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Autumn Lake #1
The Guesthouse at Autumn Lake
Penelope Anderson has spent every summer for the past ten years tucked into her favorite little room at Hazel Poleman's lovely old guesthouse. Penny has made some wonderful friends in the lakeside town, and in many ways, this place feels more like home... well, than home does. This year, however, might just be the last time she is able to get away - there are pressing needs back in the city that she cannot escape from forever.
Ward St. James has moved back to the lake to help rescue his father's floundering boat repair business. With the influx of new homes, as well as the resort that's opened on the other side of the lake, there's no shortage of work to be had, and Ward realizes there's more going on at home than he'd originally thought. His original plan to keep his stay in Autumn Lake short and sweet has been blown out of the water, and he's floundering under the burden of responsibility that's been inadvertently thrust on him.
Hazel Poleman is getting glimpses of the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not the light most people like talking about. She, too, knows each summer at the lake might be her last, but she's got a few really good reasons to stick around as long as she possibly can. One of those reasons is the guesthouse that's been in her family for more than a hundred years. Without any children of her own, she's got to come up with a plan to make sure her home doesn't fall into the wrong hands when she's no longer able to hang onto it herself.
Come spend the summer at Autumn Lake and get to know the folks who call this lakeside town home. If you like sweet contemporary romance with close-knit neighbors and quirky small-town camaraderie - imagine Stars Hollow, but on a lake - then you'll love the Autumn Lake Romance Series.
Ward St. James has moved back to the lake to help rescue his father's floundering boat repair business. With the influx of new homes, as well as the resort that's opened on the other side of the lake, there's no shortage of work to be had, and Ward realizes there's more going on at home than he'd originally thought. His original plan to keep his stay in Autumn Lake short and sweet has been blown out of the water, and he's floundering under the burden of responsibility that's been inadvertently thrust on him.
Hazel Poleman is getting glimpses of the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not the light most people like talking about. She, too, knows each summer at the lake might be her last, but she's got a few really good reasons to stick around as long as she possibly can. One of those reasons is the guesthouse that's been in her family for more than a hundred years. Without any children of her own, she's got to come up with a plan to make sure her home doesn't fall into the wrong hands when she's no longer able to hang onto it herself.
Come spend the summer at Autumn Lake and get to know the folks who call this lakeside town home. If you like sweet contemporary romance with close-knit neighbors and quirky small-town camaraderie - imagine Stars Hollow, but on a lake - then you'll love the Autumn Lake Romance Series.
- GenresFiction
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
20 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Becky Doughty
101 books215 followersBecky writes heartfelt and wholesome contemporary commercial fiction filled with friendship, romance, humor, a touch of mystery, a sprinkling of whimsy, plus a bushel of family drama. And usually a four-legged or winged companion, too. She’s also the voice behind an ever-expanding library of more than 200 audiobooks.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 27, 2022
I read this book over the weekend snuggled under a blanket with Christmas movies on in the background. Don't tell me I don't known how to live it up!!! This is the first in a new series by Becky Doughty and I'm so looking forward to reading the next.
This one sees Penny returning to the Autumn Lake Guest House for her annual summer break. Her arrival is not as she plans as she comes across a very grumpy Ward carrying out repairs to the guest house.
My favourite characters in this will they won't they romance are Hazel the wiley guest house owner and Ward's dad. Ward's dad has a penchant for Hallmark movies which speaks straight to my heart!
Overall a brilliant start to what is likely to be another brilliant series. If you are looking for a light hearted romance then this is certainly the book for you.
This one sees Penny returning to the Autumn Lake Guest House for her annual summer break. Her arrival is not as she plans as she comes across a very grumpy Ward carrying out repairs to the guest house.
My favourite characters in this will they won't they romance are Hazel the wiley guest house owner and Ward's dad. Ward's dad has a penchant for Hallmark movies which speaks straight to my heart!
Overall a brilliant start to what is likely to be another brilliant series. If you are looking for a light hearted romance then this is certainly the book for you.
August 21, 2025
The Guesthouse at Autumn Lake
4✨
4✨
September 26, 2022
This is the first book in a new series by Becky Doughty, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I think it has quickly become one of my favorites of hers! I’ve enjoyed all of her books (and I think I’ve read most of them), and this one has a different flavor to it than most of the others, which I liked. Now how do I describe that flavor?? Becky often has very quirky characters in her books, but these tend towards being “normal” - I guess I mean that I relate to them personally a little more than the quirky ones (which I loved, but they’re not like people I know). I liked the setting, and I liked the issues that the main characters need to work through, and I liked the spiritual tone of the book – not offensive but just part of their everyday lives. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 30, 2022
Having lived my adult life in a small town on an island, Autumn Lake feels like home to me, with neighbors helping each other, close friends sharing their secrets, and everyone tied together in so many ways. Friendship, loss, families, faith, and community are all intertwined with creative excellence to give this love story its realism. People and places come to life through Becky Doughty's skilled depictions. Her main characters are struggling with changes and challenges as they become increasingly drawn together. But neither is certain of what they want or where they belong. With beauty, wit, charm, and caring, the story unfolds and draws the reader into this deeply moving tale. I wholeheartedly recommended this book to anyone who loves a good, clean romance. Be sure to check out other books by Becky Doughty, as well.
October 4, 2022
Penny is a « little lady » with a huge heart ! She’s always suffered to be « short » and is overwhelmed when, arriving at her summer Guesthouse, in Autumn Lake - the lovely little town where she spent the last summers with her mother - she’s greeted by a tall, hot but grumpy worker : Ward. He practically kicks her out because she was supposed to arrive later. While she goes back to her car, she’s scared by his equally tall coworker, the sweet and chraming Alex. She and Ward argue and she retreats to her car annoyed and frustrated.
Later this day, when she comes back to the guesthouse, she’s happy to finally meet Hazel, the owner of the place, a sweet old lady who’s practically family to Penny.
With a lot of issues back home with her sick mother and a life fully dedicated to her job and her mom’s care, Penny is happy to be back in the safe haven of Autumn Lake. She reconnects wih her friends there. And as the days unfold, she gets to know Ward and Alex while her friends try their matchmaking skills on her. But she knows that she can’t fall in love here since her life is 6 hours drive away. Or can she ?
I loved this book ! Penny was funny and complex. All the characters were interesting and I wanted to know their stories. None of them is shallow. They have to make choices, some of them life changing. And the end is what I wanted it to be !
I recommend this book and can’t wait for # 2!
Later this day, when she comes back to the guesthouse, she’s happy to finally meet Hazel, the owner of the place, a sweet old lady who’s practically family to Penny.
With a lot of issues back home with her sick mother and a life fully dedicated to her job and her mom’s care, Penny is happy to be back in the safe haven of Autumn Lake. She reconnects wih her friends there. And as the days unfold, she gets to know Ward and Alex while her friends try their matchmaking skills on her. But she knows that she can’t fall in love here since her life is 6 hours drive away. Or can she ?
I loved this book ! Penny was funny and complex. All the characters were interesting and I wanted to know their stories. None of them is shallow. They have to make choices, some of them life changing. And the end is what I wanted it to be !
I recommend this book and can’t wait for # 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2022
The Guesthouse at Autumn Lake is where Penny comes yearly to recuperate after a hard year teaching and caring for her mother, who's suffering from early-onset dementia. But this time when she arrives, the owner Hazel isn't there and the admittedly handsome but apparently bad-tempered handyman kicks her straight back out again. Ward generally considers himself a friendly person, but something about Penny's intrusion makes him act out of character - and when he tries to make amends, it backfires. Hazel is acting strangely and she can't seem to escape Ward - will Penny manage to salvage her holiday? And can Ward sort out the rest of his life so that pursuing Penny could become an option?
Ward and Penny definitely got off on the wrong foot with each other, but I enjoyed watching them gradually move past that bad start to become friends and more. Best of all was the way that they challenged each other to become better people. I really enjoyed Hazel's part of the story, too - it brought things together beautifully. An inspiring, hard-to-put-down, satisfying story, and I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Ward and Penny definitely got off on the wrong foot with each other, but I enjoyed watching them gradually move past that bad start to become friends and more. Best of all was the way that they challenged each other to become better people. I really enjoyed Hazel's part of the story, too - it brought things together beautifully. An inspiring, hard-to-put-down, satisfying story, and I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
September 29, 2022
This is a beautiful story that includes various types of relationships and how they all can enrich our lives. There is a really good portrayal of how it is to deal with early onset alzheimers. And the importance of having friends of all ages. The relationship between Ward and Penny was one among many relationships in the story.
I loved the character of Penny, she is a bit of a spitfire but has such a caring attitude with such sweetness and kindness. I loved the humor in the relationship, especially the Bride price!
Ward was a complicated guy who seemed to talk to himself (ha). He loved his family but communication with them wasn’t good on either side.
I really liked the creative compromises and options that solved the conflicts in the story.
Becky is such a talented writer. I loved her Gustafson Girls series. And I definitely want to continue reading this series!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
I loved the character of Penny, she is a bit of a spitfire but has such a caring attitude with such sweetness and kindness. I loved the humor in the relationship, especially the Bride price!
Ward was a complicated guy who seemed to talk to himself (ha). He loved his family but communication with them wasn’t good on either side.
I really liked the creative compromises and options that solved the conflicts in the story.
Becky is such a talented writer. I loved her Gustafson Girls series. And I definitely want to continue reading this series!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
September 4, 2023
Penny and Ward get off to a bad start, but eventually they both agree to start over, and discover that there is something between them. As Penny points out, in the romance books, if the hero and heroine get all snarky and grumpy at each other, you know they're going to end up together! I loved Penny, who is taking the summer off from taking care of her mother with Alzhiemers, and just wants to relax and read. Hazel, with whom she is staying at the guesthouse, is considering her future. Ward is finding himself oddly at home, when he has a business in California that he needs to get back to. They and the other charming characters have a great story of love, friendship, and belonging. This book is a great read for someone who appreciates a book focusing on the characters and a sweet romance.
October 11, 2022
This is a wonderful story with a great balance of characters, familiar in a small town where you find friends - really good friends - and family that supports each other through good times and hard times. Penny and Ward come to town from different directions and with very different agendas. But after a rough beginning they soon find they have much in common and, though neither of them plans to stay in town for long, it appears that God has had other plans all along.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review. I have found over time that Becky Doughty writes excellent romances with twists that hold my attention and keep the stories interesting. “The Guesthouse at Autumn Lake” is another really satisfying story.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review. I have found over time that Becky Doughty writes excellent romances with twists that hold my attention and keep the stories interesting. “The Guesthouse at Autumn Lake” is another really satisfying story.
September 27, 2022
As I started reading The Guesthouse at Autumn Lake, I found myself asking questions and every single question was answered eventually . . . I just needed some patience! Becky Doughty does a great job in making her characters come to life and feel real, then they become my friends;) I loved Penny’s grand gesture before Ward leaves and his response when he returns. While reading, I had smiles and a few tears. I really enjoyed getting to know Penny, Ward and their friends in Autumn Lake. It is a great place to visit while reading and I look forward to more visits with these characters.
I was given an early copy to read and review and was not disappointed!
I was given an early copy to read and review and was not disappointed!
October 1, 2022
The book opens with a typical "I can't stand you but will fall in love with you later" scene which is a great hook for the rest of the story. You know from the first chapter that Penny and Ward are THAT couple but it doesn't diminish the enjoyment of the book.
Penny, who is on a two month respite from caring for her mother, and Ward, who has returned home to help his father's flailing business, are kindred spirits in more ways than one. The development of their romance and the difficulties they encounter engage you in the best way and develop anticipation for the next book in the series.
Disclosure: I was given an advanced reader's copy of this book.
Penny, who is on a two month respite from caring for her mother, and Ward, who has returned home to help his father's flailing business, are kindred spirits in more ways than one. The development of their romance and the difficulties they encounter engage you in the best way and develop anticipation for the next book in the series.
Disclosure: I was given an advanced reader's copy of this book.
October 2, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this character-driven inspirational story. I don't know which character was my favorite--Hazel, the kind elderly owner of the guest house or Penny, her favorite younger guest who comes for two months every summer or Penny's group of friends from the town who lend support to one another. And then there is Wade, the oh-so-appealing next door neighbor who has an unfortunate meet-cute with Penny but turns out to be someone special. These are all characters that I would want to be friends with and I can't wait to see what the author has up her sleeve for us next in Autumn Lake. Highly recommend! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
September 27, 2022
Assumptions can create all sorts of problems, as the main characters find out in this brand new book by Becky Doughty. As we get to know Penny and Wade, as well as other warm and lovable characters, it’s an invitation to slow down and just listen, while having authentic conversations. I’m so glad that this is just the beginning of a series, because I really, really want to hear the stories of other women from the Garden Variety Lovers Club. One thing I so appreciate about Becky’s writing is the way she melds authentic relationships between generations in a heartfelt way. This is a sweet read, a poignant love story, and a tribute to friendship. Do yourself a favor and make time to read this! I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Great story!
There was so much going on... so many relationships to examine, and each held a lesson. But the story was not preachy in any way.
The characters were likeable and realistic. There was a bit of outside drama in both main characters' lives, but there was also drama from a lack of communication... for various reasons. It all played out realistically.
Great story!
There was so much going on... so many relationships to examine, and each held a lesson. But the story was not preachy in any way.
The characters were likeable and realistic. There was a bit of outside drama in both main characters' lives, but there was also drama from a lack of communication... for various reasons. It all played out realistically.
September 28, 2022
This was a very good book I read in a few days. As usual, Becky Doughty wrote another good romance. Penny will keep you interested to the end. Penny goes to The Guesthouse for the summer which her family did for years and going there by herself this year. Hazel owns the Guesthouse and things are a little off this year. Penny will find out why. She meets someone new this year. What a fun book. No spoiler here. You need to read it yourself and enjoy!
September 28, 2022
Penny returns for her summer at Autumn Lake with no idea how much this year would change her life. She can see changes in her friend Hazel, the owner of The Guesthouse, but she isn't sure what is causing the changes. Then there is Ward, the neighbor's son, not a good first impression but things do get better. I enjoyed the relationships that Penny has with her friends and family and the sweet romance.
September 28, 2022
Penny and Ward meet for the first time in a mishap and misunderstanding at The Guesthouse. Things proceed to escalate in a negative way, mistakes then turn positive as each realize and acknowledge their own errors. The other characters are engaging and I hope they will get their own stories. A wonderfully written, HEA book that reminds me of what friendship and love can be.
October 3, 2022
This book has it all. I laughed, I cried, and there was a sweet romance. I love books with a small town vibe. The Garden Variety Lovers club is great. Oh, Hazel, what a sweet lady! I look forward to more books in this series. Well done, Becky! I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2022
A fun story to read because I like to picture small beach towns like the one in this story. Great believable characters with an interesting plot. This is a story that I know many will love. I did receive a copy of this book to review but all my opinions are my own.
October 1, 2022
Becky Doughty is a favorite. I’ve read all her books and this one doesn’t disappoint. I’m drawn to the relationship the heroine has with her mother. Such a beautiful heart warming relationship. Real people. Real problems. Real romance. Definitely worth the read!!
October 7, 2022
A gentle predictable cosy read. Small town romance. Not as thought provoking or memorable as her other books. Likeable characters all trying to care for each other. A lovely setting to retreat to in reading and a cast of characters all waiting for their own book.
December 8, 2022
First impressions are not always the best…sometimes the second time around is no better!
Will Ward and Penny even become friends? With matchmakers all around, do they stand a chance?
Great book dealing with many topics.
Will Ward and Penny even become friends? With matchmakers all around, do they stand a chance?
Great book dealing with many topics.
October 2, 2022
Really enjoyed this heart warming tale of two every day people caring for their parents and each other. Interesting twists and turns through out. Set in a charming small town.
July 23, 2024
A great book
A wonderful story of friendship, healing, and love. It kept me engaged for the entire book. Becky Doughty is an incredible author.
A wonderful story of friendship, healing, and love. It kept me engaged for the entire book. Becky Doughty is an incredible author.
October 21, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story. I read because I love it but I definitely read for tiny escapes so I make sure it’s worth it. This story was entertaining and characters drew me into their world.
November 9, 2024
How Does Penny Get To A Lifetime 💞?
Ward and Penny had a contentious 1st meeting, in Becky Doughty's "The Guesthouse at Autumn Lake". Penny/Penelope has a Positive Outlook despite her Heart-Wrenching, Stress-Filled life. That's why she always looks forward to her Vacation at Hazel's Guesthouse each Summer. Ward's life feels pulled in various directions. How do the people in his Hometown help him to learn to communicate better (especially with Penny), and not be so self focused? How does God bring Hazel year-round companionship, and Penny 🏠 to Autumn Lake? How does Ward's "I miss you" text to Penny, turn into a Lifetime 💞?
I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Wonderful, Poignant, Engrossing, Small-Town, Lakeshore, Inspirational Romance, to find the answers! I ❤️d the setting, and characters. I ❤️d how BD Realistically Portrays, living life with a progressive, terminal disease. I look forward to the next 📗, in the Autumn Lake Romance Series! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ward and Penny had a contentious 1st meeting, in Becky Doughty's "The Guesthouse at Autumn Lake". Penny/Penelope has a Positive Outlook despite her Heart-Wrenching, Stress-Filled life. That's why she always looks forward to her Vacation at Hazel's Guesthouse each Summer. Ward's life feels pulled in various directions. How do the people in his Hometown help him to learn to communicate better (especially with Penny), and not be so self focused? How does God bring Hazel year-round companionship, and Penny 🏠 to Autumn Lake? How does Ward's "I miss you" text to Penny, turn into a Lifetime 💞?
I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Wonderful, Poignant, Engrossing, Small-Town, Lakeshore, Inspirational Romance, to find the answers! I ❤️d the setting, and characters. I ❤️d how BD Realistically Portrays, living life with a progressive, terminal disease. I look forward to the next 📗, in the Autumn Lake Romance Series! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews