The story of small-town life is front and center in this romantic tale by Lori Foster. Yardley Belanger is living with her aunt and mother, both of whom have a tendency to criticize her constantly. She is running the family business of wedding planning as well as helping out anyone in the community who needs it. Meanwhile, her own dreams are put on hold, to the point that she dares not dream a future for herself. In planning a wedding for his sister, Yardley meets Travis, a hunky contractor who is attracted to her and vice versa. The story of their romance is one for the ages, with a few bumps but mostly a lot of humor. Yardley’s way of speaking is so realistic that I could just hear her rambling on from topic to topic at a high rate of speed. I think her conversations were my favorite part of the book. I liked getting to know all of the characters of the small town of Cemetery, especially Betty, a disagreeable older woman who wants everything to stay the same. The characters were well-developed and each was given a different and intriguing personality. Mimi, Yardley’s best friend and protector, was charming and witty as she dealt with being a new mom and trying to encourage romance in her life. The plot rolled along at a good pace, perfect for the story and engaging to read. Fans of light romance will enjoy this stroll down the path of romance and will particularly enjoy getting to know the residents of Cemetery.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I loved Yardley so much!

What a terrific love story! Yardley might seem a bit too quirky at first, but really she's just very direct, no BS, not afraid to speak her mind and reach for her dreams. She's a wedding planner in a very small town, and when Travis comes to her to plan his sister's wedding, there was absolutely no turning back.

Travis isn't really looking for anything more than helping his younger sister with her wedding, but he soon realizes just how special Yardley is and how much they have in common. His is a bit of a tragic story, but the real drama lies with Yardley's mother and aunt, with whom she lives, and the secrets they've been keeping from her.

This is a sparkling romance, full of humor and heart, and some of the best written characters I've read in a very long time. The HEA is superb, the small town is beyond charming, and the feels are very real. As contemporary romances go, they don't get any better than this. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

There is something oh so refreshing about an author still churning out quality reads after close to twenty years and that is definitely the case with Ms Lori Foster's newest book, The Honeymoon Cottage. I remember reading books by her when I was quite a bit younger and quite enjoying them and this remained the same. Watching Yardley and Travis fall in love with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand is exactly what the doctor ordered!!

Yardley is a wedding planner who loves helping others plan the perfect wedding, but doesn’t see one for herself in the cards. She has a best friend and works hard to support the town of. Cemetery, but always feels a bit alone. Things change when her new client, Sheena, and her brother Travis show up. Yardley is instantly attracted to Travis but is sure he wouldn’t be attracted to her- except he is! This is a classic small town romance of people coming together, learning new things about those we thought we new, and discovering new aspects of ourselves.

Yardley is appealing exactly because she doesn’t know how appealing she is. She sees herself as awkward, always saying the wrong thing and never fitting in because that’s how her mother and aunt treat her, but friend Mimi and now Travis are supportive and willing to stand up for her just as she is. As is the rest of the town, Yardley just doesn’t realize it at first. Travis is willing to take things slowly to make sure he doesn’t mess up with Yardley or potentially make Sheena’s wedding awkward, and the thoughtfulness and caring he has for everyone make him the total package.

Overall a sweet, fun, gentle romance affirming the best in people and small towns

I received an Arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Travis, Yardley, Kevin, Mimi, Sheena, Todd, Betty, Kathleen! And Dodger, too! All amazing “characters” that Ms. Foster brings to life in small town Indiana. Country weddings are the town’s specialty. And Yardley is the most special thing herself, if only she knew it. I had fun reading this book.

A great start to a small, quirky town series set in Cemetery, Indiana. First story features Yardley the local wedding planner and Travis whose sister seeks the services of Yardley's business. Yardley is also trying to change some of the town's ordinances and has to befriend seemingly difficult Betty, all the while dealing with her mother and aunt who are just as difficult. She does it will grace and humor with the help of her friend Mimi and others. Travis and Yardley try to keep their agreement to take their relationship slow until after his sister Sheena's wedding, but they are finding it difficult. A fun, heartwarming read!

THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE – Lori Foster
HQN
ISBN: 978-1335506368
May 24, 2022
Contemporary Romance

Cemetery, Indiana – Present Day

Yardley Belanger runs a successful wedding planning business despite it being located in a macabrely named town of Cemetery. Sheena Long wants to have a country wedding and hires Yardley to plan it. When Yardley meets Sheena and her brother, she is instantly pulled to Travis Long. He’s sexy and kind, which is a big plus in her book. However, planning the wedding must take precedence. Since it is Travis paying for the wedding, he spends a lot of time with Yardley. The more time they’re around each other, the harder it is to ignore their attraction. But they agree not to start dating until after Sheena’s wedding is over. Will they keep that promise?

Yardley was raised by her single mother and aunt, both of whom think they’re entitled to everything, and Yardley must kowtow to them. However, it is Yardley who is the family breadwinner, though she doesn’t argue with her mother and aunt when they demand things of her. In THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE, readers will begin to see her assert herself as she realizes that Travis might be more than a brief fling and she needs to break free from her family’s hold. Add in that Yardley is dealing with townspeople who are unhappy that they must adhere to the town’s rules that every business must have “Cemetery” in it and want her to get involved in changing town policies. They enlist her help to try and persuade Betty Cemetery, a relative of the founders, to relent. People want Yardley to run for city council, but that means butting heads with Betty.

Cemetery is a small town alongside a lake. Down by the water, there is a cottage called The Honeymoon Cottage that is rented to honeymooners. Yardley has long admired the cottage and wishes she could spend the night there. But by herself? That would make people look at her funny. By the end of THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE, will Yardley get the chance to spend the weekend in the cottage with Travis? The two get to know each other outside the wedding planning, even adopting an abandoned dog. They’re growing closer, so it’s inevitable that their plans to hold off dating until after the wedding will fail. The attraction is too deep.

THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE is another pleasant and enjoyable tale by Lori Foster. The characters are mostly nice, and readers will fall in love with the little town of Cemetery. The plot is easy to follow despite there being several characters. Not including Yardley’s mother and aunt, as well as Travis’ sister, a prominent character is Yardley’s best friend, Mimi, who is wondering if her marriage is on the rocks. Everything leads nicely into the ending—and the happily-ever-after for a few characters. If you love a feel-good romance that leaves you smiling and happy, then don’t miss THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE.

Patti Fischer

The Honeymoon Cottage is the perfect small town romance . It makes you want to visit and hang out with the characters.
Yardley plans weddings as her living but she isn’t quite fulfilled in her own life until she starts planning Sheena’s wedding and meets her brother. Yardley quickly falls for Travis. She has reservations about getting involved with him as she doesn’t want anything to ruin Sheena’s big day. Yardley’s best friend, Mimi helps encourage her to do something for herself .
Lori Foster did an amazing job with this book as always .

I'm in the mood for small town romances and this one was perfect.
Yardley and Travis are relatable and likeable characters, I rooted for them, and there's a strong sense of community in the small town.
The romance is sweet and the story compelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Honeymoon Cottage by Lori Foster is extremely enjoyable to read! Yardley, a wedding planner in the small town of Cemetery, Indiana, and Travis, big brother of the bride-to-be, are both very likeable characters. Yardley’s best friend Mimi is struggling in her marriage with a new baby. More relationships and a special surprise bond are formed throughout the story. The people in the town demonstrate a strong sense of community. Kathleen is an interesting character as well. Several situations made me laugh out loud, and others pulled at my heartstrings. The narration transitions smoothly, giving the reader insight on how four different characters feel. Lori Foster has written another great book, and I will be looking forward to more!
I recommend this book to all readers but especially to readers of Romance and Women’s Fiction.

The Honeymoon Cottage
Lori Foster
May 24, 2022

This small town in Indiana, better known as Cemetery, has a rule that all business’s must go under the title of Cemetery. Very few tourists would enjoy dining at the Cemetery Cafe or getting their hair trimmed at the Cemetery Hair Salon. Yardley Belanger is the town’s wedding planner. She is great at what she does but groans each time she answers the phone and says, “Cemetery Wedding Planning”. She also feels a bit sad each time she gives a tour to the new clients when she arrives at the beautiful Honeymoon Cottage. She figures that it will be one place that she will never officially visit as a bride. Cemetery, Indiana is small and single men are few and far between.
This wonderful story by Lori Foster was such a delight to read. I did not want to put it down yet I was so beguiled by her novel that I took it slow and enjoyed every last chapter. Her characters are charming and entertaining. This is such a great account that I encourage all to purchase a copy or put a hold on it at the library.
The Honeymoon Cottage will be published on May 24, 2022 by Harlequin. I appreciate her team sending me a copy via NetGalley to read and review. Giving only an intro to the plot, it will avail the reader to the best without giving away any spoilers. It is heartwarming and pleasant from start to finish. Enjoy!!

A wonderful contemporary romance. I liked the small town setting and hope to visit again. The romance was believable, and I liked how the main character blossomed throughout the story.

The Honeymoon Cottage by Lori Foster is a delightful first story in the Cemetery, Indiana series and I’m looking forward to reading more. Yardley Belanger is a wedding planner in this small, quirky town and is just one of the sweetest, selfless individual you’ll ever meet and has resigned herself to being single. When a new client wants to plan and pay for his sister’s wedding, she gets a feeling her life is about to change completely. Travis Long helped raise his sister Sheena after the death of their parents and wants nothing but the best and hopes Yardley can help with the wedding plans. Sheena and Yardley hit it off and eventually Travis sees how genuine Yardley is in her business and how well respected she is with the other business vendors in town. What he doesn’t understand is how she doesn’t know all this and how this beautiful woman is still single.

I love a story that is just completely fun without conflict or high drama but has great characters, silly antics, a rescue dog, new friendships and a heartwarming romance. Yardley and her best friend Mimi are such a hoot together and you can feel their love and loyalty for one another. They have each other’s back and are highly protective of the other. Then there is the growing attraction between Yardley and Travis that they want to explore slowly but don’t want to take away from his sister’s upcoming nuptials. I loved how the author took the time to explore all these relationships between Yardley and Mimi, Travis her mother and aunt and even the town matriarch Betty. Foster gives insight into each of these characters and how they interact with Yardley to make Yardley who she is. I liked the added quirk of Kathleen the mannequin who shows up around the town and no one how she gets from place to place. What’s not to love about this story? I am in love with this town and these characters and look forward to reading more about Cemetery.

The Honeymoon Cottage is a story of one woman's love affair with her quaint little town and along the way she finds love. Yardley is a Wedding Planner who lives with her aunt and mother ( who Yardley's best friend calls Cruella and Maleficent, apt description) The story is filled with creatively complex characters who have fascinating relationships with each other. Yardley not only falls in love, but successfully counsels her BFF about her marriage, turns the town grump into a friend and ally and finds two dusty hearts inside her cluelessly cruel mother and aunt. The Honeymoon Cottage was lovely and left me wanting more.

I got the ARC of the book from the author .
This is a good start to the series, I liked that it was a straight romance without too much conflict between the couple. They talked and resolved things between them all thru the book. The mom and aunt were interesting characters. I loved the friendship and the secondary relationships.

I've become a fan of Lori Foster's books over the past couple of years, and while I tend to prefer darker, more angst-filled, suspenseful, and sexy romances, The Honeymoon Cottage simply charmed the heck out of me, and it get 5 stars from this grateful reader.

Yardley Belanger is a wedding planner in the unfortunately named small town of Cemetery, named after its founder, the great grandfather of current town doyenne, Betty Cemetery, now in her mid-80s, who has made sure that all the local businesses have "Cemetery" in their names, some of them oddly hilarious. What really cracked me up is the fact that the town of Cemetery doesn't even have a cemetery, but Yardley, and her best friend, Mimi, may have hatched a plan to change all that.

Yardley's latest clients are Sheena and Todd, who want a relaxed, country-style wedding, but instead of Todd accompanying Sheena to their first consultation, Sheena's gorgeous brother, Travis Long, is there with her, and he'll be footing the bill for the wedding. I loved the closeness and caring between Sheena and her older brother, who practically raised her after their parents' untimely death.

The attraction between Travis and Yardley is almost instantaneous, but it's business first with Yardley, since these are clients after all. But if you're waiting for the appearance of hot, graphic sex in this sweet novel, you won't find it, and although I have no problem with hot, graphic sex scenes in romance novels, I didn't miss it at all in this one, probably because I was so engrossed in Yardley and Mimi's friendship, Yardley's rather condescending and passive-aggressive mother and aunt, with whom she shares her home and business, and a whole lot of the other social and political goings-on in town, including the mystery of who keeps dressing and relocating a mannequin named Kathleen.

I thoroughly enjoyed the slow pace of this novel, the well-drawn characters, as well as the growing and changing relationships between them. In many ways I found the tone and pace of this novel reminiscent of another favorite series of mine, Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series. If you're looking for a sweet, utterly charming, quirky, and well-written, feel-good novel, this one is it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

What a fun summer beach read. Welcome to the town of Cemetery. This is a small town full of memorable characters and as the story progresses, there are hijinks happening by unknown perpetrators. Yardley is a wedding planner who tends to speak a lot when she's nervous or excited, has pretty much given up on love, and has a challenging relationship with her mother and aunt. Travis has spent much of his life taking care of his little sister and basically put his love life on hold. From their first meeting, there is an attraction between Yardley and Travis. The only question is whether they will be able to put their reservations aside and she where the relationship can go, or not? The story is full of humor, new friendships, compromise, love, and so much more.

Welcome to the small town of Cemetery, um, home of a wedding planner, and one you are not going to want to leave.
Would you go on a honeymoon at a town named Cemetery? I think not! Well, Yardley Belanger, had me laughing out loud with her play on the towns name and local businesses!
Her job leads her to a new client and a life changer for her. Her new clients brother, and this fellow knocks her socks off, but as her mother and aunt tell her, beware, look at what happened to them!
There are so many great characters in this read, including Dodger and Kathleen, and also the sister relationship between Mimi and Yardley, not by blood but by choice!
The pages flew for me, and I never wanted this book to end! When life throws a curve ball, throw it back! We judge some people, and then have to recant what we think, good thing people can’t hear our thoughts!
Surprise ending? Well, yes, but it was all I hoped for!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

This was a nice story which I did enjoy. However I did think it was a little draggy and wordy at times. I thought Kathleen was hilarious and was surprised by who actually put her around town.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

OMGosh, this was a joy to read. First of all, set in the town of Cemetery would make Yardley, the wedding planner, the planner of Cemetery weddings? According to the town's founding Matriarch (decendent really) there's nothing wrong with that at all. Humorous theme throughout, but not without some valid life points, emotional drama, and of course, the lovely heat!
Travis is paying for his sister's wedding which she wants held in ... Cemetery? When he meets up with Yardley (btw love that name) there's some chemistry there. He has his work cut out for him as Yardley has her mother and aunt to appease also, but he's determined she's totally worth it all.
Now mind you, Cemetery is a smalltown with everybody knowing everybody else's business even if they don't know their own business, but spreading any and all business anyway, or so it seems. No secrets here, oh, except who keeps bringing Kathleen along to wherever the action may be. Kathleen's not your ordinary everyday dummy now either.
Loved this quirky serious journey of romance, and do hope there's more. A fun read for me.
I received a copy through Netgalley. I am stating only my own opinions.