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A Novel Chance
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26When Ivee opens Whimsy & Wonder, a cozy bookstore and café in the quiet little mountain town of Serendipity, she’s determined to build a life that finally feels like hers. No chaos. No drama. Just books, coffee, and the magic that only stories can bring. Romance is definitely not part of the plan—mostly because it has a long history of being messy, inconvenient, and poorly timed.
James Reed has always been the reliable one. A devoted elementary school teacher with deep roots in Serendipity, he thrives on routines, responsibility, and keeping his heart carefully guarded. He knows better than to shake things up. Falling for the bookstore owner down the street—especially one with a talent for disrupting his carefully ordered life—was never supposed to happen.
Unfortunately, avoiding each other becomes impossible when they’re roped into working together to help a group of overly ambitious fifth graders pull off an event that is equal parts chaotic and heartfelt. Between planning meetings that spiral off track, unexpected moments of laughter, and glances that linger a beat too long, attraction has a way of sneaking in where it’s least welcome.
As Ivee and James grow closer, the chemistry between them becomes harder to ignore—and even harder to resist. They’re forced to confront old fears, stubborn walls, and the very real risk that choosing each other might mean rewriting the safe, comfortable lives they’ve built. Because falling in love is one thing, but doing it in a town where everyone is watching, and nothing ever stays quiet for long, is another entirely.
Warm, witty, and deeply heartfelt, A Novel Chance is a slow-burn small-town romance about found community, second chances, and the beautiful possibility that sometimes the right story begins when you finally turn the page.
James Reed has always been the reliable one. A devoted elementary school teacher with deep roots in Serendipity, he thrives on routines, responsibility, and keeping his heart carefully guarded. He knows better than to shake things up. Falling for the bookstore owner down the street—especially one with a talent for disrupting his carefully ordered life—was never supposed to happen.
Unfortunately, avoiding each other becomes impossible when they’re roped into working together to help a group of overly ambitious fifth graders pull off an event that is equal parts chaotic and heartfelt. Between planning meetings that spiral off track, unexpected moments of laughter, and glances that linger a beat too long, attraction has a way of sneaking in where it’s least welcome.
As Ivee and James grow closer, the chemistry between them becomes harder to ignore—and even harder to resist. They’re forced to confront old fears, stubborn walls, and the very real risk that choosing each other might mean rewriting the safe, comfortable lives they’ve built. Because falling in love is one thing, but doing it in a town where everyone is watching, and nothing ever stays quiet for long, is another entirely.
Warm, witty, and deeply heartfelt, A Novel Chance is a slow-burn small-town romance about found community, second chances, and the beautiful possibility that sometimes the right story begins when you finally turn the page.
219 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
E.S. Rosalynn
4 books19 followersE.S. Rosalynn writes romance about timing, trust, and the courage it takes to let yourself be seen. Rooted in small-town knowing and lifelong friendship, their novels favor emotional tension, meaningful choices, and love stories that feel earned.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute, slow burn. If done right, which this one was, a good slow burn does not leave the reader frustrated or disappointed by how long it takes the characters to get together.
Ivee was afraid to let herself even think that someone would be interested in her, because her mom left when she was little and her dad took it rough and didn’t show her and affection or attention. He was there but absent and Ivee learner real fast that she was alone and not worthy, so moving to Serendipity was the change she needed, even if she couldn’t allow herself to believe James was interested.
James on the other hand was smitten from the start and turned into a blubbering fool who forgot how to talk. He was handsome, charming, and extremely dependable. So much, that he felt the pressure to carry the weight of the town. He felt like he always had to be there for others and often didn’t do enough for himself, until Ivee. He found ways to spend more time with her and even though as a reader we could see there was a relationship building, it was written just right, that you really appreciated the build up.
Some other call outs
I loved the small town Gilmore Girls, Hallmark feel.
The spice was extremely tasteful.
There is a grumpy cat in a bow tie
The Saucy Seniors are hilarious
The Creative Club is awesome
Oh Norman! ❤️
This review is based upon my own thoughts and opinions. Thank you to the author for my ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Ivee was afraid to let herself even think that someone would be interested in her, because her mom left when she was little and her dad took it rough and didn’t show her and affection or attention. He was there but absent and Ivee learner real fast that she was alone and not worthy, so moving to Serendipity was the change she needed, even if she couldn’t allow herself to believe James was interested.
James on the other hand was smitten from the start and turned into a blubbering fool who forgot how to talk. He was handsome, charming, and extremely dependable. So much, that he felt the pressure to carry the weight of the town. He felt like he always had to be there for others and often didn’t do enough for himself, until Ivee. He found ways to spend more time with her and even though as a reader we could see there was a relationship building, it was written just right, that you really appreciated the build up.
Some other call outs
I loved the small town Gilmore Girls, Hallmark feel.
The spice was extremely tasteful.
There is a grumpy cat in a bow tie
The Saucy Seniors are hilarious
The Creative Club is awesome
Oh Norman! ❤️
This review is based upon my own thoughts and opinions. Thank you to the author for my ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You chose steady over shiny.”
This was cute and gave me all the feels! Take me to Serendipity because I need all the vintage shops, the sassy little old lady book club, and I'll happily live in a house that constantly needs fixing from the local teacher/handyman. 🔥
It's a perfect close-knit small town and Ivee has a dreamy bookstore/bakery with the best name, Whimsy and Wonder. The above-mentioned teacher and handyman, James, is already pining for her and I just eat that up. Plus, how dare he also have glasses, as if I wasn't fawning over him enough. Both are trying to keep businesses afloat and are nervous about dating. They go at their own pace and I really appreciated how naturally their relationship developed. Their romance had me laughing a lot and also choked up with how beautiful it was during the emotional moments.
For being a shorter read, it's absolutely not lacking in depth.
I also love that this story has so much about books and stories within it — book clubs, comics, creative writing meetings, a book store, and even a convention that I found extra relatable💀. It always fills my heart when it feels like a story is also a little love letter to the reading community.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next piece of Serendipity and more of these characters, especially a certain group of sassy seniors. 😉
Thank you to the authors for an early copy to read and review!
This was cute and gave me all the feels! Take me to Serendipity because I need all the vintage shops, the sassy little old lady book club, and I'll happily live in a house that constantly needs fixing from the local teacher/handyman. 🔥
It's a perfect close-knit small town and Ivee has a dreamy bookstore/bakery with the best name, Whimsy and Wonder. The above-mentioned teacher and handyman, James, is already pining for her and I just eat that up. Plus, how dare he also have glasses, as if I wasn't fawning over him enough. Both are trying to keep businesses afloat and are nervous about dating. They go at their own pace and I really appreciated how naturally their relationship developed. Their romance had me laughing a lot and also choked up with how beautiful it was during the emotional moments.
For being a shorter read, it's absolutely not lacking in depth.
I also love that this story has so much about books and stories within it — book clubs, comics, creative writing meetings, a book store, and even a convention that I found extra relatable💀. It always fills my heart when it feels like a story is also a little love letter to the reading community.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next piece of Serendipity and more of these characters, especially a certain group of sassy seniors. 😉
Thank you to the authors for an early copy to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this book as an advanced reader copy.
This book has everything: a cute cat, great friends, a loving community, and an adorably relatable MMC. The FMC is a small town book shop/café owner and the MMC is an elementary school ELA teacher by day and handyman by night. The secondary characters are all very likeable in this book (at least the characters we are supposed to like) and there's even a cute cat with a bow tie in the bookstore! The MMC is adorably awkward and caring. I loved watching him become more confident in response to her growing more confident. They really grew together as people within their relationship. My favorite character was definitely Norman! He was such a tiny little sweetheart.
It follows a very slow place, is written in third person limited, has some small OWD (no interest from the MMC- but he is too nice to shut things down), a woman best friend to him (but she's awesome, extroverted, and supportive- not a part of the OWD), and a third act breakup that brings all the feels.
If you have ever watched a 2000s romcom, this book feels exactly like that! Small town romance, meet cute, loveable characters, little shops, characters who care about each other, and watching two people fall in love through actions. I could definitely see this book being written as a screen play and produced as a movie.
This book has everything: a cute cat, great friends, a loving community, and an adorably relatable MMC. The FMC is a small town book shop/café owner and the MMC is an elementary school ELA teacher by day and handyman by night. The secondary characters are all very likeable in this book (at least the characters we are supposed to like) and there's even a cute cat with a bow tie in the bookstore! The MMC is adorably awkward and caring. I loved watching him become more confident in response to her growing more confident. They really grew together as people within their relationship. My favorite character was definitely Norman! He was such a tiny little sweetheart.
It follows a very slow place, is written in third person limited, has some small OWD (no interest from the MMC- but he is too nice to shut things down), a woman best friend to him (but she's awesome, extroverted, and supportive- not a part of the OWD), and a third act breakup that brings all the feels.
If you have ever watched a 2000s romcom, this book feels exactly like that! Small town romance, meet cute, loveable characters, little shops, characters who care about each other, and watching two people fall in love through actions. I could definitely see this book being written as a screen play and produced as a movie.
April 18, 2026
This has been my favorite ARC I’ve gotten so far!! I wish I could read this book for the first time again!!! I loved the comedic timing throughout the book! This book had me laughing out loud and kicking my feet so much! I normally am pretty chill when I’m reading and I couldn’t help but react.
Before the first chapter finished I knew I wanted to move to Serendipity, and was immediately upset I couldn’t because it wasn’t real. Then I proceeded to have a vivid dream that night that I actually did live there. I didn’t want to wake up! The description of the town was so captivating that I couldn’t get it out of my head, and that’s just the setting, not even the brilliant writing in the book with the character descriptions, exploring their motivations, desires, and longings. E.S. Rosalynn knows how to write tension and longing so well I got upset when my cat tried to get my attention in the middle of chapter 17.
I connected so much with Ivee’s insecurities that it broke me a few times, in a way only a well written book can.
Seriously, is there a way to read it again a first time?
Before the first chapter finished I knew I wanted to move to Serendipity, and was immediately upset I couldn’t because it wasn’t real. Then I proceeded to have a vivid dream that night that I actually did live there. I didn’t want to wake up! The description of the town was so captivating that I couldn’t get it out of my head, and that’s just the setting, not even the brilliant writing in the book with the character descriptions, exploring their motivations, desires, and longings. E.S. Rosalynn knows how to write tension and longing so well I got upset when my cat tried to get my attention in the middle of chapter 17.
I connected so much with Ivee’s insecurities that it broke me a few times, in a way only a well written book can.
Seriously, is there a way to read it again a first time?
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I could give this book more than five stars, I totally would. That's just how good it was! A Novel Chance is a soft, cozy book full of sweet romance and wonderful characters. The setting is almost magical and immerses you in the story right away. Ivee and her bookstore is the dream of every book lover, and some of the dialogue is just so relatable it feels like the author is talking about all book readers of the world. And the whole setup matches perfectly with Ivee's soft nature.
As an older daughter, reading about James; his doubts and the pressure of being the dependent one, it felt like all my thoughts were being validated. It just felt like I could relate to him and all that he was going through, which made reading the book all the more amazing. Olivia and her sisterly behaviour, the saucy seniors and their jokes and quips, the children and their antics: it all made the book so wholesome and a wonderful read.
Love the book and can't wait for it's release!
As an older daughter, reading about James; his doubts and the pressure of being the dependent one, it felt like all my thoughts were being validated. It just felt like I could relate to him and all that he was going through, which made reading the book all the more amazing. Olivia and her sisterly behaviour, the saucy seniors and their jokes and quips, the children and their antics: it all made the book so wholesome and a wonderful read.
Love the book and can't wait for it's release!
May 12, 2026
she opened a bookstore café in a mountain town called serendipity.she opened a bookstore café in a mountain town called serendipity. romance was NOT on the menu. ☕📚
ivee: cozy books. good coffee. zero drama. finally building something that feels like hers. 🏔️✨
james: devoted teacher. deep roots. carefully guarded heart. routines. responsibility. safe. 📐
they were doing SO well avoiding each other.
then a group of overachieving fifth graders needed help with an event
and suddenly they're in the same room. a lot. 😬👀
planning meetings that go sideways. 😅
unexpected laughter. 🌟
glances that last a beat too long. 💛
This was a cozy small town romance with a bookstore and a slow burn that sneaks up on you — I loved how the authors' addressed both characters anxiety without it overshadowing their burgeoning relationship. The side characters - Gretchen, Olivia, and even James' dad, had me laughing out loud with the way the butted into their relationship without being overbearing! When you write a story about a bookstore owner AND an ELA teacher, you have a reader for life. I can't wait for book two! Thank you ES Rosalynn for the ARC!!
ivee: cozy books. good coffee. zero drama. finally building something that feels like hers. 🏔️✨
james: devoted teacher. deep roots. carefully guarded heart. routines. responsibility. safe. 📐
they were doing SO well avoiding each other.
then a group of overachieving fifth graders needed help with an event
and suddenly they're in the same room. a lot. 😬👀
planning meetings that go sideways. 😅
unexpected laughter. 🌟
glances that last a beat too long. 💛
This was a cozy small town romance with a bookstore and a slow burn that sneaks up on you — I loved how the authors' addressed both characters anxiety without it overshadowing their burgeoning relationship. The side characters - Gretchen, Olivia, and even James' dad, had me laughing out loud with the way the butted into their relationship without being overbearing! When you write a story about a bookstore owner AND an ELA teacher, you have a reader for life. I can't wait for book two! Thank you ES Rosalynn for the ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was honored to get an Advanced Reader Copy of A Novel Chance. This book got me! Most books have this hallmark little city with this perfect little boy meets girl romance plot. In A Novel Chance this small city is charming but not perfect and the love interests are normal nerdy people who are socially awkward at times, witty, down to earth, put others needs before their own and are constantly second guessing their self worth. Their relationship is slow to start because they can't get out of their own heads and just need that reliable friend to tell them to stop overthinking everything. It was so relatable and each chapter I could see as if it was unfolding in my real life around me. I was laughing out loud and invested in their story all the way through. I had to finish the book in one day! If you're looking for a good read with a hometown charm this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was honored to receive an ARC of a Novel Chance. This book has all the classic makings of a perfect small-town romance. An idyllic, cozy town with all of the quirky townspeople you would expect (think Gilmore Girls). From the saucy seniors to the mean girls of the PTA to the harsh but protective best friend, you will fall in love with all of the side characters. The main event features James and Ivee, two characters with emotional damage to keep their therapists very busy, but we love them for that. They change and grow together and learn to trust but not without a few mishaps along the way. This book was fresh, fun, cozy, and an all around good time. I devoured it in two days and I can’t wait to get back to Serendipity for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed reading the ARC for this book! I was travelling while reading this and found myself wanting to find time to pick it up and see what was going to happen with this slow burn romance!
I loved the characters and the romance between Ivee and James!
It was giving very fall romance vibes so considering i read this while on the beach I would definitely love to re-read in the fall with a nice cozy blanket and warm drink!
I’m not huge on spice and this was a fairly spice-less book aside from one moment about halfway through.
It was written in a very early 2000’s romantic comedy style which I loved and I loved the references to the Jonas brothers!
If you love a small town, cozy, slow burn romance then this is the book for you!!
I loved the characters and the romance between Ivee and James!
It was giving very fall romance vibes so considering i read this while on the beach I would definitely love to re-read in the fall with a nice cozy blanket and warm drink!
I’m not huge on spice and this was a fairly spice-less book aside from one moment about halfway through.
It was written in a very early 2000’s romantic comedy style which I loved and I loved the references to the Jonas brothers!
If you love a small town, cozy, slow burn romance then this is the book for you!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this cozy small-town romance. Watching the heroine open her bookstore and slowly fall for the local fix-it-all man was sweet and easy to read. Their chemistry was cute, even when things started to unravel once feelings got stronger.
The absolute stars of the book for me were the saucy seniors — they brought so much humor and mischief to the story and completely stole every scene they were in.
While I found parts of the story a little flat emotionally, it was still a charming, lighthearted read that was easy to get lost in. Perfect for when you want something fun, cozy, and low-stress.
The absolute stars of the book for me were the saucy seniors — they brought so much humor and mischief to the story and completely stole every scene they were in.
While I found parts of the story a little flat emotionally, it was still a charming, lighthearted read that was easy to get lost in. Perfect for when you want something fun, cozy, and low-stress.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book. I haven’t read any of the other authors’ other books, but I will have to after reading this one.
I truly enjoyed the small town, Hallmark rom com movie feel of this book. The characters were extremely likable, especially the Saucy Seniors book club. The two main characters were definitely relatable, though I wish both of them had gotten over their insecurities a little earlier.
The slow burn romance was a tad too slow for me, but I enjoyed the wholesome, minimal spice in the book.
Thank you for sharing this sweet romance!
I truly enjoyed the small town, Hallmark rom com movie feel of this book. The characters were extremely likable, especially the Saucy Seniors book club. The two main characters were definitely relatable, though I wish both of them had gotten over their insecurities a little earlier.
The slow burn romance was a tad too slow for me, but I enjoyed the wholesome, minimal spice in the book.
Thank you for sharing this sweet romance!
Review of advance copy
First I want to say this is not my usual genre of books. That being said, from the moment I met Ivee and walked into the bookstore I fell in love.
These ladies created a world that gives a warm welcoming atmosphere, it makes you want to grab a cup of coffee or tea just to feel like you’re part of this world.
I can’t wait to see more of the saucy seniors! Those ladies are some spunky grandmas.
Overall, this book is fun, warm and you’ll fall in love with the town Serendipity and its people.
These ladies created a world that gives a warm welcoming atmosphere, it makes you want to grab a cup of coffee or tea just to feel like you’re part of this world.
I can’t wait to see more of the saucy seniors! Those ladies are some spunky grandmas.
Overall, this book is fun, warm and you’ll fall in love with the town Serendipity and its people.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an absolutely lovely book. A romance between a bookstore owner and a teacher? I wish I could spend time with Ivee and James in real life! And the cast of side characters is 💯. The writing is beautiful, and it runs deep while still maintaining lightness and fun, thanks to the antics of those Saucy Seniors and the most energetic creative middle schoolers. A Novel Chance is the perfect book to curl up with at the end of a long day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are you a sucker for a slow burn? A "will they, won't they"? A story about strangers becoming friends, becoming..more..? Then this is the perfect read for you! Not to mention all the other characters who add additional humor, flare, and their opinions on a budding romance in their small town. All in all, this was an easy, fun read that had me laughing out loud, swiping the pages with enthusiasm, and ready for more!!
April 21, 2026
I was honored to receive an early copy of this book and was so excited to read it! It has everything you need for a wonderful read; small town, slow burn and some saucy seniors that really stole the show. Serendipity is the perfect little town that creates such a welcoming vibe that left me wanting to move there. This book was such an easy read that left me smiling and feeling warm and fuzzy after I finished it. I can’t wait for the next two books!
April 27, 2026
This is a honest ARC review. In the description of the book it does say that it’s a slow burn. I like slow burns but this one was a bit too slow for me. That’s just my personal preference though. I actually give this book 3.5 stars. The story was so sweet and there was so much banter. It did not have a crazy amount of spice or cursing so that was kind of a breath of fresh air. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series. Thank you to the author, E. S. Rosalynn, for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited for my first ARC read to be this book and it did not disappoint. it was cozy. It was sweet. It was funny. It hit all the right spots that a good book should. The main characters made us wait for them to figure things out but it was worth the wait. I can't wait to read the next book from this cute little town.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book! The characters were so relatable and likable and I loved to watch their relationship progress. Serendipity seems like the perfect small town and gave me Stars Hollow vibes which I loved. This as definitely one I couldn’t put down and I’m excited to see the rest of the books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really loved this book! It gave all the small town feels, with quirky residents. My favorites were the Saucy Seniors, and little Norman! This book has all the feels of a cozy read with some spice and a bookstore cat! Definitely will recommend this book to others!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so happy to be an ARC reader for this book! Within the first two chapters I was hooked. It’s the perfect cozy, small town romance. The characters have depth and kept me wanting more. I’m already excited for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Our adult romance debut is cominnggggg!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Good book, great storyline, naught seniors all the way!! Serendipity town is like a small town home, I'd love to be in the bookstore and cafe, slow burn and great characters
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cozy romance to snuggle up with. My only problems were that I wanted to yell at the characters to get over themselves and stop hiding from the things you want!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
This was such a sweet story. The couple's meeting and initial getting to know each other seemed so real. I enjoyed it all the way through to the HEA.
This was such a sweet story. The couple's meeting and initial getting to know each other seemed so real. I enjoyed it all the way through to the HEA.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Such a feel good story. A cute small town bookstore and a slowwwww burn. Just what I needed to lift my spirits.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews