The Epicenter of Forever: A Novel

Our Review:

This one surprised me in the best way. I picked it up expecting a straightforward second-chance romance, but what I got was a layered story about how we carry our family wounds into every relationship we build. Eden's return to Grand Trees feels genuinely uncomfortable in a way that rang true—there's no glossing over the awkwardness of facing people who remember a version of you that you've tried to leave behind.

The romance between Eden and Caleb has a slow-burn quality that I really appreciated. Their initial friction isn't manufactured drama; it comes from real hurt and misunderstanding, which makes the moments when they start to see each other clearly feel earned. Williams writes their growing connection with restraint, letting small gestures do the heavy lifting.

I'll say the pacing in the middle section slows down a bit as Eden works through her feelings about her mother, and if you're here purely for the romance, that might test your patience. But if you're someone who likes your love stories tangled up with complicated family dynamics and questions about forgiveness, this hits that sweet spot. It's the kind of book that made me want to sit with it for a while after I finished—and maybe call my mom.