Trouble Comes to Harbour House

by Fenella J Miller

The BRAND NEW instalment in the brilliant wartime saga series from Fenella J Miller. Perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke and Lizzie Lane ❤️🎖️ Will love or duty be her downfall?

Wivenhoe, 1940.

As war tightens its grip, the residents of Harbour House are doing their bit for King and country—keeping calm through air raids, blackouts and family issues.

When Elizabeth Roby’s glamorous young cousin Lucinda Somiton arrives from London, scandal at her heels and a broken heart in her past, she brings a spark of chaos to the quiet Essex town. Accustomed to champagne parties and bright lights, Lucinda struggles to adjust to ration books and village gossip.

But when she volunteers to aid the war effort, Lucinda begins to find a sense of purpose—and perhaps a chance to redeem her name. Yet just as she starts to build a new life, the past threatens to catch up with her once again. And in wartime, every choice comes at a cost…

Praise for Fenella J.

'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters

'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane

'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is part of a series, it does work as a standalone book. Lucinda is only 18 when she is seduced by a married man and then publicly shamed. She is sent to live with her cousin, who has four children. Initially she is sulky and difficult to get along with, however, she soon sees the error of her ways. This is a book about family life during World War 2. Through a series of events, justice is served and Lucinda finds her way. While touching on big issues like poverty, adultery, punishment and class, it never gets too heavy. With a surprising twist at the end, this was a satisfying read. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for introducing me to this author, and I hope to read more of her work.

[Katie Awdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in 24hours which I always think says how much someone enjoyed the book in itself! Lucinda was a great addition to the family and she had a strong storyline. I thought when she went back to London to sell her coat she was going to do something stupid but thankfully she saw through her former lover and did the right thing! I hope the next book in the series continues with her storyline and the work she is now undertaking. I did miss Nancy and the Colchester storyline and hope when the baby arrives we hear more from them.

All in all highly recommended and a great read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th in the Harbour House series, but it could be read as a standalone story. Lucinda, Elizabeth's cousin, comes to the Harbour House to stay with the Roby family during WWII. She's recovering from a scandal and hiding out.

This story has:

- a romantic scandal
- helping the war effort on the home front
- growing up from being a spoiled princess
- found family
- friendships
- sisterhood
- finding a supportive family
- dealing with sick family members
- revenge

I really enjoyed Lucinda, and I loved seeing her evolution from being a spoiled princess to a grown-up contributing to the war effort. I hope we see more of her in the next series.

Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, it’s a real feel good read. Really enjoyed this new instalment in the series. It’s 1940, 18 year old Lucinda is seduced by a married man and then is publicly shamed. She is sent to live with her cousin and her family. Initially Lucinda behaves like a spoilt brat but she eventually changes her attitude and wants to join the war effort. Lucinda is a great addition into Harbour House, made an interesting read that was hard to put down. Can be read as a stand alone but I recommend starting at book 1. Highly recommend.

Publication date 3 Feb 2026. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed this series and this latest instalment is no exception. Lucinda Somiton is the disgraced cousin of Elizabeth Roby and initially she ruffles everyone’s feathers!! However when certain matters to come light Lucinda decides to change her ways, much to the delight of the Roby Household. As well as following Lucinda’s story we are kept up to date with Emily, George and Sam and what they’re doing. I must admit to finding Emily a little too sure of herself and often forget that she’s actually only supposed to be 12! I really liked how the story developed, including many facts about life during WW2. This is such a good series that pulls you in from the first page and keeps you fully engaged.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wartime romance can make a person really question their choices in life. Lucinda has many choices to make. Will she make the right one?