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Everything Has Changed
Gwen has always wanted to make her mark on the town she loves.
That dream is finally within reach when she’s chosen to plan Willow Grove’s beloved Harvest Festival. Years of daydreams and wish lists are about to pay off—if she can pull off the biggest celebration the town has ever seen. As the owner of the local café, she knows how to serve up warmth and charm—but not how to handle the man who just walked back into her life.
Logan thought he’d left Willow Grove behind.
But when family duty calls, he returns home carrying the weight of a legacy he never wanted and a secret he can’t share. His plan is face his father, fix what he can, and make the best of a bad situation.
What he doesn’t plan on is falling for the town’s sweetheart.
That dream is finally within reach when she’s chosen to plan Willow Grove’s beloved Harvest Festival. Years of daydreams and wish lists are about to pay off—if she can pull off the biggest celebration the town has ever seen. As the owner of the local café, she knows how to serve up warmth and charm—but not how to handle the man who just walked back into her life.
Logan thought he’d left Willow Grove behind.
But when family duty calls, he returns home carrying the weight of a legacy he never wanted and a secret he can’t share. His plan is face his father, fix what he can, and make the best of a bad situation.
What he doesn’t plan on is falling for the town’s sweetheart.
- GenresRomance
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
24 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 2, 2025
I might be a little biased, but this is a pretty damn good book. 🙂↕️
Tropes:
- small town
- forced proximity
- friends to lovers
- harvest festival
- autumn vibes
- “f*ck it”
- “good girl”
- public display of affection 🤭
- spicy hallmark
Tropes:
- small town
- forced proximity
- friends to lovers
- harvest festival
- autumn vibes
- “f*ck it”
- “good girl”
- public display of affection 🤭
- spicy hallmark
October 28, 2025
I received an arc from the author.
This book is a very strong debut from Courtney Rae.
Gwen and Logan are so sweet and cute. I loved the dual pov narration to get both of their sides of the story. The pacing and evolution of their relationship was good and believable.
If you like small town fall vibes this book is for you!
I loved getting entranced by Willow Grove and meeting all the characters. I can’t wait for the next books in this series!
This book is a very strong debut from Courtney Rae.
Gwen and Logan are so sweet and cute. I loved the dual pov narration to get both of their sides of the story. The pacing and evolution of their relationship was good and believable.
If you like small town fall vibes this book is for you!
I loved getting entranced by Willow Grove and meeting all the characters. I can’t wait for the next books in this series!
October 31, 2025
Tropes:
Fall Festival
Friend to Lovers
Small Town
Forced Proximity
Dual POV
Book 1 in the Willow Grove series
It’s hard to believe this is a debut; Courtney Rae knocked it out of the park! It’s got hallmark movie vibes with a little bit of spice. Perfect for the fall season.
Gwen finally gets her dream of planning and executing the annual Willow Grove fall festival. The only bad news is that she has to share the duties with the newly retuned future mayor, Logan Spencer. During the planning process, the two begin falling for each other. Unfortunately Logan has some family drama to deal with that causes a rift between the couple.
Logan is a down bad man who falls for Gwen quickly. He’s a great partner to her except for the whole lying by omission thing. Gwen is strong and independent. She knows how to handle herself and doesn’t let other people get to her for too long, even when they are horrible.
The side characters are amazing and really well developed. All of Gwen’s family: her sister Kennedy, brother Jackson, niece Rowan, and grandmother Ophelia. Big fan of all of them and I hope that the rest of series follows them. Piper is a fantastic friend to Gwen but you can tell she has her own issues going on. Logan’s family: his mother Margot and his dad Richard (whom I loathe with all my being). Lastly there is Camilla, Logan’s ex who I hope is not in any more of this series because she’s horrible with no redeeming qualities.
Love getting both perspectives with the dual POV. Not overly spicy, but the spice was done well. The pace of book worked really well, it always felt like something was happening that kept everything moving. The relationship between Gwen and Logan developed realistically and felt believable. Overall, I loved getting to know Willow Grove and its residents and I can’t wait to go back!
*ARC received from author*
Fall Festival
Friend to Lovers
Small Town
Forced Proximity
Dual POV
Book 1 in the Willow Grove series
It’s hard to believe this is a debut; Courtney Rae knocked it out of the park! It’s got hallmark movie vibes with a little bit of spice. Perfect for the fall season.
Gwen finally gets her dream of planning and executing the annual Willow Grove fall festival. The only bad news is that she has to share the duties with the newly retuned future mayor, Logan Spencer. During the planning process, the two begin falling for each other. Unfortunately Logan has some family drama to deal with that causes a rift between the couple.
Logan is a down bad man who falls for Gwen quickly. He’s a great partner to her except for the whole lying by omission thing. Gwen is strong and independent. She knows how to handle herself and doesn’t let other people get to her for too long, even when they are horrible.
The side characters are amazing and really well developed. All of Gwen’s family: her sister Kennedy, brother Jackson, niece Rowan, and grandmother Ophelia. Big fan of all of them and I hope that the rest of series follows them. Piper is a fantastic friend to Gwen but you can tell she has her own issues going on. Logan’s family: his mother Margot and his dad Richard (whom I loathe with all my being). Lastly there is Camilla, Logan’s ex who I hope is not in any more of this series because she’s horrible with no redeeming qualities.
Love getting both perspectives with the dual POV. Not overly spicy, but the spice was done well. The pace of book worked really well, it always felt like something was happening that kept everything moving. The relationship between Gwen and Logan developed realistically and felt believable. Overall, I loved getting to know Willow Grove and its residents and I can’t wait to go back!
*ARC received from author*
November 26, 2025
This story is such a sweet one. I loved the small town vibes, the cosy café with the small room for books. Gwen is a sweet girl who loves her town. Logan is a dream. There is the right amount of spice and the pace was done very well. It had me turning the pages captivated. I loved this debut by Courtney Rae so much that I just had to read it again. If you enjoy Forced proximity, he falls first, small town, harvest festival, friends to lovers then you may enjoy this book. Willow grove and its characters had me in their clutches and I can't wait to see what comes next for them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Courtney Rae for the opportunity to review this ARC of a very sweet story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Courtney Rae for the opportunity to review this ARC of a very sweet story.
November 11, 2025
Okay but that was so good!!! I never would have guessed this was a debut novel. It was perfect small town fall vibes ( they literally plan the small towns fall festival ) and I was EATING up the family and OTW ( kinda ) drama. I was like omg this is soooo juicy!!! Logan is the perfect down bad cutie we all wish for . Loved it !!
November 25, 2025
What can I say about this book other than thank you Courtney for delivering such a beautiful and fun love story! Being able to connect with Gwen and Logan on their journey was an absolute treat, and I cannot remember the last time a romance novel gave me a character that was so enjoyable to hate like Camila. So happy for you for putting your debut out in the world and so excited to return to Willow Grove for Book 2!
November 18, 2025
Everything Has Changed wrapped me up in a cozy blanket of small-town charm, emotional depth, and second-chance swoon. I devoured this book like one of Gwen’s café pastries and didn’t want it to end.
Gwen is the kind of heroine you instantly root for: full of heart, grit, and big dreams for her hometown. And Logan? Broody, burdened, and unexpectedly tender. Their chemistry is the slow-burn kind that simmers under every glance and shared memory, and when it finally boils over? Whew. Worth. The. Wait.
This book gave me everything: a Harvest Festival I wish I could attend, a town full of lovable side characters, and a romance that felt both nostalgic and brand new. The emotional stakes were real, the writing was heartfelt, and the ending left me smiling like a fool.
If you love second chances, small-town magic, and a hero who falls hard for the girl he never really got over, Everything Has Changed will absolutely steal your heart.
Gwen is the kind of heroine you instantly root for: full of heart, grit, and big dreams for her hometown. And Logan? Broody, burdened, and unexpectedly tender. Their chemistry is the slow-burn kind that simmers under every glance and shared memory, and when it finally boils over? Whew. Worth. The. Wait.
This book gave me everything: a Harvest Festival I wish I could attend, a town full of lovable side characters, and a romance that felt both nostalgic and brand new. The emotional stakes were real, the writing was heartfelt, and the ending left me smiling like a fool.
If you love second chances, small-town magic, and a hero who falls hard for the girl he never really got over, Everything Has Changed will absolutely steal your heart.
November 11, 2025
4.5 🌟
Such a solid debut from Rae! I loved these two characters and how their story unfolded. The history between the main couple really added to the chemistry and tension filled moments which were the strongest aspects of this novel for me!
I loved these setting and this book had just the right amount of stakes for me to remain invested. I’m so happy for the author and cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!
Such a solid debut from Rae! I loved these two characters and how their story unfolded. The history between the main couple really added to the chemistry and tension filled moments which were the strongest aspects of this novel for me!
I loved these setting and this book had just the right amount of stakes for me to remain invested. I’m so happy for the author and cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!
November 6, 2025
Omgosh!! I absolutely loved this entire book. It has everything a small town romance should. Hallmark love story with the perfect amount of spice and drama. The unexpected twist at the end had me literally gasping. I loved being transported into Willow Grove and I can’t wait to go back!
November 3, 2025
WOW!!! This book was so good. I loved absolutely everything about it and couldn’t put it down! This was the epitome of the perfect fall romance read with exactly the right amount of spice (trust me, it’s perfect)
Longer review coming soon!!!
Longer review coming soon!!!
January 11, 2026
Absolutely loved this debut novel!
The story revolves around Gwendolyn (Qwen), who is navigating life after her parents' tragic car accident, living with her grandmother in the charming community of Willow Grove. She owns a cozy coffee shop, The Willow Whisk, with her best friend Piper working alongside her.
Enter Logan, her new neighbor and childhood friend, returning to town with his father's dreams of becoming Willow Grove’s mayor. Their paths cross again during the preparations for the Harvest Festival, sparking a sweet and undeniable connection. Logan’s charming meet-cute with Qwen, affectionately called "Qwenny," set the tone for their adorable chemistry. Despite their instant spark, Qwen is cautious, insisting they stay just friends, especially with Logan’s ties to his ex-girlfriend Camila and looming family pressures.
As the story unfolds, we see Logan grappling with family expectations, his father’s political ambitions and the upcoming mayoral announcement, alongside plans for a new resort expansion that threaten the town’s charm. Meanwhile, Qwen wrestles with her feelings, her loyalty to her community, and her growing attraction to Logan. Their banter, especially through texting, was hilarious and heartfelt, revealing layers of vulnerability and genuine connection.
Amidst all this, both face personal challenges, Logan’s complicated family situation, Qwen’s concern for her grandmother who’s fighting a brain tumor, and the town’s evolving future. Their flirtation culminates in a trip that feels like a perfect, escapist getaway, cementing the chemistry between them.
The plot thickens as secrets are exposed, Logan’s father’s embezzlement, hidden affairs, and town politics collide, putting everything they care about at risk. The novel masterfully balances humor, romance, and emotional depth, culminating in a satisfying ending that promises more adventures in Willow Grove.
This book was cute, fun, and full of heart. The town’s charm and the memorable characters made it a joy to read. I’m already hoping for more books featuring Matt, Kennedy, Piper, and Jackson, can’t wait to see their stories next!
The story revolves around Gwendolyn (Qwen), who is navigating life after her parents' tragic car accident, living with her grandmother in the charming community of Willow Grove. She owns a cozy coffee shop, The Willow Whisk, with her best friend Piper working alongside her.
Enter Logan, her new neighbor and childhood friend, returning to town with his father's dreams of becoming Willow Grove’s mayor. Their paths cross again during the preparations for the Harvest Festival, sparking a sweet and undeniable connection. Logan’s charming meet-cute with Qwen, affectionately called "Qwenny," set the tone for their adorable chemistry. Despite their instant spark, Qwen is cautious, insisting they stay just friends, especially with Logan’s ties to his ex-girlfriend Camila and looming family pressures.
As the story unfolds, we see Logan grappling with family expectations, his father’s political ambitions and the upcoming mayoral announcement, alongside plans for a new resort expansion that threaten the town’s charm. Meanwhile, Qwen wrestles with her feelings, her loyalty to her community, and her growing attraction to Logan. Their banter, especially through texting, was hilarious and heartfelt, revealing layers of vulnerability and genuine connection.
Amidst all this, both face personal challenges, Logan’s complicated family situation, Qwen’s concern for her grandmother who’s fighting a brain tumor, and the town’s evolving future. Their flirtation culminates in a trip that feels like a perfect, escapist getaway, cementing the chemistry between them.
The plot thickens as secrets are exposed, Logan’s father’s embezzlement, hidden affairs, and town politics collide, putting everything they care about at risk. The novel masterfully balances humor, romance, and emotional depth, culminating in a satisfying ending that promises more adventures in Willow Grove.
This book was cute, fun, and full of heart. The town’s charm and the memorable characters made it a joy to read. I’m already hoping for more books featuring Matt, Kennedy, Piper, and Jackson, can’t wait to see their stories next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
My friend wrote a book and I am SO proud of her!! I may be biased, but Courtney Rae has written a charming, heartwarming debut small town romance filled with characters who are easy to root for and those who you’ll want to know more about.
Gwen is my favorite kind of small town girl. One who loves her town, has really cemented her place in it, and is happily settled into that space while still hopeful to add to her life without feeling the need to change who she is. She’s a kind woman with a wonderful support system, family and found family, surrounding her. A highlight of that support system is her grandmother, Ophelia. We have the softest of soft spots for a good grandma over here in this household.
Logan is, in a way, “the one who got away” for Gwen in a sense that he quite literally left town before outside forces could be handled that kept anything more than friendship from developing between them. When he returns home to prepare for taking over as the mayor when his father steps down, he and Gwen have the chance to reconnect as they plan the town’s fall festival. What was a maybe-could-have-been has its chance to be fully realized as they spend more time together. Their relationship development has tension abound, a “we shouldn’t but we can’t help it” vibe, and lovely tender moments shared between them.
While Gwen is unaware, Logan is facing more than just reacquainting himself with his town though as he has to fight his father and his less-than-altruistic plans for the future their lovable small town. Logan’s dad is quite literally The Worst, and so is his ex-girlfriend who is trying to reinsert herself into Logan’s life. Without giving any details, I can promise a satisfying “they get what they deserve” when their time comes.
This book is full of sweetness and spice, secrets and redemption, and love in many different forms. I’m ready to spend more time in Willow Grove. Thank you to Courtney Rae for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Gwen is my favorite kind of small town girl. One who loves her town, has really cemented her place in it, and is happily settled into that space while still hopeful to add to her life without feeling the need to change who she is. She’s a kind woman with a wonderful support system, family and found family, surrounding her. A highlight of that support system is her grandmother, Ophelia. We have the softest of soft spots for a good grandma over here in this household.
Logan is, in a way, “the one who got away” for Gwen in a sense that he quite literally left town before outside forces could be handled that kept anything more than friendship from developing between them. When he returns home to prepare for taking over as the mayor when his father steps down, he and Gwen have the chance to reconnect as they plan the town’s fall festival. What was a maybe-could-have-been has its chance to be fully realized as they spend more time together. Their relationship development has tension abound, a “we shouldn’t but we can’t help it” vibe, and lovely tender moments shared between them.
While Gwen is unaware, Logan is facing more than just reacquainting himself with his town though as he has to fight his father and his less-than-altruistic plans for the future their lovable small town. Logan’s dad is quite literally The Worst, and so is his ex-girlfriend who is trying to reinsert herself into Logan’s life. Without giving any details, I can promise a satisfying “they get what they deserve” when their time comes.
This book is full of sweetness and spice, secrets and redemption, and love in many different forms. I’m ready to spend more time in Willow Grove. Thank you to Courtney Rae for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2025
Everything Has Changed is a self-published debut novel, so let me start by saying, HUGE props to Courtney Rae. Writing a book is no mean feat and creating a story and characters that entice a reader and keep them wanting more is even harder.
This romance is full of tension and yearning. The spice is glorious. The very first time anything physical happened, my first thought was, “Well, that escalated quickly,” and my second was, “Hot hot hot hot hot.” Gwen and Logan have great chemistry, and the only thing that isn’t believable about them is the fact that nothing happened between them as teenagers. How is that even possible?
There are a few parts of the story I’d have loved to have delved into more, namely Gwen and Logan’s friendship as children, outside of the prologue, and also Logan’s brother. We hear bits about Jake and can read between the lines, but I’d have liked to have heard more about their childhoods, Jake’s personality, and whether he seemed more fitting for the mayoral role.
I am so gripped by Piper and Jackson’s story so I can’t wait to read that, and I desperately want to know how and why Matt broke Kennedy’s heart although I fear it will break me.
What an excellent debut from Courtney Rae. I can only imagine how much better her books will get from here.
This romance is full of tension and yearning. The spice is glorious. The very first time anything physical happened, my first thought was, “Well, that escalated quickly,” and my second was, “Hot hot hot hot hot.” Gwen and Logan have great chemistry, and the only thing that isn’t believable about them is the fact that nothing happened between them as teenagers. How is that even possible?
There are a few parts of the story I’d have loved to have delved into more, namely Gwen and Logan’s friendship as children, outside of the prologue, and also Logan’s brother. We hear bits about Jake and can read between the lines, but I’d have liked to have heard more about their childhoods, Jake’s personality, and whether he seemed more fitting for the mayoral role.
I am so gripped by Piper and Jackson’s story so I can’t wait to read that, and I desperately want to know how and why Matt broke Kennedy’s heart although I fear it will break me.
What an excellent debut from Courtney Rae. I can only imagine how much better her books will get from here.
December 20, 2025
Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading Everything has Changed;
-Friends x Lovers
-Small Town
-Forced Proximity
- He Falls First
-Family Secrets
In this book you get to follow Gwendolyn and Logan! Logan has been summoned to come home and take his rightful place as the next Mayor. Gwen has built a life and with Logan back can her healed heart handle it. Secrets loom, blackmail and hope to keep their little town from being taken over. Wow this book was wild! I will always praise an author that can write a good villain! I love being able to love main characters and absolutely hate the villains! To me that means they were written well. This book was so entertaining, and I NEED more Piper, thank you!
Favorite line:
•”Yes, but I would rather do that than acknowledge that Logan Spencer has returned to my beautiful little town to taint it again.”
•“Hey, Gwenny.”
•“That would have been awfully fast. I personally like to take my time on such precious things.”
•”Daddy says ‘fine’ is a placeholder word and we should say how we really feel so we can handle it properly.”
#review #bookstagram #books #booklover
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading Everything has Changed;
-Friends x Lovers
-Small Town
-Forced Proximity
- He Falls First
-Family Secrets
In this book you get to follow Gwendolyn and Logan! Logan has been summoned to come home and take his rightful place as the next Mayor. Gwen has built a life and with Logan back can her healed heart handle it. Secrets loom, blackmail and hope to keep their little town from being taken over. Wow this book was wild! I will always praise an author that can write a good villain! I love being able to love main characters and absolutely hate the villains! To me that means they were written well. This book was so entertaining, and I NEED more Piper, thank you!
Favorite line:
•”Yes, but I would rather do that than acknowledge that Logan Spencer has returned to my beautiful little town to taint it again.”
•“Hey, Gwenny.”
•“That would have been awfully fast. I personally like to take my time on such precious things.”
•”Daddy says ‘fine’ is a placeholder word and we should say how we really feel so we can handle it properly.”
#review #bookstagram #books #booklover
November 13, 2025
This book has been stuck in my head for weeks.
It is the most perfect Fall romance - Gwen and Logan’s chemistry is on fire. They both have so much character growth over the book which is the icing on the cake. I was sucked in from the very start. There were moments that stunned me, moments that took my breath away and moments that made me laugh out loud. The banter is TOP TIER - not just between Gwen and Logan but all of the characters. I lowkey wanna live in Willow Grove bc I fell in love with all of them.
Also, the spice? *chefs kiss* 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🥵🌶️🌶️
This doesn’t read like a debut novel - Courtney’s skill as a writer shines through on every page. Do yourself a favor and journey to Willow Grove!!!
It is the most perfect Fall romance - Gwen and Logan’s chemistry is on fire. They both have so much character growth over the book which is the icing on the cake. I was sucked in from the very start. There were moments that stunned me, moments that took my breath away and moments that made me laugh out loud. The banter is TOP TIER - not just between Gwen and Logan but all of the characters. I lowkey wanna live in Willow Grove bc I fell in love with all of them.
Also, the spice? *chefs kiss* 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🥵🌶️🌶️
This doesn’t read like a debut novel - Courtney’s skill as a writer shines through on every page. Do yourself a favor and journey to Willow Grove!!!
December 13, 2025
🌻🌻🌻🌻 Sunflower Review
This was this author's Debut novel and I'm IN LOVE!
I absolutely love quirky small towns with Gwen being the town sweetheart and the Logan the guy that got away returning to town...best storyline ever😍
I loved everything about this book, the subtle references to "romance tropes"😏 or watching Logan fall hard and fast for Gwen😍
The side characters, literal perfection🤌🏼
So happy I found this author and tried this book!🫶🏼
This was this author's Debut novel and I'm IN LOVE!
I absolutely love quirky small towns with Gwen being the town sweetheart and the Logan the guy that got away returning to town...best storyline ever😍
I loved everything about this book, the subtle references to "romance tropes"😏 or watching Logan fall hard and fast for Gwen😍
The side characters, literal perfection🤌🏼
So happy I found this author and tried this book!🫶🏼
January 16, 2026
Willow Grove, NC sounds like the perfect little town. I would love to live there. and, I would die to have a Willow Whisk in my little town! ugh! The love story of Gwendolyn and Logan was gripping, I laughed and cried, and there was just enough spice! A really great debut! She has the ability to really develop her characters. I felt like I knew everyone; Ophelia, Piper, Matthew, Jackson, Camila, Margot, Mayor Spencer, everyone! I cannot wait to read more from Courtney Rae!
January 19, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
I loved visiting Willow Grove, and I can’t wait to read more about Piper + Jackson in the second installment coming soon!
I desperately needed a happy ending to escape from the insanity of real life. Logan is completely head over heels for Gwen, and I couldn't get enough of them 😍
Courtney, great job writing a villain everyone loves to hate 🤣 Camila, you really need to touch grass, and find a new hobby.
I loved visiting Willow Grove, and I can’t wait to read more about Piper + Jackson in the second installment coming soon!
I desperately needed a happy ending to escape from the insanity of real life. Logan is completely head over heels for Gwen, and I couldn't get enough of them 😍
Courtney, great job writing a villain everyone loves to hate 🤣 Camila, you really need to touch grass, and find a new hobby.
November 18, 2025
Arc Review**** I was sent an early copy and I honestly didn’t know what to expect but I Loved this book. All the characters were so likeable. The main characters stole my heart. Logan and Gwen were just so beautifully written. The fall vibes were definitely present in this book and since I am a fall girly I loved it. Can’t wait to see if the other characters are getting their story soon.
Read
November 26, 2025DNF at 33%. The main male character is spineless and annoying. Yes, I am sure he will figure it out but it is not fun reading about such a weak character. He is no hero and it’s too slow to get there.
November 27, 2025
I am already itching to go back to Willow Grove after finishing Everything Has Changed. These characters had me instantly hooked. I can't believe this is Courtney Rae's debut novel! She writes like a seasoned romance author and I can't wait to see what's in store for her next book!
January 2, 2026
perfect smalltown story
An awesome debut! Gwen and Logan are so easy to cheer for and I loved the world the author built up around them. I can’t wait for the next one!
An awesome debut! Gwen and Logan are so easy to cheer for and I loved the world the author built up around them. I can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews