The Coastal Book Club

by Fiona Baker

Genres: Romance

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: This profile contains multiple authors.

See also: Romance author Fiona Baker

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

First in a series

This was a nice book about second chances and growing toward a new future. It starts with Eleanor who was asked for a divorce on the 20th anniversary of her marriage. Eleanor had been a homemaker who took care of her now 18 year son until he was in college, as well as her home and meals for the family. Needless to say, she hasn’t cultivated any skills outside of caring for her family, but she refuses to curl up and be sad.

Eleanor finds a fixer upper near the coast and moves there, but it required a little more fixing up than she realized, eventually finding help with the local curmudgeon of a handyman. Meanwhile, she made lots of new friends all who had their own changes, big and small going on in their lives.

This isn’t really a romance, but it is kind of cozy. Obviously Eleanor starts slow with making friends and possibly more than friends with Garrett the handyman/hardware store owner. And she decides to start a bookstore in an unused part of her home, something the little coastal town needed.

This story left on a less than satisfying note with all sorts of things up in the air with all of the friends in their book club. The writing was OK, but it jumped around to all the different people and I almost care enough to read the second book. That remains to be seen, but this was a nice but not exciting read that I gave three stars for being less than what I expected.

[Susan Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Beginnings

There is a silver lining and a new start if you take the time to look….An uplifting book for sure

[Valerie J. Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good enough, but there were way too many typos. There was even an error wherein a wrong character name was used. That's just inexcusable. I'm glad I got this through KU and didn't pay. I already borrowed the next book in the series, so will read that and see if it's gets better. If not, the author needs to find a new editor and beta readers.

[Clare Bailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

there was simultaneously a flurry of things and absolutely nothing happening.
I found 4 errors and the dialogue was very painful

[Meghan Sperdute · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! Will definitely continue with the series

[Em Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll update my rating once I finish. I like the story so far, about 30% in, but I dislike entire chapters written about side characters. I've skipped those. It's annoying and takes me out of the story.

[taytay loves readingg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have seen this series on my Kindle's recommended section for some time now, so I decided to try it out. I am currently in the middle of reading the Shatter Me series, and wanted a little break from the plot--a refresher pretty much. I hadn't read a cute contemporary romance in a while, so I thought this would be a good book to read! And it was, I thought it was cute and all. A divorced woman finds love in a small town. ITs a great concept, but there WERE some problems I had with it:

1. It was a smidge(...maybe more than a smidge...) unrealistic! LIke I don't know...if I had JUST gotten divorced I really dont think I would be ready to date THAT quickly... that's just me personally. I know people have different stances on that but like this girl who had been in a TWENTY year marriage doesnt even seem at all phased after her husband divorces her. like girl...? did you even like him in the first place?? AND THEN when her husband admits he's been CHEATING ON HER!!! SHe doesn't even care.... maybe I'm overreacting but idk that is not how I would react to that news.

2. it was SO fast paced. I feel like there was never any of the tension and build up to the romance. okay so maybe this book is TOO realistic in the romance aspect, but when I read cute romance books I NEED(WANT) there to be tension that builds and builds. but it just wasn't there for this book! LIke the only thing that was there that could MAYBE be catorgorized as tension was them denying they liked the other person("THE ONLY REASON IM CALLING HIM TO MY HOUSE IS TO FIX MY SINK... DEFINETELY NOT TO SEE HIM") and okay I'm not trying to hate too much because it was a good book, I did WANT to read it. its just not one of my favs.

I mean other than those aspects it was a cute book. It was closed door and it didn't have anything I didn't support. I wouldn't say I would go on to read the whole series, but it was a good pallette cleanser and there was a good plot. AND I LOVE THAT ELEANOR WAS MAKING A BOOKSTORE IN HER HOUSE!!! that's definitely a dream.... but yea it was good and I'm not hating at all because I enjoyed it and if I hadn't enjoyed it I wouldn't have finished it !!

SO YAH!!! GOODBYE

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book! It was a little slow to start up and then it caught my attention. Enjoyed the characters, the local and the story. I recommend this book!

Amazon synopsis:
Slip away to Magnolia Shore, a cozy beachfront town whose residents will warm your heart and make you want to want to revisit over and over!

Eleanor Bradshaw never thought she’d be starting life over in her mid-forties. But when her husband announces on their anniversary that she’s become too “boring” and “unadventurous” for him and that he wants a divorce, that’s exactly where she finds herself.

Heartbroken and unsure of what comes next, Eleanor makes an impulsive decision. Determined to prove to herself that she’s still capable of change and courage, she buys an old house in a charming seaside town called Magnolia Shore, with plans to renovate it and make it feel like home.

But this particular fresh start turns out to be harder than she expected.

The house is in far worse shape than she realized, and as Eleanor struggles to learn the finer points of home repair, she keeps running into the grumpy hardware store owner, Garrett Wilder. For his part, Garrett insists he has no interest in the intriguing newcomer to town. But if that’s true, why does he keep showing up to help with the trickier projects and finding excuses to stick around?

As Eleanor begins to rebuild her life on her own terms and tentatively acknowledges the butterflies Garrett stirs in her, she also forms unexpected friendships with a group of women in Magnolia Shore. When they decide to start a book club together, the warmth, support, and laughter Eleanor finds among them gives her the confidence to fully embrace this new chapter of her life…

…and to believe that her second act might be even better than the first.

[Judith Levis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor Bradshaw, blindsided by her husband's wish for a divorce, decides to move to a location near water and start a new life. She buys a home that needs lots of "love" and she tries to fix a lot of the problems herself. She then encounters a grumpy man of few words, hardware store owner Garrett Wilder, who helps her with some of the renovations. She also finds herself as part of a group of female friends, Diana, Cadence, Miriam, and June. Starting a book club also unites the women and we get a glance at all of these ladies. I just loved the book and the differences yet connection between the women and Eleanor. I'm really anxious to get into the rest of the series and learn what happens to each of them. The book simply made me very happy ! It's inspirational to see just what one person can do to remedy her life.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coastal Book Club

I so wanted to love this book and read the entire series and I can definitely see where the series will go. It is that predictable. I feel that there are too many expected stories. Nothing surprising, kind of bland. I can’t understand why grown women keep sticking their tongues out at each other. Elenor is a nice character but she is about as original as white bread. Garret went from being grumpy and quiet to using “adorable “ as a description? There were quite a few misspellings so whoever did the proofreading should not proofread while doing something else. The book was OK and a good way to clear my palette after a heavy read, but I think I will have to be pretty bored to read book 2 because I already know how it will end.

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Eleanor Bradshaw finds herself beginning a new chapter in her mid-forties, she embraces the change by relocating to a small seaside town called Magnolia Shore. But restoring her new home proves far more challenging than she anticipated. It's fortunate that she soon encounters Garrett Wilder. He may be grumpy and have his walls up, but he's hard-working and dependable.

As Eleanor settles into her new hometown, she forms close bonds with a group of women who quickly become dear friends. Together, they start a book club that becomes the heart of their connection.

What I loved most about this story is that it’s more than just a romance. It’s an uplifting celebration of both female friendship and new beginnings. It’s through the support and encouragement of her friends that Eleanor finds the courage to make an important decision about her future.

A warm, heartfelt and easy read.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This reminded me of a Gilmore Girls episode- it’s incredibly cheerful and light, but unlike GG, it was a little saccharine towards the end. I was cringing through the exchanges between Eleanor and Garrett, and the overuse of “she was not thinking of him, nope, certainly not, not one bit. She was just doing her hair nice because she wanted to, not because she liked him. She absolutely did not like him” *wink wink*. It was just painfully cheesy in that way- but I did enjoy how wholesome and fluffy it was.

[Cathyz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Book By Fiona Baker

Well; I’m hooked!! Just love this author’s writing!! I’m definitely addicted!!! If you like happy stories with interesting relationships, you will adore this book.
Characters have problems but they always get thru them with the help of good friends!! I want to live where these friends are! I want to live in this town!! I also want to eat all this good food that they’re constantly eating!!
The best part is when you finish this book, you have another one that continues the story on!! Can’t get any better!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was very entertaining and I got quite a few laughs from those sweet ladies who welcomed Eleanor into their group. It is definitely a feel-good book and I am looking forward to the next in the series which I just started. The characters are great and also a blessing to see how these ladies join together and help each other to become women who can overcome and succeed. Yes, I really enjoyed this book!

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Coastal Book Club

This is a perfect read any time. I enjoyed getting to know a little about the characters lives. I think if I was wanting a fresh new start in would be in Magnolia Shores where everyone is friendly and helpful. I can't wait to read the next books adventure takes me. A clean wholesome romance. Enjoy

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic start to a new series. After years of marriage, Eleanor is caught off guard at her 20th anniversary dinner, setting her on a path to a fresh life in New England. She buys a fixer-upper, meets new friends, and transforms part of her new home into a bookstore with the help of a local. Memorable characters and a story that resonates in so many ways.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about starting over and finding your niche. Eleanor is expecting a nice dinner to celebrate her 20 wedding anniversary to find her husband wants a divorce. Instead of letting that define her, she moves to an ocean town in New England alone and discovers friends and new beginnings. This has a small town feel with characters who feel real.

[William Lichtwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start over alone !!

Was a great book, I can't wait to start the next one. I know women can be chatting , but these ones stood behind each other and made the bestest friends and that was awesome. Bookstore idea was great for such a big house. Thanks for sharing your story with us all .
Respectively
Joyce

[Cindy Hardy-pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

So engaging!

This is the first book of Fiona Baker's that I have read, and it definitely won't be the last! I loved that the characters weren't "young", they are in their 40's and beyond. I fall into the beyond group, and enjoyed these delightful characters! Magnolia Shore sounds like a wonderful place to live. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful new series by Fiona Baker. Love the first book:
We open with Eleanor Bradshaw who finds her life at mid-forties needs to start over. Join Eleanor as she moves across the country to Magnolia Shore, meets and becomes friends with four wonderful woman who welcome Eleanor as she begins her new life.
Highly recommend!!!

[Jules Giacalone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little beach read type of book. Rather uplifting. I liked how the author spun a positive vibe on divorce and starting over. The book was filled with typos and errors which was surprising and distracting. I didn’t finish the book cause I got kinda bored with it. I read about 80% of it. It’s a great little read if you don’t want to obsess and commit to a more intricate novel.

[Arlene J. Reardon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mewh

Very disappointing. Spoiler: has the main female character doing maintenance that she has notools or skills to do. Kind of ruined it for me. You don't hang a door by yourself. Don't install a picture window by yourself. Just moved to house and somehow has all the tools, skill, painting supplies and paint with her.

[Samantha M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish Goodreads would let you do 1/2 points. This was a cute and enjoyable quick read. It wasn’t good enough for 3 stars, but 2 stars feels a little harsh. So, here’s my unofficial 2.5⭐️ rating.
The plot was good and the characters were relatable, but the dialogue was so cheesy that it felt forced at times.
Anyway, it was cute but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend.

[Peggy Mangum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Can Always Count on Fiona's Books to Be Feel Good Books🤗
Everyone Needs A Group of Friends Like Eleanor Has in Magnolia Shore. Love Second Chance Stories. Even Grumpy Garrett Can Love Again. I Highly Recommend All Fiona Baker's Books😊🤗

[Betty]

The Coastal Book Club by Fiona Baker

A great starting over story for a recent divorcee as she changes locations, finds new friends and an occupation she will thoroughly enjoy. Really delightful tead.

[Alicia Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

really like this read

I really enjoyed this read, but felt I was left unresolved in multiple story lines. I guess, TBD …. And I will be reading the next book in the series to find out what happens. I’m invested in all the well written and developed characters.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came back to this series to start from the beginning. This introduces you to the characters but centers around Eleanor and Garrett with tidbits about the others. It always helps to start at the begining. A GOOD READ

[Treasea Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

I like the characters. It's very predictable. One thing I would have liked is for it to have a little bit of drama. It's a sweet book but needs a little bit more sass and spice.

[Bourbon N Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really delightful read. The characters were so much fun. I loved the friendships and the way they welcomed Eleanor with open arms! And of course who doesn't love a Grumpy to Sunshine trope!!

[Judy Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predictable

But i knew that going in... LOTS of characters , who I assume will be in the upcoming books. A fun little community found by our main character who moved across the country after her husband surprised her with a divorce..