Dear Beth

A Prescott Family Romance #0.5

by Alyssa Schwarz

After finishing his veterinarian training, Tye Prescott is back in Colorado and ready to give his relationship with Beth another chance, only she's made it very clear she wants nothing to do with him. 

Beth Walsh is a hopeless romantic, except when it comes to her own love life. In her opinion, love is best left to the storybooks. But when a few nosy octogenarians decide to play matchmaker, she grasps for the only excuse she can think of to avoid another set up. 

Set against the backdrop of Loveland's historic Valentine's Day letter re-mailing program, Tye and Beth must work together to convince the town of their rekindled romance. But Tye has his own plans of winning back the woman who got away. 

Might it finally be time for Beth to risk her heart again?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

127 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2022

About the author

"I can't wait to read more of the Prescott Family Romance series. [Dear Beth] is highly recommended for fans of inspirational contemporary romance, especially for readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, and Susan May Warren." -Goodreads Reviewer

I love a good story, especially if it has a happy ending! From mountain adventures to Downton Abbey-esque romances, I firmly believe we could all use a little more inspirational and heart-warming tales to keep us up at
night—tales that take us on far away (or not so distant) adventures and speak words of life and truth into our lives.

Jonathon Island Series:
Find Me in the Blooms

Wild Rose Ridge Series:
A Midsummer Romance
Wild at Heart
Martin's Miracle Match
Clara

Prescott Family Romance Series:
Dear Beth (novella)
The Glass Cottage
The Glass Road
Fields of Glass

Reviews

[Heather Wood]

I agree with the other reviewers that a twist or two would have been nice, but for a clean Valentine's novella with faith elements, this was a sweet story that checks all the boxes.

[Nicole]

“He believed in second chances, believed God brought him back here for a reason. He only hoped it wasn’t too late to make things right with Beth.”

Author Alyssa Schwarz’s latest contemporary romance, Dear Beth, captivates her readers with a heartwarming tale of the power of true love and second chances through God’s never-ending love and grace. Her debut novel, The Glass Cottage, earned a place on my Top 10 Books of 2021, and with this prequel novella, Alyssa Schwarz has become one of my must-read authors.

Dear Beth incorporates the real-life Valentine’s Day tradition of the Loveland, Colorado valentine re-mailing program that people all over the world can participate in. This event has been going on for over 75 years, and the author shared that there is even up to a 10 year wait-list to become a stamper.

The letters penned in Dear Beth bring back a beautiful sense of nostalgia as letter writing has become almost a lost art in the 21st century with email, social media, and smartphones easily accessible for instant communication. With well-developed characters and a handsome hero to fall in love with, readers will be be rooting for Tye Prescott and Beth to get their happily-ever after. I can’t wait to read more of the Prescott Family romance series.

Dear Beth is highly recommended for fans of inspirational contemporary romance, especially for readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, and Susan May Warren.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Trixi]

First of all, I HAD to find out if the Valentine re-mailing program was a real thing because what an awesome idea. Sure enough, I looked it up on the web and it IS real!! You can even buy an inscribed valentine card to send to your sweetheart or others in the US. I love the idea of sending a special card via snail mail, we just don't do it enough anymore!

You never know what God has waiting for you around the corner, but you have to be willing to look in order to find out what that is. ~Letter from a friend

Okay so on to my review of this lovely book! I read Alyssa's debut The Glass Cottage and enjoyed it so much that I jumped at the chance to read another one of her stories. Was there anything I didn’t love about this? Absolutely not! The delightful characters...yes even those well-meaning matchmaker octogenarians Mavis, Edith, Irma, Harvey and Ed add their own special charm to an already charming love story. Beth is like a daughter to each one of them, and their misguided attempt to set her up with every eligible bachelor in town is for her best interest...or so they think! After all they only want the best for her, even if she gets exasperated at their meddling. However, she thwarts their well intentioned plans by claiming to be dating Tye Prescott, who's back in town after three years. A second chance romance and a fake relationship story? Count me in double! These two are hilarious together, seriously one of the cutest fictional couples I've gotten to know. But then when real sparks fly and the old attraction to each other rekindles the fire, that's where the real romance story begins. There's also a more serious side to this when they both have to face some hard truths about the big break-up years ago. Working through the muck of the past will either glue them closer together or tear them apart even more.

I also absolutely love the quotes before each chapter, they certainly add to the story even more. If you're any kind of romance fan, I think you'll fall in love with this story of second chances & charming characters! There's also a good faith thread throughout that Christian fiction readers will find uplifting & encouraging.

P.S. The author even includes a recipe for Beth's favorite kind of hot chocolate with homemade raspberry marshmallows at the end!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone. *

[Ysabel]

Think Hallmark (but way BETTER) and book-version, and then make it Christian with beautiful, wholesome themes of love and grace.

I rarely read romance (unless it's Jane Austen, of course lol), but I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. You set the standard high for me in the sweet romance area. The characters are lovable, the plot is fun and entertaining, and the emotions at the climax...

I would also love to see more of Beth and Tye. In fact, I need to see them married.

I'm so glad I found out about Alyssa Schwarz!

[Linda Rondeau]

This was a quick read, about 120 pages. I would classify this as a sweet romance. Although wanted to see a plot twist or two, readers of sweet romance stories will enjoy this book. Typical of a lot of relationships, Tye and Beth fail to be honest with one another. They were romantically involved until Tye decided to go to veterinary school to follow his dream. He thought he wanted Beth to come with him, but instead, she wrote and broke off the relationship. Tye thought the big city was where he wanted to be, but then decided he missed his smalltown life and moved back. Beth is surprised when Tye moves back. When she decides to dodge a well-meaning senior citizen’s attempt at matchmaking, she fabricates she and Tye are dating and might renew their former relationship. Tye, wanting to get back into Beth’s good graces, goes along with the charade. But Beth is holding back a secret that could upset both their hopes.

I liked the headings of each chapter, quotes from letters of a friend and some scripture verses. I also liked the backdrop of a small town’s yearly Valentine practice … based on the author’s true experience.

Predictable but a sweet story.

[Gretchen Garrison]

"Ed found me when he got back and told me everything. How are you, dear?" Sympathy was the last thing Beth needed. She didn't deserve the compassion.

Beth likes being a part of her small town. But sometimes she does wish for more. So when her old boyfriend moves back to town, she wonders if they could have a future. Of course, that means that first she has to forgive him for the past. And she might just discover that she needs a bit of forgiveness too.

I read the next two books in the Prescott series before I even knew about this book. Beth does appear in the next book, so I wish I would have read this one first. Overall I liked the book. But the letters at the beginning of the chapters confused me a bit as I did not think that they really connected. I do think this is a good novella. I just wish it was a bit longer for more complex development.

[Marylin]

Oh, So Sweet! What a fun book to read before Valentine’s Day.
I totally enjoyed this story.
It was short and full of delightful characters.
I had fun reading about the re-mailing of letters and cards. What a sweet idea.
I also loved getting to know Beth and Tye and all their crazy personalities.
What touched my heart was the examples of God’s love woven throughout this story.
Alyssa Schwarz is a new author for me to read, and I truly enjoyed this book.
The dialogue and setting were rich and brought warmth and life to the story. The author did a sweet job of bringing all the characters' emotions to life.
I genuinely believe I’ll read more of her books in the future.
The publisher gave me this book, but this did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joseph Posner]

Lovely!

I won this book as part of a giveaway and it was a delightfully warm read. In the midst of much chaos in the world (as there always is), it was nice to be reminded of one of humanity's most treasured and noble ambitions; that of finding love. The setting and backdrop to this story - picturesque Colorado - elucidates the romantic intrigue, and I would recommend anyone looking for a heart-warming tale; to make a warm cup of raspberry hot chocolate and pull up a chair...

[Audrey Colman]

If you’re looking for a sweet clean read, then look no further! And if you want one that you can read in an afternoon, well this one is perfect for you!

The verses, little saying, texts, and book quotes made this book about love letters adorable!
I loved watching Beth deal with the mistakes in the past, and learn to trust again. The meddling, but wise, matchmakers were an element that every good book needs!

Highly recommend this sweet read!

[Leigh Romano]

What a thoroughly enjoyable story to read! Very creative how Beth and Tye are brought back together after being apart for 3 years. Also enjoyed learning about the Loveland Valentine letter stamping that happens every year around Valentine's Day. If you are looking for a story that leaves you with a heart full of joy, then this is your book!

[Hannah Foster]

This was a super cute story. I enjoy Schwarz easy to read writing style. The characters were loveable most of the time, though Beth did get me annoyed a time or two. But Tye was wonderful and oh so sweet. And all the old ladies and Ed added a fun dimension to the story. This was just the cozy romantic book I needed today.

[Sherry]

A sweet valentine novella, reuniting Beth & her old flame Tye, who has returned after vet school. Old hurts & misunderstandings stand between them, but with the help of her elderly matchmaking friends, they finally resolve differences and get that HEA vibe. I confess I've never read Jane Austen (gasp) but the romanticism in this novella is sweet. Maybe I'll try to read Austen one of these days.

[Claire Brooks]

Cute novella

I also love raspberry mochas.

Tye and Beth's love is shown so well in this introduction of the Prescott Family Romances. Ms. Schwarz introduces the reader to the matchmaker of the town, the Senior citizen group.

[Judy]

Very cute and sweet story

New to me author! Beth and Tye were perfect for each other. It just took some time and some nudging by a few senior citizens for Beth to open her heart to Tye once again 💞

[Susan Schwarz]

I loved this book. Such a delightful story. The octogenarian’s are so fun in this story. A nice fun romance.

[Ranee]

Super quick, super sweet as raspberry marshmallow hot chocolate short story. “Run like Mr Collins just Proposed”

[Paula]

Loved the letters and the ending was perfect. Second chance romances are one of my favorites. Beth and Tye have a past that broke both their hearts. Can they turn their fake second chance into a real forever love?