That Little Town Street

by Stacy Elizabeth

A Novel of Second Chances, Small Towns, and Big Surprises

When Vivian James returns to the rocky shores of Shearwater Cove after nearly two decades away, she's not just chasing quiet—she's running from the ruins of a life she's desperate to leave behind. With her devoted dog, a packed Jeep, and the key to her family's long-abandoned coastal cabin, Viv hopes the salty air and faded memories will help her rebuild what was broken.

Will Cooper never left, desperate to hold his own fractured family together. Brewer, fixer, and reluctant town handyman, he's spent his life keeping things running—until a familiar face from the past challenges everything he thought he knew about love, loss, and letting go.

In a town where everyone knows your name (and probably your secrets), Viv and Will must navigate tangled histories, nosy neighbors, and the slow burn of something neither of them saw coming. With a fiercely loyal dog, a colorful cast of characters, and a summer full of surprises, That Little Town Street is a story about the kind of love that finds you when you least expect it.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2025

Reviews

[Ali Lam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian James is headed back to Shearwater Cove after nearly twenty years away—armed with a packed Jeep, her loyal dog (Kevin, which is such a great name for a dog 😆), and a desperate need for a fresh start. She’s not expecting to run into Will Cooper, the one who stayed behind, holding everything (and everyone) together while she was gone.

This one comes from a 🦞local Maine author🦞 and you can feel the New England charm in every page—the rocky shoreline, the sea air, the wicked accents, the tight-knit (and nosy) small town where everyone knows your name. The slow burn between Viv and Will? Absolute perfection. Tender, patient, and full of that quiet kind of love that sneaks up on you.

It’s heartfelt, hopeful, and cozy in all the best ways—a story about coming home, healing old wounds, and finding love when you least expect it.

🌊 Tropes:
🐶 small town romance
💔 second chance
🔥 slow burn
🏡 coastal setting
🪞 emotional healing
🐶 Kevin the dog
🦞 New England charm

[Kristina O’Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a romance novel set in the fictional, and very rural town of Shearwater Cove, Maine, where Vivian, the recipient of her family’s cottage has decided to relocate following the death of her mother and a traumatic breakup. Fourteen years ago, Viv had a memorable summer with a group of teens who still reside in Shearwater Cove, including Will, her teenage crush, now turned sexy brewery owner. As Vivian re-introduces herself (and introduces her black lab Kevin) to her friends, she is quickly brought back into the fold, and straight into the arms of Will.

It was so easy to get into this book. I loved the imagery of Shearwater Cove, the mystery of the bright colored buildings, and the description of life downeast. It did take me a little time to connect with the characters. If you are hoping for a group of well-mannered, gentle adults, you will not find that here. This group is a little rough around the edges, with strong language, and a lot of love for drinking and sex. At first I was a bit taken aback by them because it was so different than I was expecting, but as I became accustomed to their mannerisms, I began to love them for who they are. Also, having grown up in rural Maine, they are pretty spot on for a group their age. I also loved the Maine accents of the older folk, and you can’t help but fall in love with Kevin - the true hero of this story. 🐕‍🦺😁

My only constructive feedback is the lack of tension for the first half. Everything came together quickly and easily, and it wasn’t until Viv’s ex started causing some trouble that the tension built. Overall though, this book kept me hooked from the beginning, rooting for characters I couldn’t help but learn to love, and excited for what comes next at Shearwater Cove. It was easy to pick up, and hard to put down! I can't wait for the next one!

[Tristin Bartol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book honestly felt like a breath of fresh Maine air. I got completely pulled into Vivian’s story the moment she rolled into Shearwater Cove with her lovable dog. You could really feel how much she needed a reset, and the little town was the perfect backdrop for that. And, Will Cooper… the book boyfriend that we all need in our lives!! His and Viv’s connection felt real, and I loooooved the slow burn.

I got a backstage pass of the author’s writing process and was lucky enough to read this story in the beginning stages. Stacy did an amazing job bringing this charming town and its people to life. The neighbors, the gossip, the charm—it all felt super relatable. There were funny moments, emotional ones, and steamy scenes that will stick. with. you.

This story is sweet and heartfelt. There’s second chances, healing, and two people finding love when they’re not expecting it. I’m so proud of Stacy for bringing this story to life… now, BRING ON BOOK 2!!

[Ashley Boucher Caywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just made me happy. I felt like I was right there in the little coastal town, smelling the ocean and bumping into all the quirky neighbors. Vivian was so easy to root for, and I loved watching her reconnect with people and places from her past (and I adored her dog). The slow romance with Will felt sweet and real - two people finding their way back to each other…with a few spicy moments to keep things interesting.

It’s cozy, uplifting, and I read it in two days because I didn’t want to put it down.

[Jessica D · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the charm of coastal Maine, the redemption of a past love, and a cute dog to boot, this was a sweet summer read. The characters are inviting, the plot is moving, and the setting is perfect small town Maine!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually 3.5⭐️

Overall this was a cute read, but there were times when the main characters said/did things far more juvenile than their ages.

I would probably recommend this to certain friends.

[Plotlines and Paws · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love long summer days by the coast, lobster rolls in hand, an ice-cold beer with your favorite people, and your pup curled up beside you, this book is calling your name. Stacy Elizabeth’s debut novel whisks you away to a colorful little town in Maine where every building feels like a postcard and every man seems unfairly attractive. Our FMC is a sarcastic spitfire (just like the author) searching for a fresh start, and she finds it by returning to her roots… only to discover that her teenage crush has grown up into a smoldering brewery owner.

This book put me through every emotion in the best way. I laughed out loud, cried, and felt everything in between. If you’re craving a story that warms your heart and drops you straight into an East Coast summer, pick this one up immediately. Your soul will thank you. 📚☀️🦞🍻💕

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being one of the first to read this absolutely lovely book. I love second chance romances, especially when they are as well-written as this charming, captivating (and yep, there’s some good spice) story. You fall in love with the secondary characters almost as much as Viv and Will, and, to me, that’s a sign of well-rounded, well-conceived book. As a Maine girl, the setting also stole my heart. Highly recommend reading this!

PS: There’s also the cutest dog ever!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had all the feels…humor, suspense, sadness, romance. I loved every bit of it. Kudos to Stacy Elizabeth on her first novel. Looking forward to the next one.

[Sandra Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading and could not put it down. It was a nice story I could escape to. I enjoyed reading it every night so much that I didn’t want it to end. Perfect light hearted love story!!