4.5⭐️
(ARC review) Thank you to author Lori Foster and her publisher Kensington Publishing. I received an Advanced Reader Copy for the May 2025 release of THE GUEST COTTAGE in exchange for my honest review.

This book was such a surprise. Initially I selected the ARC because the cover called to me but what a wonderful contemporary second chance romance and book to enjoy as a summer read this season. Even better it’s got lakeside, small town, simple life vibes. Oh my!

These characters! Family dynamics you can relate to, a budding romance, heartwarming, uplifting and just a feel good feeling. I didn’t want the book to end.

And of course I’ll be buying a book trophy for my shelves because the cover is gorgeous! I really loved everything about this book and I’m hoping this is just the start of a series… I’d be along for the ride!

The Hallmark Trope at its finest! If you are a fan of Susan Mallery or Debbie Mccomber you will LOVE this one. Thank you to Netgalley, Lori and the publishing team at Kensington for the eARC!

What to Expect:
Outsider falls in love with small town handyman
Small town Romance
Divorced woman finds new life
Unexpected death of a spouse
Healing from cheating spouse
Starting over in a new place
Suspense from Family Drama
Clean Spice

NOTE: Some trigger warnings! Cheating Spouse, an unexpected death/accident, Unexpected pregnancy, toxic parents.


My Thoughts:
It was such a delight to read a story about a woman, in the WORST kind of situation, handle herself as expected. There were obvious situations (cheating spouse + toxic in-laws) that added so much drama and hurt to her life, but she some how found life on the other side. She didn't play victim for long. She didn't drag herself through beating her self up for her husbands indiscretion. She didn't play woe is me and no one will love me again. She just took ownership of her own life. Made decisions to start fresh and find a new way to live fully for herself.

Seeing her heal, and go on this journey was lovely. Her character continued growing through each page and chapter which is what I always hope to see. The added component of her finding love and dealing with her unexpected visitor with love, was just a bonus to the story. The characters and story are all well written. The main characters have a lot of depth, you understand each of their back stories. This isn't a rushed and fell in love romance or even strictly a straight romance book. The secondary couples, especially the folks from town, are delightful!

You will find clean romance still with anticipation & steam but more in line with Hallmark vibes!


Synopsis:
Marlow Heddings is starting over. She’s carried the outrage of her husband Dylan’s affair with a younger woman—and the expectations of his family’s powerful Chicago holdings company—long enough. Now, after another devastating twist of fate, she’s unapologetically moving on.

Arriving in tiny Bramble, Kentucky, Marlow revels in her freedom, swapping her executive suits for sundresses . . . and scouting places to open her dream boutique. Best of all is her new residence, an adorable cottage with gorgeous lake views—and a breathtaking landlord, former Marine Cort Easton. Soon they’re sharing dockside morning coffee and nighttime firefly gazing. Marlow’s new life feels like a dream.

Then Pixie Nolan arrives on her doorstep. With a shocking secret.

To Marlow’s astonishment, Dylan’s “other woman” is a desperate girl of nineteen, destitute, exhausted, and disowned by her family. Defying her manipulative in-laws’ demands, and surprising even herself, Marlow vows to lay down roots in Bramble and help Pixie get on her feet. Then they’ll part ways. But empathy has a way of forging bonds. As Marlow grows close to the hard-working, devoted young woman, she becomes something of a big sister to Pixie.

Now, with each sunrise, Marlow awakens to the life she was truly meant to live, one filled with deepening connections, supportive friendship . . . and even a second chance at love.

An absolutely charming romance with engaging characters and a town where I would love to live! Marlow Heddings is starting over after she learns that her husband had an affair. A total break from him, their home and her job at his parents’ company is what she needs. Before she can leave, she must deal with one more tragic issue, but then she is on her way to Bramble, Kentucky. Once there, she learns that the town doesn’t allow new permanent residents, but as she spends time there, she hopes that they will accept her. Taking a job as a waitress at the Dry Frog Tavern is a huge step away from her corporate career, but she has never been happier. Part of that happiness is her new landlord, Cort Easton. Cort is a former Marine and although not an original resident, he now owns property and is the town handyman, taking care of the entire town. An attraction slowly develops between them, but what if she is not allowed to stay? When life has settled down for Marlow, her husband’s former, young mistress, Pixie arrives in town. Marlow soon realizes that Pixie was as much of a victim of her ex as she was and agrees to help her. Will the town of Bramble work its magic on Pixie and Marlow, with a chance of a future for Marlow and Cort? Lovely, just lovely! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Lori Foster is one of my go-to authors. I can always find a good story with interesting characters, enough action to make it intriguing and a sweet happily ever after. The Guest Cottage was further proof of her talents. The characters were so likable, human and sympathetic. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Marlow is the nicest person you could ever meet. She's had it rough, been betrayed, is still being harassed by her in-laws yet she's still sweet and caring. An accomplished business woman, she's not above working in the local diner. She's immediately in love with this little Kentucky town and desperately wants to be accepted despite the town's rules against any new people. Cort is the strongest, most honorable man. Already having been accepted into Bramble's official population when he brought his abused mother to live there and later took care of her while she died, he's well liked and relied on my much of the town's population. Pixie's had the hardest life and recent events have added to a life of woes. She's sweet, hard-working, smart and lovable despite circumstances that would have made most people hard and uncaring.

When Pixie shows up on Marlow's doorstep deathly ill with Marlow's deceased husband's bastard child, Marlow shows her so much mercy. She takes her in, gets her medical attention, sets her up, with Cort's help, in her own small home and helps her get the rest and healing she needs. Where most would slam the door in Pixie's face, Marlow decides to not only help her in the short term but to become the girl's mentor. She can provide so much support, help Pixie learn a sense of confidence and teach her useful skills to support herself and the baby. Cort's a huge help letting Pixie use his vacant home and helping with her expenses. As a Marine myself I was glad that Foster really nailed the details of Cort's military career.

Foster's books always highlight the best in people and this book was amazing in the generosity and goodwill shown by the main characters to Pixie and Marlow. This little town definitely takes care of their own even when they won't officially recognize the newest residents as permanent community members.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I loved Cort and Marlow's story. I couldn't put it down. Lori Foster has hit it out of the park with this book. I love a story with someone who keeps positivity up front and sees the glass half full. The romance was wonderful too. Second chances are a good thing!

Foster always creates the most warm and comfortable towns that makes me want to immediately move to them!
A Marine who can also fix most anything knocked me off my feet instantly and I knew Cort was a keeper!
Marlow was waaaay too too nice. Just once I wanted her to lose her cool and go off on someone!
I didn’t care for any of the Heddings, present or past.
I loved Herman and wanted to squeeze him. I hope a future book includes more of him,
It’s a great launch for a new series!

The Guest Cottage is an uplifting women’s fiction as only Lori Foster can write. A divorced woman who’s ex husband has cheated on her but then dies, his parents don’t handle anything to do with his death well; there is a company owned by the family where Marlow worked. She leaves the company and the in laws to find some peace and happiness and find find a small town named Bramble where she rents a cottage by the lake. There is a good looking landlord, and over time they start to have feelings. Sounds like a simple romance but there are complications, one of which is Piper, the girl her ex husband was cheating on her with, and she comes with a baby. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope there will be more about Piper and even the townsfolk.

Marlow is starting over, she wants to find herself out. She finds more than that. She finds friendship, love.
Lori wrote another wonderful book. I loved storyline. I couldn't put the book down. An amazing story.

The Guest Cottage is the first book in Lori Foster’s Firefly Summer series. Marlow Headings is ready to make a clean break from her old life. It was a life with a cheating spouse, manipulative in-laws, and, ultimately, grief. If Dylan had lived they would’ve been divorced by now. Instead he wrapped his car around a tree and she found herself handling funeral arrangements and seeing to his grief stricken parents instead. But now the funeral is over and so is her life in Chicago. Once the service is over Marlow returns to her immense home to finish packing the few things she wants. The rest will be sold or donated and the house will go on the market. The next morning Marlow will take her loaded SUV and head south to Bramble, Kentucky to begin again.

Bramble is a very small lakeside community, population 501. And the residents like it that way. In fact, there is an ordinance stating that the population cannot grow. However, there are a few short term rentals and an inn that is only open on the weekends. Marine veteran Cort Easton owns his larger lakefront home and two lakeside short term rentals. Marlow has secured the larger of the two, but is told it can only be month to month even though she would like to stay forever. Now she can enjoy peaceful sunrises, lovely sunsets, discover fireflies, make a new friend, and clear her head far away from her painful past.

Just when Marlow is settled in she finds an early morning visitor at her door. Dylan’s other woman, Pixie Nolan, has found Marlow. She is no more than a child, ill, and carrying much more than baggage. Marlow is her last resort.

This is such a well told story of loss, empathy, and new beginnings. With richly crafted characters and picturesque setting, Ms. Foster has created an engaging new series. I look forward to the next book in the series. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it.

AMAZING BOOK!!! I love everything by Lori Foster and this book did not disappoint! I was hooked from start to finish. It’s a lovely story of finding yourself, moving on and starting new. After the death of Marlow’s husband and his betrayal, Marlow decides to leave her previous life and start somewhere new. Ending up in an unknown town, she meets her new landlord, and a new friendship begins. You can’t help but fall in love with the wonderful, funny citizens of Bramble. Marlow is just amazing and full of compassion for everyone, especially for Pixie. I can’t wait to read more in this new series!

Lori Foster’s latest novel, a heartwarming first book in a new series, regales readers with Marlow Heddings’ journey to a new beginning. After her husband Dylan’s funeral, Marlow realizes she’s been dwelling on his betrayal for too long. Seeking a new start, she heads to Bramble, Kentucky, where she’ll be staying for the foreseeable future.

Marlow believes this fresh start will bring her peace. Leaving her high-powered life behind, she craves a more relaxed environment in Bramble. In fact, she’s contemplating making it her permanent home and even starting her own boutique. Things are looking up for her, but more serious matters arise. Also, could her sexy new landlord be a romantic interest? Is she even considering romance?

Just as Marlow starts settling in, she receives quite the shock. A much younger woman named Pixie appears on her doorstep, carrying news that will change everything. Pixie is pregnant with Dylan’s child and has limited options. Marlow can’t bear the thought of Pixie suffering and immediately offers her comfort and security. This act of kindness deeply upsets Dylan’s parents, heightening Marlow’s protective instincts.

This heartwarming story is filled with endearing characters, particularly Marlow. While the focus is on Marlow’s journey to begin anew, her finding love and the other relationships in the book are quite delightful. Lori Foster’s writing is captivating, and this series promises to be another gem. It’s the perfect choice for your first summer read.

Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Stop scrolling reviews, just click buy!

Wow! I always expect a great story from Lori Foster. She has a way with characters and their development that just draws you in and doesn't let go. Marlow and Cort are a fantastic new addition to that legacy. Marlow has just truly been through it. Just when she thinks she's headed in the right direction from a bad husband, things go sideways. Looking for peace and a reset, she heads to Bramble, Ky for a fresh start. I was not expecting Pixie... and I love that Ms. Foster can still surprise me, even though I'm fairly certain I've read every book she's every written. Like I said, just stop scrolling reviews, and click that buy button, it's much better reading and you won't regret it!
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, it is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This book intrigued me as soon as I met Marlow and saw what she had gone through. She taught me through her strength and courage that home is not a place but the people who love you. I liked her compassion to take care of others, when she was not obligated to do so. She easily forgave and tried to move on and find her own place, her own happiness. I am so glad she found the small town of Bramble in Kentucky and how they took her in as one of their own and helped her to heal.
This book was full of interesting turns of events and people showing up in Bramble. They certainly showed Marlow's true character. I was so glad she rented the guest cottage from Cort, saw sunrises and sunsets, and many fireflies. She also was able to open her heart to love, which surprised Marlow, because that was the last thing she was looking for and it found her anyways. She also found family, friends, and a home. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

his book is very well written and the depth of characters are finely honed. I will read this one again when my own life is less hectic but it is worth the double read.

The story is centered around repairing a broken heart in a new place. The details are beautifully done and intricately woven into the place.

I highly recommend this book!

I was given the opportunity to read this book before it was released by Net Galley but all of the opinions, including the star rating, is my personal one.

I love to read Lori Foster’s books! They are always so down to earth and light hearted! As soon as I finish a book then I’m ready for the next one to come out. That happens when you have a favorite author. Thank you Lori for all the wonderful books you write for us!

Marlow has moved to Bramble to start over away from her cheating husband’s family and their expectations. After he unexpectedly dies she’s had enough. She is determined to open her dream store and forget about the past. Helping her with this is Cort Easton, her landlord. She thinks she’s well on her way when Pixie, her ex-husband’s other woman, arrives. Pixie is nothing like Marlow believes. She decides to help Pixie get back on her feet and then she’ll be done with her but as time passes the two women become close. This is a great story about starting over and forgiveness. Wonderful

With the first book in her brand new Firefly Summer series, Lori Foster proves yet again why she's an auto-buy for so many! She beautifully delivers a complex story filled with easy to like characters, lots of turmoil to keep you addicted and a strong female lead who is no longer willing to settle for less than. In this story of revelation and redemption, we embark on a smalltown filled with a goodhearted and quirky cast of characters that will keep you smiling as drama unfolds and hearts are healed. I can't wait to see more of this smalltown family and hope Pixie gets a story! The ending was a tad abrupt, but absolute perfection otherwise. Looking forward to the next book already and highly recommend this one!

** spoiler alert ** This is my first novel by Lori Foster. Based off of what I've read so far, I would not pick up another book written by her. I did see another reviewer mention that this book was a slow read and not indicative of the author's prior works, but it may boil down to me just not being in the mood to read a non-fantasy novel at this time.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I didn't realize when I requested it that it was releasing so soon (that's on me!), and I've been on a full fantasy or magical realism kick for a bit, now. I didn't think that would affect how I felt about this book, but now I'm wondering if it really might.

Every time I have gone to read this in the last week, I have had to force myself to do so. The synopsis sounds intriguing, but I'm currently 35% of the way through this book, and they haven't even gotten to the core premise I read about in the blurb.

I've been trying to pinpoint exactly what it is that I don't like about this book, and this is what I've come up with so far:

1. The writing feels stilted, like the sentences end abruptly and don't have any real flow to them. It pulls me out of the immersion of the story every time I notice, and I really don't like that.

2. Despite the author's bio stating that she writes for Harlequin currently, the story gives me "inspirational Christian fiction vibes," and I am NOT here for it. (It is not categorized as Christian fiction, so this is confusing.)

3. In this vein, the moments that should be exciting to read about, where the FMC interacts with her ex-in-laws feel BORING AS HELL. Like, my brain is imagining what she should say as a woman who was wronged, and is now getting chances to *rightfully* be assertive, stand up for herself, and tell these self-righteous losers off....and she's super chill and overly kind and thoughtful to them.

4. This ties into one of my main issues with this book overall. One of the supporting characters literally says at one point (about the MMC), "...he's our local hero." That in and of itself is not the issue. It's more that both of the main characters are CONSTANTLY touted as "being so nice!" all throughout the story. Because of this, they don't feel like REAL PEOPLE. They feel like the idea of what a "perfect man" or "perfect woman" could be, and it's straight-up boring. It's not that I haven't read other novels where characters are GREAT and we all love them. It just falls flat in this story, because it feels like it's shoved in your face every five seconds.

I hate adding books to my DNF list, but this is likely to be one of them. I will post an update if/when I ever decide to finish it.

This book would make such a great beach read - just make sure you pack a few tissues. When Marlow moved to the small town of Bramble, Kentucky, she was hoping to heal and find herself. But what she found was so much more - peace, a supportive community, love, forgiveness, and new friends. There were some surprises throughout the story but I loved how the three main characters grew and the family relationship that Marlow and Cort developed with Pixie and Andy. This is definitely a must read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Guest Cottage tells the tale of a widowed almost divorcee who is putting the pieces of her life together again. She moves to a small town that looks out for each other and falls in love with her new landlord.

The book was a very slow read for me. I love Lori Foster but I wouldn't have picked up this book had she not been one of my favorite authors.