Grumps were her specialty. Until she met Len.

Millie doesn’t want a corner office. She doesn’t work in a cubicle. She travels the country playing aide to hip surgery recipients and providing temporary relief to burnt-out spouses caring for their ill partners. And while she might dream of a family of her own and real friends, until she finds a place that feels like home, she helps others.

And she loves being a caregiver. Winning people over is what she does best.

But an assignment that comes with its own house? Millie jumps at the opportunity, especially since she doesn’t even have to change bedpans. All that’s required of her is cooking and companionship for the surly and reclusive neighbor.

No problem.

Until she finds out the grump next door isn’t some old geezer...

He prepared for a winter alone. Then Millie moved in.

Locals say Len’s a grump. A hermit. A shut-in.

Yeah, maybe that’s true, but alone is just how he likes it. He has a thriving career, a home miles away from gossiping neighbors, and his adopted mom living in the cabin across the driveway to keep him company.

Until she decides she’s spent enough winters in New Hampshire.

That’s fine. Len can handle a winter alone.

But before he can pop open a beer and kick back, there’s a new neighbor. A house sitter. And not some elderly acquaintance like his mom set him up to expect, but a knockout who threatens to upend his quiet winter.

Just Next Door is the first full-length stand-alone installment of the Franklin Notch series. If you love small town gossip, flirty banter, and cozy stories you can wrap yourself up in, you’ll lose yourself in this romantic comedy.