Handmade with Love

Written by Rachel Bowdler

Narrated by Marie Jenkins

In the Welsh coastal village of Castell Bay, Stevie Turner creates souvenirs with washed-up materials found on the beach for her rustic gift shop, the Little Shop of Driftwood. When old flame, Anna Conway, returns home and moves into the apartment above the shop, Stevie can only offer her ex-girlfriend the cold shoulder.

It’s been eight years since Anna broke things off and vowed to never return to Castell Bay, but with a new job as a city council member, her focus is protecting the home she loves from beachcombing tourists. How could she have known her first bylaw would result in destroying her ex’s business?

Despite the shared hostility, old feelings begin to resurface, and when Stevie's father's health takes a turn for the worse, their past becomes the present. Anna and Stevie must finally face the truth of their breakup and accept that first loves can never dwindle, even after eight years.

This charming, humorous small-town romance is a heartwarming beach read that explores the importance of second chances and found family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Shorts
• Release date: Sep 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094421476

Rachel Bowdler

Rachel Bowdler is a freelance writer, editor, and sometimes photographer from the UK. She spends most of her time away with the faeries. When she is not putting off writing by scrolling through Twitter and binge-watching sitcoms, you can find her walking her dog, painting, and passionately crying about her favourite fictional characters. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @rach_bowdler.

Reviews for Handmade with Love

[Rosemary J. Stanek · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fairytale rekindling of romance eight years after a breakup grounded in a failure to communicate, and false assumptions. The narrator does a good job. The writing was good. Personally, I feel the animosity and emotional isolation resulting from the initial breakup was too easily surmounted.

[Jeannie Molina · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sweet one , nice to listen to . The message of communication and love

[Lisa Gregory · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Took a bit to get into it but ended up loving it. Very lgbtq friendly

[Bonn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This short story is a bit emotional and heavy. I like the two MC, and they sort of fit and compliment each other.
I only question why one of the side characters has to be used as some sort of relief and bridge, despite the piling of problems on one of the MC (one who truly needs literal help).

[Jenna Vaughn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Slow burn, not much spice but a good story of reconciliation and hope and friendship.