A Day at the Beach

Drake's Damsels #6

by Eileen Dreyer

From New York Times bestselling author, Eileen Dreyer, a tender and stirring Regency historical romance about a husband six years buried, a wife who mourned him, and a reunion shadowed by doubt, longing, and returning danger.

Lady Eleanor Anne Winchell Long doesn’t recognize the man who bumps into her on the Marine Parade and asks how she’s been. Which is strange—because he is her husband. Stranger still, she stood at his graveside and watched him buried six years ago.

A great deal has changed since. Ellie has a son. And Richard, it seems, survived a press gang and six long years at sea. But too much time and too many secrets sit between them he cannot be certain little Jamie is his—or whether Ellie herself sent the press gang after him to be rid of him. Ellie cannot know whether the man returned to her is still the one she loved. And as they circle the fragile hope of finding their way back, the danger that once tore them apart is closing in again.

Perfect for readers who Second-chance Regency historical romanceA presumed-dead husband and the wife who mourned himTender, stirring, emotionally charged reunionsBuried secrets, a hidden child, and returning danger

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2026

About the author

New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Eileen Dreyer, known as Kathleen Korbel to her Silhouette readers, has published 28 romance novels, 8 medico-forensic suspenses, and 7 short stories.

2012 sees Eileen enjoying critical acclaim for her first foray into historical romance, the Drake's Rakes series, which follow the lives of a group of British aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe. After publication of the first trilogy in the series, she has just signed for the next trilogy, following the graduates of the aptly named Last Chance Academy, who each finds herself crossing swords with Drake's Rakes. Eileen spent time not only in England and Italy, but India to research the series (it's a filthy job, but somebody has to do it).

A retired trauma nurse, Eileen lives in her native St. Louis with her husband, children, and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the limelight.

Dreyer won her first publishing award in 1987, being named the best new Contemporary Romance Author by RT Bookclub. Since that time she has also garnered not only five other writing awards from RT, but five RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, which secures her only the fourth place in the Romance Writers of America prestigious Hall of Fame. Since extending her reach to suspense, she has also garnered a coveted Anthony Award nomination.

A frequent speaker at conferences, she maintains membership in Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and, just in case things go wrong, Emergency Nurses Association and International Association of Forensic Nurses.

Eileen is an addicted traveler, having sung in some of the best Irish pubs in the world, and admits she sees research as a handy way to salve her insatiable curiosity. She counts film producers, police detectives and Olympic athletes as some of her sources and friends. She's also trained in forensic nursing and death investigation, although she doesn't see herself actively working in the field, unless this writing thing doesn't pan out.

Get in touch: eileendreyer@eileendreyer.com

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shock at the beach

Short but drama filled story. Betrayal, suspicion, family drama, a husband back from the dead and a love that endured that and so much more. A lovely story!

[Cathy Ann · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

A sweet, heartwarming novella. In 60 pages Eileen Dryer gives us what some authors cannot accomplish with 300 pages. The plot is presented early and moves at a good pace, but the real heart of this work are the characters: a heroine who is kind, strong, loving and a devoted mother, a beautiful boy and his faithful dog, the best grandmother, even the few servants are good people. And finally, the angry hero who returns after being gang pressed into the navy for six years to find nothing is as he expected. A man who breaks down and sobs when he realized that for six years his anger was misplaced,and admits that he is fearful about the future, especially when he realizes, the family he has always dreamed about may be in reach. And we learn about all the characters, not from lengthy descriptions, but from the action in the story. It's a fast, delightful read.

[Siham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually, i eat the presumed dead husband/fiance trope up but unfortunately this one wasn't it

[Nanna · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This story was part of the What Happens in Brighton collection and it was fun to revisit it. Lady Eleanor has been a widow for seven years after her husband disappeared then his body was sent to her. She has spend all her time and what money she had to try and save his estates and raise her son, Jamie. With her late husbands Grandmother Long, her and Jamie have come to Brighton to take the water and have a small holiday. What seven year old boy doesn't like sun, beach, his dog and playing in the water. None could have guessed how this holiday would change their lives. She bump into a man who asks strange questions of her and she is shocked to feel a "frisson" of feeling after touching him. He smells like a late husband, a gentleman not a sailor.
When he comes to her house with questions she thinks he is crazy. This is a great, short read. Missing husband, second changes, a son he knew nothing about and the villain who caused all their problems. Grab a copy and get started. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six years gone…

That he’s back is a feat. Richard made it back after six years at sea. He cannot trust his wife, was she the reason he’d been shanghaied? Is her son his son?
Can Eleanor trust Richard? Secrets, lies and an ocean apart. Can these two find their way back together in their marriage? It’s no day at the beach.
Recommend.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story but has a lot of emotional upheaval. The husband was thought dead for 7 years has returned. He thinks his wife was behind him being pressed ganged. At first she doesn’t recognize him. He doesn’t know what to believe. Can their love be rekindled? It was a good story but seemed to end a little abruptly.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first discovered A Day at the Beach in the What Happens in Brighton anthology, set in the delightful seaside town of Brighton, and I enjoyed it just as much on this revisit.

After six long years away, Phillip Long, the Earl of Everleigh, returns home—having been sold into a press-gang, an act he suspects was arranged by his own wife. When he confronts Eleanor, he’s stunned that she doesn’t even recognize him. Eleanor, who had long mourned her husband, is equally shocked to see him alive. That shock quickly turns to heartbreak as Phillip accuses her of betrayal and even doubts the paternity of their son.

What follows is an emotional journey of heartbreak and healing. Phillip’s young son welcomes him with such sweet innocence, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of mistrust and pain. As father and son connect, the family must also face the villain responsible for tearing them apart six years ago. The truth slowly emerges, revealing the depths of the betrayal and the strength of the love still binding Phillip and Eleanor together.

Through difficult revelations, tender family moments, and the shared fight to protect their future, Phillip and Eleanor transform their heartbreak into redemption. Their story of reunion, rebuilding trust, and embracing second chances made for a very compelling story, that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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

[Bonnie · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this short story and this is my freely given opinion.

This started out very promising; a historical romance revolving around a couple torn apart and finding each other again, fighting through deceptions and misconceptions which cause further turmoil. There was emotional turmoil and a lot of angst, and then the glimmers of connection and a hope of rekindled love... then the story just ends. Abruptly. Any supposedly loose ends not tied up, but cut off.

It's like having a beautiful walk at sunset, on a beautiful day, enjoying the fresh air and breeze on your face, and having it end because you slammed into an old crumbling brick wall.

So for me, the story started out wonderfully. I was invested in the couple and the side characters, and enjoyed their dynamic and the trauma of their past and their present story. I knew the story was short, but the ending came so suddenly and with such disconcerting, and disconnected brevity, that it felt too sharply cut off. It feels there was more story to tell about Eleanor and Phillip find their way back together in their marriage, and how they, with Jamie, rediscover themselves as a family. About what happened to Phillip in the past to take him away, and how Eleanor lost her home, and Jamie cheated of his heritage, and their search for the truth to the past and justice.

So it started out wonderfully.... and ended far too abruptly.


3.5 stars out of 5

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cover. Fast paced read. Full of action, adventure, society, revenge, villains, family and intrigue. The characters are on an emotional and personal journey, with each having their own needs and wants. Eleanor is at the beach for a few days with her son and Grandmother. There to take in the waters for Grandmother's aches and her son, Jamie, needs to explore the ocean. It's also for his birthday. Phillip Long is back to find his revenge on his wife - Eleanor. He is staying with his friend, Charlie, who is going to try to help him get the truth and possibly his revenge. Phillip has changed over the years with his service in the navy and being pressed ganged. He is told that his wife did this to him. When they come face to face, she doesn't even recognize him. He returns to visit her but has lots of questions that she doesn't want to answer. Only after the attack do they talk and are surprised that his Uncle and cousin set him up for the attack. Revenge is sweet when he finds he has a son and gets his family back. Would recommend to others.

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

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping second chance at love romance, in which a married couple separated by violence and betrayal find their way back to each other. The plot is very well written, emotional, with a touch of drama and suspense, slightly steamy and featuring very likable characters.

Years ago, Lady Eleanor Anne Winchell Long's husband Phillip, Earl of Everleigh, died in a ship fire in Brighton. Since then, she has had to fight with his relatives over her husband's inheritance and her son's position. But during a recent visit to Brighton, she meets a strange man who claims to be her late husband, who was allegedly gang-pressed at her command...

Overall, a gripping and emotional historical romance novella about a couple separated by betrayal, which I’m happy to recommend.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Day at the Beach (Drake's Damsels #6) by Eileen Dreyer
Lady Eleanor stood at her husband's graveside six years ago. So when a stranger bumps into her on the Marine Parade and asks how she's been, she can hardly believe it is him.
He survived a press gang and six long years at sea. In that time Ellie has raised a son and fought to protect his estate. Now too much time and too many secrets sit between them. He wonders whether the boy is his, and whether his wife was the one who sent the press gang after him, and the mystery is who really did it.
Dreyer writes second-chance romance with real emotional weight, and the doubt and longing between these two feel earned. Tender, tense, and quietly stirring, with the danger that once tore them apart closing in again. A wonderful Regency read.
Short and sweet.
Highly recommended!.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows Lady Eleanor, who spent years saving her estate and raising her son, Jamie, after her husband, Phillip James Marshall Long, Earl of Everleigh, disappeared and was declared dead. When Phillip unexpectedly returns—having survived being kidnapped and press-ganged—he initially suspects Eleanor was behind his absence. As he attempts to rebuild his life, he discovers he has a son, and together they must confront the villain responsible for their separation, rebuild trust, and protect their family. Overall, it is a tender, thoughtful read about second chances, featuring a beautiful cover and an epilogue that wraps up remaining questions nicely. I highly recommend it! I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KH_mama_08 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is paced quickly and written with concise and precise language. It never felt like a part of the story was added unnecessarily and it was easy to fly through. I enjoyed the humour and the intrigue throughout the story and the ending left me with a smile on my face.

I'd recommend this book for someone looking for a feel-good short story/romance without an abundance of time to commit to reading.

I do wish it had been a little bit longer and I definitely think it could have been fleshed out to a full novel, if the author had wanted to go that route because it was a great story, in my opinion.

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

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have Lady Eleanor Anne Winchell Long who bumps into a man in Brighton she does not recognize at all! Her struggles over the last six years consist of the survival mode for her son and his grandmother.
Phillip James Marshall Long, Earl of Everleigh is trying to piece his life back together!
He believes his wife is responsible for his absence and had him press ganged! But women in England have very rights and even less after a peers sudden disappearance!
As this two try to reconcile the truth from deception Phillip has a son he has never met! This is a super quick novella with some questions answered in the Epilogue!
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my unbiased opinion!

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rather grim to begin with short story of Phillip Long, the Earl of Everleigh, returning from being thought dead after six years to confront the wife he thought had him abducted and pressed into service only to find out she’s been living a rather pauper’s life and has an almost six year old son. I thought the birthday scene, the conversation, to be very touching and Phillip’s emotional breakdown very heart wrenching and Eleanor’s reaction was perfect.

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

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor thought her husband was dead and she couldn’t even enjoy the status of being the mother of the next earl because his family questioned her son’s parentage. Phillip was told his wife forced him into a navy press gage but why he would believe that when she loved him and mourned his loss. She is barely scraping by with their son and his grandmother when he comes angry and accusing. I wouldn’t be so quick to forgive if I was Ellie. Will he be able to get his estate, wife, and son back?

[Ellis Vidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good beginning

i usually love Dreyer's stories, but this one disappointed. Most of the short work provided a good beginning to a story, but the final confrontation was summed up in a paragraph. I would like to have seen the resolution take place. I hope the next story from such a good writer will be better.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in the anthology What Happens in Brighton 4.5*
Six years after she buried her husband, a stranger arrives on her doorstep claiming she arranged for him to be kidnapped!
My review has been copied and pasted from the anthology.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this tender and thoughtful Regency romance. An unexpected reunion for Ellie and her husband returning after being declared dead six years ago. They find trust and new hope for another beginning.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A throughly enjoyable second chance romance between a lady who thought her husband dead, instead he is alive and well with no memory of his wife. Can they rebuild they lives even if the past is lost to him.

[Holly Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, but too short.

I always enjoy Eileen’s regencies. When this new one came out i immediately downloaded it. Her hero and heroine are lovely people, changed by the years apart,. But I would have liked more. It’s too short!