Good book about love, friendship, starting over, and letting go. This is the third book in the Indiana Summers series. I haven't read the first two, and this book easily reads as a stand-alone. We have a two-for-one romance and four people who have come to Cemetery to escape their pasts and start over.

Berkley grew up in a poor neighborhood in a small town in Kentucky. She left town under a scandal that was no fault of hers but has affected how she sees herself. She has a new life running the Love Shack Animal Haven, where she pours all the love in her heart into the animals she cares for. However, the fallout from that past makes her wary of getting close to anyone, so she tends to keep to herself. She's shocked when someone from her hometown also moves to Cemetery, raising fears that her past will come to light.

Lawson grew up in poverty with awful parents. He left as soon as he could and traveled the world, seeing the good and the bad of people everywhere. He settled in Cemetery and opened a t-shirt printing business. He was surprised to see Berkley, who he knew when they were younger. He feels guilty that he didn't do anything to help her back in the day.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Berkley and Lawson. They initially planned to avoid each other, but it is a small town, and they live close to each other. Their early interactions are facilitated by Berkley's pets - Hero, the overprotective rescue dog, and Cheese, the klepto-kitty. I loved the background stories of these two animals and how they came to live with Berkley. I laughed out loud whenever Cheese would steal something from Lawson's (usually laundry) and hide it at Berkley's, necessitating Lawson to retrieve it. He earned big brownie points with Berkley and me and with his kindness and understanding toward her pets.

I liked how easy it was for Berkley to connect with Lawson since she had nothing to hide from him. He already knew about her past. They quickly developed a strong friendship, and it wasn't long before sparks of attraction flared between them. I liked the slow build from friends to more, allowing each to deal with their pasts. I loved Lawson's protectiveness and support when Berkley's past threatened to wreck her new life. The ending was great.

A secondary romance developed between two other newcomers. Lark owns the local hair salon. She also came to Cemetery to escape the trauma and memories of the past. She is bubbly, outgoing, and determined to get to know everyone in town. She and Berkley bond quickly, forming a deep friendship that fills a hole neither realized they had. I loved seeing Lark zero in on Oliver, another newcomer, who seems serious and standoffish. She is determined to get him to lighten up. Oliver, a former physical therapist, came to Cemetery to escape a toxic situation with his family. He is opening a fitness center. The first meeting between the two was fun to watch as Lark smashes through his aloofness. Their relationship was also fun to follow.

Two other characters played significant parts in the book. The first is Betty Cemetery, the town matriarch and descendant of the town's founder. She is deeply immersed in everything that goes on in "her" town and doesn't hesitate to interfere if she sees the need. I loved how she took Berkley under her wing and became like a surrogate grandmother to her. Her support and belief in Berkley go a long way toward rebuilding Berkley's confidence.

The other character is the town mascot, a mannequin named Kathleen. Kathleen appears in various locations, but no one knows who is behind it. Lawson is initially creeped out by her, and it is especially funny to see some of the goings on as someone takes advantage of that. I laughed out loud at some of the antics and enjoyed seeing Lawson slowly join in the fun. I loved seeing Lawson, Berkley, Lark, and Oliver join together in a special Kathleen event.

I love this series and this was my favorite so far. I enjoyed the characters, the story and the animals!

The residents of Cemetery, IN are all interesting, caring and entertaining. Lawson and Berkley are a little damaged, a little self-preservationist and a lot sweet. They share a love of animals and their specific rescue pets. Even Berkley's cat falls quickly for Lawson cause he's just that good a guy. Berkley, with her eccentric looks, runs the new animal shelter. Lawson is her nearest neighbor. Their proximity brings them together initially but soon the whole town is working on pulling them into local shenanigans. I love that Kathleen is back and having more intrigue than ever. Betty is also back and having her own little issues. Many of the previous book characters make appearances too. I enjoyed seeing every one of them. The chemistry between Lawson and Berkley is off the charts and I loved watching them falling for each other.

Foster always gives us such fun stories, with just enough conflict to really add to the plot, great characters and sweet ending. The Love Shack is just another example of her amazing writing.

I love and recommend this book!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Love Shack is a story of moving forward and forgiving your past for a number of new citizens of a small town in Indiana. It feels good to be back in that quirky small town of Cemetery. Berkley Carr is starting over as the director of the Love Shack Animal Haven, and pours her time and energy into caring for the animals. Unexpectedly she runs into someone who knew her in her youth and knows about her scandal as well. Try as she might to avoid him, Lawson Salder ends up being her neighbor. Lawson has moved to Cemetery to open a business and plant roots himself. Seeing Berkley here may be bit of a shock but he knows what she’s been through. He sees a new version of Berkley and feels an attraction and hopes something could happen between them.

Lori Foster has masterfully created a story that intertwines two storylines for two couples, both recovering from their pasts, and want a new start in Cemetery. Her characters suffer deep hurt and family can be both a burden and a blessing. What I love about her writing is that she creates a tight-knit community and her characters interact and become part of it. Plus, the antics of Kathleen, the mannequin is such a hoot that you blend a bit of humor with the seriousness of the story. A story about an animal rescue center wouldn’t be right if the animals didn’t have a role in the story. Cheese the cat, Hero and Gladys the dogs, just are too adorable and definitely brighten up the story. Both romances begin slowly and you see them grow steadily after their pasts are revealed and they find a way to want to be together. The author has written with heart and humor and its shows throughout. The story is lighthearted and a delight.

If you are looking for a feel good book for a summer read this should give you a fix. This is apparently not the first in the series so I will be hunting the others down but there's plenty of info so you are not missing out if you start with this one. Small town of Cemetery with Betty, the town matriarch who has her finger in many pies including the lives of Berkley - someone looking to start fresh and Lawson looking for a happy place collide. Turns out they know each other from their pasts. Watching them navigate their relationship as it grows, you are rooting for them while enjoying the quirkiness of the town.....A dog named Hero, mystery mannequins, and the past coming to call. You'll also be rooting for Berkley as she learns about herself and grows in the process. And then of course there is The Love Shack - the animal rescue run by Berkley that of course Betty is involved in. Seeing Berkley find herself throughout it all is very satisfying. It's an enjoyable story that you should consider adding to your beach reads!

This is an enjoyable, small town romance with a bit of suspense. There is a main love story along with a secondary love story. The main female character has an animal shelter, and that plays a big part in the stories. I loved all of the interference by other characters and all in all, it’s a small town that you enjoy and romances that feel good.

Lori Foster always gets me with her beach reads! I adored her new novel The Love Shack.

Their town is just too small to try and avoid each other. Berkeley opens the Love Shack Animal Haven, she thought she was moving forward from her past. But a handsome neighbor, and her past keep appearing. Lawson moved to get away from the poverty that overtook his childhood. They both know they each have baggage and it’s easier to just avoid each other. Yet, a small town, and many matchmakers in it, but can they let their past go? Add this to your TBR! ☀️ @lorifoster @netgalley @theloveshack #beachreads #lorifoster #netgalley

4.5 stars

I am really enjoying the books in the Indiana Summer series and Love Shack is no different. This book revolves around Berkley Carr and Lawson Salder, they are both transplants to the small town of Cemetery Indiana, but they actually have history. They both grew up in a difficult neighborhood and had gone through some traumatic times. Imagine the surprise when Berkeley recognized Lawson, she has been trying to overcome a scandal from her past and seeing Lawson again, reminded her of it all. She decides she wants to keep some distance but unfortunately her four-legged friends does not allow this.

Lawson is also one who has gone through trauma, he has traveled the world and now has settled down in Cemetery to open a T-shirt business. When Cheese, Berkeley’s thieving cat, keeps pulling them together, they become closer and closer. The more you read their story, the more it seems like fate was what was bringing them together.

As in pretty much all the books I’ve read by this author, I have loved all the animals portrayed in the stories. In Love Shack, we have Hero, Berkeley’s dog who has this ability to tune in to everyone’s emotions and give them what they need and of course Cheese who just can not help but steal Lawson’s property. We can not forget about Kathleen, the roaming mannequin who has taken a “real” liking to poor Lawson. Hilarious scenes with her. We also get a side romance between 2 more transplants, Lark and Oliver, I kind of wished they would have gotten their own book, but their story here was great also.

Overall, another wonderful book in this great series!

I received an ARC of The Love Shack from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

A sweet, small town romance with tons of charm. I really enjoyed this heartfelt story of love, courage and perseverance that's mostly lighthearted with some supsense and depth. This is a great story with so many interesting things happening it grabs your attention til the end. Lovely realistic characters that have such heart and compassion especially for animals. . I loved Lawson and Berkely and how they learn how to cope and let love in. Very cute story. I love this Indian Summer series so much!

3.5*

The Love Shack is a sweet addition to the Indiana Summer series. It's definitely cemented my desire to live in a small town- bring on the meddling, nosy townspeople!

Berkley and Lawson both end up in Cemetery, IN by chance, each wanting to put their pasts behind them. While Berkley is leery to find someone from her childhood neighborhood now living in the same town she is, worried that her past will come to light and taint her new life, Lawson is the last person she needs to worry about. He's sweet and caring, and will surprise her in the best way.

I do wish Berkley's past had been gone into with a little more depth. Although we know the particulars of what happened, it almost seemed like we just skimmed the surface, if that makes sense. Especially with what happened towards the end- I needed more of a reason for why, considering how much time had past. I know I'm being kind of vague, I don't want to really give certain things away.

While Berkley and Lawson are finding their way to each other, so are Lark and Oliver. They both have some heaviness in their pasts, and are in Cemetery to heal as well. One of the best things about this series is the found family feel, and these four, along with Hero, Cheese, and Handsome, are the perfect example.

The Love Shack by Lori Foster

Welcome back to Cemetery, Indiana, where second chances and a run in with a mannequin are part of the town charm.

Berkley loves her new reality, running the new shelter is truly a passion. She's content with her quiet life, even if she is often alone. Yet the town of Cemetery and it's unique pull is slowly bringing her out of her shell. It might be time to finally let go of the past and prepare for a brighter future. And the town matriarch, Betty might offer a nudge or two.
Lawson has finally settled in what will be his forever home. After a horrid childhood he's built a good life for himself. He's pleasantly surprised when he finds Berkley in town. He more aware of her past than even she knows and wants nothing more than to ensure she doesn't feel alone ever again.
And this town protects its own, which they both need to fully embrace.

Bonus, you learn more about Lark and get to meet the equally dreamy Oliver.

This is the third book in the Indiana Summers series. I loved this book so much. I could hardly put this book down. The Love Shack in a new animal shelter. That alone was enough for me to love this book. Then add in Berkley and Lawson's journey. They share a past and looking for fresh start in Cemetery. They are so adorable together. Add in some adorable animals with personality you have a recipe for a great read. One love story isn't enough we get two for the price of one. I loved Lark and Oscar's journey as well. I was so invested in these characters. I was rooting for that happy ending. I loved seeing some of the previous characters pop up. This is a must read. Trust me you will not want to put this book down. You want to devour it, but take your time because you will not want it to end. Plus how can you pass up a cover with a doggie on it!

This was a rather bland story. Everyone is nice and there really isn’t much of a plot. Basically, two couples find each other and grow to love each other. The inhabitants of their quirky little town like and help each other. There’s a bit of a threat from the MFC’s past, but it’s very mild and brief. Mostly, it’s just reading about the daily events in these people’s not-all-that-interesting lives.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

The Love Shack is a funny & heartfelt, romance book. Berkely moves to Cemetery, Indiana to start fresh. She has sworn off men due to a past relationship blowing up. She runs into Lawson who lived in the same neighborhood when they were kids. The past is brought back up and put into perspective. A couple of romances start up and they both work through their pasts together.

This was a really great book. It takes a lot of courage to change and start over. Challenges are faced and conquered. Berkely learns her worth and learns to stand up for herself. I didn't want to put the book down... it was very good and great for summer. She also finds new friends and a great community that has her back. It is definitely worth the read!

I enjoyed this romance. Both main characters have separately left their hometown and their rough upbringings. They have both relocated to the same small town. Good pacing and a sweet romance as they overcome their past and head towards happiness.

review will be posted on release day on www.comfychairbooks.com and major retailers

The Love Shack is the third and, I believe, the final book in the Indiana Summers trilogy. Once again, we are back in the small town of Cemetery, Indiana. This book focuses on Berkley and Lawson. Both are relatively new to the town, but they also have a history together. Having grown up in the same town in another state, each is surprised they both ended up in Cemetery.

I loved this installment. I was sad when it ended because I have really come to love this town and its residents. Even Kathleen has grown on me. But at the heart of the book are Berkeley and Lawson. Two people who want to put the past behind them and find a place to belong. Their story was sweet and so fun. The relationship between Berkley and Betty was also really adorable. Betty has shown so much growth over the series. We also are treated to another romance in the book as well. As with the first two books in the series, I highly recommend this one.

I loved being back in Cemetery and seeing these quirky characters! This is such a fun small town to visit and I was happy to see Berkley, who had a painful past get her HEA. Berkley & Lawson both grew up in the same area and both worked hard to thrive. I love the animals that Berkley helps. There is quite a bit that happens in the book that kept me hooked until I finished reading the book. This story was extremely entertaining!

The Love Shack by Lori Foster is book 3 in her amazing charming contemporary series Indiana Summers series!
I could read Foster’s work every single day! And this series is my absolute favorite.
Foster delivers characters and situations that felt genuine. They are just lovely.
Berkley and Lawson are incredible characters who I absolutely adored.
If you are looking for a feel-good read to curl up with, this is the book!

Thank You NetGalley and William Morrow for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The Love Shack was so cute and so good. The main characters Berkeley and Lawson first met years ago, grew up in the same small town, and are both running from memories. Running into each other was not an initial happy surprise but they want a fresh start. Its just that, they weren't expecting they would have their fresh start ... together.

Cemetery Indiana is a quirky little town, with residents who are so much fun. I was excited to see where the mannequin, Kathleen, ended up this go round and I was not disappointed with her antics. The Love Shack was another amazing story with as equally amazing characters. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us next in this series. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review.

Starting with the adorable cover, The Love Shack is another hit by Lori Foster. What is there not to love about a small town romance that is based around an animal rescue?! It is a cute story that includes second chances and new friendships. I love the quirky humor in the story as well.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for my opinion.

From the name Cemetery, Indiana, you wouldn't think of a small town close knit community. Four people moved to this town trying to move on from their traumatic pasts. Berkley and Lawson grew up close together in their dirt poor neighborhood and seeing each other again just brings back bad memories. But the more time they spend together, the more they start to heal and even find a spark of attraction. Quiet and reserved Oliver escaped his family obligations to move to Cemetery and start a fitness center. When he first meets Lark, her sunny personality is startling but quickly grows on him and the rest of the town. This is a cute small town romance, the perfect lighthearted beach read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.