Marlow Heddings is starting over. She’s carried the outrage of her husband Dylan’s affair with a younger woman—and the expectations of his family’s powerful Chicago holdings company—long enough. Now, after another devastating twist of fate, she’s unapologetically moving on.

Arriving in tiny Bramble, Kentucky, Marlow revels in her freedom, swapping her executive suits for sundresses . . . and scouting places to open her dream boutique. Best of all is her new residence, an adorable cottage with gorgeous lake views—and a breathtaking landlord, former Marine Cort Easton. Soon they’re sharing dockside morning coffee and nighttime firefly gazing. Marlow’s new life feels like a dream.

Then Pixie Nolan arrives on her doorstep. With a shocking secret.

To Marlow’s astonishment, Dylan’s “other woman” is a desperate girl of nineteen, destitute, exhausted, and disowned by her family. Defying her manipulative in-laws’ demands and surprising even herself, Marlow vows to lay down roots in Bramble and help Pixie get on her feet. Then they’ll part ways. But empathy has a way of forging bonds. As Marlow grows close to the hard-working, devoted young woman, she becomes something of a big sister to Pixie.

Now, with each sunrise, Marlow awakens to the life she was truly meant to live, one filled with deepening connections, supportive friendship… and even a second chance at love.

Titles in the Firefly Summer series include:  The Guest Cottage ~ The Lake House ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  The Guest Cottage
Series:  Firefly Summer #1
Author:  Lori Foster
Published:  May 27, 2025
Publisher:  Kensington Books
My Rating:  4.5 stars

The Guest Cottage is one of those stories that the more you read, the deeper the characters draw you into their complex world. I love Lori Foster’s work; she always delivers a realistic, engaging, and intriguing romance, yet Marlow and Cort are perhaps one of my favorite couples she’s given us.

Marlow’s life has changed drastically, and all she wants right now is peace. Peace to rebuild herself, peace to discover what she wants in life, peace from the past with hope for an unseen future. She’s hoping that she’s found all of that and more in this small town with a landlord who opens up her imagination to possibilities once again, and a home to settle into, a place to belong while she sorts out her own life.

It’s working its magic on her heart and soul until her past collides with her future, and not only complications but danger enter her peaceful escape.

The cover blurb will give you all you need to know about The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster before picking up your own copy. I loved everything about this story; it’s suspenseful, emotional, and intriguing, with a sense of finally getting life right, finally finding where you belong. Highly recommend for any reader who loves a complex romance, well-written, with characters who are believable and relatable.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*  *Originally reviewed May 25, 2025, recreated for continuity*

This title is available at Amazon