Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

Micklewick Bay #3

by Eliza J. Scott

Welcome to your happy place…

Stella Hutton has everything under control. Her high-flying career as a lawyer relies on her keeping a calm, rational head on her shoulders. She hasn’t got time for love, or space for a man in her glamorous new apartment, a converted warehouse overlooking the rugged cliffs of Micklewick Bay.

But when a handsome stranger walks into the Jolly Sailors pub, with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a head of dark curls, everything changes. Making a beeline for her, Alex Bainbridge introduces himself while a gorgeous labrador waits at his feet. Electricity instantly sparks between Stella and Alex, as her heart flips inside her chest and her usual strict rules about men fly out the window…

Stella thinks her crush will pass. But every time she bumps into Alex - on her daily jog along the promenade, at the supermarket, inside the Happy Hartes Bookshop - her feelings only grow stronger. Her close-knit group of friends have never seen her like this before. After thirty years of being happily single, has Stella finally met the one? Or will her cherished independence sabotage her chance at a forever love?

Escape to Micklewick Bay in an uplifting, feel-good page-turner for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2024

About the author

Eliza writes heartwarming romance stories with happy endings.

She lives in North Yorkshire with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write stories that will make you cry tears of joy, laughter and sadness.

You can find out more or get in touch here:

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/elizajscot...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajscott/

Reviews

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another refreshing Micklewick Bay read! This is the third installment and in this book we follow Stella. Stella and her mother are just alike when it comes to men and relationships. They never let them get too close because all they will do is hurt you. Alice has learned this through experience, after she got pregnant with Stella at the age of 18 and her then boyfriend and child's father abandoned her. Not only did he abandon her, but so did her own parents. From that moment, Alice swore to give both herself and her daughter the best life, even if it means keeping men at bay.
Growing up, Stella has seen and learned from her mother, and has become successful, but has also avoided serious relationships with men. She's a fling kind of girl, until she meets Alex, who suddenly has her heart going flips and skipping beats. Stella doesn't want to get too close to him, however she can't help it. He's different. Stella struggles with her approach with Alex, but also with her approach to her mother's new boyfriend, Rhys. Stella has never seen her mother with a man, let alone this happy. Rhys is not like Stella's father, he is different. Although Stella wouldn't really know this because her father's identity has been hidden from her for over three decades. In the middle of dealing with work as a lawyer and a new relationship, Stella decides it is time to find out the truth about her father.
I really enjoyed this book! It is, yet again, another breath of fresh air and the perfect light read!

Thank you NetGalley. Storm Publishing, and Eliza J Scott for this read!

[Breanna Ratigan]

Thank you Storm Publishing and Eliza J. Scott for sending me this eARC. Unfortunately, I did not finish reading this book. I found the pacing of the book to be a little slow for my preference and the structure confusing. There were times where I struggled to know whose point of view I was reading (Stella vs. her mom at one point). I also felt that some of the dialogue felt forced and unnecessary with the side characters; although, maybe that is to tie in the other books in this series. I did enjoy the backstory leading into the plot, of the fierce independence she grew up with, and that Stella is a powerful woman, but the book just missed the mark for a me a bit. I don’t like to DNF books, but when the structure and writing is difficult for me to follow it makes it more likely I won’t be able to finish.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story follows Stella a lawyer and Alex an architect. Stella’s has grown up in Micklewick bay and Alex is new in town after meeting in random places the finally found out they are neighbours.
It took me a while to get in this book at some points I felt I was waiting for something to happen. I think there were topics in the book which could have been explored more in depth. It was a good easy read.
Thank you to Eliza J Scott and Net Galley for allowing me to read this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed my second visit to Micklewick Bay. This time the focus is on Stella, her work life, love life and the sudden appearance of her long lost father. I particularly enjoyed her relationship with her mother, and the way she learned not to jump to hasty conclusions. I look forward to the next instalment in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a copy to freely review.

[Mylissa B · Rating 2 out of 5]

You definitely need to have read the first two books in this series to enjoy this book. The author references what happened in the other books in the series often. I unfortunately didn't find the writing well done or the characters well developed. I actually found my attention straying because nothing was happening.

This is a very character driven, slow novel about family drama. Just doesn't seem to be the book for me

[Lauren Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an easy summer read, especially for a beach day. The end seemed a bit rushed, and I wish there was more focus on Stella and Alex.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Vicki F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this! The strong, loyal friendship of five women, The strong female main character Stella. Her independent savvy mom. The handsome new neighbor and his adorable lab. Secrets unraveled coming back to haunt. Excellent plot. Releases May 1st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series. It’s Stella’s story.
It was nice checking in with everyone we met in the previous book. I liked Stella and Alex together.
It’s a sweet romance that moves fairly quickly. There are some side stories that add extra interest.
Another good beach read

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Love in Micklewick Bay by Eliza J. Scott

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Welcome to your happy place…

Stella Hutton has everything under control. Her high-flying career as a lawyer relies on her keeping a calm, rational head on her shoulders. She hasn’t got time for love, or space for a man in her glamorous new apartment, a converted warehouse overlooking the rugged cliffs of Micklewick Bay.

But when a handsome stranger walks into the Jolly Sailors pub, with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a head of dark curls, everything changes. Making a beeline for her, Alex Bainbridge introduces himself while a gorgeous labrador waits at his feet. Electricity instantly sparks between Stella and Alex, as her heart flips inside her chest and her usual strict rules about men fly out the window…

Stella thinks her crush will pass. But every time she bumps into Alex - on her daily jog along the promenade, at the supermarket, inside the Happy Hartes Bookshop - her feelings only grow stronger. Her close-knit group of friends have never seen her like this before. After thirty years of being happily single, has Stella finally met the one? Or will her cherished independence sabotage her chance at a forever love?

My Opinion

My third to visit to Micklewick Bay has been lovely. This was such a uplifting read, and it was great to be around some familiar characters whilst also getting to meet some new residents. I read this book over a few days and it was so easy to just keep turning the pages - I really struggled to put the book down.

For me this was an entertaining read. With some great descriptions you will really want to visit Micklewick Bay - it does seem like a lovely place.

Rating 4/5

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza J Scott’s Finding Love in Micklewick Bay is a gorgeous romantic charmer perfect for snuggling up with!

Stella Hutton is a high-flying lawyer who loves her life. She adores her job, her circle of friends and has neither the time nor the inclination for romance. Her career gives her all the stimulation she requires and she cherishes her freedom and independence. No man is worth giving up the life she has worked so incredibly hard for – until a handsome stranger walks into the Jolly Sailors pub with his gorgeous dog and sweeps her off her feet!

Sparks begin to fly the second Stella and Alex lock eyes. Even though she cannot deny that she’s attracted to him, Stella is a grown woman who is sure that she will get over her crush in no time. Only fate might have other plans in store for her. As she falls more in love with Alex with each passing day, will Stella be strong enough to grab this chance at happiness with both hands? Is she willing to let Alex into her life and her heart? Or will her independence end up jeopardising a love that could lasts a lifetime?

I’ve fallen in love with Micklewick Bay and Eliza J Scott’s writing and romance fans will swoon over this enjoyable charmer with a lovely heroine, gorgeous hero, an adorable dog and plenty of heart, humour and warmth to keep them engrossed from beginning to end.

Perfect for Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley fans, Finding Love in Micklewick Bay is another enjoyable romantic treat by Eliza J Scott.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK: FINDING LOVE IN MICKLEWICK BAY
AUTHOR: ELIZA J. SCOTT
PUB DATE: MAY 2023
👩🏼‍⚖️👨🏼‍💼
REVIEW- 3.5stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👨🏼‍💼👩🏼‍⚖️
The thing about this book is that I would have liked it much better if it had less information. I liked the characters, storyline, and the small town, but I had to skip some paragraphs and pages because they had unnecessary information. But, you will definitely enjoy the book if you can get past the TMI
👩🏼‍⚖️👨🏼‍💼
My favorite thing about this book is the character development of the FMC, Stella. She really grew up in this book, and I was proud of her. I also liked her mother, Alice. Singlehandedly raising a child on her own must have been daunting. I admired her strength. I also liked the MMC, Alex. He was a perfect book boyfriend with a cute dog, too! I would have liked reading his POV.
👨🏼‍💼👩🏼‍⚖️
The second thing I liked was the setting and the characters at Micklewick Bay. They were amazing and I liked their love for each other, especially Stella's group of friends. I also liked that the author was able to describe the relationship between Stella and Alex without any opened Door scenes
👩🏼‍⚖️👨🏼‍💼
The other things I didn't like was the lack of Danger in Stella's 'situation' and her father. Let me just say I wouldn't be as nice as her.
👨🏼‍💼👩🏼‍⚖️
This book was okay and I might read another of the author's books

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having met Stella in the previous books, her reputation for being disinterested in relationships was made very clear. Put off the idea by her mother’s stance, she was perfectly happy with her career and her friendship group. As we are taken on a guided tour of her life, it’s hard not to be enviable of her success and all the trappings that have come with it. I absolutely loved the descriptions of her apartment.
Stella is not a man-hater, though. She’s just too focused on other elements of her life, and that suits her. Having grown up as an only child to her business-focused, single mother, it’s easy to see that this apple hadn’t landed far from the proverbial tree.
We then meet Alex, a stranger to Micklewick and breathtakingly handsome. Stella soon starts to question her decisions. Alex is the perfect example of a leading man, and I totally understand why Stella is torn between the life she knows and the unknown territory of a relationship.
It was great to get under Stella’s skin and learn more about her past. Her backstory had been perfectly told in the first couple of books, and I was thrilled to learn more. There was a gentle innocence to their courtship, which was definitely one for fans of clean romance. Just skip the thoughts which were definitely not innocent.
Once again, this is an ensemble story, and we find ourselves catching up on the lives and loves of the familiar characters from the previous books. The author definitely has the knack of developing characters in such a way that before you know it, they feel like lifelong friends. A special mention has to go to Fred the Labrador, the clumsy companion of Alex. His innocent antics practically bring their romance to an end before they really get going, but if you want to know how, you’ll need to read this delightful story.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: Finding Love Micklewick Bay
Author: Eliza J. Scott
Publisher: Storm Publications
Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: May 1, 2024
My Rating: 3.6
Pages: 337

Stella Hutton is a young lawyer who has an apartment that overlooks the rugged cliffs of Micklewick Bay. She is has been very serious about her career as a lawyer and never had time for romance.
However, one day she is at the local pub ‘The Jolly Sailors’ a handsome stranger walks in with Fred his Labrador and walks up to her. The stranger Alex Bainbridge introduces himself.
Sure enough Stella and Alex feel a connection. It was such fun following their journey. It was more than their romance it was finding someone you can trust and share and develop a true relationship.

This was my first Eliza J. Scott story. I enjoyed her ‘A Letter from the Author’ as well as her ‘Acknowledgements.
She tells us about her research. We know Micklewick Bay is a fictional town but she tells us the names of the areas that we just may find sound a lot like Micklewick Bay.

This was an enjoyable read.

Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publications for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 1, 2024

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Finding Love in Micklewick Bay by Eliza J. Scott is a contemporary romance where Stella Hutton, a barrister in the UK, moves into a new apartment in her hometown and meets Alex, a single man with a lab who charms her. As Stella falls further for Alex, she also starts to want to learn who her father is as her mother, Alice, is adamant that Stella’s father is not worth the effort.

What I liked was how Stella’s career as a barrister plays into how she approaches a lot of things. She tends to jump the gun and assume the worst and that is fairly consistent throughout the novel as one of her major flaws. When Stella and Alex meet, she initially believes that a woman he is with is his girlfriend instead of asking, giving him the cold shoulder the moment the thought enters her mind.

I would recommend this to fans of contemporary romance where the FMC’s fatal flaw is the cause of the misunderstandings, readers of romance who like a roughly 50-50 mix between romance and an exploration of other aspects of the POV character’s life, and those looking for a small town UK romance.

[Mischke Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella Hutton has everything under control. Her high-flying career as a lawyer relies on her keeping a calm, rational head on her shoulders. She hasn’t got time for love, or space for a man in her glamorous new apartment, a converted warehouse overlooking the rugged cliffs of Micklewick Bay.

But when a handsome stranger walks into the Jolly Sailors pub, with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a head of dark curls, everything changes. Making a beeline for her, Alex Bainbridge introduces himself while a gorgeous labrador waits at his feet. Electricity instantly sparks between Stella and Alex, as her heart flips inside her chest and her usual strict rules about men fly out the window…

I enjoyed this story. It isn't your typical lovey dovey romance and it is filled with real human struggles. Also the primary character also doesn't have it perfect... I like it because it makes it relatable! I would describe it at a closed door romance and very easy to read.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC #FindingLoveinMicklewickBay #NetGalley.

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the cover of this book and couldn't wait to start reading it.

The author writes so descriptively from the buildings and scenery in Micklewick Bay to the lovely range of characters she has.

As this is book 3 in the series it was lovely to be back with the girls, this time focusing on Stella. I liked Stella and thought she was such a sassy, independent woman. Unfortunately, her mum having had a bad experience with a man, has brought Stella up to be independent and not rely on a man. So when Alex appears on the scene and turns her emotions upside down she doesn't know how to react. The relationship between Stella and her mum was interesting and my heart went out to both of them at times.

This was a lovely heartwarming read but along with Stella's developing relationship with Alex there are another 2 storylines running alongside. This made for a great page turning read as I was interested in the outcome of both. 

I do hope there will be more books in this series by the author.

Thank you Rachel's Random Resources and Eliza J Scott for my gifted copy and spot on the tour. 

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say that this is my favourite of the three Micklewick Bay which I have read. This is because of the central character, Stella, who is a strongly written character. On the surface, she seems capable, intelligent and independent. You realise that some of those characteristics are a cover for some vulnerabilities and insecurities. Still, her determination to be strong takes her forward, even when she is afraid. Wary of getting involved, Stella looks to her mother as a role model. When her mother starts a relationship, Stella finds some of her assumptions under threat.

As part of the Micklewick Bay series, this story follows on smoothly. There are plenty of opportunities to see familiar faces and to find out where they are all up to in their lives. Some new characters add a little humour and Stella finds herself being surprised by the answers to a few questions she has had about her past. With friendship, community and family at its heart, this is an uplifting read.

In short: Strong characters and family ties
Thank to the author for a copy of the book

[Elizabeth O'Keefe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy Setting & Sweet Moments, But Hard to Fully Connect

Finding Love in Micklewick Bay offers a charming, feel-good escape with a beautifully written small-town setting. Eliza J. Scott paints Micklewick Bay with warmth and detail — it felt like a real place, and I loved the sense of community woven throughout the story.

Stella is clearly a strong and capable heroine, deeply devoted to her child and her circle of friends. But because she kept her guard up for so much of the book, it was hard to really connect with her on a deeper emotional level. At times, it felt like she never fully allowed space for anything more — even her romance with Alex — which made their connection feel a bit distant. After all the lovely buildup, the ending also felt rushed, and I wished there had been more time spent on the resolution of their relationship.

Still, it’s a sweet, comforting read with a strong sense of place and heart — especially for those who love independent heroines and gentle small-town romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my DRC!

[Chiara]

This is the third book in the Micklewick Bay series, I was not aware when I started reading it, so I ended up reading this first and book #2 afterwards. I absolutely loved the book, it's a warm, charming, feel-good read that immediately transported me to the picturesque world of Micklewick Bay, where love and community intertwine in the most heartwarming way.

This book follows Stella, a very independent, fierce woman, who after many years of being alone and happy finds her world turned upside down by the arrival of Alex, a handsome newcomer that makes her feel things she's never felt before. I think the author beautifully captures Stella's contrasting feelings, choosing between embracing love or maintaining her independence.

The atmosphere of Micklewick Bay is beautiful, filled with well-developed characters that really add something to the story and made me just wanna be there too!

I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of cozy romance novels, 10/10!

[Carina Tripodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a super light beach read, this might be the book for you. In my case, this was mostly my obsession of finishing of a series of book that made me do it.
I liked the first book in the Micklewick Bay collection better than the others. Stella’s story has a little bit more suspense, but I got really annoyed by how much the writer wanted to make her sound like a “luxurious girl”. We get it, she wears designer bags and shoes all the time and buys from department stores, but there really was no need to be so specific about such details that don’t add to the storyline.
The characters lack depth which I guess might be intentional to keep things light, but I’m learning this isn’t the type of book for me.

[Angela Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is focused on Stella a lawyer who has been brought up by her single mum in Micklewick Bay.
I found this book quite slow to start but the pace improved throughout the book.
I liked Stella as a character and I enjoyed her relationship with Alex. It was an easy read with some
Hard hitting topics which could have been explored in more detail.
The ending was just what I wanted to happen and Im looking forward to reading more from this author and finding out what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley, Eliza J Scott and Storm publishing for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, dear Stella, you finally got hit by Cupid's arrow! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Stella is so determined to stay single until Alex shows up, then ... not so much. To be fair it's not an easy road with Stella dealing with her deadbeat father who suddenly shows up, a stalker, and her Mum's new love interest. Not to mention a very amusing misunderstanding over some underwear that had me giggling! The descriptions of Micklewick Bay make me want to go and visit. Well worth reading and although characters from the previous book appear, this can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Eliza J. Scott for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we get to know Stella as she finally may have found the one and no-one is more surprised than Stella herself. She has always been single and her friends thought that she would never fall in love. All that may be about to change when she meets Alex. Once again another dog stole my heart and it was nice to add more characters in the mix. The plot of this one has family relationships between Stella and her mother and father. Stella takes after her mother when it comes to relationships with men and I can understand why and it was enjoyable to unravel the mystery of Stella. I hope there are going to be more books in this fun loving series.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review…

Finding Love In Micklewick Bay is actually book number three from the Micklewick Bay series but can very easily be read as a standalone without any problems at all.

It is billed as an uplifting and utterly heartwarming page turner to escape with and honestly, this sums it up perfectly.

This book was a wonderful addition to the series and it pulled me in right from the very beginning as it was such an easy read.

In this book we get to know Stella, who has grown up in Micklewick Bay and Alex who is new in town.

I loved this wonderful, small town romance and now i am left eagerly waiting for the next instalment…

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy this book. It's mostly an easy read, but some of the bits about (and the result of) the court and the legal environment around it are a more awkward read (in a good way). It really makes you think. You never know entirely which way the tale is going to go.

I love all of the characters that we meet, especially Fred, the troublesome Lab! It is an interesting to find out how everyone links together, even when the consequences are not good ones.

This is definitely a lovely summer read, and makes you want to explore our coastline a little more.

I felt this did finish a little abruptly..

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella is very career-minded. She is a well-respected lawyer with no time for romance. But when a handsome stranger walks into the pub where is she lunching, she can’t her eyes off him. He walks straight to her, and sparks fly. Stella believes it’s a passing fancy, but they keep running into each other, and feelings grow. Is Stella ready to make an adjustment in her life, opening up for the possibility of love? This feel-good story is bound to warm your heart with its uplifting message: it’s never too late for love. This is another fine addition to this entertaining series.

[Adledih Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the mother daughter bond in this book, which isn’t the main point but it was nice! I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary information about other characters, but I assume it’s to help tie in her other books that are also based in the fictional town. I felt like there was a lot of lead up to certain elements but not a lot of follow through. Overall it was a cute read that I could see others enjoy.

[Alexandra Trachsler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story line and it was interesting towards the end. This book took me a while to get through and I thought about DNFing it a few times but I hate DNFing. Took me a while to understand the way it’s written but I think that was just the country difference given that the author is from Yorkshire England I believe. So the speech just wasn’t as common to me. Definitely a cute lil book but probs not one I’d read again.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story about barrister Stella and new to Micklewick Bay Alex. Some points felt a bit plodding but a good overall romance with interesting characters.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Love in Micklewick Bay is an easy read, entertaining, and well-written. It has romance, the hard truth sometimes one faces regarding parents and partners, and the need to relax a little and live a little.
I thank Ms. Scott, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.