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About What Happened at the Festival
Hannah Fair, a high school English teacher in a small Montana town, has perfected the art of disappearing. She prefers quiet routines, familiar people,
and the safety of staying unnoticed.
Which is why kissing a country singer onstage in front of thousands defies every rule she lives by. It’s risk. Spotlight. Exposure she would never allow herself. Until Ledger West.
With his warm hand in hers, festival lights blazing down, and a roaring crowd surrounding them, Hannah finds herself swept from hiding into blinding visibility…and saying yes.
By dawn, the video has exploded. Millions have watched her most private moment, transforming anonymity into instant infamy. Now the internet knows her name and has opinions about her. And the man she kissed is no stranger with a guitar. Ledger West is about to become one of country music’s biggest stars, and suddenly Hannah is caught in the orbit of someone the whole world is watching.
She tells herself it was one reckless moment. But Ledger keeps calling, and beneath the fame is someone thoughtful, someone who sees through every wall she’s spent years building. He makes her feel visible in ways that are equal parts terrifying and impossible to resist.
The more time Hannah spends with Ledger, the smaller her old life feels. But loving someone meant for the spotlight may cost her the very thing that’s always kept her safe: the ability to disappear.
Which is why kissing a country singer onstage in front of thousands defies every rule she lives by. It’s risk. Spotlight. Exposure she would never allow herself. Until Ledger West.
With his warm hand in hers, festival lights blazing down, and a roaring crowd surrounding them, Hannah finds herself swept from hiding into blinding visibility…and saying yes.
By dawn, the video has exploded. Millions have watched her most private moment, transforming anonymity into instant infamy. Now the internet knows her name and has opinions about her. And the man she kissed is no stranger with a guitar. Ledger West is about to become one of country music’s biggest stars, and suddenly Hannah is caught in the orbit of someone the whole world is watching.
She tells herself it was one reckless moment. But Ledger keeps calling, and beneath the fame is someone thoughtful, someone who sees through every wall she’s spent years building. He makes her feel visible in ways that are equal parts terrifying and impossible to resist.
The more time Hannah spends with Ledger, the smaller her old life feels. But loving someone meant for the spotlight may cost her the very thing that’s always kept her safe: the ability to disappear.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Brigetta Schwaiger
3 books6 followersHi, I’m Brigetta, author of Her Nowhere and the soon-to-be-released About What Happened at the Festival. I write emotional romance and women's fiction and love sharing stories about the strength it takes to start over, the bonds that hold families together, and the quiet beauty of small-town life.
My work has appeared in Mamalode and Grown & Flown, and I was lucky to be part of the original mom-blog wave back in the early 2000s, when we were all just figuring out how to tell our stories online.
I live in the breathtaking state of Montana with my husband of 30 years, our four amazing sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law (yay, girls!), a loyal dog, and one remarkably resilient turtle who’s been part of the family for longer than I can remember.
When I’m not writing, you’ll probably find me outside, breathing in mountain air, watching a baseball game, or soaking up those little moments that always find their way into my stories.
My work has appeared in Mamalode and Grown & Flown, and I was lucky to be part of the original mom-blog wave back in the early 2000s, when we were all just figuring out how to tell our stories online.
I live in the breathtaking state of Montana with my husband of 30 years, our four amazing sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law (yay, girls!), a loyal dog, and one remarkably resilient turtle who’s been part of the family for longer than I can remember.
When I’m not writing, you’ll probably find me outside, breathing in mountain air, watching a baseball game, or soaking up those little moments that always find their way into my stories.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up for Goodreads
Wow, what a beautiful story. About What Happened at the Festival was so much more than a romance, and I loved every second of this sweet surprise.
Ledger is a rising country singer, while Hannah is a small-town English teacher who has spent years trying to make herself invisible. This could have easily felt like a familiar story about a famous musician meeting an ordinary woman and sweeping her off her feet, but it became something so much deeper.
This is a story about love, tragedy, healing, forgiveness, and learning to love yourself enough to believe you deserve the life and happiness you truly want.
The author used a few of my least favorite tropes, but somehow her storytelling made me fall in love with every single one of them. I became completely invested in Ledger and Hannah, both in their journey together and in their individual stories of healing.
Even though this is a closed-door romance, the chemistry was absolutely there. The tension, longing, and pining between Ledger and Hannah came through so strongly. The writing is emotional and beautifully descriptive, and there were moments when I could almost feel everything the characters were feeling.
I also loved how real and human every character felt. They were flawed, complicated, and did not always make the right choices, which only made them feel more believable. I completely fell in love with the supporting cast too, and they added so much warmth and heart to the story.
Ledger and Hannah’s love story is tender, emotional, and full of so much heart. It was such a beautiful reminder that allowing yourself to be loved begins with believing you are worthy of it.
I truly did not want to put this book down. Thank you for trusting me with the ARC of this beautiful story. I loved Ledger and Hannah so much, and I’m already looking forward to Catcher’s story next.
Wow, what a beautiful story. About What Happened at the Festival was so much more than a romance, and I loved every second of this sweet surprise.
Ledger is a rising country singer, while Hannah is a small-town English teacher who has spent years trying to make herself invisible. This could have easily felt like a familiar story about a famous musician meeting an ordinary woman and sweeping her off her feet, but it became something so much deeper.
This is a story about love, tragedy, healing, forgiveness, and learning to love yourself enough to believe you deserve the life and happiness you truly want.
The author used a few of my least favorite tropes, but somehow her storytelling made me fall in love with every single one of them. I became completely invested in Ledger and Hannah, both in their journey together and in their individual stories of healing.
Even though this is a closed-door romance, the chemistry was absolutely there. The tension, longing, and pining between Ledger and Hannah came through so strongly. The writing is emotional and beautifully descriptive, and there were moments when I could almost feel everything the characters were feeling.
I also loved how real and human every character felt. They were flawed, complicated, and did not always make the right choices, which only made them feel more believable. I completely fell in love with the supporting cast too, and they added so much warmth and heart to the story.
Ledger and Hannah’s love story is tender, emotional, and full of so much heart. It was such a beautiful reminder that allowing yourself to be loved begins with believing you are worthy of it.
I truly did not want to put this book down. Thank you for trusting me with the ARC of this beautiful story. I loved Ledger and Hannah so much, and I’m already looking forward to Catcher’s story next.
July 14, 2026
4.5 rounded up because Goodreads! SMH!!!
About What Happened at the Festival completely surprised me—in the best possible way. It's the kind of story that reminds you how powerful fiction can be when it's rooted in real emotion, meaningful themes, and authentic characters. This isn't just a romance; it's a story with heart, substance, and so much to say about healing, identity, and finding the courage to embrace the life you truly want.
At its core, this novel tells three stories: Hannah's, Ledger's, and the one they create together.
Hannah's journey resonated with me on such a personal level. As someone from a small town, I understood her desire to stay comfortable, to do what was expected rather than what she truly wanted, and the uncertainty that comes with stepping outside the life you've always known. Watching her navigate old wounds, confront past trauma, and slowly discover who she is beyond everyone else's expectations was both emotional and inspiring. Her growth felt authentic, and every step of her journey led her closer to the next chapter of her life.
Then there's Ledger. From the moment you meet him, you sense there's so much more beneath the surface than the rising country music star the world sees. As his layers are gradually revealed, his own struggles, heartbreak, and vulnerabilities make him just as compelling as Hannah.
Together, Hannah and Ledger's story is about far more than romance. It's about learning to face the past, healing from the things that have shaped you, and finding the courage to let someone truly see you. Individually they discover who they are, and together they find a love that feels honest, hard-earned, and deeply meaningful.
What I loved most is that Brigetta isn't afraid to explore the messy parts of life. This isn't a story wrapped up in perfect, happily-ever-after moments from beginning to end. It tackles topics that aren't all peaches and cream—the difficult conversations, the lingering effects of trauma, the uncertainty of change, and the realities of navigating relationships and personal growth. It feels like real life, and that's exactly why it resonated with me so deeply.
I genuinely didn't want to put this book down. Brigetta's writing pulled me in from the very first page, and I found myself completely immersed in the story. By the end, I wasn't just invested in Hannah and Ledger—I wanted to know the stories of every side character, too. To me, that's the mark of exceptional storytelling. When an author creates a world and characters you aren't ready to leave, you know you've experienced something special. About What Happened at the Festival delivers the perfect balance of romance, emotional depth, and authenticity, leaving me wanting so much more.
Thank you so much, Brigetta for trusting me with this story, the ARC and your amazing work.
About What Happened at the Festival completely surprised me—in the best possible way. It's the kind of story that reminds you how powerful fiction can be when it's rooted in real emotion, meaningful themes, and authentic characters. This isn't just a romance; it's a story with heart, substance, and so much to say about healing, identity, and finding the courage to embrace the life you truly want.
At its core, this novel tells three stories: Hannah's, Ledger's, and the one they create together.
Hannah's journey resonated with me on such a personal level. As someone from a small town, I understood her desire to stay comfortable, to do what was expected rather than what she truly wanted, and the uncertainty that comes with stepping outside the life you've always known. Watching her navigate old wounds, confront past trauma, and slowly discover who she is beyond everyone else's expectations was both emotional and inspiring. Her growth felt authentic, and every step of her journey led her closer to the next chapter of her life.
Then there's Ledger. From the moment you meet him, you sense there's so much more beneath the surface than the rising country music star the world sees. As his layers are gradually revealed, his own struggles, heartbreak, and vulnerabilities make him just as compelling as Hannah.
Together, Hannah and Ledger's story is about far more than romance. It's about learning to face the past, healing from the things that have shaped you, and finding the courage to let someone truly see you. Individually they discover who they are, and together they find a love that feels honest, hard-earned, and deeply meaningful.
What I loved most is that Brigetta isn't afraid to explore the messy parts of life. This isn't a story wrapped up in perfect, happily-ever-after moments from beginning to end. It tackles topics that aren't all peaches and cream—the difficult conversations, the lingering effects of trauma, the uncertainty of change, and the realities of navigating relationships and personal growth. It feels like real life, and that's exactly why it resonated with me so deeply.
I genuinely didn't want to put this book down. Brigetta's writing pulled me in from the very first page, and I found myself completely immersed in the story. By the end, I wasn't just invested in Hannah and Ledger—I wanted to know the stories of every side character, too. To me, that's the mark of exceptional storytelling. When an author creates a world and characters you aren't ready to leave, you know you've experienced something special. About What Happened at the Festival delivers the perfect balance of romance, emotional depth, and authenticity, leaving me wanting so much more.
Thank you so much, Brigetta for trusting me with this story, the ARC and your amazing work.
June 24, 2026
This book is what I reserve 5 star ratings for.
This book drew me in from the first chapter and made me feel like I knew the characters and the small-town the FMC lives in. I completely resonated with Hannah. I can't say that I have experienced all the hardship she has, but I do relate to her quiet, down to earth, reserved nature. She loves her friends, her family, her town, and the beautiful mountains around her . She is non-assuming, doesn't draw attention to herself, and is just fine blending into the crowd, until she finds herself front and center kissing a country music star. She's obviously never met him before, but there is something about him that just feels right. Oh man, that and the line, "I don't know how to make you believe me but I miss you and I don't even know you." Ugh, that hit me right in the feels; it feels very close to home.
I highly recommend this story for fans of small-towns, Montana, country music, cowboys, music festivals, summer nights, and tender closed-door romance.
Thank you to author Brigetta Schwaiger for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This book drew me in from the first chapter and made me feel like I knew the characters and the small-town the FMC lives in. I completely resonated with Hannah. I can't say that I have experienced all the hardship she has, but I do relate to her quiet, down to earth, reserved nature. She loves her friends, her family, her town, and the beautiful mountains around her . She is non-assuming, doesn't draw attention to herself, and is just fine blending into the crowd, until she finds herself front and center kissing a country music star. She's obviously never met him before, but there is something about him that just feels right. Oh man, that and the line, "I don't know how to make you believe me but I miss you and I don't even know you." Ugh, that hit me right in the feels; it feels very close to home.
I highly recommend this story for fans of small-towns, Montana, country music, cowboys, music festivals, summer nights, and tender closed-door romance.
Thank you to author Brigetta Schwaiger for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 21, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About What Happened at the Festival was such a fun, feel-good read! I absolutely loved the festival setting, I’m a sucker for a Rock Star! Loved the small-town atmosphere & rockstar romance
One of my favorite parts was the friendship between the main character and her best friend. Their relationship felt authentic, supportive, and added so much heart to the story. It wasn’t just a romance—it was about friendship, also between Ledger and Catcher (can’t wait for his story)!
Loved Ledger!!! Went to a music festival this weekend and totally pictured the story there.
This is the kind of book you want to read curled up by the fireplace or outside on the porch with a cup of coffee on a sunny morning. It completely drew me in and left me smiling long after I finished.
If you enjoy small-town romance, music festival vibes, lovable characters, and stories that leave you feeling happy, I highly recommend this one! I can’t wait to read more from Brigette Schwaiger.
About What Happened at the Festival was such a fun, feel-good read! I absolutely loved the festival setting, I’m a sucker for a Rock Star! Loved the small-town atmosphere & rockstar romance
One of my favorite parts was the friendship between the main character and her best friend. Their relationship felt authentic, supportive, and added so much heart to the story. It wasn’t just a romance—it was about friendship, also between Ledger and Catcher (can’t wait for his story)!
Loved Ledger!!! Went to a music festival this weekend and totally pictured the story there.
This is the kind of book you want to read curled up by the fireplace or outside on the porch with a cup of coffee on a sunny morning. It completely drew me in and left me smiling long after I finished.
If you enjoy small-town romance, music festival vibes, lovable characters, and stories that leave you feeling happy, I highly recommend this one! I can’t wait to read more from Brigette Schwaiger.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book surprised me, in a good way!
I thought I knew what would happen once she broke up with her boyfriend and was totally ready for Hannah's love story but it was much deeper than that. I enjoyed going along on this journey.
It was nice to see a relationship displayed that had bumps (not just a third-act breakup), matured over time, and spanned a long time period.
There were a few moments when I was looking for a bit more description or felt like something happened quite suddenly with no lead-up, but overall, I enjoyed this book and would read more from Brigetta.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
I thought I knew what would happen once she broke up with her boyfriend and was totally ready for Hannah's love story but it was much deeper than that. I enjoyed going along on this journey.
It was nice to see a relationship displayed that had bumps (not just a third-act breakup), matured over time, and spanned a long time period.
There were a few moments when I was looking for a bit more description or felt like something happened quite suddenly with no lead-up, but overall, I enjoyed this book and would read more from Brigetta.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
June 28, 2026
First I want to say thank you to Brigette Schwaiger for allowing me to read her story.
I recommend this story for fans of small-towns, Montana, country music, cowboys, music festivals, summer nights, and tender closed-door romance.
I finished this story in 3 hours it was that good. This is the kind of cozy romance that I enjoy reading. I was in love with Hannah from the very beginning, her no nonsense way of life and the quirks that go along with it. Ledger is the country singer that falls head first in love with her.
This story is why I love romance. Great book.
I recommend this story for fans of small-towns, Montana, country music, cowboys, music festivals, summer nights, and tender closed-door romance.
I finished this story in 3 hours it was that good. This is the kind of cozy romance that I enjoy reading. I was in love with Hannah from the very beginning, her no nonsense way of life and the quirks that go along with it. Ledger is the country singer that falls head first in love with her.
This story is why I love romance. Great book.
July 14, 2026
Cute Small-Town, Big Star Romance
About What Happened at the Festival is an absolute delight. It takes a whirlwind, viral internet kiss and turns it into a deeply tender and captivating romance that you won't want to put down.
About What Happened at the Festival is an absolute delight. It takes a whirlwind, viral internet kiss and turns it into a deeply tender and captivating romance that you won't want to put down.
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August 1, 2026Thank you to the author for the opportunity to arc read this in return for an honest review.
I had a really hard time with this book. I will not be leaving a rating due to this book not being for me. As soon as her first boyfriend was described as the safe one - I knew he wasn’t going to last long.
One of my biggest issues with this book was on page cheating. She 100% should of left her boyfriend and her lying to him and emotionally and physically cheating on him for months made her unlikable.
There’s other plot lines that occurred in this story that also were not for me.
Trigger warnings:
On page cheating
Past drug addiction
On page alcohol addiction
I had a really hard time with this book. I will not be leaving a rating due to this book not being for me. As soon as her first boyfriend was described as the safe one - I knew he wasn’t going to last long.
One of my biggest issues with this book was on page cheating. She 100% should of left her boyfriend and her lying to him and emotionally and physically cheating on him for months made her unlikable.
There’s other plot lines that occurred in this story that also were not for me.
Trigger warnings:
On page cheating
Past drug addiction
On page alcohol addiction
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews