Member Reviews

#The Story Of Us#Net Galley
The Story Of. Us is based on a Hallmark Channel original movie.
Jamie Vaughn is the owner of True Love. A bookstore that has been in Waterford, Oregon
for many years. It is part of a business district that is struggling to survive. The city council has requested a bid from Ridley Property Development. Jamie is fighting the development plan as she reads her bookstore and many others will become casualities.

She finds out that her high school sweetheart Sawyer is the head architect for the project. Although it's been a decade since high school she doesn't want feelings to get in the way of saving True Love and her neighboring businesses owned by friends and family.

True Love bookstore is special as people seem to find love there.. As proof there have been four proposals there . She finds a hidden box with old Valentine's from people who love the store. And letters compArison and Mary who were the owners in 1945. The box was labeled Story Of Us.

As they both right right for their different ideas for the redevelopment they begin to feel what made them call in love in the first place.

It is a feel good romance story and has many more wonderful details as to what happens in this wonderful town where people care about each other

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"The Story of Us" is based on the Hallmark Channel original movie of the same title. Jamie Vaughn is the owner of a quaint bookshop True Love, and a proud resident (born and raised) of Waterford, Oregon. The business district has been struggling to keep afloat, which is why the city council has requested a bid from Ridley Property Development to help revitalize the district.

Jamie is determined to keep the historical business district intact. She soon discovers that her former high school sweetheart, Sawyer O'Dell, is the lead architect. It has been over a decade since they broke up, and last saw each other. Their history does not deter her in any way and gives her even more determination to stop this development from happening. After all this time though, there's still some spark between them.

Jamie's passion for her bookshop, and tenacity in saving the business district is descriptive of her character. The competitiveness between her and Sawyer to convince the town, the shop owners, and city council to side with each of them only re-ignites what made them fall in love with each other in the first place.

True Love Book shop is not just any ordinary book shop. In high school, Jamie worked there and ever since then, she had dreamt of owning it. She had since bought it when Mr. Ogilvy retired.  Besides the sentimental connections to the book shop, one of the things that makes this place special is that couples seem to find love.  There has been four proposals since Jamie has bought it. And she discovers a hidden box labeled The Story of Us containing letters written by other couples that have also found love at the bookstore, as well as discovering the love story of Harrison and Mary, the owners back in 1945.

If you love romance, this will definitely be a good one to read. It has more details than the movie, and also provides the same feel good feelings the movie evokes.  Read the novel to find out what happens to the business district, whether Jamie and Sawyer rekindle their romance and the blossoming love story of their best friends.

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This story was a sweet romance with humor and lots of heart. I loved the story line and the ending was pretty much perfect. Jamie, Sawyer, Rick and Lucy were great characters and made the story. It is a perfect Valentine's Day read. Loved it!

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

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I enjoyed everything about this heartwarming second chance romance because of the author’s colorful and vivid description of the small Oregon town of Waterford, the business district featuring Jamie’s fabulous book store and cafe and even the ever changing weather was the next best thing to being in the Pacific Northwest. Jamie is a passionate small business owner and her firm belief in maintaining the business district as it is won my heart from the beginning. Jamie’s passion for her historic building definitely dampens her walk down memory lane with her high school sweetheart, Sawyer, especially when he reveals his design for the shiny new upgrade to Waterford’s business center that threatens Jamie’s book store and the memories of her beloved hometown. Good versus evil wins again in this delightful Hallmark channel movie. I would definitely watch it more than once. I read a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

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This is everything my soppy heart desires. Hallmark in book form and it hits all of the right spots. With strong, complex characters and just the perfect balance of complexity and romance - The Story of Us weaves a beautiful, butterfly inducing love story that will have you grinning from ear to ear!

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I loved every minute of this book and enjoyed getting to put myself into the story and be one of the characters.
I watched the Hallmark Channel Original Movie and saw a new light between the two. It’s sweet, light hearted romance.
I loved the ending and can’t wait to read more books by Teri Wilson.

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Sweet town romance based on a Hallmark movie. Hero comes back to save his hometown but ruffles the feathers of an old girlfriend. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing the movie.

Thank you Hallmark and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

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I love a book you can just fall into. Waterford sounds like an enchanting location. Jamie is a romantic heart. So much so that she bought the Bookstore True Love Books & Cafe which is also where she met her high school sweetheart. Fifteen years later and she is still a romantic, just maybe not for her. Her high school sweetheart dumped her when he went off to college and she has recently broken up with her last boyfriend when he moved to Texas. Now her old boyfriend, Sawyer is back. But not to renew old acquaintance.

I really liked the characters. Jamie was sweet and she cared about Waterford and her friends. Sawyer was charming but not sure where his place was now that he was back in town. The other characters supported these two. There were a couple of other romances on the side as well. The writing style was easy and the story flowed nicely. The is a sweet, clean read.

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Synopsis:
In the charming town of Waterford, Oregon; local Jamie Vaughn runs the True Love bookshop with her feline tabby, Eliot. But business has been dwindling, something which Jamie doesn’t want to quite admit and being February she’s expecting a jump in sales in her romance only bookstore. But then appears the notice of the entire business district being up for redevelopment by Ridley Property Development.

In Portland, Oregon; Sawyer O’Dell is the architect responsible for redeveloping the Waterford business district. He can’t help being nostalgic about his hometown and Jamie, his high school sweetheart. He’s thirty-five and wants to make his position at Ridley permanent instead of working as a freelancer and to settle down there permanently.

While Jamie is determined to thwart Sawyer’s plans believing it will snatch away the history of the place, Sawyer is equally determined to show Jamie that his redesigning will do a load of good to the district. Will they be over to get over this impasse while simultaneously trying to keep their growing attraction in check?

Review:
This one was a feel-good romance from the very first page. Based on a Hallmark Channel original movie, a quaint bookshop about to being taken down, the second chance love of high school sweethearts is one cute story. The small graphics throughout the book served as the cherry on top.

This story had so many bookish/classics references! And a deja vu about how Sawyer’s well thought out plans were going to get upended. It was, after all, fifteen years since Jamie and Sawyer were last together. Jamie’s determination to save True Love Books with some vintage goodness was so cute and at once powerful.

In this second-chance small-town romance, there is page upon page of tearing apart followed by joining back, a sprinkle of matchmaking, a passage of slicing and dicing followed by some old world and new school charm. It was funny to see them both trying to one-up each other. As was them wingman-ing their respective best friends to get the latter to express their love for each other. Then there was her ex’s mother who just drops by to persuade her to move in with her ex again, how awkward is that!

It is the mushiest romance I have read in a while and what I believe is called a clean romance because I haven’t read them in a long time! There are an epilogue and a surprise recipe at the end as well. I loved how the author brought forward the conclusion to the story, it was magical!

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The Story Of Us is a lovely second chance romance. The characters Jamie and Sawyer were high school sweethearts that find themselves meeting again, 15 years later, under stressful circumstances.

Jamie's bookstore, True Love Bookstore and Cafe, is in trouble because of a new developing plan in her town. Sawyer happens to be the one in charge of this plan. As old feelings arise, they have to decide if love is enough.

I really enjoyed this romance. Teri Wilson creates a beautiful love story that reminds us that second chances are possible.

I give The Story Of Us 4 stars. It is a loveable romance that many readers will enjoy.

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Between 3 1/2 and 4.

Super cute story!

I didn't watch the movie, so I don't know how it compares.

Jamie loves her town and especially the bookstore she owns, True Love Bookstore and Café. When talk of a new development for the downtown area becomes more of a reality, she fears for her bookstore.

And then Sawyer comes into town, the one who got away. It's been about 15 years since they last saw each other, and he's now the architect working on the designs for the development.

The conflict between them is real, what with Jamie wanting to save her store and downtown historic area, and Sawyer wanting to bring it up more modern. As the sparks reignite between them, they're at odds with each other and their attraction.

I loved the ending!

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

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The perfect Valentine's read!
A story of love, small town life and a quaint bookstore. This was my first story by Teri Wilson, and I will definitely look for more.Sawyer and Jaime were high school sweethearts. Though they broke up years ago, the feelings are still there when the past meets the present. Jaime wants her hometown to remain the same while Sawyer has been hired to help make changes. Can either of them win this battle ? A sweet a quick read.

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Story of Us by Teri Wilson is a unique and sweet Persuasion retelling. While this is a retelling, that is only a component of an overall wonderful story.

This story invites bibliophiles into the narrative and hands them a delicious, artful latte. The first host is a sweet cat named Eliot. I freaked out because my mind went straight to T.S. Eliot who wrote the poems that inspired Cats. Sure enough, that was why. I also see it being a nod to Anne Elliot from Persuasion. The setting predominately is set in and revolves around a local bookshop. Jamie, the owner of the shop, like many book worms, looks forward to Tuesdays since it is publication day.

Both main characters get to narrate their own side of the story. Jamie is the ultimate bibliophile. She has spent her life going to, managing, and now owning the bookstore True Love. Everything she does, she does because of her love of books. Sawyer is a hopeless romantic who can cast his charm on anyone. Both lead characters are well developed, and their storyline is perfect. There is tension between Jamie and Sawyer because one is trying to persuade the town to stay small, while the other is doing the complete opposite. There is a small love triangle containing these two characters. However, it is only a small part of the story.

During the larger story, there are two side stories. Lucy and Rick who are also adorable. They have been in love since they laid eyes on each other, yet neither of them could build up the courage to admit it. Then you have the love story of the original owners of True Love Bookstore. Their love is uniquely told by photographs and letters.

This Valentine’s Day themed book nods at Persuasion, but the similarities end pretty close to Jamie and Sawyer being high school sweethearts, breaking up, and having a second chance at love. This story read quickly and paced perfectly.

Story of Us ended up being the perfect read for Valentine’s Day! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet happy ending, second chances, books, small towns, loveable characters, cats, love triangles, and/or Persuasion. I cannot wait to read another book by Teri Wilson.

As a bonus, there is a delicious recipe at the end of the book.

I received an electronic Advanced Reader Copy from Hallmark Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Romance, clean; Movie novelization
Clean romance about True Love Bookstore, it's present owner, and her past. Sawyer, who is an architect, and who returns to her life, but not realizing how much True Love means to Jamie.
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader. I loved the scenes with Jamie in the shop, the letters, you could tell how much she had the shop, it's past and present, written in her soul. Part of that past was Sawyer.
The conflict that he had, his trying to resolve it, her surprise and hurt, very well done. The thing that Sawyer has to resolve, Jamie's understanding about what it means to have True Love for her, in her present was very well done. I could almost smell the books, and feel the shop.
Lovely, sweet romantic read, well-fleshed out. I don't think I could watch the movie after reading. The nuances were lovely.

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Terrific second chance love story with slight enemies-to-lovers undertones. This is the book version of the Hallmark movie of the same name. I have not seen the movie. The book takes place in a small Oregon town where a bookstore owner finds herself going head-to-head with a development company's plans spearheaded by her old boyfriend.

Jamie grew up in Waterford, where the True Love Bookstore and Café was her favorite place as a child. She worked there as a teenager, and later when the owner decided to retire, Jamie bought the store. Jamie loves the historic atmosphere of the business district and the personal feeling of the shops there. But even she has to admit that the businesses are struggling, though she believes that everything will come around. That is until she receives a flyer from the town council advertising a meeting with a development company that wants to "revitalize" the area. She immediately thinks of a nearby town where the same thing happened, and what it did to the shops and owners there.

Sawyer is a freelance architect who grew up in Waterford. He hasn't been back since he left for college fifteen years earlier. He's tired of his nomadic life and wants a chance to set down roots. If he pulls off this redevelopment plan, the Ridley firm will hire him, and he will finally get that chance to stay in one place. He envisions a modern, multi-use development that will bring new business and more people to the town. The people he's talked to so far are onboard with the idea and he anticipates a quick approval.

Jamie and Sawyer have a history together. They were high school sweethearts until Sawyer left for college across the country. He broke up with Jamie, telling her they were too young for a permanent commitment. She hasn't seen him since then, so she is shocked when Sawyer suddenly appears in her bookstore. He is equally surprised to see her, as he didn't know that she owns the store. It's easy to see that the sparks are still there though neither wants to admit it. Jamie is on a "hiatus" from romance since the end of her last relationship, and Sawyer is focused on his project. Those sparks take on a different tone when Jamie discovers that Sawyer is the architect of what she calls "that hideous spaceship."

I loved the development of their relationship. Jamie is determined to keep Sawyer's proposed development from happening, and he is equally committed to getting it approved. I loved Jamie's creativity as she devised several plans to remind the people of Waterford of how special their town is, while Sawyer steps up his efforts to convince them of the benefits of his plan. It's a small town and Jamie and Sawyer find themselves in each other's company often. She is dismayed to see her old feelings for Sawyer resurfacing and afraid of getting her heart broken again. Sawyer discovers that being back in Waterford revives his memories of the good times, most of which involved Jamie, and his feelings for her reawaken. There were some delightful scenes between them as Jamie reintroduced Sawyer to Waterford. But the development plans still loom between them.

The box of old Valentines and love letters that Jamie found hidden away at the bookstore was an incredible discovery. The Valentines were written to the store from people who met their true loves there. It was sweet to see the history of the bookstore as revealed by those cards and their stories. However, it was the letters from the original owners of the bookstore that provided the most intense feelings. Jamie also couldn't help seeing the parallels between Mary and Harrison and herself and Sawyer. I ached for both of them as it looked like there was no way for one to win without the other losing. But one should never give up on true love, and Sawyer found inspiration in an unexpected source. I loved his big moment at the end and the creativity that won the day. I also adored Jamie's reaction. The epilogue was a great follow-up.

There was also a fun secondary romance going on. Restaurant owner Rick has it bad for Jamie's friend and coworker Lucy, but when they first met, he was dating someone else. Since he broke up with that woman, he hasn't been able to get up the courage to ask Lucy out. Meanwhile, Lucy seems oblivious to Rick's feelings and determined to find her "wow" moment. The interactions between Rick and Lucy were occasionally painful but always entertaining. It was easy to root for the two of them and cheer when it finally happened.

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This is THE perfect book to read for Valentine’s Day—or any—day when you want to read something sweet and inspirational to lift your spirits.

I absolutely adored the character of Jamie. She’s just my kind of heroine. She loves books and owns the “True Love” bookstore, an iconic shop in the town of Waterford. She’s smart, compassionate, and loves her fellow townspeople. She’s also determined to protect her hometown from the redevelopment that threatens her store and all the best parts of her town. The fact that the development is being led by her first love, Sawyer, does not daunt her efforts to overturn his efforts to change their town.

This book switches back and forth from the viewpoints of Jamie and Sawyer. There’s plenty of humor as they each try to sway the town’s opinion of the view of the redevelopment. And as in every great Hallmark story, there’s always a sweet romance that keeps you waiting for that first kiss. This is a sweet and clean story that’s guaranteed to make you smile.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Story of Us by Teri Wilson

3.5/5 Stars

Sweet. Tender live story about two high school loves thrown together after 15 years apart.

Sweet and romantic. Although I had a little bit of trouble finishing this story, not because I did not like it I just felt like it was stretched out a little bit too much. That aside this story had my heart warming at its core. Who doesn't love it when two people who are clearly meant for each other have to fight a little harder to get to where they truly belong. In each other's arms.



Thank you #NetGalley and #hallmarkpublishing for this book in exchange for my honest review

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Sweet Romance, small town good feel, old lovers now rivals, fun storyline , good characters , loved the history behind the book store and the old valentines brought to life .

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Perfect for anyone who loves second chances, browsing bookstore aisles, or who's kept a box of old Valentines. Grab a heart foam latte and add this one to the keeper shelf

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I received a copy from Netgalley for review purposes.

The Story of Us is a fast read. I sunk into the story and got caught up in the struggle between Sawyer and Jamie both for her store and romantically. I really liked the characters and the love letters and Valentine cards. This is a great read for the Valentine's season.

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