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Fable Notch #1
Once More With You
One small town.
Two broken hearts.
And a spark they can’t extinguish...
Theo Hanson has returned to Fable Notch — something he swore he would never do. But when work and family calls, the army veteran reluctantly offers his arson investigation experience to help uncover the culprit behind a series of attacks. Unfortunately, this particular pyromaniac leads Theo straight into the path of an old flame...
Eden Barrett is struggling to find her feet (and her self-esteem) in the debris of a confidence-crushing marriage. Losing her apartment to the local firebug adds to the mess, and then her temporary accommodation is invaded by the man who broke her teenage heart. So much for her fresh start.
As old feelings awaken, Theo and Eden realize it’s impossible to ignore their connection. But as they attempt to navigate the hurts of the past, the pair are forced to confront a question that’s haunted them both for over a Were they right end their relationship?
Even as danger draws near, their growing attraction drowns out the doubts left by their past. Except the last time Theo and Eden were this close, they both got burnt — and catching the arsonist may not be enough to save what they’ve rediscovered.
Because when sparks fly, they either ignite a lasting love or turn everything to ash...
Welcome to the captivating first book in the Fable Notch series where reimagined fairy tales come true in the mountains of New Hampshire. In this 'Steadfast Tin Soldier' retelling features a steamy second chance at first love and tons of small-town charm, Once More With You delivers heart-fluttering romance and feel-good flirtation by the armful.
Two broken hearts.
And a spark they can’t extinguish...
Theo Hanson has returned to Fable Notch — something he swore he would never do. But when work and family calls, the army veteran reluctantly offers his arson investigation experience to help uncover the culprit behind a series of attacks. Unfortunately, this particular pyromaniac leads Theo straight into the path of an old flame...
Eden Barrett is struggling to find her feet (and her self-esteem) in the debris of a confidence-crushing marriage. Losing her apartment to the local firebug adds to the mess, and then her temporary accommodation is invaded by the man who broke her teenage heart. So much for her fresh start.
As old feelings awaken, Theo and Eden realize it’s impossible to ignore their connection. But as they attempt to navigate the hurts of the past, the pair are forced to confront a question that’s haunted them both for over a Were they right end their relationship?
Even as danger draws near, their growing attraction drowns out the doubts left by their past. Except the last time Theo and Eden were this close, they both got burnt — and catching the arsonist may not be enough to save what they’ve rediscovered.
Because when sparks fly, they either ignite a lasting love or turn everything to ash...
Welcome to the captivating first book in the Fable Notch series where reimagined fairy tales come true in the mountains of New Hampshire. In this 'Steadfast Tin Soldier' retelling features a steamy second chance at first love and tons of small-town charm, Once More With You delivers heart-fluttering romance and feel-good flirtation by the armful.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2022
74 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 12, 2022
Once More With You was exactly what I needed this week! Low angst with some heat, small town second chance romance between two people who really DESERVE a second chance with each other, and forced proximity! Plus, I'm always a sucker for any kind of firefighter, and Theo is both a firefighter and an arson investigator.
When he goes back to the hometown he never wanted to see again, he runs into his ex, who he thought he would never see again. And, of course, they end up having to stay in the same house. *chefs kiss*
Elena Markem did a fantastic job introducing Fable Notch in this book, along with all of the characters. I'm already hooked on the small town and its side characters and making a mental list of everyone I hope gets a story. I can't wait to find out what happens with Theo's brother Nick.
This is a really lovely story of redemption, second chances, overcoming a hard past, and learning how to value oneself. It gave me all the warm fuzzies.
When he goes back to the hometown he never wanted to see again, he runs into his ex, who he thought he would never see again. And, of course, they end up having to stay in the same house. *chefs kiss*
Elena Markem did a fantastic job introducing Fable Notch in this book, along with all of the characters. I'm already hooked on the small town and its side characters and making a mental list of everyone I hope gets a story. I can't wait to find out what happens with Theo's brother Nick.
This is a really lovely story of redemption, second chances, overcoming a hard past, and learning how to value oneself. It gave me all the warm fuzzies.
July 19, 2023
GOOD STORYLINE-NEEDS LOTS OF EDITING
I started reading the 1st page & I already found a run on sentence. The run on sentences went on throughout the whole book. The book needs lots of editing. Of course, writers should know that, when the book has a good storyline & a good editor, the more books the writer will sell.
I started reading the 1st page & I already found a run on sentence. The run on sentences went on throughout the whole book. The book needs lots of editing. Of course, writers should know that, when the book has a good storyline & a good editor, the more books the writer will sell.
May 10, 2023
I love a good second chance story. Years ago, Theo left Eden so she could have her dream. His family were pretty much outcasts in their small town and Theo knew he wasn't good enough for Eden. Now he has a great job and an okay life. When he is asked to come home to find an arsonist, Theo will do it, but is still apprehensive about being back home. The first person he runs into is Eden. He thought she would be somewhere else, but here she is. Eden left, but when her mother died, Eden came home and didn't leave. She married a man that tried to control her just as her father has done her whole life. She put up with it because she just didn't care. Now, however, she is tired of it. Just as she thinks she is getting her life together; she loses her place to live due to the arsonist. Is the arsonist targeting her or her father? Maybe her ex-husband is doing it? Theo will find out before Eden gets hurt. He is also finding out that the town wasn't so callused toward him and his family after all. So many revelations for Theo and Eden.
August 26, 2022
Fable Notch is a small town I'd love to visit. There are adorable faerie tale references, like the Seven Brothers Brewery. Eden and Theo's love story introduces us to the town, but more importantly brings us a tender and beautiful love story to enjoy.
FMC: Eden. She's so strong. And not afraid to reach out when she needs help. I love that we see her going to therapy to learn and grow. And that it's treated as normal and not like a mark of shame. I love that she sees Theo for who he is, which is sometimes divergent from who he thinks he is. I admired and liked her, and wanted her to succeed.
MMC: Theo. Le sigh. Flawed and human and real and really sexy. :) Arson investigator, which for me is like the hotness of firefighter plus the hotness of cop swirled into one Theo. I love that he reluctantly comes back to a place that didn't treat him well because he's so loyal to the folks who took him in. I love that he wanted what was best for Eden even at the immense cost to himself.
Theo's growth arc in particular was striking. His journey to finding that not everything was the way he perceived it as an angry adolescent was great.
Eden and Theo's pull toward one another was lovely. Their story is wonderful. Small town plus humor plus sexytimes plus tender loving relationship plus two very real MC's = a terrific read.
I have already pre-ordered Nick's story, which is next. I can't wait to see Nick and Dani battle their way through back to one another. I'm betting he's every bit as delicious as Theo.
FMC: Eden. She's so strong. And not afraid to reach out when she needs help. I love that we see her going to therapy to learn and grow. And that it's treated as normal and not like a mark of shame. I love that she sees Theo for who he is, which is sometimes divergent from who he thinks he is. I admired and liked her, and wanted her to succeed.
MMC: Theo. Le sigh. Flawed and human and real and really sexy. :) Arson investigator, which for me is like the hotness of firefighter plus the hotness of cop swirled into one Theo. I love that he reluctantly comes back to a place that didn't treat him well because he's so loyal to the folks who took him in. I love that he wanted what was best for Eden even at the immense cost to himself.
Theo's growth arc in particular was striking. His journey to finding that not everything was the way he perceived it as an angry adolescent was great.
Eden and Theo's pull toward one another was lovely. Their story is wonderful. Small town plus humor plus sexytimes plus tender loving relationship plus two very real MC's = a terrific read.
I have already pre-ordered Nick's story, which is next. I can't wait to see Nick and Dani battle their way through back to one another. I'm betting he's every bit as delicious as Theo.
August 7, 2025
Who knew I needed a retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson's "The Steadfast Tin Soldier?" It's fabulous!
Now, I love Hans, but the man could not write a happy ending if his life depended on it.
I mean (spoilers for a 150+ old story) "Steadfast Tin Soldier" ends with the the tin soldier and the ballerina burning up in a fire. Aww?
This made me a little hesitant to read this book, but I love Markem's take! The tin solider is now a retired army fire fighter turned fire investigator with a dog!
Meanwhile, his ex is Eden, is a former ballerina who is now a dance teacher. Theo has vowed not to return to his hometown because of his painful childhood. He left Eden so she could become a famous ballerina, but that did not happen for her.
Theo is asked to return by his father figure as there are mysterious fires being set around the town and they need a fire investigator.
Simply put, it's a story about two broken hearts reuniting and using their love and the love of others to face their fears and heal.
Plus an adorable dog.
Great book!
Simply put, it's a simple
Now, I love Hans, but the man could not write a happy ending if his life depended on it.
I mean (spoilers for a 150+ old story) "Steadfast Tin Soldier" ends with the the tin soldier and the ballerina burning up in a fire. Aww?
This made me a little hesitant to read this book, but I love Markem's take! The tin solider is now a retired army fire fighter turned fire investigator with a dog!
Meanwhile, his ex is Eden, is a former ballerina who is now a dance teacher. Theo has vowed not to return to his hometown because of his painful childhood. He left Eden so she could become a famous ballerina, but that did not happen for her.
Theo is asked to return by his father figure as there are mysterious fires being set around the town and they need a fire investigator.
Simply put, it's a story about two broken hearts reuniting and using their love and the love of others to face their fears and heal.
Plus an adorable dog.
Great book!
Simply put, it's a simple
December 18, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Elena Markem is a new author to me and I found her books via a newsletter.
I throughly enjoyed reading this book. Arson Investigator Theo returns home to help his father figure and Fire Chief find out who is causing the recent bout of fires in his childhood town.
He runs into his childhood sweetheart Eden upon his return as unbeknown to him she was staying in his old home!
Eden was heartbroken when Theo upped and left town, so she spent her time concentrating on her dancing until an injury forces her to reevaluate her life, especially after losing her mother.
Brilliant storyline, fantastic characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
Elena Markem is a new author to me and I found her books via a newsletter.
I throughly enjoyed reading this book. Arson Investigator Theo returns home to help his father figure and Fire Chief find out who is causing the recent bout of fires in his childhood town.
He runs into his childhood sweetheart Eden upon his return as unbeknown to him she was staying in his old home!
Eden was heartbroken when Theo upped and left town, so she spent her time concentrating on her dancing until an injury forces her to reevaluate her life, especially after losing her mother.
Brilliant storyline, fantastic characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
August 17, 2024
Once More with You is a second-chance, small-town romance with some drama (nothing over the top), low angst, forced proximity, and engaging characters. There is some heat but Markem doesn’t let it overtake the story. Theo and Eden are high school sweethearts who planned to leave Fable Notch together after graduation. They almost made it. Almost. Now Theo is back to help with finding a local arsonist. He has no clue that Eden is in town or that her dreams were shattered years ago. Now what is he going to do?
There are three Hanson brothers and each one has their own story. Theo’s is the first book. There were some editing issues that I found mildly annoying. Otherwise, the storytelling is solid. I will be reading more in this series.
There are three Hanson brothers and each one has their own story. Theo’s is the first book. There were some editing issues that I found mildly annoying. Otherwise, the storytelling is solid. I will be reading more in this series.
September 6, 2025
Wow. I wasn’t expecting the plot twist!! The villain was not at all who I thought it would be. I still dislike the person I thought it was because Major Jerk. But that plot twist threw me because I was also going off of statistics. I loved it though. Only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars was the amount of typos and the predictability.
And the character swap with the dad all of a sudden. That threw me through a loop.
Otherwise, it’s an easy 4.5 ⭐️. I recommend the book still!
There wasn’t much spice but there was still a few scenes in there. So if you read books for the spice, this one isn’t for you. However, I still think you should give it a shot. The plot was plotting!!!
And the character swap with the dad all of a sudden. That threw me through a loop.
Otherwise, it’s an easy 4.5 ⭐️. I recommend the book still!
There wasn’t much spice but there was still a few scenes in there. So if you read books for the spice, this one isn’t for you. However, I still think you should give it a shot. The plot was plotting!!!
March 15, 2023
Theo & Eden were teenage sweethearts while growing up in Fable Notch. Theo breaks her heart by leaving town, doing what he believes is the best for her future. Years later he returns to solve a series of fires in town that may be centered on Eden. The characters are so well developed, even the secondary characters are clearly defined. I enjoyed the journey of acceptance and forgiveness Theo and Eden go through to find one another again. I received this ARC copy in return for my honest review.
September 26, 2023
Thank you Goodreads giveaways for my copy!
Who doesn't love a hot second chance romance?? Eden and Theo are reluctant to let the other in, but can't avoid the attraction. A serial arsonist forces them together, but their fiery connection keep them together. A fun game within the book- find all the fairy tale references!
Who doesn't love a hot second chance romance?? Eden and Theo are reluctant to let the other in, but can't avoid the attraction. A serial arsonist forces them together, but their fiery connection keep them together. A fun game within the book- find all the fairy tale references!
October 20, 2022
What a great find! After dealing with a lot of troublesome family nonsense, I wanted to sink into a book world that felt safe and warm, and the first book of the new Fable Notch series was just that. Believable conflict between well-drawn characters (including the supporting cast) and just the right amount of heat. The perfect story to curl up with on a blustery autumn afternoon.
March 4, 2023
Got this arc copy of this wonderful small town story. Loved the characters and the storyline. Theo returns home to help his father figure with the fire investigation and runs into in long lost love. Great romance, friendships rebuilding, and life lessons learned. Loved it highly recommended
May 22, 2023
What an enticing story that will keep you wanting more. Theo goes back home to help out family. While investigating, he meets up with an old flame. She’s having a difficult time. Will there be a rekindling of love. Great characters and well written book.
December 21, 2023
This first in a series about the charming characters of Fable Notch is a great read! The characters are people you would definitely want to get to know in person. Theo and Eden were high school sweethearts. This is a small-town romance full surprises. I couldn't put it down.
March 17, 2024
This book was really good it was written by a author in Massachusetts! I would say that if you like romance books and novel type of books this book is for you then! This book also comes with in a series so cannot wait to read the other books in the series!
December 27, 2024
The perfect small town, cozy-vibe romance. Markem added in some in some fairytale inspo to make sure I was hooked. This one is available free on stuff your Kindle day, but I ended up purchasing the whole series.
August 23, 2022
Enjoyed the characters and the dialog. Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 15, 2022
Absolutely fantastic story! I love the sensitivity in Theo.. A wonderful second chance romance, and a suspenseful investigation.. I love their great friends, and Harlow the dog, too!
September 14, 2023
This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed Theo & Eden's story, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed Theo & Eden's story, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 23, 2025
I do love a good cozy small town romance :)
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May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews