You Belong With Me

by Beth Moran

The brand-new feel-good romantic read from the beloved NUMBER ONE bestselling author Beth Moran. 💖💫 Perfect for all fans of Marian Keyes, Jill Mansell and Lucy Diamond. Three times a fiancée but never a bride is not a claim to fame Bluebell Beddoes is proud of. But she is taking it as a sign…

Sworn off romance, instead the love of Blue’s life is the beautiful Isle of Siskin. Her home from birth, her community and now her job with the wildly successful podcast Only on Siskin. Her life is full and her future is set.

So, when the peace on Siskin is threatened with being destroyed forever, Blue knows she has to act. There are secrets from the past that may be able to save the future of the island, and only Blue can get to the bottom of them.

When handsome and mysterious Jonathan White arrives on Siskin, Blue is unsure if he’s here to help or hinder. But when it becomes clear Jonathan holds the key to unlocking the past, Blue will have to learn to trust again or risk losing everything she loves…

You won’t be able to put down Beth Moran’s new uplifting, heart-warming novel, guaranteed to whisk you away to a world of unforgettable characters, heart-stopping romance and feelgood moments to make any day better.

Readers love Beth Moran ❤️

‘Ah, I just love settling into a new Beth Moran book! I love how she creates such a close, special, and cosy community within each of her books... I want to move right into her little fictional world immediately!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘Well-written, thoroughly enjoyable and gently thought-provoking. I would recommend getting a cup of tea and a slice of cake and settle down for a lovely afternoon read.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘That's what I like about Beth Moran's books, they're real people in real life situations, and you're rooting for them to succeed. A wonderful book that will bring you joy all though the year!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘I stayed up late reading this! I just love Beth Moran's books, she gets complicated families, and real life and romance just right.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘Adored this. Point proven that I've just stayed up till 2.30am to finish it. Beth Moran knows what she's doing!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Praise for Beth

'Beth Moran's heartwarming books never fail to leave me feeling uplifted' Jessica Redland

'A British author to watch' Publisher's Weekly

'Let it Snow is so uplifting. It's cleverly written, witty and smart. A winner!' Judy Leigh

‘Life-affirming, joyful and tender’ Zoe Folbigg

'Every day is a perfect day to read this’ Shari Low

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 8, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family

Reviews

[Flora Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book, all views are my own.

I was not familiar with Beth Moran’s writing before reading this book, but I’m so glad I took a chance on this particular title. I mean, I sobbed for several of the last chapters, but that just goes to prove how well it was written. I thoroughly enjoyed Blue’s charming story about trusting again after love has let you down and the current troubles of life on the island; fighting developers who go against everything that makes it wonderful and in turn discover a story that will change her family forever. However, what made me want to inhale the book in one go were the Sorrel chapters: a heartbreaking story of forbidden love and a deep sense of belonging that defies societal expectations. I loved the strong sense of community, but especially the way Beth writes her female characters (strong, defiant and self sufficient rather than damsels in distress). I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe a bit slow at times, it had me wondering if it was the book for me, but after a while its engaging plot took me entirely and I was hooked.
There’s top entertainment provided by the lively banter between the characters, along with drama and mystery. Not a typical romance but full of romance exactly how I like it. The dual timeline adds depth and doubles the suspense.
Most recommended.

With many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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⭐⭐⭐⭐
You Belong With Me
Beth Moran
Publication Date: February 8th, 2026
Boldwood Books
304 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Romance | Women's Fiction

After reading this book, I want to visit the Isle of Siskin. This story is about Bluebell Beddoes, a woman whose track record of being a fiancée three different times makes her leave romance behind, and instead, she focuses on her community and her job as the local podcaster. Her peaceful life is brought down by a threat to the island’s future, and she tries to save her home. The arrival of Jonathan White makes matters worse because Blue has to decide if he is an unwanted guest or the help she needs to unlock the past. This book is a perfect example of Beth Moran's type of "all the feels" story that adds a touch of mystery. The story is a poignant one about finding where you belong and finding the courage to trust again.

The Isle of Siskin feels like a character in its own right. Moran’s descriptions are vivid, and I want to get on a plane and visit right now. I could picture the greenery so clearly. I loved the vibe of found family. Moran's books always give me a cozy feeling because they're often about community. She always has amazing characters, even the supporting ones. They're true to life and feel and act like real people—people you'd want to meet and hang out with. Her books always feel emotional, yet balanced with humour.

Romance isn't my go-to genre, and while there is a romantic aspect, it isn't the focus of the book. The heart of the book lies in Blue’s growth and learning to trust herself and not be afraid to try new things because she is so scared of failure. Blue, being an "almost bride" so many times, is handled with empathy. The dual plot about the saving of the island and Blue's secrets kept me turning the pages and was interesting without being too over the top. It’s a heartwarming and witty tale that reminds the reader that our past mistakes don't define our future.

As in most of this author's books, this was an excellent feel-good story that uses the usual tropes in women's fiction. And while some of the resolutions felt a little bit too tidy, it did bring me joy, and the writing style makes it impossible not like these characters. The journey of reading about Blue and her community was an entertaining one. This was the perfect weekend read that took me on a vacation to the Emerald Isle without having to pack a bag or fight airport lines.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of You Belong With Me in exchange for a review. 4.5 stars rounded up.

I always love settling down to a new Beth Moran book! What I love about her books is she always creates such a fantastic community of strong women who support each other. Yes, it’s cosy and comforting, but there are always stories of overcoming something painful that gives it that edge of reality and relatability.

In You Belong With Me, we return to the fabulous Isle of Siskin, where Beth’s 2024 book, Have I Told You Lately, was set. The new story takes place just a few months after Emmie and Blessing have moved to the island, but we have a new main character – Blue (Bluebelle) Beddoes.

After being engaged three times to men who have let her down, Blue has no interest in dating and is focused only on her hugely successful podcast, Only on Siskin. When news arrives that a huge, dilapidated piece of land on the island is set to be sold to developers and turned into a tourist attraction without consulting the locals about their opinions, the community rallies together to try to stop the unwanted development.

With the arrival of Jonathan White, hoping to find some protective wildlife species on the land to halt the sale, Blue begins to thaw her no dating policy! And when rumours surface that perhaps the land might belong to someone else, Blue and Jonathan team together to dig into the history of the island and the contentious land.

I loved the flashbacks to the characters in the 1950s with the story of forbidden young love, which gradually blends into the present day story and Blue’s investigations. It all came together in such a satisfying way!

And I always love the little Easter eggs that pop up in Beth’s books, connecting the stories together, like Goldie reading Hillary West’s latest novel! It makes me feel like I’m part of an ever-expanding secret community!

This was a classic, gorgeous story from Beth, and I am now completely a Bluepy and Siskin-ite (I made that last one up!) and desperately hope she will take us back to the Isle of Siskin again for another character’s story!

[Iola · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a developer arrives on the Isle of Siskin to build a mega-resort, podcaster Blue Beddoes and her mother Goldie, the unofficial Mayor of Siskin, form an action committee to find a way to prevent the development. They have two possible ways to foil the plan, both involving finding the truth behind old island rumours. Do rare natterjack toads live on the farm known as Jack's Place? And is Sienna Griffin the rightful owner of Jack's Place?

Blue teams up with Jonathan White, the attractive and very personable environmental consultant hired to search for the elusive toads. She'd be interested in him if it wasn't for her disastrous relationship history, and the fact she doesn't need a man to be happy. Her (many) declarations to this effect add several comedy moments, particularly as she is pursued by some less than desirable men and more than a few zealous fans of her podcast, Only on Siskin.

That's the present story. You Belong With Me is a dual timeline novel, and the past timeline is set in the late 1950s and shows Sorrel falling in love with Calvin Griffin, who inherited Jack's Place when his parents died when he was seventeen. This story is beautiful yet bittersweet, because we know from the present storyline that Calvin lives and dies alone.

I loved the tiny Isle of Siskin, home to just over 3000 people, which means everyone knows (or knows of) everyone else. I love Beth Moran's writing style--full of humour and emotion that brings her characters to life. And I loved her characters, especially Blue and Jonathan in the present timeline, and Sorrel and Calvin in the past.

While You Belong With Me isn't overtly Christian fiction, it's an excellent novel with characters who are quietly Christian, and with no inappropriate language or content. I loved it.

Recommended for readers who love a little mystery and a little romance in a British setting full of quirky characters.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Beth Moran book and I know I will be back for more! What caught my eye about “You Belong With Me” was the quaint setting of The Isle of Siskin with its hardworking community members, fun annual traditions and plenty of small town drama to keep our heroine, Bluebell “Blue” Beddoes, busy. Her podcast “Only On Siskin”, gave its listeners a peek into the magical everyday life of her beloved hometown. Blue was a very popular podcaster and she even had merchandise that was a big hit with her fans, on and off the island. When some interlopers arrived on Siskin with a ridiculous plan to build a resort on the island, Blue was at the head of the line to send them on their way. One of her biggest fans, Jonathan White, was hired by the enemy to do some research on the island. He had been smitten with Blue from the first time he heard her podcast and he jumped at the chance to visit such a wonderful place. Of course, Jonathan was also against any development on the island, and worked closely with Blue in their battle against the destruction of the beautiful and untouched land. Hidden beneath that land lay deep, dark secrets which would change some islanders' lives forever. “You Belong With Me” is part romance, mystery, and travelogue as the author couldn’t have chosen a more picturesque location for Blue to find love, for Jonathan to find a home, and for long held secrets to finally be laid to rest!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book looked like something I would enjoy, a three time fiance who never made it to the alter, running a podcast on an island with a bunch of quirky people. It was so much more than that. It was one of those books that I think will stick with me. There is a flashback component that helps with the modern day mystery as a group of islanders work to prevent a company from building a resort and potentially ruining their island home.

Blue was a great characther and I loved her relationship with her Mom and new to the island Jonathon. There was a lot going on as the island inhabitants pursued a few different avenues to prevent the destruction of an old farm. It was great to watch Blue grow in both her confidence and her comfort with how she fit within her community. I also enjoyed the hijinks of her podcast followers.

Beth Moran was a new to me author and I can't wait to read other books by her. I wish Siskin was real so I could go and visit!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You Belong to Me” is a cozy, chaste tale about Blue, a podcaster residing on a small island between Ireland and Wales. Alongside her mother, the mayor, Blue and her family are determined to thwart the developers’ plans to build a resort on their neighboring property, Jack’s Place. They employ various strategies to prevent the developers from succeeding, including bringing in an ecological surveyor named Jonathan and ensuring the current land owner’s ownership. This endeavor leads to the unfolding of two distinct narratives: Blue’s adventures with Jonathan and Sorrel, a young woman who assists at Jack’s Place. While the pacing may be a bit slow at times, the engaging storyline compels readers to persevere through the book. Despite its somber moments, the book maintains a hopeful tone throughout. Check this one out.

Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautiful island of siskin is under threat from developmers.
Blue runs the local pod cast from the island and her mum Goldie is the mayor.
Local land is about to be sold and turn the island upside down. A major tourism development is planned and the locals band together to try and stop the development.
Johnathan arrives to establish if the protected toads live in the area. Is it faint hope or a possibility to stop the development?
Fully rounded locals, family history and a possible romance in two timelines evolve as the story unfolds.
Felt as if I knew all the characters personally and would love to know more about the the other locals.

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You Belong With Me” is the first book I’ve read by Beth Moran and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed the story and the setting—even though it was a bit predictable. But sometimes it’s the predictability of a book that you need! The story is set in two timelines that not only leads to solving a mystery but saving the island of Siskin from having an unwelcome tourist resort invade its peaceful shores. It’s a charming, cozy read that will be fun for readers of that genre. Now, I need to check if Siskin is a real place!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this sweet book. My opinion is my own.

[Reads by Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Beth Moran & it will not be my last. The story is set on the Isle of Siskin, which feels cozy, vivid & full of life. Even though the plot was somewhat predictable, I really enjoyed reading the book. The dual timeline added mystery while the island community worked together to stop a resort from being built.

The heart of the book was Blue’s personal growth, her relationships & the strong sense of found family on the island. The writing felt warm, emotional & lightly humorous and I felt good whilst reading. A very cozy, small island read.

[Gem ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this story with so much emotion and loveable characters. The historical and present day timelines interwove perfectly and I enjoyed the highs and lows of both. This is an emotional, heartwarming and unputdownable read that captures your attention and makes you instantly fall in love with the Isle of Siskin and all who protect it.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, You Belong With Me, by Beth Moran, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Blue loves where she lives, she even has a podcast devoted to it, Only on Siskin. The book goes between Blue and Sorrell, I wish it just focused on Blue. This was a good read, but I expected more from Beth Moran.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing heartwarming read. I loved all the podcast and small island drama along the way with Blue’s research. Even though your reading from Sorel’s pov as well it never crossed my mind the daughter would be who it was.

[Shannon Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review: You Belong With Me

Warm, cosy, and easy to sink into. I did guess the plot about halfway through, but it was still a really enjoyable read with characters that kept me hooked. A solid, comforting 4‑star romance.