The Sunrise Bay Cafe

by Shelly Martel

Originally published under the title The Sunrise Bay Sisters

“The ultimate feel-good novel. Shelly Martel delivers a delightful, cozy read filled with colorful characters, sweet romance, and a charming setting. I loved it!” –Julianne MacLean, bestselling author of These Tangled Vines

Kristen Berquist has always been the reliable devoted single mom, beloved town sweetheart, and manager of her family’s lakeside café. But with her daughter off to college, Kristen is finally ready for her own adventure—and a fresh start far from her hometown of Autumn Harbor, Minnesota.

There’s just one her estranged sister. Busy building a fashion empire in New York City, Joanna Berquist rarely sets foot in Minnesota anymore. But when their late mother’s will reveals a stunning stipulation, it forces a reunion neither woman wants.

As they navigate long-buried secrets, a handsome newcomer arrives in town and his friendship with Kristen blossoms into romance. With all their hopes and dreams at risk, the sisters must decide what truly holding onto the past or opening their hearts to new beginnings.

“A captivating tale of second chances, The Sunrise Bay Café pulls you in with its warm charm and keeps you hooked. Perfect for fans of feel-good fiction who like their beach reads with a dash of intrigue.” –Susan Wiggs, New York Times Bestselling Author

Girls vibesSweet small town romanceNo spice—kisses onlyGuaranteed HEAFound familyGirlfriend group shenanigansA touch of cozy mystery

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2025

Reviews

[Dorothy Morawsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new author Shelly Martel. This book was so good. Sometimes we hear things differently than the one that is talking, if we could get the same meaning as the one talking we wouldn't have so much built up hurt inside our hearts.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having met the six ‘sisters’ in Book 1, the author moves the time-line forward by 20 years, focusing on Kristen in this book.
Despite an unexpected codicil to her late mom’s will that threatens to derail Kristen’s determination to leave Autumn Harbor and fulfil her youthful travel ambitions, she and friends, Meredith, Holly and Dani, devise a creative plan to ‘sell’ the Berquist family café. Additional doubts about her plans are triggered by the arrival of new resident, Max and the actions of her estranged sister, Jo, a fashion designer in New York.
Ms Martel maintains an engaging story-line with changes in pace and plot that will make readers experience several different emotions from happiness to distress, frustration, anger, and, ultimately to delight as Kristen’s difficulties and uncertainties are resolved.

[Zohaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. Shelly Martel is a great writer and has a knack for storytelling that’s so hard to find nowadays. It was a perfect feel good book with lots of twists and turns and mysteries and sorrow and frustrations and romance and happily ever afters. Her descriptive words paint such precise mental imagery that you feel like you’re right there with the characters. All of the characters (supporting ones included) and the plot lines (big and small) were so well fleshed out that I could not put this book down. Each character showed growth. Cherry on the cake was getting to reminisce about my short time living in Minnesota for law school with all the wonderful Minnesotan and midwestern anecdotes and sayings she sprinkled throughout the book. I really wish they make this one into a movie!! I’d be first in line to see it! ♥️

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friends

Not only a group of best friends, but a sister best friend. Great, likeable characters with sisters Kristen and Joanna taking the lead. Author does great mod of describing the town without going overboard. She draws you into the environment so you want to be a part of everything. Didn't want the story to end so will look forward to next one.

[Ruth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story

I was so happy that Joanna and Kristen worked out their differences and became best friends again. So happy about Matt and Angelo such gentlmen. Loved it can't wait for next one.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much, not realizing that it was book 2. Now I have to get book 1 before I can read 3.

[Julie N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just pre-ordered book 3!

[Mary Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, charming story of small-town friendships, family, and second-chance love. A fun beach read! (Or in-front-of-the-fire read!)

[Martha Mire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet and makes me want to visit Michigan! This book felt like a hug!

[Kylie Litman · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read

I Loved this book! It made me laugh and cry, everything about it was so heartfelt and perfect. I have no idea why it is not all over bookstagram, it needs to be!

[Jayme Raffauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story and I enjoyed this one a lot. Sister dynamics, family estrangement and reconciliation, changes to the mom’s will, empty nesting, small town life/drama, and more. Cute read.

[Lisa Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book to read for a feel good feeling on friendship, sisters, and love. This book has it all!