Welcome to Sunrise Bay: A Prequel Novella

by Shelly Martel

Welcome to a cozy new series filled with friendship, laughter, and happily-ever-afters.

They were just six waitresses sharing a magical summer in a small Minnesota resort town. None of them realized they were creating a bond of sisterhood strong enough to last a lifetime.

In the charming town of Autumn Harbor, Kristen Berquist organizes a beach picnic to celebrate the end of summer with her sister and best friends. On the shore of Lake Superior, these six young women share their hopes and dreams…and a few secrets.

This heartwarming prequel novella introduces the unforgettable characters at the heart of The Sunrise Bay Sisters, a touching new series about family, friendships, sweet small-town romance, and the chances we take for those we love. Fans of cozy, feel-good fiction by Laurie Gilmore, Robyn Carr and Debbie Macomber will fall in love with this emotional, uplifting series starter.

“Shelly Martel, I love your new series, and I have only one Take me away to Sunrise Bay!” –Julianne MacLean, bestselling author of These Tangled Vines

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

Reviews

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Martel has created a bitter-sweet story introducing six young women who have formed a close bond during their summer waitressing jobs, and who are spending their last evening on the beach of Lake Superior. All except Kristen will be leaving Autumn Harbor to begin their adult careers.
Sunrise brings farewells, but not before they pledge allegiance to one another, claiming the title ‘Sunrise Bay Sisters’. This novella opens the door to further novels featuring the characters, without leaving her readers with an annoying cliff-hanger. Well worth reading!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about a group of girls who all work at the same place over the summer. You get brief glimpses into each of their lives, including their relationships, which was nice for getting a sense of who they are. While it’s meant to be an introduction, I couldn’t help feeling that it might be more enjoyable after reading the original series, once you’re already invested in the characters, like a flashback kind of situation. Since I haven’t read the full series yet, that’s just the impression I got, but overall, it felt a bit too slow for me.

[Dictionary101 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story...

This novella introduces the reader to six young ladies who have spent the summer working under a tyrant at a resort lodge on the Minnesota side of Lake Superior for well-to-do vacationers. Each girl's backstory is different, but also similar because they have all struggled. As we meet them, they are spending their last night together before heading their separate ways. To find out if they reach their dreams and keep their promise to stay in touch, one will need to read the rest of the series.

[Zohaa Basra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this after getting about 80% through Sunrise Bay Cafe. I’ll leave a lengthier review on that book but this was so heartwarming to read and get the backstory of the 6 Sunrise Bay Sisters. It really broke my heart seeing Jo and Kristen interact knowing how things worked out for them. Shelly has such a way with words and helping her readers savor every word that you get such clear mental imagery like you’re right there with the characters. Loved this series thus far!

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐
Short, but promising.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship

It was a really touching cute story about two sisters and the mom, plus friends becoming sisters with them. Very heart warming.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, lighthearted
Keeps you entertained and hooked for book 2

[Julie N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m hooked! Nice short intro — Can’t wait to start the next in the series.

[Jill Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read makes me ready for summer.

Sweet read about 6 young women and their dreams for a future. Entertaining nice read, characters that worked together and became best friends.

[Shelley Vanbrunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet. Can’t wait to learn more about each of the six characters.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

short novella introducting a new series about friendship and sisterhood

[Cassandra Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

great start

It’s a great start to learning about the Sunrise Bay Sisters. The author teases you to learn about the 6 friends who part at the end of the novella

[Martha Mire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short & sweet ✨ excited to read more about these friends!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy short story to read. Love that it’s on the North Shore of MN, my favorite place!