Second Chance at the Seaside

Beachfront Billionaires #1

by Elizabeth Maddrey

At the end of summer, sixteen years ago, we promised we’d keep in touch. And I did.

She didn’t.

I spent a year reaching out to her in every way imaginable, desperately clinging to the future we’d planned while we walked hand-in-hand on the beach. When July rolled around again, I waited eagerly, for her family’s return.

They never came.

She never came.

I blamed her. I blamed myself. I blamed my big, involved family who are basically royalty on this island our ancestors found. After a while, I forgave her and moved on.

Of course I did.

Carrying a torch for sixteen years would be ridiculous.

So the fact that she’s come back to the island, apparently to stay? Doesn’t matter to me at all.

Maybe I’ve been asking God why, but I figure He’s got some kind of plan.

I can probably learn to accept her as a member of our little town, but that’s where it has to end.

My heart’s still too shattered to risk breaking it again.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming second chance romance filled with faith, family, and a strong sense of community.

Jericho is the one Bennett never stopped loving. Sixteen years ago, they fell in love, dreamed of a future together, and promised to keep in touch. He did...she didn’t. Now she’s back in town for good. But can Bennett face the reasons she walked away? And if she offers a second chance, will he be willing to risk his heart again?

This story is perfect for anyone who enjoys second chance romances. The community is rich and welcoming, and Bennett’s family is impossible not to love. The side characters completely drew me in, and I’m already impatient for book two. I was all in on Bennett and Jericho’s journey, cheering for them every step of the way. The faith elements were beautifully woven into the story, and Jericho’s return to church was especially powerful.

Now I’m incredibly curious about Christian’s story, and I can't wait to see where Travis’s path leads him. I’m definitely looking forward to what’s next in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already binge-read the Billionaire Next Door series by this author (which were SO good), so when I saw she had another billionaire series in the works, I had to grab book 1 to start the series. And I was NOT disappointed.

This is a sweet rekindled romance set in a small island town. The male main character loves to read and sometimes quotes Jane Austen. He's also a billionaire lawyer who rides a motorcycle. The female main character is a librarian with a sweet and giving heart. What is not to love right there?

The book switches between the perspectives of each character every other chapter so you get a glimpse into their thoughts as they work toward a second chance at their high school summer romance.

Bennett is from a large, loving family who practically owns the small island town where Jericho and her family vacationed in the summer. They met during high school and fell in love. Then she left, breaking his heart and leaving him confused. Now she's back as the town's new librarian, and his whole family is rooting for them to get back together again.

I loved the faith elements that are woven throughout the story as well as the rekindling of Bennett and Jericho's relationship. I also enjoyed all the other characters in Bennett's large family and can't wait to read their stories in later books.

This is a sweet, feel-good story that doesn't shy away from difficult issues faced by some of the secondary characters. After finishing the book in 2 days (yes, it was that hard to put down!), I found myself wanting to read the stories of Christian and Travis. I'm going to be waiting impatiently for the next book in the series!

5 stars

[Lyndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new contemporary Christian romance series with new characters and setting, but subtly addressing, like many of her books, relational and family issues that concern today's believers. All in the context of gentle romantic pursuits and happily ever afters. Recommended for fans of the CCR and related genres.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So incredibly sweet!

Sixteen years ago, Bennett and Jericho made a promise to stay in touch — a promise he kept, and she didn’t. After a year of silence and heartbreak, Bennett was forced to move on from the girl who vanished without explanation.

Now Jericho's suddenly back on the island they once called theirs, stirring up old memories and emotions he thought were long buried. But with Bennett's heart still carrying the weight of the past, letting her back in might be more than he’s willing to risk.

What you'll love:
second chance romance
dual pov
island/coastal setting
librarian FMC
billionaire lawyer MMC
small town charm
the dates
the motorcycle ride
Bennett's loveable family
light faith thread
perfect ending!

I adore second chance romances and this one was so very sweet! From the awkwardness of their first reunion, to the long-awaited answers, to the healing and forgiveness, and finally falling in love all over again, this story gave me all the happy sighs!!

I especially loved that Jericho is a librarian (YES to all library scenes! ), and while Bennett may be a billionaire, the story didn't lean into his wealth status, it focused on him. He was thoughtful, kind, and oh so swoony. Such a compelling character with so much heart. The chemistry between Bennett and Jericho developed so beautifully, with just the right amount of tension and tenderness.

Second chance at first love is one of my most favorite tropes and this book delivered, from motorcycle rides to hilarious family dinners to all those little moments that made their story so easy to fall into and hard to put down!

If you love second chances, stories of hope and healing, cozy coastal settings, and billionaires with motorcycles, this one needs to be on your TBR!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jericho ghosted Bennett after a whirlwind summer romance, he took a while to give up trying to contact her, but eventually tried to move on. But his reaction to the news sixteen years later that she's the new town librarian tells him he's never got over her. The problem is, she must have got over him if she's coming back. And he's not interested in getting his heart broken again anyway. But his family isn't being exactly helpful in his intention to avoid her, and the more they spend time together, the more he wonders...

A great read in what's looking like being a great new series. If you're not into billionaires (as I'm typically not), give this a chance because, well, Bennett's just a normal person. If you like billionaires, well, you can't help liking this anyway. :-) Bennett and Jericho make a great couple once they finally give things a chance, and they're lovely people to get to know anyway. I also loved getting to know the various other family members who will presumably each have their own book in turn - I'm really looking forward to it! Recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet second chance romance! I love Jericho and Bennett and also the introductions to the rest of Bennett’s family.
I really felt for Jericho. She was trying her best to salvage her life and heal from her past. However, that also included her past with Bennett after their romance as teenagers. I could relate to her love for books and her love for her family. She was trying to do the right thing even if she wasn’t always sure what that looked like. I am really hoping for a spin off where we get to see more of her family.
Bennett was just the sweetest! It was so cute to see how much he loved his family and was willing to do anything for them. He was hurt about what happened with Jericho, but he also loved her. I liked the minimal drama in their relationship too. There was definitely some much needed reconciliation, but it was not needlessly drawn out. I think Bennett’s family helped with that too, and I am excited to see future books with them.
I am already in love with them all! I cannot wait to see each of them get their HEA. Overall, this is a cute Christian romance. It is pretty low stress, but it made me want to keep reading! It is the first in a new series, and I am looking forward to the rest!
I received a complimentary copy

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this start to this new series!! Bennett and Jericho were an item sixteen years ago. Bennett, his family, and everyone else on Loring Island thought they'd get married. Then Jericho ghosted Bennett. Now, she's back as the librarian, and Bennett knows he was only fooling himself thinking he was over her. Jericho's back in the one place she always felt she belonged. She's not sure she's totally ready to run into Bennett again, though she knows she'll run into him sometime. She knows she needs to apologize, and tell him at least part of why she ghosted him. As they spend more time together, they both realize how much they still love the other. Bennett is hoping for a second chance. Jericho isn't sure she deserves one. Love how things work out!! Love how both are willing to pray for God's guidance, and that Jericho realizes she really does need to forgive people in her past that she hasn't yet. I love what Bennett tells her to get her to see it, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Second Chance at the Seaside’ was heartfelt. The touching plot involved heartbreak, a second chance at love, child abandonment, coping with and seeking help for a child with special needs on the spectrum, losing faith in the church, being included in family dinners with the family of an ex-boyfriend, going out on dates, returning to having faith, and falling in love. Moreover, Bennett (the ex-boyfriend and an attorney) and Jericho (the newly arrived librarian and returning from a sixteen-year hiatus), the protagonists, were ideally suited for each other. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions, including imagery, figurative language, and the just-right word choices that created a moving tone, such as “The sun was low in the sky, burning away the day in orange and gold and pink.” Overall, I liked the touching narrative.
I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily.

[Samantha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me smile because of the fantastic banter between Bennett and his family, and the kindness the townsfolk extended to Jericho. But my heart ached with how hard it was for Bennett and Jericho to be in the same island town again after sixteen years apart. The emotion in this book was real and raw, and the narrators did a fantastic job of portraying it.

If you love clean, second-chance romances, you’ll love this book for sure! It’s dual POV with Christian themes and swoony scenes.

My favorite thing about Bennett’s mom was how supportive she was of her boys; always with a kind word or some sage advice.

I couldn’t stop listening because I wanted to see Bennett and Jericho get their happy ending, and the audio was just so good!

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, can we just talk about the hues in this cover!!?? Oh my gosh I just love them. Makes me wish I was near a beach and it was summer all the time.

I typically have mixed feelings about the billionaire stories, but guys..... Elizabeth Maddrey writes them SO WELL. They are realistic in nature, and never do I find myself rolling my eyes because the scenarios are absolutely ridiculous and unbelievable. And she can write romance guys. Romance with faith, community, welcoming characters, and smiles aplenty.

Highly recommend this book for romance fans everywhere. Don't let the word billionaire scare you. It's so much more than a billionaire romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance at the Seaside is an engaging beginning of a new series, a small town, second chance romance. I loved watching Jericho, the new town librarian, and Bennett, a motorcycle driving, billionaire attorney, fall in love again. I love the faith elements, the large Bennett family, their support for this couple, the struggle to get past old hurts and disappointments and more. Ms. Maddrey's books always keep my attention and I can never put them down. I just gave my day to getting lost in these wonderful characters. I am glad there are so many in Bennett's family because I am longing to come back to this town and learn more about the other characters.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, second chances romance. Our lawyer MMC Bennett has lived on an island his whole life - and his family are very much involved in it and its history. Our librarian FMC Jericho visited during her childhood and had a high school sweethearts romance with Bennett. But then, she left and never contacted him again. Now she’s returning to the island, 16 years later, to become the new librarian, and Bennett is her landlord. I loved the amount of family in this Christian contemporary romance. My favorite part was definitely the banter and antics between Bennett and his brothers. The romance was sweet and swoony. The billionaire angle was toned done and wasn’t explicitly mentioned until the very end. I’m definitely interested in continuing this series! If I had book 2 in print right now, I’d definitely want to jump in. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cover alone convinced me to listen to the story. Not to mention it's a small beachside town, a librarian FMC, and a young romance given a second chance 16 years later.

The narrators were fantastic and really pulled you into the setting. I loved the found family, the strong Christian background, the banter between brothers, the redemption and forgiven, and the gentleness of both main characters. I do wish it had been a little longer- it seemed a big rushed, but on the other hand it is nice to have a short and sweet read. I am excited that there are more stories in the series - I fell invested in the family and want to hear about the rest of them.

[Mary Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Maddrey is a new to me author. I am happy I found her! This is a sweet romance that started 16 years ago and they are given a 2nd chance. I loved the characters and was pulled in by all of them. They are a huge family, but they are there for each other in every way. I loved seeing their faith come out through the book. It’s a reminder that none of us are on the same page in faith. Life isn’t always good and this book showed that waning faith can be brought back to following God fully, even when you can’t understand why some things happen.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring start to a new series. Beautiful cover, twist and turn plot with lots of current issues (autism, abandonment, sea turtles, family drama as well as family support). Well done Elizabeth Maddrey. As a mother of three sons and retired educator who loves her local libraries, I identified with the characters in this series. My brother, sons, and grandchildren all love Legos. Sea turtles are interesting creatures. To have a pup named Squirtle brought back memories of Pokemon. Living in SW Michigan I can relate to the ups and downs of beach town tourism.

[ELMorehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Do Bennett and Jericho Reach Their HEA?

Wealth doesn't mean there can't be major problems. Master Storyteller, Elizabeth Maddrey has started her new Christian Romance Series, "Second Chance at the Seaside (Beachfront Billionaires Book 1)", with a Bang! I absolutely ❤️ Jericho and Bennett's 💞 Story. But there's so much more: a really close Family, Tragedies, a legacy 🏡, and overcoming Fears with Jesus Help.

I Highly Recommend you 📖 this Outstanding, Engrossing 📘, that I Devoured! I'm eagerly anticipating EM's next Novel in this Series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming read. Sixteen years ago, Bennett and Jericho met when Jericho and her family were vacationing in Loring Island and promised they'd stay in touch. He did She didn't. Now Jericho is back as the new librarian, and Bennett is a billionaire and a lawyer who rides a motorcycle.
I love how Benett's large family are rooting for him and Jericho to rekindle their high school romance, and I enjoyed the side characters and the faith elements woven into this story. If you are a fan of billionaire romances, you need to add Second Chance at the Seaside to your list.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Maddrey’s new series, Beachfront Billionaires. I really enjoyed reading it. The characters are great, and the interactions of the main families have just the right kind of humor that kept me chuckling. There are serious issues that come up as well, which are treated with sensitivity and compassion. I liked the setting of the seaside, and the main female character being a librarian. It was a great read overall, and I look forward to more in the series!

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennett and Jericho fell in love as teenagers when her family spent their summer vacations on the island his family essentially owns. And like always, at the end of the summer they promise to see each other again the following year. Only this time she doesn't return and she doesn't respond to his attempts to reconnect.

16 years later, Bennett continues to live on the island.. content with his life. He has forgiven the girl who never returned and moved on.. or so he thinks. Jericho has returned and not just for a visit. She is the towns new librarian and Bennett comes to quickly realize his heart has been on hold waiting for this second chance at love.

I so enjoyed my first visit to the Island and look forward to returning in the future as the stories of other friends unfold. As much as I enjoyed watching Bennett and Jericho's relationship re-develop, I loved meeting the cast of characters surrounding them and am excited to see what happens in their lives in the books that are to come in this new series.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jericho and Bennett have such a wonderful and faith based story. Jericho and her family had visited the island every summer until the summer before their senior year in high school. They had been two teenagers in love. Then she ghosted him for sixteen years. Now she has been hired as the island's Librarian and he has taken over the family's law firm. I recommend you read their story as they learn of forgiveness and trust.

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Jericho and Bennett kept me engaged from start to finish. A few favorite quotes: “Looking back was a waste of time.” “Nothing good can ever came from avoiding choosing sides.” And my personal favorite, “Heavenly Father,..::Keep us in Your hands as we follow in Your footsteps.” Now enjoy a good story to see how the quotes connect.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you’ll read about two people who have loved each other for years even after being separated. When Jericho returns to Loring Island Bennett is unsure how to treat her after being hurt. Travis is devastated by his wife deserting him and Grady. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

[Mia2Four · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed so many of Ms. Maddrey’s books and this looks like the start of another great series. The two lead characters were very lovable and you find yourself rooting for them. The other family members are fun and I can’t wait to read their stories. Gotta love a little island in North Carolina. Love the element of their Christian faith.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

I loved everything about this story — the main characters and their story arc, the extended family, even the can't-keep-secrets-from-townies.
And I especially love that God is acknowledged in the center of all that's going on.

[Linda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching, realistic story of a second chance at a relationship. A family that cares, loves and accepts each other and welcomes those who have left back home. Subtle reminders that God never leaves us and waits for us with open arms.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This is a 2nd chance 16 years later.
The setting is an island town & a big family of cousins, grandfather & a child that may have special needs.
A wonderful story

[Christie Murrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Best One yet!

I think this has to be her best book yet! How long do we have to wait for a sequel? Please let this be a long series.

[Inspirationalfictionreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance at the Seaside by Elizabeth Maddrey is a heartwarming second chance romance with a strong emphasis on the power of family.

Going into this story, I expected a sweet romance—and it definitely delivered on that front—but what stood out even more was the beautiful portrayal of family support. Bennett’s family was incredibly close-knit and welcoming, and I especially liked how quickly they embraced Jericho. The romance between Bennett and Jericho was sweet, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more conflict or emotional tension to deepen the storyline and I would have loved to actually read some of their history in flashbacks. The faith element was light but meaningful, reminding readers to hold on to the blessings God gives us with an open hand.

As the first book in a new series, it did a great job introducing the characters and setting the stage for what's to come. The epilogue left me excited to read Christian’s story next.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance at the Seaside is an engaging beginning of a new series, a small town, second chance romance. I loved watching Jericho, the new town librarian, and Bennett, a motorcycle driving, billionaire attorney, fall in love again. I love the faith elements, the large Bennett family, their support for this couple, the struggle to get past old hurts and disappointments and more. Ms. Maddrey's books always keep my attention and I can never put them down. I just gave my day to getting lost in these wonderful characters. I am glad there are so many in Bennett's family because I am longing to come back to this town and learn more about the other characters.

[Clare Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely second chance romance tale set on a small island where everyone knows everyone and nothing is forgotten. Jericho and Bennett have a past and when she takes a job on the island as librarian she hopes she won’t run into him again. But things aren’t that easy. Especially with his cute nephew picking books to read.
I haven’t read a book by Ms Maddrey I haven’t liked and this is no exception.
Looking forward to book two.