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The Sunrise Bay Bookshop
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
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
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
51 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 21, 2026
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!
July 17, 2025
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!!
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!!
January 4, 2026
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.
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.
January 13, 2026
This series has it all! Romance, mystery, friends, family, found family! Love them both and honestly want more on Meredith's story!
February 7, 2026
Enjoyed my revisit to Autumn Harbor... glad that Holly was able to resolve many issues and become a citizen of a place she enjoyed...
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews