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Kearton Bay #1
There Must Be An Angel
When Eliza Jarvis discovers her property show presenter husband, Harry, has been expanding his portfolio with tabloid darling Melody Bird, her perfect life crumbles around her ears.
Before you can say Pensioner Barbie she’s in a stolen car, heading to the North Yorkshire coastal village of Kearton Bay in search of the father she never knew, with only her three-year-old daughter and a family-sized bag of Maltesers for company.
Ignoring the pleas of her uncle, chat show presenter Joe Hollingsworth, Eliza determines to find the man who abandoned her mother and discover the reason he left them to their fate. All she has to go on is his name – Raphael – but in such a small place there can’t be more than one angel, can there?
Gabriel Bailey may have the name of an angel but he’s not feeling very blessed. In fact, the way his life’s been going he doesn’t see how things can get much worse. Then Eliza arrives with her flash car and designer clothes, reminding him of things he’d rather forget, and he realises that if he’s to have any kind of peace she’s one person he must avoid at all costs.
But with the help of beautiful Wiccan landlady, Rhiannon, and quirky pink-haired café owner, Rose, Eliza is soon on the trail of her missing angel, and her investigations lead her straight into Gabriel’s path. As her search takes her deeper into the heart of his family, Eliza begins to realise that she’s in danger of hurting those she cares about deeply. Is her quest worth it?
And is the angel she’s seeking really the one she’s meant to find?
Before you can say Pensioner Barbie she’s in a stolen car, heading to the North Yorkshire coastal village of Kearton Bay in search of the father she never knew, with only her three-year-old daughter and a family-sized bag of Maltesers for company.
Ignoring the pleas of her uncle, chat show presenter Joe Hollingsworth, Eliza determines to find the man who abandoned her mother and discover the reason he left them to their fate. All she has to go on is his name – Raphael – but in such a small place there can’t be more than one angel, can there?
Gabriel Bailey may have the name of an angel but he’s not feeling very blessed. In fact, the way his life’s been going he doesn’t see how things can get much worse. Then Eliza arrives with her flash car and designer clothes, reminding him of things he’d rather forget, and he realises that if he’s to have any kind of peace she’s one person he must avoid at all costs.
But with the help of beautiful Wiccan landlady, Rhiannon, and quirky pink-haired café owner, Rose, Eliza is soon on the trail of her missing angel, and her investigations lead her straight into Gabriel’s path. As her search takes her deeper into the heart of his family, Eliza begins to realise that she’s in danger of hurting those she cares about deeply. Is her quest worth it?
And is the angel she’s seeking really the one she’s meant to find?
- GenresFiction
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2015
113 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 5, 2015
I loved, loved, LOVED this novel. From page one, I loved the heroine, Eliza. Witty, kind, and with a penchant for Maltesers, I could immediately relate to her and rooted for her throughout the book. I was desperate for her to keep cheating husband, Harry, out of her life, and to keep her new friends at Kearton Bay in her life. Sharon Booth has created a wonderful cast of characters who feel like friends and family and I actually would like to move to Kearton Bay right now as it's so beautifully described. There's a quote on the back of the paperback from another writer that says "a treat from start to finish" and 'There Must Be An Angel' is exactly that. It's full of laughs, but there are also tears to be shed and I love a book that makes me do both. What's even better is that there's more in the series so I can't wait to get my paws on them. I can't recommend this book enough. Lovely story, great cast of characters, stunning setting, and incredibly well-written
July 13, 2021
It was the blurb that drew me in to read There Must Be An Angel, as well as the great vibes coming from this fabulous book cover. The two together told me this is going to be an amazing read. I also love North Yorkshire, a place I visit often. So, Sharon Booth set me off on my holiday, back to this wonderful region and I knew I was in for a treat. Having read one of the author’s previous novels I soon became engrossed. The cleverly written opening, a Jane Eyre Quotation was an absolutely brilliant way to set the scene as well as the ending. I’m instantly worried for Eliza and her child, Amy, with a husband like Harry. Oh dear. No wonder she takes refuge in Keaton Bay, she is a funny yet feisty character who would rather be surrounded by some colourful characters than a jumped-up co-star of a husband. Eliza will stop at nothing to get Harry his just deserves. Good on you Eliza. I can only say that this beautifully captivating love story is an easy read with fabulous believable characters, I especially liked Mrs Travis, a sort of comfort blanket if you like. The in-depth detail is so encouraging to the tale and really brings you into Keaton Bay. A book and a half if you ask me. If you enjoy reading a mix of character driven action, emotion, humour with a hint of TV programs. This could be just what you are looking for.
March 30, 2025
When Eliza Jarvis discovers her property show presenter husband, Harry, has been expanding his portfolio with tabloid darling Melody Bird, her perfect life crumbles around her ears.
Before you can say Pensioner Barbie she’s in a stolen car, heading to the North Yorkshire coastal village of Kearton Bay in search of the father she never knew, with only her three-year-old daughter and a family-sized bag of Maltesers for company.
Ignoring the pleas of her uncle, chat show presenter Joe Hollingsworth, Eliza determines to find the man who abandoned her mother and discover the reason he left them to their fate. All she has to go on is his name – Raphael – but in such a small place there can’t be more than one angel, can there?
Gabriel Bailey may have the name of an angel but he’s not feeling very blessed. In fact, the way his life’s been going he doesn’t see how things can get much worse. Then Eliza arrives with her flash car and designer clothes, reminding him of things he’d rather forget, and he realises that if he’s to have any kind of peace she’s one person he must avoid at all costs.
But with the help of beautiful Wiccan landlady, Rhiannon, and quirky pink-haired café owner, Rose, Eliza is soon on the trail of her missing angel, and her investigations lead her straight into Gabriel’s path. As her search takes her deeper into the heart of his family, Eliza begins to realise that she’s in danger of hurting those she cares about deeply. Is her quest worth it?
And is the angel she’s seeking really the one she’s meant to find?
My comments.
Really liked the book a lot. I discovered it thanks to a post on Jessica redlands facebook group and when I knew they were friends and this one was 3 could not resist giving it a go. This is a promising start to the series, loved the two main characters and loved the fact they had hurdals to overcome and the romance was gradual and allowed the two characters to get to know each other and battle the issues they were battling. I did not suspect what would happen in some of the plot as well which I liked as it kept me guessing. As a christian I was a bit concerned when I saw from the description there was a wikkan character in the book however that was not a huge aspect of the book and did not take away from my enjoyment of the series. I really hope Audible will do the other 3 books in this series as i suspect some of the characters we've met in this first book will get there stories.
Before you can say Pensioner Barbie she’s in a stolen car, heading to the North Yorkshire coastal village of Kearton Bay in search of the father she never knew, with only her three-year-old daughter and a family-sized bag of Maltesers for company.
Ignoring the pleas of her uncle, chat show presenter Joe Hollingsworth, Eliza determines to find the man who abandoned her mother and discover the reason he left them to their fate. All she has to go on is his name – Raphael – but in such a small place there can’t be more than one angel, can there?
Gabriel Bailey may have the name of an angel but he’s not feeling very blessed. In fact, the way his life’s been going he doesn’t see how things can get much worse. Then Eliza arrives with her flash car and designer clothes, reminding him of things he’d rather forget, and he realises that if he’s to have any kind of peace she’s one person he must avoid at all costs.
But with the help of beautiful Wiccan landlady, Rhiannon, and quirky pink-haired café owner, Rose, Eliza is soon on the trail of her missing angel, and her investigations lead her straight into Gabriel’s path. As her search takes her deeper into the heart of his family, Eliza begins to realise that she’s in danger of hurting those she cares about deeply. Is her quest worth it?
And is the angel she’s seeking really the one she’s meant to find?
My comments.
Really liked the book a lot. I discovered it thanks to a post on Jessica redlands facebook group and when I knew they were friends and this one was 3 could not resist giving it a go. This is a promising start to the series, loved the two main characters and loved the fact they had hurdals to overcome and the romance was gradual and allowed the two characters to get to know each other and battle the issues they were battling. I did not suspect what would happen in some of the plot as well which I liked as it kept me guessing. As a christian I was a bit concerned when I saw from the description there was a wikkan character in the book however that was not a huge aspect of the book and did not take away from my enjoyment of the series. I really hope Audible will do the other 3 books in this series as i suspect some of the characters we've met in this first book will get there stories.
July 13, 2017
After finding out that her husband is having an affair with his television co-hostess, Eliza Jarvis heads for Kearton Bay in Yorkshire. She hopes to heal her wounds and find information about her long-lost father. All she knows is that his first name was Raphael. Instead, she finds the mysterious Gabriel Bailey. Eliza has her three-year-old daughter Amy, and Gabriel has his daughter Lexi who becomes Amy's babysitter. There is a whole cast of wonderful characters including Rose, Eliza's new best friend, Rhiannon the witchy pub owner, Uncle Joe, and Sophie, Gabriel's flibbertigibbet sister.
I'm so glad I found this author. I first read her latest book, Resisting Mr Rochester, and now I'm devouring the rest. She's a terrific writer, and this book is both funny and sweet. The characters are so real and feel like old friends. The Yorkshire setting is wonderful; Kearton Bay is the fictional setting for the real-life Robin Hood's Bay. The romance builds slowly and is very believable as these two wounded souls find each other. I'm now halfway through the next book in the series and so happy to meet many of these delightful characters again. Oh, and the dialogue! Just great! I'm gushing, but I'm really enjoying this series and I heartily recommend it.
I'm so glad I found this author. I first read her latest book, Resisting Mr Rochester, and now I'm devouring the rest. She's a terrific writer, and this book is both funny and sweet. The characters are so real and feel like old friends. The Yorkshire setting is wonderful; Kearton Bay is the fictional setting for the real-life Robin Hood's Bay. The romance builds slowly and is very believable as these two wounded souls find each other. I'm now halfway through the next book in the series and so happy to meet many of these delightful characters again. Oh, and the dialogue! Just great! I'm gushing, but I'm really enjoying this series and I heartily recommend it.
March 26, 2025
A Kearton Bay Novel.
Eliza Jarvis heads off leaving her husband, to the North Yorkshire coastal village Kearton Bay with her daughter Amy, in search for her father Raphael.
This book is full of finding her family, and also finding love, meeting Gabriel Bailey, and her grandmother.
It's such a heartwarming story, so loving to read, with every chapter gripping you into that final moment sharing love friendship and family.
Loved it.
Eliza Jarvis heads off leaving her husband, to the North Yorkshire coastal village Kearton Bay with her daughter Amy, in search for her father Raphael.
This book is full of finding her family, and also finding love, meeting Gabriel Bailey, and her grandmother.
It's such a heartwarming story, so loving to read, with every chapter gripping you into that final moment sharing love friendship and family.
Loved it.
July 30, 2021
I loved everything about this book. A wonderful story with characters you grow to feel deeply about. I loved Eliza especially and related to her right from the start. Cant wait to start the next in the series.
September 16, 2022
Angel 👼 Guidance !
A beautiful story , well told . I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series and cannot wait to read the test! Sharon has a wonderful way with words humour and pathos go hand in hand and Elizas journey is mesmerising.
A beautiful story , well told . I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series and cannot wait to read the test! Sharon has a wonderful way with words humour and pathos go hand in hand and Elizas journey is mesmerising.
July 12, 2024
A really lovely story
I loved this story about Eliza and her search for her dad. I got so mad with the way she was treated by her cheating husband. Then an angel appeared in her life. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I loved this story about Eliza and her search for her dad. I got so mad with the way she was treated by her cheating husband. Then an angel appeared in her life. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 2, 2018
Gripping read
Loved it excellent pick up and can not put down
Had to read it the end 😀😁😀
Well done thanks
Loved it excellent pick up and can not put down
Had to read it the end 😀😁😀
Well done thanks
April 18, 2019
Loved this book. All the characters are so real, and so lovely you feel you're part of it, I couldn't put it down. I'm not going to spoil the story you will have to read it for yourselves!
June 1, 2021
Loved my visit to Kearton Bay and it’s quirky inhabitants, Sharon Booth writes such a moving story I had a few tears but almost a few laughs reading this book. A real feel good read ❤️
June 19, 2021
Loved the angels
I enjoyed this book. Had a great story. Loved the characters. Could see the village and the homes with her great descriptions.
I enjoyed this book. Had a great story. Loved the characters. Could see the village and the homes with her great descriptions.
February 4, 2022
Oh what an enjoyable read. Do love books by Sharon Booth. Can’t wait to read the next instalment
April 6, 2025
Easy read
October 19, 2016
Enjoyable read
I really enjoyed this book and my introduction to Kearton Bay. It is well written and moves along at a good pace. The characters are all believable and the plot interesting. I don't have anything bad to say about it. Obviously it is chic lit and might appear predictable but the storyline is interesting and I would definitely buy another one in the series.
I really enjoyed this book and my introduction to Kearton Bay. It is well written and moves along at a good pace. The characters are all believable and the plot interesting. I don't have anything bad to say about it. Obviously it is chic lit and might appear predictable but the storyline is interesting and I would definitely buy another one in the series.
June 27, 2018
Aww this book made me laugh, then it made me cry, then laugh again. The storyline about Eliza looking for an angel after a terrible time with her heartless husband kept me guessing and hoping until the end. Just enough loose ends in the great characters' lives for a sequel or three.
November 11, 2015
From the moment I first met Eliza Jarvis, I knew that I would like her, you see, she's a fan of Jane Eyre, but realises that unlike romantic fiction, real life is never going to be that easy. When Eliza realises that her philandering husband, Harry, has been dallying , rather too closely, with Melody Bird, the amply endowed co-star of his TV programme, Eliza does the one thing she knows will hurt him the most, she takes his beloved Aston Martin Rapide and disappears with their daughter, Amy.
Taking refuge in the North Yorkshire seaside resort of Kearton Bay, Eliza and Amy start to piece together their lives and with the help of a few colourful characters, they soon discover that there is more to life than celebrity status, and the simple joy of living life amongst friends is something that Eliza comes to cherish. I really enjoyed getting to know Eliza, she's feisty and funny and oh, so vulnerable you want to wrap her up in a blanket, but there's also a central core of steel, which is evident in the way she looks after her little daughter, and the way that she protects those people she really cares about.
There Must Be An Angel is one of those delightful stories that grabs you by the hand on page one and with a wonderfully light touch takes you into a world of quirky characters, who very quickly become as familiar as friends. And as you start to feel the emotional pull of a good story, you begin care about the people who inhabit the pages. You completely understand Eliza’s initial misgivings about staying at the uniquely named Hare and Moon pub, well, who wouldn’t feel slightly uneasy in the company of Rhiannon, the Wiccan landlady, who knows tantalising snippets of village secrets. Then, there’s the darkly mysterious Gabriel, who has more than enough mysteries of his own for us to discover! Of course, who could forget lovely Rose and Lexi, Joe and Mrs Travers and the wonderful Hannah.
There are just so many delightful people to enjoy getting to know, that I was quite sad when the story ended! However, it's good to know that the series will continue to grow and there will be more secrets to share about the people of Kearton Bay in future novels. I can't wait!
Taking refuge in the North Yorkshire seaside resort of Kearton Bay, Eliza and Amy start to piece together their lives and with the help of a few colourful characters, they soon discover that there is more to life than celebrity status, and the simple joy of living life amongst friends is something that Eliza comes to cherish. I really enjoyed getting to know Eliza, she's feisty and funny and oh, so vulnerable you want to wrap her up in a blanket, but there's also a central core of steel, which is evident in the way she looks after her little daughter, and the way that she protects those people she really cares about.
There Must Be An Angel is one of those delightful stories that grabs you by the hand on page one and with a wonderfully light touch takes you into a world of quirky characters, who very quickly become as familiar as friends. And as you start to feel the emotional pull of a good story, you begin care about the people who inhabit the pages. You completely understand Eliza’s initial misgivings about staying at the uniquely named Hare and Moon pub, well, who wouldn’t feel slightly uneasy in the company of Rhiannon, the Wiccan landlady, who knows tantalising snippets of village secrets. Then, there’s the darkly mysterious Gabriel, who has more than enough mysteries of his own for us to discover! Of course, who could forget lovely Rose and Lexi, Joe and Mrs Travers and the wonderful Hannah.
There are just so many delightful people to enjoy getting to know, that I was quite sad when the story ended! However, it's good to know that the series will continue to grow and there will be more secrets to share about the people of Kearton Bay in future novels. I can't wait!
April 6, 2015
There are so many things that I loved about this book. It started with a quote from Jane Eyre, which is one of my favourite books. It's set in a fictional village on the North Yorkshire coast based on lovely Robin Hood's Bay. But the best thing about it is the wonderful cast of characters that inhabit the village of Kearton Bay. From the first page I could relate to Eliza and felt her pain as she discovered what an unfaithful rat her husband was and traveled to Kearton Bay to try to find her long-lost father. My favourite characters were Rhiannon, Wiccan landlady of The Hare and Moon pub and straight talking Rose with her terrible cooking and brilliant one liners. There's a lovely romance in this book but I don't want to say too much about it in case I reveal too much. This is the first in a series of books based in Kearton Bay and I'm very much looking forward to reading the next one, A Kiss from a Rose.
April 11, 2016
I really enjoyed this lovely book. Sharon Booth has written a charming, engaging novel with realistic and likeable characters and a female lead that you will really care about.
Eliza, despite her money, has all the same insecurities as other women, and she now finds herself at a crossroads in her life, but her kindness and warm personality, her genuineness, ensure that she soon settles in to Kearton Bay, and finds not only new friends, but also a possible new romance.
The author obviously cares deeply about her characters, and you will too. It’s a warm, feel good read, that avoids the mawkishness and sentimentality of a lot of novels in the same genre. The settings are beautifully described and easy to picture and you will find yourself rooting for Eliza, and willing her to make the right decisions.
Perfect for some chill out time.
Eliza, despite her money, has all the same insecurities as other women, and she now finds herself at a crossroads in her life, but her kindness and warm personality, her genuineness, ensure that she soon settles in to Kearton Bay, and finds not only new friends, but also a possible new romance.
The author obviously cares deeply about her characters, and you will too. It’s a warm, feel good read, that avoids the mawkishness and sentimentality of a lot of novels in the same genre. The settings are beautifully described and easy to picture and you will find yourself rooting for Eliza, and willing her to make the right decisions.
Perfect for some chill out time.
March 28, 2015
From the very first encounter with Eliza on page 1, she felt like a friend - someone I could empathise with and was rooting for all the way through. I laughed and cried with her, but don't want to say too much more in case I give away the ending! I was sad to reach the end of the story, as it really did feel like saying goodbye to a group of friends and so I was delighted to read on the publisher's website that the follow up in the series will be released in September 2015 and tell Rose's story - Can't wait! In the meantime, I can't recommend this book enough and I know others will love it as much as I did.
August 27, 2015
This is such a lovely read. I've had it on my kindle for some time, but only just got around to it. Once I'd started reading though, I couldn't stop.
I was immediately drawn to that North Yorkshire setting. I recognised Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay; I love them both, and all the references are so beautifully sketched in - I was immediately whisked back
Sharon Booth has created a wonderful cast of characters here, woven into a really interesting story-line. There are some very current, recognisable issues, a bit of pathos and lots of lovely laughs.
A great read. I really enjoyed it.
I was immediately drawn to that North Yorkshire setting. I recognised Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay; I love them both, and all the references are so beautifully sketched in - I was immediately whisked back
Sharon Booth has created a wonderful cast of characters here, woven into a really interesting story-line. There are some very current, recognisable issues, a bit of pathos and lots of lovely laughs.
A great read. I really enjoyed it.
November 25, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. Set in my home county of Yorkshire, Sharon's description of the fictional village of Kearton painted an accurate picture of the villages here. Wonderful characters, with the heroine having quite a few 'Bridget Jones' type moments which made me smile. The hero is just how I like them, dark and moody but hiding a wonderfully kind and loving heart. Add to that, a cast of quirky, funny characters and a witty but heartwarming storyline, and you have yourself a wonderful read. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
July 21, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed.
February 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this story, set in a fictional village in Yorkshire and can't wait to read the second chapter!
Sharon Booth is an author that has gone straight to my favourites.
To be recommended!
Sharon Booth is an author that has gone straight to my favourites.
To be recommended!
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May 14, 2017I've had to give up on this book, there are too many characters and a plot that I just can't get to grips with right now. Not rating.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews