Now and Then and Always

Maple Valley, Book 1

By: Melissa Tagg

Narrated by: Nancy Peterson

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2019 Melissa Tagg (P)2019 Tantor

Positively delightful

This story gripped me from the beginning. Ms. Tagg weaves intrigue and mystery threw out the personal storylines of the characters. I can’t wait to revisit Maple Valley in the future.

Loved this story!

Now and Then and Always is such a lovely story, and Nancy Peterson brings it to life with her perfect narration. Highly recommend!

Beautiful and deep story.

This story was so beautiful with so much depth. While the characters had been through so much and had deep sorrows, this was inspiring and hopeful. I enjoyed the romance and the plots.

Great read

this book had a good story line and the narrator was easy to listen to. Just wish it was longer lol

Really really hallmark

I purchased this book for easy listening while I work, but have to admit I was disappointed. The narration was great, but the story itself was extremely boring and very predictable (even for a clean romantic book). I usually can’t put down a good book/audiobook, but this one I didn’t even look forward to finishing. I found the romantic parts to be awkwardly squeaky clean, not really reflective of reality - kind of on the level of what I might have thought romance was like when I was twelve. The whole book lacked tension, and characters were always on their best behavior. No misunderstandings, no mistakes, nothing to keep you engrossed or caring what happened next.

If you like hallmark movies, this one might be for you. If you like stories that are easy to listen to, keep you engaged, and yes, still fall under the category of clean, Christian books, there are many I’d rather spend my time and money on.