Beach View Lane: Crown Island, Book 1

Crown Island #1

by Jan Moran, Erin Bennett (Narrator)

Grab your beach cruiser and head to the Majestic Hotel on Crown Island! Start a heartwarming family saga set in a charming beach town.

April Raines is facing the end of her long-term marriage after her husband begins another family. Eager for a fresh start, she returns home with her grown daughters to Crown Island, just off the coast of Southern California.

When Ryan Kingston acquires the historical Majestic Hotel, he is determined to bring the vintage Victorian beach resort back to life. But it could come at a steep cost to him and his carefully guarded privacy.

Especially when April Raines, head of the new Crown Island Historical Society, captures his attention. Will they both get a second chance at life?

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Summer Beach and Coral Cottage series, Beach View Lane is the first in the Crown Island series about a quirky small town with fascinating characters. If you love clean romance and women’s fiction with fun characters you’ll want as friends, this series is for you.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Summer, Contemporary, Womens Fiction

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Hi there, and welcome! If you like fun beach reads or romantic sagas that whisk you off to places like sunny beaches or Italy, Paris, and Napa Valley, then come on in. I write clean and wholesome feel-good novels.

Never miss a sale or new release! Tap "Follow" on Goodreads. Join my Readers Club and get a free read to download now, The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: https://www.janmoran.com/newsletter

If you like to binge read, visit my new online bookshop for special ebook, audiobook, and paperback bundles: https://store.janmoran.com/collection...

Join me in my Facebook Readers Group, too, where we celebrate good books and cheer each other on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/58425.... That's where I share sales, ARCs, and lots of fun times.

Here's where you can find all my books: https://viewauthor.at/JanMoranBooks.

So what's new? Look for the new SEABREEZE GALA, which earned a spot (thanks to readers!) on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, so we've been celebrating. Besides my women's fiction beach series (Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, and Crown Island series), I also write 20th-century historical sagas with a touch of romance. THE WINEMAKERS is my latest re-launch, and HEPBURN'S NECKLACE, set against the Audrey Hepburn film, ROMAN HOLIDAY, is my latest dual timeline historical.

If you enjoy Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Brenda Novak, and Mary Alice Monroe's beach reads, then you'll want to start with SEABREEZE INN. If you like to escape to another time with Danielle Steel, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, or Fiona Davis, then check out THE CHOCOLATIER, a sweet read set on the shores of Amalfi, Italy, HEPBURN'S NECKLACE iN Lake Como, Italy, or THE WINEMAKERS, which will whisk you to 1950s Napa Valley and Tuscany.

If you're an audiobook aficionado, you're in luck! Most of my books are available in audio on my store: https://store.janmoran.com/collection..., and on Audible, Apple, and Amazon, read by the super-talented Erin Bennett (Elin Hilderbrand, Debbie Macomber, etc), an award-winning narrator.

My SUNSHINE & SECOND CHANCES series (aka LOVE CALIFORNIA) is also a lot of fun. It's a linked series of six best friends that I based on some of my favorite travel destinations. Each book is a mini-vacay, starting with Paris in FLAWLESS, Spain in BEAUTY MARK, Malibu and Ireland in RUNWAY, and three more fun locales. These are also widely available on audio Audible, Apple, and Amazon, as well as Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

Let's keep in touch! Here's how:
- Follow me on Bookbub to learn of all my sales, new releases, and preorders: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-m...
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- And...get a free read when you join my newsletter group: http://www.janmoran.com/contact-jan.

If you're a library patron and prefer to borrow from a library, simply ask your local library to order copies for you and other patrons. Library ebooks are also available through Libby, Overdrive, and CloudLibrary, so your librarian can purchase ebooks through these services to make them accessible to you. Just ask; many of my books are there.

My books have also been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, Russian, Lithuanian, and other languages. Most titles are also available in audiobook and large print formats.

Thank you all for your support on this amazing writing journey. I love to hear from readers--that's how your beloved Seabreeze Inn has kept growing new books. And thank you for sharing my books with your friends. If you have book club meetings and would like to connect with me by Zoom, please reach out through my website at https://www.janmoran.com/contact.

Happy reading!

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

BEACH VIEW LANE (Crown Island Book #1) by Jan Moran is an emotional and enjoyable beginning to a women’s fiction/family saga/romance mash-up series. It introduces us to the families and multiple characters of Crown Island which is just off the Californian coast. This first story in the series features the return of an island daughter after the end of a long-term marriage.

April Raines has done everything to support her husband as he climbed the higher education academic ladder. While there were problems, they always seemed to work them out, until this time. He has started another family with a much younger woman while April has been on Crown Island nursing her mother back to health after a bad case of pneumonia.

April is determined to start a new life of her own with her background in historical education on the island she has always loved with her mother, daughter, and best friend as the new head of the Crown Island Historical Society. Her love of the historical Majestic Hotel and its new owner have her intrigued to learn more about the planned renovations, but their first meeting does not go well.

Ryan Kingston has bought his financial partner out and is determined to restore the Majestic Hotel to its formal glory. What many on the island do not realize is that the new extremely private owner has a secret on the island that only very few know about, and he is worried if it is revealed, it will affect his ability to carry out his plans.

This is a wonderful, emotion filled start to a genre mash-up series. The island descriptions make me want to visit and hopefully meet all the island inhabitants. The characters were fully developed even in this first book and very relatable. I lived in a town like this island, where there were vast social dichotomies and I had empathy for Ryan’s dilemma and thought it was handled beautifully. There are no sex scenes in this book, it more family drama and the beginning of a romantic relationship. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series to follow not only April’s friend, Deb, but also April’s daughters.

I highly recommend this genre mash-up book and cannot wait to read more books in this new series.

[Tiffany www.instagram.com/tiffs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always I was so excited to start a new Jan Moran series and this one is so exciting and filled with lovely new characters to fall in love with and to enjoy getting to know. Can't wait for the next installment in this series!!!!!!!!!!!

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo-hoo! A new series from Jan Moran. This one is an offshoot of her Summer Beach series. The author does a good job of providing all the pertinent information for the reader to put together all the pieces, but it might be helpful to read the last of the Summer Beach books to see how this one came about. Again, not necessary, just helpful.

April Raines is back on Crown Island, while her mother recuperates from an illness. Home is in Seattle, but she’s happy to be with her mother as she’s separated from her husband, Calvin. And her daughter, Junie, still mourning the death of her husband is there, too. Being with family is always comforting. Her friend Deb is there to lend an ear, too.

They’ve only recently learned, through a DNA test, that they’re related to the Bay family, and they’ve met and become friendly with their new relatives. It’s a great thing for April, who was adopted as a baby, to discover this new part of her background.

Will April and Calvin be able to work things out? Will Junie be able to move on and find new love? And what of April’s other daughter, Maileigh? Read this book to find out. You won’t be disappointed. I know that I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Jenn Kasprzak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown Island was the perfect backdrop to this story of second chances at life and love. Crown Island reminds me of our little Mackinac Island here in Michigan. I love the historical aspect and that April got to reinvent herself on the island and find her true self. My heart ached with Junie and rejoiced when she started to live her life again. Ella was a sweetheart and I hope that she finds love with Whitely. I was so proud of Ryan when he spoke at the Gala. You cannot help but fall in love with all the characters, and feel for them and rejoice with them as well. Jan Moran has another 5 star book! I can’t wait to see where these stories go. This is a must read feel good story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

April Raines is at a crossroad. Her marriage is over, she can not face returning to her job or her home, so she is back on Crown Island staying with her mother while she sorts out her life. She loves the island and she loves having her family close by. She also enjoys getting to know her biological mother’s family that she has just met. As she is trying to decide what her next steps are in life, she knows one thing, she loves history and would love to start a historical society on the island. When she finds herself working along side the new owner of the local hotel and historical landmark on the island, she may have just found the start of a new chapter in her life. Can April put her past behind her and learn to trust another man again?

Ryan Kingston likes his private life as an investor and would prefer to stay in the shadows while he is back on Crown Island. His dream is to renovate the grand Majestic Hotel and bring her back to her former glory. Can he work with April to keep the history of the hotel alive while guarding his own personal history with the hotel?

What a fabulous start to the new Crown Island series by JanMoran. We first met April and her family briefly in Seabreeze Reunion, which was book eight in the Summer Beach Series. I was excited to read April story and get to know her daughters and mother a little better in this book. I loved that April is a mature woman with grown daughters who is facing a new chapter in life. The characters are very well written and I easily was captured by their stories. I am already patiently waiting for the next book in the series. Thank you so much Jan Moran for my advanced readers copy which I voluntarily read and reviewed. A great new read from one of my favourite authors.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love to walk on the beach and listen to the waves. They remind me that life goes on regardless of our challenges. That helps me put things in perspective, especially now."

April Raines' life has taken an unexpected turn back to her life growing up on Crown Island. Her husband of many years has left her and is with another woman. Her adult children are living their own lives albeit differently than she hoped for June and Maileah. June, on Crown Island with her as they care for Ella who is recovering from pneumonia. April's best friend Deb is an interior designer and still lives on the island.

Can you go home again? Will they let you in? April's introduction to the new owner of the old hotel, Ryan Kingston is memorable. She may be hiding things but he seems to be hiding a whole lifetime. Can these two people find a way out of the past and into a bright future? You will have to read it and find out!

I have been a fan of Jan Moran through many books and many years. Each book is different and the characters are intriguing enough to hook you and enchanting enough to not let go. Highly Recommended 5/5

[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Beach View Lane by Jan Moran this morning. Just like with the Summer Beach series, Jan Moran pulls you in to her new Crown Island series from page 1. Ryan Kingston and April Raines have moved back to Crown Island. They quickly realize what they’ve been missing living elsewhere. April has been separated from her husband, and Ryan is back to restore the historic Majestic Hotel. Don’t miss the start of a wonderful new series. Enjoy.

P.S. Don’t forget to download the bonus story.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beach View Lane was a cozy, heartwarming read with a charming beach-town setting that really came to life. I enjoyed the themes of second chances, family, and friendship, and the dialogue between characters felt realistic and genuine. The relationships were sweet, and the island backdrop made the story feel comforting and easy to sink into.

I wanted to get in all my summer reads before we move into fall, and this one definitely captured that breezy, coastal vibe I was looking for. At the same time, I found the story a little more predictable and slower-paced than I typically prefer, so it didn’t quite pull me in the way I had hoped. Still, I appreciated the feel-good nature of it and can see why fans of small-town romances would love spending time in this world.

Overall, it was a nice way to round out my summer reading—even if it wasn’t a standout for me personally.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach View Lane - An interesting and entertaining story about second chances at love and life. Sweet and funny with a bit of drama and some shake-your-head moments, along with likeable characters and interesting story lines makes this story hard to put down. 5*

Flawless - An interesting story filled with romance, intrigue and family. Good characters along with a battle for survival of a family business and a budding romance made this sweet story difficult to put down. 5*

For the following, see my complete reviews under the individual books.

The Summer Beach Series:
Seabreeze Inn #1 – This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed the story. The story was too good to put down and I really liked all the characters, even Ivy after she wised up. The family, the town and the friends were all a good match to the good storylines. There was a good mystery about the previous owner and some items, and a bit of intrigue about Ivy’s deceased husband. The story is complete but this is the first of a series. 4*

Seabreeze Summer #2 - Picks up the next day from where Seabreeze Inn ended. The storylines are interesting and I like that Amelia is still plays a great part when the house gives up another secret. More characters are introduced ranging from locals to family. The romances are out in the open. 4*

Seabreeze Sunset #3 - I enjoyed reading this trilogy and returning to the Summer Beach Series, but Sunset is the best. There are the expected twists but the unexpected neckbreaking jerks are wild. The pace never slows down. While this book can be read as is, the impact of story really needs the foundation built by the two previous books. 5*
The Summer Beach Series end.

The Chocolatier - I enjoyed several books by this author, but this is my favorite. The multiple storylines, the multiple countries, the multiple time frames all blend together into a heartwarming, heartbreaking, heartfelt story impossible to put down. The range of emotions from pure joy to sheer terror add to the rollercoaster ride through love, deception, survival, guilt, determination and perseverance. I enjoy that this rich, substantial book is a melting pot of people, history, morals, chocolate and taking the right path through life. 5*

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jan Moran is one of my favorite authors. I have read all her Summer Beach and Summer Beach: Coral Cottage books, and loved them all. So, I was delighted to hope on my bike and head back to the CA coast with Ms. Moran and this new Crown Island series (think a cross between La Jolla, Laguna Beach, Del Mar, and San Diego with a touch of the Hotel Coronado thrown in for good measure).
Two of the main characters, April and her daughter Junie, were introduced in Ms. Moran’s Seabreeze Reunion (part of the wonderful Summer Beach series, and some of the Bay family make cameos here), and I really enjoyed diving into their stories here. I would categorize this book as “women’s fiction” with a touch of romance, since the focus really is on April and Junie.
This is a story about loss, second chances, and above all else, family (both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose). The dialogue really sparkles, especially between April and her soon-to-be ex-husband, as well as potential love interest Ryan Kingston. I found the characters, situations, and again, the dialogue, to be very true to life. I’m ready to dive into the second book in this series, Sunshine Avenue, when it’s released in September. And yes, I’m hoping that, after Book #2, there will be additional books in this series!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author, and am happy to provide this honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Book 1 of the Crown Island series, Beach View Lane, page-turning with exceptional characters and realistic world-building. Their journey is enthralling with heartfelt emotions, drama, love, family, friendships, loss, magnificent island settings with the tranquility that engulfs all the beautiful characters, and more. As Jan Moran states, "Grab your beach cruiser and head to the Majestic Hotel on Crown Island, start a heartwarming family saga set in a charming beach town." April Raines is facing the end of her long-term marriage after her husband begins another family and leaves her alone. April wants a fresh start to reevaluate her life and mend her heart, so she returns home with her grown daughters to Crown Island, just off the coast of Southern California. If you love clean romance and women's fiction that is fun and heartfelt emotions that, have you crying, laughing, smiling, etc., giving all the feelings, then I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with Beach View Lane and memories to make at the Majestic Hotel on Crown Island.

I received this magnificent book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whitney Saxon]

DNF. Wish I could have gotten into it!

[Janelle Metzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach View Lane is the story of April Raines who grew up on Crown Island off the coast of Summer Beach, California. She is recently separated from her cheating husband Calvin (known as Cal). She has returned to Crown Island to take of her mother Ella Raines who is recovering from pneumonia. April's adult daughter Junie returns with her after the devastating death of her husband Mark. April's daughter Mae who goes by Maileah has sided with her father Cal.

Junie also did an online DNA test and finds a match with Shelley Bay (from the Seabreeze Inn Series). It turns out Carlotta Bay (Ivy and Shelley's mother) had a sister Pilar who died in a car accident. When she died she was pregnant. The baby survived and that was April who was adopted by Ella and Augustus Raines.

The Crown Island Series introduces several characters much like the Summer Beach Series who will be reoccurring such as Deb (April's best friend and interior designer), Blue (Officer Blumethal), and of course Ryan Kingston (owner of the Majestic Hotel and love interest of April) and I am sure among others.

If you are looking for an easy beach read with a happy ending this another series to enjoy!

Below the line are details for me to remember this book
--------------------------------------------

1. April and Cal end up divorced because Cal has an affair with Olga who is Cal's student at the university in Seattle. Both April and Cal are college professors. April did all of Cal's work to help him get published. Olga claims to be pregnant with Cal's baby. Their daughter Maileah sides with her father and is friends with Olga. She has a boyfriend Hawk who eventually dumps her and she loses her job and crawls back to Crown Island to April with her tail between her legs.

2. Junie has relocated to Crown Island after the tragic accident of her husband Mark. He was hit by car in London when a taxi cab ran the light. He was stepping off the curb and looked left first instead of right. Junie ends up getting a job at the historic Majestic Hotel in the gift shop. She and her husband owned an online retail shop so this job fits her well.

3. April becomes involved with Ryan Kingston the owner of the Majestic Hotel. Ryan is actually Ryan Finlay, but goes by Ryan Kingston. His parents were workers in the hotel and he rose up from his working class background to buy the hotel to save it. The other little surprise was Ryan almost died the day he was born and was saved by a nurse who happen to be at the hotel. At the end of the story it is revealed that Ella (April's mother) was the nurse who saved Ryan's life. Ryan grew up in the hotel and actually remembered April as a child, but didn't know it was her until she points out a picture of herself on the wall at the hotel from when she was a child. April is also the chairperson of the Crown Island Historical Society.

[Margaret · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like eating a bowl of white rice. It’s…fine, there’s nothing more complex than one note. You’ll surely forget about it in 5 minutes.

SPOILERS:


His big secret is his parents were hard-working immigrants with adorable accents and sweet dispositions? Oh, no. Is this seriously meant to be modern day? The conflict is…classism. Really?

I liked when she had her a-hole husband by the short hairs. Even then though… it’s all entirely spoon-fed. I believe this is the corniest book I’ve read in years. If you like the complete obvious, circumstances that haven’t been realistic in decades, and a total lack of nuance, please enjoy.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach View Lane by Jan Moran is the first book of the Crown Island series set in contemporary Southern California. A familiar, enjoyable chick-lit plot: April Raines suddenly discovers her marriage is over.

April knew what she was dealing with. Life wasn't perfect, and it wasn't always pretty, for her and for other women she knew. They made the best of what life had served up and carried on, being there for their parents, children and husband, stretched between it all like a length of elastic. Sometimes they snapped, mentally or physically, under stress. She sure had. But when they did, the lucky ones had friends who helped them fashion something serviceable from the tattered fabric of their dreams.

In her hometown on Crown Island, she begins anew. (Of course) she meets an attractive, intriguing man with a past he has kept hidden (until now, perhaps?). Delightful story about restoring Majestic Hotel (think Hotel del Coronado) off the SoCal coast, with a generous dollop of romance. A lovely chick-lit escape, especially for those of us lucky enough to have lived in SoCal, and/or to have visited "Hotel del". A pleasant new author discovery from Hoopla Bonus Books; I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Junie realized she'd forgotten about the toasted English muffins. She scooted them onto plates just in time. Next she topped them with smoked salmon and sliced avocado, California style.

Crown Island's Color Changing Strawberry Lemonade and Cocktail: Strawberry lemonade is a lovely pink-hued version of a summer cooler. In Southern California, lemon trees often produce from 9 to 10 months of the year, so lemonade is a staple. Adding strawberries creates a tasty, pretty variation. For a fun, color-changing effect, try adding purple ice cubes. As they melt, the drink will change shades, deepening from pink into the purple spectrum. The type of lemon you use can affect the level of sweetness. Meyer lemons have a naturally sweeter taste profile. You can adjust the tartness by adding a sweet counterpoint, but it might not be needed with sweet strawberries. A dash of alcohol, a sugared rim and a garnish of fruit makes a fancy summer cocktail in a flash. To make fresh strawberry lemonade: In a blender, puree the strawberries, then combine with lemon juice and water in a pitcher. Stir well. For royal purple ice cubes, the secret is purple cabbage. You don't taste the cabbage; as the ice cubes melt, the color drifts into the drink. To make purple ice cubes from cabbage: Chop rinsed cabbage, cover with boiling water in a bowl. Let stand 5 minutes or until water is purple. Strain the liquid, discard the cabbage. Pour the tinted water into an ice cube tray and freeze completely (~4 hours).

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a new series can sometimes be a rough start. After all, the author has to introduce the setting and all the new characters and then give us a plot. But Jan Moran has this mastered! The first book in this new Crown Island series left me with a smile on my face, tears in my eyes, and a melting heart.

Set on lovely Crown Island (much like Catalina Island), the cast of characters immediately grabbed me. The Raines family is related to the Bay family in the Summer Beach series. April is separated from her husband and is living with her mother Ella, the matriarch of the family. Also living with them is April’s daughter Junie, a young widow. April’s other daughter Maileah lives in Seattle and doesn’t get along with her mother. And I must not forget April’s best friend Deb who is like a sister to her.

Being a sweet romance, I need to introduce the men. Ryan Kingston is the new owner of the historic Majestic Hotel. Note: Crown Island’s most eligible bachelor. Then there is police officer Blumenthal. (Definitely want to know more about him in upcoming books.) The charismatic Whitley, Ryan’s righthand man, rounds out our current heartthrobs.

Oh, and did I mention a possible ghost? No…well, Summer Beach seems to have one, so why not Crown Island!

I am really looking forward to future visits to Crown Island.

Many thanks for the advance copy of the book. These opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the way that April stand up to her ex, that ex of her is unbelievable, he want to have both the extra marital relationship while having the ex-wife to write his articles. Well, he has a rude awakening. He toss away a good woman for a shallow one who lied about being pregnant just because he wanted a son.

April's older daughter is also another one that has the comeuppance happened so fast of the way she treated her mom. I don't know how a daughter can be on the Dad's side telling mom that she is the one at fault for not able to hold Dad's attention. I think Dad is supposed to be in love with mom no matter what she wears.

Then they all were astounded about Olga being pregnant with another man's baby while I am thinking there isn't such baby at all. Olga could have just found a fake ultrasound to get a marriage proposal out of the Ex-hubby.

Good thing there isn't too much about Olga drama. The end of the book is really romantic, Ryan realize the girl he was in love with so many years ago was standing in front of him and Eve also realize that the boy she was curious about was her new neighbor and the guy that is going to rebuild the Majestic Hotel on Crown Island.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Crown Island series and it is April and Ryan’s story and what a great start to a new series by one of my favourite authors. April’s marriage is now over and she needs to decide what to do next with her life as her job or home mean absolutely nothing to her anymore so she has decided to go and stay with her mother on Crown Island and get to know her new extended family that she is now meeting for the first time and hopefully April will now be able to move forward and start her new life. Ryan is back on Crown Island and he lives a quiet life while staying in the background while hopefully renovating the The Grand Majestic Hotel while keeping to himself but sometimes things don’t always go as planned especially as he is working with April and keeping his distance becomes even harder. Wow I absolutely loved this book so much as it had great characters and storyline that kept your attention throughout and as usual Jan didn’t disappoint her readers with this one and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is the first in the series, it is a spin-off from another of this author’s series with several references being made to previous incidents and/or family developments. Fortunately, the author could weave most of the history’ into the flow of this saga so that it did not detract too much from my enjoyment.
Lecturer and historian, April, has to face the dissolution of her marriage but, in the process, finds that she has the strength of character to survive as a worthwhile person in her own right.
Hotel owner, Ryan, feels compelled to hide his origins for fear of ridicule…until circumstances make him acknowledge the value of his history.
A heart-warming tale of family, friendship and later-in-life romance, set in the beautiful backdrop of Crown Island. This is the first, but certainly not the last, book I have read by Jan Moran.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two of the main characters, April and her daughter Junie, were introduced in Ms. Moran’s Seabreeze Reunion (part of the wonderful Summer Beach series, and some of the Bay family make cameos here), and I really enjoyed diving into their stories here. I would categorize this book as “women’s fiction” with a touch of romance, since the focus really is on April and Junie.
This is a story about loss, second chances, and above all else, family (both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose). The dialogue really sparkles, especially between April and her soon-to-be ex-husband, as well as potential love interest Ryan Kingston. I found the characters, situations, and again, the dialogue, to be very true to life. I’m ready to dive into the second book in this series, Sunshine Avenue, when it’s released in September. And yes, I’m hoping that, after Book #2, there will be additional books in this series

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A long suffering, mostly tolerant middle aged woman, recently separated from her husband, returns to the island where she grew up. She's staying with her mother, when her younger adult daughter, recently widowed, joins them. They attempt to find peace, happiness and a path forward.

A business man parts from his business partner over visions for an historic hotel on the island - restore or tear down. That hotel is the center of community on the island and the focus of its history.

There is family drama, mysteries, island memories, a hint of romance and more tied up in this book. There is also a thread back to the Seabreeze Inn series. Although the book wraps up nicely, the reader will likely be left wanting to know more. I'm looking forward to the next book already.

I received an advance reader copy from Booksprout. This is my honest review.

[Deana Mancini-Drakulich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
I stayed up past my bedtime and finished this book in one sitting. My tomorrow self may be a little sluggish… am I sorry? Nope!
Well, I just made some new friends! Ms. Moran writes characters and places with such great care that I just want to crawl into her books and stay there.
In this book, the first in a new series, we meet April Raines. She has come home to Crown Island to care for her mother. The youngest of her two daughters came with her.. Both women needed the change of scenery in their lives without knowing just how much.
We catch up with some old friends, don’t worry no need to read the other series of Ms. Moran’s to enjoy this book. I do have a feeling you will want to though!
So excited to go on this adventure!
Romance, family relationships, mystery
TW- widow, infidelity

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach View Lane is Jan Moran’s first book in her new series called Crown Island. When I get a book by Ms. Moran I know to make a cup of tea, get a blanket and a comfy spot because I will read this in one sitting. She always takes me away to warm weather and a beach!!! She literally makes me feel like I am sitting on a beach! This is a wonderful family saga story placed in a small beach town and all that goes with it. The characters, some old and some new are real fascinating. This one is filled with family drama, heartbreak, joy, hope and of course some romance. I highly recommend this book and author, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you Jan Moran and Sunny Palm Press for this captivating story to read and review. The opinions expressed are my own.
#beachviewlane. #janmoran #sunnypalmpress #arc
#crownislandseries

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s here! New series, new characters, new unexpected situations, along with secrets and some romance. Crown Island, just off the coast of Southern California is the setting for this new Jan Moran series. In addition, there is a family connection to the Bay family of the Summer Beach Series.

These new characters come to life: April Raines and her daughter, Junie, are both dealing with loss, daughter, Maileah is keeping her distance, and the new owner of the Majestic isn’t quite who he says he is. April’s best friend, Deb, and her mother, Ella, add to the cast of characters.

Jan Moran writes fun, readable books and this is no exception. Looking forward to what happens next on Crown Island as the series continues.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author, but like always, this is my own review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aprils short term plans to stay with her Mum are skuttled after a blow she didn't see coming, but thanks to her friend Deb along with others help her see she can be anything and embrace what she really wants to do not other. I really loved how April and Ryan met along with how they dance around the flutter of feelings they get when close although they do cause plenty of frustration as well and has me wanting to shake some sense into them. As with all Jan Moran books you get multiple storylines interwoven together and glimpses of things to come, woman who might otherwise crumple pull themselves up on their own and with the help of those that love them and of course plenty of laughs, intrigue and the need for the next book as soon as you finish one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown Island’s Majestic Hotel, a historical gem from years past, that has seen better days. Enter Ryan Kingston (Finley) to save and restore this magnificent treasure. But why is he interested? What has motivated him to return to his roots to save a hotel? Beach View Lane is the first book in her newest Crown Island Series, which compliments her Summer Beach and Coral Cottage Series, bringing in some known-to-us characters and introducing us to some new characters that will all play a part in this wonderful story. As with her other books, Jan has brought us all the things we like in a contemporary fiction – romance, intrigue, new love, heartbreak, family issues and much more. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next ones!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is always an exciting feeling when starting a new book from Jan Moran and more so when the book is the first one on a new series, the introduction of the characters and their lives and the setting of the story, the places that the author wants us to have in our minds, they play an important role in her books as much as the characters do.
This book wasn't the exception, I loved the descriptions of Crown Island and most of all the descriptions of the Majestic Hotel,
This is the story of boy likes girl when they are kids and reconnect, after a lot of life twists, when they are adults. Will they like or hate each other, will their past prevent them from becoming more than friends?
I like the direction that the first book of the series is setting and can't wait for the next book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

April is in Crown Island to help her mom, Ella as she recovers from illness. Her daughter Junie is also on the island trying to get her life back together since her husband died. April is at a crossroads also since her husband, Calvin had an affair. Ryan just bought out his ex-partner for the Majestic Hotel. He wants to bring it back to its grandeur. Ryan catches April stealing a snippet of one of the plants in his yard. This is an great story about family, friends, and life with those on the island. So happy to see how April handles her husband and his plaything. Loved how Ryan and April got along. Great story. Can't read more about Crown Island and the people who live there.

[Marcie Pomper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this first book in the new Crown Island series. A story about coming home. Going through the emotions of a marriage that is ending. The new emotions about meeting someone you feel connected to from the first meeting. The worrying a mom always has even when the children are adults. Starting to face a new beginning with a change in career. A new beginning with The Majestic Hotel. Meeting so many fascinating people who live on the island. Loved the various twists. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series so I can continue to see what happens next. Loved it and highly recommend.

[Judyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Jan Moran’s books that I can get my hands on. Like the others, this book has wonderful characters. You want to live across the street from them or meet them for coffee. This is book 1 of a 2 book series. It ties in with the Summer Beach series but you don’t need to read the Summer Beach series first ( but do read them next). There is heartbreak, there is Joy, there is Hope, of course Romance and strong, wIse women. What more could you ask for?

I’d like to thank the author for providing an ARC for review purposes. All opinions are mine and mine alone.