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Walker Family #4.5
A Place to Belong
After years of mistakes and regret, coffee shop owner Megan Harrow has finally built a new life for herself and her daughter in quirky, but charming Maple Valley. But she’s not ready for the sparks that fly when she meets local nonprofit owner Eric Hampton . . . or for the sudden reappearance of an unwelcome face from her past.
Note from Melissa: Megan Harrow appears in all four of my Walker Family books. She's a reader favorite and I can't tell you how many notes I've received asking when she's going to get her own story. Well, she's finally getting the spotlight now. :)
*This novella originally appeared in the RIGHT WHERE WE BELONG collection in 2017, alongside novellas from award-winning authors Deborah Raney and Courtney Walsh
Note from Melissa: Megan Harrow appears in all four of my Walker Family books. She's a reader favorite and I can't tell you how many notes I've received asking when she's going to get her own story. Well, she's finally getting the spotlight now. :)
*This novella originally appeared in the RIGHT WHERE WE BELONG collection in 2017, alongside novellas from award-winning authors Deborah Raney and Courtney Walsh
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2018
85 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tagg
25 books1,670 followersMelissa Tagg is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 12, 2019
Oh my goodness, I loved this. 😍😍😍
May 15, 2025
Golden.
September 3, 2018
While of course I will always prefer a full length Tagg novel over a novella, this sweet story had me back in Maple Valley again, so no complaints from me! Megan is a wonderful secondary character in the novels, one that I was just sure had an intriguing back story - and I was right. Megan is a young single mother, but also a business owner, making her own way with little help from anyone else - except those Walkers, who can't help but take people into the fold. Charming and sweet, this novella hit the right notes for me. Both leads are realistic, and I appreciated how their friendship progressed into something deeper without moving too fast. Also, I'm pretty sure the Tagg holds the title of best first meetings - they are always so cute without being unrealistic or cheesy, and they're almost always full of humor. The theme of second chances and the question of whether or not people can really change are compelling issues that are touched on in the story. Heartwarming and engaging, A Place to Belong is a great add-on (and goodbye if you're like me and this is the last Maple Valley story to read!) to the Walker Family series and readers new to the series could read this easily as well.
January 31, 2020
This was a really cute book by Tagg.
February 11, 2020
I enjoyed this story for the most part. It was sweet, and a fun read. I did wish it had more of a Christian focus though. It seemed that there was no mention of prayer, or Bible reading, or anything like that until the crises came, and then it wasn’t much. I was also never sure that Megan was a Christian so I was hesitant about Eric’s interest in her.
It was fun to head back to Maple Valley though and see a few familiar faces.
It was fun to head back to Maple Valley though and see a few familiar faces.
July 13, 2018
A Place to Belong is a novella by Melissa Tagg. Melissa has written another little masterpiece. This novella is one that will touch your heart. Be sure to get your copy today.
February 2, 2021
So, normally I don’t care for novellas. They are like books cut way short and feel like they’re missing something. This was not like that at all. It’s a short story but incredibly complete.
Loved it.
Loved it.
June 30, 2021
Shame and regret, they'll eat you alive, if you let them. But if you let yourself look out, you'll realize that your future is so much wider than your present, full of opportunities - and better yet, full of the newness that comes from God's forgiveness and love.
There was so much to love in this novella - from the gorgeous cover, the fun ‘had me smiling’ first meeting, to the swoon-worthy ending.
I really enjoyed Eric’s bubbly personality to Megan’s more serious sarcastic one and then Delia just added to cuteness overload.
But then the author also went deeper with her theme of second chances and if people can really change in a way which was realistic and honest.
I love stories set in small towns and Maple Valley with the quirky mayor is one of the best.
Megan just stared. "This is crazy." "This is Maple Valley, Meg. This is the town you've chosen to call home. Embrace the madness."
Highly recommended to fans of sweet contemporary fiction.
There was so much to love in this novella - from the gorgeous cover, the fun ‘had me smiling’ first meeting, to the swoon-worthy ending.
I really enjoyed Eric’s bubbly personality to Megan’s more serious sarcastic one and then Delia just added to cuteness overload.
But then the author also went deeper with her theme of second chances and if people can really change in a way which was realistic and honest.
I love stories set in small towns and Maple Valley with the quirky mayor is one of the best.
Megan just stared. "This is crazy." "This is Maple Valley, Meg. This is the town you've chosen to call home. Embrace the madness."
Highly recommended to fans of sweet contemporary fiction.
March 11, 2023
Ok so not a huge fan of novellas OR age gaps in general. Didn’t realise this had one going in. Butt I love Meg. And my heart really went out to Chase - hated how they treated him. Eric was alr ig… again it’s the age gap putting me off
January 1, 2019
I was so excited to read Megan's story. A great novella and another great read by Melissa Tagg.
April 28, 2021
A Place to Belong was the perfect novella to connect the Walker Family series and the Maple Valley series! Megan shows up in all the Walker Family books, and finally gets her own story!
July 13, 2018
"You're worth going after".
Megan Harrow lets those words sink into her heart. After letting a rebellious streak as a teen govern her choice to run away from her family, she has instinctively wondered why her parents never came after her. Now, still single and the mother of a beautiful little girl, she has managed to purchase her own home, run her own business and stay under the radar in this small home town . . . that is, until a pesky rainstorm brings an awning full of rainwater down on her head while a handsome stranger and a cafe full of patrons curiously await her reaction.
"A Place to Belong" by Melissa Tagg is a delightfully romantic and seriously insightful novella, capitalizing on cookies, coffee and a long forgotten time capsule to place Megan "right where she belongs".
Megan Harrow lets those words sink into her heart. After letting a rebellious streak as a teen govern her choice to run away from her family, she has instinctively wondered why her parents never came after her. Now, still single and the mother of a beautiful little girl, she has managed to purchase her own home, run her own business and stay under the radar in this small home town . . . that is, until a pesky rainstorm brings an awning full of rainwater down on her head while a handsome stranger and a cafe full of patrons curiously await her reaction.
"A Place to Belong" by Melissa Tagg is a delightfully romantic and seriously insightful novella, capitalizing on cookies, coffee and a long forgotten time capsule to place Megan "right where she belongs".
February 13, 2021
A quick and heartwarming read, that was packed with so much heart it felt much more like a full length novel than a novella. This was my first time reading anything by Melissa Tagg, and I've fallen in love with the small town of Maple Valley. I wish it were a real please because I could definitely see myself spending a lot of time at Coffee Coffee and I highly doubt the picturesque hometown feel could ever get old. I loved the characters and the awareness of addiction and recovery this book brings to light. Everyone deserves a new beginning, no matter what mistakes they've made.
July 16, 2018
A Place To Belong : A Maple Valley Novella
By: Melissa Tagg
A Place To Belong is A Maple Valley Novella by Melissa Tagg. Ms. Tagg has written another winner. A Heartwarming story that will touch your heart. This is Megan and Eric’s story. Do you believe in second chances? I was not disappointed.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
By: Melissa Tagg
A Place To Belong is A Maple Valley Novella by Melissa Tagg. Ms. Tagg has written another winner. A Heartwarming story that will touch your heart. This is Megan and Eric’s story. Do you believe in second chances? I was not disappointed.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2019
I will always read anything by this author. She has a wonderful way with words that make you just soak up the pages of the story. I love this town, and I love how the characters always have a story that makes me feel. This one was cute, funny and meaningful.
March 2, 2025
It was a nice book. I like Megan and the brief story line with her mother. The story line of Chase and Eric made me anxious so I really just want to hurry thru, thou seemed to work out just fine.
The theme of a social worker (Eric) building a relationship with Megan felt fresh and new theme to red.
I do wish it had an audio, I do find ebook + audio it best for me to comfortably engage.
The theme of a social worker (Eric) building a relationship with Megan felt fresh and new theme to red.
I do wish it had an audio, I do find ebook + audio it best for me to comfortably engage.
October 1, 2021
Sweet Story
Loved this sweet Maple Valley novella featuring our favorite barista Megan. The story about hope and second chances was wonderful and heart tugging. Great read!
Loved this sweet Maple Valley novella featuring our favorite barista Megan. The story about hope and second chances was wonderful and heart tugging. Great read!
November 12, 2019
It's been a while since I've read a Melissa Tagg book... I quite enjoyed this little novella. It was sweet and charming and lovely.
August 20, 2018
4+ Stars
Honest, touching, sweet and at times humorous... a delightful & meaningful read!
Honest, touching, sweet and at times humorous... a delightful & meaningful read!
June 19, 2019
I love small towns because it seems like everywhere you go, you know someone, or they know you.
Melissa Tagg has written a wonderful series based in a quaint little town named Maple Valley. There have been many sweet stories from this town and wonderful characters. So when I heard there was another story from Maple Valley I just had to pick it up and read it, and I’m really glad I did.
In this story, we get to find out a little more about Megan, the quirky coffee shop owner. We also see her struggles and learn of her feelings of unworthiness. We meet Eric who is trying to follow God’s leading even though he feels he’s not right for the job. He runs his parents’ home, for men in a recovery program. He believes people can change.
I feel this is a great book with wonderful nuggets of life lessons. I really like what the author shares in her author notes:
“I believe so strongly that people can change…they can heal. But that only happens when they’re surrounded by men and women who uplift them, who believe in them, and who support them through both words and actions. Change requires responsibility and accountability, yes, but it also requires grace and compassion and love. The kind of love God has for us and the kind of love He asks us to pour into others.”
This really resonated with me because I work with students who struggle with behaviors and disabilities. Often, they are looked at and judged by their actions first and not really understood. They can change with the help and caring of others in their lives.
Thank you, Melissa Tagg, for writing such a wonderful story of grace, love, and acceptance.
I highly recommend this book!
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
Melissa Tagg has written a wonderful series based in a quaint little town named Maple Valley. There have been many sweet stories from this town and wonderful characters. So when I heard there was another story from Maple Valley I just had to pick it up and read it, and I’m really glad I did.
In this story, we get to find out a little more about Megan, the quirky coffee shop owner. We also see her struggles and learn of her feelings of unworthiness. We meet Eric who is trying to follow God’s leading even though he feels he’s not right for the job. He runs his parents’ home, for men in a recovery program. He believes people can change.
I feel this is a great book with wonderful nuggets of life lessons. I really like what the author shares in her author notes:
“I believe so strongly that people can change…they can heal. But that only happens when they’re surrounded by men and women who uplift them, who believe in them, and who support them through both words and actions. Change requires responsibility and accountability, yes, but it also requires grace and compassion and love. The kind of love God has for us and the kind of love He asks us to pour into others.”
This really resonated with me because I work with students who struggle with behaviors and disabilities. Often, they are looked at and judged by their actions first and not really understood. They can change with the help and caring of others in their lives.
Thank you, Melissa Tagg, for writing such a wonderful story of grace, love, and acceptance.
I highly recommend this book!
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
July 15, 2018
"A Place to Belong" by Melissa Tagg is a super adorable novella that was originally published in "Right Where We Belong." If you love The Walker Family series, then you've probably already met these characters. Now Megan Eric have their own story and it just adds to the fun of Maple Valley.
Megan Harrow and Eric Hampton which are two characters that we’ve met in The Walker Family series. Megan was always the moody, sarcastic, doesn’t mess around kind of gal who became a mom at a young age. When I read the series, I was drawn to her character because I knew there was more to her. I wanted to understand her pain, for her to have hope and a romance too. Eric has been helping Megan with some renovation projects but is falling deeply in love with Megan. Except trouble arrives when her ex arrives back in town and threatens to take her daughter away. Due to this, Megan and Eric have a strained relationship. The main focus of this was, “Can people change?” Sometimes when someone hurts us, especially when they do the same thing over and over again, we often believe that it isn’t possible. This was a powerful message that will stick with me. Oh and I cannot forget to mention that I love this town’s quirky events. I so badly wanted to participate in mud wars! Why can’t my town do cool events like that?
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Megan Harrow and Eric Hampton which are two characters that we’ve met in The Walker Family series. Megan was always the moody, sarcastic, doesn’t mess around kind of gal who became a mom at a young age. When I read the series, I was drawn to her character because I knew there was more to her. I wanted to understand her pain, for her to have hope and a romance too. Eric has been helping Megan with some renovation projects but is falling deeply in love with Megan. Except trouble arrives when her ex arrives back in town and threatens to take her daughter away. Due to this, Megan and Eric have a strained relationship. The main focus of this was, “Can people change?” Sometimes when someone hurts us, especially when they do the same thing over and over again, we often believe that it isn’t possible. This was a powerful message that will stick with me. Oh and I cannot forget to mention that I love this town’s quirky events. I so badly wanted to participate in mud wars! Why can’t my town do cool events like that?
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 21, 2018
I love Megan. Ever since we readers were introduced to her in From the Start, she’s held a special place in my heart. She’s a young, sarcastic, sort of bristly character that you can’t help but loving. You also can’t help wondering what her story is! Well, we finally get to read Meg’s story in A Place to Belong.
I always love returning to Maple Valley. It’s my kind of town, and like the author, I forget that it’s not a real place! I’d be packing my bags if it were. If you haven’t read the other books set in Maple Valley, don’t worry. You can read this as a stand alone, though I do recommend you get to know the Walker Family and the fun characters in Maple Valley. The mayor makes a quick appearance in A Place to Belong with another of his crazy ideas. This time it’s setting a world record for….I’ll let you find out.
Meg’s coffee shop, Coffee Coffee, would be a daily stop for me, and I hope I’d get to know the Meg under the tough exterior. Once you get to know her in A Place to Belong, you understand why she holds most people at arm’s length. I think sometimes we meet people like this and don’t take the time to find out why they use sarcasm and grumpiness to keep people from getting too close. I think we need to. Everyone has a story. You never know what someone has been through until you take the time to get to know them.
Get to know Meg in A Place to Belong. I give it a huge 2 thumbs up!
I always love returning to Maple Valley. It’s my kind of town, and like the author, I forget that it’s not a real place! I’d be packing my bags if it were. If you haven’t read the other books set in Maple Valley, don’t worry. You can read this as a stand alone, though I do recommend you get to know the Walker Family and the fun characters in Maple Valley. The mayor makes a quick appearance in A Place to Belong with another of his crazy ideas. This time it’s setting a world record for….I’ll let you find out.
Meg’s coffee shop, Coffee Coffee, would be a daily stop for me, and I hope I’d get to know the Meg under the tough exterior. Once you get to know her in A Place to Belong, you understand why she holds most people at arm’s length. I think sometimes we meet people like this and don’t take the time to find out why they use sarcasm and grumpiness to keep people from getting too close. I think we need to. Everyone has a story. You never know what someone has been through until you take the time to get to know them.
Get to know Meg in A Place to Belong. I give it a huge 2 thumbs up!
July 22, 2018
Megan seems like a unique person, with her piercing, charcoal eyeliner for this small town. Single mom, and owner of the coffee shop. Looking for forgiveness, with her Christmas card in her pocket, had they finally.
To an unusual meeting of Eric,who runs the Hampton House, his salary and money for repairs was almost nothing. His life was spent trying to appease his guilt for Cal.and the family, and helping men transform their lives.
What he liked about Megan she was new, refreshing something he needed.
It definitely is a heartwarming story, of two people struggling under guilt from their past, and looking for forgiveness. The Walker Family stories always touches one, and this is another winner. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
To an unusual meeting of Eric,who runs the Hampton House, his salary and money for repairs was almost nothing. His life was spent trying to appease his guilt for Cal.and the family, and helping men transform their lives.
What he liked about Megan she was new, refreshing something he needed.
It definitely is a heartwarming story, of two people struggling under guilt from their past, and looking for forgiveness. The Walker Family stories always touches one, and this is another winner. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
July 21, 2018
If you've read Melissa Tagg's Walker Family Series, you know about Megan, the barista, business owner, and single mom. Megan meets Eric, the owner of the local halfway house, and he begins helping her with some renovation projects. Things become complicated when the father of Megan's little girl comes on the scene, finding out about his daughter and threatening to take her away from Megan. The theme of this story is the question "Can people change?," and it's one Megan and Eric grapple with in several different strained relationships. I loved getting to see parts of Maple Valley we'd never seen before!
August 1, 2018
I liked Meg from the first moment she was introduced in the series. She is spunky, passionate, sarcastic and loving. Her pairing with Eric is perfect. He can challenge her and show her how unconditional his love is. She can help him to relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Melissa has a way of making you a part of her stories. Maple Valley is where every would want to live and the Walker Clan the family you desire to be a part of your life. This town has provided a refuge for all the loving strays that they Walkers have adopted. Reader will fall in love with Eric and his dreams for helping people and wish they could give him money to do all the repairs needed.
May 25, 2025
"Change requires responsibility and accountability, yes, but it also requires grace and compassion and love. The kind of love God has for us and the kind of love He asks us to pour into others."
Though this is a quote from the author's note at the end of the novella, I think it sums up what Megan and Eric's story sought to teach . . . that change through God is infinitely possible, but that we can make change easier for others by standing with them . . . being the earthside voice that says 'I believe in you . . . you can do this!'
Hands down my favourite book in the Walker Family series!
4.5 stars
Though this is a quote from the author's note at the end of the novella, I think it sums up what Megan and Eric's story sought to teach . . . that change through God is infinitely possible, but that we can make change easier for others by standing with them . . . being the earthside voice that says 'I believe in you . . . you can do this!'
Hands down my favourite book in the Walker Family series!
4.5 stars
July 26, 2018
A Place to Belong is a trip back to a place I've come to love, Maple Valley. Melissa Tagg has a way of drawing you into, not only the story but the lives of her characters. I couldn't wait to get back to this quirky little town that I wish really existed. I really can't say enough great things about Megan's story. It was great to know her back story and have some understanding of why she is who she is. If you've read the other books set in Maple Valley, what are you waiting for? This one is just icing on the cake.
July 29, 2018
Megan, owner of Coffee Coffee in Maple Valley, has changed her life but sometimes the past catches up with us. Megan is a great protagonist who you will recognize from previous books by Melissa Tagg! Eric Hampton hates coffee but is attracted to Megan. He believes he is called to work with men trying to change their lives but Megan doesn't think they can all change. Will they be able to figure out that we all are flawed? I recommend this contemporary romance to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
September 7, 2018
Oh. My. Word. This novella was alllll sorts of amazing! And it felt like a full-length book! It was amazing getting to know Megan, Maple Valley’s snarky coffee shop owner. I’ve always wondered about her story. I just love how in-depth and unique each of Melissa Tagg’s characters are. They feel like real people with relatable issues. And I love the inspirational elements that tie into all her stories too. Whenever I get to the end of one of her books, I feel lighter and encouraged. Her writing is a true blessing.
July 29, 2018
Oh my! This book pulls on your heart strings. Melissa has become one of my new favorite authors! Her stories grab me from chapter one and hold me tight and beg me to keep reading and I just love it! This story is wonderful. I loved stepping into Maple Valley again and I loved getting to know Megan and Eric some more!
Thank you Melissa for using your gift! Keep it up and I can’t wait to read what you have in store next!!! I seriously cannot wait.
Thank you Melissa for using your gift! Keep it up and I can’t wait to read what you have in store next!!! I seriously cannot wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews