Escape to Seahaven Bay

Seahaven Bay #1

by Nicola May

The heartwarming new novel from the author of the million-copy bestselling Cockleberry Bay series

Seahaven Bay has always been a place where the sparkling tides bring laughter, love and a lot of fun. But when Rita Jory’s beloved husband Archie dies in a tragic accident, she’s left alone on their failing Cornish farm with nothing but her grieving heart, a mountain of debt and some very badly behaved goats. Faced with selling the home she loves or finding a way to make it pay, Rita has a moment of desperate inspiration. She decides to transform her beloved Seahaven Farm into a place where broken souls can heal by the sea.

With help from her sharp-tongued mother-in-law, loyal best friend, daughter and new friends, the rundown farm soon blossoms into a haven of healing, creativity and community. Rita dares to believe her future might still shimmer with possibility – and even admits her growing attraction to Jago, the gorgeous neighbouring farmer with whom the Jorys had a decades-long feud.

But just as Rita begins to find peace, long-buried secrets about Archie’s past begin to surface, forcing her to question everything she believed about the life they built together.

Rita must discover the truth and decide if she’s ready to open her heart again – to love, to hope, and to the possibility that even after loss, life can still be full of surprises.

A tender, uplifting and hilarious tale of resilience, friendship and finding light in the darkest moments, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 16, 2026

About the author

Hello, I'm Nicola May, author of 18 romantic comedy novels.

I look forward to sharing all my heartfelt and fun books with you.

For further information on me, my books and to read reviews please do go to www.nicolamay.com.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape to Seahaven Bay is exactly the kind of book that sneaks up on you in the best way. I picked it up planning to read a few chapters and ended up finishing it in a single day because I really did not want to put it down.

The characters are wonderful, so vivid, warm, and just quirky enough to feel real. The humor is unexpectedly spot-on, too. One line that absolutely killed me was: “I'm just suspicious of any activity that makes me fart involuntarily.” It’s said by the main character, Rita Jory, referring to her opinion of Pilates.

The writing flows beautifully, with just the right mix of heart, humor, and seaside charm. By the end, I genuinely wanted to retreat to Seahaven Bay myself. It feels like the peaceful and comfy kind of place you want to escape to for a while.

I'm looking forward to the release of Book 2 in this series now. It's a delightful read that left me smiling. Highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kara Mossberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape to Seahaven Bay is an emotional, heartwarming story about grief, healing, and second chances. Nicola May pulled me in right from the start as Rita faces the loss of her husband and the possibility of losing her family farm. I really enjoyed watching her rebuild her life piece by piece, and the setting of the Cornish coast made the whole story feel comforting.

The side characters add so much warmth and humor, and I loved the sense of community that formed around the Seahaven Bay Retreat. The developing connection with Jago felt natural and earned, especially with all the history between them.

This is a heartfelt, uplifting read about resilience, starting over, and finding light again after heartbreak. Perfect for fans of emotional women’s fiction and coastal, small-town vibes. I really enjoyed this one!

Thank you NetGalley for the early read!

#EscapeToSeahavenBay #NicolaMay #NetGalley #BookReview #WomensFiction #CozyReads #SecondChances #CoastalRead #ARCReview #BookLovers

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series set in Seahaven Bay. The setting sold it to me straight away, more so as it is set on a farm which overlooks the sea. What more could you want? We meet Rita who is having a tough time of it after losing her husband and not only is she dealing with her grief, but the money worries that have come along with it. I have every sympathy for this woman having to deal with so much. On top of that it seems like her husband was keeping secrets and I was as intrigued as Rita to find out what they were.

There is a great supporting cast of characters in this novel. I especially loved Hilda, Rita’s mother-in-law, she would test the patience of a saint but her heart is in the right place. Rita’s best friend Kelly, is another fun character whose conversations with her friend are just hilarious. There is certainly a lot of fun to be had reading this book. There is even a character with the same name as a famous author!

Escape to Seahaven Bay is a heartwarming story with an idyllic setting and loveable characters. I adored the new and old friendships, as well as a possible new romance for certain characters. Camilla the goat does a good job at trying to steal the limelight and there were so many parts that had me grinning from ear to ear. There are also some tender, endearing parts that pulled on my emotions and it all comes together wonderfully to deliver on all the feels and was so good for the soul. Gorgeously uplifting!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely brilliant start to a new series.

I loved Rita right from the start, and when you add in her best friend Kelly, and also Jilly Cooper from reformed Pilates, you have a totally hilarious trio of women guaranteed to make you laugh.

Rita needs to make her farm start earning more money after she was left in debt when hubby Archie died. And decides to set up a retreat.

I loved seeing how everything comes together, and the first set of various guests that come for the month long retreat which offers rest, relaxation, and various woo woo options.

And then there is the mystery of the will and also just why is there a feud with the neighbouring farm. Add in her mother in law Hilda and you have all the elements for a fabulous story.

And the best bit is this is the first of a new series, so at some point I'll be able to return to these characters.

I also liked a cameo of a character from a different series from this author.

I was completely engaged from start to finish and think this may just be the beginning of a new hit series for this always talented author.

Oh and I loved the goats too, especially Camilla!

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Olivia Lanier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!

I wanted to love this book so badly, but I just couldn’t. The start was so slow, I really had to force myself to get back to reading it in hopes that it would pick up and capture my interest more. It finally did, but not until about 60% of the way through. I felt like Rita’s desire to start a wellness retreat despite her financial struggles was unrealistic, as was the fact that her first group of participants went off without a hitch despite an amateur arranging everything.

I also found Rita and Jago’s “love story” so unconvincing. There really was not enough evidence within the story to back up how the book wrapped up. He had fallen in love with her despite their long standing family feud and fairly limited time spent together? This just didn’t do it for me. It felt forced and unsubstantiated.

I think there were many parts of the book that could use a bit more fleshing-out to really nail it. There were too many moving parts within the story that were very minimal details. I think simplifying to fewer threads with more details and support included for each would have made this story more enjoyable for me.

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* A feel good read for a rainy day.

After the sudden death of her husband Archie, Rita Jory is living alone at Seahaven Farm. With escalating debts, she's faced with having to sell the farm. The farm's real asset is its peaceful coastal location in Cornwall, giving Rita the idea of opening the farm as a retreat for paying guests seeking seclusion and a time to reflect the direction of their lives.

With the help of friends, old and new, the retreat becomes a success, it even works its magic on Rita who was overwhelmed by her grief, but her ownership of the farm remains at risk with Archie's will unaccountably missing.

An idealistic setting where all the characters know and take care of each other.

With thanks to Storm Publishing and the author for the eARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was like sunshine in a story, I adore the author so knew I had to read it, but it surprised me how quickly I devoured it, this story had me wanting to run away to a retreat and taking nothing but books. Rita is just a wonderful character; your heart will break for her as she comes to terms with the loss of her beloved husband Archie as she leans this new wilderness that is widowhood. I think we could all learn a little something off Rita, and in some cases her mother-in-law Hilda (who I secretly hope to emulate in a few years). This is a story full of ups and downs, a story about how we all grieve differently, and how we all move at different paces. The setting is beautiful and I for one can’t wait to return to Seahaven Bay and catch up with characters who feel like they have become firm friends in my heart.

[Nicki Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley for this book in return of an honest review.

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately it just didn't deliver for me. The story was just a bit unrealistic for me. A widow meeting not one but two total strangers, offering them jobs with no income and also letting them live on her land/in her house? Friends and family agreeing and not questioning it? The constant hinting about the rifts between the two families but no context as well, and when she tried to ask people literally walked away? I'm sorry but you would push it, you wouldn't leave it especially in the circumstances.
The whole story was very far fetched, and also unfortunately predictable as I guessed quite early on what was happening.
Not a horrendous read, but just not a great one for me unfortunately.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet Rita six months after the death of her husband in a tragic accident. She is overcome with sorrow and weighed down by debts she never imagined existed. When she comes up with a plan to get out of debt, she finds little support from her son and mother-in-law and red flags arise making her wonder who she can trust. As she forges ahead, she discovers some secrets that could change things forever.

This heartfelt story will stir a range of emotions, leaving you rooting for Rita to find peace and happiness. With its fresh, original touches, it’s a tale that will keep you turning pages right up to the very end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Holly McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Nicola May book, and honestly it was a really slow start for me, I had a hard time getting into it at first. Around 50% way through it really picked up and became much more enjoyable. I liked the overall story, but felt like Rita and Jago’s love story could have used more development. It felt like there wasn’t quite enough interaction to fully sell the depth of their relationship. I loved watching Rita grow throughout the book, and the little mysteries sprinkled in kept me interested and added a lot of charm overall.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!

[Ameena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape to Seahaven Bay is a good book that gives you warm fuzzy feelings. I wish I had a retreat similar to this near me that I could attend. Her writing makes you want to go there to experience this in real life.

The characters are wonderful, with their own flaws and growth that is relatable. Makes you wonder what you could do with your own life.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book about sadness and hope, new challenges and new friends. The story of Rita and the sudden loss of her husband ., she has to make the farm work and pay for itself so she sets up a retreat for people who just need to get out of the rat race and reset for a month. She meets some guests who become friends and some friends who become work colleagues. Romance well you never know !
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Storm Publishing for the early read

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of moving on after loss, new beginnings. It was a lovely story about a small community and found family. Just lovely.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Patricia Moren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story, encompassing the ups and down of life and the interactions within families. Attempting to find different ways of doing things that brings satisfaction to all. Great conclusion.

[Kate Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and heartwarming. This novel is good for when you want to feel or to remember that you can. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape to Sea Haven Bay by Nicola May is a warm, feel-good read with plenty of heart. The setting by the sea is lovely and the characters are enjoyable company, though the story doesn’t always dive as deep as I’d hoped. It’s a comforting, easy read with some thoughtful moments

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was an entertaining read – the book is set in Cornwall, and so the setting was gorgeous. We meet Rita who has recently lost her husband in a tragic accident and so is at a crossroads in her life on how to move forward without him, and the impact of his death on the rest of her family.

We see her take a brave step forward in her life which sees her start a new business using their farm and turning it into a retreat and with it, brings an array of colourful characters into her midst. There is also a mystery around her late husband which unravels through the book.

For me personally, it took a bit of time to get into but still very enjoyable.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.