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Serendipity Valley: How it Begins
How do you know you’ve found the love of your life? What would you sacrifice to keep them?
Living on opposite sides of the same Welsh valley, and sharing friends, Jenny and Ethan have always been in each other’s lives, but with a chasm between them – in both sense of the word.
After a chaotic night out, though, Ethan and Jenny become romantically entangled. And as their relationship blossoms, their lives start to mimic the river that runs through the valley, carving a void in their social group as it twists and turns.
When chance encounters and life-changing opportunities threaten to send them on different paths, will the flow keep them together or set them adrift?
If you love women’s fiction, small-town feuds and complicated relationships, you’ll love Serendipity Valley!
Living on opposite sides of the same Welsh valley, and sharing friends, Jenny and Ethan have always been in each other’s lives, but with a chasm between them – in both sense of the word.
After a chaotic night out, though, Ethan and Jenny become romantically entangled. And as their relationship blossoms, their lives start to mimic the river that runs through the valley, carving a void in their social group as it twists and turns.
When chance encounters and life-changing opportunities threaten to send them on different paths, will the flow keep them together or set them adrift?
If you love women’s fiction, small-town feuds and complicated relationships, you’ll love Serendipity Valley!
206 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2023
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 16, 2024
I honestly can not recommend this book enough! I couldn't put it down and ended up reading the whole thing in 7 hours! Went on a beautiful journey with each character and all based in the Welsh Valleys, felt happiness, anticipation, excitement, and sadness. I honestly can not wait for the next book in the series, excited to see where the next book takes them 📚
October 6, 2024
Absolutely flew through this!
Such a heartwarming, lovely story, about youth, first love, heartbreak, and friendship, set in the backdrop of the Welsh valleys. I found myself rooting for all the characters at different points of the story, and never knew what was going to happen to them next.
Can’t wait for the next instalment in the series!
Such a heartwarming, lovely story, about youth, first love, heartbreak, and friendship, set in the backdrop of the Welsh valleys. I found myself rooting for all the characters at different points of the story, and never knew what was going to happen to them next.
Can’t wait for the next instalment in the series!
February 13, 2025
Though a complete step out of my comfort zone, I really really enjoyed this book! It was definitely a palate cleanser, considering some of the books I've read recently.
It was full of heartwarming moments, but it was also filled with a lot of heartbreaking ones, showing the different sides and struggles of first love, youth, and growing up in a small town. In quite a short book, you seem to go on a journey with each character, as they experience various relatable obstacles and figure out how to get around them
There are twists within the dynamics of the various relationships in the book that surprised me, as well as the aspect of small town feuds that kept me, as the reader, engaged with the book to see how it would all be resolved
Set in amongst the idyllic Welsh Valleys, Kayleigh has written a lovely book that will pull at anyone's heartstrings! Even me, who predominantly reads crime thrillers!
Having spoken with the author and knowing this is the first in a trilogy, I can't wait to read the next instalment! If you love a light-hearted but sad-at-times read, filled with romance, definitely check this one out!
Rating: 8/10
It was full of heartwarming moments, but it was also filled with a lot of heartbreaking ones, showing the different sides and struggles of first love, youth, and growing up in a small town. In quite a short book, you seem to go on a journey with each character, as they experience various relatable obstacles and figure out how to get around them
There are twists within the dynamics of the various relationships in the book that surprised me, as well as the aspect of small town feuds that kept me, as the reader, engaged with the book to see how it would all be resolved
Set in amongst the idyllic Welsh Valleys, Kayleigh has written a lovely book that will pull at anyone's heartstrings! Even me, who predominantly reads crime thrillers!
Having spoken with the author and knowing this is the first in a trilogy, I can't wait to read the next instalment! If you love a light-hearted but sad-at-times read, filled with romance, definitely check this one out!
Rating: 8/10
June 13, 2025
This was such a good read! A beautiful story of love, but also life lesson’s. Sometimes you have to let go of the things you love even if it hurts. From beginning to end this journey for Ethan and Jenny had its many ups and downs and it’s nice to see that written in a book because so many times we get the fairy tales instead of real life.
March 12, 2024
So lush, I am hooked. Beautifully takes you a long a journey with lots of interesting characters! I cannot wait for the next one and see where they end up!
February 22, 2024
Lisa
I absolutely loved this heart warming feel good novel. I couldn’t put the book down and loved the stories of each characters lives. I can’t wait for the next book from Kayleigh Evan’s
I absolutely loved this heart warming feel good novel. I couldn’t put the book down and loved the stories of each characters lives. I can’t wait for the next book from Kayleigh Evan’s
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June 24, 2025Serendipity Valley took me right back to the small town I grew up in, as Kayleigh succeeds in vividly describing the cosy, heartbreaking, dramatic and epic evolving relations with such an amazing eye for detail and a knack for capturing the essence of true and honest relations , it's impossible not to care for the characters she breathed to life.
The tale cunningly merges tropes like true friendship, the complexity of love and self discovery. Kayleigh's knack for breathing life into her characters had me on the edge of my chair with Jenny and Ethan, but also Cam and Gemma, who I've been secretly rooting for the entire book! I'm loving how serendipity flows through the entire book and the MCs struggle to accept the course of life.
If you love small town romance and a gorgeous, lush description of the Welsh countryside and community, this is an absolute must-read for you!
The tale cunningly merges tropes like true friendship, the complexity of love and self discovery. Kayleigh's knack for breathing life into her characters had me on the edge of my chair with Jenny and Ethan, but also Cam and Gemma, who I've been secretly rooting for the entire book! I'm loving how serendipity flows through the entire book and the MCs struggle to accept the course of life.
If you love small town romance and a gorgeous, lush description of the Welsh countryside and community, this is an absolute must-read for you!
December 2, 2025
Serendipity Valley: How It Begins is a warm, heartfelt small-town story with a wonderfully engaging writing style that makes it incredibly enjoyable to read. From the first chapters, the tone feels comforting, genuine, and full of that cozy charm that makes small-town fiction so addictive.
Jenny is such a relatable and likeable protagonist — funny, down-to-earth, and written with a voice that feels natural and real. Her dynamic with Ethan has a lovely mix of humour, chemistry, and gentle tension, bringing the story to life in a way that feels authentic and beautifully grounded.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the setting. The valley itself is cosy and vivid, with a cast of supporting characters who each bring something warm, fun, and memorable to the story. The community feels alive, and every scene captures that small-town familiarity that keeps you turning the pages.
The writing flows beautifully, balancing emotion and light-hearted moments without ever feeling heavy. It’s the kind of book you easily sink into — engaging and full of heart.
A fantastic start to the series, and I’m excited to see where Book 2 takes these characters next.
Jenny is such a relatable and likeable protagonist — funny, down-to-earth, and written with a voice that feels natural and real. Her dynamic with Ethan has a lovely mix of humour, chemistry, and gentle tension, bringing the story to life in a way that feels authentic and beautifully grounded.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the setting. The valley itself is cosy and vivid, with a cast of supporting characters who each bring something warm, fun, and memorable to the story. The community feels alive, and every scene captures that small-town familiarity that keeps you turning the pages.
The writing flows beautifully, balancing emotion and light-hearted moments without ever feeling heavy. It’s the kind of book you easily sink into — engaging and full of heart.
A fantastic start to the series, and I’m excited to see where Book 2 takes these characters next.
June 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Serendipity Valley: How It Begins is the kind of story that draws you in from the very first pages. The writing is clear and easy to follow, which made it such a pleasant and accessible read. The setting, a beautiful valley in Wales, was described so vividly that I could imagine every scene like I was actually there.
The plot moves at a great pace, and just when you think you know where it’s going, there's a twist at the end that completely took me by surprise. I loved that! It left me excited for the next book in the best way possible.
I'm really hoping we get to see more of Jack in the next book; because I think there's definitely more to explore with his character. (and with another character🫣) As the start of a series, this first book sets the tone perfectly. I can't wait to see what happens next in Serendipity Valley!
The plot moves at a great pace, and just when you think you know where it’s going, there's a twist at the end that completely took me by surprise. I loved that! It left me excited for the next book in the best way possible.
I'm really hoping we get to see more of Jack in the next book; because I think there's definitely more to explore with his character. (and with another character🫣) As the start of a series, this first book sets the tone perfectly. I can't wait to see what happens next in Serendipity Valley!
July 2, 2025
I loved this first book of The Serendipity Valley series and my introduction to all the characters. By the time I was four or so chapters in, I was invested in the storylines and read on eagerly to find out how they progressed.
I was able to feel the emotions of the characters and found myself smiling along at the good moments and getting annoyed with characters when their behaviours were unacceptable towards others. These are a group of young adults with stories that many readers will be able to find a connection with. The story ends with several of the characters heading in new directions, with some facing big life changes.
I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next and had book two already been out, I would be downloading it now!
I was able to feel the emotions of the characters and found myself smiling along at the good moments and getting annoyed with characters when their behaviours were unacceptable towards others. These are a group of young adults with stories that many readers will be able to find a connection with. The story ends with several of the characters heading in new directions, with some facing big life changes.
I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next and had book two already been out, I would be downloading it now!
March 16, 2024
📚 Book Review 📚
This is a gentle story, reminiscent of the relationships from our youth. The characters are so likeable and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through!
It really took me back to being in my late teens; friendships, relationships, jealousy, misunderstandings and first love.
I really enjoyed reading this one, the chapters are short and there is always something happening to keep you turning the pages! I loved the characters and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter ❤️ delicious and serendipitous!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a gentle story, reminiscent of the relationships from our youth. The characters are so likeable and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through!
It really took me back to being in my late teens; friendships, relationships, jealousy, misunderstandings and first love.
I really enjoyed reading this one, the chapters are short and there is always something happening to keep you turning the pages! I loved the characters and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter ❤️ delicious and serendipitous!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 13, 2025
This is the first romance type book Iv read and I really enjoyed it. Such a cosy, slow and easy read that I couldn’t put it down. Totally different to my fast paced thrillers I usually read. It really feels like it’s setting the series up and getting to know the characters and who they are amongst the teen love and entanglements set among the Welsh valleys it hits you with such nostalgia from your youth with the young love and angst you can relate too.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more from the series.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more from the series.
May 7, 2025
4.5⭐️
I absolutely devoured this book. I read it within one sitting!
I love the characters, the characters growth, and the way the characters interacted with each other.
It was also amazing reading a book set in the Valleys. It made the book more engaging and enjoyable for me!
I really recommend this book, I can't wait for the next one.
I absolutely devoured this book. I read it within one sitting!
I love the characters, the characters growth, and the way the characters interacted with each other.
It was also amazing reading a book set in the Valleys. It made the book more engaging and enjoyable for me!
I really recommend this book, I can't wait for the next one.
August 5, 2024
Serendipity Valley is incredibly well written. The words and dialogue flow beautifully like the River Taff and it's hard to believe this is a debut novel. You can't help getting caught up in the journey of the well- drawn characters. I predict major success for this author.
December 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. It’s a heartwarming, easy read and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Would highly recommend.
January 24, 2024
Loved following the characters as they navigate loves and lives in the South Wales Valleys.
Couldn't put it down as the story was so compelling.
Can't wait for the next book.
Couldn't put it down as the story was so compelling.
Can't wait for the next book.
March 17, 2024
Had this book bought as a birthday present 🎁 I'm an avid reader and can highly recommend, looking forward to the next one x
June 3, 2025
Great debut novel. Rich in characters and relationships, with a Welsh backdrop - all brought skillfully to life by the author. I look forward to seeing what comes next from her.
December 10, 2025
You know these tv shows about a group of friends? They live in a town or a city, they have fun, date, try to make something of themselves. They try and fail, fall and get up, but it’s okay, because they know they always have people to rely on. You begin the show and soon find yourself caring about these flawed humans, start feeling like you’re part of the gang. This is how reading this book felt like.
The story is centered on a group of young men and women who grew up in the valley. The main romantic relationship is between Jenny and Ethan, but I would say that the wonderful friendship between Jenny and Cam is no less important to the story.
Knowing that this was women’s fiction and not romance like I’m used to, I was very nervous reading it—in a “I have no idea what’s going to happen” way 😅 And Kayleigh delivered: plot twists, betrayals, swoons and tears. I loved how the story was character-driven, and the plot was quite realistic. Seemingly, nothing out of the ordinary happens, but you feel it all so deeply because you live through it with the characters.
That doesn’t mean, however, that I agreed with everything that happened 😝 My romance brain kept demanding for everyone to be happy. I started reading the second book immediately to see where things were heading cause I just wanted to make sure Jenny gets her HEA (I know, I know, not a romance).
The writing immerses you into the stunning scenery of the valley immediately. Kayleigh is very good with descriptions (I’m only mildly jealous 🙄). I can’t wait to read book number three and whatever else she decides to put out there 😍
The story is centered on a group of young men and women who grew up in the valley. The main romantic relationship is between Jenny and Ethan, but I would say that the wonderful friendship between Jenny and Cam is no less important to the story.
Knowing that this was women’s fiction and not romance like I’m used to, I was very nervous reading it—in a “I have no idea what’s going to happen” way 😅 And Kayleigh delivered: plot twists, betrayals, swoons and tears. I loved how the story was character-driven, and the plot was quite realistic. Seemingly, nothing out of the ordinary happens, but you feel it all so deeply because you live through it with the characters.
That doesn’t mean, however, that I agreed with everything that happened 😝 My romance brain kept demanding for everyone to be happy. I started reading the second book immediately to see where things were heading cause I just wanted to make sure Jenny gets her HEA (I know, I know, not a romance).
The writing immerses you into the stunning scenery of the valley immediately. Kayleigh is very good with descriptions (I’m only mildly jealous 🙄). I can’t wait to read book number three and whatever else she decides to put out there 😍
August 12, 2025
I’ve seen glowing reviews for this one and it piqued my curiosity, although I’m very aware romance isn’t my genre.
However, I had been told this isn’t so much a romance. Well, it is. It’s also a coming-of-age tale and has some lovely character work in there, but it’s romance at the core of the novel.
It’s also worth noting that this is the first in a series (a trilogy, I think) so there’s a lot more to come from Jenny, Ethan, Cam et al.
Whilst this isn’t really my usual sort of read, I really enjoyed it. Evans has a light touch with her prose and adds a good dose of levity to the dialogue. It’s skilful writing, as anyone who has spent time around truly close friends can attest. There’s banter aplenty whenever there are people who have known each other through their formative years.
Absolutely ideal for fans of Dawson’s Creek or One Tree Hill. If you liked those shows, this will press the same buttons. Reminded me of Abby Jimenez, Tarryn Fisher or Colleen Hoover.
However, I had been told this isn’t so much a romance. Well, it is. It’s also a coming-of-age tale and has some lovely character work in there, but it’s romance at the core of the novel.
It’s also worth noting that this is the first in a series (a trilogy, I think) so there’s a lot more to come from Jenny, Ethan, Cam et al.
Whilst this isn’t really my usual sort of read, I really enjoyed it. Evans has a light touch with her prose and adds a good dose of levity to the dialogue. It’s skilful writing, as anyone who has spent time around truly close friends can attest. There’s banter aplenty whenever there are people who have known each other through their formative years.
Absolutely ideal for fans of Dawson’s Creek or One Tree Hill. If you liked those shows, this will press the same buttons. Reminded me of Abby Jimenez, Tarryn Fisher or Colleen Hoover.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews