Second Chances at Samphire Bay

by Sasha Morgan

Young widow Jasmine has sold her narrowboat to move to the picturesque village of Samphire Bay. She needs a fresh start, away from the memories of the unsolved hit-and-run which killed her husband.

New neighbour Robin isn't pleased by her presence – he desperately wanted to buy her cottage. But he hasn't given up hope yet, befriending Jasmine with an agenda to persuade her to sell...

As Jasmine renovates the cottage, she and Robin grow closer, until Robin finds his motives confused. Does he still want her to sell up, or are his feelings becoming real?

Through it all, Jasmine continues processing her grief. And she is succeeding – until a shocking revelation that the mystery behind her husband's death has followed her to Samphire Bay…

298 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

Sasha lives in a coastal village in Lancashire, in the North West of England with her husband and Labrador dog, Zac and has a grown up son.

Besides novels, she writes articles, short stories and is on the writing team for a childrens publishers.

She loves drinking wine, walking her dog and curling up with a good book.

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. It was such a a pleasure to read this one. Relaxing, easy and the type of book to curl up on the sofa in the warm and read in a day. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Mr AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous espace reading

[Kim Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances at Samphire Bay is a heartfelt romance set in a charming British seaside village. With themes of grief, renewal, and unexpected love, this novel captures both the beauty of fresh starts and the lingering shadows of the past.

The story follows Jasmine, a young widow moving to Samphire Bay to escape the haunting memory of her husband’s unsolved hit-and-run death. Hoping to make a fresh start, she buys a cottage in the village—much to the dismay of her neighbor, Robin, who had plans to buy it himself. Initially befriending Jasmine with an agenda to persuade her to sell, Robin soon finds himself questioning his motives as genuine feelings for her begin to emerge.

The story takes a suspenseful turn when Jasmine discovers that her husband’s death may not be as far behind her as she’d hoped, adding an intriguing layer of mystery to this otherwise cozy romance.

The romance between Jasmine and Robin unfolds naturally, but it’s the small-town charm and the supporting characters that truly make this book shine. Bunty, for example, initially comes across as a well-meaning but nosy neighbor intent on matchmaking Jasmine and Robin. However, her touching backstory adds unexpected depth and makes her a sympathetic and endearing character. The subplot involving Bunty reuniting with her old flame, Perry, is a lovely reminder that it’s never too late for love.

Morgan’s writing is fast-paced, making this an easy and enjoyable read. The multiple POV format is particularly effective, allowing readers to delve into both Jasmine and Robin’s emotions, making their development and connection feel authentic. I also loved the idyllic setting of Samphire Bay, which serves as the perfect backdrop for a tale of second chances and healing.

As a fan of small-town British romances, this book was a delight. If you enjoy stories that balance heartfelt romance with a touch of intrigue, Second Chances at Samphire Bay is a wonderful pick.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for sending me a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Supriya K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Second Chances at Samphire Bay by Sasha Morgan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Publication Date: 14th November 2024

Thank you, @netgalley and @canelo_co for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Second Chances at Samphire Bay is a beautifully written, heartwarming story about Friendship, love, grief, and second chances. Though it took me some time to settle into it, the charming setting and the author’s expressive writing quickly drew me in. Sasha Morgan’s realistic storytelling brings every character and emotion to life, creating an authentic, heartfelt, and memorable experience.

Jasmine’s journey of moving forward after her husband’s tragic death is inspiring. I loved how she clings to her heart pendant, balancing memories of the past with hope for the future. Robin, who starts with ulterior motives to buy her cottage, soon finds himself drawn to Jasmine in a way he didn’t expect. His gentle, caring nature makes him a character to adore.

Bunty was a surprise favorite—I didn’t expect to like her at first, but her backstory and growth won me over. Her friendship with Jasmine adds depth to the narrative, showing the power of female support.

This book is like a warm hug, filled with tender moments and genuine emotions. It’s a fast-paced, feel-good romance with no steamy scenes, just pure, heartwarming love. If you’re looking for an uplifting read, this one is worth every moment.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine’s husband was killed by a hit and run driver. After spending some time mourning his loss, she decides she needs to move and start over fresh. She picks Samphire Bay for her fresh start. Robin has lived in Samphire Bay for years. He and his best friend refurbish houses to resell them. He wants to buy both of the cottages Bunty owns but he is only able to buy one because Jasmine has purchased the other. Now they are next door neighbors. They help each other renovate while getting to know one another. Can love blossom from grief?

This story is so full of hope and love that it’s practically overflowing. Both Jasmine and Robin are good characters with excellent backstories. The author weaves Jasmine’s husbands death into a large part of the story and even gives Jasmine some closure. The fun thing is that the character of Bunty (the town’s quirky matriarch character) even gets some closure on her past. This is a pleasing story full of family, friends, happiness and joy.

I could write out all the little details and try to weave together a detailed review but I don’t see the need. This is a well written story about getting a second chance at love and the power of kindness. This book also has one of the BEST endings ever. It might be the most romantic thing I’ve read in a very long time. It made me say awwwwww. I will read more from this author in the future.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story revolves around a young widow named Jasmine, who has recently sold her narrowboat to start anew in the idyllic village of Samphire Bay. Haunted by the memories of her husband's unsolved hit-and-run, she seeks solace and a fresh beginning in her new surroundings. However, her presence is met with disapproval from her neighbour, Robin, who harbours a strong desire to purchase her cottage. Despite his initial intentions, Robin finds himself growing closer to Jasmine as she embarks on renovating her new home, leading to a complex intertwining of motives and emotions.

As Jasmine navigates through her grief, a surprising turn of events unravels, revealing that the mystery surrounding her husband's death has followed her to Samphire Bay. Amidst the backdrop of loss, the story unfolds into a heartwarming tale of second chances in love, not only for Jasmine and Robin but also for a love lost many decades ago.

This compelling narrative offers a captivating blend of picturesque destinations and well-developed characters, ensuring an enjoyable and enthralling read until the very end. I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances at Samphire Bay is a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and new beginnings. It opens with Jasmine, who, after losing her husband and selling all her belongings, is ready for a fresh start by the sea. She finds her perfect cottage, one of two side-by-side, with the help of Bunty, a kind local who has experienced loss herself. Robin, who had also been interested in the cottages, becomes Jasmine’s neighbor, bringing his own history of heartache. Bunty, with her gift for matchmaking, is determined to bring these two together. Watching their friendship blossom was truly touching. I loved getting to know the residents of Samphire Bay and can’t wait to explore more of this delightful series!

Thank you @netgalley and @Canelo Romace for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[BookwormSally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first novel by Sasha and what a beautiful story to start my journey with.

The main character is a lady called Jasmine, who sadly right at the beginning of the book loses her husband and best friend Tom in a hit and run accident. The rest of the story follows her journey to new beginnings and those who help her along her journey. The other main characters we have are Jack and Robin who are local property developers and Bunty who is a meddlesome matchmaker, but who has the best intentions.

During Jasmines journey you are also gifted the beautiful sights of Samphire Bay that are described exquisitely and introduced to the life of narrowboat living.

[Charleen Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say thank you to Netgalley for the ARC! This was my first book I have read by Sasha Morgan. It was a sweet story filled with loss, love and friendship. Jasmine went through a heartbreak no one wants to have to go through. Her husband was hit and killed by a drunk driver. She decides to move and finds a house that needs to be fixed up along the way she meets people in the town and a good looking man next door. As she starts to heal and starts to open her heart again she has to relive the night her husband was killed. The police have found the driver who killed her husband.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story . Jasmine is still grieving for the loss of her husband , but she needs to start her life again and she buys a cottage at Samphire Bay . Her new neighbor is Robin who becomes her friend for his own reasons . Can something more blossom between ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Sally Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely heartwarming story of love and new beginnings for Jasmine after the heartbreak of losing her husband in a hit and run accident. Set in the lovely Samphire Bay you are soon engrossed in the characters and the village making it somewhere that you don't want to leave. This is my first book by this author but won't be my last

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of four people, all of whom have had various loss and are given a second chance for love. I enjoyed the various characters and stories.

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

[Emily West · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, easygoing book with a bit of mystery/drama which helps you to get to know and like the main characters. A bit of escapism to the north east coast.

[Crystal Tips · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was alright, but felt it just finished

[Debeny (debslovesreadingx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just the cutest!

[patricia mctaggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really good it left me wanting more , can you write another book about them please and about who got the Art Deco mansion.

[Julie Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of the series, this is a really good read and the setting sounds fabulous, the characters are well written and have depth, I am looking forward to g forward to book 2

This was my first by this author but I will be looking for back catalogue.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my what a delightful book to read. Never read this author but i will be looking for more of her books for sure . loved it

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances at Samphire Bay follows Jasmine, a young widow moving to Samphire Bay to escape the pain of her husband’s unresolved death. Seeking a fresh start, she meets Robin, a neighbor intent on buying her cottage. His initial motives shift as he grows closer to Jasmine, sparking unexpected emotions.

Jasmine’s healing journey intertwines with a renewed investigation into her husband’s accident, and the story explores new love for both her and an older couple. With charming characters, gentle romance, and themes of friendship and resilience, this heartfelt story promises an uplifting, emotional read.

[Meg Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Second Chances at Samphire Bay by Sasha Morgan
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

📚 What It’s About:
Set in the charming coastal village of Samphire Bay, this heartwarming story follows characters rediscovering themselves and finding unexpected love. It’s about fresh starts, healing old wounds, and embracing the possibility that happiness can come when you least expect it.

💭 What I Thought:
This was such a lovely read—feel-good and emotional all at once. The setting was beautifully described, and I felt completely wrapped up in the characters’ journeys. It struck the perfect balance between comforting and moving.

💡 Favourite Part:
The sense of community and the way everyone came together to support each other—it made the story feel extra special.

✅ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you enjoy uplifting stories with heart, warmth, and second chances, this is a perfect pick.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed the lilac well village series by this author I was looking forward to reading second chances at samphire bay and really hope there is going to be more to come of this beautiful place and it’s inhabitants and that this book marks the start of another series.

This was a story of second chances and finding happiness after dark and difficult times. I felt completely invested in the story from start to finish and was a quick ready which I read in practically one sitting. Loved all of the characters and the descriptions of the bay a truly delightful heartwarming and charming read

[Susie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this book as it's an easy read. I felt the characters were a bit Boring though. my favourite part was the cottage renovation. overall at 3 star book

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine moves to a cottage in Samphire Bay after the tragic death of her husband. She soon makes some lovely friends while renovating her new cottage, then encounters some disturbing news along the way which helps her move on.
The setting was beautiful and the characters were well written and very likeable with Bunty being my favourite.
This is the first book in the Samphire Bay series and I cannot wait for the next instalment to find out how all the characters are doing.
Thanks to NetGalley, Sasha Morgan and Canelo for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Martina Bohnslav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story of a woman who finds love after loss. Thrown together by a scheming elderly woman - the tale of Jasmine and Robin made for a quick, cozy, fall read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the E-ARC!

[Olivia Dwyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

very predictable, lots of spelling mistakes and lowkey boring. Not bad for my first romance novel but won’t be recommending to anyone