The Sunrise Bay Bookshop

by Shelly Martel

Sometimes the most beautiful chapters begin when you least expect them.

When stay-at-home mom Holly Ericson is suddenly widowed, she discovers that her husband was keeping secrets—and he emptied their bank accounts. With a three-year-old son to support, Holly leaves Chicago in search of a fresh start.

In the small lakeside town of Autumn Harbor, Minnesota, she finds new hope and the inspiration for a new business, if she can restore a neglected old building in time for tourist season. She gets an unexpected ally in her late husband’s best friend, a handsome ex-hockey player. The man she's spent years avoiding offers to help her rebuild, but Holly isn't sure she can trust her dreams—or her heart—to anyone again.

As she transforms the crumbling building into a charming bookshop, Holly must also unravel her husband’s secrets…and find the courage to face a surprising twist of fate that threatens her second chance at happiness.

Perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Robyn Carr and Susan Mallery, The Sunrise Bay Bookshop is a touching novel about second chances, the healing power of books and friendship, and finding the strength to write your own happy ending.

Girls vibesCozy small townSweet second chance romanceNo spice - kisses onlyGuaranteed HEAFound familyGirlfriend group shenanigansA touch of cozy mystery

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

Reviews

[Lisa Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has it all! Romance, mystery, friends, family, found family! Love them both and honestly want more on Meredith's story!

[Zohaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my lord.. where do I even begin! Another masterpiece out of the brilliant mind of Shelly Martel. Just as I reached the end thinking I’d have a critique about the rift between the protagonist and her mom, she managed in true effortless fashion to tie up all loose ends in a beautiful story that I wished was real life. Would love love LOVE to see these books turned into a movie and would absolutely love to revisit Autumn Harbor in future books. Only one question: why does autumn harbor seem to be the haven for widows and widowers? Kristen, Ethel, Kristen’s mom, Matt, Angelo, now Holly? Would love to have seen a slightly different storyline play out. That being my only critique! Other than that, absolutely loved it!

[Leah Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great story

I have enjoyed both book 1 and book 2, and I’m ready for book 3!

I love how each book develops not only the main characters, but all the side characters and the side characters returned in the next book with more added. She has even created character for the dogs!

Keep writing!!

[Katie Price Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful 2nd book

I am loving this series. The story lines are great. There is enough suspense and drama. Love abounds and everyone loves a happy ending. I’m so ready for Meredith’s story.

[Hope E Punneo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Loved this story...very nicely written.

This should have a continued story to keep this family going😍

Thank you for these moments to slip into a very nice read.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed my revisit to Autumn Harbor... glad that Holly was able to resolve many issues and become a citizen of a place she enjoyed...

[Brandi Jividen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and clever! I really enjoyed the story.

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful!!

Loved the way the book began. Very interesting and colorful characters. Did not think the ending would be so fabulous!!

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I absolutely loved this story. Great friendships represented. Sweet romance. Great characters and a few twist and turns in the plot. So well done.

[Dana Bealin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Summer Read! Characters were very likable. Reading this made me wish I lived in a town like Autumn Harbor.

[Nicole Bochinis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is soo good!!! I can’t wait until the 3rd book 🥹

[Paulette Ondara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man this one was heartbreaking. You start the story out with her husband dying on a trip and her never getting to say goodbye. Then as she wraps up all their affairs she learns her husband had secrets. She moves to his hometown to start over. Once there the answers start to come out but with more questions.