What do you think?
Rate this book
Lilac Creek
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26Drifting has always been enough… until the current pulls them under.
Hazel Mae Connor has always believed she was meant for something more than her family’s dude ranch, until a dream job offer a thousand miles away forces her to decide what “more” really means. Leaving would mean starting over somewhere new. Staying would mean holding on to the life and the people she’s always loved.
People like her childhood best friend, Wade Monroe. He’s always been her rock. Steady, familiar, safe. But this summer, something between them is shifting, turning every glance and every moment into something Hazel can’t quite ignore. Something she’s not sure she’s ready to lose.
Then there’s the journal. The one she and Wade found as kids. It reappears, mysteriously filling with song lyrics they never wrote. Lyrics that feel a little too close to the truth.
As summer unfolds and choices grow harder to avoid, Hazel finds herself caught between who she thought she should be and what her heart has been trying to tell her all along.
Hazel Mae Connor has always believed she was meant for something more than her family’s dude ranch, until a dream job offer a thousand miles away forces her to decide what “more” really means. Leaving would mean starting over somewhere new. Staying would mean holding on to the life and the people she’s always loved.
People like her childhood best friend, Wade Monroe. He’s always been her rock. Steady, familiar, safe. But this summer, something between them is shifting, turning every glance and every moment into something Hazel can’t quite ignore. Something she’s not sure she’s ready to lose.
Then there’s the journal. The one she and Wade found as kids. It reappears, mysteriously filling with song lyrics they never wrote. Lyrics that feel a little too close to the truth.
As summer unfolds and choices grow harder to avoid, Hazel finds herself caught between who she thought she should be and what her heart has been trying to tell her all along.
- GenresMagical Realism
Paperback
Expected publication August 11, 2026
About the author
Abigail Morgan
2 books31 followersAbigail Morgan writes stories with her boots in the dirt and her head in the clouds. Usually, the kind drifting over the Rocky Mountains. Her romance novels mix the wild west with cozy charm and always carry a dash of mountain magic. When she’s not writing or reading, she can be found chasing golden-hour light with her camera, sipping coffee that’s almost too pretty to drink, or swimming in the lake.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 15, 2026
I loved Abigail Morgan’s first booked and this one was just as amazing. The story was compelling (and oh so cute) and the backdrop of the beautiful Idaho mountains drew me in. This is the perfect summer read.
August 4, 2026
I’ve got to start by saying a huge thank you to Abigail for trusting me with an ARC of Lilac Creek. It honestly blows my mind that this is my real life, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
After absolutely loving the first book in the Elements series, I had a feeling this one would steal my heart too and it absolutely did.
The subtle Taylor Swift references? Perfection. Reading this at the start of August while reading about August playing on the radio is an experience I’ll never forget.
This book made me want to pack my bags and head straight to Idaho. I could picture the sun setting through the trees, smell the sagebrush carried on the breeze, and hear the gentle trot of the horses. Abigail’s writing is so beautifully immersive that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters.
And can we talk about Katie saying, “Just ruin the fucking friendship already.” I was screaming.
I also really loved that the entire story was told from Hazel’s perspective, it worked incredibly well and made her journey feel so personal. That said, I would’ve loved a few chapters from Wade’s point of view because it was so obvious from the very beginning just how deeply he loved Hazel. Watching their relationship unfold was everything, and I couldn’t have been happier that they got the ending they deserved.
This was another beautiful addition to the Elements series, and I already can’t wait for whatever Abigail writes next.
I highly recommend running to get this book when it releases officially on the 11th of August!
After absolutely loving the first book in the Elements series, I had a feeling this one would steal my heart too and it absolutely did.
The subtle Taylor Swift references? Perfection. Reading this at the start of August while reading about August playing on the radio is an experience I’ll never forget.
This book made me want to pack my bags and head straight to Idaho. I could picture the sun setting through the trees, smell the sagebrush carried on the breeze, and hear the gentle trot of the horses. Abigail’s writing is so beautifully immersive that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters.
And can we talk about Katie saying, “Just ruin the fucking friendship already.” I was screaming.
I also really loved that the entire story was told from Hazel’s perspective, it worked incredibly well and made her journey feel so personal. That said, I would’ve loved a few chapters from Wade’s point of view because it was so obvious from the very beginning just how deeply he loved Hazel. Watching their relationship unfold was everything, and I couldn’t have been happier that they got the ending they deserved.
This was another beautiful addition to the Elements series, and I already can’t wait for whatever Abigail writes next.
I highly recommend running to get this book when it releases officially on the 11th of August!
July 29, 2026
🪻Lilac Creek Review🪻
⭐️Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hazel Mae and Wade 🥹 my loves. Where do I begin? First, the friends to lovers trope hasn’t ever been a favorite trope of mine, but wow, Lilac Creek definitely changed my mind on that. Hazel and Wade are not only friends but they are childhood best friends and the friends to lovers trope was done EXCEPTIONALLY WELL👏🏼
I loved seeing Wade’s emotional side as he was grieving the death of his father and it was beautiful to see how Hazel Mae was there to be his rock,his comfort.
Also, I am a new found lover of magical realism and having this journal with songs that depict certain moments (I don’t want to go into detail to avoid spoilers) but omg that was genius! I loved looking back at the end to see how each song correlated to each moment!
This book definitely had 3 of my all time favorite micro-tropes which included: One bed, he falls first, he knows her coffee order!! Ahhhhh the one bed trope 🛏️, the ANGST during those moments 🥵That cliffhanger ending?! 🤯 I need Parker’s book like yesterday!
Overall, this was definitely a five star read for me! The Elements Series has truly become one of my favorite series I will always continue to recommend.
Thank you Abigail Morgan for having me as a part of your Ranch Hand Crew! I am so grateful to have been able to receive an ARC for Lilac Creek! 🪻
⭐️Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hazel Mae and Wade 🥹 my loves. Where do I begin? First, the friends to lovers trope hasn’t ever been a favorite trope of mine, but wow, Lilac Creek definitely changed my mind on that. Hazel and Wade are not only friends but they are childhood best friends and the friends to lovers trope was done EXCEPTIONALLY WELL👏🏼
I loved seeing Wade’s emotional side as he was grieving the death of his father and it was beautiful to see how Hazel Mae was there to be his rock,his comfort.
Also, I am a new found lover of magical realism and having this journal with songs that depict certain moments (I don’t want to go into detail to avoid spoilers) but omg that was genius! I loved looking back at the end to see how each song correlated to each moment!
This book definitely had 3 of my all time favorite micro-tropes which included: One bed, he falls first, he knows her coffee order!! Ahhhhh the one bed trope 🛏️, the ANGST during those moments 🥵That cliffhanger ending?! 🤯 I need Parker’s book like yesterday!
Overall, this was definitely a five star read for me! The Elements Series has truly become one of my favorite series I will always continue to recommend.
Thank you Abigail Morgan for having me as a part of your Ranch Hand Crew! I am so grateful to have been able to receive an ARC for Lilac Creek! 🪻
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lilac Creek is a very low-angst, cowgirl (!), childhood friends-t0-lovers romance with a sprinkle of magical realism thrown in. Following Ember Meadows in the Elements series, it can be read as a standalone.
While Ember Meadows had a magical cabin interfering with the MCs' love life, Lilac Creek finds Hazel, our FMC, and Wade, our MMC, pondering a journal that fills with romantic lyrics without anyone ever touching the book. The lyrics seem to tell a story about two people falling in love, and perhaps losing that love, over the course of a lifetime. I love that we're not hit over the head with the magical aspects of the story, since I'm not a big fan of fantasy, but this plot does take a little bit of extra, outside homework if you aren't familiar with the songs that Morgan uses.
The book is told largely in Hazel's single POV (the prologue and epilogue are from Wade's perspective), which means that Morgan has to do the careful work of making us feel Wade's slowly revealed love for his best friend, all while Hazel debates whether he could ever see her that way. While I tend to like dual POV for stories like this, I think that, for the most part, Morgan nails it. She's captured small moments that show the two might be closer than they admit, and she uses side characters as a sort of Greek chorus to tell us what's going on that Hazel can't see clearly.
I do find the pacing of the relationship to be a *bit* compressed, because this is very much a sloooowww burn. I would have loved additional space devoted to the two living (no spoiler tag needed) happily ever after, but there is a clear set up for additional books in the series, and I hope we'll see some of their relationship in the next one.
All told, I think Morgan threads the needle of childhood friends-to-lovers well. Yes, there is pining/yearning from both sides, but neither of the characters is just waiting for the other one to fall in love. Lilac Creek doesn't make one of the characters out to be so desperate to ruin the friendship that they never really have a friendship, which tends to make the relationship development feel a bit icky.
* Thank you to the author for an early review copy in exchange for my honest review! *
While Ember Meadows had a magical cabin interfering with the MCs' love life, Lilac Creek finds Hazel, our FMC, and Wade, our MMC, pondering a journal that fills with romantic lyrics without anyone ever touching the book. The lyrics seem to tell a story about two people falling in love, and perhaps losing that love, over the course of a lifetime. I love that we're not hit over the head with the magical aspects of the story, since I'm not a big fan of fantasy, but this plot does take a little bit of extra, outside homework if you aren't familiar with the songs that Morgan uses.
The book is told largely in Hazel's single POV (the prologue and epilogue are from Wade's perspective), which means that Morgan has to do the careful work of making us feel Wade's slowly revealed love for his best friend, all while Hazel debates whether he could ever see her that way. While I tend to like dual POV for stories like this, I think that, for the most part, Morgan nails it. She's captured small moments that show the two might be closer than they admit, and she uses side characters as a sort of Greek chorus to tell us what's going on that Hazel can't see clearly.
I do find the pacing of the relationship to be a *bit* compressed, because this is very much a sloooowww burn. I would have loved additional space devoted to the two living (no spoiler tag needed) happily ever after, but there is a clear set up for additional books in the series, and I hope we'll see some of their relationship in the next one.
All told, I think Morgan threads the needle of childhood friends-to-lovers well. Yes, there is pining/yearning from both sides, but neither of the characters is just waiting for the other one to fall in love. Lilac Creek doesn't make one of the characters out to be so desperate to ruin the friendship that they never really have a friendship, which tends to make the relationship development feel a bit icky.
* Thank you to the author for an early review copy in exchange for my honest review! *
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book
First of all, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this book! Having an ARC is so mindblowing to me, and I loved this book!
Firstly, we are introduced to our main characters in the book-- Hazel and Wade. Hazel works on her family's dude ranch and is bubbly and enthusiastic, but she is nervous about possibly moving away to pursue a history career, which she hasn't told Wade about. Wade is the current owner of Black Bear Rentals, which he took over after his dad died. He is still navigating through the grief, and he is calm and caring. When they are cleaning out the place after a flood, they find an old journal they remember from when they were young, where lyrics appear scrawled on the pages. They make it their summer mission to find who is writing in it.
I'm going to be honest, at first the plot was unclear for the first 20% of the book, but the longer I read, the more immersed I was in it. I loved the characters, which is uncommon for me because usually the FMC is really annoying, but Hazel was a relatable character and down-to-earth. It was a little frustrating that she didn't just tell Wade off the bat that she might move to Arizona, but there had to be that conflict between them, which upped the stakes, so I understand why it was necessary. I also felt like the exes being included in the story was a little patchy because they were only brought up when it aided the plot, but that didn't really bother me. I really loved Wade, though, and it was so obvious how in love he was with Hazel the entire book. I think the reason Hazel didn't realize was that she thought he was being a good friend, but girl, friends don't look at you like that. The tension was on point, and it built up really interestingly. There was a little bit of spice, which honestly took me by surprise because I really did think there wasn't going to be any, but it wasn't that bad at all, and it was pretty brief, so whatever. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read that I couldn't put down!
First of all, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this book! Having an ARC is so mindblowing to me, and I loved this book!
Firstly, we are introduced to our main characters in the book-- Hazel and Wade. Hazel works on her family's dude ranch and is bubbly and enthusiastic, but she is nervous about possibly moving away to pursue a history career, which she hasn't told Wade about. Wade is the current owner of Black Bear Rentals, which he took over after his dad died. He is still navigating through the grief, and he is calm and caring. When they are cleaning out the place after a flood, they find an old journal they remember from when they were young, where lyrics appear scrawled on the pages. They make it their summer mission to find who is writing in it.
I'm going to be honest, at first the plot was unclear for the first 20% of the book, but the longer I read, the more immersed I was in it. I loved the characters, which is uncommon for me because usually the FMC is really annoying, but Hazel was a relatable character and down-to-earth. It was a little frustrating that she didn't just tell Wade off the bat that she might move to Arizona, but there had to be that conflict between them, which upped the stakes, so I understand why it was necessary. I also felt like the exes being included in the story was a little patchy because they were only brought up when it aided the plot, but that didn't really bother me. I really loved Wade, though, and it was so obvious how in love he was with Hazel the entire book. I think the reason Hazel didn't realize was that she thought he was being a good friend, but girl, friends don't look at you like that. The tension was on point, and it built up really interestingly. There was a little bit of spice, which honestly took me by surprise because I really did think there wasn't going to be any, but it wasn't that bad at all, and it was pretty brief, so whatever. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read that I couldn't put down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Abigail Morgan, for the ARC of Lilac Creek!
Lilac Creek is a small-town friends-to-lovers romance about two best friends who slowly realize that maybe they've been meant to be all along. Hazel is faced with the opportunity to leave for her dream job, but as the time to leave gets closer, she realizes she doesn't want to leave her hometown—or Wade. She's also been putting off telling him she's leaving, especially after everything he's been through since losing his dad and while they're finally cleaning out his dad's office after a flood.
I loved all of the forced proximity moments, especially when they had to share a bed on their trip. They both tried so hard to keep their distance, only to wake up cuddled together the next morning. It made Hazel's growing feelings for her best friend even harder to ignore.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the mysterious book with song lyrics written throughout it. I about screamed when Hazel found it back in her luggage on the way home from Arizona after throwing it out the car window on the way to the airport. The time they spent apart only made it more obvious how much they meant to each other, and I loved that she eventually ran home to him.
The only thing I wish had been different was getting a few chapters from Wade's POV. Reading everything through Hazel's perspective made it feel very realistic because, just like in real life, you never really know what the other person is thinking. But I still would've loved to be inside Wade's head for a few moments.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves small-town romances or the friends-to-lovers trope. I enjoyed it so much that I'm already planning to go back and read the first book in the series!
Lilac Creek is a small-town friends-to-lovers romance about two best friends who slowly realize that maybe they've been meant to be all along. Hazel is faced with the opportunity to leave for her dream job, but as the time to leave gets closer, she realizes she doesn't want to leave her hometown—or Wade. She's also been putting off telling him she's leaving, especially after everything he's been through since losing his dad and while they're finally cleaning out his dad's office after a flood.
I loved all of the forced proximity moments, especially when they had to share a bed on their trip. They both tried so hard to keep their distance, only to wake up cuddled together the next morning. It made Hazel's growing feelings for her best friend even harder to ignore.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the mysterious book with song lyrics written throughout it. I about screamed when Hazel found it back in her luggage on the way home from Arizona after throwing it out the car window on the way to the airport. The time they spent apart only made it more obvious how much they meant to each other, and I loved that she eventually ran home to him.
The only thing I wish had been different was getting a few chapters from Wade's POV. Reading everything through Hazel's perspective made it feel very realistic because, just like in real life, you never really know what the other person is thinking. But I still would've loved to be inside Wade's head for a few moments.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves small-town romances or the friends-to-lovers trope. I enjoyed it so much that I'm already planning to go back and read the first book in the series!
August 3, 2026
Thank you, Abigail Morgan, for the ARC of Lilac Creek! 4.5 Stars
I fell in love with Abigail Morgans writing with Ember Meadow and I was so excited to get the opportunity to read Lilac Creek. The second book in the Elements series follows Hazel and Wade, forever best friends, as they navigate life in their small town after the loss of his father and Hazel debates leaving to pursue a new job states away.
The slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance, slowly amps up as you follow Hazel and Wade try to solve the mystery of a journal that continually adds songs that describe our characters lives. As Hazel comes closer to changing her life, she is torn between leaving the life she has always known that is changing in ways she never expected, and new opportunities
This book is full of delicious forced proximity, the one-bed trope, and even moments where slutty little glasses make an appearance. The friendship between Wade and Hazel is sweet and genuine and you spend the book rooting for them to finally seal the deal and choose each other.
The book even teases more from the other characters and I cannot wait for the third book in this series.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves small-town romances or the friends-to-lovers trope. If this isn’t a series you have read yet, you need to get on that ASAP!!!
I fell in love with Abigail Morgans writing with Ember Meadow and I was so excited to get the opportunity to read Lilac Creek. The second book in the Elements series follows Hazel and Wade, forever best friends, as they navigate life in their small town after the loss of his father and Hazel debates leaving to pursue a new job states away.
The slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance, slowly amps up as you follow Hazel and Wade try to solve the mystery of a journal that continually adds songs that describe our characters lives. As Hazel comes closer to changing her life, she is torn between leaving the life she has always known that is changing in ways she never expected, and new opportunities
This book is full of delicious forced proximity, the one-bed trope, and even moments where slutty little glasses make an appearance. The friendship between Wade and Hazel is sweet and genuine and you spend the book rooting for them to finally seal the deal and choose each other.
The book even teases more from the other characters and I cannot wait for the third book in this series.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves small-town romances or the friends-to-lovers trope. If this isn’t a series you have read yet, you need to get on that ASAP!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lilac Creek is part of Abigail Morgan’s series of interconnected standalones. The story follows best friends Hazel and Wade as they navigate a summer filled with big changes and a mysterious leather journal.
The slow-burn tension between Hazel and Wade has been brewing since childhood, gradually blossoming into something deeper. Told entirely from Hazel's point of view, the perspective works brilliantly. As they navigate the summer together, their feelings constantly bubble to the surface, filling quiet moments with unresolved tension and unspoken heat.
Everyone around them can see and feel it—even Hazel senses the magical pull drawing her to Wade. Yet, she keeps writing it off as simple proximity and the distraction of her upcoming trip to Arizona. The leather journal is giving her plenty of distraction and reasons to be with Wade.
While Hazel and Wade share plenty of desire-filled moments, this is a relatively low-spice read. However, it delivers big on favorite microtropes—including Wade wearing his slutty little glasses, an only one bed scene, and plenty of lingering gazes!
If you love childhood friends-to-lovers, small-town summer romances, and a dash of magical realism, I highly suggest picking this one up. I thoroughly enjoyed everything it had to offer and can't wait to see what Abigail Morgan writes next!
The slow-burn tension between Hazel and Wade has been brewing since childhood, gradually blossoming into something deeper. Told entirely from Hazel's point of view, the perspective works brilliantly. As they navigate the summer together, their feelings constantly bubble to the surface, filling quiet moments with unresolved tension and unspoken heat.
Everyone around them can see and feel it—even Hazel senses the magical pull drawing her to Wade. Yet, she keeps writing it off as simple proximity and the distraction of her upcoming trip to Arizona. The leather journal is giving her plenty of distraction and reasons to be with Wade.
While Hazel and Wade share plenty of desire-filled moments, this is a relatively low-spice read. However, it delivers big on favorite microtropes—including Wade wearing his slutty little glasses, an only one bed scene, and plenty of lingering gazes!
If you love childhood friends-to-lovers, small-town summer romances, and a dash of magical realism, I highly suggest picking this one up. I thoroughly enjoyed everything it had to offer and can't wait to see what Abigail Morgan writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Huge thanks to Abigail Morgan for this arc of Lilac Creek. These are all of my honest thoughts and opinions. 🫶🏻
My Rating- 3.5/5⭐️ (rounded up to 4)
If anything this one made me crave a summer in the Idaho mountains for sure. The setting was absolutely my favorite part.
“The creek is nicknamed after of the mountain peak it rushes down. In the spring and summer, fields of lilac colored wildflowers blanket the grass so heavily that from a distance the entire mountain looks purple.”
Lilac creek was such a slow burn in very way possible.
Wade and Hazel Mae have such a sweet story. Although it did fall a little flat in certain spots.
I’m obsessed with Wade, he was so steady and reassuring. He definitely holds a special place in my heart. Hazel was fun and goofy but I couldn’t get a real feel on her character and that did bother me.
I just feel like the plot got lost in some spots too, and I wanted more from the secret journal. I liked the little mystery aspect it had but I feel as if that part got a little lost too.
I do wish I loved this one more but I know so many girlies will fall in love with this sweet story! (Especially the ones who love little to no spice)
“Wade holds onto me as if I’m his only lifeline, saving him from drowning in this grief that never goes away.”
My Rating- 3.5/5⭐️ (rounded up to 4)
If anything this one made me crave a summer in the Idaho mountains for sure. The setting was absolutely my favorite part.
“The creek is nicknamed after of the mountain peak it rushes down. In the spring and summer, fields of lilac colored wildflowers blanket the grass so heavily that from a distance the entire mountain looks purple.”
Lilac creek was such a slow burn in very way possible.
Wade and Hazel Mae have such a sweet story. Although it did fall a little flat in certain spots.
I’m obsessed with Wade, he was so steady and reassuring. He definitely holds a special place in my heart. Hazel was fun and goofy but I couldn’t get a real feel on her character and that did bother me.
I just feel like the plot got lost in some spots too, and I wanted more from the secret journal. I liked the little mystery aspect it had but I feel as if that part got a little lost too.
I do wish I loved this one more but I know so many girlies will fall in love with this sweet story! (Especially the ones who love little to no spice)
“Wade holds onto me as if I’m his only lifeline, saving him from drowning in this grief that never goes away.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, I want to thank Abigail Morgan for sending me the ARC copy of Lilac Creek! I read Ember Meadow earlier this year and absolutely fell in love with her ability to write cowboy romance with magical realism seem so seamless.
I truly enjoyed every second of this book. The first 20% or so I was not totally sure where the plot was going, but it cleared up to me pretty quickly! Wade was a perfect golden retriever MMC. I love the friends to lovers trope, and they reminded me a lot of the characters from People We Meet on Vacation (a fave of mine!). This book is more of a slow burn.
Once again, the magical realism aspect of this book was so unique and I truly have not read any other romance books that include this! It makes for the story to be that much more interesting.
I could relate to Hazel a lot as well, she is young and figuring out her life just like me! I love that she doesn’t know what she wants and has to experience new things to figure it out.
Overall, this book is so great, and I really enjoy Abigail’s writing style. And YES I was eating up the cliffhanger at the end that I hope is building for the next one 👀.
Thank you again for the ARC copy! This book will be published 8/11 on paperback and on kindle!
I truly enjoyed every second of this book. The first 20% or so I was not totally sure where the plot was going, but it cleared up to me pretty quickly! Wade was a perfect golden retriever MMC. I love the friends to lovers trope, and they reminded me a lot of the characters from People We Meet on Vacation (a fave of mine!). This book is more of a slow burn.
Once again, the magical realism aspect of this book was so unique and I truly have not read any other romance books that include this! It makes for the story to be that much more interesting.
I could relate to Hazel a lot as well, she is young and figuring out her life just like me! I love that she doesn’t know what she wants and has to experience new things to figure it out.
Overall, this book is so great, and I really enjoy Abigail’s writing style. And YES I was eating up the cliffhanger at the end that I hope is building for the next one 👀.
Thank you again for the ARC copy! This book will be published 8/11 on paperback and on kindle!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! The relationship between Wade and Hazel felt so genuine and real. The way that Wade is constantly looking for reasons to hold/touch Hazel even before anything happens between the two of them is so sweet and speaks so much to his character. Speaking of his character, he is the perfect anount of dreamy and realistic. He is so caring and sweet towards Hazel but still sees her as her own person and respects that even if it means he will be left out. Hazel is such a fun character! She has the best come-backs and I loved her arc with the archival position. Their relationship was so stinking cute to read about!
For the writing, I feel like this was definitely a stronger book than the first one and am excited to see how Abigail grows as a writer! There was just enough "magic" in it to make it dreamy, and how it all ties together is great. She does a great job of making you actually care about the characters and want to see what happens next! There are some awesome nods to movies and TV shows (Gilmore Girls movie on the barn!) which I loved! Overall, this definitely was a great summer read.
For the writing, I feel like this was definitely a stronger book than the first one and am excited to see how Abigail grows as a writer! There was just enough "magic" in it to make it dreamy, and how it all ties together is great. She does a great job of making you actually care about the characters and want to see what happens next! There are some awesome nods to movies and TV shows (Gilmore Girls movie on the barn!) which I loved! Overall, this definitely was a great summer read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC read for this book and I am so excited and happy I got the opportunity to read this book early.
I was really excited going into this read with the magical aspects that are included in it. You really don’t see much of that in cowboy romance at all. But unfortunately I struggled and I think this book just wasn’t for me.
It is friends to lovers base and that is my least favorite trope, majority of the time to me it feels like we go without attraction forever and then one day we wake up and we all of sudden want to take each others clothes off - this happened to be the case on how I feel about this one. I didn’t feel any chemistry or pull, they just all of a sudden happened out of the blue.
While I was really excited for the magically aspect of the book, and honestly I really enjoy the elements and the plot it added into the book. It never got explained on why it was happening. If we were going as far to put magically aspects in the book, I think it should’ve been fully leaned in and giving a folklore or a “tale” to explain this happening.
Overall a good plot idea, but just missed the mark for me.
I was really excited going into this read with the magical aspects that are included in it. You really don’t see much of that in cowboy romance at all. But unfortunately I struggled and I think this book just wasn’t for me.
It is friends to lovers base and that is my least favorite trope, majority of the time to me it feels like we go without attraction forever and then one day we wake up and we all of sudden want to take each others clothes off - this happened to be the case on how I feel about this one. I didn’t feel any chemistry or pull, they just all of a sudden happened out of the blue.
While I was really excited for the magically aspect of the book, and honestly I really enjoy the elements and the plot it added into the book. It never got explained on why it was happening. If we were going as far to put magically aspects in the book, I think it should’ve been fully leaned in and giving a folklore or a “tale” to explain this happening.
Overall a good plot idea, but just missed the mark for me.
July 19, 2026
🪻 ARC review 🪻
My rating: 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
First off, I want to say a huge thank you to Abigail for letting me read this early! I appreciate all the hard work she does and I’m so grateful for the stories she shares with us!
I absolutely loved this friends to lovers story. I feel like this book was a slower paced book, but that is not a bad thing. I loved that aspect actually.
I was down badddd for Wade. He is so precious and was such a fun surprise. Once we saw lover side of Wade, I was sweatinggg lol. I’m obsessed with him.
Hazel is such a fun character and I love how she knows what she’s good at, and is confident in herself.
Their relationship was PERFECT and since they have been besties for so long, it made their love that much better.
I cannot wait for everyone to meet Hazel and Wade! This book was so good.
My rating: 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
First off, I want to say a huge thank you to Abigail for letting me read this early! I appreciate all the hard work she does and I’m so grateful for the stories she shares with us!
I absolutely loved this friends to lovers story. I feel like this book was a slower paced book, but that is not a bad thing. I loved that aspect actually.
I was down badddd for Wade. He is so precious and was such a fun surprise. Once we saw lover side of Wade, I was sweatinggg lol. I’m obsessed with him.
Hazel is such a fun character and I love how she knows what she’s good at, and is confident in herself.
Their relationship was PERFECT and since they have been besties for so long, it made their love that much better.
I cannot wait for everyone to meet Hazel and Wade! This book was so good.
Read
August 3, 2026⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
Hazel and Wade were always meant to be more than friends, and I spent this entire book internally screaming, “Ruin the friendship!” right alongside Katie. 😂
This is one of those friends to lovers romances that just works. The history between Hazel and Wade makes every moment feel earned, and watching them finally confront what everyone else could already see was equal parts heartwarming and frustrating in the best way.
Lilac Creek has all the cozy small town charm, emotional tension, and slow burn longing that makes you want to keep turning the pages. I loved seeing these two find their way to the relationship they should have had all along.
If you love friends to lovers, pining, cozy small towns, a touch of magic, and the satisfaction of two people finally getting out of their own way, this one is definitely worth picking up. 💜
Hazel and Wade were always meant to be more than friends, and I spent this entire book internally screaming, “Ruin the friendship!” right alongside Katie. 😂
This is one of those friends to lovers romances that just works. The history between Hazel and Wade makes every moment feel earned, and watching them finally confront what everyone else could already see was equal parts heartwarming and frustrating in the best way.
Lilac Creek has all the cozy small town charm, emotional tension, and slow burn longing that makes you want to keep turning the pages. I loved seeing these two find their way to the relationship they should have had all along.
If you love friends to lovers, pining, cozy small towns, a touch of magic, and the satisfaction of two people finally getting out of their own way, this one is definitely worth picking up. 💜
July 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely recommend this book! I loved every minute of it. Lilac Creek by Abigail Morgan is the perfect blend of heartfelt romance, small-town charm, and a little bit of summer magic.
If you love a friends-to-lovers romance with an irresistible cowboy, this one is definitely for you. The chemistry between the main characters feels natural and believable, making every moment of their journey together worth rooting for. The magical summer atmosphere adds an extra layer of warmth and nostalgia that makes the story hard to put down.
This book had me smiling, swooning, and not wanting it to end. It’s cozy, emotional, and full of heart. I can’t wait for more from Abigail Morgan!
Highly recommend adding this to your TBR when it releases on August 11.
Absolutely recommend this book! I loved every minute of it. Lilac Creek by Abigail Morgan is the perfect blend of heartfelt romance, small-town charm, and a little bit of summer magic.
If you love a friends-to-lovers romance with an irresistible cowboy, this one is definitely for you. The chemistry between the main characters feels natural and believable, making every moment of their journey together worth rooting for. The magical summer atmosphere adds an extra layer of warmth and nostalgia that makes the story hard to put down.
This book had me smiling, swooning, and not wanting it to end. It’s cozy, emotional, and full of heart. I can’t wait for more from Abigail Morgan!
Highly recommend adding this to your TBR when it releases on August 11.
July 21, 2026
📖ARC review📖
I know that I’m going to be the unpopular opinion here, and I actually hate that I didn’t like this book. 😭
The story has GREAT promise, but it truly just wasn’t my vibe. I like spice in my romances, and while there was ONE scene of spice, it was a .5 🌶️ at most. I also like a faster paced story. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a slow burn but the story itself was just dragging a bit much for my taste. I also felt like the journal was forgotten about all together for a good chunk of the middle of the story, and I reallllllly wanted a more climactic ending for that piece.
I DID enjoy Hazel and Wade as characters and I feel like their story wrapped up nicely.
Like I said, I really wanted to enjoy this one more, but it just ultimately wasn’t my style or vibe.
I know that I’m going to be the unpopular opinion here, and I actually hate that I didn’t like this book. 😭
The story has GREAT promise, but it truly just wasn’t my vibe. I like spice in my romances, and while there was ONE scene of spice, it was a .5 🌶️ at most. I also like a faster paced story. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a slow burn but the story itself was just dragging a bit much for my taste. I also felt like the journal was forgotten about all together for a good chunk of the middle of the story, and I reallllllly wanted a more climactic ending for that piece.
I DID enjoy Hazel and Wade as characters and I feel like their story wrapped up nicely.
Like I said, I really wanted to enjoy this one more, but it just ultimately wasn’t my style or vibe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
(3.5/5 Stars)
I was very excited to receive this ARC and Juniper Ridge was such a lovely place to learn about. I liked both of our main characters and a story set primarily on a lakefront at a tackle shop was a beautiful summery touch/atmosphere. I also enjoyed the descriptions of nature!
I was a little sad the magical realism element wasn't present more--I had been hoping for more of that. But if you like just a little touch of magic, then it's here! There were a few other things about this book that just weren't for me in the end, but I know that is simply personal preference. It was well-written and I would still recommend it to someone I know who loves this kind of storyline!
A big thank you to the author for the chance to read this one!
(3.5/5 Stars)
I was very excited to receive this ARC and Juniper Ridge was such a lovely place to learn about. I liked both of our main characters and a story set primarily on a lakefront at a tackle shop was a beautiful summery touch/atmosphere. I also enjoyed the descriptions of nature!
I was a little sad the magical realism element wasn't present more--I had been hoping for more of that. But if you like just a little touch of magic, then it's here! There were a few other things about this book that just weren't for me in the end, but I know that is simply personal preference. It was well-written and I would still recommend it to someone I know who loves this kind of storyline!
A big thank you to the author for the chance to read this one!
Read
July 24, 2026I was part of the ARC read for this book. It is the second book in her elements series, but you could read it as a standalone and still enjoy it. This story follows Hazel and Wade. They have been best friends since they were kids. They find this journal that has song lyrics in it, so they set out on a summer of solving the mystery of the journal. Add in a touch of magic, a job offer, and feelings for your best friend, and you have the perfect book! Abigail has such a fantastic way of writing that really pulls you into the world she has built. I will say this will probably be one of my favorite books I have ever read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so lucky to have been part of the ARC team for Lilac Creek! I absolutely adore a friends-to-lovers trope. Hazel Mae & Wade are so precious to me. The magic twist in this one was very fun and the message of doing what you love regardless of what you think the expectation may be is beautiful. There are topics of navigating grief as well. It felt like the climax conflict with Hazel & Wade was a little too quick to turn around/resolve but in this case it was kind of nice to have a breather and no wild drama. I hope I can be part of the team for the next in the series- oh, what a WILD, unexpected cliffhanger !!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the wonderful privilege of receiving an ARC ebook of this one and I loved it!!
Wade seems effortlessly laid back, he’s a loyal, kind friend, and I’m pretty sure he has a masters degree in yearnalism, because whew this was a SLOWWW burn, just the way it should be.
Hazel runs her family dude ranch, loves history, and knows how to have a good time making memories during the possible last summer she’ll spend with her best friend living in the same town.
Tie it all together with a mysterious magic journal and you’ve got the perfect cozy summer romance read.
Wade seems effortlessly laid back, he’s a loyal, kind friend, and I’m pretty sure he has a masters degree in yearnalism, because whew this was a SLOWWW burn, just the way it should be.
Hazel runs her family dude ranch, loves history, and knows how to have a good time making memories during the possible last summer she’ll spend with her best friend living in the same town.
Tie it all together with a mysterious magic journal and you’ve got the perfect cozy summer romance read.
August 4, 2026
you know when you have a friend that can’t see what is right in front of them but literally everyone else can? yeah that is Hazel. every chapter i wanted to scream because she wasn’t noticing Wade
i love this best friends to lovers story so much. it was full of heart and emotion from all sides. i really liked the magical realism journal! it was so cute and i love the story that it was telling.
i’m glad that in the end they figured out what they wanted/needed. ALSO that little cliffhanger was rude and i don’t want to wait for Parker’s story🤣
thank you so much Abigail for the e-arc!
i love this best friends to lovers story so much. it was full of heart and emotion from all sides. i really liked the magical realism journal! it was so cute and i love the story that it was telling.
i’m glad that in the end they figured out what they wanted/needed. ALSO that little cliffhanger was rude and i don’t want to wait for Parker’s story🤣
thank you so much Abigail for the e-arc!
August 5, 2026
This was such an amazing book! I absolutely loved the first book, so I went into this one with high expectations, and it completely delivered.
The friends-to-lovers romance was so well done, and I loved watching the relationship develop naturally. Add in the touch of magical realism and the charming Idaho setting, and it created such a cozy, heartfelt story that was hard to put down.
I highly recommend reading her first book and this one as well when it publishes!!
A perfect 5-star read, and I can’t wait for book 3!!
The friends-to-lovers romance was so well done, and I loved watching the relationship develop naturally. Add in the touch of magical realism and the charming Idaho setting, and it created such a cozy, heartfelt story that was hard to put down.
I highly recommend reading her first book and this one as well when it publishes!!
A perfect 5-star read, and I can’t wait for book 3!!
July 22, 2026
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!!
Abigail does it again!! The magical element to her books will forever be a favorite of mine, but I think the friends to lovers takes the cake in Lilac Creek. I love how down bad Wade is, Hazel is just completely oblivious then overthinking everything- there were times I wanted to scream and shake her, but also kicking my feet.
I love relatable all the characters are. Took me a minute to get into the story, but once I did I was hooked
Abigail does it again!! The magical element to her books will forever be a favorite of mine, but I think the friends to lovers takes the cake in Lilac Creek. I love how down bad Wade is, Hazel is just completely oblivious then overthinking everything- there were times I wanted to scream and shake her, but also kicking my feet.
I love relatable all the characters are. Took me a minute to get into the story, but once I did I was hooked
Read
July 15, 2026I didn't know that I could love Hazel and Wade more than Katie and Miles. I'm so in love with their story, and was giddy for them to get their own HEA!! Abigail Morgan knocked it out of the park- yet again! Can't wait for everyone to get a chance to visit Juniper Ridge and officially meet Wade and Hazel
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are looking for a small town, best friends to lovers with some magical realism, plus Gilmore Girls vibes, this book is for you!
I enjoyed Wade and Hazel's story so much! They are adorable and scared to start something more, but it just works and they are unknowing guided by the magic of the mountains.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
I enjoyed Wade and Hazel's story so much! They are adorable and scared to start something more, but it just works and they are unknowing guided by the magic of the mountains.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know what Abigail puts in her books but I am loving it. This was a quick read that kept me wanting to turn the page.
You follow Hazel Mae and Wade on their adventure from best friends to lovers. ❤️ I loved the writing and the shorter chapters.
This isn't even released yet (at the time of writing) and I think everyone should add it to their tbr.
You follow Hazel Mae and Wade on their adventure from best friends to lovers. ❤️ I loved the writing and the shorter chapters.
This isn't even released yet (at the time of writing) and I think everyone should add it to their tbr.
July 23, 2026
So glad I got to be an ARC reader for this cute and cozy romance! It started slow, but about 1/3 the way in I was hooked and had to keep reading until it was done! I’m usually suspicious of a blonde MMC….but Wade is now on my list of book boyfriends.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants a cozy, friends-to-lovers romance!
This book is perfect for anyone who wants a cozy, friends-to-lovers romance!
July 31, 2026
💜Arc Review💜
This book was sooo good. The build up of wade and hazel mae satisfied my best friends to lovers trope for the year. such a cute story line and even cuter world build. big thank you to author Abigail Morgan for allowing me to read this before the release 10/10!! 🤠🤠
This book was sooo good. The build up of wade and hazel mae satisfied my best friends to lovers trope for the year. such a cute story line and even cuter world build. big thank you to author Abigail Morgan for allowing me to read this before the release 10/10!! 🤠🤠
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book never engaged me. The characters are likable enough but there isn't much to the story. The magical realism element has potential but it needed to be developed more and integrated better.
Content: moderate amount of strong language and one non-explicit open door scene
Content: moderate amount of strong language and one non-explicit open door scene
July 27, 2026
SO good! I love the banter, the characters are incredibly irresistible, the setting is perfect, and the story is captivating. Such a fun read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews