The Summer I Stayed

by Bella Greene

I came to fix up a house, not fall for my next door neighbor.

Renovating my late husband’s lake house was meant to be a project. A distraction. A way to figure out my next step now that my kids are grown.

What I didn’t expect? Jake Hollis.

Local handyman. Town fixer. And the man I accidentally attacked with a flying board. Oops.

He’s quiet, rugged, and way too tempting for a man who only communicates in nods and smirks.

He’s steady where I’m scattered, thoughtful where I’m impulsive.

And the way he looks at me? Let’s just say, it’s been a long time since anyone’s looked at me like that.

This summer was supposed to be temporary...but what if Blue Alder Cove—and Jake—feel like home?

The Summer I Stayed is a small town, later in life, clean romantic comedy. It only contains sweet kisses and is free from profanity. It promises a satisfying conclusion (no cliffhangers) and a heartwarming happily ever after.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Love, Laughter, and Second Chances—Who Says Romance Ends at 40?

Welcome to a collection of fun, feel-good romantic comedies where love comes with age, second chances are swoon-worthy, and happily-ever-afters are just as sweet the second time around. Set in charming small towns, these later-in-life romcom novellas are filled with laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling-but-sweet romance, and unforgettable meet-cutes. Whether it’s enemies-to-lovers fireworks, a second shot at love on the ice, single moms rediscovering romance, or fixer-uppers that spark unexpected chemistry, these stories promise the perfect escape.

No steam, just swoon! So pour a glass of lemonade, settle into a porch swing, and enjoy these delightful love stories.

The Midlife Meet Cute Series has seven standalone, sweet
• Battle of the Exes by Ellie Hartwood
• Fixing Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale
• Love Takes a Tumble by Susanne Ash
• Beauty and the Grease by Stephanie J. Scott
• The Summer I Stayed by Bella Greene
• Shot on Goal at a Second Chance by Dineen Miller
• Love & Lattes at The Mermaid Café by Melinda Curtis

Kick back, relax, and fall in love with these sweet, later-in-life romcoms today!

Genres: Romance

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[sarah.readsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer I Stayed by Bella Greene
Genre: Romance
Spice level: Closed door no spice
Book Length: 114 pages
Series or Stand alone? This book is a stand alone and part of the multi author midlife meet cute series.

Synopsis:
Still heart broken from the death of her husband 4 years ago Maggie is doing the single mom thing and the best friend thing quite well. She’s totally dateable as per her friends and her newly adult daughter but she just doesn’t seem to feel the need. She had her great big love and that’ll have for be it. Maggie gets a call one day from a realtor who has been managing a lake house in the small town of Blue Alder Cove her husband bought her before he died. She’s known of its existence but couldn’t bear to go see it - until now. The house has been damaged in a storm and she needs to see to it. Her realtor will have the local handy man start in on the repairs until she can arrive to give direction.
Enter said local handy man Jake. He’s totally dateable too (yes the ladies like what they see) but has no interest. He’s surly and unapproachable with his one word answers and grunts. It seems like Maggie will sure have a lot of silence to contend with for however long her house takes to repair. Can they get along long enough to get this project done? Can Maggie warm Jake’s frosty exterior with her bubbly charm?

My thoughts
This short and sweet romance was the breath of fresh lake air I needed today. I’ve read Bella Greenes work before and have to say I’m still team Bella. She writes this clean and vibrant romance that I’m just drawn to every time. The characters of Maggie and Jake were perfect for each other - both hurting in their own ways their Grumpy-Sunshine slow burn romance was amazing. This lake house was pure magic and brought together these two who needed each other so badly.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, quick forced-proximity romance. Maggie returns to her lake house, the one she and her late husband owned, not quite sure if she’s staying for good. Enter Jake, the quiet, guarded contractor hired to help with the renovations. What starts as a house project slowly turns into something more, as both Maggie and Jake find themselves healing in unexpected ways.

I really enjoyed the fixer-upper setting, the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and the meddling but well-meaning friends. The romance was cute, though I wish the pacing had been a little more balanced...it felt like it could have used a few more pages to let things develop. Still, a sweet, fun, read overall.

I received a complimentary copy, and this review reflects my honest thoughts.

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the delightful Midlife Meet Cute series, The Summer I Stayed is a heartwarming story that stayed with me long after the final page.

Maggie's journey—returning to the lake house after losing her husband—was moving and instantly made me care about her. I loved how the setting of the lake house became a space for healing, memories, and quiet transformation. Jake, the kind and capable man helping with the repairs, was just as compelling. His fascination with Maggie felt sincere, and the connection between them unfolded so gently and naturally.

This is a quick but deeply satisfying read, full of emotion, hope, and second chances. And yes—the dog absolutely stole a few scenes. 🐾

If you're in the mood for a clean, midlife romance with depth and charm, this one’s for you.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie moves to Blue Alder Cove to renovate a lake house that belonged to her late husband. It’s been one of those things that get put off ,overlooked more often. But it’s time and feels right to be a distraction a project to keep her busy. Well when she did scupper it was to the town’s fixer upper expert Jake Hollis she did turn and throw a flying board at ! Oops sorry about that …He’s quiet but not reserved and she gets what she deserves a gentle man who does all that he can to help and the fact that he’s as handsome as all that does help too stat. It was supposed to be a temporary fix and then she’d leave but perhaps she is at home here in this place at this time with this dear of a man who can. Perhaps she’ll stay …what will he say ,what will they do ? Where will they live and will it be apart ? All these things because of a matter of the heart that will not part for one minute because the future has got them both in it together …Wonderfully written and beautifully executed story by Bella Greene I absolutely adore every scene . The characters are awesome and well portrayed and for these two and an happy ending I prayed….Wonderful as ever with a divine storyline and perfect prose . A love story that’s compelling as all heck , I can’t wait to see what Bella Greene writes about next . It’s bound to be great because there’s not one book of hers that I’ve not loved to read with greed to date.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet, calm, easy love story. Not everything in life has to be crazy and fast paced and this novella proved that. Years after being widowed, Maggie finds herself at the lake house her late husband gifted her to fix some storm damage. As she fixes up her house she ends up fixing her broken heart as well. Jake was just what she needed. It wasn’t insta-love, it wasn’t drama filled, it was just regular life and two adults who communicated and grew to love each other. It was a lovely quick afternoon read; a great addition to the multi-author Midlife Meet Cute series.

[Berly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the multi author Midlife Meet Cute series of short novellas. It is a standalone story featuring older main characters.

Being an older and single reader, I have really be enjoying this series. The stories are fun and I like that they can be read in just an hour or 2.

This was my first book by this author and I appreciated her manner of storytelling. The characters were fun and likeable.

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Rainy's Reading Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️Thank you to the author for this ARC!

This was a very cute, fully packed story in a novella!

I love when we get an older FMC. It was nice seeing the healing journey a bit for the FMC and having a forced proximity romance occur. It was a fun time having her rebuild the house her husband had bought for her with the MMC. It's hard to expect a lot of conversation or true feelings show with a novella, but it was still cute how it occurred and the chemistry was apparent.

I liked this as a quick, cute read.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was cute and swoony and adorable. A true sweet romance about a woman moving on after grief and the man who helps her want to take a chance . Maggie goes back to the beach house after it suffers some damage and meets Jake who helps her with the repairs and his adorable dog as she documents the progress as she renovates on her blog .

[Dana Boersma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming, quick read. I enjoyed the lake town setting and the chemistry between the characters. I also really enjoyed the dog. This was a very cute and sweet read.

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

[Lavender Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we follow Maggie’s healing journey after her late husband’s death. It is a heartwarming story with cute characters and a sweet romance. A feel good read.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super cute later-in-life romantic comedy.. I liked it so much! It is sweet and charming... with a very swoonworthy handyman..

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

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a sweet, clean story filled with hopes, nerves, feelings, and more, then The Summer I Stayed by Bella Greene is the book for you. Maggie’s husband passed away four years ago and her daughter (who has just turned 18) and two of her closest friends are staging an intervention. They tell her in a nice way (well, you know how well-meaning friends can be) that it’s time for her. She needs to go back to being happy, loved, and enjoying life again. Maggie’s been on “Mom Duty” since her husband passed. She’s “supported her eldest through college and his pro golf dreams, chauffeured her youngest from one school activity to the next.” She’s “kept in touch with all our dearest friends, family, and community, maintaining those precious connections.” In my opinion, Maggie needs to be called “Super Mom”, I mean don’t you think she has earned the title. Steven had purchased a lake house in Blue Alder Cove. He surprised her with the purchase because they had so much fun there on their first visit. He wanted them to move there, fix up the house, and live their life enjoying it, instead of being part of the “rat race.” As they are discussing what they think Maggie should do, her phone screen lights up with a call from them. It’s Gemma, and unfortunately, she has bad news. Blue Alder Cove had a bad storm, and her house has some damage. Gemma knows she hasn’t been there in a while and wants her to be aware, so the damage doesn’t become more. Her friends are beyond the moon when they find out Maggie is going to Blue Alder Cove. Maggie has such wonderful memories with Steven and their time there. She’s nervous about this trip and the unexpected, but ready to get the house repaired.
Jake Hollis (local handyman, town fixer) may have more work than he can handle. The storm that passed through tore off roof tiles, toppled fences, tore gardens to shreds, and more. He and Maverick, his Great Dane, head over to see the damage on a lake house that Gemma asked him to look at. There’s lots of damage to some and little to others. Some, like the Wilke’s house, “look like they’ve been through a blender.” He wished he’d come by sooner to board this house. There’s broken windows, debris clinging everywhere, shutters are gone, and more. He hears a loud crash and steps inside to see what caused it. It seems as if a raccoon slipped through a broken window. But that’s not all, there’s also a woman wielding a piece of wood who is “squaring off with the raccoon that’s helping itself to the contents of a Driftwood Diner container.” (You must read this scene in the story; I laughed until tears ran down my face.) The description painted pictures inside my head. Now, my friends, that is the mark of a gifted author-a storyteller, a teller of tales!
When all the excitement dies down, the two of them introduce themselves to each other. Maggie is glad it’s Jake; Gemma had mentioned that she had called him to check on her house. Maggie finds a room at the Lakeside Haven Inn, she thought she’d be able to stay in the house while any repairs were made, but that wasn’t possible.
I won’t reveal anything else. Do not hesitate to get your copy of The Summer I Stayed, or you’ll be sorry. Short and sweet, but such a wonderful heartfelt story! You need to find out if the house is getting repaired. Will Maggie sell the house, or will she stay? Is there something happening between Maggie and Jake? I would love to see this book turned into a Hallmark movie!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to fix up a house, not fall for my next-door neighbor.

Renovating my late husband’s lake house was meant to be a project. A distraction. A way to figure out my next step now that my kids are grown.

What I didn’t expect? Jake Hollis.

Local handyman. Town fixer. And the man I accidentally attacked with a flying board. Oops.

He’s quiet, rugged, and way too tempting for a man who only communicates in nods and smirks.

He’s steady where I’m scattered, thoughtful where I’m impulsive.

And the way he looks at me? Let’s just say, it’s been a long time since anyone’s looked at me like that.

This summer was supposed to be temporary...but what if Blue Alder Cove—and Jake—feel like home?

This contemporary next-door neighbors opposites attract single mom romantic comedy is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Blue Alder Cove, and characters that are an alpha male handyman, a sassy/fierce heroine, captivating, humorous, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the summer I stayed, a small-town later in life, clean romantic comedy that contains sweet kisses and is free from profanity, a satisfying conclusion, heartwarming happily ever after, lake house renovation, meet cute, next door neighbors, a single mom, widow, heartfelt emotions, an abundanceof humor that will have readers laughing out loud, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the summer I stayed and a sweet, clean later-in-life romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly humorous, heartwarming, and unforgettable.

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

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

The Summer I Stayed is book 5 in the Midlife Meet Cute series. Bella Greene has given readers a quick, but heartwarming story featuring later in life MCs and finding love after loss. I loved the characters she wrote, the friendships that thrive, and the way this whole story unfolded.

Maggie lost her husband years ago and has been stuck on pause for sometime. While she lived for her children, she was stuck in moving herself forward and becoming herself again. She’s not unhappy, just not sure how to live life without her husband. When her lake house needs repairs after a storm, her best friends and daughter help push her towards this small change that could lead to a big adventure.

Jake likes his small town, his routines, and his ability to keep out of other people’s business. When he is asked by the local property manager to help repair an empty lake house, he wasn’t expecting to find the owner facing off with a raccoon. When she wants to stay and help witht he repairs and bring life back to the lake house, he’s skeptical. Closing himself off a long time ago to love, he just wants to get the job done and his new neighbor out of his hair.

This story, although quick, progressed perfectly. I loved reading about Maggie and Jake fall for each other and how each dealt with their new found feelings. Their story never felt rushed and their romance was slowly realized between them. I loved seeing Maggie find herself again and Jake letting someone in, after so long, made him a wonderful MMC. A great read that I was able to get lost within.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏡Love After Loss
🔨Later in Life MCs
🏡Grumpy x Sunshine
🔨Small Town Romance
🏡Single Mom FMC
🔨Neighbors to More
🏡Clean Romance

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Jake . . .

Maggie Wilkes' husband died and a part of her may have died as well as she put her life on hold. She lived for her family, going through the motions, but ignored the need to move on to meet her own needs. She had become disinterested in going to the lake house her husband Steven had lovingly given to her, and her lack of attention allowed some damage to occur over time. Gemma, the property manager, confirmed this when she called to tell Maggie a storm had damaged Maggie’s lake house and needs attention. So when she felt ready to face it again, she needs some help. To be honest, returning to this lovely town did bring up some good memories for her. Maybe she is finally ready to begin to heal and move forward again.

Jake Hollis, her nextdoor neighbor in Blue Alder Cove, was known to provide his handyman skills to the townsfolk. Although he is super busy now because of the widespread storm damage, Gemma’s request to take a look at the empty house nextdoor and the owner’s arrival has him agreeing to work with her on the repairs she needs. It starts off with him just wanting her to let him handle it without “help”. But working together starts to feel comfortable. Is Maggie ready to open up her heart again? Will she be the one who tempts Jake to finally take a chance on love? Or is this simply closure for Maggie and a return to her lonely existence?

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a story in which you find characters who you can’t help but route for. The h is a widow who receives a phone call informing her that the home her husband had purchased in the town they decided to retire in was damaged in the storm and that she needs to come and take care of it. She goes and finds a raccoon with her babies in her kitchen in a cupboard. The H goes to the house to check out the damage that occurred due to the storm because that is what he does. He finds the h trying to get the raccoon to leave and he helps. Then he takes care of getting the babies safely removed. After that he begins to do the necessary repairs. The h states that she will help but the H says no. But the h just does what she wants and works at making the home one that she wants to live in. The H ends up helping her. The home is completely renovated in n keeping with her vision. The h also makes friends with the women in the town. In the end she decides to make the town her home town. In the H and h admit their feelings and end up finding their HEA. Hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Enjoy! I received this book free from the author as a member of her ARC team.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer I Stayed is part of the Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multi-author series of novellas, featuring couples who are 40+. They can all be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.

If you enjoy HGTV and a later in life romance, this one is for you! I don't know what it is about home renovation that seems to go so well with romance, but it's certainly a combination that I always enjoy and this one was no exception. In this story, we meet Maggie- a woman who has been holding onto the lake house her late husband purchased for them, which had been sitting unused since. When storm damage forces her to face the house head on, she finds herself fixing it up with the help of a grumpy- but handsome- handyman Jake. These two have a really easy chemistry between them that I couldn't help but enjoy... I loved seeing them grow closer to each other, and the mutual healing between them. Their story was sweet and had me rooting for them both to get their happily ever after. This is definitely a shorter read- easily read in just a sitting or two, but perfect for the busy summer days!

The Summer I Stayed is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.


**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Jake's story was cute and relatable. Maggie is a widow who's husband passed away unexpectedly. Before he passed, he purchased them a retirement home in Blue Alder Cove. Maggie hasn't been emotionally ready to go back, but a call from the property manager letting her know that there is storm damage that needs to be looked at is the push that brings her back.

Enter Jake and his dog Maverick. Jake is the local handyman who runs his family's hardware store. Life circumstances kept him in town when he wanted to spread his wings, so he's a little prickly towards people and life in general. The prickliness is part of his charm, and his dog Maverick is the complete opposite, lovable and loves everyone.

The two get along swimmingly after Maggie wears down Jake's prickliness a bit. The dog treats she keeps in her pocket win Maverick over a lot quicker. With the small town meddling and Maverick's adorableness, it's hard not to laugh while falling in love with both of these characters.

This is a short, sweet story that should make you smile. I wish it had been longer, but it was perfect for a quick read with an afternoon cup of coffee.

I was happy to receive an ARC and look forward to reading more from the author.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this might be the most memorable first meeting with our hero and heroine, talk about exciting. From the racoons to throwing a board at Jake, this book got off to a great start. I really enjoyed Maggie and her friends and supportive son and daughter and really loved how they are there for her and just want the best for her. Who knew that fixing up the lake house might lead to a new romance for Maggie as well. Jake is definitely a good but quiet guy and his dog Maverick, he definitely stole any scene he was in. This is a great story and it was nice to be in the background, so to speak, to watch Maggie and Jake work together and eventually become friends and maybe more. It was fun when when her friends come for the festival and her friend Caroline is smitten with Jake’s friend Tom and when Jake sweeps her away to spend time together, just the two of them, it was definitely swoony when he shared his feelings with her and she reciprocated hers right back. The wonderful ending in this book had me smiling and tearing up at the same time. I’m wondering if we’ll ever see anything more with Caroline and Tom (maybe their own story?) or if it was just for this book. Great story!

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! Maggie and Jake are so perfect together. The meet cute is hilarious (who can resist a good animal encounter?) and the story is well told in such a short format. Maverik, the Great Dane, is such a mischievous, yet loveable giant.

I really enjoy small town romances with meddling friends and nosy neighbors. Both are abundant in this story.

There are also SO many swoony moments. Jake is such a grump and the classic “I only smile for her” moments serve as cute little breaks in that gruff exterior.

I didn’t expect to cry (especially not after such a humorous beginning to the book) but there were several moments that had me emotional as I watched Maggie figure out how to move forward in her life after tragedy. I love the relationship she has with her children and friends. They are a true support system that everyone needs.

This strangers to more, grumpy/sunshine novella with the silliest animal encounters, and the swooniest kisses is the 5th book in the multi-author Midlife Meet Cute series. These stories have made me a believer in love coming at the most unexpected moments, even when you’re older.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, just kisses novella of healing and continuing on for Maggie Wilkes after the loss of her husband Steven. After a severe storm passes through Blue Alder Cove causing damage to many home, Maggie is faced with returning to the quaint, peaceful lake town and seeing the lake home Steven bought for her, just before he past away from a heart attack. Something she’s not been able to do since his death four years ago. Upon arrival she’s met with some unwanted house guests but also a couple of visitors arrive who will help Maggie heal and move on with her life. Local handyman and hardware store owner Hank Hollis may be the town’s grump but with his Great Dane Maverick by his side, he finds he’s falling for a sunshine and doesn’t mind it one bit.
Maggie and Hank are very likable characters and the secondary characters add charm and humor to the book. The setting at the lake and the remodel of the home added to the appeal of the book. And Maverick charmed himself into my heart throughout. An easy, peaceful afternoon read.

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

[Natalie L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet mid-life new love
Of the stories in the mid-life meet cute series, this is my favourite so far. I cannot even imagine the grief Maggie walks through as she lost the love of her life prematuredly to heart attack. She has to carry on with the children, but once they grow up and become independent, the void surfaces. Their summer holiday home and small town is the last place she wants to go back to, but circumstances forces her to face her grief and begin the journey towards healing. A storm tears through their summer home and Maggie has to go to Blue Alder Cove to see to the renovations. She meets Jake, the handyman around town, and sizzling chemistry between them ensues. Maggie learns to accept another without feeling like she's betraying her late husband. Jake learns to trust.
This is such a sweet mid-life romance. Without teenage angst and giddiness, but with all the uncertainties of budding love; and later the sweetness and steadfast spirit of falling in love later in life. No regrets, no horrid past to get over, just sweet sweet mid-life new love.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for anything that says “midlife.” When I saw that a series featuring older characters was coming out, I jumped on board immediately. This series comprises seven standalone books written by different authors. The series boosts, “No steam, just swoon.” I am unsure if all of them are second-chance romance; I haven’t read ahead. They are all guaranteed to be HEA romcoms. This is my first book by Bella Greene, and I look forward to reading more!

This adorable close-proximity romance focuses on Maggie and Jake. Maggie returns to the lake house she and her late husband owned to fix it up, unsure if she will remain or not. Jake is the contractor hired to help with the renovations.

The story had me in my feels. What an incredible healing journey and a chance at new love. More than a few moments made me laugh and had me swooning. It would make a great Hallmark movie!

Thanks to Bella Greene for gifting me an eARC of The Summer I Stayed. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Jake's story was as sweet as a summer strawberry and had the smiles to go with it. This grumpy/sunshine, later in life romance had all the feels.

Maggie is still grieving her husband who died suddenly. She decides one way to honor his memory would be to fix up the lake house he brought for her. She didn't count on meeting Jake, the local handyman. Their first meeting was humorous and gives new meaning to falling into your arms.

The local meddlers/matchmakers added a little more humor to the story as everyone is cheering them on, along with her best friends and daughter in their text threads. The DIY parts of the novella were enjoyable as well as I envisioned Maggie and Jake transforming a house into a home. This is another installment in the Midlife Meet Cute Series and is a winner for me. There is nothing more enjoyable than a story that can leave me with a smile on my face.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

After becoming an empty nester, Maggie decides it is time to renovate the lake house that her and her late husband owned together. Jake, her neighbor and the contractor hired to help renovate the lake house. While this renovation was just supposed to be for the summer, will Jack and Blue Alder Cove start to feel like home?

I enjoyed this book. It was a good summer read that can be read in one sitting. I really enjoyed the small town setting and everyone coming together. My favorite part were the text messages between Maggie, her daughter and friends, they were just so funny and encouraging. And don’t forget Maverick, just the cutest dog!

If you are looking for a lighthearted fun read, with some laugh out loud moments then this should be added to your TBR.

This is book five in the multi author, later in life Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a series of novellas that are kisses only, closed door stories that can be read in one sitting.

[Manda| Little Bitty Delights · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is a widow who has navigated single motherhood and with her last child moving out to go to college, is left wondering what her next chapter is. With the encouragement of her friends and daughter and a little help from the weather, Maggie returns to Blue Adler Cove to tackle the lakeside cabin renovations her late husband gifted her before he passed. As Maggie gets involved with community events, starts blogging again, and keeps having run-ins with the local handyman Jake Hollis and his adorable sidekick pup Maverick she finds herself falling for the town and maybe just maybe a certain grumpy man who is mighty handy with a hammer.

This short novel was as sweet as your favorite summer time pie and just as quickly devoured. It gave me all the cozy feelings and happy endings I crave, it was perfect for a summer read. If you love Luke Danes, small-town charm, and second chances at love, then I think you would enjoy this story.

[Geneva Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️ Grumpy/sunshine
🔨 He falls first
♥️ Small town
🔨 Rom-com
♥️ Clean romance
🔨 HEA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Once again another great read by Bella Greene. This novella is a later in life romance and I just loved it. It's book 4 in the Midlife Meet Cute Series, but read as a standalone. I feel like there's not many later in life romances (or maybe that's just me).But if you like them and love sweet, kisses only romances this series is for you.


This story follows Maggie and Jake. Maggie gets news that her and her late husband's lake house has been damaged. So Maggie has to go back to Blue Alder Cove. A place that holds a special place in her heart. It's filled with many memories of her and her late husband. As she renovates the lake house she gets help from Blue Adler Cove's grumpy, quiet, handyman, Jake. As they work together they become closer and get to know each other and they also learn and grow themselves. I highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down it was so good.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, clean romance, with main characters that are in their mid-life. (Think 40's - 50's.)

Maggie is widowed. She received a call from a caretaker of a house that she and her husband had bought on the beach. She has not been there since he passed. A storm has damaged the house and she needs to go check it out. She enlists the help of a local handyman, Jake. Jake has never been married. He offers to help her when he can, in between working on other properties. He starts to fall for her the longer he gets know her. Can she fall for him or is she still grieving her loss?

This was a great story and I enjoyed the romance. I like seeing the mid-life characters and how they solve things is definitely different than the younger crowd. It is a somewhat short story.

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

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids are grown, and Maggie Wilkes is about to be an empty nester. The lake house her husband bought for them has some storm damage, so she decides to take on the task of fixing it up. Blue Alder Cove is a vacation spot that she and her late husband visited regularly, and even considered moving to after he retired. Jake Hollis owns the local hardware store and works as a handyman; he is unprepared for the way Maggie makes him feel but will quickly find himself falling head over heels in love with her. This is a wonderfully sweet romantic comedy that made me laugh out loud, especially at Maverick the Great Dane, and kept me engrossed from the beginning. This is a clean romance, and I really enjoyed the engaging banter between the characters as well as the romance. A must-read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Small town romance
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Instant attraction
- Sweet romance

I absolutely loved this sweet small town romance. Widow Maggie reluctantly travels to the vacation home her husband bought after a storm causes some issues. She is undecided what she will do with the cabin. She and her husband had enjoyed many good times at the lake, but it doesn't seem the same without him.

Jake is the town's handyman/contractor that is helping rebuild the cabin. He has been guarding his heart most of his adult life. He is grumpy, but finds himself softening when he looks at the lovely Maggie.

What starts off as a quiet standoff leads to friendship and more as they work together. Such a cute and heartwarming story!.

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