How it All Began: A Small-Town Romance

by Fiona West

Trust is like car easy to lose and hard to get anywhere without it…Evan only intended to strike up a casual conversation with the stunning blonde with Goldie Hawn looks–now he finds himself trying to cross paths with her on campus every chance he gets. But his water polo teammate appears to have damaged his chances with Farrah before he could even ask her out.

Farrah's been out with players from the water polo team before–and it's always ended in tears. The handsome medical student who wants to help her get revenge says he's not like them…but there's only one way to know for sure.

Will a trip to his hometown seal the deal or prove this player's all washed up? Get your copy of this sweet, just-kisses standalone, and see why romance lovers are head over heels for Timber Falls!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

Fiona West is an American author living in the Pacific Northwest. Writing romance is her favorite thing, followed closely by reading, knitting and drinking tea while looking out the window. When she’s not doing those things, she’s spending time with her husband and two kids. Her debut novel, The Ex-Princess, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was named one of their Best Books of 2019. Could Be Something Good, the first book in her new Timber Falls small-town romance series, is out now. Find out more about Fiona at http://www.fionawest.net or sign up for her newsletter at http://www.subscribepage.com/westwind.

Reviews

[Holly Dimitrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, the part that I didn't like was that it was a novella and so short. lol
Small-town, prequel type. Super easy read with no drama, super sweet, and fun banter.
The 2 main characters were amazing. Evan is def one that you can easily fall in love with. This book had the guy falling first. Which was soo sweet and I loved it. Farrah was great also but she tended to keep a shell on herself for a while. Which made the book good as well. Gave it so dept and creative style. These 2 are so perfect for each other.
The side characters (aka background characters) were great also. An all-around great story that I hope we get a good series to.

I am so glad to have been able to read this book (ARC) thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. The above is my opinion/review. Honest and voluntary.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How It All Began" by Fiona West is a prequel to the Timber Falls series that tells the story of Evan Durand and Farrah Eastman, parents of Daniel from Could Be Something Good and Kyle from Must be a Mistake. As Daniel nervously prepares for his girlfriend Winnie's first visit to the Durand family home with her mother, who also happens to be his boss, Evan reflects on the early days of his relationship with now-wife Farrah. Their story was every bit as adorable as their sons' stories, and I loved getting this additional glimpse into their past.

This funny, sweet novella serves as a perfect introduction to the Durand family for readers who haven't yet picked up any of the books in the Timber Falls series, and a fun little bonus for those who have. I highly recommend "How It All Began" for all sweet/closed-door contemporary romance fans and look forward to whatever the author writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evan is having trouble with his bike combination lock when Farrah helps him. She walks away without sharing her name. He searches for her across campus.

She’s sworn off boys players from the water polo team, so when she finds out Evan is a member of the team she is wary.

Will she give him a chance to prove himself?

This small town romance, prequel novella is sweet and easy to read. There’s no drama, just two characters meeting and falling in love. Their banter is cute, and the side characters round out the story beautifully.

3.5 stars

[Marissa Diiulio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a quick romance? This short novella will have you smiling the entire time! This is a story about how Evan and Farrah fell in love after having a fated encounter with a bike lock. The story is written beautifully and keeps you falling more in love with the characters in each chapter. I loved how there was no unrealistic drama and that the story with written with accuracy about the beginning stages of a relationship and the uncertainty that comes with it. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a short, loveable read.

[Patti Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

How it All Began…..

I loved this story. I fell in love with Evan right away! He was so charming! Farrah was great too! What I loved most about this was that it didn’t have a big fight or drama. They just got to know each other and fell in love. Evan would not give up on Farrah. He was so kind to her. Farrah was more reserved but towards the end she came out of her shell.
I read this story in a matter of 2 hours. I couldn’t put it down!
Such a sweet read! The beginning, the middle, and the end! Loved it.

[Mindy Lisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan and Farrah are meant to be from the start and so is this charming little book. I love everything about this book except for how short it is, I wanted more and more! I am invested in this family and Timber Falls and can’t wait to read more about them!

[Tamara Rolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella serves as a prequel to the Timber Falls series and is the perfect quick read. Farrah and Evan are couple goals. Their romance is effortless and free of any angst or drama. It’s sweet and funny and full of heart without being too syrupy or unbelievable. I just loved going back to Timber Falls.
4.5 sweet stars!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it as much as the rest of the Timber Falls series. This is a prequel to the series.

[Paula Leite · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars!

Super duper sweet. Loved reading this prequel and getting to see a few of the characters that we’ve gotten to know so well

[Christina]

DNF — Got about 30% through, just awkward and not compelling writing

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick cute romance

This book has an interesting meet and charming characters. Strong family ties and small town atmosphere. Just as you really get to like the main characters it end much too quickly.

[Jean Katchmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute story reminiscing the romance between Evan and Farrah. It started with her unlocking his bike. Evan fell for Farrah right away but Farrah was cautious as others have treated her badly because her father is a janitor. It is sweet to hear about their first few dates and how well Evan treated her. Being a beautician, Farrah cut his hair for the party Evan plans to take her where his family will be as well. It became a night to remember for both of them! A sweet story that introduces you to Timber Falls and characters for future books.

[Chelsey Yannarella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Such a cute quick romance read. I love Evan he was sweet from the beginning.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series 💕

[Carol Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny adorable story of Farrah and Ethan you'll love from the beginning. It is a well written quick read love story for good, clean entertainment. I could not put it down. This is my first book of Fiona Webb. This book is a prequel to her Timber Falls book so I'm looking for it next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Ethan character is adorable and funny and the story makes you feel as his and Farrah's friend. I am ready to begin reading book 2!

[Bethani Holdren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really good! Sucked you and loved reading this cute littel story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a wonderful book

I thought it was an ok book, looking for the next book to read in the series. She is a pretty good author.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable sweet meet-cute with all the fun banter and none of the angst. Farrah and Evan's first meeting was kismet, two simpatico souls feeling the undeniable rightness of their match. But that doesn't mean Farrah made it easy for Evan! She'd been burned and was a bit hesitant, but Evan refused be deterred that easily. This book follows them along their first few dates in a whirlwind romance that took them both for surprise.

From laugh out loud moments, to touchingly sweet scenes and a few swoon-worthy kisses, this short read stayed real and heart-felt. A great introduction to Timber Falls, a small town made famous by their excellent toilet paper! and also good people I am looking forward to spending more time with. This was a light, fun read. Perfect way to unwind after a stressful day.

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

How It All Began: A Small Town Romance is truly a happy ever after read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how the story began in present day and then takes you back to how it all began and ends with the present. Evan and Farrah are truly meant for each in spite of the odds. They both take chances that lead them to a very happy ever after. I would recommend this read to anyone who is a faithful Hallmark rom com faithful. They will not be disappointed. It gets a 5 star rating from me and I can’t wait to read the entire series in Timber Falls. Good clean romance fiction. Great American Family needs to look at Timber Falls for a new movie.

[Trina Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely short story that introduced me to some of the characters in the timber falls series and the storyline so good(but I dont want to leave any spoilers, so you have to pick up a copy read it for yourself, your going to love it too.) Love, love, love this sweet romance!!!!! I cant see anything less then a five stars rating for this one. I look forward to reading the rest of the books and I would recommend it to everyone.

[Red Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet and easy romance read that I did enjoy. The book was two characters meeting and falling in love. It was a great book to introduce some of the characters in the Timber Falls series and I would recommend this book to any romance reader. Thank you to the author for the ARC read in exchange of my honest review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This works as an intro to the Durand family as Farrah and Evan have their meet cute and heartwarming relationship. Sweet, entertaining situations and deep feelings kept the pages turning. Wonderful characters and storyline will leave a smile on your face. Fits perfectly with the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet & charming story!
I loved Evan's wit and how he was so enthralled with Fiona. I loved how they bantered back and forth.
This novella is a great segue for the series and I can't wait to read it.
All the characters were engaging and the story flowed well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shann T · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, I received this advanced copy from Netgalley. It was a short and sweet, he falls first Novella romance book. This was the first book I have read from the author. He comes from a family of physicians and she is in beauty school. It all starts when she gives him a haircut.......

[toni b · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I absolutely loved every moment of this book. I was right there with the writer up until the end and it's left me wanting more of the story with the other characters. Very immersive.

[Cheryl McCrork · Rating 5 out of 5]

A True Love Romance Story

I loved the characters in this book. The romance and their honesty were very true. This book makes you feel good. I think anyone would love to read this book. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Denisa Knutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story!

I really enjoyed this short read. It truly had the college campus vibe, and the characters were done very well. I recommend it to anyone who likes young romance and happy endings!

[Jan Silvera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was hard to stop. I like the present day then back to where they meant. I recommend this story! ❤️📖📖❤️

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet read. I like Farrah and Evan.

It's a novella, and a prequel to a series. It can, however, be read as a stand alone.

Recommended reading.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly delightful

I enjoyed this story. It brought back memories of an age of innocence amidst a world compromise and confusion. Delightful.