Blue Miracle

by Blair Harton, Shannon Parker Taing (Narrator), Noah Trent (Narrator)

Seventeen-year-old Natalie Benson thought her summer in Monterey, California, would be a brief pause before college—a time to brace for her father's marriage to a much younger woman and recover from her own heartbreak. But the moment she met Grayson Gallagher, a charming Boston teen working in his uncle's sailing business, her life shifted in ways she never imagined. Their summer was reckless, passionate, and alive with possibility. Days spent sailing along the coast, playing baseball, and stargazing under endless skies flowed into nights of quiet intimacy on a sun-warmed rock overlooking a tide pool. Every laugh, every glance, every shared secret entwined them in a love so fierce and unforgettable it would leave them forever changed.

But life—and the weight of family expectations—tore them apart. Natalie walked away, leaving the boy she loved and a summer that transformed her world. For ten years, the memory of Grayson lingered—a ghost of what could have been.

Now, Natalie is starting fresh as a teacher in a town she barely knows, drawn there only by her best friend and former college roommate. When she unexpectedly encounters Grayson at his family's summer home—never realizing he had ties there, nor that her friend is a childhood connection—past emotions surge. A shocking revelation forces them to confront the depth of their shared history. As they navigate the pull of their past, Natalie and Grayson must face a future marked by an unexpected turn—one that will test the strength of their bond and the endurance of a love that has lasted since that unforgettable summer.

Heart-wrenching and emotionally rich, Blue Miracle is a YA/Adult crossover contemporary drama and love story. Ideal for listeners who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories such as The Fault in Our Stars, Me Before You, and The Notebook, and for listeners of contemporary fiction who cherish first love, second chances, and enduring connections.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance

Audible Audio

Published July 22, 2026

About the author

Blair Harton wrote her award-winning debut novel, Love, Lydie, as a new mother living in Monterey, California. While there, she also attended sailing school at Sail Monterey, which inspired part of her second novel, Blue Miracle, a YA/Adult crossover coming-of-age romantic drama.

She began writing Blue Miracle in Alexandria, Virginia, and completed it before moving to Ankara, Turkey, where it was later published in 2025. She currently lives in Ankara with her husband and two daughters.

When she’s not dreaming up new stories, she can be found cooking, camping, or enjoying a nice glass of Chardonnay.

Reviews

[ellie]

work book

its 1:30am and im bawling my eyes out oh my god

[wardah ୨ৎ]

Oh.My.God. I don’t know if I finished this book or if this book finished me This was one of the heartwarming, heartbreaking, sweetest saddest book. This book made me laugh. This book made my giggling blushing kicking my feet! This book made me cry. So hard.

I don’t even know where to start with this book, because it completely broke my heart and then put it back together, only to break it again. The love story between Natalie and Grayson is the kind of love that consumed me, that I can’t help but get lost in. From the very first moment they meet, their connection is undeniable—so pure, so intense, so real. And I was there with them every step of the way, feeling every high, every moment of joy, and every painful, aching low.

Their summer together felt like something out of a dream—full of spontaneity, excitement, and those rare moments when you feel like time stands still. The way they laughed, the way they cared for each other, how everything just seemed to fall into place... it was perfect. But just as quickly as it began, it ended. And the heartbreak that followed was so raw, so gut-wrenching, that I couldn’t help but feel like I had been torn apart with them. The love they had felt real, and the pain of their separation felt like a real loss.

Then, years later, when they found each other again, I was hit with such a whirlwind of emotions that I could barely breathe. I was cheering for them, desperately hoping that they would get the second chance they so deserved. It was like watching two souls trying to find their way back to each other after years of being lost. But just as they were starting to heal and rebuild what was broken, the most crushing twist of all was revealed: Grayson’s health is failing, and time is no longer on their side. The way his diagnosis hangs over them, casting a shadow on their newfound happiness, was absolutely devastating.

Grayson was such a sweetheart the sweetest boy ever! I will always love him, he has a special place in my heart. From the start of the book he made me smile, laugh, giggle I felt like I was with him and then HE MADE ME CRY. SO MUCH. I can’t describe how much heartbroken i am rn I can’t stop thinking about him I just want to protect him (but that’s no possible now💔) he’s so precious. I love him so much. The way he loves Nat the way he protects her and stands for her and the way he treats her is soo pure. I want to write so much for him but i don’t have words. Overall I love that boy sm I definitely didn’t want him to end-up like this (I’m so heartbroken I can’t get over I’m depressed)

Natalie is such a strong and badass girl, I love her character as well. I love how she takes care of Grayson and sticks to his side when he needed her the most. I love everything about her.

I found myself sobbing through the pages, feeling every bit of their love and pain. Knowing that their time together would be so short made every moment they shared feel even more precious. The author has this incredible ability to make you feel every single emotion—grief, longing, hope, and love—in the most gut-wrenching way. There were times when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, but I had to keep reading, had to know how it ended, even though I knew it was going to break me. My heart aches for them, they deserved better.

By the end of the book, I was a mess. It’s one of those stories that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It made me think about my own life, the people I love, and how easy it is to take time and moments for granted. It made me want to hold my loved ones tighter, to never let go of the ones who matter most.

This book isn’t just a love story; it’s a poignant reminder that life is fragile, that love doesn’t always last forever, and that sometimes we don’t get the time we wish for. But it also shows how love can change us, how it shapes who we are, and how it stays with us, even when we’re apart. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you breathless, heartbroken, but somehow, still hopeful.

I can't stop thinking about this book. It deserves all the stars in the sky without a doubt. You will cry, you will laugh, and you will feel like you’ve lived through it all with them. If you’re ready to feel everything and experience a love story that will stay with you forever, read this book. Just make sure you have a box of tissues on hand.

Thank you love notes pr and the author for the e-arc in the exchange of honest review.

[Kelsey H]

Thank you to Love Notes PR and author Blair Harton for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕

I haven't cried like this over a book in a long time. But please don't let that deter you! Because this was one of the most heartbreaking but beautiful love stories I've read in so long!

Nat and Grayson are both wonderful characters, and Grayson is such a charming, polite, thoughtful, and corny cinnamon roll kinda guy. I fell in love with him instantly.

I LOVE second chance romances, I love the dual timeline, I love the summer vibes, but most of all, I love this chemistry and powerful connection that these two characters feel for one another.

I would give this more than 5 stars if I could! And even though my heart hurts something fierce, nothing would make me happier than to have a physical copy of this book on my shelf to read again and again, and experience the laughter and the all-consuming love of Nat and Grayson 💕

[Eve Blakely]

A million freaking stars! ✨️ Such a beautiful story about first love!

Natalie and Grayson were EVERYTHING! Their connection, the nostaligic journey they take us on - absolute perfection, and I can honestly say that although I'm not much of a crier, this book had me bawling my eyes out. 😭

I can't wait for your next book, Blair!

[Shana]

2.5⭐️
I could not get past the dad's cringey texts with Hallie. Thank you to love notes pr for the arc.
dark horse

[Sam | Pockets.of.reading]

BLUE MIRACLE - Blair Harton
ARC Review - Pub Day March 25th *Available on KU*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“… those things were just part of our story”

Pace: Medium | Genre: YA/Adult Crossover Romance, Emotional

Synopsis: Teenagers, Grayson and Natalie meet in California, spend an unforgettable summer together and then part ways. 10 years later, they unexpectedly meet again…

💭 This book encapsulated everything I have been looking for in a romance. I wanted to FEEL something and this book delivered. It will have you laughing, crying then balling until finally you turn the last page and just sigh through tears realizing nothing will ever come close to making you feel the way this book did. It was the most beautiful love story I’ve ever read.

💭 It will capture your attention with its stunning setting (beaches, sunsets, sailing), hold it with lovable characters (meet cutes, silly banter and playful dates) and then finally grab your heart with its DEPTH.

💭 The love in this story is so real and pure it made me feel like I was in high-school falling in love all over again for the first time. You will completely fall in love with Grayson (MMC), honestly it’s impossible not to. 💘

💭 The use of Dual POV, dual timeline (following both our main characters from teens to 10 years later) was so well done. The Author didn’t just give the past and then the future but rather wove them together beautifully to tell an even more impactful story.

💭 I loved how the Author used “this song was playing” moments which really helped me fully appreciate the entire scene. I would often look up the song and play it while reading that part just to fully embrace it (Also helps that I love music - so combining music and reading is just a win in my books). 🎵

💭If you’re a fan of romantic, heartfelt dramas (think Nicholas Sparks) but still crave the banter and playful moments of a rom-com.. this is the book for you.

Thank you @blairhartonwrites and @lovenotes.pr for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. It was truly a privilege to be one of the first people to read this!

[Allesandra Brandenburg]

My god, I haven’t cried this hard over a book in a LONG time. I’m talking, full on blubbering, ugly sobbing. Like I couldn’t breathe.

I really loved how the author told the past and present at the same time. I loved watching them fall in love as teenagers. He was so accepting of Benny’s little quirks that she was embarrassed about, every teenage girl needs that acceptance.

While it was a happy ending, I do wish it had turned out differently. But the impact the last hour of this book had on me will sit with me for a long time.

Please check the trigger warning before jumping in.

Thank you Lovenotes.PR for the ARC

[Amanda Hopwood]

Thank you Beyond books PR for the advanced audio for my honest opinion

I give the book a 3.75
I enjoyed the love story and sat in my heartbreak !! If you want your heart crushed this one is for you !

The narrators did a good job. I did cringe a bit with the make narrator as he kind had a lispe doing a Boston accent .. idk maybe it was just me

[Ernita]

✨ 5/5

Firstly I want to thank Blair Harton & Love Notes PR for sending me this ARC ❤️

Second Chance is my favorite trope and this book was absolutely fucking amazing until I realized it was also another trope…. Let’s just say I’ll be sticking FAR AWAY from the second trope because ONCE was MORE THAN ENOUGH 😭🥺😭😫

GraysonNatalie have actually altered my brain forever it’s 1:40 and I’ve been sobbing since like 12:30 finishing this book up!

GRAYSON THE MAN THAT YOU ARE 😫❤️
Hurting SO BAD for Natalie

Tropes:
— Second Chance
— First Love
— Small Beach Town

[Emma]

Blue Miracle ARC review🐚🌊☀️

This book y’all! The characters, the setting, the emotional depth. It was the most beautiful story, a literary masterpiece in my opinion.

Blair Harton’s characters are so real and down to earth that it’s impossible not to fall in love with them! Natalie has the kindest heart and greatest inner strength. I admire how realistic her character’s emotions are. Her teenage meltdowns may seem immature to some, but I feel like Harton’s portrayal of how complicated and annoying emotions can be when you’re a teenager was done perfectly. I also loved that this story was written in dual POVs and had a dual timeline. This allowed us to see Natalie mature and grow up, going from an emotional teenager to a well put together adult.

The same goes for Grayson. When we first met him he was a young 18 year old who’s world was crashing down around him, but 10 years later we get to see how he has matured and become even sweeter than he was at 18. He has the biggest heart and most beautiful sense of humor that can light up any room. He’s also such a gentlemen, treating his girl with the respect and kindness she deserves! And his work ethic and love for his family is truly commendable. Speaking of family, the familial relationships in this book were outstanding. I loved Grayson’s protective nature over his Ma and his relationship with his siblings. Harton highlights how important, but hard, parental and sibling relationships are, creating the most lovable bunch of characters that you are bound feel to connected to and want more of! (Time for a sequel Blair Harton?🤭)

The beautiful costal setting of this story swept me away into a wonderful beach bliss, making me feel as if it were summer. The salty spray of the ocean on my face, the warmth of the sun on my nose, seagulls squalling above, and warm sand between my toes. I found myself removed from reality and lost in the story, making it the perfect escape.

I went through such a whirlwind of emotions while reading this book! It had me laughing one minute and crying the next. It’s been a while since I’ve read such an emotional, heartfelt story. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a cute little second chance romance, but man was I wrong. By the last page I was sobbing and my heart was in shreds. I just sat in my bed staring at the wall for a good few minutes after I finished it, my heart feeling broken yet full at the same time. This is one of those books that leaves your heart aching, but in the best way possible.

This story was not only emotional and raw, but real. It was sad and tragic, but funny and sweet too. It showed how beautiful yet fleeting life is, and how there can be “diamonds” within the greatest storms of life. As Grayson says, “Sometimes there’s something glittery floating around in what seems like the worst thing ever.” Thank you so much Love Notes PR and Blair Harton for this ARC! It has taken up permeate residence in my heart and soul, finding a space where it will reside forever❤️‍🩹

[Shae]

Summer young love? Sailing? Stars? Sign me up!

Natalie is kindhearted, passionate—but I’d be lying if I said she didn’t frustrate me at times. There were moments I found her annoying, overly sensitive, and immature. But she’s portraying an only-child teenager just trying to make things work without triggering her dad’s panic, so maybe that’s understandable. Maybe I was being a bit narrow-minded in that part.

Grayson? Oh, Grayson. I’d say he’s a new book boyfriend, but let’s be real—he’s way too good for me. He’s the very definition of a green flag. This man is a saint, beautiful in every possible way. The kind of person who’s so forgiving, it makes you mad. Everything about Gray made my heart flutter. He speaks every love language. Honestly, this is probably more of a Grayson appreciation post than a Blue Miracle review, so I apologize in advance for the swooning. But seriously—everyone in his life is lucky to have him.

I had to stare at the ceiling for half an hour after finishing this book, just to pull myself together. The last time I felt this way was after reading The Song of Achilles. The story is so beautifully written, I didn’t even realize it was a 500-page book. I was just flowing through it, unaware that I was slowly falling apart, only to be completely wrecked by the end.

I had to pause a few pages before finishing, just to breathe, internalize, and convince myself: this is just fiction, this isn’t real. But nope—that didn’t help. I was still a mess. Way more than I expected to be.

This story is one of those that will stay with me for a long, long time. Grayson will forever live in my heart. It’s not every day you come across something so heartwarming and remarkable. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about family, acceptance, and healing. I honestly don’t know if there were any flaws in the writing, because I didn’t notice a single one. Dual POV, dual timelines—executed perfectly. I couldn’t ask for more.

Yes, it’s painful. But I’d go through this kind of pain again in a heartbeat if it means I get to read it again.

@blair, please create an alternate ending. I need to heal.

[Kayla McMullen]

Blue Miracle - Blair Harton
★★★☆☆
arc review
*Light spoilers in review*


A dual timeline, second chance romantic drama featuring Natalie (Nat) & Grayson (Gray) who spend a teenager summer together falling in love and then get brought back together by what some may call fate.

Teenage Nat & Gray are adorable. Reading about them falling in love almost felt nostalgic to my own teenager years. I found myself smirking at them constantly.

“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵. 𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯’ 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬, 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴.”

“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘈 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯. 𝘈 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.”

Adult Nat & Gray felt a little bit juvenile for a 10 year difference, but were still very sweet and likeable.

The emotional ending had me absolutely sobbing. So if you’re looking to get wrecked by a book, you’ve found your book! ♡ (see the second slide to see me as a sobbing mess 😂)

Now here’s where the spoiler comes in! Scroll now if you don’t wan’t a potential spoiler! The beginning of the book has a “warning for material that may not be suitable for all audiences.” And says the list may be found at the back of the book but also states the items mentioned could be seen as spoilers. The content warnings at the end of the book are for traumatic medical diagnosis, terminal illness & death. Me being me, and hating spoilers, I did not read the content warnings because being marketed as a romance I did not expect quite such heavy topics. This was 100% my choice and does not take away from my rating of the book - I just didn’t expect them and feel this is something that readers should be made aware of more upfront.

[MJay]

It was one of, if not the most beautiful story.
The setting, it's characters and emotional depth, it's a spectacle to behold.

Natalie is so kind and has so much inner strength. It was so real seeing her go through all the teenage emotions and feelings which can be so confusing and all over the place then watching her growth and maturity through the dual timeline. It was emotional and so real. Taking me back to a teenage version of myself.

Grayson, oh sweet Grayson! From 18 to 28, he was even more sweeter, an absolute gentleman with the biggest heart and a sense of humour that was just so perfect in this.
Seeing his relationship with his family, family can be hard but they're important, and he is so protective of them, which was beautiful. His maturity over years too.

I love dua pov, and experiencing everything through both Natalie and Grayson had my heart aching for them both. I laughed but I cried as much too.
It was real and raw and very emotional, but it has humour and was so sweet too.

The ending left me silent, taking in everything in this bookan aching hard in the best way and a connevtion to Natalie and Grayson i never thought could happen through books..

Blair Harton created an outstanding book and I am grateful to have been apart of the ARC for this.

Thank you Blair Horton and Love Notes PR

[Trin_roselea]

This book was heart shatteringly beautiful. The love story of two strangers- Natalie and Grayson- who fell in love at 17… then found their way back to eachother 10 years later after a devastating break up. Miss Blair Harton knows how to right a damn good romance!! This book was filled with amazing banter and young love between a couple who were madly in love with eachother trying to soak up all the time they had together before they went off to college. It was devastating to find out they hadn’t stayed together, but my jaw dropped when fate brought them back together… for a little bit at least
I wouldn’t say the book had a “happy ending” but it was beautiful and full of love and passion. I balled my eyes out like a baby for at least the last three chapters. I would 100% recommend this read to any romance fans out there looking for a heart warming soul crushing love story that really makes you feel something.

[Nikki]

Get your tissues because you will need them. Blue Miracle is one of those books that will make you feel your emotions and the tears streaming down your face. The main characters Grayson and Natalie great. From the first page of their story you are captivating and invested in their story. Blue Miracle is a second chance romance, that is a dual timeline and is told in dual pov. You follow the teen and adult versions of Grayson and Natalie. One of the great things about Blue Miracle is that is a love story that so real and genuine. Blair Harton did a great job writing that story and telling it a good pace. She wrote such a beautiful story that will draw you in and rooting for Grayson and Natalie.

Overall, Blue Miracle is great, well written, beautiful emotional story. It is a story that is a mix of The Fault in Our Stars and a Nicholas Sparks book. So if you love those books then Blue Miracle is going to be your next favorite read.

[Jami Lapinson]

Wow, I haven’t cried that much from reading a book than I did with Blue Miracle. From the moment I started, I couldn’t put it down. The story, the banter, the romance and ending really take you through an emotional rollercoaster.

The author has a way of portraying both main characters, Grayson and Natalie, that really warms your heart. From meeting as angsty teens running from their problems, to reconnecting 10 years later, you develop a connection to these characters.

Everyone deserves to find a love like Gray and Natalie ❤️ Its a reminder to make memories and care a little extra for the ones you love. Thank you to the author and Love Notes for the ARC. I wish I could read this again for the first time.

[christysbooked]

This book finished me I didn't finish it. The nostalgia of young love and the innocence of that all consuming love you feel. I could feel the love between Natalie and Grayson through the page/audio.

I was not expecting the book to take the turn that it did and it completely destroyed me even though I knew it was coming.

I loved everything about this story. Please check he content warnings.

Thank you to Beyond the Books PR for choosing me to be apart of the virtual audiobook tour for this wonderful sophomore novel.

[Danielle Duckworth]

Wow just wow! I got the pleasure of listening to the audiobook thanks to Beyond the books PR! The audiobook is so well done. It is a beautiful story of love and loss, second chances and found family. It is a reminder to live everyday to the fullest go after the things that make you happy. I love the dual narration and how we get glimpses into the start of the relationship. I love how fate intervened. And the end without spoilers I will leave this song lyric:
“And now, I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end, the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could've missed the pain
But I'd had to miss the dance”
- Garth Brooks/Dance

We are never promised tomorrow enjoy today with loved ones and reminding those you love how much they mean to you.

[Ariel Acar]

I can say with absolute certainty that I have never cried harder reading a book than I did while reading Blue Miracle. I felt emotionally tapped out by the last chapter, nearly unable to read the last words of the novel. I’ll tell you up front, this is a 5 Star ⭐️ read.

Blue Miracle is a dual POV, dual timeline, romantic drama following the teenage and adult versions of main characters Natalie and Grayson. Coast to coast, it’s set in picturesque, nautical locations like Monterey, CA, Boston and Maine. This story has so many lovable quirks—sailing school, family dynamics, first times, the Red Sox, constellations, meet cutes and goodbyes. 🌊🦐🪨🥎⛵️🪐🌞

Partial spoiler ⚠️
I loved how the author didn’t make us live through their teenage breakup and instead had them talk about it as adults. I don’t know if my heart could’ve taken it otherwise.

This story took me by surprise in the best way. I laughed. I swooned. I cried…pretty hard. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about the people you love and squeeze them a little tighter.

The ending is absolutely brutal, but you see it coming fairly early in the story. Knowing didn’t relieve any of my grief. Beginning to end, it was just SO well written. My kudos to Blair Harton on this breathtaking and beautiful novel 👏

[Tiffany]

oh gosh. what can I even say... i'm feeling so many mixed emotions after reading this book... well, I guess I'll start with trying to represent how I feel.

reaction to book: OWEHGUERHGREIGHREER WHY BLAIR WHY EGOREHGIUREHGRIEGE THEY LOVED EACH OTHER SO MUCH EIGUHEUIGHERUGIHREIGRE I'M DEVASTATED EGHERGIUREHIRERE *finishes book* okay i am unwell, please do not contact me for 72 hours minimum.

In all seriousness, this book completely wrecked me. I think most of us have books we love, enjoy, and simply continue on to the next book that peaks our interest. But sometimes, we find books that completely destroy us, think about even months after we finish, and try to reread but have no luck with going through with is because of how much it wrecked us the first time.

This was one of those books for me. Despite having some minor (very, very, very minor) thoughts with how the author wrote some parts of the book, I can say that the author really captured the emotions you get to read between Grayson and Natalie. The overwhelming love they had for one another. That summer fling that turned out to be so much more. The feelings after being away from one another for 10 years. The longing. Just everything was so well written you couldn't not be in your feels throughout the book. I really loved being able to read not only the present dual POV, but also the past dual POV. This writing really built up the storyline and the quick shift in everything mid way through the book that you just wish you could have been friends with these two. And, if I did have the chance to be friends with these two, you could easily tell how much they loved one another.

Natalie, our clumsy fmc. She was so much fun to read and you really felt for her throughout the story. If I could give her a huge, I 10000% would. But, Grayson??? I don't know if any other mmc I've read in the past could compare. He's such a cinnamon roll, loves with his whole heart, and despite the years between them, he did everything he could for Natalie. Like, everything. And, I will constantly be thinking how everything could've been had the outcome been different.

I wish I could truly express how much people should read this book and give it a shot. Five stars from me. There isn't much spice, which in all honesty for the storyline, was a good decision because I think if it had a ton of spice, it would've taken away from the story.

Please give this a read and let me know your thoughts!

Thank you LoveNotes PR and the author for a chance to read this ARC. I love being able to share my opinions with others, and I hope to hear your thoughts too!

[Ink]

Blue Miracle by Blair Harton had me utterly wrecked.

Summer 2026 has truly been the Summer of love, loss and at times, love again. I am not a romance reader, but this year I have dipped my toe in to a few such titles and by eckers if it wasn't a precursor to my heart getting systemically ripped apart and stomped on then tenderly put back together with gossamer stitches...only for it to be torn asunder, yeeted into the stratosphere and then remoulded in the searing heat of re-entry being all warm and fuzzy and whatnot

Shannon Parker Taing and Noah Trent were the perfect narrators for this book and they really added an extra dimension to what is already an incredible book to read

Set in Monterey, California, Natalie Benson is 17 and feeling disconnected. She's heartbroken, about to ship off to Clemson Uni and to cap it all, her dad is getting hitched to someone far younger than he is. It was not shaping up to be a good Summer.

Enter 18 year old Grayson Gallagher from Boston, a lad who loves the sea and sailing and luckily, his uncle happens to own a sailing business. His future is sailing and Harvard. The pair cross paths and spend an idyllic Summer together, but, like all holiday romances, questions arise when Summer ends and distance is not always the best ingredient for a blooming romance. Fate was playing dud cards on the young couples lives

However, ten years later, the stars seemingly align and the pair meet again, the fireworks fill the sky and their hearts explode with hope and potential.... but roads are not always smooth and when the potholes are the size of the grand canyon, the pair have to decide whether they can really work it out or walk away

I was not prepared. I was not ready to deal with this and it took a good few goes to rebalance because I was thoroughly invested in this pair and was desperate for them to succeed. there were multiple moments where I scared my pets with loud gasps or "nooooo", "GAH", "but why", "how could you" and so on. I was having a conversation with the narrative, it was just that good

Loved the Dual POV and Dual timeline. It's a style I really enjoy in thrillers and I have absolutely enjoyed in Blue Miracle. The whole book is so well written and well structured that I am really coming around to letting this cold GenX heart warm up a bit for the duration

This is a stunning novel and it is far from hearts and flowers. It will make your heart and mind work for balance throughout and leave not just an impression, but a whole engraving on your soul

Thank you to the author and Beyond the Books PR for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Hannah Hartridge]

It is rare—and I mean rare—for a book to make me emotional. Yet here I am, writing this review with tears still fresh on my face, absolutely shattered and rocked to my core.

Going into this ARC, I was expecting a summer romance filled with all the good stuff—banter, yearning, and an epic love story. And sure enough, Harton delivered on that front. One of the biggest highlights for me was the banter between Natalie and Grayson—their easy, playful teasing, the cheesy jokes that had me grinning like an idiot. The way they became friends first, how their connection felt so effortless before it deepened into something more, was just perfect. Their love story didn’t feel forced; it was natural, inevitable, like they were always meant to find each other.

The seaside setting was also gorgeously written. You could feel the salty breeze, hear the waves crashing, and taste the summer air with every page. The way their shared interests—sailing and softball—were woven into the story made their bond even more tangible. It wasn’t just about romance; it was about two people truly understanding each other, finding joy in the things they loved together.

But I was not prepared for the storm that followed. When things got complicated—when the heartbreak hit—it hit hard. The raw, aching pain of it seeped through the pages, and I felt it. Every tear, every moment of doubt, every bittersweet second—I lived it right alongside them. And what made it even more powerful was the way love changed them both. Natalie, who had been so resistant to her father’s fiancée, learned to open her heart and accept change. And Grayson—oh, Grayson—found a way to forgive his father for past mistakes, to let go of the pain that had weighed him down for so long. Watching them grow, not just as a couple but as individuals, made their love story even more impactful.

And then… the ending. The ending. I don’t even have the words. It completely shattered me. I can’t stop thinking about it, and every time I do, I find myself tearing up all over again. It’s the kind of ending that stays with you, that lingers in the quiet moments and catches you off guard when you least expect it. I don’t think I’ll ever truly recover from it.

This story is going to stay with me for a long time. It’s beautiful, devastating, and above all, real. And underneath all the joy and pain, there’s a message that lingers: to cherish the people you love, to never take a single moment for granted, and to love with everything you have.

Blair Harton, you’ve absolutely wrecked me. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

[Ashlley]

𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙤𝙣
Release Date: March 25, 2025

★★★★★ (An easy, effortless five stars)

Thank you, Blair and Love Notes PR for the ARC! ♡

Natalie is forced by her father to spend the summer at his young fiancée’s home in California. There, she meets Grayson, a charming and free-spirited sailor. As the days pass, the two fall deeply in love—until their relationship comes to an end, leaving them both shattered. A decade later, their paths cross again. But just because fate brings them back together doesn’t mean it’s on their side.

Why did I think this was going to be a cute, fluffy romance? 😭 I mean, in some ways, it is—but did I expect to sob until I couldn't breathe? Absolutely not. Adding this book to one of the most heartwarming and sweetest stories I’ve ever read, but also one of the saddest and most heartbreaking. I won’t lie—I was emotional throughout the entire thing. Even in the cute chapters, I still felt like crying because I knew the heartbreak was coming. And when it finally hit? It wrecked me.

I love Natalie and Grayson equally. Some might say Natalie is immature, but that’s exactly what makes her character so beautiful—she’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her feel real. And Grayson? I don’t even have the words to describe how much I love him. He’s the perfect gentleman—doting, thoughtful, respectful, kind, with the purest heart. He truly deserves the world.

Grayson and Natalie’s love was pure, innocent, and heartbreakingly beautiful—the kind that wraps around you like warmth on a cold day, the kind that makes you believe in love again. But it was also the kind of love that makes you want to scream at the universe for being so cruel—that they lost each other once, spent ten long years apart, only to finally reunite and realise that fate still wasn’t on their side. It’s the kind of love that feels destined yet impossible, and that’s what makes it hurt even more.

Blair, I don't know whether to thank you or invoice you for my therapy. The narrative was beautifully crafted, the story immersive, and the characters impossible not to love. Thank you for such a beautiful novel. I know I'll think about this book for a very long time.

[Sonja Charters]

This is one of those books that right from the first few pages, I knew was going to leave me in tears.

A beautifully written coming of age story, split over a decade, told as a dual timeline that just flowed so perfectly and had me completely immersed.

I want to give this all the stars!

 

Now, how can I say that I absolutely loved this book, when it had me in floods of tears for not only the last 25%, but also the remainder of the day after finishing.

I just couldn't get these characters out of my head and every time I thought about them, I teared up again!

But, trust me, the journey we take with Natalie and Grayson is so worth taking.

 

There's not too much I can say about the storyline as I really don't want to give away any spoilers and I really think this hit me harder because I literally knew nothing about it prior to diving in.

I never read blurbs and as beautiful as this cover image is, it really didn't give too much away.

 

I listened to this on audio and I instantly fell in love with our main characters.

The narrators were the perfect choice and did the best job - as soon as I heard their voices I knew that I'd easily take them into my heart and root for them throughout.

 

I loved the dual timeline format which allowed the couple to really grow from the very start of meeting, on through the summer and intersperced with the present day storyline.

I did guess how things might progress quite early on, but this took nothing away from the read at all and despite having guessed correctly and knowing what was to come, it still broke me.

In fact, it was the very last few chapters that really got me!

 

There is absolutely nothing I'd change about this book at all.

The writing was so beautiful, the characters, ones that will stay with me long after reading and as heart-wrenching as it was, I don't think I can stop thinking about this book.

 

This was my first read by this author and apparently only their second novel and I was so blown away.

This is definitely being added to my basket as I have to have a copy in my hands to relive all over again one day.

[Emily Gawlak]

💙 ALC REVIEW | BLUE MIRACLE by Blair Harton 💙

I am not one to cry while reading. I usually consider myself pretty stone cold when it comes to books. I figured I’d make it through Blue Miracle the same way I make it through most emotional stories, maybe a little misty eyed, but otherwise completely fine.

Yeah… about that.

This book broke me.

I did an immersive read with both the ALC and ebook, and I am SO glad I did. Being able to listen and read along made me feel completely immersed in Natalie and Grayson’s story, and somewhere along the way, Blair Harton found every single crack in my emotional armor.

Little by little, those cracks spidered through me until I ultimately shattered. By chapter 54, I was SOBBING. Thank goodness I was listening to the audiobook because at that point, there was no pretending I had it together.

And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.

Blue Miracle is so much more than a love story. It’s a story about first love, second chances, heartbreak, timing, fate, and the people who leave such an imprint on our lives that even ten years later, their presence can still shake us to our core.

Natalie and Grayson completely captured my heart. Their young love was sweet and magical, and then watching their lives unfold separately before fate brought them back together years later had me hanging onto every word. The longing. The history. The unanswered questions. The hope. The heartbreak. ALL OF IT.

But what ultimately got me was how beautifully this story reminds us just how fragile life is.

How quickly everything can change. How easily we can take moments, people, and time for granted. And, perhaps most importantly, how amazing life can be when we allow ourselves to truly live it and love fiercely.

Blair Harton absolutely gutted me in the most beautiful way. Blue Miracle broke through every single one of my defenses. And honestly, I’m so glad it did.

This is an absolutely beautiful, heartfelt story that will tug on your heartstrings, make you fall in love, break your heart, and remind you to appreciate the beautiful, fragile thing that is life.

And yes… I cried. A LOT. Which, if you know me, says everything.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Becky Whittingham]

Wow, this book broke my little heart!

Natalie and Grayson. NATALIE AND GRAYSON. There was something so incredibly special about these two from the very beginning. Told across two timelines, we get to experience the summer they met as teenagers in Monterey, alongside their unexpected reunion ten years later - and I adored this way of writing their story.

Their younger selves absolutely stole my heart. The sailing, the baseball, the late nights under the stars, their rock, Blue Miracle, all of those tiny moments built a first love that felt so genuine and completely consuming. Then getting to see them as adults, with ten years of hurt, unanswered questions, failed relationships and feelings that had never really gone away - I was done.

Around the 50% mark, I JUST KNEW. I could feel Blair Harton quietly putting the pieces into place to absolutely rip my heart out of my chest and unfortunately, I was correct.

What I wasn't prepared for, was how deeply this story would addict me. Every little detail mattered. The stars. Polaris. The solar-system bracelet. The boat. The memories. Things that felt sweet and insignificant early on came back later and emotionally destroyed me.

Grayson Gallagher may actually be one of the most beautiful MMC's I've ever read. The way he loves Natalie is so pure, constant and completely selfless. Natalie's journey - from the seventeen year old girl who thought walking away from him was the best thing to do, to the woman given an unexpected second change with the love of her life - WOW I'M NOT CRYING YOU ARE.

Did I ball my eyes out as I was driving back home? Absolutely.

This isn't just a romance about finding your way back to someone. It's about first love, second chances, family, grief, memory and what it means to be loved by someone so completely that they become woven into every part of your life.

I adored this book. I am emotionally devastated. I will never look at the stars the same again.

Thank you so much to Beyond the Books PR for providing me with an ARC of Blue Miracle. This story is going to be with me for a VERY long time.

[Jen (thatmamabooknook)]

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Natalie Benson (aka Benny) is not having a great summer. She's seventeen and her dad is getting remarried to a younger woman. She's happy for him, but she's feeling very disconnected and lonely. She's spending the summer in California instead of back home, so they can finish up their wedding plans. Then she, literally, runs into Grayson Gallagher, an eighteen year old from Boston, working for his uncle's sailing business. He's headed to Harvard next year and Natalie is going to Clemson. They spend a lot of time together that summer and young love is in the air. After the summer ends they are separated, but ten years later, Natalie is teaching 2nd grade in Maine and Grayson is a lawyer in Boston. Natalie ends up showing up at his summer home in the same Maine town she teaches. Neither of them have stopped thinking of the other, Natalie even had a photo on her teacher's desk. They begin to reconnect, but then they get some devastating news.

I just love a second chance romance and this book broke my heart!! Extremely emotional and heavy read, but also beautiful and sweet. Watching Natalie and Grayson develop their relationship from their late teens and then find each other again as adults and go through everything they did at all the different stages!! It was a great dual POV and dual timeline and we really got the character building and development over the years the book took place. Grayson and Natalie cared for each other so much - lots of little attention to details that made me smile while I was reading. They also had fun quirky personalities that really went well together and made for some great chemistry. I'm struggling to find the words without spoiling things because it really had this amazing dynamic of being both hopeful and heart-wrenching and I still loved it! Check your triggers, find your tissues, open this book, and message me when you need emotional support.

Thank you Love Notes PR for an eARC. The above honest review and thoughts are my own.

[Madhur]

If I could recommend one book for everyone to read before the year ends, it would definitely be Blue Miracle. This book was such an emotional journey that I found myself crying uncontrollably in the final 25% at 2 a.m.

Blue Miracle is a deeply moving and emotionally charged YA crossover romantic drama that delves into themes of love, loss, and second chances. Set in the picturesque locations of Monterey, California, and later in the peaceful town of Adeline, Maine, this novel perfectly blends beach romance, small-town charm, and the personal growth of its characters.

The story follows seventeen-year-old Natalie Benson, who is struggling with a tough breakup, the pressure of college, and her father’s upcoming marriage, she’s adrift—until she meets Grayson Gallagher, a charming sailor. Grayson, at eighteen, is also grappling with his own expectations—he’s set on attending Harvard but finds his dreams shifting when he meets Natalie. Their connection is instant, and their summer together is one of baseball games, starlit nights, and a love neither expected. But as summer ends and they go their separate ways, fate has other plans.

Fast forward ten years, the book takes us into the lives of Natalie and Grayson once again. Natalie is now a second-grade teacher in Adeline, Maine, while Grayson has built a successful career as a lawyer in Boston. Their unexpected reunion at Grayson’s family summer home brings back the passion and emotions of their past, but their rekindled connection is threatened by a revelation that could shatter everything they once shared.

The novel excels the themes of first love, emotional scars, and second chances are beautifully explored, and the setting—whether it’s the beachside beauty of Monterey or the small-town charm of Adeline—adds an extra layer of richness to the story. What stands out most is the way the author delves into the complexities of love and relationships.

Blue Miracle is a poignant reminder that sometimes, love requires us to fight, but it also teaches us when to let go.

[Manasvi]

Blair Harton delivers a heartfelt and emotional journey in Blue Miracle, blending love, loss, and self-discovery into a story that tugs at the heartstrings. If you enjoy second chances, deep emotional connections, and protagonists finding strength in unexpected places, this one’s for you.

What Worked:

✔ Emotional Depth – This book is packed with raw emotions. The protagonist’s journey through grief and healing is written with sensitivity and authenticity, making it easy to connect with their struggles. Harton doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated side of love and loss.

✔ Beautiful Writing – The prose is lyrical yet immersive, pulling you into the protagonist’s world. Harton’s descriptions, especially of nature and emotions, add an extra layer of depth to the story.

✔ Compelling Romance – The romance isn’t rushed or forced—it’s organic and filled with tension. Whether it’s an old flame rekindled or a fresh spark, the chemistry is palpable.

✔ Strong Character Growth – Watching the main character evolve from broken to whole is one of the book’s strongest aspects. It’s a journey of resilience, self-acceptance, and hope.

What Could Have Been Better:

✖ Pacing Issues – Some parts felt slow, especially in the middle. While the introspection was necessary, a few scenes dragged on longer than needed.

✖ Side Characters Needed More Development – While the main characters were well fleshed out, some secondary characters felt underutilized. A bit more depth to them would have enhanced the overall impact.

✖ A Slightly Predictable Plot – While the execution was great, some story beats felt familiar, especially if you’ve read similar contemporary romances. A few unexpected twists would have elevated the emotional stakes.

Final Thoughts:

Blue Miracle is a beautifully written, deeply emotional novel that explores love, healing, and second chances. While it follows some familiar romance tropes, the strength of its writing and emotional impact make it a worthwhile read.

[Caro ♡]

~I was given this book as an arc, and
my review is my own honest opinion~

Natalie: The female protagonist finds herself in a place she doesn't even want to be. The reason? Her father is marrying his much younger girlfriend, and she's supposed to meet her now. Nathalie, however, isn't thrilled about this and prefers to explore the area until she meets an adorable boy, whom she immediately becomes friends with and through whom she learns to enjoy her vacation. However, her overprotective father and the passing of time pose problems, as after the summer, she and her young love will part ways. What she doesn't expect is that she will accidentally meet the love of her life again after ten long years. Old, never-ending feelings resurface, but so do profound blows of fate

Grayson: The male protagonist spends his holidays with his uncle, who offers sailing lessons. When he meets Natalie one day on the coast, he is immediately captivated by her personality and smile. He resolves to give her the best time ever and takes her on dates, movie nights, and sailing trips. Their young love grows, and soon he is head over heels in love with her. But the young love ends abruptly. Ten years later, however, he meets her again, in the living room of his parents' house as his sister's friend. The old feelings that never died resurface, but so do new diagnoses that will change everything

I really liked their story. The flashbacks to their teenage years ten years ago were a truly sweet love story, full of first real love. Ten years later, the story unfolds rather sadly. A lot of time has passed, both of them have never fully gotten over their breakup, and then a stroke of fate comes along that they never expected, and the mood immediately shifts from a sweet atmosphere to a sad one