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The Cottage at Pelican Bay
She came to Nantucket to heal.
She didn’t expect danger.
She definitely didn’t expect love.At sixty, Lori Carlton isn’t chasing a fresh start. Two years after losing her husband, she just wants quiet mornings, ocean air, and space to breathe again.
A summer house swap brings her to Seabird Cottage, a weathered little home tucked away in Pelican Bay, one of Nantucket’s most secluded corners. It feels safe. Gentle. Like a place that knows how to keep secrets.
Until someone breaks in.
A chilling message left behind shatters Lori’s fragile sense of peace. Someone believes she’s guilty of something she doesn’t understand. Someone is watching. And the threat is personal.
With her best friend far away and fear creeping in, Lori turns to the one person who feels steady in the storm. Mitch Brandon, the quiet neighbor next door. Kind eyes. Few words. A man who notices more than he says.
Mitch has a past he keeps buried and a heart shaped by loss. But when Lori’s safety is threatened, he steps forward without hesitation. Calm. Capable. Protective.
As a dangerous mistake from the past begins to surface, Lori and Mitch are pulled into a mystery rooted in old injustice, mistaken identity, and revenge that refuses to let go.
Between long beach walks, late night conversations, and moments of unexpected tenderness, two wounded hearts begin to open. Slowly. Carefully. Bravely.
Because healing doesn’t always come quietly.
Love doesn’t follow a schedule.
And second chances have a way of finding you when you least expect them.
The Nantucket Seashells series is a clean, feel good romance with a cozy mystery thread, later in life love, gentle suspense, and deeply satisfying emotional payoffs.
Start the series today and settle into Pelican Bay. Six heartfelt stories are waiting for you.
She didn’t expect danger.
She definitely didn’t expect love.At sixty, Lori Carlton isn’t chasing a fresh start. Two years after losing her husband, she just wants quiet mornings, ocean air, and space to breathe again.
A summer house swap brings her to Seabird Cottage, a weathered little home tucked away in Pelican Bay, one of Nantucket’s most secluded corners. It feels safe. Gentle. Like a place that knows how to keep secrets.
Until someone breaks in.
A chilling message left behind shatters Lori’s fragile sense of peace. Someone believes she’s guilty of something she doesn’t understand. Someone is watching. And the threat is personal.
With her best friend far away and fear creeping in, Lori turns to the one person who feels steady in the storm. Mitch Brandon, the quiet neighbor next door. Kind eyes. Few words. A man who notices more than he says.
Mitch has a past he keeps buried and a heart shaped by loss. But when Lori’s safety is threatened, he steps forward without hesitation. Calm. Capable. Protective.
As a dangerous mistake from the past begins to surface, Lori and Mitch are pulled into a mystery rooted in old injustice, mistaken identity, and revenge that refuses to let go.
Between long beach walks, late night conversations, and moments of unexpected tenderness, two wounded hearts begin to open. Slowly. Carefully. Bravely.
Because healing doesn’t always come quietly.
Love doesn’t follow a schedule.
And second chances have a way of finding you when you least expect them.
The Nantucket Seashells series is a clean, feel good romance with a cozy mystery thread, later in life love, gentle suspense, and deeply satisfying emotional payoffs.
Start the series today and settle into Pelican Bay. Six heartfelt stories are waiting for you.
- GenresRomance
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
50 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Amy Rafferty
187 books216 followersAmy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.
I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty
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I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty
Sign up for my newsletter and get a free gift, here!
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/da0rxdf4jo
Follow me on my socials here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyrafferty...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyraffertya...
Join my 'Amy's Friends' group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/12573...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 19, 2026
She came to Nantucket to heal.
She didn’t expect danger.
She definitely didn’t expect love.
At sixty, Lori Carlton isn’t chasing a fresh start. Two years after losing her husband, she just wants quiet mornings, ocean air, and space to breathe again.
A summer house swap brings her to Seabird Cottage, a weathered little home tucked away in Pelican Bay, one of Nantucket’s most secluded corners. It feels safe. Gentle. Like a place that knows how to keep secrets.
Until someone breaks in.
A chilling message left behind shatters Lori’s fragile sense of peace. Someone believes she’s guilty of something she doesn’t understand. Someone is watching. And the threat is personal.
With her best friend far away and fear creeping in, Lori turns to the one person who feels steady in the storm. Mitch Brandon, the quiet neighbor next door. Kind eyes. Few words. A man who notices more than he says.
Mitch has a past he keeps buried and a heart shaped by loss. But when Lori’s safety is threatened, he steps forward without hesitation. Calm. Capable. Protective.
As a dangerous mistake from the past begins to surface, Lori and Mitch are pulled into a mystery rooted in old injustice, mistaken identity, and revenge that refuses to let go.
Between long beach walks, late-night conversations, and moments of unexpected tenderness, two wounded hearts begin to open. Slowly. Carefully. Bravely.
Because healing doesn’t always come quietly.
Love doesn’t follow a schedule.
And second chances have a way of finding you when you least expect them.
This contemporary, clean, feel-good, later-in-life second-chance cozy mystery romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Pelican Bay, one of Nantucket's most secluded corners, where the magnificent sunrises and sunsets are majestically painted across the sky in vibrant hues, and characters who are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the cottage at Pelican Bay, gentle suspense/danger, deeply satisfying emotional payoffs, chaos/drama, love/loss, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth that will leave readers needing Kleenex/Puffs to wipe the tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the cottage at Pelican Bay and a later-in-life second-chance cozy mystery romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly emotional, entertaining, and unforgettable.
She didn’t expect danger.
She definitely didn’t expect love.
At sixty, Lori Carlton isn’t chasing a fresh start. Two years after losing her husband, she just wants quiet mornings, ocean air, and space to breathe again.
A summer house swap brings her to Seabird Cottage, a weathered little home tucked away in Pelican Bay, one of Nantucket’s most secluded corners. It feels safe. Gentle. Like a place that knows how to keep secrets.
Until someone breaks in.
A chilling message left behind shatters Lori’s fragile sense of peace. Someone believes she’s guilty of something she doesn’t understand. Someone is watching. And the threat is personal.
With her best friend far away and fear creeping in, Lori turns to the one person who feels steady in the storm. Mitch Brandon, the quiet neighbor next door. Kind eyes. Few words. A man who notices more than he says.
Mitch has a past he keeps buried and a heart shaped by loss. But when Lori’s safety is threatened, he steps forward without hesitation. Calm. Capable. Protective.
As a dangerous mistake from the past begins to surface, Lori and Mitch are pulled into a mystery rooted in old injustice, mistaken identity, and revenge that refuses to let go.
Between long beach walks, late-night conversations, and moments of unexpected tenderness, two wounded hearts begin to open. Slowly. Carefully. Bravely.
Because healing doesn’t always come quietly.
Love doesn’t follow a schedule.
And second chances have a way of finding you when you least expect them.
This contemporary, clean, feel-good, later-in-life second-chance cozy mystery romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Pelican Bay, one of Nantucket's most secluded corners, where the magnificent sunrises and sunsets are majestically painted across the sky in vibrant hues, and characters who are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the cottage at Pelican Bay, gentle suspense/danger, deeply satisfying emotional payoffs, chaos/drama, love/loss, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth that will leave readers needing Kleenex/Puffs to wipe the tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the cottage at Pelican Bay and a later-in-life second-chance cozy mystery romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly emotional, entertaining, and unforgettable.
February 19, 2026
Is a sweet clean small town, second chance, later-in-life romance with a touch of mystery and suspense with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “It’s good to have a fighter pilot on the team. Especially if you need to get somewhere fast." --- “You know I would’ve dropped everything. I would’ve been on the next plane home. That’s what family does, Tessa. We don’t keep secrets when lives are at stake.” ---
Why is a man watching Lori's house? Who's following Lori? Who left a dead bird at Lori's front door? What's Clara up to? Who broke into the basement and stole all the fuses? Who knocked Mitch out? Who threw a brick thru Ryan's truck window? Who wants Ryan and Mitch to back off on their investigation? Who attacked Elais Dane? And why? Who kidnapped Tessa, Dr. Jackie Simon and Ryan? Who left the threatening message in red lipstick on the mirror? Who is forcing the giant to kidnapp everyone? All questions will be answered.
I loved Lori and Mitch and Tessa and Ryan's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read her next book.
Some of the lines I really like --- “It’s good to have a fighter pilot on the team. Especially if you need to get somewhere fast." --- “You know I would’ve dropped everything. I would’ve been on the next plane home. That’s what family does, Tessa. We don’t keep secrets when lives are at stake.” ---
Why is a man watching Lori's house? Who's following Lori? Who left a dead bird at Lori's front door? What's Clara up to? Who broke into the basement and stole all the fuses? Who knocked Mitch out? Who threw a brick thru Ryan's truck window? Who wants Ryan and Mitch to back off on their investigation? Who attacked Elais Dane? And why? Who kidnapped Tessa, Dr. Jackie Simon and Ryan? Who left the threatening message in red lipstick on the mirror? Who is forcing the giant to kidnapp everyone? All questions will be answered.
I loved Lori and Mitch and Tessa and Ryan's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read her next book.
February 17, 2026
Wow! What a fantastic ending to a really great series! With all the loose threads throughout the first 5 books, this final book in the series ties all the threads together. We are treated to another kidnapping, the reluctant giant, and who and why is all this happening. Could it be a vendetta? Against who? With so many twists and turns, danger, serious injuries, family and friends working together to put an end to the terror they are experiencing while romance seems to bloom. What a page turning wonderful ending. Once you begin, you have to read it straight through as you really have to do with the entire series. Author Amy Rafferty is amazing and each series she has written have been page turners with unbelievable twists and turns. Can't wait to read her next series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
February 20, 2026
A bit of an anticlimax ending. It seemed a little rushed after all the suspense. I had guseed correctly. Mitch was correct..the perpetrator is creepy and always around. Hiding in plain sight, a nuisance; whilst there were thoughts and feelings about them they were ignored.
Why did Lori need to spend in a shower..20 or 30 minutes is excessive, but her reaction to Tessa's sudden disappearance was predictable. Ryan's and Trent's reactions were understandable. Happy endings all around eventually, despite the red herrings and mistaken beliefs.
Why did Lori need to spend in a shower..20 or 30 minutes is excessive, but her reaction to Tessa's sudden disappearance was predictable. Ryan's and Trent's reactions were understandable. Happy endings all around eventually, despite the red herrings and mistaken beliefs.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a wonderful book that encompassed mystery and romance. Tessa is taken from Sunset Cottage, and it is up to Mitch, Lori and Ryan to find her. Can they find her before something else happens to her? Two of the couples in the book, Mitch and Lori as well as Ryan and Tessa, discover that they love each other. I highly recommend this book to other mystery/romance readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Happily ever after, even after all the kidnappings, forced sea adventure, and life-threatening happenings. So glad Mitch and Lori, Ryan and Tessa, and various others made connections with one another. I always love a thrilling series by Amy, as she puts so much action and interaction in all her writings. It is so good to see romance grow out of aggression.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awesome ending to a great series!
Another winning series by the talented Amy Rafferty. I love the plot and characters as romance and mystery are cleverly intertwined in this excellent six book series. I highly recommend this series and all others by Amy Rafferty.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
Another winning series by the talented Amy Rafferty. I love the plot and characters as romance and mystery are cleverly intertwined in this excellent six book series. I highly recommend this series and all others by Amy Rafferty.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
February 18, 2026
What a conclusion!
Holy moly. We had our ending, which in so many ways is our beginning.
Action, so many secrets, and love in this one. Love of family, friends, and the heart.
I can’t believe it’s over. Time flies, when mystery is afoot. Never could tell what was going to happen next.
Holy moly. We had our ending, which in so many ways is our beginning.
Action, so many secrets, and love in this one. Love of family, friends, and the heart.
I can’t believe it’s over. Time flies, when mystery is afoot. Never could tell what was going to happen next.
February 19, 2026
What a fantastic conclusion to this series! Great characters and the action never ended throughout the series. The questions and unknowns were neatly wrapped up. I wonderful series!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
More danger and suspense. More trips to the hospital.
Second chance romances. Wonderful characters. “Joined” family, with family and friends romances too. Superb beach location. A great finale to an excellent series. Highly recommend!
Second chance romances. Wonderful characters. “Joined” family, with family and friends romances too. Superb beach location. A great finale to an excellent series. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great ending for Lori, Mitch, Tessa and Ryan finding out who is behind what has been going on with suspense and action and love for them is blooming for all of them. Thank you for this awesome story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series hooked me from the first to the last. I loved the way the story ended. The characters were like old friends and you felt invested in what happened to them. I love the way the series wrapped up and all the suspense along the way to the happily ever after.
February 17, 2026
The finale of this series was everything I wanted/needed. The twists and turns continued until the very end, and the relationships developed honestly, sweetly, and satisfactorily. What a fabulous series!
February 17, 2026
Amy does it again, another fantastic read that keeps you on the end of your seat.
What an ending!!!!!
So much trauma...
So much devastation...
So much LOVE....
A MUST READ>
This is an ARC review and my honest opinion.
What an ending!!!!!
So much trauma...
So much devastation...
So much LOVE....
A MUST READ>
This is an ARC review and my honest opinion.
February 17, 2026
Another kidnapping with a rescue at sea? Who was the giant and why was he doing all he did?
All is revealed as to who’s behind all this and why. Had you figured it out or were you completely surprised? A book that was very hard to put down, so I didn’t until I was done.
All is revealed as to who’s behind all this and why. Had you figured it out or were you completely surprised? A book that was very hard to put down, so I didn’t until I was done.
February 18, 2026
All I can say is Oh my godness! What a wonderful ending to this series! I enjoyed every heart stopping minute. Love how the mystery ended and learning of the villains. A must read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2026
In the final installment of The Cottage at Pelican Bay all the questions are answered. Who is innocent, who is guilty, and who falls in love. An unexpected twist here that changes so many things. Action, mystery, romance...all together. Great book.
February 18, 2026
Pelican Bay
The Cottage at Pelican Bay is an enjoyable read. It’s filled with suspense, intrigue and mystery. Counter that with a little romance and the occasional hint of humor and you get a good read. And even after loss and pain and heartbreak, happiness could find you again.
The Cottage at Pelican Bay is an enjoyable read. It’s filled with suspense, intrigue and mystery. Counter that with a little romance and the occasional hint of humor and you get a good read. And even after loss and pain and heartbreak, happiness could find you again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! I absolutely loved this series!! It contained everything I need: twists and turns, suspense, intrigue, cliffhangers, and a touch of romance. Filled with wonderful characters who you feel are your friends and a wonderful plot, this series is one of Rafferty’s best!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A great ending to a good series of books. Kept me thinking and wondering. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2026
I read this book as an ARC.
What started as a summer house swap between friends ended with a lot of happily ever afters. What an amazing series.
What started as a summer house swap between friends ended with a lot of happily ever afters. What an amazing series.
February 17, 2026
wonderful book with a delightfull plot and set of characters.
It is a very enjoyable read
It is a very enjoyable read
February 17, 2026
Loved the ending. The plot was a well developed mystery until the very first end. Epilogue was so touching, I was reading through tears. Each series just keeps getting better.
February 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this series. Lots going on and good characters.
February 19, 2026
Loved this story and the ending. also read the epilogue to find out what they were all doing 5 years later. A GREAT romantic mystery.
February 19, 2026
Thrilling
Lots of twists and turns that kept the reader involved! Read this book to carry you away. It’s very exciting.
Lots of twists and turns that kept the reader involved! Read this book to carry you away. It’s very exciting.
February 20, 2026
Great series
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and was sorry for it to end. I loved the characters and their development. You should definitely read this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and was sorry for it to end. I loved the characters and their development. You should definitely read this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great book in this series to grip your attention and keep you reading. Starts with the younger H unable to sleep thinking about what happened at the park with the younger h and her subsequent kidnapping. He gets up and going into his father’s study sees the files and looks at them. When the dog wants to go out he lets him out and while by the door is grabbed, drugged and kidnapped. When his father warned by the dog rushed out to see what was happening he sees a car driving away quickly. When he rushes to look for his son he realizes that he has been kidnapped, the third person to be kidnapped. The son is put in with the doctor and the younger h with whom he had a fight with, which he regrets. The three working together escape and the problems continue and ends with the young H fighting for his life. While the younger h is with the injured H in the hospital she puts pieces of the confusing events together and needs to go back to her Mother”s cottage to check out her theory. The older h returned with her. Then the older h finds a message on her mirror. Well now we wait for the next book. Hope you are enjoying this series as much as I am. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews