The Honeymoon Cottage

Indiana Summers #1

by Lori Foster

“An ideal escape for romance readers seeking the comfort of a hopeful, life-affirming love story.”—Shelf Awareness

From New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster comes a heartwarming, romantic story for fans of Jill Shalvis, Lori Wilde and Sarah Morgan. In The Honeymoon Cottage, locals of a quirky small town help their favorite wedding planner find her own happily-ever-after.

She was fine arranging other people’s weddings… But life had other plans.

When it comes to creating the perfect happily-ever-after, Yardley Belanger is a bona fide miracle worker. From bridal bouquets to matching cowboy boots, the quirky wedding planner’s country-chic affairs have caused quite a stir in the small town of Cemetery. But when it comes to her own love life? She’s clueless.

Completely clueless.

Perhaps it’s for the best. The thirty-one-year-old has poured her heart and soul into her business and doesn’t have time for anything—or anyone—else. And that’s something not even the gorgeous older brother of her newest client can change…right?

All Travis Long wanted was to give his little sister, Sheena, the wedding of her dreams. Ever since the tragic death of their parents, he’s done everything he can to make her feel loved and give her everything she needs. Still…a country wedding? In a place called Cemetery? But Yardley seems to know exactly what to do and how to do it—and Travis finds himself falling for her a little more each day.

Soon Yardley and Travis find themselves being nudged together by well-meaning locals who want to see the town’s favorite wedding planner get her own happy ending.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Womens Fiction, Chick Lit

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2022

About the author

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.

•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.

•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.

•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.

•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.

•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.

•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.

•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.

•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.

•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Women's Fiction/Romance, and this is the first book in the Cemetery, Indiana series. I really love the characters in this book. The quirky small town in this book sounds like so much fun, and the old ladies in this book had me laughing so much. This book was a fun and cute read with some great characters. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin) or author (Lori Foster) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE (Cemetery, Indiana Book #1) by Lori Foster is a heartfelt and charming first book in a new small-town contemporary romance series. Besides meeting the quirky population of a town called Cemetery, the romance focuses on the town’s wedding planner who never anticipates being the bride.

Yardley Belanger is an amazing wedding planner, who has a basket full of seashell wishes, but has resigned herself to always being the planner and never the bride. When her latest bride shows up for her first meeting, she comes with her older brother, Travis, who Yardley finds gorgeous. As the wedding planning continues, Yardley and Mimi, her best friend since childhood continue to plot ways for Travis to spend time with Yardley. He is doing the same and working to make all her dreams come true.

Besides the romance, the reader is also introduced to the other residents of the town of Cemetery. All the secondary characters are fully fleshed, and you become as emotionally involved in their stories as you do with the romance between Yardley and Travis. Two of my favorite things in this story, besides the romance is the continual appearance of Kathleen, the town mannequin who shows up all over town in different clothes for different situations and occasions and the rescue of Dodger by Yardley and Travis which made my dog loving heart very happy. I also had to pull out the tissues as Yardley worked to befriend Betty, the town’s last remaining Cemetery descendent.

This is an all around wonderful read with a satisfying romance and entertaining characters that I cannot wait to visit again in Cemetery, Indiana!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Honeymoon Cottage by Lori Foster is the first book in the new contemporary romance Cemetery, Indiana series. It seems that the Cemetery, Indiana series is going to be one that changes the main characters between the books as this first book read fine as a standalone romance.

Yardley Belanger loves love and that shows every day as she works in her own business as a wedding planner in her small town. And while Yardley also loves her small town of Cemetery, Indiana she doesn’t enjoy the town law that the council voted on in which every business in the town using the town name as Cemetery Weddings leaves a lot to be desired.

Despite the name conflict with the town council though Yardley has made her business a success.Yardley takes a call from a potential client, well her brother calling on her behalf and sets up a meeting. Travis Long wants his sister to have whatever she wants on her big day and wasn’t too sure of her choice of wedding planners until meeting Yardley but after he does he can’t help but want to get to know her better.

Being from Indiana myself I immediately was intrigued with The Honeymoon Cottage by Lori Foster and after reading I’m certainly glad I picked this one up. The characters were lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and those around them. Yardley didn’t take long to convince me that her dream cottage would make a wonderful honeymoon destination and fall in love with her small town too. I enjoyed the fact this was a low burn romance and also the side story of the town’s authority. Great first installment and I’ll be looking forward to seeing what book two brings.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE is a wonderful read that will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go. Lori Foster grabs the reader by the heart strings and reminds us all that you never really knows what goes on behind closed doors. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop. I was flipping the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Yardley and the cottage! Yardley is a wedding planner in Cemetery, Indiana and she is all about delivering everyone else’s happy ever after, but not her own. I can’t believe I’ve only read Lori Foster once before! If you need a cute summer read as a pick me up then THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE is a good one to read!

THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE is a charming book with a very sweet love story between Yardley and Travis. Mimi and Yardley are great friends. They support each other and even are able to give a push to each other when needed. I like that both of them end up in a relationship at the same time. It allows them time to chat and work through issues. Yardley and Travis are great characters as are Mimi and her husband, Kevin. If you love small town romances, run to THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE.

If you are in a reading slump, THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE will pull you right out! My emotions were all over the place, but it was very easy to care about all of the characters. One of the funniest things in this story is the town playing pranks on each other with a mannequin named Kathleen, that is dressed and posed in different ways. THE HONEYMOON COTTAGE is insanely good! More like a train wreck where you know that looking at it isn’t going to be good but you can’t tear your eyes away! I love romances that aren’t just about the relationship between the main characters but also the relationships between family and friends.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Honeymoon Cottage is all about hopes and dreams, love, family and friendships.
From the main characters to all of the townsfolk of Cemetery, Indiana (with all of their quirkiness) this was an enjoyable, sweet small town romance from beginning to end.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathleen Says It Best

It's been a long time since I've read one of her books, but Lori really does know how to draw me back. I really liked this unexpected story. There are several intersecting and overlapping storylines, but they are complementing, and they bring love to Yardley in several different ways, and help others find or rekindle theirs.

The POV choices threw me off initially as they include Yardley's bestie Mimi, as well as her and her love interest Travis, and others. I liked what they had to offer for secondary storylines once I wrapped my head around it.

She made him feel everything, all at once, in a giant bombardment on his senses.
-- Travis Long

I like how Yardley slowly finds her voice. I'm not fond that it took her thirty-one years to do so, but that is how life goes sometimes. The witches of Cemetery (a.k.a. her mother and aunt) certainly don't make things easy for her for most of the book.

There's a surprising friendship that develops, which I love. Two staples of the community coming together in an unexpected way definitely added to the affection for the town called Cemetery. Oh, and let us not forget Kathleen, the mannequin. 😂

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Could she be herself...with everyone?

Yardley was raised by her mom and aunt and still lives with them in a Victorian house that she has lovingly renovated. She also has an office in the home for her wedding planning business. At thirty-one, she's starting to feel the constraints as a single woman living with family, especially since her mom and aunt never pass up a chance to deliver a cutting blow to her and can't even fend for themselves when it comes to cooking and cleaning. Her childhood bestfriend Mimi has been on her forever to stand-up for herself against the two and put herself out there more in the dating world but small town Cemetery, Indiana doesn't have a lot of prospects. When a new potential client shows up and her gorgeous older brother is with her, Yardley is suddenly wanting to forget all about her rules and dating clients.

The way romance publishing has been going lately, I was prepared for The Honeymoon Cottage to be mostly women's fiction with a little bit of romance but I was pleasantly surprised at how much and how central the romance plot was in this. There is some women's fiction to the plot with povs mostly from Yardley and how she's always felt like the black sheep in her family and how that has lead to her mom and aunt breaking down her self-esteem and taking advantage of her. We also get povs from Yardley's bestfriend Mimi who is there to prop Yardley up and push her to peruse something with Travis (the gorgeous older brother) but Mimi also has her little side plot of being a new self-conscious mother who doesn't feel sexy enough for her husband and wishing he would spend less time doing the dishes for her and more getting hot and heavy with her. There was also some povs from Travis, which I miss a lot in women's fiction, that I thought helped bolster the romance aspect of this immensely.

She made him feel everything, all at once, in a giant bombardment on his senses.
He knew right then, he wanted her in his life. Hell, given how she leveled him, he needed her in his life.

If you're a frequent reader of Foster, you'll enjoy her quality writing and general ease of writing enjoyable characters and character relationships. Since this does have some women's fiction elements, the sexiness of her usual romances is toned down; there are some sex scenes but not as many or as involved as her typical romances. Her caring alpha male heroes still make a good showing with Travis and Mimi's husband Kevin but they're more soft than, say, her UFC inspired series heroes.

Soft is probably how I would describe this story, which would fit the slow, languid summer reading seasonal vibe right now. Yardley and Travis like each other but neither wants to get too close at first because of the ramifications it could have since Yardley is the wedding planner for Travis' sister's wedding. They start off trying to keep it friends but the chemistry and attraction becomes too much and while they plan to just date, platonic goes out the window around the 80% mark. There's a lot of dealing with Yardley's mom and aunt and how horrible they are to Yardley. Yardley has to deal with her mom never telling her who her father was, how she's allowed her mom and aunt to become dependent on her, understanding for her mom and aunt's own emotional pain, and, around 60%, how she's not going to be a doormat anymore. I thought the mom and aunt horribleness got a little repetitive, some could have been cut out here to shorten up the story because it does drag a little towards the end. There were some scenes of Yardley and Travis doing things together that I would have liked added instead of those mom and aunt scenes.

This looks like it's going to be a series and Foster has laid the groundwork in this to introduce and get the reader liking the town and it's people. The town matriarch is maybe not as scary as everyone thought, the women of the town look to be setting up a weekly tea date to keep the women's fiction vibe and keep characters involved in the story, the mannequin Kathleen adds some of that small town zaniness, and I think I spotted a possible future couple between the florist and bbq restaurant owner. This was a soft story with some women's fiction vibes, a solid romance, characters and relationships that you'll care about, and those trademark caring Foster heroes that you make your heart beat just a little harder and faster.

[Macy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I am clearly in the minority, but I didn’t love this book. The narration was irksome, many of the people weren’t terribly likable and treated Yardley terribly until very late in the story. Her mother and aunt were despicable and she was so used to being treated so poorly she just thought it was how it was supposed to be. Why in the world was she being so subserivant to them and taking their horrendous way of treatment. They were disgusting humans who should have only shown her love. Also, what’s with treating adults like having consensual sex was abhorrent and needed to be hidden? It was absurd and ridiculous. Only in the very last part of the book did anyone treat her with any kindness and respect. Yes, there is a fun well deserved HEA, but for me, it wasn’t a great listen getting there. Was almost relieved it was over. I adore this author, but found this story disappointing. And, what is with female writers writing such pathetic women who only feel whole with a man? Don’t quite get it, but pretty sure I am done with this author.

[sil ♡ the book voyagers · Rating 4 out of 5]

while writing an article for work i came across this book! it sounded so good and like the type of book i usually adore so obviously i had to get it and read it. thank you harlequin for sending me a copy!!!!

the honeymoon cottage is a women's fiction/romance book where you follow wedding planner yardley. but you also get to enjoy some other povs like travis, the brother of the bride she's currently working on; mimi, yardley's best friend who just had her baby; and kevin, mimi's husband. the story is really calm and relaxing, there is not one dramatic moment tbh. yardley is working on a new wedding for travis' little sister and that's the way her and travis meet. they hit it off and from that point forward, they cannot stop spending time together.

you also get to experience the small town with them and cemetery is one of a kind. the community loves yardley and they are so very proud of her. but at home, yardley always feels alone. her mother and aunt don't really appreciate everything that she does for them and the wedding planning business. i love that mimi and travis always support yardley!!!! she deserves the world and im so happy she has a group of friends, a team, that is always there for her.

also travis and yardley save a dog who was left to die in the woods and they decide to co-parent it. dodger is more yardley's than travis' but they help each other out and dodger sometimes goes to travis' house when she is busy and yeah i think that's wonderful AND SO CUTE!! i love the romance a lot; it's so sweet and warm. travis is definitely a cinnamon roll hero. he falls madly for yardley and i love seeing his inner thoughts about how he cannot stop touching her and be there for her. they do this dumb deal that they won't have sex until after his sister's wedding bc a thing happened in the past and they don't want to ruin the wedding and u know... but i swear they're so horny for each other, they always try to tempt the other one lmao they're so cute.

overall, this is such a nice book and i had lots of fun reading about yardley and her family!!!

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've become a fan of Lori Foster's books over the past couple of years, and while I tend to prefer darker, more angst-filled, suspenseful, and sexy romances, The Honeymoon Cottage simply charmed the heck out of me, and it get 5 stars from this grateful reader.

Yardley Belanger is a wedding planner in the unfortunately named small town of Cemetery, named after its founder, the great grandfather of current town doyenne, Betty Cemetery, now in her mid-80s, who has made sure that all the local businesses have "Cemetery" in their names, some of them oddly hilarious. What really cracked me up is the fact that the town of Cemetery doesn't even have a cemetery, but Yardley, and her best friend, Mimi, may have hatched a plan to change all that.

Yardley's latest clients are Sheena and Todd, who want a relaxed, country-style wedding, but instead of Todd accompanying Sheena to their first consultation, Sheena's gorgeous brother, Travis Long, is there with her, and he'll be footing the bill for the wedding. I loved the closeness and caring between Sheena and her older brother, who practically raised her after their parents' untimely death.

The attraction between Travis and Yardley is almost instantaneous, but it's business first with Yardley, since these are clients after all. But if you're waiting for the appearance of hot, graphic sex in this sweet novel, you won't find it, and although I have no problem with hot, graphic sex scenes in romance novels, I didn't miss it at all in this one, probably because I was so engrossed in Yardley and Mimi's friendship, Yardley's rather condescending and passive-aggressive mother and aunt, with whom she shares her home and business, and a whole lot of the other social and political goings-on in town, including the mystery of who keeps dressing and relocating a mannequin named Kathleen.

I thoroughly enjoyed the slow pace of this novel, the well-drawn characters, as well as the growing and changing relationships between them. In many ways I found the tone and pace of this novel reminiscent of another favorite series of mine, Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series. If you're looking for a sweet, utterly charming, quirky, and well-written, feel-good novel, this one is it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a small-town, feel good romance. The Honeymoon Cottage, the first novel in the Cemetery, Indiana series, is the perfect choice. It’s here we meet thirty-one-year-old Yardley Belanger, a wedding planner who works out of the Victorian home she shares with her aunt and Mother. She’s worked hard to restore the Victorian and build a business in Cemetery.

Her newest client, Sheena, arrives with her older brother Travis Long. For the first time in a long time, something stirs in Yardley. Travis and Sheena lost their parents in a tragic accident since he stepped in to raise her. Sheena was sweet and Travis will curl your toes.

Yardley and Travis hit it off from their passion for restoration to an abandoned puppy. This was a slow-burn, low drama romance, as Travis didn’t want to move forward until after the wedding of his sister’s dreams.

We get perspectives from Yardley, Travis, Yardley’s best friend Mimi and her husband Kevin. The town of Cemetary is a hoot, and we witness their affection for Yardley and she interacts with the unmoving leader of the business district. I loved the town mannequin and the shenanigans. Yardley has built her business by uplifting other local business from venues to restaurants. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to spend a long weekend exploring.

Family, character growth, trust, friendship and more are explored in this sweet romantic tale. We get side stories about Yardley’s father, family, and Mimi’s struggles as the new mother of Sammy. From the perfect pacing to the characters you’ll want to call friends, the story pulls you in and holds you until the end.

The Honeymoon Cottage is the perfect summer read, whether on the beach or curling up on the back deck with an iced tea. Perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Honeymoon Cottage by Lori Foster is a delightful first story in the Cemetery, Indiana series and I’m looking forward to reading more. Yardley Belanger is a wedding planner in this small, quirky town and is just one of the sweetest, selfless individual you’ll ever meet and has resigned herself to being single. When a new client wants to plan and pay for his sister’s wedding, she gets a feeling her life is about to change completely. Travis Long helped raise his sister Sheena after the death of their parents and wants nothing but the best and hopes Yardley can help with the wedding plans. Sheena and Yardley hit it off and eventually Travis sees how genuine Yardley is in her business and how well respected she is with the other business vendors in town. What he doesn’t understand is how she doesn’t know all this and how this beautiful woman is still single.

I love a story that is just completely fun without conflict or high drama but has great characters, silly antics, a rescue dog, new friendships and a heartwarming romance. Yardley and her best friend Mimi are such a hoot together and you can feel their love and loyalty for one another. They have each other’s back and are highly protective of the other. Then there is the growing attraction between Yardley and Travis that they want to explore slowly but don’t want to take away from his sister’s upcoming nuptials. I loved how the author took the time to explore all these relationships between Yardley and Mimi, Travis her mother and aunt and even the town matriarch Betty. Foster gives insight into each of these characters and how they interact with Yardley to make Yardley who she is. I liked the added quirk of Kathleen the mannequin who shows up around the town and no one how she gets from place to place. What’s not to love about this story? I am in love with this town and these characters and look forward to reading more about Cemetery.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorites by Lori. We meet wedding planner Yardley who is so sure love isn't for her & she would remain single for the rest of her life. She likes her life in Cemetery where the citizens like to play pranks and living in a town with a funny name. When Travis comes to town for his sister's wedding he finds he really likes Yardley. Travis has helped raise his sister and was so excited for her wedding which was so sweet.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so ready for this sweet romance I loved Travis and Yardley so much. I rooted for them until the very end. This was such a fast fun read. I HIGHLY recommend it.

[bjneary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lori Foster books and this book was a great read- the town of Cemetery, Yardley's friends and family and her wedding planner business sucked me right in. I loved the progression of the story, Yardley is a heartfelt character who really does not know how much she is loved by everyone. Enter Travis and his sister as clients for her services. Immediately both Travis and Yardley are attracted to each other, but each have a rule that they do not date clients, and add the town drama, best friend Mimi's insecurities after having a baby, and a rescued dog; I loved turning every page. I am glad this is going to be a series because I fell in love with Cemetery, the food and house architecture, and the goodness/down to earth chraracters---I want to know more, more, more!!! Highly recommended!

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Yardley! She was cute, sweet, and adorably quirky. Travis was a sweetheart. Heck, the residents of Cemetery were an absolute hoot! Dodger was fur baby fun and then there’s Kathleen… this story was a pleasurable, laid back read.

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

[Katy O.]

Another book I’m not going to rate because I think I’m just not the intended audience and a low rating would be unnecessary. Small and highly unrealistic town, annoying family members, no snark or edginess ~ I’ve just grown past these books but also still read them as comfort blankets. I roll my eyes, get annoyed but STILL. READ. So there’s that.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After my great success with Foster’s The Summer of No Attachments, I was excited when I saw this book at the library. I never seem to tire of small towns, and my introduction to Cemetery was a wonderful one. There were all those things that make a small town great such as everybody knowing each other, a shared history, and a sense of community. There were also a few treats thrown in there, such as town meetings and a mannequin, Kathleen, who pops up in the most amusing places.

The story focused on Yardley, a wedding planner with a heart of gold. She really gave her all to everyone who knew her, and it was wonderful the way she promoted the town and the local businesses via the weddings she planned. I found her relationship with her aunt and mother quite distressing, but not to fear, this was a feel-good book. Foster equipped Yardley with many supporters and a stupendous romantic interest to prop her up when things were tough. And because this was a feel-good story, there was some redemption.

I had a great time meeting all the residents of Cemetery and loved the little found family Yardley assembled. Because I am a bit of a cynic, I simultaneously rolled my eyes and touched my heart with how mushy this got at times, but Sappy Sam does adore that sort of thing. A fun and sweet story, that produced lots of smiles on my face. I am looking forward to returning to Cemetery (and hoping to see more of Kathleen).

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[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Honeymoon Cottage" (Cemetery, Indiana Book 1) by Lori Foster was a fantastic read. I absolutely loved Yardley and Travis' story. This was a wonderful start to this series. I loved getting to know all of these entertaining characters. This story was full of romance, humor, family, close friends, small-town life, interesting and entertaining characters, and more. I can't wait to see what happens in this series. Highly recommend it to all fans of romance, humor, small-towns, and series.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yardley Belanger is a bona fide miracle worker. She is a wedding planner extraordinaire, with a few problems, one being her company name, Cemetery Weddings. The Honeymoon Cottage is set in Cemetery, Indiana and all the businesses must have Cemetery in their name. She is trying to get the town council, presided over by Betty Cemetery, to change that bylaw. She also lives and works with her mother and aunt who take advantage of her and spend more money than they bring in. Finally there is her resignation that she will forever be the wedding planner, but never the bride. When her newest bride, Sheena Long shows up to hire, Yardley, it is her handsome, single brother who accompanies her and the sparks start to fly almost immediately. Can Yardley break free of her family and self-imposed single life to find love?

I really enjoyed The Honeymoon Cottage. This was women's fiction combined with romance. Lori Foster has penned a book set in a quirky town with wonderful characters. I laughed so often, yet also loved the swoon-worthy love interest and developing romance. Yardley, Travis, Betty and Mimi were all interesting and relatable characters. I have to say I loved Betty Cemetery. She was the matriarch of the town and was not well liked. She was bossy and refused to listen to anyone, but when Yardley takes the time to get to know her she realizes she is a fascinating woman who is just lonely. Aurora and Lilith, Yardley's mother and aunt were also very unlikable at the beginning, but as the story progresses and their secrets are unveiled, they become more likable. Sheena and her fiance also have their own story arc. Mimi, Yardley's best friend is a constant cheerleader, but has her own storyline. I enjoyed the development of Yardley's and Travis' relationship. Everyone was rooting for them, but Yardley was oblivious to Travis' feelings. Throw in Kathleen, the town mannequin who shows up all over town in different clothes for different situations and occasions and the rescue of Dodger by Yardley and Travis and this story has it all. I did a read/listen with this book and I loved both formats. Marni Penning does a wonderful job with this story. The voices she gave the characters all worked well, with added expression and emotion. I recommend either format. I loved this story and highly recommend it to those who enjoy romance, women's fiction, small town stories, and quirky but relatable characters.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice story which I did enjoy. However I did think it was a little draggy and wordy at times. I thought Kathleen was hilarious and was surprised by who actually put her around town.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Lisa Seely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The way Lori Foster writes, I always feel as if I'm inside the book with all the characters. Between Yardley, with her word hilarious word vomit and ramblings then add in Mimi (her best friend/sister relationship), I couldn't stop grinning. When Kathleen the mannequin was introduced into the book, I lost it, completely laughed out loud at the antics the small town went to with the mannequin. The slow build up with Travis and Yardley's relationship mixed in with with everyone else made this just an absolutely wonderful read.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time fan of Lori Foster, I have many favorites and this one is definitely at the top of my list. Yardley is a wedding planner who lives with her mom and aunt. She has accepted that she is going to remain single, until she meets Travis.

Travis is a contractor who is helping pay for his sister, Sheena's, wedding, whom he raised. She is such a sweetheart and is grateful for everything her brother does. Travis is attracted to Yardley and takes extra meetings with her to get to know her better.

I laughed, cried, and laughed some more. One of the most hilarious things in the book is the town playing pranks on each other with a mannequin that is dressed and posed different ways. With a name of a town like Cemetery, you can't blame Yardley for wanting to keep the town's name out of things. Once you meet Betty, she is a great character. I could not put this book down, and i disappeared into this world, when I looked up many hours had passed by and I was not aware. Loved this book!

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I now know why I keep coming back to this author again and again. It's been quite a week and I needed something to make me feel warm and happy. The Honeymoon Cottage was exactly what I needed to lift my sprits. I can always count on a Lori Foster book for that. This is such an adorable, sweet yet slow burn romance. I absolutely loved going on this journey with Yardley and Travis. I loved watching Yardley finally realize that she is worth everything. I was reserving judgment about her mom and aunt, but they showed some nice growth toward the end. Along with Yardley and Travis, we are treated to watching two other sweet relationships. The friendships (new and old) in this book are so endearing. The town of Cemetery is quirky and filled with wonderful characters and traditions. I could go on. Just go read it. You won't be sorry!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wedding planner with a business in a town named Cemetery. Not only is the town named Cemetery all the local businesses have Cemetery as part of their name too. And they don't like it. Enter wedding planner Yardley Belanger and there's hope for a change. Maybe big changes for Yardley too when she meets Travis Long, the good-looking brother of the latest wedding couple looking to hire her for their wedding. I love this storyline. It's entertaining and full of very likable characters. This is such a charming story. Wedding planner love stories are always appealing to me.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy books by this author, but there was something about this one. Once I started to listen to it, I didn't want to stop. Not a good thing when you are listening at work and your phone rings.

I was just as enchanted by Yardley as everyone else. I loved that those around her saw her as more than she saw herself, especially her BFF, Mimi. Mimi was a hoot, but the two of them together was great! Each had the other's best interests at heart and gave great advice, along with being there to celebrate when good things happened.

I loved how Yardley saw the town and how excited she was (for the most part) to show it off. Her one complaint of the town name made sense to me, so I loved that she was able to bring change there, along with making a friend out of a maybe enemy. I think these two were just what was needed in each others lives.

Yardley's business was fun and allowed her to show off the town. While her brand of weddings might not have been for everyone, it was just what Sheena wanted, she just had to convince her brother, who was more like her dad. Travis was interesting from the start. I loved the spark that he and Yardley had. I also loved that he was a good guy who could go with the flow, as Mimi got him good. I loved that Travis really listened to Yardley, saw who she was and how great she was. By taking things slowly they could realize how big their feelings were, how real.

I loved how this one ended, loved how everyone started spilling secrets to Yardley and how just by being herself she won over everyone, but especially the most important one, Travis.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yardley is a wedding planner who loves helping others plan the perfect wedding, but doesn’t see one for herself in the cards. She has a best friend and works hard to support the town of. Cemetery, but always feels a bit alone. Things change when her new client, Sheena, and her brother Travis show up. Yardley is instantly attracted to Travis but is sure he wouldn’t be attracted to her- except he is! This is a classic small town romance of people coming together, learning new things about those we thought we new, and discovering new aspects of ourselves.

Yardley is appealing exactly because she doesn’t know how appealing she is. She sees herself as awkward, always saying the wrong thing and never fitting in because that’s how her mother and aunt treat her, but friend Mimi and now Travis are supportive and willing to stand up for her just as she is. As is the rest of the town, Yardley just doesn’t realize it at first. Travis is willing to take things slowly to make sure he doesn’t mess up with Yardley or potentially make Sheena’s wedding awkward, and the thoughtfulness and caring he has for everyone make him the total package.

Overall a sweet, fun, gentle romance affirming the best in people and small towns

I received an Arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I liked seeing the relationships
Yardly has with the other characters grow throughout the story, especially with Betty.
While this book is a good love story, it is funny, and Kathleen was a great addition!!

[Stephanie Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the fluffiest rom com that I have read in a long while. I really loved this and loved that there was no conflict, just a really good story with the two main characters meeting and falling in love with hardly no obstacles in their path. Sometimes I just really want to read something completely uncomplicated and which has really great characters and just sucks me into the story and makes me feel really great while reading it and this was it. Yardley Belanger is a wedding planner in Cemetery Indiana where she has given up on love and is happy making other peoples happily ever afters happen while longing for her own. Of course the next client she receives comes with a hot older brother who is footing the bill for his little sister’s wedding and sparks fly. This was a fast read and I just really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This book is so good! I could hardly put it down. I loved the small town and the name is too hilarious. Yardley, I just loved her to pieces. She has such a caring kind heart. She is a prime example of someone with a golden heart. She so deserves all the happiness. Trust me when you get your first look at her mom and aunt you'll understand. Travis is really yummy and such a good brother. He has some swoon worthy moments. Really a lot of great characters in this book. They each steal a piece of my heart. I loved Yardley's best friend Mimi. She is a hoot and such a supportive friend to Yardley. Her husband is swoon worthy himself. I would highly recommend this one! Trust me you won't be disappointed. It has awesome characters, great sense of humor, and plenty heart.