Fame brought her everything she thought she needed, so why does she feel so empty? After years of sold-out concerts and chart-topping hits, Isabel Weston should be on top of the world. But behind the music and bright lights, loneliness and exhaustion have taken their toll.
When her sister, Esme, invites her to Mermaid Cove for a much-needed escape, Isabel agrees to return to the one place she once found refuge - her late grandmother’s seaside mansion.
What she doesn’t expect is Pietro Ortega, the kind-hearted son of the local café owner, whose steady presence offers comfort she didn’t know she needed.
As Isabel unravels the riddle Grammy has left for her, Pietro is by her side. But as they get closer, she struggles with old anxieties and reveals a secret that threatens to derail the fragile romance blossoming between them.
With her heart on the line and the last clue leading to a discovery that could change her world, will Isabel finally step into the spotlight on her own terms and fight for the love she’s always wanted? Or will she let fear steal her future?
The New Promise is a heartwarming story of love, family, and the courage to find your true voice. 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 for a sweet love story, surprise twists, small-town charm, and finding yourself where you least expect it.
The New Promise is Book 2 in the Mermaid Cove Romance five-book series. Each can be read as a standalone, but for the best experience should be read in order.
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
This is book two of A Mermaid Cove Romance series and this story follows the black sheep of the family, Isabel Weston, after her grandmother’s death and the cryptic riddle she has left for each of her granddaughters and her daughter, Gwen. Isabel is feeling tired and lonely after some nine years of sold-out concerts and recording sessions for the punk rock band, Mad Kitten. A youthful mistake in her late teens saw her disowned by her mother and thrown out of the family home at just sixteen years old, after a year in juvie for her crime. Her mother refused to have her back and wanted to send her to a strict boarding school to sort her out, so she ran, getting a bus to Mermaid Cove with every last penny of her cash, to see if her gran would allow her to stay. Her gran was the famous author, Alicia Hamilton. She stayed with her gran until she got restless and headed out to try her luck in the big city. Busking on street corners until a man called Rodney Jenkins, found her. He is the leader singer of Mad Kitten and invites her to join their band if she can play bass guitar, as well as sing backing vocals. Her gran had always told her that she was good enough on her own, but she has never had the confidence to strike out on her own. Every suggestion about her own songs or a lead part, have been shot down by Rodney. One a phone call to her sister Esme, after the end of her latest tour with the band, Esme invites her to come and stay at Grammy’s house, which Esme and her husband Joe, have turned into a small B&B. She has a few weeks until Rodney expects her in the recording studio in L.A., so decides to go back and rest, but also take the time out to solve the riddle her Grammy left for her.
Esme has some exciting news to share with Isabel, but also a warning about Preston Langford, who is still hanging around town trying to buy up all the properties he can. He had a fixation with their Grammy, who went out with him briefly in high school, before finding the love of her live with their grandfather. But Preston has never forgotten her and even wanted her mansion after her death, but luckily it went to Esme, rather than their mother Gwen! Isabel finally opens the sealed letter her Grammy left for her, to find the first part of the puzzle, ‘a gift awaits, where home was reborn’. She knows it probably has to be somewhere in the room where she stayed as a teen, which Esme has not touched and where she is now staying, but it takes her ages to find the next clue, left in an obvious place, just to confound her. This leads her to the café, Footprints in the Sand, and Pietro Ortega and his father Antonio. She met Pietro ten years before, when he picked her up on that stormy night when she first arrived and was left to walk to her grans in the dark. He offers her a pastry and coffee in exchange for the gift voucher her Grammy had left her and sits at a small table, but she soon gets her peace disturbed by Preston shouting at his father, to sell the café and his home to Preston, before he loses everything due to his wife’s medical bills! Pietro comes back out when she has finished, with the next clue from her Grammy, something she had left there some time before her death. He knew Alicia well and Isabel tells him the story that led to him giving her that letter and what it all means. He is the perfect person to help her with this next clue, as she has no idea where it is or what it could mean. This leads to the two starting a friendly relationship, which obviously is so much more to Pietro. He is soon her companion on more adventures, as her Grammy’s clues lead her to take steps she never would have otherwise, all to get to the next clue.
She pushes herself to help out Pietro and his father in her own unique way, finding she does have a voice of her own and that maybe, she should make more use of it. Her time is running short before she is due at the recording studio, but she will stay until she solves the riddles her Grammy left her, so she can find whatever she has inherited from her. She finds comfort in Pietro’s presence and he could be a romantic interest, if only she wasn’t leaving again. But she also has the ghost of her past coming back to haunt her thoughts and make her feel unworthy of his affections. She had worried years ago whether her Grammy had known about her juvie record and if she would turn her away like her own mother. Now, as feelings start to blossom, thoughts of this has her making it sound worse than it is and her running away from Pietro, after some harsh words! She had left all those years ago, thinking she was looking for independence, but really, she was looking to replace the family she had lost. She isn’t sure that she wants to be n the band anymore and her Grammy had always believed she had enough talent to be a star on her own one day, even Esme agrees. A huge storm brings devastation to parts of the town and Pietro is not in the right mind to see her or hear an apology, especially with Preston lording it over him and his father. It is left to Esme and Joe to help her solve the final clue and discover what has been left to her, which is a massive shock! She uses it to apologise to Pietro in her own musical way, leading to anther concert to save their business and home from the evil Preston. When he sees the results of her efforts, he tells her he won’t make the same mistake again, and the evil in his eyes shows her his true self. She will have to be careful around him and watch out for his next plan, in his vendetta against her Grammy’s family and Mermaid Cove! A lovely HEA ending for Isabel and Pietro, with a glimpse at her new life and the which family member is next in line to solve her inheritance riddle.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The New Promise, the second installment in the enchanting Mermaid Cove series by Megan Jacobs, beautifully weaves a tale of self-discovery, love, and the power of legacy. The story centers around Isabel, a young woman grappling with feelings of inadequacy and a sense of being unloved.
Returning to the idyllic Mermaid Cove, she finds herself reunited with Pietro, a man who once offered her kindness and support. As they work together to unravel the riddle left by Isabel's beloved grandmother, their connection deepens, leading them both on a journey of personal growth and romance. Isabel begins to embrace her potential, stepping into the vibrant star that Grammy always believed she could be.
However, the narrative takes a poignant turn when Pietro faces the looming threat of losing his family business. It is through the unexpected inheritance of a cherished violin from Grammy's will that Isabel discovers her own strength, ultimately becoming the key to saving Pietro's future.
Jacobs masterfully captures the charm of small-town life, imbuing the story with warmth and heartfelt moments. The New Promise is a delightful exploration of love, resilience, and the importance of believing in oneself, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The New Promise continues the Mermaid Cove series with Isabel’s story. I didn’t read the first story in the series yet (but definitely plan to), and I didn’t feel the least bit lost. Anything I needed to know was addressed either in the dialogue or the narrative. Isabel’s and Pietro’s romance is poignant, emotional, and quickly drew me into their story.
Isabel is exhausted after the tour. She’s going back to Mermaid Cove at the invitation (insistence) of her sister, not only for a break but to decipher the clues her beloved Grammy left for her to find her inheritance. I loved Isabel and Pietro together and individually. They fit so well together.
The New Promise by Megan Jacobs is a lovely romance showing self-discovery, believing that one’s best is enough, and a couple that captured my heart from the start. If you love a well-written romance with emotions, realistic characters (yes, even the nasty ones), and an ending that will touch your heart, then this one is perfect for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Rock band member, Isabel, returns to Mermaid Cove, exhausted from frequent tours and recording demands, and is welcomed into Grammy’s mansion-turned-B&B by her sister, Esme, for some much-needed rest and the prospect of discovering her grandmother’s legacy. When Isabel solves her first clue and presents Pietro, co-owner of Footsteps in the Sand café, with Grammy’s gift voucher, the real scavenger hunt begins with Pietro’s intimate knowledge of the area proving invaluable. Ms Jacob’s characters remain authentic to the first book in the series, and her description of Mermaid Cove gives readers an idyllic perception of the area. Her storyline gives Isabel new and exciting experiences, challenges her fears, uncovers old and unwelcome memories and heartache, and makes her doubt the future she has envisioned for herself. Unexpected and threatening twists in the plot result in the potential end of Isabel and Pietro’s developing relationship, as well as the iconic café, until Isabel discovers her inheritance. I am sharing my honest opinion of this ARC novel.
An absolutely charming story by Megan Jacobs. Isabel Weston is all out of sorts and needs an escape from the limelight for a while to bring back her smile, when her sister Esme invites her to stay in Mermaid’s Cove ,what’s more in her late grandmother’s seaside mansion . Well she didn’t hesitate thinking this a great idea in a place she holds dear. Pietro Otega is the son of a cafe owner . His kind heart settles her in a comfort she didn’t know she craved . She has been set a riddle by her dear departed Grammie and this being a good thing that brings them together as they delve into secrets to find her way ,they grow closer and romance blossoms too. It’s a great story with lots of intrigue and mystery and two souls who have history and love to give. Written beautifully and the characters are superbly penned . I didn’t want it to end but then it must as I believe we still have three more books to go in the series and that does please.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean romance book and book two in A Mermaid Cove Romance series. The main characters are Pietro and Isabel. Isabel is in a famous band and Pietro works at his family’s cafe in Mermaid Cove. We met Isabel in the previous book when their grandmother left each of them riddles. She is back in Mermaid Cove staying with her sister as she finished a tour and needs a break. While there she runs into Pietro and they set out to solve the riddle together. Will Isabel go back to her life of touring in the band? Will she stay in Mermaid Cove? Will she open her heart to Pietro and realize she is deserving of being loved? Will they solve the riddle and find what her grandmother left her? This book is my favorite out of this series so far. I felt bad for Isabel’s past but Pietro was so good for her. I loved how she was there for him to help him when he needed it the most. I loved them together. Overall, this book what amazing.
I love all things Megan Jacobs, and this does not disappoint; this is book two in The Mermaid Cove Romance Series (Isabel's story). Isabel Weston is in a band "Mad Kitten", performing to sold out shows with chart topping hits. She used to love it, now she is just exhausted, and lonely after their world tour. Isabel goes to Mermaid Cove to Esme's mansion (Grammy's old home) now a B&B; at Esme's invitation. Isabel runs into Pietro Ortega, he works in his father's cafe, Footprints in the Sand. They haven't seen each other in years. Esme encourages Isabel to unravel the clue Grammy left her, to see what she inherited. She does this with the help of Pietro. Whatever Grammy would leave would be amazing!! Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!!!
This is the love story of Isabelle and Pietro and it does not disappoint. The two reconnect when Isabelle returns to Mermaid Cove after the death of her beloved Grammy. Grammy has left her a riddle that leads her on a search to find her inheritance, while at the same time, realizing her Grammy was right, that she is a star in her own right. She just needs to believe in herself. It is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. It pulls on the heartstrings as Isabelle faces her past, her feelings of being worthless, and the emotional abuse her mother continues to display. I wish her father would man up, and I hope we see a believable change in her mother in the series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my own opinion without influence from the author or publisher.
The New Promise is Isabel's story. She is the family's black sheep (in her parent's view) and returns to Mermaid Cove after finishing a tour with her band. She feels tired, lost, and that she is not loved or needed anywhere and maybe, she'll find herself again and what she should do with her life back in the old mansion, now her sister's B&B. She starts to looking for the clues left by her grandmother and will count with Pietro's help, the same guy who gave her a lift when she came to her grandma looking for help. They'll find comfort with each other and will explore their limits and fears together. There'll be difficult and unexpected times, will they be able to surpass them? Looking forward to read the next story in this series! I thank Ms. Jacobs for this ARC.
This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Isabel has always been the black sheep of the family. Her sisters love her but her mom is critical. She has been traveling with a major musical group, but is starting to burn out. She decides to take a break and also to solve the riddles her grandma left her after she passed. Once she solves these, it will lead her to her inheritance. She gets help from Pietro, someone who helped before. Will they find her inheritance? Will she go back to her band?
This was a good story. I am enjoying the riddles and the storyline. I can't wait to see what happens next with the next sister.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the Mermaid Cove series. Here the focus is on Isabel, who is a musician with the Mad Kitten band.
Thanks to her sister Esme’s invitation, she ends up back at Mermaid Cove during her break where she attempts to unravel the riddles left behind by her grandma. As she spends more time in the small town, she befriends Pietro.
I loved the fun times Isabel had with Pietro. Her idea to help him out was also an amazing one, but above and beyond that, it was a beautiful and thoughtful idea. Those dates (and non-dates) which they shared showed how well they fit together. While challenges abound, Pietro is absolutely correct in stating that Isabel is part of his future.
As someone who loves a feel-good book series that pulls me in from the very first page, The New Promise by Megan Jacobs absolutely delivered. The characters feel like friends, the emotional moments hit just right, and the story had me fully invested from the start. There’s something so comforting about a series that makes you want to keep turning pages long after bedtime—and this one did exactly that.
Jacobs has a way of writing that’s both cozy and compelling, and I’m already counting down the days for Book 3. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, uplifting series that leaves you smiling and wanting more, this is it.
"Maybe Grammy’s clues could lead her to a place where she could shine—wherever that might be."
Isabel Weston who ran to her Grammy when her mother threw her out has always been a rebel. So when she is sent her inheritance envelope from her beloved grandmother she decides to return to Mermaid Cove and decipher the riddle. And with help of her sister Esme and a rekindled friendship with Pietro, things begin to fall into place and she finds the keys to a long locked up dream and an unfrozen heart . Author Megan Jacobs has done it yet again. A wonderful love story and a desperate need to read the next in the series. Highly Recommended 5/5
Oh my heart! I absolutely adores this story. Come to think of it, I love Mermaid Cove and the antics that are there.
But Izzy, she’s a story I wanted since we meet her in the first one so I’m glad Megan put her next. Her wild and crazy drive gave her the background and backbone to do what she needed to do, to be the woman she needed to be. And to find the man who would be the most important part of her life. The dance between this couple warmed my heart and I was so happy when they came together, it was so insanely beautiful.
Want a story that's going to make you just swoon with love? Here you go and enjoy!
I loved this second book in the series. It would be ok as a stand alone except you'd miss part of the overarching storyline. I'd recommend reading them all. Besides, they're amazing.
It was a little difficult reading Isabel's story, emotionally. Their mother Gwen is a real piece of work. At one point, I cried. I love books that can reach in and pull on my heartstrings.
I'll be patiently awaiting the next one! I can't wait to see what other treats Grammy left behind.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Isabel’s riddle from Grammy is next. Exhausted from her latest tour and disappointed with her continuing performance as the second fiddle, Isabel returns to Mermaid Cove. She never forgot Pietro and he never forgot her. Great characters that capture you from the start. Isabel is still fighting the demons of her troubled past. Following the clues from Grammy, she discovers her true self and what she wants. I love the ending in this story. I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This is a series that is hard to review. It will ruin the book if you’re given too much information, but we do want to entice you to read the book. I will say I’m terrible at riddles so I probably would never get my inheritance. We are given more insight into Isabel’s problems with her family, particularly her mom, and why she held a special place in her grandmother’s heart. I totally enjoyed this book and look forward to the next, I’ll also be honest and hope her mother gets more of a comeuppance than just not getting the house.
The New Promise continues the Mermaid Cove Romance series which focuses on Isabel, a rock star needing a break from her tour who returns to her Grammy's home at the encouragement of her sister Esme, and Pietro who works at his father's cafe. Once home Isabel begins to unravel the riddle her deceased Grammy left her to solve for her inheritance. Additionally she is reunited with Pietro who proves to be more than just a friend. I recommend this wonderful and emotional second chance romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
About a year had passed since the reading of Grammy's will, and Isabel finally had the free time to solve her riddle. Of course, it leads her back to Mermaid Cove, bringing back emotional memories and reintroducing her to some of the locals.
This was an emotion-filled story. The love and acceptance she finds was heartening. Keep tissues handy!
Book two is even better than the first book. It will touch your heart with its emotional storyline. The characters are great and lead you on an emotional rollercoaster. Grammy knows her girls, and this Treasure hunt she leads them on does more than lead them to a treasure. It leads them to finding themselves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Isabel is in Mermaid’s Cove to rest after a tour with Mad Kitten. Pietro is busy working in his family’s cafe Footprints in the Sand. Loved the main characters but also Pietro’s family. The second book of the series as Isabel and Pietro work to solve her riddle. Wonderful storyline, some of my favorite parts were when Isabel and Pietro went hiking and also when they went scuba diving. Another excellent story by Megan Jacobs. Can’t wait for Louise’s story next.
Isabel had to grow up fast after her mother disowned her when she got in trouble with the law as teen. She hasn't felt worthy and accepted a backup place in the band that recruited her. It isn't until she opens her grandmother's letter and with the help struggling cafe owner's son Pietro's that she finds her place in the spotlight. I enjoyed reading about all the adventures her grandmother had her go on. This was a kisses only romantic mystery.
The band that Isabel was a member of completed their last tour. They were going to rest and re-group until time for their next tour.
Isabel decided to go to Mermaid Cove at the invitation of her sister, Esme. She figured she may as well find out what her inheritance was from Grammy by unscrambling the riddle that Grammy left her. This is where Pietro came into the picture. You won't be disappointed.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
An amazing second book in this series (they can be read standalone). I enjoyed the characters and their interactions, how they grow and change over time. So wonderful to follow along the storyline and the challenges. The perfect book to relax and dream with. I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
This is a heartfelt and easy read about love, healing, and finding yourself. The story has a calm, emotional tone with a touch of romance and reflection. Perfect for readers who enjoy gentle, character driven stories. recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Best if read in order. She's the black sheep in the family. Her relationship with her mom is not good. After receiving her letter from her grandma she returned to her band to finish the tour. Now she's back at her grandma's old home to rest and solve the riddle to her inheritance. Why did her mom kick her out? Where will her scavenger hunt take her? What will she find at the end?.
Wow! What a story! I want expecting to like Isabel very much based on her appearance in the first book of this series. But I was wrong. She’s wonderful, but misunderstood. And Pietro, what a love bug he is! I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I can’t wait for the next books in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Isabel is back in Mermaid Cove to get some time after her past tour. She is left a riddle from her grandmother. She meets Pietro and slow romance starts to bloom. When a secret is revealed, will they make it work?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are unique and have to work together to try to uncover some secrets that were left behind. Good continuation of the story. Like the setting and the backgrounds of the characters. There are still some questions to be answered. Can't wait to read more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.