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Love Again #5
Best Before
The texts came six months late. Or maybe just in time.
Inspired by a true story.
No one's falling asleep during this fast-paced mix of romantic comedy and adventure-drama inspired by a true event - when 170,000 texts were sent to American's cell phones six months late.
When wedding event planner Charlie and her friends Justine and Sharon get text messages on Valentine's day sent six months earlier, their love lives take huge nose dives, and they turn to each other for moral support and to celebrate Justine's 40th. But it's not any ordinary 40th birthday party. Charlie's surprise text is from her first love, famed rocker Dayton Hill, and it incites Charlie to cancel her engagement and meet him again. He comes to Charlie's rescue when the wedding singer cancels at the fancy hotel wedding she's planned. Throw Charlie's hilarious, eccentric Wiccan roommate - who also got a confusing text and is out for revenge - into the mix as a wedding-crasher, and nothing's about to happen as Charlie planned it. And Charlie is used to doing things a certain way. But Charlie soon learns that old habits can be changed, even shaken up a little for the better, and love that's meant for you always returns.
This is a screenplay for a film or TV series, but it can be read like a light novel. It's the fifth standalone story in the LOVE AGAIN series of Second Chance Romances. You can read them in any order!
PG-13 This screenplay contains mature language and descriptive sex.
Inspired by a true story.
No one's falling asleep during this fast-paced mix of romantic comedy and adventure-drama inspired by a true event - when 170,000 texts were sent to American's cell phones six months late.
When wedding event planner Charlie and her friends Justine and Sharon get text messages on Valentine's day sent six months earlier, their love lives take huge nose dives, and they turn to each other for moral support and to celebrate Justine's 40th. But it's not any ordinary 40th birthday party. Charlie's surprise text is from her first love, famed rocker Dayton Hill, and it incites Charlie to cancel her engagement and meet him again. He comes to Charlie's rescue when the wedding singer cancels at the fancy hotel wedding she's planned. Throw Charlie's hilarious, eccentric Wiccan roommate - who also got a confusing text and is out for revenge - into the mix as a wedding-crasher, and nothing's about to happen as Charlie planned it. And Charlie is used to doing things a certain way. But Charlie soon learns that old habits can be changed, even shaken up a little for the better, and love that's meant for you always returns.
This is a screenplay for a film or TV series, but it can be read like a light novel. It's the fifth standalone story in the LOVE AGAIN series of Second Chance Romances. You can read them in any order!
PG-13 This screenplay contains mature language and descriptive sex.
195 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2021
9 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Heather Grace Stewart
34 books256 followersPicture this: an eight-year-old freckle-faced blonde girl, perched in a rickety treehouse, surrounded by a fortress of Archie comics and armed with a bag of Jujubes. That's where the writing bug bit me, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride ever since. Fast forward to my drama class days, where I ran lines with no other than a young Matthew Perry—yes, Chandler Bing himself. Could I BE any luckier?
But wait, there's more! I even auditioned for a musical alongside Alanis Morissette, the powerhouse behind "You Oughta Know." Spoiler alert: She got the gig. Apparently, the universe decided my destiny was more "pen to paper" than "jazz hands on stage."
Now, I could bore you with the usual author bio stuff—you know, degrees (Queen's University and Concordia for Journalism), accomplishments (22 books published, over 360K readers worldwide, and the prestigious "I Survived Cruel 1-Star Reviews" award), and how I've managed to raise a kind kid who likes me (most days) and live with another human for 26 years without turning us into characters in 911: Montreal.
But let's be real. What matters most here is what I can offer you. That’s simple: I'm here to be your literary escape hatch from the daily grind. When Netflix has betrayed you with its "Are you still watching?" judgment, and your phone is just one scroll away from being practically grafted to your fingers, that's where my books come in.
My mission is to make you laugh so hard you snort your coffee, cry just enough to release that pent-up emotion from your awkward ex-partner encounter at the corner store, and love the story so much you can't help but text your bestie at 2 AM saying, "OMG, you have to read this!"
So, whether you're into my romcoms, time-travel romances, screenplays, or poetry that's "for people who don’t think they like poetry" (their words, not mine), welcome to my world of words.
You can find me on Instagram, Threads, or my Facebook Author Page, where I'm probably inline skating, dancing with oven mittens, or trying to convince one of my cats to do my marketing for me. Drop by and say hi! Just don't ask me to audition for anything. Unless it's for "woman juggling dinner, a manuscript, and a strawberry yogurt face mask"—I've got that one nailed.
But wait, there's more! I even auditioned for a musical alongside Alanis Morissette, the powerhouse behind "You Oughta Know." Spoiler alert: She got the gig. Apparently, the universe decided my destiny was more "pen to paper" than "jazz hands on stage."
Now, I could bore you with the usual author bio stuff—you know, degrees (Queen's University and Concordia for Journalism), accomplishments (22 books published, over 360K readers worldwide, and the prestigious "I Survived Cruel 1-Star Reviews" award), and how I've managed to raise a kind kid who likes me (most days) and live with another human for 26 years without turning us into characters in 911: Montreal.
But let's be real. What matters most here is what I can offer you. That’s simple: I'm here to be your literary escape hatch from the daily grind. When Netflix has betrayed you with its "Are you still watching?" judgment, and your phone is just one scroll away from being practically grafted to your fingers, that's where my books come in.
My mission is to make you laugh so hard you snort your coffee, cry just enough to release that pent-up emotion from your awkward ex-partner encounter at the corner store, and love the story so much you can't help but text your bestie at 2 AM saying, "OMG, you have to read this!"
So, whether you're into my romcoms, time-travel romances, screenplays, or poetry that's "for people who don’t think they like poetry" (their words, not mine), welcome to my world of words.
You can find me on Instagram, Threads, or my Facebook Author Page, where I'm probably inline skating, dancing with oven mittens, or trying to convince one of my cats to do my marketing for me. Drop by and say hi! Just don't ask me to audition for anything. Unless it's for "woman juggling dinner, a manuscript, and a strawberry yogurt face mask"—I've got that one nailed.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 13, 2021
I was lucky to receive an early copy of Best Before. I read this in one sitting. I love the dialogue and the characters! Heather knows how to pull you into the story. I could visualize the characters and the story line on the big screen.
November 2, 2021
Heartwarming and had me laughing out loud.
Does have some "adult situations" and a little language so if you don't like that in your romance, just be warned. But one of the things I love about Heather Grace Stewart's writing is that while there is a healthy dose of romance there's always really beautiful relationships outside of the romance that feels rich and fulfilling.
Does have some "adult situations" and a little language so if you don't like that in your romance, just be warned. But one of the things I love about Heather Grace Stewart's writing is that while there is a healthy dose of romance there's always really beautiful relationships outside of the romance that feels rich and fulfilling.
October 21, 2021
I was given an early opportunity to read Heather Grace Stewart’s new work of romantic and comedic fiction, “Best Before”. The latest title in her Love Again series, “Best Before” is in fact a screenplay. Before getting into the story and the writing, I will say this is only the second screenplay I’ve read, the first being at least twenty years ago. The medium of a screenplay created such a unique and enjoyable experience for a reader. It read at a quick pace and was extremely visual.
I’ve read plenty of Heather Grace Stewart’s work over the years, particularly her poetry. And “Best Before” carries the same relevance, witticism, cleverness, and humor that her other writings carry. Her voice in her writing is absolutely unmistakable.
“Best Before” is a contemporary tale of love lost and found. With a varied cast of characters, many of them loveable and some worthy of loathing, the standout protagonist is Charlie, a very likeable and generous woman dipping her toe into middle age, while still haunted by a long ago romance gone awry.
The story is hilarious and witty, quickly paced, sexy, and very much “of the times”, with our relentless 21st century culture and technology being the crux upon which the plot turns.
I would love to take my wife to “Best Before” as a date night movie, and hopefully I’ll be able to one day!
Well done, Heather Grace Stewart!
I’ve read plenty of Heather Grace Stewart’s work over the years, particularly her poetry. And “Best Before” carries the same relevance, witticism, cleverness, and humor that her other writings carry. Her voice in her writing is absolutely unmistakable.
“Best Before” is a contemporary tale of love lost and found. With a varied cast of characters, many of them loveable and some worthy of loathing, the standout protagonist is Charlie, a very likeable and generous woman dipping her toe into middle age, while still haunted by a long ago romance gone awry.
The story is hilarious and witty, quickly paced, sexy, and very much “of the times”, with our relentless 21st century culture and technology being the crux upon which the plot turns.
I would love to take my wife to “Best Before” as a date night movie, and hopefully I’ll be able to one day!
Well done, Heather Grace Stewart!
January 29, 2024
Three friends and a glitch that didn’t deliver text messages from servers for 6 months causes chaos, broken marriages and even results in two people finally getting together again after 20 years apart highlight this tale of friendship, loyalty and learning to trust again which also results in fresh starts for all three women in learning to love and live again.
Who would have thought of what text messages that were never delivered on time would do to mess up
people’s lives. This book deals with three women and
what those missed messages resulted in. Add to that one roommate from hell who single handedly destroys a wedding and two people’s jobs and a hotel and you have the ingredients of this delightful book of three friends who remain friends throughout it all!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as one everyone over forty should read because really life does begin at forty! Don’t let yourself be told you are over the hill- here are three women who prove you are just getting started!
I recommend you not only read this book but read all of Heather’s books! Each one is brimming with love, laughter, tears and poignant moments that can bring tears to your eyes so keep some kleenex handy- you’ll need it!
Kudos Heather! Another wonderful story to touch our
hearts and it does!!
Who would have thought of what text messages that were never delivered on time would do to mess up
people’s lives. This book deals with three women and
what those missed messages resulted in. Add to that one roommate from hell who single handedly destroys a wedding and two people’s jobs and a hotel and you have the ingredients of this delightful book of three friends who remain friends throughout it all!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as one everyone over forty should read because really life does begin at forty! Don’t let yourself be told you are over the hill- here are three women who prove you are just getting started!
I recommend you not only read this book but read all of Heather’s books! Each one is brimming with love, laughter, tears and poignant moments that can bring tears to your eyes so keep some kleenex handy- you’ll need it!
Kudos Heather! Another wonderful story to touch our
hearts and it does!!
October 31, 2021
Three friends, Charlie, Sharon, and Justine who suddenly find themselves single, decide to celebrate a birthday and Valentine’s Weekend together. After all, they’re mature enough not to let their failed relationships stop them from having fun, and young enough to go after what they want and to hell with what anyone else thinks.
With delayed text messages, eccentric room mates, and a bridezilla thrown into the mix, hilarity ensues while love blossoms in the most unsuspecting ways.
This is such a well-written, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud story, I couldn’t put it down.
The characters are real, flawed, and absolutely perfect. Anyone can identify and empathize with them. Their challenges may be unique to these women, but we’ve all been in similar situations, and this is what makes HGS’s writing so wonderful.
It’s written as a screenplay and if you haven’t read one before, please don’t be put off as it doesn’t take much to wrap your head around it, and it sparks your imagination so much more in terms of the settings as you visualize them in your mind as you write. And the story is so worth it.
There’s a natural warmth and lovability in the characters, and the comedy flows easily with the romance. As a reader, you can’t help be pulled into the lives of these three women, as you curse at the men stupid enough not to see what amazing women they’ve got, and cheer for those great guys who do and who grasp the opportunity when it falls into their laps.
Beautiful, imperfectly perfect women, gorgeous, authentically flawless fallible men, realistic situations and hilarious situations combined with deep friendships, long-lost love, soul-searching, and the excitement of a new relationship sums this story up, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants some tug-at-the-heartstrings romance with a good dose of fun thrown in.
With delayed text messages, eccentric room mates, and a bridezilla thrown into the mix, hilarity ensues while love blossoms in the most unsuspecting ways.
This is such a well-written, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud story, I couldn’t put it down.
The characters are real, flawed, and absolutely perfect. Anyone can identify and empathize with them. Their challenges may be unique to these women, but we’ve all been in similar situations, and this is what makes HGS’s writing so wonderful.
It’s written as a screenplay and if you haven’t read one before, please don’t be put off as it doesn’t take much to wrap your head around it, and it sparks your imagination so much more in terms of the settings as you visualize them in your mind as you write. And the story is so worth it.
There’s a natural warmth and lovability in the characters, and the comedy flows easily with the romance. As a reader, you can’t help be pulled into the lives of these three women, as you curse at the men stupid enough not to see what amazing women they’ve got, and cheer for those great guys who do and who grasp the opportunity when it falls into their laps.
Beautiful, imperfectly perfect women, gorgeous, authentically flawless fallible men, realistic situations and hilarious situations combined with deep friendships, long-lost love, soul-searching, and the excitement of a new relationship sums this story up, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants some tug-at-the-heartstrings romance with a good dose of fun thrown in.
October 5, 2021
❤️❤️ Omg I loved that book! ❤️❤️
I love Dayton and Charlie!! (Dayton sounds so perfect and hot!! 🥰)
I was able to relate to Charlie and what she was living! I loved the romance too.
I love how you were able to perfectly picture how I feel as a woman getting older vs the way society makes me feel about myself.
You have to read this book!
I love Dayton and Charlie!! (Dayton sounds so perfect and hot!! 🥰)
I was able to relate to Charlie and what she was living! I loved the romance too.
I love how you were able to perfectly picture how I feel as a woman getting older vs the way society makes me feel about myself.
You have to read this book!
March 15, 2022
A fun book written as a screenplay
This book was fun. It’s written as a screenplay that distracted at times, but not enough to take away from the fun this book brought. I laughed a lot. Charlie and Dayton fall in love but his music career tears them apart.. FAST forward 20 years, Valentine’s Day, people start getting texts from 6 months earlier. Relationships are destroyed forever, drinking is done, and texts are written that ARE received right away. A lot of fun, new love, and so much action, and you have a fast read.
Definitely will be reading more of Heather’s work…
This book was fun. It’s written as a screenplay that distracted at times, but not enough to take away from the fun this book brought. I laughed a lot. Charlie and Dayton fall in love but his music career tears them apart.. FAST forward 20 years, Valentine’s Day, people start getting texts from 6 months earlier. Relationships are destroyed forever, drinking is done, and texts are written that ARE received right away. A lot of fun, new love, and so much action, and you have a fast read.
Definitely will be reading more of Heather’s work…
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November 6, 2021:-) HOPE YOU ENJOY!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews