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Nantucket Love Story #2
Is It Any Wonder: A Nantucket Love Story
Can a promise made as kids bring them back together as adults? In this Nantucket-set beach listen, “master of the genre” (
Midwest Book Review
) Courtney Walsh delivers a sparkling inspirational romance about first love and second chances.
Twelve years ago, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers made a pact that no matter where their lives took them, they’d return to Nantucket Island’s Brant Point Lighthouse on July 30, their shared golden birthday, and continue their tradition of exchanging birthday wishes. But that was before a tragic accident upended both of their lives, irrevocably pulling them apart.
Their worlds collide just months before that particular day when Louisa’s fledgling event planning company is hired by the local Coast Guard station, where she discovers Cody has recently returned to the island as the second in command. As they plan a regatta fundraiser, hoping to promote positive PR in the community, neither can deny the fireworks each encounter ignites. But working together also brings up memories of the day Cody’s father died, revealing secrets that have Cody and Louisa questioning everything they thought they knew and felt about their families and each other.
Twelve years ago, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers made a pact that no matter where their lives took them, they’d return to Nantucket Island’s Brant Point Lighthouse on July 30, their shared golden birthday, and continue their tradition of exchanging birthday wishes. But that was before a tragic accident upended both of their lives, irrevocably pulling them apart.
Their worlds collide just months before that particular day when Louisa’s fledgling event planning company is hired by the local Coast Guard station, where she discovers Cody has recently returned to the island as the second in command. As they plan a regatta fundraiser, hoping to promote positive PR in the community, neither can deny the fireworks each encounter ignites. But working together also brings up memories of the day Cody’s father died, revealing secrets that have Cody and Louisa questioning everything they thought they knew and felt about their families and each other.
Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2021
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About the author
Courtney Walsh
37 books5,387 followersCourtney Walsh is a novelist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes low spice romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists. She is also a Carol award winner and Christy award finalist.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
July 6, 2024
It’s no secret I love Courtney Walsh’s inspirational romances. Every time I read one, I feel uplifted afterwards. Is It Any Wonder is her newest Nantucket Love Story, but it’s ok if you haven’t read If For Any Reason yet. This one stands on its own, too.
Cody and Louisa made a pact twelve years ago to return to the lighthouse they love on Nantucket, to celebrate their shared birthday. In those in between years, a tragedy happens, and it drives them apart.
They both end up back in Nantucket months before “the day” and are working together on a project as the feelings between the two begin to grow again. At the same time, being together brings back the loss, and they may not be able to move past that.
Courtney Walsh writes the best characters. They feel authentic from the very start and you can’t help but feel for them. I love these “what if” type stories, even if they can be so complicated on the heart. Is It Any Wonder is especially so because of the grief and loss involved, and Walsh handles those topics with care. I also loved the small thread of mystery in this one. Grief, loss, hope, forgiveness, and love - Is It Any Wonder is another powerful inspirational romance from Courtney Walsh!
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Cody and Louisa made a pact twelve years ago to return to the lighthouse they love on Nantucket, to celebrate their shared birthday. In those in between years, a tragedy happens, and it drives them apart.
They both end up back in Nantucket months before “the day” and are working together on a project as the feelings between the two begin to grow again. At the same time, being together brings back the loss, and they may not be able to move past that.
Courtney Walsh writes the best characters. They feel authentic from the very start and you can’t help but feel for them. I love these “what if” type stories, even if they can be so complicated on the heart. Is It Any Wonder is especially so because of the grief and loss involved, and Walsh handles those topics with care. I also loved the small thread of mystery in this one. Grief, loss, hope, forgiveness, and love - Is It Any Wonder is another powerful inspirational romance from Courtney Walsh!
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
June 10, 2021
A Second chance romance set in Nantucket, Yes, please! I haven't read a book by Walsh in years and boy I have I been missing out. This second chance romance was so sweet and the ending will just melt your heart. This is book number two in the Nantucket Love Story series but don't fret it can be read as a stand alone. You will not be lost.
If you are looking for a clean romance to sit by the pool and devour grab this 4 star read. I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
If you are looking for a clean romance to sit by the pool and devour grab this 4 star read. I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
July 8, 2021
Beautiful story about second chances and forgiveness. Loved it!
April 7, 2021
Courtney Walsh just knows how to plumb the very depths of her characters’ emotions. Louisa and Cody share a birthday and have always shared their birthday wishes at a certain spot on Nantucket. Then a horrible thing happened and Cody left. Now, ten years later, he is back. Is it possible for them to reconnect? Or will past hurts and in forgiveness stand between them?
I had a very hard time putting this down. One thing that will cause me to give up on a book is wooden characters. Not so with the characters created by Walsh. Not even for a minute. Not even the secondary ones. I felt their pain, joy, and deepest feelings. Watching these folks navigate the turbulent waters of the decade long pain and heartbreak was just so difficult and that’s because of the talent of this author. I loved every minute of this book. Well done.
My thanks to Tyndale House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is my own.
I had a very hard time putting this down. One thing that will cause me to give up on a book is wooden characters. Not so with the characters created by Walsh. Not even for a minute. Not even the secondary ones. I felt their pain, joy, and deepest feelings. Watching these folks navigate the turbulent waters of the decade long pain and heartbreak was just so difficult and that’s because of the talent of this author. I loved every minute of this book. Well done.
My thanks to Tyndale House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is my own.
April 18, 2021
4.5 stars
"I can't help but think what happened was my fault . . . . . . Is it any wonder that I wish I could take it back?"
An excerpt from one of the many letters that Louisa Chambers never sent to the people she loved . . . this one was particularly painful, for its recipient was no longer a resident on this earth. He had been a drowning victim, fighting to save the life of his son, a young man whom Louisa had loved with all of her heart, until the night that everything shattered between them.
"Not today ocean. If you want her, you're gonna have to go through me." Diving directly into the cresting waves, Cody Boggs uses all of his Coast Training to rescue the young woman who had ignored the most important rules of paddle boarding off the Nantucket Sound; watch the weather, wear a life jacket. Pulling her near lifeless body onto the rescue boat, and giving her some much needed oxygen, "intense blue eyes" locked onto his face with recognition. "Cody?" It couldn't be. Not her. "Louisa?"
It's nearly impossible to describe the kind of high voltage intensity that permeates this entire story from beginning to end in just a few words, or even in several well formed sentences. The depth is equally nauseating and thrilling, the romance; simply electrifying with its stutter-steps and misunderstandings, all the while remaining securely tethered by the constancy of its heartbeat, and the spiritual applications? Numerous, poignant, invigorating . . . . and utterly convicting.
Summing up the core is a statement by Maggie, one who loved Cody and Louisa with an unconditional love that appeared everlasting, when she said, "As many times as you wish you could change that night, that's as many times as your father would do the exact same thing for you. . . . . It's like Jesus. . . . he knew his sacrifice meant the rest of us could live."
Will Cody and Louisa find their way back to the lighthouse in time? They made a pact, do they have the courage to keep it?
"I can't help but think what happened was my fault . . . . . . Is it any wonder that I wish I could take it back?"
An excerpt from one of the many letters that Louisa Chambers never sent to the people she loved . . . this one was particularly painful, for its recipient was no longer a resident on this earth. He had been a drowning victim, fighting to save the life of his son, a young man whom Louisa had loved with all of her heart, until the night that everything shattered between them.
"Not today ocean. If you want her, you're gonna have to go through me." Diving directly into the cresting waves, Cody Boggs uses all of his Coast Training to rescue the young woman who had ignored the most important rules of paddle boarding off the Nantucket Sound; watch the weather, wear a life jacket. Pulling her near lifeless body onto the rescue boat, and giving her some much needed oxygen, "intense blue eyes" locked onto his face with recognition. "Cody?" It couldn't be. Not her. "Louisa?"
It's nearly impossible to describe the kind of high voltage intensity that permeates this entire story from beginning to end in just a few words, or even in several well formed sentences. The depth is equally nauseating and thrilling, the romance; simply electrifying with its stutter-steps and misunderstandings, all the while remaining securely tethered by the constancy of its heartbeat, and the spiritual applications? Numerous, poignant, invigorating . . . . and utterly convicting.
Summing up the core is a statement by Maggie, one who loved Cody and Louisa with an unconditional love that appeared everlasting, when she said, "As many times as you wish you could change that night, that's as many times as your father would do the exact same thing for you. . . . . It's like Jesus. . . . he knew his sacrifice meant the rest of us could live."
Will Cody and Louisa find their way back to the lighthouse in time? They made a pact, do they have the courage to keep it?
June 9, 2023
I have to admit the last few novels of Courtney Walsh haven't been bestsellers in my mind, yes I liked them and I probably gave them four stars because of the ending BUT, Is It Any Wonder really hit my sweet spot this time. I don't quite know what dynamic that made it do it for me, but I just fell in so easily with Lousia(Lou) and Cody, whose name I have to admit isn't my favourite in terms of male names. It may have to do with the fact that it reminds me of the cologne(perfume?) of the same name. I never like the smell of it, and I thought was kind of on the cheesy side. But Cody is not cheesy in any way!
I am not always up on all these different tropes like enemies to lovers and second chances, but I really think it was the characters that did it for me. Even though I know I will probably never make it out to Nantucket everything about Is It Any Wonder just meshed with me really well. The storyline about unforgiveness, the family was very credible and it wasn't cringe-worthy in any way. Louisa really did want forgiveness for what she thought she had done wrong, she wanted things and those who she loved to be reconciled with. Would this really really happen? I don't know but I do know it is so nice to be a part of this fictional world for a couple of days. I wouldn't just say this but this would be a quintessential summer read if there was ever one, that's if you're looking for one, and if you're not well, I would still suggest you read it!
I am not always up on all these different tropes like enemies to lovers and second chances, but I really think it was the characters that did it for me. Even though I know I will probably never make it out to Nantucket everything about Is It Any Wonder just meshed with me really well. The storyline about unforgiveness, the family was very credible and it wasn't cringe-worthy in any way. Louisa really did want forgiveness for what she thought she had done wrong, she wanted things and those who she loved to be reconciled with. Would this really really happen? I don't know but I do know it is so nice to be a part of this fictional world for a couple of days. I wouldn't just say this but this would be a quintessential summer read if there was ever one, that's if you're looking for one, and if you're not well, I would still suggest you read it!
March 8, 2021
“The sound of the waves drew her in. Louisa loved this island. She’d loved and lost there on these shores.”
Is It Any Wonder, by New York Times best-selling author Courtney Walsh, takes readers back to the beautiful island of Nantucket in a beautiful tale of forgiveness and second chances. As a long-time fan of Courtney Walsh’s, I know I am guaranteed to get a phenomenal story every time I pick up one of her books.
Is It Any Wonder has a similar feel as Things Left Unsaid, which is one of my two favorite books of Courtney Walsh’s, so this book was a pure delight to read. The horrific events from twelve years ago that tore former best friends Cody and Louisa’s families apart are heartbreaking and extremely relatable to the readers.
The spiritual thread perfectly complements the storyline as the characters realize the power of forgiveness and unconditional love through God’s endless grace. Is it Any Wonder is highly recommended for readers of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. You won’t be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Is It Any Wonder, by New York Times best-selling author Courtney Walsh, takes readers back to the beautiful island of Nantucket in a beautiful tale of forgiveness and second chances. As a long-time fan of Courtney Walsh’s, I know I am guaranteed to get a phenomenal story every time I pick up one of her books.
Is It Any Wonder has a similar feel as Things Left Unsaid, which is one of my two favorite books of Courtney Walsh’s, so this book was a pure delight to read. The horrific events from twelve years ago that tore former best friends Cody and Louisa’s families apart are heartbreaking and extremely relatable to the readers.
The spiritual thread perfectly complements the storyline as the characters realize the power of forgiveness and unconditional love through God’s endless grace. Is it Any Wonder is highly recommended for readers of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. You won’t be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
July 15, 2021
I've been a fan of Walsh's books for years, and Is It Any Wonder earns her another feather in her expert-storytelling cap. Her characters are complex and flawed, just the way I like them. I particularly loved Maggie, the tell-it-like-it-is pseudo matriarch perched perfectly between Louisa and Cody. Walsh's cinematic storytelling offers the perfect summer setting of Nantucket, one of the most anticipated and satisfying first kisses I've ever read, and heartwarming themes of forgiveness and healing. One of my favorites reads so far this year!
June 10, 2021
Read my full review on my blog: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/is-...
Thank you to @courtneywalsh, Tyndale House Publishers, and @uplitreads for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read If For Any Reason in preparation for this tour, and fell in love with the Nantucket setting and the characters in the first book. No worries if you haven’t read the first book--this one is completely standalone. In fact, there is barely any mention of the characters from the first book in this one, which disappointed me a little bit since they were so great!
Regardless, I loved a lot of the same things about Is It Any Wonder. I used to vacation to different parts of Cape Cod and the islands every year as a kid, so the Nantucket setting was absolutely perfect for me. I’m a sucker for a grumpy, standoffish hero, not to mention that he was the one who got away for Louisa. I liked that this book was way deeper than just a love story--there was so much family background and personal struggles that the characters had to come in order to fall in love.
I loved that Louisa was a travel concierge. Talk about a dream job! She pivoted her career into creating a business around something she loved and that didn't let the disbelievers get her down. She made for a great MC!
I didn’t realize when I signed up for the tour that this book was Christian fiction. That is not something I normally would have picked, but the love story was very enjoyable.
Overall, this book was the perfect lighthearted summer read.
Thank you to @courtneywalsh, Tyndale House Publishers, and @uplitreads for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read If For Any Reason in preparation for this tour, and fell in love with the Nantucket setting and the characters in the first book. No worries if you haven’t read the first book--this one is completely standalone. In fact, there is barely any mention of the characters from the first book in this one, which disappointed me a little bit since they were so great!
Regardless, I loved a lot of the same things about Is It Any Wonder. I used to vacation to different parts of Cape Cod and the islands every year as a kid, so the Nantucket setting was absolutely perfect for me. I’m a sucker for a grumpy, standoffish hero, not to mention that he was the one who got away for Louisa. I liked that this book was way deeper than just a love story--there was so much family background and personal struggles that the characters had to come in order to fall in love.
I loved that Louisa was a travel concierge. Talk about a dream job! She pivoted her career into creating a business around something she loved and that didn't let the disbelievers get her down. She made for a great MC!
I didn’t realize when I signed up for the tour that this book was Christian fiction. That is not something I normally would have picked, but the love story was very enjoyable.
Overall, this book was the perfect lighthearted summer read.
April 12, 2021
"Don't take away the power of the sacrifice he made by doubting it or wishing it away. The alternative means that you don’t get the life your father died for you to have. You owe it to him to live it big and full. Not to stay stuck here in shame and guilt."
What a powerfully moving book steeped in pain, regret, and grief yet so overwhelmingly lit with hope, grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Courtney Walsh does raw emotions so well and this book runs the entire length of human emotions - from life-shattering grief and pain to life-changing grief, from tender unconditional and sacrificial love to heart-stopping romance, from bitter brokenness and anger to acceptance of healing forgiveness. The plot flows well without any spots that drag or feel rushed, the characters are deeply layered and incredible, the faith element is beautifully woven into the characters' lives, and the setting of Nantucket is breath-taking. Anyone who enjoys contemporary romance will love this book.
I loved Cody and Louisa. Cody is the stoic, focused Coast Guardsman who's returned to Nantucket, though the island only holds nightmares and tragic memories. Louisa is the bubbly, creative, kind concierge event planner who's trying to make up for her past mistakes. They and their families have a long history which get unwrapped one piece at a time via flashbacks and reminiscing conversations. It's fun that they share a birthday and knew each other so well during their growing up years. It's double fun to see who they have grown up to be and to watch them complement and support each other. My favorite characters, though, had to be Daniel - Cody's deceased father - and Maggie. Though Daniel is a character built on Cody and Louisa's memories, he's such a solid rock of loyalty, faith, strength, love and grace. Maggie is an old neighbor-friend who is generous with her love, on point with her wisdom, unafraid to speak truth in love. We all need people like Daniel and Maggie in our lives. There’s even a bit of mystery that Cody and Louisa get to solve which adds another layer to regret and need for forgiveness into the plot.
I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers and via Edelweiss/Above The Tree Line and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
What a powerfully moving book steeped in pain, regret, and grief yet so overwhelmingly lit with hope, grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Courtney Walsh does raw emotions so well and this book runs the entire length of human emotions - from life-shattering grief and pain to life-changing grief, from tender unconditional and sacrificial love to heart-stopping romance, from bitter brokenness and anger to acceptance of healing forgiveness. The plot flows well without any spots that drag or feel rushed, the characters are deeply layered and incredible, the faith element is beautifully woven into the characters' lives, and the setting of Nantucket is breath-taking. Anyone who enjoys contemporary romance will love this book.
I loved Cody and Louisa. Cody is the stoic, focused Coast Guardsman who's returned to Nantucket, though the island only holds nightmares and tragic memories. Louisa is the bubbly, creative, kind concierge event planner who's trying to make up for her past mistakes. They and their families have a long history which get unwrapped one piece at a time via flashbacks and reminiscing conversations. It's fun that they share a birthday and knew each other so well during their growing up years. It's double fun to see who they have grown up to be and to watch them complement and support each other. My favorite characters, though, had to be Daniel - Cody's deceased father - and Maggie. Though Daniel is a character built on Cody and Louisa's memories, he's such a solid rock of loyalty, faith, strength, love and grace. Maggie is an old neighbor-friend who is generous with her love, on point with her wisdom, unafraid to speak truth in love. We all need people like Daniel and Maggie in our lives. There’s even a bit of mystery that Cody and Louisa get to solve which adds another layer to regret and need for forgiveness into the plot.
I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers and via Edelweiss/Above The Tree Line and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
April 15, 2021
Is there such thing as a friends to lovers to enemies to lovers storyline? If there’s not, Courtney Walsh has made it a thing in her newest release Is It Any Wonder. Second in her Nantucket set romance series, this story centers on Louisa and Cody, two people that can’t seem to do anything but clash due to an ugly past that fairly haunts the space between them. I’m not one for a broody male lead, but Cody isn’t so much broody as he grumpy. Is it wrong to have enjoyed his grumpiness and the way it bumped up against Louisa’s effervescent, people-pleasing nature? They had such a strong chemistry, but a history together as well that made things a bit bumpy for them throughout the story.
Caring and no-nonsense Maggie is my favorite secondary character, but I also liked Master Chief Duncan. Walsh always makes me curious about the backstory of other characters, and I think that’s one reason why she’s such a great author. The world of the story is so fully realized that Nantucket comes to life, the characters feel like real people, and the details add such a depth to the plot. There’s also a substantial amount of humor in the story, but nothing that comes across as silly. The auction scene comes to mind when poor Louisa gets in over her head, but there’s a lot of poignant moments, too. Walsh does a wonderful job of balancing the different tones throughout the story.
Bottom line, please add this book (and the previous one in the series) to your spring and summer reading list – you won’t regret it! Although I did read book one first, I do think that these can stand alone well.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Caring and no-nonsense Maggie is my favorite secondary character, but I also liked Master Chief Duncan. Walsh always makes me curious about the backstory of other characters, and I think that’s one reason why she’s such a great author. The world of the story is so fully realized that Nantucket comes to life, the characters feel like real people, and the details add such a depth to the plot. There’s also a substantial amount of humor in the story, but nothing that comes across as silly. The auction scene comes to mind when poor Louisa gets in over her head, but there’s a lot of poignant moments, too. Walsh does a wonderful job of balancing the different tones throughout the story.
Bottom line, please add this book (and the previous one in the series) to your spring and summer reading list – you won’t regret it! Although I did read book one first, I do think that these can stand alone well.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 29, 2021
This is the second full length novel of the Nantucket Love Story series. There is also a novella that came out between novels one and two. However, these stories can absolutely be read as stand alone novels or in whatever order you choose to read them in.
Wow! What an amazing story Is It Any Wonder turned out to be. These two main characters, Cody and Louisa, were the best of friends as children who then fell in love during their high school years. I loved the little flashbacks that let the reader see the people they were back then.
Then tragedy struck when Cody’s father died saving him. Everything in Cody and Louisa’s lives fell apart from that point forward. There was guilt and sadness and blame and two families who went from friends to enemies.
I absolutely loved the way Louisa and Cody were thrown back together in this book. It was dramatic and from that moment forward, they ended up working together no matter how much it hurt them to remember all they had lost.
Their pain and their love really shone through in these pages. I loved that their reconciliation wasn’t simple. There was so much that they went through in this book and it made the happy ending all the more precious. While I loved this book, I did wish there was an epilogue at the end. While satisfying, the ending felt abrupt to me. I hope we get to see Cody and Louisa in a future story or two. These characters deserve a very happy life together!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, however, I did end up buying myself a copy, as well. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Wow! What an amazing story Is It Any Wonder turned out to be. These two main characters, Cody and Louisa, were the best of friends as children who then fell in love during their high school years. I loved the little flashbacks that let the reader see the people they were back then.
Then tragedy struck when Cody’s father died saving him. Everything in Cody and Louisa’s lives fell apart from that point forward. There was guilt and sadness and blame and two families who went from friends to enemies.
I absolutely loved the way Louisa and Cody were thrown back together in this book. It was dramatic and from that moment forward, they ended up working together no matter how much it hurt them to remember all they had lost.
Their pain and their love really shone through in these pages. I loved that their reconciliation wasn’t simple. There was so much that they went through in this book and it made the happy ending all the more precious. While I loved this book, I did wish there was an epilogue at the end. While satisfying, the ending felt abrupt to me. I hope we get to see Cody and Louisa in a future story or two. These characters deserve a very happy life together!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, however, I did end up buying myself a copy, as well. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 8, 2021
This was a great book to read! A first time for me with this author but look forward to checking out more of her books. My favorite part was throughout the story more clues were given as to how all of the story parts fit together. Cody and Louisa are the main characters and have been friends since childhood but a tragedy has pulled them apart. Will Codys return to Nantucket bring more pain or reconciliation? Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
May 21, 2021
Second chance romance, forgiveness, and faith on the shores of Nantucket Island.
Sharing a birthday, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers were inseparable for years until tragedy tore them apart. Louisa has worked hard to build her concierge and event planning business, while Cody is back to help the Coast Guard rebuild their fractured image in the community. Can they unravel the secrets of the past to find a new beginning?
Engaging from the start, I enjoyed this story rich in community, friendship, and faith. This is actually my first time reading a Courtney Walsh book, despite having them recommended to me all the time. The characters are relatable and complex, and I completely adored Miss Maggie, with her big heart for others even when she was going through so much. Cody has a great boss in Chief Duncan, and I loved how he keeps nudging him towards Louisa.
The pacing was well done, with small reveals and clues along the way, keeping me completely engaged with the story and wondering what could have happened. Excellent character interaction, I loved Louisa's best friend, she is a wonderful friend and supportive of Louisa throughout.
A moving story of second chances and forgiveness, against the backdrop of the idyllic Nantucket Island. Amazing characters, and a compelling storyline. Definitely will be reading more of her books in the future!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sharing a birthday, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers were inseparable for years until tragedy tore them apart. Louisa has worked hard to build her concierge and event planning business, while Cody is back to help the Coast Guard rebuild their fractured image in the community. Can they unravel the secrets of the past to find a new beginning?
Engaging from the start, I enjoyed this story rich in community, friendship, and faith. This is actually my first time reading a Courtney Walsh book, despite having them recommended to me all the time. The characters are relatable and complex, and I completely adored Miss Maggie, with her big heart for others even when she was going through so much. Cody has a great boss in Chief Duncan, and I loved how he keeps nudging him towards Louisa.
The pacing was well done, with small reveals and clues along the way, keeping me completely engaged with the story and wondering what could have happened. Excellent character interaction, I loved Louisa's best friend, she is a wonderful friend and supportive of Louisa throughout.
A moving story of second chances and forgiveness, against the backdrop of the idyllic Nantucket Island. Amazing characters, and a compelling storyline. Definitely will be reading more of her books in the future!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 5, 2021
Is It Any Wonder by @courtneywalsh is one of my favorite reads this year! I’m talking top 3, y’all!
This is the sweetest love story to get lost in and I’m still just dying to see it in movie form! It’s totally clean 🥳 and while there are Christian references (which I’m one hundred percent okay with), it’s certainly not “preachy” or weird. It’s a great little escape to Nantucket and second chance romance at its finest. It brought tears to my eyes a few times and I was sad when it was over. This is a book whose characters I missed the next day! Definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thank you, Courtney and @tyndalehouse for my gifted copy!
This is the sweetest love story to get lost in and I’m still just dying to see it in movie form! It’s totally clean 🥳 and while there are Christian references (which I’m one hundred percent okay with), it’s certainly not “preachy” or weird. It’s a great little escape to Nantucket and second chance romance at its finest. It brought tears to my eyes a few times and I was sad when it was over. This is a book whose characters I missed the next day! Definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thank you, Courtney and @tyndalehouse for my gifted copy!
June 11, 2024
I always preface my romance novel reviews with, "I'm not a romance reader". If I were, I think I may have rated this 5-stars as it's not your typical "cheesy", formulaic romance story. It does have the "estranged couple" theme and some kind of "barrier to them reuniting" but is more unique and has more substance than many in this genre.
I have wanted to read a Courtney Walsh novel for some time and finally had the opportunity. This is part of her series set in Nantucket. At a glance, I don't see that they are entwined and need to be read in any order and I think this works easily on its own. I found myself smiling or chuckling at bits of humor throughout. I felt it was a little longer than it needed to be and for a Christian fiction story, it actually lacked a bit in that aspect. There was an overall theme of forgiveness but I don't know that I would have connected the dots to the parallel of God's forgiveness had there not been a one time outright statement of that fact.
If you are a romance reader and enjoy a story with substance, subtle Christian references, and an island/beach/ocean setting, don't hesitate to pick this up.
I have wanted to read a Courtney Walsh novel for some time and finally had the opportunity. This is part of her series set in Nantucket. At a glance, I don't see that they are entwined and need to be read in any order and I think this works easily on its own. I found myself smiling or chuckling at bits of humor throughout. I felt it was a little longer than it needed to be and for a Christian fiction story, it actually lacked a bit in that aspect. There was an overall theme of forgiveness but I don't know that I would have connected the dots to the parallel of God's forgiveness had there not been a one time outright statement of that fact.
If you are a romance reader and enjoy a story with substance, subtle Christian references, and an island/beach/ocean setting, don't hesitate to pick this up.
June 25, 2024
My second time reading this story and I loved it again.
Cody and Louisa parents had been best friends for years, so the two of them pretty much grew up together. During high school Cody and Louisa fall in love but when Cody's dad passes away in a tragic accident the two families are torn apart with grief and blame. 12 years later Cody and Louisa reconnect in a pretty dramatic way, and we follow them figuring out how to move forward. Can they rediscover what was lost? Can forgiveness be found? There were some funny moments, especially with Aunt Maggie who says what she's thinking. Then there were some serious moments dealing with the tragedy of what happened in the past. Dealing with forgiveness and bitterness is a prominent theme throughout. I absolutely loved this story and the characters. I loved the way they balanced each other out and saw the best in the other even during trying times. This is a romance I was rooting for to work. Getting to the ending wasn't easy for the characters, but worth it.
Cody and Louisa parents had been best friends for years, so the two of them pretty much grew up together. During high school Cody and Louisa fall in love but when Cody's dad passes away in a tragic accident the two families are torn apart with grief and blame. 12 years later Cody and Louisa reconnect in a pretty dramatic way, and we follow them figuring out how to move forward. Can they rediscover what was lost? Can forgiveness be found? There were some funny moments, especially with Aunt Maggie who says what she's thinking. Then there were some serious moments dealing with the tragedy of what happened in the past. Dealing with forgiveness and bitterness is a prominent theme throughout. I absolutely loved this story and the characters. I loved the way they balanced each other out and saw the best in the other even during trying times. This is a romance I was rooting for to work. Getting to the ending wasn't easy for the characters, but worth it.
June 7, 2021
Is It Any Wonder
Courtney Walsh
Courtney Walsh is a beach readers’ dream! Walsh’s stories are not only the coziest, but they are also uplifting and heartwarming. They really are truly the best escape read to get lost in.
In this second installment of the Nantucket Love Story series, which absolutely works as a stand alone, we are graced by the stories of Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers. They both made a pact over a decade ago to return to Nantucket Island’s Brant Point Lighthouse on July 30, for their shared birthday celebration, until a tragedy pulled them apart. Now Louisa’s PR company gets hired for the Coast Guard event where Cody is a part of, which brings them together once again. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable. The story also weaves themes about faith, loss, grief, and forgiveness.
In a story about first loved and second chances, this story brought me all the feels and emotions about falling in and out of love, and in love again. A beautiful story set in an even gorgeous setting, you cannot help but fall in love with Courtney and her characters.
Enjoyed and loved this fabulous story and series. I cannot wait to read more!
Courtney Walsh
Courtney Walsh is a beach readers’ dream! Walsh’s stories are not only the coziest, but they are also uplifting and heartwarming. They really are truly the best escape read to get lost in.
In this second installment of the Nantucket Love Story series, which absolutely works as a stand alone, we are graced by the stories of Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers. They both made a pact over a decade ago to return to Nantucket Island’s Brant Point Lighthouse on July 30, for their shared birthday celebration, until a tragedy pulled them apart. Now Louisa’s PR company gets hired for the Coast Guard event where Cody is a part of, which brings them together once again. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable. The story also weaves themes about faith, loss, grief, and forgiveness.
In a story about first loved and second chances, this story brought me all the feels and emotions about falling in and out of love, and in love again. A beautiful story set in an even gorgeous setting, you cannot help but fall in love with Courtney and her characters.
Enjoyed and loved this fabulous story and series. I cannot wait to read more!
March 22, 2021
This was a beautiful book of love, tragedy, forgiveness and second chances, and what an amazing story it was. I've read quite a few of Ms. Walsh's books but this may very well be my favorite. My emotions were all over the place. This author has such a talent for bringing to life the characters and all of the deep feelings and struggles they are going through. I could barely put this book down and am now on a book-hangover. :)
**I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.**
**I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.**
June 14, 2021
Wowza this story has a lot of emotions and drama. I enjoyed the book overall, I really liked the characters and really wanted them to finally find a happily ever after and to heal from the tragedies that had affected so many lives. It's a beautifully written story which is no surprise because Courtney is a master at penning stories with hard stuff in them that you still end up loving and enjoying. Great read!
April 20, 2025
The perfect, clean Christian beachside romance with just the right amounts of cheesiness.
October 30, 2021
Childhood sweethearts to enemies to love once again
Nantucket is a wonderful backdrop for contemporary romance. Is it Any Wonder had some deep thoughts along with light moments. I didn't love this one like If For Any Reason, but still enjoyed it.
Nantucket is a wonderful backdrop for contemporary romance. Is it Any Wonder had some deep thoughts along with light moments. I didn't love this one like If For Any Reason, but still enjoyed it.
July 19, 2021
My first Courtney Walsh book! (Which is your favorite?)
I enjoyed this childhood sweethearts reuniting after misunderstandings book.
I enjoyed this childhood sweethearts reuniting after misunderstandings book.
July 4, 2021
Is It Any Wonder starts with a bang. What should have been a short paddleboard ride turns nasty when Louisa loses her paddle and is swept out to sea in a sudden storm. Louisa thinks about the mistakes she’s made … not wearing a lifejacket today, and never sending that apology letter to Mrs. Boggs after her husband died twelve years ago.
Rescue comes in the form of ex-boyfriend Cody Boggs, her “twin”, now an Executive Petty Officer with the US Coastguard. (He’s no relation, but they grew up together and share a birthday). Cody has been posted to Nantucket, against his protests. He has no desire to return to the place where his father drowned, nor to the ex-girlfriend he blames for his father’s death.
Is It Any Wonder is a very human novel. It uses the tragic death of Daniel Boggs to address issues of guilt and forgiveness. Cody has the all-too-human tendency to count his failures rather than his successes. Louisa and Cody both remind us how easy it is to blame the wrong person when trouble strikes, and how easy it can be to accept that blame and the associated guilt. It reminds us how hard it can be to accept forgiveness, and even harder to forgive ourselves, or accept God’s forgiveness.
As with all Courtney Walsh’s stories, everything is excellent—the writing, the characters, the plot. Sure, Cody’s attitude bugged me a few times, as did Louisa’s overwhelming sense of guilt. But they were necessary parts of the story, because they were needed to show the depth of love and forgiveness.
All in all, Is It Any Wonder is another great contemporary Christian romance from Courtney Walsh. Recommended.
Thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Rescue comes in the form of ex-boyfriend Cody Boggs, her “twin”, now an Executive Petty Officer with the US Coastguard. (He’s no relation, but they grew up together and share a birthday). Cody has been posted to Nantucket, against his protests. He has no desire to return to the place where his father drowned, nor to the ex-girlfriend he blames for his father’s death.
Is It Any Wonder is a very human novel. It uses the tragic death of Daniel Boggs to address issues of guilt and forgiveness. Cody has the all-too-human tendency to count his failures rather than his successes. Louisa and Cody both remind us how easy it is to blame the wrong person when trouble strikes, and how easy it can be to accept that blame and the associated guilt. It reminds us how hard it can be to accept forgiveness, and even harder to forgive ourselves, or accept God’s forgiveness.
As with all Courtney Walsh’s stories, everything is excellent—the writing, the characters, the plot. Sure, Cody’s attitude bugged me a few times, as did Louisa’s overwhelming sense of guilt. But they were necessary parts of the story, because they were needed to show the depth of love and forgiveness.
All in all, Is It Any Wonder is another great contemporary Christian romance from Courtney Walsh. Recommended.
Thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
June 17, 2021
Reading this book felt so effortless!! The pacing was perfect and I just couldn’t put it down. This really felt to me like the perfect beach read.
A tender story about second chance love. It is a romance but there is also an element of mystery and family drama. Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers were best friends and first loves. But something tragic happens that separates them for nearly 12 years. They made a packed when they were younger that they would meet on their golden birthday (when they turn 30) at Nantucket’s Lighthouse and exchange birthday wishes. When they are reacquainted by chance they are forced to face the truth behind what happened and help bring the community back together after a recent tragedy.
This book felt refreshing. It was a romance without excess. Nothing felt over the top or rushed and there was so much build-up and chemistry that it really had me turn pages. I loved that the story includes both POVs. I really felt invested in the characters. This story was also much more than just a fall-out and falling in love story. It was a story about forgiveness, sacrifice, reconciliation, family relationships, and giving back to your community. It is told from a Christian perspective but in a subtle way. In other words, you do not need to be a Christian to enjoy it or appreciate the overall message. It really had beautiful undertones.
A tender story about second chance love. It is a romance but there is also an element of mystery and family drama. Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers were best friends and first loves. But something tragic happens that separates them for nearly 12 years. They made a packed when they were younger that they would meet on their golden birthday (when they turn 30) at Nantucket’s Lighthouse and exchange birthday wishes. When they are reacquainted by chance they are forced to face the truth behind what happened and help bring the community back together after a recent tragedy.
This book felt refreshing. It was a romance without excess. Nothing felt over the top or rushed and there was so much build-up and chemistry that it really had me turn pages. I loved that the story includes both POVs. I really felt invested in the characters. This story was also much more than just a fall-out and falling in love story. It was a story about forgiveness, sacrifice, reconciliation, family relationships, and giving back to your community. It is told from a Christian perspective but in a subtle way. In other words, you do not need to be a Christian to enjoy it or appreciate the overall message. It really had beautiful undertones.
August 2, 2021
Second chance at love
Life can be hard and I love watching a couple find a second shot at love--and what better place to discover life's wonders than in Nantucket?
Cody and Louisa grew up together and it was so endearing for them to have that background. I loved the little flashbacks to the past. After making a pact regarding their shared golden birthday, they, along with their families, lost touch. The details surrounding the split is frosted in mystery and that little dimension added to my need to fly through the pages. And the way they came together again was surprising and dramatic.
Walsh always does such a great job of developing characters to care about and this story was no exception. From the vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, I enjoyed every page of this one. With themes of love, despair, hope, forgiveness, and moving on, this Christian fiction romance is charming and sweet.
Content: mild+ Christian themes; mild romance; mild moments of peril (near drowning, death)
Life can be hard and I love watching a couple find a second shot at love--and what better place to discover life's wonders than in Nantucket?
Cody and Louisa grew up together and it was so endearing for them to have that background. I loved the little flashbacks to the past. After making a pact regarding their shared golden birthday, they, along with their families, lost touch. The details surrounding the split is frosted in mystery and that little dimension added to my need to fly through the pages. And the way they came together again was surprising and dramatic.
Walsh always does such a great job of developing characters to care about and this story was no exception. From the vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, I enjoyed every page of this one. With themes of love, despair, hope, forgiveness, and moving on, this Christian fiction romance is charming and sweet.
Content: mild+ Christian themes; mild romance; mild moments of peril (near drowning, death)
November 27, 2025
3 stars
Completed: Nov. 26/25
Series: A Nantucket Love Story, #2
Format: audiobook borrow (Everand)
Narrator: Melie Williams - Just NO. I made the mistake of forgetting to check the narrator before downloading. I’ve heard this one before and I don’t care for her narrations at all.
Book #161 of 2025: To be honest, I just never got into this story. I’ve loved almost every book I’ve read by this author but this one fell flat. I found myself very frustrated with the main characters and their parents, the years of miscommunication, and that this novel is longer than it needs to be. The narrator certainly didn’t help but I am trying hard to rate this aside from the narration.
I did like the business the FMC created and her zeal for making people happy. I liked the elderly woman, Mags. I also appreciated how it ended.
Completed: Nov. 26/25
Series: A Nantucket Love Story, #2
Format: audiobook borrow (Everand)
Narrator: Melie Williams - Just NO. I made the mistake of forgetting to check the narrator before downloading. I’ve heard this one before and I don’t care for her narrations at all.
Book #161 of 2025: To be honest, I just never got into this story. I’ve loved almost every book I’ve read by this author but this one fell flat. I found myself very frustrated with the main characters and their parents, the years of miscommunication, and that this novel is longer than it needs to be. The narrator certainly didn’t help but I am trying hard to rate this aside from the narration.
I did like the business the FMC created and her zeal for making people happy. I liked the elderly woman, Mags. I also appreciated how it ended.
April 7, 2021
I love a sweet christian romance and when my friend kept telling me to pick up a Courtney Walsh book I happily complied. The stars even aligned further when the author herself reached out to me herself to read and review the book I already had in my hands due to the tour i'm currently on.
I was a bit intimidated at the length of this book for a romance but I am happy to report that the story hooked me from the first few pages, the plot was full of rich depth and I can't ever turn down a second chance romance. It was full of found family, forgiveness, and learning to stand on your own two feet...turning your passions into reality despite what the haters say.
Cody and Louisa have a past...one that they each thought would last forever. When tragic events spiral out of control they are separated for over a decade but still have that irrevocable tug towards the other. Fate brings them back together in a life changing way that makes them reconsider what they lost and what they are willing to work through to get it all back.
Louisa and Cody had such a great connection and chemistry. This is a slow burn romance as they learn to trust one another and build back what was lost. Walsh captured the vibes of Nantucket so well between the sailing, sandy shores, and the people who lived there. I need to go book my vacation at The Good Life immediately. (if you read this..you'll know what i'm talking about)
I will definitely be picking up more of Walsh's books in the future. This is the perfect summer romance you'll be needing on your 2021 TBR lists.
I was a bit intimidated at the length of this book for a romance but I am happy to report that the story hooked me from the first few pages, the plot was full of rich depth and I can't ever turn down a second chance romance. It was full of found family, forgiveness, and learning to stand on your own two feet...turning your passions into reality despite what the haters say.
Cody and Louisa have a past...one that they each thought would last forever. When tragic events spiral out of control they are separated for over a decade but still have that irrevocable tug towards the other. Fate brings them back together in a life changing way that makes them reconsider what they lost and what they are willing to work through to get it all back.
Louisa and Cody had such a great connection and chemistry. This is a slow burn romance as they learn to trust one another and build back what was lost. Walsh captured the vibes of Nantucket so well between the sailing, sandy shores, and the people who lived there. I need to go book my vacation at The Good Life immediately. (if you read this..you'll know what i'm talking about)
I will definitely be picking up more of Walsh's books in the future. This is the perfect summer romance you'll be needing on your 2021 TBR lists.
June 21, 2021
Is It Any Wonder is the second in Courtney's Nantucket Love Story series but I read it as a standalone. I've read a few of her others in the past and this is my favorite so far. It's a friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-second-chance romance.
Louisa goes out in the surf without a life jacket and the weather turns. Cody saves her from a near drowning and their reunion is mostly bitter (but kinda sweet). Louisa has been living with mountains of guilt and Cody's return forces them to face their past.
I'm going to go back and read the first book, If for Any Reason, and I've heard wonderful things about A Match made at Christmas - I'm think Christmas in July is a good motivation to pick that up before the end of the year!
Thank you to UplitReads and the author for this gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Louisa goes out in the surf without a life jacket and the weather turns. Cody saves her from a near drowning and their reunion is mostly bitter (but kinda sweet). Louisa has been living with mountains of guilt and Cody's return forces them to face their past.
I'm going to go back and read the first book, If for Any Reason, and I've heard wonderful things about A Match made at Christmas - I'm think Christmas in July is a good motivation to pick that up before the end of the year!
Thank you to UplitReads and the author for this gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
June 21, 2021
Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers were the best of friends 12 years ago, and they made a pact to reunite no matter what on their 30th birthday on Nantucket Island. Unfortunately a tragic event tore them apart years ago.
With their 30th birthday looming, Louisa still thinks about that pact wondering if he'll return to Nantucket, the place she calls home. Unbeknownst to her, Cody has in fact returned, and Luisa wonders if he remembers their pact and if they can repair what was broken.
This was a wonderful story that pulled me in right from the beginning. Told from present day with flashbacks to the past, I was immediately drawn to the multiple time periods. Having never been to Nantucket, I loved how real that island seemed, I really felt like I was there thus making it a perfect summer read. I could definitely get used to the island life.
I also loved the connection and sense of community depicted in this story
Lately, I've really been drawn to that and really wanting that sense of belonging in my own community.
I found this to be a deeply emotional story, sprinkled with love, kindness and family. It wasn't all light and joyous though. Courtney Walsh did a great job balancing secrets, lies and betrayal. I can't wait to read more by her.
With their 30th birthday looming, Louisa still thinks about that pact wondering if he'll return to Nantucket, the place she calls home. Unbeknownst to her, Cody has in fact returned, and Luisa wonders if he remembers their pact and if they can repair what was broken.
This was a wonderful story that pulled me in right from the beginning. Told from present day with flashbacks to the past, I was immediately drawn to the multiple time periods. Having never been to Nantucket, I loved how real that island seemed, I really felt like I was there thus making it a perfect summer read. I could definitely get used to the island life.
I also loved the connection and sense of community depicted in this story
Lately, I've really been drawn to that and really wanting that sense of belonging in my own community.
I found this to be a deeply emotional story, sprinkled with love, kindness and family. It wasn't all light and joyous though. Courtney Walsh did a great job balancing secrets, lies and betrayal. I can't wait to read more by her.
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