The Guest Cottage is the first book in a new series by Lori Foster. The emotional connection between the main character, Marlow and Cort is evident from their first interaction. Marlow moved to Bramble to start over after a devastating divorce and found a town that became her family. I loved this book and can’t wait to see whose story is next. Thank you to Net Galley for this book.

I felt this book in my heart. I know, a bunch of people will say you are kidding me right? Nope. I have read a lot of Ms. Foster’s books. I know what to kinda expect. Action, romance, thriller. Whatever, the blog on the book says, right? Wrong! This one doesn’t even get close. I could tell you all about Marlow and Cort, or Froggy’s, or sunrise’s, or fireflies, thunderstorms, sibling squabbles just everyday things. I could write something romantic or heartbreaking, but I am not. The truth is the best feeling book I have read in a long time. I feel like smiling when I think of Marlow. My heart feels lighter, I felt whatever was happening in the story, that is how alive this story is. The only thing I can say, is read and experience the world through the eyes of Marlow.

Sometimes all a person needs is for someone to “get it”, to just understand, to grant a bit of grace. Sometimes a person might need a small helping hand or just for an individual not to squash any opportunity that might present itself. I hope this is the time in your life that you meet someone like Marlow. This is a great story about looking beyond the façade and really seeing what might be the reason behind actions. It is a story about treating people how you would like to be treated and what it looks like to “walk the walk”. You are going to fall in love with Marlow, Cort, Pixie, and all the secondary characters – even the ‘evil doers’ throw you a twist in the end. Beautiful and heart warming!

Welcome to Bramble, Kentucky, a unique town that keeps its population tightly controlled. No one is allowed to permanently move here unless approved by the “originals.”

Marlow Heddings is looking to start fresh by renting a vacation home in Bramble. She has lost herself after finding her husband was cheating and then died before their divorce could be final. Bramble seems to be the perfect place to heal.

Cort Easton moved his mother to Bramble several years prior to leaving the military and stayed after she passed. Bramble accepted his mom and they’ve also accepted him.

Bramble is the perfect place for two people who are lost in their own ways, to find themselves again and to find each other.

Such a fantastic book! Marlow is so positively optimistic even after everything she goes through. Cort is so understanding and supportive. I love all the characters in Bramble as well, such a hoot.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.*

This is a lovely, feel good story. Marlow Hedding has just left her almost-ex husband's funeral but she is not sad, she just wants to get away and start fresh, the reason being is she found out he had cheated on her and then got angry that she wouldn't overlook his bad behaviour. Marlow is strong, kind woman, who doesn't let people walk all over her. She flees to the town of Bramble where she ultimately finds the happiness she deserves with her landlord Cort Eastman. There are some big surprises, all good. This story is all about healing, second chances, and finding strength in unexpected bonds, and how your best parts of life often come after lots of heartache.

Marlow Heddings is one of the most positive, and (almost) realistically portrayed characters I’ve read in a hot minute! She isn’t so nice that she’s dripping unbelievable sugary sweetness; she’s just a really well-balanced character for me to cheer for. Marlow definitely has more than her fair share of drama, but how she chooses to tackle the problems…yeah, I found myself smiling more often than not at her solutions!

As a love interest, Cort Easton checks all the boxes, but I also appreciate how he chooses to deal with his issues too. Like Marlow, he takes his fair share of responsibility thoughtfully as well as seriously. And I like how he tackles issues head on instead of shying away from them.

Pixie Nolan-that girl is blessed with a heart of gold and one would think she needs a whole lot of love to overcome what’s happened to her. Cue Marlow, Cort, and the residents of Bramble and yes, I’m going to say it’s the Hallmark movie moment I was hoping would happen!

The Guest Cottage contains small town charm, close friends and misguided foes, and a sweet-ish romance-think closed door love scenes…that’s what your imagination is for!

Overall, the book just hit the warm, fuzzy spots and I’ve been smiling ever since!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley/Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Romance with grit and depth. Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this very emotionally engaging page-turner that kept me glued to the pages. Cort and Marlow are great characters and the small town community of Bramble is very supportive. The shocking plot twist are not just entertaining but realistic. As she deals with the hand she's dealt and moves forward toward her new life goals, her predicament really made me think and consider what's most important, pride or compassion, acceptance and forgiving; love in action. Marlow realistically confronts the challenge of being the bigger person as her dreams come true.

Lori Foster’s writing often falls into two distinct styles, both of which are enjoyable in their own way. On one hand, she delivers romantic suspense novels filled with steamy moments and thrilling action. On the other hand, she writes heartwarming small-town stories that focus more on community interactions and the slow brewing of love. The guest Cottage falls into the latter category.

This book doesn’t offer high-octane action or life-threatening danger. The closest it gets to drama is the presence of two unpleasant in-laws who stir up their fair share of trouble. Beyond that, it’s a cozy, thoughtful romance between two coming from difficult backgrounds. It is also about about a small town navigating growth and new ideas while striving to preserve its charm and close-knit feel. It’s an enjoyable read for those who appreciate a gentle, character-driven story with a strong sense of place. Thank you Jeanette Galli for giving me this arc in return for my honest opinion.

This was such a wonderful book! What I absolutely loved about Marlow was that she always stayed positive and didn't let anything keep her down. Cort was such a strong presence right from the beginning and you could see the changes having Marlow around had on him throughout the book. Pixie and Andy immediately stole my heart along with a few other memorable people. This is another book that gave me all the feels and will stick with me long after I finished it!

I just finished this book and I'm a fan of Lori Foster but not sure how I feel about this one. It went back and forth so I am hoping as the series progresses that maybe my interest will hold. I feel maybe this was just introducing the characters. I would still read this book but was a bit disappointed.

I received this book from Netgalley for a honest review.

The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster ticked all my boxes, what truly lovely feel good story. Marlow Hedding has just left her husband's funeral but she is not sad, she just wants to get away and start fresh. The reason she is not sad is she found out he had cheated on her and then got angry that she wouldn't overlook his bad behaviour. Marlow is strong, kind woman, who I greatly admire because although she is kind she doesn't let people walk all over her. She heads to the town of Bramble where she finds happiness with her landlord Court Eastman. This book isn't with some surprises, all good.
This story kept me engaged and I did not want it to end. A definite reread for me.

I was not expecting this. What a beautiful story of hope, healing, forgiveness and LOVE. I'm growing to appreciate women's fiction/general fiction more as I become old and wrinkly (I'm 30-if I had cats, this would be the start of a bad joke). This book just left me with a beautiful impression on life and surprise that I'd never read Lori's work before.

This book is all about healing, second chances, and finding strength in unexpected bonds. The writing is inviting, with a lovely mix of heartwarming moments and deeper emotional growth. It’s the kind of story that reminds you that life’s best chapters often come after the most difficult ones. The characters are well-developed, and you can’t help but root for them as they navigate the complexities of love, forgiveness, and starting anew. Overall, a perfect read for anyone looking for a fresh, uplifting story about finding your true path.

My new favorite author. I really loved this sweet story set against the backdrop of Kentucky. It felt like coming home! I sure do miss Kentucky!
I loved Marlow instantly and she never disappointed me throughout this beautiful story of Hope, Salvation and Forgiveness
I loved her backbone against her in in laws. Wished I had that for myself.
But, anyways I really enjoyed this sweet story. I finished ot at 5 am this morning because I didn't want to put it down! A great read!
5 stars from me for keeping me entertained with Marlow, Herman, Cort and Pixie.
The only thing I found weird was you had to have permission to stay in the community but that's all I will say. But, it was interesting all the same.
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this wonderful story. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.