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We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye

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when the past becomes the present and the present is in the past
Sylvie Masters has been climbing the corporate ladder in search of an office with a view. She's sure once she's made it to the top, everything else will fall into place.
But here she is in the corner office lined with windows and life has never looked so dull. Every day is a replica of the one before. Life is predictable. And boring.
Until she walks into Cole's Cafe'. It's there she learns that happiness isn't earned. It's discovered. You just have to look for it.
Even if it's in a different century.

218 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2023

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About the author

Layne Deemer

7 books134 followers
Layne Deemer aims to push boundaries with her writing. Her stories deconstruct the ordinary until it becomes something else entirely.

She has a degree in Communications with a minor in English and has worked in the fields of public relations, marketing, and advertising, but writing has always been her true passion. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading. Her wish list of books will take her a lifetime to get through.

She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, Adam, their two kids, Stella and Jasper, and their bulldog, Archie. Frayed, a psychological thriller, is her first novel.

Want a FREE book? Sign up for my newsletter to receive your copy of the short story, The Perfect Type. https://BookHip.com/TQQJSSL

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5 stars
33 (36%)
4 stars
32 (35%)
3 stars
18 (19%)
2 stars
8 (8%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Kalie.
242 reviews22 followers
June 23, 2023
This book was amazing from start to finish!

We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye follows Sylvie who’s been climbing the corporate ladder convinced that once she makes it to the top happiness will follow. But instead her life is predictable and boring until one day fate leads her into Cole’s Cafe where she learns happiness isn’t earned it’s discovered even if it’s discovered in a different century.

I loved the way Layne told Sylvie and Cole’s story. Their connection was so sweet and believable, and I just had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. The time travel aspect was so interesting and well done, and I was so happy with Sylvie and Cole’s journey towards happily ever after! If you’re looking for a sweet romance with just the right amount of steam and an amazing story that will put a smile on your face, then look no further, I can’t recommend this book enough!
Profile Image for Chey.
1,499 reviews50 followers
July 1, 2023
We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye

Sylvie is trying to work her way up the corporate ladder, but finds herself becoming bored with monotony of every day life. Then she walks into Cole's Cafe and everything changes.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as doing a time travel romance can get tricky and can quickly become complicated. Layne Deemer did an excellent job in giving us a time traveler romance that worked and made a decent amount of sense. Sylvie and Cole have a romance that spans the century and getting to see how they manage to work things out was fun.

I will say that the book was predictable, so the ending wasn't a shock or unexpected. I would've liked to see a few more twists that would keep the story interesting and less predictable, but overall I greatly enjoyed reading it!

Overall rating
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Profile Image for Meghann Steele.
67 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
just wow

This was a very sweet story and I read it in about 4 hours. Such a great read. It had me smiling, and at times in tears. I’ve really been into time travel stories since reading Stephen Kings 11/22/63 and I just love the concept of going back in time- seeing the world in a whole new light. This was a short story (to me) of a woman who gets splashed with water by a car on her walk to work and runs into a cafe to get cleaned up in the restroom except when she goes inside- it’s no longer 2023- it’s 1934. That’s all I’ll say because I hate spoiling stories but it’s a super sweet story and has no dull moments. Def read!
Profile Image for Joanne Ragona.
717 reviews31 followers
November 23, 2024
“I will suffer through a lifetime of thens for every now I have with you.”

Beautiful time travel romance that explores the idea of soul mates, true happiness and taking a leap of faith.

This was a super quick read that had me glued to my Kindle. Sylvie and Cole may be from different timelines but their hearts have recognized each other as two halves of a whole. This was a simple and heartwarming story with lots of steam and swoon.
Profile Image for Joanna.
493 reviews58 followers
December 26, 2024
3.5⭐ - This was a really sweet (& spicy) time travel romance. Things moved pretty quickly but that is to be expected when the story only has 200 pages to unfold. It was definitely a little cheesy and predictable at times and while I probably won't ever think about this story again, it was nice for the moment. I would recommend for anyone needing a "palate cleanser" type book or just a quick fun read.
Profile Image for Laura.
107 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2023
Sooooo cheesy, but I'm here for it and such a sucker for a time travel romance!
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,359 reviews60 followers
May 29, 2023
What a charmer! Layne Deemer delves into the world of time travel and what she creates is nothing short of adorable. A story that is beyond easy to read, I just loved how Sylvie and Cole meet, fall in love and against all odds, find a way to be together forever. That is, despite the fact that Sylvie lives in current 2023 and Cole is from the year 1934!

With the inexplicable magic of a long-forgotten cafe, Sylvie is transported back into a time where life seemed simpler and she can be herself and not try and please others every minute of every day. When she first meets Cole, she's intrigued by his gentlemanly ways and how he offers a cup of coffee just to warm her up after she's drenched by a puddle of rainwater. This memorable gesture becomes the beautiful beginning of many trips back to this cafe, just to make sure a part of Sylvie's busy and hectic day is more than pleasant.

The book goes along at a good pace, with Sylvie falling hard for Cole. Cole falling hard for Sylvie and the constant thought that at some point, their tether will break. The stolen moments of real passion, touching talks and even long walks on the beach were exactly what both Sylvie and Cole wanted and needed, and I loved their time together, even if it might have an expiration date. Especially since Sylvie is seemingly the only one who can even see the cafe instead of an abandoned building, it's hard for her to even figure out exactly what is happening here. But it certainly helped that she had her good friend and assistant Mel to confide in and could help Sylvie figure out how to start living her life with the man of her dreams even if that meant going back in time for good.

Layne Deemer never writes the same story twice and I really enjoy how she creates unique books that both intrigue me and make me smile. With We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye, I really enjoyed this unique journey with Sylvie and Cole and the choices both made that would undoubtedly insure their happiness for many years to come.

4 big stars!
Profile Image for Mari Acosta.
272 reviews10 followers
June 1, 2023
I LOVED this story! I truly had trouble putting it down even to sleep. I was mostly able to remove myself from the unbelievable bits, but some last strings got to me just a touch. Like what happens in Mel's world in the end? Hmm... Anyway, maybe (I hope) we could see a sequel that clears that up for me in the future.
Profile Image for Liz.
9 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2023
This is a super quick and delightful read. I was rooting so hard for Sylvie and Cole. The time travel mechanism and rules are unique. Sylvie’s time spent between timelines feels realistic and there weren’t any inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. I love a good friendship between women and there is a lovely one to be found here. Perfect little summer pool/beach read!
Profile Image for Shannon.
2 reviews
June 5, 2023
Once again I was drawn into a story written by Layne, and could not stop reading! This is a unique love story between Sylvie and Cole that kept me on the edge of my seat on how it was going to end. Excellent quick read book that I highly recommend! Would love a sequel!
Profile Image for Melissa.
3,189 reviews21 followers
June 9, 2023
Layne Deemer writes such unique and engaging characters. I get sucked in immediately with every book. This is a unique tale of time travel and love. Very sweet. 4 solid stars!!!!!
Profile Image for Marie.
103 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2023
I was surprised the day I received this as an advanced reader's copy I was not expecting it but was more than happy to dive right in. I have been dipping my toes into new genres and this was the perfect book to help along the way. We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye is a time-traveling romance that took us on a beautiful journey about finding love in unexpected places ( and times) it was beautifully written if not maybe a little too fast-paced. Sylvie and Cole are two characters that are easy to love and I adored all my time with them and their Story. Quick easy read and just makes you feel good when your done.
Profile Image for Jessica.
84 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2023
I received We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye as an ARC. It is a wonderful instant love story. We are introduced to Sylvie Masters who somehow manages to travel back in time to 1934. However it's only to a specific coffee shop, where she meets Cole who happens to be the owner.

Sylvie and Cole's story may be short but it's full of love and steamy intense passion. However things get tense when the portal to Cole is compromised. Will she stay in 1934 or will she return to her corporate life in 2023?
Profile Image for Jannine McLaughlin.
8 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2023
Hmmm.

I did not know what to expect when I thought, well, I may give this book a try...I finished it in one sitting. Beautiful. Thank you!!!!
96 reviews
July 28, 2023
Review

It was a welcome change from what usually read. I really enjoyed how everything played out and loved the ending... Very nice
17 reviews
September 29, 2023
great quick read

Great story — heartwarming and easy to read really draws you In to keep reading and I enjoyed how different the story was
Profile Image for Michelle.
121 reviews
December 29, 2023
I absolutely loved this time travel romance. Such an easy, engaging read.
1 review1 follower
February 17, 2024
I love time travel romance

I loved everything about this book. It kept me reading, and I just love the added time travel twists and turns.
Profile Image for Virginia.
9,263 reviews25 followers
March 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews