The Beach Cottage

Seabrook Island #1

by Megan Holley

Grace Whitman has loved her husband, Richard, for twenty three years—enduring the distance, the late nights, and the growing silence between them. She told herself it was just a phase, that if she tried a little harder, he would find his way back to her. But when she discovers the perfume on his shirt isn’t hers, Grace’s world quietly falls apart.

On the night of their anniversary, she waits for Richard to come home. He doesn’t. Instead, she receives an email from her childhood friend in Seabrook Island, with a photo of her late grandmother’s old beach cottage, now for sale. It feels like a sign. Grace packs her bags, leaves behind the home she built, and drives toward the only place that ever felt like hers.

Determined to rebuild her life, Grace pours her heart into restoring the weathered cottage by the shore. The days are long, the nights lonely, but the ocean has a way of healing things she didn’t know were still broken. And when Ethan Cross, a local carpenter with kind eyes and his own haunted past, offers to help, Grace feels something she hasn’t felt in years—hope.

Just when Grace starts to believe she’s found her footing again, Richard shows up on the island with plans of his own—and a determination that threatens the fragile peace she’s built.

Caught between the life she’s known and the one waiting for her by the sea, Grace must decide whether love after heartbreak is possible… and if she’s brave enough to claim it.

Genres: Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

Reviews

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of regret and hope for a better future. The characters are so real and spoke to me. Grace and her sister, Willa, have their own sisterly dynamics. This book touched my heart on so many levels. It has a captivating and motivating plot that will keep you turning the pages.....and there is Ethan, who helped repair Grace's Grandmother's house..but also her heart.

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

[Coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes a little while to get your teeth stuck into this book but it's also a story that rings true in your life and makes the character's seem real. It's a good story, gives you heart warming supportive, lift you up kind of vibes where people are only there to lift each other up and not jealous. Women are empowered and lift each other in a small island by the beach with good people. I want to know what happens next, that's the only downside that there are 5 parts to this

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing beach read has EVERYTHING and I loved it all! The story draws you in with wonderful characters and an interesting and unique story line. It's realistic, hopeful, heartwarming and uplifting while having depth and emotion. The writing is smooth and interesting keeping you interested until the end. You won't be able to put it down once you start reading. Looking forward to more books in this series.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All lives fall apart sometimes,” Willa said, her voice gentle. “The question is what you build from the pieces.”

After reading the smaller teaser intro to this series I had to read at least the first book. And I am very glad I did. The characters of Grace, Willa and Ethan feel like old friends to me and I will definitely be looking for the rest of the series when I can afford to. Highly Recommended 5/5

[Kerry · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't for me. I've noticed that there are a series of books around this family, that appear to give each character their own story. I'm not into romance without angst, or people that seem to just float along in life. I imagine romance readers will devour this as there is no smut, no angst and very little drama.