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Willowbrook Wishes
Can a wish tear down walls around a heart?
In the summer of 1998, Lily Harper drifts into Willowbrook, Ohio, her heart guarded by old scars and a plan to leave as soon as she’s done rebranding the town’s beloved county fair. But Ethan Calloway, the gruff bookstore owner protecting his late father’s legacy, turns her quick exit into a heated clash of wills. Their bickering sparks something deeper, kindled by the Wishing Tree’s hopeful ribbons and starlit summer nights.
As 90s pop songs blast from boomboxes and kids race through the fairgrounds, Willowbrook’s loyal friends weave a community that tugs at Lily’s defenses. Can she trust a town—and a love—worth staying for?
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, Willowbrook Wishes blends 90s nostalgia with heartwarming, enemies-to-lovers romance in a charming small town. This is Book One in the Willowbrook series—fall into Willowbrook’s glow today.
In the summer of 1998, Lily Harper drifts into Willowbrook, Ohio, her heart guarded by old scars and a plan to leave as soon as she’s done rebranding the town’s beloved county fair. But Ethan Calloway, the gruff bookstore owner protecting his late father’s legacy, turns her quick exit into a heated clash of wills. Their bickering sparks something deeper, kindled by the Wishing Tree’s hopeful ribbons and starlit summer nights.
As 90s pop songs blast from boomboxes and kids race through the fairgrounds, Willowbrook’s loyal friends weave a community that tugs at Lily’s defenses. Can she trust a town—and a love—worth staying for?
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, Willowbrook Wishes blends 90s nostalgia with heartwarming, enemies-to-lovers romance in a charming small town. This is Book One in the Willowbrook series—fall into Willowbrook’s glow today.
- GenresRomanceEnemies To Lovers
463 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
81 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book worked well for me as a palate cleanser after reading something heavier. The writing is smooth and approachable, the pacing is steady, and the small-town setting is clearly drawn. It’s an easy book to move through and maintains a consistently gentle, low-stress tone.
That said, it didn’t fully engage me on an emotional level. While the prose is polished and emotionally articulate, many moments that could have carried more tension or vulnerability are quickly resolved. Feelings are acknowledged and named, then neatly contained, which kept the story from fully immersing me. The dialogue, in particular, often felt surface-level and leaned heavily on familiar, sometimes cliché exchanges, making conversations feel more functional than revealing.
The female lead is likable and socially fluent, but her inner world often feels curated rather than lived-in. Even moments of loneliness, longing, or uncertainty are quickly smoothed over, and I found myself wanting more emotional messiness and vulnerability to deepen that connection.
The male lead’s storyline resonated more strongly for me and felt like the emotional heart of the book. His experiences with grief, financial strain, and responsibility carried more weight, though I wished the narrative lingered longer in those moments and allowed them to press more heavily on his thoughts and behavior.
Overall, this is a competent and pleasant read, but one that didn’t stay with me. If this hadn’t been an ARC, it likely would have been a DNF for me due to personal taste rather than overall quality. Readers who prefer lighter, emotionally steady stories with a polished tone will likely connect with this more than I did.
That said, it didn’t fully engage me on an emotional level. While the prose is polished and emotionally articulate, many moments that could have carried more tension or vulnerability are quickly resolved. Feelings are acknowledged and named, then neatly contained, which kept the story from fully immersing me. The dialogue, in particular, often felt surface-level and leaned heavily on familiar, sometimes cliché exchanges, making conversations feel more functional than revealing.
The female lead is likable and socially fluent, but her inner world often feels curated rather than lived-in. Even moments of loneliness, longing, or uncertainty are quickly smoothed over, and I found myself wanting more emotional messiness and vulnerability to deepen that connection.
The male lead’s storyline resonated more strongly for me and felt like the emotional heart of the book. His experiences with grief, financial strain, and responsibility carried more weight, though I wished the narrative lingered longer in those moments and allowed them to press more heavily on his thoughts and behavior.
Overall, this is a competent and pleasant read, but one that didn’t stay with me. If this hadn’t been an ARC, it likely would have been a DNF for me due to personal taste rather than overall quality. Readers who prefer lighter, emotionally steady stories with a polished tone will likely connect with this more than I did.
February 2, 2026
Thank you to the Author so much for the ARC!
In the story, you have Lily, who is the FMC and Ethan who is the MMC.
Lily grew up in foster care and was neglected a lot but now she is an independent, strong career woman, however, she has abandonment issues and she feels that she doesn’t fit in anywhere.
Ethan is a hard-working man who is grieving the death of his father and dealing with financial struggles since inheriting his dad’s bookstore.
Lily is sent to Willowbrook to help out with their festival so that the town doesn’t suffer financially and cut funded programs. In this journey, Lily finds herself wanting to feel like she fits in like she belongs like she has a home and a family. But she has Carol who lives next-door and shows her genuine love and affection when Lily needs it the most.
Ethan and Lily have a mutual affection, but they both struggle and don’t want to commit because of their fears, but they learned to work together and their relationship develops overtime. Now Lily and Ethan are faced with the decision to make.
Will this town survive? Will their relationship grow? Will Lillys wishes come true?
Tropes:
Small town
Golden retriever
Force proximity
Grumpy sunshine
Found family
Closed door
90s nostalgia
In the story, you have Lily, who is the FMC and Ethan who is the MMC.
Lily grew up in foster care and was neglected a lot but now she is an independent, strong career woman, however, she has abandonment issues and she feels that she doesn’t fit in anywhere.
Ethan is a hard-working man who is grieving the death of his father and dealing with financial struggles since inheriting his dad’s bookstore.
Lily is sent to Willowbrook to help out with their festival so that the town doesn’t suffer financially and cut funded programs. In this journey, Lily finds herself wanting to feel like she fits in like she belongs like she has a home and a family. But she has Carol who lives next-door and shows her genuine love and affection when Lily needs it the most.
Ethan and Lily have a mutual affection, but they both struggle and don’t want to commit because of their fears, but they learned to work together and their relationship develops overtime. Now Lily and Ethan are faced with the decision to make.
Will this town survive? Will their relationship grow? Will Lillys wishes come true?
Tropes:
Small town
Golden retriever
Force proximity
Grumpy sunshine
Found family
Closed door
90s nostalgia
April 21, 2026
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A cute classic enemies-to-lovers trope small town romance novel. Set in the 90s the narrative is filled with nostalgic memories of that era with song references and quotes from movies.
Lily Harper, a big city girl takes the town by a storm with her charming personality and take-no-prisoners work ethic. She is pitching the town representatives with a modernized vision for their annual fair without losing its core values. The fair is vital to the town’s finances as it raises the necessary funds to support the local programs.
Ethan Calloway, the struggling bookstore owner that he inherited from his father clashes with Lily from the get-go but he finds himself unexplainably attracted to this dynamo of a woman. Not only by her beauty but mostly for her demeanor. The town approves Lily’s plan and sets her up in an empty area in Ethan’s bookstore to his initial chagrin.
Lily’s loud music work environment and problem solving skills start to break Ethan’s initial apprehension. As he tries to get to know her better he bounces off her alter ego barriers established to protect her true self. A fragile persona product of a tough upbringing.
There are a slew of other characters that make this a charming story with all the warmth of small town living.
Overall very entertaining.
A cute classic enemies-to-lovers trope small town romance novel. Set in the 90s the narrative is filled with nostalgic memories of that era with song references and quotes from movies.
Lily Harper, a big city girl takes the town by a storm with her charming personality and take-no-prisoners work ethic. She is pitching the town representatives with a modernized vision for their annual fair without losing its core values. The fair is vital to the town’s finances as it raises the necessary funds to support the local programs.
Ethan Calloway, the struggling bookstore owner that he inherited from his father clashes with Lily from the get-go but he finds himself unexplainably attracted to this dynamo of a woman. Not only by her beauty but mostly for her demeanor. The town approves Lily’s plan and sets her up in an empty area in Ethan’s bookstore to his initial chagrin.
Lily’s loud music work environment and problem solving skills start to break Ethan’s initial apprehension. As he tries to get to know her better he bounces off her alter ego barriers established to protect her true self. A fragile persona product of a tough upbringing.
There are a slew of other characters that make this a charming story with all the warmth of small town living.
Overall very entertaining.
February 19, 2026
ARC review. Absolutely adorable!! If you love a slow burn, clean and cozy read, this is for you. This book transported me back to the 90’s when I was falling in love with my husband.
The songs, oh the songs… the 90’s vibe… the small town… the sweet love story… discovering family… gave me all the feels!! Kristen Reads had me not only loving the main characters but all that were introduced in the book, which is rare for me. I am already guessing who the main characters of book 2 might be!
This is a clean and sweet 5 star read for me⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grab yours on May 5, 2026!!
The songs, oh the songs… the 90’s vibe… the small town… the sweet love story… discovering family… gave me all the feels!! Kristen Reads had me not only loving the main characters but all that were introduced in the book, which is rare for me. I am already guessing who the main characters of book 2 might be!
This is a clean and sweet 5 star read for me⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grab yours on May 5, 2026!!
December 30, 2025
No spice. No problem.
If you love a cozy romance with heart, Willowbrook Wishes delivers. Set against a nostalgic 90s backdrop, this heartfelt small-town romance leans into everything readers love about the genre. With its enemies-to-lovers tension, close-knit community, and found family dynamics, the story feels like a warm hug you didn’t know you needed.
But what truly sets this book apart is its focus on connection.
Rather than relying on dramatic twists or high-stakes conflict, the story unfolds through quiet moments, shared history, and emotional growth that's grounded in a simpler time filled with nostalgia and heart, making the small-town setting feel alive, shaped by local traditions, familiar hangout spots, and the kind of neighbors who know your past but choose to love you anyway.
The characters are imperfect, layered, and relatable. Watching their guarded edges slowly soften is both satisfying and believable. But their journey isn’t just about romance—it’s about healing and learning to let others in, making the family aspect especially touching, and showing how support can come from unexpected places and how chosen connections can be just as powerful as blood ties.
Every detail feels intentional, from the setting to the emotional beats. The story celebrates the beauty of ordinary moments and reminds us that love doesn’t have to be flashy to be meaningful. It’s about showing up, being seen, and being accepted fully—scars, flaws, and all.
Overall, Willowbrook Wishes is a gentle, uplifting read that prioritizes heart over heat, leaving you with a sense of warmth long after you turn the final page, which makes it perfect for readers who love nostalgic vibes, character-driven romance, and stories that feel real, genuine, and achingly familiar.
If you love a cozy romance with heart, Willowbrook Wishes delivers. Set against a nostalgic 90s backdrop, this heartfelt small-town romance leans into everything readers love about the genre. With its enemies-to-lovers tension, close-knit community, and found family dynamics, the story feels like a warm hug you didn’t know you needed.
But what truly sets this book apart is its focus on connection.
Rather than relying on dramatic twists or high-stakes conflict, the story unfolds through quiet moments, shared history, and emotional growth that's grounded in a simpler time filled with nostalgia and heart, making the small-town setting feel alive, shaped by local traditions, familiar hangout spots, and the kind of neighbors who know your past but choose to love you anyway.
The characters are imperfect, layered, and relatable. Watching their guarded edges slowly soften is both satisfying and believable. But their journey isn’t just about romance—it’s about healing and learning to let others in, making the family aspect especially touching, and showing how support can come from unexpected places and how chosen connections can be just as powerful as blood ties.
Every detail feels intentional, from the setting to the emotional beats. The story celebrates the beauty of ordinary moments and reminds us that love doesn’t have to be flashy to be meaningful. It’s about showing up, being seen, and being accepted fully—scars, flaws, and all.
Overall, Willowbrook Wishes is a gentle, uplifting read that prioritizes heart over heat, leaving you with a sense of warmth long after you turn the final page, which makes it perfect for readers who love nostalgic vibes, character-driven romance, and stories that feel real, genuine, and achingly familiar.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3 stars.
This book is ripe with potential in my eyes but fails to meet the mark for me in a few aspects.
1. This book was filled with fluff and added side moments/characters. I assume it was written this way to introduce us to the potential next characters in a book, but it drug out insanely long for me. It took me about 70% of the book to finally *get into it* which is way too long.
2. I understand this is a no-spice romance, but it also took too long for the couple to finally kiss. This is obviously a personal preference, and it was a slow burn, but it took 82% of the book for them to finally even kiss each other for the first time. Truly and honestly, the slowest burn I have ever read and not my speed.
3. Since the couple took so much time to get together, even with her crash course, I feel we didn't get enough time to experience them together. This is supposed to follow her in the town for three months; they get together within the last week - so we spend a majority of the book building up to this only to get 40 pages of them actually dating.
I did like the nostalgia aspect of this book, her super focus on music was annoying with it though. The small-town vibes were perfect in this book, and was true to everything I have ever known about the small towns I have lived in. Where everyone knows one another, and they grew up together to the point it is basically one big family. Everyone shows up in the community no matter what.
I did enjoy this book when I finally got into the story and wanted more for the characters, but the fact it took me so long to care really turned me off for a bit. I would read the second book and give the author another chance.
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is ripe with potential in my eyes but fails to meet the mark for me in a few aspects.
1. This book was filled with fluff and added side moments/characters. I assume it was written this way to introduce us to the potential next characters in a book, but it drug out insanely long for me. It took me about 70% of the book to finally *get into it* which is way too long.
2. I understand this is a no-spice romance, but it also took too long for the couple to finally kiss. This is obviously a personal preference, and it was a slow burn, but it took 82% of the book for them to finally even kiss each other for the first time. Truly and honestly, the slowest burn I have ever read and not my speed.
3. Since the couple took so much time to get together, even with her crash course, I feel we didn't get enough time to experience them together. This is supposed to follow her in the town for three months; they get together within the last week - so we spend a majority of the book building up to this only to get 40 pages of them actually dating.
I did like the nostalgia aspect of this book, her super focus on music was annoying with it though. The small-town vibes were perfect in this book, and was true to everything I have ever known about the small towns I have lived in. Where everyone knows one another, and they grew up together to the point it is basically one big family. Everyone shows up in the community no matter what.
I did enjoy this book when I finally got into the story and wanted more for the characters, but the fact it took me so long to care really turned me off for a bit. I would read the second book and give the author another chance.
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
Willowbrook Wishes. Oh my goodness. This book has surprised me with how deeply I connected with the characters. Lily Harper is such a relatable main character. Her guarded, independent vibe clearly shows how hurt she was by her past. She plastered a smile on her face with a clipboard in hand everyday without letting anyone noticing what was really behind it. I love how she comes to Willowbrook with a plan and her walls fully up but, slowly gets cracked by the town, and its people.
Ethan Calloway. This man is broken, grumpy, and grieving. Ever since Lily came into his bookstore and turned it upside down she also found a way to his heart. He and Lily are full of tension, and banter. But underneath that was the vulnerability that only she could bring out.
Carol is like the mother everyone needs. She is honestly stole the spotlight of entire book and I love her for it.!
This book broke me into pieces then put me back together. I honestly didnt think l'd love it so much but here we are. I can't wait for everyone to read it on 5/5/26!
✨strangers to lovers
✨grumpy x sunshine found family small town
✨he falls first
✨SLOW BURN (first kiss was 82% into the book)
✨90s nostalgia
Quotes~
“Maybe being left behind wouldn’t be the worst thing. Not if it was here. Not if it was with him.
“Honey, people don’t hand you the heaviest parts of themselves unless they’re hoping you’ll help carry them.
Ethan Calloway. This man is broken, grumpy, and grieving. Ever since Lily came into his bookstore and turned it upside down she also found a way to his heart. He and Lily are full of tension, and banter. But underneath that was the vulnerability that only she could bring out.
Carol is like the mother everyone needs. She is honestly stole the spotlight of entire book and I love her for it.!
This book broke me into pieces then put me back together. I honestly didnt think l'd love it so much but here we are. I can't wait for everyone to read it on 5/5/26!
✨strangers to lovers
✨grumpy x sunshine found family small town
✨he falls first
✨SLOW BURN (first kiss was 82% into the book)
✨90s nostalgia
Quotes~
“Maybe being left behind wouldn’t be the worst thing. Not if it was here. Not if it was with him.
“Honey, people don’t hand you the heaviest parts of themselves unless they’re hoping you’ll help carry them.
January 27, 2026
Sooo grateful I was able to be an ARC reader for this book because I absolutely fell in LOVE with the entire story and characters.
This book hooked me at the beginning and made it a quick read to get through! Absolutely loved the slow burn of this book and watching the characters love develop. The story had a great plot without feeling like I was left needing more or less. Having it be a closed door romance to top it off made it one of my favorite reads this year so far!!
This book hooked me at the beginning and made it a quick read to get through! Absolutely loved the slow burn of this book and watching the characters love develop. The story had a great plot without feeling like I was left needing more or less. Having it be a closed door romance to top it off made it one of my favorite reads this year so far!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨📖 ARC Review: Willowbrook Wishes by Kristen Reads ✨
Firstly, I felt so honoured to have the chance to read this before it’s published — and it absolutely did not disappoint.
If you’re craving a cosy, small-town romance, you’ve come to the right place 🤍🌸
Lily has spent her adult life drifting from job to job, never staying anywhere too long. Shaped by her childhood, she made a promise to herself: she would never be the one left behind again. So she keeps moving — always one step ahead of attachment — until she lands in Willowbrook.
What starts as a simple job slowly begins to unravel the carefully built walls around her heart. As much as she tries to hide her growing feelings, cracks begin to form… and for the first time, Lily starts to wonder if maybe she could build a life here after all.
Ethan, still grieving the loss of someone close to him, never expected to fall for a girl who was only meant to be passing through town. But as they work together to bring Summer Fest to life, their connection becomes impossible to ignore.
This story is full of warmth, healing, and that magical small-town charm where everyone knows your name. It’s about learning to stay, letting yourself love, and believing you deserve happiness.
If you love:
🌷 Small-town settings
💛 Emotional healing arcs
🎡 Community festivals
✨ Slow-burn romance
…then add this to your TBR immediately.
I can’t wait for everyone else to experience Willowbrook 🤍
#BookReview #ARCReader #SmallTownRomance #CosyRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReads
Firstly, I felt so honoured to have the chance to read this before it’s published — and it absolutely did not disappoint.
If you’re craving a cosy, small-town romance, you’ve come to the right place 🤍🌸
Lily has spent her adult life drifting from job to job, never staying anywhere too long. Shaped by her childhood, she made a promise to herself: she would never be the one left behind again. So she keeps moving — always one step ahead of attachment — until she lands in Willowbrook.
What starts as a simple job slowly begins to unravel the carefully built walls around her heart. As much as she tries to hide her growing feelings, cracks begin to form… and for the first time, Lily starts to wonder if maybe she could build a life here after all.
Ethan, still grieving the loss of someone close to him, never expected to fall for a girl who was only meant to be passing through town. But as they work together to bring Summer Fest to life, their connection becomes impossible to ignore.
This story is full of warmth, healing, and that magical small-town charm where everyone knows your name. It’s about learning to stay, letting yourself love, and believing you deserve happiness.
If you love:
🌷 Small-town settings
💛 Emotional healing arcs
🎡 Community festivals
✨ Slow-burn romance
…then add this to your TBR immediately.
I can’t wait for everyone else to experience Willowbrook 🤍
#BookReview #ARCReader #SmallTownRomance #CosyRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReads
Review of advance copy
This book has so much nostalgia for me.
🎶 The 90s music and the small town fair had me smiling.
🏘️ I adore a book with a cozy community and sweet cast of characters, and this book nailed that vibe.
🎡 I felt like an event planner reading about fair preparations and could hear the throwback songs playing in my head while I read.
I recommend this book for any:
Millennial
Cozy romance reader
Fan of small town romance
Lover of cute cast of characters
Closed-door romance fans
Person in need of an easy to read, cute, nostalgic romance
Thank you to BookSprout and the author for this ARC! Catch it on its release date May 5, 2026.
🎶 The 90s music and the small town fair had me smiling.
🏘️ I adore a book with a cozy community and sweet cast of characters, and this book nailed that vibe.
🎡 I felt like an event planner reading about fair preparations and could hear the throwback songs playing in my head while I read.
I recommend this book for any:
Millennial
Cozy romance reader
Fan of small town romance
Lover of cute cast of characters
Closed-door romance fans
Person in need of an easy to read, cute, nostalgic romance
Thank you to BookSprout and the author for this ARC! Catch it on its release date May 5, 2026.
January 18, 2026
This book…
I was given the opportunity to read this ARC and I’m so glad I said yes!
This book was extremely well written. The way the scenes in the book were painted, described and executed were perfect. It truely made me feel like I was there in the moment with Lily as she battled her past or as Ethan slowly began to crack and show warmth and life.
This is a book I’ll be thinking about for ages without a doubt!
If you want a book that is set back in time, has life, moments of ‘omg’ and has you giggling when love is in full swing with it being modest then this is the one for you! I loved it!
Easy 5/5 stars!
I was given the opportunity to read this ARC and I’m so glad I said yes!
This book was extremely well written. The way the scenes in the book were painted, described and executed were perfect. It truely made me feel like I was there in the moment with Lily as she battled her past or as Ethan slowly began to crack and show warmth and life.
This is a book I’ll be thinking about for ages without a doubt!
If you want a book that is set back in time, has life, moments of ‘omg’ and has you giggling when love is in full swing with it being modest then this is the one for you! I loved it!
Easy 5/5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
This is a very 90s nostalgic small town romance about a girl who’s hired to come in and rebrand the town’s county fair.
The found family trope was easily my favorite part of this book. There’s something so comforting about a small town community that truly shows up for each other. Lily’s backstory also added an emotional layer, especially seeing how her past shaped the way she felt about Willowbrook and not quite fitting in growing up. With that being said, I don’t think her story was focused on enough, especially when it came to the MMC.
At the beginning, I honestly thought Lily was going to be a shallow city girl, and I think the MMC assumed the same. But the way she cared about the town fair made it really easy to root for her. That part was portrayed really well.
But overall, this wasn’t one of my favorites.
The pacing felt off. It dragged in some places and then rushed through moments that needed more buildup. The MMC’s feelings felt forced at times and he flipped a switch way too quickly, which made the relationship feel a little unearned.
There was also quite a bit of repetition. It felt like I was reading the same conflict over and over, especially with Lily constantly reminding herself and him that she was leaving at the end of the summer. I get that it’s meant to be a slow burn, but if you know me, you know I’m not a slow burn girl, so this part felt a little drawn out for me.
Lily’s backstory was one of the strongest parts of this book. That feeling of not belonging and being able to leave without anyone really noticing was genuinely emotional, and I just wish it had been explored more, especially within the relationship instead of the constant back and forth.
There were also a lot of side characters, and at times they felt repetitive and a bit overwhelming, which pulled me out of the story.
That being said, this is a debut and there’s definitely potential here, especially in the emotional elements and the small town charm it delivers. If you love found family, small towns, and a true slow burn, you may enjoy this one.
Thankful to have received this e-ARC from the author for an honest review of Willowbrook Wishes!
The found family trope was easily my favorite part of this book. There’s something so comforting about a small town community that truly shows up for each other. Lily’s backstory also added an emotional layer, especially seeing how her past shaped the way she felt about Willowbrook and not quite fitting in growing up. With that being said, I don’t think her story was focused on enough, especially when it came to the MMC.
At the beginning, I honestly thought Lily was going to be a shallow city girl, and I think the MMC assumed the same. But the way she cared about the town fair made it really easy to root for her. That part was portrayed really well.
But overall, this wasn’t one of my favorites.
The pacing felt off. It dragged in some places and then rushed through moments that needed more buildup. The MMC’s feelings felt forced at times and he flipped a switch way too quickly, which made the relationship feel a little unearned.
There was also quite a bit of repetition. It felt like I was reading the same conflict over and over, especially with Lily constantly reminding herself and him that she was leaving at the end of the summer. I get that it’s meant to be a slow burn, but if you know me, you know I’m not a slow burn girl, so this part felt a little drawn out for me.
Lily’s backstory was one of the strongest parts of this book. That feeling of not belonging and being able to leave without anyone really noticing was genuinely emotional, and I just wish it had been explored more, especially within the relationship instead of the constant back and forth.
There were also a lot of side characters, and at times they felt repetitive and a bit overwhelming, which pulled me out of the story.
That being said, this is a debut and there’s definitely potential here, especially in the emotional elements and the small town charm it delivers. If you love found family, small towns, and a true slow burn, you may enjoy this one.
Thankful to have received this e-ARC from the author for an honest review of Willowbrook Wishes!
May 5, 2026
This is, hands down, the most wholesome and fun small town romance I have ever read in my life.
The whole book reads like a love letter to small towns.
Ethan is grieving the loss of his father and doing everything he can to keep his memory alive, even if that means not really living for himself.
Lilly is always the traveler, the outsider looking in. Her perfectly curated persona and life of the party attitude are her armor.
When Ethan and Lilly are forced together after a not so meet cute introduction, the grumpy bookstore owner and the sunshine incarnate party planner are in for a ride!
These two are opposites but both have hearts of gold. The side characters are quirky and fun. The high school sweethearts were the absolute sweetest. The 90’s nostalgia was *chef’s kiss, from the play list to the cars, to cruising the Main Street, all of it.
The small town friend group was so tight knit and fun. When the guys lose Pictionary, their very public and “embarrassing” dance performance to the high school’s theme song was an absolute highlight for me.
The whole book reads like a love letter to small towns.
Ethan is grieving the loss of his father and doing everything he can to keep his memory alive, even if that means not really living for himself.
Lilly is always the traveler, the outsider looking in. Her perfectly curated persona and life of the party attitude are her armor.
When Ethan and Lilly are forced together after a not so meet cute introduction, the grumpy bookstore owner and the sunshine incarnate party planner are in for a ride!
These two are opposites but both have hearts of gold. The side characters are quirky and fun. The high school sweethearts were the absolute sweetest. The 90’s nostalgia was *chef’s kiss, from the play list to the cars, to cruising the Main Street, all of it.
The small town friend group was so tight knit and fun. When the guys lose Pictionary, their very public and “embarrassing” dance performance to the high school’s theme song was an absolute highlight for me.
May 1, 2026
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprouts and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn’t expect for a clean 90s romcom to grab me from the start and drag my heart through it all the way to the end. I will be shouting to the rooftops for this book. I loved every single minute. The perfect grumpy/sunshine romance. I loved every single scene in this and every character had my heart. I couldn’t even tell you who’s my favorite because they’re all my favorites. It was also such a slow burn that the kissing didn’t even happen until 80% into it. I didn’t even mind as I was obsessed with this small town. I wished I lived in this town. I also connected to Lily hardcore. The feeling of wanting to belong is something I’ve always wanted so I totally understood how she felt. And the fact that there was no miscommunication was the best. A misunderstanding maybe. Honestly I couldn’t get enough of this book and more people need to read it.
I didn’t expect for a clean 90s romcom to grab me from the start and drag my heart through it all the way to the end. I will be shouting to the rooftops for this book. I loved every single minute. The perfect grumpy/sunshine romance. I loved every single scene in this and every character had my heart. I couldn’t even tell you who’s my favorite because they’re all my favorites. It was also such a slow burn that the kissing didn’t even happen until 80% into it. I didn’t even mind as I was obsessed with this small town. I wished I lived in this town. I also connected to Lily hardcore. The feeling of wanting to belong is something I’ve always wanted so I totally understood how she felt. And the fact that there was no miscommunication was the best. A misunderstanding maybe. Honestly I couldn’t get enough of this book and more people need to read it.
Review of advance copy
Willowbrooke Wishes is a perfect blend of 90s nostalgia, small-town charm, and slow burn, cozy romance. And when I say slow burn? I mean the kind that makes you cheer when they finally kiss.
Lily is such a refreshing FMC. Confident. Witty. Funny. She isn’t just a “big city girl with big ideas.” She respects the soul of a place and adds new stories to it instead of erasing what came before. Truly the type of person I strive to be. And Ethan. Our grumpy, guarded sweetheart. Watching his light slowly come back… 🥹 Painful and beautiful. But seeing him open up? Worth every tear.
Carol absolutely stole a piece of my heart. She reminds me so much of my own grandma (who is also named Carol), and that made the story feel even more personal. She’s the kind of character you remember long after the final page. I teared up more times than I can count reading this.... not because it was heavy, but because it was so tender and comforting.
Reading Willowbrooke Wishes made me genuinely happy. It warmed my heart without ever feeling overdone. Every description feels intentional, like Kristen wanted us to truly see Willowbrooke, not just as a setting, but as a living, breathing place. The setting and the characters felt deeply familiar, even though it was our first meeting. You can tell so much love was poured into this story, and as a reader, I felt every bit of it.
And can we talk about the 90s references?! Backstreet Boys? A Walkman?? SO MUCH GLITTER?? The memories, I swear this was the most fun I had reading a book.
Thank you so much to Kristen Reads for the ARC of such a beautiful book. I already know exactly where it’s going on my shelf when purchase get my physical copy 🩷
Lily is such a refreshing FMC. Confident. Witty. Funny. She isn’t just a “big city girl with big ideas.” She respects the soul of a place and adds new stories to it instead of erasing what came before. Truly the type of person I strive to be. And Ethan. Our grumpy, guarded sweetheart. Watching his light slowly come back… 🥹 Painful and beautiful. But seeing him open up? Worth every tear.
Carol absolutely stole a piece of my heart. She reminds me so much of my own grandma (who is also named Carol), and that made the story feel even more personal. She’s the kind of character you remember long after the final page. I teared up more times than I can count reading this.... not because it was heavy, but because it was so tender and comforting.
Reading Willowbrooke Wishes made me genuinely happy. It warmed my heart without ever feeling overdone. Every description feels intentional, like Kristen wanted us to truly see Willowbrooke, not just as a setting, but as a living, breathing place. The setting and the characters felt deeply familiar, even though it was our first meeting. You can tell so much love was poured into this story, and as a reader, I felt every bit of it.
And can we talk about the 90s references?! Backstreet Boys? A Walkman?? SO MUCH GLITTER?? The memories, I swear this was the most fun I had reading a book.
Thank you so much to Kristen Reads for the ARC of such a beautiful book. I already know exactly where it’s going on my shelf when purchase get my physical copy 🩷
April 3, 2026
Thank you to Kristen for gifting me an advanced reader copy of her book Willowbrook Wishes! Amazing writing with such a lovely story of love and found family. Lily is such a powerhouse events planner and Ethan the grumpy bookshop owner and together with the community brought life back to themselves and the town! I laughed and cried through this book and im a little jealous I don’t live in this story right now!! Definitely what I needed to read right now! Cozy fluffy 90s small town romance = perfection!
April 17, 2026
Willowbrook Wishes follows Lily, a city event planner who travels to a small town to help save its summer festival, intending to leave once the job is done. There, she meets Ethan, a guarded bookstore owner, and the two slowly form a connection despite their emotional baggage. As they grow closer, Lily must decide whether to stick to her original plan or take a chance on love. The story centers on healing, community, and the risk of opening your heart.
My biggest issue with the book is the pacing and overall editing. At times, the story doesn’t feel put together as smoothly as it could be, with quite a bit of repetition in ideas, dialogue, and conversations that come across as filler. A stronger edit would have helped tighten the narrative and improve the flow. While I appreciated the small details, there were simply too many that didn’t meaningfully move the story forward, making it feel longer than necessary.
That said, the plot itself is charming, the banter is enjoyable, and the relationship development is a clear highlight. I genuinely loved both main characters. They perfectly fit the vibe of a cozy ’90s Hallmark or Lifetime-style romance. The nostalgia is strong and adds to the book’s overall appeal. Ultimately, while I enjoyed the story and its heart, it felt overly drawn out and unevenly paced for this type of romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My biggest issue with the book is the pacing and overall editing. At times, the story doesn’t feel put together as smoothly as it could be, with quite a bit of repetition in ideas, dialogue, and conversations that come across as filler. A stronger edit would have helped tighten the narrative and improve the flow. While I appreciated the small details, there were simply too many that didn’t meaningfully move the story forward, making it feel longer than necessary.
That said, the plot itself is charming, the banter is enjoyable, and the relationship development is a clear highlight. I genuinely loved both main characters. They perfectly fit the vibe of a cozy ’90s Hallmark or Lifetime-style romance. The nostalgia is strong and adds to the book’s overall appeal. Ultimately, while I enjoyed the story and its heart, it felt overly drawn out and unevenly paced for this type of romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐
This book has so much potential but I felt it did not quite did it for me in a number of ways.
For starters I did love how it portrays the whole ambiance. It's literally summer and small town vibes bottled up and served in the best way possible. You can really imagine the setting and it gives you a super cosy vibe.
Also enjoyed the found family aspect the most in this story.
The love story itself is the ultimate slow burn, up to the point that it put me off a bit. I felt the unspoken dialogues between them and the narratives playing in their head to be too repetitive, like I was reading the same paragraph multiple times.
I did highlight a couple of phrases that I loved but overall the conversations between the main leads got cut off too much in my view.
It is a cosy summer read just not at my favorite pace.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has so much potential but I felt it did not quite did it for me in a number of ways.
For starters I did love how it portrays the whole ambiance. It's literally summer and small town vibes bottled up and served in the best way possible. You can really imagine the setting and it gives you a super cosy vibe.
Also enjoyed the found family aspect the most in this story.
The love story itself is the ultimate slow burn, up to the point that it put me off a bit. I felt the unspoken dialogues between them and the narratives playing in their head to be too repetitive, like I was reading the same paragraph multiple times.
I did highlight a couple of phrases that I loved but overall the conversations between the main leads got cut off too much in my view.
It is a cosy summer read just not at my favorite pace.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC. This review contains spoilers.
This book is a nostalgic feelgood romcom placed in the 90’s. It is well written and contains lovable characters. We’re talking small town —> huge community. Where everyone always comes together for each other.
The main character Lily is a person who is this ray of sunhine with a difficult childhood moving from foster home to foster home. Because of this she is great at masking and not letting people get close. She comes to Willowbrook to plan Summerfest and spark new life in both the town and festival.
Then there is Ethan. A steady man, but lost in the trenches of grief after loosing his father. He sees the real Lily. But she struggles to let him in.
I really liked the book but felt like a couple of things were not completely top tier for me personally. I would have loved for the main character to open up sooner and for the reader to get more of the reaction from the others about her past. And I know it was a slow burn, but not getting even a kiss until almost page 500 felt a bit too slow. But that’s just my preferance.
All in all; a lovable smalltown romance.
This book is a nostalgic feelgood romcom placed in the 90’s. It is well written and contains lovable characters. We’re talking small town —> huge community. Where everyone always comes together for each other.
The main character Lily is a person who is this ray of sunhine with a difficult childhood moving from foster home to foster home. Because of this she is great at masking and not letting people get close. She comes to Willowbrook to plan Summerfest and spark new life in both the town and festival.
Then there is Ethan. A steady man, but lost in the trenches of grief after loosing his father. He sees the real Lily. But she struggles to let him in.
I really liked the book but felt like a couple of things were not completely top tier for me personally. I would have loved for the main character to open up sooner and for the reader to get more of the reaction from the others about her past. And I know it was a slow burn, but not getting even a kiss until almost page 500 felt a bit too slow. But that’s just my preferance.
All in all; a lovable smalltown romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
Willowbrook Wishes is a nostalgic small-town romance that leans heavy into charm, community, and emotional healing. The 90s setting is especially fun and adds an extra layer of coziness, from county fair vibes to the slower pace of life in Willowbrook. Lots of references to the late 90’s which makes it that much more enjoyable.
Lily is relatable with emotional walls that are very common, and Ethan is the kind of quiet, MMC that really shines in a slow-burn story. Their relationship develops naturally as the story progresses.
The pacing can feel a bit gentle at times, and I found myself wishing for slightly higher emotional stakes in the middle, but overall the story delivers exactly what it promises: comfort, connection, and a satisfying romance.
A great pick if you love small-town settings and stories about letting yourself belong.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lily is relatable with emotional walls that are very common, and Ethan is the kind of quiet, MMC that really shines in a slow-burn story. Their relationship develops naturally as the story progresses.
The pacing can feel a bit gentle at times, and I found myself wishing for slightly higher emotional stakes in the middle, but overall the story delivers exactly what it promises: comfort, connection, and a satisfying romance.
A great pick if you love small-town settings and stories about letting yourself belong.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
It's summer '98 in Willowbrook, Ohio, and Lily Harper's got a mission: transform the county fair and get out of town. But Ethan Calloway, the grumpy bookstore owner with a soft spot for his family's legacy, has other ideas. As they butt heads and sparks fly, Lily finds herself getting pulled into the town's charm and the quiet strength of the man who's got her seeing the town, and love, in a whole new light. 🎡🎟️
I was so excited to read this after seeing all the positive reviews, and it really lived up to the hype for me. The characters were such a highlight, and Ethan was hands down my favorite. And the 90s throwback references…instant nostalgia! This book needs its own playlist. The music alone took me right back. If I had one small critique, it’s that a few moments felt a little drawn out, but overall this was such a cozy, feel good, slow-burn romance. Kudos to Kristen Reads on a lovely debut novel! Definitely check it out you’re sure to enjoy this!
It's summer '98 in Willowbrook, Ohio, and Lily Harper's got a mission: transform the county fair and get out of town. But Ethan Calloway, the grumpy bookstore owner with a soft spot for his family's legacy, has other ideas. As they butt heads and sparks fly, Lily finds herself getting pulled into the town's charm and the quiet strength of the man who's got her seeing the town, and love, in a whole new light. 🎡🎟️
I was so excited to read this after seeing all the positive reviews, and it really lived up to the hype for me. The characters were such a highlight, and Ethan was hands down my favorite. And the 90s throwback references…instant nostalgia! This book needs its own playlist. The music alone took me right back. If I had one small critique, it’s that a few moments felt a little drawn out, but overall this was such a cozy, feel good, slow-burn romance. Kudos to Kristen Reads on a lovely debut novel! Definitely check it out you’re sure to enjoy this!
January 10, 2026
This book was a super cute, sweet, and cozy small town romance set in the 90s! Lily is a bubbly, energetic event planner who waltzes into the small town of Willowbrook to help revitalize their annual Summerfest. Ethan is a loyal, somewhat grumpy bookstore owner who is resistant to change. When she ends up using part of his bookshop for her planning they are forced to work together.
The set up is simple but the MCs have so much depth.
Lily grew up in foster care and struggles with finding a sense of belonging and community, hence her job of bouncing from place to place. Ethan is still struggling with the loss of his dad. He’s taken over his dad’s bookshop but doesn’t know if it’s what he really wants to do and he’s having a hard time finding any real joy. As Ethan gives Lily a crash course on the small town of Willowbrook she falls in love with this small town that seems to genuinely love and support each other while bringing joy and excitement to Ethan’s mundane day to day routine. As they become friends who start falling for each other it’s beautiful to see how each one helpsa heal the other. 🥹
I adored this small town found family so much!!! The prom boutique was so so sweet and warmed my heart! And as an 80s baby I adored all the 90s nostalgia!
This book is perfect for you if you love:
💕 Small town romance
💕 Grumpy/Sunshine
💕 Found Family
💕 90’s Nostalgia
💕 Closed door romance
The set up is simple but the MCs have so much depth.
Lily grew up in foster care and struggles with finding a sense of belonging and community, hence her job of bouncing from place to place. Ethan is still struggling with the loss of his dad. He’s taken over his dad’s bookshop but doesn’t know if it’s what he really wants to do and he’s having a hard time finding any real joy. As Ethan gives Lily a crash course on the small town of Willowbrook she falls in love with this small town that seems to genuinely love and support each other while bringing joy and excitement to Ethan’s mundane day to day routine. As they become friends who start falling for each other it’s beautiful to see how each one helpsa heal the other. 🥹
I adored this small town found family so much!!! The prom boutique was so so sweet and warmed my heart! And as an 80s baby I adored all the 90s nostalgia!
This book is perfect for you if you love:
💕 Small town romance
💕 Grumpy/Sunshine
💕 Found Family
💕 90’s Nostalgia
💕 Closed door romance
January 24, 2026
Tropes:
Small Town Romance
Opposites Attract
Past Trauma and Grief
City Girl x Country Boy
Found Family
Slow Burn
This book was a cute read! The plot wasn’t too crazy on either side of the spectrum but definitely had moments that made me saw awww ☺️
It was a bit long for me personally but didn’t stop my from finishing the book. I wish I could’ve spent more time inside their minds to really see the characters grapple with the circumstances at hand. These characters were so interesting and had such complexity to them.
This was a clean read and a slow burn for sure but the kiss was worth the wait! 🥰
If this turned into a series I would definitely pick up the next book. I love getting to live in these small towns and Willowbrook is a town I wouldn’t mind visiting again.
Small Town Romance
Opposites Attract
Past Trauma and Grief
City Girl x Country Boy
Found Family
Slow Burn
This book was a cute read! The plot wasn’t too crazy on either side of the spectrum but definitely had moments that made me saw awww ☺️
It was a bit long for me personally but didn’t stop my from finishing the book. I wish I could’ve spent more time inside their minds to really see the characters grapple with the circumstances at hand. These characters were so interesting and had such complexity to them.
This was a clean read and a slow burn for sure but the kiss was worth the wait! 🥰
If this turned into a series I would definitely pick up the next book. I love getting to live in these small towns and Willowbrook is a town I wouldn’t mind visiting again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
UTTERLY ADORABLE. If you're looking for a cosy, small town romance that will have you feeling all the feels then Willowbrook Wishes is the perfect book for you. Lily and Ethan are two differently damaged individuals that just needs that spark in their life, and to really start living. Thrown together when they really don't want to be, an unlikely friendship blooms, turning into a slow burn, and then the sweetest romance with so much yearning, it had my heart fluttering. The full cast of characters is just perfection, each one adding a little bit of magic and bringing the small town vibes and found family fully to life - two of my favourite tropes. The slow burn between Lily and Ethan was everything, and the ending had me giggling like mad with all the love and cuteness. This is honestly such a sweet, cosy read that's so enjoyable. I absolutely loved it.
April 29, 2026
In the summer of 1998, Lily Harper arrives in the small town of Willowbrook with a clear plan: rebrand the struggling county fair and leave as quickly as possible. Guarded by past hurts, she has no intention of putting down roots. But her plans are complicated by Ethan Calloway, a gruff bookstore owner determined to protect his late father’s legacy. Their constant clashes quickly spark something deeper, shaped by long summer nights, a close-knit community, and the quiet pull of a town that refuses to stay at arm’s length. As Lily’s walls begin to crack, she’s forced to reconsider what “home” might really mean.
This is a very sweet, genuinely charming small-town romance. The county fair and community-centered elements were a highlight for me, and the setting feels lived-in and warm without becoming overly idealized. Lily and Ethan are both well-developed, with enough backstory to give their conflict weight without tipping into unnecessary tragedy. Their dynamic works well, and the romance builds naturally alongside a broader storyline, which I appreciated. It never feels like everything else exists solely to support the relationship. The writing flows smoothly, and the pacing keeps things moving without rushing key emotional beats.
It does lean a little cheesy at times, though it fits the tone of the story and will likely be a plus for readers who enjoy that flavor of romance. The side characters are used effectively, memorable without pulling focus or overstaying, and help reinforce the sense of community. Overall, this strikes a nice balance between cozy romance and a more plot-driven narrative, making it an easy, enjoyable read. As for the chaos of a county fair? Can confirm the accuracy. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.
4/5 Came with free flashbacks to last-minute 4-H county fair preparations.
This is a very sweet, genuinely charming small-town romance. The county fair and community-centered elements were a highlight for me, and the setting feels lived-in and warm without becoming overly idealized. Lily and Ethan are both well-developed, with enough backstory to give their conflict weight without tipping into unnecessary tragedy. Their dynamic works well, and the romance builds naturally alongside a broader storyline, which I appreciated. It never feels like everything else exists solely to support the relationship. The writing flows smoothly, and the pacing keeps things moving without rushing key emotional beats.
It does lean a little cheesy at times, though it fits the tone of the story and will likely be a plus for readers who enjoy that flavor of romance. The side characters are used effectively, memorable without pulling focus or overstaying, and help reinforce the sense of community. Overall, this strikes a nice balance between cozy romance and a more plot-driven narrative, making it an easy, enjoyable read. As for the chaos of a county fair? Can confirm the accuracy. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.
4/5 Came with free flashbacks to last-minute 4-H county fair preparations.
April 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC!!
Lily, a woman who grew up in foster care, spends her adult life running away from the trauma of never being chosen.
Ethan, a man from a small town, who just lost his father and is trying to navigate the loss, keeping his father’s legacy alive, and keeping himself afloat.
What happens when a big city girl charms the small town and our grief ridden MMC?
This book was very sweet. It gave me similar vibes to the Dream Harbor series but with I guess you can say a deeper back story for the main characters. I love me a romance novel but I can’t get through characters not communicating their feelings. This wasn’t a miscommunication trope as much as it was the characters weren’t able or willing to share their emotions which kept causing the conflicts in their relationship to be. We do get a HEA so can’t complain too much but I spent the book wanting them to have a good heart to heart but it never came. Well Lily was able to share it one of the side characters but still. I think I just wanted more of the relationship and less of the Summerfest planning but I guess it was the grounds for how they were able to fall in love over the course of the novel. Anyway, check out this book for a quick and fluffy contemporary romance!
Lily, a woman who grew up in foster care, spends her adult life running away from the trauma of never being chosen.
Ethan, a man from a small town, who just lost his father and is trying to navigate the loss, keeping his father’s legacy alive, and keeping himself afloat.
What happens when a big city girl charms the small town and our grief ridden MMC?
This book was very sweet. It gave me similar vibes to the Dream Harbor series but with I guess you can say a deeper back story for the main characters. I love me a romance novel but I can’t get through characters not communicating their feelings. This wasn’t a miscommunication trope as much as it was the characters weren’t able or willing to share their emotions which kept causing the conflicts in their relationship to be. We do get a HEA so can’t complain too much but I spent the book wanting them to have a good heart to heart but it never came. Well Lily was able to share it one of the side characters but still. I think I just wanted more of the relationship and less of the Summerfest planning but I guess it was the grounds for how they were able to fall in love over the course of the novel. Anyway, check out this book for a quick and fluffy contemporary romance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
-grumpy sunshine
-forced proximity
-small town
-found family
I fell in love with the town of Willowbrook and the people in it. And umm, can I go to Summerfest?!👏🏼🥹.
A slower burn, closed door romance set in the summer in the 90s. I loved our FMC, Lily. She was fun & spunky, but her past kept her from ever finding a sense of belonging. Ethan was a little grumpy, but so thoughtful. They made a perfect match. The found family aspect made my heart happy! My only complaint is I wish we’d have gotten a little bit more of Lily & Ethan’s relationship once they were officially together. But I loved the epilogue so much-perfect ending!
The summer festival vibes in this makes it the perfect addition to your summer tbr!
☀️🎡🎟️.
Thank you to Kristen Reads and her team for the advanced copy! Willowbrook Wishes releases on 5/5!
-forced proximity
-small town
-found family
I fell in love with the town of Willowbrook and the people in it. And umm, can I go to Summerfest?!👏🏼🥹.
A slower burn, closed door romance set in the summer in the 90s. I loved our FMC, Lily. She was fun & spunky, but her past kept her from ever finding a sense of belonging. Ethan was a little grumpy, but so thoughtful. They made a perfect match. The found family aspect made my heart happy! My only complaint is I wish we’d have gotten a little bit more of Lily & Ethan’s relationship once they were officially together. But I loved the epilogue so much-perfect ending!
The summer festival vibes in this makes it the perfect addition to your summer tbr!
☀️🎡🎟️.
Thank you to Kristen Reads and her team for the advanced copy! Willowbrook Wishes releases on 5/5!
February 24, 2026
Willowbrook Wishes was a really sweet read and I loved the relationship development between Lily and Ethan. A highlight was also the flashbacks to some of the great 90s songs.
The only drawback about this book was that it dragged out a bit longer than it needed to
and there were times when I was frustrated by the inability of Lily and Ethan to communicate. However, this was only a small drawback and I can see other people loving the way that this was drawn out.
All of the characters were a delight and the author was really able to place the reader inside both Willowbrook and the magic of the fair.
This book will suit anybody that loves a small town romance with a slow burn.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2026
I want to say a big thank you for letting me read the ARC version of this!
Want a nostalgic 90’s romance book without the 2020’s spice?! Willowbrook Wishes should be the next book you read. Reading this book felt like being wrapped in a cozy blanket with your favorite beverage next to you.
In this book you have the big city gal, Lily, meet the laidback small town country guy, Ethan. How their two worlds intertwine is such a joy to read. You fall in love characters, and while you know where the story is headed, you have know idea the how, which is quite refreshing.
Black cat MMC(Ethan) meets golden retriever energy FMC(Lily), but underneath all that happy go lucky golden retriever energy there is vulnerability that not all are privy to know.
The vibes and if this should be your next book(it should be!)
✨ standalone
✨ black cat and golden retriever energy
✨ cozy blanket reading vibes
✨ hard to put down
✨ giggling/kicking your feet while reading
Want a nostalgic 90’s romance book without the 2020’s spice?! Willowbrook Wishes should be the next book you read. Reading this book felt like being wrapped in a cozy blanket with your favorite beverage next to you.
In this book you have the big city gal, Lily, meet the laidback small town country guy, Ethan. How their two worlds intertwine is such a joy to read. You fall in love characters, and while you know where the story is headed, you have know idea the how, which is quite refreshing.
Black cat MMC(Ethan) meets golden retriever energy FMC(Lily), but underneath all that happy go lucky golden retriever energy there is vulnerability that not all are privy to know.
The vibes and if this should be your next book(it should be!)
✨ standalone
✨ black cat and golden retriever energy
✨ cozy blanket reading vibes
✨ hard to put down
✨ giggling/kicking your feet while reading
Review of advance copy
Small town romance with 90s nostalgia, yes please!
I really enjoyed all the throwbacks to my childhood, especially as it includes references to my favourite film!
I loved the grumpy x sunshine relationship between our two main characters and watching as it began to thaw as the book went on.
Willowbrook is steeped in history, traditions and has a wholesome community spirit that will leave readers wishing to be part of it.
Before I'd even finished the book, I was already guessing which characters would step into the spotlight for book 2.
I would love to see a playlist added to the start of the book with all the great songs mentioned throughout.
I really enjoyed all the throwbacks to my childhood, especially as it includes references to my favourite film!
I loved the grumpy x sunshine relationship between our two main characters and watching as it began to thaw as the book went on.
Willowbrook is steeped in history, traditions and has a wholesome community spirit that will leave readers wishing to be part of it.
Before I'd even finished the book, I was already guessing which characters would step into the spotlight for book 2.
I would love to see a playlist added to the start of the book with all the great songs mentioned throughout.
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