💫 Small town romance, second chance! The MCs loved each other in high school but we're tragically separated, and now, decades later, they have their chance again!
💫 So much raw emotion in this book 😭 I really loved the MCs' journey towards trusting each other again, and going from long-term missing each other longing/hate to hesitant friends to lovers
💫 Same universe as the author's first book, Curves for Days! We also see the first book's couple, and they are still so swoonily in love, I love them 😭
💫 Hurt/comfort! Found family!

TWs - domestic abuse faced by the MMC as a kid from his father, on page and flashbacks of depression faced by the FMC, homelessness faced by a teen character due to homophobia, death of a teen's sole parent, bullying faced by teens

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

I could not connect with the story, it was a slow pace and very unrealistic storyline to keep up with.

A cute second chance romance read with some emotional and serious moments. I enjoyed the main two characters and their relationships as well as who they are in their community. The side characters were mostly all likeable too and definitely created a cozy and supportive environment. The author using letters and journal entries to help tell their past was a great way to wrap the whole story together.

SIGHHHHH I love this series.

When July lost the love of her life as a teen, she has avoided making any real attachments since, but when Joe walks into her restaurant, she can barely hold herself together.

When he explains what happened, she understands but can she reopen her heart to the man her almost destroyed her?

I really loved the first book in the series and I set the bar really high. The author has created a world that includes beautiful plus sized women who are vunerable and so sweet that I get super attached.

My heart broke for both July and Joe. He just disappeared on her one day and she never heard from him again and she fell into dispair. I loved how gently the book tackles severe depression. Joe's father literally midnight moved them to another country and it was some hellish abuse for Joe and he didn't know his letters weren't being sent. UGH I was so sad and mad...

The story was devastating and heartfelt and I was completely invested.

I need the next installment NOWWWWW

This second chance, small town book will warm your heart.

There is a ton of miscommunication and I'm not usually ok with it in books but I understood the need for it here so get both the books in this series today!

4.5 stars

I loved Laura Moher’s first Big Love from Galway romance, Curves for Days, and so looked forward to #2. I wasn’t disappointed; au contraire, delighted would fit the bill. If you’re looking for high drama, melo or otherwise, for action and reaction, this isn’t where you’ll find it. Instead, two older protagonists (nearing their 40s) with a world of hurt, a shared past, joyous and full of love as well as hurtful and full of loss and disappointment, through no fault of their own, have to find a way to make their way back to each other, overcoming internal obstacles of fear and doubt. But it’s not a singular focus romance, as Curves wasn’t either; it’s about a town and what good citizens, good people, do for their town and each other: it’s about helping vulnerable youth and building community. It’s about being selfless and giving as much as it is about Moher’s deserving Joe and July getting their HEA (the alliteration I’m not sure about, but it’s a minor-moue-of-meh note). To orient us, the publisher’s blurb:

She may be strong, but she’s not unbreakable.

July Tate is a force to be reckoned with—a big, strong blond with a heart the size of her whole town—but beneath her capable exterior lie the scars of a devastating lost love. To July, love equals vulnerability, and she can’t afford either.

Joe Anderson knew from the first moment he saw her that July was The One. Now, after years apart, he’s back, driven by the need to explain his disappearance. In search of the girl who filled his teenage dreams, he finds instead a powerhouse woman who steals his heart and soul.

Joe embodies everything July has been missing, and together they spark as brightly as ever. But with Joe around, July, who can usually outwork four men is suddenly making mistakes right and left. And that scares her. Because if July falls again, this time her beloved town could go down with her.

One of Moher’s strengths in What She’s Having is moving us with Joe and July’s double-narrative of past and present, of sweet memories and psychic pain, of teen-age Joe’s letters to HS-sweetheart July. Moher uses the letters to beautifully launch her narrative: as his mother lies dying, she confesses to adult Joe she kept back his letters to July. We learn Joe’s father suddenly wrenched the family from their Galway home and took them to Germany. Teen Joe never had a chance to see and tell July, who felt abandoned and betrayed. As teen Joe wrote letter after letter without any from July, he felt equally abandoned and betrayed. EXCEPT SHE NEVER GOT THEM. At his mother’s confession, Joe resolves to find July, to tell her he never abandoned her: might he also tell her he still loves her?

While I enjoyed this dramatic opening, what I loved more was its importance to one of Moher’s key themes: adults can fail the young, or they can help them. There’s a wonderful secondary narrative in two young people, Maisie and Sam, July’s high school student employees, who need help to survive and thrive. Joe pitches in, July pitches in, the town pitches in. (Angus and Rose pitch in. As a matter of fact, the wonderful Curves couple play quite a role in Joe and July’s stop-start refound love and I loved how Moher brought them back.)

There’s something good-people-ordinary in Moher’s characters, though its their ethic and hers as she chooses to portray it, that makes them extraordinary, the gist of which is to overcome your crap, choose love and the other over the self. And yet, “they” say romance can’t be serious: it can be serious, hopeful, optimistic, maybe Pollyanna-ish, but it doesn’t make its seriousness any less. Like Moher’s. That being said, Moher can also write lovely sentences, near-lyrical (though in litfic, this adjective gives me shudders). Witness July’s dream of Joe (because she won’t give in to her love, it shows up, in lyrical prose, in her dreams): “But at night sometimes, he comes to me in my dreams, his smile quicksilver, his eyes bright and changing like a mountain river slipping around rocks, his voice dipping low so only I can hear.” Joe’s first glimpse of July: “My blood is humming in my damn veins, wanting to burst out of me and go to her with little messages from my heart.” Aren’t Moher’s little phrases lovely?

Joe and July have to work through what happened to them, how they were betrayed by Joe’s family and not each other. For July, forgiveness comes easily, but not allowing herself to love. She’s afraid and Joe is brave, but until July works her way in her heart and head to where she can meet Joe, she can’t let herself be loved and love in return. Moher gets it right because she has Joe love July as much as she’s ready for. I do have to mention one perfectly rendered moment (I’m fragile these days, so I had a little weep). When July is sick, Joe steps in and helps out her restaurant employees: she texts a thank you note and asks what she can do for him. He responds: “I could use a running buddy.” Why perfect? Because running in sync, occasionally talking, together but apart, it’s what July needs. For Moher, support and love, whether to your soulmate, children, friends, is gentle and honest: you can love and help, but you must also allow people the space to figure things out, to set the pace; patience and attention are the keys. That patience requires patience of the reader because, truth be told, I found waiting for July to accept her feelings and Joe did feel a tad long, but it does make sense for the character Moher has drawn. Miss Austen would agree; Moher’s What She’s Having is “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.

Culinary pet peeves:

Why that cover? No one ever eats pie and pie doesn’t feature as important. I love pie, but Moher’s romance is void of pie.

Moher’s characters eat way too much quiche (who easts quiche anymore?).

Laura Moher’s What She’s Having is published by Sourcebooks Casablanca and released on August 20. I received an e-galley from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley. The above is my honest, AI-free opinion.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, this one not as much. It was fine but I didn't love it. It was a very slow burn which I'm usually okay with but this felt even slower than normal. Especially since when they first meet up again and clear the air you can already see the love that's still there between them. All the miscommunication and everything just took too long. The side story with the kids was the most interesting part of the whole story.

One thing I couldn't stand though was the first time they had sex. It was awkward and confusing and I couldn't even tell if it was a dream at first or what exactly was going on.

2.5 stars rounded up, I'd still give another one in this series a chance though

BOOK: WHAT SHE'S HAVING
AUTHOR: LAURA MOHER
PUB DATE: AUGUST 2024
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. The small town vibes, the people, the amazing side characters.
2. July's personality and how she helps the people in her community
3. The kitchen, I love chef main characters
4. The author's description of Joe's abusive childhood
5. I liked the tropes
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. I really tried to like this book, but unfortunately, I couldn't feel any chemistry between them in the book. The book also got boring in the book, but I just kept on reading until I finished.
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I didn't really like this book because of personal reasons, but you might.

What She's Having by Laura Moher

This is the second book in the series. This book deals with difficult topics, domestic violence, child abuse, depression, eating disorder, homelessness and more. This subjects are woven into the story seamlessly and done with care.

July and Joe are the second chance story. Torn apart by outside forces now with the chance to right the wrongs and finally be together. Yes, there are obstacles of course, would you want to read that book? BLAH! So much miscommunication, my least favorite plot device. Yet they finally get out of their own way and the honesty starts flowing, cue the ultimate do over.

This was a wonderful second chance romance. It has a tinge of sweet teenage romance, heartbreak, and reconciliation in the 30s. Joe is an interesting quirky hero that finds his way after finding out he was deceived by his parents. Their story is set, heartbreaking, and the HEA is pretty great.

I wasn't expecting this book to be so much more than a light romcom. Requested it on NetGalley before they had a cover for the book and when I did see the cover, it gave me cozy vibes. The story actually brings up a lot of childhood trauma, neglect, and abuse, which make for misunderstandings and hurt that last for decades. The romance is there, but much lesser than what I expected and not at all in the way I assumed it would be. All of that said, I appreciate the author's effort in making breakups and trauma realistic, bringing forth the perspective that life isn't all sunshine. I think the execution of the book could've been better because I can think of a number of scenes in here that felt very out of place.

This was a charming and heartfelt romance that beautifully captures the complexity of second chances and personal growth. With its endearing characters and a narrative that balances humor and emotion, this novel is a delightful read that will resonate with fans of small-town love stories.

I enjoy small town second chance romances (especially ones set in the Carolinas!), and this one didn't disappoint. July and Joe make their way through a lot of obstacles on the way to their HEA. This is a heartwarming story, and I just knew they'd work their way through all the miscommunication in their relationship. Sweet read!

I want to thank NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Laura Moher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Quick Summary: A second chance at a tender love

My Review: What She's Having is book #2 in the Big Love from Galway series.

About the Book: July Tate and Joe Anderson were once young and in love. They shared a special connection. Sadly, a traumatic parting separated them. For years, they both held false assumptions about what really happened to their relationship. When fate brings the two lovers back together, they don't know what to do...until they do.

What I Liked About This Book:

- I adored this community of people. It was obvious that they cared for each other. I really liked how they rallied around the leads and others.

- I appreciated the heavy-hitting topics that came up in the story, such as abuse, depression, toxic relationships and co-dependency, and homelessness. The author did a superb job of presenting the aforementioned without creating a marsh pit effect.

- I loved the emotional push & pull that existed between July and Joe. From their teenage years forward, they felt so deeply. It was evident. Their very obvious heartfelt feelings for one another made the story believable.

- As with any good romance, the whole communication piece (or lack thereof) was a thing. Still, the failure to fully and honestly express themselves early on kept the story moving until they could get to where they needed to be.

What I Questioned About This Book:

- It seemed like the leads were both in their heads for quite a while. During the twenty year parting, they both certainly matured, but why did it seem like they were suspended (at length) where their ability to love another was concerned?

- What was the dream-wake coupling really all about? It was a bit peculiar and hard to believe. I didn't quite know how to take it.

My Final Say: Overall, this was such a heartwarming story. I ached for July and for Joe. They were both likable characters who were victims of a great manipulation, as well as victims of self-doubt. Thankfully, they were able to journey back to what was always meant to be.

Other: Readers who like second chance romances and stories with a how to overcome adverse circumstances theme will enjoy this book.

Note: Titles associated with this series - >

Book 1: Curves for Days (released Aug 2023) - 4/5
Book 2: What She's Having (released Aug 2024) - 4/5
Book 3: Big Love from Galway (released Jan 2025) - TBR

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Audiobook: Yes
E-book: Yes
Status/Level:
Cover: +
Narration: +
Special Remarks: This novel covers the following topics/themes: Mental health, Domestic violence, Eating Disorder, Body Image Distortions, LGBTQIA, Homelessness, Death

Thank you to the author, to the publishers (Dreamscape Media, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca), and to NetGalley for allowing access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own. I appreciate the opportunity to both read and listen to this title.

What She’s Having by Laura Moher
Big Love from Galway series #2. Contemporary second-chance romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters from the first book are present in this second book and could be considered a spoiler. First person, present tense. Alternating POV. Multi-timeline via sequential letters.
Joe Anderson moves back to Galway, North Carolina after twenty years hoping to reconnect with his one true love. He only recently learned that all the letters he wrote to her, were never delivered. He wants a second chance. He’s never stopped loving her.
July Tate is a powerhouse in the town of Galway. She cooks and runs a popular and busy restaurant, helps and supports a group of veterans every week, plays on the town softball league and gets involved in other community improvements. What she doesn’t do, is involve her heart. The devastation left behind when she lost the love of her life is simply too much to bear a second time.
When Joe shows up back in town with a pile of undelivered letters addressed to her, she’s unwilling to soften her heart. She simply can’t go a loss like that again.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook for this book. The narration was performed by Michelle Price and Paul Bellantoni who did the first book in the series as well. They each do their POV chapter or section, voicing the other characters as well. Using the male female combo makes it easy for the audiobook listener to know immediately whose POV it is. The performance is solid with emotions clearly heard. A couple of the letters were heartbreaking that can through.
To match reading speed and conversational consistency, I listened to the audiobook at a speed of 1.5.

A lot of sadness that wasn’t their fault. They are both good people and deserve to be happy. It’s going to be a lot of heart searching decisions and trust in themselves.
PS. It’s a romance! You know how it’s going to end.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Dreamscape Media.

This was a cute second chance, dual POV small town romance set in the fictional town of Galway, North Carolina. I liked that there was a plus size FMC but overall the romance just fell a little flat for me and wasn't anything special or outstanding. Just okay on audio and a tad long if I'm completely honest. Recommended for fans of Penny Reid's Winston Brother's series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

What She's Having is the second book in the Big Love From Galway series. Although Curves For Days, book 1, doesn't have to be read prior to this, I really enjoyed that one as well. It introduced the reader to the town of Galway as well as some of the various side characters we see here in Book 2. July Tate is the owner of the local restaurant and a constant in Galway's community as a helpful and kind person. She's been a bit lonely recently in her love life but she likes things the way they are for good reason. Joe Anderson was briefly living in Galway as a teen, and even dating Teen July, before his family was dragged to Germany without so much as a good-bye. Both were heartbroken and angry at the other due to a slight lie that neither was aware of until 10 years later and Joe returns to Galway to search for and apologize to July.

July and Joe still have a lot of sparks between them but after a few disastrous moments between them, they seem to strike up a sort of friendship/agreement. July needs to decide if she trusts in herself to believe in love again and Joe needs to figure out if he's forgiven and wanted by July and the town of Galway.

I absolutely loved Curves For Days so I was super excited when I saw What She's Having come across my screen! This story had a bit more of an emotional rollercoaster to it with some domestic violence, eating disorders, depression, and homelessness. I think each of these things were handled well and with care which allowed for some grace when I was frustrated by characters choices. Even though Joe and July are adults and successful cooks/business owners, I was a little frustrated with how much they had these little misunderstandings that they never bothered to clarify. I think their respective pasts made sense though and allowed me to move on much quicker in regards to some frustration. Joe was such a sweetheart though and although I was a little hesitant about him at first, I fell in love with him just about as hard as he falls for July again as adults.

I cannot wait for book 3 and I'm super excited to see if it'll be about my favorite side character mentioned in this book!

This is for fans of the small town second chance romance. July and Joe were only together for a short time before he left and more or less ghosted her for 20 years. And now he's back. Can these two overcome their misunderstandings and missed signals? You know they can but it's the journey that keeps you reading. Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc. A good read.

July Tate, a resilient woman, reunites with her lost love, Joe Anderson, after years apart. Their old spark reignites, but July fears vulnerability and making mistakes in love again, risking everything, including her town. While the story portrays a small-town romance and explores deep emotions, some readers may find the focus on their brief teenage romance and miscommunication frustrating. The second chance trope is handled well, showing rather than telling the connection between Joe and July, though the physical progression feels abrupt. The book is inclusive, emotional, and offers a sweet, simple plot, despite occasional repetition.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to spend more time in Galway. July is the town’s beloved restauranteur who is always helping everyone else and never taking time or anything else for herself. When her first love rolls back into town after ghosting her for 20 years, July has to figure out how to not run from the good things life is offering up.

I usually love second chance romance and this was one cute. I wanted a little more of the backstory between Joe and July earlier on in the book, and also wanted the reconciliation to happen sooner (it comes at like 85%!) I did love spending more time in Galway and the cast of characters. This book has some heavier themes including domestic violence and suicidal ideations in the main characters’ pasts.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

What She’s Having is a second chance romance involving high school sweethearts who were involuntarily separated. Twenty years later, they find out that the other did not abandon them and a relationship slowly begins to develop between them. This is a serious delve into grief, childhood abuse, domestic violence, mental health, eating disorders, loss and self-worth.

I thought this was a very affecting, emotional and ultimately kind book, but with a sometimes heavy tone and subject matter. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.