Beginning To Look A Lot Like Us by Sara B. Larson: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Clara came back to Silver Pines believing she was between chapters. Instead, she realizes she might have been writing the wrong story - until now.

When bestselling romance author Clara Everhart is blindsided on national television by a photo of her boyfriend cheating, she walks off the set rather than break down live in front of millions of viewers. Heartbroken and unable to write a word, Clara retreats to Silver Pines, Montana, where she’s inherited her Gram’s house—the only place that’s ever felt like home.

After missing her deadline once, Clara’s counting on the small town’s Christmas magic to inspire her, because she only has until January 1st to finish her next novel. If she can’t, she’ll have to sell Gram’s house to stay afloat.

Then a leaking roof makes the house unlivable. With the entire town booked out for the Christmas Light Festival, Clara’s forced into the spare room of the one man she never expected to see again: Liam Miller, her next door neighbor, childhood best friend—and the boy who rejected her years ago.

Despite living under one roof, Clara’s determined to keep her distance from Liam. She has a book to finish, a house to repair, and no intention of falling for the man who has told her he’d never see her that way.

But the more time Clara spends with Liam, the more she begins to wonder if his rejection all those years ago wasn’t as simple as she thought. When she discovers the truth about why he pushed her away, it might change everything— and give them a second chance at love neither of them ever expected.

A swoony, closed-door, small town Christmas romance about childhood best friends, forced proximity, second chances, and finding your way back to the person who has always known you best.

The Author

Sara B. Larson is the best-selling and critically acclaimed author of multiple books, including the YA fantasy DEFY trilogy, the DARK BREAKS THE DAWN duology, and the SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT duology (TorTeen/Macmillan). Her newest YA fantasy A PROMISED VENGEANCE released October 28, 2025. Her adult debut EVERY BEAT AFTER is coming June 2, 2026. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband, their four children, and their dogs, Loki the Maltese and Bindi the English Cream Retriever, where she also runs a commercial preschool. When she’s not mothering, preschooling, or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction. You can find her online at @SaraBLarson on IG and Threads.

Book Review

Talk about a way to start a story! Clara's betrayal on live TV very quickly drew me into this story and had me ready to plot revenge against her cheating (soon-to-be) ex... oh how my heart went out to her! And then there was Liam... a character who was simply impossible not to love! He'd also had his share of heartbreak and struggles. And the two of them together? Oh, I just adored them! They had been best friends as children until life and marriage (his) kept them apart. When they end up neighbors and then roommates, it doesn't take long for them to rekindle their friendship... and find some sparks that weren't quite there before. I loved the chemistry and banter between these two... that first kiss? Worth the wait! But I think it was seeing the bits and pieces of their history that really had me rooting for them to get that happily ever after. This story had a great combination of humor and emotion, mixed with all the holiday cheer I love... and I was absolutely here for it all. Simply put, I just loved it!

Beginning to Look A Lot Like Us is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minimal minor language. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://link.amazon/B01hjnrLg