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Maple Glen #1

It Takes Two

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When Clayton is offered his family business, his initial excitement is weighed down by overwhelming worry.

Keeping it in the family has always been his top priority.

The only problem? He's a butcher, not a bookkeeper. Numbers were never his thing, but he's determined to make it work.

That only leaves him with one choice: he'll have to learn the books or give up what he's always wanted. And there's no way he'll let that happen.

Unless Emmalee can find a job, she will have to forfeit her lifelong dream of living successfully in a quiet, friendly small town.

The only problem? There's only one job available and it's not even remotely close to business management.

But being a dog walker has its perks - like meeting a handsome butcher at the meat locker, for instance.

What happens when two ideas for one business threaten to take away what matters the most?

5 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 9, 2019

139 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

Christina Butrum

89 books264 followers

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5 stars
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47 (25%)
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29 (16%)
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14 (7%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
July 1, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/1/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for iread.
826 reviews11 followers
March 22, 2019
It Takes Two is book one in the Maple Glen Romance series by Christina Butrum. On the whole, this is a fairly good romance. I read about 4 books a week, and one of the first things I look for when I am reading a book is a physical description of the main characters. I like to picture the people in my head as I read. Unfortunately for
“It Takes Two” I could never find a physical description of the hero in the story - Clayton Mitchell. He is a butcher. He is said to be cute, but beyond that I don’t even know the color of his hair or his eye color. The heroine is a little better - Emmalee Harris has curly hair and brown eyes and she is petite - but that was the extent of the description for her. The story really didn’t have much of a hook either. The pace at times was too slow.
I did like Clayton’s relationship with his family. The town seems to be largely populated by the Mitchell clan. I liked the Mitchell parents and their kindness to Emmalee. I thought the relationship between Clayton and Emmalee moved way too quickly and was a bit unrealistic. However, I did like Emmalee’s character and her willingness to work hard and stick to her dream. I was gifted a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Bozena.
1,038 reviews20 followers
March 23, 2019
A sweet, dreamy and swoonworty romance that let the reader fall in love with the characters and dive into the world of a truly happy ever after.
"It isn't about what you have in life that makes it great, it's about what you don't have "
This sentence is what this book summarizes as a whole.
The massage that the author gives us is, that you don't need money to be happy, you have to follow your dreams. It's what let’s you in the atmosphere of a small town and explains why many people stay in small towns and don't move into the big cities.
A story about a second chance, a new beginning and overcome the uncertainties and bad feelings, that the past thrown on your journey through life.
About doesn't letting the past dictate your future, not slowing down your happiness.
A sweet love story, that leaves you with a smile on your face and warm feelings around your heart.
Profile Image for Christina Romp.
18 reviews
May 27, 2019
I’m in love with the small town of Maple Glen! This sweet small town romance pulls at the heart and makes you long for that connection that Emmalee and Clayton have!
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
March 14, 2019
A cute small town romance book! This story had me smiling while reading it. Emmalee is good at business but always wanted to live in a small town. Meeting Clayton just adds to it all. Clayton’s family is retiring but he knows nothing about numbers for the business but thinks I’m time everything will be fine. Two people that need each other but business doesn’t work well with love or does it? 4/5 stars great romance that will make you swoon!
Profile Image for Lyssa Cole.
Author 33 books885 followers
March 23, 2019
I loved this sweet romance! The two main characters fell in love in such a cute way and I enjoyed reading it and how Christina portrayed them. Great read!!
Profile Image for Terri.
2,359 reviews53 followers
March 31, 2019
Another cute small town romance by Christina Butrum. I loved they way the book started with Emmalee taking a job as a dog walker because she couldn't find another job. Those dogs gave her a run for her money--literally. She learned pretty quickly that dogs have minds of their own and often take charge. If it wasn't so funny, I would have felt sorry for her.
Clayton had his idiot moments (classic male). He's a really hard working guy in a small town where his family members seem to own most of the businesses. He's a guy who knows his own limits. When he is in line to take over his family meat market and deli, he realizes he can't handle the business side of it. Emmalee has a business degree, but Clayton has more personal ideas for her. Things get all screwed up in their budding relationship and they both have to work to get things figured out. Will they ever be able to work together and have a romantic relationship?
As always, Butrum's secondary characters are quirky and an integral part of the story. So fun!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
Read
March 27, 2019
Christina is a new to me Author and I was glad I took a chance with her book.
It's what small towns are all about. It was a great story
Profile Image for Mandi Blake.
Author 43 books822 followers
June 15, 2019
Such a cute story! I love the small town setting.
Profile Image for Candyce Kirk.
1,350 reviews52 followers
March 29, 2019
It Takes Two takes place in the small town Maple Glen. Reading about this town made me feel right at home. I would love to live in a town like this. We meet Emmalee who decided to move to this small town to find a job after completing her business degree. She's just hoping this small town can be everything she needs.

Clayton has lived in this small town his whole life and works at his family business. His parents want to retire, but can he keep the business going all on his own? The work he doesn't mind, but the numbers side of everything is going to be a thing!

Emmalee is such a fun character. She is hardworking and pretty organized. I loved how she even took a dog walking job until she could find anything else. The dogs were way too strong for her, but she kept at it. Emmalee is very determined. She's very hands on and I loved how she really just wanted to follow her dreams.

Clayton can be a stubborn one. He wants to take over the company, but he wants to do it himself. Even if he were to hire Emmalee, past experiences make it hard for him to want to mix business with pleasure. He doesn't want to open himself up to that again. Clayton is definitely a gentleman though. He's a family man and really wants to treat Emmalee right. The week in the cabin he organized was so romantic!

It's clear from the start that Emmalee and Clayton have a connection. While I'm normally not a fan of instalove, this just felt right. I loved how the romance took its time. Nothing really happens until halfway through the book. Both of them are worried that their interest in each other can risk business. They both work through it and figure out that they can be there for each other, it really does take two.

Besides a cute romance, there is a great group of characters we meet in this small town. Clayton's family is amazing and curious just like most families are. They care though and it's clear Emmalee is something they welcome with open arms. I can't wait to read about more of these characters!

If you're looking for a book with amazing characters, a small town you want to move to and a romance that keeps a smile on your face, definitely read It Takes Two.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,105 reviews10 followers
April 4, 2019
Welcome to Maple Glen a small fiction town we are shaw to fall in love with. I did enjoy this book but did find at times it was a bit slow and it almost lost my interested but I soldered on to which I am very glad it did. I loved Emmalee’s determination and truthfulness it was very much suited to Clayton’s stubbornness and kindness. I received an arc copy of this book to which I have written my honest and voluntary review. If you love sweet small-town romance this is the book for you. I am so looking forward to meeting some new characters from Maple Glen in the upcoming books of this new series.

Clayton does not mix business with pleasure so when the very striking new girl in town catches his eye his is very happy to get to know her better. But when she is offered a job by his parents who are soon to retiring soon and leaving the family business to Clayton he sees red. Clayton is feeling a bit overwhelmed with the thought of taking over the business from his parent as it not the work that is worrying him but the number and business side of the shop, so off he goes back to school to learn what is a need for him to let his parent retire.

Emmalee has moved to town from the city as she is after a quieter life and a small town community to find her dream job in business marketing. But that dream is not going as planned as she can only find a job as a dog walker! So she takes the job to walk 5 dogs and instantly knows she has made a mistake. After a day or two, the dogs lead her to meet a very cute butcher and an offer of a coffee just may change her first few weeks in town.

Love does not work when you work together. Is the belief of Clayton.

Hard work and determination is everything to succeed. Emmalee believes.

Can these two work out their differences and find a romantic connection or will there be the only business between them or the possibility of nothing is Emmalee decided to return to the city?
Profile Image for Norma.
347 reviews
March 30, 2019
Life isn't always as it seems! Big city girl with a business degree always dreamt of living in a small town doing a job she loved. After getting dumped by her arrogant ex boyfriend, she decides to move from the big city to small town Maple Glen, only to find out it isn't easy getting a job related to the business end of a small town business since almost all businesses are family owned and operated by tight knit families. She ends up taking a job as a dog walker. Poor petite tiny Emmalee gets pulled all over town by trying to walk 5 dogs at once. You just have to laugh. She begins to second guess her choice of moving, but is strong willed and won't give up on her dream. Once day she meets Clayton by accident thanks to the dogs. He happened to be the Butcher who always gave the dogs treats for quite a while. Sparks fly, but he won't hire her even though he is supposed to take over the family business but has no clue about the business end of things. He goes to college to take courses to try to learn this because he is determined and hard headed too. People start to lose their preconceived ideas of what a girl from a big city is about. This story was well written and had many emotions. It was funny, then you'd get emotional then happy, then sad. Great Book. Can't wait for the next in the series. Loved this book and read it in one day!
Profile Image for Norma Jean.
298 reviews11 followers
March 29, 2019
Clayton is a confirmed bachelor who has always worked with his father in the family business. When his parents decide to retire and travel, he is set to take over...everything except the bookkeeping. Numbers are not his thing. He is determined not to fail ,so he enrolls in some business courses at the community college.

Emmalee has always wanted to live in a small, peaceful town. She has had enough of the bustling city life. After earning her business degree, she moves to Maple Glenn, Unfortunately, the only job available in town is walking dogs...not really her area of expertise. Determined to stay in this charming little town, she takes the job until something better comes along.

When Clayton’s father hires Emmalee to help run the business without consulting Clayton first, things get a little heated...in more ways than one!

Ms Butrum has a talent for creating characters who find their way into your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed It Takes Two and I look forward to returning to the charming people of Maple Glenn. I definitely recommend It Takes Two to anyone who loves sweet small town romance stories.
Profile Image for Living My Best Book Life.
986 reviews93 followers
March 30, 2019
Christina Butrum has written a sweet and romantic small town romance. The characters, Clayton and Emmalee are charming just like the town of Maple Glen.

Emmalee is a city girl who is looking to live her life in a small town that she has always dreamed of. She is looking to put her business degree to use but finds herself working as a dog walker. She meets a handsome man named Clayton and everything changes.

Clayton is is the charming, sexy small-town man who meets Emmalee while she is walking dogs. They go out and hit it off. He is looking to take over his family business but needs help with the numbers.

Clayton has always believed that mixing business and pleasure won't work for him. So, can Emmalee find a place working for Clayton and his family?

I give It Takes Two 4 stars. It was charming, enjoyable, and have a great plot. If you love a small-town romance, then you need to give this book a try!
161 reviews12 followers
March 17, 2019
A great book. I enjoyed reading this book. A page turner that kept your interest peaked. Clayton who is suppose to take over his parents business when they retire, but he doesn't have any knowledge of the bookkeeping. Then this woman Emmalee comes to this small town which has a degree in business and is looking for a business job. She ends up taking the only job available in the town, a dog walker. Emmalee finds herself running into Clayton the butcher at the Meat Locker. What happens with Emmalee and Clayton is so sweet but can business be mixed with pleasure? Read this book and find out what happens. I totally loved the entire book from beginning to end. Thank you Christina. 5 star +++
Profile Image for Megan Murphy.
85 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2019
Great start to what I expect will be a fabulous series featuring life, love, and laughter in a small town. Emmalee is not running from her past in the big city as much as she’s running towards her dreams in a small town. Yes, she had some bad experiences causing her to doubt love leaving her wanting to focus on business and not the messy emotional stuff. Clayton born and raised in Maple Glen is ready to take over the family business since his parents are about to retire, but the thought of numbers and business stuff gives him panic attacks. Can you see the match made in the stars? Fortunately, Clay and Emmalee see it too even though there is a speedbump or two on their way to their HEA. I look forward to reading Cara’s story.....or maybe even Aunt Fran’s!
30 reviews
April 11, 2019
Christina Butrum's new series starter is It Takes Two - A Maple Glen Romance. A charming small-town story with lots of misunderstandings and wrong assumptions to overcome, It Takes Two is undeniably a sweetly sexy, funny, light-hearted romance. Emmalee and Clayton have very different backgrounds, but a large family, friends and a new career all play a big part in ensuring a feel-good happy ending!

I received an advance reader copy of this book. I read it and am offering my honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Gwen Pendley.
256 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2019
A sweet easy ready for a small town romance. Country boy and city girl. Fresh start. Family business.
There is a lot to love in this story and I honestly can not wait to for the rest of this series!
I gave this one 4 stars because unlike the rest of Christina's books, this one did not grab me and suck me. Overall, it was a really great story and I do want more of these characters!
Profile Image for Katie Jones.
183 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2019
Christina knows how to write a perfect story coming out of a small town. She makes you feel like you've stepped into her town by just how beautiful she writes. This is another hit from her and I loved every word on every page.
Profile Image for Chele.
637 reviews
June 23, 2019
A wonderful story of family love and getting a do over.
Clayton and Emmalee face their pasts to forge a future
5 stars!
3,631 reviews16 followers
May 17, 2020
Emmalee was brave going to a new town without a job lined up because it looks like a nice small town to live in. Before I graduated college I had a full time job lined up and whenever I've been between jobs I've worried about getting another full-time one with benefits. I love dogs, but I wouldn't be strong enough to walk five dogs at once. She definitely got in over her head when she took that job. Clayton is supposed to take over his parents' business when they retire, but he doesn't have a good head for numbers. Emmalee has a degree is business management, but Clayton was pigheaded about wouldn't consider offering her a position because he wants to date her and won't mix business with pleasure. Well if Emmalee can't find steady work, she can't afford to stay in town. His parents meddle and make him see that they have happily loved and worked together successfully for many years and he could too. There were plenty of ups and downs in the small town romance. I laughed, smiled, and shook my head a few times. But Maple Glen sounds like a wonderful place to live where people care about each other and rally around to support each other.

The Audible narrator, who is also an author, has a pleasant tone with voice changes and emotional inflections in all right place to keep me interested in listening to the story to the end.
Profile Image for Jacqui Norris.
296 reviews7 followers
April 4, 2019
Small town Maple Glen was exactly what Emmalee was looking for. Wanting to experience small town life, she takes a chance and moves from the big city. Only problem is that she can't find a job to fit her degree, business management. As all small towns, word gets out when the new kid in town shows up. Desperate to start working, she takes up dog walking. Not as easy as she thought. When the dogs lead her to a butcher/deli shop she meets Clayton.
Clayton's family owns the butcher shop. His parents want to retire and have Clayton take over. Only problem, he has no bookkeeping skills. Convinced if he goes back to college he will meet a girl, his parents offer to pay his way. Fortunately, the new girl in town is exactly what the butcher/deli needs. Clayton isn't fond of the idea. Love and work don't mix. But something about Emmalee feels right. He takes the chance with Emmalee both in business and in his personal life. How will it play out.
First off, it's Christina Butrum. You know there is a HEA at then end of the story. That's why I love reading her books. This is an easy read but gets you in the mood for what else Maple Glen has to offer. Thanks Christina Butrum for introducing us to your new series.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,110 reviews55 followers
May 15, 2020
It Takes Two
A Maple Glen Romance, Book 1
By: Christina Butrum
Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes

Maple Glen is the type of town I love to live in. Small, lots of family run businesses and there are no secrets! Clayton is set to take over his parents business when they retire. He is good with the working end of it, but when it comes to the business side, he lacks the knowledge to make it successful. EmmaLee has always had the dream of living in a small town and being a successful business woman. Will their attraction be enough to draw them together and fulfill each other's goals? This is a sweet romance. I loved EmmaLee. Her independence and goals are in sight, but she does not let that stop her from finding love. Clayton is a little harder for me to warm up to. He wobbles too much and he frustrated me! It's a fun listen as we get to know the small town community. And the restaurant sounds delicious!

Narrated by the talented Lorana Hoopes, the story easily flowed. She just keeps getting better and finds her stride with each character. Her voices are easy to distinguish and she brings a warmth to the listen. I look forward to my next stay in Maple Glen!
109 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2019
All American Love story!!

Choosing between his Business and the Girl is a hard task for Clayton! He can’t seem to separate the two! Emmalee is a City girl wanting the small town feel but when she lands a job she didn’t want she stumbles and meets the man and Job she is looking for but Clayton can’t seem to put business and Love in the same category! But Emmalee has captured his heart but because of his confusion in Love and the Job he may just lose out on The woman of his dreams and someone to help him make his Family business better!

This is a good story with some great thought and HEA! This Author has a touch of a small town USA feel and I can’t wait to start on more of her books!!

Profile Image for Donna Smith.
1,269 reviews11 followers
March 31, 2019
Great start to a new small town series. Emmalee has moved from the big city to follow her dreams but starts to get discouraged when opportunities are not plentiful. Clay is slotted to take over his parents business since he was the only one interested in working with his father of his siblings but his ability to work with numbers might be his downfall. Em has her degree in business management and would be the perfect fit if only Clay would be willing to put his own past behind him.
I really loved yelling at these two characters in my head. They both have pasta that shape them but have nothing to do with their futures. I hope to see more of them and how they handle the challenges that are sure to come their way.
Profile Image for Nicole Studioso.
591 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2019
I love to escape to small-town America, especially with all the craziness in the world today. Christina Butrum brings you the perfect reprieve for your crazy life! Her characters are well-developed and three-dimensional, with lovely repartee and sweet sentiments that make you long for easier days and beautiful scenic views!
Clayton and Emmalee are perfectly matched in this book. You have the eldest son ready to start running the long-held and cherished family business, and the young city girl looking for a new start with a business degree. How perfect are they for each other. They have their doubts and fears, but learn to work together, both personally and professionally.
I read an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mandy.
259 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2020
This book is the first in the Malpe Glen Series, it is a good start.
Emmalee decided that life for her would be in a small town where everybody knew and helped each other, she had had enough of big city life and the bad experiences that went with it. She arrived at Maple Glen and straight away it was what she was looking for, she just needed to put her skills to work, then life would be perfect.
Clayton was a part of an established Maple Glen family, he met Emmalee and they clicked. His family were well known to the whole town and their decisions were to create a problem.
Should Emmalee leave Maple Glen and return back to the city, Paige her best friend was there but could she leave her new home?
This book has friendship, families and love interests, whats not to love?


Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
March 14, 2019
When I think of small town sweet romances I immediately think of this author. Her characters are ones you can easily relate to and they are never perfect specimens. These two are no different. With pasts that intrude on their happy place or in her case cause you to pack up and move, they make an interesting pair. Add to that his crazy, intrusive, noisy, loving, family and her best friend there's definitely plenty of laughs. Everything you want in a sweet small town romance is here to stay and this standalone series is starting off with a winner. I can't wait to get to know more about these folks as the series progresses.
Profile Image for Mary Fazzi.
1,253 reviews10 followers
March 15, 2019
A super sweet book. Emmalee is a city girl who wants the country life in a small town. Clayton is a man waiting to take over his parents business. He’s in a small town and there aren’t many women there to chose from but when Emmalee comes and they meet everything starts out get. She’s walking dogs and starting to get to know the town people and the places. She gets hired by secret by Clay’s parents and everything starts to loose color due to the way Clayton doesn’t watch what he says. Will the two work it out? Can love and business really work out for everyone? Need to read this book to find out.
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,578 reviews63 followers
March 29, 2019
Another amazing book by the queen of small town sweet romance. It Takes Two is a small town sweet romance that will make you want to discover the benefits of a small town. With her degree in business management in hand, Emmalee moves to the town of Maple Glen, where business is run by families and people are kind. With his parents wanting to retire Clayton knows that doing the books and running a business will not work. But when two scheming parents work to play matchmaker will all their work be for nothing. This author is my go to for all things small town and sweet romance. I'm excited for more from this series.
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