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The Lay of the Land: a second chance story of love and redemption
One fractured marriage. One final chance to heal.
Arnold
I thought the Casting would change everything. I chose Lily—the girl I’ve longed for—and dared to believe that I could finally find love. But she’s grown up with choices I’ve never had, and I don’t know how to bridge the gap between us—or give her the happiness she deserves.
I try to be what Whitecroft strong, silent, in control. I enforce the General’s laws. I bury my feelings. I do what’s expected. But the more I try to hold our life together, the more it slips through my fingers.
Then everything breaks. And I don’t believe she’ll ever give me another chance.
But out here—beyond the town, in the rhythm of the woods and the work of the land—I begin to learn a different kind of strength. I’m desperate to prove my love for Lily and our daughter Stephie, but some wounds are too deep to heal.
Lily
I never wanted to be Cast. Never wanted Arnold. And when I needed him most, he let me down.
I thought I saw him clearly—cruel, controlling, unreachable. But now, as I'm finally emerging from the fog, I realise I've misjudged him. His heart is tender, and no one knows it except me. He’s willing to change, but I don’t know how to overcome our past.
Because healing isn’t simple. Forgiveness isn’t easy. And love—real love—asks more than either of us ever knew.
The Lay of the Land is a haunting, emotionally layered novel about fractured love, the legacy of toxic masculinity, and the fragile hope of redemption. Will Arnold and Lily find their way back to each other—or has the land between them grown too wild to cross?
Arnold
I thought the Casting would change everything. I chose Lily—the girl I’ve longed for—and dared to believe that I could finally find love. But she’s grown up with choices I’ve never had, and I don’t know how to bridge the gap between us—or give her the happiness she deserves.
I try to be what Whitecroft strong, silent, in control. I enforce the General’s laws. I bury my feelings. I do what’s expected. But the more I try to hold our life together, the more it slips through my fingers.
Then everything breaks. And I don’t believe she’ll ever give me another chance.
But out here—beyond the town, in the rhythm of the woods and the work of the land—I begin to learn a different kind of strength. I’m desperate to prove my love for Lily and our daughter Stephie, but some wounds are too deep to heal.
Lily
I never wanted to be Cast. Never wanted Arnold. And when I needed him most, he let me down.
I thought I saw him clearly—cruel, controlling, unreachable. But now, as I'm finally emerging from the fog, I realise I've misjudged him. His heart is tender, and no one knows it except me. He’s willing to change, but I don’t know how to overcome our past.
Because healing isn’t simple. Forgiveness isn’t easy. And love—real love—asks more than either of us ever knew.
The Lay of the Land is a haunting, emotionally layered novel about fractured love, the legacy of toxic masculinity, and the fragile hope of redemption. Will Arnold and Lily find their way back to each other—or has the land between them grown too wild to cross?
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2026
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Toovey
10 books85 followersSophie Toovey loves reading and writing romance. She's an English teacher who drinks too much tea, and a total Jane Austen geek. She lives in Wales, in the UK, and enjoys smart romcoms where there's a bit of grit and realism. She writes clean, closed door romance with kisses only. Sign up for her newsletter at https://sophietoovey.com and receive a free ebook of I Want You Back, a contemporary retelling of Persuasion. If you follow Sophie on BookBub and Amazon, you'll get notified whenever she has a new release. Go to https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sophi... and to https://shorturl.at/7Hygj to follow her.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 9, 2026
If you are looking for an intriguing angsty story of redemption and second chances, then this is the book for you! The Lay of the Land is a beautiful, layered tale from start to finish - of love that redeems, restores, and absolutely never fails.
I loved single every minute of Arnold and Lily - their love story sucked me right in. But this was my first Sophie Toovey novel, and I love them so much I’m actually a little worried about how I’ll feel about them (Arnold in particular) in the other books. Please, Sophie, tell me I won’t be mad at him, never ever?
Her characterization and her redemption arcs are just THAT good. I laughed, I cried, I may have even yelled a little (sorry, sleeping hubby;) But that’s what we want, right? To have our hearts challenged, broken, and then stitched back together again? Well, that’s exactly what her dual timeline did for this story. Looking back with Arnold and Lily to live the “then”, made the “now” breakthroughs that much more powerful. (Hashtag: #Arnily anyone? Or maybe #Lilold?)
Notable Quotables:
- “Protect Lily. I long to be the one she runs to when she's afraid, or worried. At night, she lets me put my arm around her, but she's under the blanket and she still feels a million miles away. I think I'm her problem, but I want to be her solution. I just need her to give me a chance.”
- “This is everything I ever wanted: someone to love.”
- “True love is sacrifice…”
- “It’s hard though, to weigh one action, isolated from the tapestry of events, motives, and stories which comprise our lives.”
Highlightables:
- The seashore. The shell collecting. The sand.
- The seashell on the mantle.
- His patience with her.
- The way he falls first and harder. And never stops loving and believing the best in her.
- The sibling relationships on both sides. (esp. Mary and Eleanor.)
- Lily’s parents.
- The cabin and the river!
- Stephie.
- Benjamin and Juno.
- Cressida.
- The way they both admit their mistakes and come back together in the right way.
- The epilogue (no spoilers!)
So many reasons to adore this story and the world that Sophie has created. Both main characters learn what it means to truly love. And we are encouraged right along with them. Thank you for this beautiful story, Sophie.
I highly highly recommend this one, and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
I loved single every minute of Arnold and Lily - their love story sucked me right in. But this was my first Sophie Toovey novel, and I love them so much I’m actually a little worried about how I’ll feel about them (Arnold in particular) in the other books. Please, Sophie, tell me I won’t be mad at him, never ever?
Her characterization and her redemption arcs are just THAT good. I laughed, I cried, I may have even yelled a little (sorry, sleeping hubby;) But that’s what we want, right? To have our hearts challenged, broken, and then stitched back together again? Well, that’s exactly what her dual timeline did for this story. Looking back with Arnold and Lily to live the “then”, made the “now” breakthroughs that much more powerful. (Hashtag: #Arnily anyone? Or maybe #Lilold?)
Notable Quotables:
- “Protect Lily. I long to be the one she runs to when she's afraid, or worried. At night, she lets me put my arm around her, but she's under the blanket and she still feels a million miles away. I think I'm her problem, but I want to be her solution. I just need her to give me a chance.”
- “This is everything I ever wanted: someone to love.”
- “True love is sacrifice…”
- “It’s hard though, to weigh one action, isolated from the tapestry of events, motives, and stories which comprise our lives.”
Highlightables:
- The seashore. The shell collecting. The sand.
- The seashell on the mantle.
- His patience with her.
- The way he falls first and harder. And never stops loving and believing the best in her.
- The sibling relationships on both sides. (esp. Mary and Eleanor.)
- Lily’s parents.
- The cabin and the river!
- Stephie.
- Benjamin and Juno.
- Cressida.
- The way they both admit their mistakes and come back together in the right way.
- The epilogue (no spoilers!)
So many reasons to adore this story and the world that Sophie has created. Both main characters learn what it means to truly love. And we are encouraged right along with them. Thank you for this beautiful story, Sophie.
I highly highly recommend this one, and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
January 3, 2026
This was a beautiful and powerful story about redemption, second chances, and grace that isn’t earned but freely given. Hope and faith are woven through the story in a really natural way. The characters are deeply flawed, and their journey toward healing is messy, painful, and real—which made it an emotional and compelling read.
Set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian frontier, the book follows Arnold and Lily, a “pledged” couple struggling to heal a broken marriage shaped by past pain and loss. As they navigate a harsh and unforgiving world, both seek redemption and personal growth, hoping to rediscover the love they once shared.
This gritty journey of healing, forgiveness, and second chances, will stay with you long after the final page. If you love redemption arcs and imperfect characters finding their way, this one is definitely worth reading.
Set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian frontier, the book follows Arnold and Lily, a “pledged” couple struggling to heal a broken marriage shaped by past pain and loss. As they navigate a harsh and unforgiving world, both seek redemption and personal growth, hoping to rediscover the love they once shared.
This gritty journey of healing, forgiveness, and second chances, will stay with you long after the final page. If you love redemption arcs and imperfect characters finding their way, this one is definitely worth reading.
January 2, 2026
4.5/5
Genre: Dystopian Saga/ Closed Door Romance
🚨TW: childbirth trauma, postpartum depression, emotional abuse and toxic parenting, domestic tension and emotional conflict, physical violence, themes of control and coercion, intimacy struggles and rejection, custody tension and supervised visits.
🚨CW: Sexual arousal and desire (fade to black), references to marital intimacy (fade-to-black)
Favourite Moments
🎲 Them going to the seaside together and collect seashells (can’t spoil it)
🎲 Him being patient with her and not scare her.
🎲 Her begin to realise her feelings towards him.
🎲 Him trying to make things right between them.
🎲 Moments with Stephie (can’t spoil it)
🎲Moments with her family and also Elena his sister.
🎲 Him trying his best to be there for her when she pushes him away.
🎲 Him saving her.
🎲 Them opening up to others about what really happened and also open up to each other.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🎲He falls first and never stopped loving her.
🎲 He cares and protects her.
🎲 He tries his best to help her.
🎲 He shows his vulnerable side to her.
🎲 He wants win her back in the right way.
Synopsis:
Arnold
A man from Whitecroft who never stops loving Lily and will do anything to protect her.
Lily
A woman who is from the Farmlands. She has a crush on Benjamin but after getting to know Arnold her heart changes.
They were pledge and Arnold managed to win her heart and they fell in love. However, things change when he is appointed to be a leader and also when she had a bad experience of childbirth. He tries to help her but she pushes him away and worst they didn’t seek help and also they shut out everyone their relationship is too late to be fixed.
She went back to the Farmlands. He went to Cape. Then, they meet again. Will they able to rekindle their relationship? Will he able to win her heart back again? Read The Lay of the Land to find out!!
Review:
I seriously cried when I read this. It is just so bittersweet. The way he tries to win her back in the right way and also though previously he did mistakes he never stop loving her and trying ways to help her and be there for her. However, lots of things happened and both of them are always fighting and also refuse to seek help from the others which causes them to break.
Love that he tried his best to win back her love and also, he wants to do it the right way because he knows that he hurt not only her but the others in the farmlands. I ache for him because the General and his father taught him to control his expressions and also control his wife though he doesn’t really like it but he doesn’t have a choice because he had to lead the people from Whitecroft and also the Farmlands.
This story is about forgiveness and also putting God first in their lives and rekindle their relationship as husband and wife again. Love that they rely on God and also seek help for the people who love them. Can’t spoil too much of the story. And this book goes back to the past to know the situation and also the present. Moments with their daughter is so sweet too and also people around them too helping them too.
This the 4th book of Unity Series. And to understand the story better, please do read the 1st three books of the series.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thank you, @sophie_toovey for the ARC!
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
Genre: Dystopian Saga/ Closed Door Romance
🚨TW: childbirth trauma, postpartum depression, emotional abuse and toxic parenting, domestic tension and emotional conflict, physical violence, themes of control and coercion, intimacy struggles and rejection, custody tension and supervised visits.
🚨CW: Sexual arousal and desire (fade to black), references to marital intimacy (fade-to-black)
Favourite Moments
🎲 Them going to the seaside together and collect seashells (can’t spoil it)
🎲 Him being patient with her and not scare her.
🎲 Her begin to realise her feelings towards him.
🎲 Him trying to make things right between them.
🎲 Moments with Stephie (can’t spoil it)
🎲Moments with her family and also Elena his sister.
🎲 Him trying his best to be there for her when she pushes him away.
🎲 Him saving her.
🎲 Them opening up to others about what really happened and also open up to each other.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🎲He falls first and never stopped loving her.
🎲 He cares and protects her.
🎲 He tries his best to help her.
🎲 He shows his vulnerable side to her.
🎲 He wants win her back in the right way.
Synopsis:
Arnold
A man from Whitecroft who never stops loving Lily and will do anything to protect her.
Lily
A woman who is from the Farmlands. She has a crush on Benjamin but after getting to know Arnold her heart changes.
They were pledge and Arnold managed to win her heart and they fell in love. However, things change when he is appointed to be a leader and also when she had a bad experience of childbirth. He tries to help her but she pushes him away and worst they didn’t seek help and also they shut out everyone their relationship is too late to be fixed.
She went back to the Farmlands. He went to Cape. Then, they meet again. Will they able to rekindle their relationship? Will he able to win her heart back again? Read The Lay of the Land to find out!!
Review:
I seriously cried when I read this. It is just so bittersweet. The way he tries to win her back in the right way and also though previously he did mistakes he never stop loving her and trying ways to help her and be there for her. However, lots of things happened and both of them are always fighting and also refuse to seek help from the others which causes them to break.
Love that he tried his best to win back her love and also, he wants to do it the right way because he knows that he hurt not only her but the others in the farmlands. I ache for him because the General and his father taught him to control his expressions and also control his wife though he doesn’t really like it but he doesn’t have a choice because he had to lead the people from Whitecroft and also the Farmlands.
This story is about forgiveness and also putting God first in their lives and rekindle their relationship as husband and wife again. Love that they rely on God and also seek help for the people who love them. Can’t spoil too much of the story. And this book goes back to the past to know the situation and also the present. Moments with their daughter is so sweet too and also people around them too helping them too.
This the 4th book of Unity Series. And to understand the story better, please do read the 1st three books of the series.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thank you, @sophie_toovey for the ARC!
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 Stars
"This is everything I ever wanted: someone to love." pg 36
"...true love is sacrifice." pg 100
"Some things take a lifetime to understand, and more." pg 297
This book can be read as a standalone, however, since I haven't read the other 3 books in the series, I think it would be best if read as part of the series. I think there are events and relationships that would better be understood if I had started the story with the first book.
This book is a dual point of view from Antony and Lily's perspective that flips from the past to the present. Both of the characters took a part in ruining their relationship and building the chasm between them. And this story does take on some heavy topics as domestic violence, postnatal depression, toxic parenting, infidelity, control and coercion, but is tastefully done with no explicit descriptions.
In this dystopian story, Arnold wants nothing more than to be loved and accepted. He has had a hard childhood with a father that is always finding fault and tearing him down. When it's his time to participate in the casting and gets paired with his future spouse, he is over joyed to cast the die and have Lily's name be called. He has admired her and is excited to get the chance to build a life together and make her happy.
Lily is from the Farmlands and isn't happy that he has to pledge to Arnold and live in Whitecroft, where the houses are too close. However, slowly they start to find their way in their relationship and she gets pregnant. Arnolds job with the General starts to get demanding and he is unable to talk with anyone about the tasks the General gives him.
After a very traumatic birth, Lily struggles to heal and is so overwhelmed with the postnatal depression that she pushes everyone away - including Arnold. She starts to turn violent towards him and he doesn't know how to best help her, which increases his feelings of being unwanted and unloved.
After an incident in the town square, Lily returns to the Farmlands without Arnold. After about 6 months separation, Arnold is willing to do anything to repair his relationship with Lily and get his family back. But they need to untangle the knots they have created, learn to trust each other again, and also figure out who is truly behind the town square incident.
While reading the story, my heart went out to Arnold as he struggled to find his place and prove that he is worth knowing and loving. I also felt bad for Lily as she was struggling through her trauma and didn't know how to accept help and/or didn't know what help she needed.
I'll have to pick up the first 3 books in the series to get more of the post apocalyptic world building and get more insight into the characters.
I received an ARC copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
"This is everything I ever wanted: someone to love." pg 36
"...true love is sacrifice." pg 100
"Some things take a lifetime to understand, and more." pg 297
This book can be read as a standalone, however, since I haven't read the other 3 books in the series, I think it would be best if read as part of the series. I think there are events and relationships that would better be understood if I had started the story with the first book.
This book is a dual point of view from Antony and Lily's perspective that flips from the past to the present. Both of the characters took a part in ruining their relationship and building the chasm between them. And this story does take on some heavy topics as domestic violence, postnatal depression, toxic parenting, infidelity, control and coercion, but is tastefully done with no explicit descriptions.
In this dystopian story, Arnold wants nothing more than to be loved and accepted. He has had a hard childhood with a father that is always finding fault and tearing him down. When it's his time to participate in the casting and gets paired with his future spouse, he is over joyed to cast the die and have Lily's name be called. He has admired her and is excited to get the chance to build a life together and make her happy.
Lily is from the Farmlands and isn't happy that he has to pledge to Arnold and live in Whitecroft, where the houses are too close. However, slowly they start to find their way in their relationship and she gets pregnant. Arnolds job with the General starts to get demanding and he is unable to talk with anyone about the tasks the General gives him.
After a very traumatic birth, Lily struggles to heal and is so overwhelmed with the postnatal depression that she pushes everyone away - including Arnold. She starts to turn violent towards him and he doesn't know how to best help her, which increases his feelings of being unwanted and unloved.
After an incident in the town square, Lily returns to the Farmlands without Arnold. After about 6 months separation, Arnold is willing to do anything to repair his relationship with Lily and get his family back. But they need to untangle the knots they have created, learn to trust each other again, and also figure out who is truly behind the town square incident.
While reading the story, my heart went out to Arnold as he struggled to find his place and prove that he is worth knowing and loving. I also felt bad for Lily as she was struggling through her trauma and didn't know how to accept help and/or didn't know what help she needed.
I'll have to pick up the first 3 books in the series to get more of the post apocalyptic world building and get more insight into the characters.
I received an ARC copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What a heartfelt, powerful book this was! This story takes place in a post-apocalyptic/dystopian-type frontier setting that was so unique and fascinating. Sophie Toovey created such an interesting world that I couldn't help but want to know more and more about it and about how this world and the people in it came to be there. The story centers around Arnold and Lily, a married ("pledged") couple who's marriage is hurting and broken and full of past pain, but who are both desperately seeking redemption, trying to heal (both as individuals and as a couple), become better people, and find their way back to each other. Their love for each other is so tender and precious and beautiful to read. Their love and attraction for each other grows slowly (especially for her), but eventually becomes undeniably strong and passionate and I couldn't help but hang on every word of this book to see if they'd be able to reconcile and get their much-deserved, hard-earned "happily ever after."
The author deals with some very hard, heavy topics in this book: post-partum depression, birth trauma, broken parental/family relationships, types of abuse in marriage, and domineering/oppressive parents, but she does it so realistically and SO well. She doesn't shy away from writing about the very real emotions, pain, struggles, and hardships that come with these issues, but she also does it so gently, respectfully, and in such a way that you feel the emotions of these very relatable characters. There are some emotionally hard parts of this book, but I LOVED that this book is, ultimately, about redemption, second chances, the power of undeserved grace and forgiveness, the beauty of selfless love, and the way hope and faith can bring unexpected and lasting healing. I most definitely recommend this book, and I'm now chomping at the bit to read the other books in this wonderful series!
(I was given a free Advanced Reader copy of this book, but all reviews and opinions are mine and are 100% honest.)
The author deals with some very hard, heavy topics in this book: post-partum depression, birth trauma, broken parental/family relationships, types of abuse in marriage, and domineering/oppressive parents, but she does it so realistically and SO well. She doesn't shy away from writing about the very real emotions, pain, struggles, and hardships that come with these issues, but she also does it so gently, respectfully, and in such a way that you feel the emotions of these very relatable characters. There are some emotionally hard parts of this book, but I LOVED that this book is, ultimately, about redemption, second chances, the power of undeserved grace and forgiveness, the beauty of selfless love, and the way hope and faith can bring unexpected and lasting healing. I most definitely recommend this book, and I'm now chomping at the bit to read the other books in this wonderful series!
(I was given a free Advanced Reader copy of this book, but all reviews and opinions are mine and are 100% honest.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
In the words of Sophie Toovey herself, “The Lay of the Land is a haunting, emotionally layered novel about fractured love, the legacy of toxic masculinity, and the fragile hope of redemption.” After reading TLOTL, I can wholeheartedly say this description is spot on!
Toovey is a master of creating multi-dimensional flawed characters, and Lily and Arnold are no exception. Their road to redemption and forgiveness is gritty, and this novel explores deeper issues, adding a whole new level to Toovey’s writing. In addition, TLOTL offers new perspectives to Whitecroft, as this fourth book happens concurrently with other books in the series. The plot of this novel as well as the insights it offers into this dystopian, regency world were intertwined with as the events unfolded.
The Lay of the Land tackles serious issues on the path to forgiveness and redemption. Redemption arcs shine in Toovey’s books, and this book does not disappoint. If you enjoy redemption arcs, trauma recovery, stories honoring faith, and flawed characters finding their way again, this book is for you!
Tropes
Dystopian Regency World
Frinteori Romance Vibes
Redemption Arc
Protective Hero
Mental Health Issues
Emotional Realism
Faith Elements
Symbolic Setting
Dual POV
Suspense & Intrigue
Content Warnings
Birth trauma
Depression
PTSD
Domestic Tension & Conflict
I highly recommend The Lay of the Land by Sophie Toovey. I did receive an Arc copy, but the comments are my own.
Toovey is a master of creating multi-dimensional flawed characters, and Lily and Arnold are no exception. Their road to redemption and forgiveness is gritty, and this novel explores deeper issues, adding a whole new level to Toovey’s writing. In addition, TLOTL offers new perspectives to Whitecroft, as this fourth book happens concurrently with other books in the series. The plot of this novel as well as the insights it offers into this dystopian, regency world were intertwined with as the events unfolded.
The Lay of the Land tackles serious issues on the path to forgiveness and redemption. Redemption arcs shine in Toovey’s books, and this book does not disappoint. If you enjoy redemption arcs, trauma recovery, stories honoring faith, and flawed characters finding their way again, this book is for you!
Tropes
Dystopian Regency World
Frinteori Romance Vibes
Redemption Arc
Protective Hero
Mental Health Issues
Emotional Realism
Faith Elements
Symbolic Setting
Dual POV
Suspense & Intrigue
Content Warnings
Birth trauma
Depression
PTSD
Domestic Tension & Conflict
I highly recommend The Lay of the Land by Sophie Toovey. I did receive an Arc copy, but the comments are my own.
December 22, 2025
3.5 stars rounded to 4. This book had lots of elements that usually work for me from dystopian setting to a second chance romance as well as a “then/now” format. When there is history to share, I find that format works well to keep the story moving forward while also helping the reader understand the past. This worked well to build the conflict here and I enjoyed that part of this story. Lily and Arnold had real problems that we all could face and it made the conflict believable. The beginning of their romance was hard but sweet and the reconciliation was well done.
This was presented to me as a part of a series but which could be read as a standalone. I don’t agree with that as I spent a lot of the story confused about this society and how it came to be as well as the tension/abuse from the autocratic General. I assume there is more world building in the previous 3 books and so I would suggest starting there as the questions I had did pull me out of the story quite a bit. I believe they are all available in Kindle Unlimited if you want to catch up before this publishes on January 2nd.
Thank you to the author for the gifted ebook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
I appreciate that the author acknowledges the hard topics covered in this book and gives you content warnings beforehand while treating them all with care.
Content Notes: Fade to black romance; see Author’s Note for full list
This was presented to me as a part of a series but which could be read as a standalone. I don’t agree with that as I spent a lot of the story confused about this society and how it came to be as well as the tension/abuse from the autocratic General. I assume there is more world building in the previous 3 books and so I would suggest starting there as the questions I had did pull me out of the story quite a bit. I believe they are all available in Kindle Unlimited if you want to catch up before this publishes on January 2nd.
Thank you to the author for the gifted ebook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
I appreciate that the author acknowledges the hard topics covered in this book and gives you content warnings beforehand while treating them all with care.
Content Notes: Fade to black romance; see Author’s Note for full list
Review of advance copy received from Author
I first want to say the author says this book can be a stand alone but I don't agree. There is this whole society which we don't know how it came to be and there are a lot of characters I felt I should've already known.
What I did like is that it's told from the male and the female main characters. Also the format is "then" and "now". I really liked both of these. This book is deep, heavy and emotional. I love these type of books so I was very intrigued by this one. The story was good, was hard to read in some places but that's what you get with a heavy book like this. The author wrote the characters very well, so well done. The redemption at the end was like coming home from a long difficult trip. It was so well done.
I am going to start at the beginning with book 1 because I do feel invested now.
What I did like is that it's told from the male and the female main characters. Also the format is "then" and "now". I really liked both of these. This book is deep, heavy and emotional. I love these type of books so I was very intrigued by this one. The story was good, was hard to read in some places but that's what you get with a heavy book like this. The author wrote the characters very well, so well done. The redemption at the end was like coming home from a long difficult trip. It was so well done.
I am going to start at the beginning with book 1 because I do feel invested now.
January 4, 2026
ARC reader review.
“Lay of the land” is a lovely read. The subject matter is a bit more sensitive and poignant than the previous books but I feel that Sophie's writing rose to the challenge. The story is told with a raw kind of truth and in that there is beauty in the brokenness. Sophie manages to tell a story that shows the challenge, time and commitment that change needs. This is very much not a “bibbidy bobbidy boo” and everyone is fixed kind of story. And that I really loved this book for.
There is interesting crossover and interplay with characters and timeline from previous books in the series. I love how this story really adds to the world of WhiteCroft- past, present & future.
All in all, there are many reasons this is a fantastic read and you won’t be disappointed.
“Lay of the land” is a lovely read. The subject matter is a bit more sensitive and poignant than the previous books but I feel that Sophie's writing rose to the challenge. The story is told with a raw kind of truth and in that there is beauty in the brokenness. Sophie manages to tell a story that shows the challenge, time and commitment that change needs. This is very much not a “bibbidy bobbidy boo” and everyone is fixed kind of story. And that I really loved this book for.
There is interesting crossover and interplay with characters and timeline from previous books in the series. I love how this story really adds to the world of WhiteCroft- past, present & future.
All in all, there are many reasons this is a fantastic read and you won’t be disappointed.
January 3, 2026
This book had me staying up late into the night, devouring chapter after chapter.
The chapters are short (which is nice), so it’s easy to read way more in one sitting than intended originally.
The setting and genre are both super unique, and I enjoyed them. Regency dystopian meets frontier. Doesn’t sound like things you could mix, but it works.
This book is an emotional ride with lots of tension, healing, and second chance relationship.
Closed door (with some fade to black and first person pov arousal— mild). No language. Trigger warnings are listed in front of the book as there are some.
The chapters are short (which is nice), so it’s easy to read way more in one sitting than intended originally.
The setting and genre are both super unique, and I enjoyed them. Regency dystopian meets frontier. Doesn’t sound like things you could mix, but it works.
This book is an emotional ride with lots of tension, healing, and second chance relationship.
Closed door (with some fade to black and first person pov arousal— mild). No language. Trigger warnings are listed in front of the book as there are some.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75 stars rounded up
This is the first book I've read by this author, and overall I enjoyed it! Both characters messed up in their relationship, so reconciliation and forgiveness was required on both sides. I appreciated the dual POV, and that the story went back and forth between the past and present day.
While the story is one of hope and forgiveness, the book isn't one to read when you're in the mood for a happy or lighthearted read. The tone throughout is somber and sometimes quite heavy, as the book focuses on their past hurts and traumas.
This book was introduced to me as a standalone, and it can be, but I don't recommend it. I was able to follow most of the world-building, though I did have questions as to how this society originated and the Council structure. It also took me longer to understand some of the dynamics between characters. There's one character of importance whose role in society I still don't understand. And while I could follow the story sufficiently, this background information from earlier in the series would have helped.
Again, I enjoyed the story overall, and would be interested in reading the earlier books in the series.
⚠️ No cursing. Heavy topics of trauma and post-partum depression, among others
🌶️ Only kissing on page, fade to black
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to ARC read!
This is the first book I've read by this author, and overall I enjoyed it! Both characters messed up in their relationship, so reconciliation and forgiveness was required on both sides. I appreciated the dual POV, and that the story went back and forth between the past and present day.
While the story is one of hope and forgiveness, the book isn't one to read when you're in the mood for a happy or lighthearted read. The tone throughout is somber and sometimes quite heavy, as the book focuses on their past hurts and traumas.
This book was introduced to me as a standalone, and it can be, but I don't recommend it. I was able to follow most of the world-building, though I did have questions as to how this society originated and the Council structure. It also took me longer to understand some of the dynamics between characters. There's one character of importance whose role in society I still don't understand. And while I could follow the story sufficiently, this background information from earlier in the series would have helped.
Again, I enjoyed the story overall, and would be interested in reading the earlier books in the series.
⚠️ No cursing. Heavy topics of trauma and post-partum depression, among others
🌶️ Only kissing on page, fade to black
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to ARC read!
January 5, 2026
Overall I enjoyed this one. This is a stand alone but I do wish I would’ve read the ones before to get a better sense of the characters and lands. But despite that it still had enough information that I could keep up with what was going on. The MMC and FMC storylines were done with fine detail which really pulled you into the book. The supporting characters integrated into the story well and pushed the plot along nicely. The emotions/suspense jump off the page and truly keep you reading. I’m looking forward to reading the previous ones and what comes next!
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December 24, 2025This is the first book I've read by Sophie Toovey. Even though it is part of a series (and I will enjoy going back to catch up) it is fine as a standalone.
This story is about reconciliation and healing between a couple (and their extended family and acquaintances) after their marriage has had traumas and misunderstandings that broke them apart.
The timeline moves between past and present, and is written in a dual point of view (POV).
I am not going to say anything more about the story except I liked it and will likely read it again.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story is about reconciliation and healing between a couple (and their extended family and acquaintances) after their marriage has had traumas and misunderstandings that broke them apart.
The timeline moves between past and present, and is written in a dual point of view (POV).
I am not going to say anything more about the story except I liked it and will likely read it again.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2026
Not my default genre, but I really enjoyed reading this book. Adding the other books in this series to my TBR. Arnold & Lily’s dual point of view of their relationship, as what I enjoyed most. Both admitting fault in their failed marriage, while learning how to give love a second chance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adore Arnold & Lily's sweet, heartbreaking, caring, loving, redemptive, swoony happily ever after!!
January 12, 2026
First off, thank to the author for sending me an arc.
You know what hits for me, second chance WITH marriage reconciliation. There's something about it that makes my heart happy. I love how Arnold wanted to step up and fix his relationship with Lily and their daughter. He realized he did wrong and was willing change, to bring their family back together, the right way. Wholesome. I can't relate to Lily's pain and her journey, but I loved how she realized that she also needed help and wanted to be family again. Them both seeking counseling, 10/10 love to see it! Appreciated the faith elements as well.
"I just want you yo love me again." "Listen to me, I have never stopped loving you. And never will."
This is the 4th book in the Unity series, but can be read as a standalone.
You know what hits for me, second chance WITH marriage reconciliation. There's something about it that makes my heart happy. I love how Arnold wanted to step up and fix his relationship with Lily and their daughter. He realized he did wrong and was willing change, to bring their family back together, the right way. Wholesome. I can't relate to Lily's pain and her journey, but I loved how she realized that she also needed help and wanted to be family again. Them both seeking counseling, 10/10 love to see it! Appreciated the faith elements as well.
"I just want you yo love me again." "Listen to me, I have never stopped loving you. And never will."
This is the 4th book in the Unity series, but can be read as a standalone.
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