I really wish that you could give 1/2 stars on Goodreads. I would give this a 3.5. This was a contemporary romance with a bit of a twist that made it quite enjoyable. Mara has been living with Lenora at Lenora's B & B for almost a year. Mara had ended up there and Lenora let her stay in return for helping her out around the place. Lenora left several weeks ago and hasn't come back and no one is sure where she went or when she's coming back so Mara is left to hold things together.
One night Marshall shows up. He was put on administrative leave due to an addiction to painkillers and he's grieving the loss of his daughter two years ago. Marshall begins to help Mara restore the old home and they find a hidden room behind the fireplace. They try to find out more about who lived there before and how Lenora is connected.
This story is set in a small town and it has a nice small town feel to it. A few of the chapters are from Lenora's point of view which I liked as it gave you a little bit more information about her but also deepened the mystery of her past and where she is now. The romance didn't feel forced and wasn't the focus of the story. One of the reasons I didn't give it a 4 was at one point something happened that felt incredibly unrealistic and I think could have been written differently. Other than that I enjoyed the story. It wasn't super fast paced but the author ended the chapters in such a way that I didn't want to stop reading.
Content warnings: A woman being stalked, a child passing away from an illness. Overall a clean read.
This book was reviewed on the Literary Club Podcast Season 2 episode 15
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1984185 ( )

I love small, quirky towns. I love a good B&B setting in a small, quirky town. Toss in a renovation of the B&B in the small, quirky town?

Yeah, I pretty much loved Now and Then and Always!!

Set in lovable Maple Valley, Now and Then and Always is a fabulous blend of romance, mystery and faith. The characters are layered and relatable. The supporting cast was exceptionally strong, and the friendships made in this story were wonderful!

Before reading Now and Then and Always, I’d only read novellas by Melissa Tagg (see those reviews here! and here! ) so I was excited to see how a full length novel would play out. Honestly, guys…this was perfect!

This is a deep story and the lead characters, Marshall and Mara, have major hurts in their past. You feel those hurts right along with them. Yet, there is so much hope in their stories, you never feel down-and-out while reading this book. I found it to be rather uplifting! Melissa Tagg’s storytelling is a gift!

I’m so glad this was the start of a new series! The promise of more stories set in Maple Valley is real and I can’t wait for more!
Oh, and may I add that I’m sitting here eating a bowl of Lucky Charms while I type this review. Well, maybe they’re generic store brand “Magic Stars” but, hey – still counts. Why do I mention this beloved breakfast cereal? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

Five Shining Stars! I oh-so-absolutely recommend this book! To purchase your copy of Now and Then and Always, visit www.Amazon.com



I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are completely my own. ( )

Oh, how I loved traveling back to Maple Valley for a new Melissa Tagg novel! The beautiful cover set the stage, and the story pulled me right in and kept me turning pages. Maple Valley is a homey, small-town community populated with endearing and lovable characters that come alive on the page. The beautifully crafted main characters, Mara and Marshall, are both broken and hurting when they are thrown together at the Everwood Bed and Breakfast. As they work together to restore the Everwood and solve the mystery of the missing owner, they find purpose in their lives and a healing only God can provide. I loved the witty banter and the developing relationship between them. The stellar supporting cast, including cameo appearances from Tagg’s previous books, added a wonderful dimension to the story.

Exquisitely crafted and packed with emotion, this book is a delicious combination of intrigue, romance, and inspiration sure to delight those who enjoy clean and wholesome stories. Uplifting messages of healing, hope, and the power of love add depth and a satisfying faith element. I’m already looking forward to a return visit to Maple Valley in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )