The Lighthouse at the Cove

Coral Cove #2

by Amy Clipston

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a heartwarming Hallmark-style novel perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Sherryl Woods where a single dad teams up with a journalist to save the town's historic landmark lighthouse.

Kaya Ross, a talented and ambitious journalist, needs a break. Following a tough breakup, Kaya embarks on a road trip along the picturesque coastal route from Maryland to Florida. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her car breaks down in the charming town of Coral Cove. Stranded and in need of help, Kaya meets Reid Turner, a local firefighter with a heart of gold.

Reid, a single father to his daughter Piper, offers Kaya a place to stay in the apartment above his garage in exchange for writing a feature article on the town's annual Light the Dark Festival, which celebrates the town's rich history as the home of an old lighthouse that saved sailors in a storm. The festival serves as a fundraiser for the town and is crucial for its survival of the historic lighthouse, a symbol of Coral Cove's giving heart. This year, the festival holds even more significance as the town is in desperate need of funds to repair the lighthouse, which was damaged by a fire.

As Kaya settles into her new temporary home, she becomes deeply involved in the planning and promotion of the Light the Dark Festival, and as she and Reid work together, love starts to bloom. Together, they work tirelessly to create awareness and excitement for the festival, hoping to attract tourists and save the town from financial ruin. However, just as Kaya starts to feel at home in Coral Cove, her ex-boyfriend reappears with a tempting job opportunity that could change her life.

Faced with a difficult decision, Kaya must choose between her newfound love for the town, Reid, and Piper, or the allure of her career and the possibility of a fresh start. With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, Kaya, Reid, and the community of Coral Cove come together to overcome obstacles, ignite the town's spirit, and make the Light the Dark Festival a resounding success. Along the way, they discover the power of love, friendship, and the importance of preserving their town's heritage.

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a captivating tale that combines the charm of a small-town setting, a blossoming romance, and the triumph of community spirit. Readers will be swept away by the heartfelt journey of Kaya, Reid, and the residents of Coral Cove as they navigate love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christian Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

Audible Audio

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

Hi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.

Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)

Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)

Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)


An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)

An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)

An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)

An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)

Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)

Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)

Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)

Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)

Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)

Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: The sign came into view - Coral Cove, next exit.
Yes! A town! All was not lost!
'Coral Cove,' she muttered. 'Let's hope they have a mechanic close by.
She merged onto the off ramp and held her breath, praying the sign for a repair shop would appear right in front of her, like a mirage in the desert.
Instead, an adorable Welcome to Coral Cove! sign featuring a sandy beach and colorful umbrellas filled her vision.
'Nice,' she whispered to herself. 'So there's a gorgeous beach. What else do they have? Any mechanics?'
And then a postcard-perfect little town came into view. Kaiah slowly drove down main street and spied several small shops, a town hall, an elementary school. Everything looked like it belonged in a coffee table book of Americana. In the distance near the shoreline, she spotted a tall column wrapped in black-and-white stripes. It took her a second to realise she was staring at a real-life lighthouse.
She'd found civilization! And not only that, a storybook beach town. Surely she'd end up okay in this place, right?

ABOUT 'THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE COVE': Sometimes the road home isn't on a map.

After a painful breakup and a stalled career, journalist Kaiah Ross sets out on a reporting road trip down the East Coast, hoping the miles will help her find her way again. But when car trouble strands her in the postcard-perfect town of Coral Cove, she's forced to stop running--and unexpectedly finds herself drawn into a life that feels like something out of a dream.

Reid Turner has spent years putting others first--his career as a firefighter, his spirited young daughter, Piper, and the small town he's always called home. The last thing he's looking for is a relationship. But from the moment Kaiah arrives, her kindness, warmth, and quiet strength stir something in him he thought was long buried.

When Kaiah agrees to help promote the town's annual "Light the Dark" Festival--a celebration meant to save Coral Cove's historic lighthouse--what begins as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something more. Late nights of planning under string lights, shared laughter over coffee, and quiet, heartfelt moments with Piper begin to weave Kaiah into the fabric of Reid's life . . . and into his heart.

But just as love begins to blossom, Kaiah is faced with an offer that could relaunch her career and take her far from Coral Cove. Now, she's forced to choose between the life she thought she wanted and the unexpected love that's given her a glimpse of home.

MY THOUGHTS: I can always rely on Amy Clipston for a heartfelt and touching romance read!

Kaiah Ross has two dreams - being a successful travel writer and having a life partner. The sort of life partner she could text inside jokes to, someone to decorate the Christmas tree with, someone who would pick up orange juice on the way home because he knew it was her favorite.

Instead, she is barely scratching a living as a freelance writer and has recently split from the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with. He even took her dog when he left. And now her car has broken down right outside Nowheresville, she's facing expensive repairs, and she doesn't have enough money for more than a day or two at a cheap motel . . .

The Lighthouse at Coral Cove is such a sweet read! Not sickly sweet but intriguingly sweet, charmingly sweet. I was so invested in Kaiah's story.

Reid seemed almost too good to be true, but then later on he closes his emotional door on Kaiah once or twice, so I gave him Kudos for having backbone. As well as backbone he has the cutest daughter, Piper. She falls in love with Miss Kaiah almost as fast as Reid does.

So, with the cards stacking up like this, what could possibly go wrong? 🤐My lips are sealed. But let me just say I had tears pricking at my eyes more than once during this read. Happy tears? Sad tears? A mixture of both? Not telling.

Both have emotional baggage to deal with. Reid is firmly settled in his hometown of Coral Cove whereas Kaiah is just passing through on her way to better places. Both feel the strong tug of attraction, of affection. But what will win? - Kaiah's desire for a successful career? Or her longing for a family? There are some difficult decisions to be made.

The Lighthouse at the Cove eclipses all the other books I have read by Amy Clipston. A strongly recommended read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

#TheLighthouseattheCove #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories.
Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and five spoiled rotten cats.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing an e-ARC and Zonderfan Fiction Audio for providing an audiobook of The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

I was able to combine reading with listening to The Lighthouse at the Cove, written by Amy Clipston and beautifully narrated by Melissa Moran. I enjoyed both formats equally.

https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE COVE is a heart tugging story filled with grief, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! Amy Clipston isn’t afraid to write about subjects that tug at the readers hearts. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don’t mind crying in front of strangers! I’m so excited to continue catching up on all of Amy Clipston’s previous books.

When I hear that Amy Clipston has a new book coming out, I run to it. THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE COVE is exactly why! Kaiah is passing through Coral Cove when her car breaks down, forcing her to stick around until it’s fixed. This is when she meets Reid who is a single dad of a six year old daughter. Reid works as a firefighter in the town. Wait until you meet Piper, Reid’s daughter. You are going to fall in love with her. This book should be the next Hallmark movie! Its just perfect! All the characters and animals are very likeable in THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE COVE.

Amy Clipston has created a wonderful story filled with beautiful families and characters. She is so amazing at what she writes, no matter if it’s Amish or contemporary fiction. Her descriptions of each setting had me feeling as if I were right there with the Kaiah, Reid, and Piper. THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE COVE was a quick read for me because I had a hard time putting it down once I started. I found myself cheering for Kaiah and hoping she could get Reid’s walls to come down. I love the way she never gave up on him no matter how hard he pushed her away.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story, and it totally gave off cozy Hallmark romance vibes!

Kaiah is passing through Coral Cove when her car breaks down, forcing her to stick around until it’s fixed. Luckily, the town is super welcoming, and Reid, a really kind (and handsome) firefighter, helps her find a temporary place to stay in the apartment over his garage. As her repairs keep getting delayed, Kaiah ends up helping the community promote their “Light the Dark” Festival, which they’re hoping will raise money to fix the school and the old lighthouse. With her journalism and marketing skills, she’s the perfect person to get the word out. And the longer she stays, the closer she gets to Reid and his adorable daughter, Piper.The only problem? Coral Cove was never part of her plan. Her dream job is out there waiting for her, and when opportunities start popping up because of the work she’s doing, she has to face the reality that taking them would mean leaving Reid and Piper behind people she’s starting to really care about. Plus she is also starting to like the community in Coral Cove and even Reid family. So now she has to figure out if this “quick stop” might actually be where she’s meant to be... Is she willing to pass on her dream jobs to stay here OR has being in Coral Cove changed her dreams?

Overall, this was such a cozy,sweet read. Definitely had the Hallmark feel but also some deeper moments as Reid works through his grief (the loss of wife years prior) and figures out if he’s ready to open his heart again... especially knowing Kaiah isn't planning to stay. There were a few moments I wanted more time to experience the romance and less in the festival/town details... but all in all, still a great read overall. And the fact it was a book that took place in a North Carolina setting made it even better!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Hannah Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove was just about everything you can expect from a sweet, clean contemporary romance. The beachy vibes were spot-on (and made me rather envious with Michigan’s current snowy state), Kaiah and Reid were ADORABLE together, and Piper was genuinely the cutest thing. You can’t go wrong with a sweetheart of a second-grader.

First, Kaiah. She was definitely the main-er of the two characters, as she had the strongest arc of the pair. It was Kaiah who battled doubts and struggled to choose between the two paths set out before her. I loved her—the way she engaged with Coral Cove and supported Reid and his sister’s mission. I loved every interaction she had with Piper and the instant bond between them. I also adored the relationship she had with her sister, although I wish we could see a bit more of the rest of her family!

As for Reid, he was strong and handsome, of course, and I loved his confidence. I also feel that, for a widower, I appreciated that he didn’t majorly battle against the idea of moving on with someone else. He talks about Brynn a lot, but he seems to have a healthy response to her absence (it’s been… I wanna say six years, after all).

On the negative side, I didn’t LOVE how much time Kaiah spent admiring Reid’s physique. I loved the nickname “Mr. TDH” (Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome), but it felt like the physical descriptions of his muscles and hotness was a lot at times. Also, I really wish there would have been some faith content in here somewhere… but it’s clean, not Christian, so I can’t really complain.

All that said, I really enjoyed this book, and I thought it was very fun and cute! Definitely a better read for spring or summer, though, so I don’t end up insanely jealous.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Lisa M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove is another novel set at Coral Cove. This book is a stand alone--so you don't need to read the first book The View from Coral Cove before diving into this one. None of the characters carry over.

This book has a travel journalist who has a car breakdown in a tiny coastal town on her way to her latest job. When the mechanics advise that it will be weeks before the replacement parts are available, she settles in to wait and enjoy what this special town can offer.

The lead male character is Reid who is a single dad of a 6-yearold daughter who works primarily as a firefighter in the town.

Both of them are thrown together when Reid offers a garage apartment for Kaiah to use while she's stuck in town.

They work together to try to save a town festival by incorporating many of Kaiah's new ideas for attracting attention--using her social media connections to advertise.

This was really just a so-so book. If you've followed my reviews you know that I am not a fan of "I've known you 3 weeks, I love you and want to get married" kind of romances. This one is pretty much a Hallmark movie waiting to happen! LOL.

I'm going to give it 3 Stars as being just okay. I enjoyed the first book in the series more.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an ARC of Amy Clipston’s newest book! She’s one of my very favorite authors.

This book is set in the same charming (fictional?) town featured in some of her other clean contemporary romances, Coral Cove North Carolina.

The setting and atmosphere of the small town really came to life for me. I loved the family owned businesses like the bakery, the gorgeous beaches, and of course the lighthouse.

This book would make a fantastic Hallmark movie, as the main character Kaiah comes from New York City to the small town of Coral Cove and ends up falling in love with the town and the people in it.

The story was enjoyable, but for me the romance was a bit lacking as it was VERY instalovey. The book spans only 2-3 weeks I believe, but yet both Kaiah and Reid were very committed to each other when in reality they barely knew each other.

There were also some fairly convenient plot points that required a bit of suspension of disbelief, but I did like seeing Reid fall in love again after 4 years of being a widower.

There are a few mentions of attending church, but I wouldn’t really call this Christian fiction. It’s more clean fiction.

Overall another sweet read from one of my favorite authors.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming read! Sometimes what you think is your dream may not be the full dream that would truly bless your life. Or perhaps you need to be reminded of what was once your dream, years earlier, before things fell apart. Those are truths that Kaiah had to face when she found herself in a quaint small town, befriended by a handsome firefighter and his daughter.

I loved the connection that grew between Reid, Kaiah, and Piper. Even after only a few days together, it was clear to me as the reader that there was something special that could be possible between Reid and Kaiah.

I liked their openness with each other and the way they didn’t play games with each other’s feelings. I also enjoyed exploring this charming small beach town with Kaiah and seeing the way everyone came together to make the festival a reality.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston is a warm, charming story about new beginnings. Kaiah Ross is searching for a fresh start after a painful breakup, putting her journalism career on hold while she sets out on a cross-country road trip. When her car unexpectedly breaks down in the small town of Coral Cove, Kaiah soon discovers that this detour may be exactly what she needs—and that her life is about to change for the better.

In Coral Cove, Kaiah meets the town’s very own tall, dark, and handsome hero, Reid, a local firefighter and devoted single father to his six-year-old daughter, Piper. Piper immediately captures Kaiah’s heart with her spunky, delightful personality. When Reid offers Kaiah a garage apartment to stay in while her car is being repaired, she finds herself settling into town—and into a life she hadn’t planned but quickly comes to love. Coral Cove, Reid’s kind heart, and sweet Piper all make it hard for Kaiah not to feel at home.

This is a lovely, comforting read that follows The View from Coral Cove, and both stories are equally enjoyable. Amy Clipston delivers a heartfelt romance filled with warmth, community, and the promise of second chances.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

#TheLighthouseAtTheCove #NetGalley

This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Kyiah is a journalist heading on an assignment when her car breaks down in a small town. When she gets the news that her car will take several weeks to fix, she is devastated. Reid is a widower with a young daughter and has an apartment for Kyiah to rent until her car gets fixed. Kyiah puts her journalist skills to work to earn money to repair the elementary school helping with a festival in town. She finds herself falling for Reid and his daughter Piper. But what about her dreams for the future?

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Harper Collins and TNZ Fiction for sending me an ARC. Opinions are my own.

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a contemporary romance following Kaiah Ross, a journalist traveling along the East Coast on a reporting trip after a painful breakup and a stalled career. A car malfunction sees her stumbling upon the picture perfect town of Coral Cove, and Kaiah finds a story: promote the "Light the Dark" festival and save the town's historic lighthouse. And helping her out? Reid Turner, one of the town's firefighters who has sworn off love. Or has he?

If I had to use just two words to describe it they would be Romantic and Cozy! The Lighthouse at the Cove channels all the best of Hallmark style romance. I loved Kaiah and Reid's story from the start: Kaiah is stranded in Coral Cove and Reid offers to let her stay in the apartment above his garage for free, moved by his curiosity for the beautiful, kind stranger that found her way into his city. Kaiah and Reid's chemistry is so wholesome, and their sweet slow burn had my heart racing and my eyes glued to the pages! I love how they slowly open up to one another and help each other heal from the scars of past relationships, and what makes their relationship even more special is Piper, Reid's six year old daughter, who immediately takes to Kaiah and creates many opportunities for Kaiah and Reid to experience beautiful "family" moments together. Furthermore, Coral Cove is filled with small town magic and sense of community, which makes this the perfect cozy romance for all seasons!

- seaside small town
- spring festival
- beach read
- firefighter and single dad MMC

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few things I love like the feeling of reading a beautiful book, just like this one.

The Lighthouse at the Cove by bestselling novelist Amy Clipston is a contemporary romance set in a perfect-postcard coastal town of Coral Cove. The book is releasing on December 2!

After a painful breakup and a stalled career, journalist Kaiah Ross sets out on a reporting road trip down the East Coast, but some car travel has her stopping in the town of Coral Cove. Here, she helps promote the “Light the Dark” event, meant to save the town’s lighthouse. Helping her is local firefighter and single dad Reid Turner…

The Lighthouse at the Cove has two elements that I have realized I am especially weak for: small town magic and the single dad trope. And the author uses these elements beautifully. I have fallen in love with Coral Cove and its beautiful community, and most importantly I loved the romance between Kaiah and Reid, and the dynamic with Reid’s daughter, Piper. The single parent trope is one of my favorites when the kid is actively present in the story and creating a connection with the parent’s potential partner, and there were many moments we got to see this happen with Kaiah and Piper. As for Kaiah and Reid, they have a sweet slow burn that had me so invested I devoured the book in just a few days. This was such a fun and heartwarming read that by the time I was done, I felt both satisfied and sad that it was over. Truly, this book would make such a beautiful romantic movie!

Here are some tropes!
🌊 seaside small town
💕 sweet romance (no spice)
🌸 spring festival
🏖️ beach read
👨‍🚒 firefighter/single dad MMC

Thank you to Harper Collins and TNZ Fiction for gifting me an ARC of the book. Opinions are my own!

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet & clean contemporary romance perfect if you are looking for a Hallmark style romance that will give you all the feels! 💕

It follows Kaiah, who works as a freelance writer for Traveler Magazine and is headed to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. But on the way, her old car suddenly gives up on her while she’s still in Coral Cove, North Carolina, forcing her to make an unexpected stop. That’s when she first spots Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome at a local coffee shop. A little later, fate steps in: she sees him again at the body shop and discovers he’s a firefighter, and a single dad. Not only does he offer her a ride, but he also finds a solution to her hotel problem, offering for her to stay in his over-the-garage apartment in exchange for writing a piece on the town’s historic lighthouse.

This seaside small town, complete with spring festivals and coastal charm, makes the perfect setting for a sweet romance. The forced proximity gives the story that blossoming spark right away, and I was excited from the very start!

What you can expect:
💕Small Town Romance
💕Hallmark-Style Vibes
💕Single Dad
💕Forced Proximity
💕Sweet / Clean Romance
💕Seaside Setting
💕Spring Festivals
💕Firefighter MMC

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story with so many layers…
Deep, rich, underlying layers!

Kaiah (pronounced Kaya) is driving to her next journalist assignment (from NY to ?North Carolina?… not sure…). She’s in her faithful Land Rover that she depends on for everything… when something goes wrong. The car starts smoking…

She prays for an exit sign… and a mechanic! She sees a sign!!! Next exit Coral Cove! She’s so excited…and hopeful!
She gets off and sees a BEAUTIFUL town with a beach and pretty buildings. Where is the mechanic??? And then she sees a sign. She pulls up. There are a lot of cars there…. The mechanic tells her to give him a little time to look at the car. She wants to work… so he suggests a coffee place where she can work on her laptop. When she gets her coffee, there’s a mixup, and she doesn’t get her latte, but a plain black coffee. And then she meets Reid.
Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome! (Mr. TDH!) Their coffees were mixed up.
No problem…they switch coffees.
Too bad. He was cute!

Later, she goes back to the mechanic. The owner tells her it’ll be at least a few days. It’s a big job and he has to order parts… BIG SIGH…

She’ll have to get a room. She really can’t afford this! And the car repairs! She needs the money from her NEXT assignment to stay afloat! But… what can she do?

The mechanic gives her the name of two motels in the area and calls an Uber for her. She gets in, and who’s the driver? Mr. TDH!!! 😮😳😮
He’s bringing her to the first motel when he decides to call instead. They’re all booked up. 2nd hotel? Same thing.
Oh. No. Now what is she going to do??

He offers her an apartment above his garage. Really! And she accepts. And then she meets his precocious, adorable daughter!

This is the first FEW MINUTES of the book. And, it only gets better from here!

I will STOP 🛑 HERE🛑!! But I will say that Kaiah needs to stay there for a bit while her car is worked on. And, while she’s there she helps the town with a project that will affect everyone there!

This was sweet. This was adorable. This was also heartbreaking, and scary, and sad, and beautiful, and heartwarming and kind… and so much more! It will pull on your heartstrings… many times. And, will make you think about what really is important in life!
Oh… and there’s a cat 🐈‍⬛ and, a dog 🐕!

4 1/2 stars for me, happily rounded up to 5! 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

#TheLighthouseAtTheCove by @AmyClipston and narrated beautifully by @MelissaMoran.
Of note: this seems to be book #2 in the series, but I have not read book #1. So apparently it can be read as a standalone.

This one has already been released, so please look 👀 for it on shelves now!


Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #ThomasNelsonFiction and #ZondervanFictionAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
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My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Ifeanyi Omoike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove was truly a heartwarming Hallmark story. I almost want to call it a movie, because that’s exactly how it played in my mind — and honestly, I’d love to see it on screen.

Kaiah Ross, a journalist, finds herself stranded in Coral Cove when her car breaks down. Enter Reid Turner, a noble firefighter with a sweet daughter named Piper. As Kaiah works to revive the historical lighthouse, sparks fly, and the town becomes as much a character as the people themselves.

I’ve loved returning to Coral Cove — the small-town charm, the vivid descriptions, and the sense of community are all so inviting. Reid’s relationship with Piper tugged at my heart. He’s grieving, yet steadfastly trying to be a good father and neighbor. His bond with his twin sister added a layer of warmth and realism I appreciated.

Kaiah also stood out with her good heart, intelligence, and creativity. I especially enjoyed the way she connected with Piper and the spark of professionalism she brought to her work. Her ideas and execution were inspiring to read.

What didn’t quite work for me was how quickly Kaiah opened up to Reid. Her oversharing felt a bit unrealistic, especially with someone she had just met. At times, she avoided issues she could have faced more directly, which made her feel less grounded than Reid.

Still, what really made this book for me were the familial relationships, Piper and Astrid, and the gorgeous small-town setting. If you enjoy sweet small-town romances with vivid scenery and tender family dynamics, this is one to pick up.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Thank you. Seriously."
"For what?"
"Just for being you."

"You gave them all a gift... You gave them hope."

"...I can't offer you much "
"All I want is your heart."

There are few guarantees in life but a charming sweet romance from closed door contemporary romance author Amy Clipston will always leave you with hope in your heart and a smile on your face.

Freelance travel journalist Kaiah is heading down south from NY for a writing job when her car breaks down. Between her car dying, her ex dumping her in a letter, and taking their dog, and now maybe losing the job she was heading to, she is feeling disillusioned and ready to give up on her writing dreams.

Enter a meet cute at the local coffee shop with fireman and single dad Reid, or as Kaiah calls him, TDH (talk, dark and handsome). Soon she's living in his garage apartment waiting for car parts to get to the quaint seaside small town of Coral Cove, baking cookies with his precious 6 year old daughter Piper and helping to organize the "Light the Dark" festival to save the town's historical lighthouse and rebuild part of the school that was destroyed by a fire.

Just as Kaiah is feeling like she's found the family she's been missing since her Mom passed away, her ex tracks her down with a career changing offer...and getting her dog back.

What I really enjoyed about this ready made Hallmark movie love story was the kindness of Reid's family. As a widower for over 4 years, his twin sister and parents are always there for him but they welcome Kaiah without judgement as she faces major crossroads in her life. I love the town pulling together for the festival. But it was the way Reid and Kaiah fell for each other, with respect and hope, like a beacon from their lighthouse, that brightened their romance.

I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a cozy, heartwarming romance that feels tailor-made for readers who love Hallmark-style stories filled with small-town charm, second chances, and community spirit. With its scenic coastal setting and gentle emotional stakes, this novel delivers comfort, hope, and just the right touch of romance.
Kaya Ross is an easy heroine to root for. Smart, driven, and emotionally bruised after a breakup, her unexpected detour into the seaside town of Coral Cove becomes the pause she didn’t realize she needed. The forced-proximity setup—thanks to a broken-down car and an apartment above a garage—feels familiar in the best way, creating space for Kaya’s guarded heart to slowly open.
Reid Turner is every bit the dependable, warm-hearted hero readers expect. As a firefighter and devoted single dad, his quiet strength and steady presence add depth to the story, while his relationship with his daughter Piper brings some of the novel’s sweetest, most tender moments. Piper’s role in the story adds warmth and authenticity, grounding the romance in family and everyday love.
At the heart of the novel is the Light the Dark Festival and the beloved lighthouse itself. The lighthouse serves as more than a backdrop—it’s a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and shared history. Watching Kaya and Reid rally the town to save it is deeply satisfying and highlights the book’s strongest theme: the power of community when people come together for something they love.
The romance unfolds at a comfortable, emotionally resonant pace, balancing career ambition with the pull of belonging. Kaya’s internal conflict—choosing between professional opportunity and her growing attachment to Coral Cove—feels genuine and relatable, adding just enough tension to keep the pages turning.
Overall, The Lighthouse at the Cove is a feel-good read that delivers exactly what it promises: a charming escape filled with love, purpose, and heartfelt connections. Perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon, this novel will leave readers smiling and believing in the magic of small towns, second chances, and love that finds you when you least expect it.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kaiah Ross is stranded in Coral Cove when her car breaks down and she’s forced to wait on parts until she can continue on her journey. While waiting at the coffee shop for news from the mechanic, she sees Reid, whom she describes as Tall, dark, and handsome, which she and her sister quickly shorten to TDH.

Reid is a widower, and has a cute daughter named Piper who quickly attaches herself to Kaiah.

I liked Kaiah, Reid, and Piper, and all the characters, but I just didn’t like the plotline; it just didn’t jump out at me as something I will remember. I usually enjoy Amy Clipston, but this just didn’t jive for me.

My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5


Even though this book is shown as part of the Coral Cove series, it is wholly independent from the first book and can be read as a stand alone.

Piper was the best part of this story. I loved this little girl’s personality, innocence and just how she was so open and easily loved Kaiah.

Kaiah and Reid had chemistry from the start and had to overcome some hurdles and insecurities in their friendship which grew into more. The plot around the festival and how the small town came together to make it a success was warm and cosy. For a small town they had quite a few accidents though.

I appreciated how the author did not draw out the ending too much and even though the characters had some challenges and decisions to make, there was a quick turnaround.

Another cosy story if you need something lighter to read.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Pà · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Kaiah and Reid were both nice characters, and I enjoyed seeing them meet and start to fall for each other. The town of Coral Cove felt very real and charming, it made me feel like I was there, walking around and seeing everything. The story was sweet and heartwarming, and I liked how Kaiah helped with the festival and writing articles for the town. Reid was caring and a good dad, and his daughter Piper was adorable. The book gave good vibes, small town charm, and a nice clean romance that made me smile. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

if you love the hallmark-movie formula of a big-city girl, a single dad, and a small-town festival, definitely check out the lighthouse at the cove!

travel journalist kaiah’s road trip takes an unexpected detour when her car starts overheating and she needs to stop in coral cove, north carolina. waiting on car repairs gives her the perfect opportunity to help with the town’s spring festival, get to know an attractive single dad (and firefighter), and see new possibilities for her future.

the story is, of course, a little predictable—which means it’s a perfect choice when the mood for something feel-good and cozy strikes. coral cove is a delight of a town, and the community spirit is strong amidst the festival chaos. and it’s so sweet seeing kaiah and reid get to know each other, especially knowing how they’ve been impacted by the past—but they have their moments of humor, too.

i enjoyed my time with this book. it’s a quick, but satisfying read and made my hallmark-loving heart a little happier.


✨ considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: minimal
—content: medical emergency, mentions of loss of parent/spouse and fatal car accident


(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove is the second book I have read written by Amy Clipston, and it will not be the last. This is book 2 in the Coral Cove series, but I read it as a standalone and didn't feel I missed anything.

Are you a fan of small-town romance or single-dad/widower romance? Then this is the book for you. Kaiah is a journalist. Working on a travel piece when her car breaks down in the small town of Coral Cove. Facing a big bill to get her car fixed and a low bank account balance, this delay couldn’t come at a worse time. In steps Reid, firefighter, ride-share driver, picks up Kaiah to take her to a hotel. But there seems to be none in her budget. Reid offers up his guest apartment for her to use while she waits.  Reid’s daughter, Piper, instantly falls in love with her. I loved watching the romance between Reid and Kaiah. This was the perfect clean read with hallmark vibes.  

The character development was great. Reid is working through the grief of losing his wife, while also caring for his daughter. He is doing a great job and has lots of help from his family. Kaiah is trying to navigate the pain from her past relationship.

The romance was sweet and perfect with only kisses.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove is the first book I’ve read by Amy Clipston, and it won’t be my last! I was completely enchanted by the charming small town of Coral Cove. We’ve heard it said that things happen for a reason. When Kaiah’s car starts smoking, she definitely wasn’t thinking about that! She had no idea what the following weeks held for her and that she’d be grateful that her car broke down where it did. I’d be crying! However, Kaiah takes it a little better than I would, and she grabs a coffee while she waits to hear about her car. The coffee grabbing leads to an adorable meet-cute! It also leads her to wander the town where she’s drawn to a lighthouse. Little did she know that that lighthouse would play such an important role in her life, or that she’d be happy the mechanic’s call was bad news…she’d be waiting a few weeks for the car parts to arrive! And…things happen for a reason.

From the very start, I was captivated by this story. Everything fell into place perfectly, and Kaiah’s meet-cute might just lead to the life she’s always wanted. The cute guy from the coffee shop (Reid) becomes her Uber driver and her temporary landlord when he offers to rent her the apartment over his garage. He also happens to be a really swoony firefighter and a widower with a little girl named Piper. I adored these characters! They were like real people to me. I also loved Reid’s twin sister and her family. I loved how exuberant Kaiah was about helping Coral Cove repair the local school through helping to plan the festival. As a journalist, she used her time in the town to write articles that were so heartfelt and descriptive that they led people, who would never have visited this little town, to come to the festival in droves. All of this gave the book such a heartwarming, cozy feel. There are some heartbreaking moments which made the story more believable. Life isn’t a bed of roses, but we make it through as did the characters.

I highly recommend The Lighthouse at the Cove for its warm, small town vibe, realistic characters, and sweet romance!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Arshiya Sultana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars to be exact.

"The Lighthouse at the Cove" is a heartwarming romance about journalist Kaya Ross, whose car breaks down in Coral Cove, a beautiful small town, leading her to team up with single dad Reid Turner, father of a 6-year-old daughter, to save the town's historic lighthouse.

I enjoyed the clean and sweet romance story. Though, it’s very Hallmark-movie style, where characters fall in love within a short time. In this case it was just 2-3weeks.

It’s predictable and felt like it lacked depth. It relies heavily on small-town charm. Since, the characters spend less time with each other, they barely know anything about each other, so do we, making it hard for me to relate with them or understand their choices.
(I struggled a bit while reading this book because it was in pdf format.)

Overall, it’s a cozy and sweet read. Recommended to people who want to get out of a reading slump or in need of a break between heavy reads.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

[June Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A contemporary romance that begins with a chance meeting between two kindred spirits in a beautiful coastal community . . .

I have read over a dozen of Amy Clipston's Amish romance books and short stories in the past; this is the first one of her contemporary romances I've read.

Character development is one of my favorite elements of this author's books. She has a way of making the characters feel familiar and welcoming to the reader. The creation of a setting for her stories is always strong, and Coral Cove, North Carolina, sounds like a lovely place that I would love to visit!

Journalist Kaiah Ross is on a road trip traveling south from New York to explore coastal towns as she is trying to get back on track after dealing with some obstacles on her road of life.

Firefighter and single father, Reid Turner, is a native of Coral Cove who is raising his young daughter, Piper, with the support of his twin sister and his parents. Piper is a delightful child, and I felt she added a joyful sparkle to the entire story.

The historic Coral Cove lighthouse figures prominently in the themes and events of this story. I enjoyed learning about the history of the lighthouse as the small community rallies together to raise money to renovate the lighthouse and the town's school.

This story is completely clean in language and content. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

############################

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚The Lighthouse at the Cove
✍🏻Amy Clipston
Blurb:
The Lighthouse at the Cove is a heartwarming Hallmark-style novel perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Sherryl Woods where a single dad teams up with a journalist to save the town's historic landmark lighthouse.

Kaya Ross, a talented and ambitious journalist, needs a break. Following a tough breakup, Kaya embarks on a road trip along the picturesque coastal route from Maryland to Florida. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her car breaks down in the charming town of Coral Cove. Stranded and in need of help, Kaya meets Reid Turner, a local firefighter with a heart of gold.

Reid, a single father to his daughter Piper, offers Kaya a place to stay in the apartment above his garage in exchange for writing a feature article on the town's annual Light the Dark Festival, which celebrates the town's rich history as the home of an old lighthouse that saved sailors in a storm. The festival serves as a fundraiser for the town and is crucial for its survival of the historic lighthouse, a symbol of Coral Cove's giving heart. This year, the festival holds even more significance as the town is in desperate need of funds to repair the lighthouse, which was damaged by a fire.

As Kaya settles into her new temporary home, she becomes deeply involved in the planning and promotion of the Light the Dark Festival, and as she and Reid work together, love starts to bloom. Together, they work tirelessly to create awareness and excitement for the festival, hoping to attract tourists and save the town from financial ruin. However, just as Kaya starts to feel at home in Coral Cove, her ex-boyfriend reappears with a tempting job opportunity that could change her life.

Faced with a difficult decision, Kaya must choose between her newfound love for the town, Reid, and Piper, or the allure of her career and the possibility of a fresh start. With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, Kaya, Reid, and the community of Coral Cove come together to overcome obstacles, ignite the town's spirit, and make the Light the Dark Festival a resounding success. Along the way, they discover the power of love, friendship, and the importance of preserving their town's heritage.

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a captivating tale that combines the charm of a small-town setting, a blossoming romance, and the triumph of community spirit. Readers will be swept away by the heartfelt journey of Kaya, Reid, and the residents of Coral Cove as they navigate love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.
My Thoughts:
⚠️Trigger Warnings: The Lighthouse at the Cove is a heartwarming Hallmark-style novel perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Sherryl Woods where a single dad teams up with a journalist to save the town's historic landmark lighthouse.

Kaya Ross, a talented and ambitious journalist, needs a break. Following a tough breakup, Kaya embarks on a road trip along the picturesque coastal route from Maryland to Florida. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her car breaks down in the charming town of Coral Cove. Stranded and in need of help, Kaya meets Reid Turner, a local firefighter with a heart of gold.

Reid, a single father to his daughter Piper, offers Kaya a place to stay in the apartment above his garage in exchange for writing a feature article on the town's annual Light the Dark Festival, which celebrates the town's rich history as the home of an old lighthouse that saved sailors in a storm. The festival serves as a fundraiser for the town and is crucial for its survival of the historic lighthouse, a symbol of Coral Cove's giving heart. This year, the festival holds even more significance as the town is in desperate need of funds to repair the lighthouse, which was damaged by a fire.

As Kaya settles into her new temporary home, she becomes deeply involved in the planning and promotion of the Light the Dark Festival, and as she and Reid work together, love starts to bloom. Together, they work tirelessly to create awareness and excitement for the festival, hoping to attract tourists and save the town from financial ruin. However, just as Kaya starts to feel at home in Coral Cove, her ex-boyfriend reappears with a tempting job opportunity that could change her life.

Faced with a difficult decision, Kaya must choose between her newfound love for the town, Reid, and Piper, or the allure of her career and the possibility of a fresh start. With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, Kaya, Reid, and the community of Coral Cove come together to overcome obstacles, ignite the town's spirit, and make the Light the Dark Festival a resounding success. Along the way, they discover the power of love, friendship, and the importance of preserving their town's heritage.

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a captivating tale that combines the charm of a small-town setting, a blossoming romance, and the triumph of community spirit. Readers will be swept away by the heartfelt journey of Kaya, Reid, and the residents of Coral Cove as they navigate love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.
The Lighthouse at the Cove is a heartwarming Hallmark-style novel perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Sherryl Woods where a single dad teams up with a journalist to save the town's historic landmark lighthouse.
My Thoughts:
The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipson is a charming, clean romance featuring Kaiah Ross and Reid Turner. Kaiah is a travel reporter working on a series of articles featuring hidden gems on the lower East Coast. She was on her way to a coastal city in South Carolina when her car started acting up. By the time she made it to the garage in a town called Coral Cove, there was steam (smoke?) rising from under the hood. The garage guy, Bill, was fabulous and said he would get going on it right away. After a painful breakup and a stalled career, journalist Kaiah Ross sets out on a reporting road trip down the East Coast, but some car travel has her stopping in the town of Coral Cove. Here, she helps promote the “Light the Dark” event, meant to save the town’s lighthouse. Helping her is local firefighter and single dad Reid Turner… If I had to use just two words to describe it they would be Romantic and Cozy. Reid offers to let her stay in the apartment above his garage for free, moved by his curiosity for the beautiful, kind stranger that found her way into his city. Kaiah and Reid's chemistry is so wholesome, and their sweet slow burn had my heart racing and my eyes glued to the pages! I
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Author Amy Clipston for the advanced copy of "The Lighthouse as the Cover" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation
#NetGalley
#ThomasNelson
#TheLighthouseattheCove
#AmyClipston
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warning: Grief

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston is a contemporary inspirational romance story. It is well written and easy to read and enjoy. Kaiah is traveling to write an article when her car breaks down near Coral Cove. Needing a ride and someplace to stay while her car is being fixed, she meets local firefighter, single dad, Reid, who is called on to help others and also has a vacant apartment. The two quickly are drawn to each other and help each other out. Kaiah is quickly drawn into a local fundraising project Reid and sister are working on. When others are ready to give up, Kaiah gets imaginative and finds a way to help them put on a very successful event.

This is such a good story. This story is a good reminder that God is in control in all aspects of our lives. The characters in the story are enjoyable, caring and helpful people. I like how Reid and his twin sister are able to feel for each other even while apart. This is a great story of second chances, not just for people, but also buildings and towns. I appreciate how the community came together to work to repair the school and the lighthouse. This is an enjoyable story to just get lost in. I enjoyed how while she was focused on helping Reid, his sister and Coral Cove, her journalism helped her as well.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story; this is my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston
A sweet contemporary romance---for fans of charming, small-town emotional reads in 2025!
Sometimes the road home isn't on a map.

After a painful breakup and a stalled career, journalist Kaiah Ross sets out on a reporting road trip down the East Coast, hoping the miles will help her find her way again. But when car trouble strands her in the postcard-perfect town of Coral Cove, she's forced to stop running--and unexpectedly finds herself drawn into a life that feels like something out of a dream.

Reid Turner has spent years putting others first--his career as a firefighter, his spirited young daughter, Piper, and the small town he's always called home. The last thing he's looking for is a relationship. But from the moment Kaiah arrives, her kindness, warmth, and quiet strength stir something in him he thought was long buried.

When Kaiah agrees to help promote the town's annual "Light the Dark" Festival--a celebration meant to save Coral Cove's historic lighthouse--what begins as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something more. Late nights of planning under string lights, shared laughter over coffee, and quiet, heartfelt moments with Piper begin to weave Kaiah into the fabric of Reid's life . . . and into his heart.

But just as love begins to blossom, Kaiah is faced with an offer that could relaunch her career and take her far from Coral Cove. Now, she's forced to choose between the life she thought she wanted and the unexpected love that's given her a glimpse of home.

The Lighthouse at the Cove by bestselling novelist Amy Clipston is a tender, romantic escape to a coastal town where hearts heal, hope shines, and love finds a way--right when you least expect it. The happily-ever-after is guaranteed! This book delivers all the emotions and butterflies, leaving out the explicit scenes. And it comes with engaging discussion questions, making it a fantastic choice for your next book club pick!
Kaiah Ross is a journalist heading on an assignment when her car breaks down in Coral Cove.
The mechanic says that it will be several weeks before the part to her car comes in .
Reid Turner offers her a deal on the apartment above his garage.
Reid Turner and his daughter Piper
My favorite quote is
And glorious it was. As a native New Yorker, Kaiah had never visited coastal North Carolina, but she could tell from the sparkling blue water that matched the cerulean sky that perhaps this
visit wouldn't be her last.
I recommend this book.
The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston
is a 5 - star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Amy Clipston.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

[Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy Clipston's Amish fiction titles have long been some of my favorites, but I've definitely discovered a couple of her contemporary titles that I ended up loving as well, and I was hopeful that I would end up feeling the same about this one.

The Lighthouse at the Cove reads very much like a Hallmark movie, with a lot of heartwarming moments thrown in for good measure. When Kaya Ross' vehicle breaks down in the charming small town of Coral Cove, it's the perfect setting for a clean, rom com type of story to emerge. She ends up meeting a Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome who just happens to arrange for her to stay temporarily in his garage apartment. Coincidentally, Kaya is a travel journalist, and the town needs help creating buzz around their local spring festival. As Kaya throws herself into organizing the best festival the town has ever seen, she also finds herself falling for Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome himself, Reid, and his adorable daughter Piper. With her career on the line, can she possibly find a way to her own happily ever after.

As with every Amy Clipston title, this one was sweet and heartwarming, and provided all the warm fuzzies while still touching on a few deeper subjects. It was a cute and clean contemporary that I overall enjoyed, but I did have a few issues with it.

The timeline didn't seem sufficient for Kaya and Reid to truly develop feelings for each other, so for me unfortunately, a lot of the romance ended up feeling like insta love. I personally didn't find the plot points about the festival very interesting, and it got tedious quite quickly. And lastly, the whole having to choose between career or family plot point has been done so many times, that I didn't find myself enjoying that part of it very much.

Overall, a cute title that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys clean romances, but I would have loved a stronger faith element, and for it to have been a little less predictable.

Final Rating: 3/5.



Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this title.



I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaiah Ross, a journalist, embarks on a road trip aimed at jumpstarting her writing career when her car suddenly overheats, steam billowing from the engine. She barely makes it to the next town, where she discovers a mechanic. Unfortunately, she learns that it will take two weeks for the necessary parts to arrive, forcing her to cancel her plans. This unexpected delay leads her to the enchanting town of Coral Cove, where she begins to appreciate the charm of small-town life.
On her first day in Coral Cove, Kaiah meets Reid Turner, a firefighter, while ordering coffee. Their drink orders get mixed up, and she ends up asking for his advice on accommodation. Reid offers her a fantastic deal on the apartment above his garage. Despite being a single dad raising his six-year-old daughter after the tragic loss of his wife, Reid feels an unexpected attraction to Kaiah’s warmth and friendliness. His priorities have been solely focused on being a good parent, with assistance from his parents and twin sister, leaving little room for dating.
Kaiah agrees to work on the committee that is promoting the town’s annual “Light the Dark” Festival with a goal of raising enough money to repair the local elementary school damaged by a fire, and repair Coral Cove’s historic lighthouse so it can light up again.
As Kaiah is immersed into the close community of Coral Cove, making new friends and feeling like she is making a difference, she questions whether the spark she is beginning to feel when around Reid is reciprocated. Just as Kaiah is beginning to think that Coral Cove could be her home, she receives the job offer of her dreams. Acceptance would necessitate her moving to a big city.
This is a charming story with a cast of relatable and loving characters. It’s one that I found hard to put down as it got into my heart from the beginning. A book by Amy Clipston always proves to be a heartwarming, delightful experience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Catherine Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful read! This book is a contemporary sweet romance that was an easy read. I loved that the lighthouse was the prominent feature of this book (apart from the characters of course) as I love them and they can be such a guiding light and an important feature in a community.

Kaiah wasn't expecting to end up in Coral Cove, a small town on the coast. But when her car started spewing steam and multiple engine lights came on she was relieved to get there. As she drives into town she instantly sees the lighthouse and is pulled to it. Unfortunately the news on her car isn't great and she finds herself needing to spend the next several weeks in town while it is fixed. Thankfully she is rescued by Reid, Mr Tall Dark & Handsome (aka TDH) who has a garage apartment she can stay in. He, along with his 6 year old and family, soon welcome Kaiah into their town and before she knows it she is helping organise a town festival based around the lighthouse. While fighting their attraction to each other they are both battling memories from the past and hopes for the future - the path forward isn't clear.

This story was so easy to read and I found myself immersing myself into the Coral Cove community. This is book 2 set in Coral Cove but can be read as a standalone as there isn't much connection between the two books. It is a book of past hurts and loss and of taking the courage to try again. Of a single dad who knows the importance of family and being grounded in his community. And for Kaiah who needs to work out for herself what is important. I really enjoyed escaping into this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.