Just Knock Three Times

by Rose D. Bentley

Penelope’s life is shaped by heartache and loss from a young age. When she meets Myles, the boy next door, her world is suddenly filled with hope, or at least a friendship that could never fade.
Naturally, she finds herself growing closer and closer to him, and deeper feelings begin to emerge for both of them as they grow up together. As they step into adulthood, everything starts to feel lighter. New possibilities and plans begin to open until their togetherness is disrupted when Myles is given a career opportunity he cannot turn down.
With nothing left to lose, Penelope runs away to a new city and starts over.
In her new life, she finds stability, but is quickly pulled into a whirlwind of emotions when she and Myles reunite. Torn between chasing love or remaining in the life she has built, Penelope learns the truth about her mother’s disappearance, and tragedy strikes once again.
As she is thrown into emotional chaos, she is forced to choose where her heart belongs.

318 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 28, 2026

Reviews

[Jen’s Book Village · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was genuinely excited to read the ARC for JUST KNOCK THREE TIMES by Rose D. Bentley. I was an ARC reader for her once before and loved that book, so of course, I couldn’t wait for this one!
In this book, young Penny lives a tough and sad life after her mother leaves. She’s a young girl who is very much alone and unloved. When she meets her neighbor, Myles, who steps in on her behalf, a totally new concept to her, she begins to have a little hope and a little joy. As they grow up, they grow close and into best friends. She can be her real self with him and doesn’t have to keep the things in her life a secret from him. After high school graduation, they end up going different directions, both in location and in life.
The author writes their story so well that you will feel like you know them. You will feel lots of emotions…sadness, love, tension, hurt, hope and so much more. The voices and mindsets of the characters is spot on; they grow and mature with Penny and Myles as they pass from childhood to young adults. I actually thought the book might be YA at the beginning based on how the characters were painted, but no, it was just really good writing. The setting too will pull you in and make you feel like you are there. This is an excellent book and one that I can’t wait for others to experience.

[Brianne C · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your vibe is:
🌸 boy next door
🌸 first love
🌸 found family
🌸 childhood friends
🌸 “I’ve always been only yours”
🌸 second chance

First and foremost, thank you Rose for trusting me as a BETA reader but as a friend to be apart of "Just Knock Three Times", a stand alone first love, second chance, found family emotional rollercoaster of a story featuring Penny and Myles. This releases May 28th to KU, Amazon and Rose's storefront.

The story's writing structure is built different than most books. Between time laspe, flashbacks and letters; you will feel the raw emotional pull of how this books engages Penny and Myles storyline. First loves never not sting when chaos occurs. Rose wrote this book with a level of trauma that the triggers warnings are in place for a reason; be kind to your mind. As beautiful as she writes Penny and Myles, there are parts of "Just Knock Three Times" that ripped my heart out but these two put it back together. The meaning of just knock three times is so special and sad at the same time.

Penny grows throughout this entire book and she grows into a strong female character on paper. If any of us had an ounce of what Penny endured her life, to get to that final chapter and be where she was? Takes a real strong, forgiving, clear minded individual. We all at some point, been in Penny's shoes and how we overcome it. We all learned, "those who mind don't matter, those who matter don't mind."

Myles is a male character written to loftthe worlds problems surrounding Penny and be the golden retrievwr, green flag full of life spirit for her. He does that, even over the years they are apart in Penny's letters. He supported Penny through the trauma and bonded with her to navigate the stormy waters and Rose again, wrote it beautifully and represented him being a support system that any person needs struggling through mental health.

While I was BETA reading and having to put this down to be kind to my mind, I came across a quote that I believe is totally fitting for this story: "Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone." This is "Just Knock Three Times" in one quote.

"Grief is louder than hunger and it’s stronger than exhaustion. I just need to get somewhere. Somewhere that feels a little more like home."

[Nicole Chasing Chapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book needs to be on your TBR immediately.

This story felt like the perfect blend of The Notebook with a heartfelt childhood-friends-to-lovers romance that completely wrecked me in the best way. Penelope and Myles share the kind of connection that lingers through time, distance, heartbreak, and missed opportunities. Watching them find their way back to each other was emotional, beautiful, and unforgettable.

The writing was absolutely stunning, filled with so much heart, longing, and hope. I cried, smiled, and completely binge-read this book in less than 48 hours because I couldn’t put it down.

Alongside the romance, the mystery surrounding Penelope’s mother added so much depth to the story, making it even more emotional and compelling. This was such a beautiful reminder that sometimes the people meant for us find their way back when the timing is finally right. 🤍

[Kitty Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

** spoilers **







This was an emotional read for sure but so good! The connection she had with the boy next door just warms your heart as he’s there for her through her trauma. I teared up when Myles left for school and Penny was standing in the road watching. The way my heart cracked when he said he loved her! This book reminds you that sometimes family are the ones that come into your life and choose you instead of being by blood. This also touched on mental illness and how that can alter someone’s life and sometimes not for the better. Penny is such a strong, creative and determined woman you just root for her the whole time. Also BEN, shhooo weee boy. That man made me hungry!!! It was such a feel good type of story and I want more of Penny and Myles!

[SKY Easton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Advanced copy from author: 🌑🧸🍪💐📝🌲🌧️📓🎨👩‍🎨🌊🎗️👫 Myles and Penny's love story ignited as childhood best friends that blossom into a passionate romance in adulthood. Yet, life's had twists and turns that pulled them apart, sending them down to different paths. Where it took Penny, to start a new life and embarked on a journey of self-discovery where she was shedding her fears and meeting incredible people who became her world. And even despite the distance, their connection never faded—she still thought about Myles, and when they finally reunited, it was as they were destined to be together even when life try to separate them 😘.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Book Review✨

This book was so sweet and emotional.

It follows the story of Penny and Myles. Penny has a rough childhood and troubled family relationships. The only healthy constant in her life is Myles, the boy next door.

I thought the story was really good, but it also felt like it wasn’t written for this timeline. I know Penny faces financial struggles in her young adult life, and not everyone has a cellphone. I did feel the love Myles and Penny shared was endearing… but also felt they would have been happier if they had kept in touch with a text here and there especially once they reconnected.

[Lindsay Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an emotionally charged book. I am completely unwell after reading this—-in a good way ❤️

The depth of Penny’s character—where she started, obstacles she faced, where she’s at and the journey to becoming the best version of herself.

I have no notes, no feedback—perfectly written as is. Complete mic drop by the author.

I devoured this book on a plane trip—not wanting to put it down. It was so well written and it’s been a while since I had a book completely pull me in from the beginning that the world outside of what I was reading just didn’t exist. Loved it!!!! ❤️❤️ 6⭐️

[Jannie Krout · Rating 4 out of 5]

The boy next door, childhood traumas, so much packed into this story. Following Penny’s journey with herself definitely hit home in some areas for me. I won’t lie, I was very emotional reading this at times. But I really enjoyed how everything played out and her dynamic with Myles, everyone deserves a Myles in their life. I do have several questions still lingering after reading this which is the only reason i gave it 4/5, but still a phenomenal read. Thank you for the opportunity to read their story before it’s officially published, I can’t wait to read what else you have in the works!

[Amanda Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. The story with Myles and Penny will forever be etched into my memory, It was full of love, laughter and heartbreak. I just want to say thank you to the author for putting this out there and I will never forget this story! I don’t want to add to much on here for spoilers but I hope to read much more from the author. I almost couldn’t finish reading the last letter, and then going back to her “home” my goodness. Beautifully written, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this.

[Nancy Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC before it comes and I must say this book exceeded my expectations in every way I could think of. This book had me feeling all the emotions you can think of, it was such a great book that was greatly written! 5/5 star read i recommend this book for sure!

(To the author Rose D. Bentley, Thank you for the opportunity to read this book as an Arc I greatly appreciate it!)

[Katlynn_Xo · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review*

Myles && Penny 4 EVER 💘

This book had everything I never knew I needed 🥹