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Mermaid Cove #1
The New Chapter
A fading marriage. A small-town return. An unexpected second chance.
Esme Gordon never planned to stay in Mermaid Cove longer than a few days until her grandmother’s will reveals a surprising a puzzle she must solve to claim her inheritance. It’s the first in a series of riddles Grammy left behind, and Esme is the first to take on the challenge.
Her husband Joe isn’t thrilled. With his high-pressure job waiting in Chicago, he’s ready to leave, and their already fragile marriage is nearing breaking point. But as they work together to unravel Grammy’s clues, it stirs buried memories, and Esme questions the life they left behind.
Meanwhile, a wealthy developer with a mysterious past connection to Grammy is quietly trying to buy up local properties, including her beloved beachfront estate. As Esme digs deeper, she realizes the inheritance is about more than a legacy, it’s about protecting the heart of the town, and possibly, her own.
With secrets emerging and her marriage on the line, will Esme return to the city life she’s built? Or will she fight for a new chapter in the place she never expected to call home?
The New Chapter is the captivating first book in the Mermaid Cove Romance series, filled with uplifting clean romance, family life, and a dash of small-town mystery.
The perfect light beach read for fans of Hope Holloway, Jan Moran, and Rachel Hanna.
♥ Ready to escape to the heart of Mermaid Cove? Scroll up and one-click to start this unforgettable family life women’s fiction series today!
The New Chapter is Book 1 in the Mermaid Cove Romance five-book series.
While each can be read as a standalone, enjoy the series in order for the best experience.
The New Chapter – Book 1
The New Promise – Book 2
The New Horizon – Book 3
The New Story – Book 4
The New Forever – Book 5
Esme Gordon never planned to stay in Mermaid Cove longer than a few days until her grandmother’s will reveals a surprising a puzzle she must solve to claim her inheritance. It’s the first in a series of riddles Grammy left behind, and Esme is the first to take on the challenge.
Her husband Joe isn’t thrilled. With his high-pressure job waiting in Chicago, he’s ready to leave, and their already fragile marriage is nearing breaking point. But as they work together to unravel Grammy’s clues, it stirs buried memories, and Esme questions the life they left behind.
Meanwhile, a wealthy developer with a mysterious past connection to Grammy is quietly trying to buy up local properties, including her beloved beachfront estate. As Esme digs deeper, she realizes the inheritance is about more than a legacy, it’s about protecting the heart of the town, and possibly, her own.
With secrets emerging and her marriage on the line, will Esme return to the city life she’s built? Or will she fight for a new chapter in the place she never expected to call home?
The New Chapter is the captivating first book in the Mermaid Cove Romance series, filled with uplifting clean romance, family life, and a dash of small-town mystery.
The perfect light beach read for fans of Hope Holloway, Jan Moran, and Rachel Hanna.
♥ Ready to escape to the heart of Mermaid Cove? Scroll up and one-click to start this unforgettable family life women’s fiction series today!
The New Chapter is Book 1 in the Mermaid Cove Romance five-book series.
While each can be read as a standalone, enjoy the series in order for the best experience.
The New Chapter – Book 1
The New Promise – Book 2
The New Horizon – Book 3
The New Story – Book 4
The New Forever – Book 5
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
71 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 9, 2025
This is book one of A Mermaid Cove Romance series and the main character is Esme Gordon, who has lost the last person she could always call for advice or when she really just needed to speak to someone. Her grandmother, Alicia Hamilton, a well-known author, has died and left behind a very quirky will, where her daughter and granddaughters must each solve a puzzle to find out what they have inherited! Esme has travelled to Mermaid Cove with her workaholic husband Joe, who isn’t thrilled by this unexpected interruption into his chances of a promotion at his high-pressure job and is never off his phone. Not that he was ever there back at home either, as he was always working late, on weekends, or constantly on his phone or laptop for work. She was beginning to think she couldn’t put up with this type of marriage for much longer, even though she still loves him completely! Her mother, Gwen Hamilton, isn’t happy to be back at her mother’s beachfront estate, her memories of spending her childhood there are not happy ones. Her other daughters, Margot, Louise and the black sheep of the family, Isabel, have also turned up for the will reading, although Isabel doesn’t get any favours for having missed the funeral, as she was playing a gig she couldn’t get out of. Gwen hasn’t spoken to Isabel in years after disowning her for ending up in juvie as a teen. Gwen in particular is not happy about her mother’s will and wants to question if it is even legal, particularly since the lawyer representing Grammy Hamilton’s will is rather young!
The funeral brings an unexpected gate crasher in a wealthy developer, who has been buying up as much of Mermaid Cove as he can and has a past connection with Alicia. He wants to buy her beachfront estate and is offering huge sums of money for it. Gwen is very interested in that, but Esme is completely shocked her own mother wants to sell off Grammy’s beloved home, which to her has so many memories. Esme is eager to start solving the puzzle her Grammy left for her, each of them having received an envelope with their own puzzle to solve, during the reading of the will. She is keen to have her husband, Joe, help her with solving the puzzle and finding out what her Grammy left her, but more importantly, to have that little more time being reminded of her Grammy and their time together. Esme is the first to start on one of the puzzles and it leads her all around the small town and reveals secrets she never knew about. Some of the clues lead her to have to think outside of the box, remembering things her Grammy had told her in the past, or asking questions of people who knew her the longest. She points out to Joe, who wanted to fly back to their life in Chicago the day after the funeral, that she wasn’t ready to let go of her Grammy’s memories and her home, as she might never get the chance to come back to it. Especially if her mother Gwen inherits it as her Grammy’s only child! Joe finally begins to realise that Esme is unhappy with him working all day and night and that it is also affecting their marriage. He starts to help her, and it is like seeing the Joe she first met and introduced to her Grammy, coming back to her. Her Grammy had done a lot of good for a lot of the struggling residents of the town and also kept their properties and businesses out of the hands of this greedy developer!
A lovely look into the world of this small beachside town and the effect her Grammy had on it and its residents, who were fiercely proud of her. Esme had a special bond with her Grammy and had talked to her just before her unexpected death, so it has hit her hard. She hadn’t visited for a while due to Joe’s busy schedule, and she regrets that a lot! Lots of mysteries and surprises in the storyline, as the first puzzle is solved and Esme’s inheritance is revealed. Gwen and her other three daughters have yet to solve their puzzles and will have to return to the cove to do so in later books. A nice start to the series and I look forward to seeing the other puzzles solved and see what they uncover. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The funeral brings an unexpected gate crasher in a wealthy developer, who has been buying up as much of Mermaid Cove as he can and has a past connection with Alicia. He wants to buy her beachfront estate and is offering huge sums of money for it. Gwen is very interested in that, but Esme is completely shocked her own mother wants to sell off Grammy’s beloved home, which to her has so many memories. Esme is eager to start solving the puzzle her Grammy left for her, each of them having received an envelope with their own puzzle to solve, during the reading of the will. She is keen to have her husband, Joe, help her with solving the puzzle and finding out what her Grammy left her, but more importantly, to have that little more time being reminded of her Grammy and their time together. Esme is the first to start on one of the puzzles and it leads her all around the small town and reveals secrets she never knew about. Some of the clues lead her to have to think outside of the box, remembering things her Grammy had told her in the past, or asking questions of people who knew her the longest. She points out to Joe, who wanted to fly back to their life in Chicago the day after the funeral, that she wasn’t ready to let go of her Grammy’s memories and her home, as she might never get the chance to come back to it. Especially if her mother Gwen inherits it as her Grammy’s only child! Joe finally begins to realise that Esme is unhappy with him working all day and night and that it is also affecting their marriage. He starts to help her, and it is like seeing the Joe she first met and introduced to her Grammy, coming back to her. Her Grammy had done a lot of good for a lot of the struggling residents of the town and also kept their properties and businesses out of the hands of this greedy developer!
A lovely look into the world of this small beachside town and the effect her Grammy had on it and its residents, who were fiercely proud of her. Esme had a special bond with her Grammy and had talked to her just before her unexpected death, so it has hit her hard. She hadn’t visited for a while due to Joe’s busy schedule, and she regrets that a lot! Lots of mysteries and surprises in the storyline, as the first puzzle is solved and Esme’s inheritance is revealed. Gwen and her other three daughters have yet to solve their puzzles and will have to return to the cove to do so in later books. A nice start to the series and I look forward to seeing the other puzzles solved and see what they uncover. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
May 1, 2025
I really wanted to love this, and I’d say a good 50% of the time I did! I loved the writing, I loved esme and grammy and the depictions of the house and the setting- the ideal serene atmosphere for summer reading.
The chapters were short and sweet, and the anticipation kept the story fresh as we journeyed to find the answers to the riddles and reach the penultimate verdict, all of which I really enjoyed.
My struggle was with the romance, and the family. Perhaps the family dynamics hit too close to home for me and that is why I dislike them, but by god they were annoying. I hated the mum, the siblings were annoying as heck, all except Louise. As for Joe…they seemed to be in a really bad place in their relationship, and the ending resolved things far too quickly and too picture perfect for me. It doesn’t seem at all believable. I know that it’s fiction, but even then, this guy is an asshole. And Esme’s expectations and standards for him are ON THE FLOOR. Yet he calls her babe one time and she swoons? Girl, get up.
Overall I’m a sucker for a beach placed, floaty, summers dream type book so I loved the setting and again, loved grammy and her relationship with esme. The romance? There was no romance imo, the guy was a workaholic and was barely reaching the bare minimum requirements of a decent husband for 99% of the book which brought the rating down drastically. I do love Megan Jabobs’ writing though, and will be having a peruse of her other titles- perhaps I will like another of hers more than this one!
2.5/5 ⭐️
The chapters were short and sweet, and the anticipation kept the story fresh as we journeyed to find the answers to the riddles and reach the penultimate verdict, all of which I really enjoyed.
My struggle was with the romance, and the family. Perhaps the family dynamics hit too close to home for me and that is why I dislike them, but by god they were annoying. I hated the mum, the siblings were annoying as heck, all except Louise. As for Joe…they seemed to be in a really bad place in their relationship, and the ending resolved things far too quickly and too picture perfect for me. It doesn’t seem at all believable. I know that it’s fiction, but even then, this guy is an asshole. And Esme’s expectations and standards for him are ON THE FLOOR. Yet he calls her babe one time and she swoons? Girl, get up.
Overall I’m a sucker for a beach placed, floaty, summers dream type book so I loved the setting and again, loved grammy and her relationship with esme. The romance? There was no romance imo, the guy was a workaholic and was barely reaching the bare minimum requirements of a decent husband for 99% of the book which brought the rating down drastically. I do love Megan Jabobs’ writing though, and will be having a peruse of her other titles- perhaps I will like another of hers more than this one!
2.5/5 ⭐️
May 17, 2025
Awesome characters,great storytelling,the storyline is divine! Getting immersed in these somewhat annoying characters and what about granny? Wile old goat ,giving them a runaround after she croaked. Esmeralda Gordon is surprised after her grandmother’s surmise. She fully intended leaving Mermaid Grove but with a treasure trove of relationship hunting their heirloom lifts her from her gloom . Her marriage on the rocks , as opportunity knocks with impunity for some and they’ll be glum…Granny knew just what she weaved when her family she deceived. Esme and her husband are having a spat about his need to return to the city but it isn’t a pity,when he doesn’t go. Oh no , because the two are facing a new future ,they never expected but is right for them. Never dreamed that this place they’d call home . Never mind saving the whole cove..Digging deeper into developing the land and all the houses that have gone . There’s something that can be done to save every one. Now she knows her purpose,what needs to be done . They even get to stand back and see the trouble and strife ,this husband from Chicago and his wife. Awesome story! I got into it pretty quickly and all-sorts of emotions going through my mind and those characters , some endearing others not kind or make me inclined towards but this is the great thing about immersive stories such as this . It doesn’t always have to cosy and bliss . It’s real life woes and making the most . Awesomely written with great pose ,can’t wait for book two from you Megan Jacobs
May 15, 2025
The New Chapter is the first installment in the Mermaid Cove Romance series by Megan Jacobs, and it delivers a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and rediscovery. The story revolves around Esme, whose marriage to her workaholic husband, Joe, has begun to lose its spark as he becomes increasingly consumed by his pursuit of a promotion. When they attend Esme's Grammy's funeral, their world takes an unexpected turn.
As they uncover a riddle left behind by Grammy, the couple embarks on a journey filled with clues that not only lead them to a hidden treasure but also help them reconnect in ways they had long forgotten. The adventure unfolds beautifully, weaving together moments of nostalgia and reflection that ultimately reignite the passion in their relationship.
Jacobs has crafted a well-written and captivating narrative, drawing readers into the emotional depths of Esme and Joe's journey. The combination of mystery and romance makes for an engaging read, as we witness the couple evolve and rediscover what truly matters. This book is a delightful reminder of the power of love and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a touching romantic adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As they uncover a riddle left behind by Grammy, the couple embarks on a journey filled with clues that not only lead them to a hidden treasure but also help them reconnect in ways they had long forgotten. The adventure unfolds beautifully, weaving together moments of nostalgia and reflection that ultimately reignite the passion in their relationship.
Jacobs has crafted a well-written and captivating narrative, drawing readers into the emotional depths of Esme and Joe's journey. The combination of mystery and romance makes for an engaging read, as we witness the couple evolve and rediscover what truly matters. This book is a delightful reminder of the power of love and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a touching romantic adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2025
This is a clean romance. it is the beginning of the series. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
Esme is starting to get frustrated with her marriage to Joe. He is working way too much for a life she doesn't want and she is lonely. She calls her grandma when she is struggling. She calls her to talk. The next day she receives a phone call that her grandma passed in her sleep. Her family heads to Mermaid Cove for the funeral and the reading of the will. With her grandma's sense of humor, each of the family members get a riddles to solve to find out what they will receive as their inheritance. The family struggles and Esme is trying to figure out how her marriage can work.
This was a great read and I didn't want to put it down. The characters and story line are very engaging. I felt for both Esme and Joe and how work can affect a marriage. There needs to be honest communication. A definite must read and I cannot wait for the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Esme is starting to get frustrated with her marriage to Joe. He is working way too much for a life she doesn't want and she is lonely. She calls her grandma when she is struggling. She calls her to talk. The next day she receives a phone call that her grandma passed in her sleep. Her family heads to Mermaid Cove for the funeral and the reading of the will. With her grandma's sense of humor, each of the family members get a riddles to solve to find out what they will receive as their inheritance. The family struggles and Esme is trying to figure out how her marriage can work.
This was a great read and I didn't want to put it down. The characters and story line are very engaging. I felt for both Esme and Joe and how work can affect a marriage. There needs to be honest communication. A definite must read and I cannot wait for the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2025
What a great book that is well written with a great story line. This is the first book in a series that tells the story of family with three sisters whose beloved Grammy passes away. Grammy was the famous author of a fantasy series, and she leaves each of her granddaughters an envelope with a clue and a riddle that leads them to discover more about themselves as they follow the clues that leads them to what she has left them in her will. The first of the sisters to solve the riddle is Esme who is married to Joe. Esme and Joe's marriage is suffering and this hunt to solve the riddle may be just the thing to help them begin to see things more clearly. The characters are engaging, but I must say Joe gave too many mixed signals, acted out and then gave a quick apology, so I wasn't a sold on his character.Although this book is the first in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my own opinion without influence from the author or publisher.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my own opinion without influence from the author or publisher.
May 18, 2025
A brilliant introduction to Ms Jacob’s new series!
Esme is devastated with the unexpected death of her “Grammy” and fears that this will be her final visit to Mermaid Cove. Although Esme and husband, Joe, are united in their quest to resolve the unique requirements of Grammy’s Will, and enjoy discovering and solving clues, differing viewpoints of their future ambitions begin to appear as they spend a larger amount of time than normal together.
The book synopsis is not entirely accurate in terms of Esme and Joe’s marriage, as it is more Esme’s family members who have the fragile relationship. Each consecutive series by this author demonstrates her increasing writing style and story-line skills. While this series appears to have a similar premise to her previous Island Whispers series, it guarantees a greater degree of intrigue, suspense and excitement for the reader. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Esme is devastated with the unexpected death of her “Grammy” and fears that this will be her final visit to Mermaid Cove. Although Esme and husband, Joe, are united in their quest to resolve the unique requirements of Grammy’s Will, and enjoy discovering and solving clues, differing viewpoints of their future ambitions begin to appear as they spend a larger amount of time than normal together.
The book synopsis is not entirely accurate in terms of Esme and Joe’s marriage, as it is more Esme’s family members who have the fragile relationship. Each consecutive series by this author demonstrates her increasing writing style and story-line skills. While this series appears to have a similar premise to her previous Island Whispers series, it guarantees a greater degree of intrigue, suspense and excitement for the reader. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2025
I give this 4 1/2 Stars!
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean romance book with a little bit of mystery it is also the first book in the series A Mermaid Cove Romance. The main characters are Joe and Esme. They are married but don’t spend much time together as Joe is always working. Esme’s grandmother dies so Esme and Joe head to Mermaid Cove for the funeral. While there they are thrown a puzzle to see what her grandmother left her. Will Joe and Esme solving this puzzle together make things better or worse? Will Esme finally tell Joe how she truly feels about him working all of the time? Will Mermaid Cove and Esme’s grandmother be the one’s to save Esme’s and Joe’s marriage? Esme has one big dysfunctional family. There was some drama in this book but it works as there will be more books in this series. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean romance book with a little bit of mystery it is also the first book in the series A Mermaid Cove Romance. The main characters are Joe and Esme. They are married but don’t spend much time together as Joe is always working. Esme’s grandmother dies so Esme and Joe head to Mermaid Cove for the funeral. While there they are thrown a puzzle to see what her grandmother left her. Will Joe and Esme solving this puzzle together make things better or worse? Will Esme finally tell Joe how she truly feels about him working all of the time? Will Mermaid Cove and Esme’s grandmother be the one’s to save Esme’s and Joe’s marriage? Esme has one big dysfunctional family. There was some drama in this book but it works as there will be more books in this series. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
May 12, 2025
I love all things Megan Jacobs, and this does not disappoint; this is book one in The Mermaid Cove Romance Series. Esme is very close with her Grammy, she gets a call from her mother (Gwen) that Grammy died. The family is called to Grammy's house in Mermaid Cove to make arrangements along with the reading of the will. Esme's husband Joe is a workaholic, wanting to take the minimum time off work. Also Gwen is a piece of work, Esme's sisters are ok. Finally at the reading of the will, they must solve a puzzle to claim their inheritance. Joe wants to go back home now, and come back to solve the puzzle. Esme wants to do it now. They start to solve the puzzle and Esme gets excited as they solve the clues, can Joe get excited too? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
July 1, 2025
The story begins with Joe and Esme as they struggle in their marriage. Joe seemed to be more invested in his job than his marriage to Esme, which is frustrating to read.
The story is definitely a page-turner. It touches so many emotions from each character. My favorite character was Grammy, because she was so kind, so giving, and a very talented author. Grammy was the glue that held the family together. There's mystery and a treasure hunt that makes this book so entertaining.
Megan Jacobs is a meticulous writer. She captivates her readers and engages them on page one. So, if you haven't purchased this book yet, hurry and get your copy, because you're missing out on one of the best storytellers. Megan also has many others book series that are just as awesome and exciting to read as this book.
I received a copy as an ARC reader, and I'm leaving my honest review.
The story is definitely a page-turner. It touches so many emotions from each character. My favorite character was Grammy, because she was so kind, so giving, and a very talented author. Grammy was the glue that held the family together. There's mystery and a treasure hunt that makes this book so entertaining.
Megan Jacobs is a meticulous writer. She captivates her readers and engages them on page one. So, if you haven't purchased this book yet, hurry and get your copy, because you're missing out on one of the best storytellers. Megan also has many others book series that are just as awesome and exciting to read as this book.
I received a copy as an ARC reader, and I'm leaving my honest review.
May 12, 2025
Another good start to a series. An idyllic place, a troubled family, a young couple with a struggling marriage, and the death of a matriarch that was the one capable of holding things together. Esme and Joe are drifting apart and he seems not to notice it. Gwen, even after her mother's death, resents her and the relationship she had with her daughters, and she is even madder with the way her mother's will is presented to the family as each member will have to solve a riddle to learn what'll they gain from her. I found the search for clues heartwarming as they were also put together in a way that Esme and Joe could find the answers they needed for their marriage. Good plot!
I thank Ms. Jacobs for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Jacobs for this ARC.
May 14, 2025
Esme is feeling unloved and forgotten in her marriage to Joe when her grandmother suddenly passes away and her will requires them to solve a riddle to gain her inheritance. I was surprised the grandmother left Esme’s mother anything with the way she was more concerned with how much she could get from her inheritance. I didn’t trust that developer who kept coming around hoping he could buy the property from whoever inherited. I enjoyed reading the riddles and the mysteries they had to go all over the coastal town looking for more clues to solve. Joe was so focused on his job but he does take the time and gets excited about helping Esme. I’m looking forward to reading more about her sisters. This was a clean novella mystery with romance.
August 20, 2025
I rather enjoyed this clean romance. The thrill of a chase is always fun, and her Grammy put her on a chase.
I didn’t care for Joe, I’ll be honest. I mean, I got his life, but I kind of felt like he should have seen and noticed more. I also don’t like how he blew up at her for her comment about kids. However, the ending of this explains so much more and then you really can’t help but fall in love with him. It’s a great story of reconnecting, of falling in love again with the person you married all while trying to figure out a treasure hunt. The one thing I want, the story to every person who got a letter, Gwen included.
So, looking for a sweet read that’s going to give you a goose chase, look no further!
I didn’t care for Joe, I’ll be honest. I mean, I got his life, but I kind of felt like he should have seen and noticed more. I also don’t like how he blew up at her for her comment about kids. However, the ending of this explains so much more and then you really can’t help but fall in love with him. It’s a great story of reconnecting, of falling in love again with the person you married all while trying to figure out a treasure hunt. The one thing I want, the story to every person who got a letter, Gwen included.
So, looking for a sweet read that’s going to give you a goose chase, look no further!
May 12, 2025
This series needs to be read in order. The books are very interconnected through the characters.
The family comes together after the sudden loss of the matriarch. She's always done things her own special way, including her last wishes. This book centers around the oldest granddaughter's journey as she discovers what was left for her and copes with problems in her marriage. It seems like the future books will follow the other members in the family. How will they react to the news and will everyone get what they need?.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The family comes together after the sudden loss of the matriarch. She's always done things her own special way, including her last wishes. This book centers around the oldest granddaughter's journey as she discovers what was left for her and copes with problems in her marriage. It seems like the future books will follow the other members in the family. How will they react to the news and will everyone get what they need?.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
This is the first book in a new series based in Mermaid Cove. Here the focus is on Esme and her husband Joe, who are facing some troubles in their marriage.
While there are no major arguments between the couple, it is the small, little, daily things in life and inaction that slowly eats up their relationship. Marriage requires commitment, a commitment to put in effort daily to spend time with each other.
As Esme and Joe team up together, I enjoyed seeing the slow but steady change in their relationship. When they finally communicate with each other, voila, magic happens. I can’t wait for Isabel’s book next and for more puzzles to unravel.
This is the first book in a new series based in Mermaid Cove. Here the focus is on Esme and her husband Joe, who are facing some troubles in their marriage.
While there are no major arguments between the couple, it is the small, little, daily things in life and inaction that slowly eats up their relationship. Marriage requires commitment, a commitment to put in effort daily to spend time with each other.
As Esme and Joe team up together, I enjoyed seeing the slow but steady change in their relationship. When they finally communicate with each other, voila, magic happens. I can’t wait for Isabel’s book next and for more puzzles to unravel.
June 7, 2025
The New Chapter is the first book in A Mermaid Cove Romance series which focuses on an unhappily married couple, Esme and Joe, who returns for her deceased grandmother's funeral and reading of the will which required the family members to resolve clues to obtain their inheritance. While Esme and Joe are at odds with each other at first, they soon learn their working together is not only helping to solve clues but is also bringing them together. This creative second chance romance has strong emotions, family dysfunction, well written characters, a unique plot, and a theme of recapturing a lost love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2025
Esme and her husband Joe are in a rut. He's constantly working. Even when they're together, he's on his phone for work. Her author grandmother passes away suddenly. She has left behind a set of clues for each family member, a scavenge hunt for their inheritance. It's a game they often played during summer breaks. Can Joe learn to be in the moment? Is their relationship doomed?
I really enjoyed this story. I can't wait to read Isabel's story next. What will she inherit?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story. I can't wait to read Isabel's story next. What will she inherit?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2025
The first book in a new series by Megan Jacobs. Such a sweet story about Esme and her family as they learn of her Grammy’s passing. They are all in Mermaid Cove and each given a riddle to solve as part of Grammy’s will. Loved how enthusiastic Esme was about solving her riddle. It’s an interesting twist on a last will and testament. There wasn’t anything not to like about this book. Longer than Ms Jacobs previous books but kept my interest all the way through. Excited to see what happens in the next book.
May 20, 2025
A magical puzzle
"...that magic is wherever you look for it"
In typical Megan Jacobs fashion, dreams come true. When Grammy Hamilton, a very successful author passes, the family arrives in Mermaid Cove to see what happens next. Workaholic Joe and his wife Esme work together, to find the answers to clues Grammy left with her will. But how will they solve the family mystery and what will happen when they do? For answers, you will just have to read this marvelous story because I refuse to spoil the fun! Highly Recommended 5/5
"...that magic is wherever you look for it"
In typical Megan Jacobs fashion, dreams come true. When Grammy Hamilton, a very successful author passes, the family arrives in Mermaid Cove to see what happens next. Workaholic Joe and his wife Esme work together, to find the answers to clues Grammy left with her will. But how will they solve the family mystery and what will happen when they do? For answers, you will just have to read this marvelous story because I refuse to spoil the fun! Highly Recommended 5/5
May 22, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, but aside from Grammy, I just didn’t connect with the characters and found them frustrating. I kept waiting for Esme to stand up for herself in regards to Joe. The quick resolution for their intense issues also didn’t do it for me. The family dynamic added tension, which worked with the storyline. Overall, I just didn’t feel invested in the characters which led to feeling disconnected from the story itself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
As the first book in the series, many characters were introduced that I trust we'll learn more about later in the series.
This book centers on Esme and her husband, Joe. Their marriage is strained. Their words don't match their actions, but we can see the love though they stumble over words.
We only get a peek at Esme's parents and sisters and a few townspeople. I can't wait to get to know them all better!
As the first book in the series, many characters were introduced that I trust we'll learn more about later in the series.
This book centers on Esme and her husband, Joe. Their marriage is strained. Their words don't match their actions, but we can see the love though they stumble over words.
We only get a peek at Esme's parents and sisters and a few townspeople. I can't wait to get to know them all better!
May 11, 2025
We're off on a new adventure. Adventure may not be the correct term, but there is adventure in this story. This time we're in Mermaid Cove.
I loved the relationship that Esme had with her grandmother, Grammy. When Grammy died unexpectedly, the family found out that she had left clues for each of them to solve to find out what they had inherited. This is a very good start to the new series.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I loved the relationship that Esme had with her grandmother, Grammy. When Grammy died unexpectedly, the family found out that she had left clues for each of them to solve to find out what they had inherited. This is a very good start to the new series.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
May 13, 2025
First book in a new series. I really enjoyed reading this one. Esme is frustrated in her marriage as Joe devotes all his time and energy in work. When her beloved grandmother dies, she is totally devastated. I love the treasure hunt that Grammy leaves for them. Esme and Joe draw closer as they pursue their clues. A very satisfying ending. I can’t wait for the next one.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
June 13, 2025
There are some surprise secrets in the story and there might even be a couple of twists. The characters are unique and have compelling qualities that they bring to the story. Like the small town setting. And there seems to be some trouble in the romance department. Makes for very interesting reading. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2025
literally
Esme is at a crossroads in her life: she is not satisfied with her marriage and the life she leads, but it also takes courage to leave what you have know for such a long time behind and start over. I could instantly connect with her, loved the small town vibes and can´t wait to read about how this series will continue
Esme is at a crossroads in her life: she is not satisfied with her marriage and the life she leads, but it also takes courage to leave what you have know for such a long time behind and start over. I could instantly connect with her, loved the small town vibes and can´t wait to read about how this series will continue
May 13, 2025
What a wonderful book to read, I am already looking forward to the rest of the series. This is such a sweet love story, full of fun, hope and second chances. Amazing characters and a storyline that will make you laugh and dream. Wonderful!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
May 16, 2025
I felt Esme and Joe's life was well portrayed. I was saddened that Esme's Grammy was no longer with her. The mystery about the inheritance was interesting.
I like Megan Jacons' books, and this was a good start to a nw series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like Megan Jacons' books, and this was a good start to a nw series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2025
A wonderful and clever story line that's interesting, entertaining and mysterious. Excellent writing! I was drawn into the story from the beginning and it has just enough drama, twists and turns to keep you hooked to the end. Great, realistic characters too. An amazing start to this heartwarming and inspirational series! It's the perfect summer beach read!.
May 20, 2025
Esme is saddened by the sudden death of her Grammy. To receive her inheritance, she must solve some riddles. Joe is torn between staying to help and get back to his job in Chicago. Forgotten memories come back to Esme and Joe. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2025
While this book started out on the sad side it turned around and I truly enjoyed it. This is not the typical romance novel but brings its own unique love story. Love, mystery, and a little bit of flair make this a stellar read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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