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Harmony Bay: An adventurous slice of waterfront life where mystery surrounds history...
"Tom Gahan's first novel demonstrates his mastery of description. He layers the plight of a contemporary single parent with events of the American Revolution and weaves a tale that provides the essence of Harmony Bay..."
- Florence Gatto - Long Island Writer's Guild, author of The Scent of Jasmine
"Harmony Bay captures the scope of small town life...the way it should be."
- Jerry Schaefer - WRCN 103.9 FM
"Very impressive. Hats off to you, Mr. Gahan!"
- Deborah E. Gordon - Sarasota, Florida
"Wow! What an attention grabber...from the very first page Harmony Bay captured my attention and didn't let go..."
- Dominick J. Morreale, EdD, author of The Legend of Benny
"Harmony Bay, a warm-hearted place...a riveting, heart-warming story."
- Lisa A. Dabrowski, WLNG 92.1 FM, author of The Hunting Poetess
"Getting to know the delightful characters of Harmony Bay makes me want to walk down the beach with any one of them and call them friend...Well done."
- Caren Heacock - Southold, New York
"True escapism! ...Tom Gahan brings a fictional world to life in Harmony Bay, conjuring up images of the past, interwoven with a present day tale. His intimate portrayal of the characters comes through in a style that brings the reader into their lives as if they were kin..."
- Craig Romain - Editor, Lost Island Media
"Harmony Bay uncovers the rich historical past of a small town through the eyes of newcomers...Detailed description laced with historical references gives the reader a feel for life in a bayside town..."
- Kathy Gemmell - Frederick, Maryland
"Very interesting book...I'm glad that we were able to provide some scientific background..."
- Emerson Hasbrouck - Program Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program
"From swashbuckling adventure to witty humor to romance, Harmony Bay covers all of the bases."
- Bob Mann - Tyler, Texas
- Florence Gatto - Long Island Writer's Guild, author of The Scent of Jasmine
"Harmony Bay captures the scope of small town life...the way it should be."
- Jerry Schaefer - WRCN 103.9 FM
"Very impressive. Hats off to you, Mr. Gahan!"
- Deborah E. Gordon - Sarasota, Florida
"Wow! What an attention grabber...from the very first page Harmony Bay captured my attention and didn't let go..."
- Dominick J. Morreale, EdD, author of The Legend of Benny
"Harmony Bay, a warm-hearted place...a riveting, heart-warming story."
- Lisa A. Dabrowski, WLNG 92.1 FM, author of The Hunting Poetess
"Getting to know the delightful characters of Harmony Bay makes me want to walk down the beach with any one of them and call them friend...Well done."
- Caren Heacock - Southold, New York
"True escapism! ...Tom Gahan brings a fictional world to life in Harmony Bay, conjuring up images of the past, interwoven with a present day tale. His intimate portrayal of the characters comes through in a style that brings the reader into their lives as if they were kin..."
- Craig Romain - Editor, Lost Island Media
"Harmony Bay uncovers the rich historical past of a small town through the eyes of newcomers...Detailed description laced with historical references gives the reader a feel for life in a bayside town..."
- Kathy Gemmell - Frederick, Maryland
"Very interesting book...I'm glad that we were able to provide some scientific background..."
- Emerson Hasbrouck - Program Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program
"From swashbuckling adventure to witty humor to romance, Harmony Bay covers all of the bases."
- Bob Mann - Tyler, Texas
310 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Tom Gahan
3 books2 followersAs a writer, I've run the gamut from newspaper columnist to feature writer to speechwriter. My freelance writing has helped build the image of various corporate clients.
Additionally, many know me as the creator of NY State's largest outdoor music festival. This accomplishment earned me accolades and numerous awards including the prestigious Gold Key Award from my hometown Chamber of Commerce and two citations from the U.S. Congress. I am a founding member and President Emeritus of the Long Island Authors and Writers Society and was also named Civic Leader of the Year for my humanitarian work in the community.
I'm happily married and live in New York on Long Islands East End. "
Additionally, many know me as the creator of NY State's largest outdoor music festival. This accomplishment earned me accolades and numerous awards including the prestigious Gold Key Award from my hometown Chamber of Commerce and two citations from the U.S. Congress. I am a founding member and President Emeritus of the Long Island Authors and Writers Society and was also named Civic Leader of the Year for my humanitarian work in the community.
I'm happily married and live in New York on Long Islands East End. "
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 21, 2011
An exceptional debut novel. Set against the backdrop of the idyllic waterfront location of Harmony Bay, Tom Gahan has weaved a wonderful tale, full of intrigue, mystery, adventure, action, and a twist of romance.
Dory McDonough is a young widow; taking her ten year old son, James, she moves to Harmony Bay, a small town, hoping to build a better life for herself and her son. Dory soon learns that there are perils that lurk in the bay that could be just as dangerous as any found in a big city. There are quite a few nail-biting moments contained in this action/adventure.
As Dory and James settle in to life in the waterfront town, they get to know their neighbours, some of whom are eccentric, but all of whom are friendly and welcoming. The community in Harmony Bay soon becomes like an extended family for Dory and James. The backstory about the mysterious Christian Carroll—once a resident of the bay—is enchanting.
The portrayal of Dory, the single mother wanting to do the best for her son, with all the financial challenges, and her nervousness about introducing a new man into her son’s life, is all very realistic and believable. The book is filled with larger than life, well developed characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and could hardly tear myself away from it.
Tom Gahan is a truly gifted author who is able to fully engage the reader with his prose. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages who like escapism and adventure.
With the references to the American Revolution, the information about shellfish research, fishing techniques, among other things, there is much to learn from this book. It would be a great addition to any English Literature book lists for secondary schools, as I believe young readers would be enthralled by ten year old James’s adventures. I also thought that the way the characters relate to each other and the moral messages contained in the story would make it an appropriate book to be included in the school curriculum.
The author has created a book that reels the reader in, keeps them interested and entertained. Harmony Bay seems like a real place, and as you read the book you can almost feel the warmth of the community.
I was sad to reach the end of ‘Harmony Bay’, and hope to read more from this talented author in the future.
(This review was written by Maria Savva as a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com)
Dory McDonough is a young widow; taking her ten year old son, James, she moves to Harmony Bay, a small town, hoping to build a better life for herself and her son. Dory soon learns that there are perils that lurk in the bay that could be just as dangerous as any found in a big city. There are quite a few nail-biting moments contained in this action/adventure.
As Dory and James settle in to life in the waterfront town, they get to know their neighbours, some of whom are eccentric, but all of whom are friendly and welcoming. The community in Harmony Bay soon becomes like an extended family for Dory and James. The backstory about the mysterious Christian Carroll—once a resident of the bay—is enchanting.
The portrayal of Dory, the single mother wanting to do the best for her son, with all the financial challenges, and her nervousness about introducing a new man into her son’s life, is all very realistic and believable. The book is filled with larger than life, well developed characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and could hardly tear myself away from it.
Tom Gahan is a truly gifted author who is able to fully engage the reader with his prose. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages who like escapism and adventure.
With the references to the American Revolution, the information about shellfish research, fishing techniques, among other things, there is much to learn from this book. It would be a great addition to any English Literature book lists for secondary schools, as I believe young readers would be enthralled by ten year old James’s adventures. I also thought that the way the characters relate to each other and the moral messages contained in the story would make it an appropriate book to be included in the school curriculum.
The author has created a book that reels the reader in, keeps them interested and entertained. Harmony Bay seems like a real place, and as you read the book you can almost feel the warmth of the community.
I was sad to reach the end of ‘Harmony Bay’, and hope to read more from this talented author in the future.
(This review was written by Maria Savva as a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com)
June 19, 2011
I want to live in Harmony Bay! This beautiful story follows Dory and her son James as they start their lives over. We watch James grow and Dory fall in love. The town is filled with fascinating characters and set against a backdrop of history and adventure.
Harmony Bay is not a fast-moving adventure tale. Much like the fictional New England beach town the book is named for, the pace is steady and relaxed. I found myself longing for those lazy summers of my childhood spent on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. A great read for younger readers, as well as adults.
Harmony Bay is not a fast-moving adventure tale. Much like the fictional New England beach town the book is named for, the pace is steady and relaxed. I found myself longing for those lazy summers of my childhood spent on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. A great read for younger readers, as well as adults.
February 25, 2025
We met the author and got signed copies of his book.
May 27, 2012
I live in a coastal hamlet so I really enjoyed "Harmony Bay!" The author truly captured the essence of life in a small town. I loved the little bits of history seamlessly woven in, out and through this lovely old-fashioned love story. And, I learned fascinating facts about Nor' Easters, knots and marine life. For me, it doesn't get much better than "Harmony Bay!" A must read!!!
April 8, 2011
If the leading male was not loosely based off of my brother, I'd have a little crush on him! Entertaining and enjoyable book. Makes you want to move to a small fishing village!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews