Hannah Brown returns to the romantic fiction scene with The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain, the second installment in her “Mistakes We Never Made” series. Following the success of her debut novel Mistakes We Never Made (2024), Brown continues to explore the messy, complicated terrain of modern love with a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. This latest offering takes readers on a sun-soaked journey through Hawaii, where past mistakes collide with present possibilities in the most deliciously awkward ways imaginable.
The premise alone is enough to make any romance reader’s heart flutter with anticipation: what happens when you use your unused honeymoon vouchers for a solo healing trip, only to find your ex-fiancé lounging by the very same infinity pool? Brown takes this cringe-worthy scenario and transforms it into a thoughtful exploration of growth, forgiveness, and the courage required to love again after repeated heartbreak.
Character Deep Dive: Sybil’s Journey Through Love and Loss
Sybil Rain emerges as one of the most authentically flawed protagonists in contemporary romance. Brown has crafted a character who refuses to be easily categorized—she’s neither the perfectly put-together career woman nor the helplessly romantic dreamer that often populate this genre. Instead, Sybil is wonderfully, messily human. Her tendency to run when emotions become overwhelming isn’t painted as a cute quirk but as a genuine character flaw with real consequences.
The revelation of Sybil’s PCOS diagnosis and miscarriage adds layers of depth that elevate this beyond typical beach-read fare. Brown handles these sensitive topics with remarkable care, showing how unprocessed trauma can sabotage even the most promising relationships. The way Sybil’s past with high school boyfriend Liam continues to haunt her adult relationships demonstrates Brown’s understanding of how early toxic dynamics can echo through subsequent partnerships.
Jamie Kauffman proves to be more than just the standard “one who got away” love interest. His evolution from the polished, family-approved suitor to a man willing to risk everything for love feels earned rather than convenient. The development of his wine business serves as an effective metaphor for his personal growth—learning to trust his own instincts rather than defaulting to family expectations.
Sebastian’s arrival creates the perfect storm of romantic chaos, but Brown resists the temptation to make him a villain. Instead, he represents a different kind of love—passionate but ultimately unsustainable. His presence forces both Sybil and Jamie to confront what they truly want from a partnership.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
Brown employs a clever dual-timeline structure, weaving Sybil’s current Hawaiian adventure with flashbacks that reveal the stories behind each engagement ring. This technique could have felt gimmicky, but Brown uses it to gradually build understanding of Sybil’s patterns and fears. The pacing particularly shines during the present-day scenes in Hawaii, where romantic tension builds alongside tropical storm clouds.
The author’s background in reality television serves her well here—she understands how to create and sustain dramatic tension while keeping readers invested in the emotional stakes. The helicopter rescue sequence could have veered into melodrama, but Brown keeps it grounded in character development and authentic emotion.
Writing Style and Atmospheric Details
Brown’s prose strikes an appealing balance between accessibility and sophistication. Her descriptions of Hawaii feel lived-in rather than tourism-brochure perfect, capturing both the paradise aspects and the very real dangers of tropical storms. The author’s ability to weave in details about everything from period underwear marketing to wine production without feeling forced demonstrates her skill at creating a fully realized world.
The dialogue particularly sparkles, with each character maintaining a distinct voice. Sybil’s Core Four friendships feel authentic, complete with the kind of shorthand and emotional support that characterizes genuine long-term friendships. The group video calls and text exchanges add contemporary touches that will resonate with modern readers.
Thematic Depth Beyond Romance
While the romantic elements drive the plot, Brown doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes. The book examines how family expectations can shape our choices in ways we don’t always recognize. Jamie’s relationship with his parents and their initial rejection of Sybil reflects broader questions about class, education, and what constitutes worthiness in love.
Sybil’s work with Flowies isn’t just a convenient job but represents her journey toward finding professional fulfillment and personal agency. Her evolution from someone who changes jobs frequently to someone who builds expertise and takes pride in her work mirrors her emotional growth.
The treatment of PCOS and fertility issues deserves particular recognition. Brown refuses to use these as simple plot devices, instead showing how health challenges can create lasting anxiety about worthiness and future planning. The miscarriage storyline is handled with sensitivity while still acknowledging its role in the relationship’s dissolution.
Areas for Growth
Despite its many strengths, the novel isn’t without some rough edges. The coincidence of both Sybil and Jamie ending up at the same resort strains credulity, even with Nikki’s machinations revealed. Some readers may find the multiple ex-fiancés concept feels slightly contrived, though Brown works hard to make each relationship distinct and meaningful.
The resolution, while emotionally satisfying, arrives perhaps too neatly. Jamie’s family’s sudden acceptance feels rushed compared to the careful development of their initial resistance. Similarly, some secondary characters could have benefited from deeper development, particularly Genevieve, who remains somewhat one-dimensional despite her importance to the plot.
Connection to the Series
For readers of Mistakes We Never Made, this second book demonstrates Brown’s growth as a storyteller while maintaining the series’ focus on second chances and personal growth. The books work well as standalone novels, but together they create a compelling exploration of how we learn to love better through experience and self-reflection.
Perfect for Fans Of
Readers who enjoyed “The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain” will likely appreciate Sybil’s journey:
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Final Thoughts
The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain succeeds because it respects both its characters and its readers. Brown doesn’t shy away from the real work required to overcome past trauma and build healthy relationships. While the Hawaiian setting provides gorgeous scenery, the real beauty lies in watching Sybil learn to stay and fight for what she wants rather than running toward the next adventure.
This is a romance that acknowledges how messy love can be while still believing in its transformative power. Brown has created a worthy successor to her debut that will leave readers both satisfied and eager for whatever story she tells next. For anyone who has ever wondered if they deserve a fourth chance at love, Sybil Rain’s journey offers both hope and practical wisdom wrapped in an irresistibly entertaining package.
“The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain” proves that sometimes the best way forward isn’t running toward something new, but finally standing still long enough to appreciate what you’ve had all along. In an era of quick fixes and instant gratification, Brown reminds us that the most meaningful changes often require us to weather the storm rather than seek shelter elsewhere.