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Willow Valley #1
Memories of the Past
Thomas was the love of my life, or he was supposed to be. Instead, he became the guy who broke my heart, crushed my spirit, the last guy I ever dated, and the reason I never wanted to date again.
All this, I decided at seventeen, right after we graduated, which coincided with the day he left. He had his truck packed. We'd talked about running off together, eloping. Instead, Thomas explained he was leaving, joining the rodeo, and I could come if I wanted.
If I wanted!
I thought we shared a dream, but it didn't include running off to join the western equivalent of a circus. Not with him. Not with anyone. I knew better.
So, he left, and I decided to make a life on my own.
I spent the next few months learning all I could about the small bookstore my aunt owned. I gradually took over as she aged, until one morning she woke and announced that she was ready to retire. She had picked a retirement community nearby, she wanted to relax, sleep in and hang out with the old people, like herself.
I'd begun to clean up the place, sorting through boxes of books she'd packed away and began setting them out. I'd let people make me an offer since I was short on space. That was when Thomas appeared. His father had passed, and the community was buzzing with rumors that he had returned to sell the property.
He'd come in looking for a good read or so he claimed. Instead I shoved a book at him and told him to take it. I hoped I'd never see him again, but I was wrong. He returned, with the book, his note told me to read the book and I'd understand. So, I read it, and I understood nothing.
It was Aunt Vi's diary. She too had never stopped pining for a cowboy who left her behind.
Maybe he thought he was saving me. Perhaps I missed what I was supposed to understand all together. All I knew was that I didn't want to face him. One look at him told me it would be all to easy to fall into those strong arms again and I knew I still loved him, even if he didn't love me in return.
All this, I decided at seventeen, right after we graduated, which coincided with the day he left. He had his truck packed. We'd talked about running off together, eloping. Instead, Thomas explained he was leaving, joining the rodeo, and I could come if I wanted.
If I wanted!
I thought we shared a dream, but it didn't include running off to join the western equivalent of a circus. Not with him. Not with anyone. I knew better.
So, he left, and I decided to make a life on my own.
I spent the next few months learning all I could about the small bookstore my aunt owned. I gradually took over as she aged, until one morning she woke and announced that she was ready to retire. She had picked a retirement community nearby, she wanted to relax, sleep in and hang out with the old people, like herself.
I'd begun to clean up the place, sorting through boxes of books she'd packed away and began setting them out. I'd let people make me an offer since I was short on space. That was when Thomas appeared. His father had passed, and the community was buzzing with rumors that he had returned to sell the property.
He'd come in looking for a good read or so he claimed. Instead I shoved a book at him and told him to take it. I hoped I'd never see him again, but I was wrong. He returned, with the book, his note told me to read the book and I'd understand. So, I read it, and I understood nothing.
It was Aunt Vi's diary. She too had never stopped pining for a cowboy who left her behind.
Maybe he thought he was saving me. Perhaps I missed what I was supposed to understand all together. All I knew was that I didn't want to face him. One look at him told me it would be all to easy to fall into those strong arms again and I knew I still loved him, even if he didn't love me in return.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
76 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Sterling
70 books3,587 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
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An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
Amazon: https://geni.us/SterlingAmazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearomance
Instagram: https://geni.us/SLSterlingInstagram
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLSterlingTwitter
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLSterlingBookbub
Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://geni.us/SapphiresReaderGroup
Newsletter Signup: https://geni.us/GRNewsletterSignUp
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SterlingGoodreads
Tiktok: https://geni.us/slsterlingtiktok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 6, 2022
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK, or decent reads.
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October 21, 2022
Love these kinds of romance, small town and second chances. This is Trinity and Thomas story, so in love at one point that was replaced with heartache and pain.
This story was emotional, filled with heartache and pain and regrets. Once the trust is broken, how do you ever get it back? For this couple they need to trust one another again in order to move forward to see if it is still possible to find what was long ago is still there but, for Thomas, he already knows that he never stopped loving Trinity.
An enjoyable tale of finding love once again for not only for Thomas and Trinity but, Jed and Vi. This story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster but, it says something about still being so angry even as the years have past that perhaps love is worth fighting for after all. The story was made up of a great cast of characters that were so easy to love.
This story was emotional, filled with heartache and pain and regrets. Once the trust is broken, how do you ever get it back? For this couple they need to trust one another again in order to move forward to see if it is still possible to find what was long ago is still there but, for Thomas, he already knows that he never stopped loving Trinity.
An enjoyable tale of finding love once again for not only for Thomas and Trinity but, Jed and Vi. This story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster but, it says something about still being so angry even as the years have past that perhaps love is worth fighting for after all. The story was made up of a great cast of characters that were so easy to love.
November 6, 2022
Not romantic
Sad, really sad
Depressing,
Live your life women!!! Always, no matter what!
And don’t welcome someone who treated you wrong
Sad, really sad
Depressing,
Live your life women!!! Always, no matter what!
And don’t welcome someone who treated you wrong
October 5, 2022
This is a small town romance, the kind that gets to you every time. You’ll need your caffeine dose and warm blanket to add to the mix 🥰. Loved it all the way, read it in one setting. It’s my first reading with this author, received an ARC copy and it won’t be my last. This romance takes place in Willow Valley where hearts are broken, long lost loves are found and reunited and small town folks that you never forget. This is Thomas’s and Trinity’s journey. They’re both born and raised in Willow Valley. They meet and fell in love at a young age. However, life expectations and life choices have a way of overpowering you in making good and bad decisions but at the same time never allowing you to forget or move forward. This story is very heartwarming and emotional. The characters are strong and determined and very obtuse. They find their happily-ever-after once they learn to trust again and let go of the anger. A highly recommended reading for small town romance lovers!
October 12, 2022
Another home run right outta the ballpark by the very talented S.L Sterling …Memories Of The Past is the first installment in the Willow Valley Book Series and trust me when I say it’s not only a emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word but it’s also the perfect blend of everything a great romance should entail !!! Small town , second chance , heartbreaking, heartfelt, wonderfully written characters that are so unique , so likable, so relatable and extremely multi layered , a storyline that will grab onto all your emotions so completely and pull at your heartstrings in ways you definitely will not be expecting, angst , up’s and downs , witty banter , Humor , unexpected surprises, family , friendships and so much more . There really are no perfect words to express all the reasons you need to read this amazing book nor can I truly express all the crazy and wonderful emotions Trinity and Thomas’s journey will stir in you . To fully experience all these things you really need to read it For yourself !!!
September 29, 2022
This is a beautifully written second chances book. Funny how history repeats itself. So heartfelt and realistic. This book had me hooked from the start. Trinity and Thomas were High School sweethearts who had big plans. Thomas left town instead. Over a decade later he shows back up in town and immediately searches for Trinity. Trinity does her best to push him away. After some missteps and miscommunication thes two give it another go only to hit another hurdle. Love Aunt Vi and her wisdom. These two are so good together. Love their HEA. S.L. Sterling did it again.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2022
Has Thomas finally returned to Willow Valley or just passing through?
5 stars. Excellent from start to finish. The storyline and plot for Thomas & Trinity held my attention as the author did a great job of blending the past & the present. Thomas shattered Trinity's heart years ago when he left her behind to go join the rodeo circuit. He's back in town for his dad's funeral & he wants to catch up.
Is Trinity willing to risk her heart again & give Thomas a second chance?
Will Thomas leave her again?
This is a great start to a new series & I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 stars. Excellent from start to finish. The storyline and plot for Thomas & Trinity held my attention as the author did a great job of blending the past & the present. Thomas shattered Trinity's heart years ago when he left her behind to go join the rodeo circuit. He's back in town for his dad's funeral & he wants to catch up.
Is Trinity willing to risk her heart again & give Thomas a second chance?
Will Thomas leave her again?
This is a great start to a new series & I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2022
I've read several books written by S.L. Sterling; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the Willow Valley Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Trinity & Thomas; they were together in high school but right after graduation he just up and leaves her heartbroken to join the rodeo. Now years later he comes back to town because his father just passed away.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the Willow Valley Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Trinity & Thomas; they were together in high school but right after graduation he just up and leaves her heartbroken to join the rodeo. Now years later he comes back to town because his father just passed away.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2022
This is an adorable small town, second chance romance. The book is a well written, sweet story with heartwarming and charming characters. I enjoyed the realistic storyline of high school sweethearts finding each other again. Sometimes you can go home. You won't be able to put it down once you start reading.
October 11, 2022
Received an ARC for honest review.
This is a cute story of second chances. Pain and miscommunication is apart of everyday life. Things that seem so small and you forget about it but the person was so imprinted by your words it changed their life forever. Reminds you communication is key to life.
This is a cute story of second chances. Pain and miscommunication is apart of everyday life. Things that seem so small and you forget about it but the person was so imprinted by your words it changed their life forever. Reminds you communication is key to life.
October 7, 2022
This is a well written second chance romance between high school sweethearts Trinity and Thomas. The author brings strong characters and does a beautiful job painting her scenes. She brings drama, misunderstandings and a ton of emotions as she reunites them through all of their ups and downs. The story moves fluidly and is a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 12, 2022
What an AMAZING READ!!!! I am OBSESSED WITH THESE BOOKS!!! You rocked this series OUT OF THE PARK!!!!!
October 9, 2022
“Trinity was the love of my life, and there was nothing that I wouldn’t do for her.”
Hmmm… maybe you need to reword that Thomas, because what you said above is not true.
Burnt once and it’s not gonna happen again. Trinity learned that lesson years ago when Thomas left her. Oh yeah, he invited her to go with him but he made it clear that with or without her, he was leaving. He and his dad weren’t getting along and he’d had enough.
Trinity only was 17 and lived with her Aunt Vi. It was impossible for here to leave, not yet, not when Aunt Vi needed her so desperately. She and Thomas had planned to leave for the summer after school was out… and return back home married.
But you know what they say about best laid plans … Thomas took off and never looked back. He wanted to live his dream of being a rodeo cowboy. And that he did. Very successfully.
Years later, many years later, things happened that brought Thomas home. His dad died, leaving him a run down ranch and his rodeo career was over. He’d suffered too many concussions and broken bones. The doctor told him no more riding bulls. But Trinity is about 30 now and her heart is hardened. He broke that heart all those years ago and she would protect it this time.
Yep Thomas will have his work cut out for him if he wants Trinity back.
🤔 OBSERVTIONS…
✒︎ Trinity and her Aunt Vi had a lot more in common than DNA. Vi suffered the loss of the love of her young life too. He also left her to live his dreams…. The rodeo.
✒︎ Jed was the name of Aunt Vi’s love. It was Jed that sold Thomas on leaving to experience the world and have the adventures a rodeo life offered, full of adventure and fun.
✒︎ If Thomas never quit loving Trinity, why did he NEVER try to contact her, not even once during those long years away? Sounds like Thomas was too busy living his life to the fullest to care about Trinity.
✒︎ What would Thomas have done if his dad had not died which forced him to come back to take care of the funeral and get things settled with the ranch?
✒︎ Did Thomas have rodeo queens with him on these adventures? We know Jed did, in fact he married one. What about Thomas?
✒︎ It seemed too easy for Thomas to lure Trinity back to his side. Trinity talked a good talk but didn't walk the walk.
✒︎ Why would Thomas give ALL his winnings to Aaron, his good friend? That shows he NEVER thought of coming back to Trinity. Yes, it was a nice gesture but left him totally broke. Nope, that shows he had no plans for trying to win Trinity back, let alone atone for his wrongs.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hmmm… maybe you need to reword that Thomas, because what you said above is not true.
Burnt once and it’s not gonna happen again. Trinity learned that lesson years ago when Thomas left her. Oh yeah, he invited her to go with him but he made it clear that with or without her, he was leaving. He and his dad weren’t getting along and he’d had enough.
Trinity only was 17 and lived with her Aunt Vi. It was impossible for here to leave, not yet, not when Aunt Vi needed her so desperately. She and Thomas had planned to leave for the summer after school was out… and return back home married.
But you know what they say about best laid plans … Thomas took off and never looked back. He wanted to live his dream of being a rodeo cowboy. And that he did. Very successfully.
Years later, many years later, things happened that brought Thomas home. His dad died, leaving him a run down ranch and his rodeo career was over. He’d suffered too many concussions and broken bones. The doctor told him no more riding bulls. But Trinity is about 30 now and her heart is hardened. He broke that heart all those years ago and she would protect it this time.
Yep Thomas will have his work cut out for him if he wants Trinity back.
🤔 OBSERVTIONS…
✒︎ Trinity and her Aunt Vi had a lot more in common than DNA. Vi suffered the loss of the love of her young life too. He also left her to live his dreams…. The rodeo.
✒︎ Jed was the name of Aunt Vi’s love. It was Jed that sold Thomas on leaving to experience the world and have the adventures a rodeo life offered, full of adventure and fun.
✒︎ If Thomas never quit loving Trinity, why did he NEVER try to contact her, not even once during those long years away? Sounds like Thomas was too busy living his life to the fullest to care about Trinity.
✒︎ What would Thomas have done if his dad had not died which forced him to come back to take care of the funeral and get things settled with the ranch?
✒︎ Did Thomas have rodeo queens with him on these adventures? We know Jed did, in fact he married one. What about Thomas?
✒︎ It seemed too easy for Thomas to lure Trinity back to his side. Trinity talked a good talk but didn't walk the walk.
✒︎ Why would Thomas give ALL his winnings to Aaron, his good friend? That shows he NEVER thought of coming back to Trinity. Yes, it was a nice gesture but left him totally broke. Nope, that shows he had no plans for trying to win Trinity back, let alone atone for his wrongs.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2022
I quite enjoyed this second chance love story and the start of a brand-new series. Trinity and Thomas thought they had it all as teens, ready to take off together and see the world. But as things didn't work out as planned, they went their separate ways and are now reunited 13 years later.
While Thomas went on to live his best life, I guess, Trinity stayed in town and really aged herself far past her years. That heartache she suffered at 17 really did a number on her and froze her heart. I get it, but also didn't get it. Her best revenge would have been to find someone else. But I at least loved that she didn't welcome back Thomas with open arms, she made him work for it. Because while Thomas can claim he has always loved her, he was pretty quick to leave her behind. Am I holding a grudge? Maybe, lol.
Theirs was an honest rebuilding of a shattered relationship. Feelings were shared, revelations revealed, and new memories built on top of the old ones. I can't wait to see what happens next in Willow Valley.
While Thomas went on to live his best life, I guess, Trinity stayed in town and really aged herself far past her years. That heartache she suffered at 17 really did a number on her and froze her heart. I get it, but also didn't get it. Her best revenge would have been to find someone else. But I at least loved that she didn't welcome back Thomas with open arms, she made him work for it. Because while Thomas can claim he has always loved her, he was pretty quick to leave her behind. Am I holding a grudge? Maybe, lol.
Theirs was an honest rebuilding of a shattered relationship. Feelings were shared, revelations revealed, and new memories built on top of the old ones. I can't wait to see what happens next in Willow Valley.
October 5, 2022
This is a small town romance, the kind that gets to you every time. You’ll need your caffeine dose and warm blanket to add to the mix 🥰. Loved it all the way, read it in one setting. It’s my first reading with this author, received an ARC copy and it won’t be my last. This romance takes place in Willow Valley where hearts are broken, long lost loves are found and reunited and small town folks that you never forget. This is Thomas’s and Trinity’s journey. They’re both born and raised in Willow Valley. They meet and fell in love at a young age. However, life expectations and life choices have a way of overpowering you in making good and bad decisions but at the same time never allowing you to forget or move forward. This story is very heartwarming and emotional. The characters are strong and determined and very obtuse. They find their happily-ever-after once they learn to trust again and let go of the anger. A highly recommended reading for small town romance lovers!
October 17, 2022
A bit too sweet for me, I like angst and passion, this felt a little flat.
October 13, 2022
“The only thing I do know is that you never left my heart, not for one single second.”
I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this book. The Heroine was so closed off that even when she did open up, it felt forced. She felt very selfish, she could not see past herself and took on assumptions based only on her thoughts. I did not feel the chemistry between Thomas and Trinity at all. Trinity’s personality took away from a great story line. 3.0 stars.
About the book:
Thomas was the love of my life, or he was supposed to be. Instead, he became the guy who broke my heart, crushed my spirit, the last guy I ever dated, and the reason I never wanted to date again.
All this, I decided at seventeen, right after we graduated, which coincided with the day he left. He had his truck packed. We'd talked about running off together, eloping. Instead, Thomas explained he was leaving, joining the rodeo, and I could come if I wanted.
If I wanted!
I thought we shared a dream, but it didn't include running off to join the western equivalent of a circus. Not with him. Not with anyone. I knew better.
So, he left, and I decided to make a life on my own.
I spent the next few months learning all I could about the small bookstore my aunt owned. I gradually took over as she aged, until one morning she woke and announced that she was ready to retire. She had picked a retirement community nearby, she wanted to relax, sleep in and hang out with the old people, like herself.
I'd begun to clean up the place, sorting through boxes of books she'd packed away and began setting them out. I'd let people make me an offer since I was short on space. That was when Thomas appeared. His father had passed, and the community was buzzing with rumors that he had returned to sell the property.
He'd come in looking for a good read or so he claimed. Instead I shoved a book at him and told him to take it. I hoped I'd never see him again, but I was wrong. He returned, with the book, his note told me to read the book and I'd understand. So, I read it, and I understood nothing.
It was Aunt Vi's diary. She too had never stopped pining for a cowboy who left her behind.
Maybe he thought he was saving me. Perhaps I missed what I was supposed to understand all together. All I knew was that I didn't want to face him. One look at him told me it would be all to easy to fall into those strong arms again and I knew I still loved him, even if he didn't love me in return
I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this book. The Heroine was so closed off that even when she did open up, it felt forced. She felt very selfish, she could not see past herself and took on assumptions based only on her thoughts. I did not feel the chemistry between Thomas and Trinity at all. Trinity’s personality took away from a great story line. 3.0 stars.
About the book:
Thomas was the love of my life, or he was supposed to be. Instead, he became the guy who broke my heart, crushed my spirit, the last guy I ever dated, and the reason I never wanted to date again.
All this, I decided at seventeen, right after we graduated, which coincided with the day he left. He had his truck packed. We'd talked about running off together, eloping. Instead, Thomas explained he was leaving, joining the rodeo, and I could come if I wanted.
If I wanted!
I thought we shared a dream, but it didn't include running off to join the western equivalent of a circus. Not with him. Not with anyone. I knew better.
So, he left, and I decided to make a life on my own.
I spent the next few months learning all I could about the small bookstore my aunt owned. I gradually took over as she aged, until one morning she woke and announced that she was ready to retire. She had picked a retirement community nearby, she wanted to relax, sleep in and hang out with the old people, like herself.
I'd begun to clean up the place, sorting through boxes of books she'd packed away and began setting them out. I'd let people make me an offer since I was short on space. That was when Thomas appeared. His father had passed, and the community was buzzing with rumors that he had returned to sell the property.
He'd come in looking for a good read or so he claimed. Instead I shoved a book at him and told him to take it. I hoped I'd never see him again, but I was wrong. He returned, with the book, his note told me to read the book and I'd understand. So, I read it, and I understood nothing.
It was Aunt Vi's diary. She too had never stopped pining for a cowboy who left her behind.
Maybe he thought he was saving me. Perhaps I missed what I was supposed to understand all together. All I knew was that I didn't want to face him. One look at him told me it would be all to easy to fall into those strong arms again and I knew I still loved him, even if he didn't love me in return
October 15, 2024
Small-town romance between Trinity and Thomas who are high school sweethearts. With a plan to leave at the end of summer to travel, see the United States, and then get married. Waiting only for the simple reason that Trinity although a graduate has not yet turned eighteen. In-lies the problem. Thomas's father had become more and more unreasonable to be around the closer he got to graduation and summer. He had to have caught wind of his plans with Trinity and was not happy. Nothing could touch his love for Trinity and the plans they had for their future.
Like usual on a Saturday morning, he picked up Trinity to take her to breakfast. They talked about their plans for the end of the summer. They even touched on how bad it had been on the ranch for him. How his father was angry all the time. Then, a man was waving to get Thomas’ attention. Trinity pointed it out. The man, Jed, told Thomas about the tryouts happening at the Darling Ranch. He dropped her at the bookstore with her aunt Vi and went to see all the fuss at Darling Ranch. By the time he got home, he was buzzing out of his boots and wanted to talk to his dad about it. Instead, he was met with the wrath of his father in front of the ranch hands. He felt he would never earn his father's approval or the ranch hands' respect after that display.
He finished his chores, showered, packed his belongings, and left as if going to pick up Trinity for movie night in the park. He did do that, however, he needed to explain the change in itinerary via the rodeo circuit. See if you can imagine her reaction and compare it to your own. Then see how far off the mark you imagined her character would lean or not. A very good story. Trinity is a strong female character and makes him work to get back into her good grace.
Like usual on a Saturday morning, he picked up Trinity to take her to breakfast. They talked about their plans for the end of the summer. They even touched on how bad it had been on the ranch for him. How his father was angry all the time. Then, a man was waving to get Thomas’ attention. Trinity pointed it out. The man, Jed, told Thomas about the tryouts happening at the Darling Ranch. He dropped her at the bookstore with her aunt Vi and went to see all the fuss at Darling Ranch. By the time he got home, he was buzzing out of his boots and wanted to talk to his dad about it. Instead, he was met with the wrath of his father in front of the ranch hands. He felt he would never earn his father's approval or the ranch hands' respect after that display.
He finished his chores, showered, packed his belongings, and left as if going to pick up Trinity for movie night in the park. He did do that, however, he needed to explain the change in itinerary via the rodeo circuit. See if you can imagine her reaction and compare it to your own. Then see how far off the mark you imagined her character would lean or not. A very good story. Trinity is a strong female character and makes him work to get back into her good grace.
October 16, 2022
The ending is what counts
This book is about Thomas and Trinity. They were high school sweethearts, and were planning on travelling together before returning home to get married. But Thomas’s relationship with his father was strained, and it got inside his head a lot of the time. That’s the only way I can describe the brain-snap decision he made without consulting Trinity. He was going to join the rodeo life and travel with them abit, and he told Trinity she could join him if she wanted to. She was understandably upset and confused as to where their relationship really stood with him.
He left her broken-hearted, and after some time, tried to forget him and that hurt he’d caused. She threw herself into running her aunt’s bookshop with her and never really had another relationship. Thomas returns home permanently after 13 years when his father passes away, surprisingly leaving him the ranch. He makes sure to go and see Trinity at the bookshop but her reception is anything but warm. Surely he couldn’t have expected anything more!? But the attraction is still there, and Trinity tries to fight it hard, but perhaps they’re meant to be.
This is an emotional, sweet and passionate story with really likeable characters – even though they frustrated me at times! The other love story between Vi and Jed was really sweet and serendipitous too. That added a nice layer to the story and the importance of forgiveness and moving on from past hurts. I’m already looking forward to the next story in the series, The Holiday Dilemma. I give this book four and a quarter stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is about Thomas and Trinity. They were high school sweethearts, and were planning on travelling together before returning home to get married. But Thomas’s relationship with his father was strained, and it got inside his head a lot of the time. That’s the only way I can describe the brain-snap decision he made without consulting Trinity. He was going to join the rodeo life and travel with them abit, and he told Trinity she could join him if she wanted to. She was understandably upset and confused as to where their relationship really stood with him.
He left her broken-hearted, and after some time, tried to forget him and that hurt he’d caused. She threw herself into running her aunt’s bookshop with her and never really had another relationship. Thomas returns home permanently after 13 years when his father passes away, surprisingly leaving him the ranch. He makes sure to go and see Trinity at the bookshop but her reception is anything but warm. Surely he couldn’t have expected anything more!? But the attraction is still there, and Trinity tries to fight it hard, but perhaps they’re meant to be.
This is an emotional, sweet and passionate story with really likeable characters – even though they frustrated me at times! The other love story between Vi and Jed was really sweet and serendipitous too. That added a nice layer to the story and the importance of forgiveness and moving on from past hurts. I’m already looking forward to the next story in the series, The Holiday Dilemma. I give this book four and a quarter stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2022
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙. 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪."
Memories of the Past by S.L. Sterling is Thomas and Trinity’s story and the first book in the Willow Valley series.
Thomas and Trinity, childhood sweethearts planning on getting married when she turned eighteen. Thomas' life falls apart and he joins the rodeo, leaving everything behind. Years later, Thomas is back and looking to reclaim the love he left behind.
A promising beginning that ended in disappointment. Thomas and Trinity's conversations and chemistry felt very forced. Trinity and her stubbornness became increasingly more annoying as the book went on. I did enjoy Aunt Vi and Jed's side story.
Memories of the Past contains… small town, childhood sweethearts, cowboy, slow burn, second chance romance, told in the dual first-person point of view.
3 Maple Leaf Review
*advanced copy provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog for an honest review*
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Memories of the Past by S.L. Sterling is Thomas and Trinity’s story and the first book in the Willow Valley series.
Thomas and Trinity, childhood sweethearts planning on getting married when she turned eighteen. Thomas' life falls apart and he joins the rodeo, leaving everything behind. Years later, Thomas is back and looking to reclaim the love he left behind.
A promising beginning that ended in disappointment. Thomas and Trinity's conversations and chemistry felt very forced. Trinity and her stubbornness became increasingly more annoying as the book went on. I did enjoy Aunt Vi and Jed's side story.
Memories of the Past contains… small town, childhood sweethearts, cowboy, slow burn, second chance romance, told in the dual first-person point of view.
3 Maple Leaf Review
*advanced copy provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog for an honest review*
Follow → Facebook ❤️ Instagram 🖤 Twitter ❤️ TikTok 🖤 Blog
August 12, 2024
Trinity and Thomas had plans for their future when in the late teens. A loving couple. I don't know how this couple got things wrong and then continued to do so. Thomas was completely crass. Every time he had the opportunity to get it right, he managed without effort to get it wrong. Trinity was forgiving, then unforgiving, tolerant then intolerant between the to and fro of their relationship.
The past comes back to interfere with the present and future, because of how they fail to communicate. This falls mainly to him, but she is quick to find fault and retreat to feelings of the past. Honesty is what they agree on and Thomas fails on more than one occasion; one step forward and two back so it is difficult to see where and how it repeatedly goes awry
Plans changed, encouraged and influenced by others and the hurt has never been forgotten. Misunderstandings still leads to upset. Stubbornness on her side and poor communication on his creates tensions that neither are prepared to yield to.
Love gone wrong finally turns out as love gone right.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The past comes back to interfere with the present and future, because of how they fail to communicate. This falls mainly to him, but she is quick to find fault and retreat to feelings of the past. Honesty is what they agree on and Thomas fails on more than one occasion; one step forward and two back so it is difficult to see where and how it repeatedly goes awry
Plans changed, encouraged and influenced by others and the hurt has never been forgotten. Misunderstandings still leads to upset. Stubbornness on her side and poor communication on his creates tensions that neither are prepared to yield to.
Love gone wrong finally turns out as love gone right.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2022
This is the first book in this new series and a great start.
Thomas and Trinity were childhood sweethearts with their lives planned out until Thomas broke her heart to become a rodeo rider. Trinity was left to pick the pieces of her life up and ends up running her Aunts book shop.
A few years later Thomas is back in town and surprises Trinity when he turns up in her bookstore to fins something to read. Understandably she is not too happy to see him and literally throws a book at him. The next day he returns with the book and a note telling her to read it as it was her Aunts diary.
This was a great heart-warming, emotional read. This definitely pulled at your heartstrings but keeps you engaged with the witty banter, family and friendships. It was a great story of letting go of anger and heartbreak and taking a risk on happiness and a second chance.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author. This is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
Thomas and Trinity were childhood sweethearts with their lives planned out until Thomas broke her heart to become a rodeo rider. Trinity was left to pick the pieces of her life up and ends up running her Aunts book shop.
A few years later Thomas is back in town and surprises Trinity when he turns up in her bookstore to fins something to read. Understandably she is not too happy to see him and literally throws a book at him. The next day he returns with the book and a note telling her to read it as it was her Aunts diary.
This was a great heart-warming, emotional read. This definitely pulled at your heartstrings but keeps you engaged with the witty banter, family and friendships. It was a great story of letting go of anger and heartbreak and taking a risk on happiness and a second chance.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author. This is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
October 11, 2022
The author SL Sterling has written a great story and book about second chances. Thomas and Trinity had a relationship years ago and even had wedding plans, but things turned out differently and Thomas leaves and asks if she wants to come, but the way Trinity doesn't feel like he really means it.
When Thomas is back after years because his dream has fallen apart, he wants to pick up where they left off when he left her years ago.
But Trinity doesn't take it lightly because she has suffered a lot and still feels very hurt. Will they succeed or will old soreness hold them back and fail to get their happy ending together what they both deserve. This is a great start to a new series from SL Sterling and definitely a must read, and eagerly await the next book in this series.
I received a Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Thomas is back after years because his dream has fallen apart, he wants to pick up where they left off when he left her years ago.
But Trinity doesn't take it lightly because she has suffered a lot and still feels very hurt. Will they succeed or will old soreness hold them back and fail to get their happy ending together what they both deserve. This is a great start to a new series from SL Sterling and definitely a must read, and eagerly await the next book in this series.
I received a Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2022
4.6⭐️ Slow burn with great character development
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and the storyline was written in a way that made you invested in everyone in the town. It was angsty and frustrating, but sweet and believable at the same time. There was a little bit of spice, but the book was more about the relationship between the characters in the past and how it develops after they’ve been apart for so many years. I was happy with the HEA ending. I look forward to reading more about the people from Willow Valley. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves a great slow burn storyline that has just a little bit of spice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and the storyline was written in a way that made you invested in everyone in the town. It was angsty and frustrating, but sweet and believable at the same time. There was a little bit of spice, but the book was more about the relationship between the characters in the past and how it develops after they’ve been apart for so many years. I was happy with the HEA ending. I look forward to reading more about the people from Willow Valley. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves a great slow burn storyline that has just a little bit of spice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2023
This is a beautiful small town romance filled with heartache, forgiveness and love. This is my first book from S.L. Sterling and I really enjoyed her writing style and her wonderful characters.
Trinity - is excited for her future with Thomas..they have so many dreams for their future which will begin after graduation…until it doesn’t.
Thomas feels like he has no choice but to follow his dreams. He has many reasons for wanting to leave but he doesn’t think about how much him leaving will impact those who love him.
There are moments of pain, anger and questions about the future. They each have to work through the past and decide if they are willing to fight for one another and give themselves a new beginning. A beautiful love story.
Trinity - is excited for her future with Thomas..they have so many dreams for their future which will begin after graduation…until it doesn’t.
Thomas feels like he has no choice but to follow his dreams. He has many reasons for wanting to leave but he doesn’t think about how much him leaving will impact those who love him.
There are moments of pain, anger and questions about the future. They each have to work through the past and decide if they are willing to fight for one another and give themselves a new beginning. A beautiful love story.
October 16, 2022
This is the 1st in a new series, and this is Thomas and Trinity’s journey. These two were sweethearts in high school, until he broke her heart to follow his dream of becoming a rodeo rider, while Trinity starting learning about her aunt’s book shop, which she takes over when her aunt retires. Thomas wonders into the book story looking for something to read, and Trinity throws a book at him which he returns that next day, with a not telling her to read her aunts diary. This is a well written small-town romance, with heartbreak, emotions, 2nd chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
November 17, 2022
Trinity has been hurt deeply when her boyfriend left her to follow the rodeo. And now he is back in town and her feelings for him are still there.
Thomas made a mistake the day he left Trinity, but he never forgot her. Now that he is back home and when he sees her again, he knows he will do anything for having her back forever.
A story about being young and silly and about stubbornness. Sometimes being stubborn and staying in the past doesn’t leave us to see what is just before us, but love has a way to rise above everything else.
A good story about love, loss and life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thomas made a mistake the day he left Trinity, but he never forgot her. Now that he is back home and when he sees her again, he knows he will do anything for having her back forever.
A story about being young and silly and about stubbornness. Sometimes being stubborn and staying in the past doesn’t leave us to see what is just before us, but love has a way to rise above everything else.
A good story about love, loss and life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2025
Trinity and Thomas—they were HS sweethearts and then he decided to join the rodeo circuit and she didn’t join him. She felt like he broke her heart and so she basically set her mind on becoming a spinster, working at her aunt’s bookstore for the rest of her life. He learned about his father’s passing at the same time he learned his rodeo career was over, so when he came back to town, he called on her. But she continued to live in the hurt of the past and saw nearly every action of his as a betrayal without hearing him out. In the end, they get their HEA. Unfortunately, these characters aren’t terribly well-developed or realistic and this book needs a thorough editing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
Great book to read. Thomas and Trinity fell in love at a young age and it it all planned to elope when she turned eighteen. Thomas unhappy with his father’s constant disapproval decides To leave and join the rodeo hoping Trinity would follow. As in life things get misunderstood and things don’t go as planned. Many years later Thomas returns home after his father has passed to decide what to do with the ranch but once he see Trinity again with fire and hurt in her eyes he knows he has to win her back. This book has some good advice if you really listen to the words. Overall, it’s a beautiful love story.
October 9, 2022
They were high school sweethearts until Thomas packed up to join the rodeo leaving Trinity behind. Ten years later he returns and tries to pick up with their relationship, but Trinity isn't giving in so easy. When she gives him a book to read it just so happens to be her aunt's diary. Will these two resolve their issues and open up the communication lines? This story had me all caught up in it to see how their story ends!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
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