Sloth Goes Places is a feature where I share books I have tracked from the Literary Escapes and Read Around the USA reading challenges.
Today we are looking at books set in ....
Michigan
Dog Person by Camille Pagán
Published by Delacorte Press on April 7, 2026
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction
Rating:
Goodreads
In this delightfully heartwarming novel, an elderly dog is determined to help his grieving owner find a reason to go on after loss. Now, if only he’d stop getting in his way by being so very . . . human.
Harold may be an aging mutt—but Amelia May, the romance novelist who adopted him, taught him a thing or two about the human heart before she died. And she also left Harold with a final to help her partner, Miguel, find love again.
Trouble is, the grief-ridden recluse rarely goes out, not even to the bookstore he and Amelia owned together. Now it’s in danger of going under, and when a renowned author doesn’t show up for his event, it pushes the store’s already precarious finances into the red. In a final attempt to save the bookstore, Miguel and Harold set out to find the no-show and insist he fulfill his obligation. But instead, they’re greeted by Fiona, his sunny yet secretive sister.
Fiona is intent on protecting her brother’s privacy—and to Harold’s horror, she doesn’t like dogs. But her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, who's also named Amelia, immediately befriends Harold . . . who can’t help but wonder if his Amelia was right when she said there are no coincidences in life.
Harold’s quickly running out of time to accomplish his mission, but if he can just convince his infuriatingly stubborn person to let Fiona in, he’s certain Miguel will find something far more important than a missing his own happy ending.
Uplifting, smartly observed, and hilariously insightful, Dog Person is as undeniably charming as its beloved narrator, Harold, and offers a much-needed reminder that while not all love is unconditional, it is still always worthwhile.
The story took place in a quaint, lakeside bookshop. The lakes are big in Michigan, and if I am remembering properly, this may have taken place in the upper peninsula (I could be wrong though).
[review]
Maybe This Once by Sophie Sullivan
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on February 10, 2026
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
Two people end up with more feelings than they bargained for after pursuing a summer fling, in this small-town, opposites-attract romance from Sophie Sullivan.
Charlotte “Charlie” Ashford has worked hard to become her own person. Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, she gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.
Grayson Keller has finally found his footing. He’s settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is showing a steady profit and seeing its fair share of repeat visitors. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, who he can’t seem to get out of his head.
On the surface, Charlie and Grayson seem to have nothing in common more than a growing attraction that neither of them can fight. Trusting each other isn’t easy. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.
Another story set on a lake property in Michigan. I loved every one of my "visits" to the fictional Get Lost Lodge. It's rugged and outdoorsy which is the opposite of me, but I enjoy the setting.
[review]
Superstar by Kate Meader
Published by Kate Meader, LLC on September 1, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
He never saw her coming ... After almost a year away from hockey, Bastian Durand’s return to the game should be a triumph.
Instead he’s taken down by the Chicago Rebels mascot.
It can’t get worse. Or maybe it can. Because the human inside the Rowdy Rebel costume is none other than Pepper Calhoun.
His friend’s sister.
His coach’s daughter.
And the woman Bastian has wanted for the longest time.
Pepper has always been a magnet for bad luck and now she’s ruined superstar Bast Durand’s big comeback. So that tracks. Everyone, from her father and brother to the fans and press, heck, even the NHL commissioner, hates her.
Everyone but the one guy who should.
Hiding away is the only thing she can think of, except Bast has the same idea. To her utter dismay, he’s determined to protect Pepper from anyone who dares breathe a word against her.
And to convince her that crashing on the ice isn’t all that different from … falling in love.
Once again, the characters flee to a lake house to escape their personal drama. Always lovely and calming.
[review]
Let us know in the comments!






My Michigan pick for this year was This Is Not A Game!
ReplyDeleteA multigenerational mystery - sounds pretty good
DeleteLove books set in Michigan!!!! Its such a great backdrop for romance.
ReplyDeleteI like seeing the different parts especially the more scenic places.
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