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Library Love Notes #3
Notes of the Past
Three years after a night of grief, passion, and heartbreak, Wren never expected to see Lawson again, let alone with her son by her side.
Still haunted by war and battling PTSD, Lawson returns to Beaver Creek carrying more than just emotional scars. He carries a love he’ll never let go of.
As secrets unravel and old wounds reopen, Wren and Lawson must confront the truth about that stormy night, the life they lost, and the chance they might still have.
Can love heal what time and silence nearly destroyed, or will the past keep them apart for good?
One night changed everything. Three years later, the truth could rewrite their future.
Still haunted by war and battling PTSD, Lawson returns to Beaver Creek carrying more than just emotional scars. He carries a love he’ll never let go of.
As secrets unravel and old wounds reopen, Wren and Lawson must confront the truth about that stormy night, the life they lost, and the chance they might still have.
Can love heal what time and silence nearly destroyed, or will the past keep them apart for good?
One night changed everything. Three years later, the truth could rewrite their future.
- GenresRomance
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 27, 2026
Thank you Alyssa Milani for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I so wanted to love this 😭 the themes of teenage love, adult yearning & combined trauma sounded like a package that should work beautifully together.
However, I thought the pacing was way off; the story starts off with the main characters’ best friend & partner dying, yet it’s barely mentioned after the prologue. The fact that Wren seemingly couldn’t be happy unless Lawson was with her rubbed me up the wrong way, and Mason was treated absolutely horribly, even after being a perfect gentlemen about the whole situation.
Overall, Milani seems like an author who I’d be interested in and I desperately wanted to root for her main characters, but this one sadly wasn’t for me.
I so wanted to love this 😭 the themes of teenage love, adult yearning & combined trauma sounded like a package that should work beautifully together.
However, I thought the pacing was way off; the story starts off with the main characters’ best friend & partner dying, yet it’s barely mentioned after the prologue. The fact that Wren seemingly couldn’t be happy unless Lawson was with her rubbed me up the wrong way, and Mason was treated absolutely horribly, even after being a perfect gentlemen about the whole situation.
Overall, Milani seems like an author who I’d be interested in and I desperately wanted to root for her main characters, but this one sadly wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2026
Oh wow! I loooved this!
I was not expecting the depth this went into! Soo good
I was not expecting the depth this went into! Soo good
May 29, 2026
Review of an advance copy received from author
Gosh… what an incredible emotional punch. Such a sweet story wrapped in grief, huge heartbreak, and a sharp-edged family drama hiding underneath it all.
There’s also mental health struggles surrounding the chaos, like anxiety attack, panic attack, and PTSD after military war, all while keeping the book easy to read. To make it feel even more real, therapy sessions also appear throughout the story as a complementary to the healing journey.
———
This is a love story that starts on the night of grief. A night of grief for both Wren and Lawson. A grief over the death of Wren’s best friend, who also happened to be Lawson’s girlfriend at the time.
Can you imagine how emotionally complicated your situation really is when love starts growing right after both of you lose someone who once meant so much?
I can already see all the mixed feelings right from the prologue. I can feel something hungry underneath the grief, but right when it’s acknowledged, it turns into long-lasting guilt. I got drowned in all those mixed emotions. In everything that later becomes the thread connecting two souls into better timing and a healthier start.
This is also such a sweet and gentle read about soulmates reunion, three years after that stormy night of grief. Three years after Lawson’s military duty separates him from Wren and his son. Three years after tons of unread letters force Wren to move on with someone else and raise her child alone.
But like I said before, that stormy night of grief is the thread, connecting both a fresh start and a tangled past. And when the thread finally starts pulling everything back together, I can see Wren’s mind twisting all around. Because after three years, healing is finally demanded from Lawson, while honesty is demanded from Wren… and also from the villain inside their love story.
———
Speaking of the emotional punch I mentioned above, there are two moments that gave me the most tears.
The first one happens sometime after Lawson returns home from war, when he finally reads Wren’s letters about her pregnancy. Something about those letters hits me in the deepest and most unexplainable way possible. I basically cry with Lawson during that scene.
The second one? It’s when Wren finally decides to be honest with herself, her mom, and her not-so-boyfriend Mason about her feelings. Of course, her honesty leads to a breakup.
And gosh… I cry during that breakup because Mason appears to be so mature, wise, and understanding. He feels like such a genuinely good man that doesn’t deserve heartbreak. And at the same time, Lawson also doesn’t deserve to keep suffering alone through PTSD while trying to step up for his son.
Mason could’ve blamed someone. He probably could’ve punched Lawson if he wanted to. But he does none of that.
Instead, what he does is sending Wren one last good morning text. Something about the raw emotion inside that message just quietly shatters me into more tears after tears, and I know it’s ready to shatter readers too.
———
If you want a second-chance romance filled with terrible timing, family drama, grief, PTSD, and emotional healing, this book is absolutely for you.
Just prepare a pack of tissues nearby, because some moments in this story make you cry without ever needing to scream loudly for your attention.
Gosh… what an incredible emotional punch. Such a sweet story wrapped in grief, huge heartbreak, and a sharp-edged family drama hiding underneath it all.
There’s also mental health struggles surrounding the chaos, like anxiety attack, panic attack, and PTSD after military war, all while keeping the book easy to read. To make it feel even more real, therapy sessions also appear throughout the story as a complementary to the healing journey.
———
This is a love story that starts on the night of grief. A night of grief for both Wren and Lawson. A grief over the death of Wren’s best friend, who also happened to be Lawson’s girlfriend at the time.
Can you imagine how emotionally complicated your situation really is when love starts growing right after both of you lose someone who once meant so much?
I can already see all the mixed feelings right from the prologue. I can feel something hungry underneath the grief, but right when it’s acknowledged, it turns into long-lasting guilt. I got drowned in all those mixed emotions. In everything that later becomes the thread connecting two souls into better timing and a healthier start.
This is also such a sweet and gentle read about soulmates reunion, three years after that stormy night of grief. Three years after Lawson’s military duty separates him from Wren and his son. Three years after tons of unread letters force Wren to move on with someone else and raise her child alone.
But like I said before, that stormy night of grief is the thread, connecting both a fresh start and a tangled past. And when the thread finally starts pulling everything back together, I can see Wren’s mind twisting all around. Because after three years, healing is finally demanded from Lawson, while honesty is demanded from Wren… and also from the villain inside their love story.
———
Speaking of the emotional punch I mentioned above, there are two moments that gave me the most tears.
The first one happens sometime after Lawson returns home from war, when he finally reads Wren’s letters about her pregnancy. Something about those letters hits me in the deepest and most unexplainable way possible. I basically cry with Lawson during that scene.
The second one? It’s when Wren finally decides to be honest with herself, her mom, and her not-so-boyfriend Mason about her feelings. Of course, her honesty leads to a breakup.
And gosh… I cry during that breakup because Mason appears to be so mature, wise, and understanding. He feels like such a genuinely good man that doesn’t deserve heartbreak. And at the same time, Lawson also doesn’t deserve to keep suffering alone through PTSD while trying to step up for his son.
Mason could’ve blamed someone. He probably could’ve punched Lawson if he wanted to. But he does none of that.
Instead, what he does is sending Wren one last good morning text. Something about the raw emotion inside that message just quietly shatters me into more tears after tears, and I know it’s ready to shatter readers too.
———
If you want a second-chance romance filled with terrible timing, family drama, grief, PTSD, and emotional healing, this book is absolutely for you.
Just prepare a pack of tissues nearby, because some moments in this story make you cry without ever needing to scream loudly for your attention.
June 14, 2026
⭐⭐ 3.75/5 stars ⭐⭐
Right, so. Notes of the Past comes loaded with trigger warnings and I went in with an open mind and what I can only describe as a protectively braced soul... grief, PTSD, war, single mum, unexpected death by overdose. It's a lot. The book knows it's a lot. And for the most part, it handles it with care.
We open at a graveside, which honestly sets the tone perfectly. Wren and Lawson, reunited in grief over her best friend (who also happened to be Lawson's on-again-off-again girlfriend), one too many drinks and one night in his car later... you know how it goes. Then three years pass. Lawson's out of the military and carrying some serious trauma he's working through, and Wren is raising her little boy at home with her mum. And yes. We all knew whose little boy that was going to be.
The secret child trope is one I will always find frustrating to read, even when the circumstances are, technically, complicated. Lawson's mum intercepting those letters? Genuinely heinous behaviour. I understand grief can make people do terrible things but that is your grandson. Your son's son. No child should be denied that. And Wren... I get it, I do, after what felt like being ignored, you move on. But it still made for a difficult read.
Then there's Mason. Mason, who deserved so much better than being strung along by someone whose heart was clearly elsewhere. Wren, love, if you know where your feelings lie, you cannot keep doing that to a man. (Although... bring on his interconnected book, because I absolutely want to see what happens there.)
The therapy side of things, Lawson's one-on-one sessions and the support groups, was genuinely handled well. It felt thoroughly researched and sensitively written, and I really appreciated that it wasn't glossed over or used purely as a plot device.
This is an interconnected series built for HEAs so the destination was never really in question... but the journey here was a frustrating one. Not my favourite in this world, but Milani clearly cares about her characters and that comes through.
Thank you to Alyssa Milani for providing this ARC of Notes of the Past in exchange for my honest review.
Right, so. Notes of the Past comes loaded with trigger warnings and I went in with an open mind and what I can only describe as a protectively braced soul... grief, PTSD, war, single mum, unexpected death by overdose. It's a lot. The book knows it's a lot. And for the most part, it handles it with care.
We open at a graveside, which honestly sets the tone perfectly. Wren and Lawson, reunited in grief over her best friend (who also happened to be Lawson's on-again-off-again girlfriend), one too many drinks and one night in his car later... you know how it goes. Then three years pass. Lawson's out of the military and carrying some serious trauma he's working through, and Wren is raising her little boy at home with her mum. And yes. We all knew whose little boy that was going to be.
The secret child trope is one I will always find frustrating to read, even when the circumstances are, technically, complicated. Lawson's mum intercepting those letters? Genuinely heinous behaviour. I understand grief can make people do terrible things but that is your grandson. Your son's son. No child should be denied that. And Wren... I get it, I do, after what felt like being ignored, you move on. But it still made for a difficult read.
Then there's Mason. Mason, who deserved so much better than being strung along by someone whose heart was clearly elsewhere. Wren, love, if you know where your feelings lie, you cannot keep doing that to a man. (Although... bring on his interconnected book, because I absolutely want to see what happens there.)
The therapy side of things, Lawson's one-on-one sessions and the support groups, was genuinely handled well. It felt thoroughly researched and sensitively written, and I really appreciated that it wasn't glossed over or used purely as a plot device.
This is an interconnected series built for HEAs so the destination was never really in question... but the journey here was a frustrating one. Not my favourite in this world, but Milani clearly cares about her characters and that comes through.
Thank you to Alyssa Milani for providing this ARC of Notes of the Past in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book, for half of it, was really difficult on my heart. I felt Wren's pain over the perceived unrequited love she had for Lawson when they were younger, when in fact he had loved her just as much but lies and manipulation by others had unknowingly come between them. Then there was Lawson's difficult struggle with PTSD in the present time, and the sudden discovery that he was a father to a young son he didn't know about. Again, that was courtesy of another's wretched jealousy. It's really heartbreaking to see that the characters' painful life experiences could have been avoided had other people's damaging actions and choices not wreaked havoc on them.
The love triangle in this story was likewise heartbreaking for me, especially because Lawson and Mason were good, decent men who genuinely loved Wren. I was therefore quite invested in finding out how Wren was finally going to choose between the two of them. Thankfully, I was quite satisfied with how that eventually turned out, and the promise of the third party's own HEA in a future story made accepting his fate in this book quite easy for me.
There was one aspect of the story, though, that I felt wasn't addressed to my satisfaction, and that was Lawson's mother resenting Wren all this time. A reason for that was given in the book, but it wasn't explained any further, which then made me think that aspect of the story was really lacking in depth. Lawson's mother and her actions really made an impact on both her son's and Wren's lives, so the fact that the reason for that wasn't dealt with adequately in the book left me wanting.
Nonetheless, that doesn't significantly reduce my overall enjoyment of the story. I still consider it a moving read in how it stirred my emotions and drew out my empathy for the characters and their experiences.
I'm thankful to have received an advanced, free review copy of this book. I write this review voluntarily.
The love triangle in this story was likewise heartbreaking for me, especially because Lawson and Mason were good, decent men who genuinely loved Wren. I was therefore quite invested in finding out how Wren was finally going to choose between the two of them. Thankfully, I was quite satisfied with how that eventually turned out, and the promise of the third party's own HEA in a future story made accepting his fate in this book quite easy for me.
There was one aspect of the story, though, that I felt wasn't addressed to my satisfaction, and that was Lawson's mother resenting Wren all this time. A reason for that was given in the book, but it wasn't explained any further, which then made me think that aspect of the story was really lacking in depth. Lawson's mother and her actions really made an impact on both her son's and Wren's lives, so the fact that the reason for that wasn't dealt with adequately in the book left me wanting.
Nonetheless, that doesn't significantly reduce my overall enjoyment of the story. I still consider it a moving read in how it stirred my emotions and drew out my empathy for the characters and their experiences.
I'm thankful to have received an advanced, free review copy of this book. I write this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
ARC read
Wren lost her best friend Daisy due to over dosing on prescribed medication. Wren had to call her best friend ex Lawson Miller to inform him of her death. They all been knowing each other for years in 12th grade Lawson started dating Daisy even though Wren had her eyes on him.
The day of the funeral Wren and Lawson gets drunk and have sex in the back of his car. Even when he told her he was going to the military. Dunk and not thinking Lawson finishes inside her. After taking her virginity then ghosted her is dead wrong even if he didn’t know it was her first time. They were supposed to be friends he claimed he wanted her from the jump but Daisy talked him out of it said he didn’t have a chance with Wren
Wren wrote Lawson letters while he was away to let him know he’s a father but he never once wrote her back.
Almost 4 years later Lawson is back in their small town and runs into Wren inside the grocery store. He meets her son. Their son. He doesn’t know is his since he never answered her calls or letter of her trying to tell him about their child.
Lawson mother gave Wren the wrong address Lawson put two and two together and figured out his mother never liked Wren when the two of them hung around unless Daisy was around she was happy. Lawson confronted his mother about the letters after a little while she gave in and he got the three letters Wren had sent him. His mother knew he was a father and said nothing. Did nothing.
I like Wren mother she always knows what’s up and what to say. Woah 😮 mega twist I wasn’t expecting that Rita I see why Lawson acts the way she does towards Wren now. But they aren’t the same person I wouldn’t treat her differently just because her mom did what she did.
“Wren means short winged songbird.” Lawson has a tattoo on his wrist in honor of Wren.
Happy ending for Wren and Lawson.
Wren lost her best friend Daisy due to over dosing on prescribed medication. Wren had to call her best friend ex Lawson Miller to inform him of her death. They all been knowing each other for years in 12th grade Lawson started dating Daisy even though Wren had her eyes on him.
The day of the funeral Wren and Lawson gets drunk and have sex in the back of his car. Even when he told her he was going to the military. Dunk and not thinking Lawson finishes inside her. After taking her virginity then ghosted her is dead wrong even if he didn’t know it was her first time. They were supposed to be friends he claimed he wanted her from the jump but Daisy talked him out of it said he didn’t have a chance with Wren
Wren wrote Lawson letters while he was away to let him know he’s a father but he never once wrote her back.
Almost 4 years later Lawson is back in their small town and runs into Wren inside the grocery store. He meets her son. Their son. He doesn’t know is his since he never answered her calls or letter of her trying to tell him about their child.
Lawson mother gave Wren the wrong address Lawson put two and two together and figured out his mother never liked Wren when the two of them hung around unless Daisy was around she was happy. Lawson confronted his mother about the letters after a little while she gave in and he got the three letters Wren had sent him. His mother knew he was a father and said nothing. Did nothing.
I like Wren mother she always knows what’s up and what to say. Woah 😮 mega twist I wasn’t expecting that Rita I see why Lawson acts the way she does towards Wren now. But they aren’t the same person I wouldn’t treat her differently just because her mom did what she did.
“Wren means short winged songbird.” Lawson has a tattoo on his wrist in honor of Wren.
Happy ending for Wren and Lawson.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow what an emotional ride this took me on!!! This second chance love story had me hooked from the first page.
Both reeling from the death of their friend, Lawson and Wren give into their grief and want for each other in a casual one night thing before Lawson heads off to the military. Who knew one night would change their lives forever.
Wren leaves in Beaver Creek, working in the library, raising her 3 year old son. Lawson is home from the military, a broken man, suffering from severe PTSD, still trying to recover from overseas.
When their worlds collide their pull to one another is so strong. And feelings from the past come to the surface. There’s a few problems though….. Wren is in a relationship and Lawson doesn’t know her son is his.
Once that revelation comes out we see Wren and Lawson try and work out what to do with this situation. Things are more complicated By Lawson’s PTSD and his reluctance
To deal with what happened overseas.
This story had me so in my feels. You could feel the pain in Lawson when he was with his therapist and Wren battling his demons. You could feel Wrens regret from past actions and not telling Lawson about his son.
Noah was such a cutie pie and you couldn’t help but fall in love with his fun nature and love of Bluey.
Wrens mum was a great character and support for Wren and for Lawson.
Of course you have to balance that with bad characters
And Lawsons mum won that award but once secrets came out about her life and his father some forgiveness could be given.
Thai is a story of lost love, second chances and healing from hurt. This is a story about never giving up. On love, or on yourself.
Fight for what you need to, perish those demons and try your very best to live the life you deserve.
I wish I could give it more stars.
Both reeling from the death of their friend, Lawson and Wren give into their grief and want for each other in a casual one night thing before Lawson heads off to the military. Who knew one night would change their lives forever.
Wren leaves in Beaver Creek, working in the library, raising her 3 year old son. Lawson is home from the military, a broken man, suffering from severe PTSD, still trying to recover from overseas.
When their worlds collide their pull to one another is so strong. And feelings from the past come to the surface. There’s a few problems though….. Wren is in a relationship and Lawson doesn’t know her son is his.
Once that revelation comes out we see Wren and Lawson try and work out what to do with this situation. Things are more complicated By Lawson’s PTSD and his reluctance
To deal with what happened overseas.
This story had me so in my feels. You could feel the pain in Lawson when he was with his therapist and Wren battling his demons. You could feel Wrens regret from past actions and not telling Lawson about his son.
Noah was such a cutie pie and you couldn’t help but fall in love with his fun nature and love of Bluey.
Wrens mum was a great character and support for Wren and for Lawson.
Of course you have to balance that with bad characters
And Lawsons mum won that award but once secrets came out about her life and his father some forgiveness could be given.
Thai is a story of lost love, second chances and healing from hurt. This is a story about never giving up. On love, or on yourself.
Fight for what you need to, perish those demons and try your very best to live the life you deserve.
I wish I could give it more stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one had such great potential. I loved the writing style, but unfortunately not the story itself. I struggled with the start of the novel being mourning the best friend, and instead her being used not only as a prop that prevented them from being together, but also as a placeholder for all that went wrong in them getting together. Nods to them being inappropriate when they were still together - more physically affectionate than they should, holding each other for too long, kissing too close to the corner of their mouth, etc. - just made the characters feel a bit awful and made it hard to root for them.
Adding in how Wren dragged Mason along, knowing how she felt about Lawson, and how he pushed to make her his despite her still having a boyfriend, and Mason being a really lovely guy made me not want cheer for them in the way I should have. Instead they both felt a little selfish, single-minded and immature. From there I really struggled with how Lawson treated sex with Wren. She was open about her only having sex twice in her life and having trauma from it after how he took her virginity. Yet once they were free to be together he was all about spanking, rough sex that didn't focus on getting her ready or off first, and banging her in the open at work where she could have lost her job. For a book that was supposed to be a second chance romance from two people that came together in grief, and were lost to each other for years, it felt really disconnected from the characters themselves.
All in all I enjoyed the actual writing style, but I really, genuinely disliked the two leads so much that I couldn't love the story itself. I do think others would love it though, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for sending this my way.
Adding in how Wren dragged Mason along, knowing how she felt about Lawson, and how he pushed to make her his despite her still having a boyfriend, and Mason being a really lovely guy made me not want cheer for them in the way I should have. Instead they both felt a little selfish, single-minded and immature. From there I really struggled with how Lawson treated sex with Wren. She was open about her only having sex twice in her life and having trauma from it after how he took her virginity. Yet once they were free to be together he was all about spanking, rough sex that didn't focus on getting her ready or off first, and banging her in the open at work where she could have lost her job. For a book that was supposed to be a second chance romance from two people that came together in grief, and were lost to each other for years, it felt really disconnected from the characters themselves.
All in all I enjoyed the actual writing style, but I really, genuinely disliked the two leads so much that I couldn't love the story itself. I do think others would love it though, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for sending this my way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author Alyssa Milani for providing this eARC for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This was an emotional punch! I really liked a lot of the story beats, but a few parts, mostly around both character's traumas, didn't work for me super well. I feel like both the FMC and MMC resolved their trauma too easily. I did appreciate the on-page therapy sessions, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and other things to demonstrate just how real this is, but I also understand how this can turn some readers off who are looking for lighter content.
While the single mom trope usually isn't my cup of tea, I didn't mind it here. Noah wasn't overly wise for his age or an adult aged down to a kid. There were a few tropey "He doesn't usually do this / isn't like this with other people" but it wasn't over the top. The nods to Bluey and Big Hero Six were cute.
I did appreciate the amount of time it took Lawson and Wren to get together. This was definitely a slow burn second chance, with some minor love triangle elements because Wren and Lawson lost contact, she wasn't going to put her life on hold. There is NO cheating.
Overall, I definitely recommend IF you like these tropes. The PTSD elements can be a bit heavy, so readers should take care when reading.
.
.
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This was an emotional punch! I really liked a lot of the story beats, but a few parts, mostly around both character's traumas, didn't work for me super well. I feel like both the FMC and MMC resolved their trauma too easily. I did appreciate the on-page therapy sessions, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and other things to demonstrate just how real this is, but I also understand how this can turn some readers off who are looking for lighter content.
While the single mom trope usually isn't my cup of tea, I didn't mind it here. Noah wasn't overly wise for his age or an adult aged down to a kid. There were a few tropey "He doesn't usually do this / isn't like this with other people" but it wasn't over the top. The nods to Bluey and Big Hero Six were cute.
I did appreciate the amount of time it took Lawson and Wren to get together. This was definitely a slow burn second chance, with some minor love triangle elements because Wren and Lawson lost contact, she wasn't going to put her life on hold. There is NO cheating.
Overall, I definitely recommend IF you like these tropes. The PTSD elements can be a bit heavy, so readers should take care when reading.
June 25, 2026
That Prologue gave me whiplash from everything happening in one day. Gave me vibes from a drama show where everything is happening at once.
I feel so bad for Wren in a lot of the moments. Having that insecurity and belief that Lawson didn’t want her son because of no reply to her communications is hard. Lawson is unfortunately a victim in misfortune. He wasn’t about to receive those communication attempts when in the military. I was so happy when he found out and reached out to fix the ruins left behind from misfortune and miscommunication. It was nice seeing his journey through PTSD between his therapist and Wren.
Noah is such a precious baby. I love him and his little obsession with dinosaurs and Bluey. >.< I love his energetic personality and that everyone wants the best for him. The absolute joy I felt when Lawson immediately step up when he found out the truth was astronomical.
Mason was okay. I felt like if Wren was not over Lawson completely she shouldn’t have been with him. However, it was even admitted in the books that she never place a label on them, so I can’t say they were true “lovers”. I also understand why she did try too, because she thought Lawson abandoned her by never responding. At the end of the day they parted and he will get his happy ending in another book. It was better to part before it got serious and they handled it like adults which was nice.
P.S
Lawson mother can catch me outside… tf she on… I am glad Lawson put his mum in place for how they treated Wren. She needs to get help because lashing out isn’t the answer.
I feel so bad for Wren in a lot of the moments. Having that insecurity and belief that Lawson didn’t want her son because of no reply to her communications is hard. Lawson is unfortunately a victim in misfortune. He wasn’t about to receive those communication attempts when in the military. I was so happy when he found out and reached out to fix the ruins left behind from misfortune and miscommunication. It was nice seeing his journey through PTSD between his therapist and Wren.
Noah is such a precious baby. I love him and his little obsession with dinosaurs and Bluey. >.< I love his energetic personality and that everyone wants the best for him. The absolute joy I felt when Lawson immediately step up when he found out the truth was astronomical.
Mason was okay. I felt like if Wren was not over Lawson completely she shouldn’t have been with him. However, it was even admitted in the books that she never place a label on them, so I can’t say they were true “lovers”. I also understand why she did try too, because she thought Lawson abandoned her by never responding. At the end of the day they parted and he will get his happy ending in another book. It was better to part before it got serious and they handled it like adults which was nice.
P.S
Lawson mother can catch me outside… tf she on… I am glad Lawson put his mum in place for how they treated Wren. She needs to get help because lashing out isn’t the answer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2026
Notes of the Past, book three of the Library Love Notes series by Alyssa Milani, is an open-door, second-chance, small-town romance set in the cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.
The story centers on Wren, a woman living in her hometown of Beaver Creek, raising her son, Noah, while dealing with the lingering echoes of her past. The story opens with the profound loss of Daisy, a friend she shared with Lawson. Lawson, a former flame and childhood best friend, left for the military. Wren and Lawson share a single life-altering encounter that resulted in Noah.
Lawson returns to Beaver Creek, but with him, he brings physical and psychological trauma. Wren, now with partner Mason, is forced to confront certain realities, which serve as a catalyst for a difficult transformation. It forces both Wren and Lawson to navigate difficult waters because of their shared parenthood and the rekindling of a bond that was never fully extinguished.
I loved that this story really focuses on the fact that history cannot be erased, but it can be reclaimed - that the past is not a prison, but a teacher. It’s pretty deep.
Thanks to Alyssa Milani for gifting me an eARC of Notes of the Past. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story centers on Wren, a woman living in her hometown of Beaver Creek, raising her son, Noah, while dealing with the lingering echoes of her past. The story opens with the profound loss of Daisy, a friend she shared with Lawson. Lawson, a former flame and childhood best friend, left for the military. Wren and Lawson share a single life-altering encounter that resulted in Noah.
Lawson returns to Beaver Creek, but with him, he brings physical and psychological trauma. Wren, now with partner Mason, is forced to confront certain realities, which serve as a catalyst for a difficult transformation. It forces both Wren and Lawson to navigate difficult waters because of their shared parenthood and the rekindling of a bond that was never fully extinguished.
I loved that this story really focuses on the fact that history cannot be erased, but it can be reclaimed - that the past is not a prison, but a teacher. It’s pretty deep.
Thanks to Alyssa Milani for gifting me an eARC of Notes of the Past. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 14, 2026
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
A Library Love Notes series book
Book opening chapter is a content warning scene. Make sure you read the author's advisory.
Comfort in others on the horizon?
That's a lot on an empty stomach.
Ok, not quite as I anticipated.
Oh snap!!! Definitely not as I anticipated.
Does he know and he just ghosted?
Yes, I'm judging. This is the 2nd mention of a bottle for a 3 year old. I hope it was a sippy cup of some sort.
So anxiety from then has only intensified with new life circumstances. 😟
Sounds like a reverse harem situation.
You shouldn't have to "endure". That's a flag right there.
🛝 healing
✉️ If your mother has them... 😡
Why does he get to park in the garage when he is always absent??
Your woman?!?!? I like that you want to have a relationship with her on that level, but your chosen words irk me.
Mason, you are a keeper....for someone.
Oh 💩 💩 💩 💩!!! Mitch!
Yes Wren, you would have still grown a pair.
WTF Norma???
If she hides that card...
Pretty sure Norma had her hand in the treehouse incident.
Everyone needs a mom/best friend like Rita.
Norma, what did you say to Rita??? 😡
Norma, you are one twisted lady.
The preview for the spinoff novel looks 👍.
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
A Library Love Notes series book
Book opening chapter is a content warning scene. Make sure you read the author's advisory.
Comfort in others on the horizon?
That's a lot on an empty stomach.
Ok, not quite as I anticipated.
Oh snap!!! Definitely not as I anticipated.
Does he know and he just ghosted?
Yes, I'm judging. This is the 2nd mention of a bottle for a 3 year old. I hope it was a sippy cup of some sort.
So anxiety from then has only intensified with new life circumstances. 😟
Sounds like a reverse harem situation.
You shouldn't have to "endure". That's a flag right there.
🛝 healing
✉️ If your mother has them... 😡
Why does he get to park in the garage when he is always absent??
Your woman?!?!? I like that you want to have a relationship with her on that level, but your chosen words irk me.
Mason, you are a keeper....for someone.
Oh 💩 💩 💩 💩!!! Mitch!
Yes Wren, you would have still grown a pair.
WTF Norma???
If she hides that card...
Pretty sure Norma had her hand in the treehouse incident.
Everyone needs a mom/best friend like Rita.
Norma, what did you say to Rita??? 😡
Norma, you are one twisted lady.
The preview for the spinoff novel looks 👍.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book in the library notes series had me not able to put it down. We follow Wren who works at the library children’s area and Lawson who has returned from military duties with ptsd and some trauma. They were childhood friends who had one drunken night together after her best friends funeral after revealing feelings for each other even though Lawson was involved with Daisy her best friend. It was drunken and pained and he unknowingly took her virginity.
Fast forward to a few years later when Wren runs into Lawson at the grocery store with their son. But Lawson doesn’t know that the child with her is his from their one drunken night as they haven’t spoken since and her letters to him were never received. They fall into each others orbits again and the feelings they both had but never shared are finally spoken but Wren has a dutiful boyfriend who is caring and non problematic and patient. It takes her a little to mull over what to do in acknowledging her feelings. The book delves into therapy and ptsd and how it impacts everyone around. You see Lawson go on a healing journey through therapy and group meetings to better himself for Wren and his son.
Fast forward to a few years later when Wren runs into Lawson at the grocery store with their son. But Lawson doesn’t know that the child with her is his from their one drunken night as they haven’t spoken since and her letters to him were never received. They fall into each others orbits again and the feelings they both had but never shared are finally spoken but Wren has a dutiful boyfriend who is caring and non problematic and patient. It takes her a little to mull over what to do in acknowledging her feelings. The book delves into therapy and ptsd and how it impacts everyone around. You see Lawson go on a healing journey through therapy and group meetings to better himself for Wren and his son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thought this book was a good read overall. Wren has been in love with Lawson forever, but he was in a relationship with their friend Daisy. I was really glad to see wren take a deeper look at their friendship and realize she was being used, i just wish it had more back story about their friendship not just little blips here and there.
At times, the pacing felt a little rushed. Lawson was only home for less than a month and Wren was already letting him stay over even while her boyfriend was in the same house, which felt a bit unrealistic to me.
One thing that stood out to me was Lawson’s struggle with his PTSD. He wasn’t willing to fully open up to his therapist and instead leaned heavily on Wren, which made it feel like she was his crutch for most of the story. While that dynamic was a bit frustrating at times, I do think it was redeemed toward the end when he finally seemed ready to take real steps forward for himself.
I also thought the veteran community was represented really well throughout the book.
I do wish Mason (Wren’s boyfriend before Lawson came back) had shown a bit more backbone in certain situations it felt like a missed opportunity for more tension.
At times, the pacing felt a little rushed. Lawson was only home for less than a month and Wren was already letting him stay over even while her boyfriend was in the same house, which felt a bit unrealistic to me.
One thing that stood out to me was Lawson’s struggle with his PTSD. He wasn’t willing to fully open up to his therapist and instead leaned heavily on Wren, which made it feel like she was his crutch for most of the story. While that dynamic was a bit frustrating at times, I do think it was redeemed toward the end when he finally seemed ready to take real steps forward for himself.
I also thought the veteran community was represented really well throughout the book.
I do wish Mason (Wren’s boyfriend before Lawson came back) had shown a bit more backbone in certain situations it felt like a missed opportunity for more tension.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an ARC from the author.
We meet Wren and Lawson at their friends funeral. Many drinks later and a heart to heart about their feeling for one another one thing leads to another. Gast forward 3 years and Wren is living her life with her son Noah. She has written to Lawson when she was pregnant to tell him he was going to be a father but her letters went unanswered. Lawson is home after 3 years in the military. He runs into Wren at the grocery store and sees her with a kid...Lucky man she has. Wren is shocked to see Lawson...of course she knew he was back in town but planned to never see him and when he is talking to her son she freaks out. When they meet out and about Lawson learns that Noah is his..he has a son! He wants to be there for them but also needs to work on his PTSD. Wren has been dating a man named Mason and he has been wonderful but he is now Lawson. Wren and Laweson have been thru alot and they learn some truths that they didn't know. Will their past define their future?
We meet Wren and Lawson at their friends funeral. Many drinks later and a heart to heart about their feeling for one another one thing leads to another. Gast forward 3 years and Wren is living her life with her son Noah. She has written to Lawson when she was pregnant to tell him he was going to be a father but her letters went unanswered. Lawson is home after 3 years in the military. He runs into Wren at the grocery store and sees her with a kid...Lucky man she has. Wren is shocked to see Lawson...of course she knew he was back in town but planned to never see him and when he is talking to her son she freaks out. When they meet out and about Lawson learns that Noah is his..he has a son! He wants to be there for them but also needs to work on his PTSD. Wren has been dating a man named Mason and he has been wonderful but he is now Lawson. Wren and Laweson have been thru alot and they learn some truths that they didn't know. Will their past define their future?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Notes of the Past by Alyssa Milani was such an emotional second-chance romance filled with heartbreak, healing, and family drama. Wren and Lawson’s story starts in grief and chaos, then slowly unfolds into something tender and hopeful years later. The mix of secret baby, missed letters, unresolved feelings, and Lawson struggling with PTSD made this story incredibly emotional without losing the romance at its core.
I really loved watching Lawson realize everything he missed and try to step up for both Wren and Noah. Wren’s strength through everything she endured made her easy to root for, and the small-town atmosphere gave the story an extra cozy feeling despite all the emotional damage flying around. The twists surrounding their families definitely kept things interesting too — and Lawson’s mother had me side-eyeing every page she appeared on.
Alyssa Milani delivered a heartfelt story about grief, forgiveness, love, and finding your way back to the people meant for you. Emotional, messy, and packed with feelings in the best way.
I really loved watching Lawson realize everything he missed and try to step up for both Wren and Noah. Wren’s strength through everything she endured made her easy to root for, and the small-town atmosphere gave the story an extra cozy feeling despite all the emotional damage flying around. The twists surrounding their families definitely kept things interesting too — and Lawson’s mother had me side-eyeing every page she appeared on.
Alyssa Milani delivered a heartfelt story about grief, forgiveness, love, and finding your way back to the people meant for you. Emotional, messy, and packed with feelings in the best way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars
Library Love Notes: Lawson and Wren
This was a complex, heartbreaking, yet sweet story.
I felt for Wren. Seeing your crush with your best friend, and then he finally makes a move when the friend is gone? Yeah, I got her feelings, completely. No one likes to feel like a second choice….
When Lawson comes back to town and discovers what’s been hidden from him, he had my sympathy, and when the truth comes to light, oh my lord… I wish there was more comeuppance, because that was a horrible thing to do.
Now… I’m not going to spoil anything, so it’s going to be hard to write this out, but I’ll do my best…
Rita… I really want to know the truth of what actually happened… I can’t picture it as being ongoing. I could believe the once-off, but not the repeated occurrences…
I would like to know if the family dynamic has improved…
It almost felt like it needed another chapter to close it off, even though the epilogue was cute and sweet.
Overall, an engaging story, but it felt a little unfinished.
Library Love Notes: Lawson and Wren
This was a complex, heartbreaking, yet sweet story.
I felt for Wren. Seeing your crush with your best friend, and then he finally makes a move when the friend is gone? Yeah, I got her feelings, completely. No one likes to feel like a second choice….
When Lawson comes back to town and discovers what’s been hidden from him, he had my sympathy, and when the truth comes to light, oh my lord… I wish there was more comeuppance, because that was a horrible thing to do.
Now… I’m not going to spoil anything, so it’s going to be hard to write this out, but I’ll do my best…
Rita… I really want to know the truth of what actually happened… I can’t picture it as being ongoing. I could believe the once-off, but not the repeated occurrences…
I would like to know if the family dynamic has improved…
It almost felt like it needed another chapter to close it off, even though the epilogue was cute and sweet.
Overall, an engaging story, but it felt a little unfinished.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A story of growth and second chances.
Lawson has been gone from Beaver Creek for three years. During that time, Wren has been living quietly and raising her son. But when Lawson comes back and secrets of their night of grief, passion, and heartbreak come out, they have to face the possibilities of the future.
I really enjoyed the representation in this story. We get a good sense of Lawson's experiences with PTSD and anxiety and Wren is really there for him. We see them both trying to be figure out what they want from life. And Noah is adorable.
I think I most struggled with the pacing. The first 60-70% or so doesn't have a lot of character growth, and then everything happens in the last bit of the book. I wish we got to see a bit more of the work they're doing, especially Lawson.
Overall, it's a great addition to this companion series and I recommend giving it a read.
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Lawson has been gone from Beaver Creek for three years. During that time, Wren has been living quietly and raising her son. But when Lawson comes back and secrets of their night of grief, passion, and heartbreak come out, they have to face the possibilities of the future.
I really enjoyed the representation in this story. We get a good sense of Lawson's experiences with PTSD and anxiety and Wren is really there for him. We see them both trying to be figure out what they want from life. And Noah is adorable.
I think I most struggled with the pacing. The first 60-70% or so doesn't have a lot of character growth, and then everything happens in the last bit of the book. I wish we got to see a bit more of the work they're doing, especially Lawson.
Overall, it's a great addition to this companion series and I recommend giving it a read.
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.25 stars. This novella is dual POV, and an angsty, second chance, friends-to-lovers, surprise baby, contemporary romance between Wren, the female librarian/single mum lead, and Lawson, the male returned military serviceman lead and her childhood friend. I empathised with the pain both characters worked through, especially the PTSD Lawson struggled with. I enjoyed Wren’s love and compassion for her son and others. I enjoyed Lawson’s fidelity, and his confidence that he wanted a relationship with Wren. I enjoyed their son’s exuberance and his distinctiveness and contribution to the story. I did not enjoy the tension caused by Wren being in a relationship as Lawson arrived in town, and the distress caused to that person by the kindling of their relationship. This story may suit you if you enjoy other partner drama and a genuine relationship triangle. It didn’t work for me, even if the author is now writing a story for him.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
June 11, 2026
This book is for you if you enjoy a little more angst, a maelstrom of emotions, some darker themes and characters struggling with the past. Wren is a single mother of a cute little boy, resulting from a quick passionate moment after her best friend died. She has always loved Lawson but they have the cards stacked against them from the beginning, in the form of people in their lives who bore them ill will. Lawson is a war vet who comes home to his small town of Beaver Creek and finds out he has a 3-year-old son he didn't know he had. He is dealing with that shock as well as PTSD.
I thought the author dealt well with both issues and with Wren's struggles to deal with her feelings. The MCs are sweet together, but I felt bad for poor Mason, who is so sincere and loving and deserving of happiness. Instead, he becomes collateral damage as Lawson and Wren sort out their relationship.
I enjoyed the writing and the thought-provoking issues in the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thought the author dealt well with both issues and with Wren's struggles to deal with her feelings. The MCs are sweet together, but I felt bad for poor Mason, who is so sincere and loving and deserving of happiness. Instead, he becomes collateral damage as Lawson and Wren sort out their relationship.
I enjoyed the writing and the thought-provoking issues in the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2026
Tropes:
🤍Surprise Baby
🦖Second Chance
🍦Friends to Lovers
🤍PTSD + Anxiety Rep
🦖Strong Independent Woman
🍦Small Town Canada
🤍Love Triangle
This story had me flipping those kindle pages at top speed. I was INVESTED and needed that TEA. The drama was exquisite, it had me tossing and turning with anticipation. Between the love triangle, family drama and finding out things about Wrens best friend, I ate the hell out of all of it.
I wasn’t sold on Lawson at first but I learned to love him through his character growth, and his actions when he came back into the picture years later, all grown up.
Wren was a solid character just going through life, making human mistakes and trying her best as a healing single mother. She was a strong, independent woman who raised the cutest son which we got to see lots of. I loved Masons part of her healing journey, even if it ended in a little heartbreak.
All in all, I can’t wait to continue this series and also read the spinoff of Notes of the Past because I’m dying to know more.
🤍Surprise Baby
🦖Second Chance
🍦Friends to Lovers
🤍PTSD + Anxiety Rep
🦖Strong Independent Woman
🍦Small Town Canada
🤍Love Triangle
This story had me flipping those kindle pages at top speed. I was INVESTED and needed that TEA. The drama was exquisite, it had me tossing and turning with anticipation. Between the love triangle, family drama and finding out things about Wrens best friend, I ate the hell out of all of it.
I wasn’t sold on Lawson at first but I learned to love him through his character growth, and his actions when he came back into the picture years later, all grown up.
Wren was a solid character just going through life, making human mistakes and trying her best as a healing single mother. She was a strong, independent woman who raised the cutest son which we got to see lots of. I loved Masons part of her healing journey, even if it ended in a little heartbreak.
All in all, I can’t wait to continue this series and also read the spinoff of Notes of the Past because I’m dying to know more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There's a strong element of maturity in the characters and how the story unfolds thanks to that. So often we read stories with miscommunication stemming from childish fear. But here we get this magical story of rekindled soul mates finding each other thanks to their son.
One of the things i didnt realize id appreciate so much is the emphasis on the theme of healing in this story! Through all the heartache and sadness of this story, emotional healing feels like the center of it!
Loving the fact Wren was honest with her mom! She needed someone in her corner! The little twist about the mom at the end... I NEEDED MORE! Very unexpected!
The story feels real and not overly dramatized or fictional. You can imagine and feel the story, which gave me feels throughout! My heart was invested in these characters, and hoping their story ended happily!
And who doesn't love a few spicy scenes to keep us on our toes 😉
One of the things i didnt realize id appreciate so much is the emphasis on the theme of healing in this story! Through all the heartache and sadness of this story, emotional healing feels like the center of it!
Loving the fact Wren was honest with her mom! She needed someone in her corner! The little twist about the mom at the end... I NEEDED MORE! Very unexpected!
The story feels real and not overly dramatized or fictional. You can imagine and feel the story, which gave me feels throughout! My heart was invested in these characters, and hoping their story ended happily!
And who doesn't love a few spicy scenes to keep us on our toes 😉
June 16, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Notes of the Past (Book #3)
Book 3 had me feeling all the feels from start to finish. I went through it all with the characters: happiness, sadness, devastation, hope, despair, resilience, and the courage to fight.
When Wren’s best friend (who was also Lawson’s on-and-off girlfriend) passes away, the night of her funeral changes their lives forever. Lawson joins the military and leaves Beaver Creek, while Wren stays behind to raise their son. When Lawson eventually returns to Beaver Creek as the survivor of a brutal attack during his deployment, he isn't expecting that becoming a father will be part of his recovery process.
Alyssa packs a massive punch in this installment of The Library Love Notes series. It is gut-wrenching at times, but then she beautifully builds you back up. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that I absolutely loved.
Readers, make sure you read to the very end of this book—you definitely don't want to miss a single thing about our tattooed man!
Book 3 had me feeling all the feels from start to finish. I went through it all with the characters: happiness, sadness, devastation, hope, despair, resilience, and the courage to fight.
When Wren’s best friend (who was also Lawson’s on-and-off girlfriend) passes away, the night of her funeral changes their lives forever. Lawson joins the military and leaves Beaver Creek, while Wren stays behind to raise their son. When Lawson eventually returns to Beaver Creek as the survivor of a brutal attack during his deployment, he isn't expecting that becoming a father will be part of his recovery process.
Alyssa packs a massive punch in this installment of The Library Love Notes series. It is gut-wrenching at times, but then she beautifully builds you back up. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that I absolutely loved.
Readers, make sure you read to the very end of this book—you definitely don't want to miss a single thing about our tattooed man!
June 24, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book in 4 hrs. The story sucked me in immediately from the prologue. It was so beautiful and had so much more depth than I was expecting. Please make sure you read the triggers at the beginning because there are some tough moments in this story!
I adored watching him slowly grow, and reading about his strength post-war was so well written! Seeing his story play out in therapy, with Wren and Noah, was so beautiful that I was tearing up numerous times.
I love that Wren didn’t drop everything to be with him but slowly made her choice based on what was best for her and Noah! She was such a beautiful character and such a caring and loving mom and friend!
I am so thrilled for the spinoff story, too, because I was not expecting that, and I am so excited Mason gets his HEA!
Thank you so much, Alyssa Milani, for the Advance copy of this story. I honestly cannot wait to read more of your writing!
I adored watching him slowly grow, and reading about his strength post-war was so well written! Seeing his story play out in therapy, with Wren and Noah, was so beautiful that I was tearing up numerous times.
I love that Wren didn’t drop everything to be with him but slowly made her choice based on what was best for her and Noah! She was such a beautiful character and such a caring and loving mom and friend!
I am so thrilled for the spinoff story, too, because I was not expecting that, and I am so excited Mason gets his HEA!
Thank you so much, Alyssa Milani, for the Advance copy of this story. I honestly cannot wait to read more of your writing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
We are back in the small town of Beaver Creek for book three in the series of Library Love Notes.
What an emotional heartbreaking mess.
From misunderstandings to mistakes and even betrayal, this had such a messy history for the main characters.
This is Wren and Lawson's story, a drunken one night stand she never expected to see him again with her son by her side three years later after he left to go to war.
I was truly routing for someone else but I enjoyed how this panned out in the end.
I loved the twists you gave us that I didn't expect to see and kept me hooked.
I'm looking forward to the spin off, it's definitely needed after we loved that character so much. Deserves so much love.
Thank you for allowing me to receive an advanced readers copy I loved it.
Tropes:
Second chance
Friends to lovers
PTSD/anxiety rep
Single mom
Love triangle
Small town
Librarian
What an emotional heartbreaking mess.
From misunderstandings to mistakes and even betrayal, this had such a messy history for the main characters.
This is Wren and Lawson's story, a drunken one night stand she never expected to see him again with her son by her side three years later after he left to go to war.
I was truly routing for someone else but I enjoyed how this panned out in the end.
I loved the twists you gave us that I didn't expect to see and kept me hooked.
I'm looking forward to the spin off, it's definitely needed after we loved that character so much. Deserves so much love.
Thank you for allowing me to receive an advanced readers copy I loved it.
Tropes:
Second chance
Friends to lovers
PTSD/anxiety rep
Single mom
Love triangle
Small town
Librarian
Review of advance copy received from Author
Notes of The Past
This, the third book of the Library Love Notes series has such a wonderful story. Our main characters, Wren and Lawson, have known each other since they were young, been friends even and they each thought themselves in love but external forces never let them discover this about each other. A tragedy seperated them for 3 years and now everything has changed, or has it?
There is a LOT of emotion in this book and it has been written beautifully. You feel connected to these characters as they struggle to find their place in each others lives again, watching as they misstep and course correct, trying to get to their HEA, or even if they have one.
This was, like the previous books, a quick, short read for me which was not a bad thing as the pacing was consistant and nothing felt rushed. It was the right mix of sweet and spice. 4 star read. Just watch your triggers
This, the third book of the Library Love Notes series has such a wonderful story. Our main characters, Wren and Lawson, have known each other since they were young, been friends even and they each thought themselves in love but external forces never let them discover this about each other. A tragedy seperated them for 3 years and now everything has changed, or has it?
There is a LOT of emotion in this book and it has been written beautifully. You feel connected to these characters as they struggle to find their place in each others lives again, watching as they misstep and course correct, trying to get to their HEA, or even if they have one.
This was, like the previous books, a quick, short read for me which was not a bad thing as the pacing was consistant and nothing felt rushed. It was the right mix of sweet and spice. 4 star read. Just watch your triggers
Review of advance copy
What happens when the love of your life shows up again?
Notes of the Past is the third book in the Library Love Notes series and is one that will have you in all your feels.
Wren and Lawson may not have been childhood sweethearts, but they are the ones that neither can let go of. Their story is short, sweet, and filled with so much emotion. From beginning to end, you will keep turning pages to see if they can deal with the past and look towards the future.
Their story deals with some heavy emotional trauma in the form of PTSD from military service and from old wounds that have never healed. Make sure you read the TWs going in, but if you choose to read this story, you will find a beautifully written message on the power of healing from trauma and the support available when doing so.
Come back to Beaver Creek and meet another couple finding love in the library.
Notes of the Past is the third book in the Library Love Notes series and is one that will have you in all your feels.
Wren and Lawson may not have been childhood sweethearts, but they are the ones that neither can let go of. Their story is short, sweet, and filled with so much emotion. From beginning to end, you will keep turning pages to see if they can deal with the past and look towards the future.
Their story deals with some heavy emotional trauma in the form of PTSD from military service and from old wounds that have never healed. Make sure you read the TWs going in, but if you choose to read this story, you will find a beautifully written message on the power of healing from trauma and the support available when doing so.
Come back to Beaver Creek and meet another couple finding love in the library.
June 16, 2026
I found the depiction of Lawson's addressing his PTSD a lot more interesting than the love triangle/ relationship between Wren and Lawson (at one point, I was starting to hope that maybe the three characters involved would end up together, just to add interest). As someone who works in a library, I would've liked 1. more of a tie to the library than the scene at the end and 2. realism-- e.g., Wren seems to imply she's a librarian but she would know enough not to call herself that (since there's an actual librarian with the appropriate level of education working there) and she has nowhere near the education level to even be a technician. Finally, the progression of the sexy time scenes seemed too fast, aggressive and out of place (tone-wise) in the book.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 13, 2026
Notes of the Past is a small town, second chance romance featuring Wren Downing and Lawson Miller. It is also part of the Library Love Notes series, a series of open-door, small-town romances set in the fictional cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.
Wren lost her best friend, Daisy, due to an accidental overdose. Wren had known Lawson for years and had been interested in him since she was 14 years old. He had also been Daisy's on again/off again boyfriend. On the day of Daisy's funeral, Wren and Lawson chose to drown their sorrows together and the local pub. Unfortunately, as alcohol is known to do, it led to a poor decision. Wren ended up losing her virginity to Lawson in the back seat of his car and then taking off both out of embarrassment and shame.
Not long thereafter, Lawson left Beaver Creek as he joined the army. Wren tried to get in touch with him but he never responded. Three years later, suffering from PTSD and night terrors, Lawson returned to town. Wren did not expect to see him again and would prefer to avoid him but Lawson wants to talk to her and understand what happened between them that day. The two have a difficult but much needed conversation ahead of them.
While I didn't really connect with the characters, I found this to be a well written and enjoyable story.
Wren lost her best friend, Daisy, due to an accidental overdose. Wren had known Lawson for years and had been interested in him since she was 14 years old. He had also been Daisy's on again/off again boyfriend. On the day of Daisy's funeral, Wren and Lawson chose to drown their sorrows together and the local pub. Unfortunately, as alcohol is known to do, it led to a poor decision. Wren ended up losing her virginity to Lawson in the back seat of his car and then taking off both out of embarrassment and shame.
Not long thereafter, Lawson left Beaver Creek as he joined the army. Wren tried to get in touch with him but he never responded. Three years later, suffering from PTSD and night terrors, Lawson returned to town. Wren did not expect to see him again and would prefer to avoid him but Lawson wants to talk to her and understand what happened between them that day. The two have a difficult but much needed conversation ahead of them.
While I didn't really connect with the characters, I found this to be a well written and enjoyable story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC.
This is my third book in the Beaver Creek Library Series.
Wren is a single mom who works as the children’s librarian while raising her three year old and living at home with her mom.
Lawson just returned home after three years in the army. He hasn’t had any contact with Wren and never received her letter. Why he didn’t have access to email is weird.
Overall the story is predictable but progresses nicely. Some details irked me- like who builds a tree house above a pool? Why is a pool uncovered in Canada in the cold temperatures?
Even so this is my favorite of the library notes series thus far.
There’s about 3 spicy scenes and an overall 3/5 on spice.
This is my third book in the Beaver Creek Library Series.
Wren is a single mom who works as the children’s librarian while raising her three year old and living at home with her mom.
Lawson just returned home after three years in the army. He hasn’t had any contact with Wren and never received her letter. Why he didn’t have access to email is weird.
Overall the story is predictable but progresses nicely. Some details irked me- like who builds a tree house above a pool? Why is a pool uncovered in Canada in the cold temperatures?
Even so this is my favorite of the library notes series thus far.
There’s about 3 spicy scenes and an overall 3/5 on spice.
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