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Waiting at Hayden's
From a fresh new voice in women's fiction comes a page-turning, relatable love story about the complicated nature of timing in modern-day relationships. Childhood best friends Charli Anderson and Jack Logan fall madly in love during college and can't imagine a life apart. But when they land dream opportunities on opposite ends of the country following graduation, they are forced to make a heart-wrenching pact. In the hope of one day restarting their love story, they set a date to reunite in five years at their favorite restaurant. Restaurant owner Gianna Hayden is thirty-seven, single, and one bad date away from giving up on finding the right guy when she meets Peter Clark on a dating website. Attractive, kind, and driven he is exactly what she thought she was looking for. But as the day of Charli and Jack's reservation approaches, Gianna finds herself reflecting on the kind of passionate love her former customers once had and begins to question her bond with Peter. These two riveting stories converge on the night of the fateful reunion. Gianna, Charli, and Jack are all forced to make difficult choices as they struggle to follow their hearts, and ultimately each must decide where their true feelings lie before time runs out. Waiting at Hayden's is the first book to be published in the new reading experience format shopfiction(TM), which Costello coined and branded. The digital version of this book contains links to watch key scenes unfold and to shop the characters' clothes. The print versions contain web addresses to do the same.
260 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2018
104 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 1, 2019
➳Two love stories, second chances at finding their true partner in an emotional aspect that is refreshing to read and thoroughly enjoy in every retrospective...
➳Charlie and Jack have by far the best story of the two hat are given in this novel. Second chance romances tend to always give me the jitters of happiness, especially when it's a story that revolves itself around true meaning of second chances. When obstacles come in the way, life is one that always tends to be a pest. But life also knows how to reunite people together in the best of ways, such as how Charlie and Jack did.
➳This is my very first novel by Riley, and the first book she has published as well. Gotta say... REALLY impressed with her writing and her aspect of writing two different stories that are mixed so properly together. And the whole new retrospective of reading when it comes down to what Riley has created, shopfiction™ a new reading experience format that allows readers to shop their favorite characters' clothes and home decor while reading their story.
➳Overall, I truly and throughly enjoyed this novel! When Riley asked me if I wanted to read her novel, I knew I was getting into a brand new world of writing, a world of writing that has for sure gotten me hooked wanting for more!
➳Physical copy kindly provided by Riley in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
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➳Charlie and Jack have by far the best story of the two hat are given in this novel. Second chance romances tend to always give me the jitters of happiness, especially when it's a story that revolves itself around true meaning of second chances. When obstacles come in the way, life is one that always tends to be a pest. But life also knows how to reunite people together in the best of ways, such as how Charlie and Jack did.
➳This is my very first novel by Riley, and the first book she has published as well. Gotta say... REALLY impressed with her writing and her aspect of writing two different stories that are mixed so properly together. And the whole new retrospective of reading when it comes down to what Riley has created, shopfiction™ a new reading experience format that allows readers to shop their favorite characters' clothes and home decor while reading their story.
➳Overall, I truly and throughly enjoyed this novel! When Riley asked me if I wanted to read her novel, I knew I was getting into a brand new world of writing, a world of writing that has for sure gotten me hooked wanting for more!
➳Physical copy kindly provided by Riley in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
December 17, 2018
3.5 - 4 Stars
So sweet! Perfect if you're in the mood for something light and upbeat.
This debut novel alternates between past and present, all building toward one night at Hayden's, a restaurant that is central to the story. Charli and Jack fall in love in high school but make a pact: they will both pursue their dreams but meet back at Hayden's in five years if they still truly love each other. Neither one is ready to give up their passions and both move to opposite parts of the country.
This sweet romantic comedy has an added bonus of containing links to the outfits worn by the main characters in certain key scenes. Called shopfiction™, this experience allows the reader to see the clothes as described by the author. This clever creation by Riley Costello, who has a fantastic fashion and lifestyle blog, is meant to be experienced with the ebook version of this story. The ebook also contains trailers with music to depict certain scenes.
The owner of Hayden's waits impatiently for the night of the reservation made so many years before. Gianna's romance might be ending in a proposal on this night so she, too, has a lot happening in both her personal and professional life. What will happen with Charli and Jack? She hasn't heard from them since the night they made the reservation.
"She thought of Charli and Jack and wondered if the opposite was true for them. Had too much time passed? They’d each been so sure of their feelings for one another back when they were together, but now, after five years apart, was each questioning the bond they’d once had? Were they both in a panic this very minute too?"
Although it might seem far-fetched to stay out of touch with someone in this age of social media, Charli and Jack agree to go cold turkey and not contact each other during the next few years. They both love each other deeply but want the other to flourish and grow.
“I know this will change things between us,” he said. “But I want things to change. You’re not like any girl I’ve ever met, Charli. You’re smart, you challenge me, you’re pretty, without even really trying to be and . . . I don’t know . . . you’re the one person I can be myself around.”
What will happen on the night of the appointed reservation? And what will happen with Gianna and her longtime boyfriend Peter? This breezy romantic comedy ends on a refreshing, upbeat note and will please all lovers of true romance. Riley Costello is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
So sweet! Perfect if you're in the mood for something light and upbeat.
This debut novel alternates between past and present, all building toward one night at Hayden's, a restaurant that is central to the story. Charli and Jack fall in love in high school but make a pact: they will both pursue their dreams but meet back at Hayden's in five years if they still truly love each other. Neither one is ready to give up their passions and both move to opposite parts of the country.
This sweet romantic comedy has an added bonus of containing links to the outfits worn by the main characters in certain key scenes. Called shopfiction™, this experience allows the reader to see the clothes as described by the author. This clever creation by Riley Costello, who has a fantastic fashion and lifestyle blog, is meant to be experienced with the ebook version of this story. The ebook also contains trailers with music to depict certain scenes.
The owner of Hayden's waits impatiently for the night of the reservation made so many years before. Gianna's romance might be ending in a proposal on this night so she, too, has a lot happening in both her personal and professional life. What will happen with Charli and Jack? She hasn't heard from them since the night they made the reservation.
"She thought of Charli and Jack and wondered if the opposite was true for them. Had too much time passed? They’d each been so sure of their feelings for one another back when they were together, but now, after five years apart, was each questioning the bond they’d once had? Were they both in a panic this very minute too?"
Although it might seem far-fetched to stay out of touch with someone in this age of social media, Charli and Jack agree to go cold turkey and not contact each other during the next few years. They both love each other deeply but want the other to flourish and grow.
“I know this will change things between us,” he said. “But I want things to change. You’re not like any girl I’ve ever met, Charli. You’re smart, you challenge me, you’re pretty, without even really trying to be and . . . I don’t know . . . you’re the one person I can be myself around.”
What will happen on the night of the appointed reservation? And what will happen with Gianna and her longtime boyfriend Peter? This breezy romantic comedy ends on a refreshing, upbeat note and will please all lovers of true romance. Riley Costello is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
June 5, 2019
A month or so ago, Riley Costello found me on social media and asked if I'd like a copy of her book, Waiting at Hayden's. I read the description but was somewhat hesitant. I'm not really a "girly book" type of gal. I know I gravitate towards murder and mayhem...but this is my year of taking chances and changing my outlook. I said yes. I AM SO GLAD I DID. This has been one of my favorite books of the year. 💜
This book came out 07/10/18 and was published by Sullivan & Shea Publishing.
Childhood bffs Charli and Jack are madly in love throughout college and are faced with a major dilemma when Jack's path takes him to the west coast after graduation and Charli's path takes her to the east coast. Neither wants to break up so they make a pact to reunite at their favorite restaurant Hayden's in five years.
It also follows the restaurant's owner Gianna. She is 37 and seems to have everything going for her, including her dreamboat boyfriend Peter. The day of the reservation, Gianna finds herself comparing her relationship to the love of Jack and Charli, wondering if there isn't more in life for her.
The night of the reunion, the two stories unfold, with slight surprises thrown in. This book was so adorable, you guys. I loved reading it. I HAD to know what was going to happen the night of the reservation. I almost skipped ahead to see if I could find it. Charli and Gianna are wonderful female characters. I found myself identifying with both of them. Like Charli, I would most definitely put my education before any man. Like Gianna, I've been hurt before and learned to be my own support system. #TeamDontNeedAMan
This story was also unique because it was published in the first ever shopfiction™ format. At the end of every chapter there's a link to a scene on Riley Costello's website where you can watch the chapter unfold AND you can purchase the clothes they're wearing! I'm sure this will make my fiance super happy, combining clothes AND books. He'll get over it. 😄
These stories collide in the most brilliantly suspenseful way. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll immediately want to send this book to your girlfriends.
Hands down, one of my favorite books of the year.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (As if I would even remotely consider a lower rating)
This book came out 07/10/18 and was published by Sullivan & Shea Publishing.
Childhood bffs Charli and Jack are madly in love throughout college and are faced with a major dilemma when Jack's path takes him to the west coast after graduation and Charli's path takes her to the east coast. Neither wants to break up so they make a pact to reunite at their favorite restaurant Hayden's in five years.
It also follows the restaurant's owner Gianna. She is 37 and seems to have everything going for her, including her dreamboat boyfriend Peter. The day of the reservation, Gianna finds herself comparing her relationship to the love of Jack and Charli, wondering if there isn't more in life for her.
The night of the reunion, the two stories unfold, with slight surprises thrown in. This book was so adorable, you guys. I loved reading it. I HAD to know what was going to happen the night of the reservation. I almost skipped ahead to see if I could find it. Charli and Gianna are wonderful female characters. I found myself identifying with both of them. Like Charli, I would most definitely put my education before any man. Like Gianna, I've been hurt before and learned to be my own support system. #TeamDontNeedAMan
This story was also unique because it was published in the first ever shopfiction™ format. At the end of every chapter there's a link to a scene on Riley Costello's website where you can watch the chapter unfold AND you can purchase the clothes they're wearing! I'm sure this will make my fiance super happy, combining clothes AND books. He'll get over it. 😄
These stories collide in the most brilliantly suspenseful way. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll immediately want to send this book to your girlfriends.
Hands down, one of my favorite books of the year.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (As if I would even remotely consider a lower rating)
April 5, 2020
I’m a sucker for a good love story and this book did not disappoint. And you don’t know what’s going to happen till the end, which keeps you guessing! It is an easy read and at the end of select chapters there is a link where you can go online and watch snippets of the scene! I thought that was so cool!
August 27, 2018
This is the best book I’ve read all summer!
Such a great story written from start to finish with an adorable twist at the end!!
Thank god I can shop the characters clothes!! How has no one thought of this before?!?!
The author is genius
Such a great story written from start to finish with an adorable twist at the end!!
Thank god I can shop the characters clothes!! How has no one thought of this before?!?!
The author is genius
April 30, 2020
Easy to read romance. I enjoyed the characters and the happy ending.
August 4, 2019
Waiting at Hayden’s was the perfect beach read for my summer vacation. It gave me all The Notebook vibes. It’s about a young couple in love who decide to go their separate ways after college, but have a plan to potentially reunite in 5 years at their fave restaurant (Hayden’s). The whole time I was thinking of Ross and Rachel and the whole “did she get off the plane?!?!” part. Where my Friends friends at?
Light, a little steamy, and set in the south, it was a cute story that I wouldn’t mind seeing turned into a movie.
Light, a little steamy, and set in the south, it was a cute story that I wouldn’t mind seeing turned into a movie.
July 24, 2018
The perfect summer binge! This interconnected love story will keep you on your toes as the author jumps from past to present. I was completely engrossed in the romantic comedy and felt immediately connected to the characters.
It is important to note that this is the author's first published book. SO IMPRESSED! Throughout the book, the author created "movie trailers" to depict what happened in key themes. Not only was this extremely creative and innovative, they were well produced and thought out. Alongside the videos, Riley Costello created shopfiction™ a new reading experience format that allows readers to shop their favorite characters' clothes and home decor. This author is truly making a name for herself with the unique twists she has attached to an already strong story.
It is important to note that this is the author's first published book. SO IMPRESSED! Throughout the book, the author created "movie trailers" to depict what happened in key themes. Not only was this extremely creative and innovative, they were well produced and thought out. Alongside the videos, Riley Costello created shopfiction™ a new reading experience format that allows readers to shop their favorite characters' clothes and home decor. This author is truly making a name for herself with the unique twists she has attached to an already strong story.
November 3, 2020
This book was a pleasant surprise! It was a nice little light read in between some heavier reads.
Charli and Jack have been best friends since childhood. Once college hits they fall madly in love. But now they are given amazing career/school opportunities and are forced to be apart for 5 years. Instead of doing the long distance thing, they decide to part ways and reunite in 5 years at their favourite restaurant. If they are meant to be, they’ll find their way back. If not, then they were never soul mates.
I really liked this book! I thought it was cute and it definitely read like a chick flick that I’d like to watch. There was also a neat aspect to this book. The author writes a fashion blog. At the end of certain chapters you could go visit the link and you could see the scenes from the book come to life. You can see what outfits they are wearing. I thought that was really neat and different and it added another layer to this book. There was also another love story line woven into this one involving the owner of the restaurant they were to meet at. It was a nice backdrop to the main couple. All in all, this was a fun read. I really like second chance romantic books. If that’s your thing, then this book is for you!
October 19, 2019
4.5 stars ✨ Waiting at Hayden’s is the quintessential beach read! I finished it in 24 hours.
It follows the story of Gianna, the owner of Hayden’s restaurant in present-time while also jumping back to the past to see how the story of a college couple unfolds. When pursing their dreams pulls Charli and Jack to opposite ends of the US, they make a pact to meet up again in five years at Hayden’s... if they want to pick their relationship up where it left off.
The characters all felt so relatable! I was engrossed by the story and felt the need to update my husband as I read. It’s a quick read and I was rooting for Charli and Jack. Pick this one up if you are in the mood to feel good, if you’re single and waiting for your pitch, or if you’re going on vacation soon.
Bonus points: the dust jacket is cashmere-soft and the hardcover is a dreamy gray with gold titling on the spine. I thought about passing this book along to share the love, but I’m holding onto it because it’s a gem 😍
Thank you, @rileycostello, for the gift! Looking forward to future novels by you!
It follows the story of Gianna, the owner of Hayden’s restaurant in present-time while also jumping back to the past to see how the story of a college couple unfolds. When pursing their dreams pulls Charli and Jack to opposite ends of the US, they make a pact to meet up again in five years at Hayden’s... if they want to pick their relationship up where it left off.
The characters all felt so relatable! I was engrossed by the story and felt the need to update my husband as I read. It’s a quick read and I was rooting for Charli and Jack. Pick this one up if you are in the mood to feel good, if you’re single and waiting for your pitch, or if you’re going on vacation soon.
Bonus points: the dust jacket is cashmere-soft and the hardcover is a dreamy gray with gold titling on the spine. I thought about passing this book along to share the love, but I’m holding onto it because it’s a gem 😍
Thank you, @rileycostello, for the gift! Looking forward to future novels by you!
January 31, 2021
Waiting at Hayden’s is more than a book, it’s an experience. The video links at the end of the chapters offer a deeper look into the lives of the characters, and the shopfiction™ element of this story is brilliant and applicable. Readers can literally shop the clothes that the characters wear.
After consuming this debut novel by Riley Costello, she is now one of my favorite new authors. Her style of writing lures in the reader and you quickly find yourself rooting for Charli and Jack as well as Gianna. Their story is romantic, suspenseful, and hopeful. When you read this book, you’ll feel like you are part of the journey and you’ll find yourself thinking about these characters long after your lips let go of the last word.
After consuming this debut novel by Riley Costello, she is now one of my favorite new authors. Her style of writing lures in the reader and you quickly find yourself rooting for Charli and Jack as well as Gianna. Their story is romantic, suspenseful, and hopeful. When you read this book, you’ll feel like you are part of the journey and you’ll find yourself thinking about these characters long after your lips let go of the last word.
March 24, 2022
I am so upset that I did not like this book. Let me first say that I think this author is incredibly nice. I found this book after she liked one of my Instagram posts when I started my blog. I wanted to support her like she just did for me. She messages back and interacts with her followers which I think is amazing. She's also revolutionary and started a new concept of ShopFiction where there's links to what the characters are wearing and trailers after select chapters which, in theory, is really cool! So, major props to her for putting herself and her ideas out there. That's hard to do.
This book follows young lovebirds Charli and Jack. They're preparing for a fork in their path that's going to push them separate ways and decide to meet at their favorite spot in five years if they're meant to be. However, they cannot communicate during this time with the exception of letters and that they are allowed to date other people.
I felt that this story lacked relatable characters, any type of character development, and had vague storylines that weren't supported. It featured three different storylines: Charli and Jack's, Gianna's, and Kendall's. I felt that Gianna and Kendall's stories weren't necessary and just added more pages to the book. Books normally make me really feel the story within my soul and I didn't feel anything with this one. I thought it was extremely predictable and I wasn't left satisfied with any part of the story.
There were three major things I did not like. First and foremost, I thought Gianna and Charli's "best friends" were absolutely horrendous. They were extremely selfish and gave horrible advice. I didn't feel a true friendship connection. Second, I was really upset that one of the characters, Ellie, was consistently referred to as "the heavyset gal." While I'm glad a person of a different size was included, to only describe her by her heavier features was really disheartening. Also, the name Ellie? Really? Ellie is commonly associated with elephants. Lastly, I didn't like that we didn't see Charli end things with Tim. I would have rather seen that than her fizzled out relationship with Christopher. I think breaking up with Tim would've added more depth to the plot.
I don't recommend this book unfortunately. I'd be open to reading something else by Riley Costello because she seems like a really great person. I just didn't connect with this story.
This book follows young lovebirds Charli and Jack. They're preparing for a fork in their path that's going to push them separate ways and decide to meet at their favorite spot in five years if they're meant to be. However, they cannot communicate during this time with the exception of letters and that they are allowed to date other people.
I felt that this story lacked relatable characters, any type of character development, and had vague storylines that weren't supported. It featured three different storylines: Charli and Jack's, Gianna's, and Kendall's. I felt that Gianna and Kendall's stories weren't necessary and just added more pages to the book. Books normally make me really feel the story within my soul and I didn't feel anything with this one. I thought it was extremely predictable and I wasn't left satisfied with any part of the story.
There were three major things I did not like. First and foremost, I thought Gianna and Charli's "best friends" were absolutely horrendous. They were extremely selfish and gave horrible advice. I didn't feel a true friendship connection. Second, I was really upset that one of the characters, Ellie, was consistently referred to as "the heavyset gal." While I'm glad a person of a different size was included, to only describe her by her heavier features was really disheartening. Also, the name Ellie? Really? Ellie is commonly associated with elephants. Lastly, I didn't like that we didn't see Charli end things with Tim. I would have rather seen that than her fizzled out relationship with Christopher. I think breaking up with Tim would've added more depth to the plot.
I don't recommend this book unfortunately. I'd be open to reading something else by Riley Costello because she seems like a really great person. I just didn't connect with this story.
October 28, 2022
Waiting at Hayden's
Riley Costello
3.5⭐️
2 lovers, whose dreams left them no choice but to go separate ways, made a pact to come back and reunite 5 years later at their favorite restaurant. Gianna was there when that pact was made. The reservation Jack and Charli made has been anticipated since, and this was what kept Gianna's belief in love alive. But this was also what made her question her relationship with Peter, a seemingly perfect man. And when "the day" arrived, chaos ensued.
This is a fairly good book. Boy and girl next door, childhood friends turned to lovers, pacts, anticipation and heartbreak. There's a good feel to it especially when Jack and Charli's friendship was budding into something more. And then there's Gianna and Peter. Gianna had a lot of doubts even when Peter seems to be PERFECT! I think that does capture a lot of relationships. Dating is just too hard 😭
Sooo... this book featured this new thing called Shopfiction ™️. There's are links that would lead to a website where you can see a trailer for the chapter, feature the outfits of the characters and you can actually shop/buy the clothes. My thoughts about this: It's a hassle for me to type in the links after the chapters to access it. I recommend doing the E-BOOK, which probably would make this a lot easier.
Not really a fan of accessing shopfiction as well. I read books to unwind and step away from electronics and all the distractions that come along with it. This makes it a moot point. Besides, I like imagining the characters, their clothes, faces and the scenery when I read. The videos took the fun away.
BUT!!! This is just for me, MY experience. I'm old school. Give this new reading experience a try. You may love it.
This book is interesting enough to keep reading. But progressed a little too slow. It's not quite as compelling to read and I almost DNF-ed it. The last 8 chapters saved this book for me. It's pure heartfelt romance, has a somewhat Nicolas Sparks -ish feel. It's not the kind of romance I would typically read. But I have read a lot of good reviews for this book. Still give it a try. It may just be what you're looking for!
Riley Costello
3.5⭐️
2 lovers, whose dreams left them no choice but to go separate ways, made a pact to come back and reunite 5 years later at their favorite restaurant. Gianna was there when that pact was made. The reservation Jack and Charli made has been anticipated since, and this was what kept Gianna's belief in love alive. But this was also what made her question her relationship with Peter, a seemingly perfect man. And when "the day" arrived, chaos ensued.
This is a fairly good book. Boy and girl next door, childhood friends turned to lovers, pacts, anticipation and heartbreak. There's a good feel to it especially when Jack and Charli's friendship was budding into something more. And then there's Gianna and Peter. Gianna had a lot of doubts even when Peter seems to be PERFECT! I think that does capture a lot of relationships. Dating is just too hard 😭
Sooo... this book featured this new thing called Shopfiction ™️. There's are links that would lead to a website where you can see a trailer for the chapter, feature the outfits of the characters and you can actually shop/buy the clothes. My thoughts about this: It's a hassle for me to type in the links after the chapters to access it. I recommend doing the E-BOOK, which probably would make this a lot easier.
Not really a fan of accessing shopfiction as well. I read books to unwind and step away from electronics and all the distractions that come along with it. This makes it a moot point. Besides, I like imagining the characters, their clothes, faces and the scenery when I read. The videos took the fun away.
BUT!!! This is just for me, MY experience. I'm old school. Give this new reading experience a try. You may love it.
This book is interesting enough to keep reading. But progressed a little too slow. It's not quite as compelling to read and I almost DNF-ed it. The last 8 chapters saved this book for me. It's pure heartfelt romance, has a somewhat Nicolas Sparks -ish feel. It's not the kind of romance I would typically read. But I have read a lot of good reviews for this book. Still give it a try. It may just be what you're looking for!
February 15, 2020
Whew, I thought I'd love this one, but I didn't at all. There was no depth to this story. I know it's a lighthearted romance, but the characters were so bland and so difficult to connect with. The plot was very weak and there was no character development at all.
*Spoilers ahead*
Charli creates this pact where she and Jack have to cut communication (aside from letters) for five years to achieve their dreams. At this point, I was already ready to stop reading. I don't see where a person would realistically suggest cutting off all communication from their best friend/soulmate for five years and expect to be able to just continue the relationship after.
In those five years, neither Charli or Jack show any personal growth whatsoever.
When the pact was made, they established that they could see other people. Jack is so upset when he thinks Charli is seeing someone that he cuts off handwritten letters.
Once the couple finally reunites, Charli is upset that Jack had found someone new and had been engaged, but just one month before, she was telling another guy that she was in love with him. We never hear anything about that breakup. Jack wasn't even sure he was going to show up, but once he sees Charli he tells her he's ready to move in with her. These two haven't been in contact in years; they know nothing about each other now.
Jack and Charli were very immature and we know nothing about them aside from what their personal goals were. Gianna's role didn't seem to serve much of a purpose aside from adding more bulk to the book. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, it was just too difficult to connect with.
*Spoilers ahead*
Charli creates this pact where she and Jack have to cut communication (aside from letters) for five years to achieve their dreams. At this point, I was already ready to stop reading. I don't see where a person would realistically suggest cutting off all communication from their best friend/soulmate for five years and expect to be able to just continue the relationship after.
In those five years, neither Charli or Jack show any personal growth whatsoever.
When the pact was made, they established that they could see other people. Jack is so upset when he thinks Charli is seeing someone that he cuts off handwritten letters.
Once the couple finally reunites, Charli is upset that Jack had found someone new and had been engaged, but just one month before, she was telling another guy that she was in love with him. We never hear anything about that breakup. Jack wasn't even sure he was going to show up, but once he sees Charli he tells her he's ready to move in with her. These two haven't been in contact in years; they know nothing about each other now.
Jack and Charli were very immature and we know nothing about them aside from what their personal goals were. Gianna's role didn't seem to serve much of a purpose aside from adding more bulk to the book. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, it was just too difficult to connect with.
August 17, 2022
Truthfully loved how different this story line was, and the way it was very light but also suspenseful through the author’s use of flashback. The story itself was great although I was able to guess how some characters would become significant later on in the text, but the writing itself was distracting; there were a few spelling errors but a lot of grammatical errors - the kind where you find yourself reading the same sentence multiple times because without the proper punctuation, it just doesn’t read right the first time - so much to the point that it felt like one of my high school students had written it. I was also weirded out by the mentioning of popular companies/platforms (OpenTable, Amazon); it came off like the author was trying to make the book too relatable, in a way, especially to a younger crowd. This is definitely a book I could see young/adolescent readers gravitating to, which made the author’s description of Ellie’s physical appearance even more infuriating; I found that although she is not one of the more significant characters, she oddly had more descriptive physical details attached to her than a real main character like Charli. The author’s attempts at imagery came across as judgy, rude, and condescending, and sometimes happened so randomly that it made me think of the author as the type of person who bullied others (when she was younger) solely based on physical appearances. Such unnecessary details also completely eclipsed Ellie’s personality, which I found to be a shame, and could be triggering for some adolescents.
May 26, 2020
↓ About the book
Charli Anderson and Jack Logan have been best friends since they were kids. They ended up falling in love in college and they are worried that their future may take them on different paths and in different locations. With the hopes of reigniting their love someday, they agree to reunite five years later at their favorite restaurant, Hayden’s.
Gianna Hayden (restaurant owner) is 37 and looking for love. She thinks Charli and Jack are #relationshipgoals and while she is in a committed relationship with a gentleman named Peter, she just isn’t sure that he is “the one.” These two love stories of Charli and Jack, and Gianna and Peter converge on the night of Charli and Jack’s reunion. Will Charli and Jack both show up at Hayden’s? What will Gianna do about her not-quite-perfect relationship with Peter?
↓ My thoughts
I found this book to be a perfect summer read. The storyline is light and easy to follow yet includes some shocking twists you wouldn’t expect from a chick-lit. I found Charli and Jack’s relationship to be incredibly adorable and I love how brave they are for creating this insane pact. I also enjoyed the local shoutout to my favorite baseball team, the SF Giants. This book is fun and flirty, and an excellent read to give your mind a break.
Charli Anderson and Jack Logan have been best friends since they were kids. They ended up falling in love in college and they are worried that their future may take them on different paths and in different locations. With the hopes of reigniting their love someday, they agree to reunite five years later at their favorite restaurant, Hayden’s.
Gianna Hayden (restaurant owner) is 37 and looking for love. She thinks Charli and Jack are #relationshipgoals and while she is in a committed relationship with a gentleman named Peter, she just isn’t sure that he is “the one.” These two love stories of Charli and Jack, and Gianna and Peter converge on the night of Charli and Jack’s reunion. Will Charli and Jack both show up at Hayden’s? What will Gianna do about her not-quite-perfect relationship with Peter?
↓ My thoughts
I found this book to be a perfect summer read. The storyline is light and easy to follow yet includes some shocking twists you wouldn’t expect from a chick-lit. I found Charli and Jack’s relationship to be incredibly adorable and I love how brave they are for creating this insane pact. I also enjoyed the local shoutout to my favorite baseball team, the SF Giants. This book is fun and flirty, and an excellent read to give your mind a break.
July 2, 2019
"He did remember one moment very vividly. It was a moment when their eyes locked, and he saw all their history in a flash, just like someone might when he was on the verge of falling out of life and into death -- throwing the baseball around, school bus rides, backyard campouts, swimming in the river behind their houses, kissing her outside her dorm room window for the first tine -- all of it."
Thank you so much to Riley Costello for sending me a copy of her book! It means the world to me that she liked my blog and Instagram enough to send me her book.
You all, this book hooked me within the first chapter. It was such a sweet story (literally and figuratively). I truly cherish the way that Riley wrote this book; I couldn’t help but become attached to Charli, Jack and Gianna’s story. Every time I tried to put Waiting at Hayden’s down, I found myself thinking, oh, just one more chapter. Just one more and I’ll go get things done. And then, bam, there I was 5 chapters later and I still didn’t want to put the book down.
Waiting at Hayden’s was just so pure and simple; but, it was also a lesson on the importance of putting yourself first and following your heart no matter how hard it might be to do that. Something that I wish a younger me would have realized.
I really hope that others out there will pick up this story to read. You won’t be disappointed. It would make for a PERFECT book club pick; you could even make some of the delicious desserts that are mentioned throughout the story.
Thank you, again, to Riley Costello. You are a wonderful person on the inside and out and it shows through your writing. I look forward to your next book!
Thank you so much to Riley Costello for sending me a copy of her book! It means the world to me that she liked my blog and Instagram enough to send me her book.
You all, this book hooked me within the first chapter. It was such a sweet story (literally and figuratively). I truly cherish the way that Riley wrote this book; I couldn’t help but become attached to Charli, Jack and Gianna’s story. Every time I tried to put Waiting at Hayden’s down, I found myself thinking, oh, just one more chapter. Just one more and I’ll go get things done. And then, bam, there I was 5 chapters later and I still didn’t want to put the book down.
Waiting at Hayden’s was just so pure and simple; but, it was also a lesson on the importance of putting yourself first and following your heart no matter how hard it might be to do that. Something that I wish a younger me would have realized.
I really hope that others out there will pick up this story to read. You won’t be disappointed. It would make for a PERFECT book club pick; you could even make some of the delicious desserts that are mentioned throughout the story.
Thank you, again, to Riley Costello. You are a wonderful person on the inside and out and it shows through your writing. I look forward to your next book!
December 11, 2019
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. Romance isn’t a genre I typically gravitate towards. However, I was immediately drawn in by the connection between Charli and Jack. The struggles they face as a young couple with totally different hopes and dreams brought me back to my high school and college relationships. Reading Waiting at Hayden’s was almost like a walk down memory lane for me.
What I enjoyed most about Waiting at Hayden’s was the fact that things weren’t always picture perfect. Some romance novels can be too idealistic for my taste, but the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and actions in Waiting at Hayden’s felt so real and relatable. I connected with Gianna the most, as a single woman in her 30’s trying to find love, build a successful career, and forge her own path. Costello is a skilled writer with a knack for storytelling, and that really shines through in this novel.
To read my full review, click here.
What I enjoyed most about Waiting at Hayden’s was the fact that things weren’t always picture perfect. Some romance novels can be too idealistic for my taste, but the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and actions in Waiting at Hayden’s felt so real and relatable. I connected with Gianna the most, as a single woman in her 30’s trying to find love, build a successful career, and forge her own path. Costello is a skilled writer with a knack for storytelling, and that really shines through in this novel.
To read my full review, click here.
October 27, 2024
Closest to Hallmark story I’ve ever read
Sweet youthful expectations of first love
The innocent day dreams of a life all organized and figured out at 18
A story about relationships:
Young ones
Expected ones
Old ones
New exciting ones
It’s hard to learn that you may grow apart when you’re so deeply in infatuation masquerading as love.
Poor Jack was the token boy for the over the top grand gesture:
1. Horse drawn carriage
2. Surprise visit
3. Vintage jewelry
Oh the lengths we go to, to force something to work when we see it slipping
The story is exhibit A for why no one should go to college with a boyfriend or girlfriend in tow
It’s hard to grow up but it’s these painful experiences that prepare us for the real world and these two characters really do care for each other
A very sweet read with a satisfying ending that ties up all the lose endings!
Sweet youthful expectations of first love
The innocent day dreams of a life all organized and figured out at 18
A story about relationships:
Young ones
Expected ones
Old ones
New exciting ones
It’s hard to learn that you may grow apart when you’re so deeply in infatuation masquerading as love.
Poor Jack was the token boy for the over the top grand gesture:
1. Horse drawn carriage
2. Surprise visit
3. Vintage jewelry
Oh the lengths we go to, to force something to work when we see it slipping
The story is exhibit A for why no one should go to college with a boyfriend or girlfriend in tow
It’s hard to grow up but it’s these painful experiences that prepare us for the real world and these two characters really do care for each other
A very sweet read with a satisfying ending that ties up all the lose endings!
February 21, 2019
Charli and Jack separate to be able to pursue their dreams but they promise to meet each other in five years at their favorite restaurant. Are they going to show up? Do they still love each other?
Riley Costello had create a new experience called ShopFiction. In this book you be able to find a link at the end of chapters where you can shop the characters clothes and watch scenes of the book that I personally find funny and entertaining.
This is a romantic and funny story with amazing characters. I really felt for Gianna, It’s so difficult to find the right person when you are a hopeless romantic. Brilliant Ending.
Thank you so much to the author @rileycostello for sending me a copy of her debut novel.
Riley Costello had create a new experience called ShopFiction. In this book you be able to find a link at the end of chapters where you can shop the characters clothes and watch scenes of the book that I personally find funny and entertaining.
This is a romantic and funny story with amazing characters. I really felt for Gianna, It’s so difficult to find the right person when you are a hopeless romantic. Brilliant Ending.
Thank you so much to the author @rileycostello for sending me a copy of her debut novel.
December 1, 2020
This was a really creative and ambitious story. Charli and Jack meet as children, finally fall in love in college, and then decide to go their separate ways for 5 years to pursue their dreams of higher education and professional baseball. They make a date to meet at the end of that time period at their favorite restaurant, Hayden’s, to see if their relationship will continue. The story is told with four different narrators in alternating timelines which can get confusing at times. The ending, to me, was quick and a little discombobulated. The main characters mostly made you want to root for them, although at times they were frustrating. Overall, a cute story.
May 13, 2019
This is the perfect beach read! It was such a cute, light story about a couple who have amazing dreams after college that take them completely different places, so Jack and Charli make a pact to come back together 5 years from now at their favorite restaurant to hopefully pick up where they left off. I really enjoyed this book, because both main characters are endearing and there wasn’t one that I disliked... both have these awesome goals and know what they want. The added bonus is being able to shop the characters outfits and see scenes played out from the book! So, so good.
September 14, 2019
One of those books that you can’t wait to finish, but know you’ll be sad when it’s over. I fell in love with these characters very early on and by the middle of the book, couldn’t wait for a few minutes to indulge in their lives! If you’re a Nicholas Sparks fan, don’t pass this one up! Riley nails it in the love story department as well as keeping you guessing through the story with unforeseen twists. I was surprised to learn that she was a fairly new author. She writes like a pro! Very easy to read and even easier to get lost in! Loved every minute of it and can’t wait for more from her!
December 8, 2019
Restaurant owner Gianna grapples with her own love life as she eagerly awaits the reunion of two former customers, Jack and Charli, who made a pact to breakup after college to pursue their own passions and meet again in five years to get back together.
This one just didn’t do it for me! I didn’t feel any depth behind the main characters or chemistry in their relationship. I was somewhat interested in Gianna’s story, and of course I did feel compelled to finish the book to see if the couple’s crazy plan to reunite after years of no contact worked.
This one just didn’t do it for me! I didn’t feel any depth behind the main characters or chemistry in their relationship. I was somewhat interested in Gianna’s story, and of course I did feel compelled to finish the book to see if the couple’s crazy plan to reunite after years of no contact worked.
February 26, 2020
Women’s fiction is not my typical go-to but I’d say this is a story even guys can relate to. When has timing played a part in whether or not a relationship has worked out? When have you ever wondered if maybe there is something or someone better out there and you should just keep looking? The author has tapped into many of the questions millennials find themselves asking so yeah, it’s a love story but it’s also more introspective than I assume a lot of women’s fiction tends to be. A definite yes for all you women out there and men, I think you’ll be surprised how much you enjoy this.
June 9, 2020
There were two love stories going on at the same time in this book. Charli and Jack's story is amazing, and breath taking. Gianna's story is a nice background story that tied into Charli and Jack's story.
This easy to read, light romance should be put on your TBR list. Once you start reading, you will want your world to stop so you can keep reading until the end. When you get to the end you'll be sad it is over. It was even better then I had hoped.
This easy to read, light romance should be put on your TBR list. Once you start reading, you will want your world to stop so you can keep reading until the end. When you get to the end you'll be sad it is over. It was even better then I had hoped.
October 27, 2019
WOW - not much more you can say but wow. Finished this book in one night - could NOT put down! If there were 10 stars, I’d rate it that. Riley does such a fantastic job of bringing both the characters and the story to life. I hope she comes out with a 2nd book - I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!
January 13, 2020
This book is such a fun love story! A new perspective and a story that is very relatable. Costello paints a wonderful picture of how the character feels and what they are experiencing. Would recommend this book to people looking for a page turning love story that compels you to root for the couple!!
February 20, 2020
This book is about two young lovers who separate to follow their separate dreams after graduating from college. They make a pact not to have any contact with each other and to meet again in 5 years at a restaurant in their hometown. The book was good in parts but I ended up skimming a lot of the story because I just wasn't too interested... It was a cute premise but I am left feeling...Meh
Read
September 15, 2020Waiting at Hayden’s was a wonderful debut novel by this young author. It had so much to offer—love stories, suspense, a twist, links to videos where you can watch some of the scenes you just read about and shopfiction links that let you shop the characters’ clothes. Pretty ambitious for a first-time author but I’d say she succeeded on all counts! Must read !
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