Debut novel by Hoosier author Paige Darling
Lemon & Thyme is the first installment in the Heartland Fae Series by Paige Darling.
Marigold Avonlea leads a charming life with Declan, her very human boyfriend in a little cottage on the outskirts of town, where her gifts for all things growing and little moments of magic generally go unnoticed. As a creature who has worn and discarded various identities for over a hundred years, she is delighted by the normalcy she’s found in her Midwestern human and fairy community. All is perfect, until a new creature comes to town.
Marigold’s world is abruptly upended following a malevolent organization’s blunder, and she is forced to revisit darker chapters of her life’s story to save the man and the life that she loves. With the support of a community of fairies, witches, the occasional werewolf, and a whole lot of magic, she embarks on a journey that will forever change her life, and make her question how far she is willing to go for the people – and creatures – who matter.
Stay tuned for the second novel in the Heartland Fae series, Olive & Myrrh, the story of Violet LaFleur, coming late 2026.
Praise for Lemon & Thyme
“This was such an amazing story. It checked the boxes for love, drama, and fairies, all in one. I can’t wait for the next in the series!” -Amanda D.
“Loved the book - it has romance, intrigue, suspense, fantasy, and it is just fun. It was fantasy enough to feel like an escape from reality, yet tangible enough that it doesn’t feel too “out there”. As I read it, i felt it was totally plausible that fairies were working the jam stand at the farmers market, and werewolves were bouncers at the local bar. I read the whole book in about a week - which is very fast for me. Looking forward to part 2!” - Kindle Reader
“Fast action fantasy story full of colorful characters woven into an intriguing story line. Well written! I really enjoyed the read.” - Michelle S.
“Fantastic first novel! The story was well thought out, well written, and I was pleasantly surprised with how events transpired- yes the mission was successful but I didn’t see the “how” coming like you can in some books. I look forward to book two.” - Kandi H.