When We Blinked: A Contemporary Clean Romance About First Loves, Second Chances, and Online Dating

by Stephanie Mack

"Perfect for fans of You've Got Mail, Redeeming Love, and What Alice Forgot, When We Blinked is a moving and magical contemporary romance about the sightless moments that change the course of our lives."

Is Love Truly Blind?
⁣
Newly split from her husband and college sweetheart, Seraphina Jones has returned to work after four years as a stay-at-home mom. She loves her job at prestigious Hamilton Hotels & Resorts, but her transition from play dates to pencil skirts is proving wobbly at best.
⁣
Encouraged to rediscover her romantic side, Sera agrees to try hot new dating app Blinde, aimed at millennials tired of swipe culture. The differentiator? Blinde doesn’t allow any pictures. Instead, the wildly popular platform fosters connections through meaningful conversations, inviting the age-old question: Is true love actually blind?
⁣
Sera soon finds herself freshly confident, succeeding at work, and smitten by not one, but several men: gorgeous heir to the Hamilton throne, Graham Hamilton; irresistible dark horse Jack, slowly winning her heart via Blinde; and Connor, her ex, the only man she’s ever loved.⁣
⁣
But even though Sera thinks she's juggling three different suitors—the truth is, there are only two. Unbeknownst to Sera, Connor is posing as invisible hottie Jack, secretly allowing her to get to know him all over again, as if for the very first time. Could love at second sight change everything for Sera and Connor? Or will she want a clean slate with dreamy Graham?⁣
⁣
Set against the backdrops of sunny Southern California and the whimsical Wyoming mountains, When We Blinked provides a timely, unforgettable portrait of modern love—the mistakes that shape us, the ties that bind us, and the grace that can make us new.⁣

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Book Club, Chick Lit

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2021

About the author

Stephanie Mack is an author with a passion for storytelling—on the page, on the mic, and beyond. Her novels blend women's fiction and romantic elements with meaningful insights for readers navigating the complexities of modern life. Stephanie lives in Orange County, California, with her husband, three daughters, and beloved mini Bernedoodle.

Let's Connect!

Email: stephanie@stephaniemack.com

Instagram: @stephanienmack

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephanienicolemack

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanienmack/

www.stephaniemack.com

Reviews

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

After you’ve both been through so much, is a second (or maybe a third) chance at happy ever after possible? This is a question at the heart of Stephanie Mack's debut novel, When We Blinked .

Seraphina Jones thought she had it all, including marriage to her childhood sweetheart, a beautiful daughter after many fertility issues, and a great career. But after four years as a stay-at-home mom, she returns to her job with her marriage over and her daughter facing challenges due to her high sensitivity.

Encouraged by her friend and colleague to start dating again, she agrees to try a new dating app called Blinde, where no photos are exchanged so people build connections without physical attraction being the primary driver.

As she starts speaking to men on the app, things are going well at work—so well, in fact, that Graham, the handsome heir to the hotel company she works for, is interested in her. (Romantically, too.) Before she knows it she’s juggling a man named Jack on the app, flirting with Graham, and considering whether to try again with Connor, her not-quite-ex.

The thing is, Connor is actually pretending to be Jack in an effort for Sera to see another side of him she might have forgotten existed. Could this be the jumpstart they need to try again, or is Sera more interested in a fresh start?

Alternating narration between Connor and Sera, we see their relationship from its dreamy start through all of the challenges and heartbreaks they faced. And we see how both have changed—but is that enough?

I thought When We Blinked was a compelling and romantic story, with some drama. Faith also plays a role with these characters but it isn’t obtrusive, for those who don't prefer religious undertones. These characters and their story are very believable; you could imagine at least some of this happening to people you know.

I enjoyed being part of the tour for this book. Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours and Stephanie Mack for providing a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.

[April Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough review to write. The plot was good and fresh. The details had been thought through very well. But... this didn't feel like Christian fiction to me. The main character, who is a Christian from the first page, goes to a club, makes out with a man she isn't in a relationship with, and talks about not being able to keep her hands off a different man, all the while quoting scripture in her thoughts and conversations. There are references throughout the book to The Bachelor, a show that promotes sex with multiple partners outside of committed relationships (forget, marriage). Yes, Christians are IN the world, but, in the book of John, they are called to be APART from it. This book does not illustrate what I believe the Bible teaches. For that reason, I would not recommend this book for anyone who does not (yet) have a lot of biblical knowledge and a desire to live in such a way as to draw others to faith and godliness.

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so enjoyable! I thought it was really well written and I loved this story. There are some heavier topics, such as Divorce, alcoholism and porn addiction, that the author handles well. I felt the characters in the book are very real. The story is about Sera and Connor, recently divorced, and co-parenting their highly sensitive daughter Coco. Sera signs up for the app called Blonde, where they can connect with people without pictures. She connects with Jack on the app, who just so happens to be her ex Connor under a different name, who is trying to get her to know him in a fresh new way! 😱 She doesn't know if she should just keep it to online for now and not meet him. There is also her boss Graham, who is heir to the Hamilton Hotels that she works for, who is showing interest in her. What will Sera do? I had alot of fun reading this book and I can't wait to see what Stephanie writes next! A great debut!

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

[Honora Reese · Rating 1 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion - all thoughts are my own

I hate giving Christian books one star, but unfortunately I can't call this one Christian. Between both ex-spouses mentioning in their POV at least once the idea of sleeping with someone that's not their spouse, Sera making out with a guy in a bar who she's "motherly" towards, and overall topics seemingly condoning sinful behaviors. . .yeah no, this is not a Christian book. I couldn't recommend this one to anyone, and quite frankly I regret reading it.

Honestly if this wasn't marketed as a Christian story, I might have rated it two stars, but it's considered Christian yet it promotes/condones worldly behaviors, and I can't stand by that. I don't want any Christians picking this up thinking it's a cute faith-building romcom.

Oh, and the word "sexy" was used wayyyy too much in this book. Like, I never want to see that word again (Thanks, self, for typing it out). But I think it was at least once (if not five or six times) per chapter.

I really wish I liked this book because I think it's important to discuss falling apart marriages and the deeper themes behind that. But unfortunately what I took away from the book was that worldly behaviors are encouraged (alcoholism, pornography - but it might ruin your marriage, so for that reason mayyybe don't, sleeping with someone who's not your spouse, yoga, making out with multiple guys, touching inappropriately, wearing immodest clothes, etc.), and I can't agree with that from a supposedly Christian novel.

I'll step off my soapbox now. 😂

[Jodie | GeauxGetLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Life isn’t always so black and white. I need to learn to embrace the gray.”
“Great love does not always see straight. Sometimes, I tell you: It’s blind.”

What an amazing debut novel! This book made me feel! It reminded me of Liane Moriatry, whom I adore.
Sera and Conner met in college and thought they were soul mates. However, after fertility struggles and porn addiction it led them to get a divorce. Well there is this new dating website called Blinde that is out that you don’t use pictures to meet people only your words (flashback circa AOL 1996). They actually both sign up Sera opts to use her real name while Conner decides for a pseudonym…Jack. Conner has decided to attend therapy because he is still madly in love with Sera and wants to see how to move on when he gets a message from Blinde that Sera sent him a message!! How does Conner play this? She has no idea it is him, and what could one message hurt?
Well one message led to another and the witty banter between them was funny and charming. But what happens when Sera finds out she had been lied to yet again by Connor? Will they find their happily ever after?
It totally had me crying at the end. Definitely pick this one up, you will enjoy the roller coaster of emotions as you can’t help but cheer this divorced couple back together again!

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus}]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*


I didn't know this was going to be re-release, I'm still looking forward to it!

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy that Stephanie reached out to me to read her debut. When she compared it to a modern day vibe of “Redeeming Love” I had to see for myself what this book was about.

The main focus is on a married couple who has recently gone through a divorce. You get their origin story and then you see them through the fall out and what led to them ultimately coming apart. When both of them sign up for an online dating service...one of them might not be using their real name in order to see their ex in a new light. And on Blinde (the dating service) there are no photos exchanged until the two connect and decide to meet.

It’s a little bit of a cat fishing scenario but it really works and is handled in a way I enjoyed.

It’s not your average lighter romance. Although there are some fun pop culture references and some fun moments of humor and flirtation...it balances well with the moments of grief and guilt/shame that accompany it. It’s Christian but not preachy and I enjoyed the therapy sessions each character has immensely.

This book to me was about learning to find yourself and find that person who makes you feel whole. It’s about fighting for your marriage but also pushing for the best version of who you can be. It’s about therapy, and diving into your demons and learning there’s always a way out through forgiveness and taking responsibility.

It’s a story about Gods grace and redemption.

Thank you Stephanie for the copy! The review is honest and all my own.

Possible triggers for death of a loved one, miscarriage and pornography addiction.

[MadiG Raps · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

thank you to NetGalley & Tyndale House Publishers for the arc!

i didn’t fully know what to expect when starting this book but i thought it would be a silly romance quick read. it turned out to be a genuine story of a married couple who divorced and the lingering impacts of that while navigating coparenting & dating others & internal healing (& potentially rediscovering each other).

there were fun elements of an interesting online dating app premise, great friends, super helpful therapists, and christian references too.

i will say it felt pretty obvious who she was going to end up with but i really enjoyed following the story and seeing how it would be resolved.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could close my eyes and see the wonderful California setting. I was taken in within the first few chapters and so captivated I could not stop reading.
This is a debut author to keep your eyes on.
I think this would make a group small group book to read there would be so much to talk about.
I gave this book 4 stars its a winner in my book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading When We Blinked by Stephanie Mack gave me all the emotions. The excellent writing tugged at my heart strings and I felt the sting of betrayal, the satisfaction of a job well-done, the struggles of parenting, and the insecurity of an uncertain future. I cheered for Seraphina throughout the novel.

From the beginning of When We Blinked, I had an immediate interest in the characters, but my reading progress slowed as the story dealt with heavy topics including divorce, porn addiction, alcoholism, infertility, and parenting a highly sensitive child. Humor balanced out the serious issues in the book. Still, I think it is fair to offer a trigger warning about the referenced topics as they are portrayed with authenticity and the author does not shy away from the destructiveness of porn, alcoholism, and divorce. I was especially pleased with the story’s embracing of mental health therapy and medical treatment. In the end, the author brought it all home. I absolutely loved the ending.

I recommend When We Blinked for mature readers due to topics in the book and two edgy scenes that went slightly beyond what I consider “clean” romance. While I wish the moments had been less detailed, the scenes were brief and did not overshadow the story.

When We Blinked stands as Stephanie Mack’s debut novel and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Natalie - FerryGoodBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Life isn’t always black and white. I need to learn to embrace the gray”

Oh wow, I don't think my heart was fully prepared for this one. There is an open dialogue that I haven’t read before in a romance book hitting on topics that are refreshing to see in a contemporary romance. The author brought to light complex situations and gave a voice to both sides in a positive way that allows for empathy and understanding. She also did an amazing job capturing the raw vulnerability between Connor and Seraphina and their journey from a fractured marriage. She didn’t hold back, describing both the good and ugly of the situation they were in.

I think the success of this book, especially with the sensitive nature of the story, was that this was a dual POV. There are two sides to every story and I really enjoyed that the author took the time to find Connor and Seraphina’s voices. The author showed the uncensored reality of a marriage from its breaking point and how Conner and Seraphina come back amore edified version of themselves. It was interesting too, from the readers point of view, I was rooting for the happily ever after, but if there wasn’t one, I would have been content.

I was beyond impressed with this author's book and I encourage everyone to pick this one up. It is an unadulterated look at the complexities of marriage, parenthood, and the emotional toll life can take. There are messy parts that often get overlooked when romance books portray the realities of life and what this author does is bring a refreshing outlook and voice to people who have gone through or experienced situations like these. Thank you so much to the author for this amazing book!

[Jennifer McNeely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't ever type out reviews, but this book was special and I have to share!! The characters were charming and fun. The dialogue was witty and upbeat. And in the midst of being an addicting & enjoyable read--the author tackled many issues facing moms today (raising challenging kids, balancing career, etc.) as well as issues facing couples (infertility, infidelity, divorce). This book took me on an emotional roller coaster of laughs to heart breaking tears and back again. Best book to start out 2021; I couldn't put it down!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab this book and have your friends, family, neighbors, husbands, boyfriends, and book clubs read it. It’s that good, but it’s also that important.

Sera Jones, recently divorced, is getting back to work after staying at home with her daughter, Coco. Now, as a working single mom, life looks different.

Not totally over her ex, Connor, she knows it’s time to move on, so she signs up for a new online dating service called 𝘉𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦. What makes it unique is you don’t submit any pictures; you use your words to communicate a possible “match.”

Connor, totally not over Sera, but filled with guilt for the mistakes he made in their marriage, signs up on 𝘉𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦 too but under the false name of “Jack.” Of course, Jack and Sera hit it off. But is Connor just deceiving Sera again? When Connor, or um Jack, learns Sera has been seen on a date with a handsome hotel heir, he knows he needs to make a move soon, or he’ll lose her for good.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 is the perfect mix of genres. It is a sweet second chance romance, but it includes deep topics of pregnancy loss, divorce, parenting, pornography addiction, and online dating, all with a sprinkling of faith. At first glance, this may seem like too much or it would be too heavy for a fun romance, but Stephanie Mack blended all of these elements perfectly!

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @stephaniemack for an invitation to this tour and a gifted copy.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I don’t normally read romance novels, Stephanie’s smart writing, witty characters and tight pacing kept me turning the pages. The characters incorporated their faith into their lives yet they weren’t stodgy or old fashioned. Their love for God and each other informed their choices in a modern context with humor and compassion. If you like a faith-based love story, this romantic tale of redemption and grace will make you swoon. Great job, Stephanie!

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in dual perspectives this unique love story shows us both sides and allows us to root for both characters. Sera is trying to move on, Connor is trying to win back his past. There's a lot of personal growth and it was fun to see the witty exchanges between Jack and Sera. It's a faith-based romance that does include some heavy topics, but shows us how to find our way back to love.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rare that I have a chance to read a refreshing Christian romance novel! These two genres may seem to be at odds with each other at times, BUT Stephanie blends them together so well without the story ever becoming too preachy or too steamy.

The books follows writer Sera and lawyer Connor, a recently divorced couple who are trying to co-parent their highly sensitive daughter Coco. One day, Sera decides to sign up for a dating app called Blinde with the catch of never sending pictures to your matches. Connor finds himself on the app as well under an alias name. Of course, he connects with Sera on the app (a real Catfish scenario!) but there are other men in the picture, like the dreamy hotel mogul Graham who Sera's working with.

I won't spoil the ending but I appreciated how both characters were likable but not without their flaws. You wanted to root for each of them in their individual stories but you still were able to identify where they needed to heal. The book also took you behind the scenes of their solo therapy sessions which added more depth. It balanced fun vacations with sticky situations and traumatic experiences without it being triggering.

Really, just go read the book! It's the perfect read when you're cuddled up by the fire or lighting a candle. You'll like this one.

CW: miscarriage, death of a loved one, porn addiction, divorce, high sensitivities

[Krissy (books_and_biceps9155) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look at me! Another romance book over here can you believe it?! I can’t either lol First off this is a debut?! Like…what? It was such a wonderful romance filled with heavy topics such as sex/ alcohol addition and miscarriages. Now I don’t read many, but I feel like this elevates it to “not your typical” cutesy story. All issues were handled with extreme care and respect which I appreciated. Being that a majority of this novel takes place about 2 miles from my job and home really made it extremely fun for me. I knew every single place the characters went and I could visualize it so easy. Sometimes I just get a huge kick out of that!

Sera is such a strong character and so relatable. She has insecurities and anxieties we all have yet, she works through them and herself to make herself a better person and mother. I really admired her drive to become a happier her. She also has an amazing career which I enjoyed hearing about. I mean, I would love to work for a luxury hotel chain and get to write about it! Fun!

Following Stephanie on IG has given me a sense of herself and I was left to wonder if this was part truth. (Is it Stephanie Im dying to know?) She even alludes to it in her Afterword. I just felt like so much heart was put into this. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what Stephanie gives us next!

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one fantabulous debut novel and one you absolutely need to get. Today. Now. Not yesterday but today. Mack has quickly stolen my heart with her intriguing story line, her lovable characters and unique writing style! I loved every minute of this awesome story!

From the very beginning, I fell in love with Sera. Her inner struggles and life questions quickly became my own. Each page turn had me questioning things in my own life, while simultaneously making me fall harder and harder for each and every character. I loved all the men vying for Sera’s affection. They truly had my heart strings!

Mixed in with these gorgeous characters, and beautiful writing, are moments of pain, moments of love, moments of healing and find one’s self. This is an unforgettable story and I look forward to sharing this 4 star read with my friends, family and anyone else who asks me for a favorite 2021 read! Hats off to you, Mack, on a magnificent debut!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you Netgalley for the Arc.

When We Blinked by Stephanie Mack was a really good read. As a Christian girlie, I loved reading a story where faith and God were naturally woven into the narrative. It added a meaningful layer to the book that I really appreciated.
The characters were enjoyable and the overall story was strong. The book also touches on some heavier topics, and I thought they were handled with a lot of care and sensitivity, which made the story feel very thoughtful and well written.
That said, I do wish it had held my attention a little better at times. I can’t quite put my finger on what it was missing for me, but there was just something that kept it from being a book I absolutely loved. Even so, it was still a good read and one I’m glad I picked up.

[Hannah Stob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book because it’s marketed as a Christian romance but it really missed the mark for me!

Stephanie covers some heavy topics and honestly does a great job, I think the therapy sessions they attend lend to that. But it wasn’t really with a Christian worldview like I was hoping to see. There was some religion sprinkled throughout but I was really wanting more.

The characters were likable enough, the side characters too. It did feel like there were too many story lines for a second but they were all wrapped in a bow at the end so I guess it’s okay?!

Overall, I was entertained and wanted to see where the story went but just didn’t love it!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

[Bryan Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! Zipped on through this lovely book about the difficulties of marriage and the hard, grueling work love can sometimes put you through. Stephanie Mack paints us a serendipitous world, from Orange Country to Jackson Hole, that includes a realistic work setting, eye-opening therapy sessions, a rom-com-style bachlorette party and a final boardroom meeting that has us all clapping. Great debut novel and look forward to others.

[Cassie Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was raw and tackled so many heavy topics. I really enjoyed it and love how this author weaves in the truths of God into each line.

…”But one thing’s for sure. Love sees what matters, and forges on anyway. It keeps no record of wrong. Unbelievably it never fails. On the blackest night, when death has come, love rips the veil between earth and heaven, once and forever more. It brings us morning. It gives us life. Once blind. But now, we see.”

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Blinked is a story about a woman who gets a separation from her husband and returns to work after being a stay at home mom. Her friends and colleagues encourage her to try dating and she tries a new dating app that doesn’t use pictures, but gets users to have meaningful conversations to see if they have a connection. Sera is matched with three men - or so she thinks. Her ex is posing as two of the men she connects with because he wants her to get to know him better. Will she choose him or the other guy?

I loved this book! It was fun and witty and the characters were well developed. The writing was wonderful and I loved exploring the idea of how romantic connections are made/built/maintained.

[Joanne Ragona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant look at marriage, divorce, parenting, faith and love, all told with warmth, humor and compassion. There are many religious undertones in this book but not in an intrusive way. In fact, I think it helped propel this story, giving insight to Sera and Connor’s love story.

I love the premise of this book. A divorced couple, co-parenting their 4 year old daughter, are both trying to navigate their new way of life. Both are trying to move forward and ironically, they both join a dating app called Blinde. The app requires no pictures and only words to communicate. Unbeknownst to Sera, she is matched with her Ex who is using an alias on the app. They begin to communicate and get to know each other all over again with simple questions and open hearts. Connor knows he must reveal the truth before things go further.

This story is about guilt and forgiveness and learning that life isn’t always black and white. It’s about second chances and putting trust in yourself and others. It’s about communication and the importance of words. It’s about having faith in love…romantic love, parental love, and religious love.

“Love sees what matters, and forges on anyway. It keeps no record of wrong. Unbelievably, it never fails.”

[Wendy MacGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect, fun read for a Girl's trip or weekend away. The book is full of likeable characters that are relatable, multi-faceted and entertaining. I found myself cheering for the happiness and growth of every character. I'm a busy mom who struggles to find time to read, yet, I somehow managed to read this book in only a few days. I couldn't put it down. If you're a fan of marriage, overcoming the mess, and redemptive love, this book is for you!

[Nic Gero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin. This book. This author. I am blown away and I think I may have just stumbled upon my new favorite author. Is this really her debut novel?! This book was absolute perfection. It was captivating, adorable, witty, glamorous, and had all the feel-good vibes you would hope for in an award winning romantic comedy. But this book brought so much more; depth, real life, redemption, and even inspiration. I constantly found myself wanting to highlight these amazing gems sprinkled throughout the book before remembering, this is fiction not a self help book! Yet someone I feel changed in the best way possible after reading this story and falling in love with the characters in it.

I am a ravenous reader and I am religious about giving star ratings on this platform, however this is my first time ever taking the time to actually write out a review! If there was ever a book worthy of a glowing recommendation, this is it. If you love Emily Giffin (which I do), you will absolutely adore this book, every minute of it!

[Callie · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was no "love triangle" in this so-called love triangle romance.

[Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had very low expectations and still, ya'll. What on earth.

[Elizabeth Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading When We Blinked. It was simply such a fun experience—exactly the kind of novel that pulls you in quickly and keeps you happily turning pages, rooting for characters you love from the beginning.

At its heart, this is a second-chance love story about Seraphina (Sera) Jones and her ex-husband Connor. By the time the book begins, their marriage is already over. Sera is navigating life as a newly divorced single mother while re-entering the corporate world after several years at home with her daughter. She loves her job with Hamilton Hotels & Resorts, but the shift from playdates to boardrooms isn’t seamless, and the emotional aftermath of divorce lingers beneath everything.

Encouraged by friends, Sera decides to try dating again through a new app called Blinde, designed for people weary of swipe culture. The premise is simple but clever: no photos, just conversation. Users exchange a limited number of words and then must decide whether to keep talking. It’s meant to prioritize connection over appearance.

The result is that Sera suddenly finds herself juggling several possible romantic paths: the charming hotel heir Graham Hamilton, the thoughtful mystery match she meets through Blinde, and Connor himself, who still stirs emotions she would rather ignore.

Of course, as the story unfolds, readers learn that not everything is exactly what it seems.

What makes this novel work particularly well is that Sera and Connor are not idealized characters. They are flawed human beings who carry the accumulated sorrow and mistakes of a ten-year marriage that didn’t survive intact. Watching them reckon with those mistakes—especially through what they have learned in therapy—adds depth to what could otherwise be a light romance.

Some readers dislike the “therapy trope” in contemporary fiction, but here it feels natural and believable. Rather than serving as a lecture, therapy functions as a window into how each of them has grown since their divorce.

In that sense, the book also works beautifully as a Christian novel. Redemption runs quietly but steadily through the story. The characters are not presented as models of perfect behavior but as people honestly wrestling with the consequences of their choices and trying to grow into better versions of themselves.

I did see a review criticizing the book for not feeling like Christian fiction. The reviewer objected to moments where Sera behaves imperfectly—going to a club, kissing someone she’s not in a relationship with, and generally navigating modern dating while also identifying as a Christian.

But that criticism didn’t resonate with me. Christians in the real world behave in all sorts of ways. Faith does not erase human weakness, and stories that portray believers as spotless often feel less truthful than stories that allow characters to struggle.

That said, the bar scene struck me as slightly out of character for Sera, but even there I suspect the author intended to show a moment where Sera herself is acting outside the person she wants to be. That tension actually reinforces the theme of growth.

What I found especially compelling was the way Sera and Connor handle parenting after divorce. Their commitment to putting their daughter first—setting aside resentment and pain for her sake—is one of the most beautiful aspects of the story. It’s a quiet but powerful portrait of co-parenting done well.

And I absolutely loved the concept behind the Blinde app. A dating platform with no photos and a strict word limit? It’s wildly clever. It forces people to engage with personality and conversation rather than appearance, which makes the unfolding romance feel fresh.

Ultimately, When We Blinked is a warm, well-written second-chance story that manages to feel both contemporary and hopeful. It offers flawed characters, genuine growth, and a redemption arc that unfolds naturally rather than sentimentally.

And perhaps most importantly, it doesn’t read like every other second-chance romance—which, in this crowded genre, is no small accomplishment.

I read the new traditionally published version. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for making that available.

[Allie B • Literally Booked Solid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seraphina is newly split from her college sweetheart and is trying to juggle going back into the work force after being a stay at home mom for four years. Struggling to keep it together most days, Sera is convinced by her girlfriends to join Blinde, a new dating app where you don't exchange pictures, but only words. While on the app, she meets the charming Jack, who quickly sweeps her off her feet. The twist? Jack is actually her ex-husband trying to win her back. In the meantime, Sera also has another suiter, a young and rich hotel mogul. Caught between moving on and holding onto the past, Sera must decide if love is truly blind.

I really enjoyed Stephanie's debut novel! Alternating between Sera and her ex's point of views, you get to see both sides of the demise of their marriage and how they are both trying to heal and move on. I loved how extremely original the plot was.

I really related to Sera's struggles with her young daughter. Undiagnosed and trying to get CoCo help to deal with the upheaval of their lives, I saw so many parallels to my own journey with my son, which felt comforting and reassuring. Parenting is so difficult, but when you have a neurodiverse child, it makes a little harder. I loved that both Connor and Sera stood by each other and were supportive of getting CoCo the therapy she needed.

When We Blinked also sheds light on how hard marriage can be. All couples deal with issues behind closed doors and there are times where you might hide part of yourself from your spouse, either intentionally or unintentionally. I loved that both points of view showed positive interactions with therapy and seeking help to sift through emotions.

⚠️ CW: infertility, miscarriage, divorce, alcohol abuse

Overall, this was a wonderful debut novel! While some parts were heavy at times, Stephanie leaned into that discomfort to show what struggles can happen when a marriage is falling apart. I loved the ending and the journey that both Sera and Connor took to get their respective happily ever after.

When We Blinked is available on Amazon now!

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and the author for the #gifted copy.