An Ill Wind in Seabury

by Beth Rain

Two old flames. One small town. And absolutely nowhere to hide from the past.This is Seabury - where everyone knows everyone, the average tourist hasn't got a clue it even exists, and that's just how the locals like it!

George Slatter loves his life as Seabury's postman. He's got a job that suits him down to the ground, a community that feels like family, and a peaceful existence by the sea. Sure, he's single, but he's perfectly content with his cosy life in this charming little town.

Or at least… he thought he was.

Claudia Weatherley-Harcus is having a bad day. She's been sent on a ridiculous errand by her impossible mother, she's driving a tank disguised as a hire car, and she's just had a near-miss with the local postman.

In fact, Claudia’s well on her way to becoming the most unpopular person in Seabury… not that it matters. She’s not here to fall in love with a town full of cakes and kindness.

When an unexpected blast from the past reminds her of the girl she used to be—and the woman she wished she was—Claudia’s carefully built walls start to crumble.

George and Claudia both face a choice. They can keep playing it safe… or take the biggest risk of all and find out where they truly belong.

An Ill Wind in Seabury is a standalone novella and book 17 in the Seabury series. A sweet, closed door, small town romcom. Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Polly Babbington and Heidi Swain.

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Beth Rain has always wanted to be a writer and has been penning adventures for characters ever since she learned out to stare into the middle-distance and daydream.

She currently lives in the (sometimes) sunny South West, and it is a dream come true to spend her days hanging out with Bob – her trusty laptop – and scoffing crisps and chocolate while dreaming up swoony love stories for all her imaginary friends.

Join Beth in Seabury if you fancy dipping your toes in the waves, head to Little Bamton for some quintessential English village action, or take a trip down the river to Upper Bamton if standalones involving a spot of wine and wool are your thing!

Beth’s writing will always deliver on the happy-ever-afters.

Reviews

[Sarah the reading addict]

I genuinely don't know how Beth does this. Her books always pull me in like I'm another character.

Her characterisation is always spot on, there is a romantic element to the stories which makes you smile but also a bit of realness, which makes me feel sorry for the character and really root for them to get the guy or girl.

I love the pace of these books and although the series' are set in the same place they are all standalones. I've read every one of Beth's books and although you can read as standalones I have loved reading the series because there are characters that are side characters in the following books etc.

I love the community feel of this book (and all of Beth's books really), there is always someone on hand to help and usually there is an outsider enters but they are always made to feel welcome (as long as they're not rude of course, but things are always what they seem).

I love Claudia, right from the beginning, miss sassy pants, but life isn't what it seems and the way the story unfolds is perfect.

I love George too, he's like everyone's loveable postie but Claudia just hit different for me, she's misunderstood and I like that about her.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the 3 stars are partly my fault! I was quite interested in getting into this book, and I missed the fact that it was a novella. And hence, when the story was rushed, with no proper development of both the main characters and their dynamic together, coupled with the open-ended ending, I was quite bummed. On top of that, the writing style was a bit... different for me? As in, it kind of seemed to me like someone was narrating lines on a screenplay/stage right from the start, with the "loud" inner dialogues of each character, so it almost felt like a narration of what was going on inside the MCs' heads.

Anyway, due to this being a novella, there was a lot of context and depth that was missing/lacking that I really wanted to understand and get into. I really wanted to understand the characters, how they had gotten together in the past and their story and what has progressed since then and also see in real-time their characters developing alongside their rekindled romance.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really struggle with anxiety & downloaded this as a treat because I had to deal with a minor medical appt. Not a good start when I left the house later than I hoped. Then I was told someone was off sick so there would be a delay. I sat in the waiting room and started reading about George walking to work in Seabury, and I breathed deep and started to relax.

Thank you Beth

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seabury is a place I would love to visit, friendly locals, wonderful community vibes and lots of cake.
Beth is like the postman she always delivers - a happy ever after.

[Wendy Ann Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story about Claudia and Greg this time. I loved this, some funny bits some ooh bits and all together a great book. I love being in Seabury and look forward to every book released

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice returning to Seabury and meeting new characters as well as catching up with the previous ones.

[Mrs Susan E Kilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the seabury series

I love these books as they are an easy straightforward read. Great that they follow a whole village/town so you get to know the characters.