Now and Then and Always by Melissa Tagg
About the book
“It was just a house. Just a weathered old house in a hidden grove, shuttered and still . . . ”
Last year, after traumatic circumstances forced her from her job as a nanny, Mara Bristol finally found a place to belong—the winsome Everwood Bed & Breakfast at the edge of Maple Valley, Iowa. For months, she’s helped its owner, Lenora, maintain the ramshackle property despite their shortage of guests. But when Lenora fails to return from a month-long trip and the bank threatens foreclosure, Mara worries she’s once again alone . . . abandoned . . . about to lose the only true home she’s ever known.
Detective Marshall Hawkins is no closer to whole today than he was two years ago . . . the day his daughter died. Between his divorce, debilitating migraines, and a dependence on medication, his life is falling apart. And when a reckless decision on the job propels him into administrative leave, he has no other plan but to get in his truck and drive. A one-night stay at the Everwood was supposed to be just that. But there’s something about the old house—or maybe its intriguing caretaker—that pulls him in.
Together, Mara and Marshall set out to save the Everwood. But its secrets run deeper than they could’ve imagined. As they renovate the house and search for its missing owner, they’ll each confront the pain that brought them to the Everwood in the first place . . . and just maybe discover a faith and love to help them carry on.
My thoughts
This was my first read by this author, and I found I do enjoy her writing.
This was a heart-warming, and yet thought provoking story.
I enjoyed getting to know Mara, and the author slowly wove in her back story.
I loved the setting, Everwood, etc., I have a thing for B&Bs, so this was right up my alley.
I loved the mystery that was found in these pages.
I also loved seeing the characters’ growth.
Intriguing, and yes, I’ve said it before, but will say it again, very heart warming.
One thing I will add here, on my personal blog…I cannot give a solid recommendation for this book because of my personal belief regarding what the Bible says about divorce and remarriage. (I won’t go into great detail here, because…yes, I am aware that this a very unpopular belief today. But…popular or not, current trends and viewpoints do not change what the Bible says) I was sad to see that Marshall, the hero in this story was just divorced and then went into this relationship. Aside from this fact, I immensely enjoyed this story, and will definitely read more from this author! I loved her writing style!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
All-of-a-kind Mom 