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Carlisle Bay #1
Dancing by the Moonlight
Set Sail along Carlisle Bay!
Olivia Shields is back in Carlisle Bay, Connecticut, after having traveled the world as a professional ballet dancer. Dancing was her life. Chasing performance dreams is all she's ever known or planned for. One summer she spent in Carlisle Bay before heading to Juilliard left her both heartbroken and more focused on her career than ever. A back injury has forced some changes. She'll take on a new role as the manager of her aunt's coastal boutique. After all, she's completely over the boy who broke her heart forever ago. Brady Carlisle has recently returned to Carlisle Bay; the hometown of his family's namesake. He's spent the last decade in California, designing and patenting surfboards. Becoming his own man without relying on the Carlisle name is all he's ever wanted. Just as life seems to be getting on track, the boutique could be lost. The Shields women have got a few storms to weather. They aren't the only ones. The Carlisle family has held on to secrets for over a decade. Thankfully, these two former summer sweethearts have the kind of friends who make life's damaged surfaces less difficult to repair with wit and humor. Recapturing a summer love swept out at sea thirteen years earlier can be as rough as a stormy sea. Will secrets and heartache of the past keep them apart? Life may not always be smooth sailing along the shores of Carlisle Bay, and fireworks are sure to be found.
Olivia Shields is back in Carlisle Bay, Connecticut, after having traveled the world as a professional ballet dancer. Dancing was her life. Chasing performance dreams is all she's ever known or planned for. One summer she spent in Carlisle Bay before heading to Juilliard left her both heartbroken and more focused on her career than ever. A back injury has forced some changes. She'll take on a new role as the manager of her aunt's coastal boutique. After all, she's completely over the boy who broke her heart forever ago. Brady Carlisle has recently returned to Carlisle Bay; the hometown of his family's namesake. He's spent the last decade in California, designing and patenting surfboards. Becoming his own man without relying on the Carlisle name is all he's ever wanted. Just as life seems to be getting on track, the boutique could be lost. The Shields women have got a few storms to weather. They aren't the only ones. The Carlisle family has held on to secrets for over a decade. Thankfully, these two former summer sweethearts have the kind of friends who make life's damaged surfaces less difficult to repair with wit and humor. Recapturing a summer love swept out at sea thirteen years earlier can be as rough as a stormy sea. Will secrets and heartache of the past keep them apart? Life may not always be smooth sailing along the shores of Carlisle Bay, and fireworks are sure to be found.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
134 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Angie Ellington
16 books173 followersHi there! I'm Angie Ellington & I write contemporary women's fiction...a mashup of sweet romance with humor, heart, family, friendship, and love...it's all in the mixed recipe of my characters & their stories. One of my first books, Autumn at Apple Hill, was adapted into a Hallmark Channel movie in 2024 under the same name starring Erin Cahill & Wes Brown. :)
*Christmas in Fair Bend (2017) (Repubbed in 2022 as Christmas in Frost Bend)
*Autumn at Apple Hill (2017)
*Spring in Lilac Glen(2018)
*Love at the Salted Caramel Cafe' (2018)
Carlisle Bay Series
*Dancing by the Moonlight (2018)
*Dancing by the Christmas Lights (2019)
*Christmas at Mistletoe Ridge (2020)
Sweethearts of Valentine Series
*Be Mine in Valentine (2022)
*Christmas in Fair Bend (2017) (Repubbed in 2022 as Christmas in Frost Bend)
*Autumn at Apple Hill (2017)
*Spring in Lilac Glen(2018)
*Love at the Salted Caramel Cafe' (2018)
Carlisle Bay Series
*Dancing by the Moonlight (2018)
*Dancing by the Christmas Lights (2019)
*Christmas at Mistletoe Ridge (2020)
Sweethearts of Valentine Series
*Be Mine in Valentine (2022)
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 27, 2018
Angie Ellington never disappoints!! I must add that "this book was received in exchange for an honest review,” and honestly, I just loved it!!! Angie always writes those feel-good, Hallmark-type love stories that I can picture myself watching on my TV. In fact, I’m waiting for them to be actual movies. In this first book of the series set in the coastal town of Carlisle Bay, the main characters of Olivia and Brady are just wonderful!! I love them as well as the supporting characters and reading as they experience ups and downs. Dancing By The Moonlight comes out at the best time for the perfect beach read as the town of Carlisle Bay celebrates July 4th in the book. The description of the town, the festivities and the characters really makes you feel like you’re there. It certainly made me want to be there. I seriously was not ready for the ending. I flipped and kept trying to find more story. I am so excited there’s another Carlisle Bay Novel coming!! I definitely am wanting at least another story for these characters of Carlisle Bay. I just don’t know that I can wait a whole year to find out what happens next!!!
July 24, 2018
Angie always writes books that I fall in love with from page 1. Her characters are well written and her stories are relatable and realistic.
Olivia has moved back after her dance career ended with injuries and sent her home from Paris. What will she do now?
Luckily her aunt owns an adorable little boutique and plans to retire and would like for Olivia to take over. Who wouldn't love that?
Little does she know that the love of her life is back in town. Brady Carlisle has returned to the bay. She runs into him at a party and yes the feelings come flooding back. But can she trust him with her heart again?
As if this isn't enough drama, but now there are issues with the store's lease. With they weather this additional storm?
Olivia has moved back after her dance career ended with injuries and sent her home from Paris. What will she do now?
Luckily her aunt owns an adorable little boutique and plans to retire and would like for Olivia to take over. Who wouldn't love that?
Little does she know that the love of her life is back in town. Brady Carlisle has returned to the bay. She runs into him at a party and yes the feelings come flooding back. But can she trust him with her heart again?
As if this isn't enough drama, but now there are issues with the store's lease. With they weather this additional storm?
November 25, 2018
I listened to the audio version of this book. This was my first written by Angie Ellington. How did I miss her before? This was a great story. It is a second chance trope in which the characters, Olivia and Brady, had separated under puzzling circumstances (for Olivia). She really didn't know why the guy she loved so deeply called an end to it all. Years later, they meet again in the town that they met. The characters were really well developed. You could feel the growth the past years had given them. Olivia was reluctant to give Brady a chance at first. The resulting romance was realistic in it's pace. I loved both characters!
I also loved that there was a more minor romance going on between Olivia's aunt and her next door neighbor. Older people romance--yeah! It was very sweet how reluctant Aunt Jane was to think that a man could be romantically interested in her. Aunt Jane was a very fun character.
The narration by Meg Price was perfect for this book. Very pleasant to listen to.
I was given a copy of this audio book in return for my honest thoughts.
I also loved that there was a more minor romance going on between Olivia's aunt and her next door neighbor. Older people romance--yeah! It was very sweet how reluctant Aunt Jane was to think that a man could be romantically interested in her. Aunt Jane was a very fun character.
The narration by Meg Price was perfect for this book. Very pleasant to listen to.
I was given a copy of this audio book in return for my honest thoughts.
June 19, 2018
Chock full of summer fun that makes me ready to pack up & hit the beach right now. Too bad that I have to wait a month. Love of youth that ended too soon and its' chance at a new start has moments of laughter and those 'almost' moments that keep you wanting to read more about them. I love when other characters have stories in books & this one does not disappoint.
October 28, 2022
Another great real form Angie Ellington! The perfect summertime, beach vibing read! Perfect for a day at the beach ( let your mind take you there) with lots of family and friends and true love!
This story is packed with inspiration of how a family is suppose to be, how friends stick up for one another, self confidence, and of course a second chance at that first true love!
This story is packed with inspiration of how a family is suppose to be, how friends stick up for one another, self confidence, and of course a second chance at that first true love!
March 5, 2020
I listened to the story and really enjoyed it! The narrator helped me visualize the characters and the plot! Well-done!!
June 19, 2018
What a great start to the new series,
A Carlisle Bay Novel. Dancing By The Moonlight is an wonderful book!
I really enjoyed reading this story!
It is the first book I've read by
Angie Ellington, & it won't be the last.
It is a heartwarming & touching story.
Olivia & Brady were teenager's in love.
Their relationship ended abruptly.
Then seeing one another's again,
after being apart thirteen years.
Olivia & Brady have a lot to talk through, after all the years of questions why
& untold secrets.
Will Olivia & Brady admit what they feel
& find their way to one another?
Or will life have other plans?
A Carlisle Bay Novel. Dancing By The Moonlight is an wonderful book!
I really enjoyed reading this story!
It is the first book I've read by
Angie Ellington, & it won't be the last.
It is a heartwarming & touching story.
Olivia & Brady were teenager's in love.
Their relationship ended abruptly.
Then seeing one another's again,
after being apart thirteen years.
Olivia & Brady have a lot to talk through, after all the years of questions why
& untold secrets.
Will Olivia & Brady admit what they feel
& find their way to one another?
Or will life have other plans?
June 21, 2018
Did you have that one summer love you wish would have bloomed and stayed sweet and uncomplicated forever? Did you have a summer crush that you could never forget?
Olivia and Brady came from different worlds. They had different paths to follow.
A hot summer romance was not meant to be the love of a lifetime.
Years later, their paths cross again and they get a second chance.
Could you just swoon? Could things possibly work out this time?
Do they each still have those same feelings?
Read this book if you believe in second chances and summer love.
Best friend Carlie was also fun to spend time with.
Olivia and Brady came from different worlds. They had different paths to follow.
A hot summer romance was not meant to be the love of a lifetime.
Years later, their paths cross again and they get a second chance.
Could you just swoon? Could things possibly work out this time?
Do they each still have those same feelings?
Read this book if you believe in second chances and summer love.
Best friend Carlie was also fun to spend time with.
June 23, 2018
Second chances are the catch of the day. Dancing by the Moonlight is a tale of starting over, mending fences and discovering how to be happy. For Olivia and Brady young love blossomed into adult strife. Secrets severed their first chance. Will pride ruin their second? In life and love, it's the heartache that gives the strength to try again. Ellington is a pro at writing stories that are enlightening and inspiring. A heartwarming read.
June 23, 2018
Dancing in the Moonlight: I loved the small beach town. Characters were great throughout the story. I loved Aunt June so much. She cared about everyone and included everyone into her life. Brady and Olivia were always meant to be together and I am glad that friendship and love brought them back together again. They both did what they enjoyed for 13 yrs but in the end the small town brought them back where they could be happy. Loved this story so much!
October 6, 2019
Because of an injury, Olivia had to give up her dance career. So she moved to Carlisle Bay, where she had spent a wonderful summer at 18. She planned to help her aunt in her gift boutique, and eventually take over. Then she realizes Brady, her first love, who broke her heart, is back, too. I loved them, as they found a way to reconnect. My first book by this author, but not my last!
March 17, 2020
A sweet, clean romance of second chances. Years after a summer fling, Olivia and Brady meet once again. Working thru the hurts and trust issues of the past as well as current problems, they are able to rekindle their romance. Time certainly can change people.
I received a free copy of this book, and this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.
I received a free copy of this book, and this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 24, 2018
Dancing by the Moonlight is a great summer read. I love the setting - a small town on the beach always sounds so beautiful. The characters are all very interesting - Aunt June is my favorite - she’s so sassy! I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 23, 2018
This book gives the reader hope for second chances and revisiting young loves. Angie's descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I was actually in Carlisle Bay myself. A great book, especially for a summer read!
March 25, 2020
Olivia and Brady a summer romance, to meet again, will it be a romance to last a lifetime. The audio by Meg Price was great for this enjoyable romance of second chances.
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
December 4, 2020
Dancing by the Moonlight is a well written second chance romance. The characters are interesting and fun and the storyline kept me engaged and wanting to hear more. The narrator gave a delightful performance for this first in series. Looking forward to the next book.
June 22, 2019
I loved the characters, the writing and got so into it I could barley put it down, can’t wait for the next one!!!
February 24, 2020
Dancing by the Moonlight
A sweet romance with just a hint of drama that gives you a great ending. Overall a nice relaxing listen/read.
A sweet romance with just a hint of drama that gives you a great ending. Overall a nice relaxing listen/read.
July 3, 2020
An epic love story from start to finish. Awesome read.
Read
July 17, 2021DNF
September 19, 2020
Dancing by the Moonlight is a light PG/PG-13 beach read. They story ends in a good place even though it's obviously not finished. There were a lot of characters introduced and I hoped it would turn into a couple concurrent HFNs, but it didn't to the extent I'd hoped. There's always book two....
The narration was really good. There was one "storm" sound effect that sounded out of place because it was the only one, but overall I really liked the performance.
The narration was really good. There was one "storm" sound effect that sounded out of place because it was the only one, but overall I really liked the performance.
November 11, 2019
A sweet summer romance
I really enjoyed this sweet summer romance. The small town vibe reminds me of some of the beach towns I’ve visited. I like how everyone has each other’s backs. I’m rooting for a few of these couples in the next book to make appearances and make things official. I can’t wait to read what happens with the pride and the Carlisle family.
I really enjoyed this sweet summer romance. The small town vibe reminds me of some of the beach towns I’ve visited. I like how everyone has each other’s backs. I’m rooting for a few of these couples in the next book to make appearances and make things official. I can’t wait to read what happens with the pride and the Carlisle family.
June 24, 2021
Fun summer read. Nothing too heavy, hope at every corner. Just what we all need right now :)
July 22, 2021
I really enjoyed thisbook. It is well written encompasses many different characters and cultures and gives you a new look at each. I read all three of The book in the series.
June 10, 2020
Part of a series
Parents guide: kisses, fade to black scenes for premarital sex twice but neither is graphic/cover your reading eyes before it cuts out. I don't remember swearing. A few parties/dates/clubbing/glass of wine at home alcohol responsible drinking scenes.
Overall I thought the characters were nice. I liked them enough to finish the book. But this wasn't my favorite story of the year.
This is totally a personal preference, but the word "noshing" as in snacking like "noshing on grapes" threw me for a loop every time I saw it. It is a real word and the author used it accurately.
My favorite character in the book was Aunt J.
Parents guide: kisses, fade to black scenes for premarital sex twice but neither is graphic/cover your reading eyes before it cuts out. I don't remember swearing. A few parties/dates/clubbing/glass of wine at home alcohol responsible drinking scenes.
Overall I thought the characters were nice. I liked them enough to finish the book. But this wasn't my favorite story of the year.
This is totally a personal preference, but the word "noshing" as in snacking like "noshing on grapes" threw me for a loop every time I saw it. It is a real word and the author used it accurately.
My favorite character in the book was Aunt J.
March 11, 2022
It was very meh. Overly descriptive, clumsy dialogue, and a lot of editing/proofreading errors. The story was slightly boring, and the climax of the story was a one-paragraph disagreement that got resolved immediately. 2/5 stars
June 19, 2018
Not a bad story at all, it just felt a little choppy to me and overwhelmed me with too many details at times. The story’s bones made for a nice summer story.
June 23, 2021
There was too much description. I don’t mind some description but not every little detail. Not much of a story either.
July 20, 2021
Interesting idea, but the writing didn't work for me.
July 24, 2021
Soooo much auxiliary detail and poorly written dialogue made what could have been a great story really hard to read. I stumbled through this wishing for more fluidity and character development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews