When the Sun Falls

by Camila Hurst

Alicia Romano returns to her small hometown of Sunfalls to handle her late father’s estate. What should be a quick trip turns into an unexpected journey back to herself when she comes face-to-face with Chris Parker — her first love and the man she never truly forgot. Forced to stay longer than planned, Alicia must confront family secrets, old wounds, and a spark that refuses to fade.

When the Sun Falls is a story about second chances, the messy beauty of unfinished love, the pull of home, and the courage it takes to choose your heart over the life you thought you wanted.

Exclusive Bonus Room
When you get When the Sun Falls, you’ll also unlock a special page on my website with:
-Bonus chapters set in Sunfalls
-Recipes inspired by the story and its characters
-Original illustrations from key moments
-A curated Spotify playlist for late nights and second chances
-FAQs and extras to stay immersed in Alicia & Chris’s world

Genres: Romance

448 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

Camila Hurst is a romance author and the creator of Pies & Tacos, a popular baking blog. She writes emotionally rich, character-driven love stories set in Sunfalls, a small town filled with second chances, messy feelings, and heartfelt connection. When she’s not writing novels, Camila develops recipes, tests desserts, and creates cooking tutorials for millions of readers across her platforms. She lives in Florida with her family.
Find her on instagram @camilahurstt

Reviews

[Jhmingos · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

With just a few days left of 2025, I didn’t expect to discover a new favorite romance this year. One of my favorite romances is Seven Days in June, which, like When the Sun Falls, reunites two lovers who shared an exquisitely tender romance as teenagers. I read that novel a few years ago and haven’t encountered another book that captures that raw intensity and charm of first love until now. When the Sun Falls vividly portrays that all-consuming young love that is so profound it carries into adulthood. I love a slow burn, character-driven novel that you can savor and enjoy, and this one delivered. Told in alternating POVs and time periods of the past and present, you get insight into that powerful connection between the two main characters that they can’t seem to forget.

Ally and Chris are compelling characters to read about, and while they are still pining for each other, they still haven’t moved past the hurt and pain from the end of the relationship. The story is wonderfully emotional as they are trying to undo their mistakes and journey towards forgiveness. The writing is quite descriptive (“The clouds stretched thin and wispy, like pulled-apart cotton candy, dissolving into the golden sunlight”), and the characters were fascinating and well-developed. Ally and Chris are incredibly relatable characters, mostly because they are so imperfect. Moreover, I found several of the secondary characters intriguing and sympathetic. They felt so distinctive that I found myself wanting to know about them, too. I wouldn’t have minded reading a novel centered around Isabella, Maddie, or Nate.

Beyond the romance, this story explores complicated family relationships, grief, and finding direction in one's world. Needless to say, you don’t need to be a fan of second-chance or hometown tropes to enjoy this. If you’re looking for the feels and enjoy slow burns like Mariana Zapata, or if you like your books to touch on deeper themes, then this is a must-read.

Thanks to the author for providing a free copy to review. All opinions are my own.

[Shelby Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m lucky to have received an arc of this book! I’ve always been a sucker for a good second chance romance and When the Sun Falls did not disappoint. The story flowed so well with the jumping back and forth between past and present and the dual POV chapters. You could feel the yearning between Alicia and Chris before you even learn about their past, it was beautifully captivating! And the best part was seeing how much the characters grow throughout the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! ❤️

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. so many emotions. Everything about this book was so amazing. The characters, the switching in and out of them. The story, going back and forth from a child, to adulthood, the romance! I am a believer in second chances, within reason and this story had that, too. I can't wait for the next one in the series 😍

[Ashley Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second chance love story. The unresolved feelings between the MCs was so strong that when they were thrown back together, everything seemed so natural. Sometimes when the book has a lot of flashbacks things can get convoluted and confusing that did not happen with this book. The author did a great job transitioning from present to past.

Not only was their love story amazing but so was watching them both overcome past emotional trauma and family issues. All leading to an overall happy ending not just between them but with others in their lives as well.

4.5🌟

[Kaylea Gaines · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ When the Sun Falls by Camila Hurst

This book had me in my feels. Camila Hurst delivers a tender, emotional story filled with introspection, grief, and quiet moments of healing. The writing is soft and lyrical, and the emotions felt genuine and relatable.

While the pacing slowed a bit in the middle, the emotional depth and character-driven storytelling made it a meaningful read overall. A solid four-star book for readers who love heartfelt, reflective romance.

[Samantha Keeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When the Sun Falls" is a delightful contemporary romance that follows the stories of Ally, an interior architect, and Chris, an engineer who has taken over the family business. Ally runs away from a proposal where she is currently living in San Francisco to take care of the sale of her father’s home after his passing in her hometown. Chris, living in his sister’s (who is also Ally’s best friend) basement, is in the middle of a divorce when Ally comes back to Sun Falls. The novel is well-structured with intertwining layers of past and present experiences that follow the complicated relationship between Ally and Chris, unraveling past emotions and striving for a better future.
This book was very well written. The author did a fantastic job in showing characters’ emotions in physical displays as well as weaving in internal thoughts and conflict. I really enjoyed how the timeline was woven together; it made the novel a real page turner. There was one chapter that really stood out for me, Chapter 41, when Ally was reminiscing in her father’s house, while she was packing and cleaning. The small details of her Italian father really resonated with me, adding special emotion and empathy for Ally and her loss.
"When the Sun Falls" has many strengths, but there are a few areas that may help to level up the next novel in the series. The overall pacing and structure were pleasant to follow with excellent transitions between chapters, so the readers won’t find themselves lost on the timeline. The chapters were also well labeled with names and dates. There were a few chapters that did have slower pacing at times, containing large sections of detail or internal thoughts. Some grammatical errors were noticed, as well as a small section of a different font size in a few places in the Kindle edition. Overall, this was a very enjoyable novel, I would give it a rating of 4 out- of 5 stars. I was very excited to see that the next novel is from Maddie’s point of view, she was my favorite supporting character!

[Jess Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and felt deeply invested in the main characters from start to finish. Alicia and Chris’s road trip, paired with the gradual revelations from their past, was particularly compelling. The tension built beautifully, with secrets unfolding at just the right pace, and the story more than lived up to my expectations. It fits perfectly within contemporary romance, with modern pop culture references, believable chemistry, and a satisfying, happy ending.

The dual-timeline structure works extremely well, keeping the reader guessing about the breakup. Alicia is a very likeable protagonist. As a Brit, I especially appreciated her dry humour and awkward moments. The chemistry between her and Chris felt intense yet genuine, both emotionally and in the steamy scenes. The shifting tone between past and present, and between the two characters’ voices, added depth and realism.

The book is beautifully presented, with a lovely cover, chapter illustrations, and a thoughtful playlist. The writing is immersive and descriptive, making each setting easy to visualise, and the emotional moments, particularly those involving family, really landed. I finished the book feeling satisfied and excited to read the next one in the series.

[Ivana S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Sun Falls delivers the kind of slow-burn romance that quietly pulls a reader in and keeps the emotions simmering. From a reader’s perspective, the return-to-hometown setup feels familiar, but the story’s heart lies in the unresolved tension between Alicia and Chris. Their history gives the romance a sense of depth, making the second-chance theme feel believable rather than cliché. The small-town atmosphere is warm and nostalgic, almost like stepping back into a place you once loved but never fully left. Some readers might find the pacing a bit gentle, yet that calm rhythm actually allows the emotional moments to land with more impact. The dual timelines are a nice touch, revealing just enough of the past to deepen the present conflict.
Overall, it’s an emotional, comforting read that reminds you how powerful unfinished love stories can be when they finally get another chance.

[NICODESO · Rating 5 out of 5]

'When the Sun Falls' goes beyond the common romance tropes like back to hometown, the ex-flame, high school nostalgia, second chances, etc. There are tons of other universal relatable themes - sibling estrangement and healing, parental neglect and abandonment, class divides, the pressure of societal expectation and more.
There are also wholesome friendships and a whole lot of redemption in the story where characters take responsibility for their past transgressions and actions (sometimes inaction). The denouement at the end does not feel forced and the author has kept it real. For music lovers, there's quite a few musical references - The Smiths, Radiohead, The Cure. The world-building is realistic with poetic imagery in places. Readers who enjoy multiple perspectives and fragmented timelines will especially like this book.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be classified as a “second chance” romance, when a love that was once thought lost forever is rekindled. It focuses on Alicia Romano, a plucky young woman who heads back to her hometown of Sunfalls in the hopes of settling her deceased father’s estate. While there, she becomes involved with Chris Park, her first and long-lost love.

The romantic tension between these two drives the action as they become closer to each other once again. Much like the best Hallmark-style meet cutes, they dance around each other in delicious fashion. While the ending of this book is never much in doubt, the paths that it takes to get to the inevitable conclusion are thoroughly enjoyable. Anyone who likes romances with a modern flavor should find this one a true delight.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading When the Sun Falls was like returning to a place I didn't know I missed. It's a story that takes its time, and that's precisely why it feels real and deeply emotional. From the very beginning, I connected with the idea of ​​returning and confronting a past you thought you'd left behind.
Camila Hurst handles emotions like grief, nostalgia, and the decisions we make out of fear or necessity with great skill. Alicia is a very human character, full of doubts and contradictions that feel authentic.
The atmosphere of Sunfalls is a brilliant touch: a small, vibrant, and welcoming town, but also one steeped in memories. The interplay between past and present gives strength to every emotion. It's a sensitive and highly recommended romance novel.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mesmerising romance
I love reading cheesy stories that involve forgiveness, second chances and romance. “When the Sun Falls” is a captivating story penned by Camila Hurst. Her writing style is so engaging that I read it on a rainy afternoon.
This first book is great. It revolves around Alicia Romano who returns to her hometown after her father’s death. She stays longer there and that brings second thoughts about everything; her first love, her home and her future.
What I like about these stories is that it shows the possibility of second chances in different life spheres. The idea is to keep your mind and heart open when the moment comes.
I loved everything, the setting, the plot and the way the characters express their feelings throughout. Without a doubt, I recommend it.

[Eric F · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Sun Falls by Camilla Hurst is great. From the first chapters, I felt this quiet tension that stayed with me the whole time. The town of Oakhaven is calm and almost peaceful on the surface, yet there’s this constant sense that something isn’t right underneath. As the new eclipse approaches, everything feels heavier.

One of the most powerful parts of the book for me was how it explores trauma and how it affects perception. Nina’s struggle with memory felt deeply real. Trauma doesn’t always erase events completely; sometimes it blurs them, reshapes them, or hides parts that are too painful to face. I’ve had moments in my own life where I looked back at something difficult and realized my memory of it wasn’t clear.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Sun Falls by Camila Hurst is a sweet second-chance romance that explores the lives of Alicia Romano and her first love, Chris Parker. The story moves at a steady pace with plenty of character development. What really sets the book apart, however, is the extras the author included. I definitely plan to try some of the recipes. The Spotify playlist inspired by the characters’ experiences and the illustrations are also a lovely extra touch that makes the story seem more real. This book is a great choice for readers who enjoy romance novels, as well as those who like dramas with themes of healing and closure. It’s also a nice choice for book clubs and has plenty of discussion points.

[ZebraDebra · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Sun Falls is an intriguing story of romance and second chances. The novel’s heroine, Alicia Romano, is a very likeable character. I was rooting for her from the beginning to the end. Her true love, Chris Parker, was also her first love and she could never forget about him. When it is time for Alicia to finalize matters after her father’s passing, she finds her life turned into something she had not expected.

I love the warmth of this story. Not all romance novels are my sort of thing, but this one is one of my favorites. When I had finished reading the book, it felt to me as though I actually knew Alicia and Chris. I will be looking out for more books by Camila Hurst.

[May G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new beginning.

This novel envelops the reader in the warm atmosphere of a small town, where memories and second chances are delicately intertwined. Alicia and Chris meet again after years apart, and the past comes flooding back, awakening emotions that seemed forgotten. Amid family secrets, grief, and the hope of healing, the story unfolds with a narrative full of nostalgia and sensitivity. This work reminds us that some connections never disappear, they just wait for the right moment to return. It is a romantic and emotional read that invites us to listen to our hearts, embrace our memories, and discover that there is always room for a new beginning.

[Fiction Addiction with Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

TL;DR: A contemporary romance that prioritizes "realness" over tropes. Phenomenal tension, unresolved conflict, and refreshing emotional maturity from the male lead. Not a light romp, but not a heavy drama; very quintessentially human.

Rating: 4 ⭐️

The Vibe (Humanity vs. Villains):
It isn’t exactly lighthearted like a rom-com, but it isn’t heavy like a dystopian. The beauty of it comes down to the realness it possesses. There are no "good guys" or "bad guys" here. Just people making questionable decisions that have varying effects on other people’s lives. The interplay of people in other people’s lives, through passive and innocent decisions, in this book is phenomenal. You can’t really be mad at anyone because the author gives every character a rationale for who they are, usually rooted in their own trauma.

It feels beautifully true to the real world, and my favourite quote even hints that this was fully Hurst’s intention: “…life isn’t about avoiding regret; it’s about building something meaningful despite it.” (P 204)

The Romance (Conviction)
Chris is a standout. When asked whether he has feelings for Ally, he doesn't lie to himself or others; he bluntly says, "Of course, I do." And even to Ally directly, he says, "The reason my marriage didn’t work is because she wasn’t you." That line not only brought micro-tears to my eyes, but in a genre chock-full of miscommunication, his conviction is incredibly attractive.

The Side Characters (A Reflection)
I also low key have a soft spot for Nate. While it feels harsh when he says, "I’m too angry to talk to you right now," that is probably a sign of a good guy who doesn't want to say something he'll regret.

I know exactly where Ally was coming from because I think I do this sometimes too. A resolution feels like the only path forward, so silence feels like failure. But watching this scene unfold had me thinking that sometimes pushing for a quick resolution can be a detriment because you’re forcing the other person to act rashly rather than allowing them time to react thoughtfully. It was an interesting scene that had me reflecting inward rather than simply on the story itself.

The Context
I imagine if you’ve read The Alchemist, this book might hit you even harder. It’s mentioned a few times as almost an abstract roadmap for Chris and Ally’s journey. But Hurst does an equally good job of providing context for readers (like me) who haven’t read it before.

The Verdict
Overall, this was exactly what I needed to break up the emotionally (and physically) heavy book, Alchemised. It is a great read that I am definitely keeping on the shelf, and you should too!

[Amanda McKendree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second-chance love story, slow burn romance with great tension build-up between the main characters, and was amazingly written between the current day and flashbacks that were perfectly timed throughout. Which made the flow of the book effortlessly engaging, drawing you in from the very beginning.

Side note: I loved the references to The Alchemist in this book. A great compliment to the story!

Can't wait to see where the sequel goes!

[Pipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a beautiful and emotional second-chance romance that gently pulls the reader into a story about love, grief, and returning to the place where everything once began. I really enjoyed how the novel explores the complicated feelings that come with going back home after many years away.
The small-town setting of Sunfalls also adds warmth to the story. The town was alive. I really liked how it was written. I totally recommend it.

[Misty Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story draws you in from the very beginning. Emotional breathtaking and just an overall great read. Small Town romance. Second chance romance. Perfect for a cozy day to snuggle and relax. Did not want to put this book down once I started it.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth while reading and enjoyment

[Angel Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fell in love with this! Felt all the emotions. Definitely a must read.