The Art of Seashells

by Jennifer Faye

He’s a firm rule follower. She paints outsides the lines…and now these opposites are forced force to work together.

Lily Adams owns the Lily Pad craft shop, but she’s always dreamed of being a professional artist. After a devastating loss, she’s reprioritizing her goals. At last, she’s willing to put herself out there and enter the Bluestar Art Competition. The grand prize could open doors in the art community that were previously closed to her.

Mayor Tony Banks is happy to be living on the island once more and doing his best to help Bluestar thrive. However, when his events coordinator has a medical emergency, he finds himself working with his best friend’s sister to organize the upcoming arts festival.

In the past, Lily had always been off-limits to him, but that was then and this was now… However, he quickly learns she’s still a rulebreaker. And worse yet, his heart wants to follow her lead but his mind warns of the dangers of not following the rules. Will these two hearts find a safe middle ground?

Includes a recipe for Lily’s Pumpkin Cookies!


Bluestar Island
Book 1 – Love Blooms (Hannah & Ethan)
Book 2 – Harvest Dance (Aster & Sam)
Book 3 – A Lighthouse Café Christmas (Darla & Will)
Book 4 – Rising Star (Emma & Noah)
Book 5 – Summer by the Beach (Summer & Greg)
Book 6 – Brass Anchor Inn (Josie & Lane)
Book 7 – Summer Refresh (Sara & Kent)
Book 8 – A Seaside Bookshop Christmas (Melinda & Liam)
Book 9 – A Lighthouse Snapshot (Lainey & Jack)
Book 10 – Inheriting Her Island House (Paige & Grant)
Book 11 – A Brass Anchor Inn Christmas (Carol & Harvey)
Book 12 – Race to the Beach (Maxi & Owen)
Book 13 – The Art of Seashells (Mayor Banks & Lily)
Book 14 – The Beachside Rental (Jenna & Nathan)

Genres: Contemporary Romance

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2026

About the author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she's not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book. Jennifer loves to hear from readers—you can contact her via her website.

And be sure to follow Jennifer for the latest on sales via Bookbub.

Reviews

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

The Art of Seashells opens up another family’s experiences on Bluestar Island, this time in The Adams Family of Bluestar Island. Tony left the island, determined to make his mark on the world. He’s a rule follower, an ability that he’s honed into quite an impressive lifestyle. He returned home and became the mayor of Bluestar Island because he wanted to give back and help this island shine, as he feels he has the talent to do so quite easily. He’s a man who has a mindset made up of rules, and then some more rules. He’s about to dive into a relationship with a woman he sees as off-limits (that bro code)… professionally, reluctantly at first, but fate had other plans.

Lily once had dreams of showing her art in the grand galleries of New York and beyond. Once. Her father’s insistence that she pursue a practical career to fuel that “hobby” led her to open The Lily Pad, an island crafting shop where she lets her artistic talents flow in a different direction. Now her father is deceased, and any promises she once made are (not unkindly) buried with him. She’s about to step out of that safe zone her dad made her live in… and the results are going to be quite unexpected, especially when she and Tony are forced to work together rather closely.

I had such fun back in this new branch of the Bluestar Island universe. Tony and Lily, oh my, talk about opposites attract or… implode. Each is stubborn; each has their reasons for their personality being as it is, and each is in over their head when it comes to acknowledging the simmering attraction between them. Watching them figure it out, make some mistakes, learn from them, and forge ahead into their own happy ending was a wonderful, emotional experience. The Art of Seashells is well-written, funny, witty, emotional, and brings us back into “island life” in a fun, comfortable way. If you’ve read the earlier books, you might see some familiar faces; if not, you’re in for a treat as you discover all this story and series have to offer. I’m definitely looking forward to more of this series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in the idyllic Bluestar Island in this new series. This time it’s the Adams siblings who are going to find love in another clean , sweet romance.
Though LIly Adams owns the Lily Pad, a craft store, her heart has always been in being an artist. But her recently deceased father, always said she needed a practical career. so the shop was the alternative to her dreams.
Now that the island is hosting the first art show, Lily has decided to take a chance and enter the contest.
When her dear friend and city planner has to go on bedrest due to her pregnancy, Lily and uptight Tony Banks, the mayor of the island, are teaming up to get the art festival organized and the island ready for the visitors.
Tony, LIly’s brother best friend, is a by the book guy. He has always had a thing for Lily, but years ago he promised to stay away from her. Plus, she colors outside the lines , something that drives Tony crazy.
But what happens after these two get stuck in an elevator? WIll it soften their opposing beliefs and help them work together for the success of the festival?
Will each realize they couldl hear from each other?
This was not only an engaging story but also a touching one filled with heart.
A reminder that the experiences we have had will affect our present and our views of the future. Also a reminder that even if some of those experiences left a deep hurt in our lives, taking a leap of faith is sometimes required to find our happiness.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout . The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[AF Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am definitely a sucker for a love story. This one is very nice and sweet with a happy ending. I like the completeness of the story all the little odds and ends were all tied up nicely so I didn’t have to wonder what the heck was going on. I like the fact that even though it’s going to be part of a series, it was standalone. I can read the next one in line if I want or not.

Miss Faye is a quite accomplished writer. Whoever her editor is is also quite accomplished this book was not filled with lots of typos as some good reads books can be. Miss Faye and her editor really cared about this book. It was obvious.

Now I know this is supposed to be a book review, but I’m not gonna tell the reader of this review what the stories about. You should come to it on your own, enjoy it in your own way, in your own time and in your own place. But well, I will tell you is the characters are nice – nice people there’s no big drama, although there is some, but in a small world kind of way. It’s a story of community and people learning about each other. It also outlines the importance of saying what you think and feel when you need to say it even if it might make your heart hurt.

I will check out other Jennifer Faye stories. Mainly because I like the way she writes and if all the other books are of similar caliber, I know I will enjoy it.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The owner of Lily Pad craft shop, Lily Adams’ big dream has been to be a professional artist, but her father felt she should have a stable job and paint as a hobby. Her father passed from a massive heart attack, so she is now thinking about changing her goals putting painting first. For that reason, she has entered the first Bluestar Art Competition. Tony Banks has returned to the island to be their mayor as he wanted to get away from the city life. The problem is he is a rule follower, and it has now caused a problem as Aster, who is in charge of the competition has been hospitalized with pregnancy issues. Tony and Lily said they would handle everything but for some reason Aster’s laptop with all the information seems to have been lost and no one wants to ask her as she isn’t to have any stress. Lily is now told she can’t enter her painting as she helped with the organizing. Between all that, there is an elevator issue, a pigmy goat runaway, emergencies, and a second chance of love. What more could you ask for.

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

[Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Jennifer Faye's books that take place on Bluestar Island, and I was so happy that she continued writing the stories of more of the island's residents. This is the first book in The Adams Family of Bluestar Island series where the siblings find love in their own HEA book. This is the story of Lily Adams and Mayor Tony Banks. It is such a wonderful clean read where you will find several tropes, including best friend's off-limits sister, small town, second chance and opposites attractive. The story moves at a fast pace that had me swiping the pages till the end. Lily is an artist who has always dreamed of her art being shown in NYC, but her father pushed her to make a safe decision which has her owning her own successful arts and craft store, the Lily Pad. The blurb is well written, so I won't go into any more detail. This is a fun and enjoyable read that ends with strong hints that Lily's sister is the next to find love on Bluestar Island.

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

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Art of Seashells’ was heartfelt. It involved an upcoming arts festival, a fainting lady, a hospital visit, carrying on with the show, getting stuck in an elevator, getting injured during the rescue, a family get-together, Dasher the wandering Pygmy goat, being a stickler for rules, flying by the seat of her pants, a big brother’s interference, entering the art contest, a big disagreement, sad sacks all around, a big emergency, a confession, and falling in love. Additionally, Lily and Tony, the protagonists, were ideally suited for each other and exuded chemistry. I kept rooting for them. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions, which created an upbeat tone. I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the warm and inviting narrative.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and the mayor
I am a committed fan of Ms Faye’s Kringle Falls (Puppy) series, her other series not so much; however, having decided to sign up for this book, I can happily say this is the best Bluestar Island novella I have encountered.
This ‘opposites attract’ romance begins with Lily and Tony’s elevator mishap laying the groundwork for a potentially re-established friendship, which Lily’s brother and Tony’s best friend, Neil, severed in their high school years. However, friendship is not easy as they navigate opposing opinions, amid chaos, in their newly appointed roles as they finalise preparations for the Arts Festival.
An easy-to read, fast moving plot keeps readers entertained in the lives of the small, closely-knit community living on Bluestar Island. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a warm hug of a story! Lily Adams comes across as a happy go lucky individual but deep down? She has some serious doubts – about herself. She is truly an artist, though, but she needs to start believing in herself. Mayor Tony Banks comes across as buttoned-up and straight-laced. But is he really or is he covering up some deep hurts from his past? On the outside, these two make no sense. But where it counts, on the inside? I don’t think you could find a better couple. I loved Tony’s bowties, even though Lily thought they were…staid, I guess is a good word. It was good to know that, eventually, they [sorta] won her over. More importantly, Tony himself did. I have to say I was cheering them on from the start of the story. Truly enjoyed!

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mayor Tony likes order and following the rules while his best friend’s artistic sister Lily likes to go with the flow. They are forced to work together on the new arts festival when the person in charge Aster is placed on bed rest. They are missing most of the information and didn’t want to stress her out but I would have still asked to save time and stress. There is an attraction between them but Tony worries about the timing and their differences. I wouldn’t have been able to get in an elevator again after they are caught in the town hall one and it almost crashes. This was a kisses only small island romance.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Tony have known each other since their school days and had a crush on each other even them. Since then they have gone their own way with their lives. When the organizer of the new arts festival on Bluestar Island has complications with her pregnancy they have to work together to get it off the ground. There are twists as well as misunderstandings that have to be worked through as they keep planning the festival and to get their HEA.
This was a fun read with wonderful characters that I look forward to getting to know in future books as well as seeing Lily and Tony again. A marvellous read!.

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

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book that shows that people who have gone through circumstances in their lives can grow, learn and come out stronger. Tony and Lily have known each other since they were kids. Tony is the best friend of Lily's overprotective older brother Neil and was warned years ago that Tony and Neil's sisters can only be friends and nothing more. Tony and Lily lost touch years ago, but they have reconnected to help out with the upcoming town festival. Jennifer Faye works her magic again bringing this wonderful story to the pages, and I highly recommend it!

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story!

A beautiful, heartwarming story of Lily and Tony as they jump into action to organize a community art exhibition.  With the clock ticking down towards the exhibition, their attraction to one another builds until an unexpected obstacle is thrown their way.  Thankfully, all comes together leading to a warm, cuddly ending to this book.  I can easily recommend this book to others.   

I read this book as part of an advance reader series.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilly has always wanted to be an artist. She was told being responsible was best. She opened up an arts & craft store. Tony is the mayor of Bluestar. They’ve had a crush on each other since they were kids. He’s best friends with her brother and said his sister was off limits.
They ended up in an ancient elevator and got stuck. That’s when everything changed and they fell in love. Great story about friendship, trust & love.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start of the new series - The Adams Family of Bluestar Island.
You will definitely fall in love with this beautiful island and the local people.
Two beautiful characters - Tony and Lily and their chance to open up for love.
Sweet, heartwarming small town romance to enjoy. Kids, goats and bow-ties - what an engaging read.

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

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable and cute story! Opposites do attract and these childhood friends made the sweetest couple. I was completely entertained with all the interesting things going on, couldn't put the book down. It was fun, entertaining and heartwarming. Great storytelling and writing with easy to love characters. The Bluestar Island series is fantastic. Uplifting books that grant you alittle escape. Looking forward to more of these sweet reads!

[Arti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small town romance is one book that I loved, for its characters, for its samll town setting and slo for the secondary characters.
I love the way the author connects the books of the Bluestar island via the characters.
And when we are reading one book, we automatically get connected to the other ones in the series.

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

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Art of Seashells” (The Adams Family of Bluestar Island, Book 1) by Jennifer Faye
A FUN easy read
I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this sweet contemporary romance story. I am looking forward to spending more time on Bluestar Island, a quieter life-style setting with sweetly shared snippets in the lives of memorable residents. Happy Reading ! !

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to get to go back to Bluestar Island. This is the first book with the Adams family. Rest assured the Turners and other characters are still there!!! This was such a sweet heartwarming story.
I just love how the characters in this town are always there to help! Jennifer Faye is such a wonderful storyteller and I just get lost in the pages!

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to return to Bluestar Island for this book about Lily and Tony, the island's mayor.  It was a fun romance with several bumps in the road and an overprotective brother that made the story a lot of fun to read.  So glad these two characters got a second chance.  I received and advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet romance, Lily and Tony have always been friends but after working together to get the Bluestar Art Festival off the ground their feelings may have changed. I enjoyed their conflicts and their sweet moments and of course all their friends and the residents of Bluestar Island.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this story of two real, flawed characters with scars from their past getting to know each other as adults with some moments of real, deep emotion.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and Tony are a perfect example that when opposites attract their differences needn´t necessarily be an obstacle but can perfectly complement each other.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This is such a sweet addition to the Bluestar Island series. Lily has had a tough year, losing her father and going through a recent breakup, so she decides it’s time to step outside her comfort zone by entering a painting in the upcoming arts festival. The festival is being run by her good friend Aster—who is very pregnant—until she’s suddenly put on bed rest and asks Lily and Mayor Tony to take over.

Lily once had a crush on Tony, and being around him again leaves her completely tongue-tied. What she doesn’t realize is that Tony had feelings for her too back then but was warned off by his close friend—Lily’s brother, Neal. Now, working side by side, they finally have the chance to explore whether those childhood crushes could turn into something real.

Warm, heartfelt, and full of small-town charm, this story is an easy, feel-good read.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ART OF SEASHELLS was my first book to read this Spring. It is always fun to return to Bluestar Island and the families that live there.
The characters Lily and Tony are different yet they work together. Lily is creative and artsy, Tony is the Mayor and all about rules. I like how Lily colors outside the lines to make all her dreams come true.
I loved this book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Jennifer's books. This one did not disappoint. Lily's family is still reeling from their dad's sudden death. When her childhood friend, who is also her brother's best friend (the mayor) are tapped to run the arts festival after Astrid (the festival planner) is hospitalized with preeclampsia, sparks fly. With so many obstacles in their way, they strive to make this a success. Along the way, they realize the feelings they share. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Book Funnel, and this is my honest review.