The Goode Girls of Maple Lane is a solid 5 star read for me that centered around dogs, autumn, found family, and romance. I loved everything about this read. Cameron, a vet student barely scraping by, rescues a golden retriever, Aggie. She begins posting Aggie’s recovery and adventures on Tiktok and garners a following. She will do anything to ensure Aggie becomes healthy and happy.

Everett, Cameron’s neighbor, who happens to see the videos, and wants to help. Their relationship begins to blossom not only between Cameron and Everett, but Aggie too. All the side characters, neighbors, and everything in between were so well written and put a smile on my face throughout the entire book.

This story was such a heartwarming, loving, and cozy read that just left you happy and is a perfect autumn read.

This was a BIG-hearted, swoony, new adult romance that sees a struggling vet student falling for the swoony, influencer savy neighbor who helps her rehabilitate an obese golden retriever rescue dog. Full of heart, light humor and TONS of hallmark romance vibes, this was a fun read/listen that was great on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy from one of my fav underrated Canadian authors!

Looking for a sweet, cozy romance? Obsessed with dogs? Want to read about characters forming genuine, heartwarming connections with strangers that become lifelong friends? READ THIS. As a person involved in the animal sheltering world this book really hit home for me, even if it seemed unrealistic at times (lets be honest, a GOLDEN RETRIEVER in an animal shelter -even one riddled with health issues- isn't going to have trouble finding a home). I loved Cameron's dedication to helping Aggie, and seeing people everywhere meeting Aggie and learning her story and falling in love with her. I found Cameron's inner monologue (especially the occasions with it was accidentally voiced) hilarious. Everett is so soft for Cameron and I am obsessed with how he tries very hard to be direct about any perceived issues instead of burying them and pretending like they don't exist. The small third act breakup seemed a little out of character for him - I feel like this is something he would have talked with Cameron about based on their interactions earlier in the book but I liked how he handled the situation after she found out. Surprisingly, my favorite part of the book wasn't the dog, but rather the interactions and relationships Cameron created with her neighbors. This whole book was super heartwarming and cozy, such a good autumnal read! Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

The Goode Girls of Maple Lane is a single POV found family romance, Cameron is a stressed out vet student, going to school full time and working two part time jobs to scrape by. She doesn’t have time for friends, or a life, or a pet, but when she gets a call about a seriously neglected Golden Retriever in need of a LOT of love and help, she can’t say no. Cameron begins reaching out to those around her, including the kind and generous Everett, and builds a found family among her neighbors and community, as well as online, to shower Aggie the dog with love and support!

This was a a delightful fall read, with a ton of lovable side characters and an adorable romance between Cameron and Everett. Their relationship felt very realistic, and I loved the found family nature of the story. I’ll definitely look into more from this author.


Read dates: 08/09/2025- 08/10/2025
Goodreads review: 08/10/2025
Instagram review: 08/11/2025
Blog review: 09/16/2025

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. The story kept me engaged from start to finish and had some moments that really stood out. Overall, it offered an entertaining reading experience.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this title, but unfortunately it didn’t quite capture my interest. While the premise was promising, I found it difficult to stay engaged. That said, I’m sure it will find its audience with readers who connect more strongly with the writing style or pacing.

Set against a cozy autumn backdrop, the book gave me all the warm, comforting vibes—plus a sweet, heartfelt romance that felt natural and uplifting. I found myself rooting for Cameron and Aggie every step of the way. If you want a book that’s both tender and hopeful, this one really stayed with me.

I spent most of this book alternating between sad crying and happy crying, but I loved every page. I adored the vulnerability, how easy it is to connect with people once you are willing to show your fears and metaphorical soft underbellies. Everett and Cameron are real, flawed people who make mistakes and communicate through it. And normally I hate anything with plot roots in ‘viral social media’ but this worked, and was so heartwarmingly perfect.

I had a tough time rating this to be honest. Without giving too many spoilers, I really enjoyed the premise of the story, I loved Aggie (the dog) and her journey, and thought the chemistry between the FMC and MMC was decent. What I had a hard time with was the FMC being a second year vet student and coming off kind of clueless. I found her inner monologue and some of the dialogue to feel YA. That said- overall it's an enjoyable, cozy read that feels like a Hallmark movie in book form, and is perfect for fall.

What an adorable story!! And there’s a dog! I love this heartwarming story about love in many different forms! Sometimes you never know where you will find it.

This is such a cozy warm fall read that makes you wanna curl up and invest time into the pages of a well written story. The characters had so much depth to them, as well as such sweet moments in the slow burn romance. The dog was a highlight for me since i’m such an animal lover and I lovedddd seeing both the fmc and the dog help each-other out. Cameron helping Aggie (her rescue pup) and having her neighbor help was a fun way to introduce a romance into the story! It added a cute layer to the animal lover portion of the book.

An absolutely adorable read! I’m not a dog person, but this book made me want to be. I loved the dog rescue storyline and the meet cute surrounding the dog rescue. I thought the romance was mature and enjoyed seeing the pair support each other and fall in love. A cozy fall romance with an awesome fall setting!


**Note: I will post a review in Sept before the book releases on my Instagram page, @stephs.page.turners

Oh how I loved this book! This story felt like a little bit of everyday magic, every time I opened up the book. This was a quick and enjoyable read. Cameron has the biggest heart, and I loved reading about her kindness and empathy.

Something I really loved was the side storyline of the neighbors in the building! Seeing them going from strangers to friends was so fun to watch. And AGGIE. Oh my goodness, I was rooting for her the whole time. The romance was JUST RIGHT for me. Kind of soft and sweet. Everett was just so good, right from the jump.

Overall, this was such a cozy, gentle read. Does that make sense?? It just had the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket, with a cup of hot cocoa, with snow falling. I really enjoyed it. A great book for dog-lovers, who love a cozy read!

3.75 /4⭐️
(ARC review) — Thank you to author Jacqueline Firkins, her publisher Avon and Harper Voyager. I received an Advanced Reader Copy for the Sept 2025 release of THE GOODE GIRLS OF MAPLE LANE in exchange for my honest review.

🍁 Small town romance
🍂 Light-hearted
🍁 Relatable Characters
🍂 Animal lovers
🍁 Found Family

Super cute. This will make for a perfect cozy Fall read that leaves you with that feel good feeling. Autumn themed Romcom about second chances, kindness and found family while humor is sprinkled throughout.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. It was super cozy and the characters were very likable. This is sure to be a fall favorite! The golden retriever was my favorite part about this book (though there were a lot of great things about the book itself I liked). Plot was easy to follow and had a good pace.

I don’t tend to enjoy new adult but when I saw the following words (”heartwarming”, “romance”, “dogs”, “second chances”, “unbreable bond between a struggling vet student and her rescued golden retriever”, I was like take my money, I need to read it.
Avon a was kind enough to send me an early copy to read and I fell in love by midway point of the first chapter.
I’ve been crazy stressed this past week and just want to read fun books right now, nothing heavy and (with the exception of even reading about six figures worth of student loans) *The Goode Girls of Maple Lane* was exactly what I needed to read - life-affirmingly positive, heartwarming, and cozy all the way through. Also, laugh out loud funny in spots, and with a wonderful cast of characters.

I loved this story from the first page to the last and I can’t recommend it enough ❤️



Thank you to Avon a and NetGalley for the DRC

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and author Jacqueline Firkins for providing me with the eARC of “The Goode Girls of Maple Lane”, in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: September 16th, 2025
Reviewed on Goodreads: June 25th, 2025

4 stars!
I really liked this book!
Perfect if you’re interested in:
- Fall/autumnal romance
- Themes of found family
- Lighthearted, cozy romance

Cameron Goode is a struggling veterinary student, who works multiple jobs, has an estranged relationship with her family, and has recently adopted a golden retriever named Aggie, who has serious health issues and needs rehabilitation.
Everett is a social media marketer that lives in Cameron’s building, and was a complete stranger to her, only ever seeing one another in passing.
The two go from strangers to something much bigger, when they bond over their shared love of Aggie, and a desire to support her wellbeing.

Honestly this was so cute.
It is very hallmark movie-like. It is cozy, seasonal and makes you feel good. It would be perfect to read in fall/autumn, curled up on the couch with a warm drink.
The writing style was quite excellent. It flowed nicely, was easy to read and very quick.
The romance between Cameron and Everett was lovely. It was cute and didn’t happen too fast or too slow. Everett also seemed so nice! I liked them together, and I liked how committed they both seemed to Aggie and her health.

I also enjoyed the found family aspect of this read. It was great to see Cameron and Everett connect with all of their neighbors and develop good relationships with them. Aggie really brought everyone together and helped bring out the best in people!

The only thing I was less enthused about was Cameron’s tendency to be a bit self-centered at times. She seemed to think a lot about herself and her own life, and not always enough about the people around her. It was not a big mood-killer, just something I noticed at a few points that made her slightly less likable as a character.
Honestly though, the story itself and the other characters were likable enough for me not to care too much about it.

Overall, this was a very nice read! I would certainly recommend it to romance lovers (even more so if you are a dog-lover as well)!

The Goode Girls of Maple Lane is a heartwarming fall‑themed rom‑com about a struggling vet student and a neglected golden retriever who rescue each other. It’s full of cozy moments, found family dynamics, and a sweet slow‑burn romance with the neighbor who helps her on her journey. Ideal for fans of animal‑centric stories and feel‑good, uplifting reads.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute.
This was a perfect fall read. The characters and setting absolutely pulled me. I found myself completely believing in the supporting characters and wanting to know more about them. I loved the complicated chemistry between our main characters and the way that they finally met is *chefs kiss* !!!! It was a sweet heartwarming romance but I did feel like it was unique enough to stand out, for sure.

The only thing I wasn't quite sold on was the fact that she was going to be a vet. She felt like such a real person but somehow did not strike me as vet-to-be, Also, when she kind of caused a scene during the announcement of Everett's promotion. Like girl, come on now....was it really THAT shocking/bad?

Bring on all the fall feel with this book! Light the apple candles and light a fire, this book just takes you to fall with the sweetest love story.