I loved this book. Love this town and getting multiple points of view. Lawson moved to Cemetary, Indiana and opened up her animal shelter named “ The Love Shack Animal Haven”. Berkley also now lives in this town and he knows a bit of her past that she’s finally getting over. Loved them together. Loved feeling connected with the characters and had so much fun reading this book. I also loved that there’s two romances and that they all got their happy ever afters. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

THE LOVE SHACK (Indiana Summers 3) by Lori Foster

3.75stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 11, 2024

They’ve been trying to avoid each other.
But this town has other ideas…

When Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven, she thought she’d finally put her past behind her. But sometimes she feels the sting of the scandal from her youth, especially when she keeps crossing paths with her handsome neighbor. So, she keeps her head down and pours all her love into caring for animals.

Lawson Salder moved to Cemetery, Indiana, to escape from the grinding poverty of his childhood. He barely knew Berkley from their old neighborhood, but every time he sees her, the shame and pain come crashing back. He knows she’s got major baggage of her own. They're better off just avoiding each other.

But that’s downright impossible in a town full of matchmaking busybodies. Then there’s the hard-to-ignore attraction they feel every time they see each other. When the universe is conspiring to bring them together, will Berkley and Lawson let past hurts go and embrace the love they deserve?

••••

REVIEW: 3.75stars-THE LOVE SHACK is the third instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult INDIANA SUMMERS romance series focusing on the people of Cemetery Indiana. This is animal shelter owner Berkley Carr, and tradesman Lawson Salder’s storyline, as well as the building relationship between business owner Oliver Roth, and hair stylist Lark Penny. THE LOVE SHACK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives THE LOVE SHACK follows two building romance relationships. Berkley Carr escaped her past, and settled in Cemetery Indiana, where no body knew about what happened years before but Berkley never expected to come face to face with Lawson Salder, the man with whom Berkley would fall in love but a man who knew what happened back home. Lawson Salder’s escape to Cemetery came with demons from his past, and together he and Berkley would begin a new life, that is, until Berkley’s past returns demanding a second chance.

Meanwhile business owner Oliver Roth is considering settling in Cemetery Indiana, having walked away from the questionable actions of his immediate family. Tired of the destructive nature of his brother, Oliver set up shop in a town that protected their own, a town where he would meet his future in the guise of Lark Penny, a woman with secrets of her own.

The world building follows several paths, two new relationships, new business ownerships, a mannequin whose ability to appear is just creepy enough to scare newcomers to town, and town matriarch Betty Cemetery who is feisty as a rabid dog when someone takes aim at the people she loves.

THE LOVE SHACK is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love with small town energy; the protective nature of a close knit family, and a little bit of romance to spice up the lonely nights. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate but mostly implied -there are no $ex scenes; the characters are dynamic and energetic.



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A young woman with a sad past enjoys her new position as head of The Love Shack animal center. She has hopes of setting down roots away from her past when she runs into a man who knew her. He is mesmerized by her and a romance begins. Another tale of love is also blooming in the town of Cemetary. A loving and delightful love story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"The Love Shack" (Indiana Summers Book 3) by Lori Foster was a terrific read. I loved reading Berkley and Lawson's story. I enjoyed reading about Lark and Oliver too. This story had romance, passion, humor, close friends, small-town life, entertaining characters, animal rescue, and more. It was fun visiting Cemetery, Indiana again. This was a fantastic addition to this series. I hope there will be more from these characters and this series in the future. I highly recommend this to all fans of romance, small-town life, humor, entertaining characters, and series.

Another great story for the Cemetery, Indiana series by Lori Foster. The continued shenanigans involving Kathleen and the newcomers to town will keep you entertained. As two old friends get reacquainted, realizing the past is what binds them but the future will enhance their lives, if they let it. The characters come alive and you can't help but fall more in love with this small, quirky town.

Although part of a series, each book can be read as a standalone story: and you'll want to read them all! I received a free ARC ebook from the author, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Love Shack is a wonderful story about two totally different women and the men that claimed them.

Ms. Foster is able to weave a wonderful tale of love and mannequins. Berkley and Lawson are from the same town and reconnect in Cemetery. Lark is new in town and determined to meet everyone. Oliver still holds himself responsible for things that were out of his control. The story weaved around these 4 people is great.

At the end of the day I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped I would. It’s probably more me than the novel since I jumped in the third one of this series. I kept thinking that there is probably a back story that I was missing? I would recommend readers to read the series if you’re looking for a clean romance.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

We are back in Cemetery (love this name for a town) and Berkley and Lawson have both come back to town (under different circumstances) and are doing everything to avoid each other. Berkley is running The Love Shack Animal Shelter (love this name!) just wants to live her life. Lawson has come back to town after growing up in poverty and now wants to rise above it. They try avoiding each other but in Cemetery when everyone knows your business and makes sure to join in, even when uninvited, they are destined to find themselves together. This may be the third installment in this series but it can be read as a standalone.

The Love Shack was such a fun read with two love stories and lots of adorable pets - loved Hero, Cheese and all of the other rescue animals! It was the perfect ending to this series, and I enjoyed every minute of it - the small town of Cemetery, the friendship between Berkley and Betty, the matchmaking busybodies, Kathleen, and of course, the two love stories. Absolutely loved it!

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!