Sam McVie doesn’t do children.
Until she falls for a widower who has four.
Ryan Sharp is steady, kind, and nothing like the simple, child-free life Sam has always chosen for herself. She tells herself it’s just dating. Nothing serious. Nothing that would change anything.
But Ryan’s life revolves around his kids.
School runs. Bedtime chaos. A family that starts to feel like it’s pulling her in, whether she’s ready or not.
And then there’s Claire.
Ryan’s late wife is gone, but never truly absent. Her presence lingers in the home Sam is trying to step into, woven into a life that already feels complete without her.
Sam tries to keep it temporary. Keep it safe. Keep it from becoming hers.
But love doesn’t stay contained.
After one disastrous camping trip meant to win over the kids, everything shifts. And Sam is forced to choose what she’s willing to risk: the life she planned—or the one she’s already starting to belong to.
A sharp, emotional romantic comedy about unexpected family, second chances, and the danger of falling in love with a life you swore you didn’t want.
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Katherine Center.
Praise for The Afterwife:
"Crackling with banter, oozing steam, and overflowing with all the many flavors of love. Five big stars!" - bestselling author of Hometown, Wendy Stetson
"Fun summer romance...that I read in an afternoon. I highly recommend this one for your beach bag this summer." - Carole Doscher Reader Book Review
Genre: Romance
Until she falls for a widower who has four.
Ryan Sharp is steady, kind, and nothing like the simple, child-free life Sam has always chosen for herself. She tells herself it’s just dating. Nothing serious. Nothing that would change anything.
But Ryan’s life revolves around his kids.
School runs. Bedtime chaos. A family that starts to feel like it’s pulling her in, whether she’s ready or not.
And then there’s Claire.
Ryan’s late wife is gone, but never truly absent. Her presence lingers in the home Sam is trying to step into, woven into a life that already feels complete without her.
Sam tries to keep it temporary. Keep it safe. Keep it from becoming hers.
But love doesn’t stay contained.
After one disastrous camping trip meant to win over the kids, everything shifts. And Sam is forced to choose what she’s willing to risk: the life she planned—or the one she’s already starting to belong to.
A sharp, emotional romantic comedy about unexpected family, second chances, and the danger of falling in love with a life you swore you didn’t want.
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Katherine Center.
Praise for The Afterwife:
"Crackling with banter, oozing steam, and overflowing with all the many flavors of love. Five big stars!" - bestselling author of Hometown, Wendy Stetson
"Fun summer romance...that I read in an afternoon. I highly recommend this one for your beach bag this summer." - Carole Doscher Reader Book Review
Genre: Romance
Used availability for Ellyn Oaksmith's The Afterwife