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Maplewood #2
Maple & Moonlight: A Grumpy Maple Farmer Romance
As a single mom rebuilding my life from scratch, I don’t need help. And I definitely don’t need the attention of a six-foot-three maple farmer with a beard and a hero complex who looks at me like I’m a problem he didn’t sign up for.
My landlord is broad-shouldered, permanently unimpressed, and entirely too comfortable telling me when I’m wrong. I think he’s grumpy, rigid, and overprotective. He thinks I’m chaos in Crocs.
Falling for Josh Lawrence was never part of the plan.
But then he starts showing up.
For my son when he’s overwhelmed.
For my daughters when they need someone steady.
And for me when my hands won’t stop shaking.
I didn’t come to Vermont looking for a protector. I don’t need rescuing. But somewhere between harvest festivals, pumpkin canoe races, and quiet mornings in the sugar shack, the man I swore was just an annoyance becomes my safe place.
And when my dangerous past resurfaces and threatens the new life I’ve built, the grumpy maple farmer next door becomes my fiercest protector, ready to stand by my side while I fight for my family.
Because it turns out maple farmers are a lot like their trees: quiet, stubborn, and surprisingly sweet when the pressure builds.
Series Blurb: Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont. America’s Most Charming Small Town has some dark, sticky secrets. Come for the maple syrup, festivals, and cheese wars; stay for swoon.
My landlord is broad-shouldered, permanently unimpressed, and entirely too comfortable telling me when I’m wrong. I think he’s grumpy, rigid, and overprotective. He thinks I’m chaos in Crocs.
Falling for Josh Lawrence was never part of the plan.
But then he starts showing up.
For my son when he’s overwhelmed.
For my daughters when they need someone steady.
And for me when my hands won’t stop shaking.
I didn’t come to Vermont looking for a protector. I don’t need rescuing. But somewhere between harvest festivals, pumpkin canoe races, and quiet mornings in the sugar shack, the man I swore was just an annoyance becomes my safe place.
And when my dangerous past resurfaces and threatens the new life I’ve built, the grumpy maple farmer next door becomes my fiercest protector, ready to stand by my side while I fight for my family.
Because it turns out maple farmers are a lot like their trees: quiet, stubborn, and surprisingly sweet when the pressure builds.
Series Blurb: Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont. America’s Most Charming Small Town has some dark, sticky secrets. Come for the maple syrup, festivals, and cheese wars; stay for swoon.
480 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2026
About the author
Daphne Elliot
30 books1,560 followersIn High School, Daphne Elliot was voted “most likely to become a romance novelist.” After spending the last decade as a corporate lawyer, she has finally embraced her destiny. Her small town steamy novels are filled with flirty banter, sexy hijinks, and lots and lots of heart.
Daphne is a coffee-drinking, hot-sauce loving introvert who spends all her free time in her garden. She lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, two kids, two dogs, twelve backyard chickens and a hive of Italian honeybees.
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Daphne is a coffee-drinking, hot-sauce loving introvert who spends all her free time in her garden. She lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, two kids, two dogs, twelve backyard chickens and a hive of Italian honeybees.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE:
https://www.amazon.com/Daphne-Elliot/...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/daphneellio...
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/DaphneElliot...
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER:
http://daphneelliot.com/join-newsletter/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 722 reviews
May 19, 2026
I loved this so much. I was truly locked in on this couple right from the start.
I felt for Celine and her kids so much. They are trying to start fresh after getting away from an abusive husband/father and they end up in our lovely town of Maplewood. ALso, the end up renting a beautiful home from Josh. A stoic, but gentle bear of a man, who has left his corporate job in the big city to run the family maple farm.
He may come off as a grump and find this chaotic family overwhelming, but he NEVER has anything but the utmost respect for Celine. She may not persieve that from him, but it's the truth. He can't keep himself, nor his dog away. Though they have a few miscommunications when she assumes a few things about Josh, they quickly become friends and her kids fall for him immediately too. And did I mention his dog? Yeah, his dog choked me up a few times.
If you are an animal lover, you are gonna fall for this pup, no doubt.
Anyway, besides the dog, I also got pretty emotional for Celine a few times. She is carrying so much and not the least of which is guilt for how long she stayed with her ex. He may now be in prison, but she isn't quite free herself. That makes her guarded with Josh. However, he is patience, steady, and there whenever she needs him. Even when, no, ESPECIALLY when, she's reluctant to ask for help.
I just genuinely loved their love story so much. I highly recommend this one. Even if it's your first by the author.
Narrated in the duet style by Sean Masters & Emma Wilder. They were wonderful and had me smiling so much.
5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: Abusive ex, panic attacks & anxiety, recounting harm to a child, gun violence, gas-lighting
*Thank you to Ear Candy Promos & the author for an ALC of this title.*
I felt for Celine and her kids so much. They are trying to start fresh after getting away from an abusive husband/father and they end up in our lovely town of Maplewood. ALso, the end up renting a beautiful home from Josh. A stoic, but gentle bear of a man, who has left his corporate job in the big city to run the family maple farm.
He may come off as a grump and find this chaotic family overwhelming, but he NEVER has anything but the utmost respect for Celine. She may not persieve that from him, but it's the truth. He can't keep himself, nor his dog away. Though they have a few miscommunications when she assumes a few things about Josh, they quickly become friends and her kids fall for him immediately too. And did I mention his dog? Yeah, his dog choked me up a few times.
If you are an animal lover, you are gonna fall for this pup, no doubt.
Anyway, besides the dog, I also got pretty emotional for Celine a few times. She is carrying so much and not the least of which is guilt for how long she stayed with her ex. He may now be in prison, but she isn't quite free herself. That makes her guarded with Josh. However, he is patience, steady, and there whenever she needs him. Even when, no, ESPECIALLY when, she's reluctant to ask for help.
I just genuinely loved their love story so much. I highly recommend this one. Even if it's your first by the author.
Narrated in the duet style by Sean Masters & Emma Wilder. They were wonderful and had me smiling so much.
5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: Abusive ex, panic attacks & anxiety, recounting harm to a child, gun violence, gas-lighting
*Thank you to Ear Candy Promos & the author for an ALC of this title.*
May 6, 2026
I am generally a sucker for romances with a little something dangerous simmering beneath the surface… but I didn’t know I needed one that also had a cozy small town element!!
Throw in a single mom of three looking to start over and a hot farmer? I’m just gonna go ahead and grab a napkin to wipe the drool off my face 😂😂 Because I loved the first book in this series and everything else I’ve read by Daphne Elliot - I new I would like this one and I did!
***I also really appreciate how delicately our MMC / Hero handled a neurodivergent child!
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: adult
* Content Warnings: abusiv3 ex
* Kindle Unlimited: ✅
* Part of A Series: ✅ / Can it be read alone?: yes but the whole series is good!
**Thank you to The Author Agency for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Throw in a single mom of three looking to start over and a hot farmer? I’m just gonna go ahead and grab a napkin to wipe the drool off my face 😂😂 Because I loved the first book in this series and everything else I’ve read by Daphne Elliot - I new I would like this one and I did!
***I also really appreciate how delicately our MMC / Hero handled a neurodivergent child!
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: adult
* Content Warnings: abusiv3 ex
* Kindle Unlimited: ✅
* Part of A Series: ✅ / Can it be read alone?: yes but the whole series is good!
**Thank you to The Author Agency for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
May 11, 2026
This took me awhile to read because my period made me to emotional on single moms who was dealing with being a single parent, new town and her abusive in law who wouldn't leave her be. Yes I felt bad for Celine she had so much on her plate with all the new things her family had to go though. Plus a landlord who is a grump to her kids but still made sure they were safe 🧡
Josh had his own drama the town, his farm and new ppls he's renting and he's annoyed because they are ruining how he operates things. Poor Josh. But I love how he made time for each child. I think it showed more with him and Julian. Wish the other kids got more time with Josh. But I understood. The relationship took time because both wanted to go slow and Celine was still dealing with her past.
We got the whole town and the murder from the last book costing the town money because now they are painted as a murder town.
We get to see the new couple which im eh with.
Low angst, sorta om drama/no ow, drama, secondary characters, sexy times, no virgins or manwhores
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slow-burn
Push away from both sides
Praise kink
Found family
Autism (one of the children)
Mentions of DV
Mentioned off page child abuse
Safe sex
Hea
Epilogue
Josh had his own drama the town, his farm and new ppls he's renting and he's annoyed because they are ruining how he operates things. Poor Josh. But I love how he made time for each child. I think it showed more with him and Julian. Wish the other kids got more time with Josh. But I understood. The relationship took time because both wanted to go slow and Celine was still dealing with her past.
We got the whole town and the murder from the last book costing the town money because now they are painted as a murder town.
We get to see the new couple which im eh with.
Low angst, sorta om drama/no ow, drama, secondary characters, sexy times, no virgins or manwhores
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slow-burn
Push away from both sides
Praise kink
Found family
Autism (one of the children)
Mentions of DV
Mentioned off page child abuse
Safe sex
Hea
Epilogue
April 27, 2026
5🌟, 2🌶️
This was such a feel good, quietly emotional read that hooked me without trying too hard.
It made me laugh, it made me feel, and it had just enough tension to keep me fully invested. The small town charm and underlying themes about kindness and healing gave it so much heart.
Celine’s story really stayed with me. The way she pours everything into her kids while running on empty felt so real, and watching her slowly learn to lean on someone else hit in the best way. The kids brought so much life to the story, and I loved how fiercely they loved. And Josh… he truly snuck up on me. The quiet care, the patience, the way he shows up without making a big deal out of it, it just made everything feel deeper.
The romance builds with so much intention, and by the end I was completely sold on them. Add in the touch of suspense in the background and it just pulls everything together.
This was one of those books that leaves you feeling warm and a little emotional, and I loved every second of it.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Daphne Elliot & The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This was such a feel good, quietly emotional read that hooked me without trying too hard.
It made me laugh, it made me feel, and it had just enough tension to keep me fully invested. The small town charm and underlying themes about kindness and healing gave it so much heart.
Celine’s story really stayed with me. The way she pours everything into her kids while running on empty felt so real, and watching her slowly learn to lean on someone else hit in the best way. The kids brought so much life to the story, and I loved how fiercely they loved. And Josh… he truly snuck up on me. The quiet care, the patience, the way he shows up without making a big deal out of it, it just made everything feel deeper.
The romance builds with so much intention, and by the end I was completely sold on them. Add in the touch of suspense in the background and it just pulls everything together.
This was one of those books that leaves you feeling warm and a little emotional, and I loved every second of it.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Daphne Elliot & The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
April 27, 2026
ARC Review
2.5 ⭐️ – Enjoyable, but something’s missing
I was first introduced to Maplewood and Josh in the Dad Coms series, specifically book 3 where the FMC is Josh’s younger sister, and I’ve been intrigued by this small Vermont town ever since.
Josh fits the classic grumpy on the outside, soft on the inside MMC trope. While that is usually a winning combination, there wasn’t anything particularly unique about him here. Celine, on the other hand, was easy to root for. She is a traumatized single mother raising three kids after escaping an abusive marriage.
Honestly, the kids were the highlight of this book. Their individual relationships with Josh are what really brought out his character, especially his bond with Julian, the youngest, who is neurodivergent. Those moments added warmth and depth that the romance itself sometimes lacked.
Celine and Josh’s relationship starts off rocky, shifts into friendship, and then becomes a series of hookups driven by Celine’s hot and cold behavior, while Josh patiently insists he will wait for her forever. I understand that Celine had a lot going on and wasn’t in a place for a relationship, but it never fully felt like she was actually falling for Josh. It came across more like she was blowing off steam, while Josh was the one truly in love. Their eventual HEA felt less like a natural progression and more like a conclusion reached because Josh is a good guy, unlike her ex, and the kids loved him.
Most of the plotlines, aside from Celine’s past, felt underdeveloped. There was so much potential here that didn’t quite land. The abundance of small town side characters also didn’t help, especially the “mafia” group, who were more insufferable than intriguing. I found myself mixing up several of the women, and the murder subplot left me with more questions than answers. I understand it is meant to carry into future books, but even the parts directly tied to Josh and Sugar Moon lacked any real resolution.
The pacing felt uneven as well. The slow burn was enjoyable, but the ending felt rushed, which made the emotional payoff fall a bit flat.
Overall, this had all the ingredients for a great small town romance, but it just didn’t come together as strongly as it could have.
2.5 ⭐️ – Enjoyable, but something’s missing
I was first introduced to Maplewood and Josh in the Dad Coms series, specifically book 3 where the FMC is Josh’s younger sister, and I’ve been intrigued by this small Vermont town ever since.
Josh fits the classic grumpy on the outside, soft on the inside MMC trope. While that is usually a winning combination, there wasn’t anything particularly unique about him here. Celine, on the other hand, was easy to root for. She is a traumatized single mother raising three kids after escaping an abusive marriage.
Honestly, the kids were the highlight of this book. Their individual relationships with Josh are what really brought out his character, especially his bond with Julian, the youngest, who is neurodivergent. Those moments added warmth and depth that the romance itself sometimes lacked.
Celine and Josh’s relationship starts off rocky, shifts into friendship, and then becomes a series of hookups driven by Celine’s hot and cold behavior, while Josh patiently insists he will wait for her forever. I understand that Celine had a lot going on and wasn’t in a place for a relationship, but it never fully felt like she was actually falling for Josh. It came across more like she was blowing off steam, while Josh was the one truly in love. Their eventual HEA felt less like a natural progression and more like a conclusion reached because Josh is a good guy, unlike her ex, and the kids loved him.
Most of the plotlines, aside from Celine’s past, felt underdeveloped. There was so much potential here that didn’t quite land. The abundance of small town side characters also didn’t help, especially the “mafia” group, who were more insufferable than intriguing. I found myself mixing up several of the women, and the murder subplot left me with more questions than answers. I understand it is meant to carry into future books, but even the parts directly tied to Josh and Sugar Moon lacked any real resolution.
The pacing felt uneven as well. The slow burn was enjoyable, but the ending felt rushed, which made the emotional payoff fall a bit flat.
Overall, this had all the ingredients for a great small town romance, but it just didn’t come together as strongly as it could have.
April 26, 2026
4.5 stars!
Literally laugh-out-loud funny with such a sweet, heartfelt storyline!
This book truly has it all - humor that actually makes you laugh out loud, a strong and engaging plot, and just the right touch of suspense to keep you flipping pages. I loved how it balanced light, fun moments with deeper themes, especially the reminders about kindness and how we treat others.
And let’s not forget the golden retriever farmer… because honestly, that just made it even better. There’s something about that charm and setting that added so much warmth to the story.
Overall, this was such a fun, feel-good read with a little bit of everything, and I found myself enjoying every second of it.
Literally laugh-out-loud funny with such a sweet, heartfelt storyline!
This book truly has it all - humor that actually makes you laugh out loud, a strong and engaging plot, and just the right touch of suspense to keep you flipping pages. I loved how it balanced light, fun moments with deeper themes, especially the reminders about kindness and how we treat others.
And let’s not forget the golden retriever farmer… because honestly, that just made it even better. There’s something about that charm and setting that added so much warmth to the story.
Overall, this was such a fun, feel-good read with a little bit of everything, and I found myself enjoying every second of it.
April 19, 2026
~Arc Review~
⭐️ 4/5
This book was honestly such an emotional ride. Celine’s story really hit, everything she went through & how she’s just trying to rebuild her life for her kids felt so real. You can really feel how hard it is for her to trust again, but also how much she loves and protects her children.
Josh was such a good balance to everything she’s been through, kind of grumpy at first but actually so sweet and patient, especially with the kids. His bond with them was honestly one of the best parts.
The romance builds slowly and feels natural, which made it even better. Some parts were a bit predictable, but I was still fully into it the whole time! Loveeeeed the writing and I will for sure read more books from Daphne!!
⭐️ 4/5
This book was honestly such an emotional ride. Celine’s story really hit, everything she went through & how she’s just trying to rebuild her life for her kids felt so real. You can really feel how hard it is for her to trust again, but also how much she loves and protects her children.
Josh was such a good balance to everything she’s been through, kind of grumpy at first but actually so sweet and patient, especially with the kids. His bond with them was honestly one of the best parts.
The romance builds slowly and feels natural, which made it even better. Some parts were a bit predictable, but I was still fully into it the whole time! Loveeeeed the writing and I will for sure read more books from Daphne!!
May 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW
#RealTalk: Daphne Elliot was put on this earth to write this story. This is the writing I became obsessed with merely a year ago! This is the reason she can have all my money every time!
The fact that I have to wait 3 more weeks for this outstanding feelgood story to hit my ears is a travesty! But I shall overcome …
I felt this story on a deep personal level because, reasons. I did a lot of crying while I read this story. It wasn’t “angst” crying but rather more of a “I feel you and I see you” kind of emotion and I just couldn’t hold it in on a lot of occasions. I had no idea the personal connection that I would have to this story before I began and truth be told, I might have chosen not to read it if I had. I am ridiculously glad that I experienced this journey.
In the “content warning” portion of the book there’s a statement that states “if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” That’s one of the truest statements that I have ever read in my life! My personal life and experience tell me of its rightness. Because of this, it is one of the most difficult circumstances to incorporate in a story, imo, but Daphne slayed! I am not sure I have ever been this impressed with a story that holds these circumstances. The level of respect and integrity I felt pour from this story made me awestruck. Maple & Moonlight will sit at the very TOP of my top reads for 2026.
Everyone in this story grew and developed in one way or another. The children, Josh and Celine grew as individuals and also as a unit. Celine & Josh grew as friends and as a couple. There was potential for all of this growth in this story and Daphne made sure to take advantage of that and nurture it and leave no one behind. There are a lot of deeply emotional moments (again, not dramatic angst) in this story but also a whole lot of fun and humor. It was a perfect blend and my romance fiction loving heart loved every moment of it. The story is incredibly relatable and very realistic and flowed organically. I honestly can’t think of a single moment I twitched.
ALC REVIEW
🎧Listening to this story almost broke me is the best of ways. I cried a lot. Again. Not because the story is sad or angsty, but because it’s the opposite and MY GOD, single mothers are so unbelievably resilient and add in a special child and the slay even harder. I cannot express how realistic this story truly is. My listening experience cracked me wide open and that’s all Emma & Sean. Casting Emma Wilder as Celine and Sean Masters as Josh quite possibly could be at the top of my #FavoriteCasting. As I was listening, I felt like I was living the story and I’ve sat here for over 10 minutes trying to find the right wording to that feeling so maybe whomever might be reading this review could feel my feeling, but I got nothing. You just have to trust in what I say.
Final thoughts … Listen to this story or read this story or do both. But you should at least do one. #trust
#RealTalk: Daphne Elliot was put on this earth to write this story. This is the writing I became obsessed with merely a year ago! This is the reason she can have all my money every time!
The fact that I have to wait 3 more weeks for this outstanding feelgood story to hit my ears is a travesty! But I shall overcome …
I felt this story on a deep personal level because, reasons. I did a lot of crying while I read this story. It wasn’t “angst” crying but rather more of a “I feel you and I see you” kind of emotion and I just couldn’t hold it in on a lot of occasions. I had no idea the personal connection that I would have to this story before I began and truth be told, I might have chosen not to read it if I had. I am ridiculously glad that I experienced this journey.
In the “content warning” portion of the book there’s a statement that states “if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” That’s one of the truest statements that I have ever read in my life! My personal life and experience tell me of its rightness. Because of this, it is one of the most difficult circumstances to incorporate in a story, imo, but Daphne slayed! I am not sure I have ever been this impressed with a story that holds these circumstances. The level of respect and integrity I felt pour from this story made me awestruck. Maple & Moonlight will sit at the very TOP of my top reads for 2026.
Everyone in this story grew and developed in one way or another. The children, Josh and Celine grew as individuals and also as a unit. Celine & Josh grew as friends and as a couple. There was potential for all of this growth in this story and Daphne made sure to take advantage of that and nurture it and leave no one behind. There are a lot of deeply emotional moments (again, not dramatic angst) in this story but also a whole lot of fun and humor. It was a perfect blend and my romance fiction loving heart loved every moment of it. The story is incredibly relatable and very realistic and flowed organically. I honestly can’t think of a single moment I twitched.
ALC REVIEW
🎧Listening to this story almost broke me is the best of ways. I cried a lot. Again. Not because the story is sad or angsty, but because it’s the opposite and MY GOD, single mothers are so unbelievably resilient and add in a special child and the slay even harder. I cannot express how realistic this story truly is. My listening experience cracked me wide open and that’s all Emma & Sean. Casting Emma Wilder as Celine and Sean Masters as Josh quite possibly could be at the top of my #FavoriteCasting. As I was listening, I felt like I was living the story and I’ve sat here for over 10 minutes trying to find the right wording to that feeling so maybe whomever might be reading this review could feel my feeling, but I got nothing. You just have to trust in what I say.
Final thoughts … Listen to this story or read this story or do both. But you should at least do one. #trust
April 27, 2026
Thanks to Daphne Elliot and The Author Agency for the ARC! These are my honest thoughts.
I am OBSESSED with this series! I was anxiously awaiting the Grumpy Farmer book after Maplewood Book #1, and I honestly loved Josh even more after his story! I loved getting to know him, getting to see all the sides to him, and watching this story unfold.
Celine was this bundle of chaos, and I thought her character arc was beautiful. There were times when I totally knew where she was coming from, feeling so overwhelmed and lost to the daily grind of just... keeping things going, to keep helping her kids process and giving as much as she could, to the point of running on fumes. I loved that Josh and Celine were both grumpy(ish) in their own ways towards each other, and getting to experience that tension and chemistry build....... big fan. Their slow burn relationship and timeline was something special, in the sneaky way in how this quiet, patient, loving man who SHOWS UP.
READ IF YOU LOVE:
- Grumpy farmer x Teacher
- New-to-town
- Single mom, mom of multiples, + trauma-survivin' mama
- Wayne, the goodest boy
- Neurodivergent rep (child)
- Romantic suspense
- Small town
- Found family
- Neighbors-to-lovers
I am OBSESSED with this series! I was anxiously awaiting the Grumpy Farmer book after Maplewood Book #1, and I honestly loved Josh even more after his story! I loved getting to know him, getting to see all the sides to him, and watching this story unfold.
Celine was this bundle of chaos, and I thought her character arc was beautiful. There were times when I totally knew where she was coming from, feeling so overwhelmed and lost to the daily grind of just... keeping things going, to keep helping her kids process and giving as much as she could, to the point of running on fumes. I loved that Josh and Celine were both grumpy(ish) in their own ways towards each other, and getting to experience that tension and chemistry build....... big fan. Their slow burn relationship and timeline was something special, in the sneaky way in how this quiet, patient, loving man who SHOWS UP.
READ IF YOU LOVE:
- Grumpy farmer x Teacher
- New-to-town
- Single mom, mom of multiples, + trauma-survivin' mama
- Wayne, the goodest boy
- Neurodivergent rep (child)
- Romantic suspense
- Small town
- Found family
- Neighbors-to-lovers
April 28, 2026
While this book is a single mom romance, its more than that. Its a book about a woman who went through hell and protected her kids. She started completely over and came out the other side.
Celine is a single mom of three kids whos moved to the sweetest small town ever. And no joke, shes not prepared for the amount of kindness she gets shown. A teacher who is starting over shes super nervous. Her ex is a MAJOR ex in the most ex way. And the place they've moved to? Josh's (the big brother from book 2!) Maple farm. Grumpy, (judging at first!) Josh whos definitely not ready for a single mom with three kids... at first.
Josh doesn't know how to handle this. He's not used to kids running around his farm. Especially these kids. They've been through it and they've got some slight baggage.
Their mom though, shes definitely guarded. She was treated poorly and shes had to work hard for where she is now. Honestly, anyone would have their shields up.
But they slowly come together. Takes time. And this sweet town? If you read book 1, you know what happened. They haven't healed. Lots of town drama.
But watching these people slowly build a family? And get out of their comfort zones? Pure magic!
Celine is a single mom of three kids whos moved to the sweetest small town ever. And no joke, shes not prepared for the amount of kindness she gets shown. A teacher who is starting over shes super nervous. Her ex is a MAJOR ex in the most ex way. And the place they've moved to? Josh's (the big brother from book 2!) Maple farm. Grumpy, (judging at first!) Josh whos definitely not ready for a single mom with three kids... at first.
Josh doesn't know how to handle this. He's not used to kids running around his farm. Especially these kids. They've been through it and they've got some slight baggage.
Their mom though, shes definitely guarded. She was treated poorly and shes had to work hard for where she is now. Honestly, anyone would have their shields up.
But they slowly come together. Takes time. And this sweet town? If you read book 1, you know what happened. They haven't healed. Lots of town drama.
But watching these people slowly build a family? And get out of their comfort zones? Pure magic!
April 27, 2026
4⭐️ | 2🌶
Celine and the kids were perfect for Josh and vice versa. Their moments were precious. Everyone fit. Phyllis was mad though. That was unhinged and frankly, Bitsy can take a long walk off a short pier because what she did was uncalled for.
Celine and the kids were perfect for Josh and vice versa. Their moments were precious. Everyone fit. Phyllis was mad though. That was unhinged and frankly, Bitsy can take a long walk off a short pier because what she did was uncalled for.
May 21, 2026
Ah, another insufferable douchebag heroine. Does this author specialize or sth?
May 19, 2026
Maple & Moonlight was such an emotional, tender small town romance. Definitely check trigger warnings before diving in because this story deals with some heavy topics, but I thought Daphne handled them with so much care and compassion. At its core, this is a story about healing, safety, trust, and learning how to live again after surviving the unimaginable.
Josh completely stole my heart. He comes across as this gruff, standoffish farmer at first, but underneath all that awkward grumpiness is the most patient, steady, genuinely kind man. He wasn’t smooth or overly charming. He just showed up. Again and again. For Celine. For her kids. For all the little things that mattered. The way he slowly became this safe place for her family absolutely melted me.
And Celine’s journey really hit emotionally. Watching her try to rebuild herself after everything she’s endured felt so raw and believable. She moves to Maplewood hoping for a fresh start with her children, determined to keep everyone at arm’s length, especially her grumpy landlord neighbor. But little by little, Josh breaks through those walls in the quietest ways. Showing the kids around the farm. Making them feel welcome. Seeing her when she feels invisible. Helping her believe she deserves more than survival.
I’m not gonna lie y’all...this is a SLOW burn. Like sloooow slow. And as someone who needs the spicy stuff to happen before 50%, I definitely felt the pace of this. The wait was worth it because the emotional build between Josh and Celine was EVERYTHING. But if you aren't a slow burn girlie, just know this one will feel slow until about the 60% mark. But one of my favorite parts of this whole book was Josh refusing to rush her. Even when Celine tried to keep things casual or push him away, he basically said, “You’re worth waiting for.” SIR! The emotional maturity? The patience? The way this man loved her so gently while letting her heal at her own pace had me hooked.
I also loved the found family aspect woven throughout the story. Maplewood feels cozy and welcoming despite everything hanging over Celine’s past. It's the home she needs and seeing her slowly find community, friendship, confidence, and a sense of belonging again was so beautiful. The hurt/comfort vibes in this book were top tier, and it wasn't just Josh healing her.
There’s also a layer of suspense running underneath everything with Celine’s past threatening her new life, and I thought it added just enough tension without overpowering the romance. But truly, this story shines most in the quieter emotional moments. The walls slowly coming down. Josh bonding with the kids. Celine learning what safety and care can feel like again.
And the AUDIOBOOK?!?! SO GOOD. Emma Wilder and Sean Masters absolutely brought this story to life. Emma captured Celine’s anxiety, vulnerability, and gradual growth so beautifully, while Sean Masters made Josh feel warm, grounded, patient, and incredibly swoony. Sean legit can do no wrong for me, so I knew I'd love him. A grumpy, gruff, swoony farmer? Yup. sign me up. His voice for Josh honestly fit him perfectly. Their performances added so much emotional depth to the story and made all those tender moments hit even harder.
This one definitely took its time getting there, but by the end I was fully invested in this little town and these characters. Josh and Celine’s relationship was a slow burn, but emotional and deeply healing in the best way.
What to Expect
🍁 Single Mom
🍁 Grumpy x Sunshine
🍁 Neighbors to Lovers
🍁 Small Town
🍁 VERY Slow Burn
🍁 Hurt/Comfort
🍁 Found Family
🍁 Protective Hero
🍁 Healing After Trauma
🍁 Emotionally Supportive HERO
🍁 Woman Starting Over
🍁 Suspense Elements
🍁 Cozy Autumn Vibes
Josh completely stole my heart. He comes across as this gruff, standoffish farmer at first, but underneath all that awkward grumpiness is the most patient, steady, genuinely kind man. He wasn’t smooth or overly charming. He just showed up. Again and again. For Celine. For her kids. For all the little things that mattered. The way he slowly became this safe place for her family absolutely melted me.
And Celine’s journey really hit emotionally. Watching her try to rebuild herself after everything she’s endured felt so raw and believable. She moves to Maplewood hoping for a fresh start with her children, determined to keep everyone at arm’s length, especially her grumpy landlord neighbor. But little by little, Josh breaks through those walls in the quietest ways. Showing the kids around the farm. Making them feel welcome. Seeing her when she feels invisible. Helping her believe she deserves more than survival.
I’m not gonna lie y’all...this is a SLOW burn. Like sloooow slow. And as someone who needs the spicy stuff to happen before 50%, I definitely felt the pace of this. The wait was worth it because the emotional build between Josh and Celine was EVERYTHING. But if you aren't a slow burn girlie, just know this one will feel slow until about the 60% mark. But one of my favorite parts of this whole book was Josh refusing to rush her. Even when Celine tried to keep things casual or push him away, he basically said, “You’re worth waiting for.” SIR! The emotional maturity? The patience? The way this man loved her so gently while letting her heal at her own pace had me hooked.
I also loved the found family aspect woven throughout the story. Maplewood feels cozy and welcoming despite everything hanging over Celine’s past. It's the home she needs and seeing her slowly find community, friendship, confidence, and a sense of belonging again was so beautiful. The hurt/comfort vibes in this book were top tier, and it wasn't just Josh healing her.
There’s also a layer of suspense running underneath everything with Celine’s past threatening her new life, and I thought it added just enough tension without overpowering the romance. But truly, this story shines most in the quieter emotional moments. The walls slowly coming down. Josh bonding with the kids. Celine learning what safety and care can feel like again.
And the AUDIOBOOK?!?! SO GOOD. Emma Wilder and Sean Masters absolutely brought this story to life. Emma captured Celine’s anxiety, vulnerability, and gradual growth so beautifully, while Sean Masters made Josh feel warm, grounded, patient, and incredibly swoony. Sean legit can do no wrong for me, so I knew I'd love him. A grumpy, gruff, swoony farmer? Yup. sign me up. His voice for Josh honestly fit him perfectly. Their performances added so much emotional depth to the story and made all those tender moments hit even harder.
This one definitely took its time getting there, but by the end I was fully invested in this little town and these characters. Josh and Celine’s relationship was a slow burn, but emotional and deeply healing in the best way.
What to Expect
🍁 Single Mom
🍁 Grumpy x Sunshine
🍁 Neighbors to Lovers
🍁 Small Town
🍁 VERY Slow Burn
🍁 Hurt/Comfort
🍁 Found Family
🍁 Protective Hero
🍁 Healing After Trauma
🍁 Emotionally Supportive HERO
🍁 Woman Starting Over
🍁 Suspense Elements
🍁 Cozy Autumn Vibes
May 8, 2026
I wanted to love this book. I looked forward to it since the FMC had to chase down her autistic son in just her crocs and sports bra at the end of the last book. But this isn’t what I was expecting at all. The FMC constantly emasculated the MMC in the name of not losing her independence. It was like if the liberal women’s rhetoric was a book, this would be it 🙄 “make men small because women are superior”. I like my book boyfriend’s protective. I like my FMCs to be independent and saucy, but be stronger because she knows her man is going to back her up when needed. It just made this book feel frumpy and like a huge hole was missing. I would also say a good 70% of the book just reiterates all of the ways that the characters are sensitive to each other’s feelings and how they cater to the autistic child. Everyone’s feelings were ultra catered to except for the MMC. He was just expected to take the scraps people threw at him. We get it and it didn’t need to be repeated every few sentences. I don’t know if I will continue the series because Gabe’s story “hook” feels like it’s going to be much of the same in the next book. No thanks.
April 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW - Thank you Daphne and The Author Agency for the opportunity 🥰
Maple and moonlight is the perfect small town cosy romance. I’ve been looking forward to this one since we were introduced to Celine and Josh in Book 1.
What really stands out for me in this book is the balance between cosy and emotional. You get the sweetness of small town life but still the depth in the story line with healing, trust, and starting over. It gave me all the hurt/comfort vibes in the best way. I loved that this book didn’t feel as focused on the mystery like the first! I felt like Josh and Celine’s connection was genuine and organic. The way he melts for her and her kids… swoon! 🥹
Josh honestly stole my heart. I’m a sucker for a grumpy x sunshine trope and Daphne has done this so well! Beneath all that grumpiness he’s steady, caring and shows up in the quiet ways that matter most. Favourite thing about Celine was she didn’t need saving, she was a strong single mum who stood up and took care of herself and family.
✨ Tropes:
* Single mum
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Small town romance
* Neighbours to lovers
* Hurt/comfort
✨ Quotes:
“Matchstick. Small. Dangerous. One spark and you’ll light the place up. Lot of power in a tiny package.”
“Thank you for not trying to fix me.”
“I’ll wait forever if you want me to.”
Overall, this was such a wholesome, emotional read that left me feeling happy. If you love soft, sweet romances with protective heroes and strong heroines, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
⭐️ Rating: 4 stars
Maple and moonlight is the perfect small town cosy romance. I’ve been looking forward to this one since we were introduced to Celine and Josh in Book 1.
What really stands out for me in this book is the balance between cosy and emotional. You get the sweetness of small town life but still the depth in the story line with healing, trust, and starting over. It gave me all the hurt/comfort vibes in the best way. I loved that this book didn’t feel as focused on the mystery like the first! I felt like Josh and Celine’s connection was genuine and organic. The way he melts for her and her kids… swoon! 🥹
Josh honestly stole my heart. I’m a sucker for a grumpy x sunshine trope and Daphne has done this so well! Beneath all that grumpiness he’s steady, caring and shows up in the quiet ways that matter most. Favourite thing about Celine was she didn’t need saving, she was a strong single mum who stood up and took care of herself and family.
✨ Tropes:
* Single mum
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Small town romance
* Neighbours to lovers
* Hurt/comfort
✨ Quotes:
“Matchstick. Small. Dangerous. One spark and you’ll light the place up. Lot of power in a tiny package.”
“Thank you for not trying to fix me.”
“I’ll wait forever if you want me to.”
Overall, this was such a wholesome, emotional read that left me feeling happy. If you love soft, sweet romances with protective heroes and strong heroines, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
⭐️ Rating: 4 stars
May 1, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
🍁Maple & Moonlight
🧡Celine + Josh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Daphne Elliot for the ARC for Maple & Moonlight. We have been waiting to get back to Maplewood and we are leaving with so many questions. Celine and Josh’s story was just sooo good! Their love was a slow burn, we got to see Josh build a relationship with the kids and a friendship with Celine. All he wanted was to be there for all of them and he was patient and understanding, he would have waited for forever. There is just something so good about a strong single mom who is not willing to lose her independence and a grumpy maple farmer who is patient and loves her because of it. Celine was such a great character and we loved seeing her strength and growth in finding her safety. And it was the way Josh made her feel safe without pushing or forcing her. It was the little things and the way he loved her kids. We loved his bond with sweet Julien but also with the girls. He built a relationship with all of them. And we got to see some of our favorite micro tropes! We don’t want to give anything away, but this man earned his place in the family. And of course there is the on going mystery and a little suspense. We can’t wait to find out what happens next.
🍁Maple & Moonlight
🧡Celine + Josh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Daphne Elliot for the ARC for Maple & Moonlight. We have been waiting to get back to Maplewood and we are leaving with so many questions. Celine and Josh’s story was just sooo good! Their love was a slow burn, we got to see Josh build a relationship with the kids and a friendship with Celine. All he wanted was to be there for all of them and he was patient and understanding, he would have waited for forever. There is just something so good about a strong single mom who is not willing to lose her independence and a grumpy maple farmer who is patient and loves her because of it. Celine was such a great character and we loved seeing her strength and growth in finding her safety. And it was the way Josh made her feel safe without pushing or forcing her. It was the little things and the way he loved her kids. We loved his bond with sweet Julien but also with the girls. He built a relationship with all of them. And we got to see some of our favorite micro tropes! We don’t want to give anything away, but this man earned his place in the family. And of course there is the on going mystery and a little suspense. We can’t wait to find out what happens next.
May 25, 2026
Audiobook review performed in duet which was brilliant both narrators were great.
Jasper has given up his finance job to come home and work the maple farm. He is the town grump but really he is grieving his parents deaths and also the loss of a child he thought was his. His ex girlfriend got pregnant and he thought the child was his however it turned out she had, had an affair and it was another man’s.
Celine is a mum to 3 children one of which is neurodiverse. Her husband was abusive and escalated to hurting her and the children she managed to get him put in prison but his mother won’t give up. She is a teacher and she is struggling with guilt for staying with the children’s father and how it turned out and also settling everyone into a new town.
I loved how Josh just wanted to keep everyone safe and looked after he loved the kids as much as Celine. He was quick to fall but didn’t push Celine. I loved how Celine puts the kids first and was open and honest about what she felt she could give.
The town is in a bit of a spiral around the murder from the first book but not much more on this storyline however kind of hoping for a police chief/Frankie book soon.
Jasper has given up his finance job to come home and work the maple farm. He is the town grump but really he is grieving his parents deaths and also the loss of a child he thought was his. His ex girlfriend got pregnant and he thought the child was his however it turned out she had, had an affair and it was another man’s.
Celine is a mum to 3 children one of which is neurodiverse. Her husband was abusive and escalated to hurting her and the children she managed to get him put in prison but his mother won’t give up. She is a teacher and she is struggling with guilt for staying with the children’s father and how it turned out and also settling everyone into a new town.
I loved how Josh just wanted to keep everyone safe and looked after he loved the kids as much as Celine. He was quick to fall but didn’t push Celine. I loved how Celine puts the kids first and was open and honest about what she felt she could give.
The town is in a bit of a spiral around the murder from the first book but not much more on this storyline however kind of hoping for a police chief/Frankie book soon.
May 5, 2026
Thank you to Daphne Elliot for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Where Soft Light Hides Sharp Edges
‘Maple & Moonlight’ unfolds like a slow exhale on a quiet autumn evening, warm, almost comforting, yet laced with something deeper that lingers just beneath the surface. What begins as a seemingly soft and atmospheric story gradually reveals emotional layers that carry a surprising weight.
The pacing leans into a slow burn rhythm, allowing space for the characters to breathe, to hesitate, and to unravel in their own time. This deliberate structure creates an intimacy that feels almost intrusive at moments, as if stepping into thoughts that were never meant to be shared out loud. The quiet moments speak the loudest here.
The emotional core of the story is where it truly shines. There is a subtle tension woven through the connections, shaped by unspoken feelings, past wounds, and the fragile hope of something new. Nothing feels rushed or forced. Instead, it builds in small, meaningful increments that make every glance, every choice, feel significant.
There is also a certain softness to the atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the underlying emotional complexity. It creates a balance between comfort and unease, making it difficult to fully settle while reading. That contrast lingers long after the final page.
While the story may not aim for dramatic twists or high intensity plot turns, it thrives in its emotional depth and quiet storytelling. It is a story that asks for patience and rewards it with a lingering sense of connection.
A gentle kind of story, but one that leaves a surprisingly lasting imprint.
enemies to lovers | slow burn | small town romance | forced proximity | grumpy sunshine | emotional healing | he falls first | cozy autumn vibes | found family
Where Soft Light Hides Sharp Edges
‘Maple & Moonlight’ unfolds like a slow exhale on a quiet autumn evening, warm, almost comforting, yet laced with something deeper that lingers just beneath the surface. What begins as a seemingly soft and atmospheric story gradually reveals emotional layers that carry a surprising weight.
The pacing leans into a slow burn rhythm, allowing space for the characters to breathe, to hesitate, and to unravel in their own time. This deliberate structure creates an intimacy that feels almost intrusive at moments, as if stepping into thoughts that were never meant to be shared out loud. The quiet moments speak the loudest here.
The emotional core of the story is where it truly shines. There is a subtle tension woven through the connections, shaped by unspoken feelings, past wounds, and the fragile hope of something new. Nothing feels rushed or forced. Instead, it builds in small, meaningful increments that make every glance, every choice, feel significant.
There is also a certain softness to the atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the underlying emotional complexity. It creates a balance between comfort and unease, making it difficult to fully settle while reading. That contrast lingers long after the final page.
While the story may not aim for dramatic twists or high intensity plot turns, it thrives in its emotional depth and quiet storytelling. It is a story that asks for patience and rewards it with a lingering sense of connection.
A gentle kind of story, but one that leaves a surprisingly lasting imprint.
enemies to lovers | slow burn | small town romance | forced proximity | grumpy sunshine | emotional healing | he falls first | cozy autumn vibes | found family
April 23, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really wanted to lose myself in the woods of Vermont with this one, but I’ve walked away feeling like I caught the tail end of a festival rather than being a part of it. There is something so specifically charming about the "chaos in Crocs" energy of a single mum trying to rebuild, and I was more than ready for Josh Lawrence to be the steady, bearded anchor she didn't know she needed.
After being the standoffish mystery man in the previous book, seeing Josh’s softer side was easily the highlight. He’s the kind of hero who doesn't just fall for the woman; he builds a bridge to her children too. The way he managed to connect with each of the kids individually was beautiful to watch. His interactions with Julian were particularly top-tier, though I did find myself wishing the other two children hadn't been glossed over quite so much. They were clearly carrying their own heavy burdens, but Julian’s situation was so involved that their struggles felt like they were pushed to the periphery.
That sense of being crowded out extended to the rest of the town as well. Maplewood is a lovely setting, but this time around, the sheer volume of characters made the plot feel a bit congested. It was hard to keep track of everyone, and the way the world was reintroduced felt like it was trying to be a first-in-series and a sequel at the same time. It left me feeling a little confused about where I was supposed to be looking.
The pacing is what really got me. We spent so much time in the cosy, slow-burn atmosphere of the sugar shack that when the "dangerous past" finally caught up with us, it felt like someone hit the fast-forward button. Everything came to a head in the final stretch, which meant the suspense didn’t have room to breathe and the resolution felt rushed rather than earned. The overarching series mystery is still ticking along in the background, but it didn't feel like we gained much ground in this instalment.
At its core, this is still a very easy, comforting read. If you’re here for the "grumpy protector" trope and a man who knows how to handle a family in flux, Josh will absolutely deliver. It’s a sweet enough visit to Vermont, I just wish the ending had been given as much space to grow as the romance
I really wanted to lose myself in the woods of Vermont with this one, but I’ve walked away feeling like I caught the tail end of a festival rather than being a part of it. There is something so specifically charming about the "chaos in Crocs" energy of a single mum trying to rebuild, and I was more than ready for Josh Lawrence to be the steady, bearded anchor she didn't know she needed.
After being the standoffish mystery man in the previous book, seeing Josh’s softer side was easily the highlight. He’s the kind of hero who doesn't just fall for the woman; he builds a bridge to her children too. The way he managed to connect with each of the kids individually was beautiful to watch. His interactions with Julian were particularly top-tier, though I did find myself wishing the other two children hadn't been glossed over quite so much. They were clearly carrying their own heavy burdens, but Julian’s situation was so involved that their struggles felt like they were pushed to the periphery.
That sense of being crowded out extended to the rest of the town as well. Maplewood is a lovely setting, but this time around, the sheer volume of characters made the plot feel a bit congested. It was hard to keep track of everyone, and the way the world was reintroduced felt like it was trying to be a first-in-series and a sequel at the same time. It left me feeling a little confused about where I was supposed to be looking.
The pacing is what really got me. We spent so much time in the cosy, slow-burn atmosphere of the sugar shack that when the "dangerous past" finally caught up with us, it felt like someone hit the fast-forward button. Everything came to a head in the final stretch, which meant the suspense didn’t have room to breathe and the resolution felt rushed rather than earned. The overarching series mystery is still ticking along in the background, but it didn't feel like we gained much ground in this instalment.
At its core, this is still a very easy, comforting read. If you’re here for the "grumpy protector" trope and a man who knows how to handle a family in flux, Josh will absolutely deliver. It’s a sweet enough visit to Vermont, I just wish the ending had been given as much space to grow as the romance
April 28, 2026
I was thrilled to return to Maplewood, Vermont, also known as America’s Most Charming Small Town. Now that the past few months are finally behind him, all Josh wants is to focus on the farm and put the murder that changed the town out of his mind. He never expects his new tenant, a single mom with three kids, to burst into his world wearing a sports bra and Crocs. All Celine wants to do is find a safe place for her family after leaving her abusive ex. She is not prepared for the grumpy farmer who is so great with her autistic son and always seems to know how to support her when she needs it the most. When danger comes for Celine, she finds Josh to be her fiercest protector.
I loved Secrets and Sap, so I was really excited to read about Josh and Celine. Their chemistry is great, and I liked how Josh supports Celine while letting her grow and see how great a mom she is, even with everything she has to juggle. It was interesting to see how the events of the previous book were still affecting the town and Josh’s farm. It looks like Maplewood's troubles are far from over, and I am curious to see what will happen next. We may be getting some enemies-to-lovers in the future.
Maple & Moonlight is out now!
I loved Secrets and Sap, so I was really excited to read about Josh and Celine. Their chemistry is great, and I liked how Josh supports Celine while letting her grow and see how great a mom she is, even with everything she has to juggle. It was interesting to see how the events of the previous book were still affecting the town and Josh’s farm. It looks like Maplewood's troubles are far from over, and I am curious to see what will happen next. We may be getting some enemies-to-lovers in the future.
Maple & Moonlight is out now!
April 28, 2026
*ARC REVIEW*
Long live Crocs ✊
Josh and Celene’s story is so good!! Heart wrenching but still makes you kick your feet from the romance! Josh could not be more different than Jasper, but this book hits the same way Sap & Secrets did. The over-arcing mystery of this bio organic chemical is intriguing and how it turns out over the rest of the series will be fun!
Also loved to see Chloe and Gus make a few appearances!!
I love the way Daphne always preps you for the next book in the epilogue - I’m absolutely feral for Gabe’s book 👏🏻
Long live Crocs ✊
Josh and Celene’s story is so good!! Heart wrenching but still makes you kick your feet from the romance! Josh could not be more different than Jasper, but this book hits the same way Sap & Secrets did. The over-arcing mystery of this bio organic chemical is intriguing and how it turns out over the rest of the series will be fun!
Also loved to see Chloe and Gus make a few appearances!!
I love the way Daphne always preps you for the next book in the epilogue - I’m absolutely feral for Gabe’s book 👏🏻
May 7, 2026
Celine is a single mom, rebuilding her life in Vermont. Josh is a grumpy, maple farmer who is also her landlord. When Celine’s dangerous past reemerges, Josh provides support and safety, turning their tense landlord-tenant relationship into a heartfelt, slow burn love story.
This book gave me all of the feelings! I love the endearing nature of Josh with Celine’s children. I love fierce way that Celine fights for her new life & the safety of her kids. I love the vulnerability that both Celine & Josh show each other & the cautious way they lean into each other for help & comfort & love. Such a beautiful love story!
This book gave me all of the feelings! I love the endearing nature of Josh with Celine’s children. I love fierce way that Celine fights for her new life & the safety of her kids. I love the vulnerability that both Celine & Josh show each other & the cautious way they lean into each other for help & comfort & love. Such a beautiful love story!
May 28, 2026
This book has very real issues that the FMC has to deal with. And she does so very well. The MMC is said to be a grump, but I honestly never got any grump vibes. I enjoyed this book, and I stand behind the four stars, but it didn’t make me want to read the rest of the series, which is a rarity for me on a four star read.
April 29, 2026
if he wanted to he would 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
i LOVED josh and celine’s story. daphne really outdid herself with this one! the banter, the tension, the suspense, and the development were all so well written. this might be my new fa daphne series!
thank you daphne for the arc!
i LOVED josh and celine’s story. daphne really outdid herself with this one! the banter, the tension, the suspense, and the development were all so well written. this might be my new fa daphne series!
thank you daphne for the arc!
May 21, 2026
Just as good as the first but much more emotional with what those kids have gone through. Definitely the HEA they needed! Loving the background story too and hoping to get more in the next book.
May 5, 2026
I am not going to lie. I read one of the books from Daphne's Lumberjack series, and it didn't hit right with me. I didn't want to write her off after one off read and am so happy because I really LIKED this one! It was SUCH a slow burn yall. I have a hard time hanging in there if things haven't crossed lines after 60%, and this one was close but the build up was well worth it. Josh was EVERYTHING! He was patient and kind and kind of misunderstood in his grumpiness. He had the kindest heart. He was exactly what Celine and her family needed. I loved watching Celine realize he wasn't the meanhearted man she thought in their few interactions. I loved watching Celine slowly let him in even though she was terrified to do so. This book had some HEAVY topics in it yall- check the trigger warnings. I thought that Daphne did such a good job navigating them, and giving her characters space to reflect and grow. I loved how even though Celine was trying to keep Josh at a distance, he told her you are worth the wait. I will wait for you however long that is. I also loved Celine finding her new family. Being welcome in a new small town. Finding her place again. Finding her confidence again. Josh was SUCH a big part of that!!
Celine can't believe this is where her life has turned. She is moving to a small town in the middle of nowhere with her kids hoping for a fresh start. What she doesn't expect is an uber grump for her neighbor/landlord. Josh. He is so handsome but everything he says seems to cut into her the wrong way. So she will avoid him and focus on trying to get settled. Getting her kids settled. So imagine her surprise when Josh starts offering to hang out with her and the kids. To show them around the farm. To point out areas that are off limits. To talk to her a little bit. Celine finds herself slowly getting comfortable with this quirky town. She meets friends. She joins a club of sorts. She feels like given everything she has been through, she is thriving. And then again there is Josh. Josh who she can't help but search for in a room. Who makes her feel safe. Who makes her WANT. She hasn't wanted a man in years. It's different with him though. Josh takes the time to see her. To see her family. To help her son. He is giving them all hope. Hope in people. Hope that they will all be ok. So she decides to stop fighting this thing between them. She goes for it. She is clear that this can't be anything but she WANTS. And the way that Josh worships her. The way he builds her up is mind altering. Because now she wants more. Now she wants a future. But her past has come back to haunt her. And she hopes that despite knowing everything now, Josh will still be by her side. That he will accept her with all of her broken pieces. Because without meaning to, he has helped put her back together. And she couldn't be happier.
Josh has been good with living solo on his farm. He doesn't love being around people. They can be a lot. So he isn't sure how he got convinced to rent out his cabin on this property to a family moving to town. Or how everything he seems to say to his new tenance, Celine, irritates her to no end. He is kind of trying but has always had a hard time conversing with people. Or trying to get people to understand what he is saying. He wants to make things right with Celine. He likes her. She stirs something in him that he hasn't felt in a while. She is so strong and has clearly been through an ordeal. He decides he is going to help her. He is going to make her and her family feel welcome. Which is how he finds himself taking them around the farm. Which is how he finds himself agreeing to help her with the fall festival. Which is how he finds himself constantly thinking about Celine and what he can do to make her smile. Sometimes it looks like she is carrying the world, and he realizes he wants to help her carry it. She seems interested in moving to the next step with him but also hesitant. So when she goes for it, he is all in. This isn't just a body thing for him though. He wants Celine for her strength. For her example as a mom. And he makes that clear. Even when she tries to push him away and make it a one time thing. He tells her she is worth the wait. And that he isn't going anywhere. But then her past comes onto his land. And threatens what and who he lives. And he isn't going to stand for that. Because Celine and her kids are his. And he protects what's his.
This was a great read yall! Definitely not light with the subject matter, but the build up and watching walls come down between Josh and Celine was worth it. These two made me smile. Josh's support for Celine was unmatched. It was really cool to see her feel safe again. I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1 as well as seeing who falls next in this small town!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Daphne for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Celine can't believe this is where her life has turned. She is moving to a small town in the middle of nowhere with her kids hoping for a fresh start. What she doesn't expect is an uber grump for her neighbor/landlord. Josh. He is so handsome but everything he says seems to cut into her the wrong way. So she will avoid him and focus on trying to get settled. Getting her kids settled. So imagine her surprise when Josh starts offering to hang out with her and the kids. To show them around the farm. To point out areas that are off limits. To talk to her a little bit. Celine finds herself slowly getting comfortable with this quirky town. She meets friends. She joins a club of sorts. She feels like given everything she has been through, she is thriving. And then again there is Josh. Josh who she can't help but search for in a room. Who makes her feel safe. Who makes her WANT. She hasn't wanted a man in years. It's different with him though. Josh takes the time to see her. To see her family. To help her son. He is giving them all hope. Hope in people. Hope that they will all be ok. So she decides to stop fighting this thing between them. She goes for it. She is clear that this can't be anything but she WANTS. And the way that Josh worships her. The way he builds her up is mind altering. Because now she wants more. Now she wants a future. But her past has come back to haunt her. And she hopes that despite knowing everything now, Josh will still be by her side. That he will accept her with all of her broken pieces. Because without meaning to, he has helped put her back together. And she couldn't be happier.
Josh has been good with living solo on his farm. He doesn't love being around people. They can be a lot. So he isn't sure how he got convinced to rent out his cabin on this property to a family moving to town. Or how everything he seems to say to his new tenance, Celine, irritates her to no end. He is kind of trying but has always had a hard time conversing with people. Or trying to get people to understand what he is saying. He wants to make things right with Celine. He likes her. She stirs something in him that he hasn't felt in a while. She is so strong and has clearly been through an ordeal. He decides he is going to help her. He is going to make her and her family feel welcome. Which is how he finds himself taking them around the farm. Which is how he finds himself agreeing to help her with the fall festival. Which is how he finds himself constantly thinking about Celine and what he can do to make her smile. Sometimes it looks like she is carrying the world, and he realizes he wants to help her carry it. She seems interested in moving to the next step with him but also hesitant. So when she goes for it, he is all in. This isn't just a body thing for him though. He wants Celine for her strength. For her example as a mom. And he makes that clear. Even when she tries to push him away and make it a one time thing. He tells her she is worth the wait. And that he isn't going anywhere. But then her past comes onto his land. And threatens what and who he lives. And he isn't going to stand for that. Because Celine and her kids are his. And he protects what's his.
This was a great read yall! Definitely not light with the subject matter, but the build up and watching walls come down between Josh and Celine was worth it. These two made me smile. Josh's support for Celine was unmatched. It was really cool to see her feel safe again. I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1 as well as seeing who falls next in this small town!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Daphne for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
May 9, 2026
In Maplewood ,Vermont things are sappy , sticky and sweet and that’s just relationships that needs no compete. Just complete open and honesty and letting two hearts run free. Allowing themselves to be happy to be two parts of one whole .
Josh Lawrence fills needs for all of her offspring two daughters and especially her son who needs a special consideration , but in his step for her is there a spring? On yes he must confess to himself. He’d like to lift her from the lonely shelf and put her on a pedestal truth be known. He has hidden depths and the things he’s been through he could’ve wept but he steps up for these kids . Every one for this Celine hon.
Celine doesn’t see the man beneath the grumpy exterior . He’s a right grumpy so and so and want him? Oh no. He’s the over six foot maple farmer next door and no she doesn’t feel amour for him….Does she? She isn’t looking for a man ,she’s good on her own thank you very much. Anyway he’s infuriating and he’s always got to be right. Yet charming and disarming . Not the sort she’d be dating that would be alarming. Does the lady protest too much?
Celine moves into a house on a Maple Farm ,she’s recovering from a dangerous past,licking her wounds and keeping her heart secure is paramount for her and her children at last. She clashes with the landlord hunk next door, more and more. He’s always got to be right…and she’s not demure ,gives as good as she gets though is filled with some regrets. As time goes by ,she emits a sigh . Another time ,another place he’d be her happy place. Her safe haven. Loving this preposterously warm and infuriating man would be a balm but she must stay calm. Think of the children’s happiness before her own. Not let them come to no harm. The tense underlying suspense runs through well.
Celine and Josh were meant to be. It’s so plain to see ,there’s the tell. But when danger looms and she’s fighting for her family ,he comes through and is true ,he can’t deny that she makes him sigh in the most pure of ways and makes him crave her smile always. He tells her he wants her smiling ,she’s beguiling and loving and her heart is in turmoil because of her most dangerous past that’s caught a hold of her. He shows that he cares.Protector vibe is prescribed post haste and here’s to happily ever after with waves of pure love.One to be completely sure of. Daphne Elliot delivers every time with this series ,it’s sublime. The storyline divine and the storytelling is amazing and compelling to read. It’s perfectly written with balance and care and the subject matter that does matter and is shining through. Expertly crafted and of the characters I’m smitten. Every single one.
Josh Lawrence fills needs for all of her offspring two daughters and especially her son who needs a special consideration , but in his step for her is there a spring? On yes he must confess to himself. He’d like to lift her from the lonely shelf and put her on a pedestal truth be known. He has hidden depths and the things he’s been through he could’ve wept but he steps up for these kids . Every one for this Celine hon.
Celine doesn’t see the man beneath the grumpy exterior . He’s a right grumpy so and so and want him? Oh no. He’s the over six foot maple farmer next door and no she doesn’t feel amour for him….Does she? She isn’t looking for a man ,she’s good on her own thank you very much. Anyway he’s infuriating and he’s always got to be right. Yet charming and disarming . Not the sort she’d be dating that would be alarming. Does the lady protest too much?
Celine moves into a house on a Maple Farm ,she’s recovering from a dangerous past,licking her wounds and keeping her heart secure is paramount for her and her children at last. She clashes with the landlord hunk next door, more and more. He’s always got to be right…and she’s not demure ,gives as good as she gets though is filled with some regrets. As time goes by ,she emits a sigh . Another time ,another place he’d be her happy place. Her safe haven. Loving this preposterously warm and infuriating man would be a balm but she must stay calm. Think of the children’s happiness before her own. Not let them come to no harm. The tense underlying suspense runs through well.
Celine and Josh were meant to be. It’s so plain to see ,there’s the tell. But when danger looms and she’s fighting for her family ,he comes through and is true ,he can’t deny that she makes him sigh in the most pure of ways and makes him crave her smile always. He tells her he wants her smiling ,she’s beguiling and loving and her heart is in turmoil because of her most dangerous past that’s caught a hold of her. He shows that he cares.Protector vibe is prescribed post haste and here’s to happily ever after with waves of pure love.One to be completely sure of. Daphne Elliot delivers every time with this series ,it’s sublime. The storyline divine and the storytelling is amazing and compelling to read. It’s perfectly written with balance and care and the subject matter that does matter and is shining through. Expertly crafted and of the characters I’m smitten. Every single one.
May 1, 2026
Daphne Elliot knows how to write a book that makes me face my inner demons. I went into this book so excited after loving the first one and I was not disappointed. I loved every second. nothing gets me like a grumpy man and a single parent, two of my favourite tropes in one.
This book was VERY emotional for me, having domestic violence as a theme is quite common in books I read but this was like Daphne Elliot interviewed me and wrote a book on my life, I was feeling very raw and vulnerable whilst reading this and it’s made me reflect a lot. The FMC and MMC are phenomenal characters and I love them to pieces but I think the stand out characters were the kids, especially Ellie and Julian.
Being an eldest daughter of three from a domestic violent household and having to be the one to step up and protect the younger ones, I saw so much of myself in Ellie it was like looking in the mirror.
Julia resembled my youngest brother so much they could be twins. My little brother is also autistic and experiences many similar challenges. It was portrayed so spectacularly that I couldn’t have asked for anything more. There were times that I laughed out loud so hard because it was so accurate. My brother is currently going through a slice cucumber phased like Julian and I thought that was so funny.
Having this book be in the perspective of Celine, a single mum with a neurodiverse child and a dv survivor who is also a kindergarten teacher… that’s my mum. That describes my mum exactly. So reading it from Celine’s point of view really put a lot into perspective for me about my mum. Seeing things through her eyes has made me have many conversations with my mum and made me realise there were struggles I wasn’t even aware of and has made me appreciate her strength and bravery more than I ever thought possible.
This book is so important for awareness of so many topics that are not talked about enough and that aren’t portrayed in a healthy and accurate way. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone but also to anyone who resonates with anything I’ve said, look after yourself and be cautious; it’s truly a beautiful book but you’re also human so be kind to your soul.
Thank you to the author and company for this e-ARC
This book was VERY emotional for me, having domestic violence as a theme is quite common in books I read but this was like Daphne Elliot interviewed me and wrote a book on my life, I was feeling very raw and vulnerable whilst reading this and it’s made me reflect a lot. The FMC and MMC are phenomenal characters and I love them to pieces but I think the stand out characters were the kids, especially Ellie and Julian.
Being an eldest daughter of three from a domestic violent household and having to be the one to step up and protect the younger ones, I saw so much of myself in Ellie it was like looking in the mirror.
Julia resembled my youngest brother so much they could be twins. My little brother is also autistic and experiences many similar challenges. It was portrayed so spectacularly that I couldn’t have asked for anything more. There were times that I laughed out loud so hard because it was so accurate. My brother is currently going through a slice cucumber phased like Julian and I thought that was so funny.
Having this book be in the perspective of Celine, a single mum with a neurodiverse child and a dv survivor who is also a kindergarten teacher… that’s my mum. That describes my mum exactly. So reading it from Celine’s point of view really put a lot into perspective for me about my mum. Seeing things through her eyes has made me have many conversations with my mum and made me realise there were struggles I wasn’t even aware of and has made me appreciate her strength and bravery more than I ever thought possible.
This book is so important for awareness of so many topics that are not talked about enough and that aren’t portrayed in a healthy and accurate way. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone but also to anyone who resonates with anything I’ve said, look after yourself and be cautious; it’s truly a beautiful book but you’re also human so be kind to your soul.
Thank you to the author and company for this e-ARC
April 30, 2026
This book felt like wrapping up in a cozy blanket with a mug of something warm, the kind of small town romance that makes you want to move to Maplewood immediately and befriend every single side character. Daphne Elliot has such a gift for creating that comforting, lived-in community vibe, and this story delivered that same warmth while still giving us enough tension and emotion to stay fully invested.
Celine was such a compelling FMC. A single mom of three who is trying to rebuild her life takes a lot of strength, and I really appreciated how realistically her journey was handled. You could feel the weight of everything she had been through, but also her determination to create a safe, stable life for her kids. Her growth over the course of the book felt earned and heartfelt. Watching her slowly let her guard down and start trusting again was one of my favorite parts.
And Josh? Certified book boyfriend material. He showed up consistently, respected boundaries, and supported Celine without trying to take over. That quiet, steady presence is so attractive in a romance hero. His relationship with the kids absolutely stole the show at times. The patience, the attentiveness, the way he made space for each of them to feel comfortable was incredibly endearing. It added so much emotional depth to the romance.
The chemistry between Celine and Josh felt natural and mature. They communicated, they respected each other, and they built trust step by step. I love when couples actually talk through things instead of relying on unnecessary drama, and this book delivered that. There were also a few spicy moments that definitely kept things interesting without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
I also really enjoyed the touches of suspense woven into the plot. It gave the story an extra layer of tension and kept the pacing moving, while still staying true to that cozy small town romance feel.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me was pacing in a few spots. There were moments where the story slowed down a bit more than I wanted, but overall the emotional payoff made it worth it.
If you love heartfelt romances with strong family dynamics, protective but respectful heroes, and a tight knit small town community, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to Daphne Elliot & the Author Agency for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Celine was such a compelling FMC. A single mom of three who is trying to rebuild her life takes a lot of strength, and I really appreciated how realistically her journey was handled. You could feel the weight of everything she had been through, but also her determination to create a safe, stable life for her kids. Her growth over the course of the book felt earned and heartfelt. Watching her slowly let her guard down and start trusting again was one of my favorite parts.
And Josh? Certified book boyfriend material. He showed up consistently, respected boundaries, and supported Celine without trying to take over. That quiet, steady presence is so attractive in a romance hero. His relationship with the kids absolutely stole the show at times. The patience, the attentiveness, the way he made space for each of them to feel comfortable was incredibly endearing. It added so much emotional depth to the romance.
The chemistry between Celine and Josh felt natural and mature. They communicated, they respected each other, and they built trust step by step. I love when couples actually talk through things instead of relying on unnecessary drama, and this book delivered that. There were also a few spicy moments that definitely kept things interesting without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
I also really enjoyed the touches of suspense woven into the plot. It gave the story an extra layer of tension and kept the pacing moving, while still staying true to that cozy small town romance feel.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me was pacing in a few spots. There were moments where the story slowed down a bit more than I wanted, but overall the emotional payoff made it worth it.
If you love heartfelt romances with strong family dynamics, protective but respectful heroes, and a tight knit small town community, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to Daphne Elliot & the Author Agency for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
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