When Clayton is offered his family business, his initial excitement is weighed down by overwhelming worry. Keeping it in the family has always been his top priority.The only problem? He’s a butcher, not a bookkeeper. Numbers were never his thing, but he’s determined to make it work. Which leaves him with one choice: he’ll have to learn the books or give up what he’s always wanted. And there’s no … there’s no way he’ll let that happen.
Unless Emmalee can find a job, she will have to forfeit her lifelong dream of living successfully in a quiet, friendly small town.
The only problem? There’s only one job available and it’s not even remotely close to business management.
But being a dog walker has its perks – like meeting a handsome butcher at the meat locker, for instance.
What happens when two ideas for one business threaten to take away what matters the most?
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A sweet, small town story of falling in love and learning to trust again. It was very realistically written, not the blown up Hollywood version of things.
Clean language, no adult scenes.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love to escape to small-town America, especially with all the craziness in the world today. Christina Butrum brings you the perfect reprieve for your crazy life! Her characters are well-developed and three-dimensional, with lovely repartee and sweet sentiments that make you long for easier days and beautiful scenic views!
Clayton and Emmalee are perfectly matched in this book. You have the eldest son ready to start running the long-held and cherished family business, and the young city girl looking for a new start with a business degree. How perfect are they for each other. They have their doubts and fears, but learn to work together, both personally and professionally.
I read an advanced copy of this book.
Clayton has a lot to learn about running his parents business, because they are all set to retire. Emmalee is a business major new to town. Emmalee takes a job behind Clayton’s back and it guilts her that she is keeping a secret from him. This story shows us the value of two people working together for one cause. Each has there own talents to bring to the business, the question is can they keep their personal relationship growing. I love how they work things out, and the dog walking was hysterical.
I really enjoyed this Audiobook. The narrator did an excellent job distinguishing between the characters and she has a pleasant voice. The author did a great job developing the characters and drawing in the reader. The story flows nicely and I look forward to reading the next book.
Emmalee was brave going to a new town without a job lined up because it looks like a nice small town to live in. Before I graduated college I had a full time job lined up and whenever I’ve been between jobs I’ve worried about getting another full-time one with benefits. I love dogs, but I wouldn’t be strong enough to walk five dogs at once. She definitely got in over her head when she took that job. Clayton is supposed to take over his parents’ business when they retire, but he doesn’t have a good head for numbers. Emmalee has a degree is business management, but Clayton was pigheaded about wouldn’t consider offering her a position because he wants to date her and won’t mix business with pleasure. Well if Emmalee can’t find steady work, she can’t afford to stay in town. His parents meddle and make him see that they have happily loved and worked together successfully for many years and he could too. There were plenty of ups and downs in the small town romance. I laughed, smiled, and shook my head a few times. But Maple Glen sounds like a wonderful place to live where people care about each other and rally around to support each other.
The Audible narrator, who is also an author, has a pleasant tone with voice changes and emotional inflections in all right place to keep me interested in listening to the story to the end.
It Takes Two
A Maple Glen Romance, Book 1
By: Christina Butrum
Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes
Maple Glen is the type of town I love to live in. Small, lots of family run businesses and there are no secrets! Clayton is set to take over his parents business when they retire. He is good with the working end of it, but when it comes to the business side, he lacks the knowledge to make it successful. EmmaLee has always had the dream of living in a small town and being a successful business woman. Will their attraction be enough to draw them together and fulfill each other’s goals? This is a sweet romance. I loved EmmaLee. Her independence and goals are in sight, but she does not let that stop her from finding love. Clayton is a little harder for me to warm up to. He wobbles too much and he frustrated me! It’s a fun listen as we get to know the small town community. And the restaurant sounds delicious!
Narrated by the talented Lorana Hoopes, the story easily flowed. She just keeps getting better and finds her stride with each character. Her voices are easy to distinguish and she brings a warmth to the listen. I look forward to my next stay in Maple Glen!
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** Audiobook review** I was given a copy of this audio book for an honest review. This is book #1 in the Maple Glen romance series. This story is beautifully written, filled with emotion and bold characters who are unapologetic in their beliefs. Sparks fly from the get go with these two. Fantastic story by Christina Butrum and beautifully narrated by Lorana Hoopes. Highly recommend this series.
Maple Glen is a super small town with all the cliche small town things. A local coffee shop, an old man, a large family and a whole bunch of dogs.
IT TAKES TWO is the first in the “Maple Glen Romance” series and sets up the town for future stories. I think it will be fun checking in on the town in each new book.
This a clean romance with no foul language, one closed door set scene and very little angst.
Characters are quickly developed and the story has a very strong beginning, middle and end.
If you like small town romance, I recommend this story.
I love small towns and in this you get that small town with everyone rallying for each other and that cozy small town feel. I liked the story and the premise with the dogs sort of being the matchmakers in this. It was cute. I feel like I needed more though. I would have loved more descriptions of Clay. However, Clay and Em finding each other was like fate, or like the dogs knew what was needed. It was sweet and cute.
This book was really good. If you like reading small town romances, you will love this book. It is well written and holds your attention. I really enjoyed reading Emmalee and Clayton’s story and hope you will too. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a small town romance that was wonderful to read. This is the first book in the Maple Glen series and the first book I’ve read by Christina Butrum. Emmalee moved to a small town to look for a job in business. She ends up getting a job being the towns dog walker. Clayton is suppose to take over the family deli/butcher business but has no idea about the business side. His father offers to pay for his college tuition. Emmalee and Clayton has instant chemistry but can they mix business and a relationship? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Great
Emmeline came to Maple Glen for the small town charm but she was having a hard time finding a job. Clayton’s parents want to retire and leave him the business, but he doesn’t have a thing for numbers. But some help of a few dogs that see that they can try.
Good weekend book to read.
Oh my god this book was a page turner. I didn’t want to stop the minute I picked it up. I loved every single minute of it. This book made me question myself as to why I don’t read light cute fluffy stuff more. This book really brought out the girl in me. There were moments where I wanted to cry because of how beautiful this book was. The author has her own ways of making you feel the emotions that the characters are feeling. There were the moments where a lot of the scenes with Emmalee and Clayton that really touched my heart. I know that I will be anxiously waiting for the second book to come out. I am also hoping that it has more to do with Emmalee and Clayton because I need more of them. There was just not enough. I just loved this book with my whole heart and I can not wait for the next book in the series to be here!
Great start to what I expect will be a fabulous series featuring life, love, and laughter in a small town. Emmalee is not running from her past in the big city as much as she’s running towards her dreams in a small town. Yes, she had some bad experiences causing her to doubt love leaving her wanting to focus on business and not the messy emotional stuff. Clayton born and raised in Maple Glen is ready to take over the family business since his parents are about to retire, but the thought of numbers and business stuff gives him panic attacks. Can you see the match made in the stars? Fortunately, Clay and Emmalee see it too even though there is a speedbump or two on their way to their HEA. I look forward to reading Cara’s story…..or maybe even Aunt Fran’s!
Always such a huge fan of small town romances. Something about them is so swoon worthy in the dynamics. Then the characters this is such a cool story.
Loved this sweet romance by an amazing author! Grab yours asap!Christina Butrum
Small town Maple Glen was exactly what Emmalee was looking for. Wanting to experience small town life, she takes a chance and moves from the big city. Only problem is that she can’t find a job to fit her degree, business management. As all small towns, word gets out when the new kid in town shows up. Desperate to start working, she takes up dog walking. Not as easy as she thought. When the dogs lead her to a butcher/deli shop she meets Clayton.
Clayton’s family owns the butcher shop. His parents want to retire and have Clayton take over. Only problem, he has no bookkeeping skills. Convinced if he goes back to college he will meet a girl, his parents offer to pay his way. Fortunately, the new girl in town is exactly what the butcher/deli needs. Clayton isn’t fond of the idea. Love and work don’t mix. But something about Emmalee feels right. He takes the chance with Emmalee both in business and in his personal life. How will it play out.
First off, it’s Christina Butrum. You know there is a HEA at then end of the story. That’s why I love reading her books. This is an easy read but gets you in the mood for what else Maple Glen has to offer. Thanks Christina Butrum for introducing us to your new series.
What can I say – loved this story of Emmalee and Clayton. Their story though it started a little rocky – well it keeps you wanting more….. I finished this book in no time and can’t wait to read more of this Series!!!!
I loved it. Characters are easy to fall in love with and the book is well written . You can tell that it was very well thought out . I love where the story takes you and I love the setting. Something about small towns and romance gets me every time. Highly recommended