This is a heartwarming book about healing, forgiveness, second chances, heartbreak, acceptance & finding happiness. Marlow lost her husband suddenly while being in the midst of divorce after having an unhappy marriage. Cort is her landlord who she’s renting a cottage from and Pixie, her late husband’s affair partner who comes to her for help. It’s complicated, emotional but they all become their own family along with the other quirky characters. Marlow finds love with Cort and friendship with Pixie. You will love this beautifully written book, this author never disappoints!!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. If you are looking for a feel good book this one is for you. Marlow arrives in Bramble, Kentucky after finding out her husband cheated on her. Looking to start over until Pixie, the other woman shows up on her doorstep. This is a book about finding friendship in the strangest of situations.

The Guest Cottage
Firefly Summer Series - Book 1
By Lori Foster
Kensington Books - May 2025
Contemporary Romance

Marlow Heddings' marriage had ended before the death of her husband. His infidelity had been the final straw. Contrary to her in-laws belief, his death didn't change her determination to still leave the home and job she'd had and start over. She stayed long enough to help them through the funeral, then moved to a rental on a lake. She didn't have to work, so she wanted to choose the work she would do. Wear the clothes she wanted. Watch sunrises, and fireflies.

The community was opposed to population growth, but it was okay for her to rent. She started making friends and found a job. Even better was the relationship with the cottage owner, Cort Easton.

Cort had brought his mother here and the community had embraced her. After her death, he had stayed and worked as a contractor. He knew Marlow's situation and didn’t want to intrude, but soon the draw between them could not be denied.

The Guest Cottage is a sweet romance of healing, forgiveness and love. I found the beginning a bit slow, but then there is a surprise on Marlow's doorstep that whips up all kinds of issues. Emotions run high, and Ms Foster deftly addresses everything each character might face. I was engrossed to see how the situation would be resolved. I really enjoyed The Guest Cottage and am curious to see what is next.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

What a heartwarming story! After Marlow’s life is upended by the actions of her husband all she wants is some peace. So Marlow decides to leave her things behind and stay at a peaceful cabin in the lake in a small town called Bramble. What she isn’t expecting is her landlord to be such an amazing guy. As Marlow heals from her past and discovers herself she is accepted and cared for by this quirky small town, and its equally quirky residents. But then things take a shocking turn when someone shows up at her door shattering her peace once again. As Marlow learns to deal with her new reality she has some choices to make about how to find peace going forward. A very sweet and uplifting story that made me question if I would have as much grace as Marlow in her position. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

Whoa what a story! Marlow is devastated by her cheating husband who dies in the middle of their divorce. She decides she needs a fresh start and finds a cottage for rent in Bramble, Kentucky. She's starting a relationship with the cottage owner, Cort, and one night a visitor arrives on her doorstep. Marlow is determined to help her young visitor and realizes this is also helping her to move on with her life. This is one of those feel good stories that I'd read again and again. I wish it was a series so I could revisit Bramble and it's residents over and over.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Loved it! A cute romance with wonderful characters in a beautiful setting. Marlow moved to this little lakeside town to get away from all the drama of her in-laws and her ex husband who recently passed away. She meets her landlord, Cort, who is everything her ex husband wasn't. Kind, honest and protective. They hit it off right away but they take it slow because of her past. Also I love Pixie, she's sweet and scared at first but she gets better and stronger. Also want to point out that this is a closed door Romance so if you don't care for spice then feel free to read this. Only kissing involved. if that's not your thing then you should skip. I loved it though.

Have you ever known exactly where a story was going, but knew you were going to enjoy every little part of the journey? That is the case with The Guest Cottage. Here we meet Marlow, a woman determined to start a new life. Marlow is welcomed to the town of Bramble and finds family and finally feels like she belongs. Then along comes a surprise… I loved every minute of this sweet story!

really warm and uplifting story. the POV switches were at times a hair sudden but i never found myself confused as to who we were seeing the story from, and the plotting, the romance, and the characters were awesome. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Marlow was finally walking away from her old life and staring fresh. Renting a cottage in Brambles and who knows from there. Her in-laws just can’t accept she isn’t coming back.

For once in her life she feels Bramble is where she belongs. Meeting her landlord Cory is another surprise she wants expecting. I won’t tell more of the story as you need to read for yourself. Such a beautiful and heartwarming book. Read It!!

What an absolute joy The Guest Cottage was! Probably the only "CLEAN" Foster I've read, no sex, maybe some eluding to but no actual description. I love second chance novels and this was a great one. Marlow freshly divorced, is stunned when her new ex passes away. She takes that second chance by moving to to quaint Bramble. Small towns and love and forgiveness make up this novel! Loved it

Thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing for the chance to read this book!

So I will admit, NOT a huge romance reader, but I am a sucker for a cottage on the lake and a comeback story So i felt i Had to read this one, & I will say I am not upset at all that i read this book! This was such a heartfelt good small town beautiful scenery, nostalgic type story, I loved everything about it. Do think it was a bit corny that after it was mentioned he was a marine, that kept getting brought up just about every other page of the book, but even i was willing to overlook that because the rest of the story was so beautiful.

A other lighthearted love story by Lori Foster! Focuses on a strong woman who stands her ground and find love. Loved the small town vibe that felt like an extended family that had her back. Live this book! Recommend.

I really enjoyed reading this story. I loved the characters, especially Herman.
It's about starting over. It has all the feels: compassion, love, loyalty, empathy , anger and grief.
I love the setting, Bramble, a small town, where everyone knows everyone and are there to support you.
Lori Foster knows how to tell a story.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

This was a good read. the way the town of Bramble was described, I want to move there!
Marlow is starting over after the death of her almost ex husband. Picking the town of Bramble, where no one can move to due to the town laws, shw finds herself and heals.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next installment
thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy

Invested from page 1 in the plot and the characters. Absolutely loved the life that weaved through Guest Cottage. The ups and downs of relationships, the good, the bitter, the bad, the different outlooks on life and what steps one takes. Marlow passing on her 10-year life due to a cheating husband. Meeting her hottie landlord, ex-marine Court. Marlow is learning to unwind and invest in herself. Then Pixie shows up and throws a wrench in the works. Small town atmosphere, gossip with heart and so much more. I read this in one setting as I was transported to Brambley, Kentucky and these people became my friends. I adored The Guest Cottage and since it says Firefly Summer #1 then I am saying this will become a series. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #TheGuestCottage #FireflySummer #LoriFoster #Kensington #NetGalley

Lori Foster is a phenomenal writer. She wrote this beautiful book that is sweet, romantic and really gets you into the benefits of living in a small town. It shows you how there is no privacy in a small town but they also will stand behind the members of their community no matter what. I really loved Cort, Marlow and Andy in this story. I got this book from Netgalley and really appreciate the opportunity to read and review this story.

i sat down and read this in one. i did stop for the odd break because sadly life seems to still need to happen around books haha. but yeh, pretty much in one. because i fell in love with this book and how Lori wrote it. it was almost like i was picturing her scene setting and characters in some kind of beautiful movie in my head.
i love these kind of books. but i also love it with an ache. because i would love to go start over, in a town with a supportive and quirky community, with a place the by lake with those still water calming views. with the beautiful home, beautiful scenes and what promises to be maybe a beautiful life going forward. oh and yeh ok the gorgeous hero man might be ok. might...
but seriously this was everything you could ever want going into this book.
and its not like we can say this book or this womans life was unrealistic perfect. ermm no! did you not read all she has been through just to get to this point? and its not like there still wont be obstacles that literally come knocking on her door. but she takes it was such steadfast bravery and strength. she learns. she shits, she grows. and she also lets others in too which cant be easy given what her ex and ex family are like. sheeesh this is where we use the word no contact or super duper rigid boundaries people!
this book was one you sit and feel warmed by. just love it.

A lovely story. More than a romance. Lots of heartwarming and heartbreaking events. I am thrilled to see this is the first of a series. I look forward to returning to this town and the interesting variety of characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

Lori always amazes me, this story is no different. I am once again amazed. Of course I love the small town camaraderie , the family dynamics and drama. Because I consider Lori a friend I feel I know her a little bit. I think her character of Marlow Hedding’s is somewhat based on Lori herself.
A warm, forgiving, compassionate woman. With a generous heart and always looking for the positive.

What would you do if your husband‘s mistress shows up at your door with his baby?
What would you do if you’re in-laws were harassing you because they think their son can do no wrong?
What would you do if your sexy good looking landlord wants to be more than just a landlord ?

Well, if you want to find out the answer to these questions, you should pre-order your copy now. This amazing story will release on May 27,2025. It is definitely a five star read!

The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster was one of those reads that you just know has to end correctly. The main characters are people you would want to be friends with. I found myself cheering for them as they worked through situations. The book is listed as the first novel in a series called A Firefly Summer.

The book introduces us to Marlow at her husband’s graveside service. From the outset it is clear that the husband had the audacity to die, before Marlow’s divorce came through. However on the positive side, it left her with more funds and a clear break. Her in-laws saw this as an opportunity for Marlow to mourn her husband while continuing to work for their company and grieve with them about the unfortunate death of their beloved son.”

Marlow, determined to live a different style of life, moved to a small town in Kentucky on a beautiful lake where she rented a house. The peace and serenity was just what she wanted for her life. Her new landlord Cort was worming his way into her life when the “other woman” showed up and her in-laws would not let her go.
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Marlow was a strong character who I really enjoyed. She was thoughtful and clear in expressing herself and showed a strong moral compass (unlike some other characters). Cort was a great character for her to form a relationship. I especially liked how he let her make her decisions without prodding or prompting her on what to do.

I enjoyed reading the Guest Cottage by Lori Foster and would recommend the novel to others. PS I get dibs on the guest cottage next!

The book will be published on the 27th of May.