The Beach House Baker

by C.K. Bloom

When life gives you lemons... move to Maine, bake scones, and try not to fall for the wrong man.

At 68, Monique Lamond is tired of being told who she is.

Six years after her husband’s sudden death, she’s still defined by the echo of his voice—one that only grows louder when her eldest daughter drags her to Kennebunk, Maine for a 'relaxing' family getaway.

There, she finds herself navigating family tension, being the watchful eye of her rebellious granddaughter, all while playing into the polite expectations of widowhood. Monique feels more invisible than ever.

Then she meets Ben Cooper. Gruff. Unfriendly. Unapologetically blunt. Their encounters are friction at best—and yet, something about him sticks.

Determined to reclaim a piece of herself, Monique makes an impulsive she rents a secluded beach house and begins baking for a local café. Flour-covered mornings, ocean air, and time alone bring her back to life. But behind the beauty of the coastal calm, secrets are stirring. Especially when she finds a journal hidden behind a panel in the house. The entries belong to a woman whose story is heartbreakingly familiar... and hauntingly unfinished.

Now, Monique must face the painful if she wants a future of her own choosing, she’ll have to stop living in the shadows—of her husband, her family, and the town that may not be ready for the woman she’s becoming.

Set on the rugged coast of Maine, this is a story of the complicated kind of love that only comes when you’ve lived long enough to know better—but are brave enough to try anyway.

This is Book 1 of 3 in the When in Maine series... Scroll up to begin reading now!

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2025

Reviews

[Jeanie Wulfkuhle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, although I did find parts of it a bit odd. However, I would love to be able to have conversations in my mind with deceased loved ones - just not one who is so judgmental!

Can’t wait for book 2!.

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

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monique had agreed to finally go on a Family vacation(having not stopped, for 6 years after her husband's death). She was staying in her Son-In-laws(Matt) family home in Kennebunkport with her daughter Iris, and their two children, with her other 2 daughters Zoe & Haley were to visit when able.
But, Iris & Matt have an ulterior motive. What CONNIVERS!!!!
Keep reading for an unbelievable story.

Love it C.K.

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

[Cindy Rippentrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baker by desire

This is the beginning of the story of a family and all the destruction and chaos secrets can cause. The main character Monique deals with mom guilt, self sacrifice and wanting to find herself finally, but she is having trouble breaking away from her kids who are trying to take.advantage.of.her and standing in the way of her dreams. Throw in a grumpy fisherman, A mystery and a dangerous situation and the story flows. The story has caught my attention a d I will be reading the second.part.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beach House Baker, Book One, introduces the main characters and plot of this older adult story. Monique, a widow of six years, agrees to travel to Kennebunkport to stay with her daughter Iris, son-in-law Matt, and their children. This enjoyable book is a great introduction to this series which leaves you wanting to read more..

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

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beach House Baker (Book 1) is a book in the When in Maine series by C.K. Bloom.

Monique has been a widow for six years. She plans to take a vacation to Kennebunk, Maine where her son-in-law’s family has a house with her daughter, Iris, and family. Iris and Matt are something else. This is a great start to the series and I look forward to book 2.

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

[Beth Burden · Rating 3 out of 5]

The jury is still out there for me on this book. I was not a fan of the derogatory way.the older daughter treated her mother and had a hard time getting through it. Towards the end of the book, the Daughter seemed to soften and I decided to get book two to see what happens. It has a pretty good storyline so I am curious.

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beach House Baker

What's not to like, the ocean, beach and family drama, new friends and new dreams. Wholesome, clean and family drama that's well developed and emotional connection. I was hooked before I finished the first chapter. I hope you'll check it out and always hope you like it also. Enjoy

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start to this coastal beach series. This will be the perfect beach read and I am thrilled it's a later in life main character. The storyline is clever, interesting and entertaining. I'm really enjoying the writing and the touch of mystery. I'm ready for book 2!.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beach House Baker 1

Very interesting, what happened to her husband, where was he, before he died, Monique has adjusted not her new life but still answers to where her husband had been

[Kathy M Palumbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Loved this book! It was hard to put it down! I love author"s writing style. Can't wait bread the next book!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with a typical beach setting. Any book based on the shores of the New England beaches is a plus for me. Very relaxing and enjoyable to read.