Fish Perfume

Cozy Harbor Marina #1

by Sammie Grace

Meggie is at a crossroads in her life. Bored with teaching, and mending a broken heart, she jumps at the chance to run her grandmother’s marina in Rhode Island. The sight of Philly, in her rear view mirror, was a view she couldn’t pass up. Surrounded by the quirky characters and chaos of a marina during the heat of the summer, Meggie has her hands full. There’s a female ex-Marine cook, an Italian hunk, a handsome lobsterman, a Polish Princess, and a sweet-natured hooker. Everyone is looking for love except Meggie. When she meets the man of her dreams, she has to decide if he wants her, or her legacy.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Mystery

328 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 2012

About the author

Sammie Grace lives in Rhode Island with her husband and her diva dog Lucy. She grew up in Philadelphia in a large Irish family. Sammie got her love of reading from her mother, who always encouraged all her kids to pick up a book and get out of her hair. When Sammie is not writing, you can find her on the golf course, working in the garden or walking the dog.

Sammie likes to write books that make people laugh and feel good about life and love.

Reviews

[Jennifer Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into this book from the start.. .. from getting into the car with Meggie from Philly to the Marina in Rhode Island.. The Characters are fantastic.. I laughed so much especially the girls taking the boat out and the pole dancing class!!! the romance.. the angst.. the fun is all there.. this was a great cannot put down book.. Sammie Grace has proved she can write.. I look forward to reading more of her books

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: "Meggie is at a crossroads in her life. Bored with teaching, and mending a broken heart, she jumps at the chance to run her grandmother’s marina in Rhode Island. The sight of Philly, in her rear view mirror, was a view she couldn’t pass up. Surrounded by the quirky characters and chaos of a marina during the heat of the summer, Meggie has her hands full. There’s a female ex-Marine cook, an Italian hunk, a handsome lobsterman, a Polish Princess, and a sweet-natured hooker. Everyone is looking for love except Meggie. When she meets the man of her dreams, she has to decide if he wants her, or her legacy."

My Review: This was a wonderful local book. It took a little while to get really into the groove but once the story got going and you became familiar with the cast of characters it was really hard to put down. Speaking of cast of characters, wow, there were a lot of them but they were all unique and well developed. I truly enjoyed all of them and am looking forward to revisiting some of them in the next book Toe to Toe.

[Vernon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sammie Grace has written a romantic comedy that allows you to join the gang down by the Marina at Cozy Cove. The writing is easy and fun to read even if you are a guy that usually devours Non-Fiction and Tech manuals. Fish Perfume was like taking a vacation in New England with characters so real and comfortable you want to call them over for a BBQ and a beer. If you are lucky they may just take you out clamming. Take your Read-cation today!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became so invested in the characters in this quaint seaside locale that I forgot where I was. I always love books by the sea, and this was no exception. In fact, loved it so much I had to get the second one in the series, Toe to Toe.

[Stephen Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely romantic novel filled with great characters and good story line throughout. You can't help but wait to see if the end is what you hope for, but never sure it will be. Definitely worth the 5* as it's also quite humorous as well with some good one liners.

[Pam Ferderbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming story populated by quirky but lovable characters. Being a foodie I especially enjoyed the detailed seafood descriptions! Delicious little book - set in a salty, summery place. Totally enjoyable!

[Janet Buckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This was my first read of this author and I loved everything about it. Looking forward to starting the next book in the series.

[Carrie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me happy. I love a happy ending :)

[Sally taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever laughed so hard while reading a book! Sammie Grace gets my humor for sure!!!

[Julia Hepperle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and fun to read. Loved the setting and the characters.

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rhode Island - Romance novel with no fucking? I read this mostly because the setting is a marina. The boat stuff wasn't too detailed either.

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

My biggest pet peeve with this book? This STUPID LINE: "I basically decided to be a teachers because I really didn't have any idea of what I wanted to do. I'm not passionate about it like some of the other teachers."

STOP THE DAMN PRESSES. I hate, hate, HATE when people say that's why they become teachers and it gives some of us who WANT to be a teacher an image because it shows that SOME people SUCK as educators. POOR way to get her to make leaving her job easier, Grace. :(

Other than that... the book wasn't bad. Aside from her "not wanting to gain weight" (heaven forbid Meggie became a size 10!) and the fact that EVERY. SINGLE. character had to tell her Ian loved her, I liked the book. I think I enjoyed the secondary characters more, though.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although romantic comedy is not the type of book I usually read, I thought I'd give it a try since it takes place in my home state. It was a good book with lots of likeable characters, who at times seemed too good to be true. I'm sure this book would make a very cute movie for the Hallmark Channel. If you're looking for a nice story with no really nasty occurrences, I would recommend Fish Perfume though they should definitely change the title for the movie.
By the way Bruce Springsteen did not write a song called "Born on the Fourth of July" it was "Born in the USA".

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Reads author, Sammie Grace, has written a romantic comedy called "Fish Perfume". As the title hints at, the book has to do with life at a marina and all that goes with it. This book may have the "smell" of the sea, but it also has quirky, likable characters who care about each other. Meggie goes to Rhode Island to help run her grandmother's marina during the summer. Along the way she learns a lot about herself as she looks for her happy ending. Definitely a fun read! (319 pages)

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just an ok book that will be forgotten an hour after reading it. The writing was a bit choppy and the characters were uninspiring. I would classify it as a YA romance with no high or low points to make it memorable.

[Natalie Alder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy love story

I enjoyed this love story and all the side stories. Being from New England and a former resident of Rhode Island it was fun to see all the local references.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, easy read. Typical predictable chick-lit. Could use some better editing.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romance, not a cozy mystery. It was fun and light reading. Lots of fun characters.