As Crissy struggles to pick up the pieces of her family's shattered lives, she finds herself hiding from the quiet island town she once loved. But, she's determined to move forward, for her kids, even if her teenage daughter still blames her for what happened. Her emotional storm intensifies when she begins to fall for a charming doctor, who keeps showing up at all the right moments.
Meanwhile, Sophia's relationship with Patrick is tested when his ex shows up on the island, stirring up some new doubts.
As the two women lean on each other and their families for support, they discover the true value of their friendship.
Ellen lives in a small town in New England, between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains. She lives with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled puppy princess.
Ellen writes in the early morning hours before her family wakes up. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song.
All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.
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Chrissy is trying to start over after the disaster her husband Scott caused. He is under house arrest and Arielle blames Chrissy for "making her dad steal to give her a good life". Chrissy hides from the public as much as possible. She is afraid everyone blames her for Scott's actions of stealing from their friends and neighbors. Sophia is a great friend, allowing Chrissy and her kids to live with her as she tries to start over. Sophia and Patrick are getting closer and happier together. Suddenly, Patrick's ex Gina shows up and tries to get him back. Chrissy meets Dean, and he is becoming a friend. When Arielle runs away to visit her dad in prison, the whole town helps in the search. She is heartbroken. Sophia decides that they all need to get away and brings her daughter, Chrissy and her kids to her aunt Lois's home in Vermont. Lois helps Chrissy and the kids begin to heal. I really like this story of friendships, family struggles and the belief that you can move on from the struggles life can give. I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review. Can't wait for more!
Tidal Bay Lane exceeded my expectations as I found myself completely pulled into Crissy's story. She's not just navigating heartbreak—she's facing a town full of whispers, a teenage daughter who's lashing out, and the pressure of keeping her family together when she's barely holding it all in. The stress is real, and you can feel every bit of it. What made it all the more moving was the unexpected steadiness of Dr. Carter. He's kind, present, and shows up in those quiet, important moments when Crissy needs someone the most. Their connection unfolds gently, like something solid taking root during a storm.
I loved how the friendship between Crissy and Sophia continues to anchor the story. Their bond feels real and adds heart to all the emotional twists. Sophia's story with Patrick adds another layer, especially as they navigate some unexpected obstacles. This series is shaping up to be another grand slam for Ellen Joy. And let's be honest, I'm already looking ahead—I hope we get to see more of Mr. Wilson, and yes, I'm officially campaigning for a HEA with Aunt Lois. I can't wait to see what comes next for everyone on this li
This was a beautiful story of moving on and finding oneself after Crissy's husband told her to divorce him after he was put under house arrest. I liked how Crissy's life went full circle in this book. The story focused on Crissy and how her life had changed and how that had affected her and how she felt. I liked how her old best friend, Sophia, took her into her house when Crissy had nowhere to go and couldn't afford it even if she did. The story felt very real and honest and was full of emotional ups and downs. It was full of wonderful advice from Aunt Lois in Vermont. I liked that the book was full of friendships, smiles, heartache, tears, romance and love on beautiful Isabel Island in Maine. The pizza shop's pizza sounded amazing. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Sophie is there for Crissy in the moments that matter most—steadfast, supportive, and showing up not just for her but for her children too. As Sophie and Patrick quietly strengthen their growing friendship, Crissy and Dean finally let themselves acknowledge the feelings they’ve been dancing around for so long. Meanwhile, Arielle and Nora are facing issues that can’t be ignored, adding even more emotional depth to the story. With so many hearts on the line and so many bonds being tested, this book is overflowing with vulnerability, connection, and hope. You can’t help but root for these friends to show up for one another when it counts.
After reading the 1st in the series, I couldn’t wait to read this one. It was SO good. It picked up right where the last one ended. I love the characters and the location. Just the kind of story that makes you feel like you want to live there! Thank you Ellen for another excellent read!!
I really loved this second book in the Isabel Island series. Can’t wait for the next book. The characters in this book were perfect. Crissy was a mess when her husband was sent to jail. There was a bit of anxiety but lots of laughs also.
Another great book- I’m always so sad when they end- I just want more. So happy Chrissie has a good relationship with Dean and I hope in the next book wedding news will be planned for the two of them. Sophia is happy in fact everyone has a happy ending.
This is the second book in the series and things travel on Sophie and Patrick are in love and Chrissy starts dating Dean and the story continue T his a good continuation story
Life can be good, bad, sad and with hard work satisfying and delightful!
This book was full of good examples of want can be good and bad in a life. It takes hard work and grace to find a life worth living but it is always worth the journey. Many lessons learned and lived.
Lots of teenage angst in this book. It's a good story with compelling characters, but the introduction of Gina tips the teenage angst over into the adults. It's too much. Gina is manipulative and self-absorbed. Not likable at all imo, and the tension she introduces just isn't enjoyable for me.
With that said, I do admire how Ellen Joy is able to craft characters and convey emotion. It's a good weaving of stories and a nice second book in the series.