If Only You Knew (If Only Series #1) by Stefanie Castro

ABOUT THE BOOK

Shane promised Becca forever, and all she got was heartbreak upon high school graduation.

There was no tomorrow without Shane Philips by Becca’s side. That was until Shane abruptly breaks up with Becca, leaving her alone to face a future without the one person she had grown to love. Learning to maneuver through life after being Shane’s girlfriend since they were fourteen, Becca never imagined an existence that didn’t include them being together.

The pain Becca was left with goes beyond anything she ever expected. Much like life tends to do, time passes and each of them grows into the adults they are today. They live independent lives for twenty-five years before Shane ends up on her doorstep unexpectedly, wanting to rekindle a love that he chose to walk away from. But can Becca truly let go of her anger and embrace what’s right in front of her all these years later? Most of all, can she forgive Shane for walking away?

This is a second-chance love story between two forty-something soulmates who lived entire lives apart only to find a chance to begin again. But when Shane finds out everything he missed, can their love last? If only he knew…

MY REVIEW

What an incredible debut novel about first love and second chances. I couldn’t put it down! Shane and Becca’s story is so captivating, filled with heartbreak, anger, and sorrow, but ultimately it’s a tale of redemption and the power of love.

After 25 long years of being apart, fate has finally brought Shane and Becca back together. It’s clear from the start that they have a lot to talk about. So much has changed in their lives since high school, especially after that fateful day when Shane walked out of her life. Becca has achieved her dream of becoming a doctor and is now a mother as well. I must say, I greatly admire her amicable relationship with her ex-husband Hudson, despite the pain of his infidelity. They handle their parental responsibilities with maturity, something that many couples struggle with.

Shane, on the other hand, is naïve to think that Becca will welcome him back with open arms. After all, he shattered her life all those years ago without even looking back. But he’s genuinely remorseful for his actions and proves his love for Becca time and time again. I found myself rooting for him, even as my heart wept for the pain he experienced when life threw him a curveball. There’s a bittersweet moment that forever changes him, not to mention the deep betrayal from someone he thought he knew.

But despite all the hardships, if there are two people who are meant to be together, it’s Shane and Becca. Their love is undeniable, and they have a connection that transcends time and distance. It’s inspiring to see how they slowly repair the mistakes of the past, inching closer to a love that never truly disappeared.

As I read this novel, I couldn’t help but be moved by the depth of emotion and the complexities of the characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories of love and forgiveness. It’s a beautiful journey that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling happy. Whether you’ve experienced the pain of lost love or simply believe in the magic of second chances, this novel will resonate with you. So grab a copy, find a cozy spot, and prepare to be swept away by Shane and Becca’s unforgettable story.

Thank you to Ms. Castro for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stefanie has written for years on blogging platforms. She is a registered nurse with years of experience working with families starting their journey into the parenting world. She started writing as a way to connect with families and after releasing her first memoir, she felt a pull towards writing romance. Her love of the genre is something she is highly invested in as a reviewer and cheerleader for authors all around. Stefanie is debuting her romance writing career with If Only You Knew. She is shining a light on romance characters that are in their forties. Stefanie resides in Southern California, with her husband, her two kids, and their Cavalier King Charles dog.