Great story would recommend for book clubs or independent reading.I loved Dani in this book i could relate to her.

Love by Design, the first book in Judith Keim’s Lilac Lake Inn series, introduces readers to a heartwarming tale centered around family bonds, personal reinvention, and a touch of romance. The story follows Dani Gilford, an architect struggling for recognition in a male-dominated firm, who finds a fresh start when her grandmother, GG, invites her and her sisters to the charming town of Lilac Lake. Tasked with renovating a family cottage, Dani discovers the joys of reconnecting with loved ones while stepping into her own power and finding romance with local contractor Brad.

The book offers a delightful blend of small-town charm, light mystery, and strong character development, especially through Dani’s journey to assert herself both personally and professionally. With themes of family legacy, self-discovery, and new beginnings, this novel is ideal for fans of cozy romances that emphasize character growth and relationships. Readers have praised the engaging setting and the dynamic between Dani and her sisters, who each face their own struggles as they help uphold GG’s vision for the family property   .

If you enjoy stories about family, second chances, and romance, Love by Design provides a satisfying, feel-good read that leaves you curious about the next installment.

This book is the start of a series by Judith Keim, each book seems to focus on one of 3 sisters. This one is Dani’s story- Dani is an architect who is not happy with her job at the firm where she works. When the sisters are gifted a caretaker’s cottage, Dani decides to quit her job and work on the plans and renovations for the cottage. One of the builders, Brad, catches her eye.

I am not sure why but the characters Dani and Brad seemed a little bit flat to me, and while their story was cute, I didn’t connect with it as much as I hoped. I am still looking forward to the second book in this series, though.

This is a good book. It is a story about three sisters, Dani, Whitney, and Taylor. Their grandmother invites them to visit her for the weekend. They all come to see their grandmother. She has given them a coastal house and three acres. The requirements for the house is one of them has live there for six months. But first it needs a renovation. They find love.

Octogenarian Eugenia Wittner, known as GG, faces financial misfortune due to a cheating financial planner. She retains only a deserted caretaker's cottage and a few acres for her granddaughters, Dani, Whitney, and Taylor. The deal stipulates the cottage must stay occupied, prompting GG to gather her granddaughters for the task. Dani, an accomplished architect, arrives first, followed by Whitney, seeking solace from Hollywood's paparazzi, and Taylor, their half-sister. Together, they embark on renovating the cottage but encounter a mysterious entity. As the renovation progresses, Dani forms a connection with contractor Brad Collister, navigating his mourning process and facing impediments from his late wife's family. Dani is also tempted by a job offer in Boston, but her time in Lilac Lake strengthens her resolve to stay. The story, skillfully crafted by the author, weaves relatable characters into a unique narrative with otherworldly elements, setting the stage for an enjoyable series. Highly recommended.

Love By Design is the first book in Judith Keim’s Lilac Lake Inn series. While the storyline is not original, the way it plays out is. Octogenarian Eugenia “Genie” Wittner, or GG as her granddaughters call her, has had the misfortune of relying on a cheating financial planner, leaving the once very wealthy widow comfortable only after selling the family’s inn and most of its acreage, keeping only the deserted caretakers cottage and a few acres for her granddaughters with the caveat from the buyers that if the cottage is vacant they will have the right to purchase that as well at fair market value. While Genie has established herself in a new senior living home, it is her intent to have the cottage renovated for her girls, but it is up to them to fulfill the rest of the deal keeping the home occupied most of the time.

Genie’s granddaughters are all coming to Lilac Lake at her request. First to arrive is Dani Gilford, middle girl and accomplished architect who is fighting the old boy network at her firm to get ahead. When she arrives at the inn from her Boston condo she is redirected to the Lilac Lake B&B by contractor Brad Collister, where Dani finds her sister Whitney. Whitney, the eldest, has done well for herself in Hollywood where she is part of an ensemble cast on a popular series. However, Whitney has also suffered at the flash of the paparazzi after the public break up between her and her onscreen/offscreen love. Whitney is seeking the solace and anonymity this small town should bring. Last to arrive from NYC is baby sister Taylor, their half sister in actuality but their stepfather Gavin Gilford adopted both Whitney and Dani as soon as he married their mother, Laura. The parents now live in Atlanta.

As the sisters become involved in the renovation they encounter an entity at the home that can be benevolent or not so much. None of the sisters are currently comfortable being at the cottage alone, but Taylor is the most hesitant. As Dani draws up the plans, and her sisters agree, she is working ever more closely with Brad Collister. While their is interest by Dani for perhaps something more, she is understanding that Brad is still mourning the wife he lost a few years ago. As their relationship grows, other impediments from his wife’s family appear.

Meanwhile, Dani is contacted by her former employer to come back for a particular client who will work with no one else. Her brief time back in Boston to address this offer only solidifies her intent to stay in Lilac Lake.

This is another enjoyable read by Ms. Keim. She spins these stories like no other to create relatable characters in various situations. This particular series is not quite like her others as it addresses other worldly items, bringing about a unique spin. I did enjoy this story and look forward to the ones to come in the series. I do recommend this book

I'm so in love with these characters already , can't wait for the other two books .I love that three sisters get a new chance, new home and new love. Each sister will get her own story.This one is Dani's story ,where she will not only get to fulfill her dream job but find the love of her life in the process. I also love the possible mischievous ghost of the cottage these sisters will be updating .

Sweet novel about three sisters, this book focuses mainly on Dani, it's the start of a series by this author. Run on sentences annoyed me but otherwise it was a good story.

I love books by Judith Keim, this is a great start to a new series. I am looking forward to the next books, hope there is lots more to come.

I love anything Judith Keith write. This new series is no exception. I very much look forward to reading more in this series and I hope it is a long one.

I enjoyed Love By Design very much. It is the first book the The Lilac Lake Inn series. You are introduced to Dani, Whitney and Taylor. Their grandmother GG had to sell the Inn due to being swindled. She saves some land and the cottage. She asks the girls to restore it. Dani is an architect who is not recognized for her work in the firm. Whitney is an actress in a series and is fed up due to her co star. Taylor is a writer who is having writers block. You will meet the people in the community and maybe a ghost who haunts the cottage. This story is more about Dani. I can’t wait for the next one and heir romance story. Thank you to Wild Quail Publishing and NetGalley for he E-Arc. This is my own opinion.

Love by Design in an interesting book as a beginner for a new series, as it sets the scene for what is to follow; in this case it is a story of three sisters who have been gifted a legacy of a Cottage located on the property of Lilac Lake Inn; a property once owned by their Grandmother, but now sold to new owners.
Dani, an Architect, her sister Whitney, an actress and Taylor a writer come together to spend a weekend with their grandmother to find out what this rather unusual gift means, or more interestingly, why she has chosen to sell off the Inn yet keep the Cottage.
Dani has never been recognised in the firm she works for, often sidelined for the more interesting work, Whitney is going through a serious break-up with former partner and co-star and Taylor is really suffering from writer’s block. Each one hopes that Lilac Lake will offer them the peace they so desperately need, while they try to honour the wishes of the grandmother.
Brad Collister and his brother Aaron own the construction company renovating the Inn. They are also the Company chosen to work on the Cottage, should the sisters agreed to keeping the old Cottage, which is supposedly haunted.
Dani is not looking for a new relationship and Brad is still mourning the loss of his wife to cancer; the last thing either of them want is another relationship but sparks are slowly fanned from their first meeting and a gentle romance begins to blossom.
Charming in a somewhat older style of romance, Love By Design has a good if somewhat standard storyline, which at times is muddled and repetitious, interesting women in that they are women who know what they want and a ghost to add a sparkle to the romance of Dani and Brad.
For lovers of romance that is an easy, comfortable and familiar read, Love By Design fits in nicely.

Judith Keim has given another great start to a new series, The Lilac Lake Inn. This series is going to be fabulous as all of her others have been.
Gigi has three granddaughters she is giving a challenge. Danielle “Dani”. Whitney and Taylor are given the task of renovating and maintaining the cottage on the property since she has decided to sell the inn. By doing this the women will be able to keep as much property in the family as possible.
The connection between the sisters is so heartfelt and touching. Dani is the focus of this first book in the series. We do get a feel about Whitney and Taylor.
I am excited for the next book in the series and want to thank Judith Keim for this new series.
Thank you NetGalley and Wild Quail Publishing for this copy of Love by Design. This is my personal review.

I liked this sweet novel of Dani and her sisters. I feel that I've gotten to know Dani and her sister quite well.
This book has a little of something in it for everyone.
Keim is a new to me author and a great storyteller.
She made me feel like I was there myself. I didn't want to put this book down until I finished it.
The cover is beautiful and honestly this is what made me want to read it.
A quote that I liked and it truly shows Dani's interest in it.
"Since knowing the inn was sold, I've thought a lot about it, and other things about the inn that I hoped wouldn't be lost with the new owners."

It was difficult for Gigi to sell the inn that had been in their family for generations, but she was able to retain the family cottage. In order to keep the cottage, Gigi’s three granddaughters must renovate and occupy the cottage for six months out of each year. Her granddaughters Danielle, Whitney and Taylor meet at the lake to discuss their plans. Dani is an architect and as the only woman at the firm, is unhappy with how she is treated. Taylor is a published author needing inspiration for her next book while Whitney, the star of her television show, has issues with her co-star and lover. Dani works closely with Brad and Aaron Collister who own the construction company. An attraction simmers between Dani and Brad although he is still dealing with the death of his wife. While her sisters have their own issues, the story mainly involves the interaction between Brad and Dani. Will Dani remain in Lake Lilac and is Brad read to move on with his life…with Dani? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

I’ve always found novels that include sisters so appealing to read.
Three sisters descend on Lilac Lake, I love the name, in order to keep a cottage in the family.
While readers receive Taylor and Whitney’s stories, the focus is really on Dani.
I liked the synergy between Dani and Brad, both wounded souls looking but not wanting to commit.
The best part was the ending because it was happy, a fusing of two souls into one.

I have always enjoyed reading a Judith Keim book and this one is no exception it has me waiting for the next instalment into Lilac Lake with book 2. This is the first of a series about 3 Gilford sisters and their Grandmother GG.

The sister always spent the summer holidays in Lilac Lake Inn on the Lakes Region of New Hampshire with their GG but it's time for GG to sell the Inn. She has kept the family promise to keep some of the land in the family for the generations to come by giving the girls the cottage and some land. But the girls must renovate and live there for at least six months each year to keep the arrangement with the new owners.

Dani is an architect living in Boston.

Whitney the TV star living in LA.

Taylor is a romance author living in New York.

Three strong women all at different places in their lives come together as a family to ignore their GG wishes and possibly change their lives at the same time.
How will find romance first with so many hot and attractive men in this small town to pick from?

This book has everything you need in a great read I recommend this and look forward to learning more about the sisters. Judith Keim writing style always draws you into her story, she gives you a clean story, if that's your style but also with just enough spiciness to keep all types of readers reading to the very last word.

A lovely heartwarming story of three sisters who are given the task of fulfilling their family’s legacy by renovating a cottage together. Dani, Whitney and Taylor are all strong career women who are unhappy with their lives and this series will become a voyage of discovery for each of them.
Dani is the main character in this book although we have a glimpse into the lives of her sisters., she finds love with the guy next door who is slowly recovering from loosing his wife to cancer, there are some very touching moments as he tries to move on with Dani’s help, whilst being pursued by other ladies in the small town. A very well written clean novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to more from this author.

Nice start to a series. The first of the sisters to find her significant other. A couple of dogs add some fun to the story. Not a fan of ghosts, so uncertain about that inclusion. Lots more to be resolved in the following tales to be sure. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Meet Danielle, a strong and determined woman who returns to her hometown to fulfill a promise made to her grandmother, Gigi. Alongside her sisters, Dani dives into the renovation of a charming cottage on the Lilac Lake Inn's property. Little does she know that this endeavor will not only strengthen family bonds but also lead her to encounter the intriguing Brad Collister. Keim's novel is a delightful celebration of love, family, and female empowerment. As Dani faces life's challenges, including navigating love after personal loss, readers will be drawn into her world, cheering her on every step of the way.