Lantern Cove Beginnings

After the Wave #1

by Megan Jacobs

Five best friends. One life-changing vacation. A decade later, each must come to terms with the ghost from their past…

Juniper Saige has closed her heart to love. It’s too painful when there’s no certainty of tomorrow, let alone a lasting relationship.

When her friends make a surprise visit for a birthday she wishes she could forget, she’s caught off-guard. Worse, they’ve brought Everett, her irresistibly charming neighbor, and Lantern Cove’s most eligible bachelor, to join the celebrations. It seems clear to everyone except Juniper that he would happily be more than her friend.

But as she slowly opens her heart to new possibilities, Juniper’s unpredictable mother makes a shocking revelation that leaves her reeling.

And when events take a turn for the worse, Juniper realizes she needs Everett more than ever.

Could he be the start of her new beginning?

Fans of Hope Holloway, Jan Moran, and Rachel Hanna will love this story of sisterhood, new hope for the future, and a little mystery.

Scroll up and one-click to start reading this small-town, sweet women’s fiction romance today!

The After the Wave series presents the story of one of the best friends in each book. You can read the books as standalone or as part of the series for a richer reading experience.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2024

Reviews

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper and Everett have been friends and neighbors for a couple of years. Juniper's friends are sure he wants to be more than friends, but she is so afraid of being hurt by the loss of someone she loves that she's closed herself off to love.

The story is well written. There is drama, action, and romance mixed in. Even a fist-fight! It was all very enjoyable.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from he author.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

New beginning

What a neat story! How two people become best friends while one is surviving a horrible ordeal. It's about coming home and starting over. Loved it and can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful romantic story of hope and new beginnings from an unexpected source . Thanks to old friends . Moving back to Lantern Cove to take over The Sweetest Thing Bakery might just be the icing on her cake! But when her mother shows up after her Alaskan cruise with a fiancé in tow , she turns to her best friend and confidante Everett. Will she finally take off those shaded glasses and seen the light of love that he shows for her and will she take the plunge at romance … A great story with good characters and narratives.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy Loehrke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Fast read. Clean, fun, suspenseful. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author. Hope you enjoy it!

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lantern Cove Beginnings is the first book in the After the Wave Series and features the story of Juniper/Junie and the long-term effects of the Bali vacation disaster upon her life. She returns to her hometown and takes over her mother’s bakery while giving up her business position. She strikes up a friendship with her neighbor Everett who proves to be more when her mother is in danger. This book continues the Sisterhood friendship, has strong emotions, suspense, danger, and a slow burn romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Being strong doesn’t mean you always have to face things alone."

And as strong as she was Juniper was battered and bruised in her heart and soul after the Tsunami in Bali. But she returned home to Lantern Cove to take over her family business , the Bakery her mother wasn't doing well with, and turned it into a "tourist attraction" ( her words). Juni wasn't afraid to try new things, up to a point.

Her mother goes on an Alaska cruise and comes home... engaged to a man only 5 years older than she is(!) Every alarm bell within Juniper's head goes off and she turns to her best friend in town, Everett, for help and support. The question becomes will she see or even allow that Everett us in love with her?

This is a fast paced, seat of your pants follow up to Megan Jacobs' " Sisterhood of Lantern Cove" and if this is Juniper's story, I can hardly wait for the others! Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

This book had me hooked from the start. It's a quick and easy read that was emotional, sweet but also had some suspense/intrigue to it. The storyline was so interesting and the characters were realistic and enjoyable. This is a new series and it's going to be completely entertaining. You don't want to miss this one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, do yourself a favor and read the free prequel, The Sisterhood of Lantern Cove. It will make it much easier to understand the connection these five women have. Juniper, Seraphina, Liliana, Danielle, and Evangeline do not have a common factor except they went to the same college. This first book is Juniper’s story, and oh, what a story it is. We get to meet Everett, Cassandre (Juniper’s mom) and we can’t leave out “Lucien”. We get romance, humor, enduring best friends, danger, and the bad side of people. I look forward to seeing what happens next with these friends.

[GOLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written novella about Juniper and her life. There is a sweet romance with the wonderful Everett too. The tension with Juniper’s mom was anxiety-inducing and not my favorite part of the story. But I recommend this read if for no other reason than Everett and the purity of his love for Juniper.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The five friends, although overcoming the tsunami of emotions brought by their holiday in Bali in different ways, keep in touch and meet as often as life allows. Juniper is back at Lantern Cove managing the family's bakery and her mother - who is looking for a new meaning for her life and a new love. She still suffers from PTSD and has decided to not let anyone be more than just a friend, she does not date and lives for work. Everything changes when her mother decides to get married in a rush, and both women will find other ways to cope and live life.
Entertaining and easy to read. I thank Ms. Jacobs for this ARC.

[Karen Klink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute read

Short and sweet with a little suspence for added spice. Enjoyed the characters and the ending was sweet just like the baked goods.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Clean Suspenseful

Megan Jacob’s Lantern Cove grabs your attention and doesn’t let go! It’s fast paced, original, and sweet. I found it to be very enjoyable and would definitely recommend it!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. It is so good! You'll find yourself in a race against time right along with the characters. The book description is a perfect summary without giving spoilers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

AFTER THE WAVE SERIES:
Ms. Jacob's writes sweet romances with likeable characters and interesting story lines that are a fun and quick read. Unfortunately, she usually cuts a book into five pieces. Having only read the prequel and the first book, this time around may be novellas instead of pieces. Source: BookSprout.

THE SISTERHOOD OF LANTERN COVE - An interesting introduction to five best friends whose friendships began in college. 4*

LANTERN COVE BEGINNINGS - Juniper's story filled with a bit of intrigue and a superhero. 5*
AFTER THE WAVE SERIES end.

Holly's Christmas Secret - I usually do not like fake, which is the same as lying, and if you do that to your family.... I turned him into a young Colin Firth with old Firth mannerisms, especially that twinkle in his eyes, and had a fun time reading this book. She was not so bad, OK, a fire breathing dragon without a pink tutu, but likeable. Sweet. Funny. Cute read. Her younger sister was just a perfect addition to the mix. Gotta have someone to stir things up. Source: BookSprout. 5*

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the series is about Juniper and what her life became after nature's tragedy that hit Bali. She came back to her hometown. Living not far from her mother and took over the Sweet Things bakery that Cassandra, Juniper's mom, owned.

Juniper's next door neighbor and best friend was also known as the most eligible bachelor in Lantern Cove, Everett. As the story went on the reader can see Everette's devotion to Juniper, only she is still not over everything yet and is appreciative of Everette's friendship. Much later and plenty of drama thanks to Cassandra who found Lucian and the two caused a lot of upheval in Juniper's and Everett's lives.

This was a good read as it had plenty of suspense, mystery, romance and chuckles. Enjoyed reading about Juniper and Everette and their story.

I received an early copy for my free and voluntary review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 10 years later, and it's Junipers Birthday. So What. She has been running the bakery since her Mother retired and trying to get over what happen 10 years ago.
When she gets home, the door is opened!!!!!
Surprise it's Seraphina & Evangeline. They had even snuck into the Bakery earlier in the day and swiped a Chocolate cake, and as Seraphina saw her having lunch with Everett( her friend and neighbor of 5 years) she invited him also. Oh well, her mother has been trying to get them together for almost 5 years.
And, her Mother has a new Fiancé. Who is this strange man?

Wow Megan, what a way to start a new series. Loving all the CHARACTERS and the story line !!!!!! Can't wait for number 2.
I received this ARC from Megan and am leaving my honest review.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juniper’s Book. Ten years after the five friends had their epic holiday in Bali (cf. “Sisterhood in Lantern Cove”), Juniper is still affected by the trauma she experienced while there. Perfectly content to run the family bakery, and spending time with her best friend and neighbour, Everitt, she believes she doesn’t need any romantic liaison, while her mom is fully focused on finding herself some future happiness!
Ms Jacobs has produced another well-written novella, keeping the reader entertained, with some nail-biting suspense added as Juniper and Everitt join forces to overcome potential evil. Juniper and her friends complement one another in talents, and personality
I received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be so exciting as we follow the girls on their quest to find a better life. Juniper, Love this name don't you?, is moving back to take over her mother's bakery and wow she is like so not excited. Her friends are there and hope to make the transition easier but there is so much history that she is going to have to deal with. I am in love with books that build up friends getting back together and woman being able to heal and move on to love.
Megan gives us that when she has Juniper's neighbor be a lawyer and turn out to be someone we would all like to have in our lives.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginnings is Juniper's story. I liked getting more idea of her life and her home. The shabby chic style of it was the kind I like. Books and mismatched furniture, some of it vintage, were a good way to furnish it.

I enjoyed learning something about her mother's life, and being with the girls again. I am feeling very comfortable with them all.

The birthday cake sounded delicious.

I liked Erverett.

What will happen to each of the girls in love and life?

This is a great continuation of the series.

Thanks to Megan Jacobs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

5 stars

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper survived a traumatic event years ago. Back in her hometown she took over the family bakery. She's struggled with letting people close. Everett has been her friend. When her mom returns from a cruise with a suspicious and dangerous looking fiancee, Everett tries to help her protect her mom. Will they succeed. Who is the fiancee and is he what they think? Can Everett get past Juniper's walls and show how he really feels?.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

true gems
It really would have been a shame had Juniper not found the courage to give love another try with Everett - they are such supportive loving characters I just wanted them to be happy together. I undestand that after her traumatic tsunami experience in Bali and watching her parents´ marriage fail Juniper was reluctant to risk the loss of loved ones, but she failed to see that the friendship to her college girlfriends was still going strong after all that had happened.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Megan Jacobs and this does not disappoint!! The is the first book in the After the Wave series. Juniper moved back to Lantern Cove, after a traumatic incident on vacation to Bali, with her four friends. On her thirty-fourth birthday two of her friends; Seraphina and Evangeline surprise her. They invite Everett; Juniper's next door neighbor over for cake. They try to talk her into dating Everett, since they are both single. Love the plot, great setting and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to the next book in the series!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper is running the family bakery taking it over from her mother. She returned from Bali with her four friends after a traumatic time, that she still has ptsd over. Everett has been her neighbor and her best friend for a couple of years. Will something happen between them? Her mom has a boyfriend that seems off what will become of him and them? I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love short reads and this book was no exception, Megan Jacob's created a world here that I want to visit, I love the characters, I love the setting, the storyline, the plot you name it this little book has me wanting more. I cant wait for the next book, I cant wait to see more of Juniper, Seraphina, Liliana, Danielle, Evangeline and what life has in store for them!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story with a strong woman who has to work through some issues to move forward in her life. The journey makes for entertaining reading. It also includes a strong, handsome man that is part of the picture. There is some romance and a little bit of drama with a couple twists. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this if you like clean romances and slow burn. In this book, the focus is on Juniper who has her own bakery. Since coming back to her hometown, she has focused on her career. When Everett returns to her hometown too, he ends up becoming her neighbour. However, Juniper has fears to overcome before they can have their happy ever after.

Note: this is a novella.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about what is going on in the five friends' lives, since their vacation in Bali. I am enjoying this series. Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Juniper is running the bakery in her small town. She is friends with Everett. However, it is clear to everyone that they want more than friendship. Thankfully, in the end everything works out, and they get their happy ending.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Megan Jacobs; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the After the Wave Series; it can be read as a stand-alone short story but would be better if read in order.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a lot of action right from the beginning. I was so happy that Juniper and Everett found their way to each other. I am looking forward to the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.