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The Guest Book
A romance on an epic, generation-spanning scale, Mae Marvel’s The Guest Book delivers the authors’ signature heart, sapphic steam, and humor in a book you’ll curl up with and never forget.
The whole world believes Cosima Frank’s life has been a fairytale. Now she’s trying to live up to the overwhelming legacy left to her by her late mother, the Queen of Hollywood. As the pressure begins to build, Cosima does the only thing she can think run straight to the inn where her parents met and fell in love, intent on finishing her mother’s bucket list.
Edie Whitelock isn’t like anyone Cosima has ever met. She’s persistent enough to march up to Cosima’s door and provoke her to get out of bed and follow the disarming woman through the charming English village. Edie’s also on the run from her past, but she finds that she relishes bickering with the pretty Los Angeles princess a whole lot more than she expected. The two women couldn’t be more different, but they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other.
Trapped indoors by thunderstorms, Cosima and Edie discover the inn’s guest book, whose entries date back more than fifty years—and inside it, a romantic treasure hunt left behind by a long-ago guest whose clues unexpectedly send them across England, Spain, and France on an adventure they hope will change both of their lives.
But sometimes the treasure you seek isn’t the one you find.
The whole world believes Cosima Frank’s life has been a fairytale. Now she’s trying to live up to the overwhelming legacy left to her by her late mother, the Queen of Hollywood. As the pressure begins to build, Cosima does the only thing she can think run straight to the inn where her parents met and fell in love, intent on finishing her mother’s bucket list.
Edie Whitelock isn’t like anyone Cosima has ever met. She’s persistent enough to march up to Cosima’s door and provoke her to get out of bed and follow the disarming woman through the charming English village. Edie’s also on the run from her past, but she finds that she relishes bickering with the pretty Los Angeles princess a whole lot more than she expected. The two women couldn’t be more different, but they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other.
Trapped indoors by thunderstorms, Cosima and Edie discover the inn’s guest book, whose entries date back more than fifty years—and inside it, a romantic treasure hunt left behind by a long-ago guest whose clues unexpectedly send them across England, Spain, and France on an adventure they hope will change both of their lives.
But sometimes the treasure you seek isn’t the one you find.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Mae Marvel
5 books235 followersMae Marvel is the alias of cowriters Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare, bestselling authors of over a dozen acclaimed romance novels between them. Mae lives with two teenagers, two dogs, one cat, four hermit crabs, and a plethora of snails and fish in a witchy century house in Wisconsin whose extravagant perennial garden gives them something to look forward to in the depths of winter. In addition to romance, they also write mystery novels and cannot promise not to branch into new novelistic territories at a moment’s notice. They can be found online at maemarvel.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
June 7, 2026
I loved this novel. I love this author (or stealth pseudonym for two authors apparently? Cool!). I hope that they write more. The writing and characters pulled me in immediately, and continued to be the highlight of this novel throughout. The plotline was a bit scattered in the beginning, but once it got its feet under it, I was compelled to devour the remainder of the novel. So, stick through the first bit folks (not that its bad)! This was fun, romantic, silly and serious, and fun one more time.
Highlights:
-Great writing. It was clever; I have recently realized that this is one of my highest praises for writing. It’s a simple word, but hard to pull off in all honesty!
-“The dimple was an affront”
-What an absolutely excellent job of explaining the internal motivations behind why someone is being crabby and rude. So relatable, so excusable apparently. One of the best grumpy/sunshine pairings I have seen.
-I love all of the representation for neurotypical people. Not just representation, but well-written representation from their POV. Lots of novels throw in an ADHD (or whatnot) character but most of them don’t actually do a good job of depicting what the experience is like.
-Ace rep! I was not expecting that and it was a delightful surprise.
-Secret dimples
-The author used great narrative devices throughout the novel. I also appreciated that they were not abandoned or over-used. The plotline was all over the place, but the narrative throughline kept things cohesive and together.
-Very good representation and discussion of what it is like to live with and love someone who deals with alcoholism. The effects can be varied, subtle, and lasting.
Nitpicks:
-Lets be real; I was confused (as to what the actual plot was) and somewhat lost for the first half of this novel. Partly because I didn’t read the blurb, so partially by bad. I trusted the process though and I am very happy that I did! I could see some readers being put off during the first sections though for this reason. It all comes together though, so stick with it folks!
-I have read many demisexual people comment on other novels that falling for someone this quickly is unrealistic and misrepresents what being demisexual is like. So, this popped into my mind while reading. That said, I don’t know what the full range of experience of all demisexual people is so I have no idea if this novel depicts situations that could be realistic or not. That said: I loved reading it.
-My suspension of disbelief was tested somewhat regarding if some of the “things” left behind so long ago would still be there today. But ehhhh. It doesn’t have to be perfectly realistic and it was certainly possible.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
Highlights:
-Great writing. It was clever; I have recently realized that this is one of my highest praises for writing. It’s a simple word, but hard to pull off in all honesty!
-“The dimple was an affront”
-What an absolutely excellent job of explaining the internal motivations behind why someone is being crabby and rude. So relatable, so excusable apparently. One of the best grumpy/sunshine pairings I have seen.
-I love all of the representation for neurotypical people. Not just representation, but well-written representation from their POV. Lots of novels throw in an ADHD (or whatnot) character but most of them don’t actually do a good job of depicting what the experience is like.
-Ace rep! I was not expecting that and it was a delightful surprise.
-Secret dimples
-The author used great narrative devices throughout the novel. I also appreciated that they were not abandoned or over-used. The plotline was all over the place, but the narrative throughline kept things cohesive and together.
-Very good representation and discussion of what it is like to live with and love someone who deals with alcoholism. The effects can be varied, subtle, and lasting.
Nitpicks:
-Lets be real; I was confused (as to what the actual plot was) and somewhat lost for the first half of this novel. Partly because I didn’t read the blurb, so partially by bad. I trusted the process though and I am very happy that I did! I could see some readers being put off during the first sections though for this reason. It all comes together though, so stick with it folks!
-I have read many demisexual people comment on other novels that falling for someone this quickly is unrealistic and misrepresents what being demisexual is like. So, this popped into my mind while reading. That said, I don’t know what the full range of experience of all demisexual people is so I have no idea if this novel depicts situations that could be realistic or not. That said: I loved reading it.
-My suspension of disbelief was tested somewhat regarding if some of the “things” left behind so long ago would still be there today. But ehhhh. It doesn’t have to be perfectly realistic and it was certainly possible.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
June 2, 2026
Thank you authors Mae Marvel and St. Martin’s Griffins for the opportunity to read and review the NetGalley Advanced Reader Copy. The book is now published.
The start of the book is quite uneven as chapter one is basically one large info dump on the backstory of the first FMC, Cosima, including her relationship with her recently deceased mother, her impending responsibilities to her mother’s company, and her relationship with her father figure, Duncan. All of these sideplots are important and will weave in and out of the story, but there is nothing in this chapter to hint that this will become the lovely sapphic romance that it is.
Stick with it, however, because once we are introduced to the other FMC, Edie, the book quickly becomes the delightful and well-written sapphic romance we wanted. Marvel checked the most important box for me: I was rooting hard for the couple to HEA right from the start. There is a sense of ‘insta-love,’ but for me, it was totally plausible for both characters; one who is neurodivergent, and the other who is demisexual. I said in another review recently that if an author can write a romance well enough that I believe that the love interests have fallen for each other in a week or whatever, then brava to the author, and I think the author succeeded here.
Marvel also does an excellent job keeping the voice of each character consistent in the dual POV, reflecting the protagonists individual quirks and neurosis. I was never confused on which character’s unlabeled chapter I was reading.
However, nitpick time, but I do not count it against the pleasure I had in reading this book. The plot is convoluted at times, with a warm-up treasure hunt preceding the main event treasure hunt. But also this: Marvel’s two leading ladies are American but they didn’t think at all how Americans think. It wasn’t authentic. We say potato chips, not crisps. We say French fries, not chips. We don’t have wellies, we have rain boots. If we want a cookie, we don’t ask for a biscuit. And we never—especially if you are a Green Bay Packers fan which Edie was supposed to be—EVER refer to soccer as ‘football.’
But other than that, I loved the book. Cheers.
The start of the book is quite uneven as chapter one is basically one large info dump on the backstory of the first FMC, Cosima, including her relationship with her recently deceased mother, her impending responsibilities to her mother’s company, and her relationship with her father figure, Duncan. All of these sideplots are important and will weave in and out of the story, but there is nothing in this chapter to hint that this will become the lovely sapphic romance that it is.
Stick with it, however, because once we are introduced to the other FMC, Edie, the book quickly becomes the delightful and well-written sapphic romance we wanted. Marvel checked the most important box for me: I was rooting hard for the couple to HEA right from the start. There is a sense of ‘insta-love,’ but for me, it was totally plausible for both characters; one who is neurodivergent, and the other who is demisexual. I said in another review recently that if an author can write a romance well enough that I believe that the love interests have fallen for each other in a week or whatever, then brava to the author, and I think the author succeeded here.
Marvel also does an excellent job keeping the voice of each character consistent in the dual POV, reflecting the protagonists individual quirks and neurosis. I was never confused on which character’s unlabeled chapter I was reading.
However, nitpick time, but I do not count it against the pleasure I had in reading this book. The plot is convoluted at times, with a warm-up treasure hunt preceding the main event treasure hunt. But also this: Marvel’s two leading ladies are American but they didn’t think at all how Americans think. It wasn’t authentic. We say potato chips, not crisps. We say French fries, not chips. We don’t have wellies, we have rain boots. If we want a cookie, we don’t ask for a biscuit. And we never—especially if you are a Green Bay Packers fan which Edie was supposed to be—EVER refer to soccer as ‘football.’
But other than that, I loved the book. Cheers.
Did Not Finish
May 6, 2026✨ 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓐𝓝𝓝𝓞𝓤𝓝𝓒𝓔𝓜𝓔𝓝𝓣 ✨
GUESS WHO DIDN'T GET ARC DECLINED
GUESS WHO DIDN'T GET ARC DECLINED
June 8, 2026
I really enjoyed the setting in this book in Lincolnshire England. It was a story about an A List actress’s daughter Cosima. Cosima’s mother dies suddenly and it puts Cosima into a tailspin of depression. She decides to follow one of her mom’s last wishes to go to the inn, Gregory Place, in England where her parents first met each other.
Edie Whitlock is a vegan chef who grew up in Green Bay Wisconsin. She has failed at having her own restaurant and decides to go to England on a cheap vacation to clear her head and decide on her next step for her career.
While at the Inn, Morag, convinces them to go on a quest to solve a mystery in the “Guest Book”.
Mae Marvel has a unique writing style and it took me a bit to get into this book. The characters were very well developed and unique. I really liked Cosima and I could understand how she fell for Edie. Edie is so different and honest in her approach to life. Morag, the inn keeper was a great character and really added to the story.
I’ve read two other Mae Marvel books and very much enjoyed them as well.
Edie Whitlock is a vegan chef who grew up in Green Bay Wisconsin. She has failed at having her own restaurant and decides to go to England on a cheap vacation to clear her head and decide on her next step for her career.
While at the Inn, Morag, convinces them to go on a quest to solve a mystery in the “Guest Book”.
Mae Marvel has a unique writing style and it took me a bit to get into this book. The characters were very well developed and unique. I really liked Cosima and I could understand how she fell for Edie. Edie is so different and honest in her approach to life. Morag, the inn keeper was a great character and really added to the story.
I’ve read two other Mae Marvel books and very much enjoyed them as well.
June 9, 2026
The Guest Book by Mae Marvel
Contemporary sapphic romance.
Cosima Frank runs from the shadows of her famous mother to a small inn where her parents fell in love. Or so she’s been told. What she finds is something else.
Edie Whitelock is hiding from her past but there is something about Cosima that she can’t resist. Together, they follow what they believe is a treasure hunt. Will they find the answers that will satisfy their wandering souls?
Neither Cosmina, nor Edie are in a happy place. But a quest awakens a bit of excitement and awareness in them. Is it destiny or history? They grow closer as they find answers and more questions.
A slow start but the character interactions plus dimples humor caught my attention and interest.
Angsty and self analysis required. Lots of inclusion.
Intrigued by the history of the older love influencing the current. HEA.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary sapphic romance.
Cosima Frank runs from the shadows of her famous mother to a small inn where her parents fell in love. Or so she’s been told. What she finds is something else.
Edie Whitelock is hiding from her past but there is something about Cosima that she can’t resist. Together, they follow what they believe is a treasure hunt. Will they find the answers that will satisfy their wandering souls?
Neither Cosmina, nor Edie are in a happy place. But a quest awakens a bit of excitement and awareness in them. Is it destiny or history? They grow closer as they find answers and more questions.
A slow start but the character interactions plus dimples humor caught my attention and interest.
Angsty and self analysis required. Lots of inclusion.
Intrigued by the history of the older love influencing the current. HEA.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
June 7, 2026
gosh, at this point i'm on board for every new mae marvel/annie mare/ruthie knox book. i've pre-ordered the last three the min i found out about them and they have YET to let me down! i really love how they write their mcs and their romance dynamics, and this was no exception. cosima is SO DREAMY and edie is adorable and i loved watching them (very quickly! not my usual vibe, but i bought it) fall in love. the road trip/treasure hunt was fun and the outcome was delightful. as someone who worked at a small town inn for many years, i loved the inn. i had a blast. this was so sweet.
(my ONLY qualm, that's not even a qualm just a noooo boooo, is that it wasn't also narrated by my fav narrator mia hutchinson-shaw, so i only read it in physical and did not get to listen along, too. i could have! but alas, i did not.)
(my ONLY qualm, that's not even a qualm just a noooo boooo, is that it wasn't also narrated by my fav narrator mia hutchinson-shaw, so i only read it in physical and did not get to listen along, too. i could have! but alas, i did not.)
July 15, 2026
I continue to be so impressed with Mae Marvel books. The Guest Book was so sweet and so fun and exactly what I want in a romance book.
You know what I love in a romance novel? Romance. And do you know what I often critique about “romance novels”? The utter lack of romance! The Guest Book does not skimp on the romance! It exists in the looks, the touches, the gestures, the banter! It’s in the anticipation of a first kiss. It’s more than just sex (though sex is there too). It’s in the communication! I know that a Mae Marvel book won’t make me angry, yelling at fictional characters to “just f*cking talk already” because they do! But that doesn’t mean there’s no angst. It just doesn’t come because the characters refuse to have hard conversations. Or, in the odd time it does, the whole plot isn’t centred around that miscommunication.
Anyway, if you want a grumpy/sunshine romance with a treasure-hunt adventure across 3 countries and good ADHD and demisexual representation, then I recommend this book.
More from this writing duo, please.
You know what I love in a romance novel? Romance. And do you know what I often critique about “romance novels”? The utter lack of romance! The Guest Book does not skimp on the romance! It exists in the looks, the touches, the gestures, the banter! It’s in the anticipation of a first kiss. It’s more than just sex (though sex is there too). It’s in the communication! I know that a Mae Marvel book won’t make me angry, yelling at fictional characters to “just f*cking talk already” because they do! But that doesn’t mean there’s no angst. It just doesn’t come because the characters refuse to have hard conversations. Or, in the odd time it does, the whole plot isn’t centred around that miscommunication.
Anyway, if you want a grumpy/sunshine romance with a treasure-hunt adventure across 3 countries and good ADHD and demisexual representation, then I recommend this book.
More from this writing duo, please.
October 30, 2025
The storyline was boring to me with half-baked concepts all throughout.
January 26, 2026
I think one of the things I love about Mae Marvel books are that they are never just your cut and dry romance. There is also so much going on in the plot that makes you really take a step back and look at your own life and what you want out of it and who you want to be.
I am someone who loves insta-love books even when I know they feel improbable sometimes, but I do also really appreciate how their love story was written. We get just enough outside background on the two of them but I really liked learning more about their stories by hearing them talk to each other and basically try to out-trauma one another. It isn't love at first sight but it's love built on trust and a mutual understanding of what each has been through to get where they are today.
I also did feel invested in the treasure hunt and it didn't feel like something just thrown into the book but something that really complimented their love story throughout!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy. I absolutely loved it!
I am someone who loves insta-love books even when I know they feel improbable sometimes, but I do also really appreciate how their love story was written. We get just enough outside background on the two of them but I really liked learning more about their stories by hearing them talk to each other and basically try to out-trauma one another. It isn't love at first sight but it's love built on trust and a mutual understanding of what each has been through to get where they are today.
I also did feel invested in the treasure hunt and it didn't feel like something just thrown into the book but something that really complimented their love story throughout!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy. I absolutely loved it!
June 5, 2026
This was really really cute. I wasn't as invested in the treasure hunt but I loved how their relationship progressed during it. It was also really nice reading about a character on the aroace spectrums.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review
July 25, 2026
I came for the sapphic European treasure hunt and I stayed for the demisexual awakening. As much as I enjoyed Edie and Cosima, this turned out to be rather predictable and I was annoyed by the dark moment.
Characters: Cosima is a 30 year old tall white demisexual gardener, acting board chair for movie studio, and virgin. Edie is a 28 year old white lesbian baker/cheesemaker and vegan with ADHD and a navel piercing. This is set in Harlaxton, England, Los Angeles, Rouen, France, Barcelona, Spain, and Tintern, Wales.
Content notes: codependency, controlling parent, recent death of Cosima's mother (alcoholism/liver failure), past alcoholic mother and stepparent, demisexual awakening, stomach pain, ADHD, skipping meals, past homophobia, past bullying, past death of Cosima's father (Formula 1 race crash), past death of secondary character's parents, past unplanned pregnancy (secondary character's sister), Edie has only met her father a few times, cat mummy, past death of secondary character's cat, past plague, secondary character uses a wheelchair, on page sex, strap-on, sex toys, alcohol (secondary character), cigarettes (secondary characters), gendered pejorative, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction
Characters: Cosima is a 30 year old tall white demisexual gardener, acting board chair for movie studio, and virgin. Edie is a 28 year old white lesbian baker/cheesemaker and vegan with ADHD and a navel piercing. This is set in Harlaxton, England, Los Angeles, Rouen, France, Barcelona, Spain, and Tintern, Wales.
Content notes: codependency, controlling parent, recent death of Cosima's mother (alcoholism/liver failure), past alcoholic mother and stepparent, demisexual awakening, stomach pain, ADHD, skipping meals, past homophobia, past bullying, past death of Cosima's father (Formula 1 race crash), past death of secondary character's parents, past unplanned pregnancy (secondary character's sister), Edie has only met her father a few times, cat mummy, past death of secondary character's cat, past plague, secondary character uses a wheelchair, on page sex, strap-on, sex toys, alcohol (secondary character), cigarettes (secondary characters), gendered pejorative, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction
June 23, 2026
Thank you to those at St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Mae Marvel for this ARC! I was so excited to be preselected for this ARC, I really enjoyed the last book I read by Mae Marvel (If I Told You, I'd Have To Kiss You). I loved the mystery aspect of the story, going from country to country with Cosima and Edie! There was so much longing that we read into as they fall in love and there were twists and turns which made the ending so much sweeter! I can't wait for the book to come out next year! Overall, wonderful read!
February 2, 2026
I won this arc through the Goodreads giveaways. I loved the story and writing style. I will be looking for more from this author
June 29, 2026
A fun Sapphic romance by author duo, Mae Marvel, that sees two strangers meeting in a small British inn and embarking on a heartfelt scavenger hunt that one of their mother's left behind for them to follow. Full of adventure, great neurodiversity and demisexuality rep and a slow burn, spicy romance, I was captivated by this story from start to finish. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of books like Thrill of the chase by Kathryn Nolan.
November 19, 2025
4.5! Really enjoyed this book and loved the romance aspect of it. Cosima and Edie’s connection felt very real and was fun to follow. I found the other plots lacking a bit of depth, but overall it was a fun read! Thanks NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC! :)
June 3, 2026
5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes with a bit of a slow burn
3rd person, dual POV
I loved this book more than I’m going to be able to express. But I’m gonna try, so here goes…
Cosima and Edie were two women who were lost in very different ways, but ended up being exactly what the other person needed. The banter was so much fun and then the treasure hunt got added in and I was having a hay day!
The result of that quest was the sweetest most tragic thing. Edie thought it best, “It made her want to burn everything to the ground, this story.” But it was so wonderful, too and it taught Cosima and Edie so much about their own relationship. The theme of laying it all on the table, taking the risk even when it seems doomed to fail, was so well done.
I absolutely loved the ace spectrum and neurodivergent rep. The way families are affected by alcoholism and the mention of al-anon was so sensitively spoken of. It wasn’t just a grief journey, but a road to self-discovery.
The entire book was so beautifully and cleverly written. I can’t recommend this enough, please go read it!
Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy 💝 Happy release day!
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes with a bit of a slow burn
3rd person, dual POV
I loved this book more than I’m going to be able to express. But I’m gonna try, so here goes…
Cosima and Edie were two women who were lost in very different ways, but ended up being exactly what the other person needed. The banter was so much fun and then the treasure hunt got added in and I was having a hay day!
The result of that quest was the sweetest most tragic thing. Edie thought it best, “It made her want to burn everything to the ground, this story.” But it was so wonderful, too and it taught Cosima and Edie so much about their own relationship. The theme of laying it all on the table, taking the risk even when it seems doomed to fail, was so well done.
I absolutely loved the ace spectrum and neurodivergent rep. The way families are affected by alcoholism and the mention of al-anon was so sensitively spoken of. It wasn’t just a grief journey, but a road to self-discovery.
The entire book was so beautifully and cleverly written. I can’t recommend this enough, please go read it!
Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy 💝 Happy release day!
December 2, 2025
This book is a gem. What makes it so special is its characters- adorably ADHD Edie with her quirkiness, creativity, and huge heart; and competent Cosima with the weight of a small universe on her shoulders and her direct communication style. There were moments I laughed out loud, and moments I really felt for them. I loved their relationship and the way they care for the people in their lives but especially each other- they really saw the core of each other and were such a good match. The treasure hunt and European backdrop were so fun. This will definitely stick with me.
Short summary: Edie has one month to lick her wounds at the cheapest hotel in England before returning to a less than stellar reality. Cosima is running away. She can’t say exactly for how long or how to solve her problem but she needs space and time…definitely not a very nosy across the hall hotel mate.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Short summary: Edie has one month to lick her wounds at the cheapest hotel in England before returning to a less than stellar reality. Cosima is running away. She can’t say exactly for how long or how to solve her problem but she needs space and time…definitely not a very nosy across the hall hotel mate.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2026
This is one of my favorite books of the year, so far. Edie and Cosima were enchanting and I loved watching them become everything to each other. Come for the treasure hunt, stay for the pitch perfect romance.
June 2, 2026
4.5⭐️ Entertaining read! Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Mae Marvel for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the writing and pacing of the story. There was a whimsical cozy feel that just enchanted me.
I felt the connection between Edie and Cosima. They were different in so many ways. Edie was vibrant and curious while Cosima was guarded and closed. I enjoyed watching them open up and grow.
Overall an exciting story with well developed characters and lovely romance. Recommend!
I loved the writing and pacing of the story. There was a whimsical cozy feel that just enchanted me.
I felt the connection between Edie and Cosima. They were different in so many ways. Edie was vibrant and curious while Cosima was guarded and closed. I enjoyed watching them open up and grow.
Overall an exciting story with well developed characters and lovely romance. Recommend!
June 2, 2026
This was a funny, tender, and slightly mysterious story about two Americans following clues from an old guest book at a charming inn in a small English village. What begins as a quirky quest unfolds into a deeper journey of emotional healing and connection. Both characters carry their own baggage, but watching them learn from and lean on each other was genuinely moving. The story was engaging, the characters well-drawn, and I especially loved how everything came together in the end—not just for the main duo, but for everyone touched by their journey.
June 2, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC! Loved so much! Fun setting & beautiful characters. Also loved the banter. Will read more from this author.
July 28, 2026
it dragged a bit in the middle but i think the payoff towards the end made up for it (mostly) overall a cutie story
July 11, 2026
*I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway but this is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. I did predict the ending very early in but honestly I'm ok with that because everything in between was a pleasant read and I was excited to see if I was right. The characters growth together as they chased clues across europe felt well paced and their individual stories felt well shaped. A fun take on the "from different worlds" trope in a way that didn't feel tropey.
I really enjoyed this book. I did predict the ending very early in but honestly I'm ok with that because everything in between was a pleasant read and I was excited to see if I was right. The characters growth together as they chased clues across europe felt well paced and their individual stories felt well shaped. A fun take on the "from different worlds" trope in a way that didn't feel tropey.
July 13, 2026
The Guest Book by Sarah Blake is a sweeping, multigenerational family saga that explores privilege, systemic racism, and the cost of silence. Spanning from 1935 to the present day, the novel focuses on the affluent Milton family and their private retreat on Crockett’s Island off the coast of Maine.
June 19, 2026
Honestly, I was not expecting much given that cover (I am sorry, but this does not look like a category romance! I was afraid it would be mismarketed women's fiction...) but this was cute in the end.
We got a neurodivergent lesbian in Edie whose rambling tangents, vegan food interests, and awkward charm I quickly warmed up to. Cosima is the resident demisexual (and pan according to the authors), an overworked American who is hiding away to process the death of her famous mother and avoiding the fallout of that.
The book starts in a quaint little English town but the two end up travelling to Spain and France, following the clues that begin inside the guest book of the inn they are both staying in. It gives the book a nice pace and momentum that I like; I struggle with low angst/little plot romances that so common in contemporary settings. And if you're a big fan of treasure hunts, this might scratch the itch. I was personally not very intrigued by the mystery or the supposed treasure at the end - I was going along with the story and having a fun time, but I wasn't like actually into that entire situation or invested in the outcome. And it's not even bad! It's a fun mix of clues and logic puzzles that the authors want you to care about and put effort into.
It helped pushing through th book that the couple dynamic worked well for me, both the MCs have distinct personalities and interests, which clash at times to give them something to work through. A little bit of chaos and friction fit in well with an already cluttered storyline. The romance reads messy in a realistic way, with jumps and stalls as the two need to decide how strong their feelings are.
The book also explores themes such as work-life balance, accepting help, as well as naming and working through trauma.
I did not find the ending all that satisfying because of 2 elements that came into the story with no input from the main character that kind of forced the particulars of the HEA. I did not think that was necessary.
As for the demi rep: I was a fan. It doesn't come out of nowhere and it fit into Cosima's character, the authors to a great job of desribing how her (former) disinterest and (current) desire have changed and how meeting a person she is attracted to makes other things clearer to her.
We got a neurodivergent lesbian in Edie whose rambling tangents, vegan food interests, and awkward charm I quickly warmed up to. Cosima is the resident demisexual (and pan according to the authors), an overworked American who is hiding away to process the death of her famous mother and avoiding the fallout of that.
The book starts in a quaint little English town but the two end up travelling to Spain and France, following the clues that begin inside the guest book of the inn they are both staying in. It gives the book a nice pace and momentum that I like; I struggle with low angst/little plot romances that so common in contemporary settings. And if you're a big fan of treasure hunts, this might scratch the itch. I was personally not very intrigued by the mystery or the supposed treasure at the end - I was going along with the story and having a fun time, but I wasn't like actually into that entire situation or invested in the outcome. And it's not even bad! It's a fun mix of clues and logic puzzles that the authors want you to care about and put effort into.
It helped pushing through th book that the couple dynamic worked well for me, both the MCs have distinct personalities and interests, which clash at times to give them something to work through. A little bit of chaos and friction fit in well with an already cluttered storyline. The romance reads messy in a realistic way, with jumps and stalls as the two need to decide how strong their feelings are.
The book also explores themes such as work-life balance, accepting help, as well as naming and working through trauma.
I did not find the ending all that satisfying because of 2 elements that came into the story with no input from the main character that kind of forced the particulars of the HEA. I did not think that was necessary.
As for the demi rep: I was a fan. It doesn't come out of nowhere and it fit into Cosima's character, the authors to a great job of desribing how her (former) disinterest and (current) desire have changed and how meeting a person she is attracted to makes other things clearer to her.
June 25, 2026
Absolute heaven.
My star rating system:
⭐️ : Would never read, or DNF
⭐️⭐️ : Not for me, probably for others
⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Solid, but forgettable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Excellent, would re-read eventually
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Would re-read immediately
My star rating system:
⭐️ : Would never read, or DNF
⭐️⭐️ : Not for me, probably for others
⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Solid, but forgettable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Excellent, would re-read eventually
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Would re-read immediately
June 22, 2026
This book is literally perfect and I have no notes. Nobody say shit to me about this book unless you are agreeing with me!!!
June 15, 2026
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of this book.
"It was why Cosima couldn't kiss Edie Whitelock and not believe in magic."
This was such a fun, cute book with incredible queer rep! I loved the treasure hunt, it felt like being in a magical escape room in many ways. I adored the trifecta of Cosima, Edie, and the Gregory Place innkeeper. Also so many of the characters you meet along the way were quirky and fascinatingly small town - I'd love to see spin-off novels about them (Tam the barkeep in particular!).
The Guest Book made me laugh, swoon, and even tear up at times. My first Mae Marvel book and certainly won't be my last.
"It was why Cosima couldn't kiss Edie Whitelock and not believe in magic."
This was such a fun, cute book with incredible queer rep! I loved the treasure hunt, it felt like being in a magical escape room in many ways. I adored the trifecta of Cosima, Edie, and the Gregory Place innkeeper. Also so many of the characters you meet along the way were quirky and fascinatingly small town - I'd love to see spin-off novels about them (Tam the barkeep in particular!).
The Guest Book made me laugh, swoon, and even tear up at times. My first Mae Marvel book and certainly won't be my last.
June 3, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me a free copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
I just loved this one so much!
Two women *going through it* individually, end up finding themselves at this Inn in a small town in England, and ultimately setting out on a Treasure Hunt together. Definitely some emotional moments surrounding grief and figuring stuff out, but also a lot of fun along the way. I was hooked by these characters from the start, and they definitely had me deep in my feels towards the end. 🥺
First of all, all of the settings just had me feeling completely immersed in the story, from the Inn, to the Town…to the stile 🤭, and all the far off locales; I felt completely transported whenever I picked this book up.
And the characters!
I really loved both MCs; Cosima dealing with the death of her complicated (and famous) mother, Edie dealing with a failed business and feeling directionless, and like she just doesn’t fit in anywhere. The way these two connected was fun, and fast, and chaotic at times, but I was on board the whole time. 🥰
There were also so many amazing side characters, all of whom I grew quite attached to; such a great little found family.
Once the “adventure” started up, I was *in* for this Treasure Hunt; loved the journey, and what they found in the end. 😍
Definitely my favorite read by this author duo. And I’ll definitely be on the lookout for their next one!
What this book is giving:
✅ Sapphic Romance
✅ Dual POV
✅ Strangers to Lovers
✅ Treasure Hunt
✅ Small Town England…and beyond
✅ Found Family
✅ Opposites Attract
✅ Demisexual Rep
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
🌶️🌶️ ¾ / 5
I just loved this one so much!
Two women *going through it* individually, end up finding themselves at this Inn in a small town in England, and ultimately setting out on a Treasure Hunt together. Definitely some emotional moments surrounding grief and figuring stuff out, but also a lot of fun along the way. I was hooked by these characters from the start, and they definitely had me deep in my feels towards the end. 🥺
First of all, all of the settings just had me feeling completely immersed in the story, from the Inn, to the Town…to the stile 🤭, and all the far off locales; I felt completely transported whenever I picked this book up.
And the characters!
I really loved both MCs; Cosima dealing with the death of her complicated (and famous) mother, Edie dealing with a failed business and feeling directionless, and like she just doesn’t fit in anywhere. The way these two connected was fun, and fast, and chaotic at times, but I was on board the whole time. 🥰
There were also so many amazing side characters, all of whom I grew quite attached to; such a great little found family.
Once the “adventure” started up, I was *in* for this Treasure Hunt; loved the journey, and what they found in the end. 😍
Definitely my favorite read by this author duo. And I’ll definitely be on the lookout for their next one!
What this book is giving:
✅ Sapphic Romance
✅ Dual POV
✅ Strangers to Lovers
✅ Treasure Hunt
✅ Small Town England…and beyond
✅ Found Family
✅ Opposites Attract
✅ Demisexual Rep
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
🌶️🌶️ ¾ / 5
July 7, 2026
(4.5 Stars, rounded up)
I absolutely ADORED this book. If you’re looking for a cozy, sapphic Hallmark mystery, THIS. IS. IT. (Seriously, someone call Lacey Chabert). The Guest Book is full of self-discovery, grief, and humor - all tied together with a scavenger hunt across Europe and a grumpy (but oddly charming) curmudgeon of an innkeeper.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press for providing me with an eARC of this book for my review.
I absolutely ADORED this book. If you’re looking for a cozy, sapphic Hallmark mystery, THIS. IS. IT. (Seriously, someone call Lacey Chabert). The Guest Book is full of self-discovery, grief, and humor - all tied together with a scavenger hunt across Europe and a grumpy (but oddly charming) curmudgeon of an innkeeper.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press for providing me with an eARC of this book for my review.
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