The House on Maplewood Lane

by Sage Parker

Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is by moving in with a stranger… even if she’s family

When thirty-five-year-old Sophia Harper loses her job and her apartment in the same week, she’s left with no choice but to move in with her eccentric aunt Betty on Maplewood Lane. Expecting a quiet and boring life, Sophia is instead greeted by a whirlwind of zany neighborhood antics, impromptu dance parties, and a house filled with more knick-knacks than she thought possible.

As Sophia navigates her new life with Aunt Betty—who insists on morning yoga and afternoon tea with the neighbors—she starts to uncover pieces of herself she didn’t know were missing. Between the quirky townspeople, a potential new career as a cupcake baker, and the unexpected attention of a charming local handyman, Sophia’s life takes a turn she never saw coming.

But when a long-buried family secret emerges, Sophia must decide whether to retreat back to her old life or embrace the chaos of Maplewood Lane. Can she learn to trust herself, and her heart, enough to stay?

This is a light-hearted and funny tale about finding yourself where you least expect it, and the importance of family, no matter how unconventional they may be. This is Book 3 of 6. Scroll up and grab your copy today!

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is by moving in with a stranger… even if she’s family

When thirty-five-year-old Sophia Harper loses her job and her apartment in the same week, she’s left with no choice but to move in with her eccentric aunt Betty on Maplewood Lane. Expecting a quiet and boring life, Sophia is instead greeted by a whirlwind of zany neighborhood antics, impromptu dance parties, and a house filled with more knick-knacks than she thought possible.

As Sophia navigates her new life with Aunt Betty—who insists on morning yoga and afternoon tea with the neighbors—she starts to uncover pieces of herself she didn’t know were missing. Between the quirky townspeople, a potential new career as a cupcake baker, and the unexpected attention of a charming local handyman, Sophia’s life takes a turn she never saw coming.

But when a long-buried family secret emerges, Sophia must decide whether to retreat back to her old life or embrace the chaos of Maplewood Lane. Can she learn to trust herself, and her heart, enough to stay?


This contemporary women's fiction, Christian inspirational clean and wholesome second chance romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is breathtaking with magnificent sunrises and sunset vibrantly painted across the skies, and characters that are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the house on Maplewood Lane, a light-hearted and funny tale about finding oneself where you lease expect it, the importance of family, no matter how unconventional they may be, starting over romance, early summer, beach town mystery that is suspenseful and will leave readers on the edge of their seats, later-in-life, drama, deception, family secrets, heartfelt emotions, secrets, deception, action, adventure, love/loss, friendship, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the house on Maplewood Lane and a second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wild and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Sophia was going to head home as Aunt Betty thought it was the right thing to do and then Sophia talked to Phil who convinced her to stay and find out everything she could.
Phil seems really interested in her and she loves working in the bakery as it is something she really loves to do.
But, now it appears that Phil may have some secrets of his own and she needs to find out what those are. Does everyone in town have secrets that they are keeping from her.
While watching television one night Aunt Betty come running into the room turning off the TV and telling her not to watch the news. OK enough is enough and she tells Betty that this is not an acceptable way to handle things. She demands to know what the problem is and what secret is being kept from her. OMG is that really her father and can anything else be so far off base for her.
So it's on to book 4 and more mysteries to unravel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie decides to leave town after receiving the threatening note in her aunt's mailbox. She takes a few more days and works at the bakeshop in town to keep busy. She and Phil go on a picnic in the next town over where he used to live as a child and he gets a few phone calls about his son, as he is sick. They leave the picnic and head to the hospital and Sophie walks home to find her aunt full of questions as usual and Sophie has it out with her to finally get the truth from her of all the secrets that she is trying to keep from Sophie. She ends up staying in town as there haven't been any more incidents..... I loved this book and can't wait for the next one...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good instalment where we saw Aunt Betty doing a complete 360 on Sophia's friendship with Phil especially when she learns Sophia is considering leaving town and heading home. When will Betty finally come clean and tell Sophia all her secrets that are floating in the air and the only person who does not know what they are is Sophia and why has Sophia received a threating note? The friendship between Sophia and Phil is growing but has he told Sophia all of his truths or is he still hiding something? So many questions still to be answered but we know before the truth comes out we will be asking many more questions. Cannot wait to have the next book in my hands.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia is enjoying most of her time visiting her Aunt Betty in St. Simons, except for the surprises that practically knock her out, like the threatening note she received in the mailbox yesterday. “ Leave the truth buried Sophia. Or else “. What truth and what does or else mean? Phil finds her lying on the ground totally disoriented and takes her home with him to protect her from whoever wrote the note. This just creates more of a bond between them to the strange despair of her Aunt Betty, whose emotional status is quite strange with major ups and downs that are very confusing to Sophia. It’s time to get this all sorted out between them!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery deepens

Sophia has just received a threatening note and she's not sure what to do. She thinks about going back to Raleigh and stay with her friend and start making plans. Then she finds her friend is going away for several days. Also Gail at the Cafe doesn't want her to go. Will she go back or stay.? Sophia only knows that she would really like to stay at St. Simon's but will Betty let her stay? When she talks about her plans, Betty tries to get her to go back to Raleigh. Sophia goes back to work at the Cafe. Then one day she goes out with for lunch and when she returns, Betty freaks out then settles down. So Sophia demands Betty tells her the truth. So what is the secret that Betty is hiding?

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the mystery gets thicker! Sophia is struggling with the decisions she has to make, she wants to stay in the island but circumstances are forcing her to leave. Aunt Betty is not helping as she's even more demanding and controlling than ever, Phil has told Sophia his secrets and their relationship is progressing. What'll she do, stay or leave? Will Betty come clean and tell all secrets? Looking forward to reading what'll happen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

things are very tricky, as efforts to get a certain baker to move seem to ramp up.

is there anywhere to go, when friends left behind are moving ahead with their own next chapters?

growing pains can be awkward and personally painful.

sorting out options and related things appears pretty tangled.

some ties seem to bind and strangle in the face of change.

I also have family with memory issues.

it makes sorting out disease and disorders from folks with hidden agendas very difficult.

heartbreaking and befuddling suspense that is well painted.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family secrets!!

A fabulous story as Sophie copes with learning her father is alive, but no one wants to give her any clues about his identity. Sophie's frustration level is growing with her aunt who clearly has details she is not sharing. I love this book and this series of entertaining and enjoyable books that once again leaves us with a cliff hanger and anxious to read the next book in the series.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is trying to piece together what exactly is not being told to her since she has come to St. Simons Island to stay with her Aunt Betty. After finding out her father is alive, she wants to get the answers why she was never told this fact.
The cliff hanger at the end made my jaw drop! I am totally stumped as to what the next step is going to be in this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The House on Maplewood Lane: Book 3” by Sage Parker

-Sophie’s world is turned upside down as family secrets unravel. Aunt Betty’s eccentric charm balances the mystery with warmth and humor. Just when things start making sense, a shocking twist changes everything. A delightful mix of heart, mystery, and a jaw-dropping cliffhanger!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House on Maplewood Lane, Book 3 continues the story of Sophia in St. Simon. The threatening letter has scared Sophia, and she is thinking of leaving. She and Phil grow closer, and he confides in her. Does he have more secrets? Will Aunt Betty finally let her know what is going on? I can't wait to see what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PW · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA!! One answer, you have to read to find out about what🤭! Sophia is finally being more adult when dealing with her aunt, Betty. There are still many things that need to come to the light but this is a good start. Come on next book!!

This Booksprout ARC is a good segue into the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is getting so exciting. What is behind all the secrets that the town is holding away from Sophia. She does learn one thing about Phil but I am sure there is more. Who is the man on the tv that Aunt Betty doesn't want Sophia to hear about? I can not wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia receives a threating letter in the mailbox telling her to back off. She is spooked and decides to go back to Raleigh. But she rethinks her decision when nothing further happens. Betty is still acting strangely and finally Sophia demands the truth. What is the truth? I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!!! What is wrong with Betty?? Her moods give me whiplash! Who is this mystery man running for Governor of St. Simon? Is he related to Sophia? Phil is father, but who is his ex? Is it Claire?? Hmm, the suspense, secrets, and lies are off the charts!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery continues, and I just dont know what to think anymore. Aunt Betty is driving me crazy and Phil really surprised me, it is a big rollercoaster ride right now but I love it, Sophia is faced with a few decisions and now I have to wait for book 4 to find out what happens next!!!! This series just keeps getting better! Love it love it love it!!

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House on Maplewood Lane, Book Three, finds Sophia discovering a threatening note. Truths are revealed between Sophia and Phil as well as Sophia and her Aunt Betty. But does Betty know more than she has admitted? The book ends in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia received a note in her Aunt Betty’s mailbox. "Leave the truth buried Sophia, or else.".
That does this mean? What does this mean? Where is it coming from? Does she need to leave St. Simons and return to Raleigh?
No place to live, no job ??? What can she do. Get me to Book 4 quick.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia receives a shock that may change her plans. Aunt Betty’s behavior is erratic. And then the ending is even more confusing for Sophia. I think she needs to figure out what is going on with Aunt Betty. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens!

I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia is trying to find out the truth from her Aunt Betty. But she keeps holding the secrets. Sophia and Phil are growing closer. But what is he holding back. Who left the threatening note in the mailbox? I can't wait to see what revelations will be revealed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected secrets that are revealed between the characters. Interesting set of characters that have different personalities and perspective into the unknown in the story. Like the location and setting of the stories. Makes for some interesting reading. Can't wait to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens with each book/installment. It's a whirlwind of mystery and I can't wait to keep reading to see where this all goes. The characters are unique and interesting. the writing is just awesome! I am loving this series and this book visit to St. Simons Island.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia wants to leave after getting the threatening note. She has a day out with Phil and returns to ask Aunt Betty for answers. She receives some answers but not all. She decides to stay and find out more. Received a free copy.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment holds your attention from the first page until the last. The mystery continues and drama builds.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sue hendrix]

Could be a good book but they don't tell. You that you need the whole Ser to finish the story

Because they don't tell you you have buy whole set to. Finesh the story. I bought three not buying at more not that great anyway

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot thickens. Sophia is having a hard time deciding what to do. Aunt Betty's behavior is getting stranger. She and Phil are becoming closer. Threats are being made against her, and it might be safer to go back home. There is a cliffhanger ending. I'm looking forward to book 4.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Aunt isn’t acting right while she’s visiting her. She doesn’t want her involved with Phil and she doesn’t understand why. What secrets are they keeping from her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl McCrork · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Interesting Book 📖

This book has many twists and turns. The town appears to be lovely place. There seems to be many secrets. The characters do not want to share what they know. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every which way Sophia true she runs into more secrets. Phil final tell her her has two children and now her aunt has another for her to figure out. Join the journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.