Marlow is a smart, newly widowed woman whose husband, Dylan, was killed in a car crash. She leaves her high level position in his family's Chicago company and moved to a lakeside cottage in Bramble (pop 201), with hopes of starting over.
Her landlord, Cort Easton, a former Marine owns her rental cottage on the lake and they develop a cozy romance.
In spite of leaving the family business, her in-laws pursue her and attempt to get her to return to Chicago, but she resists - she is all in for a new life.
Midway through the book, the "other woman" - a 19 yr old -appears on her doorstep desperate, destitute, with an infant child, begging for help to get on her feet.
The book was a quick read, and very predictable. I did like the setting, and the personalities of the characters, and felt positive vibes from the townsfolk.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and the opinions expressed are my own.

This book as a great quick read for summer! The plot was light and the setting of the small lake town was very relatable. I can’t wait to see where the second book in the series takes the characters!

The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster checked all the right boxes for me. I've been a fan of Foster's books for years now so I pre-ordered this, but unfortunately time got away from me, and it took me longer than I expected to start this book. After her marriage ends due to her husband having affairs, Marlow decides to relocate and for a fresh start. She finds herself in a small town and rents a guest cottage on a lake from Cort. Shortly afterwards, she's surprised by the arrival of a 19-year-old girl named Pixie with an infant, named Andy, who needs her help. As Marlow gets to know the town, she falls in love with Cort and they work on building a future together that includes Pixie and Andy.

While this wasn't my favorite of Foster's books, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to people who enjoy slightly later in life romances with a found family, small town vibe, and a HEA ending.

THE GUEST COTTAGE is the first instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult FIREFLY SUMMER romance series. This is former US Marine Cort Easton, and thirty-five year old, widow Marlow Heddings’ story line.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Cort and Marlow THE GUEST COTTAGE follows in the wake of the death of Marlow Heddings’ husband. Months earlier, Marlow discovered her husband’s affair, and filed for divorce but fate had different plans, leaving Marlow a widow with a new direction in life, and in the ensuing time found herself moving to Bramble Kentucky where she will meet her future in the guise of former US Marine Cort Easton. Settling into a new life, Marlow will once again face another heartbreak with the arrival of her late husband’s other woman, a woman with some secrets of her own.

The world building is emotional as Marlow must come to terms with the past, the present, and eventually her future. The small town of Bramble protects their own but Marlow will discover there is only so much room in Bramble for outsiders, of which she is one. A twist to Marlow’s life is about to turn everything on its’ proverbial head, when a young woman announces she has no where else to go. We learn a little bit about Cort’s past, his time in the Marine’s and the dysfunctional family dynamics that forced Cort’s move to Bramble Kentucky.

The relationship between Cort and Marlow begins as landlord and tenant as Marlow is renting a small cottage on the lake. Cort is immediately enamored with our story line heroine, a woman who is determined to make it on her own. There are no $ex scenes.

There is a large ensemble cast of interesting and quirky secondary and supporting characters most of whom live and work in Bramble Kentucky.

THE GUEST COTTAGE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and heart break,family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is inspiring; the characters are animated and charismatic; the romance is tender and subtle.

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This book was really good, but it's a 4.25 stars for me mostly because I walked into this book thinking it'll be a horror book about a guest cottage, so that's my fault and the person reading this review should read the book while thinking it's a romance and not horror, haha. I really liked the ending (ugh, idk what to say without spoiling) and how it all came together. I really liked Pixie, Marlow and Cort and everyone in the little town and I hate the boy who shall not be named (Dylan)

This was a great story of loss, love, and reinventing yourself. Marlow needed a change and she found more than she ever thought she needed. Its A good light read.

Marlow's starting over fresh in Bramble, KY, after her cheating, no good, liar of a husband passes away. She's uprooted her entire life and can't wait to build a new one for herself. And man, am I jealous of her! Well, not 100% jealous, as I'm not quite sure I'd be as accommodating as she was, when it came to he ahole husband's parents and mistress. Although Pixie won me over.

The Guest Cottage is one of my current favorite Lori Foster reads, I really enjoyed Marlow' story. And by extension, Cort's and Pixie's as well- although I'm hoping we'll get more of Pixie!
I was invested in the romance between Marlow and Cort- they both deserved their happily ever after and I'm glad they found it in each other!

Ms. Foster is one of the best at writing small town romances, and The Guest Cottage is no exception. I love the town and all the quirky characters that reside there- its enough to make you want to move there- hopefully the town council would allow it! I can't wait to come back for another visit to Bramble!

All the feels with this story! Betrayal, heartbreak, grace, love- it’s all here.

Marlow is a character almost too good to be realistic, but she isn’t a perfect character, thank goodness. A lot of things do fall into place for her… a perfectly charming cottage in a perfectly quirky town, where she befriends the 401 locals before easing into a relationship with one of the 401. Then, her deceased ex-husband’s lover and their child appears at her door. You’ll have to read the story to see how all of the drama plays out.

Lori Foster always creates the best settings, and showcases how these wonderful settings impact all of those around it. She could deliver a masterclass just on setting development.

Marlow was in the process of divorcing her husband, for many reasons, but most of all because of his affair with another woman. When he died before the divorce was complete she had to close his affairs, and deal with his parents who were convinced that their son was perfect, and how could she possibly even consider divorcing him. After the funeral she decides to leave town and tell no-one where she was going. She loved the small community where she rented a house. And, though she had absolutely no interest in romance, the handsome man who owned the house she rented offered possibilities for new beginnings. A bit predictable, but a comfortable beach read. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc without pressure for a positive review..

Sweet romantic read from Lori Foster. Love her writing style. This one was definitely not as drama filled as a lot of her other works. Still a good read if you're looking for something low key and drama free.

Marlow has left her old world behind after her husband's passing, especially since they were in the middle of a divorce when it happened. After everything he put her through, she is ready to start over. She didn't realize how much she had changed herself to conform to his world. Unfortunately, her new start is interrupted by quite a few factors. Her in-laws won't leave her alone and keep harassing her to come home...mainly so they can save face with their peers. And then the woman that her husband cheated on her with shows up on Marlow's door with a baby unexpectedly looking for help. Turns out "the other woman" is only 19 years old and had no idea the man she was with was married. The only good thing going for Marlow is her landlord, Cort. As much as she doesn't want to deal with any man right now, Cort fascinates her...and that fascination goes both ways. So while Marlow is finding herself, standing up to her in-laws and helping a sick 19 year old, Cort is there to help her the entire time.

A really sweet story. Found the town very interesting!

4.25⭐

Heartwarming story of Marlow Heddington who came to the guest cottage in a tiny town to start over having just buried her cheating husband. Her reinvention of herself and creating a new family, a found family, will keep you engaged and warm your heart. I basically read it in one session. My only quibble is the characters were almost too perfect, but what can I say, I still loved it. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Guest Cottage introduces us to a new town, Bramble, when Marlow move to start over after the death of her almost ex husband.

The town and community are so nice!
I enjoyed getting to meet Marlow and her landlord turned friend turned more, Cort. These are both people who come with different baggage that makes them relate to each other even more.
Add in the unexpected twist of Pixie and it gave Marlow, Cort, and the town even more of a chance to shine. This is definitely a feel good story!!

I've always loved Lori Foster's book and this is one of her best ones yet. defintely 5 stars!!! Would recommend to friends and family!

Such a sweet uplifting story of new beginnings , Marlow moves to a new town to start over , there she finds her place , friends , new found family and love , unexpected visitors brings the drama , over all a great read ,

An uplifting and emotional read. Marlow is a strong woman who not only braves her manipulative in-laws but tries to find her own happiness after her cheating husband, Dylan, died. I admired her so much. Her handsome landlord in Bramble, Cort is also a good person, and I love their friendship and then relationship. How Marlow found her strength to help Pixie is commendable. Alongside the beautiful descriptions of the lake and cozy cottage has me fascinated. Lovely second chance romance with excellent characters. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and Lori is one of my favorite authors. Highly recommend her to everyone.

A truly enjoyable read. It’s so refreshing to read about a woman finding her self worth, her value and living life on her own terms. Marlow wants her life back. Her soon to be ex was dragging things out for no other reason than to emotionally torture her and because he was intent on “winning” the divorce. He died before the documents were signed so she was free and clear. Her journey is wonderfully written, has some fabulous ups and some major roadblocks and yet, she remains standing and gets stronger with each and every chapter. I am so glad this is a series and I am anxiously awaiting the next one. It's a wonderful quirky little town with some wonderfully eccentric, but very kind people.

4.5⭐️

A beautiful story of love, strength, forgiveness, friendship and moving on.

I loved the story of Marlow, who was about to divorce her husband, and then he died. She moves away for a fresh start and has to now deal with her husband’s mistress and his parents.

The plot was captivating from start to finish with the way the author brought the story telling to life.

The small town setting was so well written that if it does exist, I will want to live there. The characters were superb and relatable. They all did what was expected of them.

The author knocked it off with the quirky town, the lake and the fireflies. The love story between Marlow and Cort was sweet and magical.

This would make an awesome summer read if you like slow burn romance, small town with quirky characters.

I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.

I absolutely adored this book about new beginnings, kindness, and love. Marlow is making a new start after the end of her marriage in a town that prohibits new residents. She is renting a guest cottage from Cort, the former Marine that was the last resident accepted by the town. As she settles in she surprises the town by showing interest and kindness and taking a job at the Dry Frog Tavern. Her “summer of fireflies and sunrises and friendship” and getting to know Cort is interrupted by the last person she would imagine would seek her out. Can she get past the hurt and show kindness and support to the other woman? Will the community accept her as a resident or will she have to start over again? This book was just the sweet escape I was looking for. I was immediately invested in Marlow and Cort and felt all of the emotions with them. The setting of Bramble, KY is an interesting small town full of quirky residents and regulations and I hope there will be more books. I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy books filled with new starts, kindness, and love.

First off I stopped and just admired the cover, so pretty.
This was such a heartwarming read with a cute village and interesting and warm characters.
A young woman, Marlow needed to start over after the destruction of her marriage. A peaceful home with lake views and fireflies seemed the perfect solution. She didn't expect to develop feelings for someone. Then a surprise landed on her doorstep creating a relationship she least expected.
Marlow's ex in-laws were something she'd rather have left in her past altogether but bad luck seems to follow one.
I really enjoyed reading about this little town, the characters were family and supportive. She immersed herself into her new life with loyal friends and deserved a second chance.

I just couldn't put this book down, it's filled with such happiness.