Since the Day We Wished

Hadley Cove Sweet Romance #4

by Kerk Murray

A beloved bookstore, a second chance at love, and a fight to save it all.

At forty-three, Katie Hayes has poured her heart into her beachside bookstore, with her rescue dog, Benny, by her side. As Katie prepares for the annual Wishing Tree Festival, a mysterious letter from the city threatens to shut down the Breezy Tails Bookshop forever.

When widower Sam Everett arrives in Hadley Cove, a chance encounter ignites a chain of events that could change everything.

Can Katie and Sam save the bookstore and their second chance at love, or will they have to say goodbye to both?

Genres: Romance, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Kerk Murray is an Amazon Top 50 and Barnes & Noble bestselling author of clean contemporary romance. His series include Dog Lovers, Hadley Cove Sweet Romance, and Sugarberry Ridge Holiday Romance.

Fans of Rachel Hanna and Debbie Macomber will love his Southern small-town stories about second chances—featuring swoony heroes, strong heroines, and rescue animals that you'll fall in love with too.

Beyond writing, Kerk is the founder of The Lexi's Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps animal rescues save more lives. A portion of his book proceeds supports this mission because every animal deserves a forever home.

Connect with Kerk and sign up for his newsletter at www.kerkmurray.com for new releases and exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming books.

For film and subsidiary rights inquiries: info@kerkmurray.com

Follow Kerk:
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/2171938...
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/kerk-murray
Amazon: www.amazon.com/KerkMurray/e/B09C39NLYT
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kerkmurray
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kerkmurray
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kerkwrites

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if the wish you made a long time ago didn’t fade—it just took the scenic route to find you?

This story moves like a breeze through a windchime—gentle, steady, and layered with meaning if you pause to listen. At just 170 pages, the romance picks up fast. There’s tenderness in the way these two characters connect.

The vibe? Small-town charm with just enough tension to keep it interesting. A cozy beachside bookstore. A loyal rescue pup. And two people navigating the weight of what’s been lost and the hope of what might still be found.

What I appreciated most was how the story focused on solutions. No manufactured drama. No dragging things out for effect. Just two adults facing real challenges with real heart. It’s the kind of quick read that still manages to feel complete.

Highlights
– A setting that feels like a warm cup of coffee by the sea
– Characters who feel grown-up and grounded
– A steady, brave male lead (more of these, please)
– A relationship built on mutual respect and second chances

Sometimes all it takes is a good dog, a cozy bookstore, and the right person showing up when you least expect it.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the author and Book Sirens. I am not required to write a positive review nor was I paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review of a book I believed to be Christian Fiction, but it is best described as wholesome instead. My thoughts reflect the story’s writing and content to offer transparency and clarity for fellow readers.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: A Heartwarming Later-in-Life Romance

"Since the Day We Wished" by Kerk Murray is a poignant and uplifting romance novel that explores the transformative power of love and new beginnings. The story follows Sam and Katie, two individuals who find each other under a wishing tree at a time when their worlds seem to be falling apart.

Katie, facing the closure of her beloved bookshop, and Sam, still reeling from the loss of his wife, are both at a crossroads in their lives. Yet, their chance encounter under the wishing tree sparks a connection that blossoms into a beautiful romance.

Murray's writing is evocative and sensitive, skillfully capturing the complexities and vulnerabilities of later-in-life love. The characters are multidimensional and relatable, with a deep emotional resonance that makes it easy to become invested in their journey.

This is a romance novel that will resonate with anyone who has experienced love, loss, and the power of new beginnings. With its uplifting message and heartfelt storytelling, "Since the Day We Wished" is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Zelia Gonsalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series, so of course I was so happy to go back to Hadley Cove. This series is so amazing. It is all about a small town community ,romance and friendships . I like how the characters from the other books make small appearances and you’re able to get a little glimpse of what their life is like now and seriously I feel like after reading several of these books like I do live there and these are my friends and I’m just part of this beautiful community. This is a must read series. I absolutely love the small touches in this book. They’re little surprises at the end. This author is amazing and everything he does for rescued animals. It’s so selfless and just beautiful. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Emily Vallance · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review - I loved every second of this book. The relationship with the dog had me kicking my feet as I am absolutely an animal lover and I don't see dogs written about enough in romance stories. It was feel good and really well written. I loved the small town vibe and how it can be relatedable to modern small town issues where old buildings are being pulled down for new ones all the time. I come from a small coastal town in England and see this happening all the time so it added thar extra layer of depth for me.
"I know it sounds crazy, and I probably sound insane. And I know it's only been a few days, but somehow, it feels like I've lived a thousand moments with you" this quote captured me and I read it over and over.
"Maybe people do come into your life at exactly the right moment". I highlighted this quote too as it resonates with me and makes me think of the people that came into my life at the right time.
Overall this book is relatable, feel good and makes me feel happier when I read it.
A bonus is the cover is absolutely stunning.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Hayes loves her bookshop, but sometimes loving is not enough to ensure success. She gets a notice that her building needs major repairs or she will be forced to close. Unfortunately, she can’t afford to renovate her building. She hangs a wish on the town’s “Wishing Tree” without a lot of hope for a chance to save her shop. Sam Everett, a widower, has been hired help with new construction in Hadley Cove, a project that means the end of Katie’s shop. A chance meeting between these two people leads to help for Katie and healing for Sam. Sam’s deceased wife also had plans to run a bookshop, and her wish for that and something more will help to form a bond between Katie and Sam. This sweet romance will surely tug at your heartstrings. Sam is still grieving for his wife, yet he is open to form a new relationship with Katie. Katie soon realizes what has brought Sam back to Hadley Cove, and she must decide how much of that knowledge to share with Sam, and when. Their growing relationship was well-handled by the author with his sincere and thoughtful writing. Character development along with a intriguing storyline added much interest to the tale. Certain plot points kept that interest growing to the satisfying conclusion. Though bad things sometimes happen, joy does come in the morning, and this lovely tale illustrates how. This clean romance is recommended to everyone who enjoys a good, entertaining tale with a happy ending.

I was given an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very clean and wholesome love story. As always Kerk Murray does a wonderful job at pulling you into Hadley Cove and making you feel the warmth, love, and support of the community. Katie and her sweet miniature schnauzer Benny, live in an apartment above the Bookstore Breezy Trails. Katie owns the bookstore and is doing all she can to fight to keep her dream alive.

Sam is a contractor who has lost his wife and is trying to find his way forward. He heads back to Hadley Cove where he once lived with Elizabeth (his late wife). Sam not only is headed to find the wish Elizabeth left for him on a wishing tree but also has a project that can help him pay off his debt.

I love the way Sam and Katie's lives intertwine and how they come together to make wishes come true! This story is so sweet and heartfelt. I laughed, cried, and smiled throughout this book. It is the fourth in the Hadley Cove series but can definitely be read as a standalone! I have enjoyed every story , character, and fur baby in this series! I recommend you to read them all.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Magical Wishing Tree
Struggling bookstore owner, Katie, reluctantly takes the time from her hectic “to-do” list to visit the Fall Festival, and impulsively ties her wish-tag to the town’s iconic Wishing Tree which is surrounded by whimsical wildflowers. Meeting Sam, a visitor to Hadley Cove who appears to be looking for a specific tag on the tree, leads to an unexpected friendship and the assistance Katie desperately needs. The wildflowers surrounding the tree
Sam has three dilemmas he needs to resolve before he can fully commit to Katie and these, together with the town council’s nefarious intentions makes this a book that is difficult to put down: I read it in one day!
With Katie and Sam both of a mature age, there was more honesty, openness and relatability in their personal decisions and interactions with one another. The author is renowned for including rescue dogs in each of the Hadley Cove books, and Benny the Schnauzer is a welcome addition to the story, with Riley making a few amusing cameo appearances. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.

Katie is divorced and trying to make her bookstore work. However, the big bookstore in the next town seems to be stealing her customers. She received a letter stating she has 21 days to fix a lot of things wrong, things that were not mentioned in the inspection. Sam comes to town to work to try and put up new buildings. He has worked with the developer before. he realizes this is the town he was going to get things going with his wife, but she died. He goes to the wishing tree to try and find her last note. When Same realizes the developer is trying to destroy the bookstore, he backs out of the job. Can Sam and Katie save the bookstore?

This was a cute story. There was a lot of information, but it is a good read. It does have recipes int he back as well as discussion points an pet rescue agencies. At the beginning there are also song lists for the two main characters. Great read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Arelys · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is for the ones who've stopped making wishes. May this story remind you to start again"
Honestly, I knew I was going to love this book since I read that epigraph. Brought tears to my eyes.
We follow our main characters as they work together to save not only the Bookstore but also make their wishes come true. This is just as the title said, a sweet romance. A romance that leaves you believing that losing a loved one and moving on from a terrible relationship is possible.
I recommend this book to anyone needing a cozy romance.
One thing I truly loved was the fact that they spoke to each other.
❤️

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the Day We Wished by Kerk Murray is my first experience reading this author's work and even though there are many books in this series previous to this one, I didn't have a problem since I believe it to be a standalone within the series. This was a quick read that reminded me of a Hallmark movie -- Sam and Katie are both going through some heavy issues in their lives and they come together at just the right time. This was a sweet, clean contemporary romance with very likeable characters. If you're looking for a quick weekend escape, this should fit the bill. I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Carol Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie's dream of owning a bookstore is about to come to an end if a big developer gets his wish to tear down the existing shops.

Sam comes to town in search of a wish his late wife hung on the town's Christmas tree.

Sam and Katie meet and become friends who start caring for each other before they discover the other's secret.

Can they stay friends after they each discover those secrets? You'll have to read this yourself if you want the answer to that question.

The story was so good I had tears in my eyes when I finished it.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great Hadley Cove romance. Both Katie and Sam need a second chance in romance and life. Katie owns a bookstore that is being threaten by a town council and greedy developer (her ex-husband). Sam's wife has passed away from cancer. This community had a special place in their hearts. Of course the story would not be a Hadley Cove story without a rescue pup. Katie has a senior Minature Schnauzer, Benny. He gets in the way and also helps.

A truly touching story that is very enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laurissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I read it entirely in one sitting.

The chemistry between Katie and Sam was well written. Katie was very strong and she stood up for her town, her shop, and for what she believed in. Sam didn't really know what he was getting into with Derek but I'm glad he came to senses and learned exactly the type of guy Derek was.

I loved the ending too. It was so sweet.

I need to read this author's other books because I was definitely impressed by this one.

I recieved this book through NetGalley from the publisher.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A happy heart warming story about having faith and not giving up. Katie is newly divorced, she has a bookstore and lives in the apartment over it. Trying to make repairs in the bookstore and keep herself afloat is becoming an overwhelming task. She places a wish on the town's Wishing Tree and prays it will come true. Katie meets Sam there and hope begins to bloom.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Hembree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the other books in this series, so when I had the chance to receive an advance review copy for free, I was very excited. I am happy to leaving this review voluntarily. This book was such a sweet story. I absolutely loved the small town vibes, bookstore, dogs, and second chances at love! I enjoyed the ending as well. There are a few cliché bits, like a typical romance novel may have, but I think it still works well within the whirlwind romance that happens.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully sweet book. Small town romance.

I loved this addition to the "Since" series. While it is a series, I see each book as a stand-alone, so don't worry if you haven't read the others. It is a fast, easy read, nothing heavy or overly emotional. I love the way the town bands together when things get dicey, I wish all towns worked this way.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam is back in Hadley Cove and at the Wishing Tree to find his late wife Elizabeth’s wish. He meets Katie who has just put her wish on the tree to help save her store. This is. Wonderful story, Katie and Sam have an instant connection. Love how he told Derek how he would not work for him anymore, also how Katie had the courage to stand up and talk for her store. Sweet, clean romance that you just have to keep reading until you are done. I loved it!!

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one as much as the previous books in this series. Kate and Sam go on a journey of healing and second chances to create this amazingly sweet romance. This story is full of charm, heartwarming and sweet moments. It's not too long or too short, just a well written, relatable and entertaining story. I love the Hadley Cove atmosphere and especially Kate's precious rescue dog. This is an enjoyable read you won't want to miss out on.

[Melissa Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is one that reflects on the past and how time has changed, but still moving forward.

The characters are sensible, but still yearn for the one thing that makes their heart feel full. At times, the book makes you feel really inspired and at times it can make you feel like you need to find that one thing to complete the characters happiness.

I received this book for an honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable community spirit and romance in this story where overcoming all sorts of things in the characters lives sets lots of challenges to be faced. Lovely ending!

Only criticism is that the romance seemed to be very quick but the other characters are very memorable!

Received this as an advanced reader copy (sorry for taking so long to read and review!) and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could relate to Katie right from the beginning. Her bookstore was her everything and it was going to be taken away. Sam comes back to town and everything changes. I loved Katie and Sam's second chance at love. This was a great story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Serenechaosnyc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie and Sam's story was short but so so sweet. Both their backstories were a bit sad, they overcame the hardships afforded by Katie's ex and then addressed Sam's past. Very easy, low angst and fast read that made me smile. And I loved the addition of Benny, whose antics and descriptions always brought a smile to my face. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an early read.

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, feel good romance that is well written with great characters! The characters will have you smiling with them but also bring tears to your eyes at times!! The small town setting is just perfect and you’ll find yourself wanting to go spend time there. This was a quick, easy read and I do recommend it!!

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

always

Katie and Sam´s story made me think that we always deserve a chance at happiness, not matter how old we are or what has happened to us in our lives. I just love how the author manages to always weave seeds of hope in his stories.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. This is a charming and wonderful series. The latest is centered around a bookstore. Terrific characters and small town feel. I am eager to read the next one. Thanks to Book Siren for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like I had met the characters before and some I did since I read the first three books in the series. This is a sweet clean love story set in a small town. The plot is a familiar one, with a bookstore owner whose business is in jeopardy, but there are some unique things in this story.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't sat enough about how much this book warmed my heart and soul! The town was fantastic and Katie and Sam had the best moments together romantic and just real life moments! Just a sweet feel good read with the best ending!!

[Tommi Dukes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for a couple of reasons. One, I love small bookstores but there just aren’t very many around anymore. The other is that the dynamics of the relationships were very personal to me and I was so glad the story ended like it did. Kerk outdid himself with this book!

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the latest installment in the Hadley Cove series.

I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.

[Ashlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series had been five stars until this book. I felt like the main relationship lacked substance and it moved too fast. It was still a sweet read and I recommend the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.