Two professors, and childhood best friends, with a complicated past get a second chance to prove history won't repeat itself.
This was a slow burn with lots of miscommunication that isn't my favorite but I still found the story enduring.

Teachers in love? Teachers in love!!!!! Second chance romance??? Friends to enemies to friends to lovers??? I did not know it was even possible to fit this many of my favorite tropes into one book, but somehow, we've done it. Absolutely incredible.

I'm always weary of the inherent pain that can be carried in second chance romances. This one sounded too good to pass up though, and I was so pleasantly surprised by it.

In present day, 32-year-old Clara Fernsby is a history professor on the tenure track at Irving College. This year is finally her chance to procure the coveted tenure spot, and she'd even get financial support for her sister's education as well. She's a team player, so when she's asked to share office space with a visiting professor, she agrees right away. Until she learns that the visiting professor is none other than Teddy Harrison, her former best friend she hasn't spoken to in years. It's too late to change her mind, so she braces herself for what it will be like seeing him again.

At age 14, Clara met Teddy at a summer camp for home schooled kids. What could have been a one-time encounter turned into a budding friendship. Over the years, Teddy went from being a friend, to the person Clara always confided in. He was the one she wanted to share her successes with; her low moments, or even just the day to day.

As we go back and forth between the past and present, Clara reflects on the moments that built them up, and ultimately what broke them. Now, she has a second chance at having Teddy in her life. As a friend, or maybe more, if their history doesn't get in the way of what could be.

This one was a great cozy read - not as heart-shredding as some second chance romances can be (which I greatly appreciated) but still bringing heart. I was drawn to Clara and Teddy, both their past and the choices that were weighing on them in the present. A book I'd gladly pick up again (maybe in audio format) to help me get over a book hangover and reset.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC of this one. It's a little late coming, but I got there! Out now in all formats, all opinions are my own!

Kristyn J. Miller’s Given Our History is a thoughtful and compelling romance that explores the complexities of love, ambition, and the passage of time. The story centers around Clara Fernsby, an assistant professor driven by her career goals and a desire to secure tenure at a prestigious private college. When Theodore Harrison, a visiting scholar from her past, arrives at the college, Clara’s carefully constructed life is turned upside down, and long-buried emotions resurface.

The connection between Clara and Theodore is palpable from the start. Their shared history at a summer camp years ago, filled with youthful love and deep friendship, provides a strong foundation for their complicated present. Clara is determined not to let the past disrupt her future, but as she works alongside Theodore on a project, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the spark between them. The tension and emotional pull between these two characters is both relatable and engaging, as they navigate the intricacies of reconciling past feelings with current realities.

Miller does a great job weaving together the past and present, allowing readers to see the evolution of Clara and Theodore’s relationship over time. The themes of ambition, self-discovery, and personal growth are explored thoughtfully, especially as Clara is faced with the choice between her career goals and the possibility of a second chance at love.

What makes Given Our History truly shine is its emotional depth. Clara is a strong and relatable protagonist, and her inner conflict—balancing her academic drive with her heart’s desires—resonates on a universal level. The story is both a slow-burn romance and a character study, as Clara and Theodore must confront the complexities of their past and the choices that lie ahead.

For fans of slow-burn romance with a touch of nostalgia and introspection, Given Our History is a heartfelt and satisfying read. Miller expertly blends emotional depth with charming, realistic characters, creating a novel that lingers long after the final page.

I love a good second chance romance. Clara is an assistant professor and Theodore is a visiting Scholar at her school. But the past hits her in the face when she sees him. Ten years ago she rejected him over the phone. Now he’s back and she can’t help falling. But will he reject her this time? Only a good second chance romance will tell. I felt like this story just wrapped itself around me. It was so realistic and relatable. It gave me all the feels.

I love a second chance romance, but dual timeline second chance!? Count me in!
And the nostalgic vibes? Iconic!

Overall a fun read that I enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing what comes next from Kristyn!

I was impressed with this book, which surpassed my expectations. It recounts the story of Clara and Teddy's 17-year friendship and romantic relationship, which culminated in a nine-year estrangement. The non-linear timeline effectively captured the complexity of their relationship. Although certain aspects, such as Clara's parental relationship and Teddy's behavior, detracted from my reading experience, I appreciated their rekindled romance. A more comprehensive epilogue would have enhanced the conclusion. Overall, it was a compelling second-chance romance featuring two likable protagonists.

Given Our History by Kristyn J Miller
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Clara has wanted to teach history since she was 14 years old. She is asked to share her office with a visiting professor this semester. The problem is that professor is Teddy, her ex-best friend that she had a falling out with ten years ago.
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What I liked:
-I loved how the book was plotted out. The gradual telling of the back story interspersed between the present was flawlessly executed.
-I adored Clara’s younger sister. She was so much fun and I enjoyed the relationship they had between them.
-I love how the story ended.
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this one. I’m not usually someone who likes reading “second chance romance”, since I find it cringe or just badly written in general, but this one was really sweet. I enjoyed reading about these characters!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced ready copy of this romance by Kristyn J. Miller!

Clara is a hardworking and goal driven history professor striving towards the security of tenure at the liberal arts college where she is employed. She takes on many roles on campus to impress the department heads while also caring for her younger sister who is enrolled on the same campus resulting in a nonexistent love life. Things take an exciting twist when Clara's childhood best friend and first love, Teddy shows up on campus as a visiting professor. Can Clara realize that some dreams are worth the risk of security and stability for?

This book was a light-hearted, quick read and I really appreciated the time lapses and glimpse into Clara and Teddy's past.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with this ARC.

Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller is a sweet, second-chance romance told in a dual timeline. We meet Clara Fernsby and Theodore (Teddy) Harrison as homeschooled teens at summer camp, where they form a close friendship until a falling out drives them apart. Years later, Clara is an ambitious assistant professor who’s shocked to learn she’ll be sharing an office with Teddy, now distant and guarded.

Much of the story is revealed through Clara’s memories, and while there’s some frustrating miscommunication, their chemistry through. I loved the cover (it’s gorgeous!), and Teddy is a dream, though Clara isn't one of my favourite FMCs of all time. Still, it’s satisfying to see these two find their way back to each other, especially if you’re a fan of childhood-friends-turned-lovers. If you enjoy a gentle, low-drama academic setting, and second-chance stories, this book might be a good fit.

4/5 stars

I thought this was a lovely fall read. It was fun to read about characters who had their history rooted in a summer camp for homeschooled kids and are now together as adults in the academic universe. I thought this book was a very good time, and had good balance between fall vibes and doing too much (I cannot get into holiday romances) so this felt just right.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book! I loved the story line and the characters so much!! I would read more books by this Author.

3.5⭐

I'm usually not the biggest fan of second chance romance but I didn't mind this one.

It was an easy enough read, but it lacked some depth.
I didn't feel like I knew the present day Teddy as much as we relied on their history to convince the readers of their romance.

This book was very sweet. While I’m a sucker for friends to lovers, I’m less into second chance romance. So I was curious where this would fall based on my preferences. Delightfully, this had lots of heart and really spent time showing you the relationship between Clara and Teddy. There’s minimal spice, but lots of banter. This was a lovely little read.

I really enjoyed this long-lost love fall romance. Whether you believe in soulmates or fate, this is the perfect story of childhood best friends who just can't seem to get their timing right. Perfect for fall, and for anyone that enjoys academics.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in return for my honest review.

Pub Date: 27 August 2024

i enjoyed the relationships and plot of this book, but i wanted more fall vibes 😕 i was hoping for more of an atmospheric fall read, especially since it was set at a university, but it just didn’t happen! i would still recommend the book though, it was well written and a great story!

A super cute and cozy read! Like, do you ever feel like a book wraps you up in a blanket? Cause this one felt just like that.

I really enjoyed this story and the way it was written! The tropes in this story are some of my favorites, especially second chance! It was really adorable!

As someone who is career-focused and deep down a romantic, I knew this main character was going to be someone I identified with, setting the overall tone of the book very positively. The story is sweet, heartwarming, second chance romance that is best enjoyed in the background of fall weather. It is a bit slow paced which is why it doesn't get rated 5 stars. Sometimes the slog of academic pursuits aren't the most riveting to read! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.