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Nestled Hollow #4
More than Friends in the Middle of Main Street
One is spontaneous; the other is stable. One's flighty; the other's down-home. He's a single parent; she's determined to be single. What happens when these best friends become more than friends?
Brooke McClellan is the owner of the shop Best Dressed, and knows how to do three things very well: design amazing dresses, travel, and stay far away from serious relationships. She definitely doesn't date anyone from Nestled Hollow, and especially not her best friend, Cole.
Whenever Cole Iverson isn't running his restaurant, Back Porch Grill, he's taking care of his nine-year-old daughter or tamping down the feelings he has for his best friend, Brooke. It's been three years since his wife died and he's ready to get remarried, but he knows it could never happen with Brooke.
When Brooke offers to help Cole plan the birthday party of his daughter's dreams, Brooke starts to realize that she has feelings for him. But are they opposites in too many ways for this to work? Are they willing to risk their friendship to pursue something more?
Brooke McClellan is the owner of the shop Best Dressed, and knows how to do three things very well: design amazing dresses, travel, and stay far away from serious relationships. She definitely doesn't date anyone from Nestled Hollow, and especially not her best friend, Cole.
Whenever Cole Iverson isn't running his restaurant, Back Porch Grill, he's taking care of his nine-year-old daughter or tamping down the feelings he has for his best friend, Brooke. It's been three years since his wife died and he's ready to get remarried, but he knows it could never happen with Brooke.
When Brooke offers to help Cole plan the birthday party of his daughter's dreams, Brooke starts to realize that she has feelings for him. But are they opposites in too many ways for this to work? Are they willing to risk their friendship to pursue something more?
248 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2019
347 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Meg Easton
42 books559 followersMeg Easton is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies with fun, memorable, swoon-worthy characters, and settings you’ll want to pack up and move to. She lives at the foot of a mountain with her name on it (or at least one letter of her name) in Utah. She loves gardening, bike riding, baking, swimming before the sun rises, and spending time with her husband and three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 21, 2020
This was a sweet romance between a pair of best friends who are also opposites- the serious, widowed father and the spontaneous fashion designer. Their three year bond was strong, and their friendship really brought out the best in each other. But, for our poor hero, there is love mixed with that friendship that he buries well because he needs a committed relationship for his daughter- and she has commitment problems thanks to her parents' divorce. They were both such sweet characters who deserved happiness- and the daughter, too- and their bond seemed to be a character all of itself. They really needed each other- especially her, since he saved her from eating ketchup on bagels. A nice, quiet read to help you relax.
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
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May 9, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/9/2019)! 🎁
February 17, 2019
This was sweet, funny, and clean romance with plenty of ups and down. Restaurant owner and widower with an almost ten year old daughter Samantha, Cole is a planner. He's been attracted to free spirited Brooke for a while, but he knows she doesn't want to get married and he's afraid to ruin their friendship. They finally get the courage to admit their feelings and Brooke gets scared when they disagree and Cole worries that Brooke's lack of stability will hurt his daughter. Both have a lot going on in their lives with planning Sam's birthday party and Brooke trying to land a major department store with her clothing line By the Brooke. They both have to learn to give and compromise. Brooke has to learn that it's ok to open herself to partnerships and trust the other person will have her back. Sam was so cute and loved Brooke, who was great with her. I love this series and I hope single mom Tory gets her own story soon.
May 19, 2019
Impulsive vs Rigid Schedule
Brooke is determined to build her dress design business. She was raised by divorced parents so focused on business, she believes there is no room for love or a family. Cole is a single father of a charming 9 yr old daughter, owner of a successful restaurant. He promised his wife on her deathbed that in 3 yrs he would find & fall in love again. Problem...they are very best friends, hiding their attraction to each other. In fact they are denying their feelings for each other. Luckily for them Cole's daughter Sam has a birthday party wish. Brooke & Cole are determined to make this wish come true. The party planning may help them confront their fears about the future.
Brooke is determined to build her dress design business. She was raised by divorced parents so focused on business, she believes there is no room for love or a family. Cole is a single father of a charming 9 yr old daughter, owner of a successful restaurant. He promised his wife on her deathbed that in 3 yrs he would find & fall in love again. Problem...they are very best friends, hiding their attraction to each other. In fact they are denying their feelings for each other. Luckily for them Cole's daughter Sam has a birthday party wish. Brooke & Cole are determined to make this wish come true. The party planning may help them confront their fears about the future.
July 2, 2023
Continuo a adorar a maneira que as personagens estão desenvolvidas nestes livros e sinto-me muito bem quando estou a seguir os seus mundos.
A amizade é o melhor tipo de amor que existe.
A amizade é o melhor tipo de amor que existe.
April 14, 2020
Sweet Romance
I love how Cole put his daughter first and how he was great friends with Brooke! I also loved that they realized they weren’t opposites in the most important things! Brooke was amazing, always putting people first, no matter how busy she was! What a great ending!
I love how Cole put his daughter first and how he was great friends with Brooke! I also loved that they realized they weren’t opposites in the most important things! Brooke was amazing, always putting people first, no matter how busy she was! What a great ending!
May 11, 2019
Enjoyable sweet romance
Cole and Brooke have been friends for several years. Brooke is a dress designer who never thought she wanted the whole marriage and kids setup but she begins seeing Cole in a different light. Cole has a ten year old daughter, Samantha, and his wife died three year prior. I was impressed this book took into account how complicated relationships can be with kids involved. I thought the book was quite realistic as well. The only issue I had was that Samantha acted too young to be ten. My youngest kids are not much other than ten and kids are more mature at that age than Sam was portrayed. I highly recommend the Nestling Hollow series.
Cole and Brooke have been friends for several years. Brooke is a dress designer who never thought she wanted the whole marriage and kids setup but she begins seeing Cole in a different light. Cole has a ten year old daughter, Samantha, and his wife died three year prior. I was impressed this book took into account how complicated relationships can be with kids involved. I thought the book was quite realistic as well. The only issue I had was that Samantha acted too young to be ten. My youngest kids are not much other than ten and kids are more mature at that age than Sam was portrayed. I highly recommend the Nestling Hollow series.
February 21, 2019
I really enjoyed revisiting Nestled Hollow and discovering more people who live there. This book has great characters. Brooke is such a strong, role model for Cole's ten year old daughter, Samantha and Cole is such a great guy raising his daughter by himself since his wife died. Opposites attract in this story and mindsets change as their relationship grows. It is almost like Samantha's very own fairy tale. I am so glad there will be a fourth book in the series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
December 9, 2022
I don't know why it's taken me so long to read the rest of the books in this series. I love reading Meg Easton's books because they're well written, and they're always a feel-good, warm-fuzzy, low conflict story. The characters are well developed, the story has depth, and I always feel refreshed when I finish one of her stories. This one is no exception. I loved it!
August 28, 2019
So sweet!
This was my first book from this author and I loved it. I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. The characters were great. This is so really sweet, clean romance.
This was my first book from this author and I loved it. I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. The characters were great. This is so really sweet, clean romance.
August 20, 2023
Would’ve loved this book and the next two, if it wasn’t for the detailed kissing scenes, and the step by step kissing sessions.
March 18, 2024
More Than Friends in the Middle of Main Street is the fourth book in the Nestled Hollow Romance series. This can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone if you haven't read the previous book.
With each visit to Nestled Hollow, I find myself enjoying this little town more and more! All of the stories have been enjoyable, but this one might be my favorite so far. First of all, I love the friendship between Brooke and Cole--- they are just a great team together. But they're also very different--- she's spontaneous and on the go with no desire to settle down, and he prefers a more settled life--- especially for his daughter. The chemistry is there between them from the start, but their different priorities keep them from considering a relationship. When they're working together to create an epic birthday party for his daughter Sam- based on her favorite book- they start seeing things a little differently. I absolutely loved how not only did Sam's favorite book play a big part in the story, but their favorite childhood books came into play as well, adding something really special for this book lover! And that surprise at the party!? I won't give anything away, but I loved it!
More Than Friends in the Middle of Main Street is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
With each visit to Nestled Hollow, I find myself enjoying this little town more and more! All of the stories have been enjoyable, but this one might be my favorite so far. First of all, I love the friendship between Brooke and Cole--- they are just a great team together. But they're also very different--- she's spontaneous and on the go with no desire to settle down, and he prefers a more settled life--- especially for his daughter. The chemistry is there between them from the start, but their different priorities keep them from considering a relationship. When they're working together to create an epic birthday party for his daughter Sam- based on her favorite book- they start seeing things a little differently. I absolutely loved how not only did Sam's favorite book play a big part in the story, but their favorite childhood books came into play as well, adding something really special for this book lover! And that surprise at the party!? I won't give anything away, but I loved it!
More Than Friends in the Middle of Main Street is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
December 27, 2020
opposites attract even when they are best friends
This is the third book in the series, but I think it can be read as a stand alone. (Though it was nice to have cameos by Whitney and Eli.) Brooke is strong, driven businesswoman who is a genius clothes designer. She lives in small town Nested Hollow, but frequently has business trips to big cities. Her best male friend is single dad Cole, who has a restaurant in town. Cole has feelings for Brooke, likes her spunk, her kindness, how good she is for his daughter. But he is afraid not to ruin their friendship and realizes how different they are from each other. He likes predictability and long term commitment, she likes spontaneity and doesn't do long term. But the feelings they both fight cannot remain hidden forever and they have to choose what is really important in their lives. I loved them - Brooke was fun, generous and threw herself in every challenge. Cole was thoughtful, kind and stable. They were perfect for each other and were not to admit their true feelings and thoughts.
Narration: 3rd person following Brooke and Cole
Religion: none
Sensuality: clean, only kissing
This is the third book in the series, but I think it can be read as a stand alone. (Though it was nice to have cameos by Whitney and Eli.) Brooke is strong, driven businesswoman who is a genius clothes designer. She lives in small town Nested Hollow, but frequently has business trips to big cities. Her best male friend is single dad Cole, who has a restaurant in town. Cole has feelings for Brooke, likes her spunk, her kindness, how good she is for his daughter. But he is afraid not to ruin their friendship and realizes how different they are from each other. He likes predictability and long term commitment, she likes spontaneity and doesn't do long term. But the feelings they both fight cannot remain hidden forever and they have to choose what is really important in their lives. I loved them - Brooke was fun, generous and threw herself in every challenge. Cole was thoughtful, kind and stable. They were perfect for each other and were not to admit their true feelings and thoughts.
Narration: 3rd person following Brooke and Cole
Religion: none
Sensuality: clean, only kissing
Read
August 26, 2021The friendship that has evolved, as we learn over the last three years between Brooke and Cole is a perfect friendship. There are so many reasons they both have to not pursue more in their relationship.
But as the story proceeds they learn they need each other to be better than they could alone. This is a valuable lesson in every relationship. It is very easy to believe you can do everything better alone, but being willing to open up, be humble and share deep moments builds something stronger together.
The moment I liked the best was when Brooke was willing to invite Cole and Sam into her “Big City Brooke” as they attend a fashion show in L.A. with her. Opening her life, her complete life allowed them to open more to each other.
I could really relate, being vulnerable and honest is a hallmark of a good relationship. I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and seeing past characters come together seems like a family and a town are being woven in each story.
This is truly a stand-alone story, but knowing more, increases the enjoyment factor. I recommend this book. I recommend them all. Meg Easton has done a great job again!
But as the story proceeds they learn they need each other to be better than they could alone. This is a valuable lesson in every relationship. It is very easy to believe you can do everything better alone, but being willing to open up, be humble and share deep moments builds something stronger together.
The moment I liked the best was when Brooke was willing to invite Cole and Sam into her “Big City Brooke” as they attend a fashion show in L.A. with her. Opening her life, her complete life allowed them to open more to each other.
I could really relate, being vulnerable and honest is a hallmark of a good relationship. I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and seeing past characters come together seems like a family and a town are being woven in each story.
This is truly a stand-alone story, but knowing more, increases the enjoyment factor. I recommend this book. I recommend them all. Meg Easton has done a great job again!
April 9, 2020
This is the first story I listen and/or read by this author and therefore this series. I was not sure what to expect and am happy to report it was worth my time.
Brooke McClellan and Cole Iverson are best friends.
Brooke who owns Best Dressed, is spontaneous and not interested in any serious and/or long term relationships.
Cole , owner of the local restaurant, is a widower with a nine year old daughter. He is the opposite of Brooke: everything is planned, and no spontaneity in his life.
Years after being single, Cole would love nothing more than to have Brooke be as more than just a friend. But he doesn’t see it in the cards.
But what happens when they started spending more time together while planning a party for his daughter? Will Brooke realize she could have everything she wants if she takes a chance on love?
This was a sweet, clean romance that will leave you with a “feel good” memory.
Brooke McClellan and Cole Iverson are best friends.
Brooke who owns Best Dressed, is spontaneous and not interested in any serious and/or long term relationships.
Cole , owner of the local restaurant, is a widower with a nine year old daughter. He is the opposite of Brooke: everything is planned, and no spontaneity in his life.
Years after being single, Cole would love nothing more than to have Brooke be as more than just a friend. But he doesn’t see it in the cards.
But what happens when they started spending more time together while planning a party for his daughter? Will Brooke realize she could have everything she wants if she takes a chance on love?
This was a sweet, clean romance that will leave you with a “feel good” memory.
April 9, 2020
More than Friends in the Middle of Main Street was really great :) honestly, I've been dying to know Brooke's story from the very first book in this series, and with whom she'd end up with. Needless to say, the story was completely satisfying, and Cole proved to be just the hero Brooke needed in her life. Of course, I also loved how they ended up bringing out the best of each other. Samantha's character was a wonderful addition (loved the "Samster" nickname), and I really enjoyed her passion for life and her inherent happiness. It also goes without saying that much of the enjoyment I got from this book was thanks to the narrator, who managed to bring every character to life and portrayed all of their emotions (hesitations, wavering, nervousness, enthusiasm, etc) flawlessly. Completely recommended!
April 16, 2020
enjoyed this book as iy was a quick read. It was lighthearted, cleab romance without frank sex or foul language. Theone thing I love is the Christian tones to Megs books. Great for families and young adults. The storyline is well developed with believable and likable characters. You have Cole who is an exact timeline person who's goal is to be a chef. Cole has a nine year old daughter. Then you have Brooke who is spontaneous and she is great at her job, designing clothes. They have been friends, only friends nothing more for 3 years. You have many twists and turns to keep this book interesting. I think the marration by Liz Krane kept the flow of the book and made you want more. I highly recommend this book by Meg Easton.
September 17, 2023
The thing I liked best about this story is that it never made me uncomfortable. The second thing I liked best were the quirky idioms that kept cracking me up without once throwing the story off.
Yes, I was thoroughly confused for a few minutes at first, and thought I was going to hate Brooke, but then the rest of the exposition trickled in and it all sorted itself out. And the snag in the story was kind of out of the blue—yet not completely.
It's a sweet story about a single dad, Cole; his almost-ten-year-old daughter, Sam; and Brooke, the independent businesswoman they both want in their lives.
Brooke's independence is never weaponized, either against her character or people in general, she's too classy for that.
Going to keep an eye out for more books by this author.
Yes, I was thoroughly confused for a few minutes at first, and thought I was going to hate Brooke, but then the rest of the exposition trickled in and it all sorted itself out. And the snag in the story was kind of out of the blue—yet not completely.
It's a sweet story about a single dad, Cole; his almost-ten-year-old daughter, Sam; and Brooke, the independent businesswoman they both want in their lives.
Brooke's independence is never weaponized, either against her character or people in general, she's too classy for that.
Going to keep an eye out for more books by this author.
May 18, 2020
I'm really enjoying the town of Nestled Hollo that Ms. Easton has created. I've read a few of her books set in this small town and they are wonderful in that they can be read as stand alones but you see characters that pop up from story to story.
This was a sweet read of how best friends make the switch to a romantic relationship. There's lots to be gained in the transition and lots to be lost. The stakes are high, the characters opposite in personality, and the ending satisfying.
There are some charming characters like Sam and Brooke's assistants. Good twists at the end that are well thought out and threaded through the story.
Step into Nestled Hollow and enjoy.
This was a sweet read of how best friends make the switch to a romantic relationship. There's lots to be gained in the transition and lots to be lost. The stakes are high, the characters opposite in personality, and the ending satisfying.
There are some charming characters like Sam and Brooke's assistants. Good twists at the end that are well thought out and threaded through the story.
Step into Nestled Hollow and enjoy.
May 28, 2020
Beautiful story of patients and resilience. Clothing designer Brooke is known for her quirkinesses and effervescent personality. She is tempered by her best friend, Cole...widower, single dad and restauranteur. It’s been 3yrs since Cole’s wife passed away from cancer and he made her a promise to move on and remarry. Suddenly Cole is having feelings for Brooke...and she’s feeling the same way. Can these two opposites find middle ground and an HEA? Love Cole’s daughter...and her childish insights into relationships! Enjoying this series.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2020
Meg Easton is a new author to me. I've really enjoyed her Nestled Hollow romances. I love the perspective of different business owners in the town.
This book was great to read about other places the character(s) went out of town which really helped to connect to the main characters and see Brooke's world. I love the details she shares in her books; it's just enough to feel like you're there, but fill in a little bit with your imagination.
I'm excited to read the next one which I won a print copy for in the Polar Bear Plunge Reading Challenge from Storytellers in Zion!
This book was great to read about other places the character(s) went out of town which really helped to connect to the main characters and see Brooke's world. I love the details she shares in her books; it's just enough to feel like you're there, but fill in a little bit with your imagination.
I'm excited to read the next one which I won a print copy for in the Polar Bear Plunge Reading Challenge from Storytellers in Zion!
March 20, 2021
I love Nestled Hollow. What's fun mix of big city meets small town, best friends to something more, and single dad finds love again story. I love the Princess party bringing together a family, the meaning or partnership, and what's really important. Of course I also love the bear in the yard. Clean romance, fun moments of humor, awesome introspection. I am really enjoying this series. I actually read the fourth book first and am able to go back now and read the other. With series, it's fun to see a sneak peek at who is next as well as a glimpse at past romances and families.
October 23, 2021
Friends to lovers?
Cole has been friends with Brooke for 3 years and in love with her almost as long. But they can’t be anymore. As great as he thinks Brooke is, he also knows she’s flighty and unreliable, he needs someone stable to be a mother to his daughter. Brooke has started looking at Cole differently lately. She’s not sure why she has started to have more than friendship feelings for him, but she knows they can’t go anywhere. You can’t do partnerships and be successful, whether it’s in business or personal.
Cole has been friends with Brooke for 3 years and in love with her almost as long. But they can’t be anymore. As great as he thinks Brooke is, he also knows she’s flighty and unreliable, he needs someone stable to be a mother to his daughter. Brooke has started looking at Cole differently lately. She’s not sure why she has started to have more than friendship feelings for him, but she knows they can’t go anywhere. You can’t do partnerships and be successful, whether it’s in business or personal.
November 13, 2021
I think Brooke and Cole have a lot in common, they have a great friendship to be built upon if they are strong enough to work for it. They also definitely both have work-aholics part in sync, shields of steel covering their hearts and their love for his daughter in common. It was interesting reading them weighing their individual perceptions on the risk of wanting more, experiencing their career drive and realizing what's the heart wants is worth working together to get. They are great characters and their story is emotional.
June 23, 2023
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Brooke McClellan owns a dress shop in Nestled Hollow, but also designs clothes for various stores in large cities. Widower Cole Iverson owns a restaurant, and is raising his young daughter who wants a special 10th birthday party. Together, Cole and Brooke help plan and execute the party and discover along the way that they have become more than friends. A heartwarming story about love, relationships, and deciding what matters most in life.
June 29, 2025
Cute
Good story, well written. This was a cute story about a single dad that owns a bar restaurant and a women that comes to town and they become friends. Megs description of the characters is very believable and makes the single dads 10 year old daughter seem like the cutest and smartest little girl. Of course friendship blossoms into love and the adults fight it be cause they don't want to ruin there friendship but one thing after another happens and they both decide to see what happens. Good story very sweet.
Good story, well written. This was a cute story about a single dad that owns a bar restaurant and a women that comes to town and they become friends. Megs description of the characters is very believable and makes the single dads 10 year old daughter seem like the cutest and smartest little girl. Of course friendship blossoms into love and the adults fight it be cause they don't want to ruin there friendship but one thing after another happens and they both decide to see what happens. Good story very sweet.
May 13, 2019
Enjoyed
This was a wonderful love story with some great ways of using book references to enhance the story. The book for Sam's birthday party and the reason Cole wanted to become a chef were nice. The characters were great and they gave off a heartwarming vibe. The marriage proposal was very unusual and a great way to do it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good love story with a happy ending.
This was a wonderful love story with some great ways of using book references to enhance the story. The book for Sam's birthday party and the reason Cole wanted to become a chef were nice. The characters were great and they gave off a heartwarming vibe. The marriage proposal was very unusual and a great way to do it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good love story with a happy ending.
January 16, 2020
Another in the Nestled Hollow series that could be a Hallmark movie. It is sweet and clean.
I liked both Brooke and Cole as well as his daughter. Definitely an opposites attract story line because these two are nothing alike but pretty much what each of them need.
The book is a quick read and would perfect for a cozy afternoon or evening reading session.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I liked both Brooke and Cole as well as his daughter. Definitely an opposites attract story line because these two are nothing alike but pretty much what each of them need.
The book is a quick read and would perfect for a cozy afternoon or evening reading session.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 4, 2020
Another sweet story by Meg Easton. Sometimes you want to read a book that is a fast read with great characters. This time we meet Cole and Brooke, and Cole’s adorable daughter Samantha. Cole and Brooke have been friends for a couple of years, but afraid to go beyond that. Read about the struggle to overcome both their fears. Meet some of the other people of Nestled Hollow, some from previous books and some in future books.
February 18, 2024
Brooke & Cole have been best friends for 3 years. They are opposites; she’s impulsive & he has a rigid schedule. Sam, Cole’s 9 year old daughter is so cute, & Brooke is great with her. Brooke always puts others first despite her full-on busy life. They deny their attraction to each other. It’s a fun, clean romance (eventually!)
I received a Boxset Audio Copy from the author, & I am writing a voluntary honest review
I received a Boxset Audio Copy from the author, & I am writing a voluntary honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews