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Loose Threads: A sweet small town romantic comedy
Emily Woods thought returning to Lovette, Texas would be her fresh start.
After a brutal breakup and a pink slip in San Francisco, inheriting her beloved Aunt Helen's needlework shop feels like a lifeline. Lovette was her childhood refuge—the place where cold, distant parents couldn't reach her, where summers meant freedom, laughter, and two best friends who made her feel like she belonged.
Then she crashes. Literally.
The face staring down at her on the side of the road? Ben Wagner. Her former best friend. The guy who kissed her breathless the morning she left for college—then ghosted her completely. She thought he’d left town, but now he's the sheriff. Still annoyingly handsome. Still acting like that kiss never happened.
Emily's got enough on her plate without dealing with him.
The shop is hemorrhaging money. Aunt Helen's three meddling best friends have opinions about everything. And Ben keeps showing up—at the shop, at the diner, at her front door—like he has every right to be part of her life again.
He doesn't.
Ben never thought Emily would come back. Not to stay.
She was always meant for bigger things than Lovette. That kiss? It ruined him. He walked away because staying close to her—knowing she'd leave—would've destroyed him. But now she's here. Stubborn. Determined. Still the only woman who's ever made him forget how to breathe.
Can Emily save the shop and forgive the past? It was a boy who broke her heart, but can she risk it all on the man?
Or will Ben's fear that she'll leave again cost them both the future they never dared to dream of?
A sweet, swoony small-town rom-com about second chances, small town hijinks, and the kiss that changes everything.
After a brutal breakup and a pink slip in San Francisco, inheriting her beloved Aunt Helen's needlework shop feels like a lifeline. Lovette was her childhood refuge—the place where cold, distant parents couldn't reach her, where summers meant freedom, laughter, and two best friends who made her feel like she belonged.
Then she crashes. Literally.
The face staring down at her on the side of the road? Ben Wagner. Her former best friend. The guy who kissed her breathless the morning she left for college—then ghosted her completely. She thought he’d left town, but now he's the sheriff. Still annoyingly handsome. Still acting like that kiss never happened.
Emily's got enough on her plate without dealing with him.
The shop is hemorrhaging money. Aunt Helen's three meddling best friends have opinions about everything. And Ben keeps showing up—at the shop, at the diner, at her front door—like he has every right to be part of her life again.
He doesn't.
Ben never thought Emily would come back. Not to stay.
She was always meant for bigger things than Lovette. That kiss? It ruined him. He walked away because staying close to her—knowing she'd leave—would've destroyed him. But now she's here. Stubborn. Determined. Still the only woman who's ever made him forget how to breathe.
Can Emily save the shop and forgive the past? It was a boy who broke her heart, but can she risk it all on the man?
Or will Ben's fear that she'll leave again cost them both the future they never dared to dream of?
A sweet, swoony small-town rom-com about second chances, small town hijinks, and the kiss that changes everything.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
About the author
Dianne Oren
9 books40 followersDianne Oren enjoys writing sweet, swoony romantic comedies. She lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas with her husband Kevin, dogs Duke & Daisy, house panther Finn, and Rebel...the tiny gray potato tornado.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute, sweet read. An emotional and joyful second chance romance where old friends who almost became more way back in the day are reunited and tentatively find themselves growing closer. Although Emily’s return was triggered by a sad reason, there’s so much positivity and humour in this book, it had me smiling so much. Could totally picture The Stitchy Bus, what a fun idea that was. I also loved the scenes with the house hippo – anyone who has had or known a dog can relate. The secondary characters were great, would like to see more from them. The aunties in particular were fabulous fun – a ready-made cheer squad and support network for Emily and Ben. I think this book is just right if you’re looking for a holiday read or something with a happy, fun, positive vibe.
July 6, 2026
A fun start to a lovely new Romcom series set in rural Texas with lots of new friends human and furry. The author herself is a stitcher so the featured ailing shop is right in her personal wheelhouse. The characters we meet here are funny, a few a bit quirky - but in a good, will make you laugh way, real, growing and learning how to deal with the passing of a beloved one of their community. You will also fall in love with the “house hippo”!! Get this one for your summer romance reading and you also might also get interested in a new hobby too! Welcome to Lovette!!! 🤠 The Texas heat is on fire with a handsome Sheriff!
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July 6, 2026Delightful book. Pulled you in with the main character and her life's adventures. The crazy aunts who want to be more "hip and in the now" and want to help spread the word of stitching. And who is the mysterious blogger? Plenty of intrigue and fun and laughs to make you more than chuckle. The old friend who could be more than a friend, but is he? Kirby, the new guy, stands a fighting chance, but for how long? You'll have to read to find out. And I want to be on the stitchy bus too! Will it come get me for the day so I can go and stitch to my heart's content and browse through the shop for as long as I want. I will be reading this book again. Throughly enjoyed it!
Review of advance copy
I love a good friends to more than friends story and this one hit the spot!
Emily has a tough go of it. Before and after arriving in Lovette, Texas. She’s inherited a seemingly failing business and a passel of women she calls the Aunts who are trying to help her turn things around along with her two best friends, one of which is the man she kissed and missed.
You’ll laugh and you’ll cry but mostly you’ll be glad to have read this charming book!
TEAM EMILY TO THE RESCUE!
Emily has a tough go of it. Before and after arriving in Lovette, Texas. She’s inherited a seemingly failing business and a passel of women she calls the Aunts who are trying to help her turn things around along with her two best friends, one of which is the man she kissed and missed.
You’ll laugh and you’ll cry but mostly you’ll be glad to have read this charming book!
TEAM EMILY TO THE RESCUE!
Review of advance copy
Loose Threads by Dianne Oren
Duel POV
I love this book! If you love small town romance, friends to lovers, with a little second chance thrown in, you’ll love this book. Add in a missing person, and some quirky “Aunties”, and you’ll have a book I didn’t want to see end.
Dianne Oren also includes a few characters from previous books and novellas. I’m looking forward to her next book in the series.
Duel POV
I love this book! If you love small town romance, friends to lovers, with a little second chance thrown in, you’ll love this book. Add in a missing person, and some quirky “Aunties”, and you’ll have a book I didn’t want to see end.
Dianne Oren also includes a few characters from previous books and novellas. I’m looking forward to her next book in the series.
July 9, 2026
lovable characters
These characters are absolutely wonderful. Love the relationships with the aunts. Also, I want to try cross-stitch while eating lavender croissants.
These characters are absolutely wonderful. Love the relationships with the aunts. Also, I want to try cross-stitch while eating lavender croissants.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews