Seven Summers Ago

by Starla DeKruyf

After facing overwhelming grief, Rosie Hendrix ran away from Golden Harbor and everyone she loves. Seven years later, she’s navigating a recent endometriosis diagnosis and raising a child on her own. But when her grandma passes away, forcing her back to the small coastal town, she returns with a plan.

Though things never go according to plan. She suddenly finds herself back in the orbit of her high school sweetheart. Beck Stone is every small-town girl’s dream. He’s tall, rugged, ambitious, loyal—and he looks gorgeous in a backwards hat. As memories resurface and long-buried emotions rise, his tenderness for her chronic illness has her questioning: is it so terrible to be attracted to her husband?

A combination of anger, pride, and crippling anxiety stopped Beck from chasing after his wife who abandoned him and left him alone in his grief. It’s because of her, he’s built a wall around himself and sworn off women.

But his wall is demolished when Rosie returns to Golden Harbor with a ring on her hand, and demanding he sign the divorce papers he continues sending back unsigned. And then there’s the bigger secret she’s been hiding—her child who looks a heck of a lot like him. Accusations soar, sparks fly, and old flames are rekindled. Yet, forgiving each other may be easier than forgiving themselves.

Rosie’s words say she’s engaged to someone else, but her body language tells him something different. As old wounds heal that only time and distance can heal, one night being stuck together has them questioning everything. Is this goodbye or their second chance at the life they were always meant to have.

Seven Summers Ago is book #1 in Golden Coast: A coastal small town romance series of interconnected stories.

Genres: Romance

ebook

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

Starla DeKruyf is a romance author of small towns and happily ever afters. She writes books that play like movies in your head about characters you wish you could hang out with. As someone who struggles with mental health and lives with chronic illness, she often includes these topics in her books. Follow her on her socials so you can have fun and be awkward together! When Starla isn’t writing, she’s probably drinking coffee and spending time with her husband, kids, and her rescue pup.

Reviews

[Southern Lady Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, can we talk about that title? Seven Summers Ago immediately put Morgan Wallen’s song in my head, and honestly, it fits the vibe perfectly.

If you’re a fan of Sweet Home Alabama, you’re going to want to pick this one up. It has that same “the one who got away” energy, but with a fresh twist. Instead of NYC vs. Alabama, we get Seattle and sunny California, plus a secret child storyline that had me absolutely invested from page one. And if there’s one thing I’m always here for, it’s a little secret baby drama. 😅

The setting felt fun and summery, the romance delivered all the second-chance feels, and watching these characters navigate the past while figuring out their future kept me turning pages. There was just enough emotional tension mixed with the chemistry to make it an easy, enjoyable read.

And yes… the smut was smutting. 🌶️🌶️ I’d call it about a two-pepper romance —> spicy enough to bring the heat without completely taking over the story.

QOTD: What’s your favorite second-chance romance or secret baby trope book?

Keywords: second chance romance, secret baby romance, small town romance, summer romance, Seattle setting, California setting, contemporary romance, indie romance, romance books, beach reads, emotional romance, spicy romance, family drama, romantic fiction, bookstagram reads, Kindle romance, swoony heroes, love lost and found

#Bookstagram #RomanceBooks #SecondChanceRomance #IndieRomance #BookReview

[Belinda Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love Seven Summers Ago by Starla DeKruyf. 💔 The premise had so much potential—a small-town, second-chance romance between high school sweethearts who never officially divorced, complicated by grief, secrets, and years of unresolved feelings. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed parts of the story, a lot of things kept me from fully connecting with it.

Rosie left Golden Harbor seven years ago after a devastating tragedy, abandoning not only her hometown but also her husband, Beck. Now she’s back after her grandmother’s death, navigating an endometriosis diagnosis, raising a daughter on her own, and engaged to another man. 😬 The problem? Beck never signed the divorce papers. The even bigger problem? Beck has no idea that the six-year-old little girl Rosie has been raising is his daughter. 😳

And honestly… that was the biggest hurdle for me.

I spent most of this book firmly on Beck’s side. 😭 This is a man who sacrificed his own dreams to care for his younger brother, built a successful life from the ground up, and never stopped carrying the weight of the past. Learning that Rosie kept Charlie from him for six years was a decision I struggled to forgive. Even when the story addressed it, the emotional payoff didn’t feel strong enough for me.

The lack of communication between Rosie and Beck was another major frustration. 🫠 These two were nearly a decade older than when they first fell in love, yet they still avoided difficult conversations at every turn. So many conflicts could have been resolved if either of them had simply sat down and spoken honestly. Instead, misunderstandings piled on top of misunderstandings, and I often found myself wanting to shake both characters and tell them to use their words. 😂

Because of that, I also struggled to buy into the romance. ❤️‍🩹 The book told me they still loved each other. It told me they had chemistry. But I never truly felt the yearning, the pining, or the emotional pull that makes a second-chance romance unforgettable. There were “my wife” moments and lingering looks, but they didn’t hit the way I wanted them to.

That said, I did appreciate the endometriosis representation. 💛 It felt genuine, important, and thoughtfully handled. Rosie’s struggles with chronic illness were some of the most emotional and believable parts of the book for me, and those moments made it easier to empathize with her character.

The plot itself moved quickly. 🌊 The coastal small-town setting was charming, the family dynamics added depth, and the story never felt overly long. There was plenty of drama between the unresolved marriage, hidden child reveal, grief, guilt, and the complications brought by Rosie’s engagement to West. The story definitely kept me turning pages, even when I was frustrated with the characters.

I also felt bad for West by the end. 😅 Yes, he was often a jerk, but the situation was messy for everyone involved, and there really weren’t many winners when all the secrets finally came to light.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad book—it just wasn’t the right romance for me. The challenge was how those tropes were executed. I never fully connected with Rosie, and because of that, I never completely believed in Rosie and Beck’s reunion.

✨ Perfect for readers who enjoy:
🏡 Small-town romance
💔 Second-chance romance
💍 Still-married couple
👶 Secret child trope
🌊 Coastal town setting
🔥 Former high school sweethearts
⛈️ Forced proximity
🩺 Chronic illness representation
❤️ Family-centered stories
🌅 Emotional healing journeys

While this one didn’t completely work for me, I know many readers who love messy second-chance romances with lots of drama and emotional baggage may have a very different experience.

Thank you to Starla DeKruyf and House of Hearts Lit for the ARC opportunity.

[DarkRomanceBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this ARC, especially because there are so few books that centre on endometriosis advocacy. This second-chance romance, set in the beautiful coastal town of Golden Harbour, shines a light on the silent struggles so many women face with menstrual health. Endometriosis is a severe, often misunderstood condition, and the author handles it with both honesty and compassion. I appreciated how the story balanced romance and hope with the realities of living with chronic pain, making it both eye-opening and heartwarming.

At its heart, this story is about Rosie and Beck, childhood sweethearts whose love helped them weather life’s toughest storms. Their bond was the safe haven they both needed, until unimaginable loss shattered everything. Grieving their baby, Rosie made the agonising choice to walk away from Beck and the only home she’d ever known, believing it was the only way to survive her pain. Leaving him broke her heart all over again, but sometimes grief clouds every hope and makes it impossible to see a way forward.

Seven years later, Rosie has rebuilt her life as a devoted single mum to Charlotte (Charlie), doing her best to find happiness again while living with an endometriosis diagnosis. She's engaged to West, a good, hardworking man who has embraced both her and Charlie as his own. West is a man whose main focus is work and building financial security. He sometimes struggles to fully understand Rosie’s health issues, but he tries to support her and Charlie in the ways he knows best by providing for them and ensuring their needs are met. On the surface, it looks like Rosie has found her footing, but when her beloved grandmother passes away, she’s called back to the town she left behind and the memories and love she thought she’d buried. Facing her past isn’t easy, but Rosie finds the courage to return, bracing herself for the complicated truth waiting for her and the possibility of healing old wounds.

Beck is handsome, charming, and loyal to a fault. Beneath his easygoing exterior, though, he’s battled anxiety and panic attacks since his teens, shaped by a turbulent childhood with alcoholic parents. Rosie was always his anchor, the only woman he ever truly loved. When she left without a word, Beck was shattered. His heartbreak was so deep that he swore off love altogether, convinced he’d never feel whole again.

When Rosie returns for her grandmother’s funeral, Beck is overwhelmed by a tidal wave of emotion: resentment for the years lost, pride for the life he’s built on his own, and a love that’s never faded. He’s unprepared for the shock of discovering that the baby he mourned is alive, a bright, funny, and lovable little girl who is unmistakably his. The realisation that he’s a father brings a rush of longing and hope he thought he’d buried forever. Now, with old wounds reopened and new dreams on the horizon, Beck wants nothing more than the family he lost. He’s determined to reclaim his place at Rosie’s side, no matter what stands in his way, including the fact that Rosie, despite moving on in many ways, is still, legally, his wife. For Beck, Rosie has always been his, even if time and pain made her forget.

I loved the narrative of this story; it gave me those nostalgic ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ vibes, especially in the second-chance romance between Rosie and Beck. The Gilmore Girls references made me smile, adding a comforting, familiar touch. While a few sections felt a bit slow, the novel's heart truly shines through in its relationships. The bond that develops between Beck and Charlie is heartwarming and genuine, filled with small moments of discovery, laughter, and tenderness. And at its core, Rosie and Beck’s relationship is beautifully complex. They may be separated, but their connection is undeniable. Despite the history and the rollercoaster of emotions, they never lose the deep care and support they have for one another. Through every up and down, they prove that true love and friendship can withstand even the hardest storms.

Thank you so much to Starla DeKruyf and House of Hearts for this gorgeous arc 🩷

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

I really wanted to like "Seven Summers Ago" by Starla DeKruyf, a small-town second-chance romance, but a lot of things irked me about this story. It revolves around Rosie (FMC) and Beck (MMC), two high school sweethearts who married seven years ago, but something tragic (??????) happened between them, so Rosie left town without much of a word, and Beck never went looking for her. Beck also never signed the divorce papers, so they are still technically married. Now, Rosie lives in Seattle and is engaged to a rich man named West. Rosie is back in her small hometown of Golden Harbor, where Beck still lives and now owns a successful business. They have both changed quite a bit. Oh, and, by the way, Rosie (FMC) and Beck (MMC) have a six-year-old daughter named Charlie!!!!!! But Rosie did not tell Beck that she existed until she came back to Golden Harbor after her grandmother died!!!!!!! Surprise!!!!!!! Yikes! I wonder if this will be a hard line for some readers because who the heck does that to someone?! Second, Rosie and Beck have absolutely NO communication skills with one another, despite being almost a decade older than they were when Rosie left. Apparently, they never used to have secrets from each other, but that doesn't seem the least bit true. They are like toddlers who refuse to articulate their actual wants and needs and wishes by, you know, USING THEIR WORDS????? It was ultimately so frustrating as a reader when you just want to throttle both of them for their inaction and inability to communicate!! Third, it was difficult to see things from Rosie's perspective. I always pride myself on trying to understand and empathize with each character while reading a book, but honestly, I could not find one legitimate reason to root for Rosie and Beck to be together. Truthfully, I was on Beck's side the entire book. It was challenging to forgive Rosie for keeping Charlie from him. Beck is portrayed as a person who gave up every single thing that he ever wanted to take care of his little brother, so Rosie's choice to keep Charlie from Beck is purely a selfish one, and it was hard to get over! It was totally and completely her fault (and she eventually recognizes it, but it feels pretty reluctant!!!). I would have a hard time moving on after someone did that to me!! Third, and because of this, I felt no chemistry between them whatsoever. They apparently have a lot of physical chemistry, but personally, I did not read into it *at all.* There is no yearning and no pining, no earned "my wife" moments. I mean, the words are there, but I did not feel anything reading them. I do fully appreciate the endometriosis storyline. It felt very accurate, important, and earnest. I felt bad for Rosie about this aspect and this aspect alone. Apart from that, though, I wanted Beck to sue her into oblivion, lol. And I felt bad for West in the end, too, even though he was a huge jerk! Yikes all around. I read the tropes list very carefully before reading, so I knew what I was getting into, so it's not so much *that* the tropes are there, but *how* the tropes are presented. The construction of the book is fine. The pacing is quick, and it's not overly long, but man... I did *not* like Rosie, and I did *not* believe their chemistry upon their reunion.

Thank you to Starla DeKruyf and House of Hearts Lit. for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Océane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Seven Summers Ago is the first book in Golden Coast series. It follows Rosie, who fled Golden Harbor and everyone she loved seven years ago. After the death of her grandmother, she has no choice but to return to the small coastal town she left behind. But this time, Rosie isn't coming back alone. She returns with her seven-year-old daughter—and a past she can no longer avoid. Between planning her grandmother's funeral and facing Beck, the husband and father she abandoned seven years earlier, Rosie is forced to confront the life she thought she'd left behind for good.

I was really excited to pick up this book as it's the first one I've read that tackles endometriosis. I think it's incredibly important to see books address such a difficult and often overlooked condition that affects so many women. It added an extra layer of depth to the story and made Rosie's struggles feel even more real.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was watching Beck build a relationship with his daughter, despite having no idea she existed for the first seven years of her life. Honestly, I still can't wrap my head around Rosie keeping that from him for so long. Seven years is a long time not to tell someone they're a parent!

As a second-chance romance, this book really delivered. I loved seeing how Rosie and Beck supported each other through their struggles—Rosie being there for Beck during his panic attacks, and Beck caring for Rosie through her endometriosis pain. Their relationship felt genuine and full of compassion.

That said, there were a few moments that didn't quite work for me. For example, in Chapter 12, when Stella and Daisy were discussing Rosie's relationship with Weston, I felt a bit uncomfortable. I wasn't a fan of Weston either, but Rosie clearly seemed uneasy during that conversation, and at times Stella and Daisy came across as unnecessarily harsh.

Overall, I'm definitely rooting for Rosie and Beck to find their way back to each other, and I was so happy that Charlie finally got the chance to know her dad.

Thanks again to Starla DeKruyf and House of Hearts Lit for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.

[Tammy-Rose Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review

Seven Summers Ago by @authorstarladekruyf

Thank you for the opportunity @houseofheartslit for the e arc, for an honest review.

"We all have scars, Rosie. Some just aren’t visible. And scars don’t make someone less beautiful. If anything, it does the opposite. Because it means you’ve lived. You’re still living.” Beck to Rosie

A second chance romance in coastal town golden harbour. It shows representation of endometriosis and what women surfer in silence 🤐 not been taken seriously by medical practice until it gets incruciating pain. It is a chronic illness and it effects you mentally and physically and those around you. It makes you feel like you are a burden to your family and friends, even if they love you all the same and would go anything to support you. It also highlights fertility issues with what comes with this condition.

It's heartbreaking, the decision made by Rosie to leave her husband after they both go through immense grief and everything they wanted. She runs away but years later she comes back with her little girl, it's a secret she didn't know how to tell her childhood sweetheart. It's all heart braking all dealing with secrets. They definitely do have miscommunication issues and it can be frustrating but they have both good views points. Not wanting to be a burden and responsibility, the grief can make you self doubt into a spiralling mess. We all have been there.

All I have to say i didn't much have respect for her cough cough rich fiance.

It's a hot complicated mess 🫟 , with mixed feelings, emotional and only being with a person for your daughter's sake is not best interests to her or your own well being.

Beck Stone has got my respect, I get his issues and anger. The fact that his still cares and always has been in love with his wife. But not knowing his daughter hits the feels. I love the moments with Charlie and Rosie, their his everything. His fights for what he want, but he knows he also have to let go. I love her cares for Rosie and her chronic illness, when they were together and now.

Releases 2nd June 2026

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3⭐️
Spice: 1 scene

Tropes:
-secret child
-second chance
-“My Wife”
-endometriosis rep
-anxiety/panic attack rep
-cozy beach town


My thoughts on this book is all over the place. There are things I liked and things I didn’t.

I enjoyed:
-Beck and Charlie spending time together and bonding
-Beck and Rosie realizing they still love each other
-Endo rep, which was written based on the authors experiences
-panic attacks that were realistic (but man do I feel so bad for Beck)
-Beck taking care of Rosie during her endo flare
-Rosie talking Beck through a panic attack

I didn’t enjoy:
-how long it took Rosie to tell the man who wanted to be a dad and was devastated that they lost the baby, that they didn’t actually lose the baby
-Weston. That man pissed me off to no end. How Rosie fell for him, I have no idea. He was definitely cheating during those “meetings”
-Rosie telling West they should take a break instead of just ending it. She knew she was going back to Beck.
-Beck’s reaction, while valid, when West shows up. They finally admitted to each they wanted to make things work. They apologized and admitted their wrongs. Then Rosie tries to explain that she wants to be with him not West, Beck doesn’t listen and leaves. And hey, I get this part. Letting them talk it out. But the he spirals and signs the divorce papers after not signing them for seven years. Come on man.

Also, pretty sure you have to file the discords papers for it to be legal. So technically, if he only signed the papers, Beck can rip those up because they’re still married according to the court.

Thank you to House of Hearts for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Portia Citlali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting read, mainly because the FMC was in a relationship for about 75–80% of the story. 💑 Aside from being a fairly typical guy, the guy wasn't actually that bad, which made me feel a little sorry for him, something that rarely happens for me in romance novels.

🤔I felt that Rosie's backstory was a bit lacking . I never felt like we got a clear picture of why she left or exactly why she ended up where she was. Because of that, her seven-year absence and eventual return to face the consequences didn't fall into place for me. This also includes her being adamant in remaining in a relationship she was not happy in. I know it was discussed and hinted at but I just don't feel like it got the closure it needed.

❤️ Beck was definitely the standout character for me. He was a great MMC who handled things the best way he could, and I also appreciated that he was an anxious fell who was attending therapy 🛋️, and was actively working on himself .

Rosie, to me was the real red flag of the story. Her redemption arc came very late, and while she eventually showed growth, it took a long time for me to warm up to her character. Overall, Beck carried the book for me 💙.

🏷️ Tropes & Representation:
🏡 Small Town
💞 Second Chance Romance
💍 "My Wife"
🔥 Slow Burn
👶 Secret Child
👥 Dual 1st Person POV
🎗️ Endometriosis Representation
🫶 Anxiety & Panic Attack Representation

I wanted to thank House of Hearts Lit for this ARC

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone get this man on the Best Book Boyfriend's list!
This sweet second chance romance based in a small coastal town, the slow burn and raising tensions hooked me right in. Rosie flees town and returns seven years later with a surprise in the form of little Charlie while also navigating a recent diagnosis of Endometriosis. Beck, who never did move on from his first love is a bit of a tall, rugged, loyal grump who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks soon finds out about his daughter and old wounds are torn open. I sympathised so heavily with Rosie and her situation as living with a chronic pain condition will sometimes leave you needing to cling desperately to a strong sense of security. The book describes the lived experiences that a lot of us that have the condition so beautifully and didn't shy from it and Beck is so dreamy in how he helps care for her, their daughter and most of all how considerate he is, even when he was hurting! I yearned for them to be together as much as he did. Beck's anxiety and panic attacks were also so well representated. This is such a cute romance read and perfect beach/ summertime book ☀️

Tropes:
💛 Second chance
💛 Small coastal town romance
💛Caretaking
💛 "My wife"
💛 It’s Always Been You
💛 First Love
💛 Slow Burn
💛 Secret Child
💛 Endometriosis Rep
💛 Anxiety Rep
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you so much to Starla DeKruyf and House Of Hearts for this gorgeous arc 🩷

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and House of Hearts Lit for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Seven Summers Ago is a second-chance, small town romance. Rosie is a hairdresser who moved to Seattle from her hometown seven years ago. Beck is a contractor in the aforementioned hometown who hasn’t seen Rosie since she left. They were high school sweethearts who married and when tragedy struck, Rosie left town without a word. When her grandmother’s death brings her back to Golden Harbor, she runs into Beck, who has no idea she (or he!) has a child.

Their reunion was difficult, because so much time had passed, and she was engaged to a man in Seattle. Rosie and Beck have to come to terms with their lingering feelings for one another. They really have to work to get to their HEA. Beck’s devotion to Rosie is breathtaking – even more so when he finds out about Charlotte. I really enjoyed the way he remembered the way she needed to be cared for.

The book handles some difficult topics like miscarriage, grief, moving on after loss, the MMC's struggles with anxiety, and the FMC’s struggles with having endometriosis. I wouldn’t call Seven Summers Ago a light read, but it is a really good one if you’re in the right head space to tackle the hard parts of the story.

[Sheridan Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I loved the plot, though I did struggle at first with Rosie keeping their daughter a secret from Beck. I think a little more backstory about what tore them apart would have helped me better understand her choices. Still, the evolution of Rosie and Beck’s relationship felt natural and realistic, even with the slower pace.

I really enjoyed watching Beck and Charlie build their relationship, and the endometriosis representation was handled with a lot of care. Rosie’s character felt very relatable, and I appreciated how thoughtfully that aspect of the story was written.

The contrast between Weston and Beck made it very easy to root for one over the other, and I loved seeing how differently they showed up for Rosie and Charlie.

My only critique is that Beck and Daisy’s brief subplot felt a little unnecessary and distracted me from the main story. I thought it was going to be a much bigger piece of information with a follow up and that never happened. But overall, the writing was strong, the characters were well developed, and I’m excited to read more from Starla!

[IvvyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Starla DeKruyf and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.

"After facing overwhelming grief, Rosie Hendrix ran away from Golden Harbor and everyone she loves. Seven years later, she’s navigating a recent endometriosis diagnosis and raising a child on her own. But when her grandma passes away, forcing her back to the small coastal town, she returns with a plan."(Book description).

Reading time:2h8min46s Star rating: 3.5 Style: A Fast Paced Romance

I enjoyed the book.
I found the themes addressed important: endometriosis, panic attacks, and anxiety. I think it was the first time I read something about endometriosis in a fiction book, and it was important because little is known about it and it's still understudied.
It was a fast-paced book. I read it quickly because I was excited to see if they would end up together.
I found it a realistic romance, and it made sense that they ended up together. I really liked it.

#ARC provided #Gifted #arc #arcreader

Publication date: June 2, 2026
Publisher: Starla DeKruyf

[Kerry Glynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to House of Hearts Publishing and Starla Dekruyf for the eARC of this book.

I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t connect to it. I really thought that the endometriosis representation was done really well. It was a quick read. I won’t lie, for the first four chapters, I thought I was reading Sweet Home Alabama but with the addition of a child. No spoilers, but I just found Rosie‘s approach to bringing the daughter that Beck didn’t know home for the first time was so unfeeling and cavalier. After that point I was just not a fan of either Rosie or Beck. He was so gruff and abrupt with her almost throughout the entire book and I realize that is because of the situation, but I just couldn’t get past the way they communicated with each other. Again, I really wanted to like this book. I just don’t think it was for me.

[Destiney Ellerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Starla and the team at House of Hearts.

This was a small town, second chance romance with a heavy focus on the FMC and her battle with Endometriosis and the journey to get her diagnosis.

This was a really emotional read and I only rated it 3 stars because it just wasn't really for me. The story was good and I understand the thought process behind it but there were just choices the FMC made that I couldn't let go of and I just really did not like her character. I am 100% team Beck all the way but outside of him & Charlie I didn't really enjoy or connect with the characters in this story (although if Starla continues the series I may give it a try because other couples we were introduced to may be more my speed). I do think I may need to go back to avoiding books with heavy focuses on pregnancy but that is a me problem and has nothing to do with the book itself.

[Ashley Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to House of Hearts and Starla Dekruyf for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest and authentic review - All opinions are my own.*

This is a second chance story that’s going to smatter your heart a little bit and leave it in a mulsh pile at the side of the beach.

Beck is the most adorable MMC. My heart just kept breaking for him as we get more and more revelations that rock his world. He handles it like a champ and he wins for favourite character.

This book was a definite up and down love story, but a worthwhile read to be sure! Plus Charlie is so freaking adorable.

My only hiccup, was the length of time Rosie left this secret. I would have loved a bit more history into what went south in the relationship so I had a better grasp of why she waited as long as she did.

[ToniLynette · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you House of Hearts PR and Starla Dekruyf for an advanced copy of this book.

This book was a decent read overall, but it didn’t totally click for me. Some parts felt a little clunky, and the ending seemed a bit forced. The first 20% gave me strong Sweet Home Alabama vibes — right down to the “sign the d@mn papers” energy — almost like an alternate version where Melanie never lost the baby. Since Sweet Home Alabama is one of my favorite movies, I actually enjoyed those similarities quite a bit. Overall, I liked the book enough and had a good time reading it, even if it wasn’t an all-time favorite for me.

[SiSi ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @houseofheartslit
and @authorstarladekruyf for gifting me this ARC! 🙂

This one was a sweet one. It was about giving love a second chance, even when you didn't believe it was possible.

I felt bad for Beck, imagine not knowing you have a child but that you missed out on time. That alone is upsetting.

I like the way endometriosis was part of this book and panic attacks, both were associated with the main characters.

I did feel bad for West, I feel like he deserved better buuuuut I am glad that Beck and Rosie got their happy ending. ❤️

If you're into second chance romance with a slooooooow burn and a secret child, this is the read for you!

[Sara Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

These tropes are too good to pass up! It also strongly represents anxiety and panic attacks in such a respectful and realistic way. Plus the story is also so good!

✔️Small Town
✔️Second Chance
✔️”My Wife”
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Secret Child
✔️Endo Rep

This book really is the ultimate second chance romance! Rosie and Beck parted ways in the wake of overwhelming grief. Seven years later Rosie is back and Beck is still refusing to sign the divorce papers. What appears to be a wrench in Rosie’s plans may actually bring the healing she needs, and a tall, dark, and handsome ex husband is just the guy to help her through it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
I received this book as an ARC, and I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.

This was a good book. Enjoyed the endometriosis representation in the story. It was well captured and handled.
This book was well done, but I didn't connect with the MCs as much as I would have preferred. I wanted them to just have an honest talk and communicate! Ha! The ending was a tad rushed, in my opinion, as well.

[Readbyines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my God!What can I say about this book? It was amazing! Small-town romance is one of my favorite genres, and this book was absolute perfection. I loved the whole small-town vibe, the friendships that have lasted since high school, and the little hints/spoilers for the upcoming books (or at least, I already have a few theories).Charlie is such a sweet little girl, with a level of intelligence and maturity far beyond her 6 years.Mistakes were made by both Rosie and Beck. Their happily ever after was hard-earned, filled with challenges, arguments, and misunderstandings, but everything worked out in the end.Thank you so much for the ARC, and I can't wait for the next book!

[Sehaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Thank you to Starla DeKruyf and House of Hearts

Seven Summers Ago follows the story of Beck and Rosie, two childhood sweethearts who got married at 21 years old but after a traumatic event happened for Rosie , she left their small town. Now seven years later she’s back with her daughter to sell her late grandmothers house and comes face to face with Beck, her still husband, who finds out for the first time that he has a daughter.

I liked this book so much, the characters were interesting, the pacing was great and I loved the endometriosis rep in the book. The miscommunication, on the other hand, wasn’t necessary at all and at times it felt like the characters weren’t dealing with the issues in the most mature way.

The summer vibes were perfect and it’s a good read for this season.

[Skylar Bucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so adorable! It had me smiling, crying, feeling all the feels!

Our main character is a single mom by choice - but as you read you find out more information as to why. This love story is so different from others that I’ve read and it’s just so good. The slow burn BURNS ok? Like you’re not ready!

I would 100% recommend you read this asap!

Thank you for choosing me to read it early💛

[Ally G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Starla DeKruyf and I really enjoyed it - thank you to House of Hearts for the chance to read this story. It’s a beautiful and emotional second chance romance set in a small town. After tragedy separates this couple it was a wonderful story of finding their way back to each other and navigating love, loss, mental health struggles and more. Very good book!

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! 💛Second chance romance with your first love! Coming home and finding your family! 🩵And all in a small beach town= Perfect beach read☀️This was definitely an emotional read as well with some deep topics. Beck, Rosie, and Charlie will make you fall in love 😍 Thank you House of Hearts Lit for this ARC copy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jessica Ljunglof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Starla DeKruyf and House of Heart for this ARC.
My opinions are still my own.

I really liked this book but parts of it had my heart breaking for both the FMC and the MMC. Mostly the MMC and everything he lost out on. I understand his anger towards the FMC.
On some level I feel like the MMC forgave the FMC very fast but at the samt time I understand him.

It's a book with a lot of feelings both good and bad.
I would have liked a more detailed ending but I still really like this book.

[BookNerdBam · Rating 5 out of 5]

God this book! So beautifully written. Beck & Rosie not only finding their way back to each other but learning to forgive each other had me tearing up the whole time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K Webz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well written story and a lived the way some of these topics were handled. Beck and Charlie’s second chance romance was sweet but I did have trouble connecting with these characters. Charlie kept a child from her husband for all those years, I found that a little cringy.

[Lymari Yenderrozos · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a pretty exact copy of Sweet Home Alabama, down to the rich fiancé and Rosie crashing a date Beck is on where he’s playing pool. Not for me at all, felt very unoriginal. I did appreciate the way endometriosis was written about. *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Stephanie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

All My Favorite Tropes

Once I started the book, I had trouble putting it down. It contained all of my favorite tropes, making it the perfect fun read. I absolutely loved it.