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Colliding Currents: A Small-Town Coastal Romance
She left the harbor behind — only to find her heart anchored there all along.
When ambitious architect Clara Morgan returns to Ashford Harbor, she’s determined to prove herself by restoring the town’s crumbling waterfront pier. The last thing she expects? To clash with rugged contractor Ethan Cole — her first love, the boy she left behind, and the man who’s never forgiven her for breaking his heart.
Forced to work side by side, Clara and Ethan discover old sparks run deeper than they ever dared admit. But in a town where tradition runs strong, resentments linger, and a storm threatens more than just the pier, letting go of the past may be the hardest blueprint Clara has ever had to draw.
With the project — and their hearts — on the line, Clara must decide if the harbor she once fled could be the one place she’s meant to stay.
Colliding Currents is the first book in the Ashford Harbor series, a heartfelt small-town second-chance romance filled with seaside charm, family drama, and the kind of love worth fighting for. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, and Sherryl Woods.
When ambitious architect Clara Morgan returns to Ashford Harbor, she’s determined to prove herself by restoring the town’s crumbling waterfront pier. The last thing she expects? To clash with rugged contractor Ethan Cole — her first love, the boy she left behind, and the man who’s never forgiven her for breaking his heart.
Forced to work side by side, Clara and Ethan discover old sparks run deeper than they ever dared admit. But in a town where tradition runs strong, resentments linger, and a storm threatens more than just the pier, letting go of the past may be the hardest blueprint Clara has ever had to draw.
With the project — and their hearts — on the line, Clara must decide if the harbor she once fled could be the one place she’s meant to stay.
Colliding Currents is the first book in the Ashford Harbor series, a heartfelt small-town second-chance romance filled with seaside charm, family drama, and the kind of love worth fighting for. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, and Sherryl Woods.
- GenresAmazon
About the author
Natalie St. Claire
6 books21 followersNatalie St. Claire writes heartfelt small-town romances filled with seaside charm, family ties, and second chances at love. Growing up in New England, she fell in love with weathered docks, salt air, and the way coastal towns seem to hold a thousand untold stories.
When she isn’t writing, Natalie enjoys baking something sweet to share with family and friends, wandering local bookstores, and spending as much time as she can by the ocean. She believes every love story deserves a beautiful setting — and that happily-ever-afters are worth believing in.
When she isn’t writing, Natalie enjoys baking something sweet to share with family and friends, wandering local bookstores, and spending as much time as she can by the ocean. She believes every love story deserves a beautiful setting — and that happily-ever-afters are worth believing in.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 19, 2026
A small-town, second-chance romance always tugs at my heart and this one delivered in every way. A woman returns to the hometown she once fled, only to come face-to-face with the boy whose heart she shattered. Forced to work side by side repairing a weathered pier, they can’t ignore the history, the tension, or the sparks that still blaze between them. It’s tender, emotional, and brimming with nostalgia. It’s one of those perfectly cozy, curl-up-on-the-couch reads that wraps around you and doesn’t let go. I absolutely loved every moment of it.
May 7, 2026
This was a really sweet, wholesome story about Clara who returns to her home town to rebuild the pier. She hadn’t been home for about 10 years and there are some lingering memories as well as family issues she’ll need to confront.
I found this story to be very cozy and wholesome. There was a lot of small town charm and a scene with the town that reminded me a lot of the Gilmore Girls town halls.
I’m not sure if I would consider this story a romance. I wish there was a bit more backstory between Ethan and Clara to make it feel more like a second chance romance. The pier rebuilding also got very technical at times which made it hard for me to follow.
Thank you to Signal House Press for the copy.
I found this story to be very cozy and wholesome. There was a lot of small town charm and a scene with the town that reminded me a lot of the Gilmore Girls town halls.
I’m not sure if I would consider this story a romance. I wish there was a bit more backstory between Ethan and Clara to make it feel more like a second chance romance. The pier rebuilding also got very technical at times which made it hard for me to follow.
Thank you to Signal House Press for the copy.
May 11, 2026
This was a quick and heartfelt read! I loved the setting and the small town vibes but I wish I felt even more of the romance! I think there was a ton of focus on the building of the pier (I mean it really went into a lot of detail) and I get that it was a significant part of the story but I wish there was more done outside of that (plot wise).
Thank you to Signal House Press for the gifted copy!
Thank you to Signal House Press for the gifted copy!
December 17, 2025
3.5 stars
I'm not a huge romance reader, but this book was right up my alley! It's a spice-free romance set in a coastal town in Maine, and it focuses on far more than just romantic love: sisters navigating a falling-out, a woman returning to a town she'd fled, and the intricacies of grief.
The town and its residents felt so real, and I especially loved St. Claire's beautiful prose. It's some of the best I've seen in a romance novel!
The depth of the story and quality of the prose easily made up for a few parts that started to get into the weeds with construction jargon, and I'm looking forward to reading the next two books to see what the people of Ashford Harbor are getting up to!
Thank you to @signalhousepress for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not a huge romance reader, but this book was right up my alley! It's a spice-free romance set in a coastal town in Maine, and it focuses on far more than just romantic love: sisters navigating a falling-out, a woman returning to a town she'd fled, and the intricacies of grief.
The town and its residents felt so real, and I especially loved St. Claire's beautiful prose. It's some of the best I've seen in a romance novel!
The depth of the story and quality of the prose easily made up for a few parts that started to get into the weeds with construction jargon, and I'm looking forward to reading the next two books to see what the people of Ashford Harbor are getting up to!
Thank you to @signalhousepress for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2025
I actually loved this book. I didn’t think I would be into this type of book, but this was definitely a good read.
This book was a bit different than my regular romance that I would gravitate towards, but I still enjoyed it. There was a lot of messy feelings, loss, and love that never faded.
The story was great, the characters were great. The only thing is… I wish the story would continue into the next book. Which I don’t think it does. But I can’t wait to read book #2.
Thank you @signalhousepress for this ARC in exchange for a review.
This book was a bit different than my regular romance that I would gravitate towards, but I still enjoyed it. There was a lot of messy feelings, loss, and love that never faded.
The story was great, the characters were great. The only thing is… I wish the story would continue into the next book. Which I don’t think it does. But I can’t wait to read book #2.
Thank you @signalhousepress for this ARC in exchange for a review.
December 30, 2025
I hate rating books this low but I feel I need to explain my rating. I was so confused by how I felt at the end of this book.
What I liked: First, the author writers beautifully. Her descriptions of the people, places, weather were so vivid and I was able to picture them in my head. At the same time, those descriptions, especially of the pier, felt like they were repeated over and over again.
Second, I liked the FMC. I liked that she was fighting for her career, the pier, for her sister's trust. All good things. I also enjoyed the MMC, the FMC's sister, and Luis.
Here comes my confusion/dislikes. This book is marketed as a second chance romance but the romance is secondary to the main plot which is about the FMC's redemption to everyone in her hometown and herself. I went in expecting one thing and got something else which is fine, that story would have intrigued me. I just felt like I was promised something that wasn't the focus of the story.
I felt like so much of the story was repetitive to the point that even certain phrases were reused within a half page of one another. For example, he let out a breath like a laugh and then half a page later the FMC does the same thing described the same way. I also feel as though the repetitive nature made the book feel longer and this could have been a novella. I think that would have been acceptable for this story.
I also thought there was going to be a grand reveal as to why the FMC left her hometown. It seemed like something nefarious had happened in the beginning of the story and then it was just...she left to chase her dream and prove herself.
In my opinion, the story felt like a love story between the FMC and wood (not the sexy kind), her father's memory, and her fight for redeeming herself to everyone. Again, a concept I can get on board with and read all day long....it just wasn't what I thought I was getting here.
What I liked: First, the author writers beautifully. Her descriptions of the people, places, weather were so vivid and I was able to picture them in my head. At the same time, those descriptions, especially of the pier, felt like they were repeated over and over again.
Second, I liked the FMC. I liked that she was fighting for her career, the pier, for her sister's trust. All good things. I also enjoyed the MMC, the FMC's sister, and Luis.
Here comes my confusion/dislikes. This book is marketed as a second chance romance but the romance is secondary to the main plot which is about the FMC's redemption to everyone in her hometown and herself. I went in expecting one thing and got something else which is fine, that story would have intrigued me. I just felt like I was promised something that wasn't the focus of the story.
I felt like so much of the story was repetitive to the point that even certain phrases were reused within a half page of one another. For example, he let out a breath like a laugh and then half a page later the FMC does the same thing described the same way. I also feel as though the repetitive nature made the book feel longer and this could have been a novella. I think that would have been acceptable for this story.
I also thought there was going to be a grand reveal as to why the FMC left her hometown. It seemed like something nefarious had happened in the beginning of the story and then it was just...she left to chase her dream and prove herself.
In my opinion, the story felt like a love story between the FMC and wood (not the sexy kind), her father's memory, and her fight for redeeming herself to everyone. Again, a concept I can get on board with and read all day long....it just wasn't what I thought I was getting here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2026
This was my first book by Natalie and is the first book in Ashford Harbour series. This story follows Clara who left her small town and first love behind to chase her dream of being an Architect and Ethan who has never forgiven her for breaking his heart, who runs the construction/restoration crew company. When hired to work the same restoration project Clara comes back home to a town who is against her and Ethan...
I loved the immediate feisty back and forth between our characters. That hurt and past trauma guiding us. Throw in a women in a man’s job and a little town drama and you have got a banger of a book. You could feel the love so deeply in this one. There was a moment where Ethan just screams“Clara” and I got goosebump. Just felt it in my soul. The overall tension and romance was previously there and just a rollercoaster to my emotions. If you are looking for a quick emotional second chance romance this would definitely be near the top of my recommendation. Now to go find book two and devour it.
I loved the immediate feisty back and forth between our characters. That hurt and past trauma guiding us. Throw in a women in a man’s job and a little town drama and you have got a banger of a book. You could feel the love so deeply in this one. There was a moment where Ethan just screams“Clara” and I got goosebump. Just felt it in my soul. The overall tension and romance was previously there and just a rollercoaster to my emotions. If you are looking for a quick emotional second chance romance this would definitely be near the top of my recommendation. Now to go find book two and devour it.
June 1, 2026
Thank you Signal House Press for a copy of
Colliding Currents by Natalie St. Claire to review.
This was a quick read, 232 pages and 17 chapters.
Publication date, September 7, 2025.
Tropes:
Cozy Small Town Coastal Community in New England
Second Chance Slow Burn, 1/4 🌶️ spice
This story is a wholesome, endearing look into the life of a small town raised woman, Clara Morgan, who spreads her wings to the big city of Boston. Giving her all for years to climb the ladder. She takes on the rebuild of the pier in her childhood hometown, knowing she left broken hearts there to mend. Ethan Cole never left, and never forgot his first love, Clara. Together they rebuild the pier, and rebuild the life she left behind. She must regain the trust of her town as well as her sister that was left to hold the responsibility of a dying father while her sister was absent in the family trial.
Favorite parts, the storm, and the last chapter.
#signalhousepress
#nataliestclaire
#cozyromancebooks
#booktok
#newenglandromance
Colliding Currents by Natalie St. Claire to review.
This was a quick read, 232 pages and 17 chapters.
Publication date, September 7, 2025.
Tropes:
Cozy Small Town Coastal Community in New England
Second Chance Slow Burn, 1/4 🌶️ spice
This story is a wholesome, endearing look into the life of a small town raised woman, Clara Morgan, who spreads her wings to the big city of Boston. Giving her all for years to climb the ladder. She takes on the rebuild of the pier in her childhood hometown, knowing she left broken hearts there to mend. Ethan Cole never left, and never forgot his first love, Clara. Together they rebuild the pier, and rebuild the life she left behind. She must regain the trust of her town as well as her sister that was left to hold the responsibility of a dying father while her sister was absent in the family trial.
Favorite parts, the storm, and the last chapter.
#signalhousepress
#nataliestclaire
#cozyromancebooks
#booktok
#newenglandromance
May 5, 2026
I received this book from Signal House Press for an honest review.
I went into this book not knowing what it was about except that it was a romance. Normally I enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope with a little spice, but this one had no spice…and I liked it.
Immediately you are transported to a small town, you can smell the ocean air, feel the breeze - that’s how much the book draws you in. It has strong characters to the point you feel like you’re walking beside them. You get annoyed by the same people they do but you also feel the love.
All in all I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this book. So much so that I spent my Sunday reading it one go. I am eagerly waiting for the next one.
Thank you @signalhousepress for the copy.
I went into this book not knowing what it was about except that it was a romance. Normally I enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope with a little spice, but this one had no spice…and I liked it.
Immediately you are transported to a small town, you can smell the ocean air, feel the breeze - that’s how much the book draws you in. It has strong characters to the point you feel like you’re walking beside them. You get annoyed by the same people they do but you also feel the love.
All in all I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this book. So much so that I spent my Sunday reading it one go. I am eagerly waiting for the next one.
Thank you @signalhousepress for the copy.
September 25, 2025
I'm so glad I picked this one up! The small-town setting in coastal Maine is so vivid - stormy nights, cozy cafes, and genuinely rewarding community drama. The romance element was exactly what I was looking for: heartfelt, a little messy, and definitely slow-burn. I also really enjoyed the layered over plots related to Clara's sister and father, plus the ensemble cast
By the end I honestly felt like I'd lived in Ashford Harbor myself. If you like warm, atmospheric stories with real heart, this one is totally worth it.
By the end I honestly felt like I'd lived in Ashford Harbor myself. If you like warm, atmospheric stories with real heart, this one is totally worth it.
January 19, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Small town cozy romance, it is a great book and very descriptive and has a sweet storyline with second chance romance, a bit of action when a storm hit, family reuniting and all the feels.
The only reason for the lower reading is i personally did not like nor could connect with the writing style, it was also confusing at some points: eg the two sisters have a heart to heart and relationship seems to be on the mend only for the next day they are back where they were before the conversation (thats not mention again) like it never happend.
Overall great book just not for me
Small town cozy romance, it is a great book and very descriptive and has a sweet storyline with second chance romance, a bit of action when a storm hit, family reuniting and all the feels.
The only reason for the lower reading is i personally did not like nor could connect with the writing style, it was also confusing at some points: eg the two sisters have a heart to heart and relationship seems to be on the mend only for the next day they are back where they were before the conversation (thats not mention again) like it never happend.
Overall great book just not for me
December 13, 2025
I really loved this book. It was just what I needed. So cozy and wonderful. The descriptions of the area made me feel like I was in the town of Ashford Harbour. I am a big romance reader and this was at the top for me this year. I am normally a StoryGraph user but the book hasn’t been uploaded to the app yet so I thought I would hop onto GoodReads to review because I loved it so much. Highly recommend!
May 19, 2026
Such a heartfelt small-town romance with the perfect cozy seaside atmosphere. I really enjoyed Clara & Ethan’s second-chance romance and all the emotional tension from their shared past. The strong sense of community and coastal charm made Ashford Harbor feel so warm and immersive.
I loved how everything was set up to get the vibe of it all. Cannot wait for book 2! Many thanks to Signal House Press for the advanced copy!
I loved how everything was set up to get the vibe of it all. Cannot wait for book 2! Many thanks to Signal House Press for the advanced copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2026
Thank you Signal House Press for my ARC!
Welcome to Ashford Harbor!
If you like Gilmore Girls, Beach Reads, & People You Meet on Vacation you’ll like Colliding Currents! We have small town tender moments, slow burn second chance for Clara & Ethan. The book handles grief, family drama, & emotional vulnerability very well. I’m looking forward to book 2!
Tropes
Grumpy x Sunshine
Costal small town
Second chance
Slow burn
Grief
Welcome to Ashford Harbor!
If you like Gilmore Girls, Beach Reads, & People You Meet on Vacation you’ll like Colliding Currents! We have small town tender moments, slow burn second chance for Clara & Ethan. The book handles grief, family drama, & emotional vulnerability very well. I’m looking forward to book 2!
Tropes
Grumpy x Sunshine
Costal small town
Second chance
Slow burn
Grief
December 31, 2025
3.5. It took me quite some time to start enjoying this book. It just felt like I was placed in the story with no idea what was going on. Eventually, I did come to like it. Luis and Mike being my favourite characters but the rest of the characters were likeable as well. It was also descriptive which I liked, I just wish that the chapters were a bit shorter
May 19, 2026
I received a copy from Signal House Press. Colliding Currents by Natalie St. Claire was a heartfelt and breezy coastal romance. St. Claire captures the charm of a seaside community and the sense of starting over. The main characters have an easy, natural chemistry. I enjoyed the blend of romance and personal growth. This story is perfect for anyone that loves second chances and seaside settings.
October 5, 2025
A lovely comforting read. This book feels like a warm cup of coffee on a foggy seaside morning. I loved watching the characters find their way back to love and to themselves. Feels like a great start to the series
October 15, 2025
I finally picked up Colliding Currents after a friend recommended it and I’m so glad I did. The story pulled me in right away. The small-town setting feels vivid and lived-in, and the romance between Clara and Ethan had so much emotional honesty. It feels cozy and relaxing - a perfect fall read.
October 15, 2025
Colliding Currents has that same emotional depth and slow-burn tension I loved in books like Beach Read and People I Met on Vacation, just set against salty air and small-town charm. It’s a relatively fast read but packs a lot of vibrant imagery and emotional weight.
October 20, 2025
This was a really comfy read for my recent trip to Maine. I fell in love with Ashford Harbor right away. The setting feels cozy and real. Clara and Ethan’s story had such great chemistry and heart. I enjoyed this so much that I also cruised through the sequel the second I could get a copy.
December 26, 2025
A really sweet, cozy romance with a small-town coastal vibe I loved. The characters felt genuine, and the slow-burn romance was very satisfying. An easy, comforting read. I’m excited to spend more time in Ashford Harbor. Thanks to Signal House Press for the ARC!
October 4, 2025
Fun read. Perfect for anyone who loves coastal settings and sweet romance. It left me smiling long after the last page. Definitely recommend it!
December 26, 2025
Really sweet, cozy read. I loved the small coastal town vibe and the romance felt natural and heartfelt. A great comfort read. Thanks to Signal House Press for the ARC!
May 1, 2026
Colliding Currents is cozy, romantic, and full of small-town seaside charm. Sweet tension, heartfelt moments, and a Maine harbor setting that feels like a little escape. A lovely, comforting read.
December 17, 2025
It was an enjoyable read. The story had a cozy, comforting feel, filled with tender moments, making it an easy read from start to finish.❤ I would say 3.5 but the stars are not working like half way 😅
October 16, 2025
I don’t usually write reviews, but a friend recommended Colliding Currents and honestly I couldn’t put it down! The small coastal town of Ashford Harbor felt so vivid that I could almost smell the ocean air. It’s like a character in itself. The romance was sweet, slow-burn, and emotional in the best way. It made me root for the characters from start to finish.
The storm scene was such a highlight, full of tension and heart. By the end I found myself smiling, a little teary, and already eager for the next book. If you like cozy small-town romances with depth, this one is worth picking up. I’m super excited for the rest of the series!
The storm scene was such a highlight, full of tension and heart. By the end I found myself smiling, a little teary, and already eager for the next book. If you like cozy small-town romances with depth, this one is worth picking up. I’m super excited for the rest of the series!
December 30, 2025
A small town second chance romance always warms my heart and this one absolutely did. A woman coming back to her home town and the boy she left with a broken heart. They work together in a project repairing a pier and can not help the sparks that they have. It was such a great cozy up on the couch read. I loved it so much.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews