The Old Flame

by Ivory Fields

His betrayal sparked a twenty-year feud. Now she’s falling for him again.When Laurel Briden’s family loses their business to her brother’s best friend, the betrayal crushes their fledgling romance and ignites a feud that locals still whisper about to this day. But when she returns to her childhood hometown of Beaufort, North Carolina, Laurel comes face-to-face with the man who caused her so much pain.

Grant Mercer never agreed with his family’s cutthroat empire. When Laurel’s sudden reappearance rekindles old feelings, he tries to keep his distance... only to end up as her co-chair on the committee for a major upcoming festival.

Laurel vows she’ll never let herself fall again for the man who once broke her heart. But as forced proximity leads to quiet confessions and dangerous sparks start flying, she begins to remember why she first fell in love. Can they settle generations of bad blood and rekindle the spark they once shared? Or are some feuds impossible to mend?

As a gripping small-town enemies-to-lovers romance, The Old Flame series by bestselling author Ivory Fields is a wholesome read with themes of forced proximity, second chances, and clean later-in-life love.

70 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2026

Reviews

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel's daughter comes back home after her best friend falls violently ill while traveling, cutting their time short. This scares Kendall so much she begs to move back with mom until college starts in two months. While their reunion is sweet, Kendall notices the attraction between Grant and her mother and decides to play matchmaker, much to the chagrin of Laurel. While visiting the local market, they meet up with Laurels mother, who is suddenly kind and warm to Grant. While visiting with Grant as they all walk, Laurel's mother Evelyn begins to sway, and then her eyes roll back and collaspes, sending her to the hospital. I received this book free from Ivory Fields, and I leave this honest review voluntarily.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 4 Laurel is trying to avoid Grant. Her daughter Kendall cuts her travels short after her friend and travel buddy becomes ill and is hospitalized. Kendall immediately detects something different with Laurel. After a chance meeting at the farmers market, Kendall begins to play matchmaker as she works to get Grant and Laurel together. As the book ends we wonder what is wrong with Laurel’s mother Evelyn.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Bev Stegmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very well written. Laurel and Grant are struggling with their relationship. Laurel’s daughter Kendall has an emergency while on vacation and comes home a month early from her trip abroad.
Laurel’s Mom has an unexpected emergency to cliffhanger the ending. Can’t wait to read the next book. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by the author and I am freely sharing my review.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is awesome story about Laurel and Grant trying to mend fences but with conflicts along the way and her mother is sick. Thank you for this great story and this a arc copy.

[Jill Clark mcnenly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel and Grants story is heartwarming. Kendall puts a comical spin to the story.