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Thornton Vermont #1

Damselfly Inn

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In a picturesque Vermont college town, the new innkeeper in town struggles with mysterious vandalism, an enigmatic client, and the undeniable attraction to the handsome carpenter who’s repairing her storm-damaged roof.

“I can take care of you, Nan.”
The unintentional double meaning hung in the air a moment. Nan thought she could easily drown in those gray eyes.


Check into the Damselfly Inn and fall in love with Thornton, Vermont.

When a late summer storm drops a tree branch through her roof, Thornton’s new innkeeper wonders if the quaint village is really as perfect as it seems.

Nan Grady hasn’t had time for dating, never mind romance. Hospitality is her full time job, but she can’t deny her attraction to local contractor Joss Fuller.

Joss prefers things simple, until Nan and her inn disrupt his steady, small-town routine.

Now there’s a honeymoon suite to remodel, a woman from Joss’s past checked in on the second floor, and a mysterious vandal targeting the Damselfly Inn—all conspiring to tear Nan and Joss apart.

Can the promise of new love hold them together?

Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2015

73 people are currently reading
531 people want to read

About the author

Cameron D. Garriepy

34 books112 followers
Cameron D. Garriepy attended a small Vermont college in a town very like Thornton. She's missed it since the day she packed up her Subaru and drove off into the real world. Some might say she created the fictional village as wish fulfillment, and they would be correct.

She is the author of the Thornton Vermont series, and the founder of Bannerwing Books, a co-op of independent authors. Prior to Bannerwing, Cameron was an editor at Write on Edge, where she curated three volumes of the online writing group's literary anthology, Precipice. Cameron appeared in the inaugural cast of Listen to Your Mother - Boston, and irregularly contributed flash fiction to the Word Count Podcast.

Since her time at Middlebury College, Cameron has worked as a nanny, a pastry cook, an event ticket resale specialist, an office manager, and a content writer. In her spare time, she cooks, gardens, knits, reads avidly, and researches hobby farming. She writes from the greater Boston area, where she lives with her husband, son, a pug puppy, and four hens.

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5 stars
58 (42%)
4 stars
54 (39%)
3 stars
19 (13%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Andra Watkins.
Author 8 books225 followers
May 25, 2015
Do you remember what it felt like to fall in love with your soul mate? To negotiate a first kiss? To experience the first heat of passion? We all need to escape into stories that make us remember where we've been and what we've been given.

Damselfly Inn is that story.

I read Damselfly Inn in one sitting. Four or five hours of delightful time. The characters are all well-developed, likeable and flawed, and the author helps us pull for them with her shifts of perspective and turns of phrase. Set against the gorgeous Vermont countryside, the story unfolds in a town I wanted to visit and never leave. I even enjoyed the ancillary characters and wanted to know more about them, something I hope the author is giving us with her sequels.

This book is a perfect beach read, a best pick for a vacation or a delicious page-turner to wile away any afternoon. Do yourself a favor and read it.
Profile Image for Angela Amman.
Author 18 books23 followers
April 13, 2015
Damselfly Inn is the first novel in Cameron D. Garriepy’s Thornton Vermont series, and you are going to adore the town — and the cast of characters coming and going through the Damselfly Inn — from the moment you begin reading.

While Damselfly Inn is a romance novel at heart, Garriepy's lush prose and carefully crafted characters allow Damselfly Inn to transcend the genre into the type of novel even non-romance fans will devour. The love story between Nan and Josh does more than explore the budding relationship between the feisty inn-keeper and the attractive, steady home-town carpenter. Damselfly Inn urges readers to fall in love with Thornton, just like Nan does as she learns how to make herself at home in a small town — where past relationships and closely-guarded secrets threaten both her love life and her livelihood.
Profile Image for Susan Z (webreakforbooks) .
1,126 reviews117 followers
November 13, 2021
Nan recently moved to a small town in Vermont and opened a quaint B&B. Unfortunately her beautiful inn is vandalized and the local carpenter, Joss, comes to her rescue to assist with all the repairs. There are numerous episodes of vandalism and Joss becomes Van's protector to keep her safe.

With all of their free time spent together, sparks begin to fly. Nan releases some of her barriers and allows Joss to care for her.

This is a small town sweet romance with a little spice sprinkled in. I'd give it 🌶️🌶️ out of 5.

It was superb on audio as well.
Profile Image for itsallaboutbooksandmacarons.
2,305 reviews51 followers
October 27, 2021
A nice town, interesting people and a loving couple.

We have all in one place. After something goes wrong the new owner of a B and B is falling for a guy that ia dream catch for every woman. But she is independent and hard to get.

All the characters in the book make a great comunnity and it will be great to read more about them.

To not forget the passion I have to ad that intimacy scenes make the story also spicy.

I listened to an audio that was given me my Audiobookworms. Thank you
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
January 10, 2020
Damselfly Inn #1 - Other than the usage of lowercase God throughout the story, I enjoyed the story. The multiple storylines are interesting. I like all of the characters but Kate and Jack are my favorites.

The importance of family and love is a strong part of the fabric woven with humor, anger, frustration and other emtions. The story is intriguing and there are a couple of moments of suspense.

I skipped over the sex scenes so I do not know how graphic they are and the very infrequent usage of vulgar language, although appropriately used, was appreciated. The first did interrupt the flow since it did not fit in the story. Blam, all the sudden the F-word.

I will be reading the next book since it appears, by the title, to be about Kate, a fun, exciting character. Nan is a good character but she is a bit over reactive about her independence while not understanding the type of man Joss is and his beliefs. 4*

Sweet Pease #2 - I enjoyed Damselfly Inn so much I started on this book as soon as I finished the last page. Kate is just as delightful as she was in Damselfly. The old storylines continue on while blending perfectly with the new. The characters carry on as they did in DI. There is more crude language but the story is interesting and fun.

The storylines continue on into the third book with Annaliese the main character. I found this book on Booksprout. 4*

Sugaring Season - This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed it. Some of these shorts have been previously published elsewhere. I found this book through Booksprout. Minor editing needed. 4*

From the Earth to the Moon - I found this to be a serious, well written, well thought out story about a time period just before and during the Korean war. A stubborn father and two sons trying to make their lives mesh but still follow they want, adding to the mix a girl both brothers love. 5*

Cinnamon Girl - What a lovely, romantic story, set in 1977. The young man is part of the family met in From the Earth to the Moon. It's a sad time in his life, but meeting Molly starts his journey to happiness. Well written and interesting. 5*

Foolish Things - I didn't care too much for this story; maybe the age of the characters or usage of vulgar language. Set in late 1999, the characters are likable; and Chris had a maturity to him and felt protective of Annaliese. Her two best friends and Jake were good characters. The writing style is compact (like a Journalist) but this story didn't feel like it belongs in Thornton. 3*

Past and Pending - It's 2007 and some of the gang from Foolish Things are the main characters. A heartwarming and heartbreaking love story that's well written and interesting. I didn't care for the vulgar language, but the story was mesmerizing; Sara is such a free spirit. 5*

A Gilded Promise - I own Damselfly Inn and didn't want to read this story in case of spoilers since I haven't read DI yet. This story takes place after DI ends.

Star of Wonder - This book takes place after the events of Sweet Pease, which is the second book of the Thornton Vermont series, following Damselfly Inn. This story takes place after SP ends.

Sweet Basil - This book takes place after the events of Family Practice, which is the third book of the Thornton Vermont series, following Sweet Pease. This story takes place after SP ends.

Sugaring Season - I started to read this story and discovered the Cartwrights and Peases were the older versions of the younger characters in some of the other stories listed above. I'd rather start with Damselfly Inn and continue through the past instead of having the past spoiled by the present.
667 reviews
January 2, 2020
Nan and Josh

Nan is not having a good night! She doesn't like storms and the Damselfly Inn just took a hit! She is up in the 3rd floor in the Bridal suite when she thinks she hears a knock. Next thing she knows is her neighbors Molly and Walt Fuller are in her foyer along with a younger man. Molly takes charge and guides Nan into the kitchen where she fixes her a cup of tea with honey to help with the shock. The younger man turns out to be the Fuller's son Josh whose a carpenter and he quickly goes to work to cover the hole made by a huge limb from the ancient oak tree crashing down. He explains that he can come back in the morning to give her an estimate if she wants, for the repairs. Nan isn't sure but there seems to be a connection between them and wonders if Josh also feels it. After that strange things start happening. A broken bathroom window, a nasty message on the garage door, a plant set on fire and someone shooting at her front door! She is even starting to lose money as her guests check out early or want a refund. What happens next? Will Josh and Nan realize their connection or will the fact he is working for her cool things? What about her friend Kate and Kate's brother Jack? Will they continue to be supportive? Find out the answers to these questions and find out who is causing all the mischief by reading this great story by Cameron D. Garriepy.
Profile Image for Catherine Welch.
173 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2018
Awesome book. I had to read it a second time, just wanted the feelings from the book to continue. Filled with suspense, mystery, love, hope, desire, despair, and determination. This is a good lesson for those that have the strength and dedication to fulfill that one dream for the life you want to have. The beauty of creating something that others can enjoy, and cherish.

What could be better, following a dream for ones life; and ending up having some many things get in the way, trying to stop you from succeeding. I always enjoy a great book, that can grab my interest from the very first page, and keeps me wanting to read more. But, sad when there is no more book; because, I have finished reading the whole thing. I am truly looking forward to reading more from Cameron D. Garriepy, and I hope that it is soon.
Profile Image for J.
4,081 reviews21 followers
March 31, 2022
Book 1 in Garriepy's Thornton Vermont series. Main characters are new Inn keeper Nan and Joss - carpenter and general contractor. Nan is an old soul and is independent and determined with a great support system of friends. When she meets and falls in love with Joss - who grew up next door to her Inn his protectiveness while sweet becomes a bit of a sticking point between the two. Small town romance with some mystery and suspense but an overall sweet and innocent feel to the read. Good storyline and flow and perfect narration. I usually prefer a dual narration but this one was perfect! Looking forward to seeing what other secrets this small town and it's inhabitants may uncover next!

I received a free copy of this book at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
177 reviews
July 6, 2020
A very enjoyable read...

This is a long, slow-building story that brings life to each of its characters and develops the scene and story lines completely. I enjoyed that the story came to life in my mind as I read each page. While I wanted to stay immersed in the story forever, since I'm a New England gal, I contemplated how Nan and Joss's relationship would develop and wanted to see it come to fruition. The sex scenes are extremely mild, hold more emotion than actual sex and are well presented. I shall look for other titles by this author. Four stars because the entire Kindle book has proofreading typos through out that interrupt a good read. Many extra incorrect words. These need to be cleaned up.
Profile Image for Pam.
322 reviews23 followers
October 6, 2024
This was a book that I bought because I really liked the cover. Something about it and the Victorian house drew me in. This is a story about Nan Grady, a new to town bed and breakfast owner in Vermont. A storm makes a branch go through her inn’s roof, and local neighbor, Joss, is there to help with repairs.

The story really was well done. Neither Nan or Joss were looking for love, but sometimes that’s exactly when two people find each other. I really appreciated how Nan could take care of herself, and she was so self sufficient. I appreciate that in a heroine. There were also some wonderful side characters, friends and neighbors, as well.

Contemporary romance fans will love this book!
1,992 reviews16 followers
June 18, 2018
A young woman buys an old victorian building and changes it into a B&B. That should be enough to keep her busily happy, but the hotel is attacked again and again - and no one knows why. Afraid to lose her guests and her business she finds falling in love with the neighbor's son a good distraction.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The story is entertaining, at times funny and the characters and plot are well developed.
I really enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to more books from this author.
6,030 reviews45 followers
June 20, 2018
The owner of a B and B, the handyman who thankfully is available to do urgent repairs for her, as well as a host of possible suspects for damage done to a small town resort make for a busy place, and lots of opportunities for love and chaos.

Can giving a troubled teen a chance lead to lethal disasters?

Is an apparent frenemy really more of a friend with a bit of an attitude? Or is she a saboteur?

Welcome to Thornton! If you check in to the Damselfly Inn, lots of action and romance awaits.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,539 reviews27 followers
June 20, 2018
This is a beautifully written book that draws you into the life of small town Thornton Vermont with all its small town prejudices and secrets

The slow burn romance between Nan Grady Inn owner and Josiah (Joss) Fuller local carpenter is a reminder of that first love that we all reminisce about . The main thread of the story is about finding your place in life even if that is a small vermont town.

The writing in this book is superb a true example of this art at its best

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.7k reviews155 followers
June 20, 2018
She had brought her inn and she loved it until a free crashes through her roof. She finds someone to Help but there is an attraction between them. Things get worse when someone it targeting her inn and her causing damage to the inn. Who is it? Will she lose everything? Will love really come to her? See how it will end

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for nickiknackinoo.
666 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2022
What a lovely, cute easy read romance!!. The animal magnetism between the two main characters was really felt out of the book and the little mystery slipped in there for us to try and solve was a fantastic addition!!
Once again, I wanted to be friends with all these people as there's just a lovely laid back but caring effect which makes you feel all warm inside!!!!.
So thanks Cameron Garriespy!! You now have another no 1 fan to add to your fast growing fan base!!
99 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2018
What a quaint and friendly place.

My first book by this writer. I loved the setting and characters. I somehow thought this was going to be a cozy mystery. Although there was a mystery, there were really no villains, just a bunch of human beings making mistakes and growing in the process. A good book to read when you want to decrease the drama and settle into a good story..
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
June 21, 2018
The first book in this series called Thornton Vermont and I enjoyed reading it from the first to the last page. Nan Grady and Joss Fuller's story was very well-written and with the things that happen including a car accident it was a book I was not putting down. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I also bought it.
567 reviews
March 19, 2022
Beautiful slow burn story. Character building excellent. These characters stayed with me after the book finished which is a sign of a good book to me. And I can see openings for further stories with some of these characters. Inspiring strength and flaws that need to be worked through and positive role models.
Profile Image for ReadwithEmm.
99 reviews5 followers
October 16, 2022
This romance has a little spice, a great story line, tonnes of plot twists and turns, action and great character development. The whole book I was trying to guess who was causing the drama at the inn and in the end I wasn't even close with my guess. A great HEA after a book full of slow burn romance and mystery
Profile Image for Laurel .
1,364 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2018
A decent read

I found this book to be redundant at times which is why I have it four stars. There were so many confusing characters in this book, and that added to the confusion. Otherwise, read on.
6 reviews
July 23, 2018
Total page turner

I’m a romantic novel junkie. But I love there was real suspense in this one. Joss a true gentleman, Katie a true friend. And al around a beautiful setting scrumptious pastries and some spice, but not the tacky kind. Loved it!!!!!
435 reviews
May 3, 2020
Nan and Joss

This book has it all. A small town in the mountains, great scenery, a enchanting B and B. A warm story about friendship, compassion and love. Throw in some mystery and trouble and you have a good read!
236 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2018
I loved the book. A bit of romance, mystery with close friends and family. Will be reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,558 reviews16 followers
June 23, 2018
This book is a nice old fashion romance that is an engaging, small town with a bit of mystery storyline. The characters are intriguing, well developed. It was a good book to read.
Profile Image for Barb.
1,548 reviews39 followers
December 14, 2019
Sweet book and now I am starting Sweet Pease, second book
1,590 reviews
September 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this story. Characters were like likeable and setting was gorgeous. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mai.
2,909 reviews6 followers
July 11, 2022
Really enjoyed this one.
270 reviews
February 16, 2025
Great book! Can't wait to start the 2nd book in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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