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The One I Never Forgot: Fox Grove Series
Ten years ago, Tilly Langston was left standing alone on homecoming night.
She never received an explanation, an apology or closure. Instead, she’s forced to plan her ten-year high school reunion alongside the heartbreaker, Walker Ellis.
While Walker juggles coaching the Fox Grove Foxes through their best season in years and Tilly fights for a promotion to principal, they're forced to spend more time together than either would like. Yet the more they revisit the past, the harder it becomes to ignore the feelings neither of them completely left behind.
Redemption requires honesty, forgiveness requires courage, and second chances don't come around every day. While Walker is determined to make things right, Tilly is determined not to let him break her heart again. Can they overcome their differences, or is history destined to repeat itself?
The One I Never Forgot is a heartwarming small-town Christian romance featuring second chances, redemption, and the God who specializes in restoring what once seemed lost.
She never received an explanation, an apology or closure. Instead, she’s forced to plan her ten-year high school reunion alongside the heartbreaker, Walker Ellis.
While Walker juggles coaching the Fox Grove Foxes through their best season in years and Tilly fights for a promotion to principal, they're forced to spend more time together than either would like. Yet the more they revisit the past, the harder it becomes to ignore the feelings neither of them completely left behind.
Redemption requires honesty, forgiveness requires courage, and second chances don't come around every day. While Walker is determined to make things right, Tilly is determined not to let him break her heart again. Can they overcome their differences, or is history destined to repeat itself?
The One I Never Forgot is a heartwarming small-town Christian romance featuring second chances, redemption, and the God who specializes in restoring what once seemed lost.
- GenresRomance
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tilly returns to her hometown to be the assistant principal at her former high school. She never expected to encounter her high school boyfriend there, but Walker is the new football coach at the high school. Then they are forced to spend time together because the principal assigns the two of them to plan their ten year class reunion. Sparks fly, emotions run rampant and a small town comes together to make a happy ever after. This book has lovable characters and a well-crafted plot that is easy to read and just the right pace for a sweet romance. The drama that kept the couple apart was realistic and an absorbing part of the story. I enjoyed visiting and getting to know such well-developed and remarkably realistic characters. This is a charming story with Christian values and a theme of second chances and restoration. This is the first book I have read by this author and it was so good and uplifting that I will definitely be looking forward to reading others.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The One I Never Forgot is the first book I've read by author Mandy Boerma. This is a really good story of second chances and forgiveness.
Ten years ago, Tilly Langston was left standing alone on homecoming night by Walker Ellis, the boy she loved and who she thought loved her. No explanation or even an apology. Now at her new job she is shocked to realize the she’s been assigned to plan the 10 year high school reunion non other than Walker Ellis.
Walker never thought he'd be back in Fox Grove, but here he is as a coach and now as having to work with Tilly the girl he never got over and the one who certainly doesn't trust him.
Even when Tilly learns the truth of why Walker left her that night, can she forgive him or trust him again with her heart?
Ten years ago, Tilly Langston was left standing alone on homecoming night by Walker Ellis, the boy she loved and who she thought loved her. No explanation or even an apology. Now at her new job she is shocked to realize the she’s been assigned to plan the 10 year high school reunion non other than Walker Ellis.
Walker never thought he'd be back in Fox Grove, but here he is as a coach and now as having to work with Tilly the girl he never got over and the one who certainly doesn't trust him.
Even when Tilly learns the truth of why Walker left her that night, can she forgive him or trust him again with her heart?
September 8, 2026
The first book in 3 book series by multi authors is an absolute beautiful story is full of heartfelt forgiveness, grace and love.
The author brings readers on a journey to a high school in Fox Grove, Kentucky, where the new Vice Principal, Matilda 'Tilly' Langston, our FMC and the football coach, Walker Ellis, our MMC have a history that is full of pain and heartbreak. At their homecoming, Walker ghosted Tilly and she had no idea why. Not hearing anything from Walker in these years, he’s back as head football coach at their school. They are bound to run into each other, but what neither realize is they are tasked with putting together their class reunion. They will have to learn to work together or it will all fall apart.
Learning to forgive not just each other but Walker has to learn to forgive his father for all the pain and suffering he caused when he was younger. I loved mostly the second chance Tilly and Walker give each other.
I was gifted this copy and I am not required or obligated to give a review.
The author brings readers on a journey to a high school in Fox Grove, Kentucky, where the new Vice Principal, Matilda 'Tilly' Langston, our FMC and the football coach, Walker Ellis, our MMC have a history that is full of pain and heartbreak. At their homecoming, Walker ghosted Tilly and she had no idea why. Not hearing anything from Walker in these years, he’s back as head football coach at their school. They are bound to run into each other, but what neither realize is they are tasked with putting together their class reunion. They will have to learn to work together or it will all fall apart.
Learning to forgive not just each other but Walker has to learn to forgive his father for all the pain and suffering he caused when he was younger. I loved mostly the second chance Tilly and Walker give each other.
I was gifted this copy and I am not required or obligated to give a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sweet story about second chance romance set in a small town named Fox Grove. First book in series. This book was provided by the author for me to read. The thoughts expressed here are my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mandy Boerma’s story is full of small-town goodness, faith and forgiveness.
Boerma takes readers to a high school in Fox Grove, Kentucky where she introduces her readers to the new Vice Principal, Matilda ‘Tilly’ Langston and the football coach, Walker Ellis. They have a history; Walker ghosted Tilly at homecoming! Now they have to learn to work together. Will sparks fly?
Tilly has arrived back in Fox Glove to start a new season in her life and Boerma shows us what ‘waiting for what’s next’ feels and looks like. She reminds readers that we need to trust that God is already there, preparing the way. I loved it when a character realizes that “God’s never surprised by what happens.”
Because readers gain insight into what happened the night of the homecoming, it’s easy to side with the emotions and understand the guilt that Walker has lived with. It endeared him to me all the more. I was rooting for him to tell the truth and ask Tilly to forgive him; it kept me turning pages.
Learning to forgive becomes a central part of this story as a second chance for both characters relies on them forgiving each other. I loved Boerma’s narrative featuring fresh beginnings and her heart-anchored storytelling that gets us to look at forgiveness from God’s perspective.
“Forgiveness isn’t for the person who wronged you, it’s for you. For your happiness, for your life, and for your relationship with God.”
This is a five star examination of learning to put the past behind us so we can move forward for what God has in store for us. If you are looking for well-crafted characters who reflect God as they heal and a beautiful romance wrapped in courage and conviction, this one needs to be on your radar.
I’m so excited to have a new series to follow and can’t wait for the next installment.
I was gifted this copy and I was under no obligation to provide a review.
Boerma takes readers to a high school in Fox Grove, Kentucky where she introduces her readers to the new Vice Principal, Matilda ‘Tilly’ Langston and the football coach, Walker Ellis. They have a history; Walker ghosted Tilly at homecoming! Now they have to learn to work together. Will sparks fly?
Tilly has arrived back in Fox Glove to start a new season in her life and Boerma shows us what ‘waiting for what’s next’ feels and looks like. She reminds readers that we need to trust that God is already there, preparing the way. I loved it when a character realizes that “God’s never surprised by what happens.”
Because readers gain insight into what happened the night of the homecoming, it’s easy to side with the emotions and understand the guilt that Walker has lived with. It endeared him to me all the more. I was rooting for him to tell the truth and ask Tilly to forgive him; it kept me turning pages.
Learning to forgive becomes a central part of this story as a second chance for both characters relies on them forgiving each other. I loved Boerma’s narrative featuring fresh beginnings and her heart-anchored storytelling that gets us to look at forgiveness from God’s perspective.
“Forgiveness isn’t for the person who wronged you, it’s for you. For your happiness, for your life, and for your relationship with God.”
This is a five star examination of learning to put the past behind us so we can move forward for what God has in store for us. If you are looking for well-crafted characters who reflect God as they heal and a beautiful romance wrapped in courage and conviction, this one needs to be on your radar.
I’m so excited to have a new series to follow and can’t wait for the next installment.
I was gifted this copy and I was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 11, 2026
The One I Never Forgot by Mandy Boerma is a great first book in the Fox Grove series. There are three novellas in this series and each one is written by a different author. In this first story, we are introduced to one of three friends who will each be the FMC in these books.
Tilly grew up in Fox Grove and is now the vice principal of the high school she used to attend. The story begins with her suddenly being assigned to organize the upcoming ten-year reunion. While this already adds to her stress because of how little was prepared beforehand, she also discovers that she is going to have to work with Walker, football coach, history teacher, and breaker of her heart back in high school. And to make matters worse, he barely acknowledges her when they meet in the principal's office.
We do also get to see this story from Walker's POV, so we see how much he still cares for Tilly, plus as the story continues, we learn the reason for why he ghosted her at homecoming and broke up with her.
I loved seeing how they reconnected as they worked together on planning the high school reunion, dealing with all sorts of obstacles along the way. I was rooting for this couple and really hoping they could work things out. I also loved getting to know family members, friends, and other characters.
This is a wonderful story of faith, forgiveness, and second chances. I couldn't wait to get to meet Tilly's friends, so I actually started book two right away, even though I had other books I was supposed to be reading first.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
Tilly grew up in Fox Grove and is now the vice principal of the high school she used to attend. The story begins with her suddenly being assigned to organize the upcoming ten-year reunion. While this already adds to her stress because of how little was prepared beforehand, she also discovers that she is going to have to work with Walker, football coach, history teacher, and breaker of her heart back in high school. And to make matters worse, he barely acknowledges her when they meet in the principal's office.
We do also get to see this story from Walker's POV, so we see how much he still cares for Tilly, plus as the story continues, we learn the reason for why he ghosted her at homecoming and broke up with her.
I loved seeing how they reconnected as they worked together on planning the high school reunion, dealing with all sorts of obstacles along the way. I was rooting for this couple and really hoping they could work things out. I also loved getting to know family members, friends, and other characters.
This is a wonderful story of faith, forgiveness, and second chances. I couldn't wait to get to meet Tilly's friends, so I actually started book two right away, even though I had other books I was supposed to be reading first.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was the first one that I have read from this author, and I will be looking for more books from her. This story is all about forgiveness and second chances that will have you reaching for tissues before you are through reading. Tilly has just gotten a job as vice principal at the school she went to . She has just been told that she will need to help plan the ten year reunion with her former boyfriend, Walker, who has just started as the new football coach. While this isn't a long story, it sure packs a lot of emotion in a short time frame. "It all boiled down to trust....could she really risk everything, including her heart, and trust him again?" Then there is this sentence that I think we all would love to hear from someone special "I'm going to make you fall in love with me all over again-because I never stopped, and I won't ever stop." Doesn't that give you chill bumps? I am so thankful that I received a complimentary copy of this book to read, but wasn't required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of this amazing story. I am looking forward to reading more stories set in Fox Grove.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A nice little romance. I enjoyed reading this book. Tilly Langston has returned to Fox Grove her hometown as the Assistant Principal. She has been away for 10 years. She hopes to eventually become the principal of her hometown school. The Principal assigns her to plan the 10-year HS reunion for her class with help with another new teacher at the school. The new teacher turns out to be Walker Ellis, her former beau. She is not ready to see Walker again since he broke up with her 10 years ago and never contacted her again. Can they work together and get the reunion planned? Can they overlook or work thru their past baggage? Read this book and see how it turns out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was under NO obligation to give a favorable review. The review is my opinion of the book. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book to come for this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was under NO obligation to give a favorable review. The review is my opinion of the book. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book to come for this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great second chance book! Sometimes you don't get a second chance in life, but thankfully Tilly Langston and Walker Ellis do even if they aren't too keen on it in the beginning. Tilly has become Vice Principal at Fox Grove so that she can help others find their way in life much like she was shown by Mrs. Wilson 10 years prior when Walker broke her heart and vanished from her life. She was so lost back then but Mrs. Wilson helped her snap out of it and get back to living. When Tilly is assigned to take over the 10 year class reunion and she's ready for the task until she finds out she's been partnered with Walker. They must work together to make it a success so she can become Principal one day and so he can keep his job as Football coach. This was a great read that showed forgiveness, love doesn't just stop and how God leads us down certain paths for a reason. Really enjoyed this!
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed reading this book! There is a big theme of forgiveness here, from beginning to end, and the characters in this read are Christians, and know it is required, it still is never easy!
Carrying old hurts for ten years, or more! From high school into adulthood and now a job.
A young women and a young man with a past are thrown together, can they overcome their differences? Well, just when you think that is possible, there seems to be another problem.
This is such a sweet romance story, but life's problems sure get in the way!
You can go home again!
I received this book through the Fox Grove Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.
Carrying old hurts for ten years, or more! From high school into adulthood and now a job.
A young women and a young man with a past are thrown together, can they overcome their differences? Well, just when you think that is possible, there seems to be another problem.
This is such a sweet romance story, but life's problems sure get in the way!
You can go home again!
I received this book through the Fox Grove Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. Tilly Langston returns home to Fox Grove High School as the assistant principle. As she heads to her office a few days before the students are to arrive, she is called into the principal's office. He has a project he would like her to co-chair with none other than Walker Ellis her high school boyfriend who ghosted her, the end of their senior year. He is now the football coach. Their project is putting together their ten year class reunion. Join Tilly and Walker as they deal with the ups and downs of dealing with the past as well as finding footing for the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wasn’t quite sure where this story would take me, but I loved the ride! High school romances that find their way back to each other can sometimes feel predictable—boy loves girl, boy hurts girl, and somehow they have to find that spark again. But with Walker and Tilly, it never felt like the spark truly disappeared.
They needed to reconnect, forgive, and find their way back to each other. This was such a sweet summer read, and now I’m already impatiently waiting for the next chapter!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author through Book Funnel. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
They needed to reconnect, forgive, and find their way back to each other. This was such a sweet summer read, and now I’m already impatiently waiting for the next chapter!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author through Book Funnel. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The One I Never Forgot by Mandy Boerma is a story of forgiveness and second chances. Tilly Langston is now Fox Grove High School’s new assistant principal. She is determined to do her best to be able to take over as principal one day. When a blast from her past and planning a 10-year reunion are thrown at her, she is determined to make the best of it. Will the reappearance of Walker Ellis cause her more heartache or will she allow him into her heart once again and make new beginnings? I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. The honest opinion is my own.
September 16, 2026
Football, a reunion and sweet second chances
One thing I love about novellas is how quickly they get right to the heart of the story and the main characters. The One I Never Forgot immediately put Tilly and Walker together and let the sparks (and attitudes) start flying. I liked both of them and thought their actions and reactions were believable, even for a story that had to be fast paced because of its length. Theirs is a lesson in how much people and circumstances can change over time, and how you never know what might happen if you give someone a second chance. It’s a good option for anyone who wants a clean romance with a sweet story line.
One thing I love about novellas is how quickly they get right to the heart of the story and the main characters. The One I Never Forgot immediately put Tilly and Walker together and let the sparks (and attitudes) start flying. I liked both of them and thought their actions and reactions were believable, even for a story that had to be fast paced because of its length. Theirs is a lesson in how much people and circumstances can change over time, and how you never know what might happen if you give someone a second chance. It’s a good option for anyone who wants a clean romance with a sweet story line.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a sweet, second chance romance, and this novella delivered. Tilly and Walker came to life on the page. Their past shared wounds, heartache, and bitterness pushed them apart, but their unexpected common dreams for their futures, along with learning how to forgive and trust God, drew them together in the best way.
One of my favorite lines: “Forgiveness isn’t for the person who wronged you, it’s for you. For your happiness, for your life, for your relationship with God.”
I can’t wait for more from Fox Grove!
One of my favorite lines: “Forgiveness isn’t for the person who wronged you, it’s for you. For your happiness, for your life, for your relationship with God.”
I can’t wait for more from Fox Grove!
Review of advance copy received from Author
‘I didn’t get far.’
A wonderful faith based second chance romance set in the small town of Fox Glove. In this fast paced first installment, Vice Principal Tilly is ‘reunited’ with her former boyfriend, Walker, who is now the school’s history teacher and football coach. Thrown together by the principal to plan their ten year reunion, everything that can go wrong, does while their past comes back to haunt them and potentially tear them apart again. The HEA that follows is super sweet and leaves you ready for the next book in the series.
A wonderful faith based second chance romance set in the small town of Fox Glove. In this fast paced first installment, Vice Principal Tilly is ‘reunited’ with her former boyfriend, Walker, who is now the school’s history teacher and football coach. Thrown together by the principal to plan their ten year reunion, everything that can go wrong, does while their past comes back to haunt them and potentially tear them apart again. The HEA that follows is super sweet and leaves you ready for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The One I Never Forgot took me back to memories of high school and the chance to reconnect and maybe change the outcome. While there are light-hearted moments and a lovely romance, I like the depth of the story that focuses on the importance of forgiveness—what it is and what it isn’t. I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. This review is my honest opinion.
September 10, 2026
I am enjoying reading the Fox Grove Series. The One I Never Forgot by Mandy Boerma is a sweet romance about first love and second chances. I love the group of characters in the small-town setting, and I can’t wait to read the other two novellas. One of my favorite things is the sense of humor in the dialogue because we all need a laugh these days. I also love the way the author weaves in faith in a natural way. It’s a great quick read, especially if you need something to lift your spirits.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've never read anything by this author but will keep her on my radar.
I love that the story centers around football at the local high school.
Walker and Tilly have a history together and are tasked with planning their high school reunion. As the characters are drawn closer together, will the sparks continue to fly?
I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
I love that the story centers around football at the local high school.
Walker and Tilly have a history together and are tasked with planning their high school reunion. As the characters are drawn closer together, will the sparks continue to fly?
I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The One I Never Forgot by Mandy Boerma was such a sweet story. Themes of forgiveness and redemption run all through this well-written tale. And oh, the romance is delightful. This is book 1 of the Fox Grove series and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
September 8, 2026
A sweet second chance romance with football, family drama and forgiveness. I really enjoyed this novella. It didn’t seem rushed and the relationship between Walker and Tilly felt genuine and sweet. I am looking forward to the other stories in this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
September 11, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I loved it. This is the first of three novellas by three different authors set in Fox Grove. A sweet small town romance when Tilly was left alone on Homecoming night 10 years ago by Walker are now thrown together to plan a their high school reunion. I love the Christian themes and forgiveness.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I loved it. This is the first of three novellas by three different authors set in Fox Grove. A sweet small town romance when Tilly was left alone on Homecoming night 10 years ago by Walker are now thrown together to plan a their high school reunion. I love the Christian themes and forgiveness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a sweet story of second chances on a first love. The maturity and forgiveness in Tilly and Walker's story shows how Christ wants us to forgive. I thought this was a quick and easy read, but still had depth to it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A precious love story filled with forgiveness, faith, and hope. The relationship between the main characters reminded me that everyone has the ability to offer forgiveness. A great read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
September 16, 2026
A book of forgiveness and second chances. An enjoyable story with a feel-good tone
September 8, 2026
This is the best read for the fall season!
Tilly was left standing alone at prom, ghosted by her then best guy, Walker. She never saw him again after that night and her heart still hasn’t recovered.
Now she’s in her hometown and working as the assistant principal at her old high school, hoping to one day be the principal.
So when she’s tasked last minute with planning her 10 year high school reunion, it’s overwhelming and daunting but she’s willing to tackle it.
Enter the new football coach, and the one who walked away. Walker is her co-chair for the event which just complicates everything.
The story heartwarming, hilarious, and wonderful. I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
Tilly was left standing alone at prom, ghosted by her then best guy, Walker. She never saw him again after that night and her heart still hasn’t recovered.
Now she’s in her hometown and working as the assistant principal at her old high school, hoping to one day be the principal.
So when she’s tasked last minute with planning her 10 year high school reunion, it’s overwhelming and daunting but she’s willing to tackle it.
Enter the new football coach, and the one who walked away. Walker is her co-chair for the event which just complicates everything.
The story heartwarming, hilarious, and wonderful. I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
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