The Best Time

by Sienna Waters

What would you do if your past walked through your door? Dumped and depressed, Lil Bradley is left running her dream bookshop without her dream woman. All that's left of her fiancée is the half-finished coffee shop in the corner of the store. And then Riley Winters reappears. Riley is convinced that she's dying. So she's come back to Amberly, the home that she's been avoiding for fifteen years. And when she walks into Lil's store it's like turning back the hands of time. Except it's a clock that neither one of them really wanted to mess with. There's no way that they're about to recapture their history together. If only because Kayden, Lil's best friend and Riley's big brother, would never forgive them. Anyway, Lil's happy alone and Riley's busy dying. Until Riley's diagnosis isn't quite as fatal as she thought, and it turns out she came home for all the wrong reasons. But can she be persuaded to stay for all the right ones? Sometimes all it takes is a reminder of what's truly important to turn your life upside down . . .

Runtime: 6. 89 hours, 6 library CDs

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Audiobook, Lesbian, Adult, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2021

Reviews

[Conny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely is different than the last ones by Sienna Waters. For me it was less lighthearted and a bit more on the serious side. Personally I love when an author tries something else from time to time and I‘m very happy Sienna did that.

At the beginning I needed a few pages to get into the story. Not sure if it was my personal focus that is a bit off sometimes these days or if it was the story. But when I was fully in I liked the characters and where the story was going.

Lil, Riley & also Riley’s brother Kayden were childhood friends until at some point there is more between Riley and Lil. But circumstances, misunderstandings and Riley‘s desire to do something out of her life make Riley flee her hometown. Thinking her fate is to die she decides to come back after 15 years. And when she arrives the attraction between her and Lil is still as strong as ever.

There still is lots of miscommunication especially because Riley doesn’t wanna burden anyone. This actually leads to some hilarious moments. I especially loved one at the hospital. ☺️ when the whole expected future changes for Riley there finally seems to have come the time for both of them. But of course the story can’t just continue as easily as it seems at one time. Decisions have to be made and they need to decide if they are able to compromise or not. One thing I believe is one of the most important things in a relationship and Sienna Waters described in a wonderful way.

I don’t wanna reveal anything more. Maybe just a few words about the the characters. Personally I was able to relate very much to Riley. Even if I didn’t like all her actions. But that’s actually not a surprise because her flaws are similar to mine and who loves their own flaws? I could see why she reacted the way we did because what we experienced forms us to the adult we are later. And sometimes it’s difficult to change some behaviour.
Lil on the other hand was so lovable and had her dream that she wanted to come true. I was a bit sad that one topic that has to do something with family didn’t come up anymore in the epilogue. But it was still a wonderful epilogue with the perfect length.

Last but not least I loved Kayden Riley’s brother and Marge. Both made me smile in their own way.

This isn’t my favourite book by Sienna. For example I loved the last one more. But it’s still a wonderful story that deserves to be read and will be definitely enjoyed. 😊

I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book that carried me along with an excellent story. Bit of angst in there, but not enough to derail the plot. Recommended.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Sienna Waters books and this was no exception. I felt for the characters and how their 'life's experiences' coloured their actions and judgement. For a moment I thought a part of the plot was going to traumatise me but (phew!) we came out of that particular cloud and sailed down to the satisfying end. As usual Sienna Waters' books are well worth the read.
I received an ARC from booksprout and this is an honest review.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lil, a small town bookshop owner, finds herself back in the circle of her first love after having been apart for 15 years. Riley, coffee shop franchise big wig, has come back to her home to live out what she thinks are her last months. When the two of them find there are still sparks after all these years and that Riley’s health is not so precarious as she thought they are finally free to give their relationship a chance.
This book was ok but not one of my favorites by Sienna Waters. The main obstacles are overcome a little over halfway through but another issue comes up for the couple. The book just seemed to have too much plot and not enough pages for everything going on. Characters didn’t feel well developed and the flow of the book felt rushed. I found I also did not really like Riley, she was childish and selfish on more than one occasion. Overall it was an ok book but just wasn’t a hit for me.

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

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has quite a bit of angst in it but so does life. Riley and Lil have a shared past with feeling that they have left unresolved for 15yrs. Riley returns to her hometown after she quitting her job thinking she is dying. Lil is trying to move on after a breakup. Once the two see each other again it's like no time has past. They unfortunately want different things for their future and no one wants to compromise. Lil needs to realize that no life plan is perfect and Riley needs to see that staying in her hometown doesn't mean she is settling for less. Lil gets the best advice from a family friend named Marge who is very funny. Riley's brother Kayden is also a great character. This book is a little different from Sienna's usual stories in that it is not just about the romance but how a relationship takes work if it's going to succeed. I really enjoyed the book.

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

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet

This is a sweet love story. I loved the main characters as well as the supporting characters. There is a nice love scene with a happy ending.

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet and cute romantic story about two young women who seem to keep finding new ways of angst to keep them apart. It was fun and lighthearted and I had no worries that things will work out to make it a delightful HEA! Yay!

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was good

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I should really give it a one star but I can't bring myself to do it. I did enjoy bits and pieces throughout but mostly found the situations unbelievable, Riley ridiculous in her choices and actions, Lil was fine but there was still something about her that didn't ring true. The narrator's choice of voices for Wanda, Marge, and others were irritating and grated on my nerves. I mostly wish I hadn't picked this one up.

I'll still give the author's other books a shot because I've enjoyed them but this one was a big miss for me.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

One key item of a Sienna Waters book is that she takes people and situations that "shouldn't" work together, and makes them work together - beautifully. How do you get together a woman who's been dumped and a woman who thinks she's dying? I don't know, but Sienna does it - well.

She also writes lovely and intriguing secondary characters and subplots. This book is no exception in that category.

As always, I enjoyed the experience of reading this Sienna Waters book.

[mili · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10

Oi this was unexpectedly good ngl

All the characters are nice and after some things happen khm all of them keep up very good communication. Healthy and mature behavior for once in these kinds of books that always rely on miscommunication (if the MC are talking at all). I loved that.

Maybe there was a bit too much repetition? For certain things only. Maybe it’s just me but it annoyed me still tbh

This was the second book from Sienna Waters I read and it was way better than The Wrong Date imo. It’s definitely worth checking it out.

8/10 audio

forgot the name of the narrator; will update

[Magen - Inquiring Professional Dog Trainer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of ableist language (st***, du**, id***, etc.) throughout the book. Cannot recommend.

[kavya ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU GUYS THIS IS SO ADORABLE??! I literally picked it up on a whim and romances usually don't do it for me but this had me kicking my legs and screaming into my pillow. figuratively. I do still live with my parents but THE SENTIMENT IS THERE OKAY:')

1) it's set in a small town where everyone knows everyone and there are so many passing characters you get to know as the novel progresses and it feels like home. I mean I currently live in a busy metropolitan city in India so not reeeeally for me but it just. FEELS LIKE BEING HOME OKAY

2) oh my god lil and kayden (did I spell that right? idk I listened to the audiobook) have the adorablest fucking forever friendship that just makes me want to squeal. platonic soul mates <3 (kayden is also the only brother ever. goddd i loved his dynamic with riles)

3) the dyke drama hits HARD with this one. so lil falls in love with her best friend's sister only they're both traumatised queer kids with shitty family lives and riley can't wait to get out to a big city and follow her dreams. riley comes back home years later for. um. *reasons* (oh but full disclosure i dont think this counts as a spoiler but for safety's sake there's a happy ending! riley doesn't die!:) and there's all this unresolved tension between them?? mutual dramatic sapphic yearning ensues

4)IT'S SET AT A LOCAL BOOKSTORE-SLASH-COFFEEHOUSE HOW DOES THIS GET CUTER. so running a local bookstore's always been lil's dream and the coffeehouse thing sort of became a part of the plan when she roped her ex girlfriend into it. until she dumped lil and left the whole coffeehouse part of the settlement in shambles. but thennn kayden convinces riley to take it over and. more adorable sapphic shenanigans ensue:))

5) THE COMMUNICATION??! riley and lil both fundamentally want different things out of life so that does make long term plans complicated. I really love how realistically that was handled and how wonderfully both of them communicated and compromised without it feeling like either of them were compromising on themselves or their own beliefs.

ps: there's an audiobook on yt with probably my favourite narrator ever to date so there is. also that:)

[Berls · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Last year I read a lesbian romance by Sienna Waters that was probably my favorite to-date, so I was excited to pick up The Best Time. While I did enjoy it, I didn't sweep me away as I had hoped.

This is a second-chance romance. But perhaps more than that, it was that the characters frustrated me. The way for the feel for each other is obvious and the only thing in their way is themselves. Riley is convinced she's dying (simply because her mother died of stomach cancer and thus surely that's her stomach problem... not any myriads of gastrointestinal problems you have to see a doctor to diagnose). And Lil has her perfect plan for her life and she can't budge from that, not one iota. And Riley's life and dreams -- supposing she's not dying from stomach cancer -- doesn't fit perfectly into that plan.

Frustrations aside, I did like both the characters as individuals. They are smart and independent women, very successful in their chosen paths. I enjoyed their relationship with Riley's brother, who happens to be Lil's best friend. I enjoyed the small town setting and the book shop. All together an enjoyable sweet second chance romance with a fairly predictable HEA. I just wanted a bit more so I could be truly swept away.

I listened to The Best Time narrated by Felicity Munroe and enjoyed her performance. She delivered distinct voices for male and female characters and I was able to easily listen at my normal 2x speed. I'd not hesitate to listen to her again.

[Brian's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT Characters. I Smiled Throughout

4.5 out of 5 stars

This was another one of those books that really comes out of the gate and just says, “let’s all be mature about things.” I know it’s not rare, but it’s nice to read a story about two women who are both dealing with some things (in not great ways), and they can be adults and deal with their own issues (or figure out a way to communicate them to get some help). It’s just refreshing and helps me love the story even more.

Waters did a good job writing believable characters and were easy to root for. Lil and Riley were strong and wonderful women on their own, but the fireworks when they were together were hard to ignore.

The Best Time has been sitting on my phone for a while, but I’m sad because I didn’t help boost it earlier. But, I hope that with this, people give this enjoyable book a try, and honestly, I had a smile on my face the whole time. Even when I knew things wouldn’t go exactly as they thought. It was just one of those perfect books to get someone out of a funk.

I’m not someone to spoil, but I will say that the ending was really well done. I thought that the scene with the presentation and subsequent scenes after was perfectly executed and made this already good book even better.

I thought that Felicity Munroe did a great job with the performance. One of the characters was a bit more dramatic than the other (read the description and find the one who thinks they are dying), and Felicity did a perfect job voicing how I pictured it in my head. I love when a narrator can pull that off. It’s a rare and genuine skill.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sienna Waters books are worthy reads and this was no exception. This storyline has romance, angst, the right amount of heat, a touch of humor and a streak of seriousness which may surprise some readers. Life has thrown a health curve ball at Riley (a successful entrepreneur) so she cuts ties with everything and moves back to her hometown after 15 years. Lil has partially realized one of her dreams by opening The Bookworm but is paused on completion due to a personal bump in her ideal life plan. The two women meet again (burdened by errors of the past) and realize there's a little flame still burning. If only they would get out of their own way and talk. What with jumping to conclusions, insecurities, doubts and ups and down, thank goodness for meddling Madge and Lil's BF Kayden who's also Riley's big brother. Moving on and making changes can be necessary and good. Communication, compromise and support helps a relationship to flourish and thrive if only Lil and Riley can recognize that and have a HEA. There is no right time or wrong time only the best time! My favorite sentence "Things have to be flawed, because if they're not, you can't see how beautiful the good parts are, you have nothing to compare." Thank you for that bit of wisdom Ms. Waters. Easily recommend and on my re-read shelf.

I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a completely voluntary and unbiased review.

[Gina L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lot Of Heartache Packed In A Sweet Love Story!

I am a fan of Sienna Waters. This story had Lil going through a bad breakup. She had the bookstore of her dreams but in the corner was the cafe her ex was working on but then she left. In comes Riley, her best friends sister, someone she hasn’t seen in fifteen years. Someone she was in love with but Riley left, no sooner after they slept together. Lil remembers the hurt but she couldn’t tell her best friend what happened between them. Kayden, Lil’s best friend, surprises her by bringing Riley to her bookstore. But both Riley and Lil are stunned at seeing each other again. Kayden has no idea. Riley has been opening coffee shops all over the world and although she has quit her job for personal reasons, she agrees with Kaydens plan to help Lil get the cafe going in her bookstore. As the story plays out, things happen and just when you think good things are happening, it doesn’t. It is a good read but I did find the ending lacking a spark. Still a good read.

[Silverfeather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay look,, I am glad to read it till the end cause I was really doubting my decision to read it and knew wasn't gonna like it... But ending was surprisingly good.. Like whole book itself was preety unrealistic but that's what fiction is so I can't judge it for that.. I really didn't liked Riley but she had character development.. Like how tf do you expect your partner to leave everything and just focus on your own vision meanwhile you don't want to put the same on line either.. Like that's just hypocrisy.. Lil wanted Riley to fit in her life but she didn't gave her the ultimatum.. Riley hated her mom for "giving up" her life and didn't wanted
to follow that path but meanwhile she wanted Lil to do exact same thing.. This story would have gone a lot differently realistically and I think the only reason Riley and Lil worked out was cause they had money. And I am not just talking about their relationship like the whole plot worked cause of money.

[MissAlice · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting twist of fate is sometimes all it takes for people to click or find one another and fall in love. These two leading ladies took an entire book, multiple twists, a roller coaster and a few detours to get their heads out of the clouds to see what was right in front of them. Relationships, marriages, friendships all take a lot of compromise and work ... each being a part-time job, but the perks and rewards for a job well-done? Easily worth the heartache and doubt and late night calls and what if scenarios and the matching baggage. Ha! This book is raw and true and I'm glad for the HEA. I've enjoyed a few books this writer has on KU and if you are already a fan, you'll enjoy this sweet addition.

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

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lil gets abandoned by Barb leaving behind a partially broken heart and a broken promise to run the cafe that’s kinda under construction in a corner of the bookstore Lil has dreamt of owning since childhood.
Enter Riley, her best friends sister and her one true love after the one night stand of the century.
With more angst this time around and a stronger flavour of real life, Sienna has written a book that makes you want to grab the characters and shake them at times especially Riley.
Thank goodness for Marge and Kayden who are sensible enough to sort our two main characters out.
Great book, great characters and oh to own that bookshop and sneak all the books to read when no ones looking.

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

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her novel the best time Sienna has her characters chart a complicated path towards happiness. Along the way the characters explore issues of family, dreams, the hurt our childhoods can leave us with and how we cope with that. Lil over plans, and has to learn to be more flexible, Riley overachieves and has to learn what she really wants out of life. A delightful second chance at love and family. I really enjoyed the novel. Coffee and bookshops a match made in heaven

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

[Doug Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tale combines an old high-school love interest, a small book store and lots of coffee into a nice read. It also provides a cautionary tale on the risks inherent in medical self-diagnosis -- even if it does work out for the best in this instance. There is a small but supportive secondary cast to provide the occasional nudge, or shove, when necessary. This is a decent story leading up to the anticipated HEA.

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a small town, second chance WLW romance with a nice little twist of misunderstanding and stubborn self diagnosis of medical issue. It shows us how important the communication is for the matter of heart, and mutual understanding and give and take is the critical factor in any romance or friendship. The writing is smooth, the mains interesting and likable, although the idea of bookstore with coffee shop is not new by any measure. Overall a lovely story worthy of your time.

[November Hebert-Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story draws you in so easily, you don’t want to put it down - and I totally didn’t. The characters are super relatable and feel like you could be friends with (or at least, want to be friends with). The hometown feel and comfortable characters are perfect for a fall read!

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

[Devoncatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a fatal diagnosis is discovered not to be fatal. Now that you can live can you love as well? This is a different novel than the standard romance which makes it a really great read. But that's true for all of this authors books. It is an entirely new romance plot!

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

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just want a bit of drama, right? And yes, Sienna Waters really brings the drama in spades with this wlw romance. And yet it's never too heavy, the angst never gets out of control. The romance is there, the nookie is spare and a lot of the time, the relationship is really quite sweet.

[Donna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenage friends, brother, sister and girlfriend, then a 15 year separation after a breakup.Sienna Waters takes these characters back to the small hometown of Amberly and builds up relationships through miscommunication, fear, dying, humour and friendship. The dialogue is stilted and tense but the twist in the ending is well worth waiting for

[TrixieB · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was going well until we got a man guilting a woman for taking care of herself in the face of abuse by their father. He asked for you when he was dying. Really? Maybe he should have been asking about her while he was living. You know the daughter he was abusive to when she came out to him as bisexual. No excuses. No forgiveness. He deserved to die alone.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of hard work and learning to compromise in order to get the second chance Lil and Riley truly wanted, needed and deserved. Kayden, Lily's best friend and Riley's brother, was another wonderful character who added so much love and acceptance to the story. I enjoyed the dialogue between characters and the narration by Felicity Munroe!

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yah. You have time to try half a dozen jobs, flit around the world to “find yourself “, or leisurely open the store of your dreams, when actually making a living isn’t an issue. These two don’t have any idea about how life works when you don’t just naturally get anything you want so of course it’s hard for them to compromise in a relationship. 🙄