Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration through NetGalley, on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Emma and Aiden have been best friends since they were in kindergarten. They know each other better than anyone else. Or at least they did, until Emma decided to transfer to a boarding school for her junior and senior year.

Emma is bubbly and loves learning. She wants to see the world, even though she loves her hometown. Finding an elite boarding school in New York is a dream come true for her, especially since it comes at a time when she’s starting to question her feelings for her best friend.

Aiden is quieter, but he adores Emma. In fact, he wants to see if there is more to their relationship. But then she left and he shuts down.

When Emma returns to town for Christmas with a boyfriend in tow, it’s unclear whether her friendship with Aiden will survive the visit.

Emma loves her hometown, but her boyfriend, Sam, acts like everything is quaint and cute. And he is threatened by Aiden and while everyone tries to welcome him, it’s clear Sam does not fit in their small town. Issues ensue, driving some people apart and others closer together.

I loved all of the traditions of the small town where Emma and Aiden live, and Aiden’s dog is amazing. I thought it was a little weird that their families drifted apart during the six months Emma was gone, considering how long Emma and Aiden were linked and how small the town is.

The ending is optimistic and hopeful. I think it would be fun to see more stories from Briar Glen, if the author wanted to continue this series.