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Home to Oak Hollow #6
The Bookstore's Secret
A temporary pit stop…or a forever homecoming?
Aspiring pastry chef Nicole Evans is just waiting to hear about her dream job, and in the meantime, she goes to work in the café at the local bookstore. But that’s before the recently widowed Nicole meets her temporary her first crush, Liam Mendez! Single dad Liam has always kept his life—and his heart—closely guarded from Oak Hollow gossip. Will his simmering attraction to Nicole be just one more thing to hide…or the stuff of his bookstore’s romance novels?
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Home to Oak Hollow
Book 1: A Sheriff's Star
Book 2: In the Key of Family
Book 3: A Child's Christmas Wish
Book 4: A Marriage of Benefits
Book 5: Lessons in Fatherhood
Book 6: The Bookstore's Secret
Aspiring pastry chef Nicole Evans is just waiting to hear about her dream job, and in the meantime, she goes to work in the café at the local bookstore. But that’s before the recently widowed Nicole meets her temporary her first crush, Liam Mendez! Single dad Liam has always kept his life—and his heart—closely guarded from Oak Hollow gossip. Will his simmering attraction to Nicole be just one more thing to hide…or the stuff of his bookstore’s romance novels?
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Home to Oak Hollow
Book 1: A Sheriff's Star
Book 2: In the Key of Family
Book 3: A Child's Christmas Wish
Book 4: A Marriage of Benefits
Book 5: Lessons in Fatherhood
Book 6: The Bookstore's Secret
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 27, 2022
7 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Makenna Lee
57 books351 followersMakenna Lee is an award-winning romance author living in the Texas Hill Country with her real-life hero and their two children, one of whom has Down syndrome and inspired her first Harlequin book, A Sheriff’s Star. She writes heartwarming contemporary romance that celebrates real-life challenges and the power of love and acceptance. She has been known to make people laugh and cry in the same book. Makenna is often drinking coffee with a cat on her lap while writing, reading, or plotting a new story. You might also find her studying herbal medicine or listening to Celtic music. Her wish is to write books that touch your heart, making you feel, think, and dream.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 3, 2023
This is a Romance, and this is the 6st book in the Home to Oak Hollow series. I have read and reviewed most of the other books in this series before picking up this book. I do think this book can be read as a standalone without any issues. The two main characters of this book are learning to move on after a bad relationship, and I really loved all the characters in this book. I also love that there was so much book talk in this book. The storyline was great and it pulled me into it right away. I really loved the ending, and I follow it to be so sweet and cute. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Special Edition) or author (Makenna Lee) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
December 19, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Bookstore's Secret by Makenna Lee is the sixth book in the Home to Oak Hollow series. This small-town romance is everything I want.
Nicole Evans and her nine-year-old daughter have moved back to Oak Hollow until Nicole can secure a pastry chef position at a resort. She secures a position at the cafe in the local bookstore until she hears from the resorts she’s applied to. The bookstore is owned by Nicole’s first crush, Liam Mendez. Liam is also a single parent to a teenage son, Travis. Working together causes all kinds of sparks, but, neither Nicole nor Travis can start a relationship as they know that Nicole is only in town temporarily.
I enjoyed this fun, fast-paced romance. There is a lot more to Liam than someone who runs a bookstore, and his secrets may destroy a relationship, but he’s so perfect for Nicole as he appreciates her talent for pasty and cooking. Something her ex-husband did not.
Liam’s son Travis, and Nicole’s daughter Katie both stole the show, they are both so adorable in their own ways. Nicole was set in her ways, but there is nothing like a charming small town and a swoon-worthy bookstore owner to possibly change her mind.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Bookstore's Secret by Makenna Lee is the sixth book in the Home to Oak Hollow series. This small-town romance is everything I want.
Nicole Evans and her nine-year-old daughter have moved back to Oak Hollow until Nicole can secure a pastry chef position at a resort. She secures a position at the cafe in the local bookstore until she hears from the resorts she’s applied to. The bookstore is owned by Nicole’s first crush, Liam Mendez. Liam is also a single parent to a teenage son, Travis. Working together causes all kinds of sparks, but, neither Nicole nor Travis can start a relationship as they know that Nicole is only in town temporarily.
I enjoyed this fun, fast-paced romance. There is a lot more to Liam than someone who runs a bookstore, and his secrets may destroy a relationship, but he’s so perfect for Nicole as he appreciates her talent for pasty and cooking. Something her ex-husband did not.
Liam’s son Travis, and Nicole’s daughter Katie both stole the show, they are both so adorable in their own ways. Nicole was set in her ways, but there is nothing like a charming small town and a swoon-worthy bookstore owner to possibly change her mind.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 24, 2023
“Their friendship was still there and had moved with them into the lovers they were becoming.”
4.5 star read. There is so much to love about The Bookstore’s Secret, the romance between Nicole and Liam. These two grew up together, though Liam was about five years older than Nicole. He remembers her taking her first steps out in an orchard and walking to him…which we see her do as a grown woman at the end of the book. We love a full circle moment!
These two have both found themselves back in their hometown of Oak Hollow, Texas, both now single parents. Liam’s ex quickly moved on and remarried and Nicole’s husband has passed away. Nicole is a chef and Liam is a book editor who owns a bookshop in Oak Hollow which has a bistro attached where Nicole takes a job though she’s very adamant about the position being temporary because she’s applied for positions elsewhere under the belief that she needs to work somewhere big to feel that all the money she put into going to culinary school wasn’t a waste (Emotional Wound, Lies she believes about herself due to her ex husband).
There was something very slow and steady about their romance. It was sweet with a front porch on a cool summer evening type of vibe and while things do get physical the steamy scenes are fade to black which worked for me. I loved the vibes of this book-Makenna’s writing hooked me and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking of Nicole and Liam and r really their unexpected found family story. If you’re already a Harlequin Special Edition fan or new to the line and not sure where to start-I think this is one that for sure should be on your tbr.
4.5 star read. There is so much to love about The Bookstore’s Secret, the romance between Nicole and Liam. These two grew up together, though Liam was about five years older than Nicole. He remembers her taking her first steps out in an orchard and walking to him…which we see her do as a grown woman at the end of the book. We love a full circle moment!
These two have both found themselves back in their hometown of Oak Hollow, Texas, both now single parents. Liam’s ex quickly moved on and remarried and Nicole’s husband has passed away. Nicole is a chef and Liam is a book editor who owns a bookshop in Oak Hollow which has a bistro attached where Nicole takes a job though she’s very adamant about the position being temporary because she’s applied for positions elsewhere under the belief that she needs to work somewhere big to feel that all the money she put into going to culinary school wasn’t a waste (Emotional Wound, Lies she believes about herself due to her ex husband).
There was something very slow and steady about their romance. It was sweet with a front porch on a cool summer evening type of vibe and while things do get physical the steamy scenes are fade to black which worked for me. I loved the vibes of this book-Makenna’s writing hooked me and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking of Nicole and Liam and r really their unexpected found family story. If you’re already a Harlequin Special Edition fan or new to the line and not sure where to start-I think this is one that for sure should be on your tbr.
January 5, 2023
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
Steam level: 🌶
I was hoping to enjoy this more than I did. There's nothing wrong with the setup, but the execution is lacking. From a writing perspective, there's a lot of very corny dialogue, and also lines that get repeated more than once, and not in a "what a fun throwback" way. There was potential to add depth to the characters; Nicole could have had severe trust issues after her first marriage, for example. And we do get hints that both she and Liam are struggling with things from their pasts, but it never really digs deeper into that. Their relationship is super smooth sailing until the inevitable 3rd act conflict, making the entire story very surface-level. I was left wanting more.
Tropes:
Steam level: 🌶
I was hoping to enjoy this more than I did. There's nothing wrong with the setup, but the execution is lacking. From a writing perspective, there's a lot of very corny dialogue, and also lines that get repeated more than once, and not in a "what a fun throwback" way. There was potential to add depth to the characters; Nicole could have had severe trust issues after her first marriage, for example. And we do get hints that both she and Liam are struggling with things from their pasts, but it never really digs deeper into that. Their relationship is super smooth sailing until the inevitable 3rd act conflict, making the entire story very surface-level. I was left wanting more.
December 27, 2022
There are so many reasons to love The Bookstore’s Secret by Makenna Lee. I love the small town setting of Oak Hollow, Texas. I love the touching story of family, love, second chances, and following your dreams. Mostly I love Nicole and Liam, who bring this heartfelt book to life with their words and their emotions, their wishes and hopes, their affection and love for each other and for their families.
November 11, 2022
Returning to Oak Hollow for the sixth book in her Home To Oak Hollow series was an absolute pleasure. Nicole and Liam deserve so much happiness and to see their journey to love was so sweet and heartfelt and emotional. I love Makenna’s books so much. I just know that reading and falling into the world she’s created will leave me feeling so happy and hopeful and like I’m meeting up with old friends again. Thank you Makenna for sharing your book early with me.
December 3, 2022
[I received a physical copy for a honest review]
The Bookstore's Secret by Makenna Lee is a standalone romance in her Home to Oak Hollow series. This follows a divorced bookshop/bistro owner, Liam, who's a divorced single parent and widowed single parent pastry chef, Nicole, whose been crushing on him since she was young. Even though Nicole's time in Oak Hollow was originally temporary, she falls hard for Liam and shares with him all her secrets. But when she finds out he's keeping secrets of his own and doesn't trust her the way she does him, it might ruin her second chance at happiness.
This was exactly the sweet small town romance I want and expect from Makenna Lee. It's a story about family and believing in yourself. Liam and Nicole were neighborhood friends when they were younger, but lost touch and easily slide back into that friendship. Family is so important to both Liam and Nicole, and together with their two kids they created a cute little family. Their friends t0 lovers romance has a slow burn with a bit of sexual tension, and I lived for all the flirting between them along the way. It comes to a head with an "only one bed" situation and results in a few fade to black and one open door low steam intimate connection.
Overall, The Bookstore's Secret by Makenna Lee is a charming small town friends to lovers romance. Filled with lots of baking, bookshop goodness, fishing trips, drive in movie nights, stolen kisses, family and a happily ever after.
The Bookstore's Secret by Makenna Lee is a standalone romance in her Home to Oak Hollow series. This follows a divorced bookshop/bistro owner, Liam, who's a divorced single parent and widowed single parent pastry chef, Nicole, whose been crushing on him since she was young. Even though Nicole's time in Oak Hollow was originally temporary, she falls hard for Liam and shares with him all her secrets. But when she finds out he's keeping secrets of his own and doesn't trust her the way she does him, it might ruin her second chance at happiness.
This was exactly the sweet small town romance I want and expect from Makenna Lee. It's a story about family and believing in yourself. Liam and Nicole were neighborhood friends when they were younger, but lost touch and easily slide back into that friendship. Family is so important to both Liam and Nicole, and together with their two kids they created a cute little family. Their friends t0 lovers romance has a slow burn with a bit of sexual tension, and I lived for all the flirting between them along the way. It comes to a head with an "only one bed" situation and results in a few fade to black and one open door low steam intimate connection.
Overall, The Bookstore's Secret by Makenna Lee is a charming small town friends to lovers romance. Filled with lots of baking, bookshop goodness, fishing trips, drive in movie nights, stolen kisses, family and a happily ever after.
December 28, 2022
A great read, small town, many second chances. Review to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Special Edition for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Thank you to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Special Edition for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
November 14, 2022
The Bookstore’s Secret is a well written romance. I enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. I definitely recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
January 5, 2023
Terrific book about love, family, and following your dreams. Pastry chef Nicole and her daughter have returned home to Oak Hollow to heal after the death of her husband and a career disappointment. While waiting to hear the results of her applications for her dream job, she's talked into taking over the café at the local bookstore where her boss is her high school crush.
Liam is the divorced dad of a teenage son. He's happy to have the talented Nicole working for him but not so happy about the sparks of attraction that flare between them. Starting a relationship with someone who doesn't plan to stay is a recipe for heartache.
I loved both Nicole and Liam. Nicole has two passions in her life - her daughter and her career. She overcame a lot to become a pastry chef, including her husband's negative attitude about her chosen profession. Their marriage wasn't happy, and Nicole still hears his voice in her head. Even though he's dead, she feels she has something to prove. She's a bit wary of being back in her gossip-friendly small town, but she and Katie settle in quickly.
Liam works hard to keep his private life private. He had a bad social media experience with a former girlfriend while in college, which still affects him. His divorce from Travis's mother was amicable but left him keeping a close guard on his heart. Travis lives with Liam while his mom is away and isn't very happy away from his school and friends. In addition to dealing with Travis and the bookstore, Liam is also keeping a big secret from everyone around him. He's written a best-selling romance under a pen name, and his publisher is after him for another book.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Nicole and Liam develop. Because they were friends as children, it doesn't take long to rekindle that friendship. They work together well and fall into a teasing, flirty style. There are plenty of sparks between them, but neither is ready to start a relationship when Nicole will be leaving. However, the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the pull between them. There are many sweet scenes of the two together and others that include their children. It's hard to resist the feeling of family, and Liam soon finds himself hoping that Nicole will decide to stay as he falls harder for her every day.
Nicole's feelings are just as strong as Liam's, but she's been so focused on her goal of being a restaurant chef that she suppresses them. When her dream offer arrives, Nicole has a lot to consider. The decision is complicated by her discovery that Liam hadn't cared for or trusted her enough to share his secret with her. I liked that Liam was smart enough to realize how badly he'd messed up and wanted to make things right. I laughed out loud when some of his best advice came from his teenage son: "You are a writer, Apparently a famous one. Use your words." The ending was outstanding as they shared their feelings and hopes for the future. I loved the epilogue and seeing Nicole and Liam start their lives together.
Travis and Katie were my two favorite secondary characters. At the beginning, Travis was a typical teenager, resentful of being uprooted from his life and not afraid to show it. Fortunately, his attitude changed as he settled in. I liked how he connected with Nicole and was very sweet with Katie. I loved how the tech-savvy teen came up with ideas to help Nicole with her career. Katie was adorable in her acceptance and enthusiasm for everything around her. I love her hero worship of Travis and Liam, and her request for Liam at the end was fantastic. I also liked catching up with characters from previous books as Nicole rekindled old friendships and made new friends.
I also loved the bookstore setting. Having worked in a bookstore for twelve years, it brought back some wonderful memories.
#netgalley
Liam is the divorced dad of a teenage son. He's happy to have the talented Nicole working for him but not so happy about the sparks of attraction that flare between them. Starting a relationship with someone who doesn't plan to stay is a recipe for heartache.
I loved both Nicole and Liam. Nicole has two passions in her life - her daughter and her career. She overcame a lot to become a pastry chef, including her husband's negative attitude about her chosen profession. Their marriage wasn't happy, and Nicole still hears his voice in her head. Even though he's dead, she feels she has something to prove. She's a bit wary of being back in her gossip-friendly small town, but she and Katie settle in quickly.
Liam works hard to keep his private life private. He had a bad social media experience with a former girlfriend while in college, which still affects him. His divorce from Travis's mother was amicable but left him keeping a close guard on his heart. Travis lives with Liam while his mom is away and isn't very happy away from his school and friends. In addition to dealing with Travis and the bookstore, Liam is also keeping a big secret from everyone around him. He's written a best-selling romance under a pen name, and his publisher is after him for another book.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Nicole and Liam develop. Because they were friends as children, it doesn't take long to rekindle that friendship. They work together well and fall into a teasing, flirty style. There are plenty of sparks between them, but neither is ready to start a relationship when Nicole will be leaving. However, the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the pull between them. There are many sweet scenes of the two together and others that include their children. It's hard to resist the feeling of family, and Liam soon finds himself hoping that Nicole will decide to stay as he falls harder for her every day.
Nicole's feelings are just as strong as Liam's, but she's been so focused on her goal of being a restaurant chef that she suppresses them. When her dream offer arrives, Nicole has a lot to consider. The decision is complicated by her discovery that Liam hadn't cared for or trusted her enough to share his secret with her. I liked that Liam was smart enough to realize how badly he'd messed up and wanted to make things right. I laughed out loud when some of his best advice came from his teenage son: "You are a writer, Apparently a famous one. Use your words." The ending was outstanding as they shared their feelings and hopes for the future. I loved the epilogue and seeing Nicole and Liam start their lives together.
Travis and Katie were my two favorite secondary characters. At the beginning, Travis was a typical teenager, resentful of being uprooted from his life and not afraid to show it. Fortunately, his attitude changed as he settled in. I liked how he connected with Nicole and was very sweet with Katie. I loved how the tech-savvy teen came up with ideas to help Nicole with her career. Katie was adorable in her acceptance and enthusiasm for everything around her. I love her hero worship of Travis and Liam, and her request for Liam at the end was fantastic. I also liked catching up with characters from previous books as Nicole rekindled old friendships and made new friends.
I also loved the bookstore setting. Having worked in a bookstore for twelve years, it brought back some wonderful memories.
#netgalley
January 1, 2023
Loved this story. It flowed well and enticed me to continue reading to find out what happened and to see if they would work through their baggage to find true love. It had a bookstore, baking, romance, family, children and so much emotion. Liam and Nicole displayed the same problems, worry and angst of real people while determining how to best care for their children. I loved that their mothers were in the story and in cahoots to pair them up, and that they knew each other since they were children. I have the other books in the series and can’t wait to read them and learn more about Oak Hollow. I felt that this story stood alone and that I did not need to read the others in the series first. I voluntarily read an advance copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 30, 2022
This was a sweet kind of second chance romance if you count a crush as the first. Nicole is a pastry chef but after her husband passed away she moves back to her parents with her daughter. I liked the romance between Liam her old crush/new boss.
The secret was juicy and hurt her in a way but it all turned out ok.
This was told in dual POV which you know is my fav in romance it helps so much with motivations and feelings the feels.
Love the single parent, blended family, dating love story. There is life and love after failed marriages and death.
Thank you harlequin and netgalley for the gifted copy for my honest and voluntary review.
The secret was juicy and hurt her in a way but it all turned out ok.
This was told in dual POV which you know is my fav in romance it helps so much with motivations and feelings the feels.
Love the single parent, blended family, dating love story. There is life and love after failed marriages and death.
Thank you harlequin and netgalley for the gifted copy for my honest and voluntary review.
January 3, 2023
Really love all of Makenna Lee's books! Her series is so heart-felt and genuine. Her characters are sweet and I always feel hopeful and in a happy mood after reading them. Her newest book did not disappoint. Here's to second chances and sweet home town romance!
December 30, 2022
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Widowed pastry chef Nicole Evans is temporarily back in Oak Hollow with her daughter while she regroups and waits to hear on the jobs she’s applied for. Liam Mendez is a divorced dad who now owns a book shop with a bistro. He needs a pastry chef, she has time to spare, so it’s a perfect match. It doesn’t hurt that they both had crushes on each other when they were younger. But the longer they spend time with each other, the more they and their children start to feel like a family. The only problem with that is Nicole’s time in Oak Hollow has an expiration date on it. But does it have to be that way?
The Bookstore’s Secret is a sweet second-chance romance. This was my first foray into Makenna Lee’s Home to Oak Hollow series but it was easy to fall into the rhythm of the small down. I liked the characters, setting, and romance but I admit I wasn’t wowed by the book. It followed a standard formula and felt like it, nothing jumping off the page or exciting me. Nicole was hurt by her husband and his voice is one she’s still listening to in her head. She’s focused on having what she sees as an important career because of it. Liam was hurt by his ex-wife and wants someone to choose him before their career. He also has a secret he’s very careful to not let out. The obstacles aren’t huge, the drama is low-stakes, and the characters are all vanilla. This isn’t a bad thing, as a nice formulaic romance is still enjoyable. So even though The Bookstore’s Secret didn’t knock my socks off, I still recommend it for anyone looking for a comforting romance with nice characters and a picture-perfect happily ever after.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Widowed pastry chef Nicole Evans is temporarily back in Oak Hollow with her daughter while she regroups and waits to hear on the jobs she’s applied for. Liam Mendez is a divorced dad who now owns a book shop with a bistro. He needs a pastry chef, she has time to spare, so it’s a perfect match. It doesn’t hurt that they both had crushes on each other when they were younger. But the longer they spend time with each other, the more they and their children start to feel like a family. The only problem with that is Nicole’s time in Oak Hollow has an expiration date on it. But does it have to be that way?
The Bookstore’s Secret is a sweet second-chance romance. This was my first foray into Makenna Lee’s Home to Oak Hollow series but it was easy to fall into the rhythm of the small down. I liked the characters, setting, and romance but I admit I wasn’t wowed by the book. It followed a standard formula and felt like it, nothing jumping off the page or exciting me. Nicole was hurt by her husband and his voice is one she’s still listening to in her head. She’s focused on having what she sees as an important career because of it. Liam was hurt by his ex-wife and wants someone to choose him before their career. He also has a secret he’s very careful to not let out. The obstacles aren’t huge, the drama is low-stakes, and the characters are all vanilla. This isn’t a bad thing, as a nice formulaic romance is still enjoyable. So even though The Bookstore’s Secret didn’t knock my socks off, I still recommend it for anyone looking for a comforting romance with nice characters and a picture-perfect happily ever after.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 27, 2022
The Bookstore's Secret by Makenna Lee
5 ⭐ great read plus a bonus ⭐ for sheer perfection!
This is the 6th book in the Home to Oak Hollow series, but can be read as a standalone.
I have read every book in this series so far and I can say with ease that this book is my absolute favorite of the series. Liam Mendez is book boyfriend material. Nicole is the perfect main character. This book is about two people who knew each other in childhood, who find each other after both move on from bad relationships. There is just so much to like about this book. The chemistry between Liam and Nicole was great. I enjoyed the lil bit of spice in the romantic scenes. I really enjoyed the book publishing "shop talk", and it made Liam feel more authentic. I really loved the ending and that wonderful epilogue.
Makenna Lee has a way with words and has become one of my auto-buy favs. She has created a community (Oak Hollow) that feels like home to her readers. I look forward to my next visit "home"!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to visit my "home" away from (real) home! These books are so special to me!
#readwithsage #bookstagram #bookhive #makennalee #oakhollow #hometooakhollow #thebookstoressecret #autobuyauthor #favoriteauthor #romance #romancebooks #childhoodfriendstolovers
((Cross-posted to my Bookstagram Instagram account and my BookHive Hive Social account.. both handles are @readwithsage))
5 ⭐ great read plus a bonus ⭐ for sheer perfection!
This is the 6th book in the Home to Oak Hollow series, but can be read as a standalone.
I have read every book in this series so far and I can say with ease that this book is my absolute favorite of the series. Liam Mendez is book boyfriend material. Nicole is the perfect main character. This book is about two people who knew each other in childhood, who find each other after both move on from bad relationships. There is just so much to like about this book. The chemistry between Liam and Nicole was great. I enjoyed the lil bit of spice in the romantic scenes. I really enjoyed the book publishing "shop talk", and it made Liam feel more authentic. I really loved the ending and that wonderful epilogue.
Makenna Lee has a way with words and has become one of my auto-buy favs. She has created a community (Oak Hollow) that feels like home to her readers. I look forward to my next visit "home"!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to visit my "home" away from (real) home! These books are so special to me!
#readwithsage #bookstagram #bookhive #makennalee #oakhollow #hometooakhollow #thebookstoressecret #autobuyauthor #favoriteauthor #romance #romancebooks #childhoodfriendstolovers
((Cross-posted to my Bookstagram Instagram account and my BookHive Hive Social account.. both handles are @readwithsage))
January 25, 2023
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Although The Bookstore’s Secret is the sixth title in the Home to Oak Hollow series, it works just fine as a standalone if you haven’t yet discovered this small town full of stories and interesting, at times quirky, residents. And perhaps Nicole, Liam, Travis (Liam’s teenage son), and Katie (Nicole’s younger daughter) will entice you to explore the rest of this series – hint: the kids often steal scenes and are both adorable and believable.
Nicole has returned home after the death of her mentally and emotionally abusive husband. Her life has not been easy, and now her world has been shattered by the actions of the one man who was supposed to love and support her… all he actually did was demean and belittle her. She’s lived with secrets for far too long and will not tolerate them in the future from anyone, which also leaves her with more than a few trust issues. She’s waiting for a resort to answer her job applications as head chef, for her baking and cooking skills are beyond amazing – in the meantime, it’s back to her childhood home to regroup and figure out her life now. The last thing she expected was to run into a good friend from her past who also just happened to be her childhood crush.
Unfortunately, Liam is holding onto one big secret, one that would harm no one, but that he prefers to not be public knowledge for his own good reasons. As Liam restarts his life back home after a divorce he’s created a bookstore and bistro in town where his love of books can be a profitable business as well. As Liam and Nicole reconnect and slowly take those tentative steps toward more than just their childhood crushes, reality will come crashing in when least expected – and they both have to make some difficult choices, and re-evaluate their own actions as well.
I simply loved The Bookstore’s Secret for the message it sends and the characters we get to meet. In reality, Travis and Katie Cat often outshine their parents when they steal the scenes right from under them but they are both adorable in their own unique fashions. Nicole and Liam’s romance is well-written, and most importantly to me, believable. They each have trust issues, and they aren’t vague reasons but sound ones for them – that those issues lead to trouble is inevitable but watching them fall in love, have their trust in each other be put to the test, and seeing them work through to their own solutions and happiness was a delightful slice of real life wrapped up in a very good love story. I had fun here, and that’s the whole point.
If you love a believable couple facing life’s challenges, two adorable kids, a small-town feel (with resident gossip), and a romance that delivers all the feels you’d want to find then The Bookstore’s Secret is a perfect match for you.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Although The Bookstore’s Secret is the sixth title in the Home to Oak Hollow series, it works just fine as a standalone if you haven’t yet discovered this small town full of stories and interesting, at times quirky, residents. And perhaps Nicole, Liam, Travis (Liam’s teenage son), and Katie (Nicole’s younger daughter) will entice you to explore the rest of this series – hint: the kids often steal scenes and are both adorable and believable.
Nicole has returned home after the death of her mentally and emotionally abusive husband. Her life has not been easy, and now her world has been shattered by the actions of the one man who was supposed to love and support her… all he actually did was demean and belittle her. She’s lived with secrets for far too long and will not tolerate them in the future from anyone, which also leaves her with more than a few trust issues. She’s waiting for a resort to answer her job applications as head chef, for her baking and cooking skills are beyond amazing – in the meantime, it’s back to her childhood home to regroup and figure out her life now. The last thing she expected was to run into a good friend from her past who also just happened to be her childhood crush.
Unfortunately, Liam is holding onto one big secret, one that would harm no one, but that he prefers to not be public knowledge for his own good reasons. As Liam restarts his life back home after a divorce he’s created a bookstore and bistro in town where his love of books can be a profitable business as well. As Liam and Nicole reconnect and slowly take those tentative steps toward more than just their childhood crushes, reality will come crashing in when least expected – and they both have to make some difficult choices, and re-evaluate their own actions as well.
I simply loved The Bookstore’s Secret for the message it sends and the characters we get to meet. In reality, Travis and Katie Cat often outshine their parents when they steal the scenes right from under them but they are both adorable in their own unique fashions. Nicole and Liam’s romance is well-written, and most importantly to me, believable. They each have trust issues, and they aren’t vague reasons but sound ones for them – that those issues lead to trouble is inevitable but watching them fall in love, have their trust in each other be put to the test, and seeing them work through to their own solutions and happiness was a delightful slice of real life wrapped up in a very good love story. I had fun here, and that’s the whole point.
If you love a believable couple facing life’s challenges, two adorable kids, a small-town feel (with resident gossip), and a romance that delivers all the feels you’d want to find then The Bookstore’s Secret is a perfect match for you.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
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December 22, 2022The Bookstore's Secret by Makenna Lee, book six in the Home to Oak Hollow series, is a sweet, friends-to-lovers romance, set in the small town of Oak Hollow, in Texas Hill Country. This is a story about family and believing in yourself. Divorced bookshop/bistro owner, Liam, a divorced single parent and widowed single parent pastry chef, Nicole, were neighborhood friends when they were younger, lost touch and easily slide back into that friendship. Family is so important to both Liam and Nicole, and together with their two kids they created a cute little family. Though Nicole's time in Oak Hollow was originally temporary, she falls hard for Liam, and shares all her secrets with him. When Nicole finds out that Liam is keeping secrets of his own and doesn't trust her the way she does him, it might ruin her second chance at happiness.
Filled with lots of baking, bookshop goodness, fishing trips, drive in movie nights, stolen kisses, family and a happily ever after. There’s so much to enjoy in this moving story of family, love, second chances, and following your dreams. Nicole and Liam, bring this heartwarming story to life with their words and their emotions, their wishes and hopes, their affection and love for each other and for their families. I highly recommend The Bookstore's Secret to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Filled with lots of baking, bookshop goodness, fishing trips, drive in movie nights, stolen kisses, family and a happily ever after. There’s so much to enjoy in this moving story of family, love, second chances, and following your dreams. Nicole and Liam, bring this heartwarming story to life with their words and their emotions, their wishes and hopes, their affection and love for each other and for their families. I highly recommend The Bookstore's Secret to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
December 5, 2022
Another excellent story by MaKenna Lee! I was immediately interested in the characters and their feelings and problems. It is also fun to catch glimpses of the other couples in Oak Hollow that are in her other books in this Home to Oak Hollow series.
I plan to read all MaKenna Lee's books that I haven't read yet; and, I hope she writes many more!
I plan to read all MaKenna Lee's books that I haven't read yet; and, I hope she writes many more!
December 24, 2022
Pastry chef Nicole takes a temporary job in a small-town bookstore café while she searches for her dream job at a resort. Her boss, single dad Liam, was her first crush. Will they get a second chance at love?
This is a heartwarming, family-oriented romance. Nicole and her daughter are a perfect match for Liam and his son. A sweet, satisfying romance.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a heartwarming, family-oriented romance. Nicole and her daughter are a perfect match for Liam and his son. A sweet, satisfying romance.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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December 1, 2022Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Home to Oak Hollow (Book #6)
Miniseries
Home to Oak Hollow (Book #6)
December 29, 2022
Loved this book. The hero was so compelling and the heroine was likable and endearing. Love all Makenna Lee’s books, and this one is no exception!!
December 15, 2025
The Bookstore’s Secret has such a cozy, small-town Hallmark movie vibe, and I was immediately drawn in by the setting. A bookstore with a little café is basically my dream location, and it added so much charm and warmth to the story.
I also appreciated that this book focused on characters who are already in their mid-adult years, dealing with families and real-life responsibilities. It wasn’t afraid to touch on some heavier topics, which gave the story more emotional depth than I initially expected.
That said, I went in expecting more spice, and there was hardly any. That was a bit disappointing based on my expectations, though it didn’t completely take away from the overall experience.
Overall, this is a cozy, heartfelt read that will appeal to anyone who loves small towns, bookstores, and character-driven stories. Just go in knowing it leans more sweet than spicy.
I also appreciated that this book focused on characters who are already in their mid-adult years, dealing with families and real-life responsibilities. It wasn’t afraid to touch on some heavier topics, which gave the story more emotional depth than I initially expected.
That said, I went in expecting more spice, and there was hardly any. That was a bit disappointing based on my expectations, though it didn’t completely take away from the overall experience.
Overall, this is a cozy, heartfelt read that will appeal to anyone who loves small towns, bookstores, and character-driven stories. Just go in knowing it leans more sweet than spicy.
December 24, 2022
Small town romance with a friends to lovers plot.
Second chances
Finding love again
Following dreams
A cozy, cute and heartwarming story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my
Second chances
Finding love again
Following dreams
A cozy, cute and heartwarming story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my
December 27, 2022
This sweet book was about Nicole, a single mom and widower, and Liam, a single dad who owns a book store/bistro in Oak Hollow. I've really enjoyed reading books in this world. You get to catch up with several past characters in snippets as well as fall in love with Nicole and Liam's story. This was a low-angst read that was a little steamy and whole lot of sweet. Nicole is a pastry chef looking for her big break. She unexpectedly loses her husband in an accident. Unfortunately, that relationship was not a healthy one and she is hurt and sad. She comes home to Oak Hollow with her daughter to heal and recover while looking for another job, her dream job with a big hotel. I love the setting of this little town. It seems like such a cozy community. Maybe Liam can convince her to stay? This delicious little story is a fun holiday read. 4 stars!
November 8, 2022
This was a wonderful book with heartfelt characters and a story that kept me turning the pages late into the night. It is a fabulous edition to the Home to Oak Hollow series.
I was kindly provided with an advanced copy for an honest review.
I was kindly provided with an advanced copy for an honest review.
January 24, 2023
Amazing story..loved it...cannot wait for next book in series
Want to read
November 14, 2022Advanced Praise from Booklist
“Makenna delivers the perfect balance of sugar and spice in the latest in her Home to Oak Hollow series, a small-town contemporary romance that fully embraces the rewarding additions family and friends can bring to one’s life while also delivering plenty of sexy sparks between the protagonists.” -Booklist
“Makenna delivers the perfect balance of sugar and spice in the latest in her Home to Oak Hollow series, a small-town contemporary romance that fully embraces the rewarding additions family and friends can bring to one’s life while also delivering plenty of sexy sparks between the protagonists.” -Booklist
December 9, 2022
A small town romance centered around renewing an old friendship and developing a closer connection. A friends to lover romance. A sweet, charming read about recovering from a bad marriage and finding yourself again. Added cuteness were the kids. A story of family, love, second chances. A new to me author, this is book six in a series but read as a standalone. Couples from prior books were mentioned but I was not lost or felt that I was missing anything. An emotional journey to finding love once again.
ARC provided by publisher via my Netgalley request
ARC provided by publisher via my Netgalley request
January 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am so sad this is the last trip to Oak Hollow, as I have loved the entire series.
The characters in this book are very relatable, even though one of them is keeping a secret!
This book is on my Keeper shelf along with all of the Oak Hollow series.
The characters in this book are very relatable, even though one of them is keeping a secret!
This book is on my Keeper shelf along with all of the Oak Hollow series.
April 18, 2023
Picked this up based on the cover copy which seemed like SEVEN TROPES packed into this under-300p book.
And it's OK. It's super-cute and trope-y in a good way but the writing wasn't super-awesome (plus the copy-editing was DIRE - Harlequin, what you do? the spelling/grammar check in Word would catch like 90% of these, just because it's a category romance doesn't mean that it doesn't deserve quality work)
First book started AND finished after coming home from surgery. :) (Prepare for a reading onslaught, lol)
And it's OK. It's super-cute and trope-y in a good way but the writing wasn't super-awesome (plus the copy-editing was DIRE - Harlequin, what you do? the spelling/grammar check in Word would catch like 90% of these, just because it's a category romance doesn't mean that it doesn't deserve quality work)
First book started AND finished after coming home from surgery. :) (Prepare for a reading onslaught, lol)
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