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Engaging Emma
As a successful doctor in Los Angeles, Tucker Madsen left his small-town roots behind long ago, trading his flannel shirts for a glossy lifestyle and a beautiful fiancée. But when his mother requests his help to sell the family farm, Tucker reluctantly returns to a place that holds more memories than he cares to admit. Normal, Missouri, was the site of the golden days of childhood—and the blush of first love.
Tucker fell in love with Emma McAllister at seventeen, but when youthful promises of forever ended in heartbreak, he and Emma both moved on. Or so they thought. When they are unexpectedly reunited at the Madsen family farm, both are unprepared for the rush of feelings that brings into question everything they thought they knew. They could never have imagined that now, years after they were torn apart, fate would offer them a second chance in the place where it all began. But when faced with the realities of the separate lives they’ve built, history seems doomed to repeat itself.
Tucker fell in love with Emma McAllister at seventeen, but when youthful promises of forever ended in heartbreak, he and Emma both moved on. Or so they thought. When they are unexpectedly reunited at the Madsen family farm, both are unprepared for the rush of feelings that brings into question everything they thought they knew. They could never have imagined that now, years after they were torn apart, fate would offer them a second chance in the place where it all began. But when faced with the realities of the separate lives they’ve built, history seems doomed to repeat itself.
232 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2022
9 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 22, 2022
I thought this was a fun debut from new author, Elle Adams. I enjoyed her writing style and storytelling and look forward to reading more books from her.
I enjoyed the small town setting of Normal, Missouri and the cast of characters that live there. Emma is a likable heroine, who has big dreams. I like that she is kind and is always trying to help people. I also like that she didnt fall all over Tucker when he waltzes back into town. Tucker is kind of at a crossroads, although he doesnt really realize it yet. He has spent so much time away from home, but comes back when he learns his grandmother is wanting to sale their farm. It was fun to see him fall in love with the people and town that he had once loved. I did like Tucker and Emma, but with him being engaged for most the book I had wished that had been taken care of a bit earlier in the story so I could really get behind this budding new (renewed?) relationship. I'm a sucker for second chance love stories and it was nice to see them reunited after so much had kept them apart.
I really enjoyed this one and couldn't put it down!
Content Rated G
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Other: Very mild religious content
I enjoyed the small town setting of Normal, Missouri and the cast of characters that live there. Emma is a likable heroine, who has big dreams. I like that she is kind and is always trying to help people. I also like that she didnt fall all over Tucker when he waltzes back into town. Tucker is kind of at a crossroads, although he doesnt really realize it yet. He has spent so much time away from home, but comes back when he learns his grandmother is wanting to sale their farm. It was fun to see him fall in love with the people and town that he had once loved. I did like Tucker and Emma, but with him being engaged for most the book I had wished that had been taken care of a bit earlier in the story so I could really get behind this budding new (renewed?) relationship. I'm a sucker for second chance love stories and it was nice to see them reunited after so much had kept them apart.
I really enjoyed this one and couldn't put it down!
Content Rated G
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Other: Very mild religious content
April 11, 2022
Who doesn’t love a second change romance? Emma and Tucker spent a magical summer together before he went off to college while she still had a year of high school left. He has returned to their small town near Branson at the request of his grandmother to over see some some land deals. Tucker is now a doctor, lives in California and is engaged. Emma still lives in town and has started an event business in the barn she has purchased from his grandmother. The next plans are for her to buy the family house which she wants to turn into and B & B after grandma’s death. Tucker is upset about the plans for the family home but he doesn’t want to give up his life in CA. If you read it just for two people to get together this is probably a 4-5 star book.
Small spoilers ahead. For me the devil is in the details. I have a hard time calling this a romance because one of the persons is engaged until the 90 percent point. So maybe they took a pause, but this isn’t Ross and Rachel on Friends. He is not free to look at or pursue another relationship during the majority of the book. Tucker does suggest an alternate place for the B & B and slaps some paint on it. But Emma has already had plans drawn up on the other house. The monetary costs would be entirely different as would the business plan. Financially none of this book makes sense. My MBA has me wondering why Emma needs a financial backer for the B & B but she didn’t need one for the event Barn. And then with money so tight Emma sells her family home to prop up the event business, grandma replies if I’d known I would have just given you the land. I don’t know what world these people live in. And putting into a future sell agreement a clause about a non-involved party wanting first option to buy land makes no fiscal sense either. I’m willing to suspend some reality for a romance but it needs to have some plausibility. The book is squeaky clean for content and language. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Small spoilers ahead. For me the devil is in the details. I have a hard time calling this a romance because one of the persons is engaged until the 90 percent point. So maybe they took a pause, but this isn’t Ross and Rachel on Friends. He is not free to look at or pursue another relationship during the majority of the book. Tucker does suggest an alternate place for the B & B and slaps some paint on it. But Emma has already had plans drawn up on the other house. The monetary costs would be entirely different as would the business plan. Financially none of this book makes sense. My MBA has me wondering why Emma needs a financial backer for the B & B but she didn’t need one for the event Barn. And then with money so tight Emma sells her family home to prop up the event business, grandma replies if I’d known I would have just given you the land. I don’t know what world these people live in. And putting into a future sell agreement a clause about a non-involved party wanting first option to buy land makes no fiscal sense either. I’m willing to suspend some reality for a romance but it needs to have some plausibility. The book is squeaky clean for content and language. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2022
This debut novel is a cute childhood friends to more, second-chance romance with a touch of enemies to lovers that takes place in a small town. Tucker and Allison became friends as teens which turned into love but then he went away to college to become a doctor and their promise that they'd be together forever was forgotten. Or was it?
Emma McAllister is shocked to see Tucker Madsen back in Normal, Missouri. She hasn't seen him since he went away to college in California 12 years ago. The way she sees it, once Tucker left he forgot about the promise they made to each other of never forgetting each another, and now, not only does Emma have to see him around town, but she has to deal with him until the sale on his grandma's farm is finalized.
The last thing Tucker wants to do is sell his grandmother's farm. He has a lot of memories of time spent there until he left for college. He doesn't want his grandmother to sell it and can't believe Emma is the one buying it. He's also not happy with her plans for the it. He just wants to get the deal done and return to his life in California.
I love second chance romances and enemies to love stories and I got both with Emma and Tucker's story. There's a strong enemies to love vibe because of the way Emma and Tucker's relationship ended all those years ago, and they're also on opposing sides in the should-grandma-sell-the-farm situation. Tucker was being obstinate about it, but Emma wasn't about to give up her dream and let him have his way. These two had a lot to work out and their past was affecting their present. There were a few times I wanted to Gibbs slap both of them, then lock them in an empty room until they'd talked to each other. I knew there was more to their breakup than Tucker just going off to college, and I was right!
I really liked Emma's best friend Nina, and Tucker's grandma, even though I knew grandma was up to something. I didn't really care for Tucker's fiancé and found myself wondering how they got together in the first place and if they'd have gotten married if Tucker hadn't gone back to Normal to help his grandma. I liked getting to see Emma preparing for events and the descriptions of the decor. It helped me picture everything in my mind as I read. I loved the Thanksgiving scene and this exchange between Emma and Mini Jones made me laugh out loud. "What's a carb?" "I'm not sure, but I think they're illegal in California."
This is a wonderful debut novel and I'll definitely read more from this author. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Covenant Communications via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Emma McAllister is shocked to see Tucker Madsen back in Normal, Missouri. She hasn't seen him since he went away to college in California 12 years ago. The way she sees it, once Tucker left he forgot about the promise they made to each other of never forgetting each another, and now, not only does Emma have to see him around town, but she has to deal with him until the sale on his grandma's farm is finalized.
The last thing Tucker wants to do is sell his grandmother's farm. He has a lot of memories of time spent there until he left for college. He doesn't want his grandmother to sell it and can't believe Emma is the one buying it. He's also not happy with her plans for the it. He just wants to get the deal done and return to his life in California.
I love second chance romances and enemies to love stories and I got both with Emma and Tucker's story. There's a strong enemies to love vibe because of the way Emma and Tucker's relationship ended all those years ago, and they're also on opposing sides in the should-grandma-sell-the-farm situation. Tucker was being obstinate about it, but Emma wasn't about to give up her dream and let him have his way. These two had a lot to work out and their past was affecting their present. There were a few times I wanted to Gibbs slap both of them, then lock them in an empty room until they'd talked to each other. I knew there was more to their breakup than Tucker just going off to college, and I was right!
I really liked Emma's best friend Nina, and Tucker's grandma, even though I knew grandma was up to something. I didn't really care for Tucker's fiancé and found myself wondering how they got together in the first place and if they'd have gotten married if Tucker hadn't gone back to Normal to help his grandma. I liked getting to see Emma preparing for events and the descriptions of the decor. It helped me picture everything in my mind as I read. I loved the Thanksgiving scene and this exchange between Emma and Mini Jones made me laugh out loud. "What's a carb?" "I'm not sure, but I think they're illegal in California."
This is a wonderful debut novel and I'll definitely read more from this author. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Covenant Communications via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 8, 2022
This book was the perfect dose of small-town sweetness! I had so much fun losing myself in the story, and eagerly await more books from this author!
May 17, 2022
You never quite know what you’re going to get with a debut author. I was really impressed with this book by Elle M Adams. Her characters were great, her plot was engaging. This book is so great!
I love the way the reader is introduced to the backstory of Emma and Tucker. Little by little, through each of their eyes. It really kept me drawn in to the story. This is a second chance love story. And the author did such a great job with that part of the plot.
I really loved Emma. The way she and Tucker’s grandma, Miss Lily, were such great friends was sweet. I loved that there were things about her relationship with Tucker from before that Emma didn’t know and had to find out along the way. And she must have been a saint to deal with the mother-of-the-bride she had to deal with in this book!
Tucker is a California guy, come home to help sell the family farm. I loved his surprise for what was going to be done and concern for the family home. He thought he’d take care of things and head back, but that’s not quite how things went.
There are so many great side characters in this book. I’d love to know more about what happens to the people in the town, Nina, and Miss Lily in particular.
This is such a great debut novel, make sure to grab your own copy!
I love the way the reader is introduced to the backstory of Emma and Tucker. Little by little, through each of their eyes. It really kept me drawn in to the story. This is a second chance love story. And the author did such a great job with that part of the plot.
I really loved Emma. The way she and Tucker’s grandma, Miss Lily, were such great friends was sweet. I loved that there were things about her relationship with Tucker from before that Emma didn’t know and had to find out along the way. And she must have been a saint to deal with the mother-of-the-bride she had to deal with in this book!
Tucker is a California guy, come home to help sell the family farm. I loved his surprise for what was going to be done and concern for the family home. He thought he’d take care of things and head back, but that’s not quite how things went.
There are so many great side characters in this book. I’d love to know more about what happens to the people in the town, Nina, and Miss Lily in particular.
This is such a great debut novel, make sure to grab your own copy!
December 23, 2024
I really liked this story! Once I started reading, I could not stop! With this being Elle M. Adams' first book, I was pleasantly surprised! This is very much a second chance romance with a bit of forced proximity and maybe even a somewhat forbidden romance.
Twelve years ago, Tucker proposed to Emma when they were just two young kids that fell in love over the summer. It was too soon, they were too young, and of course she said no because of that. But they were very much in love! He left after that summer, and they had plans to stay in touch, BUT they never did! Twelve years pass, and it's not until Tucker is called home to help with his Grandma's estate that they are reunited again. What happens when you have to be around your first love almost every day?! It's killing both of them wondering why the other never got in touch. And now when Tucker comes back ... he's engaged! Tucker only will be there until his grandmother's estate is handled, and then he will leave. But Tucker and Emma struggle to be around each other so frequently. The feelings are there. They always have been. But he isn't staying...he left before and he will leave again. Emma can not go through that heartbreak again.
But perhaps life sometimes is all about timing? Their timing wasn't right the first time, but can things work out a second time around? Is it worth the risk?
Sweet, sweet story. I do understand some of the negative reviews about Tuckers' behavior given that he's engaged to someone else for much of the story. So some of the romance falls in that forbidden romance category, perhaps. But all in all, for me, that wasn't a deal breaker on the story. I loved the chemistry between Emma and Tucker, their past together, and the community in Normal Missouri made this story just that much sweeter. I can't wait to read Elle's next book: "Madly Yours" which will feature Tucker's sister Whippet's story. ❤️
Twelve years ago, Tucker proposed to Emma when they were just two young kids that fell in love over the summer. It was too soon, they were too young, and of course she said no because of that. But they were very much in love! He left after that summer, and they had plans to stay in touch, BUT they never did! Twelve years pass, and it's not until Tucker is called home to help with his Grandma's estate that they are reunited again. What happens when you have to be around your first love almost every day?! It's killing both of them wondering why the other never got in touch. And now when Tucker comes back ... he's engaged! Tucker only will be there until his grandmother's estate is handled, and then he will leave. But Tucker and Emma struggle to be around each other so frequently. The feelings are there. They always have been. But he isn't staying...he left before and he will leave again. Emma can not go through that heartbreak again.
But perhaps life sometimes is all about timing? Their timing wasn't right the first time, but can things work out a second time around? Is it worth the risk?
Sweet, sweet story. I do understand some of the negative reviews about Tuckers' behavior given that he's engaged to someone else for much of the story. So some of the romance falls in that forbidden romance category, perhaps. But all in all, for me, that wasn't a deal breaker on the story. I loved the chemistry between Emma and Tucker, their past together, and the community in Normal Missouri made this story just that much sweeter. I can't wait to read Elle's next book: "Madly Yours" which will feature Tucker's sister Whippet's story. ❤️
April 22, 2022
An absolutely beautiful and heartfelt debut, I truly enjoyed this story!
I was excited to have won an advance reader copy of this book especially as a fan of contemporary romance. This debut was even stronger and better than I had hoped for going into it and I couldn't put the story down. It's the kind of story that would make for a top tier Hallmark movie. If you like writers such as Courtney Walsh and Meg Easton, I’d say this style lands somewhere in the mix of them.
Tucker and Emma were childhood friends with a friendship that blossomed into an even deeper romance. After circumstances kept them apart, Tucker returns to the town of Normal and finds himself working closely with Emma. Those feelings they both shared have not disappeared with time and the two soon find themselves unsure of the future. If you enjoy second chance romance, don't miss this book! I honestly was super impressed with the writing and the character growth. I loved the chemistry between Tucker and Emma as well. It was just coming off the page and I was fully invested in their happily ever after. I also loved that it was told in dual POV, that really helped me understand both of their actions, especially Tucker’s.
I won an advance reader copy of this novel through a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was excited to have won an advance reader copy of this book especially as a fan of contemporary romance. This debut was even stronger and better than I had hoped for going into it and I couldn't put the story down. It's the kind of story that would make for a top tier Hallmark movie. If you like writers such as Courtney Walsh and Meg Easton, I’d say this style lands somewhere in the mix of them.
Tucker and Emma were childhood friends with a friendship that blossomed into an even deeper romance. After circumstances kept them apart, Tucker returns to the town of Normal and finds himself working closely with Emma. Those feelings they both shared have not disappeared with time and the two soon find themselves unsure of the future. If you enjoy second chance romance, don't miss this book! I honestly was super impressed with the writing and the character growth. I loved the chemistry between Tucker and Emma as well. It was just coming off the page and I was fully invested in their happily ever after. I also loved that it was told in dual POV, that really helped me understand both of their actions, especially Tucker’s.
I won an advance reader copy of this novel through a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 2, 2022
This debut novel didn’t disappoint this hopeless romantic. Tucker and Emma’s childhood friendship blossomed to love in their late teenage years. However, 12 years later Tucker is a successful doctor in Los Angeles, and Emma is struggling to keep her business afloat in Normal, Missouri.
When Tucker’s grandmother requests him to return to Normal to help her finalize some plans, his past catches up with him. Emma is no longer the girl he left behind, but a beautiful woman trying to change his family’s property to a bed and breakfast.
I adored this book so much. It’s emotional, endearing, and funny. A perfect rom-com.
Book Highlights:
-Second-chance love
-Slow burn
-Strong female relationships
-Small-town setting
-Duel POV
What I loved:
-Jane Austen and Bronte sister references
-Comedic/protective best friend
-Honest/raw arguments
-Laugh-out moments
Thank you Netgalley and Covenant Communications for my ARC!
When Tucker’s grandmother requests him to return to Normal to help her finalize some plans, his past catches up with him. Emma is no longer the girl he left behind, but a beautiful woman trying to change his family’s property to a bed and breakfast.
I adored this book so much. It’s emotional, endearing, and funny. A perfect rom-com.
Book Highlights:
-Second-chance love
-Slow burn
-Strong female relationships
-Small-town setting
-Duel POV
What I loved:
-Jane Austen and Bronte sister references
-Comedic/protective best friend
-Honest/raw arguments
-Laugh-out moments
Thank you Netgalley and Covenant Communications for my ARC!
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December 30, 2025This was a quaint second chance, small-town romance. Enjoyable debut novel with “The Notebook” vibes.
April 28, 2022
I am a sucker for a cute second chance romance and this one was absolutely delightful!
Definitely some Hallmark vibes as Dr. Tucker Madsen returns to small town Normal to help his grandmother with the sale of her house, only to discover that his first love Emma is the one buying the house.
I was completely pulled into the story and had a hard time putting it down! Emma and Tucker are both hurt and stubborn yet still have feelings for each other and that makes for some great romantic tension, even if I did feel like yelling at them both a few times.
A protective best friend and a matchmaking grandma made the story extra fun, and let me just say that the epilogue was perfection.
I am surprised this is a debut novel and will definitely be reading more from this author! 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
Definitely some Hallmark vibes as Dr. Tucker Madsen returns to small town Normal to help his grandmother with the sale of her house, only to discover that his first love Emma is the one buying the house.
I was completely pulled into the story and had a hard time putting it down! Emma and Tucker are both hurt and stubborn yet still have feelings for each other and that makes for some great romantic tension, even if I did feel like yelling at them both a few times.
A protective best friend and a matchmaking grandma made the story extra fun, and let me just say that the epilogue was perfection.
I am surprised this is a debut novel and will definitely be reading more from this author! 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
May 5, 2022
I love second chances in a small town with the most delightful cast of characters. Tucker and Emma spent summers together until some unfortunate events happened that drove them apart. I love how they come together once again with the help of his grandma's potential property sale.
This is Adams debut novel and it was wonderful. The setting was so cozy and the plot flowed along at the perfect pace. I loved the bumps in the road and especially the interactions, forced as they were at times. The characters weren't perfect, but they were very likable.
Charming, sweet, and witty, this story read like a heartwarming holiday movie and the characters seeped deep into my heart.
Content: mild romance; very, very mild religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
This is Adams debut novel and it was wonderful. The setting was so cozy and the plot flowed along at the perfect pace. I loved the bumps in the road and especially the interactions, forced as they were at times. The characters weren't perfect, but they were very likable.
Charming, sweet, and witty, this story read like a heartwarming holiday movie and the characters seeped deep into my heart.
Content: mild romance; very, very mild religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
May 3, 2022
This debut novel from Elle M Adams is one not to be missed!
I'm becoming such a huge fan of second chance romance and this book had everything I was looking for in that trope. It was believable, enjoyable and all around fantastic. I was a little worried after the first chapter not feeling like I had enough context on how they fell in love the first time, but bits and pieces are thrown in throughout the entire book and helped round out those earlier years.
The pacing was perfect for a relaxing read. This is a curl up in a cozy blanket kind of book that you want to savor from start to finish.
I loved the characters. I thought both main characters were relatable and had so much personality. Emma's spunk was paired perfectly with Tucker's stubbornness! The grandma... she was such a favorite character of mine. Her one liners were epic. Everyone needs a grandma like her. The side characters were fun and I'm feeling like some side character spin offs are in our future. I'll be here for each and everyone of them if that is the case!!
I can't wait to see what comes next from this author!
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I'm becoming such a huge fan of second chance romance and this book had everything I was looking for in that trope. It was believable, enjoyable and all around fantastic. I was a little worried after the first chapter not feeling like I had enough context on how they fell in love the first time, but bits and pieces are thrown in throughout the entire book and helped round out those earlier years.
The pacing was perfect for a relaxing read. This is a curl up in a cozy blanket kind of book that you want to savor from start to finish.
I loved the characters. I thought both main characters were relatable and had so much personality. Emma's spunk was paired perfectly with Tucker's stubbornness! The grandma... she was such a favorite character of mine. Her one liners were epic. Everyone needs a grandma like her. The side characters were fun and I'm feeling like some side character spin offs are in our future. I'll be here for each and everyone of them if that is the case!!
I can't wait to see what comes next from this author!
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
November 20, 2022
Such an adorable second chance romance book! Emma and Tucker were childhood besties, then teenage sweethearts that were supposed to be forever. Until they weren’t. When Tucker is called back home to help his elderly grandma get her house ready to sell, he doesn’t expect to find his old flame so close to his family. Emma has always been close with Tucker’a grandma, but didn’t expect to have her heart be so traitorous after seeing Tucker back home. Will they ever figure out what went wrong ALL those years ago?
Expect to be stuck reading this book until it is finished. I read it in one sitting (thanks laundry). You will be sucked into this story and will want to find out what happens in the end.
Expect to be stuck reading this book until it is finished. I read it in one sitting (thanks laundry). You will be sucked into this story and will want to find out what happens in the end.
November 4, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down. After trying a few different romance books and them all swearing moments into the book I was frustrated, but then I found this book. It is so well written and such a fun book. It was like a Fall Hallmark movie in book form. I highly recommend!
August 16, 2022
This is a beautiful contemporary second chance story. Tucker moved away leaving Emma. When Tucker returns to Normal, Missouri to take care of his grandma, he is a successful doctor with a fiance who hasn't seen Emma in years. What he finds is an Emma who is taking over his family farm for the purposes of tourism. She is supported by his grandma.
Tucker and Emma have a past which is clear in their interactions as they struggle to trust each other. Their chemistry is undeniable, but there are issues that have to be resolved, including the fiance. They struggle to see eye to eye on Emma's vision and the fact that his grandmother is working to sell his family land to her and wants him to oversee the deal.
As they are forced to be in each other's company old issues and old feelings rise to the surface.
This is a fun story of second chances, small towns, and compromise. The characters in this story are familiar if you have ever been in a small town. These are relatable people and grandma has to be the best character in the whole story. This was fun and refreshing.
I received an early copy through netgalley and this is my honest review.
Tucker and Emma have a past which is clear in their interactions as they struggle to trust each other. Their chemistry is undeniable, but there are issues that have to be resolved, including the fiance. They struggle to see eye to eye on Emma's vision and the fact that his grandmother is working to sell his family land to her and wants him to oversee the deal.
As they are forced to be in each other's company old issues and old feelings rise to the surface.
This is a fun story of second chances, small towns, and compromise. The characters in this story are familiar if you have ever been in a small town. These are relatable people and grandma has to be the best character in the whole story. This was fun and refreshing.
I received an early copy through netgalley and this is my honest review.
May 16, 2022
This was a sweet second chance at love romance. I loved the characters and the small town setting. I liked how we see how Tucker and Emma have grown up from when they first fell in love and how they have to come to term with what happened in the past. I liked how members of the town were helping to bring them together. I also liked how they each figured out what was important to them. I thought this was a good book and is one I recommend.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
April 29, 2022
This was a fun debut novel. I have to admit that it took me a little while to get into the story, but once I really started it I ended up enjoying it. Engaging Emma is written by Elle M Adams and it is a clean contemporary romance.
Emma was an interesting character. I did not really connect with her but I was able to get to know her. She had been hurt before and she was just trying to protect herself and build a life for herself. I did feel for her as she worked to run her company well. I loved how she cared for the people around her, especially Miss Lily. Emma had to learn to forgive and also how to let people past her walls. The past did not have to define her.
Okay so Tucker, I did like. I felt bad for him. He tried hard to care for his family but he was also dealing with guilt. Tucker had left his grandmother's town and in a sense never looked back. He wanted to leave those memories behind but he never recovered from his summer romance with Emma. Tucker had to figure out what he wanted in life and make sacrifices for the things that are most important to him.
Tucker and Emma were second chance lovers so they had a lot of hurt to work through. There were things that were out of their control and they had to learn to work together again. It was interesting to read about them interacting and getting to know each other for a second time. They had a lot of ground to cover, but in the end it was sweet.
The side characters were a lot of fun! I thought that Miss Lily, Tucker's grandmother, had quite the personality. Nina, Emma's best friend, was also a nice addition to the series.
Overall, I enjoyed Engaging Emma and I am excited to see what else Adams writes. Engaging Emma is a wholesome, clean contemporary romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
Emma was an interesting character. I did not really connect with her but I was able to get to know her. She had been hurt before and she was just trying to protect herself and build a life for herself. I did feel for her as she worked to run her company well. I loved how she cared for the people around her, especially Miss Lily. Emma had to learn to forgive and also how to let people past her walls. The past did not have to define her.
Okay so Tucker, I did like. I felt bad for him. He tried hard to care for his family but he was also dealing with guilt. Tucker had left his grandmother's town and in a sense never looked back. He wanted to leave those memories behind but he never recovered from his summer romance with Emma. Tucker had to figure out what he wanted in life and make sacrifices for the things that are most important to him.
Tucker and Emma were second chance lovers so they had a lot of hurt to work through. There were things that were out of their control and they had to learn to work together again. It was interesting to read about them interacting and getting to know each other for a second time. They had a lot of ground to cover, but in the end it was sweet.
The side characters were a lot of fun! I thought that Miss Lily, Tucker's grandmother, had quite the personality. Nina, Emma's best friend, was also a nice addition to the series.
Overall, I enjoyed Engaging Emma and I am excited to see what else Adams writes. Engaging Emma is a wholesome, clean contemporary romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
April 27, 2022
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book but I think I just wanted a tiny bit more from it to bump it up to that 5 stars!
This is a new, clean contemporary romance about rekindled love with some best friends/enemies to lovers. Tucker and Emma fell in love when they were young, but when he shows back up in town years later, things aren’t so easy. I got a little “Sweet Magnolias” vibe with her updating the old barn/house into a business and loved it. I loved both of the main characters and appreciated their different points of view. I think they both had a good amount of depth and back story that really made me relate and like their story together. It was easy to root for their love story throughout the book.
Ultimately, I wanted even a little more from their relationship. It was a very SLOW slow burn, and sometimes, especially at the end, I just wanted a little more evidence of their love for each other! It was predictable in the very best way and I was so happy with the end result. I think this would make the cutest Hallmark romance and I would love to see these characters come to life!
Overall I really loved this book. I would read it again, and definitely pick up another book from the same author! Check this one out if you like small town, contemporary romances about rekindled love ❤️
I really enjoyed this book but I think I just wanted a tiny bit more from it to bump it up to that 5 stars!
This is a new, clean contemporary romance about rekindled love with some best friends/enemies to lovers. Tucker and Emma fell in love when they were young, but when he shows back up in town years later, things aren’t so easy. I got a little “Sweet Magnolias” vibe with her updating the old barn/house into a business and loved it. I loved both of the main characters and appreciated their different points of view. I think they both had a good amount of depth and back story that really made me relate and like their story together. It was easy to root for their love story throughout the book.
Ultimately, I wanted even a little more from their relationship. It was a very SLOW slow burn, and sometimes, especially at the end, I just wanted a little more evidence of their love for each other! It was predictable in the very best way and I was so happy with the end result. I think this would make the cutest Hallmark romance and I would love to see these characters come to life!
Overall I really loved this book. I would read it again, and definitely pick up another book from the same author! Check this one out if you like small town, contemporary romances about rekindled love ❤️
May 20, 2022
Tucker Madsen lives in California where he has ditched his flannel shirts for a successful medical practice, and his glamorous fiancee.
But his mother wants him to return to Normal, Missouri to sell the family farm.
Engaging Emma was a fun, flirty story about Tucker and Emma who met in high school but through miscommunication, and the disappearance of letters that Tucker sent Emma after he left Normal, Missouri broke up.
I enjoyed all of the characters, the dialogue was especially snappy, and that kept the storyline moving along at a great pace.
But his mother wants him to return to Normal, Missouri to sell the family farm.
Engaging Emma was a fun, flirty story about Tucker and Emma who met in high school but through miscommunication, and the disappearance of letters that Tucker sent Emma after he left Normal, Missouri broke up.
I enjoyed all of the characters, the dialogue was especially snappy, and that kept the storyline moving along at a great pace.
June 3, 2022
This is a good old fashion romance where the live story is built over time. The couple have friendship but also plenty of chemistry. This story is a second chance romance. I enjoyed the down home feel of Normal Missouri. I liked how the people worked together. I laughed at how much they were in each other’s business. I was a bit frustrated with Emma and Tucker’s communication issues. Overall it was a sweet story.
October 17, 2022
Enemies to more, second chance romance, and childhood friends. Great tropes. And this one had a taste of them all. Elle M. Adams did a great job with this book. I loved where the prologue started, because we instantly knew there had been something, but allowed us as we read to read more about the friendship and deeper relationship they had later on.
Emma and Tucker loved each other, but when Tucker leaves for college, Emma is heartbroken that he seems to disappear. She never hears from him again, even after he promised to write. Tucker never hears from Emma and decides to stay away from Normal, Missouri. That is until he is called on by his family to help sell the family farm. Normal couldn't be more different from the life he has created for himself as a successful doctor in California with a beautiful fiancée.
Emma is unexpectedly reunited with Tucker at his family farm, and is completely taken off guard by the emotions that come back so easily and quickly. Filled with hurt, confusion and yet, some attraction, Both Tucker and Emma try and dance around what is going on. It seems that although there are still things that each feel, their history may be repeating itself- toward heartbreak.
Emma and Tucker are infuriating, adorable, witty, and dang... confusing to one another. Everyone can see it but there are past hurts that have to be talked about. I waited for a while for that to happen, and at first was confused why that didn't just happen earlier in the book. However, Elle did a wonderful job at placing clarifying information at the right place and in the right time. There were a few moments that made me think of The Notebook, and it was absolutely done well.
There is a great balance of the tension in this book-both from attraction and from disdain. The tension is also lifted in moments of lightness and wit. I love some good wit in a book, and this has plenty.
Overall, I enjoyed this read a lot. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy soon.
Emma and Tucker loved each other, but when Tucker leaves for college, Emma is heartbroken that he seems to disappear. She never hears from him again, even after he promised to write. Tucker never hears from Emma and decides to stay away from Normal, Missouri. That is until he is called on by his family to help sell the family farm. Normal couldn't be more different from the life he has created for himself as a successful doctor in California with a beautiful fiancée.
Emma is unexpectedly reunited with Tucker at his family farm, and is completely taken off guard by the emotions that come back so easily and quickly. Filled with hurt, confusion and yet, some attraction, Both Tucker and Emma try and dance around what is going on. It seems that although there are still things that each feel, their history may be repeating itself- toward heartbreak.
Emma and Tucker are infuriating, adorable, witty, and dang... confusing to one another. Everyone can see it but there are past hurts that have to be talked about. I waited for a while for that to happen, and at first was confused why that didn't just happen earlier in the book. However, Elle did a wonderful job at placing clarifying information at the right place and in the right time. There were a few moments that made me think of The Notebook, and it was absolutely done well.
There is a great balance of the tension in this book-both from attraction and from disdain. The tension is also lifted in moments of lightness and wit. I love some good wit in a book, and this has plenty.
Overall, I enjoyed this read a lot. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy soon.
May 18, 2022
Engaging Emma is a stellar debut novel by Adams. The small town of Normal was as charming as its residents. I fell in love with the big house and the property it sat on. It was like I could see it all in my mind. The Barn painted a beautiful picture and I loved the innovativeness that Emma had. The entire premise of the book unfolded easily and I enjoyed watching the back and forth between Emma and Tucker. This is a second chance romance you do not want to miss out on. I loved Gran so much, she needs another book! Seriously can Adams please write a spin-off book and can Gran be a part of it?!! Engaging Emma is a definite must read for contemporary romance fans. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2025
#EngagingEmma #NetGalley
I so enjoyed reading this story. Emma McCallister lost her heart twelve years ago to Tuker Madsen. Tucker left Normal, Missouri, promising he would be back and he would write to Emma. When no letters arrived, Emma gave up on ever hearing from Tucker again.
Tucker Madsen had his life all mapped out, being a doctor and living out his dreams in California. When his mom calls and says his grandmother wants him to look over the contact before she sells her house, Tucker heads back to Missouri. Things are complicated, and Tucker finds himself in the middle of it all.
I enjoyed reading this story again. I loved Miss Lily she's a hoot.
I so enjoyed reading this story. Emma McCallister lost her heart twelve years ago to Tuker Madsen. Tucker left Normal, Missouri, promising he would be back and he would write to Emma. When no letters arrived, Emma gave up on ever hearing from Tucker again.
Tucker Madsen had his life all mapped out, being a doctor and living out his dreams in California. When his mom calls and says his grandmother wants him to look over the contact before she sells her house, Tucker heads back to Missouri. Things are complicated, and Tucker finds himself in the middle of it all.
I enjoyed reading this story again. I loved Miss Lily she's a hoot.
May 20, 2022
3 STARS
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute second-chance small town romance, and a very quick read. I read it in one sitting, which is great. This is a squeaky-clean story as far as content goes, and just overall great if you’re looking for a quick fluffy feel-good story. I did have a few things that I didn’t enjoy as much about it, but overall it was great for a debut book and I enjoyed it.
*mild spoilers ahead*
While I enjoyed the writing (good for a debut book), the overall story didn’t wow me, and I had some things I had issues with. I will state that I DID receive an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book, so some of this may have changed between the copy I reviewed and the final book.
First off, Emma and Tucker (our main characters) were high school sweethearts that were separated by melding parents/relatives and miscommunication. I don’t always mind the meddling family/friends trope, but I found it to be grating in this book. I did not enjoy the side characters much at all. They came off flat to me (not much personality) and also really over-bearing when it came to the MCs lives. Tuckers grandma kept some huge secrets and didn’t really seem to care that those secrets hurt people. Also Emma’s best friend Nina was probably the most annoying. She constantly got in between Emma and Tucker and kept telling Tucker off, which is fine for a protective best friend to do, but doing it as much as she did got very repetitive and obnoxious.
Second, I really don’t know if I’d call this a typical “romance”— to me it read more like women’s fiction. Tucker is engaged to another woman for the first 90% of the book. And while they were technically on a “break” for a majority, I BIG have issues with the fact that he kisses Emma while engaged to someone else. I did not like this and honestly it almost made me DNF the book.
I also felt that if Tucker and his fiancée would have called off the engagement and broke up instead of just “taking a break” (I think this was around 60% in or so), then I think the romance aspect between Tucker and Emma would have worked much better. The build-up was almost non-existent, and having more time of our MCs together would have made it a little nicer than just having the last 10-ish pages of the book be all there was.
Having said all that, please don’t take this as that I didn’t enjoy the book. I definitely did, or I would not have finished or rated it as high as I did. I just found that these few things bothered me and contributed to a 3 star review instead of a 4 or 5.
Much thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC copy and the chance to review this story.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute second-chance small town romance, and a very quick read. I read it in one sitting, which is great. This is a squeaky-clean story as far as content goes, and just overall great if you’re looking for a quick fluffy feel-good story. I did have a few things that I didn’t enjoy as much about it, but overall it was great for a debut book and I enjoyed it.
*mild spoilers ahead*
While I enjoyed the writing (good for a debut book), the overall story didn’t wow me, and I had some things I had issues with. I will state that I DID receive an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book, so some of this may have changed between the copy I reviewed and the final book.
First off, Emma and Tucker (our main characters) were high school sweethearts that were separated by melding parents/relatives and miscommunication. I don’t always mind the meddling family/friends trope, but I found it to be grating in this book. I did not enjoy the side characters much at all. They came off flat to me (not much personality) and also really over-bearing when it came to the MCs lives. Tuckers grandma kept some huge secrets and didn’t really seem to care that those secrets hurt people. Also Emma’s best friend Nina was probably the most annoying. She constantly got in between Emma and Tucker and kept telling Tucker off, which is fine for a protective best friend to do, but doing it as much as she did got very repetitive and obnoxious.
Second, I really don’t know if I’d call this a typical “romance”— to me it read more like women’s fiction. Tucker is engaged to another woman for the first 90% of the book. And while they were technically on a “break” for a majority, I BIG have issues with the fact that he kisses Emma while engaged to someone else. I did not like this and honestly it almost made me DNF the book.
I also felt that if Tucker and his fiancée would have called off the engagement and broke up instead of just “taking a break” (I think this was around 60% in or so), then I think the romance aspect between Tucker and Emma would have worked much better. The build-up was almost non-existent, and having more time of our MCs together would have made it a little nicer than just having the last 10-ish pages of the book be all there was.
Having said all that, please don’t take this as that I didn’t enjoy the book. I definitely did, or I would not have finished or rated it as high as I did. I just found that these few things bothered me and contributed to a 3 star review instead of a 4 or 5.
Much thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC copy and the chance to review this story.
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June 11, 2022
Engaging Emma by Elle Adams is a contemporary second chance romance set in the small town Normal, Missouri.
There were several elements of this story I really enjoyed, and the first few chapters made me feel like it had a lot of potential! But as the story went on, I had a hard time connecting with the characters, and there were a lot of plot elements I didn’t care for.
I liked the small town setting and the premise of two high school sweethearts reconciling after several years. I loved Tucker’s grandma Miss Lily! She was hilarious and was probably my favorite part of the book! There were many scenes I really enjoyed such as the townspeople accosting Tucker in the street and asking for medical advice, or the crumbling mercantile falling apart and leaving Emma stranded on the loft.
However, I had a hard time connecting with the main characters and majority of the supporting characters. I struggled with the constant back and forth of Emma and Tucker liking each other and avoiding each other. It felt like they wanted the same things but were never on the same page at the same time.
I struggled with all the little challenges and smaller plot lines. I personally prefer one or two major strong plot lines rather than tons of smaller plot lines. And this books had a lot of small plot lines: Tucker and his fiancé and their life in California, Emma’s events center and the Landry wedding and all the different holiday parties, the mini love triangle with Emma Tucker and Hopper, Miss Lily’s health, Emma trying to buy the property from Miss Lily to create and Inn and golf course, the Mayor trying to convince Tucker to take over the medical practice of their retiring doctor, Emma’s traumatic history with her mom, Emma’s best friend trying to prevent her from reuniting with Tucker, and Miss Lily trying to play matchmaker with Emma and Tucker. There was just a lot going on and although it did all come together in the end, I wish there were fewer plot lines that were more detailed and fleshed out.
Overall it was a sweet small town second chance romance. It has lots of great elements and I really enjoyed a handful of scenes, but I didn’t connect with the characters and I didn’t care for all the various plot lines.
If you enjoy contemporary small town stories with quirky characters, second chance romance for high school sweethearts, and strong willed grandmothers, you may enjoy Engaging Emma!
There were several elements of this story I really enjoyed, and the first few chapters made me feel like it had a lot of potential! But as the story went on, I had a hard time connecting with the characters, and there were a lot of plot elements I didn’t care for.
I liked the small town setting and the premise of two high school sweethearts reconciling after several years. I loved Tucker’s grandma Miss Lily! She was hilarious and was probably my favorite part of the book! There were many scenes I really enjoyed such as the townspeople accosting Tucker in the street and asking for medical advice, or the crumbling mercantile falling apart and leaving Emma stranded on the loft.
However, I had a hard time connecting with the main characters and majority of the supporting characters. I struggled with the constant back and forth of Emma and Tucker liking each other and avoiding each other. It felt like they wanted the same things but were never on the same page at the same time.
I struggled with all the little challenges and smaller plot lines. I personally prefer one or two major strong plot lines rather than tons of smaller plot lines. And this books had a lot of small plot lines: Tucker and his fiancé and their life in California, Emma’s events center and the Landry wedding and all the different holiday parties, the mini love triangle with Emma Tucker and Hopper, Miss Lily’s health, Emma trying to buy the property from Miss Lily to create and Inn and golf course, the Mayor trying to convince Tucker to take over the medical practice of their retiring doctor, Emma’s traumatic history with her mom, Emma’s best friend trying to prevent her from reuniting with Tucker, and Miss Lily trying to play matchmaker with Emma and Tucker. There was just a lot going on and although it did all come together in the end, I wish there were fewer plot lines that were more detailed and fleshed out.
Overall it was a sweet small town second chance romance. It has lots of great elements and I really enjoyed a handful of scenes, but I didn’t connect with the characters and I didn’t care for all the various plot lines.
If you enjoy contemporary small town stories with quirky characters, second chance romance for high school sweethearts, and strong willed grandmothers, you may enjoy Engaging Emma!
April 21, 2022
"That should be okay. You can fill her in later." She looked up at him, and darn it all, her heart started thumping in her chest. Tucker made her nervous, and she didn't like it. Not one bit. "The sooner we're done, the sooner you can get out of here," she said.
Tucker and Emma have known each other since they were little kids. But Tucker hadn't been back to visit his grandma since his dad passed away. He spent a summer there before going off to college to help his grandma out. While there he become reacquainted with Emma.
They spent tons of time together that summer but have a falling out afterwards. Now years later Tucker has returned again to help his grandma out with selling the family farm. Tucker and Emma run into each other and there is much tension between them.
Emma having been hurt by Tucker and is not to thrilled to see him again. He seems to be trying to get in our way of her dreams yet again.
With plotting grandmas and always being thrown together what could possibly happen?
Sometimes life gives you a little detour before you can receive your happily ever after. There is much growing up that is needed. Sometimes old loves work out or it may be that it wasn't meant to work out.
I loved this story of Emma and Tucker. It was fun to read something outside of the Regency Romances that I usually read. (I will never stray too far.) But it's nice to mix it up sometimes.
I was able to read a copy for free of this story on Netgalley.
Tucker and Emma have known each other since they were little kids. But Tucker hadn't been back to visit his grandma since his dad passed away. He spent a summer there before going off to college to help his grandma out. While there he become reacquainted with Emma.
They spent tons of time together that summer but have a falling out afterwards. Now years later Tucker has returned again to help his grandma out with selling the family farm. Tucker and Emma run into each other and there is much tension between them.
Emma having been hurt by Tucker and is not to thrilled to see him again. He seems to be trying to get in our way of her dreams yet again.
With plotting grandmas and always being thrown together what could possibly happen?
Sometimes life gives you a little detour before you can receive your happily ever after. There is much growing up that is needed. Sometimes old loves work out or it may be that it wasn't meant to work out.
I loved this story of Emma and Tucker. It was fun to read something outside of the Regency Romances that I usually read. (I will never stray too far.) But it's nice to mix it up sometimes.
I was able to read a copy for free of this story on Netgalley.
May 18, 2022
"I didn't need help. I didn't ask for help. You just used this as an excuse to flex your macho."
If I'm being perfectly candid, I am a sucker for second-chance romances, and this book had that trope and so much more in spades. Emma and Tucker were well-developed and fun, with their pasts and experiences shaping who they are and the way they responded to each other.
Beyond Emma and Tucker, the cast of characters in Normal were anything but normal. There was so much charm and loveliness throughout the book that I would occasionally find myself smiling simply because I was delighted by what was happening.
Elle M. Adams is a fantastic author and her descriptions were often breathtaking and transported me straight into the heart of Normal, Missouri, and the story she was weaving. I could see the gorgeous bower of trees outside The Barn and the beautiful landscape around the Big House. I felt like I could vividly picture the wedding Emma held and the sweet dock scene at the end.
Overall, I will say Engaging Emma is sweet and is a fabulous and cozy contemporary romance. Brava to Ms. Adams for a phenomenal debut. I will be looking for more from her in the future.
One note: I struggled a little with Tucker being engaged for most of the book, but I was only really bothered when he and Emma kissed . . . then kissed again while he was engaged to another person. That may be personal preference, but it did bother me.
If I'm being perfectly candid, I am a sucker for second-chance romances, and this book had that trope and so much more in spades. Emma and Tucker were well-developed and fun, with their pasts and experiences shaping who they are and the way they responded to each other.
Beyond Emma and Tucker, the cast of characters in Normal were anything but normal. There was so much charm and loveliness throughout the book that I would occasionally find myself smiling simply because I was delighted by what was happening.
Elle M. Adams is a fantastic author and her descriptions were often breathtaking and transported me straight into the heart of Normal, Missouri, and the story she was weaving. I could see the gorgeous bower of trees outside The Barn and the beautiful landscape around the Big House. I felt like I could vividly picture the wedding Emma held and the sweet dock scene at the end.
Overall, I will say Engaging Emma is sweet and is a fabulous and cozy contemporary romance. Brava to Ms. Adams for a phenomenal debut. I will be looking for more from her in the future.
One note: I struggled a little with Tucker being engaged for most of the book, but I was only really bothered when he and Emma kissed . . . then kissed again while he was engaged to another person. That may be personal preference, but it did bother me.
March 25, 2022
Wonderful book! Great characters.
This is a wonderful story about second chance love. Emma and Tucker had been friends as children. Then one day, as Tucker returned to Normal, Missouri, he saw Emma and realized she was no longer a child but a beautiful young woman and their friendship turned romantic. Tucker had just graduated from high school and was heading to college. Emma was seventeen, still in high school, and trying to help her mother after a rough divorce. When Tucker proposes Emma is shocked and says no and Tucker leaves with a promise to write to Emma. But the letters never arrive and time passes quickly. Twelve years later finds Tucker, now a doctor and engaged to Meredith, returning to Normal to help his grandmother. Emma has been engaged three times and broken it off three times, become almost like a daughter to Tucker’s grandmother, and the owner of a small, struggling business. When Tucker arrives, she sees nothing but an interference and feels sadness for the letters she hoped for and never received. Tucker can’t understand why she is so touchy, after all she’s the one who didn’t write back. This is a wonderful read with engaging characters that make you love the small town and each person’s quirks. A fun, engaging read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
This is a wonderful story about second chance love. Emma and Tucker had been friends as children. Then one day, as Tucker returned to Normal, Missouri, he saw Emma and realized she was no longer a child but a beautiful young woman and their friendship turned romantic. Tucker had just graduated from high school and was heading to college. Emma was seventeen, still in high school, and trying to help her mother after a rough divorce. When Tucker proposes Emma is shocked and says no and Tucker leaves with a promise to write to Emma. But the letters never arrive and time passes quickly. Twelve years later finds Tucker, now a doctor and engaged to Meredith, returning to Normal to help his grandmother. Emma has been engaged three times and broken it off three times, become almost like a daughter to Tucker’s grandmother, and the owner of a small, struggling business. When Tucker arrives, she sees nothing but an interference and feels sadness for the letters she hoped for and never received. Tucker can’t understand why she is so touchy, after all she’s the one who didn’t write back. This is a wonderful read with engaging characters that make you love the small town and each person’s quirks. A fun, engaging read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
May 4, 2022
Once again, we have a case of meddling parents breaking up a childhood romance. But the teenage lovers get a second chance…if they can get over the misunderstanding and their hurt feelings. Throw in a meddling grandmother and, naturally, things progress.
Naturally, Tucker and Emma fight their attraction, thinking it just a remnant of their past. It won’t be a big spoiler if I tell you that they fight it unsuccessfully. They also get the opportunity to see each other as adults and have that solidify their teenage feelings.
Side characters are fun, although Emma’s best friend is a bit overprotective. I feel like they all had enough of a personality to be more than wallpaper. Problems are solved fairly realistically.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Scheming parents. A few mild innuendos.
Who Might Like This Book:
Fans of second-chance romances, small towns, and charming old ladies.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Naturally, Tucker and Emma fight their attraction, thinking it just a remnant of their past. It won’t be a big spoiler if I tell you that they fight it unsuccessfully. They also get the opportunity to see each other as adults and have that solidify their teenage feelings.
Side characters are fun, although Emma’s best friend is a bit overprotective. I feel like they all had enough of a personality to be more than wallpaper. Problems are solved fairly realistically.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Scheming parents. A few mild innuendos.
Who Might Like This Book:
Fans of second-chance romances, small towns, and charming old ladies.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
May 4, 2022
Read if you love:
- Lost young love
- Southern charm
- Small town antics
- Meddling grandmas
- Second chances
- Strong heroines
- Friendly rivals
This was fun, adorable debut reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Tucker and Emma grew up together as best friends, but fell in love the summer before Tucker went off to college. Flash forward twelve years later and they're no longer together. Wait, what? Yup, I was already in love with Tucker and Emma after the prologue and then crushed by Chapter 1.
Engaging Emma was so enjoyable. To find Emma thriving and running her own business after twelve years and a broken heart was so satisfying. She and Tucker butting heads over the sale Stony Creek Farm made for some great banter and really highlighted the chemistry that never truly died between them. They had a lot of obstacles between them but those didn't stand a chance when going up against Grandma Lil and the charming town folk of Normal, Missouri. Emma's best friend Nina was my favorite and I hope she gets her own story. I highly recommend this fun, quick read if you love second chances!
- Lost young love
- Southern charm
- Small town antics
- Meddling grandmas
- Second chances
- Strong heroines
- Friendly rivals
This was fun, adorable debut reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Tucker and Emma grew up together as best friends, but fell in love the summer before Tucker went off to college. Flash forward twelve years later and they're no longer together. Wait, what? Yup, I was already in love with Tucker and Emma after the prologue and then crushed by Chapter 1.
Engaging Emma was so enjoyable. To find Emma thriving and running her own business after twelve years and a broken heart was so satisfying. She and Tucker butting heads over the sale Stony Creek Farm made for some great banter and really highlighted the chemistry that never truly died between them. They had a lot of obstacles between them but those didn't stand a chance when going up against Grandma Lil and the charming town folk of Normal, Missouri. Emma's best friend Nina was my favorite and I hope she gets her own story. I highly recommend this fun, quick read if you love second chances!
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