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Magnolia Blooms
You Can Always Come Home
Anywhere can be your home, but not just anyone.Emerson Calhoun is an invisible wallflower, mostly because she learned it’s safer not to draw attention. With her father’s alcohol-induced anger and violent outbursts, attention is dangerous in her house. The thing is, she’s never been invisible to star baseball player, Noah Boone.
Growing up in the same small town, Noah has admired Emerson from afar since they were little kids. With senior year under way, their two very different worlds collide and their love story blooms. The young couple faces lessons in love and trust as Noah sees through the smile Emerson forces herself to wear. But just as they ready for a happily ever after post-graduation, tragedy strikes.
You Can Always Come Home, is a second chance romance full of heart-racing tension, heartwarming moments of love, and a reconciliation ten years in the making.
This is a complete standalone featuring Emerson and Noah's young love story and their later-in-life reconciliation.
A list of Trigger Warnings is provided inside the book. Most noted are DV/ abuse, attempted SA, death (of parent/ child), suicidal thoughts and struggles with self harm (not depicted but referenced). Please read mindfully. This book is intended for mature audiences.
Top Tropes: small town, worlds collide, quiet wallflower FMC with a dark secret, secret dating, he falls first, protective MC, it's always been you, found family, second chance
Growing up in the same small town, Noah has admired Emerson from afar since they were little kids. With senior year under way, their two very different worlds collide and their love story blooms. The young couple faces lessons in love and trust as Noah sees through the smile Emerson forces herself to wear. But just as they ready for a happily ever after post-graduation, tragedy strikes.
You Can Always Come Home, is a second chance romance full of heart-racing tension, heartwarming moments of love, and a reconciliation ten years in the making.
This is a complete standalone featuring Emerson and Noah's young love story and their later-in-life reconciliation.
A list of Trigger Warnings is provided inside the book. Most noted are DV/ abuse, attempted SA, death (of parent/ child), suicidal thoughts and struggles with self harm (not depicted but referenced). Please read mindfully. This book is intended for mature audiences.
Top Tropes: small town, worlds collide, quiet wallflower FMC with a dark secret, secret dating, he falls first, protective MC, it's always been you, found family, second chance
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2025
23 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Emily A. Myers
9 books224 followersHi everyone and welcome to my Goodreads page! I am an award-winning romantic suspense author and am most known for my mafia romance series, Blood and Bourbon.
Find me on Instagram and other platforms @emilymyersauthor
Find my books on Amazon.
Find me on Instagram and other platforms @emilymyersauthor
Find my books on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 14, 2025
I haven't cried this much reading a book in a LONG time. I loved Noah and Emerson's second-chance love story. I suggest having a full box of tissues within arm's reach before opening this book.
Okay, so not only did I cry throughout most of this book, but every time I sit down to write my review, I start over again. I kid you not, this is the third time I have started, and this is how far I have gotten. Emerson Calhoun and Noah Boone's story begins when they are seniors in high school, and she is asked to tutor him to help him raise his grades. He's the star pitcher for their HS baseball team, and she's the one who hides in the shadows so no one pays her any mind — and they won't ask her any questions about her home life.
Noah has been in love with Emerson ever since she handed him a flower on the playground when he was seven. He sees her in school every day and at church every Sunday, but he never got up the nerve to ask her out.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewMBS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
Okay, so not only did I cry throughout most of this book, but every time I sit down to write my review, I start over again. I kid you not, this is the third time I have started, and this is how far I have gotten. Emerson Calhoun and Noah Boone's story begins when they are seniors in high school, and she is asked to tutor him to help him raise his grades. He's the star pitcher for their HS baseball team, and she's the one who hides in the shadows so no one pays her any mind — and they won't ask her any questions about her home life.
Noah has been in love with Emerson ever since she handed him a flower on the playground when he was seven. He sees her in school every day and at church every Sunday, but he never got up the nerve to ask her out.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewMBS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
November 27, 2025
If you love movies like THE CHOICE and THE BEST OF ME but you want higher stakes, this is the perfect small town romance read full of sweet romance and heartbreak and a HEA 💕 seriously loved reading this, it felt like watching a movie!
Emerson, a nerdy teenage girl and the daughter of an alcoholic father, has had a difficult life marked by his constant violence. While Noah is a teen baseball player who attends the same high school as Emerson. He has a quiet, sweet crush on her. She becomes his after-school tutor, and through their tutoring sessions, a gentle slow-burn relationship begins to form.❤️
A devastating tragedy forces them to confront their deepest fears and shifts the entire story a decade, making me root even harder for their love to stay strong through it all. I love second chance romances!
What you can expect:
✨second chance romance
✨he falls first
✨forced proximity
✨Found Family
✨it’s always been you
✨secret dating
✨healing
✨HEA
Emerson, a nerdy teenage girl and the daughter of an alcoholic father, has had a difficult life marked by his constant violence. While Noah is a teen baseball player who attends the same high school as Emerson. He has a quiet, sweet crush on her. She becomes his after-school tutor, and through their tutoring sessions, a gentle slow-burn relationship begins to form.❤️
A devastating tragedy forces them to confront their deepest fears and shifts the entire story a decade, making me root even harder for their love to stay strong through it all. I love second chance romances!
What you can expect:
✨second chance romance
✨he falls first
✨forced proximity
✨Found Family
✨it’s always been you
✨secret dating
✨healing
✨HEA
October 29, 2025
Just a quick review and I’ll come back with more later.
I had a lot of emotions reading this book. I did cry a few times. By the end I was happy but…..there is always a but. I’ll leave that for my big review as I need to explain my rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions.
Most importantly, this was a book that many will love. Sometimes the second chance trope can be iffy but not this one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please note, I did receive this book as an ARC. My reviews are always my own opinion and thoughts.
I am going to be completely honest with you. I wasn't sure that this was going to be a positive review. It starts out slow - two teenagers falling in love. A MMC who thinks he can save FMC from her abuse dad. Secret relationship. Found family.
It's not a story or trope I am against but I just wasn't connecting with the characters or the story at all. It wasn't until about halfway through that I became invested and my feelings about the story completely changed and I realized that the first half needed to happen to understand the second half.
The story is basically this:
I did give it 4 stars so while this review may feel nitpicky, I really did like it. I swear!
This is part of the Magnolia Blooms series but can be read as a standalone.
There are quite a few trigger warnings: domestic violence/physical abuse, sexual assault, on page deaths, sexual content, grief and loss, violence, on page attempted suicide, descriptions of self-harm, mentions of rape, alcoholism, drunk driving.
The tropes include second chance, small town, secret dating, found family, protective MMC, wallflower FMC.
Note: The author wrote a really heartfelt letter at the end, discussing her religion and how that will be effecting her books going forward. It always makes me happy to hear how people find and embrace who they are and what they love. I wish her all of the best for her future books.
I had a lot of emotions reading this book. I did cry a few times. By the end I was happy but…..there is always a but. I’ll leave that for my big review as I need to explain my rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions.
Most importantly, this was a book that many will love. Sometimes the second chance trope can be iffy but not this one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please note, I did receive this book as an ARC. My reviews are always my own opinion and thoughts.
I am going to be completely honest with you. I wasn't sure that this was going to be a positive review. It starts out slow - two teenagers falling in love. A MMC who thinks he can save FMC from her abuse dad. Secret relationship. Found family.
It's not a story or trope I am against but I just wasn't connecting with the characters or the story at all. It wasn't until about halfway through that I became invested and my feelings about the story completely changed and I realized that the first half needed to happen to understand the second half.
The story is basically this:
I did give it 4 stars so while this review may feel nitpicky, I really did like it. I swear!
This is part of the Magnolia Blooms series but can be read as a standalone.
There are quite a few trigger warnings: domestic violence/physical abuse, sexual assault, on page deaths, sexual content, grief and loss, violence, on page attempted suicide, descriptions of self-harm, mentions of rape, alcoholism, drunk driving.
The tropes include second chance, small town, secret dating, found family, protective MMC, wallflower FMC.
Note: The author wrote a really heartfelt letter at the end, discussing her religion and how that will be effecting her books going forward. It always makes me happy to hear how people find and embrace who they are and what they love. I wish her all of the best for her future books.
November 16, 2025
Thank you to the author for the gifted paperback copy. Opinions are my own.
This is one of the most touching second chance romances I have ever read!
The story follows Emerson and Noah. She is a wallflower, doing her best to stay invisible while secretly surviving the horrors of living in a house with an abusive father. But Emerson has never been invisible to Noah. In fact, the town's rising baseball star has loved her from afar since they were kids. When Emerson becomes his tutor in high school, it's the chance for them to really get to know one another, and a sweet romance ensues. One that feels like a saving grace for Emerson, until tragedy tears them apart and Noah leaves Magnolia. Ten years later, Noah returns, determined to regain Emerson's trust and give them a second chance at love.
I was fully engrossed in the first half of this book. Emerson's family situation was heartbreaking, and there were times when I was afraid while reading, dreading what could happen to her. But to counter the horror of domestic violence was Noah, with his light and his kindness. I absolutely adored how gently he pursued Emerson and how protective and loving he was of her. Every scene with him and his lovely family brought me so much joy, which is why when tragedy struck I was devastated. This book struck so many raw nerves in terms of grief, learning to come to terms with it and overcoming it. The ease with which I could relate to Noah's emotions made the story all the more immersive.
The second half of the story explores Noah and Emerson's second chance, and there were many things I loved about it! For starters, I adored seeing more of Emmett and April (protagonists of the first book in the duology) and the beautiful relationship Emmett and his niece, Eleanor, share. It was also beautiful to see Emerson build a good life for herself after so much pain and darkness. I loved the emotional reunion between her and Noah, but I admit I did wish it had been more drawn out. While I was rooting for their happy ending, ten years is a long time and I feel like Noah should have done some groveling for Emerson's forgiveness and that he was perhaps too understanding of a BIG secret Emerson keeps from him.
Overall though, this was an absolutely beautiful and touching love story that I highly recommend to lovers of the genre.
This is one of the most touching second chance romances I have ever read!
The story follows Emerson and Noah. She is a wallflower, doing her best to stay invisible while secretly surviving the horrors of living in a house with an abusive father. But Emerson has never been invisible to Noah. In fact, the town's rising baseball star has loved her from afar since they were kids. When Emerson becomes his tutor in high school, it's the chance for them to really get to know one another, and a sweet romance ensues. One that feels like a saving grace for Emerson, until tragedy tears them apart and Noah leaves Magnolia. Ten years later, Noah returns, determined to regain Emerson's trust and give them a second chance at love.
I was fully engrossed in the first half of this book. Emerson's family situation was heartbreaking, and there were times when I was afraid while reading, dreading what could happen to her. But to counter the horror of domestic violence was Noah, with his light and his kindness. I absolutely adored how gently he pursued Emerson and how protective and loving he was of her. Every scene with him and his lovely family brought me so much joy, which is why when tragedy struck I was devastated. This book struck so many raw nerves in terms of grief, learning to come to terms with it and overcoming it. The ease with which I could relate to Noah's emotions made the story all the more immersive.
The second half of the story explores Noah and Emerson's second chance, and there were many things I loved about it! For starters, I adored seeing more of Emmett and April (protagonists of the first book in the duology) and the beautiful relationship Emmett and his niece, Eleanor, share. It was also beautiful to see Emerson build a good life for herself after so much pain and darkness. I loved the emotional reunion between her and Noah, but I admit I did wish it had been more drawn out. While I was rooting for their happy ending, ten years is a long time and I feel like Noah should have done some groveling for Emerson's forgiveness and that he was perhaps too understanding of a BIG secret Emerson keeps from him.
Overall though, this was an absolutely beautiful and touching love story that I highly recommend to lovers of the genre.
November 16, 2025
There is nothing quite as heartbreakingly beautiful as a well-executed second chance romance.
You Can Always Come Home is a standalone within the Magnolia Blooms series. The story follows Emerson and Noah. Growing up in the same small town, Noah has admired Emerson since they were little kids. Emerson, who has learned that it’s best to be invisible. With her father’s alcoholism and violent outbursts, drawing attention is dangerous in her house. But love blooms between Noah and Emerson in senior year. He saves her in many ways, but when they’re ready to live their happily ever after post-graduation, tragedy strikes, and the two don’t see each other for ten years.
This book is basically split in two parts: Emerson and Noah’s teenage years, and their present days. I adored the first part, with them as teenagers, as you see the two falling in love. Emerson has a truly horrific situation at home, and I loved seeing how Noah saves her from that, alongside his family. A family that, instead, is the classic beautiful family I love reading about. This makes the tragedy that befalls them all the more devastating, as is the split between Emerson and Noah. The present day part of the story features their second chance at love, which is a trope I love. I loved seeing how Emerson held her life together, her relationship with her daughter, and I appreciated seeing the characters from book 1 too! What I would have loved, however, is to see Noah work a little more to get back in Emerson’s life.
Here are some tropes!
🏘️ small town
🌸 quiet wallflower FMC with a dark secret
🤫 secret dating
💕 he falls first
💖 it's always been you
🫂 found family
🕰️ second chance
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
You Can Always Come Home is a standalone within the Magnolia Blooms series. The story follows Emerson and Noah. Growing up in the same small town, Noah has admired Emerson since they were little kids. Emerson, who has learned that it’s best to be invisible. With her father’s alcoholism and violent outbursts, drawing attention is dangerous in her house. But love blooms between Noah and Emerson in senior year. He saves her in many ways, but when they’re ready to live their happily ever after post-graduation, tragedy strikes, and the two don’t see each other for ten years.
This book is basically split in two parts: Emerson and Noah’s teenage years, and their present days. I adored the first part, with them as teenagers, as you see the two falling in love. Emerson has a truly horrific situation at home, and I loved seeing how Noah saves her from that, alongside his family. A family that, instead, is the classic beautiful family I love reading about. This makes the tragedy that befalls them all the more devastating, as is the split between Emerson and Noah. The present day part of the story features their second chance at love, which is a trope I love. I loved seeing how Emerson held her life together, her relationship with her daughter, and I appreciated seeing the characters from book 1 too! What I would have loved, however, is to see Noah work a little more to get back in Emerson’s life.
Here are some tropes!
🏘️ small town
🌸 quiet wallflower FMC with a dark secret
🤫 secret dating
💕 he falls first
💖 it's always been you
🫂 found family
🕰️ second chance
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
November 13, 2025
Wow, this book had me in tears for a solid 70% of the story. I loved the pacing and the choice to tell it in a fully linear way rather than jumping back and forth between timelines. It made me feel like I lived an entire lifetime with these characters, and I loved every second of it. It’s definitely on the longer side, but every chapter feels intentional and absolutely worth it.
Noah and Emerson are the sweetest high school lovers with the most heartbreaking past. Watching everything they went through together was devastating. It broke my heart when we get to the present day and we see how much time has passed. I knew it was a big chunk from the hints we get in Emmett and April’s book but it hits different when you are reading their story.
Their first face-to-face moment after years apart was one of my favorite scenes. It’s raw, emotional, and so realistic in how conflicted Emerson feels seeing him again. I’ll admit, I got frustrated with her at times in the present timeline (especially because of a certain spoiler moment), but once everything comes out, Noah’s reaction completely changed how I felt. His response was so understanding, patient, and full of love — even though he was blindsided. It made me fall for him even more.
Noah and Emerson are the sweetest high school lovers with the most heartbreaking past. Watching everything they went through together was devastating. It broke my heart when we get to the present day and we see how much time has passed. I knew it was a big chunk from the hints we get in Emmett and April’s book but it hits different when you are reading their story.
Their first face-to-face moment after years apart was one of my favorite scenes. It’s raw, emotional, and so realistic in how conflicted Emerson feels seeing him again. I’ll admit, I got frustrated with her at times in the present timeline (especially because of a certain spoiler moment), but once everything comes out, Noah’s reaction completely changed how I felt. His response was so understanding, patient, and full of love — even though he was blindsided. It made me fall for him even more.
November 27, 2025
I devoured book one in the Magnolia Blooms duet, You Can Feel it in the Silence. I am so in love with the small town Emily created. As someone who is obsessed with Gilmore girls, it was hard not to love it. I’m not going to lie, I haven’t finished Emerson and Noah’s story yet because I’m cherishing it and it’s super emotional. I plan on finishing it soon but boy if you need a wonderful, emotional, romance filled book series you must pick these up.
November 18, 2025
1. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 • The words within these pages are absolutely poetic. Every sentence breathes eloquence. I absolutely swooned over the words Noah spoke. He was always able to elicit immense passion with his language. And, it wasn’t just Noah. The surrounding words were equally full of emotion. Just beautiful.
2. 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 • A story of survival in so many ways. It begins with Emerson, flows into Noah, and continues to hover over them throughout the story. I’m not sure if two characters have ever deserved that happily ever after more than Emerson and Noah!
3. 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 • For Emerson and Noah, they are truly each other’s safe place. At the beginning, the found family and comfort that Emerson finds with Noah and his family was one of the most fulfilling aspects of this story. In time, just the knowledge that the other was out there was what kept them going…the hope that one day they would find their way back to one another.
4. 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 • The utter turmoil that occurs in Emerson and Noah’s lives is heart-wrenching. I can’t even count how many times I cried. To endure those moments, they did have each other; however, without Noah’s friend and Emerson’s brother (and a few others), neither of them would have made it.
5. 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞 • The symbolism with this is paramount for Emerson and Noah. The promises that were made when they were young follow them through the hardships. A testament to the knowledge that true love can survive the utmost challenges.
November 2, 2025
This story was sad but also beautiful. Once I started reading this, I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in less than 6 hours. Noah has loved Emerson since he was 7 years old. Emerson has always tried to remain invisible. She never thought love existed until Noah worked his way in to her heart their senior year of high school.
Emerson survived her abusive father and ended up with the love of her life. True love does exist.
I am sad that this is Emily’s last spicy book but I am excited to see what her next book will be like.
Favorite quote: You are a beautiful blessing, an intelligent addition, a lighthouse guiding me to new discoveries about myself and new possibilities for the future. You are the best part of my day and the thing I miss most at night.
Thank you Emily Myers for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Emerson survived her abusive father and ended up with the love of her life. True love does exist.
I am sad that this is Emily’s last spicy book but I am excited to see what her next book will be like.
Favorite quote: You are a beautiful blessing, an intelligent addition, a lighthouse guiding me to new discoveries about myself and new possibilities for the future. You are the best part of my day and the thing I miss most at night.
Thank you Emily Myers for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
November 16, 2025
Emerson has mastered being a wallflower to avoid attention from her father and everyone else. Noah asks her to tutor him and slowly works his way behind her walls. When tragedy strikes, will they grow together or apart?
I liked this one. It was long, but moved quickly. I was holding my breath for the whole first half because I just knew something bad was coming.
The evolving relationship was sweet. There was spice, but it was more romantic than spicy. It was ok. Young love and all that :)
The side characters brought the action. I will not say they were all likeable, but they were necessary for the story to keep moving. This book was very emotional and intense. If you have triggers, I would definitely check them before reading this book. It was heavy at times.
Overall, it was a sweet story of second chances in many forms.
I liked this one. It was long, but moved quickly. I was holding my breath for the whole first half because I just knew something bad was coming.
The evolving relationship was sweet. There was spice, but it was more romantic than spicy. It was ok. Young love and all that :)
The side characters brought the action. I will not say they were all likeable, but they were necessary for the story to keep moving. This book was very emotional and intense. If you have triggers, I would definitely check them before reading this book. It was heavy at times.
Overall, it was a sweet story of second chances in many forms.
November 6, 2025
ARC Review
You can Always Come Home
By Emily Myers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Before reading this book, make sure you have tissues!!! ( This is your only warning)
Also, please read the trigger warnings ⚠️
First off, Noah is THE book boyfriend ❤️ even as a teenager, he was so unbelievably caring, loving, and thoughtful towards Emerson who had the absolute worst childhood ever.
Noah was Emersons home then and forever.
There's is so much heartbreak in this book. But there is also so much love.
Emerson didn't have a loving family of her own, so Noah brought her into his, and she found out that it was like to me loved and cared for by amazing parents.
The small little town of Magnolia has so much darkness and heartbreak. But the people there have so much love to give and help each other through it.
You can Always Come Home
By Emily Myers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Before reading this book, make sure you have tissues!!! ( This is your only warning)
Also, please read the trigger warnings ⚠️
First off, Noah is THE book boyfriend ❤️ even as a teenager, he was so unbelievably caring, loving, and thoughtful towards Emerson who had the absolute worst childhood ever.
Noah was Emersons home then and forever.
There's is so much heartbreak in this book. But there is also so much love.
Emerson didn't have a loving family of her own, so Noah brought her into his, and she found out that it was like to me loved and cared for by amazing parents.
The small little town of Magnolia has so much darkness and heartbreak. But the people there have so much love to give and help each other through it.
November 7, 2025
This book broke my heart into a thousand pieces. It wasn’t until the very end that it was finally put back together. The amount of pain and tragedy Emerson and Noah went through was astounding. Their love for each other was never In question.
Their story starts in high school. Emerson is a wallflower that likes being in the background. Her home life was terrifying so she had no choice but to keep her guard up at all times. Little did she know that Noah has always seen her. Just when things had settled for them, tragedy struck and this tore them apart.
While I was devastated when life tore them apart, I also understood that it needed to happen. This was a very emotional read which made their happy ending that much sweeter!
Their story starts in high school. Emerson is a wallflower that likes being in the background. Her home life was terrifying so she had no choice but to keep her guard up at all times. Little did she know that Noah has always seen her. Just when things had settled for them, tragedy struck and this tore them apart.
While I was devastated when life tore them apart, I also understood that it needed to happen. This was a very emotional read which made their happy ending that much sweeter!
November 19, 2025
This story absolutely gutted me in the best possible way. It’s beautifully written, full of depth, heartache, and the cause of more than a few tears. Emily A Myers does an incredible job pulling you into a world that feels raw, real, and tender.
Told in two parts, one in their teenage years and one as adults, you truly grow with the two main characters, Emerson and Noah. I fell in love with both of them. I was so invested in their back stories, who they became and the journeys that shaped their adulthood. Their connection is the kind that lingers, the kind that makes you believe in second chances. I was so sad to finish this book because I didn't want to leave the characters behind. ❤️🩹
If you’re in the mood for a deeply emotional, character-driven story that will leave your heart aching… this is it. An absolute ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read! Thank you for the ARC opportunity.
Told in two parts, one in their teenage years and one as adults, you truly grow with the two main characters, Emerson and Noah. I fell in love with both of them. I was so invested in their back stories, who they became and the journeys that shaped their adulthood. Their connection is the kind that lingers, the kind that makes you believe in second chances. I was so sad to finish this book because I didn't want to leave the characters behind. ❤️🩹
If you’re in the mood for a deeply emotional, character-driven story that will leave your heart aching… this is it. An absolute ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read! Thank you for the ARC opportunity.
October 15, 2025
✨ • 🌟 Book Review / ARC Review ⭐️ • ✨
You Can Always Come Home by Emily A. Myers @emilymyersauthor
Book Review 5 ⭐️
Spice level : 2 🌶️
⭐️ 5/5 emotional devastation (and I loved every second).
This book completely destroyed me obviously in the best, most beautiful way possible.
I was not prepared for the emotional wreckage this book would leave me in. I was ugly crying literally at 30% into the book and somehow still devoured every single word like I hadn’t just been torn apart to learn to rebuild with Emerson and Noah.
The story was raw, real, and so full of heart that I felt every emotion right alongside the characters. They just didn’t get a break these two, man. I was gutted for more than half of this book. It’s no lie, I cried essentially the whole book.
I also read this book in less than 8 hours, I just couldn’t put it down, I was too emotionally invested in this love story.
Emerson and Noah gave us a look at love, loss, and finding your way back, not just home, but to yourself. I ate up every single crumb of this book, and I’d do it all over again even knowing it would wreck me all over. 🥹
Please be sure to read the trigger warnings. This book touches a lot of heavy subjects!
You Can Always Come Home by Emily A. Myers @emilymyersauthor
Book Review 5 ⭐️
Spice level : 2 🌶️
⭐️ 5/5 emotional devastation (and I loved every second).
This book completely destroyed me obviously in the best, most beautiful way possible.
I was not prepared for the emotional wreckage this book would leave me in. I was ugly crying literally at 30% into the book and somehow still devoured every single word like I hadn’t just been torn apart to learn to rebuild with Emerson and Noah.
The story was raw, real, and so full of heart that I felt every emotion right alongside the characters. They just didn’t get a break these two, man. I was gutted for more than half of this book. It’s no lie, I cried essentially the whole book.
I also read this book in less than 8 hours, I just couldn’t put it down, I was too emotionally invested in this love story.
Emerson and Noah gave us a look at love, loss, and finding your way back, not just home, but to yourself. I ate up every single crumb of this book, and I’d do it all over again even knowing it would wreck me all over. 🥹
Please be sure to read the trigger warnings. This book touches a lot of heavy subjects!
November 7, 2025
You Can Always Come Home is a beautiful, emotional second chance romance! It's about love, loss, healing, and always coming back to the person you call home! I love Emerson and Noah's story so much! They've been through so much hurt and trauma, but were able to heal with strength, love, and forgiveness. This story is beautifully written! I could feel every emotion, so keep some tissues handy. I love this story so much I couldn't put this book down! It's captivating, heartbreaking, intense, but also heart-warming! Please check trigger warnings! 5⭐2🌶️
Thank you Emily for including me as an ARC reader!
Thank you Emily for including me as an ARC reader!
November 12, 2025
You Can Always Come Home
There are some second chances that come easy and there are those that have to be fought for—learning to trust and forgive again, learning to love and be loved again. Told in a past/present timeline, Emerson and Noah endured so much. Even in high school, wallflower Emerson didn’t think she was worthy of the good kind of love, but popular Noah saw her beauty inside and out. Then a tragic event tore them apart…and after a decade, their reunion reignited the more chemistry but wasn’t without pain and hurdles. The anguish, the trauma, the questioning of self-worth from both relatable characters made this opposites attract, slow burn poignant romance both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The writing was beautiful, such a touching, super emotional read through to the last page. (Mental health matters…there are sensitive topics included in this story.) 4.25 stars
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
There are some second chances that come easy and there are those that have to be fought for—learning to trust and forgive again, learning to love and be loved again. Told in a past/present timeline, Emerson and Noah endured so much. Even in high school, wallflower Emerson didn’t think she was worthy of the good kind of love, but popular Noah saw her beauty inside and out. Then a tragic event tore them apart…and after a decade, their reunion reignited the more chemistry but wasn’t without pain and hurdles. The anguish, the trauma, the questioning of self-worth from both relatable characters made this opposites attract, slow burn poignant romance both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The writing was beautiful, such a touching, super emotional read through to the last page. (Mental health matters…there are sensitive topics included in this story.) 4.25 stars
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
November 16, 2025
Emerson and Noah. Life and love is real and raw for them. This book brings so much emotion. The realness is their story is incredible. And it’s so easy to relate. I loved that this author brought a genuine life feel to this story for the both of them. Having gone through similar issues as Emerson did, it really resonated with me. It bright back hurtful memories, but also the fact that there were overcome later in life. I loved that Noah was her person. The two of them together just grabs your heart and doesn’t want to let go. This was an absolute amazing read, and I throughly enjoyed it.
I received this as an ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
I received this as an ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
November 15, 2025
I am so… I don’t know. Raw? Stripped? Devasted? All of this, but also…whole. This was so emotionally agonizing. I cried for 3 hours straigh… 23% of this book consecutively. But it was just so good. I honestly was not expecting things to pan out how they did. I was shocked and sad and so drained. My heart was completely lacerated and then stitched back together. This was an emotional roller coaster, but I loved all of it. This journey was rough, but so worth it. These characters needed to be together. There was just no other option.
This was tragic, soul crushing and often times very heavy, but it was also full of love, forgiveness and peace. It was amazing and I loved it.
This was tragic, soul crushing and often times very heavy, but it was also full of love, forgiveness and peace. It was amazing and I loved it.
October 31, 2025
A love story for the ages. The heart ache you feel for the FMC from the very start has you weeping for her and wanting to hug her so tightly. There were so many moments I couldn’t stop crying. The ending had me feeling like happily ever after is possible even when it doesn’t seem like it. I hope you fall in love with the town of Magnolia and the characters just like I did.
October 27, 2025
I loved this book and I loved book 1 this one the meaning of having a friend and no matter whet they are there for you and even though one left he came back and came back into their life and having that comfort I love Emily’s writing and can’t wait for more from her in the future
November 10, 2025
Wow. Talk about heartbreak. My jaw was on the floor this entire novel. The characters, their trauma, the love. This was beautiful even in the tragic moments. My heart ached for both Noah & Emerson through out this story. I literally can’t imagine the things either of them went through. The love and light they found in one another was once in a lifetime. I loved seeing the development in both of them. Emerson and her courage were admirable as well as Noah and the steps he made to come back from the dark. This is the type of story that stays with you long after you’ve finished. I’ll be thinking about this for a long time coming.
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
November 11, 2025
This was such a beautiful read but so sad too. This book is part of the Magnolia Blooms series but it is a complete standalone.
I absolutely loved Noah and Emerson’s story. Noah was adorable, the way he was with Emerson was everything. He was so caring and attentive towards her.
This is a second chance romance, so there is lots of love, sadness and healing so be prepared! You will definitely need tissues. I felt like I went through so many emotions reading this book.
I definitely recommend this one if you love small town romance or second chance romance.
I absolutely loved Noah and Emerson’s story. Noah was adorable, the way he was with Emerson was everything. He was so caring and attentive towards her.
This is a second chance romance, so there is lots of love, sadness and healing so be prepared! You will definitely need tissues. I felt like I went through so many emotions reading this book.
I definitely recommend this one if you love small town romance or second chance romance.
October 14, 2025
When I tell you I know this will be a book that I think about for a very long time, I’m not exaggerating. Emily has outdone herself with this one. She gave us such an emotionally intelligent young man in the beginning of this book and put him through the wringer, as well as an emotionally unstable girl that your heart will bleed for. Noah and Emerson are such special characters, from the very beginning of the book their attraction to each other hooks the reader. Emily did such a beautiful job showcasing all of the emotions both the characters and the reader go through throughout this book. This is a romance that will fully wreck you and put you back together again. You HAVE to read it, you just have to. You Can Always Come Home releases next month on Nov 12, which gives you plenty of time to read Emerson’s big brother’s story before!
November 12, 2025
What a heartbreaking yet hopeful book. 🥹🥹💗💗
It is sad. Really sad. From the time they are kids up until like the last quarter of the book. Read the trigger warnings. Just know going in that it is gonna be heavy.
But, while it was heavy….the love story is beautiful. The love of the last quarter of the book will be life affirming. Noah and Emerson are each other’s fitted piece. They are everything good. 💗💗💗
Read the letter from Emily Myers at the end of the book. A personal and heartfelt letter that made me quite emotional. Wishing her happiness and peace and love in all that is to come. 💗💗
It is sad. Really sad. From the time they are kids up until like the last quarter of the book. Read the trigger warnings. Just know going in that it is gonna be heavy.
But, while it was heavy….the love story is beautiful. The love of the last quarter of the book will be life affirming. Noah and Emerson are each other’s fitted piece. They are everything good. 💗💗💗
Read the letter from Emily Myers at the end of the book. A personal and heartfelt letter that made me quite emotional. Wishing her happiness and peace and love in all that is to come. 💗💗
November 13, 2025
Omg Ma’am you did it again I fell inlove with these characters I need to read there story again cause I bonded with them on so many levels. Every book you write I would read it I can’t wait for more of your books in the future.
November 2, 2025
***ARC Review***
This was traumatic in the best way. It starts out heartbreaking, then gives you hope, shatters everything, and then heals you. Everyone should read this duet. Please read the books in order because I swear it will make a difference in how you view it.
I was practically crying through the whole thing because it is the most I have personally related to a character's situation and personality before. I know Emily put a lot of herself into this book and I'm so glad she did. It helps so many women feel less alone. It also shows that people heal very differently, but there are healthy ways to do it. Everyone deserves a safe space and to be loved endlessly.
Emerson lives so much of her life struggling. Whether it's her abusive father, passive mother, bullies, lost family, etc. Noah becomes her safe space, but when tragedy hits, he doesn't know how to process anything. Having read the first book, I knew what was coming, but I still wasn't prepared for how bad it hurt. The journey is full of learning to heal themselves in order to help each other. Noah is exactly what Emerson needs, even years later when they come back together. Noah may lose everything, but he has always loved Emerson and that live also gives him everything he needs.
While I am sad that this is Emily's last spicy book, I am proud of her own growth and her wonderful writing. I have been blessed to be able to do several ARCs for her over the last couple of years. Her writing is strong and intentional. I'll be interested in seeing what her next book is like. Thank you for letting us all see your own journey through your characters.
This was traumatic in the best way. It starts out heartbreaking, then gives you hope, shatters everything, and then heals you. Everyone should read this duet. Please read the books in order because I swear it will make a difference in how you view it.
I was practically crying through the whole thing because it is the most I have personally related to a character's situation and personality before. I know Emily put a lot of herself into this book and I'm so glad she did. It helps so many women feel less alone. It also shows that people heal very differently, but there are healthy ways to do it. Everyone deserves a safe space and to be loved endlessly.
Emerson lives so much of her life struggling. Whether it's her abusive father, passive mother, bullies, lost family, etc. Noah becomes her safe space, but when tragedy hits, he doesn't know how to process anything. Having read the first book, I knew what was coming, but I still wasn't prepared for how bad it hurt. The journey is full of learning to heal themselves in order to help each other. Noah is exactly what Emerson needs, even years later when they come back together. Noah may lose everything, but he has always loved Emerson and that live also gives him everything he needs.
While I am sad that this is Emily's last spicy book, I am proud of her own growth and her wonderful writing. I have been blessed to be able to do several ARCs for her over the last couple of years. Her writing is strong and intentional. I'll be interested in seeing what her next book is like. Thank you for letting us all see your own journey through your characters.
November 17, 2025
This book has officially earned its spot at the top of my 2025 favourites list, and I'm still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster that Noah and Emerson took me on. Noah is, hands down, the ultimate book boyfriend of all book boyfriends - the kind of character who will capture your heart and refuse to let go. 📚❤️ Going through Emerson's story myself, reliving it with her, reminded me of my own strength and resilience, and I'm so grateful for that. It's not often that a book can evoke such a strong sense of empathy and connection, but this one did just that. Even though there were some very heavy topics in Noah and Emerson's story, Emily tackled them with grace and sensitivity, handling each issue with care and compassion. I adored the way Noah cares for Emerson, the way he sees her, and the way she cherishes him in return. Their relationship was a beautiful, slow-burning flame that grew into a roaring fire over time. I absolutely loved that it wasn't rushed or forced, but rather a natural progression of their feelings for each other. It made their connection feel genuine and real, like I was right there with them, experiencing every high and low. The way they took their time building a relationship that turned into more overtime was so refreshing, and I think that's what made their love story all the more believable and captivating. 💕
November 24, 2025
Oh my goodness this was such an emotion read, tears both happy and sad.
A second chance romance that readers will love, Emerson and Noah, trauma, grief and raw emotion but the book was beautifully written.
A second chance romance that readers will love, Emerson and Noah, trauma, grief and raw emotion but the book was beautifully written.
November 17, 2025
When the author warns you to have tissues ready, believe them, you're going to need them!
You Can Always Come Home is a heartfelt second-chance, small-town romance overflowing with emotion.
I absolutely loved Noah and Emmerson’s story. There’s heartbreak, yes, but there’s also an overwhelming amount of love. This book put me through every emotion imaginable, happy tears, sad tears, and everything in between.
Emmerson is such a sweetheart, and Noah… oh my gosh, Noah is everything, especially in the way he loves and cares for Emmerson.
This is an emotionally heavy read, and you can truly feel the author pouring their heart into every page. Heartbreaking and beautiful
ARC Review - 4.75⭐️
You Can Always Come Home is a heartfelt second-chance, small-town romance overflowing with emotion.
I absolutely loved Noah and Emmerson’s story. There’s heartbreak, yes, but there’s also an overwhelming amount of love. This book put me through every emotion imaginable, happy tears, sad tears, and everything in between.
Emmerson is such a sweetheart, and Noah… oh my gosh, Noah is everything, especially in the way he loves and cares for Emmerson.
This is an emotionally heavy read, and you can truly feel the author pouring their heart into every page. Heartbreaking and beautiful
ARC Review - 4.75⭐️
January 16, 2026
Absolutely enjoyed this one! Emily A. Myers writes small-town romance in a way that feels comforting without being boring, emotional without being heavy. From the very beginning, this story wrapped me up in its sense of place and heart. It is the sweetest!
What I loved most was the theme of coming back to people, to memories, and to the parts of yourself you thought you’d outgrown. The characters feel real and relatable, carrying old wounds and unfinished business, but there’s so much tenderness in how their relationships unfold. The romance builds naturally, rooted in shared history, quiet moments, and the kind of connection that feels steady rather than rushed. The characters are so likable and the plot kept me hooked!
This book is cozy, heartfelt, and full of hope. It reminded me that sometimes healing isn’t about starting over somewhere new, it’s about letting yourself return home. There are loads of rep and make sure to check the trigger warnings. Emerson's character is filled with strength and hope. I loved her dynamic with Noah.
Tropes:
🌸 Small-town romance
🏡 Coming home / second chances
💔 Healing from the past
❤️ Slow-burn emotional connection
🤍 Comfort read vibes
Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy! All opinions are my own.
What I loved most was the theme of coming back to people, to memories, and to the parts of yourself you thought you’d outgrown. The characters feel real and relatable, carrying old wounds and unfinished business, but there’s so much tenderness in how their relationships unfold. The romance builds naturally, rooted in shared history, quiet moments, and the kind of connection that feels steady rather than rushed. The characters are so likable and the plot kept me hooked!
This book is cozy, heartfelt, and full of hope. It reminded me that sometimes healing isn’t about starting over somewhere new, it’s about letting yourself return home. There are loads of rep and make sure to check the trigger warnings. Emerson's character is filled with strength and hope. I loved her dynamic with Noah.
Tropes:
🌸 Small-town romance
🏡 Coming home / second chances
💔 Healing from the past
❤️ Slow-burn emotional connection
🤍 Comfort read vibes
Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy! All opinions are my own.
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