughout the book are undeniable🪄✨️. The author's writing is immersive, making it easy to get lost in the setting she has created. All the characters in the book are well-developed and relatable, with their own unique quirks and personalities that make them feel real and authentic🦋.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is the way it handles the transition from friendship to romance. The slow-burning tension and the moments of realization are expertly handled, making the romance feel earned and authentic.

Overall, this book is a perfect read for anyone looking for a childhood to friends story. It's a feel-good book that will leave you smiling and feeling hopeful, and maybe a little magical☺️

🔮𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
♥️childhood friends to lovers
🌸no third act breakup
🌺he falls first
🤭banter-filled dialogues
💟"it has always been you"
🏘small town, cozy romance

🔮𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔
characters: 5🌟
plot: 5🌟
ending: 5🌟
writing style & structure: 5🌟
themes & message: 4.5🌟
OVERALL: 5🌟
Profile Image for Aida Rivero.
133 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2025
Merry Meet Again
By Lily A. Larkspur
Release Date November 6th

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Merry Meet Again, is a book I recommend for those who enjoy a good story about romance, childhood friends to lover type of story. You’ve got Cora who returns to her hometown after a heartbreak and shattered trust to embark on, and hopefully begin a new life. She was not expecting to run into Theo who was her childhood best friend. I mean usually people leave their home town to begin on a new life and embark on new adventures. So imagine her surprise when she runs into Theo and finds him a grown-up and no longer this goofy boy. Cora begins to work with Theo at his bookstore, and the inevitable happens. Cora starts to see him in a whole new light. She starts to develop feelings for him and soon the sparks of flying. Magical sparks that is!!! You will have to pick up this gem and find out if there is a happy ending and if Theo and Cora wind up together.
In conclusion reading this book shows you how despite life‘s ups and downs the important thing is to pick yourself up. To find and work on yourself because in the long run what is destined for you will always come to be. And, if you appreciate a good writer that can show you that the journey is the best part in their storytelling then that makes someone a great author. Lily A. Larkspur does that in this beautifully written storyline. She creates characters that makes us fall in love with and in the process shows us that starting over doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve failed. That a great loss can bring family closer together. This book is filled with magical moments that will touch your heart. She definitely earns my five out of five star review.
10 out of 10 would recommend this book to everyone!!!
Profile Image for Belinda Smith.
573 reviews22 followers
November 5, 2025
There are some books that feel like a warm hug on a cold, rainy evening — Merry Meet Again was exactly that for me ☕🌧️. From the very first page, I could feel the quiet magic and soft melancholy of Cora’s story — a woman returning home with a heart in pieces and magic that refuses to cooperate.

Yuletide used to be her favorite time of year, but not this one. After her heart is broken and her trust is shattered, Cora heads back to Valley Creek Hollow — a small, cozy town brimming with festive charm and memories she thought she left behind. 💔✨ With her magic flickering and her spirit tired, she only wants to hide away… until she runs into her childhood best friend, Theo Mercer. The boy who once chased her with frogs is now a grown man with quiet confidence, a gentle heart, and a bookstore that’s struggling to stay afloat 📚❤️.

Working alongside Theo to save the bookstore slowly becomes Cora’s way of rediscovering herself. The town’s cozy magic wraps around them, old memories resurface, and suddenly—there’s more than just sparks in the air. There’s healing, forgiveness, and love blooming right in the middle of winter ❄️🕯️.

The way Lily A. Larkspur wrote this story made me feel everything. The grief, the fear of starting over, the beauty of finding your light again—it all came through so vividly. Her writing was lush, immersive, and emotional in the best way. I adored how she showed that coming home doesn’t mean failure—it can mean rediscovery, reconnection, and second chances 🕊️.

Cora and Theo’s chemistry was beautifully slow-burn and so soft. Every shared glance, every witty bit of banter, every hesitant brush of fingers… it all made my heart ache in the best possible way 🥺💞. The transition from friendship to romance felt real and earned, with none of the rushed drama or unnecessary angst. Just two people finding each other again when they needed it most.

💫 Tropes & vibes you’ll love:
👩‍❤️‍👨 Childhood friends to lovers
🌙 Small town magic & cozy vibes
💞 He falls first
✨ Slow-burn romance with no third-act breakup
📚 Bookstore setting
💬 Banter-filled dialogues
🧙‍♀️ Witchy heroine learning to heal
❤️ “It’s always been you.” energy

This story reminded me that even when life knocks you down, there’s always room to begin again — and sometimes, love is waiting right where you left it. 💫

⭐ 5/5 stars — a charming, magical, and tender debut that stole my heart.
Thank you so much to Lily A. Larkspur and Beyond The Books PR for the ARC opportunity 💖
Profile Image for Monica (switching platforms) .
261 reviews10 followers
November 11, 2025
Merry Meet Again is a story that revolves around heartbreak, healing, and rediscovering connections, but for me, Cora’s (FMC) pain was overwhelmingly central to the story. Nearly every chapter opens with her thoughts, and almost everything revolves around her grief and the ways she needs to recover. While I understand that each author portrays grief in their own way, here it felt too heavy - not because I was deeply immersed in her vulnerability, but because her struggle had to remain the predominant focus at all times. This focus often left little room for the atmosphere of Valley Creek Hollow, the charm of the small-town setting, or the engagement with other characters or places. I wished her pain had been more diffused, intertwined with her surroundings, rather than dominating every scene.

The pacing, further slowed by detailed descriptions, made the story feel heavier and longer than necessary. As a debut, the book shows promise. It’s clear the author wanted to explore the protagonist’s grief above all, rather than leaning fully into the witchy elements or the cozy, magical setting. Theo is an absolute treasure, and I loved him and I truly appreciated the moments when Lumi helps awaken Cora, and they come to terms with their shared struggles - those were the emotional highlights.

Regarding the witchy aspect: don’t expect anything extreme here. The magic is subtle, almost grounded in realism. I had hoped the setting and small-town charm would offset some of the weight, but it didn’t quite happen.

The last part of the story was much more readable and engaging because Cora finally reached a breaking point and began her healing. I appreciated how she confronted her ex, which felt satisfying and grounded. All in all, there were moments throughout the story that I enjoyed, but in general, I cannot say I fully loved it. Overall, Merry Meet Again is gentle and heartfelt, with slow emotional growth and quiet moments of healing. For me, it felt heavier than intended and could have benefited from a tighter, shorter narrative, but there’s charm here for readers who enjoy introspective, small-town romances.

Huge thanks to #BeyondTheBooksPR and the author for sending me this eARC
Profile Image for ayisha.
45 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2025
Merry Meet Again is the kind of cozy, heartwarming read that feels made for winter nights. The story follows Cora Sparks, a witch whose magic has dimmed after heartbreak, a broken engagement, and more cracks in her confidence than she knows how to hold together. Returning to Valley Creek Hollow—the small hometown she once couldn’t wait to escape, Cora unexpectedly comes face to face with Theo Mercer, her childhood best friend turned charming bookstore owner. He’s no longer the boy chasing her with frogs, but a steady, warm presence who feels like home.
🧙🏻‍♀️
As Cora begins helping Theo save his struggling shop, their easy partnership and old familiarity slowly blossom into something tender and hopeful. Theo shines as the kind of friend and love interest everyone needs kind, patient, quietly grounding and endlessly supportive. Their dynamic is gentle, nostalgic, and full of soft magic.
🧙🏻‍♀️
What truly sets this story apart is Cora’s journey. Watching her navigate heartbreak, rediscover her inner powers, and slowly believe in herself again is beautifully written. You can almost feel her spark returning not just the literal magic, but the part of her heart that had gone quiet.
🧙🏻‍♀️
Lily A. Larkspur’s worldbuilding is warm and inviting, filled with comforting rituals, found family energy, and the charm of a small town that feels alive in every scene. The writing is heartfelt and sprinkled with just enough holiday magic to make you want to curl up with a blanket and read it in one sitting.
🧙🏻‍♀️
A cosy, magical romance with emotional depth and irresistible charm . perfect for readers who love witches, winter vibes, and stories about finding your way back to yourself.
Profile Image for Iris.
13 reviews
November 11, 2025
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶️🌶️
𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲: Cozy Small Town Romance • Witchy warmth

“𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻.”

💭 𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 follows Cora, a young witch returning home after heartbreak, self-doubt, and the slow unraveling of who she used to be. As winter settles in, she reconnects with her roots, her craft, and perhaps most unexpectedly, Theo, the boy who once knew her best. Between snow-dusted rituals, tarot readings, and the quiet magic of forgiveness, this story glows with warmth and renewal.

What struck me most was how Lily balanced loss and hope. The writing feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket that still smells faintly of cinnamon and pine soft, nostalgic, and a little bittersweet. There are moments of gentle romance, but the true magic lies in Cora’s journey toward herself.

I adored the way Lily wove spirituality and witchcraft into everyday healing. The tarot scene with 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘭 card absolutely melted me, it’s such a perfect symbol for new beginnings. I also loved that the story is written in third person POV, it gives the narrative a calm, reflective distance that makes Cora and Theo’s moments feel timeless and quietly profound. It gave the story a soft, storybook quality that made the world feel grounded and nostalgic.

A huge thank you to 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗣𝗥 and 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗔. 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗽𝘂𝗿 for sending me this e-ARC! 💌

📚 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: He Falls First • No Third Act Break-Up • Childhood Friends To Lovers • Small Town, Magical Vibes • Return To Hometown • "It's Always Been You"
Profile Image for Jenna.
428 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2025
💬 "She used to believe she was too much. Too sharp, too weird, too uncertain. She'd twisted herself into someone more palatable before, and it had almost broken her."

📚 Merry Meet Again is a beautifully written story of pain, growth, trust, and love. 💖

❄️🎄 The setting is magical and filled with Yuletide joy - there's witches, a dreamy winter season, small town cozy vibes, and a MAGICAL bookstore. I loved all the little details about the cozy shops and holiday happenings that create the lovely Hallmark-ish backdrop for the story.

🌟 Cora and Theo both have depth to their characters and go through their own individual growing pains, as well as some together. Cora's journey is such a beautiful coming of age type of story... it's that vibe of early 30s learning to trust and love yourself first. Nicole (mom) and Lumi (bff) are also memorable, with their own stories woven in.

👩🏾‍❤️‍👨🏾 The slow burn friends to lovers was done so well and truly felt like a realistic representation of what a childhood friendship to adult relationship can be.

📚 Overall, this was a beautiful book. I loved the setting, the character journey, and the overall cozy vibes. Merry Meet Again is one of those books that's like a long, comforting hug where you feel all the emotions during the embrace.

✨️💖 Thanks to the author, Lily A Larkspur, and Beyond the Books PR for the eArc of Merry Meet Again 💖✨️
Profile Image for Manjima (reads.n.escapes).
103 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2025
It’s been a while since a book felt this gentle.
Merry Meet Again by Lily A. Larkspur is one of those reads that doesn’t rush you...it lets you breathe, heal, and slowly remember what warmth feels like.

The story follows Cora Sparks, a witch whose magic has gone dim after a heartbreak, a broken engagement and too many cracks in her confidence. She returns to Valley Creek Hollow, her small hometown she once couldn’t wait to escape, only to run into her childhood best friend Theo Mercer, now a bookstore owner with the kind of quiet steadiness that feels like home.As Cora helps him save his shop (and slowly rediscovers her spark), you can almost feel her magic returning, not just the literal kind, but the part of her that believes again.

It’s a quiet story, not dramatic or overly twisty but that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. It’s about coming home, forgiving yourself, and realizing that healing doesn’t always look grand; sometimes it’s just letting someone hold your hand in the middle of a snowstorm and saying, “I’m still here.”

Larkspur’s writing has that soft, nostalgic glow, like a candlelit evening with tea and a little snow outside. The witchy details add whimsy, but it’s really Cora’s emotional journey that makes it shine. And Theo? He’s the kind of love interest who restores your faith in tenderness.

If you love:
🪄 Witchy slow-burns
📚 Cozy bookshops
💔 Soft second chances
☕ Wintery comfort reads
…then this book will find you at the right time.

It’s magical in that quiet, comforting way, like a hug you didn’t realize you needed
Profile Image for Hannah.
897 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2025
A non-Christmas holiday novel, a town of witches, lots of bi rep, and a whole lot of baggage to unpack - welcome to Merry Meet Again.

For the first time in years, Cora is home for the holidays - Yule, not Christmas. After a difficult breakup and losing her job, she’s returned to the place she ran from. Very little has changed in her time away…except the new owner of the bookstore is her old friend Theo.

Before long they are spending every moment together as they work on a fundraiser. Determined to avoid being hurt again, Cora keeps herself busy…but unresolved grief doesn’t magically go away.

This is a tale of magic, love, and grief. There’s a lot of emotional work for both characters to do as they deal with their pasts. Cora must face the loss of her father and her breakup before she is able to let her heart move forward.

I loved how Cora’s best friend was an important part of the story, not just a convenient plot device. The Black and bi representation in this book was great without being over the top about it.

This is a no spice relationship that does make mention of spicy stuff in other ways. The book deals with death of a parent, infidelity (her ex), ex drama, and difficult parental relationships.

All up, this book was super cosy with superb banter. I’d definitely recommend it for fans of cosy holiday romances.
Profile Image for Yashna.
69 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2025
ARC Review:
My Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Cora Sparks is a thirty-year-old witch whose life and magic have both lost their spark. Returning home to Valley Creek Hollow after heartbreak, she finds herself face-to-face with Theo Mercer, her childhood friend turned bookstore owner. He is no longer the boy with glasses chasing her with frogs. 🐸

Theo was my favorite part of this story. His quiet strength, patience, and ability to show up for Cora even when he was drowning in his own worries made him stand out. Lumi, Cora’s best friend, also shined through as the voice of reason and the friend everyone needs—the one who loves you enough to tell you the truth.

Cora, however, tested my patience and was a tricky one to love. She was fragile and self-pitying and at times took the people around her for granted. Thankfully, Lumi, her best friend, was the much-needed reality check who reminded her what it means to stop running and face what hurts. Still, her growth and rediscovery of herself through love, magic, and community gave the story warmth and hope. 💛

The story itself is slow, descriptive, and filled with cozy holiday vibes and a touch of witchy magic. It is about finding your light again when everything feels dull and about letting love help you rediscover who you are. 💫
Profile Image for Cassie.
119 reviews
November 10, 2025
✨️✨️ARC Review✨️✨️

Cora Sparks, heartbroken and magically adrift, returns to her hometown of Valley Creek Hollow to heal after her life unravels. The story follows her slow reconnection with her roots and her childhood friend, Theo Mercer, now a quietly confident bookseller in need of help saving his shop.

Their renewed friendship grows naturally into something deeper, woven through with Yuletide rituals, family warmth, and the understated hum of everyday magic. Larkspur’s world feels lived in, full of candlelight, herbs, and hope, and her portrayal of grief and recovery rings true without tipping into sentimentality.

At times the pacing lingers as Cora wrestles with her doubts, but the emotional honesty keeps the story grounded. The romance unfolds with tenderness rather than drama, offering a sense of comfort that matches the book’s seasonal charm. Merry Meet Again is less about grand gestures and more about rediscovering balance, belonging, and quiet joy.

Definitely a book for readers who enjoy cosy, witch-infused tales.
Profile Image for Gnana Prakashini.A.
51 reviews
November 18, 2025
Let me tell you, Merry Meet Again is exactly the kind of cozy, witchy, small-town romance I didn’t know I was desperate for. You’ve got Cora dragging herself back home, hauling enough emotional baggage to fill a whole luggage cart, trying to act like she’s got it all together (she so doesn’t).

And then there’s Theo—honestly, just the gentlest soul, the sort of person you instantly trust. The two of them have this slow-burn thing going on that’s downright adorable. Seriously, I caught myself rooting for them out loud, wishing they’d just get together already.

The side characters totally steal the show, too. Lumi’s always stirring up trouble, Nicole feels like everyone’s favorite mom, and the whole town gives off major pumpkin-spice comfort vibes.

This book just wraps you up in nostalgia and warmth, with a dash of magic that sneaks up and tugs at your heart. If you’re looking for something that feels like a hug and a little bit of healing, this is it. Cozy, sweet, and just witchy enough—I’d pack my bags for this town in a heartbeat.

My Ratings: 4⭐
Profile Image for Anushka Yadav.
69 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2025
ARC review - Merry meet again 🤎

Firstly this book was comfort in form of a book and secondly I am glad I picked up this book .

So , we have Cora , who is heartbroken and usually tries to hide herself from situations, then we have Theo who is good looking , handsome and man of dreams. When cora got her heart broken , she returned to her hometown to heal . Her mother and bestfriend became her saviour .....but she didn't expected Theo to be the man of her dreams 😒 He owns a bookstore which is not in a good condition, she decides to help theo but destiny was already planned, seems like they both needed each other's help 😉

Final verdict - Mary Meet Again is a novel best suited for readers who appreciate deeply psychological character studies and stories that prioritize emotional realism over dramatic plot twists. It’s a comforting read, but one that challenges the reader to consider the roads not taken.

Rating 4.5/5 ⭐ (.5 extra because theo is a sweetheart and a bookstore owner)
Profile Image for Mish Zia.
7 reviews
November 16, 2025
If you’re looking for a mix or crossover between Halloween Magic and Christmas festive cheer, this book is definitely up your alley..

A story where Cora heartbroken from her past relationship, find herself unable to face her mother and the small town where she resides.

Until a familiar stranger provides and become that safety and security.

I loved the way this book was written a very cute romance featuring small town charm with a slight sizzle of romance in the air.. this is totally up your street if you’re looking for cute cozy reads and minimal smut.

With themes of healing and recovery as Cora finds herself back in her home town but also with a welcome diversion/distraction.

If you prefer tropes of childhood friends to lovers, return to hometown, he falls first, healing, second chances, finding yourself and power of community and love.. this is one is for you!

P.S. if you’re a fan of deep down of the concept of childhood sweethearts this book will make you melt.
518 reviews14 followers
November 17, 2025
The story follows Cora, a young witch who returns to her hometown after going through heartbreak and losing her sense of self. She’s not just trying to heal she’s trying to remember who she used to be.

Back home she reconnects with Theo, her childhood best friend. I loved how their relationship slowly shifted from old memories to something deeper. Theo was kind and steady, and their connection felt soft and real. It wasn’t rushed, just two people finding their way back to each other.

The setting added so much charm. The town felt like a warm blanket snowy streets, cozy shops, and a little bit of magic in the air. I especially enjoyed the scenes in Theo’s bookstore and the way Cora helped him try to save it. It gave their story purpose and made their bond even stronger.

What stood out most to me was how the book handled healing. It wasn’t dramatic or flashy it was quiet and meaningful.
Profile Image for Vicky.
49 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️ 1/2
A witchy holiday romance with a childhood crush and a cozy bookstore? Merry Meet Again had me ready to be enchanted… but the spell fizzled a bit for me. ✨

❄️ Yuletide magic, a cozy small town, and a second chance at love — this one had all the right ingredients, but sadly it just didn’t fully click for me. The first half felt a little too slow and overly descriptive, which made it hard to stay engaged or connect with the characters.
I also felt that the magical element didn’t quite blend naturally into the story. It was present, but more like a background detail than something that truly shaped the world or the characters’ identities.

🌲 That said, the holiday atmosphere was beautifully done. The warmth of the bookstore really shone through, and there were some lovely reflections on love, grief, and rediscovering yourself that stood out to me.

✨ However, just because it was not my cup of tea, does not mean you will not like it!
If you like a very Hallmark-style holiday romance with the following tropes, then this book might be your jam:
🌙 Small town romance with magical vibes
💖 It’s always been you
🍵 Childhood friends to lovers
📚 Bookstore setting
💛 He falls first

Thank you to Beyond The Books PR for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Pritomsreeta Borah.
62 reviews
November 11, 2025
Thank you Beyond the Books PR for the gifted E-ARC.

Merry Meet Again is a gentle, low-stakes reconnection story centered around Cora's return home and her reunion with childhood friend, Theo. This book is the definition of a cozy comfort read, trading high drama for quiet moments of healing and rebuilding.
The pacing is extremely deliberate (a very slow burn), focusing entirely on emotional growth and shared glances, rather than external conflict. While the bookstore and small-town atmosphere are charming and beautifully rendered, the deliberate lack of momentum means the narrative occasionally coasts. It’s a pleasant, comforting read if you're looking for something soft and steady, but it might feel a little too slight for readers expecting a more impactful plot or emotional peak. Perfect for a rainy afternoon, but not a standout.

Profile Image for Katelyn.
5 reviews
November 14, 2025
This is a cozy, tender childhood-friends-to-lovers story with just the right touch of magic. I really enjoyed reading this and could feel the love the author poured into crafting these characters. The way each person handles grief felt honest and layered, showing how loss never fully leaves us, especially when we try to outrun it. I loved the beginning and ending; both pulled me in and wrapped things up beautifully. None of the characters were perfect, but that’s exactly what made them real. Their dynamics felt meaningful, and every character added something important to the story. There’s humor, emotion, and a lot of heart here.
My only critique is that the middle section moved a little slowly, and the will-they/won’t-they tension sometimes felt more frustrating than realistic. But overall, this was a warm, heartfelt read that I’m glad I read!
203 reviews
November 16, 2025
Merry Meet Again is a perfect book for winter nights.

The story follows Cora Sparks, a thirty-year-old witch who returns home after a heartbreak and finds herself face-to-face with Theo Mercer — the boy who once knew her best. Her childhood friend has grown into a charming bookstore owner; he’s no longer the boy chasing her with frogs.

Theo was my favourite part of the story. He is kind, patient, and the way he shows up for Cora has my heart. Lumi, Cora’s friend, also shines as the friend everyone needs. Together, they team up to save the bookstore, and old feelings slowly bring Cora and Theo closer.

Cora’s journey of heartbreak, magic, and rediscovery had me clutching my blanket.

The author has created a world that feels alive. The writing style is impressive — heartfelt and introspective.

I recommend this book to fans of cosy holiday romances.
Profile Image for Leighanne Sheila.
10 reviews
Read
November 17, 2025
💖🎄❄️ HOLIDAY SEASON & WITCHY VIBES...yes please! The pefect book for me, one you'll find reading all snuggled up with a candle lit! 🔮✨️🤎👌🫶🍁🍂

💗 We meet Cora who returns home after being in a relationship with Avery! Cora reunites with some of her old friends including Theo the new hottie in town! Cora ends up falling for Theo and as we follow their journey we learn that life always has twists and turns! You get to see what happens when Cora takes chances and let's fate decide where her life is going to go! From childhood friends to lovers, to he falls first, small town vibes and a cosy read you'll want to delve right into! No spoilers here! Read to see how Theo & Cora reunite!

💗 Thank you so much to Beyond PR for the ARC of MERRY meet again! First title I've read from this author and I absolutely adored it!
Profile Image for Katie Grace.
84 reviews
November 1, 2025
Merry Meet Again was a heartwarming debut story from this author which follows two childhood friends who reconnect later in life and become lovers.

Cora and Theo give Jenna Rink and Matt Flamhaff vibes a la 13 going on 30 mixed with You’ve Got Mail (except Cora, being the Tom Hanks in this scenario, actually helps save the bookstore) within the coziness of a small town setting.

Cora is a witch struggling with her magic and grief, but finds her life unexpectedly changed when she finds herself back home but she’s not the only one who has returned.

Her childhood best friend has too…

Theo has taken over the bookstore but it’s in need of financial help. Together they work to save the bookstore but is it also leading to a second chance at love?
Profile Image for Kristen Jauregui.
61 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2025
Merry Meet Again is a cozy, witchy hug of a book. Cora’s return home (complete with heartbreak, grief, and a whole lot of avoidance) is written with honesty and emotional depth. Watching her slowly heal while reconnecting with Theo, the world’s sweetest bookstore owner, is beautifully satisfying. Their slow-burn, low-spice romance felt so tender and real.

The witchy small town is warm and full of color, and the side characters add so much charm without ever stealing focus. Though the story tackles some heavy themes (like parental loss, infidelity, complicated families) it stays comforting throughout.

Perfect for readers who want a soft holiday romance that’s equal parts magical and healing.
Profile Image for Wasifa Noshin.
13 reviews
November 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this novel, I love the witchy and holiday vibes, very apropos as we head into spooky season and the holidays!

Larkspur deos a great job building the world of Valley Creek Hollow, I feel like I’m there smelling all the smells and feeling all the textures and whatnot of the bookstore. This world building is so important for me to get attached to the characters of Cora and Theo.

Larkspur does a fantastic job in developing her characters with authenticity that I feel like I’m already friends with these characters and can understand their struggles. I appreciated that Larkspur did a slow burn that allowed me to realy immerse myself in their love story!
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
3,035 reviews106 followers
November 7, 2025
This story hit home for me in the sweetest way ever. Cora returns home and runs into a childhood friend that isn’t that nerdy little boy anymore. He’s grown up into a handsome man. This was my husband and I. I find him after seeing him for the last time when he was 7. Grown, pretty darn hot now. Anyway, lol. I loved how she stepped in to help him with his bookshop.
The care that was shown by both of them, and the developing attraction, really warmed my heart. I enjoyed the characters and the story itself. Finding it to be a really cute and cozy read. Thank you for allowing me to read this as an ARC, it was a wonderful story.
Profile Image for Chelsea Alexandria.
5 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2025
Basic winter vibes story about love, grief, and getting your life back on track after a rough patch. Brings in magic that doesn’t really add much to this winter story think the story line could have done without it. Don’t really care for the magical witchy stories. Touches slightly on LGBTQ community and African American family. Was very descriptive which can be nice to set the scene but at times is seemed to much which is probably why this book was also longer than it needed to be. Not my cup of tea but might be yours in your into romance and witchy vibes with lots of detail to set the scene.
Profile Image for Vanessa Jacquez.
40 reviews
November 19, 2025
Arc Review <3
This was a very cozy, small town, witchy, holiday romance! I really enjoyed this book and the characters (Theo is the best hands down) And I appreciated how the conflicts were rooted in real life problems and not super dramatized. Because of that I felt like I was able to relate to these characters on a deeper level. I also felt like this was a perfect book to enter the Christmas season with because it wasn't too heavy handed in the christmasy tropes and vibes but it was still a very wintery and cozy read! Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely look forward to reading future novels by this author.
Profile Image for The Literature Lizard.
209 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2025
✨ARC Review✨

📖Merry Meet Again by Lily A. Larkspur
📖Standalone Contemporary | 447 Pages
📖Coming November 6, 2025!

Thank you to Beyond the Book PR and Lily for providing me with an advanced copy of Merry Meet Again. As always, my opinions are my own!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/❤️

Amazing! That’s all I can say about this book. Merry Meet Again is a cute, cozy and witchy romance full of hurt/comfort, love and healing, as well as some self rediscovery and reconnection. If you’re looking for open door spice, you won’t find it here but I can promise you that this story will make up for it!
Profile Image for LollyReads97.
123 reviews
November 3, 2025
So fortunate to have received an ARC of this book. This story gave all the cozy holiday vibes with a hint of magic on the side. Really enjoyed Theo and Cora’s story - the whole childhood friends reconnecting and developing feelings for eachother felt very 13 going on 30 - loved their chemistry and the fact he fell first. Overall a good read!

Profile Image for ARIETTY .
4 reviews
November 5, 2025
Get swept away by the poignant tale of two childhood sweethearts nestled in a picturesque town, where romance, witchcraft, and mayhem entwine.🔮

Experience the euphoric moments of anticipation, the laughter, and the sweet whispers, all culminating in that magical phrase: 'it's always been you.' 🪄

A heartwarming indulgence for your soul.🎆
Profile Image for Kati Walker.
13 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2025
ARC Review - This was such a cozy little magical read! It definitely got me into the holiday spirit! It’s a small town romance and with a side of witchy magic, what’s not to love!? I’m bad about sharing spoilers so I won’t say anything else, just go read it!
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