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Indigo Bay #8
Sweet Beginnings
A little hope changes everything...
Artist Hope Ryan dreams of seeing her artwork displayed in top galleries again, but a devastating betrayal left her unable to paint as she once did. Instead, she settles for creating unique items for tourists and wedding couples in her hometown. Although Hope longs for more, she refuses to venture outside her comfort zone, fearing the heartbreak and disappointment of failing again.
Highly paid sportscaster Josh Cooper never overcame his bitterness after an injury on the football field sidelined him for good. Finding his solace in alcohol and women only made matters worse until he finally hit rock bottom. Now, he's looking for redemption. When he's asked to fly a wedding gown across the country for one of the victims of his wrongs, he doesn't hesitate.
Arriving in Indigo Bay, Josh finds himself captivated by the artist creating the wedding favors. He knows exactly what he wants-Hope-even though she deserves someone better. Can Josh prove he's more than a broken has-been? Or will he not only lose Hope but also lose himself?
Artist Hope Ryan dreams of seeing her artwork displayed in top galleries again, but a devastating betrayal left her unable to paint as she once did. Instead, she settles for creating unique items for tourists and wedding couples in her hometown. Although Hope longs for more, she refuses to venture outside her comfort zone, fearing the heartbreak and disappointment of failing again.
Highly paid sportscaster Josh Cooper never overcame his bitterness after an injury on the football field sidelined him for good. Finding his solace in alcohol and women only made matters worse until he finally hit rock bottom. Now, he's looking for redemption. When he's asked to fly a wedding gown across the country for one of the victims of his wrongs, he doesn't hesitate.
Arriving in Indigo Bay, Josh finds himself captivated by the artist creating the wedding favors. He knows exactly what he wants-Hope-even though she deserves someone better. Can Josh prove he's more than a broken has-been? Or will he not only lose Hope but also lose himself?
246 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2018
About the author
Melissa McClone
267 books2,481 followersI live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 14, 2018
I usually don't like sad books but the author wrote it in a way that she won me over. Both Hope and Josh have heartaches that has and is still taking time to overcome. The title is so appropriate even though at one point it didn't seem so. We often have to have an ending or even a pause in order for a true beginning to take place. A sweet, clean romance with a couple dealing with past hurts and looking toward a sweet future.
May 15, 2018
Sweet romance about two people who have been hurt overcoming their fears and finding happiness. Josh was a pro-quarterback when an injury ended his career. He turned to drinking to dull the pain and ended up getting arrested for being drunk and disorderly. But it was the best thing to happen to him because it made him realize he was an alcoholic and that he needed help. Hope was married to a controlling powerful man, who ruined her art career and her image when she refused to see past his cheating ways and stay with him. They both have to forgive others and themselves and move past the hurt to be happy with themselves and find happiness with each other. Nice redemption and rebirth story.
May 17, 2018
Loved this sweet romance of finding love when least expected. Hope is a struggling artist , never wanting to get married again after a nasty divorce when she meets Josh, a sports commentator that is a recovering alcoholic. Both with pasts that they need to overcome to move forward. A friendship that develops into so much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance, the perfect beach read for a lazy afternoon this summer. Looking forward to reading the other stories that take place in Indigo Bay. I highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance, the perfect beach read for a lazy afternoon this summer. Looking forward to reading the other stories that take place in Indigo Bay. I highly recommend.
May 14, 2018
A nice clean romance between a struggling artist and an alcoholic football commentator who are brought together by an impending wedding.
Josh Cooper, a well-known sports commentator, was on leave of absence while he went through rehab for his drinking problem, when he offered to fly his friend Jenny’s wedding dress and some other things to South Carolina for her wedding. Little did Josh, know this trip would change his life. In the past, he was known for dating lots of women and leaving them heartbroken. When he met Hope Ryan, who works at Indigo Bay Cottages Resort, he knew she was the one he wanted to spend his life with. But he had one thing standing in his way, his recovery wasn’t done. He needed to go through 12 months of not drinking or dating.
Hope left her life and art career behind in New York City when her marriage failed. Now she lives with her brother and spends her time painting souvenirs and wedding favors. She had no desire to touch the canvases again. She only knew Josh a few days when his time in Indigo Bay came to an end and he had to return to Washington. Hope knew she had to let Josh go even though she had already fallen in love with him. But from her sadness, a miracle took place, she started painting again. And this painting just might have the ability to bring Hope and Josh back together again.
This book touched me in so many ways. For starters, I always like a starting over story and both characters are starting their lives over. But I have never read a book that had a hero who was an alcoholic. It really amped this story up a notch for me and made it very believable. Even though this is part of a series, you can totally read it as a stand-alone. The other characters mentioned don’t take away from this story at all and just add more depth to it.
Josh Cooper, a well-known sports commentator, was on leave of absence while he went through rehab for his drinking problem, when he offered to fly his friend Jenny’s wedding dress and some other things to South Carolina for her wedding. Little did Josh, know this trip would change his life. In the past, he was known for dating lots of women and leaving them heartbroken. When he met Hope Ryan, who works at Indigo Bay Cottages Resort, he knew she was the one he wanted to spend his life with. But he had one thing standing in his way, his recovery wasn’t done. He needed to go through 12 months of not drinking or dating.
Hope left her life and art career behind in New York City when her marriage failed. Now she lives with her brother and spends her time painting souvenirs and wedding favors. She had no desire to touch the canvases again. She only knew Josh a few days when his time in Indigo Bay came to an end and he had to return to Washington. Hope knew she had to let Josh go even though she had already fallen in love with him. But from her sadness, a miracle took place, she started painting again. And this painting just might have the ability to bring Hope and Josh back together again.
This book touched me in so many ways. For starters, I always like a starting over story and both characters are starting their lives over. But I have never read a book that had a hero who was an alcoholic. It really amped this story up a notch for me and made it very believable. Even though this is part of a series, you can totally read it as a stand-alone. The other characters mentioned don’t take away from this story at all and just add more depth to it.
May 14, 2018
What would you do if your present life was completely
uprooted??
This thought provoking, uniquely written, sweet
romance with creative and interesting characters will
give you food for thought.
Two people whose lives have fallen apart meet
because of an upcoming wedding.
Josh Cooper is a sports commentator who is a recovering
alcoholic. His company placed him on leave of absence to
get his life together.
Josh had been a footfall star until he was badly injured.
Then his life fell totally apart. Fast women and plenty of
alcohol seemed to be he only release from the inability to
return to the football field. Commentating did not fill his
need to play. Then one day he realized he needed help.
Now he has gone almost a year with drinking.
Hope Ryan who now works at Indigo Bay Cottages Resort
was a talented artist. She lived in New York with her art
manager husband until she caught him cheating on her.
When she filed for divorce, her ex tore apart their
apartment and slashed all her paintings. She left that
life behind and returned to Indigo Bay to live with her
brother. She has not painted in over two years except
for ornaments, tourist and wedding items.
Josh and Hope meet in Indigo Bay at the resort. There
is undeniable chemistry between the two but Josh needs
to finish therapy.
They enjoy touring Indigo Bay then go their separate ways.
Their meeting was enough to rekindle the spark in Hope’s
artistic talents.
What will happen next???
This is a heartfelt, emotional read. It shows that everyone
needs to abandon their past problems to be able to move
into the future. With the right kinds of support available,
any one can succeed in finding bright future.
A Highly Recommended Read for all!!!
uprooted??
This thought provoking, uniquely written, sweet
romance with creative and interesting characters will
give you food for thought.
Two people whose lives have fallen apart meet
because of an upcoming wedding.
Josh Cooper is a sports commentator who is a recovering
alcoholic. His company placed him on leave of absence to
get his life together.
Josh had been a footfall star until he was badly injured.
Then his life fell totally apart. Fast women and plenty of
alcohol seemed to be he only release from the inability to
return to the football field. Commentating did not fill his
need to play. Then one day he realized he needed help.
Now he has gone almost a year with drinking.
Hope Ryan who now works at Indigo Bay Cottages Resort
was a talented artist. She lived in New York with her art
manager husband until she caught him cheating on her.
When she filed for divorce, her ex tore apart their
apartment and slashed all her paintings. She left that
life behind and returned to Indigo Bay to live with her
brother. She has not painted in over two years except
for ornaments, tourist and wedding items.
Josh and Hope meet in Indigo Bay at the resort. There
is undeniable chemistry between the two but Josh needs
to finish therapy.
They enjoy touring Indigo Bay then go their separate ways.
Their meeting was enough to rekindle the spark in Hope’s
artistic talents.
What will happen next???
This is a heartfelt, emotional read. It shows that everyone
needs to abandon their past problems to be able to move
into the future. With the right kinds of support available,
any one can succeed in finding bright future.
A Highly Recommended Read for all!!!
May 14, 2018
Josh Cooper, age 32, became a sportscaster after a serious injury took him out of the game of football. Alcohol made him hit rock bottom. His alcoholism resulted in lost relationships and after time in rehab, he is trying to make amends for the people he hurt. Starting with his ex-girlfriend, Jenny, who is now engaged to be married, he agrees to fly her wedding gown to Indigo Bay for her wedding. Josh has his own plane and loves to fly. Being up in the air brings him a kind of peace.
Hope Ryan was once a well-known artist in New York. When her marriage broke up, she lost her confidence and began making smaller artistic items. She lives in Indigo Bay with her twin brother and is currently busy making favors for Jenny’s wedding.
When Josh arrives in Indigo Bay, he meets Hope and they enjoy chatting with one another. He is taken with her quiet, calm ways and ends ups helping Hope finish some of the items for the wedding.
Part of Josh's recovery is that he must, of course, stay away from any alcohol and also refrain from any relationship for at least a year, as sometimes that can be like a crutch as well. Soon Josh and Hope realize they were meant for each other. But Josh is committed to follow his plan. Can their relationship last if they are not together?
This is a sweet, clean romance which clearly shows the determination it takes for a recovering alcoholic to learn to stay sober. I compliment the author for her insight and compassion expressed for alcoholics in this book. Very well written.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Hope Ryan was once a well-known artist in New York. When her marriage broke up, she lost her confidence and began making smaller artistic items. She lives in Indigo Bay with her twin brother and is currently busy making favors for Jenny’s wedding.
When Josh arrives in Indigo Bay, he meets Hope and they enjoy chatting with one another. He is taken with her quiet, calm ways and ends ups helping Hope finish some of the items for the wedding.
Part of Josh's recovery is that he must, of course, stay away from any alcohol and also refrain from any relationship for at least a year, as sometimes that can be like a crutch as well. Soon Josh and Hope realize they were meant for each other. But Josh is committed to follow his plan. Can their relationship last if they are not together?
This is a sweet, clean romance which clearly shows the determination it takes for a recovering alcoholic to learn to stay sober. I compliment the author for her insight and compassion expressed for alcoholics in this book. Very well written.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
May 6, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book.
It is a touching, & emotional story.
Hope is a very talented artist.
Her paintings, were sold in galleries in
New York. Until she was betrayed in the worst way, by someone she thought she could trust. Even living back in Indigo Bay, has been hard emotionally. Hope has not
been able to paint since.
Josh had suffered an injury in the NFL.
He now is a successful sportscaster.
Still hurting from his loss of his football
career, he looked for comfort in the bottle. Hitting rock bottom, Josh is
taking the steps for his recovery.
Hope & Josh have a chance meeting.
They spend time together. As Hope
& Josh's feeling grow, he realizes
that he still needs more time for his recovery. Hope & Josh cuts all ties.
I loved their story! The emotions, & their chemistry pulled me in, till the end.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
It is a touching, & emotional story.
Hope is a very talented artist.
Her paintings, were sold in galleries in
New York. Until she was betrayed in the worst way, by someone she thought she could trust. Even living back in Indigo Bay, has been hard emotionally. Hope has not
been able to paint since.
Josh had suffered an injury in the NFL.
He now is a successful sportscaster.
Still hurting from his loss of his football
career, he looked for comfort in the bottle. Hitting rock bottom, Josh is
taking the steps for his recovery.
Hope & Josh have a chance meeting.
They spend time together. As Hope
& Josh's feeling grow, he realizes
that he still needs more time for his recovery. Hope & Josh cuts all ties.
I loved their story! The emotions, & their chemistry pulled me in, till the end.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
May 26, 2018
This is such a wonderful sweet and tender romance with characters so relatable you feel like you know them and share their emotions as the story unfolds. I also loved the charming South Carolina beach town setting of Indigo Bay and could see my family enjoying vacation there. I liked the instant attraction and chemistry between former football star and recovering alcoholic Josh Cooper from Berry Lake, Washington and artist Hope Ryan who lives in Indigo Bay.
This heartwarming romance is the perfect beach read and will leave a smile on your face. Ms. McClone has given us another winner and I look forward to reading more from the talented author.
This heartwarming romance is the perfect beach read and will leave a smile on your face. Ms. McClone has given us another winner and I look forward to reading more from the talented author.
May 14, 2018
Perfect! I love Ms. McClone's stories! She always knows how to bring you into the world of her characters and their lives. This story is sweet, heartbreaking and a beautiful beginning. Josh is an alcoholic trying to work on his sobriety. Hope is an artist who has lost her confidence after a terrible marriage. Reading this story made me feel like a part of their story. Very real and relatable!
April 14, 2019
Sweet is the right word here! Very sweet second chance romance that’s a fast read and satisfying! I really enjoyed!
May 14, 2018
Wow! What an inspirational and touching read. I became invested in Josh and Hope’s lives. In their struggles and challenges, past and present. I loved the acceptance and support they gave each other from the beginning. And, of course I loved the romance, too. :) There are so many great lessons about life in this book, including that sometimes you have to focus on yourself, and that’s ok, and good. Loved that! I just loved it all!!
If you’ve read Jenny, from the Beach Brides series, you’ll be excited to see Jenny and Dare again. I love catching up with old friends! You’ll also get a glimpse of Lizzy and Mitch from Sweet Holiday Wishes. So fun!
I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
If you’ve read Jenny, from the Beach Brides series, you’ll be excited to see Jenny and Dare again. I love catching up with old friends! You’ll also get a glimpse of Lizzy and Mitch from Sweet Holiday Wishes. So fun!
I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
August 24, 2018
Josh and Hope both have pasts that have left scars. Hope can't bring herself to pain again, so has relegated her artistic talents to creating gift items for the tourists that visit Indigo Bay and has been asked to help with an upcoming wedding. Josh let alcohol soothe the disappointment and loss of a career in Football that ended much too soon because of an injury. Unfortunately he hit rock bottom and is on a mission to make amends for his drunken mistakes.
Josh and Hope meet and sparks fly, but they both are battling pasts that make moving forward with a relationship overwhelming.
McClone writes such wonderful sweet romances. I love knowing that I will get wonderful romance without worrying about becoming uncomfortable due to too much heat! But don't let that fool you, there is plenty of romance, it just stays clean! Sweet Beginnings is no exception. I love watching the characters journeys of healing, and that they find love amidst heartache.
*I did receive and advance copy of this book to read an share my opinion. Opinions is 100% my own
Josh and Hope meet and sparks fly, but they both are battling pasts that make moving forward with a relationship overwhelming.
McClone writes such wonderful sweet romances. I love knowing that I will get wonderful romance without worrying about becoming uncomfortable due to too much heat! But don't let that fool you, there is plenty of romance, it just stays clean! Sweet Beginnings is no exception. I love watching the characters journeys of healing, and that they find love amidst heartache.
*I did receive and advance copy of this book to read an share my opinion. Opinions is 100% my own
June 2, 2018
Two people not looking for love find the love and support they need.
Hope Ryan enjoys her life as it is. Josh Cooper is just trying to do a favor for a friend. Neither one wants r needs a relationship, but they help each other. This book made me cry a few times I really felt like the characters were real. And I love a happy ending.
Hope Ryan enjoys her life as it is. Josh Cooper is just trying to do a favor for a friend. Neither one wants r needs a relationship, but they help each other. This book made me cry a few times I really felt like the characters were real. And I love a happy ending.
July 9, 2018
Clean, sweet romance.
Both characters have a lot to overcome and a lot of recovering/healing to do. The friendship and feelings that they form for one another in the short time they're together may be just the thing neither of them knew they needed to help them on their way.
Sweet and emotional. It has an ending that made me smile.
Both characters have a lot to overcome and a lot of recovering/healing to do. The friendship and feelings that they form for one another in the short time they're together may be just the thing neither of them knew they needed to help them on their way.
Sweet and emotional. It has an ending that made me smile.
September 6, 2018
Sweet Beginnings was a great read by Melissa McClone. This is the eighth book in the Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series. Hope is an artist who wants to display her artwork again. Josh is a sportscaster who is still bitter about his career ending injury. I absolutely fell in love with Josh and Hope and wanted the best for them.
September 24, 2024
I've never read Melissa McClone's writings but happy I did, as this is a first book for me. One thing I have to say is that the depiction of an alcoholic is spot-on. Most who drink will never say that will never happen to me--alcoholism- but the drink is very addicting. Back to the book-excellent regarding the storyline and the characters portrayed...not my last book for Melissa McClone!
May 25, 2018
Hope the artist and Josh the sports broadcaster have faced obstacles in life which have left them reticent to fall in love, but the pull between them is too strong. Each must find their inner strength in order to allow their love to be enough to keep them together.
May 14, 2021
Great book
I really enjoyed reading this book would recommend. Enjoyed reading these two people learn to move forward and regain there self worth as well as watching them move toward love life and all the ups and downs. Can't wait to see where we go in book 9.
I really enjoyed reading this book would recommend. Enjoyed reading these two people learn to move forward and regain there self worth as well as watching them move toward love life and all the ups and downs. Can't wait to see where we go in book 9.
June 29, 2022
Hopeful Joy
Hope and Josh's story is one of hope, joy, and love, but, also heartache, struggle and forgiveness. Two people that have been devastated by events in there past trying to find a way back. Meet and falling in love in a few days but, Hope is willing to give Josh up to help him to find his sobriety and in doing so helps herself to find her passion in painting again. Truly a wonderful story!
Hope and Josh's story is one of hope, joy, and love, but, also heartache, struggle and forgiveness. Two people that have been devastated by events in there past trying to find a way back. Meet and falling in love in a few days but, Hope is willing to give Josh up to help him to find his sobriety and in doing so helps herself to find her passion in painting again. Truly a wonderful story!
December 26, 2019
Sweet Beginnings
Terrific story with tons of surprises! The characters learned how to make life life and honest! Great reading for anyone! 😊😊
Terrific story with tons of surprises! The characters learned how to make life life and honest! Great reading for anyone! 😊😊
February 21, 2022
heartfelt and inspiring 💖
April 24, 2022
Sweet Beginnings started out strong with good story line: two wounded people finding each other, but then the excuse for them separating seemed implausible and contrived.
May 9, 2022
nice story of 2 people who need a fresh start.
June 9, 2022
Really sweet. I have family history with addiction and I felt she did a really good job representing recovery and its difficult side.
July 12, 2022
Lovely story
Hope and Josh were absolutely made for each other! They complement each other perfectly! Patience and timing was everything in their relationship!
Hope and Josh were absolutely made for each other! They complement each other perfectly! Patience and timing was everything in their relationship!
July 18, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about second chances and doing the right thing. If you’re looking for a feel good story, this is the book for you.
October 15, 2022
Great story!
The main characters are both dealing with difficult things... Getting together strengthens their resolve to work through them, but they need to work through them on their own... or....
The main characters are both dealing with difficult things... Getting together strengthens their resolve to work through them, but they need to work through them on their own... or....
August 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5
its-a-no-for-me-dawg
January 5, 2026Not interested - plot
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May 24, 2019This is a sweet story of how Hope has sworn off dating after a nasty divorce, but meeting the right man helps her rebuild the pieces of her life she wasn’t able to on her own. Naturally, this man also has issues in his life and being with her gives him the strength to complete his journey to sobriety. I won’t spoil the ending, but there are some tough moments for this couple as they work toward their happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews