The Trouble with Picket Fences

Lovestruck, Vermont #3

by Teri Wilson

She could teach him to turn lemons into lemonade

All her life, Melanie Carlisle knew how to succeed in the face of failure. So when she finds herself pregnant--and her ex-boyfriend bows out, claiming he's not the "picket fence type"--Melanie is on her own. Now she has a house--with a picket fence she wants gone. Cap McBride is dealing with his own problems, what with a potentially career-ending hearing loss and his surly teenager. So the last thing he wants to do is get involved with a single pregnant woman. As for fences? The only thing he knows how to do is put them up!

Lovestruck, Vermont

Will this fence make good neighbors into something more in the latest installment of award-winning author Teri Wilson's Lovestruck, Vermont series?

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Lovestruck, Vermont

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Harlequin

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published March 30, 2021

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Teri Wilson writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. Four of Teri's books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies, including UNLEASHING MR. DARCY (plus its sequel MARRYING MR. DARCY), ROYAL-ISH, based on her book ONCE UPON A ROYAL SUMMER, THE ART OF US and NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, based on her book SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction and a 2022 inductee into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame.

When she’s not writing, Teri enjoys visiting schools and health care facilities with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Charm, a registered therapy dog and reading education assistance dog. Teri also loves pretty dresses, cupcakes, going to the ballet and following the British royal family. Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Instagram @teriwilsonauthor.

Reviews

[Bree Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I FINISHED A BOOK!! So exciting. Will be chatting my thoughts on this in an upcoming episode of The Categorically Romance Podcast.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely contemporary romance featuring a couple in their forties. She was a Miss America pageant queen and has recently ended decided to make a fresh start. She ended long term relationship after he didn’t want to be a father, successfully used a sperm donor and has left her city life to move to the small community of Lovestruck, Vermont where she’s bought a business and new home. That home shouldn’t have a picket fence – she wants it gone. That’s how she meets widower fireman Cap McBride – whilst in a store she asks him to pull it down for her . . . . From this inauspicious beginning can two people not looking for romance actually inadvertently find it, or will the fences around their hearts keep each other out?

Each main character has their own issues. Apart from being five months pregnant, Melanie wants to make friends and fit in with her new community to make a real home for her and her baby. Cap is the local Captain of the fire brigade as well as a single Dad with a teenage son but he also has health worries that he’s not sharing. There’s an instant attraction between Melanie and Cap but both are wary to trust anyone else. With new friendships, new community events to organise, Melanie’s sunny disposition and love of lemons shines through the story. She definitely lives up to the adage, if life gives you lemons make lemonade!

This is a lovely, sweet, romance with plenty of angst and turmoil en route to their HEA. It is the third book in this series but works well as a standalone – I really need to go back to read the earlier books as this was so good. Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all intents and purposes Melanie Carlisle led a charmed life. She had a long relationship, but that went belly up. Now pregnant, with a new home and business, the last thing she expected to find when she arrives in town was a white picket fence around her house. Oh, no, this has to go. Why? Well, it was something her previous boyfriend had said to her, so she marches right over to the local hardware store with hopes of buying whatever she'll need to get that fence removed.

Cap McBride is shopping at the hardware store. He is very distracted, as he has received news from his doctor that will affect his life on every level, and could possibly even cost him his job. When another customer at the store approaches him and asks him about a tool, before long, Cap is at her house dismantling the picket fence.

The Trouble With Picket Fences is the third book in the endearing Lovestruck, Vermont series. I downloaded and read the first two books, Baby Lessons and A Firehouse Christmas Baby. All three stories were quite enjoyable. In this book, I really loved both Cap and Melanie's plights. Melanie's pregnancy is certainly about to change her life, and Cap's medical news could possibly adversely affect his as well.

Cap is the head of the fire station he works at and has the best co-workers, and he also has a teenage son. Melanie might be new in town, but she has a strong feeling she will fit right in. Knowing that this book is a romance, there is no doubt that sparks will fly between Cap and Melanie and it was quite a joy to see them carve their way to a happy future together. I also loved the attention given to Cap's situation and his relationship with his son. This is an utterly enjoyable story and I am hopeful for more books in this series.

Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[A_Stylish_Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for a gifted copy of the book. This was a sweet clean small town romance. I liked that this book’s main characters are older and how sweet Cap was. I felt this was a bit of Insta love I am not a big fan of but overall I enjoyed this.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie Carlisle is starting over. She is pregnant and has moved from Texas to Lovestruck, Vermont, where she bought a pretty pink cottage and a children's clothing boutique, hoping to start a new life, with new friends and a new daughter. One thing she did not want was a white picket fence. When she convinces Cap, the fire captain, to remove the fence, neither of them expected to develop feelings toward one another. This story is a bit of instalove, but it is sweet. Cap is a widower with a teenage son. He never expected to fall in love again, but there is something about Melanie. Melanie was hurt by her partner in Texas who told her after six years together that he did not want any children along with some other hurtful things. Will these two get over their hurts and hesitations to finally find love and become a family?

This is a romance, so of course it will end happily, but it is an enjoyable journey with Melanie and Cap. Both are likable characters. Cap is loyal, helpful, a great dad, a role model and loved by everyone. Melanie is an ex-Miss America with a sunny outlook that masks her insecurities. She is friendly and wants very badly to fit in and become part of Lovestruck. There is some angst along the way, things they need to overcome and things they must share with others before they will be able to move forward as a family. The theme of "if you get lemons, make lemonade" is carried out throughout the book. Looking for the positive and making the best of a situation was a strong message, one that I think is really important, especially with all that is going on in the world right now. This is the third book in the series, and Melanie's two new BFFs have their stories told in the first two books of this series. I will go back and read them, but their stories are spoiled a bit by reading this one first. If you are interested in this series, I recommend you read them in order. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to those who enjoy a clean, sweet romance. I received a copy of this book from the publisher upon request. The rating and ideas shared are my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and uplifting, I couldn’t stop smiling while reading Teri Wilson’s irresistible new contemporary romance, The Trouble with Picket Fences.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade is a mantra which has stood former Miss America Melanie Carlisle in good stead. Having known her fair share of anguish throughout her life, Melanie is used to succeeding in the face of failure which is why when she found herself single and pregnant, she decided to leave her life in Dallas behind for the small town of Lovestruck, Vermont. Having bought a new business in town, Melanie was looking forward to settling in her charming new cottage – until she gets to Lovestruck and discovers that her new home has something so abhorrent that she heads to the local hardware store to buy a hammer in order to smash it into a million tiny pieces: a picket fence. But little does she realize that she’s going to find something completely life-changing in the aisle of the store: Captain Jason McBride, chief of the Lovestruck Fire Department.

For Jason, his job is his entire life – so much so that everybody calls him Cap! He never imagined that he would do anything other than the job he loves so much – until his doctor delivers some earth-shattering life-changing news: he is suffering from potentially career-ending hearing loss that could force him out of the fire station. As if dealing with this devastating news the doctor has just imparted isn’t enough he has a surly teenager at home with an attitude problem which seems to be getting worse by the minute. The last thing he wants or needs is a pregnant former beauty queen rocking up and asking – ordering! – to knock down her picket fence. Cap knows that he should give Melanie as wide a berth as possible, so why is he saying yes to her?

Sparks quickly begin to fly between the two of them and as their feelings for one another deepen, will Cap and Melanie find the courage to admit how they really feel about one another? Or will they let this unexpected chance at happiness slip through their fingers?

Teri Wilson writes the most delightful contemporary romances and in The Trouble with Picket Fences has written a heartfelt, witty and enjoyable contemporary romance that ticks all the right boxes. A gorgeous romance about second chances, starting over and life’s unexpected blessings, The Trouble with Picket Fences is an enchanting tale featuring two lovely characters readers cannot help but root for. I adored Jason and Melanie and their red-hot chemistry and delicious banter is sure to lift your spirits and touch your heart.

A terrific contemporary romance you are simply going to love, The Trouble with Picket Fences is the latest immensely enjoyable tale from the talented Teri Wilson.

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll say first that I don't read many contemporary romances. If I want romance it's usually historical, or fantasy, or something like that. But lately historical romances haven't held my interest very well and I've been craving contemporary stories, so I tried this one. And it was pretty good. A pregnant former Miss America (for ten days), whose talent- I kid you not - was making lemons into lemonade, moves to Vermont. Of course. She opens a kid's clothing store and falls for the fire fighter across the street. I like my lemonade very tart, and this book got a little too sweet at times, but mostly I enjoyed it. I did think her attitude about having used a sperm bank was really old fashioned and didn't make a lot of sense to me. But everybody's different, right? And I don't read these books for the realism. All in all it was a pleasant book, written well and mildly entertaining. I suspect true fans of the genre will like it a lot. :)

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute romance! And the ending was so adorable! A couple of things bugged me. First, how the towns people kept saying bless your heart. In Vermont??! Texas, yes. The south, yes. Not Vermont. And second, the main characters were 40 but kept going on and on about how old they are. 40 is not old! When I was 40, I wasn’t feeling old. I’m not feeling old now at 48! And I definitely am not as gray as the one 40 year old on the cover. Those were just little things the Editor should have caught.

[Kim Bakos · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, formula romance - exactly what you expect and get from Harlequin.
Although you'd never be able to tell by the cover, the two characters are "older", each about forty. Melanie is pregnant and afraid of getting into a relationship after the long-term romance she was in just ended.
Cap is raising a teenaged son and dealing with a hearing loss that is leaving his future uncertain.
The usual misread cue and miscommunications keep these two from getting together.
If you like pageants, this will be right up your alley.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss America has come to Lovestruck, Vermont

Melanie Carlisle is ready for a new start in Lovestruck. She has a new home, a new business, and a baby on the way. She is looking forward to putting her crown back in its box, making new friends and starting her new life. What she does not expect is how a certain fire fighter can make her wonder if she has room for romance.

Cap McBride is a single father, Captain of the fire department and is struggling with a new medical diagnosis. The last thing he needs is a beauty queen coming to town trying to change things, especially changing how he feels about love.

What a fun and sweet romance written by one of my favourite authors Teri Wilson. I just know when I pick up one of her novels, I will be smiling, laughing and shedding a few tears. The way she writes, just warms my heart. This story is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand a lone novel, but once you are introduced to the other characters, you will definitely want to go back and read their stories as well. My thanks to Harlequin Publishing, Teri Wilson and Netgalley for a copy of the book to read. My review is entirely my own and unbiased.

[Elaine Zielinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A loved it!!

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Melanie, loved that she made such independent choices with her pregnancy and her move to Vermont. Rather than running a shop however, I do wish we’d seen her coaching young girls for pageants as her background as Miss America is pretty unique for a romance heroine and that uniqueness wasn’t utilized to the extent it maybe could have been.

A few more scenes illustrating Cap’s hearing struggles particularly on the job as a firefighter and with his son would have been very welcome given that the scenes that did feature him grappling with this issue, his vulnerability in those moments, were some of the most compelling parts of the book and would have been worth delving into even further.

I was a bit skeptical of the way Cap and Melanie met. If you’re a single pregnant woman are you inviting some guy you just met to your house even if it is a quaint small town? After some uncomfortable moments that came off as kind of forced they did develop a nice vibe as the story moved forward, the way they confide in each other you sense long term potential between them, however, in the end their relationship suddenly hurried to a stage that I didn’t feel like they were at yet. It’s a personal preference thing, I know some readers have expectations of how romances should end and they wouldn’t feel satisfied otherwise, but I’d rather the definition of happily ever after was modified to reflect where the couple is actually at and not push a relationship that’s still in its infancy beyond a believable point.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe it's just the crazy stressful time we're in, but I've really come to enjoy a sweet, not too complicated romance. The Trouble with Picket Fences fits that perfectly. Of course, Cap and Melanie have some of those earlier mentioned complications, but it's more misunderstandings or miscommunication that comes between this couple and their HEA. I liked the characters and I really liked that Melanie and Cap aren't twenty-something new adults. Instead, their both closer to my own age. I don't find too many romances in my own age group these days, so this was a refreshing change.
This is the third book in a series, but it does work as a standalone - at least it did for me. This is my first in the Lovestruck, Vermont series, and Teri Wilson gave me everything I needed. I am now curious to check out the first two books, but that's because I enjoyed this one so much and I liked the characters. So, if you enjoy sweet, small town romance, I'd recommend this one.

[DeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

This is the first book I've read from this series, and while I do feel it can be read as a stand alone, it may be better if they are read in order as there are probably things in this book that spoil things in the first couple books. That being said I really enjoyed this very sweet love story. The love aspect did happen very quickly, but that doesn't mean the story was over at that point. Our main characters legitimately have obstacles they have to overcome in their relationship and lives and I felt like the positivity that was reflected throughout the story played off of this well. I really enjoyed the writing style and pacing, which made this a quick and enjoyable read.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute love story about Melanie who became pregnant from a sperm bank because her boyfriend of 11 years finally told her he never wants to have children. She packs up and moves to a small town in Vermont where she promptly falls in love with the fire chief. The fire chief is a widower, has a teenage son, and has just found out that he is losing his hearing and needs hearing aids. Both Melanie and Cap are realizing they are getting older. A few mishaps a long the way, some well meaning friends, and the love of a small town, all add to the character of this love story.

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble with Picket Fences is the third book in the Lovestruck, Vermont series. This was a sweet romance with all the small-town charm you could want. It was remarkably interesting, and I learned some things I would never associate with a pageant. The characters were delightful and easy to love. The small town and its residents were charming and provided the story with warmth.
This was a fun and sweet romance. I loved the “lemon to lemonade” theme used throughout the book. It turned the book into a cheery and positively delightful book to read. It was a story that will brighten your day and help you look at the bright side of any situation!

[Jennifer Maloney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t quite love this one as much as the first two in the series, but I’m still loving this series. The small town is so adorable and I’ve loved getting to know all these cute firefighters and their new wives. Plus all the cute doggies. 😂🥰

This series was my first foray into Harlequin category romance and I’m sure glad I stumbled onto it! I feel like I’ve found a whole truckload of Hallmark-movies-in-a-book and I can’t wait to try more! 🥳🥳🥳

[Becky Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accosting firefighter Cap McBride in the local hardware store may not be the best way to make friends, but it's the only way Melanie Carlisle knows in order to get someone to take down the picket fence at the house she's just purchased. New in town and pregnant, Melanie is starting over. Cap has a teenage son who suddenly is surly and out of sorts. Plus, Cap is dealing with a possible career ending problem.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe, such a beautiful written story about unity of family, friendships, and unconditional support and respect of neighborly love...
❤️ ❤️ 💖

Melanie is a resilient young woman who fully dedicated herself in creating impactful relationships with her community....Cap is truly a miraculous, helpful (both emotional and physically) to ensure her happiness 😊

Highly recommend

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't begin to tell you no matter what book I read of teri wilson the next one is even better. Although I do come to realize there is 1 thing in common so far that her books have that I have read so far and I'm wondering if it's the author that likes to do this certain activity.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Lovestruck, Vermont (Book #3)

[Kim Murphy Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story, love the various characters

[Mari Banka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book and easy to read. The storyline was unique and interesting. I would rector for a quick and fun read.

[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lovestruck

Another great story from the small town of Lovestruck. Cap and Melanie were made for each other. Can't wait for the next Lovestruck match.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy light romance read

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some funny in this one.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from a goodreads giveaway. Easy read, good story, and it held my attention-- I liked this book!

[Sue Donner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great lesson in turning lemons into lemonade! A great story!

[Shallowreader VaVeros · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah but nahhh

[Dalaina Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read it’s so sweet.
Captain past was incredible interesting as well as Melanie’s. I enjoyed reading this story! Kudos