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Balsam Ridge #1
Life After Wife
After my marriage crumbles, I run from the scrutiny of my suburban Stepford-wife life to my hometown of Balsam Ridge, Tennessee, with my son to pick up the pieces.
The small mountain town offers plenty of opportunities for a fresh start: genuine friendships, reconnecting with my mother, and even finding work with the biggest family in town, the Tuttles.
It was only supposed to be for the summer, and catching feelings for someone wasn’t part of the plan, but with his quiet confidence the sexy as sin Graham Tuttle has broken down all my walls.
Now that I’ve found my footing again, should I go back and reclaim my life or take hold of an entirely new one?
Small Town, Ranch, Friends to Lovers.
The small mountain town offers plenty of opportunities for a fresh start: genuine friendships, reconnecting with my mother, and even finding work with the biggest family in town, the Tuttles.
It was only supposed to be for the summer, and catching feelings for someone wasn’t part of the plan, but with his quiet confidence the sexy as sin Graham Tuttle has broken down all my walls.
Now that I’ve found my footing again, should I go back and reclaim my life or take hold of an entirely new one?
Small Town, Ranch, Friends to Lovers.
Unknown Binding
First published January 31, 2022
642 people are currently reading
1604 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kelly
41 books930 followersAmber Kelly is a romance author that calls North Carolina home. She has been an avid reader from a young age and you could always find her with her nose in a book completely enthralled in an adventure. With the support of her husband and family, in 2018, she decided to finally give a voice to the stories in her head and her debut novel, Both of Me was born. You can connect with Amber on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorAmberKelly, on IG @authoramberkelly or on twitter @AuthorAmberKel1.
http://authoramberkelly.com/
http://authoramberkelly.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
August 21, 2022
4 stars
Amber Kelly is becoming a go-to author for me when I'm in the mood for a small town romance. Life After Wife is the first book in 'Balsam Ridge'.
After being cheated on one too many times, Taeli and her son Caleb go to her hometown for the summer. She hasn't been back in a long time and as different as it is from her big city life, she's glad to be home. Graham is the bachelor of Balsam Ridge after becoming a widow in his twenties.
I loved watching Taeli and Graham become friends and fall for one another. I also adored Graham's relationship with Caleb and Taeli healing her relationship with her mom. This was such a beautiful read and I enjoyed it lots!
Amber Kelly is becoming a go-to author for me when I'm in the mood for a small town romance. Life After Wife is the first book in 'Balsam Ridge'.
After being cheated on one too many times, Taeli and her son Caleb go to her hometown for the summer. She hasn't been back in a long time and as different as it is from her big city life, she's glad to be home. Graham is the bachelor of Balsam Ridge after becoming a widow in his twenties.
I loved watching Taeli and Graham become friends and fall for one another. I also adored Graham's relationship with Caleb and Taeli healing her relationship with her mom. This was such a beautiful read and I enjoyed it lots!
August 13, 2022
I liked this one! This story offers up infidelity, an affair baby, a move from the big city back home to a small community, a gaggle of supportive and funny girlfriends, a kooky mom, a hot local guy who is small-town royalty, and a seriously diminished asshole husband who finds himself replaced. Oh, and comeuppance!!!! This has some angst, but it’s all fairly low-key and the marital drama gets wrapped up neatly by the end with a happy ending for our h and H (who is not the asshole ex!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
Amber Kelly writes the sweetest small-town romances and I have loved each one that I’ve read. Life After Wife is the first standalone in the in the Balsam Ridge series. This is an incredible novel of letting go, starting over, and finding family (in more ways than one). Whether it be fixing broken relationships or finding a new family that loves you unconditionally this book has it all. I adored this book. I don’t know how to better explain how it made me feel because she truly writes heart and soul into her stories and immerses readers in her amazing settings. All in all, I just loved it to pieces.
If you’re a fan of Amber’s previous series (The Poplar Falls series) then you are going to love this one just as much! I actually like the setting of this one a tiny bit more, but The Poplar Falls series will always hold a special place in my heart because its what introduced me to her writing. If you haven’t read those then make sure you do! They are fantastic! That being said, I recommend this one wholeheartedly!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Small Town Romances
• Sweet and Heartwarming reads
• All the authors previous books
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re a fan of Amber’s previous series (The Poplar Falls series) then you are going to love this one just as much! I actually like the setting of this one a tiny bit more, but The Poplar Falls series will always hold a special place in my heart because its what introduced me to her writing. If you haven’t read those then make sure you do! They are fantastic! That being said, I recommend this one wholeheartedly!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Small Town Romances
• Sweet and Heartwarming reads
• All the authors previous books
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 24, 2023
Balsam Ridge
>>Life After Wife —3.5 stars
Fate After Fame — tbr
Rain After Fire — tbr
Love After Duty — tbr
Hope After Loss — tbr
Rise After Fall — tbr/August ‘23
✔️ Second Chance (at love, not second chance as a couple)
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Single Mom
Life After Wife kicks off AK’s latest small town series, Balsam Ridge & intros us to the Tuttle brothers. Beginning with the second oldest, Graham(H), a widower. He’s sort of a jack of all trades as he helps run various parts of the family’s numerous businesses. Then there’s Taeli, after 10+ years away, who comes home with her son to stay with her mother for a while. To lick her wounds after the end of her marriage & to figure out her next move as well as mend fences with her mom.
Since Graham & Taeli’s moms are thick as thieves kind of besties, he & his family also help out the last few years with whatever Taeli’s mom, a widow, needs after her son/Taeli’s brother left without much warning after her husband passed away. So thanks to their meddling mamas, G & T find themselves conveniently put in the other’s orbit.
LAW had strong points…
✒︎➤AK checks the box yet again with the small town charm with this new series(well, new since it’s the first I’ve read of it so far), Balsam Ridge 😊. I loved that aspect about AK’s previous series, Poplar Falls (it’s one of my favorite fictional places), so I appreciate when small town romance is an author’s niche & continues to bring that charm into their other series.
✒︎➤ One aspect of above I especially enjoyed was Taeli getting reacquainted & bonding with some old girlfriends. Their shenanigans had me laughing more than once. Especially at one point, when Erin called Jena to get over there & to bring the popcorn, & then Jena actually brought popcorn to watch some drama go down 😂. Erin was my favorite, so I’m sorta bummed Erin is already married. I think she would’ve been a very amusing heroine. I’m hoping she’s around sometimes throughout the series at least (& Jena too, also married already). It was sweet how they reminded Taeli what real friends are like as well.
✒︎➤ Graham & Taeli had a sweet, relaxed chemistry that turned out to be a little spicier in the bedroom than I was expecting 🌶️.
✒︎➤ Graham was a sweet, solid stand up guy kind of hero. It was particularly sweet how he gave Taeli’s son a reliable man to count on, in addition to providing that to Taeli. Both of them really needed that. His whole family really was so welcoming to her & her son without getting too pushy.
And some not so strong…
✒︎➤ LAW was a little rushed & a little underdeveloped in the first half in places. Two instances especially, I might’ve got some whiplash 🫣 tbh. The pace settled after a bit though. Hopefully, as the series goes, those things will be a bit more fleshed out.
✒︎➤ I didn’t dislike Taeli, but I felt a little disconnected from her emotions at times. Like her emotional romantic feelings for Graham sometimes were a bit vague when it became more between them.
So yeah, maybe my socks weren’t knocked off per se, but all in all, a nice, solid start to the series & hopefully just builds as it goes.
>>Life After Wife —3.5 stars
Fate After Fame — tbr
Rain After Fire — tbr
Love After Duty — tbr
Hope After Loss — tbr
Rise After Fall — tbr/August ‘23
✔️ Second Chance (at love, not second chance as a couple)
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Single Mom
Life After Wife kicks off AK’s latest small town series, Balsam Ridge & intros us to the Tuttle brothers. Beginning with the second oldest, Graham(H), a widower. He’s sort of a jack of all trades as he helps run various parts of the family’s numerous businesses. Then there’s Taeli, after 10+ years away, who comes home with her son to stay with her mother for a while. To lick her wounds after the end of her marriage & to figure out her next move as well as mend fences with her mom.
Since Graham & Taeli’s moms are thick as thieves kind of besties, he & his family also help out the last few years with whatever Taeli’s mom, a widow, needs after her son/Taeli’s brother left without much warning after her husband passed away. So thanks to their meddling mamas, G & T find themselves conveniently put in the other’s orbit.
LAW had strong points…
✒︎➤AK checks the box yet again with the small town charm with this new series(well, new since it’s the first I’ve read of it so far), Balsam Ridge 😊. I loved that aspect about AK’s previous series, Poplar Falls (it’s one of my favorite fictional places), so I appreciate when small town romance is an author’s niche & continues to bring that charm into their other series.
✒︎➤ One aspect of above I especially enjoyed was Taeli getting reacquainted & bonding with some old girlfriends. Their shenanigans had me laughing more than once. Especially at one point, when Erin called Jena to get over there & to bring the popcorn, & then Jena actually brought popcorn to watch some drama go down 😂. Erin was my favorite, so I’m sorta bummed Erin is already married. I think she would’ve been a very amusing heroine. I’m hoping she’s around sometimes throughout the series at least (& Jena too, also married already). It was sweet how they reminded Taeli what real friends are like as well.
✒︎➤ Graham & Taeli had a sweet, relaxed chemistry that turned out to be a little spicier in the bedroom than I was expecting 🌶️.
✒︎➤ Graham was a sweet, solid stand up guy kind of hero. It was particularly sweet how he gave Taeli’s son a reliable man to count on, in addition to providing that to Taeli. Both of them really needed that. His whole family really was so welcoming to her & her son without getting too pushy.
And some not so strong…
✒︎➤ LAW was a little rushed & a little underdeveloped in the first half in places. Two instances especially, I might’ve got some whiplash 🫣 tbh. The pace settled after a bit though. Hopefully, as the series goes, those things will be a bit more fleshed out.
✒︎➤ I didn’t dislike Taeli, but I felt a little disconnected from her emotions at times. Like her emotional romantic feelings for Graham sometimes were a bit vague when it became more between them.
So yeah, maybe my socks weren’t knocked off per se, but all in all, a nice, solid start to the series & hopefully just builds as it goes.
February 12, 2025
This was a big win for me. It has aspects of a lot I like in a book of late. Widower, cheating ex, great story line, good banter, great side characters.
There’s little I didn’t like TBH
There’s little I didn’t like TBH
January 14, 2026
This book was a KU find that quenched my angst / drama romance craving. This one was a good mux of fluff and amgst although Id say the story leans heavily heavy on small town fluffiness and most of the angst is resolved after the first 2 chapters.
The fmc finds herself fleeing the life that she had built for 20 years woth her husband after his pregnant mistress knocks on her door one day with a ' hey , he's mine now ' message for her. She takes her son.fiiles for divorce and goes to stay with her parents in small town America.
She starts to rebuild her life there and reunites with small town royalty , the mmc is several years older and still mourns the death of his wife. There's a huge contrast between the hero and the loser lishusband ( who is a complete cake eater- he wanted her to stay and saw the mistress more as ' fun on the side'). I ate up that contrast because as I said theres a lot of fluffy scenes involved in the new romance and the new man is like prince charming, sweeping her off her feet plus taking on a father role to her son.
I liked the book but honestly wanted to see a little more drama as I felt like her new life just seemed too perfect ( not realistic enough).
The fmc finds herself fleeing the life that she had built for 20 years woth her husband after his pregnant mistress knocks on her door one day with a ' hey , he's mine now ' message for her. She takes her son.fiiles for divorce and goes to stay with her parents in small town America.
She starts to rebuild her life there and reunites with small town royalty , the mmc is several years older and still mourns the death of his wife. There's a huge contrast between the hero and the loser lishusband ( who is a complete cake eater- he wanted her to stay and saw the mistress more as ' fun on the side'). I ate up that contrast because as I said theres a lot of fluffy scenes involved in the new romance and the new man is like prince charming, sweeping her off her feet plus taking on a father role to her son.
I liked the book but honestly wanted to see a little more drama as I felt like her new life just seemed too perfect ( not realistic enough).
January 29, 2022
I fell in love with this author’s words when I discovered the Poplar Falls series, and read the books so fast I barely came up for air. Life After Wife is a completely new storyline with the same small-town feel and wonderful characters you’d want to be friends with in real life.
Set in Balsam Ridge, Tennessee, Amber describes every detail of the picturesque scenery and readers can just envision the view of the mountains, the sound and smells of the river, and the feel of the breeze as the sun sets on the back porch of her mom’s robin-egg blue colonial farmhouse. I just want to get lost in this town and its people!
Graham Tuttle is one of six brothers with parents who are still happily married and pillars of the community. How refreshing! Graham was raised to help others, work hard and give generously, as well as to appreciate and respect nature. He works with his father in the family business Tuttle and Sons Realty. In addition, they build and restore vacation cabins and cottages and operate Rocky Pass Vacation Rentals. Our man Graham is hot and handy and the whole damn swoony package.
He is a widower and when Taeli moves back home for the summer with her 12-year-old son, Caleb, after being away for all of her adult life, she immediately catches his eye. She left her cheating husband of 16 years to put things in perspective and some healing, never expecting to reconnect with Graham and feel so drawn to him. Love that both of their moms were friends and were hoping for a love connection.
Graham was everything she never knew she needed. I loved how she could honestly reflect on her life choices and realized how materialistic she had become as a trophy wife. She did some deep soul searching and I respected that. It’s not easy to change your ways as an adult, but moving back to Tennessee, getting to know her mother better, and reconnecting with her high school friends (who were a hoot), gave her a very clear understanding of what is really important in life. Her life after “wife.”
I admire how strong Taeli was to leave an unhealthy situation and start over, and that she found work at the Tuttle's vocation rental business which she enjoyed and where she was able to utilize her office manager skills. She loved seeing Caleb make friends and enjoy outdoor activities instead of being isolated with his head buried in his phone. A parent is only as happy as her least happy kid and he really blossomed as well.
Graham was a wonderful role model for Caleb, and I truly can’t find one fault with the man. He’s a rugged outdoorsman with a quiet strength, knows how to communicate, is patient, loves her son, and plans the most thoughtful dates. He ticks all my boxes. And the fact that he is tall, dark and handsome, and knows how to please a woman, just seals the deal. Below are two of my favorite of his quotes:
When talking about how you treat a woman...“My pop taught me that, not with his words, but by the way he looked at, spoke to, and handled my mother every day of my life. He didn’t have to say it, he lived it.”
“And I know she’s too good for me, but I’m willing to spend the rest of my life trying to be good enough for her.”
This book is for the true romantic at heart, so if you are looking for a love story with little angst, then start right here. We are sure to get more as there are still five single Tuttle brothers: Langford is spearheading the new ski resort in Balsam Ridge; Corbin is the chief of Valley Fire and Rescue, Weston owns an organic CBD farm; Garret is a country music star, and Morris, the youngest brother, still lives at home.
Set in Balsam Ridge, Tennessee, Amber describes every detail of the picturesque scenery and readers can just envision the view of the mountains, the sound and smells of the river, and the feel of the breeze as the sun sets on the back porch of her mom’s robin-egg blue colonial farmhouse. I just want to get lost in this town and its people!
Graham Tuttle is one of six brothers with parents who are still happily married and pillars of the community. How refreshing! Graham was raised to help others, work hard and give generously, as well as to appreciate and respect nature. He works with his father in the family business Tuttle and Sons Realty. In addition, they build and restore vacation cabins and cottages and operate Rocky Pass Vacation Rentals. Our man Graham is hot and handy and the whole damn swoony package.
He is a widower and when Taeli moves back home for the summer with her 12-year-old son, Caleb, after being away for all of her adult life, she immediately catches his eye. She left her cheating husband of 16 years to put things in perspective and some healing, never expecting to reconnect with Graham and feel so drawn to him. Love that both of their moms were friends and were hoping for a love connection.
Graham was everything she never knew she needed. I loved how she could honestly reflect on her life choices and realized how materialistic she had become as a trophy wife. She did some deep soul searching and I respected that. It’s not easy to change your ways as an adult, but moving back to Tennessee, getting to know her mother better, and reconnecting with her high school friends (who were a hoot), gave her a very clear understanding of what is really important in life. Her life after “wife.”
I admire how strong Taeli was to leave an unhealthy situation and start over, and that she found work at the Tuttle's vocation rental business which she enjoyed and where she was able to utilize her office manager skills. She loved seeing Caleb make friends and enjoy outdoor activities instead of being isolated with his head buried in his phone. A parent is only as happy as her least happy kid and he really blossomed as well.
Graham was a wonderful role model for Caleb, and I truly can’t find one fault with the man. He’s a rugged outdoorsman with a quiet strength, knows how to communicate, is patient, loves her son, and plans the most thoughtful dates. He ticks all my boxes. And the fact that he is tall, dark and handsome, and knows how to please a woman, just seals the deal. Below are two of my favorite of his quotes:
When talking about how you treat a woman...“My pop taught me that, not with his words, but by the way he looked at, spoke to, and handled my mother every day of my life. He didn’t have to say it, he lived it.”
“And I know she’s too good for me, but I’m willing to spend the rest of my life trying to be good enough for her.”
This book is for the true romantic at heart, so if you are looking for a love story with little angst, then start right here. We are sure to get more as there are still five single Tuttle brothers: Langford is spearheading the new ski resort in Balsam Ridge; Corbin is the chief of Valley Fire and Rescue, Weston owns an organic CBD farm; Garret is a country music star, and Morris, the youngest brother, still lives at home.
February 10, 2022
Life After Wife is a sweet, small town second chance romance that I truly enjoyed.
Taeli moves back home to Tennessee from Chicago with her son after her marriage ends. I loved watching her rediscover herself and renew old friendships. She meets a wonderful man named Graham who not only treats her well, but is a great role model for her son. So many great moments!
A very good romantic story, Life After Wife is a first in a series and I am looking forward to the next one.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Taeli moves back home to Tennessee from Chicago with her son after her marriage ends. I loved watching her rediscover herself and renew old friendships. She meets a wonderful man named Graham who not only treats her well, but is a great role model for her son. So many great moments!
A very good romantic story, Life After Wife is a first in a series and I am looking forward to the next one.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
December 31, 2025
Que hermosa lectura, la historia de Graham y Taeli me gusto mucho porque es un amor de dos adultos que ya tienen su vida hecha y saben lo que quieren, Graham perdió a su esposa hace años por el cáncer y el amor con el que habla de ella y sus recuerdos te hacen ver que realmente es un hombre con todas las letras. Taeli es una madre que después de descubrir que su esposo la engaña decide regresar a su ciudad natal en busca de un propósito en la vida y lo encuentra en la familia de Graham y su madre que la reciben con los brazos abiertos con mucho amor.
Algo que me gusto es que mostraran la realidad de una relación de madre e hijo porque ella después de su ruptura decidió proteger a su hijo y no le conto lo que hizo su padre aún sabiendo que se iba a ganar el rechazo de el porque quedo como la mujer que lo alejo de sus amigos y ciudad, Graham fue de mucha ayuda para la relación de ellos porque lo aconsejaba como un amigo y le dió muchos valores que servirían para si vida y el vínculo que crearon fue muy lindo, además que era muy tierno con ella y la veía y valoraba mucho ♥️
Algo que me gusto es que mostraran la realidad de una relación de madre e hijo porque ella después de su ruptura decidió proteger a su hijo y no le conto lo que hizo su padre aún sabiendo que se iba a ganar el rechazo de el porque quedo como la mujer que lo alejo de sus amigos y ciudad, Graham fue de mucha ayuda para la relación de ellos porque lo aconsejaba como un amigo y le dió muchos valores que servirían para si vida y el vínculo que crearon fue muy lindo, además que era muy tierno con ella y la veía y valoraba mucho ♥️
August 10, 2022
I can get behind this scenario!
So appreciate the cheater left wallowing in a demise of his own construction while his wronged partner and progeny flourish!
So appreciate the cheater left wallowing in a demise of his own construction while his wronged partner and progeny flourish!
January 15, 2026
3.5 stars. It's been awhile since I've read something without a lot of angst, but it was a good breather in between. h comes back to hometown after finding out her husband cheated and impregnated his assistant. At first I really didn't like the FMC because she was stuck up and judging everyone. Then snapping at everyone who was concerned for her. It was probably done purposely so she'd pull that stick out of her ass. Even I wanted to smack her. But she starts coming back to herself the longer she stays in Tennessee. She meets Graham the H whose family basically runs the town. He's a widower, but he's not dwelling on it. He's moved on. And once he meets Taeli he's pretty smitten. I'm probably spelling her name wrong. She was a bit unforgettable for me unfortunately. 🙈 There is some comeuppance for her ex. And the FMC moves on with Graham while having a healthier relationship with her son. Overall it was a nice and easy read.
July 20, 2023
Poorly written.
I was looking forward to this series after reading the description, but this first book is written so poorly, I had to force myself to finish it (even though we all knew what the ending would be). The storyline is cute and could make for a great book and series, but it's written about as well as my preschoolers' books. The plot development isn't there, and the descriptors and inner thoughts are very poorly written. It's like the author has never taken a basic english class and doesn't understand varying sentence structures. The only decent part of ot was the dialogue was semi-decent. There doesn't need to be some half-page long monologue, attempting to teach some life lesson every other page. It's too much. Extremely disappointing.
I was looking forward to this series after reading the description, but this first book is written so poorly, I had to force myself to finish it (even though we all knew what the ending would be). The storyline is cute and could make for a great book and series, but it's written about as well as my preschoolers' books. The plot development isn't there, and the descriptors and inner thoughts are very poorly written. It's like the author has never taken a basic english class and doesn't understand varying sentence structures. The only decent part of ot was the dialogue was semi-decent. There doesn't need to be some half-page long monologue, attempting to teach some life lesson every other page. It's too much. Extremely disappointing.
February 4, 2022
Amber Kelly is a fairly new author to me, in fact I have only read one other book by her and I really don’t understand why she hasn’t crossed my radar long ago. So I was very happy to find out I could join her new series from the start instead of playing catch up. This is Taeli and Graham’s story and this book will certainly appeal to a wide range of audiences, from small town romance lovers to single parent lovers, it has something for everyone.
Taeli has moved home to Balsam Ridge with her son for the summer to work her life out. She was just getting over a failing marriage so the last thing she expects is to meet and fall in love with a man she briefly knew in high school. Graham never thought he would find love again, once was enough until a single mum and her son walked into his life ……
This story touched me on so many levels, I swooned, I sighed, I smiled and I fell hard and fast for this couple. This is a story about love, trust and taking chances, it’s about families and I highly recommend everyone one clicks this gem. I can’t wait for book 2
Taeli has moved home to Balsam Ridge with her son for the summer to work her life out. She was just getting over a failing marriage so the last thing she expects is to meet and fall in love with a man she briefly knew in high school. Graham never thought he would find love again, once was enough until a single mum and her son walked into his life ……
This story touched me on so many levels, I swooned, I sighed, I smiled and I fell hard and fast for this couple. This is a story about love, trust and taking chances, it’s about families and I highly recommend everyone one clicks this gem. I can’t wait for book 2
January 25, 2022
After finally binging the Poplar Falls series last year i was like i need more. But then Amber Kelly said well I have a new small town series coming. And of course i was on board.
Let me tell you this book is sooo good. It reminds me of Poplar Falls but at the same time it doesn't. New characters, new small town but still all the heart of Amber's writing.
Life is filled with mistakes, changes and finding yourself again. It also filled with hope, love and family. Taeli goes back to her home town to breath and find the strength to move forward. What could be better than the help from a sexy, generous man like Graham.
The chemistry was combustible, the connection undeniable and the love unbreakable . The two are perfect together and just what the other needs.
Amber weaves a beautiful love story that will pull on the heartstrings and make your heart full. I look forward to so much more in Balsam Ridge.
Let me tell you this book is sooo good. It reminds me of Poplar Falls but at the same time it doesn't. New characters, new small town but still all the heart of Amber's writing.
Life is filled with mistakes, changes and finding yourself again. It also filled with hope, love and family. Taeli goes back to her home town to breath and find the strength to move forward. What could be better than the help from a sexy, generous man like Graham.
The chemistry was combustible, the connection undeniable and the love unbreakable . The two are perfect together and just what the other needs.
Amber weaves a beautiful love story that will pull on the heartstrings and make your heart full. I look forward to so much more in Balsam Ridge.
June 24, 2022
Life After Wife is the start of the newest small town romance series from Amber Kelly. I had read the author’s other small series, Poplar Falls 3 years ago so I was excited to check out this new series. This books features a second chance at life and new relationships, finding love after loss and/or betrayal, and just new beginnings for so many of the characters.
Taeli is headed back to her small mountain hometown of Balsam Ridge, Tennessee. After her husband of 16 years cheated on her and got someone else pregnant, Taeli had enough and packed up herself and their 12-year-old son Caleb. They move in for the summer with her mom and on their first day they meet Graham Tuttle, whose family owns many businesses around town and has been looking after Taeli’s mom and helping out since the loss of Taeli’s father 5 years ago. And so this is Graham and Taeli’s sweet romance.
Taeli is still dealing with her ex, trying to connect with her preteen son, finding a new job, reconnecting with old friends, and trying to understand her mom. Graham was married and lost his wife over a decade ago to cancer and so this story is kind of both of their second chance at new love. I liked seeing everyone get a new beginning and I liked this small town and the characters. As far as the story and the romance, it was okay. Sweet, safe, and predictable. Nothing I hadn’t read or watched a movie for before, but at the same time it was what I wanted when I picked it up so it worked.
Taeli is headed back to her small mountain hometown of Balsam Ridge, Tennessee. After her husband of 16 years cheated on her and got someone else pregnant, Taeli had enough and packed up herself and their 12-year-old son Caleb. They move in for the summer with her mom and on their first day they meet Graham Tuttle, whose family owns many businesses around town and has been looking after Taeli’s mom and helping out since the loss of Taeli’s father 5 years ago. And so this is Graham and Taeli’s sweet romance.
Taeli is still dealing with her ex, trying to connect with her preteen son, finding a new job, reconnecting with old friends, and trying to understand her mom. Graham was married and lost his wife over a decade ago to cancer and so this story is kind of both of their second chance at new love. I liked seeing everyone get a new beginning and I liked this small town and the characters. As far as the story and the romance, it was okay. Sweet, safe, and predictable. Nothing I hadn’t read or watched a movie for before, but at the same time it was what I wanted when I picked it up so it worked.
January 31, 2022
5 star review of Life After Wife (Balsam Ridge #1) by Amber Kelly
Having only read one other book by Amber Kelly, when I learnt she had a new series releasing I jumped at the opportunity to read. From the start I was drawn into the story of Taeli and Graham Tuttle when she returns home to Balsam Ridge, Tennessee for the summer.
I enjoy single parent stories as well as ones set in a small town so for me this was a win/win. Life After Wife was well written with characters that were easy to like and relate to. The last thing Taeli expected was to meet and fall in love with a man since she is still recovering from the breakdown of her marriage. However Graham is a man who she find hard to resist and the chemistry between them sizzles.
I loved the progression of Taeli and Graham’s relationship. It was one that will get to you on a number of levels. It is a story of taking chances, love and family . Will Taeli decide to stay in Balsam Ridge and take a chance with Graham or will she leave again? .
I fell hard for these characters and the story that Ms.Kelly wove and I am excited to see where she takes this series.
Having only read one other book by Amber Kelly, when I learnt she had a new series releasing I jumped at the opportunity to read. From the start I was drawn into the story of Taeli and Graham Tuttle when she returns home to Balsam Ridge, Tennessee for the summer.
I enjoy single parent stories as well as ones set in a small town so for me this was a win/win. Life After Wife was well written with characters that were easy to like and relate to. The last thing Taeli expected was to meet and fall in love with a man since she is still recovering from the breakdown of her marriage. However Graham is a man who she find hard to resist and the chemistry between them sizzles.
I loved the progression of Taeli and Graham’s relationship. It was one that will get to you on a number of levels. It is a story of taking chances, love and family . Will Taeli decide to stay in Balsam Ridge and take a chance with Graham or will she leave again? .
I fell hard for these characters and the story that Ms.Kelly wove and I am excited to see where she takes this series.
January 26, 2022
Wow! I am completely blown away by this absolutely beautiful story!
Taeli is sweet, beautiful, and so worthy of happiness. Graham is strong, sexy, and kind. These two together are nothing short of spectacular. I fell in love with them and their journey so quickly.
This is an utterly exquisite story of second chances and learning to love again. I was hooked from the start and couldn't stop. I was completely drawn into the story, feeling every emotion the characters felt. Such a beautiful story. Five stars.
Taeli is sweet, beautiful, and so worthy of happiness. Graham is strong, sexy, and kind. These two together are nothing short of spectacular. I fell in love with them and their journey so quickly.
This is an utterly exquisite story of second chances and learning to love again. I was hooked from the start and couldn't stop. I was completely drawn into the story, feeling every emotion the characters felt. Such a beautiful story. Five stars.
January 31, 2022
GAH this book will rock you to your core. It felt so raw and real with the emotions bleeding off the pages for Taeli as she tries to get her life back on track. And while she makes some mistakes along the way, especially with her 12 year old son explaining how things all went down with his dad, she found solace in Graham. What started out as something so casual blossomed into something more and their connection really ran deep through this story. It was like a moth to a flame with how they were attracted to each other. You couldn’t help but swoon for Graham as he took Caleb under his wing. Graham showed both of them what a life with love and trust could be. I really adored this story and the fluidity of it and I am so looking forward to what will be coming with Balsam Ridge and these Tuttle boys!
January 29, 2022
How do you find your voice while hiding your soul? Life After Wife is an exploration of self discovery. Kelly pulls the heart into one woman's quest to feel whole again. From laugh out loud to break the heart, no one can touch the soul quite like Amber Kelly. Small town heart meets big city personality with heartwarming results.
January 30, 2024
Oooof, this was cute!
I love a good small town romance.
It pulled me in right from the start, a little bit of drama always hooks my attention.
I wasn't sure about Taeli and Graham at first, their connection happened a bit faster than I expected. BUT their story ended up being so cute and I loved their relationship. It also felt very mature, so yay for that!
My first Amber Kelly book... definitely not my last.
I love a good small town romance.
It pulled me in right from the start, a little bit of drama always hooks my attention.
I wasn't sure about Taeli and Graham at first, their connection happened a bit faster than I expected. BUT their story ended up being so cute and I loved their relationship. It also felt very mature, so yay for that!
My first Amber Kelly book... definitely not my last.
February 5, 2022
I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review and I have to say WOW!!! I felt so many emotions reading this book that I felt like I was a part of it. I absolutely love second chance love stories and this one did not disappoint. Amber is such a master storyteller and I wish I could give her 10 stars! I am hoping this was only the beginning of a Tuttle series?
February 5, 2022
beautiful story
Life after WIFE…. This book will have you laughing out loud, but knowing the serious nature of picking up your life in the aftermath of separation and divorce. This story is one of healing and it is beautiful.
Life after WIFE…. This book will have you laughing out loud, but knowing the serious nature of picking up your life in the aftermath of separation and divorce. This story is one of healing and it is beautiful.
March 18, 2022
really enjoyed this story. I liked how the heroine knew her worth and LOVED the ultimate hero of the story. The supporting characters made for a really rich small town read
May 8, 2022
Great
Great book...love Taeli, Graham and Caleb. Damon is a complete pig!! Definitely recommend this and look forward to reading more about the Tuttles
Great book...love Taeli, Graham and Caleb. Damon is a complete pig!! Definitely recommend this and look forward to reading more about the Tuttles
September 6, 2023
Мила та легка книга.
December 4, 2023
Que livro perfeitoooooooooo......
January 30, 2022
What a fitting title that I never really thought much about, but truly holds so much meaning. Taeli has spent the better part of her adult life by Damon’s side and when she’s finally decides to put herself first, she must learn who she is after being Damon’s wife. Throughout the story, Taeli not only learns about herself but also about the mother she thought she knew and how the death of her father, left Leona in a similar cross road in life. Who are you as a woman once you are no longer a wife. Amber did an amazing job wring Taeli’s relationship with everyone in her life, including herself. Finding herself has allowed her to see what else is out there and taught her coming home again can give you a peace you never expected. Taeli is then able to open her heart to the amazing love between her and Graham, repair the love between mother and daughter and show her son what is important in life. Loved this book!
July 15, 2023
Amazing!!
This is the first book in a new series and what an emotional roller coaster journey this story is. This is a well written story which has engaging and realistic characters, witty banter, humour, family, friendships, undeniable chemistry, intrigue, heartbreak, and love which all leads to a poignant and entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is the first book in a new series and what an emotional roller coaster journey this story is. This is a well written story which has engaging and realistic characters, witty banter, humour, family, friendships, undeniable chemistry, intrigue, heartbreak, and love which all leads to a poignant and entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 20, 2022
*3.25
May 25, 2023
Slow.
Not a lot of feelings. A lot of telling and not showing. There was a quick jump in to a new relationship after her husband cheated on her and not really much of a plot line.
Not a lot of feelings. A lot of telling and not showing. There was a quick jump in to a new relationship after her husband cheated on her and not really much of a plot line.
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