A Flower from Keanu
A Sweet Romance
The town of Hidden Glen has many secrets, but none more mysterious than the Christmas flower, which blooms rarely.
Legend recounts that when the blossoms unfold to release their fragrance, fortune shifts for those whom the scent caresses.
Cassandra Finlay, owner of The Smiling Peony, has had a seven-year ordeal of caring for a mother whose dementia has taken a terrible toll. Now, after her mother's death, she fights a constant battle not to implode from the emotional upheaval. And in this small town, Cassandra's hopes for healing and normal are running out of fuel.
Ken Rivers, a.k.a. Keanu Rivers by birth, returns to his childhood home with big plans, hoping to kick-start, not a revision, but a complete overhaul of his past life. And thanks to his reputation as chef and owner of a famous restaurant in New York City, opening a restaurant, B&B, catering, and intimate banquet hall in his newly acquired Drummond Estate property in Hidden Glen, is the next logical step to his career ambitions.
Then Fate reconnects Cassandra and Keanu, after years apart. Can magic happen? Or will the unexpected turmoil affecting her, and their small town, break them apart?
TAGLINE:
A little Fate dust, some flower magic, and two people reunited after years apart: one who needs healing, and the other who offers it. A sweet romance.
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra delivers a heartfelt and enchanting small-town romance that blooms with warmth, hope, and emotional authenticity.
Set in the charming, secret-filled community of Hidden Glen, A Flower from Keanu beautifully explores grief, second chances, healing, and the unexpected ways love finds us when we need it most. Cassandra and Keanu are wonderfully relatable characters whose journey feels both tender and uplifting.
Rich with memorable supporting characters, humor, and heartfelt moments, this novella is a delightful reminder that even after loss, new beginnings can flourish. Highly recommended.
The International Review of Books
A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, though it follows familiar genre conventions, is emotionally satisfying, and rewards the reader with the happiness one of the main characters has long been denied. It doesn’t break new ground; instead, it follows the usual tropes of the romance genre with a welcome dash of danger and suspense. However, it finds its uniqueness its emotional impact and thematic coherence, executed through steady pacing that smoothly leads to a renewal and a restoration of magnificent proportions. This novel is undoubtedly a memorable work that speaks right to the often-invisible resilience of the human spirit.
Feather Quill Book Reviews, July 2, 2026
I have only read a few books by this author, but it is enough that she has caught my attention. When I saw another book by her, I knew I had to give it a try and see what else she had created. This was an enjoyable story about two characters reconnecting and discovering more about themselves, and each other. It was lovely watching their relationship grow the more the story progressed.
This author seems to have a real talent for creating stories that are relatable and so easy to imagine. The characters feel real and the story is one that is almost familiar, even if it isn’t like your own life. This was a book I thoroughly enjoyed from the moment I started reading.
Kerry Baker on June 17, 2026
A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is a tender, heartwarming story that blends small-town charm with a deeper emotional tone. Set in the enchanting and secretive community of Hidden Glen, the story unfolds like a gentle breeze carrying the scent of hope and renewal.
At its heart, this is a tale about grief, healing, and the unexpected ways love can find us when we least expect it. The mysterious Christmas flower - a rare bloom which is said to change the fortunes of those who encounter its fragrance - serves as both a magical thread as well as a metaphor for second chances. Hidden Glen felt like a place I’d want to linger in, with characters who felt real and relatable.
Readers who enjoy heartfelt stories with a touch of legend and a dash of holiday magic, will find this a delightful escape.
Happy Reading… Angela on June 17, 2026
A Flower from Keanu reads like a small town that pretends it’s wholesome but is actually running on secrets, gossip, and the kind of folklore people swear they don’t believe while absolutely believing it.
Hidden Glen is not quaint — it’s nosy, dramatic, and one Christmas flower away from a full blown conspiracy board. Cassandra Finlay is running on emotional fumes after years of caregiving, and she’s not magically “fine” now. She’s brittle, exhausted, and one inconvenience away from snapping at a stranger in the bakery line. She’s trying to rebuild her life, but the town keeps handing her emotional landmines like party favors.
Then Keanu Rivers shows up — childhood connection, big city chef energy, and a name that sounds like it should come with a slow motion entrance. He’s not here to be charming; he’s here to bulldoze his past and build an empire on the Drummond Estate like he’s auditioning for a prestige drama.
Their reunion?
Not swoony.
Not soft.
More like: “Oh. You’re back. Great. Fantastic. Love that for me.”
The Christmas flower legend floats around like a town wide inside joke that might actually be real. It’s not whimsical — it’s more “this place has seen things and we’re all pretending it’s normal.” The plot moves steadily, with enough chaos to keep Cassandra from ever catching her breath. Keanu’s plans keep colliding with her emotional mess. The town keeps inserting itself like an uninvited group chat. And the “unexpected turmoil” hits with the energy of a raccoon knocking over a trash can at 2 a.m.
It’s engaging, grounded, and has just enough weird small town energy to keep things interesting. It’s not trying to be a sweeping romance or a tear jerker — it’s a clean, slightly chaotic reconnection story with a myth lurking in the background. I liked the characters, I liked the tension, and I liked that it didn’t drown itself in sentiment.
A small town novella with edges, secrets, and a second chance vibe that doesn’t pretend to be perfect — just real enough to keep you turning pages.
Jenni on June 15, 2026
This story is by an author that is new for me in which I enjoyed reading. One of the things I enjoyed with this author is the creative characters that are written with a lot of heart. I also enjoyed how the author was able to pull me into the story from the beginning. This is a story about second chance and what happens when fate steps in. This is Ken and Cassandra’s story. What will happen when fate steps in and these two are reconnected? What happens with these two is something you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed both of these characters and enjoyed watching the growth of their relationship. I also enjoyed how connectable and well developed all the characters were. I found this story to be well written and hard to put down. This is a great story that is easy and entertaining to read. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this story.
Bobbi Wagner on June 15, 2026
This book got me. It deals with one very real-life thing for me. The mother with dementia hits close to home, and all those feelings the FMC (female main character) has are all valid, and things I have experienced in my own life. That instantly made me bond with the character and really feel for this story. The author writes this story really well and the plot moves quickly but not to diminish anything in the story. I found it a quick read. The FMC not only deals with family issues but also has to deal with a small-town mentality. There are always "mean girls" wherever you go but having grown up in a small town myself, the mean girls seem to be built different in those towns. Being from a town where everyone knows everyone's business and having to protect herself from what would now be considered bullies, her old crush moves back. Cause, why not just throw that on top of everything else she is dealing with. lol. When the MMC (male main character) starts to show interest in the FMC, she isn't sure if she can trust him because not only is her self-esteem down because of everything she's dealing with but he also seems to be part of the mean girls’ clique. The MMC has to set out to prove that he is really into her and make her take a chance on him. I won't give any more because then I will be running into spoilers and that would ruin you from having an authentic experience while reading this book. It is a great read that allowed me to reply submerse myself in the words and escape my day to day for a few hours. Highly recommend.
Bee Jai Bohls on June 23, 2026
This is a sweet small-town second chance romance. The author is new to me but they did an amazing job of creating characters that I wanted to invest my time in. As well as the magical folklore aspects which make this story unique it was captivating by the characters’ lives and stories making them relatable.
This is Ken and Cassandra’s story. Cassandra is burnt out. After spending 7 years caring for her mother, she is now struggling to keep herself on an even keel emotional after she passes away. Every day is a struggle as she fights with her loss and also managing and running her business.
Ken Rivers returns to his home town with grand plans. As a well-known chef it makes sense for him to open up a restaurant/ B & B and he plans to do that.
But what will happen when fate intervenes playing Ken and Cassandra back in each other’s path? Will the past stop Cassandra moving forward? Is she just too tired to carry on healing? And what will the small town think when they are reunited? Is this a chance of love to bloom or will it get crushed before it has chance to grow?
Kerry Carr on June 24, 2026
This is my first book by this author, and I gotta say she did an excellent job hitting right in the feels. While I don't have a mother with dementia, I do have a family member who is suffering from it, and because of that I felt connected to the FMC on a deeper level. When Cassandra is faced with loss, and can't seem to get out from under it, Ken shows up. She is unsure if she wants to trust this man, since he is a part of the small town mean girls club. But Ken goes to prove that he is better than them and wins her over. This short and sweet story had me feeling all of the feels and had me wanting more. I think I will find the rest of this series and read them!
Crystal on June 24, 2026
A Flower from Keanu is a small town, second chance, heart-warming story that had me turning the pages till the end. This story brings small town charm and all the secrets, gossip that comes along with it. This is a fairly new author to me but, so far, I’m a fan and plan on going back and checking out what other books she has written. I love how the story is about moving on and how different people grieve differently. And the way love tends to find us when we least expect it. This story hit home a lot with me and different things I’ve been going through, so my emotions were all over the place. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Dawn Daughenbaugh on June 23, 2026
This was such a sweet romance; it was so easy to read along and get invested in the lives of the characters as their stories unfolded. Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra has written a truly heartwarming story about finding self-worth, forgiveness, and the ability to trust and love after hardships in life. Our main character, Cassandra, has recently lost her mother, whom she had to care for as she wilted away from her dementia, and all the ups and downs that come along with such a hard disease that attacks the mind and the body. Not only does she have to overcome such a loss, but she's also having to navigate the town gossip and the "mean girl" whose relatives always have their fingers in all the local pies, so to speak. When her childhood crush, Keanu, moves back to town after 13 years, she's not sure if she can trust his intentions or if he's got something he wants from her, like most of the others in the "mean girls" circle. Can Keanu convince Cassandra to give him a chance, or will her distrust of his intentions prevent her from opening her heart up to the possibilities of love? Happy reading, my friends.
Brandy Jo Rymer on June 23, 2026
Not going to lie, the title drew me in and my curiosity got the best of me and I'm glad it did.
Cassandra has had a rough time the last several years. Her mom's dementia took a huge toll on her, and her social life was nonexistent and almost no free time. Despite that she had an amazing support system to do what they could.
Keanu moves back to his hometown after several years away. Very early into his return he sees the back Cassandra and is instantly intrigued though her couldn't see her face. They had grown up together but they lost touch after he left. They quickly fell into the comfort of friendship.
Their path isn't an easy one but they get there.
Hope I get a chance to read this author again in the future.
Robin Rankin on June 23, 2026
A Flower from Keanu is a charming and heartwarming romance that perfectly blends small-town magic, second chances, and emotional healing. I loved the cozy atmosphere of Hidden Glen and the touch of mystery surrounding the legendary Christmas flower. Cassandra and Keanu are easy characters to root for, and their reconnecting after years apart makes for a sweet and engaging love story. The book does a wonderful job balancing heartfelt moments with hope, friendship, and the promise of new beginnings. It's an uplifting read filled with warmth, romance, and just the right amount of magic to leave you smiling.
Katie Burgess on June 22, 2026
His trad is just what the doctor ordered 😉
Cassandra is mourning the loss of her mom, which is heartbreaking enough on its own, but watching her fade to dementia and care for is a lot to absorb emotionally and my heart absolutely ached for her 💔
Not only does she need to deal with loss and grief, but she’s got to deal with small town gossips and, to be quite frank, I just wanted to jump into the book and put them in their place: I mean where’s you compassion? 🤯🫣💔
Keanu returns to town and Cassandra had a major crush in him years ago and when he shows an interest she’s not sure how to read him or if she can trust him and while I get her reservations I couldn’t help myself but to cheer him on , people change , people grow up ….
Keanu was a chef and owner of a restaurant in New York but he heads home to have a fresh start and as fate would have it his path crosses with Cassandra’s and he’s got quite the task ahead of him trying to win her over and seem himself worthy of her heart …
They didn’t have an easy journey but it does have a happy ending and there’s a special sprinkle of this and that to add to the magic of this read 📚🥰
Heidi Sturgess on June 26, 2026
This enjoyable and engaging sweet romance kept me happily turning the pages. Set in the small town of Hidden Glen, people talk about the mysterious Christmas flower. People believe that if you scent the blossoms fragrance then your fortune shifts. Having cared for her mother with dementia before her death, owner of the Smiling Peony, Cassandra is emotionally drained. Meanwhile, well known Chef Keanu (Ken) returns to his childhood home having acquired Drummond Estate, with big plans.
Cassandra and Keanu meet after years apart and share a connection. However, as their relationship develops either the small town will break them apart, or provide the magic they need. This intriguing story with its small-town vibes swept me up, and I quickly found myself fully immersed in both Hidden Glen, and the story. Cassandra is a very realistic and relatable character, and my heart went out to her caring for her mother with dementia for seven years, and then grieving her. Keanu and Cassandra’s chemistry came across clearly in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed.
Jennifer on June 25, 2026
Cassandra has just had the funeral for her mother who had dementia. The disease turned her mother from ornery to just downright cruel to her. She has taken over her mother’s flower shop during that time and it is the only thing keeping her going. She is single and her friend keeps trying to set her up with men but she just feels she is better off single. Keanu had returned to his hometown after moving to New York and opening his restaurant. He decided he wanted to bring a restaurant back to his hometown. He has bought the property next to Cassandra’s. They knew each other growing up and he also worked at the flower shop as a teenager. His aunt was the one who taught him the love for cooking and he has returned to help her with his uncle after his surgery as well as opening the restaurant. At the Halloween festivities for Hidden Glen, Keanu finally is able to run into Cassandra while accompanying his aunt and uncle as he is pushing his uncle along the way. They were very excited to see Cassandra and to set her up with Keanu to supposedly help him meet some of the vendors working the event s as they might be able to help him with his ventures. Along the way Cassandra and Keanu go off on their own recalling childhood and a little pushback from Cassandra as she is worried he will build up the restaurant and then turn around and sell, and then leave again. However, could this be a good thing for them both that he is back, because there are more things going on in town than meets the eye.
Heather Knalls on July 1, 2026
Good story! So sweet! How could I not love Keanu? He is darling and I loved that he was all in with the town, the people, the politics and most of all Cassandra. Cassie is the heart of this one. She has had hard times and just dusts herself off and moves along. I did enjoy all of the wonderful townsfolk and friends. My only issue is the suspense part of the story seemed to just fall off once there was a confrontation. So that portion came off as unfinished.
Lisa on July 2, 2026
I hadn’t heard of this author before, and although the cover didn’t pull me in right away, the synopsis definitely did! I’m a sucker for sweet romances, so I dove right in. I didn’t come up for air either as I read this book all in one sitting! I was very impressed with this being my first book by this author. Something that really stood out for me personally was the mother with dementia. Taking care of a family member with dementia currently made that a very touching subject that pulled on my heartstrings. I was invested in our characters immediately but specifically Cassandra. Ken does seem like a perfect book boyfriend though! If you’re looking for a heartwarming romance that deals with deeper emotions like grief and healing, this will be right up your alley!
Shannen on July 1, 2026
Small town romances are always fun to read. The pace slows down, one of the main protagonists comes back home and then old memories kick in.
Keanu Rivers heads back to his home town after becoming a successful chef in New York. His plan is to expand his business in the town. Cassandra Finlay is running low on emotional energy; she recently lost her mother after taking care of her mom’s dementia for seven years. All Cassandra wants is a peaceful break. But the small town, where everyone knows everyone else’s business would not let her slide by. In her emotional upheaval enters Keanu, her childhood crush. Things don’t start easy. They don’t move on easy. It falls on Keanu to reignite the old connection and get their romance to blossom.
This is a very realistic romance; I really liked it that it does not start off with old flames when they first meet each other. Instead, it takes its own twists and turns and time to blossom.
I very much enjoyed this book!
Anantha Rusum on July 1, 2026
I’ve been really into small town romances lately.
Cassandra is grieving the loss of her mother who she took care of through dementia. She owns her own shop but the gossip around town is starting to get her.
Famous chef and past crush, Keanu, returns home to start fresh and shows interest in Cassandra but she is hesitant due to her low self-esteem and past hurt.
What an emotional journey this was. I picked this up thinking it was going to be short cute romance but it had me water eyed a few times while reading.
Moriah Venable on July 1, 2026
You will definitely be sucked into this story from the beginning. If you haven't had a loved one with dementia, chances are you know someone who's loved one is either living it or had loved through it. The FMC Cassandra goes through a lot. She is running a flower shop, The Smiling Peony, while taking care of her mother full time who has dementia. I can say that everything she goes through, all of her feelings are definitely valid. Being empathetic it really got me in the feels and I really felt for her. Now Keanu, or Ken as he is called, had moved away to New York City for a while. He and Cassandra grew up together and were good friends. He hopes that he can revamp his old life by possibly opening a B&B, catering, restaurant, and a banquet hall on the Drummond Estate that he just recently acquired. Keanu does have all the credentials to run a successful business. Will it work in his home town of Hidden Glen? After seeing Cassandra, they spark up a friendship after losing touch all those years ago. Will they be able to help each other out?
Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba on July 1, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. I will have to say it won’t be my last. I was hooked from the beginning of this book and really didn’t want to put it down. If you like sweet romance stories then I think this is the book for you. A Flower from Keanu is a sweet little story and I really hope we get to see more of the main characters.
Cassandra is the owner now of the Smiling Peony the flower shop her mother opened when she was alive. Attending her funeral is what hurts the most. She wants to remember her mom like she used to be not how she was before she died. Then Keanu comes back to town to open a restaurant and he ends up being what she needed all along. The quote I chose for her is: “I’m serious, Keanu. You already accomplished what you wanted— a successful and famous restaurant in New York City. Why expand here? And why now? Not that we weren’t thrilled it was you who’d bought the Drummond property next to mine. But if you’re not serious, you’d better fess up. We have enough troubles here as it is.”
Keanu or Ken as he likes to be called now is back in his hometown after thirteen years. He’s back helping his aunt while his uncle is down from surgery. He stops by the flower shop on an errand run for his aunt. He sees Cassandra, but didn’t get a chance to talk to her. Then as he gets ready to open his restaurant, he meets local vendors. He gets to know Cassandra very well and ends up falling for her. The quote I chose for him is: “And it’s no way to welcome your own personal chef. I’ve brought some stuff to make dinner and I want your opinion. C.C. said you’ve had a hell of a day and probably hadn’t eaten anything.”
Amanda Kimble on July 3, 2026
A Flower from Keanu is a great book. Cassandra is the main character; she has had to take care of her mother who had dementia and just passed away. Cassandra took over her mother’s flower shop and it is what seems to be the only bright spot in her life. With small town mentality and mean girls trying to keep her down even after her mom’s passing. Then enter Ken or Keanu who left to fill his dreams of being a chef in New York and has a top restaurant there. Keanu moves back to Hidden Glen and is helping with his uncle after surgery. He has decided to move back and open a restaurant. When they run into each other Cassandra and Keanu talk about the past and you feel the spark. But with mean girls, the stress of everything will Cassandra trust Keanu. I really liked this book.
Amber Peake on July 3, 2026
An emotional story about a woman taking care of her mother with dementia finds love again with an old flame. Really cute love story about two people finding each other.
Chell Conner on July 3, 2026
A Flower from Keanu is a touching and sweet novel about Cassandra, a woman who has been deserted by her father when she was a baby. Her mother, the town florist who passed away before the story opens had dementia in her final years and Cassandra, as her caretaker had to endure a great deal of public humiliation as a result of her mother's behavior. Despite all of this, she has managed to be a successful businessperson, taking over the flower shop and making it a big success. Because of her success the small town where they live is getting notice and vulturous business people are entering. Including her old friend Keanu. Is Keanu a vulture, coming in with plans for a new restaurant or is he one of the "good guys?" And if he is one of the good guys, does Cassandra have the capacity to open herself up to heal the bruises of the past? I enjoyed this book and the emotions that it brought out in each other.
Gila Hadani on July 4, 2026
A great friends-to-lovers closed door romance. This book is full of heart wrenching moments. The beginning of this book is kind of slow but just keep reading as the beginning is building up the story. When Keanu comes back to Hidden Glen and reunites with his childhood friend, the attraction is off the charts. Hopefully Cassie and let her walls down and let Keanu in. This book has some major twists and there are MANY secrets in Hidden Glen.
Kelli Harper on July 4, 2026
Small town charm at its finest. Cassie Finley and Keanu Rivers have known each other since they were little. Now grown up and dealing with everything life has thrown their way. Cassie with the loss of her mother and keeping her business thriving along with keeping all the drama of small-town life to a minimal. Keanu moving back to Hidden Glen after becoming a famous chef with his own restaurant. These two try to figure out if what they feel is something to go for. Keanu taking Cassie’s distance in strides with everything she went through when he was gone. Throw in some land developers who will not take no for an answer. And a twist Cassie or her friends never saw coming. But the way the town protects its own, is just want you want in a small town like Hidden Glen.
Amber Oakes on July 3, 2026
A Flower from Keanu is a wonderfully written small-town romance by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra. She is a first-time author for me, and I fell in love with the town of Hidden Glen and its inhabitants. This “novella" is still 230 pages so reads like a full novel and this one packs a lot of emotion! Cassie has dealt with a lot in her life, from the abandonment by her father, to a mother who succumbs to the ravages of dementia, to running a successful floral and landscaping business. But she doesn't realize how lonely she is until an old friend returns in the form of Keanu. Their unique love story is a slow-burn, emotion-fueled masterpiece that will have you laughing, crying, shaking your head, and rooting for the couple. Being in a small town, there is drama, secrets, mean girls, those who think they are beyond reproach, but there are also tensions and real-to-life issues. The world building is great and the characters are realistic, flawed, believable, and lovable. The only small issue I had was there wasn't more about the elusive, rare Christmas flower from which the book gets its name. Otherwise, a wonderful beginning to a hopefully long series surrounding Hidden Glen.
Mandy on July 7, 2026
A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella by Maria Elena Alonson-Sierra. This is a little hallmark story but with a touch of gossip, mystery and a little folklore. It’s the story of Cassandra who is the owner of the local flower shop, The Smiling Peony that her mom opened when she was alive. It’s hard to continue on without her mom even though the last few years she hadn't been herself since she was diagnosed with dementia. Keanu has moved back to town to open a restaurant and help his aunt with his uncle who has been sick. He buys the store right next to Cassandra and they knew each other growing up but weren't close. When they spend some time alone at the Halloween festivities they realize they have a lot in common. They have immediate chemistry but Cassandra is worried that once his uncle is better and his restaurant is up and running, he will run back to New York. Can she take a chance on love or will she let the insecurities in her mind keep her from being happy?
Tausha Treadway on July 6, 2026
A Flower from Keanu/ by Maria Elena Alonson-Sierra is a beautiful but gut wrenchingly sweet romance that will have you invested from the moment you read the blurb. I'm not huge on this genre, but this author may just change my mind. I really enjoyed this novel, and I haven't read this author before, so it was a lovely first impression!
Finn Cunningham on July 7, 2026
I enjoyed this book. From reading the first few pages I was into the story and connected because I also have had both of my parents pass and feeling that loneliness in the world can be heart shattering at times but, like Cassandra, I refuse to let it control my life and stop me from being successful. I am glad she is able to reconnect with Keanu and I enjoyed their story.
Rachel Meadows on July 7, 2026
A Flower from Keanu is set in the small town of Hidden Glen. Cassandra Finlay is navigating through life as a business owner, and struggling with the loss of her mother who had dementia.
Ken Rivers, aka Keanu, is moving back home after thirteen years, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of his restaurant business in New York City to start a new business venture.
Hidden Glen has its own secrets, which could impact Cassandra and Keanu. While I liked the dynamic of Cassie and Keanu; I couldn’t fully connect with the story. I felt the secrets of the town overshadowed the Cassie and Keanu’s story.
Diane M Sennett on July 1, 2026
This is a pretty sweet, small-town romance, with lovely characters and a green flag male lead. By all intents and purposes, this should have been my absolute jam, but for some reason, I really struggled with getting into this book. I’m not sure why, and honestly, now, even having read it, and looking back on the experience, I can’t really tell you why I just didn’t jive with this read. I think there were moments where I felt the narrative dragged a little, and some of the drama elements within the book just didn’t interest me in the way that I thought they would.
I think the characters were pretty nice, especially Keanu. Man, that guy is such a green flag. However, there were moments that I thought he was a bit too forward and pushy, especially without really outlining and explaining his feelings to Cassandra. Other than that, I was really on board with the way he built her up, and was constantly trying to show her that she deserved to be treated well, and that not everyone was going to hurt her.
Cassandra was a character that I really struggled to engage with. I got that she had some pretty rough experiences with other men, and also the whole thing with her mom, but honestly, I felt that there were moments where she was too hesitant or unclear with her feelings. I get that she was reticent going forward with any relationship, but it seemed like she was still holding back even when it became really obvious that Keanu really, really liked her. I did think that she was a strong FL, and given everything she had to contend with I was impressed by her resilience. I really liked some of the little titbits about Keanu and Cassandra’s past, and I think I would have liked more of these, as I felt this would have maybe made their connection clearer. One element I did struggle with was their connection and growing romance. I think because of Cassandra’s reluctance, I just didn’t feel the spark between them.
I didn’t like several of the ‘bad guy’ characters in this. They were reprehensible human beings who honestly annoyed me to no end. I also thought at moments where their nastiness and behaviour lacked some believability. The corporate crap I could totally believe, but the personal shots that some of these characters seem to make just left me a little bit confused. Considering they often made a massive deal about not liking or caring about the FL, they expended a lot of energy seeking her out just to put her down. I felt it was the same from the other perspective too, a lot of Cassandra’s, and to some extent Keanu’s, energy was expended on these characters when I kind of thought it would be better just to ignore them and leave them to their clearly petty existence.
Still, I liked the way Alonso-Sienna wrote this, making the small, close-knit community feel so real and believable. It was interesting how she highlighted some of the issues that face a lot of small communities as they are swallowed by a larger corporation, looking to simply make money, rather than preserving what makes these small towns feel so magical.
I do think that there is a lot to really love here. It’s a small-town romance, with pretty low stakes, with mostly likeable characters. It is a great summer read, and the ML is an absolute green flag. I do think I will re-read this at some point, as my general mood may have affected my enjoyment of the book. Alonso-Sienna writes deeply and thoughtfully, and I will definitely check out more of her work in the future. I think I was in a bit of a funk when I read this.
Dani on June 23, 2026
