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Sage Hill Series #1

When It Was Us

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Betrayal tore her world apart. Now Anna is back in her hometown hoping she might be able to pick up the pieces.

Anna is determined to get her life back together—to not let the disappointment of a failed marriage define her. That is, until the first man to ever break her heart steps in and throws her new plans for an independent future off course.

Drew pushed Anna away in a moment of panic, and he’s lived with the regret since the day he watched her marry another man. Now he wants her back, and he’ll go to any length to prove he never stopped loving her.

But ten years is a long time, and nothing is as simple as it was back then.

Not only does Anna still carry the scar Drew left behind all those years ago, she also hides a secret that threatens to destroy their last hope to find happily ever after.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2017

42 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Larissa Weatherall

7 books17 followers
Larissa Weatherall is a born and raised southern girl who currently lives in the “big city” to the north with her husband and three adorable little handfuls. From the first moment she watched Cinderella and Prince Charming kiss and ride away at the end of the movie, she’s been obsessed with happily ever after.

Larissa is a sucker for stories that shred her heart then heal it when love conquers all in the end. When she’s not writing all the swoony, southern heroes, Larissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends and the occasional hour she can soak up the sun on her back porch with a book.

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5 stars
59 (37%)
4 stars
44 (27%)
3 stars
38 (23%)
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12 (7%)
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6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,234 reviews613 followers
December 3, 2017
FOR GOODREADS

when it was us

Title: When It Was Us (Sage Hills Series Book 1)
Author: Larissa Weatherall
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: December 5, 2017


ARC

If there's a book out there that makes me Blissfully Content... When It Was Us was it for me. This is the Debut novel for Larissa Weatherall and I am in a state of pure happiness.

When It Was Us was everything a second chance romance should be. You should know by now that I am a sucker for any second chance romance but at the same time I can get quite critical about them- I have NO room for unnecessary drama!

This book, like the characters, Drew and Anna, was fierce! Their love was potent-to the point where it stood the test of time. Drew and Anna were childhood friends that turned into high school sweethearts but Drew pushed Anna away in a moment of panic and lived to regret till this day.
Anna is incredibly smart and witty. she was always optimistic, compassionate and fiercely loyal. But ever since Drew shattered her heart then later on her failed marriage, She turned into a cynic, atleast when it came to relationships.
But like any second chance romance book, you know whats going to happen but at the same time, you feel the betrayal, the hurt and the fear to take a chance once again.

Drew and Anna,from a young age, were each others strength and courage. They bickered,argued, pushed each other's buttons, but their love, as always was all consuming.

When It Was Us brought me so much joy and I hope you give it a try. This book had a sense of innocence with huge dollop of hotness that will satisfy your romantic soul. I promise.

4-stars

For more reviews and giveaways follow my blog at www.jemimajamir.com
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,910 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2018
This read like real life story, something that could have happened to your or your best friend. Mistakes are made, life keeps on happening, and hearts are broken, sometimes more than once. I liked the third person narrative and the fact that this was a clean story. There weren't any intimate scenes and physical intimacy actually meant something to both of them. They took their time to get to know each other again and weren't intimate until they were married. In the interim, the H wasn't a manho who tried to forget the h with countless other women nor did the h pine for the H for ten years, saving herself for the him. How refreshing is that? Unfortunately, that's the end of the list of things I liked.

What I couldn't get past was how broken the h was. Some authors are able to convey the brokenness without making the character seem weak and pathetic. Unfortunately, that's all I felt from the h, especially in the beginning. The ten year separation was also too long. I prefer the separation between MCs, if there is one, to be shorter, and not so drawn out. I don't like flashbacks and this story was full of them. That's just a me thing, though, so they might not bother other readers. And while I love the fact that the years had matured the H into someone who wasn't scared, his faithfulness to the h once they were reunited was a little sappy. The author also added tons of OTT drama and by the end I just couldn't anymore.

This story was sweet, but it was too loaded down with angst for me to enjoy it. Note to self: I might be willing to read Luke's book, but only if he doesn't turn out to be a huge manho.

Safety

Profile Image for Jessica Calla.
Author 18 books391 followers
December 1, 2017
There are so many things I love about Larissa Weatherall’s second-chance romance, WHEN IT WAS US. This beautiful, sweet love story, set in the small, fictional town of Sage Hill, has everything a romance reader craves. Anna and Drew are meant for each other. They’ve loved each other since they were kids. But life pulls them apart, and they just can’t seem to make their relationship work out. However, when Anna comes back to Sage Hill after her divorce, all of their feelings rise to the surface again.

This is Ms. Weatherall’s debut novel, and it’s beautifully written. Anna and Drew’s scenes together are lovely—sexy but sweet, thoughtful, and heartfelt. The author weaves the present with scenes from the past that show the reader how Anna and Drew got to where they are in life. Anna and Drew’s feelings flow from the page right into your heart, and you root for this couple from the first chapter, through the twists and turns of the plot, to the last chapter. At times, it’s painful to see them struggling with what seems to be so clear—that they belong together. But the beauty of this romance is that these characters are not perfect. They’ve both had lives and made mistakes, and have to deal with real-life issues to get to their happily ever after.

Ultimately, WHEN IT WAS US is a story of forgiveness, faith, friendship, and trust. At the end, though, what it’s really about is love--with love, we can conquer anything.

I highly recommend this book to romance and women’s fiction readers looking for a book to squeeze your heart. You will ache for these soulmates as they move from teenagers to adults, and rediscover and redefine their love. I can't wait for Book Two of the Sage Hill series, which I hope focuses on Drew's BFF, the sexy, sometimes snarky, Luke.
Profile Image for Tracy *To the point Reviews*.
647 reviews186 followers
November 7, 2018
Well

That was a downhome kinda sweet story about the town price and princess who never got their HEA.

To tell you the truth I skimmed the crap out of this because the dialogues were pretty flat and the characters were lacking some juice.

I know my review is short and boring. I guess the book was much the same for me.
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews639 followers
Read
March 21, 2020
DNF 29%

Her insides burned with fury at her family for convincing her to be in this place, anger at Mason for his betrayal, and anger at Drew for not believing in them all those years ago. Anger at both the men who’d claimed to love her then ultimately decided she wasn’t enough.

She hated being this weak person who couldn’t stop thinking about Drew leaving her and Mason sleeping with another woman.

She’d loved two men in her life, and they had both ripped her apart.

He wasn’t naïve enough to think eleven years apart hadn’t changed them both, but having her this close fueled a fire of regret that still burned deep in his gut.

“I don’t trust you,” she whispered, staring past him at Prince Charming on the wall. “I’m not sure I’m capable of trusting anyone ever again.”

“I’m just…I’m not sure I’m ready to marry you, and I think we need to take a break.”

Drew loved Anna, but the stupid mistake he couldn’t take back had him convinced he didn’t deserve her. He’d failed her. Just like his father had failed his mother. The kiss meant nothing. A girl started talking to him and Luke at a baseball after party then threw her arms around his neck and kissed him out of the blue.
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews64 followers
December 4, 2017
When it was us was a beautiful second chance romance I fell for the characters even when they frustrated me at times . I'm really excited to see whats to come for Larissa Weatherall and the Sage Hill series . Drew and Anna were friends then high school sweet hearts but after the hero pushes the heroine away she moved on and got married but was betrayed yet again my heart really broke for this woman , while the hero lived with regret never really living . The first meeting after so long was a little hostile understandably so then they become friends again with banter , pushing each others buttons , and the undertone of sexual chemistry that grows with each meeting . If love a beautiful second chance romance this is just what you are looking for .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=8 secondary characters= 8 Chemistry=9 steam= 6
romance= 8 humor= 4 darkness level= 3 action= 3 mystery= 5
enjoyment= 9 angst= 5 story line= 9 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing= 10
cover= 10 stars=4 author= 8
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
December 2, 2017
Holy swoon! When It Was Us is such a beautiful second chance story. Heartbreaking, sweet, bursting at the seams with true romance. This is the kind of book that you think of when you think of epic true love. I cried, I melted at the complete beauty, and I swooned with every sweet moment. Unable to put this book down I spent an entire morning completely lost in the magic that is Drew and Anna.

Drew is the ultimate book boyfriend. He’s so incredibly romantic and sweet. I couldn’t get enough of him and his love for Anna. No amount of time ever stopped him from loving her. Everything he did to get them back to where they were just left me a big gooey puddle of mush. Drew just may be the king of sweetness.

Anna and Drew have one of the most adorably sweet, while still heartbreaking at times, love stories I’ve ever read. This book is true romance. The kind of book that reminds you of why you fell in love with the genre to begin with. Breathtaking romance, sweet moments that steal your heart, and a couple you can’t help but love.
Profile Image for SJ.
41 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2017
Anna returns to the town she grew up in to recover from her failed marriage after her husband cheats on her. Anna’s first love, Drew, is the town doctor and has never gotten over his love for Anna even after he ended things with her more than ten years ago. A regret he’s had to live with after having watched her marry another. Now he is out to win her back because for him, it’s always been her. “It’s only you, Sunshine. It’s always been you.” Will he win back her love, and even more difficult, her trust? When she sees Drew again, she realizes all her feelings for him are still there. Even after all this time. But can she trust him with her heart after it’s been shattered twice, the first time by him? Will they find a way through this and back to each other? There are still secrets that could tear them apart just as they are finding their way. And just when I thought all was going to be okay, the author throws in another surprise that I wasn’t expecting. If you love a sweet romance with HEA you will enjoy this engaging debut story from a promising new author. I look forward to her next story in the Sage Hill Series!
9 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2021
“She was the love of his life, and he’d stomped on both their hearts when he let fear rip them to shreds.” This book is a wonderful romance about love, loss and the courage to live and love again. Anna’s first love broke her heart but she moved on and built a new life. Years later they meet again. Meet the wonderful people of Sage Hill and fall in love with the people you meet in this book. I loved this book and cannot wait to read more about the people from Sage Hill.
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
December 9, 2017
Second chance romance....why yes I’ll take it! Chance to find a new Book boyfriend.....ummm....YES!!

That’s what I found with When It Was Us; Anna and Drew’s Story was heart wrenching and heartwarming. Drew was perfect for Anna, their relationship was intense; the history of how they became a couple was much needed.

Well written story.

Reviewed by: Dana D.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
December 9, 2017
When It Was Us was a fantastic second chance story that I never saw coming! Plus, it was Larissa Weatherall's debut book, and boy did she prove that she's a talented author from the get go. Basically, Anna & Drew have been in love with each other since they were young kids, but life gets in the way, and they can't make it work. Life moves on, Anna gets married, but she finally comes home to Sage Hill after getting divorced, it becomes quickly apparent that the feelings they had for each other never went away. This story had so much push & pull to it, that I was left an emotional mess with a severe book hangover when it was all said & done. I loved Anna & Drew, and was rooting for them from the beginning, although, there were times that I wanted to shake them. Between the serious angst, and the f-bomb worthy twists, I'm still a mess even writing this review. However, there were a colorful cast of secondaries that gave me a break from the heavy to make me laugh, so I'm super excited to experience their stories. One point that Ms. Weatherall drove home for me, and I needed this reminder, is that love conquers all. Anyway, enough of my rambling, I just HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND that everyone read this amazing story!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
December 7, 2017
I am totally blown away with the fact that this is a debut novel, and I would never in a million years have known this. This is definitely an author to be on the lookout for in the future! Anna and Drew have loved each other since childhood; however, life gets in the way and pulls them apart. Now getting over a divorce, Anna is back in town, and Drew is determined that this time he will not let her get away. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This author has written a beautiful, sweet, second chance love story, which had me hooked and intrigued from the very beginning. I will defiantly be adding this author to my favourites and 1-click lists, and I recommend this novel for all romance lovers. Amazing work Larissa!!
37 reviews
December 4, 2017
When It Was Us is addictive from the first chapter. I couldn't stop reading, anxious to find out how things played out for Anna and Drew, and how they got to this point in their lives. Their journey is one full of love and laughter, as every great romance should be. The supporting characters are addictive too, and I loved every scene that Luke stole! I highly recommend When It Was Us to anyone looking for a good escape and a quick and tempting read.
Profile Image for Nicky.
454 reviews48 followers
January 18, 2018
2,5 stars

It was a 2 stars rate, but Luke's last words were the best thing out of the book.

The last part of the book made me mad and if I thought she was boring before, in the end she was just stupid. Luke is the only character I saved from this story, sorry. I will surely read his book.
Profile Image for Brittany.
45 reviews130 followers
January 3, 2018
Sweet second chance romance story

Such a sweet second chance romance with a swoon-worthy hero! The story tugged at my heartstrings and gave me a lot of feels over Anna and Drew finding their way back to each other despite the passage of time. The ending totally shocked me and I couldn't help but root for Anna and Drew even when things seemed so bleak. True love at its finest! I loved When It Was Us and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Author 45 books20 followers
December 9, 2017
This is a great reunion romance with lots of emotion, surprising twists and a touching ending. I loved Drew & Anna and am anxiously awaiting Luke's story. Great debut!
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,400 reviews119 followers
December 5, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This is one of my favorite new books. This book was absolutely fantastic. I know that others are going to love it as well.
Profile Image for Gabriella.
499 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2018
Nice Surprise..

I love it when I accidentally come across a book that I really like, and a new author to follow, so I'm happy to have found this one.
I very much enjoy second chance stories and this was a good one. A good solid story, engaging writing, strong authentic characters that deviate from the usual cliches, and while the plot might not be a new one, the author made it unique with little twists and the thing I liked the most was that she made it a point to create a love story that doesn't rely on sex and lust. How refreshing.
Looking forward to her next book. Hopefully Luke's story.
Profile Image for Theresa Alberts.
838 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2017
When It Was Us by Larissa Weatherall is the first book in the Sage Hill Series and I look forward to reading more about this small town, especially if Luke's book is next (hint hint)!

Anna returns home to work on a project that could provide her with the career advancement she has been working so hard for, Vice President. Returning home is emotional for her in more ways than one, she is recently divorced after her husband admits to his infidelity, and coming face to face with the love of her life who walked away from her, basically for absolutely no reason, not one she is really aware of or understands.

Drew has never waivered from his feelings for Anna and when she returns home after 5 years, he knows that she is the only one for him. Now it is a matter of convincing her that they can be great again, and that the mistakes he made in the past are his biggest regrets in life.

Drew and Anna's story slowly unfolds while they navigate an adult relationship. Trying not to relay only on the feelings of the past, Drew and Anna try to build something for the future. But when Anna's ex appears on the scene, all of the insecurities that both Drew and Anna resurface. Are they able to work through the past and the present so that they will have a future? You need to read this fantastic story to find out.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,308 reviews361 followers
December 5, 2017
This is a second chance romance.
I thought what was good about this book is both the hero and the heroine make mistakes. So they both are to blame for the longevity of their break up.
It is quite angsty and even when you think they get sorted it's not an easy road for them.
Their reactions are quite realistic, it ends in a HEA. There are hints at possible storylines for other extra characters for more books in the series.
Profile Image for Kelly Enman.
1 review
December 21, 2017

I instantly fell in love with Anna and Drew and this charming, second chance romance only gets better.

Larissa Weatherall’s When It Was Us, is the perfect combination of sexy and sweet. The story, set in the small town of Sage Hill, takes us on Anna and Drew’s heartfelt journey back to one another. After a devastating divorce, Anna moves back to her hometown to mend her broken heart and focus on her future. Drew, the town doctor, is determined to win Anna back after making the mistake of pushing her away years ago. He never got over Anna even when she married another man and refuses to let her get away a second time.

Anna’s strong, funny, and sweet but guards her heart as she learns to trust again. Drew’s the ultimate romantic and will make you swoon as he works to win the heart of the only woman he’s ever loved.

Ms. Weatherall’s beautiful writing will make you feel the hurt, the uncertainty and most importantly the love. I can’t wait for the next book in this heartfelt new series.





Profile Image for Dana.
655 reviews60 followers
December 11, 2017
Second chance romance....why yes I’ll take it! Chance to find a new Book boyfriend.....ummm....YES!!

That’s what I found with When It Was Us; Anna and Drew’s Story was heart wrenching and heartwarming. Drew was perfect for Anna, their relationship was intense; the history of how they became a couple was much needed.

Well written story.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
May 28, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/28/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for LS Kralicek.
1,155 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2018
Second chance romance so good

Drew and Anna have a love story that starts from their youth but due to circumstances makes them find love at another time in their lives.
2 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2017
Absolutely in love with When It Was Us. I was hooked after the first few pages and couldn’t get enough of Anna and Drew’s love story. Can’t wait to see what happens next in Sage Hill. Bring on book 2!!!
1,139 reviews
January 26, 2018
Loved it .R.A

It's a must read. It's sweet second change love story .friends ,family growing up In a small city. First love.
885 reviews9 followers
September 19, 2021
I can’t say enough good about this book. It was heart wrenchingly wonderful. Three people, all three hurting… Anna, Drew and Mason. They are in an intense struggle to make right their wrongs. Well, that’s a little misleading as it was Drew and Mason who chose to hurt Anna. Not, it wasn’t planned or intentional, but actions and choices have consequences.

While Drew and Mason brought their pain on themselves, Anna was innocent collateral damage. Healing isn’t easy for her. Drew, the love of her life tells her they are no longer. As time passes, she heals, marries Mason and is betrayed. To get away, she goes home, the very place her first love lives, the one who crushed all her hopes and dreams. Drew never could forget Anna. Ten long years have passed and Anna is back. Drew does his best to win her forgiveness and love, but once burned it’s hard to trust and Anna can’t seem to cross that barrier. Drew devastated Anna when he broke up with her.

Anna meets Mason in college and is drawn to him. She finally has healed enough to know love again. They marry and like so many marriages, they had their struggles. They wanted a baby but it never happened. Mason cheats with a young co-worker. He realizes he messed up but Anna, once again, is crushed. Goes to her hometown to be with family and try to heal…. again.

Mason wants Anna back… but so does Drew. When Drew finds Anna now divorced, he’s determined to gain her forgiveness but so is Mason. However, forgiveness is one thing, but forgetting is not that easy…. and trusting is even harder.

I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning turning the pages. I just wanted to know how things work out, how they end. When you have three hurting people and two of them trying to win back their woman, someone has to lose.
Profile Image for C.
995 reviews8 followers
December 29, 2017
A sweet predictable read 💛
796 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2021
So good!

Beautiful and sweet second chance story! Love the characters of Drew and Anna and all of the secondary characters. The story was told so beautifully.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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