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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.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2022
645 people are currently reading
1599 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kelly
39 books903 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 194 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 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.
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!
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 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.
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.
May 20, 2025
I loved Amber Kelly’s Poplar Falls series. So I was excited to have a couple more series of hers to work through when I had an itch.
I love the setting for this series. Small town Tennessee. Real wholesome with a side of quirk vibes.
Six Tuttle brothers.
Graham & Taeli
Widow x recently separated
Newly single mom
Return home
I liked how Graham although was a widow was at a point where he was good to go at finding new love.
This was sweet. Maybe a little safe and predictable.
My angsty loving self was just hoping for more 🤣
I love the setting for this series. Small town Tennessee. Real wholesome with a side of quirk vibes.
Six Tuttle brothers.
Graham & Taeli
Widow x recently separated
Newly single mom
Return home
I liked how Graham although was a widow was at a point where he was good to go at finding new love.
This was sweet. Maybe a little safe and predictable.
My angsty loving self was just hoping for more 🤣
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.
June 8, 2024
“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.”
I’ve been on a HUGE Amber Kelly kick and after starting this third series of hers, I want to say that I’ve officially narrowed it down to my FAVORITE book— Life After Wife (let’s see how many times I say this as I work my way through the Balsam Ridge series).
There have never been so many highlights in a book I’ve read! As I say goodbye to my twenties and am entering my thirties in the next few months, I really found this story to not only be held of a form of escape and entertainment but also therapeutic and valuable towards self-discovery, motherhood, family dynamics, friendships, and newfound love and relationships.
Also, can I just note as a fake eyelash girl, how much I LOVED the short lash, fake lash applying girlie representation. 🤭 This is the first I’ve ever seen this written in a story and I am ecstatic! 💖
In Taeli Lowder’s mind, she’s selfish for whisking her twelve year old son Caleb away from the only life he’s known: upstate city. She’s on the mend, beginning a new stage of adulthood where she’s healing from the woman she portrayed herself to be and discovering who she truly is as a woman, mother, daughter, friend, and lover.
When it comes to Damon, she has always put herself on the back burner, molding herself into the idealistic image of a wife he deserved, forgetting what SHE truly deserved herself. It was all about an image of how others perceived her. It was all about Damon…even when he cheated on her. She tried her hardest to brush aside her feelings on hopes of maintaining and mending their marriage for Caleb, however, after his second time cheating and a new baby on the way with his mistress, Taeli has had it.
Now, it’s about her and what she and her son deserve in a husband, father, and life.
Graham Tuttle knows full well the means of living a life after wife… not by choice. When his wife began losing her battle to cancer, Graham discovered what it meant to enjoy life moments and memories. It was when she passed that he realized a life without her was different than he imagined.
He still loves his late wife, however, he’s healed and made peace with allowing himself to fall in love again… when the time is right.
Balsam Ridge is the home Taeli once knew and her small town has now become refuge. It’s the place she and her son didn’t know they needed most; to be reminded what it is to be present and live life.
The more Graham spends time with Taeli and Caleb, the more they each grow and find themselves as individuals and within relations. Caleb learns there’s much more of life to enjoy than behind technology and Taeli learns she is deserving of obtaining the life she truly wants.
I’ve been on a HUGE Amber Kelly kick and after starting this third series of hers, I want to say that I’ve officially narrowed it down to my FAVORITE book— Life After Wife (let’s see how many times I say this as I work my way through the Balsam Ridge series).
There have never been so many highlights in a book I’ve read! As I say goodbye to my twenties and am entering my thirties in the next few months, I really found this story to not only be held of a form of escape and entertainment but also therapeutic and valuable towards self-discovery, motherhood, family dynamics, friendships, and newfound love and relationships.
Also, can I just note as a fake eyelash girl, how much I LOVED the short lash, fake lash applying girlie representation. 🤭 This is the first I’ve ever seen this written in a story and I am ecstatic! 💖
In Taeli Lowder’s mind, she’s selfish for whisking her twelve year old son Caleb away from the only life he’s known: upstate city. She’s on the mend, beginning a new stage of adulthood where she’s healing from the woman she portrayed herself to be and discovering who she truly is as a woman, mother, daughter, friend, and lover.
When it comes to Damon, she has always put herself on the back burner, molding herself into the idealistic image of a wife he deserved, forgetting what SHE truly deserved herself. It was all about an image of how others perceived her. It was all about Damon…even when he cheated on her. She tried her hardest to brush aside her feelings on hopes of maintaining and mending their marriage for Caleb, however, after his second time cheating and a new baby on the way with his mistress, Taeli has had it.
Now, it’s about her and what she and her son deserve in a husband, father, and life.
Graham Tuttle knows full well the means of living a life after wife… not by choice. When his wife began losing her battle to cancer, Graham discovered what it meant to enjoy life moments and memories. It was when she passed that he realized a life without her was different than he imagined.
He still loves his late wife, however, he’s healed and made peace with allowing himself to fall in love again… when the time is right.
Balsam Ridge is the home Taeli once knew and her small town has now become refuge. It’s the place she and her son didn’t know they needed most; to be reminded what it is to be present and live life.
The more Graham spends time with Taeli and Caleb, the more they each grow and find themselves as individuals and within relations. Caleb learns there’s much more of life to enjoy than behind technology and Taeli learns she is deserving of obtaining the life she truly wants.
March 21, 2025
Taeli is headed back to her small mountain hometown of Balsam Ridge after her husband of 16 years cheated and got someone else pregnant. So she packs herself and her 12-year-old son Caleb up, and they move in for the summer with her mom. On their first day back in her hometown she meets meet Graham Tuttle, a guy whose family owns many businesses around town and has been looking after Taeli’s mom since the loss of Taeli’s father 5 years ago and the story goes from there.
I was looking for a quick and easy listen and came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue. For the most part, it was an enjoyable read, a decent small town second chance at life romance between two people healing after different heartbreaks. The building blocks for some found family vibes were laid. It had some good humour and a sprinkling of spice. It just didn't break the mould story or character wise. It was a very predictable read, and the romance felt rushed. This was my first book by this author so I will give another a try to see how I get on before deciding if this author is for me or not, overall for an included listen on a day when I needed something in the background I didn't need to give 100% of my attention to this was a decent read. 🌶🌶
"I know you're lost right now, kiddo, but you'll find your way. I promise. And home is always a good place to start."
"It's called self-worth, Taeli. That means the value and love you have for yourself. The pride you have in who you are. No one can take that from you or alter it. It's who you see when you look in the mirror. Stop looking at yourself through everyone else's eyes. You know who you are, and their opinions can't change that"
"The opposite of love isn't hate. It's indiffer-
ence. So, if you weren't even mad enough to notice you were still wearing his rings, then you probably aren't in love anymore. It took me a long time to take my ring off. I did it when I realized I wasn't in love anymore. "
"It's funny how much life can change when
you let go of all the wasted space and frivolous stuff. The nonsense you gather and collect that you think makes you look more successful, but in actuality, only makes you feel more alone. Daddy used to say a home should be just big enough for you to trip over love every few steps. I didn't understand what he meant back then, but I get it now."
"The heart doesn't give a shit about time. Our brain calculates time, but our heart just feels, and it doesn't care if it's been a month or if it's been ten years. If it finds something true, it just runs with it. Let yourself run toward happiness."
I was looking for a quick and easy listen and came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue. For the most part, it was an enjoyable read, a decent small town second chance at life romance between two people healing after different heartbreaks. The building blocks for some found family vibes were laid. It had some good humour and a sprinkling of spice. It just didn't break the mould story or character wise. It was a very predictable read, and the romance felt rushed. This was my first book by this author so I will give another a try to see how I get on before deciding if this author is for me or not, overall for an included listen on a day when I needed something in the background I didn't need to give 100% of my attention to this was a decent read. 🌶🌶
"I know you're lost right now, kiddo, but you'll find your way. I promise. And home is always a good place to start."
"It's called self-worth, Taeli. That means the value and love you have for yourself. The pride you have in who you are. No one can take that from you or alter it. It's who you see when you look in the mirror. Stop looking at yourself through everyone else's eyes. You know who you are, and their opinions can't change that"
"The opposite of love isn't hate. It's indiffer-
ence. So, if you weren't even mad enough to notice you were still wearing his rings, then you probably aren't in love anymore. It took me a long time to take my ring off. I did it when I realized I wasn't in love anymore. "
"It's funny how much life can change when
you let go of all the wasted space and frivolous stuff. The nonsense you gather and collect that you think makes you look more successful, but in actuality, only makes you feel more alone. Daddy used to say a home should be just big enough for you to trip over love every few steps. I didn't understand what he meant back then, but I get it now."
"The heart doesn't give a shit about time. Our brain calculates time, but our heart just feels, and it doesn't care if it's been a month or if it's been ten years. If it finds something true, it just runs with it. Let yourself run toward happiness."
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