51 reviews for:

As It Was

Elle Rivers

4.11 AVERAGE

allisonwood's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny medium-paced

maiphinlie's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

sabry90's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’re looking for a small-town romance that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, As It Was is just the ticket. Elle Rivers delivers a heartwarming, feel-good story that blends grumpy/sunshine vibes, found family, and a setting so vivid you’ll want to move to Strawberry Springs immediately.

Mollie is a relatable heroine—torn between the life she’s always known in the city and the quiet pull of her grandfather’s farm, the one place she remembers being truly happy. Cain, our gruff farmer with a guarded heart, is trying to keep it all together for himself and his nephew. Their slow-burn connection feels natural and well-paced, filled with mutual respect and understanding.

What really won me over was the maturity in the storytelling. There’s no unnecessary drama or miscommunication—just two adults figuring things out, step by step, with honesty and heart. The side characters are a true delight, and I especially appreciated the variety of ages and perspectives that made the small town feel authentic and lived-in.

As It Was is one of those books that leaves you with a smile on your face and warmth in your chest. It’s charming, genuine, and emotionally grounded—the kind of story that makes you believe in fresh starts and unexpected love.

hannah_reads_a_lot's review against another edition

5.0

fast-paced

annabelles_shelf's review against another edition

4.0

hopeful lighthearted reflective

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse

adriana_nklc's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

violet97's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

claraht's review

4.0

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

weirwood_net's review against another edition

3.0

hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

jadexo_reads's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes