The Bakery in Bar Harbor

Secrets In Maine #1

by Amy Rafferty

A family with big secrets. An old flame. A long-kept secret. A bakery by the bay.....

Hope Wright is a successful bakery owner and caterer in Bar Harbor. On the surface, it seems like she has a perfect life. The illusion of that perfection is shattered when her former love interest—and not to mention, her brother’s best friend—ferries into town.

Now that Logan Hall has returned to Bar Harbor, Hope runs into him around every corner. Seeing the ex-Navy SEAL after all this time stirs up complicated emotions for her and she clings tightly to a long-kept the identity of her six-year-old daughter’s father.

Not long after Logan’s arrival, Hope is followed, spied on, and receives threatening letters.
What Hope didn’t expect? Logan is being followed too.

In the quaint bay town, they soon find themselves embroiled in a mystery that forces them to reevaluate their past in order to build a future together. Amidst heart-tugging family drama and suspenseful romance, can they find forgiveness and a second chance at love? Discover "The Bakery In Bar Harbor," Book 1 in Amy Rafferty's Secrets In Maine Series , and embark on a heartwarming journey of love, forgiveness, and strong family bonds. For the best experience, read the books in order and enjoy the ride!

The Bakery In Bar Harbor (book 1)
The Beach House In Bar Harbor (book 2)
The Bachelor In Bar Harbor (book 3)
The Boutique In Bar Harbor (book 4)
The Sweet Shop In Bar Harbor (book 5)
The Restaurant In Bar Harbor (book 6)
The Wedding In Bar Harbor (book 7)

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Romance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2023

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty

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Reviews

[Susan L · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bar Harbor. Book 1

I am really astounded that this book had such a high rating. It read like a junior high student’s assignment for English class.
The author used the word “hiss” 15 times in 1 chapter instead of “said” or other appropriate verb. If the character didn’t hiss they sneered or rasped. The story was so melodramatic and juvenile. It seemed as though every paragraph revealed a new drama. The main characters, Hope and Logan were clueless even when faced with the facts.

I can’t believe I actually finished reading this. I wasted an evening.

[Hunter · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 19%
This book was honestly pretty bad. I decided to read it since it was based in bar harbor and near where I grew up. It felt like the author had never stepped a foot in bar harbor especially when it was said that they had to get a 5 star hotel room in Bangor. Apparently a one hour drive is worthy of an over night visit?? (And I don’t think there’s even a five star hotel there)
This book also included all my least favorite tropes. The pregnancy trope. The instant love trope. The right person wrong time trope. The brothers best friend trope. And remember…. This was all within the first 19%
There was also literally so many character that I couldn’t keep them straight.
Overall it just felt very juvenile. Both the story line as well as the writing.
It wasn’t for me but apparently this series is popular to someone since it’s a million books in this series.

[BethanyKate · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so dumb.
I felt like I was reading the script for a soap opera. This was the first in the series. There were 7 million characters, and everyone knows each other, but I couldn't keep anyone straight.

[Jacqueline · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not sure why I listened to this whole book. I need to give myself permission to DNF more often! This read like high school drama written by a classmate! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy fluff books, but this was just too much. So many books from this series got 4+ stars I thought I’d start from the beginning. Nope. Over it.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more. 2.5 stars. A little too sappy for my liking.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really hard to rate. It had a pretty good premise but spent way too long in the younger years than necessary and had some continuity issues. Also, I listened to the audio book and hearing a grown woman try and do a little girl voice was disturbing. I might try the next book in the series and try physically reading it just to give it another chance.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance is page-turning with exceptional quirky characters and world-building that is realistic. Their journey is enthralling with heartfelt emotions that have readers needing Kleenex or Puffs, a heartwarming mystery family saga set in a charming beach resort town in New England, Bar Harbor, secrets, life lessons on learning to forgive, the power of love, and the importance of family, drama, secrets, battles with demons, a fresh start, Hope Wright, a successful bakery and catering business owner faces her ex-love interest and brother's best friend, Logan Hall, as he returns to town after being injured as a Navy Seal, mystery, suspense, Hope and Logan's story-they are pushed together by a common threat to their lives while trying to sort through confusing old feelings, and Hope's secret, drama, adventure and more. Will Hope and Logan be able to find a way to get over the betrayal of their past and get a second chance at love? I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with the bakery in Bar Harbor and a brother's best friend romance.

I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished the book although there were times I considered not doing that. It started as a silly teenage love story and fling. Although there was nothing explicit, a sexual relationship outside of marriage occurred with serious consequences. Not once was that relationship talked about in a negative manner. Most of the book is 6 years later and now that teen girl is a single mother. Very few people know who the father is, including the father himself. As the two are reunited, secrets are bound to come out. There was a lot of supposed intrigue in the middle of book but I had a hard time keeping straight who was blackmailing whom, who was threatening whom, who was following whom and so on. The other thing that was a bit irritating is that the 6 year old is portrayed as someone much older and more mature than she should be for that age. Finally, at the end, the woman allowed the man to take the blame for something that belonged to her and not him. That bothered me. Overall, just not my style of writing and was not that interesting to me. Do not think I will be continuing with the series.

[Diane Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new series by Amy Rafferty.
I'm not gonna lie, which is why I only gave it 4⭐⭐⭐⭐, I was bored in the beginning and had to push myself to continue. I'm really glad I did. Then I was intrigued and continued to get even better. 50% in and I couldn't stop reading. 60% in and I was on the edge of my chair waiting to see what was going to happen. A few things you knew were gonna happen, then the book had twists and turns. You couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how it was going to end. Omg......that's all I'm going to say.
You better pre-order your copy now to see what, I'm talking about. This book releases on May 16th.

I was given an advanced copy of the book for my honest review. Now I have to wait till next book to read even more. This book does have a great ending, so don't worry it does leave ya with a cliffhanger, but will leave you wanting to see what will happen in the next book

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advanced reader copy of this book! The following review is entirely of my own opinion.)

The Bakery in Bar Harbor, book 1 from Amy Rafferty is a story that takes you on a journey through secrets, feelings of betrayal, and lost love. 2 of the main characters, Hope and her daughter Sydney, really captured my heart. And as the story goes on you meet Logan who also plays a big role in the book! Throughout the story there are many unexpected and heart stopping events that take place and many truths that are brought to light, including her Sydney’s father is. I really enjoyed this story and how it takes you through to the end to reveal answers that explain many of the events that take place due to Hope trying to protect her daughter due to Logan’s family and their celebrity status! Great story that keeps your guessing along the way! Looking forward to the next book in this series!

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowers!!! This one was good!!! You have romance, a lot of mystery, blackmail, intrigue, and secret paternity... What more could a girl ask for?

Logan is coming back home and Hope isn't ready for the secrets that will need to come out eventually before they are figured out. Someone is threatening Hope, businesses are being burgularized, and someone(s) are up to NO good. Thorns in sides, man that Melissa is a PAIN! Sweet Sydney, what a cutie, love her and Barbie!

This one will keep you guessing through the whole thing, a little HEA at the end for some of the characters, but also at the same time, a little 'hmmm, what's up with THAT???'

Shame Book 1 just came out, because that means I need to wait TOO long for book 2!!

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy has written another terrific story! Hope has moved on in her life and her bakery and event planning business are doing great. Her daughter Sydney is the light of her life. Then she gets a bombshell dropped on her….Logan is coming back to Bay Harbour, possibly for good! He does not know Sydney is his daughter and Hope knows she needs to tell him. But as soon as Logan arrives, strange things start happening and it appears Hope is the target. What is going on and why is anyone doing this things? What has Hope done to anyone? The secrets of other Bay Harbour residence begin to emerge! Will the right time to tell Logan truth happen? I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope has a very successful bakery along with catering in Bar Harbor. Logan is coming home for good after being horribly injured as a Navy Seal when a bomb blew. It has been 7 years since he left leaving in a very bad way as she was pregnant after their summer tryst. Since she didn’t tell Logan this he was left in the dark and all subtle hints from his grandparents and others during these years didn’t open his eyes. A previous relationship with Melissa, a wicked movie star, causes all kinds of disaster and damage. Be sure to get caught up with Hope and Logan to see if this love can be saved. Always a suspenseful read. You will love this story.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another mystery complete with more twists and turns, enough to leave you feeling dizzy. This is a full length novel, rather then an instalment piece. There are a lot of characters and it follows on from the prequel, which explains the background to them all.
It can be frustrating, because as you think the truth is coming out, something or someone else pops up..another red herring yo drag out the tension. There are a few snippets of unfinished business which hopefully will be included in book 2....such as Melissa getting full blown un welcomed and unsavory exposure as to her nasty persona.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fast forwards 7 years.
Hope owns a bakery and is a caterer. Her young daughter Sydney is her world. Only a handful of people know Sydney's true paternity.
Logan decides to move back to his grandparents and take over the store. He is recovering from an accident as a SEAL.
As he and Hope dance around their feelings for each other, they discover they are being followed.
As these two find out about a conspiracy that has so many secrets, it encompasses so many people Logan loves.
This story is a page turner. It flows so well. The characters that are "good" are really good in nature and those that are "bad" stay that way.
Look forward to book 2.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope and her six year old daughter go to Lavinia and Rodney Halls for lunch. Hope was going to organize the Summer Blast Regalla prize giving evening and a wedding event. Logan wants to return back to Bar Harbor and he is not keen to take over his parents movie and record studio. Hope is forced to pick up Logan at the ferry. Melissa who is Hope's rival is in Bar Harbor too. Hope has a secret that she is hiding from others. The romance between Hope and Logan is heart-warming with interesting characters to make it very entertaining and suspense to make the read very enjoyable. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan returns to Bar Harbor after a terrible accident while he was a Navy SEAL. Hope picks him up from the ferry after her brother bails on her. It’s hard seeing each other after 7 years have passed.
Hope starts getting threatening notes, she’s being stalked and someone breaks in and riffles through her office. What are they looking for?

Will Hope and Logan get back together, or will the cliff hanger ending keep them apart for good?

This is a fast-paced read. Some questions are answered and others surface. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens.

[Virginia Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building a Life of Secrets

Just when Hope found excitement in how much her catering and bakery business has grown, news almost knocked her down. It started when she saw a blue car down her street. It wasn’t just any car but upon further investigation she saw a man with a camera.

Logan was about to make an appearance and Hope feared facing him. What to say? How to explain to his irritating parents who would soon follow? What about her bakery? How will Sydney feel about all the changes soon to come?

Read The Bakery in Bar Harbor by Amy Rafferty to find out more!

[Karen Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the Bakery in Bar Harbor! Wow! This was such a fantastic book. I just love Hope. She is such a caring and loving person. It is amazing what a mother will do for her child. I love how she had over protective brothers who were there for her. Logan joined the Navy Seals to defend his country, but I think to also try to make some sense of his life. This book was an excellent read. Amy Rafferty has never let me down. Looking forward to the next book Beach House in Bar Harbor about Hope's brother Thorn. Amy you're the best!

[Princess A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bakery in Bar Harbor by Amy Rafferty is a delightful contemporary romance set against the scenic backdrop of Bar Harbor. The story follows a protagonist who runs a charming bakery and navigates both personal and professional challenges. Rafferty’s writing is warm and engaging, with a focus on themes of love, community, and personal growth. The setting adds a cozy, picturesque quality to the novel, enhancing its charm. With relatable characters and a sweet romance, this book is a perfect choice for readers seeking a heartwarming and enjoyable escape.

[Jenifer Deperro Veazey · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was definitely a clean bit wouldn't say is was a romance. The best part of the book were the initial prequel chapters and it just went down hill from there. It was so convoluted. There were way too many characters, intertwined families and stories. None of it had any depth or had you cheering for a happy ending. The story was forced and doesn't even feel like there was resolution. I can't believe this book didn't make it to the DNF pile. Maybe I should give it 2 stars just for that. This author needs a better editor.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book!

A phenomenal first book in the Bar Harbor series. Mystery, romance, family and friendship come together to create a beautiful story. There is always a twist and turn in the plot to keep you totally absorbed.

I always read Amy's book cover to cover in one go as I can't put them down. I'm waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. Amy Rafferty is without a doubt my favorite author!

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope has her bakery and catering business in Bar Harbor. She is also raising her six year old daughter Sydney as a single mom. Hope's old boyfriend Logan is coming back home to Bar Harbor to recover from a Navy Seal injury. Hope has not heard from him in seven years, and does not know that Hopes daughter Sydney is his child. Will Hope tell Logan? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. What is next from Amy Rafferty?

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope took over the bakery and lived above it with her six year old daughter Sydney. Logan is back home after being injured and leaving the Navy Seals. Hope and Logan had a relationship seven years ago and now they are being threatened by someone. This is the first book of the new series and it looks like it’s going to be another great one. Liked the relationship between Hope, Sydney and Logan’s grandparents. Eagerly awaiting the next book.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Amy Rafferty. I was a bit hesitant to continue with it, but wow! What a great story! After you get past character intros in the first few chapters, this becomes a real page-turner. Hope has a daughter and is informed that the child's father is due to return home from his stint as a Navy SEAL. And that's when things go awry. I couldn't put this book down. I love a good suspense story.

I received an ARC copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope is doing well with her business and is busy raising her daughter. Logan is returning to town after being injured as a Navy Seal. Hope has a secret she has kept for a long time but now someone is targeting her. An intriguing story with great characters and a wonderful setting. Twists and turns keep you captivated. Highly recommend!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Donna Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Read. Can't wait for next book in series.
Hope has been keeping a secret for many years. When Logan, an injured Navy Seal, her brother's best friend and her childhood sweetheart returns to Bar Harbor, mysterious events begin happening. Threatening letters, break ins, stalking, and an old girlfriend of Logan's who is not a fan of Hope and Hope who must divulge a secret she has kept about her daughter. Received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

This entire series has an endless storyline. I started the first book only realize there was no answer or ending, which led me to read the second, third and so on. There are far too many characters to keep straight with no real descriptions of them. I listened to all seven books and still there is no true ending. Narration was slow and lacking emotion, had to listen at 1.5 x speed to get through the monotony. Would not suggest.

[Heidi Bacon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for a fun audiobook on hoopla to listen to on a road trip. This one caught my eye because we’re going to Bar Harbor in a couple months.
I almost gave up after one chapter and wish I did. I didn’t enjoy this book at all. Like a bad hallmark movie which isn’t my cup of tea. I didn’t like the characters, the plot, or any of it. It didn’t really give me any feel for Bar Harbor so not sure why the author chose that title.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just an okay read. I was mostly on a plane so it kept me entertained enough. However, once I got home I had a hard time finishing and had to go back to reread parts because I just got too distracted to focus.

The epilogue label made no sense. It was just a continuation of the story, exactly where it left off. Should have been labeled a final chapter instead.

I have no desire to continue this series.