Susan's Review of Here, There and Everywhere by Marie Force--Bulter, Vermont series #8

Isabella Coleman wasn’t looking for love when she attended her cousin Wade’s wedding in Boston, but she hadn’t counted on the bride’s father, Cabot Lodge. He’s older, wiser and one of the most handsome, charming and funny men she’s ever met. Izzie is instantly smitten, and after a wonderful time at the wedding, she’s certain she’ll hear from Cabot again soon. But she doesn’t hear a word from him until she’s back in Boston and invites him to dinner. After yet another fantastic time together, she’s once again optimistic—and once again disappointed when she gets nothing but silence from him.

Cabot has his reasons for keeping his distance. After his former wife took off with their baby daughter, he spent twenty-five years looking for Mia, who suddenly reappeared in his life as a grown woman with a new husband. He’s never been happier than since Mia returned, but those twenty-five years of searching left him with a deep well of bitterness that a sweet woman like Izzie doesn’t need in her life.

Until Izzy is seriously injured in a car accident, and all bets are off. Bitterness aside, Cabot can think of only getting to her as soon as he possibly can—and staying with her for as long as she’ll have him. Now Izzy and Cabot are hunkered down in her cozy home in Vermont, and things are starting to get real. They’ll both have to decide if their time together is a temporary interlude or the start of something lasting.

Here, There and Everywhere took me by surprise in such a good way! The novel is filled with characters whose stories will touch your heart, drama that will keep you turning the pages and a romance that will make you believe in true, all-encompassing love.

Cabot Lodge is one of the most complex and intriguing heroes that I have met. His conflict between loving Izzy and letting go of his past anger and grief was perfectly told. I emphasized with him and then got really made at him…..even though I understood where he was coming from. Izzy and Cabot were such a great couple. Loved that Izzy was independent and knew what she wanted from their relationship and wasn't afraid to put it all out there. She understood that Cabot was wounded but, realizes that although he is a competitive businessman he is a sweet, nurturing, loving person

. Loved the secondary stories that are woven seamlessly in this novel. Vanessa opens up to Izzy and Grayson about her career. Lucas and Landon’s visit to Colton’s mountain top home during a blizzard was perfectly written- the conversations between the brothers were comical and serious at the same time-lots of love and laughter with these brothers. And there’s a secondary romance that totally amazed me—just loved this couple. Loved the closeness of the Abbott and Coleman families and the relationship that Elmer has with his daughters and grandchildren. Elmer and his sidekick Linc are my two Favorite characters—love their match matching schemes and their amazing results make me smile!

Here, There and Everywhere is the perfect late winter read. Snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy this novel!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

Book purchased at Marie Force's store.

Susan's Review of Come Together-by Marie Force Butler #7

Three years after his marriage ended in dramatic fashion, Noah Coleman has one goal—to steer clear of romantic entanglements. In fact, he steers clear of most human interaction, studiously avoiding his large, meddling extended family, working until he’s exhausted and then repeating the pattern day after day. His strategy has worked well for him for years, keeping him sealed off from anything that can cause him pain or angst. Or it was working for him... before his company was hired to rebuild the Admiral Butler Inn after a fire reduced it to rubble, and he was forced to co-exist with the exasperatingly difficult, gorgeous architect the inn’s owner, Mrs. Hendricks hires to oversee the project.

While nursing a badly broken heart, Brianna Esposito is determined to complete the Butler Inn construction under budget and on time—and to make partner in the Boston firm where she’s been working fourteen hours a day for five years. Nothing is going to stop her from achieving her goal, especially a cranky contractor with the people skills of a rabid cougar. Noah Coleman is the most exasperating human being she’s ever had the misfortune to tangle with. She’s never had screaming fights with anyone the way she does him, and the fact that he’s also the sexiest man she’s ever met makes it that much more difficult to hold her ground.

When Mrs. Hendricks intervenes and orders the two of them to resolve their differences, Brianna is stuck having dinner with the man she wants to stab one minute and kiss the next. And will he ever tell her why he’s so bitter and angry? Brianna suspects the answer to that question could also be the key to his well-protected heart.

Come back to Butler, Vermont to find out if these two adversaries will give in to the sparks that’ve been flying between them for months or if they’ll finally succeed in driving each other crazy.

Maroe Force writes an engaging, emotional and romantic story for contractor Noah Coleman and architect Brianna Esposito. I was captivated by this couple and set my alarm early to finish the book before work.

Noah has been hired to rebuild the town’s inn and he’s in daily contact with Brianna who is the project’s architect. Acrimonious best describes their working relationship. Noah believes that Brianna is micromanaging the job. Brianna admits that Noah is sexy but she’s convinced that Noah has no people skills. The owner of the inn intervenes and provides them with a coupon for dinner and suggests that they work through their difficulties. Can Brianna spend an evening with Noah without arguing with him?

I loved the spirited banter between the couple and their emotional heart to heart conversations. Noah has appeared in previous books and I wondered what set him apart from his relatives—he’s quiet and a bit of a loner. Noah is torn—he’s attracted to Brianna but, should he trust his heart again?

Marie Force is one of my favorite authors. I love the dynamic characters who own their stories, the blend of sassy and emotional conversations that pull at your heart strings and the small town community of Butler, Vermont. Loved catching up with Elmer and Linc—they make me laugh each time they appear in the series- Hunter and Megan and Grey.

Come Together is a fast paced, well-crafted novel which explores several challenging topics—I was immersed in this novel until the very last page. Looking forward to Izzy and Cabot’s book in 2022!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Book purchased the book through the author's bookstore