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Once Upon a Laugh
That's When I Knew
Two childhood sweethearts. One failed summer romance. Twelve years later.
On most days, Chelsea Scott feels like her rapidly growing planner and stationery business should belong to someone else. Maybe if it did, it wouldn't be hovering near the red due to one costly decision. But the collaboration that will save her company awaits her pitch at the trade show she's keynoting. When her transportation falls through at the last minute, she accepts help from Nick Pearson, who’s unexpectedly come back into her life.
The last time Nick saw Chelsea, he told her he loved her, and she ran. Twelve years later, their lives are different, more complex than the summers they spent playing baseball and eating ice cream cones at their dock with their toes in the lake. But as they spend time together on the road, their feelings for each other become clear: all those years couldn’t take away how good they can be together.
When Chelsea's past decisions resurface at the convention, her newly rekindled relationship with Nick – and her business – are in jeopardy. Will their love be enough to keep them together or will another summer end with them apart?
On most days, Chelsea Scott feels like her rapidly growing planner and stationery business should belong to someone else. Maybe if it did, it wouldn't be hovering near the red due to one costly decision. But the collaboration that will save her company awaits her pitch at the trade show she's keynoting. When her transportation falls through at the last minute, she accepts help from Nick Pearson, who’s unexpectedly come back into her life.
The last time Nick saw Chelsea, he told her he loved her, and she ran. Twelve years later, their lives are different, more complex than the summers they spent playing baseball and eating ice cream cones at their dock with their toes in the lake. But as they spend time together on the road, their feelings for each other become clear: all those years couldn’t take away how good they can be together.
When Chelsea's past decisions resurface at the convention, her newly rekindled relationship with Nick – and her business – are in jeopardy. Will their love be enough to keep them together or will another summer end with them apart?
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 9, 2019
Part of the Love at First Laugh collection
January 15, 2019
I adored everything about this sweet book. As I was reading, I kept wondering why I was so in love with these characters. I realized that it felt like they were old friends of mine but, even more, the story read with the intimacy of a memory. It felt familiar somehow, and I simply needed the author to remind me of the details.
The story deals with difficult, real-life topics in a light-hearted manner, and is undeniably relevant in a world where we put all our stock in “The Plan”. It’s a perfect weekend read!
The story deals with difficult, real-life topics in a light-hearted manner, and is undeniably relevant in a world where we put all our stock in “The Plan”. It’s a perfect weekend read!
October 7, 2018
I knew I’d love it!
This tender end of summer romance spoke to my soul and lifted it up with its themes of our true value, being present over perfect, and that we deserve a love that reminds us of the same. Laurie’s signature is hard hitting empathy in her unique characters that always come to life like good friends, mirroring parts of our own unique stories in a way only an author given the call to write by our most creative God can do.
This tender end of summer romance spoke to my soul and lifted it up with its themes of our true value, being present over perfect, and that we deserve a love that reminds us of the same. Laurie’s signature is hard hitting empathy in her unique characters that always come to life like good friends, mirroring parts of our own unique stories in a way only an author given the call to write by our most creative God can do.
October 24, 2018
That’s When I Knew is a delightful, charming novella which I first read in the collection Love at First Laugh. Now published separately, it showcases Laurie Tomlinson’s unique writing voice and her ability to create realistic and endearing characters. Chelsea and Nick both drew me in from the first chapter and kept me turning pages to the end. Their relationship was sweet and tender, and I loved the way Nick understood Chelsea through their long childhood friendship.
This story is a clean, easy read, and I enjoyed the humor the author threw in to keep it light and fun. The message of self-worth and grace added some inspiration and depth to the novella.
I purchased the collection, Love at First Laugh, where this novella was first published. All opinions are my own.
This story is a clean, easy read, and I enjoyed the humor the author threw in to keep it light and fun. The message of self-worth and grace added some inspiration and depth to the novella.
I purchased the collection, Love at First Laugh, where this novella was first published. All opinions are my own.
October 28, 2018
Such A Fun Read
This was such a fun read! I loved how a creator of planners was bombarded with fiascos and catastrophes that turned her schedule and life into chaos. Chelsea was such a sweet and appreciative girl that I could root for for. And Nick...well, ooo-la-la, he was pretty yummy! Hemsworth brother, indeed. I loved his care over Chelsea, seeing to her needs even before she asked. I definitely recommend this book to those who love a fun romance!
This was such a fun read! I loved how a creator of planners was bombarded with fiascos and catastrophes that turned her schedule and life into chaos. Chelsea was such a sweet and appreciative girl that I could root for for. And Nick...well, ooo-la-la, he was pretty yummy! Hemsworth brother, indeed. I loved his care over Chelsea, seeing to her needs even before she asked. I definitely recommend this book to those who love a fun romance!
October 9, 2018
A tender, sometimes funny, always moving romance which hits just the right notes. Chelsea and Nick are one of those couples who you’re rooting for right from the start. A novella which is perfect for curling up in a big armchair with your favourite hot drink.
October 10, 2018
This was a delightfully charming story. It had likeable characters, a unique setting, and was well written.
October 20, 2018
Wonderfully heartwarming romance!
I love this sweet, reunion romance about second chances and grace. I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
I love this sweet, reunion romance about second chances and grace. I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
June 22, 2023
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Once Upon a Laugh Collection
Once Upon a Laugh Collection
October 7, 2018
I fell in love with Chelsea and Nick right away and could not put the book down until I finished it. They both learn some important lessons, but I like that the Christian references are subtle and not preachy. Laurie Tomlinson’s language is fresh and funny, and I definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews