By Your Side

by Ashley Erin

Adeline

I wasn’t looking for love… but when my world collided with Owen’s, I found my second chance in a small town.

Owen is a man of many talents, and few words. Little did I know the grumpy contractor would be the one to make my grieving heart beat again.

I never dreamed repairing the crumbling walls of my house together would turn it into a home and become the foundation of our love story.

Owen

Adeline is a force of nature. Even after everything the beautiful widow has been through, her bright demeanor is like basking in the sunshine.

When I agreed to help with her renovations, it seemed like the neighborly thing to do. As days turn into weeks, I find myself falling for her.

Love happens when we least expect it, and I definitely wasn't planning on her. Sometimes, life's most beautiful surprises come from the heart's quietest desires.

Unknown Binding

Published December 12, 2023

About the author

Ashley Erin lives in Alberta, Canada. She hates socks and wears flip-flops as soon as it’s above freezing. Ashley is the mother of two daughters. Her critters are incredibly spoiled. When she’s not writing; she’s learning Korean, painting, or spending time with people she cares about.

Ashley is the author of contemporary romance, primarily set in made up small towns located in Alberta, Canada. Follow her on Facebook to keep up with her current and upcoming releases.


Follow links:
https://linktr.ee/ashleyerin21

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and heartwarming contemporary romance which captivated me from the start. Adeline is a widow who was not looking for love when Owen came into her life. She hires her neighbour Owen as a contractor to help her renovate her house. Thinking him grumpy to begin with, she soon discovers that although he’s a man of few words, he’s the only one to make her grieving heart beat again. Owen knows of Adeline’s loss and thinks of her as a force of nature. He was only being neighbourly when he agreed to the renovations, but as the weeks fly by he finds himself falling for her. This is a sweet second chance at love story and the chemistry between Adeline and Owen really came across in the narrative. Set within a small town the main characters are likeable and relatable making it easy to feel invested in their love story.

[Micalah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I go for different type of romances and rom-com’s, but every now and then I like to get into a comfortable, small town, heart warming romance. By Your Side was a really good one. Adeline and Owen fit the narrative beautifully and they had great chemistry. Adeline is a widow who is trying to overcome losing the love of her life and Owen is a grumpy, short on words handy man at her house. Although neither person is looking for love they begin to realize that the chemistry between them cannot be ignored. The emotions in By Your Side pulled at my heartstrings, and felt real, but the characters held onto hope that they could come out stronger on the other side when they least expected it.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

How beautiful is this cover ?!

Having been at a funeral the day before starting this read I think emotions were still very high but reading what Adelaide had to go through with her mother in jaw and so called best friend had me sick to the pit of my stomach and what little I knew of her and Scott at the time I think he would’ve been mortified , I’m sorry sorry Adelaide 😭😭🤗

So Adelaide buys an old run down farmhouse in a small town called Williwbrook Lake and yes it’s falling apart but I’m already in love with it and the town 🤣🥰and it seems Adelaide has found her people …. So a few chapters in and already I knew this was going to be one of my favourite reads for the year ! I settled in with a chai latte (Adelaide had he craving for one ) and got lost in a beautiful read

Adelaide is a gentle soul and the town has fallen in love with and it’s mutual she’s really found home and her people and she deserves a second chance at happiness ….🥰

Then there’s little Nora 🐾❣️🐱the little furry feline that steals Adelaide’s heart and I’m a firm believer that the way a person treats an animal speaks volumes of their character and Adelaide has a pure heart , a kind and sincere soul , I’d like to claim her as my new bestie 🥰🤣😉and let’s not forget Kane and Stella 🐾I looked up their breed and they’re huge! But they’re really loveable 🐶🐾🥰

Owen’s bark is worse than his bite he just wants to come across as gruff and uninterested but he’s just a real old teddy bear and Adelaide got under his skin that first day she nearly caused an accident ….. when he allows to help with the renovations he’s always patient with her , he cares about her well being and safety and he’s almost always around when she needs him … if she wasn’t going to take him I was going to 🤣🙈🥰 as much as he wants her he respects her loss and that makes me love him even more , these 2 belong together and I’m sorry she had to go through such a heartache to find her HEA 🥰

The people of Willowbrook are kind , loving , supportive and a tight knit community , friendships are built that last lifetimes , you just want to be a part of them 🥰 can’t wait to visit again 😉

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to have more than one great love in your life?

 I absolutely loved this tender love story about losing the love of your life and trying to move on with your life.

Adeline's husband, Scott, died in an accident, and she decided to move away and start over in some place where memories of him wouldn't haunt her as much. His mother, Hillary, turned his funeral reception into a meet-and-greet for her business. This was despite her not speaking to him in the previous eight months.

Owen had pulled his truck over to help Wally with his tractor when the two of them were also hit by the distracted driver, Adeline. He wasn't too impressed with her. He knew the property she had purchased, and he thought she wouldn't be tough enough to stay. However, she's proving him wrong.

Despite all the problems with the renovations on the property, Adeline feels at home and at peace in her new community. Although in town there's a bet on how long she'll stick it out at the property, she's been welcomed and accepted by them. 

As she recovers from the loss of Scott, Adeline realizes she's beginning to have feelings for Owen. He also seems to care for her and perhaps even love her. Is it too soon to move on to a new love? Will he still love her when he learns her secret?

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

By Your Side is Book 1 of the Willowbrook Lake series and this is a new author to me. I LOVED this book so much. I could not put it down....pulling at my heartstrings with some tears but loved this book. I love a small town romance that gives me romance, broken hearts, friendship, trust and the ability to find your way through grief. The story of Owen and Adeline just pulls you in so deep.

Adeline is picking up the pieces as she loses love of her life..her husband. A fresh start is where she takes herself to Willowbrook Lake...just to breathe again. It is never easy losing someone you love so hard, but Adeline dives into fixing up a very old house and quite possibly more than she bargained for. Owen is Willowbrook Lake's handyman. Being a jack of all trades, Owen has a great reputation with the town and the people...fixing anything that they need. Adeline hires Owen to help her with the renovations to the old house...but as Adeline and Owen spend everyday together, the more feelings Owen develops. He knows she is grieving the loss...but Adeline starts to slowly feel for Owen as well......When walls around her heart start to fall...will she be able to love again especially with Owen.......

Definitely read and find out...I loved this story..and I am looking forward to Raelynn and Cameron's story in book 2 :).

[Audrie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a dual point of view switching between Adeline and Owen. Adeline is a new young widow who decides to buy a fixer upper in a small town. She needs to start somewhere new when she realizes everyone around her is not supportive. She literally almost runs into Owen on her first day in town when she is lost and trying to find her house. She doesn’t know his name and overhears people talking about Wally. Owen is a contractor and seems to always be helping the people in the community. When Adeline realizes she is over her head in the house projects she calls Owen to come help and is surprised it is Wally who has walked in. They clean up the water (broken sink) and finally get introduced. Owen is a grump but only around Adeline. She is grieving but also trying to keep her heart open. As the house is being fixed, so is she and they become friends. I loved all the side characters and friends in this book and the small town setting too. This book was funny and hopeful and I truly enjoyed it! I see that the next book in the series follows another couple and I can’t wait to read it.

[Brittany Shugart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this love story, losing the love of your life and being struck with a second chance. I read it in one sitting and could not put it down. It definitely pulled at the heartstrings and there were even a few tears as I made my way through the book.

Adeline tragically loses her husband, Scott, and decides to move to Willowbrook Lake for a fresh start where his memory isn’t in everything she sees and does. She’s determined to fix up an old house, but it becomes quickly apparent that it’s more than she bargained for and won’t be able to tackle all the improvements herself. Adeline is initially forced to rely on Willowbrook Lake’s handyman, Owen. She hires Owen with the bargain that she will be able to assist with some of the repairs. Adeline and Owen spend their days together working on the house and feelings rapidly develop between the two. He knows that she’s still grieving the loss of her husband, but Adeline starts to have feelings for Owen. Will she be able to love again?

I can’t wait to read Willowbrook Lake Book 2 and hear more about Cameron and Raelynn’s story!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet second chance romance. It is the first book in the Willowbrook Lake series .The author has written characters that are relatable that I had no trouble imagine myself in their world. The emotions were so heartfelt that I felt every emotion that they went through.
This is a heartwarming story about second chances, finding Love when you least expect it and when you imagined you could never love again

Adeline has suffered a deep heartache. After her husband has passed away she didn't think she would love again, however when she hires Owen a contractor to help her with renovations to her house starts feel things she never thought she would again.
Owen comes across as a grumpy guy but he can't help being drawn to Adeline.
He knows of her loss and offers to help her with the renovations as it seems the neighbourly thing to do. However the more time they spend together he can't help but start to fall for her.
Will Adeline be ready to take a chance on love again? Or will it be too soon for her to move on?

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake Series) by Ashley Erin. This is such a sweet second chance love story. Its the story of Adeline whose husband Scott died in a tragic accident. Adeline decides she needs to move out of town to somewhere that isn't full of memories of Scott. When she picks Willowbrook Lake and decides to fix up a huge project house she thinks she may have gotten in over her head. Owen is the handyman of Willowbrook Lake and when she hires him to help her with this huge project Owen isn't super impressed by her because she quite literally almost ran him over the first day she was in town. Adeline is trying to make it up to Owen but she really isn't too focused on him she is too busy grieving and fixing up this house. The more time they spend together the more she starts to have feelings for Owen even though he's grumpy as all get out. She is conflicted with those feelings and isn't sure what to do with them. Owen starts to like her as well but knows she is still grieving. Such a sweet second chance romance. I love the town of Willowbrook Lake and all its people!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

By Your Side is the first book in the Willowbrook Lake series by Ashley Erin. This is an emotional second chance contemporary romance with a small-town setting, new beginnings, grumpy/sunshine factor, endearing characters, Duel POV, finding love unexpectedly, and the healing power of love.
As expected from Ashley Erin, this is well-written, and there was a lot to like about the story. Especially the characters. Also, weaving plenty of emotion with her words- which gave the story extra depth and believability.
Rebuilding your life after devastating heartbreak isn’t easy, and Adeline feels like she will never love again. She had her chance, till it was snatched away from her. But with her home desperately needing some repairs, will the grumpy contractor she hires fix more than either of them bargained for? Well worth the read to find out.
Happy reading…

Thank you, Ashley Erin!

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a touching story about Adeline and Owen. Adeline is grieving the loss of her husband and believes that moving to Willowbrook Lake and taking on a fixer-upper house will help her in that process. Turns out that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Owen is the local (grumpy) handyman who is hired by Adeline to help her with the renovations. He understands the loss she has endured, and wants to be a good neighbor and help her out. As the two spend more time together, a friendship grows. Over time, feelings get stronger. But, can you have more than one true love in your lifetime? Is Adeline willing to put her heart out there and find out?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a story of love and loss.... and grieving and healing. I loved watching Adeline and Owen navigate through their feelings as the book progressed. The secondary characters in the story were quite enjoyable...and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake Series) by Ashley Erin

By Your Side is the first book in the Willowbrook Lake Series. This is a Contemporary Romance that I absolutely loved reading. This is about finding love unexpectedly. The characters are developed, relatable and complex. This may be a fairly new author to me but I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written. Get ready for Owen and Adeline’s story. She’s not looking for love and he’s got many talents. When these two worlds collide all things are possible. My emotions ran all over the place with sweet story. Second chances in small towns can happen. Will these two get there’s? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed how she pulled me into her story using details that made the characters come to life. They are connectable and written with a lot of heart and soul. This is a well written story about what happens when unexpected love finds you out of nowhere. I enjoyed Owen and Adeline. They are relatable characters that I had no problem picturing myself in their world. They have great chemistry and attraction throughout the story which made it easy to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed reading this book and I think you will too. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author and this series. I highly recommend this book.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t read anything by this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This is the first book in the Willowbrook Lake series, and it had me hooked from the very first chapter! It was quite emotional and had me tearing up a few times. If you’ve ever had your heart broken or experienced a devastating tragedy, this will probably tug at your heart as well. It’s a beautiful second chance romance that includes a grieving process. I always enjoy the dual points of view in books because it allows me to get a better understanding of each character. If you enjoy emotional contemporary romances, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself lost in this book. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

[Kelli Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEW TO ME AUTHOR. Ashley Erin actually had me in tears at one point in this story. That is a feat that not many authors have managed (even though several have tried). This is a very heart touching story and will pull you in quickly and hold you there until you read the last page. I am excited to learn it is just the first book in a series of which I am sure there will be at least 3 books. This first though is quick paced but not so fast that you lose details or events. Yes the Masquerade Ball could have been in more detail but honestly it was perfect for me especially the events after (IFKYK). I loved the writing and the build up of the emotions between the characters. The Epilogue... WOW. LOVE IT!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story, cranky contractor meets sweet widow who has moved to his small town. Adeline is a loveable character who has been dealt a rotten hand of cards in life. Owen is a neighbor and a contractor. There is something there between them.
"His eyes on mine burn into my soul, the heat spreading from where his hand rested on mine straight to my core."
"The love she has for Scott doesn't diminish her ability to live life to its fullest, if anything she probably appreciates life more."
"Even cranky, his voice is sexy, the low timbre sending a shiver down my spine."
This is a feel good story and I was happy to read it.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story. Adeline is trying to grieve the loss of her husband at such a young age. She decides to buy and renovate an old farm house in a small town as part of her moving on. When she arrives in this new town she's greeted by so many kind people, she makes quick friends and finds comfort and support she needed. Among the people she meets is Owen, the local handyman. She ends up having to ask him for help with renovations on the house when she realizes she was in over her head. As Owen and her work together to restore her home, their feelings for each other grow. And Adeline has to decide if she is ready to let someone else in. But as her mom and friends say "love doesn't have a timeline, it comes when you least expect it, and you shouldn't ignore it". This was such a sweet read that I could not put down. Very low spice level. I'm looking forward to reading the second book with Cameron and RaeLynn

[Alicia Furlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Your Side is the first book in the Willowbrook Lake series by Ashley Erin. Adeline moves to Willowbrook Lake after a devastating loss. While she's starting over, she meets Owen and begins to feel things she never thought possible. Owen is torn between being her friend and being more while not wanting to be disrespectful of her grief. This was a beautiful love story. Adeline and Owen are wonderfully written. The story flows through time without feeling slow or dragging. For those looking for romance without all the spice this book is for you (there is only one scene in the book). I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I say this book definitely gave me Nicholas Sparks vibes as I read it and I love that author so you know I devoured this lickity split lol and so will you. Also you might want to grab a tissue or two lol . By Your Side is the first book in the Willowbrook Lake series by Ashley Erin. This author has crafted a heartwarming tale between the main characters Adeline and Owen. The small-town charm this author has vividly built with well-developed characters that were weaved together perfectly. Through love, friendship, personal growth you'll definitely love the journey this authors storytelling will take you on🥰 I know I did. I am looking forward to Raelynn and Cameron's I can't wait!

[Jayme Raffauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a great summer rom com for me. I loved it so much and read it in a matter of hours. This is book 1 in a series and I look forward to reading more to continue learning about the other characters and their stories. Adeline goes from grief to starting fresh in a new town and wrestles with so many emotions along her journey. Owen is a great male character and provides a great balance to Adeline’s world. I appreciated the realness and rawness of her emotions, her feelings, her guilt…it made it so relatable to the reader. This is a great story about love and loss and trying to navigate the journey to being open to finding love again.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first book in a new series and it a well written an emotional, second chance romance story. The connection between the two main characters develops nicely as the book does. Even though there was history to get past, they were clearly well suited and good for each other.
The story is great to read. It well developed and has a nice pace to it. I found myself been taken long with the story and I really became invested in what was happening. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to book 2!

[Meghan Lee-Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Your Side is Book 1 in the Willowbrook Lake series. I adored this book, I’ve always loved a good small town romance.

Adeline is working through the grief of losing her husband when she moves to Willowbrook Lake, hoping the change of scenery and a new project would help her work through things. Owen is a local handyman - Adeline ends up hiring him to help her. The more time the two spend together, the more they fall for each other.

This book was very well written. I can’t wait for the next in the series!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of finding yourself after heartbreak, friendships, trust. Everything that comes with any relationship. This is the story of Adeline and Owen.
Adeline lost her husband, the love of her life. She decides to pack it up and move and get a fresh start. So she buys a fixer upper. A super old house, trying to bring it back to glory. Owen is the handyman of Willowbrooke Lane. A can do it all type of guy. Owen wants to help Adeline fix up this house. The more time they spend together, they realize there is a deep connection there.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of new beginnings at a second chance for love. A broken heart can often make us think there is no chance but these two brought some hope. This was a journey that kept me engaged in the story and rooting for them. An absolutely sweet story and I loved the grumpy contractor. I'm a sucker for sweet stories like this. This is a new author to me and I'm glad I found her. I hope to see more.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good looking neighbour, second chance at love, a house that needs new life and two people who are meant to be you really cant ask for more!.
I thought Owen and Adeline were great together and seeing them go from neighbours to working together and their feelings growing kept me hooked till the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adeline is a young widow following the death of her husband Scott. She decides to move to get a fresh beginning, buying an old farmhouse sight unseen. Owen is the local contractor that she makes less than an ideal first impression on. Can she find love for a second time?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amelia Stansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I cannot wait the next one. Adeline loses the one she loves most, her husband. She moves to Willowbrook Lane. She meets Owen, the towns handyman. Is she ready to open her heart to someone new?

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes, life's most beautiful surprises come from the heart's quietest desires.” I love this.
Small town romances are often the best stories with their quirky and nosy neighbours and that is the case with this book. I have only read one other book by Ashley Erin and really enjoyed it so was happy to snatch this one up.
By Your Side is a beautiful second chance contemporary romance will leave you swooning. It is well written and gives you all the feels even more so as it is told in dual POV’s. Ashley has a way of writing characters that will melt your heart.
She thought she had one great love and would never find another. At least that’s what her heart felt. Moving on had never been so hard.
One broken heart, one old house, one grumpy contractor, one small town betting against her.
I read it in one sitting as I was truly hooked.