Back To Briar Hollow

by W. Griffin

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2026

Reviews

[Mylou Polman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Back to Briar Hollow!
This was actually my first ‘second chance’ romance, and I enjoyed it very much.

The story follows Rachel an Thomas as they reconnect in Briar Hollow after their relationship fell apart years ago, forcing them to confront old feelings, unresolved pain and the possibility of finding their way back to each other.

The atmosphere of this book was really good and I got really invested in the romance and the emotional tension between these characters. The author also did such a beautiful job writing the inner dialogues of Rachel and Thomas. You could really feel their pain, doubts and internal struggles. That emotional dept made their journey feel very real.

I really enjoyed the spicy chapters 👀 hehe
And the side characters were so fun and lovable!!! They really added humor to the story which made the story feel even more alive.

On of my favorite parts was chapter 28…. Wow.
This chapter added so much emotional depth to the story and I genuinely teared up while reading it. It it beautifully done.

I do have a few small flaws personally. Sometimes I found the characters weren’t really acting their age and the relationship dynamic felt a bit repetitive. One moment they were enemies, the other moment lovers, then enemies, then lovers again. I honestly felt like, if they had just sat down and communicated properly as adults, a lot of their problems could’ve been solved much faster. I really enjoyed the storyline involving the ex and the bookstore, so I was a bit sad it got wrapped up so quickly. I would have loved for that plotline to get a bit more development, cus it had a lot of potential!!

Overall: this was such a fun and emotional read and I truly had a great time!! Thankyou to WF publishing for letting me read this ARC 🩷

[Manon.ReadsForTheFunofit · Rating 5 out of 5]

From sex-ed. in the vegetable department of the grocerystore to the most emotional and raw feelings about loss and grief. This second chance lovestory in a perfect little smalltown has it all.
Rachel, who inherits the bookstore that used to be her mom's, has travelled back to the charming little town that is Briar Hollow. A place she left years ago, along with her then big love, Thomas. There's lost love, anger and hurt. Along with some very heated chemistry.

Pack this all together with the captivating writingstyle that W. Griffin portraits on paper and you've got this amazing swoony, funny, HOT!!! and emotional story that you must read!
She definetly got her hand on the 🌶️ from the produce department in that same supermarket 😉

A thousand more 💞

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm]

English review first, Dutch review below.

Thank you to W. Griffin Publishing for the review copy. This is my honest opinion.

A return filled with old memories and second chances

Some stories feel like a warm blanket woven with nostalgia, longing, and wounds that never fully healed. ‘Back to Briar Hollow’ by W. Griffin is exactly that kind of story. A romance that is not only about love, but also about finding your way back to a place where the past still lingers in every corner.

From the very first page, a melancholic atmosphere surrounds Briar Hollow. The town feels both intimate and alive, as though every resident carries secrets slowly unfolding between the lines. The emotions are built with quiet intensity, making the connection between the characters feel believable and deeply genuine.

What stands out most is the vulnerability woven throughout the story. Not everything is spoken aloud. The silences, doubts, and small moments are what make the romance feel sincere and human. The chemistry feels natural and warm without relying on unnecessary drama, allowing the emotional moments to hit even harder.

The writing style flows effortlessly and paints vivid images, especially when it comes to the setting. Briar Hollow almost feels like a character of its own, filled with memories, missed chances, and new beginnings. The pacing slows down at times, but it perfectly matches the nostalgic atmosphere of the story.

‘Back to Briar Hollow’ is an emotional small town romance filled with healing, second chances, and characters slowly learning to open their hearts again. A story that quietly settles beneath your skin and lingers long after the final page.

Second chance romance | Small town romance | Emotional healing | Found family | Slow burn | Returning home

----------------------------------
Ook verkrijgbaar in het Nederlands onder de titel 'Terug naar Briar Hallow'

Dank je wel, W. Griffin Publishing, voor het recensie-exemplaar. Dit is mijn eerlijke mening.

Een tweede kans tussen fluisterende herinneringen

Sommige verhalen voelen als een warme deken vol heimwee, verlangen en oude wonden die nooit helemaal zijn geheeld. ‘Terug naar Briar Hollow’ van W. Griffin is precies zo’n verhaal. Een romance die niet alleen draait om liefde, maar ook om thuiskomen op een plek waar het verleden nog in iedere straatsteen lijkt te leven.

Vanaf de eerste pagina hangt er een melancholische sfeer over Briar Hollow. Het dorp voelt levendig en intiem tegelijk, alsof iedere bewoner geheimen met zich meedraagt die langzaam tussen de regels door naar boven komen. De emoties worden op een rustige maar intense manier opgebouwd, waardoor de band tussen de personages steeds geloofwaardiger aanvoelt.

Wat vooral sterk werkt, is de manier waarop het verhaal de kwetsbaarheid van de hoofdpersonen laat zien. Niet alles wordt uitgesproken. Juist de stiltes, twijfels en kleine momenten maken de romance oprecht en menselijk. De chemie voelt warm en natuurlijk, zonder overdreven drama, waardoor de emotionele scènes extra binnenkomen.

De schrijfstijl leest soepel en beeldend. Vooral de setting blijft hangen. Briar Hollow voelt bijna als een personage op zichzelf, vol herinneringen, gemiste kansen en nieuwe mogelijkheden. Het tempo ligt soms wat lager, maar dat past goed bij het nostalgische karakter van het verhaal.

‘Terug naar Briar Hollow’ is een sfeervolle small town romance vol emotionele lagen, tweede kansen en personages die langzaam hun muren laten zakken. Een verhaal dat zachtjes onder de huid kruipt en daar nog even blijft hangen.

Second chance romance | Small town romance | Emotional healing | Found family | Slow burn | Returning home

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toen Willemijn vroeg of ik mee wilde doen met de blogtour van terug naar Briar Hollow hoefde ik niet lang na te denken en zei ik natuurlijk meteen ja!
Dit soort small town, second chance romances met dual pov zijn namelijk 1 van mijn favorieten verhalen!

In dit verhaal volgen we Rachel en Thomas. Na high school voelde Briar Hollow te klein voor Rachel en ging ze weg om te studeren. Thomas voelde zich juist thuis in Briar Hollow en bleef. Jarenlang hadden ze geen contact, Rachel verhuisde naar Nashville en trouwde zelfs met iemand anders.

Fast forward, Rachel ligt in een scheiding, haar moeder overlijdt. En ze erft de boekenwinkel in Briar Hollow. Het plan: de erfenis afhandelen en als de wiedeweerga weer terug naar Nashville. Maar dan loopt ze natuurlijk Thomas weer tegen het lijf en de oude vonken die gedoofd leken, laaien weer dubbel zo hoog op.

Rachel en Thomas worstelen beide met hun gevoelens want Rachels plan is dus niet om te blijven, maar ze blijven maar als magneten na elkaar toegetrokken te worden. Kunnen ze deze onzekere toekomst overwinnen?

Ondanks dat het een contemporary romance is komen er genoeg zware onderwerpen aanbod zoals rouw & scheiding in combinatie met het vinden van nieuwe liefde. Deze balans is goed uitgewerkt! De dialogen tussen Rachel en Thomas zijn heerlijk om te lezen, en om de groente scène (iykyk) moest ik hardop lachen!

Nogmaals bedankt voor het opsturen van de ARC en dat ik mee mocht doen aan de tour! Terug naar Briar Hollow komt morgen officieel uit, en als je liever Engels leest, heb je mazzel want het verhaal is ook al vertaald naar het Engels: Back to Briar Hollow!

[Claire Carruthers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Briar Hollow- W Griffin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

“Say stop,” I said. She didn’t.
“Fuck it.” I muttered under my breath.

Well I mean who doesn't love a F*ck it moment!

I am so glad I took a chance in signing up to arc read Back to Briar Hollow.
I am not usually one for small town romances (mainly because I came from a very cliquey small town) but I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance contemporary romance by W Griffin. I think because you go through many different emotional plains with Rachel and Thomas over time. The tension when the meet again after 15 years and that their want for one another is still hovering under the surface. That they have to learn to communicate rather than snipping at each other- however this was very entertaining!
Overall I think what I enjoyed most about this novel was some of the phrases and sentences the author used- they really echoed and resonated with me.

“You showed me that strength is staying. That love isn’t about fireworks—it’s about showing up. Again and again. Even when it’s quiet. Even when it’s hard.”

Thank you so much for the opportunity to arc read Back to Briar Hollow. I look forward to the next in the series (hopefully Sharon's as she is a hoot!)

[Yvonne Ptk · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Back to Briar Hollow was such an emotional and beautiful read. I loved Rachel and Thomas’s story and seeing them reconnect after so many years apart. Their journey back to each other felt genuine and heartfelt, with plenty of chemistry and tension along the way.

What I enjoyed most was the emotional depth of the story. The themes of loss and grief were handled beautifully and added so much meaning to their relationship and personal growth.
And chapter 28? That one completely got me. 🥺

If you enjoy small-town romances, second chances, and emotional love stories about finding your way back to the person who feels like home, I definitely recommend this one. 🩷

Thanks for the ARC!

[Anandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, but this is my honest opinion about it. First and foremost; thank you for the opportunity! 💕

I really loved Back to Briar Hollow! I was in a bit of a reading slump and this book brought me back out of it!

I loved how the second-chance romance was written in an emotional, immersive, and just beautiful way. The characters had such chemistry, and I loved the mix of tension, heartbreak, healing, and spicy chaps (hehe) 👀

The atmosphere of Briar Hollow and the emotional depth of the characters made the story feel very real, and chapter 28 genuinely made me tear up. It was so beautifully written and so real, it really gave the story a lift to a whole new level. The side characters also added a lot of humor / funny moments and warmth to the story.

At times the miscommunication felt a little repetitive, and I wish some side plotlines had more development (for example the bookstore storyline) but overall this was such a fun, memorable and emotional read that stayed with me and will definitely recommend it to my (bookclub) friends!

4.5⭐️

[Sajie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of Back To Briar Hollow by W. Griffin.

W. Griffin has a way with words that feels like a drug for the soul. Written in a crisp first-person past tense, the balance between internal monologue and sharp, biting dialogue is nothing short of masterful. The banter? Absolute chef’s kiss. It’s rare to find prose that feels this natural while still delivering quotations that stay with you long after the page is turned.

While a FMC returning to her hometown is a classic trope, the execution here is what makes it iconic. Briar Hollow isn't just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing location that heightens the tension between Rachel and Thomas. The pacing of their "enemies-to-lovers-again" journey is perfectly timed against the backdrop of Rachel’s divorce and her processing of her mother’s death.

The character arcs in this book are profoundly real. Rachel’s journey through grief and the wreckage of her marriage is handled with such delicate, simple, yet deep language that it’s impossible not to feel her weight. Then there’s Thomas—the yearning in his silence and the friction of his resentment towards Rachel for leaving is palpable. The support system in their circle adds a layer of warmth that makes the individual developments feel earned and consistent.

This book didn't just tell a story; it evoked a visceral reaction. I went from the high-voltage romantic thrill of their heated interactions to actually crying over the emotional realizations. It captures that specific "Midnight Rain" atmosphere—the melancholy of the past meeting the hope of the future. It is, quite simply, unforgettable.

Overall Rating: 5

1. Writing Style & Prose - 25%
Rating: 5: Masterful & Iconic

2. Plot & Setting - 25%
Rating: 5: Ingenious & Well Planned

3. Character Depth - 25%
Rating: 5: Complex & Amazing Development

4. Enjoyment & Impact - 25%
Rating: 5: Profound & Unforgettable

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik heb mijn ARC exemplaar van 'Terug naar Briar Hollow' gelezen. Dit is een contemporary romance geschreven door W. Griffin.

"Het was jaren geleden dat iemand me zo had laten voelen. Levend. Alert. Gezien."

Dit verhaal heeft mijn verwachtingen wel een beetje overtroffen. Ik dacht dat het een lekkere feelgood zou zijn en dat is het ook, maar het heeft veel meer diepgang dan dat. Het is een verhaal dat vol zit met emoties en realistisch is, maar ook nog eens makkelijk wegleest.

"God, ze was prachtig zo. Scherp en onverzettelijk. Een probleem in menselijke vorm."

Dit verhaal gaat over Rachel en Thomas. Het is dan ook geschreven vanuit deze twee POV's. Ze komen uit Briar Hollow en zijn elkaars jeugdliefde. Een vervelende breakup volgde, waarna Rachel wegging en Thomas bleef. Nu 15 jaar later komen ze elkaar weer tegen wanneer Rachel om verschrikkelijke redenen terug is in Briar Hollow. Zullen ze het verleden achter zich kunnen laten?

"Ik ben het zat om hiertegen te vechten. Ik ben het zat om in brand te vliegen elke keer als je naar me kijkt."

Ik vind het een verhaal dat goed in elkaar zit en dat emoties erg goed overbrengt naar de lezer. Meeleven is hier geen optie, de personages slepen je mee in alle mooie maar ook moeilijke momenten die ze meemaken. Het zijn personages die echte mensen zouden kunnen zijn. Niet perfect, maar menselijk.

"Er was niemand anders. Niet vóór jou. Niet ná jou. Jij was het begin en het einde van elk plan dat ik ooit heb gemaakt."

Het is niet alleen een realistisch verhaal, maar met name ook heel herkenbaar. Het gaat in op onderwerpen als verlies, rouw, onzekerheid en liefde. Een verhaal waarbij vallen en opstaan letterlijk de rode draad is, maar waar het uiteindelijk ook een leerproces blijkt te zijn. Al met al een verhaal vol met verdriet en persoonlijke groei. Een verhaal dat goed in elkaar zit!

[MybookworldbyJoyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

▪︎ ARC Review ▪︎

✒️ author: W. Griffin
📓 publisher: W. Griffin publishing
🗓 release date: may 15
⭐️ my rating: 3 out of 5
🌶 spice: 4 out of 5

Rachel returns to Briar Hollow to settle matters following the death of her mother. She is grieving and in the middle of divorce. Forced to leave her life in Nashville behind and temporary fit in the small town she left behind years ago. But there he is, Thomas Hale, the boy, now a man, whom she left behind together with Briar Hollow.

"In a town this small, the walls don't just have ears; they have a play-by-play commentary."

▪︎ small town romance
▪︎ second chance
▪︎ forced proximity
▪︎ divorce
▪︎ grief
▪︎ healing

My thoughts:
The banter between Rachel and Thomas. There is clearly some unresolved business between them. They want eachother who is going to give in first?

Everyone deserves a friend like Sharon. Who will fight for you if necessary or send you Nashville firefighters.
Loved that last little detail because I just finished season one of 9-1-1: Nashville at the time I was reading this.

Truth or dare with Tequila isn't a good mix, is it?

What was that with cucumbers and courgettes?

A good book makes you feel things, and I clearly felt things while reading this book. There were moments when I wanted to drag Lucas out of the book. Dude! Excuse you! I absolutely loved the kind of friendship between Sharon and Rachel. That girl has no filter.
"It's a marriage," "Not a gym membership."

I like it that every chapter has a name, a title.

I think the feel good lovers will go absolutely feral for this one. So if you are looking for a spicy small town romamce don't look any further. It releases this friday.

Thank you to W. Griffin Publishing for providing me with an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of this book. I truly appreciate the opportunity to read it early. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Katja’s leeshoekje · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik las de Nederlandstalige vertaling: Terug naar Briar Hollow

Wat me meteen opviel aan dit verhaal, is hoeveel emotie erin zit. De auteur weet de gevoelens, twijfels en innerlijke strijd van Rachel en Thomas op een sterke en geloofwaardige manier neer te zetten. Je merkt dat de personages met zorg zijn uitgewerkt, en dat geeft het verhaal een mooie emotionele basis.

Daarnaast heeft het boek alles in zich om een fijne feelgood te zijn: een intrigerend hoofdverhaal, personages die duidelijk groei doormaken en een mooie verweving tussen verleden en heden. Het is zo’n verhaal waarbij je blijft doorlezen omdat je wilt ontdekken hoe alles samenkomt.

Toch waren er voor mij ook enkele elementen die minder goed werkten. Het verhaal is volledig geschreven in de verleden tijd, wat voor mij soms wat afstand creëerde. Vooral de terugblikken naar hun jeugd kwamen daardoor minder krachtig binnen.

Ook de hoeveelheid smut was voor mij persoonlijk geen meerwaarde. Dat blijft natuurlijk een kwestie van smaak, maar ik had liever wat meer subtiliteit gezien. Een lichtere ‘spice’ had voor mij beter gepast binnen het feelgoodkarakter van het verhaal.

✨ Conclusie ✨
Een emotioneel en veelbelovend verhaal met sterke personages, dat voor mij net niet volledig tot zijn recht komt door enkele stijlkeuzes.

🤍 Aanrader voor wie houdt van:
Emotionele feelgood met dual POV en een mix van verleden en heden. Bevat ook spicy scènes (🌶️🌶️🌶️), dus zeker geschikt als je daarvan houdt in boeken.

⭐⭐⭐✨

Dank aan W. Griffin en W. Griffin Publishing voor het recensie-exemplaar 🤍

📅 Releasedatum: 15 mei
📚 Verkrijgbaar via Amazon, bol, Kobo en je lokale boekhandel

[Aria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back To Briar Hollow is a warm, small‑town second‑chance romance that leans into nostalgia, healing, and the quiet pull of returning home. Rachel Moore left Briar Hollow chasing something bigger, only to come back divorced, a little bruised, and suddenly responsible for saving her late mother’s bookstore from disappearing like so many other small‑town businesses. The familiarity of the town and the bookstore gives the story a cozy, lived‑in feel that makes it easy to sink into.
The heart of the book is Rachel’s complicated reunion with Thomas Sebastian Hale: her first love, her biggest heartbreak, and the man who still looks at her like he hasn’t stopped belonging to her. Forced together by town events, family obligations, and late nights at Hollow Pages, the chemistry between them feels less like a gentle echo of the past and more like something urgent and present. Thomas doesn’t want to be her “almost” again; he wants all of her—edges, independence, and the woman she’s become—making the slow‑burn reconciliation satisfying without being overly dramatic.
At 3 stars, this is a comforting, emotional read rather than a plot‑heavy one. It delivers exactly what fans of cozy small‑town romance expect: tender reunions, low‑drama angst, and a heroine reconsidering her life choices on the heels of a messy divorce. The story sometimes leans into familiar beats—wounded homecoming, small‑town gossip, slow‑burn reconciliation—but does so in a way that feels sincere instead of rushed. If you’re in the mood for soft, character‑driven romance with a bookstore heroine and a second‑chance love story that insists on staying, Back To Briar Hollow fits the bill nicely.
Thank you, W. Griffin, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisette Roosing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of feel-good romance and spice will love this story about Rachel and Thomas, set in the cozy town of Briar Hollow. It follows Rachel as she returns to her hometown after a divorce and the passing of her mother.
A book about loss, grief, high school exes, second chance love, unresolved pain, healing…

I thought I was more into enemies-to-lovers, but this second chance love story worked for me too.
W. Griffin describes the atmosphere of the small town and its citizens beautifully. I really felt like I was escaping into this cute little town. The text messages between Rachel and her best friend were fun to read. I also enjoyed the side characters like Nick and Rachels sister (would have liked to read more about them).

The many inner dialogues of Rachel and Thomas help you feel their pain and struggles. At some point their thoughts and feelings felt somewhat repetitive though. Their biggest problem was miscommunication, which I found slightly frustrating 😅.

I would have preferred more room for the additional storyline alongside the romance: about Rachels problems with her ex husband, the divorce and saving the bookstore. I especially liked the second half of the book because of this side plot and felt that it got solved a bit too easily/quickly.

I enjoyed reading Rachel en Thomas’ story. How they grow closer and eventually open their heart again despite past pain, beliefs and choices.

🧡 Thank you to @w.griffinpublishing and @author.wgriffin for the opportunity to read this ARC! 🧡

🗓️ Release date: 15 may
📚 Available at Amazon, Kobo, Bol and your local bookstore

[allie ehrhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an escape for me during a really weird time in my life. It’s really incredibly beautifully written and evokes such emotion on every page. Everything is described in such detail you feel like you’re there in the pages.

As for the story, it is a cute and cozy romance featuring second chance romance, enemies to lovers, and literally 15 page sex scenes. Be warned: spice level is high!! Other than the spice, there’s not a ton of action in the book other than some lingering divorce drama (not a spoiler).

Towards the end, the book got deeply emotional and I related to it viscerally. I’ve always felt like independence meant living a big life, leaving what you’re familiar with and forging your own path alone, but recently I learned that staying and being close to the people you love doesn’t make your life small. I really related to the FMC who was far from perfect but recognized it in herself when it counted.

Definitely recommend it! Thank you W Griffin Publishing for this ARC!

[Soha Amer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back To Briar Hallow by W. Griffin is a comforting small-town romance about returning home, confronting the past, and rediscovering love in a place that never truly let you go.

Briar Hallow is the kind of town where memories linger in every corner—and coming back means facing everything you tried to leave behind.

At the heart of the story is a second chance at life and love, where healing isn’t instant, but slowly built through familiarity, forgiveness, and quiet emotional reconnection.

What stands out most is its atmosphere:

* small-town nostalgia
* second-chance romance
* emotional healing after separation
* familiar faces and unresolved history
* slow rebuilding of trust and love

It’s gentle, emotional, and rooted in the idea that sometimes home is not a place you leave—it’s one you return to when you’re finally ready.

[Jaqueline Doldersum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank W. Griffin Publishing, for giving me the oppurtonity to read this book.

I can never look at a cucumber or zucchini the same agian.
The book has a nice, cozy small town feeling.
It felt, like I was in a Hallmark movie.
I loved the messages between Rachel and her best friend Sharon. Who is her ride or die.
Rachel comes back to Briar Hollow. After her mothers death. And she went through a divorce.
Rachel inherits her mothers bookstor Hollow Pages.
She doesn't know what to do. Stay in Briar Hollow. Or, go back to Nashville.
Then she sees her highschool boyfriend Thomas.
And all old feelings are coming back, for the both of them.
Can they overcome there old feelings?
When she finds the letter of her mother.
I cried my eyes out.

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Back to Briar Hollow in exchange for an honest review, and I absolutely loved it!

From the very first page, I was drawn into the story and completely invested in the characters. The author did a wonderful job creating a world that felt warm, engaging, and easy to get lost in. The characters were well-developed, relatable, and had me rooting for them throughout the entire book.

The storyline was captivating and kept me turning the pages, eager to see what would happen next. It had the perfect balance of heart, emotion, and charm, making it a truly enjoyable read from beginning to end.

Back to Briar Hollow is a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. If you love stories with memorable characters and a compelling plot, I highly recommend picking this one up. I can’t wait to read more from this author! ❤️📚

[Maaike Nota · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, spicy, heartwarming fast-paced read! Rachel has to go back to her hometown Briar Hollow and obviously immediately stumbles into her former boyfriend from many years ago, Thomas. Who is still hot and the connection is immediately tangible. However, Rachel doesn’t know what she wants in life as she’s ready to receive her divorce papers and she’s inherited her mother’s bookstore. The tension is undeniable though and through sarcasm, banter and also sweet comments (mostly from Thomas) things start changing. The spice is spicing and the small town is cute and sounds beautiful.
I also loved her best friend, Sharon, who is a true ride or die! I can’t wait to read book 2 and learn more about Briar Hollow!

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, its a decent second chance romance. They are usually a hit or miss depending on why the break up happened and then how much the characters have grown. While I adore Thomas, even if he's a bit arrogant, I do not like Rachel. I found her treatment of Brair hollow and its people really crappy. Like shes so much better than they are because she left. It just irked me and the way she spoke didnt help matters either. The romance I think felt stilted because I didnt feel like Rachel actually cared. Still, I like the writing style and how easy it was to read. And the other characters helped save the book too, especially Nick

[Bonice Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allereerst wil ik W. Griffin bedanken voor deze mooie ARC en review copy! Ik heb echt genoten van het verhaal van Rachel en Thomas

Wanneer Rachel na het overlijden van haar moeder én een moeilijke scheiding terugkeert naar het kleine stadje Briar Hollow, weet ze niet goed wat ze moet verwachten. Ze heeft het stadje ooit verlaten omdat het te klein voelde voor haar grote dromen, maar ook omdat er veel pijnlijke herinneringen liggen.

Terug in Briar Hollow wordt Rachel geconfronteerd met haar verleden, oude gevoelens en de vraag of thuis misschien toch nooit helemaal verdwenen is..

Wat ik zo fijn vond aan dit boek is hoe warm en sfeervol het aanvoelt. Briar Hollow voelt echt als zo’n klein stadje waar iedereen elkaar kent en waar je als lezer helemaal in wordt meegenomen

De chemie en banter tussen Rachel en Thomas vond ik ontzettend leuk om te lezen. Niet overdreven spicy, maar juist met veel emotie en spanning opgebouwd.

En ik zou zó graag willen dat Hollow Pages een echte boekenwinkel was die ik kon bezoeken!

Tropes:
☕ Small town romance
🍂 Second chances
🤍 Healing

[Katie Nielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love small-town romances that actually pack an emotional punch, you need to read Back to Briar Hollow.
​I’m giving this a 4-star rating because the way it deals with grief is just... stunning. It follows Rachel as she tries to save her late mother’s bookstore, and it’s so moving. But don’t worry, it’s not all tears—the spice is 10/10! 🌶️
​Thomas and Rachel don't just fall back into old patterns; they actually grow together as adults, which made the romance feel so real. This is 100% going on my 'read again' shelf for the future. Go pick it up!

[Krystal Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Briar Hallow was the first book I’ve read by this author. I loved the writing style and would be quick to check out her other book and also future works! It was easy to get invested in the lives of the very relatable characters and quick to draw you in to the emotional plot and all that was unraveled throughout it. Love when a bookstore is involved in any book I read! And also some spice! And I thought it was heartwarming, raw, and a wonderfully written second chance romance that I think would be an excellent next read for someone searching in that department!

[S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Briar Hollow is a cozy, atmospheric small-town romance about healing and nostalgia. Returning home after a divorce to save her late mother's bookstore, Rachel faces a slow burn, emotionally tense reunion with her first love, Thomas. The deep internal dialogue makes their unresolved pain feel incredibly real; perfectly balancing tearjerking emotional depth with great spice and lovable, funny side characters.
It is a sincere, character driven journey that second chance romance fans will easily sink into.

[Maria Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five ⭐️
The story of Rachel and Thomas was such a beautiful story. It was so raw and emotional. Their journey back to each other after so many years apart. Their chemistry their connection the tension. But the feelings are still there between them.
I enjoyed the way the author draws you in and makes you feel everything the characters are feeling and going through. The feelings of loss and grief added so much to their story to their relationship and their personal growth. The healing process of them both It emotionally got me. Highly recommend reading. I received as an ARC read and these are my honest opinions.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and fun snack town romance about Rachel and Thomas. Both of them were so sweet and I loved watching them connect with one another. I loved the description that was out into this bin. It made it really easy to feel like I was right there with them from beginning to end. And the characters were developed so nicely. They were very relatable and made this story feel really warm and cozy to read. This is the first time I’ve read this author and I will definitely be reading more

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thanks to the author W. Griffin. I received this one in dutch and English. I chose to read the English version. It is about Rachel and Thomas. Rachel moves away from Briar Hollow to study and Thomas stayed. When Rachel comes back to Briar she meets Thomas again. And well old love never truly dies. Is Rachel going to stay? You definitely should read the book.

[BooksbyKim98 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read from W. Griffin and I absolutely loved it.
I really needed something to get me out of my reading slump and this book made me want to read more and more.

Back to Briar Hollow is a second chance romance and these two cuties definitely belong together. This book left me with so much emotions.

I absolutely loved the writing style 🥰 Can’t wait for more!

[Heather Mylek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! Fantastic! Heartwarming! I absolutely loved this book!! Second chance romance, Rachel and Thomas story is amazing! It had me on edge, in tears, happy! This book had amazing world building and character building! I want to read more by author!!! Highly recommend!!! This book gives you all the feels! Most unfavorite character is Lucas!!! Go read!! Super amazing!

[Dominique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ontvangen als arc !

Leest lekker weg ondanks dat ik geen grote fan ben van smalltown romance wel beetje voorspelbaar
Klein beetje spice 🌶️
Al een kleine crush op Thomas van af het eerste moment 💖

[Cheydubs4📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the letter alone! 😭💔 quite literally a literary masterpiece and if my mom ever wrote me a letter like that, I would be a wreck!
*I received a review copy*