Seabreeze Garden

Summer Beach #13

by Jan Moran

At the Seabreeze Inn, some secrets refuse to stay buried.
Spring has arrived in Summer Beach, and Ivy Bay and her sister Shelly are determined to restore the Seabreeze Inn’s neglected oceanfront gardens in time for the town’s first Spring Fling celebration. But when Ivy uncovers a hidden bronze plaque buried beneath the soil, she realizes the property holds secrets rooted far deeper than the flowerbeds.

As mounting expenses threaten the inn’s future, Ivy must find a way to bring the gardens back to life while uncovering the story of a woman history nearly erased.

Set in the charming seaside town of Summer Beach, Seabreeze Garden is a heartwarming women’s fiction beach read filled with friendship, family secrets, second chances, small-town charm, and a touch of mystery. From a USA Today bestselling author.

If you love clean romance and women’s fiction with fun characters you’ll want as friends, this series is for you. Perfect for readers who love uplifting women’s fiction, cozy coastal settings, and binge-worthy series like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, and Cedar Cove.

Escape to Summer Beach, where fresh beginnings bloom beside the sea.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

Hi there, and welcome! If you like fun beach reads or romantic sagas that whisk you off to places like sunny beaches or Italy, Paris, and Napa Valley, then come on in. I write clean and wholesome feel-good novels.

Never miss a sale or new release! Tap "Follow" on Goodreads. Join my Readers Club and get a free read to download now, The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: https://www.janmoran.com/newsletter

If you like to binge read, visit my new online bookshop for special ebook, audiobook, and paperback bundles: https://store.janmoran.com/collection...

Join me in my Facebook Readers Group, too, where we celebrate good books and cheer each other on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/58425.... That's where I share sales, ARCs, and lots of fun times.

Here's where you can find all my books: https://viewauthor.at/JanMoranBooks.

So what's new? Look for the new SEABREEZE GALA, which earned a spot (thanks to readers!) on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, so we've been celebrating. Besides my women's fiction beach series (Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, and Crown Island series), I also write 20th-century historical sagas with a touch of romance. THE WINEMAKERS is my latest re-launch, and HEPBURN'S NECKLACE, set against the Audrey Hepburn film, ROMAN HOLIDAY, is my latest dual timeline historical.

If you enjoy Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Brenda Novak, and Mary Alice Monroe's beach reads, then you'll want to start with SEABREEZE INN. If you like to escape to another time with Danielle Steel, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, or Fiona Davis, then check out THE CHOCOLATIER, a sweet read set on the shores of Amalfi, Italy, HEPBURN'S NECKLACE iN Lake Como, Italy, or THE WINEMAKERS, which will whisk you to 1950s Napa Valley and Tuscany.

If you're an audiobook aficionado, you're in luck! Most of my books are available in audio on my store: https://store.janmoran.com/collection..., and on Audible, Apple, and Amazon, read by the super-talented Erin Bennett (Elin Hilderbrand, Debbie Macomber, etc), an award-winning narrator.

My SUNSHINE & SECOND CHANCES series (aka LOVE CALIFORNIA) is also a lot of fun. It's a linked series of six best friends that I based on some of my favorite travel destinations. Each book is a mini-vacay, starting with Paris in FLAWLESS, Spain in BEAUTY MARK, Malibu and Ireland in RUNWAY, and three more fun locales. These are also widely available on audio Audible, Apple, and Amazon, as well as Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

Let's keep in touch! Here's how:
- Follow me on Bookbub to learn of all my sales, new releases, and preorders: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-m...
- Come visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/janmoranbooks to find out more.
- And...get a free read when you join my newsletter group: http://www.janmoran.com/contact-jan.

If you're a library patron and prefer to borrow from a library, simply ask your local library to order copies for you and other patrons. Library ebooks are also available through Libby, Overdrive, and CloudLibrary, so your librarian can purchase ebooks through these services to make them accessible to you. Just ask; many of my books are there.

My books have also been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, Russian, Lithuanian, and other languages. Most titles are also available in audiobook and large print formats.

Thank you all for your support on this amazing writing journey. I love to hear from readers--that's how your beloved Seabreeze Inn has kept growing new books. And thank you for sharing my books with your friends. If you have book club meetings and would like to connect with me by Zoom, please reach out through my website at https://www.janmoran.com/contact.

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seabreeze Garden is the 13th installment of Jan Moran’s delightful Summer Beach series. I was so happy to spend part of the Memorial Day weekend back at the Seabreeze Inn with Ivy and her sister Shelley, their other family including their husbands Bennett and Mitch, friends, neighbors, and new characters in Summer Beach on the Southern California coast. While this is number 13, all the books in the series can be read as stand-alones, because Ms. Moran does a great job of providing enough background on the characters and locale (but I definitely recommend reading the entire series).

As always, one of the main characters in this series is the Seabreeze Inn, originally named “Las Brisas del Mar” when it was built by Amelia Erickson in the early part of the last century. Ms. Moran’s descriptions of the home transport the reader to the heart of the action, which also includes new clues about the home’s past. The focus in this story is the upcoming Spring Fling and home garden tour, celebrating the beauty of Summer Beach. The deadlines for completion are rapidly approaching, and Ivy and Shelley are rushing to finish the landscaping renovation at the Inn while dealing with mysterious new guests, more unearthed secrets of the Inn, and pressure from the Spring Fling Committee. The relationship between the sisters is always so loving, even when tensions are high. The dialogue flows, the interpersonal relationships are relatable, and the description of the gardens, especially the Victorian greenhouse on the grounds, was not only interesting but magical. I’m already looking forward to Book #14, Seabreeze Homecoming, coming in 2027.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“History has a way of surfacing if you’re willing to do the research. However, it takes patience."

Has Ivy bitten off more than she can chew by volunteering to chair the newly reformed Spring Fling fundraiser?

And who is this new person who has checked into the Inn and why is she so taken with the old greenhouse?As well as where are her parents and why haven't they checked in from their trip around the world?

A lot for one person to deal with and Ivy isn't sure she can do it or delegate to others. However, a challenge from a new member of the Committee seems to invigorate the people to actually step up and do something. ( Why does this happen even in real life?)

And as plans move forward Ivy spends time with Kiko whose grandmother was a nurse at Amelia's home when it was a military convalescent home during World War 2. Kiko's grandmother was released from the Manzanar Internment Facility to be a nurse, saving her from illness and death at the Camp. While there, she gets involved with someone that she mourns for the rest of her life and leaves a message for her granddaughter to visit and help solve her mystery.

So, Ivy is involved in the middle of all this at once. Question is: can she actually step up to the challenges in front of her. And as we have seen in this series of course she can!

I love these characters of Jan Moran. They have developed from overwhelmed young people to wonderfully interesting intelligent people. Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author. However in no way did it affect my reading or review]

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book thirteen in The Summer Beach series and it continues Ivy, Shelly and Bennett’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Ivy and Shelly are getting the Seabreeze Inn gardens ready for the Spring Fling which shows off the best gardens in town but it is a really slow process and Ivy is wondering whether it will all come together and be ready in time. Visit Summer Beach where family, friends, neighbours and newcomers are always welcome. There will be discoveries, surprises, inspiration, mystery and many more things will happen along the way so welcome to Summer Beach and especially The Seabreeze Inn where Ivy, Shelly and Bennett along with the gang welcome you to fun, sun, beach and water along with lots of camaraderie. I absolutely love this book and series so much and I have been lucky enough to have read every single book in this amazing series. Jan Moran is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her readers attention throughout her books. Jan describes everything in so much detail that you feel like you are there living through everything with the tight group of family, friends and newcomers. I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to read more books in this series in the future.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about this series is the sense of familiarity it provides. As the 13th book, returning to the beloved Bay family and the beautiful beach setting felt like coming home. The strong family bonds that run throughout the series continue to be one of its greatest strengths and are a big reason I keep coming back.

That said, this installment didn’t captivate me quite as much as some of the earlier books. I found the extensive horticultural descriptions to be a bit tedious at times, and they slowed the pace of the story for me.

The storyline involving Hana and Basil was by far the most compelling aspect of the novel. It shed light on a tragic chapter of American history that I had never given much thought to before, and I appreciated learning more about it through their experiences.

While I enjoyed the book overall, I kept waiting for the story to develop more depth. The characters and historical elements were interesting, but I felt there needed to be a little more “meat” to the plot to make it truly memorable. Fans of the series will likely appreciate another visit with the Bay family, but for me, this wasn’t one of the stronger entries in the collection.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy and Shelly are hard at work trying to restore the gardens at the Seabreeze Inn for the town’s first annual Spring Fling.
Money is tight and they are behind in getting things done. And then there is the dilapidated greenhouse that Shelly fought hard to save. But that will be put off fixing this year unless a miracle happens. They need help!
Once again their family comes to the rescue and an unexpected group of teenagers are a surprising help also.
When a guest of the Inn has an unusual interest in the dilapidated greenhouse Ivy helps her do some research and a revealed secret just might change the guests life. A great story of family and friends coming together in love and also that the Seabreeze Inn hasn’t given up all her secrets yet.
Thank you to the author for this book. This review is my opinion without remuneration for the gifted arc.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this latest Seabreeze book, Shelly and Ivy are preparing the Inn’s overgrown garden and greenhouse for special town “Spring Fling” event. The problem is they’ve undertaken a huge renovation with not enough time to finish. Shelly wants to keep control of the renovations but Ivy is worried about fulfilling her obligation to the town committee.

As with other books in this series, Amelia Erickson, the original owner of the Inn still plays a major role in everything that happens. There are many facets to this ongoing story - missing parents, guests with unusual questions, outraged townspeople.

The questions are, will Shelly be able to pull off this renovation, even with the help of others and what other mystery will be solved?

This was another fun read from Jan Moran—lots of changes, new people and an interesting story line with just a little suspense (and romance).

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is not a race, but a journey to be enjoyed

Life is better in Summer Beach

“History has a way of surfacing if you’re willing to do the research. However it takes patience.”

I always enjoy a visit back to the Seabreeze Inn. Getting the chance to find out what old friends Ivy, Bennett, Shelly and Mitch are working on.
Ivy is working with limited funds as she try’s to get the Seabreeze Inn’s landscaping completed for the first annual Spring Fling.
A story of family and community coming together to make sure it is successful. History, secrets and intrigue with new characters and a bit of romance. The Victorian greenhouse on the Seabreeze Inns grounds is magical and interesting.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books in the series! Reading Seabreeze Garden felt like returning to a place where everyone knows your name. I felt as though I was a resident of Summer Beach, catching up with old friends and welcoming new ones into the community.

This story left me feeling happy, comforted, and hopeful. I loved spending time with Ivy, Shelly, Mitch, and Bennett again, and the beautiful garden restoration added so much charm to the story. The blend of family, friendship, small-town spirit, and a touch of mystery made it impossible not to smile while reading.

Jan Moran has created characters who feel incredibly real, and every visit to Summer Beach leaves me looking forward to the next one. I can't wait to return.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Novel of Family Pulling Together

This was a nice light story (13 in the series) about a couple running an Inn in southern California. The husband is the mayor of the small community and his wife has taken on the role of chairing a local Garden Festival. Unfortunately the inn needs a lot of work on the grounds to make it an appropriate site for the kickoff of the festival. Luckily they are able to enlist students from the high school who have been training for gardening roles. Meanwhile there is a sweet subplot about a clinic that had been held in the inn during WWII and a romance that had grown out of that experience. A quick but sweet read.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restoring the gardens digs up more than roots and weeds

Seabreeze Garden is the thirteenth book in the Summer Beach series by Jan Moran. It is so lovely to be back in this series about Ivy and Shelly as they continue their restoration journey of the family Seabreeze Inn. This story is about what happens when the time has finally come to deal with the gardens....and there is a lot to deal with. As always things are never as straight forward as expected for the sisters. But they do get there in the end. But the journey to get to the finished gardens is where the story plays out and takes you on a wonderfully sweet story with a mystery involved.

[Cindy Dupre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seabreeze Garden
By Jan Moran

This author never disappoints. Ivy Bay is working against a deadline and limited funds as she attempts to get the Seabreeze Inn's grounds ready for the first annual Spring Fling. It's a tour of gardens starting and ending at the Seabreeze Inn. Things are touch and go for awhile but Ivy's innovativeness and perseverance pay off. I enjoyed this story and the new characters who joined the community. I received an advance reader copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my opinion.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seabreeze Garden (#13) by Jan Moran continues the series with the Summer Beach Spring fling. Ivy and sister Shelly display all their talents by proving the naysayers wrong and enlisting the community to restore the landscaping at the Inn. In addition, despite budgetary constraints, the old greenhouse needs to be restored. This relic holds secrets waiting to be discovered by new guest Kiko. Kiko meets Ken who is the caretaker of his Grandfathers legendary garden. Beautiful story filled with flower stories so vivid I could smell the Jasmine. Looking forward to book #14. Enjoy!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel by Jan Moran. It is always nice to return to the Seabreeze Inn and Summer Beach. In this story, Ivy is in charge of getting the Spring Fling organized except she is short of funds to give her sister, Shelly, to do the gardens at The Seabreeze Inn and the community is a little concerned about every thing coming together in time for the event. The community works together to, successfully, hold the Spring Fling, with a few obstacles along the the way.
It was a great novel. I can't wait for the next one.

[Sue Flickinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect summer read for the unofficial start of summer. I downloaded it Saturday morning and finished it Saturday evening. Once again the Bay family and friends created a community event which let those of us who have followed this series to see how the characters have grown and changed. We learn more of the Inn’s history while being introduced to new characters. All in all a easy and in its way an enjoyable read.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seabreeze Garden contains exactly how a small town should be. The community comes together really caring about the area. The Spring Fling is coming up soon and there is a lot of work to do completed. It’s centered around the family and community coming together to make sure that it’s a success. In the mix history unfolds and adds to the intrigue. A visitor comes looking for answers from her past and they slowly unfold.

[Ruth Aubertine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another mystery solved at the Seabreeze Inn!! Loved the story, read the book in two days!! We are introduced to a couple new characters that will become part of the Seabreeze family.
I love reading books that continue on, series are the best and Jan is the best at it!! Excited to know there will be another book released soon! If you love stories that don't end then you need to read Jan's books, they are the best!!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, returning to the Seabreeze Inn is so very comforting! I love Ms. Moran’s stories and this series is becoming one of my favorites! The magic of the Seabreeze Inn releases a new adventure from its walls and gardens, and as we glimpse into the past while the story unfolds, we are drawn once again into the characters and joy of Summer Beach. I am grateful to have had the chance to come back and visit! I can’t wait for Seabreeze Homecoming.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story featuring Summer Beach and the first ever Spring Fling. Ivy is in charge of the event. There are some that don't think she can handle it. People in town are working on their lawns to win the first Spring Fling. Grat catching up with Ivy, Bennett, Shelly, Mitch and the rest of the Summer Beach town.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming novel. It was delightful to be back in Summer Beach with familiar characters, along with some new ones. I've read only a few of the others in this engaging series. There is a bit of a mystery and some romance in this one. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[diane crile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story and the newest characters! The Seabreeze collection is a wonderful series! Thank you Jan for writing these stories!.

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

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seabreeze Garden by Jan Moran is a heartwarming coastal novel filled with family secrets, friendship, and new beginnings. Set in the charming town of Summer Beach, it offers engaging characters, a touch of mystery, and a feel-good story that makes for a delightful beach read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seabreeze Garden is a wonderful entry in the Summer Beach series. I enjoyed learning more of the history of the Seabreeze Inn. The community, the Spring Fling, and the families in Summer Beach just bring so much joy. An absolute joy to read!

[dori sue kazdin · Rating 5 out of 5]

fave of the bunch!

Loved every minute of this read! I
read to my wife and we love all of the characters , especially pixie the kleptomaniac pup . Live the history of all of these characters and the fun surprises they encounter . Cheers!

[Stephanie Pederson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiko’s mystery kept me guessing and inriguied the whole book, what a great story.

[Monica Benbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun continuation of the series! A little bit of intrigue and mystery with a compelling continuing storyline. Looking forward to the next installment of the series.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this group of characters. Looking forward to book 14 in the series coming in March.

[Deborah Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to the next installment to see what Ivy and the whole SeaBreeze crew are up to. Kiki’s story unearthed at the Inn was good.