Sadie Summers has spent her entire life being exactly who everyone expects her to be.
Responsible. Reliable. Rooted in Dusty Hollow, Texas.
But somewhere between checking boxes, keeping the peace, and making sure everyone else is taken care of, she forgot what it feels like to choose herself.
When she stumbles upon a list titled Try Something You’ve Never Done Before, Sadie begins to wonder what it might look like to step outside her carefully ordered world—to want more than what’s safe and familiar. What she doesn’t expect is for the list to lead her straight back to Milo Carter.
Milo was her first love. The one who left town—and the one who never really left her heart. Now he’s back, older, steadier, and certain about what he wants. And what he wants is Sadie.
As they begin checking off the list together, Sadie finds herself laughing more, hesitating less, and facing the one question she can’t avoid who is she when she stops living for everyone else?
A heartfelt, small-town romance about faith, freedom, first love, and finding the courage to live a life that finally feels like your own.
Shelbey Kendall writes heartwarming, hope-filled fiction for readers of all ages. As the author of The Sonshine Sister Club series, she blends faith, family, friendship, and a touch of humor to encourage young readers that no mess or mistake is too big for Jesus. In addition to middle grade fiction, Shelbey also writes kisses only, no-swearing romance filled with real emotion and characters you’ll root for. Whether she’s crafting stories for kids or grown-ups, her mission is the same: to offer light in the darkness and remind readers that grace is always within reach.
When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her sipping coffee, listening to country music, or spending time with her family. She lives in small-town Kansas and is always dreaming up her next story.
Writing Little Miss Goody Two-Shoes felt a little like reflecting on the everyday moments that build our life and sometimes admitting that while everything looks fine on the outside, something inside you is asking for more.
Sadie's story is for the woman who has always been the dependable one. She's the one who shows up, holds everything together, a "people pleaser," and doesn't always stop to ask what she actually wants. It's about burnout in a soft, honest way. About rediscovering who you are when you're not living for everyone else.
And of course . . . it's about second chances. The kind that feels like hope.
Milo Carter might be my favorite of the MMCs I've written (don't tell the other guys!). He's steady, patient, and the kind of man who sees who you are even when you've forgotten yourself.
This story is light in the way a deep breath is light, if that makes sense. It's meant to make you smile, maybe tear up once or twice, and remind you that choosing yourself doesn't mean you have to choose alone.
This is Book 1 in a 3-book series, and I sure hope you love being welcomed into Dusty Hollow because I want you to come back. :)
No spice. No swearing. Kisses only, including the forehead variety . . . a personal favorite.
Sadie and Milo. Are we kidding? 🥹 I love this book SO MUCH. Sadie is such a relatable character to so many women as they enter adulthood and struggle to remember who they are and what they enjoy in life. Milo is the sweetest, most nurturing MMC. The nods to the Christian faith are absolutely beautiful. The town and community of Dusty Hollow are so special. Shelbey completely outdid herself with this one, and now I need the entire series!
This book captured my heart. I didn’t think it would going into it, but as someone who has done so much for so many people through their life, and gradually forgets who they are, and that they can actually accomplish a dream, this book hit my soul. I was in my late 20’s when I finally gained the courage to follow my dreams, and reading this book reminded me that you’re not the expectations of everyone else but yourself.
I learned a long time ago the small things that would make me happy and just like Sadie an adventure does that. An adventure with no plan, just the people you love by your side as you drive off to wherever your heart wants to go.
I think this is a book for all of those who want to take a step back, it makes you think, it makes you feel and it makes your heart happy. I will admit I teared up at the letters in a box. I’ve left letters for people before when I wasn’t able to find the words, and that made me misty eyed, not gunna lie.
All I can say is you should read this book this summer, take it into a field, on a picnic or to the beach. The characters are religious, but you don’t have to be for the book to resonate with your soul. It’s a beautiful story, and thank you to Shelby for letting me read it 💖
I absolutely adored this book, I found myself laughing and getting teary along the way.
Sadie and Milo are such an amazing duo, their chemistry was just amazing and their interactions were just so natural! They are just so dang adorable and sweet that it might make you sick (in a good way I promise).
This was such a fun journey of following Sadie as she works through what’s basically an identity crisis, realizing she had no idea who she was or where she wanted to go in life. I could definitely relate to her on that level! It was just so fun seeing her work through those obstacles and finding her place and how she wanted to live her life.
That being said, if I had one major qualm it was about the last maybe 20ish percent. I had beef with our girl for a bit. Cause while I know her and Milo were not technically back together at this point, I was still mad at what she did!! So I know it’s not technically a third act breakup BUT with how well they mesh it still felt like one! That’s how invested in them I was haha!
I 110% hope those of you who read this review check it out and give it a chance! It was a fantastic read and I’m so grateful that I got the opportunity to read this amazing book early!
If you have read “Not A Fan” — you have not read Shelbey’s best work yet…but this book….this is it!
Her book dedication was a vulnerable, yet powerful, permissive statement to women everywhere that have had to figure life out the hard way.
Main Characters: Sadie & Milo *swoon*
Sadie felt like a mirror of my own self. So many times I felt seen through Sadie’s character arc. From her personality to her dynamics in her relationships. In all the ways she was a people-pleaser and submissive to those around her. She puts herself last in every scenario. Until, the list…
The LIST: “Try Something You’ve Never Done” If I had the opportunity to take this list and run with it as my own currently - I would. As I read, I lived vicariously through Sadie as she forced herself out of her comfort zone in order to find herself again. Her true self. The one not tied down by other people’s expectations, feelings, or assumptions. She took control of her life, scared…but she did it. FOR THE PLOT!
The plot: painting with color, speeding, eating the pie, overcoming fear of heights, R rated movie, roadtrips, blue butterflies, the good kind of country music, a couple pina coladas too many, and quitting a life of simplicity…
Milo…what a dreamboat of a man. He never let go of Sadie, even after proximity and their relationship was forced into change. He left her, selfishly to chase his own dreams. But, unbeknownst to her…he carried a piece of her with him always through a small brown covered bible she’d given him years prior. Although his character started with him appearing to be self-centered, he truly loved Sadie. He finds his way back to her just as she’s ready to venture out into the great unknown. He gives her every opportunity to “do it for the plot.” And she does. She accomplishes so much life in the time they spend together. — and I won’t give it all away… — but, the gift he leaves for her to find at the end of her journey was proof of how much he loves her. *cue the ugly crying*
Sadie’s sisters are a hoot! Their witty banter through text messages was fun to read. I cannot wait to read their own stories as the Summers Sisters series grows!
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Thank you, Shelbey. Thank you for pouring your heart out on these pages. I know so much of Sadie radiates from you. Thank you for making me feel seen through this fictional yet relatable character. Thank you for creating a character for others like us.
**I received this book from the author as I was honored to be apart of her ARC Reader team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I honestly don't know where to start… Sadie is a woman you can count on no matter what, but there comes a time when the weight of that becomes too much to bear alone. Realizing that she knows more about the people around her than she does herself is a clear tell that it's time to choose herself for a change, flip a coin, and drive down the path of discovering who she wants to be and who she wants to be with.
Milo is a man who wants to prove to those around him that he can achieve his dreams. When his dreams were taken away from him, he himself had to go down a path of rediscovery and healing. Now his new dream is helping Sadie find herself and be the shoulder that she needs along the way, slowly showing his love for her, which has never faded away.
I am so grateful I got to read this story because it has become my first 6-star book EVER! I have given out multiple 5-stars before, but have never felt that 6-star feeling. When I was 40% through this book, I got the feeling that it could be a 5-star book, by 60% that feeling was confirmed, and by 80%, it had become my first 6-star book. I wasn’t even done with the book, and I was so in love with this story that I already knew it was one of the best books I would ever read. Not because it was the best written or even had the best romance story (Don't get me wrong, Sadie and Milo are so cute, and I was definitely grinning ear to ear at their love), but personally because of how much I related to Sadie and Milo, and how much they both inspire me. I related to giving up on my own dreams and putting other people's needs before my own, as well as living a “shaky and simply practiced” faith. But most importantly, I related to how she had to figure out who she really is. I relate to facing challenges alone and eventually had to accept help. As well as learning to lean on God in the process.
Thank you, Shelbey Kendall, for letting this be my first ARC read! For letting me “feel the joys and pains” of this world you wrote, and “letting me touch something that mattered to someone and letting it matter to me.” Thank you for writing this beautiful story. It was one I didn't know I needed until I read it! This story will be a story that lives rent-free in my head forever! I can’t wait for the Little Miss series to continue!
Shelley’s writing makes a story feel like you’ve lived another life, and this book was no different. I was instantly pulled it, each character so distinct and defined that they felt like friends already. From burnout to breakthrough really is the best way to describe this story, and I am struggling to put this into simple words so I’ll just let myself ramble.
Sadie Summers. Really, it’s not so bad being the same, but humans are placed onto this world to truly live. To be who the Creator intended them to be, and no one else. I did love the message of finding yourself when you feel so lost, before you can be a true light for others.
Milo Carter is a gem. I adore him. It’s hard for me to describe him really, as the whole book is just a feeling and a vibe. The moments are raw and real, and I love him for always being a steady presence for Sadie.
I don’t think anyone has a perfect family - these words hit deep and I couldn’t agree more. But what’s so amazing to me is when we can learn to love each other while understanding that everyone is flawed and each person is an individual. While I don’t consider myself a people pleaser, there were many moments of the story that felt so relatable, and I just know that Sadie and I excellent friends after spending 366 pages together.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean read that had depth, meaning, and a beautifully soft feeling that leaves you feeling whole and restored. If you loved Not a Fan, this one is defiantly softer without any snarky banter or moments of intense anger, but the message is profound.
This book feels like a “welcome home, come sit and stay for a while” kind of book. That sounds weird, but it feels like a comfort read even though this is the first time I’ve read it. I love it so much.
This review is challenging to write only in the sense I don’t know how to properly convey how much I loved it. Sadie was such a wonderful character and I loved her growth and development throughout this book so much. Sadie is a mega people pleaser but the way she finds herself, well it’s just lovely.
Don’t even get me started on Miles. Wonderful. Just wonderful. But you know what? His imperfections were also shown and it just endears you to him even more.
Two flawed characters that progress throughout this book. It’s seriously just magical. The way the faith elements were woven throughout and subtly expressed. So well done.
There’s something so beautiful in this. It’s not just a light feel good romcom, although it has that. There’s a depth to it. A reality. A beautiful soul deep message to it.
Anyway, read this and love it. And there are also two more sister stories. I genuinely cannot wait!
Random thoughts:
-Poor Sadie! She says yes to everything…but what about her and what she wants? -I love these Summers sisters. -alright, I even teared up. The end. Joe. The box. The letters. Yep.
CW: closed door (kisses only), accident with family member (past), parental abandonment (past), depression in character (past)
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I already had very high expectations for this book when I was given the ARC, but it somehow surpassed all my expectations.
If I remember correctly, Shelbey said that this book would feel like a hot cup of coffee, warming your body from the inside, and that's exactly how it felt for me. Well, I'm not a coffee drinker, so it felt more like a sweet cup of hot chocolate, but it did warm my heart. It was lighthearted and intense at the same time, and although I'm not exactly like Sadie, I could relate to her so much.
There's not a thing I would change or complain about in this book. I just couldn't stop reading, and every chapter felt so refreshing.
Milo is a sweetheart, I really hope I find someone like him (please, God), and Sadie is such a strong woman. I felt so happy seeing her finally choosing herself. The poor girl deserved that. I was also kind of mad when people kept asking her stuff, like, go figure your own stuff out, dude. Can't you do anything by yourself? Wow.
I feel like making my own list now. Order dessert first? Easy peasy. Kissing a stranger? Not so sure but we can adapt it lol. I had so much fun reading this book, I don't think I have enough words to say how much I loved it.
Thank you, Shelbey, for this ARC. I'm very grateful for it. I'll definitely check out your other works. Super excited for book two.
Little Miss Goody Two-Shoes by Shelbey Kendall is a book that can change your life.
Do you find yourself stuck? Stuck with your job? Stuck with things you don't like? Stuck with the same life, the same job, just the same everything. You are stuck in a box, that you just can't seem to get out of, you always have to be the same way, you always have to act the same, and be the same. Always stuck saying yes, and not saying no to what you need or what you want. How much did I relate to this book.
📖Second Chance 📖Kisses Only 📖No swearing 📖Faith Aware 📖Burnout to Breakthrough
Finding the courage to be someone new, choose the things you like and not the things you are good at. Finding who you really are without the facade of society's wants and society's needs. Just being you. This book was a discovery for that. A discovery of self. And it was truly beautiful. I just had to keep reading and finished this book stat. One quote that stuck with me in this book is "Your history only tells where you've been, not where you're allowed to go."
If you want a book that is just beautiful, you need to read this. You should just read this book. Thank you Sadie.
I absolutely fell in love with this book as soon as I started reading!! I was already excited since I’m an ARC reader, but the way this book captivated me was amazing!!!! The characters were so funny and relatable, and the way Sadie handles the hardest situations in her life felt mature and yet like real life at the same time. I was so impressed with the chemistry between Milo and Sadie and I loved how there was no spice or language in the book, and it emphasized their faith while not overexplaining it or forcing it on the reader. I really enjoyed how Milo’s character changed from he left and it’s his fault to Sadie realizing that maybe she should have done things differently. The character growth on both of them felt real and tangible and I just fell in love with how the descriptions were written and everything was described beautifully. I can’t believe I was an ARC reader for such an amazing book!! I hope this book just blows up, it totally deserves it!! The vibes reminded me so much of another one of my favorite books, Just Friends by Haley Pham, and that made me so excited and happy!! I just fell in love with everything about this book, truly!! Amazing job on this one, I’m going to be waiting anxiously for the rest of this series!!!
If you are the type of person who always feels like you HAVE to do what is expected of you, a person who feels like you cannot say no, a person who feels like you've lost yourself and your dreams in the shuffle of doing for others... this book is absolutely for YOU! Sadie and Milo won me over right away with their second chance romance (a favorite trope of mine). He left town to pursue his dreams of playing pro football, until an injury ended that career early. She stayed in their small hometown and became the person everyone relied on... but when he returns, she realizes she never really followed her own dreams. Then she finds a list that shakes things up and forces her out of her comfort zone... with Milo along for the ride. I loved the history and chemistry between these two. They were so supportive and sweet with each other. It was such a tender romance between them, but it was also truly a story about growth and about faith... and one that had me feeling a little teary a few times too. If you're looking for a good heartfelt romance with second chances and messages of faith, this is one not to be missed.
Little Miss Goody Two Shoes is a faith-filled romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I had the chance to read Little Miss Goody Two Shoes by Shelbey Kendall as an ARC, and it ended up being one of those quiet, meaningful reads that sticks with you.
After really enjoying Not a Fan, I was excited to pick this one upand it delivered in a softer, more reflective way. It’s sweet, but not overly so. More about growth, identity, and what happens when you start questioning the life you’ve always just… followed.
Sadie’s story felt especially real. Being the reliable one, the one everyone counts on, until you’re not even sure what you want anymore. Watching her slowly step outside of that, without it feeling rushed or forced, was one of my favorite parts.
I also loved getting both her and Milo’s perspectives. Their history adds a lot of depth, and the second-chance element feels grounded rather than overly dramatic. It’s tender and a little nostalgic in the best way.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful small-town romance about learning to choose yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. Loved the faith-inspired perspective, a Christian book without the non-sense of overly Christian. I usually avoid Christian reads and I’m a Christian! 😳😂 Clean with no cussing Closed door romance
Oh I love this one so much ! The writing from this author was beautiful, it definitely had a good flow to the story. The characters main ones and the secundary also gave the story the meaning it was intended to give. This book felt so real, like the reality we all go through. Sometimes we are good on the outside willing to help everyone without being able to ask for help or to put our feelings first. Sadie had always done the same thing, the same routine, the good girl. The one who can't do no wrong, her nature would not aloud her too (reminds me of myself back in high-school/college). Milo was the high-school sweetheart to out FMC but left to continue his career as a Football player leaving behind not only his life but his heart. This two characters always waited for their second chance. She always knew he had a special (non replaceable) spot in her heart, he did to about her but neither spoke outloud. This book is about second second chances, getting out of the safe zone, doing things you never done before and many more things. Definitely adding it to my favorite books of this year and will definitely read more from this author.
Where do I even begin? This story is so incredibly special in so many ways!
Sadie Summers helped heal the people pleaser in me…her growth throughout the book was encouraging and inspiring. I saw myself in her in so many ways and I think Shelbey really wrote a fantastic character in Sadie.
Milo (protect him at all costs) Carter was a fantastic MMC. I appreciate his redemption throughout the story and his growth from young Milo who didn’t have it all figured out, to grown Milo ready to mend his relationship with Sadie and be an incredible partner for her…especially as she’s finding herself in adulthood and coming out of her people pleaser mindset. Can I also mention how FUN it was seeing Sadie learn to not be a people pleaser with her list!!! 🦋
This book made me smile, shed (happy) tears, kick my feet with how swoony Mr. Milo was & excited for what’s to come with the Summer sisters! I’m also hopeful for a sweet story for Grant our side character in this story who I fell in love with instantly! So many amazing characters in this! 🤭
Little Miss Goody Two Shoes is a heartfelt, charming small-town romance that hits closer to home than you might expect. Sadie Summers has spent her whole life being the dependable one — taking over her father's accounting firm, keeping the peace, never coloring outside the lines — until a hardware store flyer titled "Try Something You've Never Done" quietly changes everything. What follows is an adventure of self-discovery that's equal parts fun and deeply moving. Milo, her first love and the one who got away, is back in Dusty Hollow as a history teacher and football coach, and the two of them picking up where they left off — slowly, honestly, with all that old history on the table — is just lovely. But what really sets this story apart is that Sadie chooses herself before she chooses Milo. She has to find who she is again before she can be that person for someone. Sweet, meaningful, and worth every page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was soooo CUTE and I love reading Sadie's journey to finding herself. As a momma ot just melted my heart because Sadie's reminds me sooooo much of my oldest daughter. A people pleaser, a good doer, always there for you. And I always have to stop myself and be like what do you want Baby girl? So this was a great reminder to help me be a better mom to my daughter to help her discover her true self. And its okay to choose you sometimes!
Milo was the sweetest. I love me a man who isn't afraid to cry! He is all the green flags and all he wanted was a second chance with the love of his life. And he was super supportive of Sadie and was always right by her side.
Sadie's BLOSSOMED in this story and I love how the author did that and how this is a story to remind us to choose ourselves sometimes and not get lost in the sameness of the day!
Thank you so much for sending me this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Little Miss Goody Two Shoes by Shelbey Kendall This one was such a fun and refreshing read! I went in expecting something light, but it had so much more depth than I anticipated. Shelbey Kendall does a great job creating a story that feels playful and flirty on the surface, while still giving us characters with real growth underneath it all. I especially loved the main character—she’s trying so hard to be “perfect,” but watching her navigate real life, messy emotions, and step outside that box made her so relatable. The chemistry and banter were definitely highlights for me 👏 It had those moments that make you smile while reading, mixed with just enough tension to keep things interesting. Overall, this was a feel-good romance with heart, growth, and just the right amount of swoon. If you love a “good girl” breaking out of expectations and finding her own path, you’ll really enjoy this one 💕
If I could give a book six stars, I absolutely would—and I don’t say that lightly. This one exceeded my already high expectations and stayed on my mind long after I finished the last page.
The story feels truly one of a kind. I loved the small-town charm, the nosy neighbors, and Sadie’s growing desire for something more in her life. Both Sadie and Milo are incredibly relatable—honestly, from page one I felt like I knew them. Sadie’s character growth is so genuine, and it felt like I was growing right alongside her.
This book also does a beautiful job of portraying the reality of mental health—the way people often carry things quietly for the sake of others. I didn’t just read what Sadie was going through, I felt it. (And I actually cried…which I do not do often.)
Shelbey Kendall delivered something really special here. I already miss this story and am low-key hoping for a bonus scene because I’m not quite ready to say goodbye.
First off, thank you to the author for choosing me for an advance copy of her book. It was a pleasure getting to read her book.
It was a fun and refreshing story after finishing exam week. I loved all the characters and the fresh perspective on second-chance romance. Overall, I loved Milo's development and encounter with God; it truly highlights that without an individual relationship with God, it might be difficult to live a life pursuing God as a couple.
I can go on and on about the book and why you should read it, but let me leave you with this. If you feel lost in a new season of your life, don't forget to go back to your roots, your foundation. From there, your next steps will be clear, not easy, but the fog will be cleared up, and with God by your side, anything can be achieved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Milo & Sadie, just might be my favorite characters that Shelbey Kendall has ever written. I just loved these two. I could gush on and on about them but I definitely want to spoil any of the story before it releases in June. What I can say is you will love these two and all that’s to come with this series. Sadie is the FMC, she’s always stayed in her little hometown and life because she’s wanted to please. Former people pleaser here 🖐🏼. When Sadie’s ex boyfriend, Milo comes back into town for a new job at the high school teacher/football coach. Their paths cross again after all this time, Sadie is contemplating her life’s choices. Again, I think you’ll fall in love with these characters in “Little Miss series”.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
As a chronic people pleaser and oldest child, I really related to Sadie’s character. The way she takes on everyone else’s burdens hit close to home, and I loved getting to see her grow throughout the story.
This is a no spice romance with Christian themes, including on page prayer. There’s no language and no major content concerns.
It’s a second chance romance set in a small Texas town, so the gossip is very much alive and well. There’s also a road trip element that adds a really fun layer to the story.
The only content note I have is that Sadie accidentally drinks too much one night since she’s never had alcohol before. If that’s something you prefer to avoid, just keep it in mind.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this one. It was such a good read.
Thank you to the author for the early copy. All thoughts are my own 🫶
4.5 stars: This book was so cute! It's a small town second chance romance for the girl who finally realizes it's okay to do things just for yourself. Doggedly attacking a list to be more adventurous is exactly the kind of thing I'd do, and while I felt a little frustrated that Sadie was so conveniently stagnant until the plot started, that's only because I related so much to her. Milo was SO into her yet willing to wait, which made for a little bit of an over-the-top perfect hero to me, but I did like that they both had backstory that led to their hold-ups and decisions around their relationship. There were some very powerful moments; the Mona Lisa realization is very similar to what I thought when I was in that room at the Louvre. I really enjoyed this read!
I received an ARC from the author; all opinions are my own.
Sweet Sadie Summers - realiable, responsible, and everyone’s go-to girl. Need something done? Call Sadie. This sweet small-town girl from Dusty Hollow is the ulitmate people pleaser. She’s terrified of saying no or putting herself first because she’s always too busy helping everyone else.
I loved every aspect of this book...the small town charm, the sisters and their hilarious group texts, the old high school flame (Milo), and just how relatable Sadie is, especially for oldest daughters everywhere!
I could not put this one down. Shelbey Kendall perfectly captured the inner struggle of an oldest child with such accuracy that it felt like she was in my own brain. I connected with the main character, Sadie, and loved how she worked to embrace change and step out of her comfort zone (Heads Carolina, Tails California!) And Milo...we all could use a Milo in our life encouraging us to “Do it for the plot”. His encouragement and support for Sadie, embodies love and friendship in its purest form.
This was such a wonderful read, and now I absolutely need to pick up Not a Fan by Shelbey Kendall!
Oh my goodness, this book!!! It was phenomenal and so well written. It follows Sadie as she deals with her ex, Milo, moving back to town. She has to figure out who she is and learn when to say no. Sadie is Miss Goody Two-shoes and has a hard time saying no to helping others. Then Milo moves back and Sadie has to navigate her recurring feelings for him. She finds a list that challenges her to try new things. She goes on a quest to finish the list and finds herself and love on the way. I loved the faith themes! That was so refreshing to see. One of my favorite quotes is "'I don't think God rushes much,' he says. 'People do'". I also really liked that it was closed door, and that the author marketed it as that. That needs to be the new normal! All in all, I 100% recommend! Thank you Shelbey Kendall for an ARC!
I had the pleasure of receiving the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review.
No Spice. This book was a 4.99999999999999999999 star review. I absolutely loved this book. It was beautifully written and honestly, it was extremely personal. Sadie was me. Is me. Being a mom of 4 under 7 years old, there's not a lot of time for me to do the things I want to do. Reading has been my only outlet, which is great! I do so love reading. I love my kids and my husband but I rarely take the time for me because I'm worried about my family. This book helped me see that. The reason I didn't give it a complete 5 star read was because I did not like how Milo shows up and immediately thinks that him and Sadie are together. It's been 10 years bro. 😂 But other than that, I really did enjoy this book so much!
This is my first faith-based romance book I've read, and I am so happy that I chose this one to be it. The rest that I read are now going to have such high standards to meet.
This book broke me and healed me in ways I was not expecting. The way that I recognized myself in Sadie was not something I expected. I cried. I laughed. I did get a little irritated at Sadie, but I also understood where she was coming from.
Maybe it's because I'm from a small town, but this book felt like home to me. It was so refreshing to see God mentioned and seeing the characters lean on Him made me so happy.
All in all, this book is definitely worth picking up. It has earned a spot on my bookshelf as a trophy (and so I can pick it up at any point and escape back into Dusty Hollow). I'm (im)patiently awaiting the next two books, and will be picking them up as soon as they release.
A huge thank you to the author for supplying this book. Honest review as part of the ARC team!
6 ⭐️, easily. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. I genuinely don't think I have ever read a book where I relate more to the main character. Watching Sadie's self-discovery journey made me feel empowered to say no, do things for myself, and romanticize my life. The characters are oh so lovable, and the plot moves well. This will be a book I come back to time and time again, and I rarely reread books. It was lighthearted and full of joy, but tackled the topic of people-pleasing extremely eloquently. I also love the faith-aware theme. I didn't have to worry about finding undue spice or incredibly heavy topics. This book will be on my mind for a long time, and when it starts to fade, I'll just read it again.
If you're on the fence about reading this book, just do yourself a favor and read it.
I absolutely adored this book. It is so well written and I’ll admit I’m not usually a fan of books written in first person, present tense, but Shelbey pulled it off! I loved the small town setting and all of the characters, but I especially loved the swoon-worthy moments! I did not want to put this book down until I finished it. A lot of Christian books can come off as very cheesy, but this book was not like that and the Christian aspects felt very natural. I could relate to Sadie in a lot of ways and I think many women will feel the same way when they read this. I also really appreciated how the MMC and even most of the other men were such green flags! We need more books with MMCs like that. This was the first book I’ve read by Shelbey, but I’m really looking forward to reading more!