Lobster Cove Lane: Romantic Women's Fiction

by Ellen Joy

Thea has spent her life believing love always comes with a price.

As the owner of a charming gift shop on picturesque Isabel Island, she's poured her heart into creating a place that brings joy to others. But after another painful breakup and the looming loss of the business she's worked so hard to build, Thea can't help wondering if she's destined to spend the rest of her life alone.

Then Ryan—a recently retired NFL star seeking a quieter life—arrives on the island. Confident, kind, and undeniably handsome, he's everything Thea believes she could never have. She can't imagine why a man like him would be interested in an ordinary, middle-aged shopkeeper with a broken heart and too much baggage.

But Ryan is determined to prove that love isn't about the past—it's about the future, if they're brave enough to build it together.

Just when Thea begins to trust her heart again, a complication from Ryan's past threatens to destroy the fragile bond they've found. Faced with old wounds, unexpected challenges, and the fear of being hurt once more, she'll have to decide if she's willing to risk everything for the kind of love she's always dreamed of.

Set against the cozy charm of island life, this heartwarming women's fiction romance is a story of self-worth and discovering that it's never too late for a happily ever after.

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2026

About the author

Ellen lives in a small town in New England, between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains. She lives with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled puppy princess.

Ellen writes in the early morning hours before her family wakes up. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song.

All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.

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http://www.ellenjoyauthor.com

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Lobster Cove Lane" by Ellen Joy. At this point, I've accepted that every time I open one of her books, I'm going to fall in love with a whole new group of characters, and this one was no exception. Thea immediately had me in her corner. She's funny, relatable, and carrying around enough self-doubt to make you want to give her a hug. Then Ryan shows up, and I adored him from the start. He's confident without being arrogant, patient without being pushy, and exactly the kind of book boyfriend I can't resist. Their chemistry felt genuine, their conversations made me smile, and I found myself cheering for them every step of the way.

One of the things Ellen Joy does better than almost anyone is create a world you never want to leave. Isabel Island isn't just a setting anymore, it feels like home, and every new book is like catching up with friends while meeting new ones you'll instantly adore. I love how characters from earlier books weave naturally into the story, making the island feel like a real community instead of just a backdrop. This series just keeps getting better, and I already can't wait to see whose story comes next. If Ellen Joy keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them. Every single one. It's a great addition to your book collection. Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Roxy Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't really understand (or like) Arielle & Jason's arc. The rest of it was good. Overall, a little angsty in places, but I love Ryan's fam + I'm glad to see Thea from her own perspective (and Crissy from Thea's perspective!!) Decent read with characters who'll stay with you. :)

[Rhonda Mellons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition

This book was a great addition to this authors's Lobster Cove Lane series. I enjoy reading all of Ellen Joy's series.

[Sahar Afshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is so amazing, I love to read it again and again