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Willow Bay #1
The Second Time Around
A swoon-worthy second chance romance with all the feels.
Brie Watkins had loved two men in her life. One abandoned her at the altar twelve years ago, and the other died in the war. She is no stranger to loss, but she's still learning how to move on. When her sick aunt asks her to come back to Willow Bay to help at the family resort, Brie says yes. After all, she's a southern girl at heart, and a southern girl never turns her back on kin. Brie sells her beloved home, quits her job restoring historic properties, and goes back to the last place she wants to be, only to find her aunt healthy, The Brown Resort thriving, and the man who left her at the altar living next door, looking as handsome as ever. Why can't life be fair?
Carpenter Carter Kessler left Willow Bay a dozen years ago and never looked back, but he never forgot his first love, Brie. He's spent the rest of his life regretting his decision to leave her all those years ago. After his father's death, he reluctantly returns to find his family's resort a mess. But it is not a total disaster - Brie is next door and as beautiful as ever. He talks her into helping him refurbish The Kessler Resort, but first she lays out the ground they aren't friends, they'll never be lovers, and she'll never stop hating him. As far as Carter is concerned, it's a start.
But as summer heats up, so does their relationship. As they peel back the layers, what will they find hiding beneath the surface? Can what they started all those years ago be restored, or are some things better left buried in the past?
Brie Watkins had loved two men in her life. One abandoned her at the altar twelve years ago, and the other died in the war. She is no stranger to loss, but she's still learning how to move on. When her sick aunt asks her to come back to Willow Bay to help at the family resort, Brie says yes. After all, she's a southern girl at heart, and a southern girl never turns her back on kin. Brie sells her beloved home, quits her job restoring historic properties, and goes back to the last place she wants to be, only to find her aunt healthy, The Brown Resort thriving, and the man who left her at the altar living next door, looking as handsome as ever. Why can't life be fair?
Carpenter Carter Kessler left Willow Bay a dozen years ago and never looked back, but he never forgot his first love, Brie. He's spent the rest of his life regretting his decision to leave her all those years ago. After his father's death, he reluctantly returns to find his family's resort a mess. But it is not a total disaster - Brie is next door and as beautiful as ever. He talks her into helping him refurbish The Kessler Resort, but first she lays out the ground they aren't friends, they'll never be lovers, and she'll never stop hating him. As far as Carter is concerned, it's a start.
But as summer heats up, so does their relationship. As they peel back the layers, what will they find hiding beneath the surface? Can what they started all those years ago be restored, or are some things better left buried in the past?
196 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2022
605 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Collins
176 books1,090 followersKelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.
With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.
Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.
Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.
You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.
VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
https://msha.ke/kellycollinsbooks#links
COME FIND ME ON BOOKBUB
www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-collins
With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.
Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.
Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.
You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.
VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
https://msha.ke/kellycollinsbooks#links
COME FIND ME ON BOOKBUB
www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-collins
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 23, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! So much going on with Loss & grief but then again old love and second chances... plus the family aspect and small town vibes. I truly loved all of this! The snarkiness and angst from Brie was a bit comical as well! Aunt Em was quite a bit hilarious too! This was a perfect summer read and the ending truly did it justice!
June 19, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
I’ve got my regimen down. I wake up, get up, and grab my coffee, which I like with a little nip of whiskey. My sweet tea with a bit of Long Island, and my lemonade with a dab of vodka. At my age, they say it’s important to thin the blood.
What are you going to do about Margot? That girl is five dollars’ worth of ten-cent makeup.
Marybeth gave her a critical look. “Your ass cheeks are like two communion wafers in a paper sack, sweetie. If no one shook the bag, we wouldn’t know they were there.”
A woman sitting on the edge of the dock gasped, then punched the man sitting beside her in the arm. “Turn around, Hank. That’s how it’s done. You don’t pop open a beer can and say, ’Let’s get hitched.’” Hank made a face and shrugged. “You said yes anyway.” She shouldered him. “That’s because I didn’t have other plans that weekend.”
My Review:
I adored this! While I revel in and will never tire of her Aspen Cove series, I am delightedly impatient with anticipation for more of this new one as well. This installment was an excellent commencement for a new set of tales.
Kelly Collins just keeps honing her stellar storytelling skills, the premise was original, the pace was perfectly smooth, and the story threads were amusing, authentic, and easy to fall into with an endearingly flawed cast of characters that entertained as well as beguiled.
I was quickly enamored with Willow Bay and believe my favorite character is going to be the bird-loving Cricket, and I’ll just leave the type of bird as a smirk-worthy surprise for now.
I’ve got my regimen down. I wake up, get up, and grab my coffee, which I like with a little nip of whiskey. My sweet tea with a bit of Long Island, and my lemonade with a dab of vodka. At my age, they say it’s important to thin the blood.
What are you going to do about Margot? That girl is five dollars’ worth of ten-cent makeup.
Marybeth gave her a critical look. “Your ass cheeks are like two communion wafers in a paper sack, sweetie. If no one shook the bag, we wouldn’t know they were there.”
A woman sitting on the edge of the dock gasped, then punched the man sitting beside her in the arm. “Turn around, Hank. That’s how it’s done. You don’t pop open a beer can and say, ’Let’s get hitched.’” Hank made a face and shrugged. “You said yes anyway.” She shouldered him. “That’s because I didn’t have other plans that weekend.”
My Review:
I adored this! While I revel in and will never tire of her Aspen Cove series, I am delightedly impatient with anticipation for more of this new one as well. This installment was an excellent commencement for a new set of tales.
Kelly Collins just keeps honing her stellar storytelling skills, the premise was original, the pace was perfectly smooth, and the story threads were amusing, authentic, and easy to fall into with an endearingly flawed cast of characters that entertained as well as beguiled.
I was quickly enamored with Willow Bay and believe my favorite character is going to be the bird-loving Cricket, and I’ll just leave the type of bird as a smirk-worthy surprise for now.
March 2, 2023
Carter and Brie were neighbors for all their lives and so in love. The night before they were supposed to get married David found out a secret about their parents so he left because he did not want Brie hurt. Brie went on to find love with David who she met in college. Unfortunately David died in the military. Brie’s Aunt Em told a white lie to get Brie back home. When she arrived back at her childhood home, she sees that David is back at his home next door. There were sad circumstances why they were both back, but I was so happy to see them get a second chance. David had never stopped loving Brie, but I loved how she made him work for a second chance. There were also some real characters in their small town that made me laugh. I encourage you to read the book to see what happens. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
June 7, 2022
Brie was left at the alter 12 years ago, by her childhood sweetheart. After her heart was broken, she moved away to go to college and met the second love of her life. They married and Brie loved her husband and her life. Unfortunately, her husband died in the war and Brie was once again left on her own. She kept her husband's memory close, even setting him a place a dinner and talking to him.
One day, her aunt, the only person left in her life, calls and asks her to come back home. Her aunt tells her she has the "Big C". Brie sells her home and moves back to her old town to be with her aunt.
Carter left town years ago. He had been in love with his childhood sweetheart and was set to marry her until he happened upon a horrible secret. Not knowing what to do and known by how it would upset Brie, he leaves town rather than face her. Now, years later, Carter has come back him new after his dad died and leaves the family resort to Carter. The resort has fallen into disrepair and now Carter must fix it up to sell it. The resort happens to sit right next to the resort Brie's family owns.
When these two see each other for the first time in 12 years, emotions are raw and old wounds are opened. Will these two be able to work things through or has too much happened to get past it?
One day, her aunt, the only person left in her life, calls and asks her to come back home. Her aunt tells her she has the "Big C". Brie sells her home and moves back to her old town to be with her aunt.
Carter left town years ago. He had been in love with his childhood sweetheart and was set to marry her until he happened upon a horrible secret. Not knowing what to do and known by how it would upset Brie, he leaves town rather than face her. Now, years later, Carter has come back him new after his dad died and leaves the family resort to Carter. The resort has fallen into disrepair and now Carter must fix it up to sell it. The resort happens to sit right next to the resort Brie's family owns.
When these two see each other for the first time in 12 years, emotions are raw and old wounds are opened. Will these two be able to work things through or has too much happened to get past it?
June 5, 2022
Years ago, Brie Watkins’ future fell apart when her childhood friend and fiancé, Carter Kessler, failed to show for their wedding. Now another tragic loss when her husband, David, was killed in Afghanistan. When she received an urgent message concerning her Aunt Em’s health, she sold her house and rushed home to Willow Bay. What she learns when she arrives will make her realize that she has been scammed…by her only living relative! Her aunt is not desperately ill, but is trying to get Brie to move on with her life, to live again. She had not known that Carter had also returned to town, after the death of his father, to care for his family’s resort. She never knew why he left her at the altar; will this be her chance to find out? Carter had left due to a disturbing family situation and deeply regrets leaving. Can he make things right between them or will the past get in the way again? A charming visit to Willow Bay and the town’s loveable characters. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review from the author. (paytonpuppy)
December 15, 2025
Novela contemporánea de segundas oportunidades, de esas que se escriben aún en tercera persona (¡bien!). La viuda Brie Watkins (32) regresa a Willow Bay, la small town de su infancia porque su tía Em le da a entender que está a punto de irse para Las Chacaritas. Luego resulta que la tía está fresca como una lechuga y es un truco... Porque acaba de volver al pueblo el ex de Brie: Carter Roland Kessler (34, aunque a veces a la autora se le olvida y te pone que tenían la misma edad). Es cosa de verse de nuevo y se acuerdan de que doce años no es nada y siguen enamoradísimos el uno del otro.
La historia podía haber funcionado con un poco más de garra, porque la autora maneja de forma bastante competente los personajes, la ambientación, el argumento (dentro de lo trillado que está todo) y el tópico de la segunda oportunidad. Pero al final quedó bastante mñé.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
La historia podía haber funcionado con un poco más de garra, porque la autora maneja de forma bastante competente los personajes, la ambientación, el argumento (dentro de lo trillado que está todo) y el tópico de la segunda oportunidad. Pero al final quedó bastante mñé.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
May 22, 2022
Brie sells her home and quits her job to go back to the family resort to care for her ailing Aunt only to find that her aunt was healthy as could be. Her first love and the man who left her at the altar is next door looking after his family's resort. Aunt Em and her crew make sure to throw them together as often as possible hoping for a second chance at love for both of them.
Carter left Brie at the altar after seeing her mother and his father together. He didn't believe that she would believe him so he made the decision to leave. After his father died, he is back and trying to restore his family's resort enough to sell it and leave.
When he sees that Brie is home as well, he changes his plans. He knows that she is the only one for him, but can he convince her that he is hers? With so much anger and hurt, she isn't quick to forgive him for his past betrayal.
Carter left Brie at the altar after seeing her mother and his father together. He didn't believe that she would believe him so he made the decision to leave. After his father died, he is back and trying to restore his family's resort enough to sell it and leave.
When he sees that Brie is home as well, he changes his plans. He knows that she is the only one for him, but can he convince her that he is hers? With so much anger and hurt, she isn't quick to forgive him for his past betrayal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2022
When Brie packs up and leaves everything behind to help her aunt where she grew up, she doesn’t expect to see her ex, the one who left her at the altar 12 years ago. Since then she had married and became a widow, living in the past and her aunt pulls out all the stops to get her home. Carter is back after his dad passes and inherits the resort that was always next to where Brie lived. He has his regrets and now that Brie is back, he will do whatever he can to win her back…the only woman he has ever loved.
A good sweet second chance romance with may quirky side characters that will have you chuckling out loud at their antics. Brie and Carter were very likeable and once all is revealed to his running away, mores secrets are revealed and exposed, adding to the read and the characters.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A good sweet second chance romance with may quirky side characters that will have you chuckling out loud at their antics. Brie and Carter were very likeable and once all is revealed to his running away, mores secrets are revealed and exposed, adding to the read and the characters.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
June 12, 2022
What do you do when you find out a secret that will shake the foundation of the person you love most, but isn’t your secret to tell? In the case of 20-year old Carter Kessler, you run away from home leaving your bride standing at the altar. This story starts about 12 years later. Bri Watkins has never gotten over being left at the altar by her first love. She is moving back to Willow Bay to help her Aunt Em run the family vacation resort. Carter returns to town because his father has died and he has inherited their resort.
The story follows Carter and Bri as they try to find their way back to each other. Along the way, you meet some of the quirky characters that seem to inhabit small towns. The characters are fun and I look forward to seeing them in future stories.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Carter and Bri as they try to find their way back to each other. Along the way, you meet some of the quirky characters that seem to inhabit small towns. The characters are fun and I look forward to seeing them in future stories.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2022
Brie Watkins had her heart broken twice, twelve years ago when she was abandoned at the altar and later with the death of her husband David. When her Aunt Em calls in need of help, she decides to return to the small town of Willow Bay to help her.
What she didn't expect was that her aunt was lying about her illness and that her first love, Carter Kessler, had also returned and was living next door to her.
As they grow closer again, initially just to renovate The Kessler Resort, they realize their love remains as strong as it was twelve years ago.
But when secrets come to light, will they be able to overcome it or will it destroy them once again?
I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
What she didn't expect was that her aunt was lying about her illness and that her first love, Carter Kessler, had also returned and was living next door to her.
As they grow closer again, initially just to renovate The Kessler Resort, they realize their love remains as strong as it was twelve years ago.
But when secrets come to light, will they be able to overcome it or will it destroy them once again?
I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
June 3, 2022
Brie and Carter belong together, but family secrets have kept them apart. Their story is a little bit Hatfields versus the McCoys, a smidge Romeo and Juliet, a heap of second chances, and all angsty drama. Be still my reality-television loving heart. Sigh! This story has all kinds of small-town nosiness, care, and concern packaged up in a bunch of quirky residents that only want the best for our leading couple. Will Brie and Carter be able to overcome their past or will the secrets that broke them apart then keep them apart now? I’m quickly falling in love with Willow Bay, and I can’t wait to see where the author is going to take us next. It’s already sounding like it’s going to be one heck of a ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
June 16, 2022
A great story to start a new series.
Brie was left heartbroken at the altar twelve years ago, but moved away and started a new life. Her husband was killed in the war and now her Aunt Em wants her to come back home. When she finally agrees the one person who she doesn't want to see turns up too. Her first love who left her at the altar and never explained why.
There are lots of fun characters in this book, I can't wait for the next adventure to arrive.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Kelly Collins is a great author who has written many books, she really won't disappoint when you start reading her stories. I am pretty sure I have read each and every one of them
Brie was left heartbroken at the altar twelve years ago, but moved away and started a new life. Her husband was killed in the war and now her Aunt Em wants her to come back home. When she finally agrees the one person who she doesn't want to see turns up too. Her first love who left her at the altar and never explained why.
There are lots of fun characters in this book, I can't wait for the next adventure to arrive.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Kelly Collins is a great author who has written many books, she really won't disappoint when you start reading her stories. I am pretty sure I have read each and every one of them
June 12, 2022
Carter should have talked to Brie instead of running on their wedding day. Even after she hears his reasons I don't know if it should be quickly forgiven. Brie was naive about her parents and I was surprised considering how her father died that she would make the assumptions she did. But they were young and I wonder where their lives would have gone if they hadn't taken different paths. She's struggled with loss and seems to cling tightly to the ghost of her husband. Her aunt schemes to get her back to the inn to move on and enjoy life again. I loved the boat parades and the yummy sounding recipes in the book.
June 2, 2022
An awesome start to a new series by the talented Kelly Collins. Brie is a young widow who goes back home to help her aunt run the family resort. Carter has gone back home to sell the family resort after his father dies. When these two reunite after 12 years, the spark is still there but Brie isn't going to let Carter into her heart a second time. Aunt Em is determined to get Brie and Carter back together no matter what she has to do. A heartwarming, well-written romance with likable characters, an engaging plot, and a satisfying HEA.
June 5, 2022
The Second TIME Around
What a memorable story. Sometimes things happen in life, you are hurt beyond what you feel is possible. Life takes you in a different direction, then thru life's circumstances and again reasons you don't understand, you are back where you grew up. Giving you a second chance, new beginnings, and learning things you may feel betrayed by, but through the years, you have grown up to have more understanding. Beautiful family, story ❤️, love comes full circle.
What a memorable story. Sometimes things happen in life, you are hurt beyond what you feel is possible. Life takes you in a different direction, then thru life's circumstances and again reasons you don't understand, you are back where you grew up. Giving you a second chance, new beginnings, and learning things you may feel betrayed by, but through the years, you have grown up to have more understanding. Beautiful family, story ❤️, love comes full circle.
May 29, 2022
The Second Time Around by Kelly Collins is the first book in the A Willow Bay series. We meet Brie who has had a rough go at love. Her fiance left her just before the wedding. She went on to college and met someone else. He ends up passing away. Her aunt calls her home, by not telling the truth. Obviously by the title she reconnects with someone from her past. Great, fun loving story. As always with a Kelly Collins book - HEA guarantee. Looking forward to the next one!
May 31, 2022
Second chance romance and small town in one book, what more can you ask for. I love both tropes and really enjoyed this book. A new small town series by Kelly Collins. My favorite character is Aunt Em, she loves to meddle in peoples lives, especially her niece Brie. She got her to come home and played a big part in getting Brie and Carter back together. Looking forward to this new series and especially Aunt Em’s book.
May 31, 2022
What a great start for a new series. This is a wonderful book. I’m smiling as I finish this story: it is written from the heart. There are secrets that can destroy; lost opportunities; and second chances that may or may not happen. Aunt Em is a special character; Brie is beautiful inside and out; and, Carter is a wonderful sweet guy. Everyone who reads this book will get that special feeling when they reach The End.
June 3, 2022
Go back and do it again as an adult!
Who wouldn’t love a chance to go back and do things right as an adult? This book was so sweet.
I can feel the love they have for each other right through the pages. I love the second chance idea without the main characters cheating on each other. And the respect she gave David is wonderful. I look forward to hearing more about this Texas southern town.
Who wouldn’t love a chance to go back and do things right as an adult? This book was so sweet.
I can feel the love they have for each other right through the pages. I love the second chance idea without the main characters cheating on each other. And the respect she gave David is wonderful. I look forward to hearing more about this Texas southern town.
June 2, 2022
Could not put this one down.
Years ago Carter didn’t show up at the alter to marry Brie, he left town for reasons he could not share with anyone. Now Carter and Brie are back in town, can Carter make this right and have a second chance with the one love of his life?
This is an awesome story that teaches us about secrets and how they can destroy relationship, families, and friends… but sometimes love can overcome those secrets.
Years ago Carter didn’t show up at the alter to marry Brie, he left town for reasons he could not share with anyone. Now Carter and Brie are back in town, can Carter make this right and have a second chance with the one love of his life?
This is an awesome story that teaches us about secrets and how they can destroy relationship, families, and friends… but sometimes love can overcome those secrets.
June 3, 2022
This was a second chance romance for Carter and Brie. They grew up together being next door neighbors. I liked the storyline but I thought it was a little slow moving until it hooks you in. I really enjoyed the side characters, they were fun and seemed full of life with great friends. I really liked the drama and angst within the families. I really enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait for the next book!
June 10, 2022
A second chance at love even if Brie and Carter are not ready. Twelve years ago he left her just before their wedding day. They ir are back in Willow Bay and need to work together. Can she forgive him for breaking her heart? Can he keep the secret that broke them or will separate them again? They are mean to be together.
June 4, 2022
Carter made a mistake twelve years ago but he hopes he can make things right now. Brie wants to hate Carter but how do you hate your best friend. To get a second chance they will need a lot of help, secrets must be told and trust must be earned. Brie has her hands full with her aunt and her aunt's friends, I found their antics to be funny but so sneaky.
May 29, 2022
The Second Time Around is a wonderful, feel-good second chance story! I love Kelly Collins' books, and this new release is no different. Brie and Carter's relationship ended a while ago, but when Brie returns to Willow Bay, there is definitely a rekindling of some old flames.
May 31, 2022
I liked this first story in a new series. Brie and carter have loved each other their whole lives but they weren't quite ready the first time around. Now, they have a second chance. I really liked Carter and I liked Brie even if she still had some maturing to do.
June 10, 2022
What’s not to love about this story. Second chance at fixing a love you messed up. I truly could not put it down. Loved the characters and story. I was gifted this book as an arc. This is my honest review
June 10, 2022
Loved
I love this story. Brie and Carter were just right for each other. Carter I could have just smacked him, he should have talked he should have spoken with Bree prior to just up and leaving. But all well that ends well they are together. Favorite character Tilly.
I love this story. Brie and Carter were just right for each other. Carter I could have just smacked him, he should have talked he should have spoken with Bree prior to just up and leaving. But all well that ends well they are together. Favorite character Tilly.
June 11, 2022
Great read that is a sweet second chance romance.
But it has just enough drama that stops it being sickly.
Main character have chemistry and the supporting characters
help to bring everything together.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
But it has just enough drama that stops it being sickly.
Main character have chemistry and the supporting characters
help to bring everything together.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 11, 2022
“Carter Kessler had a lot to answer for, like why he’d left her at the altar all those years ago.”
Brie knew heart wrenching heartbreak more than once. Being left at the alter broke Brie, having to live through the death of David, her husband, devastated her. He was the very man that filled the cracks in Brie’s broken heart.
Brie wonders how many people are lucky enough to get a do-over? “She was a woman who’d experienced trials and tragedy and survived them all. Losing Carter had been the death of every schoolgirl dream she’d had. Did she hold on to the past or move on with her future?”
Due to Aunt Em suffering from the ‘Big C ‘and Carter’s dad dying, they both find themselves back in Willow Bay. It’s a rough road with lots of curves ahead. It won’t be easy. Both, Brie and Carter have choices to make and those choices determine their future. Now that the truth is out and her eyes finally are opened, Brie needs to decide if she can trust again. That won’t be easy, especially with all the shenanigans pulled by people long gone. Too bad she can’t confront them.
So can Brie and Carter make fresh memories to override the hurt? Can they finish the love story they’d started?
🤔OBSERVATIONS and QUOTES:
✒︎ Cyrus and Olivia were cowards. They didn’t have the guts to oppose their parents so took the easy way out which led to ruining many innocent lives. They wanted their cake and to eat it too. Too bad their faces didn’t end up slammed deep into that cake…. Then when trying to clean up the cake debris, they look into a mirror and see they’re going to get what they deserve.
✒︎ The ‘old ladies’ in this book are hilarious but give VERY good advice … they all are spinsters but one (Marybeth). Wait till you meet them, it’s hard not to love them, especially Cricket. I bet she has an interesting story to tell, after all, her real name is Lulubelle and she is surrounded by mystery.
✒︎ “ I’ve had two loves in my life, and both caused me terrible pain, but they also gave me great joy. You can’t know pure bliss until you’ve experienced utter devastation.”
✒︎ There's never a good excuse for adultery. Trying to justify it isn't good. 'They' made their choice and needed to respect that. Their cheating can't be justified.
✒︎ Seems like Aunt Em has her own lost love story to tell. She loved once and never again. I’m anxious to see if the guilty party or parties ever, even once, realized the consequences of their actions, behavior. Looking forward to Em’s story…. and Miles seems like a good catch, then and now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2023
Sweet and well-written romance.
This was one enjoyable and sweet small town romance that distracted me from what I should’ve been doing far too easily. It was well written and engaging for sure, and I liked Carter and Brie as characters. Author Kelly Collins portrayed Carter’s horror, frustration, and betrayal perfectly, and I absolutely understood his behaviour.
Brie came across rather naive as well as being heartbroken, which worked for the whole plot in that this was a small town and everyone knew everyone else’s business. She had a beautiful heart, that’s for sure and I sympathised so much with her.
My only beef was with the aunty who was a lying meddling busy-body with lovely intentions, absolutely the best and most noble intentions, but on the whole I found her unapologetic and somewhat annoying.
In all, I appreciated the structure of the whole story even I did find it to be too ‘non-spicy and nice’ for my usual tastes. But, if you love well-written-sweet-second-chance-small-town-romances, then I recommend this for you. 4-Sweet-Stars 🍭❤️🍬
This was one enjoyable and sweet small town romance that distracted me from what I should’ve been doing far too easily. It was well written and engaging for sure, and I liked Carter and Brie as characters. Author Kelly Collins portrayed Carter’s horror, frustration, and betrayal perfectly, and I absolutely understood his behaviour.
Brie came across rather naive as well as being heartbroken, which worked for the whole plot in that this was a small town and everyone knew everyone else’s business. She had a beautiful heart, that’s for sure and I sympathised so much with her.
My only beef was with the aunty who was a lying meddling busy-body with lovely intentions, absolutely the best and most noble intentions, but on the whole I found her unapologetic and somewhat annoying.
In all, I appreciated the structure of the whole story even I did find it to be too ‘non-spicy and nice’ for my usual tastes. But, if you love well-written-sweet-second-chance-small-town-romances, then I recommend this for you. 4-Sweet-Stars 🍭❤️🍬
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