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A Handy Duo
Not yet published
Expected 30 May 26Two acquaintances. A charming small town. And one business partnership. A spec-tacular Rom-Com full of laugh-out-loud and heart-melting moments.
Marigold Evans has worked at her family's business, Fix-Its hardware, for as long as she can remember. After her mom’s passing seven years ago, the store has fallen into disarray. Items are everywhere. The paint is peeling. And the inventory is almost impossible to count. At her dad’s sixty-fifth birthday party, the topic of his retirement is brought up. He thinks the idea is impossible, until Marigold convinces him to let her have one month of running the store on her own.
Marigold soon learns that doing everything by herself isn’t easy. Especially when she plans to organize and freshen up the store. She finds herself seeking help from multiple town members… One in particular being Dan.
Daniel “Dan” Stone is a mechanic at his auto shop, Dan’s Auto, settled in the quirky small-town of Thornwood Valley. Dan loves working, and he doesn’t make time for much else. He spends almost every day at Fix-Its ordering and picking up parts. But he never got to know Marigold more than an acquaintance.
When Marigold proposes a business partnership to Dan, they are forced together more often than ever before. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they have in common.
Will sparks fly in and out of the auto shop?
Or will they continue to be business partners?
A Handy Duo is the third novel in the Thornwood Valley Series. This is an interconnected standalone. You can read this one without reading the first book in the series.
Marigold Evans has worked at her family's business, Fix-Its hardware, for as long as she can remember. After her mom’s passing seven years ago, the store has fallen into disarray. Items are everywhere. The paint is peeling. And the inventory is almost impossible to count. At her dad’s sixty-fifth birthday party, the topic of his retirement is brought up. He thinks the idea is impossible, until Marigold convinces him to let her have one month of running the store on her own.
Marigold soon learns that doing everything by herself isn’t easy. Especially when she plans to organize and freshen up the store. She finds herself seeking help from multiple town members… One in particular being Dan.
Daniel “Dan” Stone is a mechanic at his auto shop, Dan’s Auto, settled in the quirky small-town of Thornwood Valley. Dan loves working, and he doesn’t make time for much else. He spends almost every day at Fix-Its ordering and picking up parts. But he never got to know Marigold more than an acquaintance.
When Marigold proposes a business partnership to Dan, they are forced together more often than ever before. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they have in common.
Will sparks fly in and out of the auto shop?
Or will they continue to be business partners?
A Handy Duo is the third novel in the Thornwood Valley Series. This is an interconnected standalone. You can read this one without reading the first book in the series.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 30, 2026
15 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Madeline
3 books46 followersSarah Madeline lives for small town romances. Swoon worthy, tension filled moments. Slow burn and meet cringes. She fills her pages with laughter, tears, farm animals, and happily ever afters.
She lives in small town Pennsylvania with her miniature dachshund, cat, and eighteen chickens. Hopefully adding some goats to her family soon. When she's not writing, you can find her reading in front of a warm fire, fishing, baking, or gardening.
She lives in small town Pennsylvania with her miniature dachshund, cat, and eighteen chickens. Hopefully adding some goats to her family soon. When she's not writing, you can find her reading in front of a warm fire, fishing, baking, or gardening.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
If she writes it, I read it !
I received an early copy and just want to say- you need this book in your life.
I received an early copy and just want to say- you need this book in your life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Sarah for the advanced readers copy. It was a joy returning to Thornwood Valley for Marigold and Dan’s story.
A Handy Duo is the third book in the Thornwood Valley Series. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading each book in this charming series. I loved each book but can honestly say Marigold and Dan stole my heart.
A handy duo delivers all the feels in this sweet small town romance. I deeply connected to Marigold especially over her grief of losing her mother.
Marigold wants to prove to her father she’s ready to take over the family business, Fix-Its Hardware. She convinces her father to give her one month to run the store on her own. But doing everything on her own isn’t easy. When Marigold proposes a partnership with mechanic Dan Stone they are forced together more often than ever before. Dan is just an acquaintance but the more time they spend together the more they realize they have in common. Will sparks fly or will they remain business partners?
Oh my gosh Marigold and Dan are the sweetest couple ever! This is such a heartfelt story of family legacy, second chances, and finding your person and feeling seen. If you love small town heartfelt reads I highly recommend A Handy Duo. Don’t forget the tissues! You knocked this one out of the park Sarah! 🐓🌸🪱🐖🧢🔧
A Handy Duo is the third book in the Thornwood Valley Series. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading each book in this charming series. I loved each book but can honestly say Marigold and Dan stole my heart.
A handy duo delivers all the feels in this sweet small town romance. I deeply connected to Marigold especially over her grief of losing her mother.
Marigold wants to prove to her father she’s ready to take over the family business, Fix-Its Hardware. She convinces her father to give her one month to run the store on her own. But doing everything on her own isn’t easy. When Marigold proposes a partnership with mechanic Dan Stone they are forced together more often than ever before. Dan is just an acquaintance but the more time they spend together the more they realize they have in common. Will sparks fly or will they remain business partners?
Oh my gosh Marigold and Dan are the sweetest couple ever! This is such a heartfelt story of family legacy, second chances, and finding your person and feeling seen. If you love small town heartfelt reads I highly recommend A Handy Duo. Don’t forget the tissues! You knocked this one out of the park Sarah! 🐓🌸🪱🐖🧢🔧
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
10/10, definitely recommend!
I've had the absolute pleasure of beta reading and editing this book! 🥰
This is the 3rd book in the Thornwood Valley Series. It can technically stand alone, BUT I really recommend reading A Fowl Match and A Merry Pair first! You won’t regret it! 😊
Let me start by saying this small-town romance will make you smile, laugh, kick your feet, and even tear up a little at times. A Handy Duo is a sweet, quirky rom-com with all the feels. It's a slow burn that will have you begging for the first kiss, but it's so worth the wait! 👏
Marigold is on a mission to prove that she can take over her family business, Fix-Its Hardware. There is a massive curveball that throws a wrench into her plans, but the town mechanic, Dan, refuses to let her dreams slip away just yet! 🦸♂️
I have never read a character that I could relate to more than Marigold. She is a nervous Nellie with social anxiety but is also super thoughtful and caring! She just needs someone to truly accept her and show her what love is. 🫶
And, oh my gosh, Dan! Danny! Tinker Dan! If there was ever a book boyfriend coded in kindness and grand gestures, this is the guy! He's the ultimate cinnamon roll, and the things he does to put a smile on Marigold's face are top notch! 👩🍳😘 He is hesitant to fall in love again after having his heart broken by his first love, but once he opens his heart, nothing is stopping him. 🫠
May Marigold always have sour gummy worms 🪱 and Dan never be in short supply of backwards caps! 🧢
Favorite quote: "Life’s all about adventures, Marigold. You must take the brush and paint your own way. No one else can place the strokes on your canvas. Only you have the power to do so. There’ll always be good and bad days. Many times, there’ll be hiccups along the way. If you learn to embrace each one, then you’ll truly understand how to create a masterpiece." 🎨🥹
(Ps. 18+ because there is one very tastefully done semi-spicy scene. 🤭)
10/10, definitely recommend!
I've had the absolute pleasure of beta reading and editing this book! 🥰
This is the 3rd book in the Thornwood Valley Series. It can technically stand alone, BUT I really recommend reading A Fowl Match and A Merry Pair first! You won’t regret it! 😊
Let me start by saying this small-town romance will make you smile, laugh, kick your feet, and even tear up a little at times. A Handy Duo is a sweet, quirky rom-com with all the feels. It's a slow burn that will have you begging for the first kiss, but it's so worth the wait! 👏
Marigold is on a mission to prove that she can take over her family business, Fix-Its Hardware. There is a massive curveball that throws a wrench into her plans, but the town mechanic, Dan, refuses to let her dreams slip away just yet! 🦸♂️
I have never read a character that I could relate to more than Marigold. She is a nervous Nellie with social anxiety but is also super thoughtful and caring! She just needs someone to truly accept her and show her what love is. 🫶
And, oh my gosh, Dan! Danny! Tinker Dan! If there was ever a book boyfriend coded in kindness and grand gestures, this is the guy! He's the ultimate cinnamon roll, and the things he does to put a smile on Marigold's face are top notch! 👩🍳😘 He is hesitant to fall in love again after having his heart broken by his first love, but once he opens his heart, nothing is stopping him. 🫠
May Marigold always have sour gummy worms 🪱 and Dan never be in short supply of backwards caps! 🧢
Favorite quote: "Life’s all about adventures, Marigold. You must take the brush and paint your own way. No one else can place the strokes on your canvas. Only you have the power to do so. There’ll always be good and bad days. Many times, there’ll be hiccups along the way. If you learn to embrace each one, then you’ll truly understand how to create a masterpiece." 🎨🥹
(Ps. 18+ because there is one very tastefully done semi-spicy scene. 🤭)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marigold and Dan are so cute! I really liked them together, what they have is very special and sweet! They had so many wholesome scenes that had me feeling warm and fuzzy (and wishing for a boyfriend too). I truly enjoyed all their conversations, how good and honest they are to each other.
Honestly, I didn't expect to relate so much to Marigold in so many aspects, that was a good surprise and I think it gave me a lot to think about. I also loved her relationship with her father, the way she talks about her family and is so proud of their legacy is very touching.
And Dan is SO sweet, he also surprised me a lot, from the other books I thought he was going to be a lot more shy and quiet but he was not afraid of saying what he was feeling and had me freaking out all the time because of how thoughtful he is. What can I say, I just love a man that is in love and is not afraid to show it.
Being back in Thornwood Valley was great, is such a cozy/iconic town and I wish I could go there, because it sounds freaking amazing. I loved all the side characters, especially Daisy! And I thought Constance was – still meddling and over the top – a lot more supportive in this book, it definitely made me like her more!!
Honestly, I didn't expect to relate so much to Marigold in so many aspects, that was a good surprise and I think it gave me a lot to think about. I also loved her relationship with her father, the way she talks about her family and is so proud of their legacy is very touching.
And Dan is SO sweet, he also surprised me a lot, from the other books I thought he was going to be a lot more shy and quiet but he was not afraid of saying what he was feeling and had me freaking out all the time because of how thoughtful he is. What can I say, I just love a man that is in love and is not afraid to show it.
Being back in Thornwood Valley was great, is such a cozy/iconic town and I wish I could go there, because it sounds freaking amazing. I loved all the side characters, especially Daisy! And I thought Constance was – still meddling and over the top – a lot more supportive in this book, it definitely made me like her more!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Handy Duo was my first book by Sarah Madeline, and I really enjoyed it. Even though it’s the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone without feeling lost.
This was such a sweet and comforting story. Marigold, the FMC, is trying to step into her new role running the family hardware store after losing her mom, while also proving to herself and everyone around her that she’s capable of handling it on her own. I really felt for her throughout the story.
Dan, the MMC, owns a mechanic shop and was honestly such a kind and supportive character. I loved how patient and open he was with Marigold as their relationship slowly developed. No matter what she needed, big or small, he was always there to help without hesitation, and I loved seeing that steady support between them.
Sarah Madeline also did a wonderful job bringing the town to life with all the little details and moments that made the story feel cozy and real. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I’m really glad this was my introduction to her books.
This was such a sweet and comforting story. Marigold, the FMC, is trying to step into her new role running the family hardware store after losing her mom, while also proving to herself and everyone around her that she’s capable of handling it on her own. I really felt for her throughout the story.
Dan, the MMC, owns a mechanic shop and was honestly such a kind and supportive character. I loved how patient and open he was with Marigold as their relationship slowly developed. No matter what she needed, big or small, he was always there to help without hesitation, and I loved seeing that steady support between them.
Sarah Madeline also did a wonderful job bringing the town to life with all the little details and moments that made the story feel cozy and real. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I’m really glad this was my introduction to her books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Handy Duo is everything I could want in a cozy small town romance with humor, heart and Gilmore Girl vibes. And cute little resident town chickens.
It’s the perfect book to curl up with, and also the kind of book that’s too good to put down so you fall asleep reading it instead. The cinematic prose really made the story come to life. I loved so many things about this book! It has charming characters that are easy to fall in love with, a romantic love story, and very beautifully written grief representation. Marigold and Dan are so sweet together. I love how their friendship grew so naturally into something more.
A Handy Duo is the third book in an interconnected standalone series. I want to live in Thornwood Valley every time I read these books. They feel like a little hug, and I definitely recommend giving this a read if you love sweet small town romances!
Thanks a million to Sarah Madeline for an advanced copy of this book!
It’s the perfect book to curl up with, and also the kind of book that’s too good to put down so you fall asleep reading it instead. The cinematic prose really made the story come to life. I loved so many things about this book! It has charming characters that are easy to fall in love with, a romantic love story, and very beautifully written grief representation. Marigold and Dan are so sweet together. I love how their friendship grew so naturally into something more.
A Handy Duo is the third book in an interconnected standalone series. I want to live in Thornwood Valley every time I read these books. They feel like a little hug, and I definitely recommend giving this a read if you love sweet small town romances!
Thanks a million to Sarah Madeline for an advanced copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy given by Author.
4.5 stars ⭐️
Do you know that feeling of coming home to bake chocolate chip cookies and dancing in the kitchen with your love? That’s how I feel when I read any of Sarah’s books! Gooey and sweet 💛
I truly wish I could live in Thornwood Valley. They have chickens that roam, nosey neighbors and the cutest names of small businesses.
This is the third book of the series. However they’re all standalones and you do not have to have read any of the others. However you should because they’re amazing!
This follows Marigold and Dan. Dan is the auto body shop owner and Marigold is doing a trial run for Fix It’s. A business that has been in her family for a couple generations now.
You read all about their love story. One of my favorite scenes was definitely when they were running through her wildflower field. Who wouldn’t want that in real life too?
Anyways I don’t want to give too much away. Give it a try!
4.5 stars ⭐️
Do you know that feeling of coming home to bake chocolate chip cookies and dancing in the kitchen with your love? That’s how I feel when I read any of Sarah’s books! Gooey and sweet 💛
I truly wish I could live in Thornwood Valley. They have chickens that roam, nosey neighbors and the cutest names of small businesses.
This is the third book of the series. However they’re all standalones and you do not have to have read any of the others. However you should because they’re amazing!
This follows Marigold and Dan. Dan is the auto body shop owner and Marigold is doing a trial run for Fix It’s. A business that has been in her family for a couple generations now.
You read all about their love story. One of my favorite scenes was definitely when they were running through her wildflower field. Who wouldn’t want that in real life too?
Anyways I don’t want to give too much away. Give it a try!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
Thank you to Sarah Madeline for the ARC.
A Handy Duo was my first time in Thornwood Valley and I didn’t feel confused even though it’s part of a series. It works fine as a standalone and focuses on Marigold and Dan.
Marigold is trying to prove she can handle Fix-Its Hardware while also dealing with grief from losing her mom. That part of the story felt very grounded. She’s stressed, second-guessing herself a lot, and trying not to let people down.
Dan is steady and kind of surprising in how open he is with her. I liked that their relationship takes time and doesn’t feel rushed. It’s mostly small moments and working together that slowly build things between them.
The town adds a lot without taking over the story. It just feels like part of their daily lives, with all the small details and side characters in the background.
Overall, it’s a solid small-town romance with a slow burn and a focus on family, pressure, and figuring yourself out.
Thank you to Sarah Madeline for the ARC.
A Handy Duo was my first time in Thornwood Valley and I didn’t feel confused even though it’s part of a series. It works fine as a standalone and focuses on Marigold and Dan.
Marigold is trying to prove she can handle Fix-Its Hardware while also dealing with grief from losing her mom. That part of the story felt very grounded. She’s stressed, second-guessing herself a lot, and trying not to let people down.
Dan is steady and kind of surprising in how open he is with her. I liked that their relationship takes time and doesn’t feel rushed. It’s mostly small moments and working together that slowly build things between them.
The town adds a lot without taking over the story. It just feels like part of their daily lives, with all the small details and side characters in the background.
Overall, it’s a solid small-town romance with a slow burn and a focus on family, pressure, and figuring yourself out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC read
Set in the charming town of Thornwood Valley, a place I love returning to every time. This story beautifully blends family legacy, personal growth, and a slow-burn romance that feels both grounded and heartfelt. Sarah Madeline is truly the queen of small-town romance. Every time I read her books, I walk away completely in love with her characters, and Marigold and Dan might just be the cutest couple yet.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Thornwood Valley story without the chickens, but this time, we’re also introduced to the absolutely adorable piglet, Buttercup. Sarah has done it again, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. If you’re a fan of small-town romances and cozy, feel-good reads, I highly recommend A Handy Duo.
Set in the charming town of Thornwood Valley, a place I love returning to every time. This story beautifully blends family legacy, personal growth, and a slow-burn romance that feels both grounded and heartfelt. Sarah Madeline is truly the queen of small-town romance. Every time I read her books, I walk away completely in love with her characters, and Marigold and Dan might just be the cutest couple yet.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Thornwood Valley story without the chickens, but this time, we’re also introduced to the absolutely adorable piglet, Buttercup. Sarah has done it again, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. If you’re a fan of small-town romances and cozy, feel-good reads, I highly recommend A Handy Duo.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another amazing adventure through Thornwood Valley. This time watching Marigold and Dan. What a beautiful story. I mean, if this author writes it I will read it. Marigold was just trying to run the business, show her dad she could do this without him, take care of her beautiful Buttercup. Plus help the town be better for tourist and keep the chickens safe. Dan was always working, working on car after car, trying to keep busy, forgetting the important things in life. When this pair gets together to create something great, its the best thing ever. This has it all, family legacy, second chances, finding your place, finding your person and being seen by them, the building an even better community and much more. I loved it all♡ definitely add this series to your bookshelves ♡
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a fan of the entire Thornwood Valley series, but A Handy Duo *may* have taken position as my favorite. Marigold is so charming, Dan is so considerate, and their entire development feels natural and fun. It was such a wonderful read, especially with the end’s twist (times two lol!). I just love Sarah’s romcoms and this is so so good. You have to pick it up if you enjoy small town, Gilmore Girls vibes, with all of Thornwood Valley’s chicken puns, seasonal charm, and matchmaker extraordinaire, Constance. Thank you for the opportunity to beta read for you, Sarah!!
May 3, 2026
Why oh why must I leave Thornwood Valley again so soon 😭
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of A Handy Duo, and to say I devoured it would be putting it mildly. I actually cried at the end not only because of the beautiful thing that was happening (no spoilers) but because I was left wanting more of these people, the towns people and overall just the feeling I get with this series.
The characters are well developed, the town is glorious and I always feel like I’m right there with them like an old friend. I cannot recommend this series enough!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of A Handy Duo, and to say I devoured it would be putting it mildly. I actually cried at the end not only because of the beautiful thing that was happening (no spoilers) but because I was left wanting more of these people, the towns people and overall just the feeling I get with this series.
The characters are well developed, the town is glorious and I always feel like I’m right there with them like an old friend. I cannot recommend this series enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Welcome to Thornwood Valley!
Where the chickens roam free, where pigs fly and the neighbors know your business, but most importantly where two friends become lovers in the sweetest story🩷
Dan and Marigold have crossed paths in her dads Fix it Hardware Store.
But when she needs help with her car, her store and her golf cart mission, Dan is ready to assist🛠️
This is Book 3 in her Thornwood Valley series.
If you're looking for a cozy small town ( stars hollow) Gilmore girls vibe story, I HIGHLY recommend reading this when it releases on May 30th!
Where the chickens roam free, where pigs fly and the neighbors know your business, but most importantly where two friends become lovers in the sweetest story🩷
Dan and Marigold have crossed paths in her dads Fix it Hardware Store.
But when she needs help with her car, her store and her golf cart mission, Dan is ready to assist🛠️
This is Book 3 in her Thornwood Valley series.
If you're looking for a cozy small town ( stars hollow) Gilmore girls vibe story, I HIGHLY recommend reading this when it releases on May 30th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an amazing small town romcom ! as reading it felt like I was watching like a Disney movie 🥹🩷 specially with the animal characters lol Buttercup 🐷 & Blanche 🐓If youre up to a story in where smalltown a woman and man slowly fall in love despite all there troubles ( past heartbreaks , not being seen , coping with grief & also absent father ) def pick this book up !📖📚🩷🌸 The love of your life could be so close to you and you dont even know it ( Dan & Marigold)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a quick and cute rom-com! It still had elements of grief which just made the characters feel so relatable. The characters actually felt like adults too, there wasn’t miscommunication or anything like that. I read this book in one day it was fast paced and so fun. I was literally kicking my feet and giggling! Don’t even get me started on how cute the town was! There was a pet pig, and chickens who freely roamed the town! This was such a perfect quick and fun summer read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75
Marigold and Dan were absolutely the cutest couple. Their relationship blossomed from a friendship, which is such a wonderful foundation to build on. I loved all the side characters too, especially the chickens and Buttercup. This was such an adorable read that I didn’t want to put it down.
Marigold and Dan were absolutely the cutest couple. Their relationship blossomed from a friendship, which is such a wonderful foundation to build on. I loved all the side characters too, especially the chickens and Buttercup. This was such an adorable read that I didn’t want to put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So honored to have gotten the opportunity to beta read for this!! Full review to come once the final version is ready!
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