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The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door: A Christian Rom-Com
Welcome to Maple Bay—where bucket lists are sacred, small-town gossip travels at Wi-Fi speed, and your next-door neighbor might just ruin your plans in the most inconveniently charming way possible.
Kate only came back to Maple Bay for two
Handle her late Aunt June’s will.
Leave again before anyone ropes her into some quaint, small-town matchmaking scheme.
But June’s “Not-So-Ordinary Bucket List” has other ideas. Written in floral stationery (coffee stains included), it’s full of items like dance under the stars, try a maple bacon donut, and kiss someone who makes you laugh. Kate’s convinced she can speed-run the list, check every box, and get back to her big-city life—without getting attached.
Enter Harper—the bakery owner with a crown of blonde curls, the matchmaking instincts of a rom-com best friend, and a habit of stealing Kate’s phone to save her number under names like Muffin Dealer / Life Coach. And then there’s Eli—Kate’s gruff, flannel-wearing neighbor who’s supposed to be a lumberjack but somehow also… sketches like an illustrator and flies planes for a reclusive billionaire.
The more Kate gets tangled in June’s list—and the more breakfasts, donuts, and accidental heart-to-hearts she shares with Eli—the harder it is to keep her walls intact. But when her estranged mother shows up with plans to help her sell the cabin, Kate has to decide if she’s willing to fight for the roots she never meant to grow… and for the man who somehow ended up starring in her next novel.
Filled with laugh-out-loud banter, faith woven in the cracks, and a romance sweeter than Harper’s cinnamon rolls, this small-town romantic comedy is about finding home in the last place you expected—and choosing to stay there.
Kate only came back to Maple Bay for two
Handle her late Aunt June’s will.
Leave again before anyone ropes her into some quaint, small-town matchmaking scheme.
But June’s “Not-So-Ordinary Bucket List” has other ideas. Written in floral stationery (coffee stains included), it’s full of items like dance under the stars, try a maple bacon donut, and kiss someone who makes you laugh. Kate’s convinced she can speed-run the list, check every box, and get back to her big-city life—without getting attached.
Enter Harper—the bakery owner with a crown of blonde curls, the matchmaking instincts of a rom-com best friend, and a habit of stealing Kate’s phone to save her number under names like Muffin Dealer / Life Coach. And then there’s Eli—Kate’s gruff, flannel-wearing neighbor who’s supposed to be a lumberjack but somehow also… sketches like an illustrator and flies planes for a reclusive billionaire.
The more Kate gets tangled in June’s list—and the more breakfasts, donuts, and accidental heart-to-hearts she shares with Eli—the harder it is to keep her walls intact. But when her estranged mother shows up with plans to help her sell the cabin, Kate has to decide if she’s willing to fight for the roots she never meant to grow… and for the man who somehow ended up starring in her next novel.
Filled with laugh-out-loud banter, faith woven in the cracks, and a romance sweeter than Harper’s cinnamon rolls, this small-town romantic comedy is about finding home in the last place you expected—and choosing to stay there.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
63 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 18, 2025
A sweet and deep Christian romance!
This author knows how to write redemption! and reconciliation! I loved it!
Kate inherits her aunt's cabin and decides to go see what needs to be done to sell it, and maybe she'll get started on the novel she has always wanted to write.
She meets Eli. The plaid flannel wearing hunk next door. He was good friends with Kate's aunt and now he and Kate are thrust together by the aunt's will.
There's more though! Kate has a lot of past baggage and trauma that her aunt's will asks her to work through. Eli is there to help plus a couple other characters that make the story so much sweeter. The salvation that Kate experienced gave me chills. So good.
It's slow burn, deep healing, and glorious Jesus love.
I'm very impressed with the way this author wrote the arc of the romance in particular. Ultimately, Kate had to heal on her own with God first. She found Jesus and healing and then moved forward with Eli. I loved that. It was a healthy relationship that I don't often see even in most Christian fiction books.
I will be watching for what this author does next. It's not 5 stars because I found the story slow in some parts and I prefer a faster pace. I would still highly recommend this!
Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy. I was not obligated to post a positive review. This is my honest opinion!
This author knows how to write redemption! and reconciliation! I loved it!
Kate inherits her aunt's cabin and decides to go see what needs to be done to sell it, and maybe she'll get started on the novel she has always wanted to write.
She meets Eli. The plaid flannel wearing hunk next door. He was good friends with Kate's aunt and now he and Kate are thrust together by the aunt's will.
There's more though! Kate has a lot of past baggage and trauma that her aunt's will asks her to work through. Eli is there to help plus a couple other characters that make the story so much sweeter. The salvation that Kate experienced gave me chills. So good.
It's slow burn, deep healing, and glorious Jesus love.
I'm very impressed with the way this author wrote the arc of the romance in particular. Ultimately, Kate had to heal on her own with God first. She found Jesus and healing and then moved forward with Eli. I loved that. It was a healthy relationship that I don't often see even in most Christian fiction books.
I will be watching for what this author does next. It's not 5 stars because I found the story slow in some parts and I prefer a faster pace. I would still highly recommend this!
Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy. I was not obligated to post a positive review. This is my honest opinion!
December 3, 2025
5+ Stars!
Completed: Nov. 30/35
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: “TBBS’s “baking theme” — lots of baking happens and there is baking at Harper’s store
Book #164 of 2025: new-to-me author
I was in the mood for a sweet, light, and funny romcom to lift up my spirits. I chose a book by an author I had never read before but I hoped it would fit the bill. What I got was SO much more than I ever knew I needed at the time. The cover and the title do not indicate the depth of this book. It’s like a hidden treasure waiting to be on a journey with you. This is a long review, I know, but I am just “keeping it real” as they say.
This is a full-length novel that has so many elements I love within a fantastic story. When a book really impacts me, as this one did, that’s when I give a 5+ rating.
I am going to share some of my favorite parts of this story along with a page number or quote. I originally wanted to use quotes as an example of every point, but I want the readers to discover them on their own. It’s like when you tell your kids that they can’t open presents before Christmas. Anticipation is FUN! And no peeking ahead at the page numbers either! Enjoy the newness of your own reading.
*HILARITY in Spades: I giggled, I laughed out loud, I snort-laughed, and I even had a few silent, shaking laughs where it’s hard to breathe! Example: Kate’s description of the hike on page 159.
*EPIC Chapter Titles & Artwork: I do appreciate smart chapter titles in a book because they make me laugh, reflect, or get me curious in some way. One of my favourites is Chapter 12’s “Emergency Sugar (Bake and Give to a Stranger).” There are also several whimsical illustrations that represent moments within the story.
*HIGHLIGHT Mania: I broke my own record for number of highlights in a single book. I highlighted 35 passages in my Kindle e-book. If you think that’s too much, I’ll have you know that it could have been higher.
*Mountains of METAPHORS: There are a lot of metaphors. And when I say a lot, I mean go and grab your picky English teacher of old and have her or him count them. BUT they fit, they work, and they’re hilarious! Example: the trail metaphor on page 159.
*A MAIN CHARACTER You Love to Love Through it All: Kate is someone any woman could relate to in various ways. And not just the good stuff. The layered strain and pain with her mother hurt my heart. We’ve all been there with a difficult loved one or false friend. On page 204, Kate is arguing with her mom about regrets. And, yes, I teared up.
*Aunt June’s JEWELS of ADVICE: So many nuggets of wisdom come from Kate’s late Aunt June. Example: a letter on page 35.
*Eli (main male character) is BOOK BOYFRIEND level appealing — in flannel: One example is on page 170. Kate writes about him and his subtle, yet strong ways.
*LIFE Lessons Big & Small: Everything from baking to big decisions are in this story. Wise words are penned to Kate from Mr. Whitaker about lists not being tasks on page 241.
*ROMANTIC SWOON: It is plentiful but not in a showy, eye-rolling, or Hallmark-y kind of way. It’s subtle and special, deep and meaningful, and just makes the heart swell. An example is on page 250 when they’re eating together and they have a moment of eye contact.
*FABULOUS FRIENDS Abound: I want to be friends with Kate and her friends, old and new. Kate’s new friend, Brooke’s sincerity and love shines through during an important moment on page 232.
*Cozy COMMUNITY Vibes are Always Good: The group of folks in Maple Bay are simply gold. Page 303 describes a moment, where several are gathered together and they all react collectively to a beautiful moment. “The room did what rooms do when hope gets a face: it lost its mind.” Oh, and the community just may include a huge dog, an adventurous squirrel, a muscular mouse, and other such delights.
*A WAY with WORDS: This author has a beautiful way with words. One example is on page 257 when a pastor is speaking about grief.
*Sincere FAITH: Faith is woven throughout this book in a gentle yet meaningful manner. On page 216, Kate types “It turns out rest isn’t a place. It’s a Person who knows how to stay.” (Note the capital P.)
*REDEMPTIVE Arc for Kate’s Journey: Page 294 is where Kate is writing a letter about her faith and growth journey. It made me stop and read it over a few times to soak it in.
*BONUS Quote: Since I live in Manitoba, Canada, my province doesn’t come up in books often. The line on page 24 had me cracking up: “Kate screamed—loud enough to startle herself and, she was pretty sure, a flock of geese in Manitoba.” It is funny because it’s true.
I could go on and on-more than I already have-but I think any reader could appreciate the wellspring this story provides. It is a beautiful, God-inspired tapestry of color, light, humanity, emotions, and lots of love. Read it and find out for yourself. Then tell some friends.
Completed: Nov. 30/35
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: “TBBS’s “baking theme” — lots of baking happens and there is baking at Harper’s store
Book #164 of 2025: new-to-me author
I was in the mood for a sweet, light, and funny romcom to lift up my spirits. I chose a book by an author I had never read before but I hoped it would fit the bill. What I got was SO much more than I ever knew I needed at the time. The cover and the title do not indicate the depth of this book. It’s like a hidden treasure waiting to be on a journey with you. This is a long review, I know, but I am just “keeping it real” as they say.
This is a full-length novel that has so many elements I love within a fantastic story. When a book really impacts me, as this one did, that’s when I give a 5+ rating.
I am going to share some of my favorite parts of this story along with a page number or quote. I originally wanted to use quotes as an example of every point, but I want the readers to discover them on their own. It’s like when you tell your kids that they can’t open presents before Christmas. Anticipation is FUN! And no peeking ahead at the page numbers either! Enjoy the newness of your own reading.
*HILARITY in Spades: I giggled, I laughed out loud, I snort-laughed, and I even had a few silent, shaking laughs where it’s hard to breathe! Example: Kate’s description of the hike on page 159.
*EPIC Chapter Titles & Artwork: I do appreciate smart chapter titles in a book because they make me laugh, reflect, or get me curious in some way. One of my favourites is Chapter 12’s “Emergency Sugar (Bake and Give to a Stranger).” There are also several whimsical illustrations that represent moments within the story.
*HIGHLIGHT Mania: I broke my own record for number of highlights in a single book. I highlighted 35 passages in my Kindle e-book. If you think that’s too much, I’ll have you know that it could have been higher.
*Mountains of METAPHORS: There are a lot of metaphors. And when I say a lot, I mean go and grab your picky English teacher of old and have her or him count them. BUT they fit, they work, and they’re hilarious! Example: the trail metaphor on page 159.
*A MAIN CHARACTER You Love to Love Through it All: Kate is someone any woman could relate to in various ways. And not just the good stuff. The layered strain and pain with her mother hurt my heart. We’ve all been there with a difficult loved one or false friend. On page 204, Kate is arguing with her mom about regrets. And, yes, I teared up.
*Aunt June’s JEWELS of ADVICE: So many nuggets of wisdom come from Kate’s late Aunt June. Example: a letter on page 35.
*Eli (main male character) is BOOK BOYFRIEND level appealing — in flannel: One example is on page 170. Kate writes about him and his subtle, yet strong ways.
*LIFE Lessons Big & Small: Everything from baking to big decisions are in this story. Wise words are penned to Kate from Mr. Whitaker about lists not being tasks on page 241.
*ROMANTIC SWOON: It is plentiful but not in a showy, eye-rolling, or Hallmark-y kind of way. It’s subtle and special, deep and meaningful, and just makes the heart swell. An example is on page 250 when they’re eating together and they have a moment of eye contact.
*FABULOUS FRIENDS Abound: I want to be friends with Kate and her friends, old and new. Kate’s new friend, Brooke’s sincerity and love shines through during an important moment on page 232.
*Cozy COMMUNITY Vibes are Always Good: The group of folks in Maple Bay are simply gold. Page 303 describes a moment, where several are gathered together and they all react collectively to a beautiful moment. “The room did what rooms do when hope gets a face: it lost its mind.” Oh, and the community just may include a huge dog, an adventurous squirrel, a muscular mouse, and other such delights.
*A WAY with WORDS: This author has a beautiful way with words. One example is on page 257 when a pastor is speaking about grief.
*Sincere FAITH: Faith is woven throughout this book in a gentle yet meaningful manner. On page 216, Kate types “It turns out rest isn’t a place. It’s a Person who knows how to stay.” (Note the capital P.)
*REDEMPTIVE Arc for Kate’s Journey: Page 294 is where Kate is writing a letter about her faith and growth journey. It made me stop and read it over a few times to soak it in.
*BONUS Quote: Since I live in Manitoba, Canada, my province doesn’t come up in books often. The line on page 24 had me cracking up: “Kate screamed—loud enough to startle herself and, she was pretty sure, a flock of geese in Manitoba.” It is funny because it’s true.
I could go on and on-more than I already have-but I think any reader could appreciate the wellspring this story provides. It is a beautiful, God-inspired tapestry of color, light, humanity, emotions, and lots of love. Read it and find out for yourself. Then tell some friends.
December 1, 2025
This book will melt your heart, make you laugh out loud, cause you to tear up, and prompt you to pull out your Bible and read, drawing you closer to Jesus.
One moment you’re laughing at the crazy antics, and the next, you’re having tears in your eyes from the sweet faith message. The power of this book simply sneaks up on you.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Even when it feels broken, God is still working.
Remember: God shows up in the small things-like breakfast, laughter, and the people crazy enough to sit and the table with us. Don't miss Him there.
Don't forget-this is the whole story in one verse. Kate read it aloud, her voice catching, "For God so loved the whole world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Boundaries are love with a fence.
And also...forgiveness doesn't mean opening the gate and letting the bull in.
The pastor continued. "Notice what it doesn't say. It doesn't say, 'For God so judged the world.' It doesn't say, 'For God so tolerated the world.' It doesn't say, "For God so loved the good people who got everything right.' No. It says, God so loved the world. All of it. All of us. In our mess. In our grief. In the mornings we can't get out of bed, and the nights we say words we regret. He loved. And love...gives."
Forgiveness is a decision I will make a thousand tiny times with a God who never runs out of mercy.
One moment you’re laughing at the crazy antics, and the next, you’re having tears in your eyes from the sweet faith message. The power of this book simply sneaks up on you.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Even when it feels broken, God is still working.
Remember: God shows up in the small things-like breakfast, laughter, and the people crazy enough to sit and the table with us. Don't miss Him there.
Don't forget-this is the whole story in one verse. Kate read it aloud, her voice catching, "For God so loved the whole world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Boundaries are love with a fence.
And also...forgiveness doesn't mean opening the gate and letting the bull in.
The pastor continued. "Notice what it doesn't say. It doesn't say, 'For God so judged the world.' It doesn't say, 'For God so tolerated the world.' It doesn't say, "For God so loved the good people who got everything right.' No. It says, God so loved the world. All of it. All of us. In our mess. In our grief. In the mornings we can't get out of bed, and the nights we say words we regret. He loved. And love...gives."
Forgiveness is a decision I will make a thousand tiny times with a God who never runs out of mercy.
November 28, 2025
Good for the heart!
“Love is often less fireworks and more porch light—steady, kind, left on for you.”
This quote sums up this book perfectly. Poetic. Warm. Precious. Also witty. And full of lines worth remembering. I will be saving my highlights!
“Love is often less fireworks and more porch light—steady, kind, left on for you.”
This quote sums up this book perfectly. Poetic. Warm. Precious. Also witty. And full of lines worth remembering. I will be saving my highlights!
November 18, 2025
This was such a fun read. If you enjoy books that make you laugh out loud, have memorable secondary characters and deal with some deeper issues as well then this book may be for you. The writing style is very descriptive with plenty of simile's and metaphors that had me smiling. The MMC Eli is a likeable guy and the perfect match for Kate. I appreciated that the relationship was slow to build. There is a faith thread that gives the story depth. It was one of my favorite books of the year and a definite 5 star.
November 17, 2025
Encore!
Like a warm literary blanket, Lumberjack fills the soul with humor and hard truth. What a delight introduction that ensures this reader will look for more from this author.
Like a warm literary blanket, Lumberjack fills the soul with humor and hard truth. What a delight introduction that ensures this reader will look for more from this author.
November 3, 2025
The right book at the right time. The author uses a lot (and I mean a LOT) of metaphors but it works because she is consistent throughout. The biblical message came through beautifully but not preachy. I will definitely be reading it again and looking for my by this author.
November 2, 2025
Wow
I LOVED this book! From beginning to end it made me smile, think deeply and laugh until l couldn't get it out past a snort or a wheeze, plus a good dose of Jesus. Emily Hampton, you've outdone yourself on this one 🙂
I LOVED this book! From beginning to end it made me smile, think deeply and laugh until l couldn't get it out past a snort or a wheeze, plus a good dose of Jesus. Emily Hampton, you've outdone yourself on this one 🙂
October 28, 2025
Magnificent
I haven’t read a book that compelled me to complete it in a very long time. Thank you for a reason to stay up later than expected just so I could finish it. I will not be deleting this one and will pull it up when my heart needs to feel good.
I haven’t read a book that compelled me to complete it in a very long time. Thank you for a reason to stay up later than expected just so I could finish it. I will not be deleting this one and will pull it up when my heart needs to feel good.
October 28, 2025
Whimsical story about a young Chicago woman who inherits a Vermont cabin from her long lost Aunt June. Yet, there are stipulations that involves a long list of fun and adventurous things to do first. Meeting her neighbor, Eli, who helps her in accomplishing the list, they becomes friends while Harper, the bakery owner who keeps everyone on a sugar and caffeine high, includes her in the welcoming community who all loved her aunt. Yet, it becomes an emotional journey, entangled by her distant mother and increasing feelings towards Eli while being pulled back to her life in Chicago. Somehow, in all the chaos through inclusion in a church community, she learns to accept and forgive to help her move forward with the right decisions for her. Great character development, presented with a glib sense of humor amidst sparring, while maintaining one's attention throughout and resulting in an entertaining read.
October 29, 2025
One of the Best
This was one of the best fictional novels I've read. Ever. Clean. Clever. Sweet. Real. Inspiring. I almost didn't bother. Title, book cover ... Meh. Opening chapters ... half meh. So glad I kept reading!
Weird how words can can move out dusty, musty, places in your soul and replace them with clean and pure but earthy delight.
By the way, I have averaged reading 5 books a week (or the equivalent in books, journals, and articles) for decades, so "one of the best" is high praise, high praise indeed.
This was one of the best fictional novels I've read. Ever. Clean. Clever. Sweet. Real. Inspiring. I almost didn't bother. Title, book cover ... Meh. Opening chapters ... half meh. So glad I kept reading!
Weird how words can can move out dusty, musty, places in your soul and replace them with clean and pure but earthy delight.
By the way, I have averaged reading 5 books a week (or the equivalent in books, journals, and articles) for decades, so "one of the best" is high praise, high praise indeed.
October 28, 2025
OK. flipped quite a lot
December 10, 2025
spent the last 3rd of the book crying it was so touching
December 31, 2025
amazing!
This book was a great read and for my grieving heart very healing in the most unsuspecting way. ❤️ love her devotionals too
This book was a great read and for my grieving heart very healing in the most unsuspecting way. ❤️ love her devotionals too
December 1, 2025
I absolutely loved the first 2/3 of the book and highlighted so many passages that spoke to me; She had a very poetic way of describing certain situations and feelings. I enjoyed reading through the mc’s outings/tasks as they marked off the tasks in the list. The overall story of feeling loved, home and wanted resonated with me as well as the need to forgive. That part was four stars for me. But then the last part of the book just felt different. It went from a soft cozy feeling to a little random and edgy. As if someone switched from being baptist to evangelical haha no diss on either, that was just how it felt to me and some of it felt random and forced or out of character. Either way, enjoyed the journey and the life-isms throughout.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews