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Moonlight Bay #2
Summer on Moonlight Bay / Then There Was You
Only one thing can make veterinarian Noah Cuthbert return to Magnolia Harbor-his mother's failing health. He'll do anything to help his family, including taking a short-term gig at the local animal clinic. What he doesn't count on is getting up-close-and-personal with the clinic's new manager, a woman whose love and compassion for every stray that crosses her path has him rethinking his plans to head back to his big-city life...
After her time in the Navy, Lia wants nothing more than to settle down. The quaint seaside town is just what she'd been hoping for, and not just because her new boss is movie-star handsome. As they grow closer, Lia starts wondering if Noah could be the one. But when a town crisis forces Noah to take a stand that jeopardizes their new-found happiness, can Lia convince him that home doesn't have to be a four-letter word?
Includes the bonus novel Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson!
After her time in the Navy, Lia wants nothing more than to settle down. The quaint seaside town is just what she'd been hoping for, and not just because her new boss is movie-star handsome. As they grow closer, Lia starts wondering if Noah could be the one. But when a town crisis forces Noah to take a stand that jeopardizes their new-found happiness, can Lia convince him that home doesn't have to be a four-letter word?
Includes the bonus novel Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson!
624 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2019
304 people are currently reading
2143 people want to read
About the author
Hope Ramsay
36 books559 followersHope Ramsay is a USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming contemporary romances, set below the Mason-Dixon Line. Her children are grown, but she has a beloved fur baby, Daisy the Cockapoo who keeps her entertained. Hope lives in the medium-sized town of Fredericksburg, Virginia and when she’s not writing or walking the dog, she spends her time knitting and noodling around on her collection of guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 10, 2019
Summer on Moonlight Bay
By: Hope Ramsay
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Summer on Moonlight Bay is a sweet story. Set in a charming town with nosy gossips, because you can't escape them anywhere, it is beautifully rendered with lovely detail. Noah and Leah are both in town for different complicated reasons. Noah doesn't want to stay, though, and he's trying to convince his family to move back to Charleston with him. Then he meets a girl. Is it love at first sight? Nope. Noah is a vet, and Leah brings him an injured stray. They disagree about this dog, but of course, there is an underlying attraction that both feel. Leah is out of the Navy with her own troubles to contend with, and a dog is just more to worry about. Will these two reconcile their differences and become better acquainted? Will their baggage claim them? See what I did there? It's a tale of love, loss, heartbreak and hope filled with colorful characters. Noah and Leah are both so likeable, relatable and entertaining. Their dialogue is witty and engaging. I wanted all good things for them. It's a heart warming and thoughtfully designed story for romance readers to delight in and enjoy. It has all the feels! Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
By: Hope Ramsay
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Summer on Moonlight Bay is a sweet story. Set in a charming town with nosy gossips, because you can't escape them anywhere, it is beautifully rendered with lovely detail. Noah and Leah are both in town for different complicated reasons. Noah doesn't want to stay, though, and he's trying to convince his family to move back to Charleston with him. Then he meets a girl. Is it love at first sight? Nope. Noah is a vet, and Leah brings him an injured stray. They disagree about this dog, but of course, there is an underlying attraction that both feel. Leah is out of the Navy with her own troubles to contend with, and a dog is just more to worry about. Will these two reconcile their differences and become better acquainted? Will their baggage claim them? See what I did there? It's a tale of love, loss, heartbreak and hope filled with colorful characters. Noah and Leah are both so likeable, relatable and entertaining. Their dialogue is witty and engaging. I wanted all good things for them. It's a heart warming and thoughtfully designed story for romance readers to delight in and enjoy. It has all the feels! Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 8, 2019
Since I read these books back to back I thought I would just do one review to combine my thoughts on both of them, plus they’re also available now and I know I personally love being able to start a new series with at least a couple of books already out, waiting is the worst.
Lately I’ve been loving small town, sweet and simple romance novels and this series delivers on that! They totally remind me of feel good Hallmark movies and they’re ideal for a light and easy summertime read. Their set in a small, picturesque town and while the two main characters change from book to book, they become secondary characters the next time around. The first book focused on Jenna and Jude and then the second was about Lia and Noah but both Jenna and Jude made several appearances and I just loved getting a peek at what they were up too.
While the romance is definitely at the forefront of both books, there’s also so much more on offer as well. The residents of the town are a basically fun bunch with a few exceptions and they add some extra charm and humor to an already fun story. I found both books to be equally heartfelt and sweet and am so looking forward to the next installment in the series!
Lately I’ve been loving small town, sweet and simple romance novels and this series delivers on that! They totally remind me of feel good Hallmark movies and they’re ideal for a light and easy summertime read. Their set in a small, picturesque town and while the two main characters change from book to book, they become secondary characters the next time around. The first book focused on Jenna and Jude and then the second was about Lia and Noah but both Jenna and Jude made several appearances and I just loved getting a peek at what they were up too.
While the romance is definitely at the forefront of both books, there’s also so much more on offer as well. The residents of the town are a basically fun bunch with a few exceptions and they add some extra charm and humor to an already fun story. I found both books to be equally heartfelt and sweet and am so looking forward to the next installment in the series!
August 5, 2019
One of the best small town sweet romance authors around. I am forever happy to read anything from Hope Ramsay. She has this unique quality to bring a well rounded, yet complex story to life. It's always filled with fun side-characters and intricate mains. Noah and Lia are going down as one of my favorite couples. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming as well.
*via Forever publishing
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*via Forever publishing
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August 8, 2019
The first book in the Moonlight Bay series was one of my big surprise standouts last year so I'm really not surprised that book two stayed strong even when it surprised me by introducing a different romance pair than I was expecting- a Veterinarian and a Veteran. Guess which is which regarding the hero and heroine? Another touching story that dug deep for the romance pair and the greater cast of characters in this small island town.
As I said, Summer on Moonlight Bay is book two in a series that work best in sequence, but could be read standalone, too.
Lia left the Navy, the only home she has known after a bad circumstance left her questioning herself and feeling unfit for her job. Now, she's homeless and only has a vague offer from her former commanding officer and all his positive and vivid descriptions of his home town, Magnolia Harbor to steer her. Being homeless and not knowing where she will land is nothing new. Her mom never stayed in one place- picked up and ran each time was more like it and Lia is responsible for several of those instances- or so she thinks. Just like she feels she's responsible for things going sour with two situations when she was working to get resources for two service people. She's hoping for a new chance working for Chaplain St. Pierre as his church secretary like she did for him and other chaplains in the Navy now that he's out of the military and has his own church.
But, then she finds the drastically injured puppy in the middle of the road...
Noah Cuthbert is a veterinary surgeon living in Charleston. He never wanted to come back home, but he feels responsible to get his momma who lives in a ramshackle house and deals with MS. He wants her to come live with him since his little sister, who has been living at home, needs a chance to go off to university and fulfill her dreams. Instead of packing them up and off to Charleston, both have dug in their heels and are forcing him to stay in a town with a lot of misery for him including his daddy and brother. Then Lia enters his life and saving the puppy is the beginning to a soul-searching journey for both Noah and Lia, a few intriguing side stories and a pirate ghost who needs a few good deeds to let his ghost find rest.
This is a lovely small town setting with a solid circle of recurring characters in the way the author does best. It's the Carolina coast, summer, and a pair of hurting people need to make peace with their past and let go their guilt and blame. Both Lia and Noah were great lead characters, but it was also great getting Ashley who owns the B&B and Rev Micah still tentatively moving forward as well as updates with other familiar faces.
New characters and new situations are now in play including a heartbreaking abuse and gaslighting situation that I thought was woven into the story just beautifully. Lia is a social worker/resource gal that warmed my heart with her priority pink post-it note so people were always the focus with her.
The summer setting and small town had me longing for this place to be real. 4th of July fireworks, ladies' sewing parties, charity softball,adorable lab pup, sailing, good eats, and lots of friendly encounters.
The romance is a light touch of attraction and slow build since the pair are battling personal demons, but it didn't drag on and I loved how they were friends and partners at the vet office and both want to put others' first.
I wasn't ready for this one to end and could have remained in Magnolia Harbor with the people indefinitely. Those who enjoy gentle, heartwarming, and fun summer contemporary romances should pick this one up.
My thanks to Forever via Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- small town setting 1 pt.
As I said, Summer on Moonlight Bay is book two in a series that work best in sequence, but could be read standalone, too.
Lia left the Navy, the only home she has known after a bad circumstance left her questioning herself and feeling unfit for her job. Now, she's homeless and only has a vague offer from her former commanding officer and all his positive and vivid descriptions of his home town, Magnolia Harbor to steer her. Being homeless and not knowing where she will land is nothing new. Her mom never stayed in one place- picked up and ran each time was more like it and Lia is responsible for several of those instances- or so she thinks. Just like she feels she's responsible for things going sour with two situations when she was working to get resources for two service people. She's hoping for a new chance working for Chaplain St. Pierre as his church secretary like she did for him and other chaplains in the Navy now that he's out of the military and has his own church.
But, then she finds the drastically injured puppy in the middle of the road...
Noah Cuthbert is a veterinary surgeon living in Charleston. He never wanted to come back home, but he feels responsible to get his momma who lives in a ramshackle house and deals with MS. He wants her to come live with him since his little sister, who has been living at home, needs a chance to go off to university and fulfill her dreams. Instead of packing them up and off to Charleston, both have dug in their heels and are forcing him to stay in a town with a lot of misery for him including his daddy and brother. Then Lia enters his life and saving the puppy is the beginning to a soul-searching journey for both Noah and Lia, a few intriguing side stories and a pirate ghost who needs a few good deeds to let his ghost find rest.
This is a lovely small town setting with a solid circle of recurring characters in the way the author does best. It's the Carolina coast, summer, and a pair of hurting people need to make peace with their past and let go their guilt and blame. Both Lia and Noah were great lead characters, but it was also great getting Ashley who owns the B&B and Rev Micah still tentatively moving forward as well as updates with other familiar faces.
New characters and new situations are now in play including a heartbreaking abuse and gaslighting situation that I thought was woven into the story just beautifully. Lia is a social worker/resource gal that warmed my heart with her priority pink post-it note so people were always the focus with her.
The summer setting and small town had me longing for this place to be real. 4th of July fireworks, ladies' sewing parties, charity softball,adorable lab pup, sailing, good eats, and lots of friendly encounters.
The romance is a light touch of attraction and slow build since the pair are battling personal demons, but it didn't drag on and I loved how they were friends and partners at the vet office and both want to put others' first.
I wasn't ready for this one to end and could have remained in Magnolia Harbor with the people indefinitely. Those who enjoy gentle, heartwarming, and fun summer contemporary romances should pick this one up.
My thanks to Forever via Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- small town setting 1 pt.
August 5, 2020
Comforting, charming, and sweet!
Summer on Moonlight Bay is a heartwarming, engaging story that reminds us that sometimes it’s nice to make roots, settle down, and find a place to call home.
The writing is fluid and warm. The setting is the idyllic Magnolia Harbor, South Carolina with its quaint town and sandy beaches. The characters including the spirited, kindhearted Lia, the helpful, handsome Noah, and the adorably cute Prince are lovable, fun, and unique. And the plot is a lighthearted, uplifting journey about life, love, family, friendship, reconnecting with the past, healing, self-discovery, and happiness.
Overall, Summer on Moonlight Bay is a delightfully clever, amusing tale by Ramsay with a splendid cast of characters, beautiful locale, delicious romance, and a dab of drama that makes it the perfect pick for any sunny day.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Summer on Moonlight Bay is a heartwarming, engaging story that reminds us that sometimes it’s nice to make roots, settle down, and find a place to call home.
The writing is fluid and warm. The setting is the idyllic Magnolia Harbor, South Carolina with its quaint town and sandy beaches. The characters including the spirited, kindhearted Lia, the helpful, handsome Noah, and the adorably cute Prince are lovable, fun, and unique. And the plot is a lighthearted, uplifting journey about life, love, family, friendship, reconnecting with the past, healing, self-discovery, and happiness.
Overall, Summer on Moonlight Bay is a delightfully clever, amusing tale by Ramsay with a splendid cast of characters, beautiful locale, delicious romance, and a dab of drama that makes it the perfect pick for any sunny day.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2019
What an amazing story that I hated to see end! Loved every minute of the heartwarming story that will melt your heart.
July 19, 2019
I received this book via NetGalley. Hope's Moonlight Bay series gets you immersed in her characters just like her Second Chance series. It was interesting seeing how Lia and Noah were going to get along, and proving the members of the Altar Ladies Guild wrong. I am glad that Noah had some closure with his father but I seriously needed Kleenex after Lia spoke with her brother!
The secondary "romance" that really isn't one, is between Micah and Ashley. I am trying to really understand her and I look forward to reading their story soon.
I would like to round up my rating to 4.5 stars :)
The secondary "romance" that really isn't one, is between Micah and Ashley. I am trying to really understand her and I look forward to reading their story soon.
I would like to round up my rating to 4.5 stars :)
July 27, 2019
This is an author I’ve read for years, and I know I can count on her for a delightful, heart-warming, small-town romance. She hasn’t disappointed me yet, and this second book in the Moonlight Bay Series, set in a place near to my heart, the South Carolina coast, is another beautifully crafted story. With just the right amount of detail and color, the setting is realistic, vivid and full of life, setting the scene perfectly.
Lia DiPalma has been on the move all her life. She’s no longer a part of the family she’s been with the longest, the US Navy, and finds herself headed to the small town of Magnolia Harbor on the coast of South Carolina. Her Commanding Officer, Chaplain Micah St. Pierre, always spoke fondly of his home town, which piqued Lia's curiosity. Micah now has a church of his own in his home town and Lia hopes to convince him to hire her as the church secretary. She's loyal, compassionate, organized and intuitive – all things that can be helpful to him in his parish.
Before Lia can even make it to town, she finds an injured puppy and takes him to the town's veterinary clinic, only to find it's not open because they don’t have a doctor. But the kind older lady who answers the door calls her grandson, Noah Cuthbert, a veterinarian visiting from Charleston, to treat the puppy, and Lia and Noah's first meeting is less than positive. Noah is only in town long enough to move his mother, who has MS, to Charleston so he can take care of her. He swore he wouldn’t return to Magnolia Harbor for anything more than a short visit, but he finds himself agreeing to work at the clinic temporarily, with Lia as his office manager until the church board decides on the secretary position.
As is typical with this author, this story is so much more than a romance. With small-town quirks, well-intended scheming, broken family bonds and secrets that come to light, it’s a story of courage, determination, growth, forgiveness, healing and finding home. I adored these endearing, authentic characters and felt a part of the story as I watched Lia and Noah mend, self-actualize, find forgiveness and love. If you’re looking for a poignant, heartwarming, inspiring read this summer, look no farther.
*I read an early edition of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide feedback and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source.
Lia DiPalma has been on the move all her life. She’s no longer a part of the family she’s been with the longest, the US Navy, and finds herself headed to the small town of Magnolia Harbor on the coast of South Carolina. Her Commanding Officer, Chaplain Micah St. Pierre, always spoke fondly of his home town, which piqued Lia's curiosity. Micah now has a church of his own in his home town and Lia hopes to convince him to hire her as the church secretary. She's loyal, compassionate, organized and intuitive – all things that can be helpful to him in his parish.
Before Lia can even make it to town, she finds an injured puppy and takes him to the town's veterinary clinic, only to find it's not open because they don’t have a doctor. But the kind older lady who answers the door calls her grandson, Noah Cuthbert, a veterinarian visiting from Charleston, to treat the puppy, and Lia and Noah's first meeting is less than positive. Noah is only in town long enough to move his mother, who has MS, to Charleston so he can take care of her. He swore he wouldn’t return to Magnolia Harbor for anything more than a short visit, but he finds himself agreeing to work at the clinic temporarily, with Lia as his office manager until the church board decides on the secretary position.
As is typical with this author, this story is so much more than a romance. With small-town quirks, well-intended scheming, broken family bonds and secrets that come to light, it’s a story of courage, determination, growth, forgiveness, healing and finding home. I adored these endearing, authentic characters and felt a part of the story as I watched Lia and Noah mend, self-actualize, find forgiveness and love. If you’re looking for a poignant, heartwarming, inspiring read this summer, look no farther.
*I read an early edition of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide feedback and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source.
September 2, 2019
4.5 stars. Great characters. Nice plot. I could easily reread this one.
Setting: small town SC near the ocean. Actually i think it’s an island off the coast!
Setting: small town SC near the ocean. Actually i think it’s an island off the coast!
January 29, 2020
This is a terrific second book in the Moonlight Bay series. Heartwarming story with delightful and engaging characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more by Hope Ramsay. ;)
May 7, 2024
Since there are two different books in here I will review each separately, but I did like the first one better - the Summer on Moonlight Bay. I had a lot of issues with the second book - Then There Was You - as it was putting me to sleep... But both of these are stories of women going to small towns and finding love. Both of these are dramas and not much action or excitement happen in here.
Summer On Moonlight Bay
By Hope Ramsay
⭐⭐⭐⭐
So between the two books I definitely preferred this one. The story features a woman named Lia who has retired from the US Navy and she drives all the way across the country hoping she can get a job with her former Chaplain who is now running an actual church (versus being a chaplain in the navy). On the way there she find an injured puppy on the road. So she takes ot to the brand new veterinary clinic only to find out they don't actually have a vet yet to see animals! Luckily the woman's grandson (who answer's the door) is a hotshot vet-surgeon from the big city. But Lia is homeless and its just before the Fourth of July.... His name is Noah. And its not his plan to stay there in that little town as he is only visiting.
So I liked Lia. Its why I read this story so quickly yesterday. She has this intuition about people and she just knows when people need her help, as that is what she was doing in the Navy: keeping an eye out for personnel who had trauma or PTSD or other issues. And she would get them help. Plus she knows how to defend others with weapons too. So she is very empathetic. And of course as soon as she starts meeting the townsfolk her radar goes off and she spots a few that need her help.
Plus some part of her really wants to have that dog. So this is also an animal story too.. But her bad past makes her think she would be a bad parent to a dog. She just doesn't trust herself. Nor does Noah trust himself. The two are similar in that regards.
The plot has some extra zing too about a few bad characters. And danger. So all of these things kept me hooked and reading.
In fact I liked this book well enough that I have ordered the next two in this series.
Oh and can I say that cover is just beautiful?? This story takes place on a little island in South Carolina.
Then There Was You
By Miranda Liasson
⭐⭐
So I had hoped this one would be just as good as the first story but this one fell flat. There was virtually no mystery or excitement of any kind in here at all. Zip. Nada. The story actually had me nodding off and falling asleep!
But that is not my only problem with this book. The biggest flaw for me (besides the dull plot) is the very nature of the so called "love relationship" in here. Sara the medical doctor os supposed to end up with the police chief. The problem is they both grew up in this little town in Ohio and he used to bully her / tease her in a bad way. And I just do not see anyone getting over that sort of thing. I mean the story makes it very clear that just seeing him brings up all of these negative memories. She is having flashbacks. And then she is supposed to somehow learn to trust him? I know that sometimes this "enemy to lovers" is a thing in the romance category but I just don't see myself believing this one at all. Her trauma serms to go too deep. Do people change? Rarely I think.
I had other issues with this too. For one the characters in here had such large families with all of these brothers and sisters that I could not relate to it at all. It was all outside of my experience. And that affected it too. A lot. So if you are an only child from a very small family you may have problems with all of these family members and how they interact. It was just overwhelming to me.
These three things just combined in such a way that I could not enjoy this story at all. I pretty much gave up on it near the end and I didn't care what had happened to Sara and Colton the police chief.
Summer On Moonlight Bay
By Hope Ramsay
⭐⭐⭐⭐
So between the two books I definitely preferred this one. The story features a woman named Lia who has retired from the US Navy and she drives all the way across the country hoping she can get a job with her former Chaplain who is now running an actual church (versus being a chaplain in the navy). On the way there she find an injured puppy on the road. So she takes ot to the brand new veterinary clinic only to find out they don't actually have a vet yet to see animals! Luckily the woman's grandson (who answer's the door) is a hotshot vet-surgeon from the big city. But Lia is homeless and its just before the Fourth of July.... His name is Noah. And its not his plan to stay there in that little town as he is only visiting.
So I liked Lia. Its why I read this story so quickly yesterday. She has this intuition about people and she just knows when people need her help, as that is what she was doing in the Navy: keeping an eye out for personnel who had trauma or PTSD or other issues. And she would get them help. Plus she knows how to defend others with weapons too. So she is very empathetic. And of course as soon as she starts meeting the townsfolk her radar goes off and she spots a few that need her help.
Plus some part of her really wants to have that dog. So this is also an animal story too.. But her bad past makes her think she would be a bad parent to a dog. She just doesn't trust herself. Nor does Noah trust himself. The two are similar in that regards.
The plot has some extra zing too about a few bad characters. And danger. So all of these things kept me hooked and reading.
In fact I liked this book well enough that I have ordered the next two in this series.
Oh and can I say that cover is just beautiful?? This story takes place on a little island in South Carolina.
Then There Was You
By Miranda Liasson
⭐⭐
So I had hoped this one would be just as good as the first story but this one fell flat. There was virtually no mystery or excitement of any kind in here at all. Zip. Nada. The story actually had me nodding off and falling asleep!
But that is not my only problem with this book. The biggest flaw for me (besides the dull plot) is the very nature of the so called "love relationship" in here. Sara the medical doctor os supposed to end up with the police chief. The problem is they both grew up in this little town in Ohio and he used to bully her / tease her in a bad way. And I just do not see anyone getting over that sort of thing. I mean the story makes it very clear that just seeing him brings up all of these negative memories. She is having flashbacks. And then she is supposed to somehow learn to trust him? I know that sometimes this "enemy to lovers" is a thing in the romance category but I just don't see myself believing this one at all. Her trauma serms to go too deep. Do people change? Rarely I think.
I had other issues with this too. For one the characters in here had such large families with all of these brothers and sisters that I could not relate to it at all. It was all outside of my experience. And that affected it too. A lot. So if you are an only child from a very small family you may have problems with all of these family members and how they interact. It was just overwhelming to me.
These three things just combined in such a way that I could not enjoy this story at all. I pretty much gave up on it near the end and I didn't care what had happened to Sara and Colton the police chief.
February 26, 2020
Lia DiPalma always thought she'd be a lifer with the Navy. Having served an extended time, circumstances have changed and she is about to undertake civilian life. She travels to Magnolia Harbor and hopes to become a church secretary with one of her Navy buddies who is now a chaplain in a parish there in South Carolina. Her plans are derailed when she accidentally hits a dog with her car. She then rushes the dog to the nearest vet clinic.
The only person that seems to be able to help Lia with the dog is visiting veterinarian Noah Cuthbert. He only plans on being in Magnolia Harbor long enough to see about his mother's health and plans on taking her back home with him. However, his help is needed at a new vet clinic so he will be around for awhile. This is how he meets Lia when she brings the dog in for emergency treatment.
As things turn out, Lia's situation is dire and she needs a job and a place to say immediately. It might take a bit of time before the church can hire her so she helps Noah set up the clinic. Sparks fly from almost their first meeting and the more time they spend together, the more it seems that they are perfectly suited for each other. However, Lia is there to stay. Noah is itching to leave.
This warm love story by Hope Ramsay is the second book in the Moonlight Bay series. I loved Lia and Noah together, and enjoyed the strong sense of family values. This book is preceded by The Cottage on Rose Bay. The third book in the series is Return to Magnolia Harbor, which is set for publication in June.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
The only person that seems to be able to help Lia with the dog is visiting veterinarian Noah Cuthbert. He only plans on being in Magnolia Harbor long enough to see about his mother's health and plans on taking her back home with him. However, his help is needed at a new vet clinic so he will be around for awhile. This is how he meets Lia when she brings the dog in for emergency treatment.
As things turn out, Lia's situation is dire and she needs a job and a place to say immediately. It might take a bit of time before the church can hire her so she helps Noah set up the clinic. Sparks fly from almost their first meeting and the more time they spend together, the more it seems that they are perfectly suited for each other. However, Lia is there to stay. Noah is itching to leave.
This warm love story by Hope Ramsay is the second book in the Moonlight Bay series. I loved Lia and Noah together, and enjoyed the strong sense of family values. This book is preceded by The Cottage on Rose Bay. The third book in the series is Return to Magnolia Harbor, which is set for publication in June.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
July 26, 2025
Summer on Moonlight Bay
This was a really cute and charming small town romance. I loved both of the main characters as well as the side characters and this made for a light and refreshing read.
Then There Was You
This was a cute, sweet, and romantic read. It was really family centred and I loved that in addition to all the familial characters. I will say that by the end of this story it really did feel like it was kind of cheesy and laid on a bit too thick but at the same time, I don't think you can expect anything less from this style of novel. It's a guaranteed happy ending and one to warm the heart.
Both of these stories were sweet, cute reads, and ones that delivered with their happy endings. This isn't necessarily a book that I would go out of my way to recommend but it's also one where you can't help but smile throughout.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
This was a really cute and charming small town romance. I loved both of the main characters as well as the side characters and this made for a light and refreshing read.
Then There Was You
This was a cute, sweet, and romantic read. It was really family centred and I loved that in addition to all the familial characters. I will say that by the end of this story it really did feel like it was kind of cheesy and laid on a bit too thick but at the same time, I don't think you can expect anything less from this style of novel. It's a guaranteed happy ending and one to warm the heart.
Both of these stories were sweet, cute reads, and ones that delivered with their happy endings. This isn't necessarily a book that I would go out of my way to recommend but it's also one where you can't help but smile throughout.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
June 26, 2020
I haven't read the first book in the series but I immediately felt welcome in Magnolia Harbor, a little tourist town on Moonlight Bay, South Carolina. I enjoyed this romance between a veterinarian temporarily back in town to help with his mother's health and a former NAVY's religious program specialist (first time I see this career in a book!) who wants to start new on the town that her former CO (now the preacher on Moonlight Bay) often talked about.
"I want more than just your body. I want you, Lia."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that I want all of you. Even the parts that you think are unlovable. "
Perfect for fans of Robyn Carr and Carolyn Brown.
"I want more than just your body. I want you, Lia."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that I want all of you. Even the parts that you think are unlovable. "
Perfect for fans of Robyn Carr and Carolyn Brown.
May 13, 2020
I really loved Lia in the first book, she was an amazing character! Strong and smart and looking for her place in the world. I could have done without the church parts but at least they were minimal. The second book was also a ton of fun, Sara was a strong woman (who is still getting over a difficult time). Colton is an ass but only to her and is using his jerkiness to keep her at arms length. He’s also one of my favorite characters ever, lovely and helpful and he cares so much for his community. Loved him!
August 1, 2019
This is another wonderful book by Ms. Ramsay. I have enjoyed her books for many years and was not disappointed in the story of Lia and Noah. The story has humor, romance, a little violence (although not graphic), coming to terms with oneself, animals, family, woman power, faith and of course, small town eccentricities.
Noah is a veterinarian who doesn't own a pet. That should tell you right there that he has some things he struggles with. Lia was on protection service for military chaplains until she froze in a dangerous situation. Now she doesn't feel like she deserves much, certainly not the dog she helped save as she came into Moonlight Bay for the first time. Although the two are attracted to each other there is nowhere for it to go, because Noah is leaving town again. If Lia can help him work out his problems with his family, will he stay? Will they have a chance at a relationship then? And Liamay have to prove to herself how strong she is and deserving of good things in life, like Noah and the dog.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Noah is a veterinarian who doesn't own a pet. That should tell you right there that he has some things he struggles with. Lia was on protection service for military chaplains until she froze in a dangerous situation. Now she doesn't feel like she deserves much, certainly not the dog she helped save as she came into Moonlight Bay for the first time. Although the two are attracted to each other there is nowhere for it to go, because Noah is leaving town again. If Lia can help him work out his problems with his family, will he stay? Will they have a chance at a relationship then? And Liamay have to prove to herself how strong she is and deserving of good things in life, like Noah and the dog.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
July 7, 2019
Title: Summer On Moonlight Bay
Series:Moonlight Bay 2
Author: Hope Ramsay
Pages: 738
Genre: romance
Only one thing can make veterinarian Noah Cuthbert return to Magnolia Harbor-his mother's failing health. He'll do anything to help his family, including taking a short-term gig at the local animal clinic. What he doesn't count on is getting up-close-and-personal with the clinic's new manager, a woman whose love and compassion for every stray that crosses her path has him rethinking his plans to head back to his big-city life...
After her time in the Navy, Lia wants nothing more than to settle down. The quaint seaside town is just what she'd been hoping for, and not just because her new boss is movie-star handsome. As they grow closer, Lia starts wondering if Noah could be the one. But when a town crisis forces Noah to take a stand that jeopardizes their new-found happiness, can Lia convince him that home doesn't have to be a four-letter word?
Includes the bonus novel Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson!
My thoughts
Rating: 3.5
Would I recommend it? maybe
Would I read anything else by this author: maybe
First time I've ever read anything by this author and while it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone , as for the characters I couldn't stand the 2 main characters at all , it was like every time i was reading the book I kept seen the same old thing, and that was almost though out the hole book, but the story line was ok , it just didn't pull me into the story like I was hoping . With that said I want to thank Netgalley as well Forever for sending me a copy as well as letting me request it to read and review
Series:Moonlight Bay 2
Author: Hope Ramsay
Pages: 738
Genre: romance
Only one thing can make veterinarian Noah Cuthbert return to Magnolia Harbor-his mother's failing health. He'll do anything to help his family, including taking a short-term gig at the local animal clinic. What he doesn't count on is getting up-close-and-personal with the clinic's new manager, a woman whose love and compassion for every stray that crosses her path has him rethinking his plans to head back to his big-city life...
After her time in the Navy, Lia wants nothing more than to settle down. The quaint seaside town is just what she'd been hoping for, and not just because her new boss is movie-star handsome. As they grow closer, Lia starts wondering if Noah could be the one. But when a town crisis forces Noah to take a stand that jeopardizes their new-found happiness, can Lia convince him that home doesn't have to be a four-letter word?
Includes the bonus novel Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson!
My thoughts
Rating: 3.5
Would I recommend it? maybe
Would I read anything else by this author: maybe
First time I've ever read anything by this author and while it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone , as for the characters I couldn't stand the 2 main characters at all , it was like every time i was reading the book I kept seen the same old thing, and that was almost though out the hole book, but the story line was ok , it just didn't pull me into the story like I was hoping . With that said I want to thank Netgalley as well Forever for sending me a copy as well as letting me request it to read and review
April 4, 2024
This review is for Summer on Moonlight Bay.
July 26, 2019
Melissa contributed this review to Really Into This
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
Summer on Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsay is a wonderfully written tale rich with memorable characters. A while back, I read the first book in Hope Ramsay's Moonlight series The Cottage on Rose Lane.
One thing I love about Hope is her character development is amazing. Effortlessly, Hope is able to create characters that are relatable & believable. It is incredibly easy to connect with the narratives. Honestly, I sit down to start the book & I look down & I'm a third of the way through. Hope Ramsay just sucks you in.
While this is the second book in the Moonlight series, it is easily read as a standalone. Just jump in & read it. Summer on Moonlight Bay is timely as well. There are definitely some topics that are reminiscent of what's in the newspaper headlines.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! Read this if you're a fan of Happily Ever After & a fan of Hallmark movies. Honestly, Hope Ramsay just makes you feel good.
Special thanks to Hope Ramsay, Read Forever & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
Summer on Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsay is a wonderfully written tale rich with memorable characters. A while back, I read the first book in Hope Ramsay's Moonlight series The Cottage on Rose Lane.
One thing I love about Hope is her character development is amazing. Effortlessly, Hope is able to create characters that are relatable & believable. It is incredibly easy to connect with the narratives. Honestly, I sit down to start the book & I look down & I'm a third of the way through. Hope Ramsay just sucks you in.
While this is the second book in the Moonlight series, it is easily read as a standalone. Just jump in & read it. Summer on Moonlight Bay is timely as well. There are definitely some topics that are reminiscent of what's in the newspaper headlines.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! Read this if you're a fan of Happily Ever After & a fan of Hallmark movies. Honestly, Hope Ramsay just makes you feel good.
Special thanks to Hope Ramsay, Read Forever & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
August 15, 2019
Noah's and Lia's love story is well worth the read! The twists and turns and feels were amazing. I see future story material in the book as incidents lead to other relationships.
August 26, 2019
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Overall really enjoyed. When I started the book it seemed to feel like it was going slow but once I got past that initial feeling I really got into the book.
I think I felt this way because I felt pieces weren’t clicking in my mind for me. Why did Lia leave the navy? That wasn’t really mentioned at the beginning and you have that bog you down. In other words, I had so many questions about things that my mind was bogged and it slowed the book down for me-this in no way affected the book. Other than this, I really enjoyed the book.
Noah at first seemed a wee bit frustrating. He didn’t want to stick around because he felt that he couldn’t get where he wanted to be. He was liking city life. He was a well respected vet where he was as well. Don’t get me wrong, he is a strong, smart, kind character just frustrating at times.
Lia is stubborn, strong, organized, nice and sweet. She has a past that has her feeling guilty and burdened. It also has her a little gun shy. I love her for Noah because she completes him really. She keeps him on schedule and ahead of the game. She lets him know her mind and when he is being a doof she has no problems telling him. Her loving nature helps get the vet to stay. .
The attraction between these two is through the roof. To me they are good for one another. They help each other stay on track, see others views and learn to move on. We see them fall in love but not instantly which I like. We see them get to know one another and learn to trust each other.
The story is of trust, friendship, family and love. It is one that has you smile and root for these two to come out together and stronger than ever.
Overall really enjoyed. When I started the book it seemed to feel like it was going slow but once I got past that initial feeling I really got into the book.
I think I felt this way because I felt pieces weren’t clicking in my mind for me. Why did Lia leave the navy? That wasn’t really mentioned at the beginning and you have that bog you down. In other words, I had so many questions about things that my mind was bogged and it slowed the book down for me-this in no way affected the book. Other than this, I really enjoyed the book.
Noah at first seemed a wee bit frustrating. He didn’t want to stick around because he felt that he couldn’t get where he wanted to be. He was liking city life. He was a well respected vet where he was as well. Don’t get me wrong, he is a strong, smart, kind character just frustrating at times.
Lia is stubborn, strong, organized, nice and sweet. She has a past that has her feeling guilty and burdened. It also has her a little gun shy. I love her for Noah because she completes him really. She keeps him on schedule and ahead of the game. She lets him know her mind and when he is being a doof she has no problems telling him. Her loving nature helps get the vet to stay. .
The attraction between these two is through the roof. To me they are good for one another. They help each other stay on track, see others views and learn to move on. We see them fall in love but not instantly which I like. We see them get to know one another and learn to trust each other.
The story is of trust, friendship, family and love. It is one that has you smile and root for these two to come out together and stronger than ever.
February 2, 2023
Summer on Moonlight Bay
After leaving the navy Lia heads to Micah Saint Pierre, her old CO, whom she hopes has a job for her. On her way into town, she rescues an injured dog from the middle of the road. Rushing to Magnolia Spring's new vet clinic she meets Granny, the heart of the town and a woman 'in the know'. Granny calls her grandson Noah Cuthbert, a hotshot vet visiting for the summer, to help the dog. Because the dog needs surgery and cannot move around, Lia is allowed to stay at the clinic and monitor him. After speaking with Micah, he works on advocating a secretary position for Lia with his church while Lia is determined to make a go of the little town. Organizing the clinic impresses Noah, helping a local woman whose house burned find shelter and caring for her kitten endears her to the community and impresses Grant the fireman, and when she steps into a domestic situation she splits the whole town who either admire or hate her. Through it all her new friendship with some local ladies and her fledgling relationship with Noah blossom. The dog she rescued ends up named Prince by Granny and becomes a fast friend tying her to the feeling that this is HOME. She encounters many obstacles but with Micah, the church ladies, and even Noah on her side to help she overcomes. Those same people find her to be a caring, intuitive, organized woman who is just searching for her forever home; they, and Lia, want it to be Magnolia Springs.
This book had me at the rescued dog. I won't say it was better than the first as it was wildly different. I will say I flew through the book and enjoyed every minute!
Then There Was You
When Dr. Sara Langdon returns to her hometown to be closer to her grandmother who's been diagnosed with Alzheimers, she is faced with everything she'd been avoiding since her fiance' cheated on her and the wedding was called off. Working alongside her father in his practice is both a study in frustration and a way to reacquaint herself with her friends and neighbors. As she settles in, she finds out that Angel Falls' sheriff is the man she feels is responsible for her marriage never happening, Colton Walker. A chance encounter turns into them being repeatedly thrown into each others' path. Sara hates him, thinks he an arrogant jerk, and is annoyed with him and her family for telling her he's not the same person he used to be. But as she sees him performing his duties as sheriff, interacting with her and his own grandmothers, and hears from everyone how well-respected and beloved he is her opinion slowly morphs. After all the gap between love and hate is a fine line and Sara steps over it. But then her ex-fiance returns to town and wants her back. Insecurities and the past rear their ugly heads. One lie changed everyone's lives but now the truth is known.
My first book by this author and I really enjoyed Miranda Liasson's manner of writing. If I see other books by her I am definitely going to check them out. Outstanding five stars for this book.
After leaving the navy Lia heads to Micah Saint Pierre, her old CO, whom she hopes has a job for her. On her way into town, she rescues an injured dog from the middle of the road. Rushing to Magnolia Spring's new vet clinic she meets Granny, the heart of the town and a woman 'in the know'. Granny calls her grandson Noah Cuthbert, a hotshot vet visiting for the summer, to help the dog. Because the dog needs surgery and cannot move around, Lia is allowed to stay at the clinic and monitor him. After speaking with Micah, he works on advocating a secretary position for Lia with his church while Lia is determined to make a go of the little town. Organizing the clinic impresses Noah, helping a local woman whose house burned find shelter and caring for her kitten endears her to the community and impresses Grant the fireman, and when she steps into a domestic situation she splits the whole town who either admire or hate her. Through it all her new friendship with some local ladies and her fledgling relationship with Noah blossom. The dog she rescued ends up named Prince by Granny and becomes a fast friend tying her to the feeling that this is HOME. She encounters many obstacles but with Micah, the church ladies, and even Noah on her side to help she overcomes. Those same people find her to be a caring, intuitive, organized woman who is just searching for her forever home; they, and Lia, want it to be Magnolia Springs.
This book had me at the rescued dog. I won't say it was better than the first as it was wildly different. I will say I flew through the book and enjoyed every minute!
Then There Was You
When Dr. Sara Langdon returns to her hometown to be closer to her grandmother who's been diagnosed with Alzheimers, she is faced with everything she'd been avoiding since her fiance' cheated on her and the wedding was called off. Working alongside her father in his practice is both a study in frustration and a way to reacquaint herself with her friends and neighbors. As she settles in, she finds out that Angel Falls' sheriff is the man she feels is responsible for her marriage never happening, Colton Walker. A chance encounter turns into them being repeatedly thrown into each others' path. Sara hates him, thinks he an arrogant jerk, and is annoyed with him and her family for telling her he's not the same person he used to be. But as she sees him performing his duties as sheriff, interacting with her and his own grandmothers, and hears from everyone how well-respected and beloved he is her opinion slowly morphs. After all the gap between love and hate is a fine line and Sara steps over it. But then her ex-fiance returns to town and wants her back. Insecurities and the past rear their ugly heads. One lie changed everyone's lives but now the truth is known.
My first book by this author and I really enjoyed Miranda Liasson's manner of writing. If I see other books by her I am definitely going to check them out. Outstanding five stars for this book.
August 5, 2019
Summer on Moonlight Bay begins with Lia DiPalma finding herself lost on the outskirts of Magnolia Harbor. She is fresh out of the Navy and looking for a place to call home. After hearing so much about the place from her Commanding Officer, Chaplain Micah St. Pierre, she decided that she would head there to see about going to work for Micah, who has his own church now and is no longer in the Navy either. Lia spots a dog in the middle of the road that has been hit by a car and stops to check on him. She finds the dog needs help immediately and finally finds her way into town, only to find that the vet clinic isn’t open for business. She does, however, find that there is a nice lady there who has her bring the dog into the clinic to see what they can do for it.
Noah Cuthbert is bound and determined to get his mother to leave Magnolia Harbor and move in with him in Charleston. His mother has multiple sclerosis and he worries about her being able to care for herself. His little sister, Abby, is there, but he hopes that she will go to college in the fall. IF she does, it will leave his mother all along. His mother has other plans. The island has always been her home, and she’s not leaving. When his grandmother calls to tell him that there is an injured dog that has been brought into the clinic, he reluctantly heads out to check the pup out. The clinic is state of the art, thanks to a wealthy beneficiary, but doesn’t have a vet on staff. He knows his grandmother wants him to run the clinic, but the last place he wants to be is Magnolia Harbor. Little does Noah, nor Lia, know how much that fateful phone call will change not only their lives, but the lives of a lot of people in Magnolia Harbor.
Summer on Moonlight Bay is a wonderfully written story of redemption and second chances. Lia is someone who has been looking for forgiveness for things that were totally out of her control but is the type of person who takes everything on herself. Her mother was a wanderer and never settled down anywhere and Lia thought that’s how she would be as well. Noah has a lot of similar issues with his father. Not that his father was a wanderer, but he was hard on Noah and his family. Lia and Noah really do fight their attraction to each other, knowing that they both carry some emotional baggage that they need to deal with. Of course, misunderstandings happen along the way and a rush to judgement or two derails things for a minute. However, when the two of them come together to face their long held personal issues, you’ll not only cheer, but shed a tear or two. The secondary characters are very well written as well and leaves you wanting to be a part of the Magnolia Harbor community. This story leaves you with a smile in your heart and a pep in your step. I had no idea it was part of a series until I went to write this review, but this can totally be read as a stand alone. (I have gone and bought the first book in the series though!) This is the first I’ve read by Hope Ramsay, but will definitely not be the last. Well done, Hope Ramsay! Very, very well done!
Noah Cuthbert is bound and determined to get his mother to leave Magnolia Harbor and move in with him in Charleston. His mother has multiple sclerosis and he worries about her being able to care for herself. His little sister, Abby, is there, but he hopes that she will go to college in the fall. IF she does, it will leave his mother all along. His mother has other plans. The island has always been her home, and she’s not leaving. When his grandmother calls to tell him that there is an injured dog that has been brought into the clinic, he reluctantly heads out to check the pup out. The clinic is state of the art, thanks to a wealthy beneficiary, but doesn’t have a vet on staff. He knows his grandmother wants him to run the clinic, but the last place he wants to be is Magnolia Harbor. Little does Noah, nor Lia, know how much that fateful phone call will change not only their lives, but the lives of a lot of people in Magnolia Harbor.
Summer on Moonlight Bay is a wonderfully written story of redemption and second chances. Lia is someone who has been looking for forgiveness for things that were totally out of her control but is the type of person who takes everything on herself. Her mother was a wanderer and never settled down anywhere and Lia thought that’s how she would be as well. Noah has a lot of similar issues with his father. Not that his father was a wanderer, but he was hard on Noah and his family. Lia and Noah really do fight their attraction to each other, knowing that they both carry some emotional baggage that they need to deal with. Of course, misunderstandings happen along the way and a rush to judgement or two derails things for a minute. However, when the two of them come together to face their long held personal issues, you’ll not only cheer, but shed a tear or two. The secondary characters are very well written as well and leaves you wanting to be a part of the Magnolia Harbor community. This story leaves you with a smile in your heart and a pep in your step. I had no idea it was part of a series until I went to write this review, but this can totally be read as a stand alone. (I have gone and bought the first book in the series though!) This is the first I’ve read by Hope Ramsay, but will definitely not be the last. Well done, Hope Ramsay! Very, very well done!
August 11, 2019
I am really touched by the hard work and the emotional journey that the author has gone through to complete this book. And for that I am proud to have read this story because I am a fan of Hope Ramsay. With that being said, it is going to be a pain to write a honest review because I really wanted this to be a 5 Star, but unfortunately, this story did not quite meet that rating and I will tell you why.
Summer on Moonlight Bay is a love story between a vet and a veterinarian. Lia is a veteran from the Navy and she is a rolling stone looking for a place to call home. She goes to the lovely town of Magnolia Harbor in hopes of experiencing the small town in all its glory, that's according to the charming tales that her former Navy Chaplain, Micah St. Pierre, has told her about. On the other hand, there is Noah who can't get away from his small town fast enough. They bond over a sweet puppy in need of help and the guilt of their past. Will love prevail in this small, charming town after it is almost torn apart?
Now let's get into the good and the bad of this story. The good is the writing and the dialogue. Hope Ramsay has a great way of bringing characters to life and building this awesome world that makes you want to move to a small town. The characters were grounded and I absolutely loved how they connected. The family dynamic was great as well with a dash of normal family drama. Both Lia and Noah were realistic and they were just normal people who crossed paths in the best way possible.
Now let's get to the bad. Sigh!!. The romance was not very well developed and I was disappointed. The book takes place in a week's time and it shows. Though the characters had a nice character arc, their relationship had no time to develop and by the time the "I Love You"s came flying, it had no strong effect on the story. The couple in this story shares a strong connection with animals in their past and I thought that it just fell flat. I know the author was going for tug at the heart strings when Lia spoke to her brother and when Noah spoke with his father, but the moment did not have that emotion that the author was going for. The reasoning behind it was not powerful enough to carry the story or the character arc. They carried this conflict throughout their lives and if I am not mistaken, they are in their 30s now. Move on already!!
Honestly, I love Hope Ramsay as an author, but this story fell flat for me and the romance aspect of the story was placed on the back burner for a little "town gossip" so to say. Three stars is all I have to give and it breaks my heart, but I have to be genuine in my reviews. Do I recommend this book? I do recommend it for a quick beach read and that's about it.
Summer on Moonlight Bay is a love story between a vet and a veterinarian. Lia is a veteran from the Navy and she is a rolling stone looking for a place to call home. She goes to the lovely town of Magnolia Harbor in hopes of experiencing the small town in all its glory, that's according to the charming tales that her former Navy Chaplain, Micah St. Pierre, has told her about. On the other hand, there is Noah who can't get away from his small town fast enough. They bond over a sweet puppy in need of help and the guilt of their past. Will love prevail in this small, charming town after it is almost torn apart?
Now let's get into the good and the bad of this story. The good is the writing and the dialogue. Hope Ramsay has a great way of bringing characters to life and building this awesome world that makes you want to move to a small town. The characters were grounded and I absolutely loved how they connected. The family dynamic was great as well with a dash of normal family drama. Both Lia and Noah were realistic and they were just normal people who crossed paths in the best way possible.
Now let's get to the bad. Sigh!!. The romance was not very well developed and I was disappointed. The book takes place in a week's time and it shows. Though the characters had a nice character arc, their relationship had no time to develop and by the time the "I Love You"s came flying, it had no strong effect on the story. The couple in this story shares a strong connection with animals in their past and I thought that it just fell flat. I know the author was going for tug at the heart strings when Lia spoke to her brother and when Noah spoke with his father, but the moment did not have that emotion that the author was going for. The reasoning behind it was not powerful enough to carry the story or the character arc. They carried this conflict throughout their lives and if I am not mistaken, they are in their 30s now. Move on already!!
Honestly, I love Hope Ramsay as an author, but this story fell flat for me and the romance aspect of the story was placed on the back burner for a little "town gossip" so to say. Three stars is all I have to give and it breaks my heart, but I have to be genuine in my reviews. Do I recommend this book? I do recommend it for a quick beach read and that's about it.
July 13, 2019
Summer on Moonlight Bay
Hope Ramsey
August 6, 2019
The second in the Moonlight Bay series begins with Lia DiPalma heading into South Carolina in the midst of nowhere. She spies something in the middle of the road, slams the brakes of her Chevy Trailblazer and stares at was lying in the road. It was a dog not a piece of trash. She got out to investigate and found the dog, really a puppy still alive but with severe leg damage. Gathering a blanket from her things she carefully scooted the sad, little creature into the soft cushion and carried it into her car. Back on the road she hoped to find a vet in Magnolia Harbor, the next village she pulled into. A Google search led her to a new animal hospital soon to open. Pulling into the lot, she found it vacant save one car. Lia carefully picked up the black puppy hoping someone could help him. The caretaker was there however no Vet or Vet Techs had been hired for the summer.
Receiving a call from his granny, Noah Cuthbert sat visiting with his mother, Donna trying to convince her to return to Charleston, South Carolina with him at the end of the week. Taking the call, he was summoned to the animal hospital that his granny was trying to open with the help of Jenna St. Ives. Noah is a vet specialist in Charleston. His granny was hoping that he would come to the center to check on the puppy. Never being one to let an animal suffer, Noah climbed into his truck and drove the short distance to the center.
The Summer on Moonlight Bay has a familiar cast of characters from The Cottage on Rose Lane from Hope Ramsey. The reader finds many of the townsfolk playing integral parts of this story as well. Lia LaPalma has recently retired from the Navy. She hoped to find her long time friend and commanding officer, Chaplain Micah St. Pierre, pastor of the local church. She had read in a local newspaper that his church was looking for a new secretary. Lia felt she could fill that position well and hoped that Micah would feel the same. This book is a pleasant continuation of the stories of the St. Pierre family. Lia and Noah fall into a typical thirty-something romance. Her biggest problem is that she would like to stay in the Moonlight Bay area and Noah plans to return to his job in Charleston.
This novel should be another hit for Hope Ramsey. In this book is also a complete book, Then There was You by Miranda Liasson. The Summer on Moonlight Bay is due to be published August 6, 2019 by Forever Publishing of New York and Boston.
Hope Ramsey
August 6, 2019
The second in the Moonlight Bay series begins with Lia DiPalma heading into South Carolina in the midst of nowhere. She spies something in the middle of the road, slams the brakes of her Chevy Trailblazer and stares at was lying in the road. It was a dog not a piece of trash. She got out to investigate and found the dog, really a puppy still alive but with severe leg damage. Gathering a blanket from her things she carefully scooted the sad, little creature into the soft cushion and carried it into her car. Back on the road she hoped to find a vet in Magnolia Harbor, the next village she pulled into. A Google search led her to a new animal hospital soon to open. Pulling into the lot, she found it vacant save one car. Lia carefully picked up the black puppy hoping someone could help him. The caretaker was there however no Vet or Vet Techs had been hired for the summer.
Receiving a call from his granny, Noah Cuthbert sat visiting with his mother, Donna trying to convince her to return to Charleston, South Carolina with him at the end of the week. Taking the call, he was summoned to the animal hospital that his granny was trying to open with the help of Jenna St. Ives. Noah is a vet specialist in Charleston. His granny was hoping that he would come to the center to check on the puppy. Never being one to let an animal suffer, Noah climbed into his truck and drove the short distance to the center.
The Summer on Moonlight Bay has a familiar cast of characters from The Cottage on Rose Lane from Hope Ramsey. The reader finds many of the townsfolk playing integral parts of this story as well. Lia LaPalma has recently retired from the Navy. She hoped to find her long time friend and commanding officer, Chaplain Micah St. Pierre, pastor of the local church. She had read in a local newspaper that his church was looking for a new secretary. Lia felt she could fill that position well and hoped that Micah would feel the same. This book is a pleasant continuation of the stories of the St. Pierre family. Lia and Noah fall into a typical thirty-something romance. Her biggest problem is that she would like to stay in the Moonlight Bay area and Noah plans to return to his job in Charleston.
This novel should be another hit for Hope Ramsey. In this book is also a complete book, Then There was You by Miranda Liasson. The Summer on Moonlight Bay is due to be published August 6, 2019 by Forever Publishing of New York and Boston.
Want to read
July 21, 2019Hope Ramsay blew me away with book 2 in the Moonlight Bay series. Summer on Moonlight Bay was the perfect small-town romance with a great set of characters. The story was vulnerable, uplifting, and charming.
The story begins with us meeting a woman who just left the Navy to settle down in a quaint town. Lia has lived a certain lifestyle for 15 years and is looking for a change. She heads to Moonlight Bay, a town she always heard about. On her way to the small-town, she rescues a dog after it was hit and left abandoned on the road. She meets the infamous Noah Cuthbert.
Noah is a charming vet that is smart, attractive, and stubborn. He grew up in Moonlight Bay but has made it his mission to stay away from the town in his adulthood. He reluctantly visits to take his mom and sister back to his home. When he is called in to the vet clinic to help an injured dog, his plans change.
The chemistry between Noah and Lia is electric. They don't get off of the right foot, but once they start seeing each other for who they truly are there is mutual respect. Lia doesn't have a place to stay so offers up her organizing talents in exchange for a place to stay. This is just temporary since she is looking for a job at the local church with her best friend and new Reverend Micah.
The journey Lia and Noah go through is complicated especially with all the local gossip. To see them open up and speak their truth was moving.
One of my favorite parts of this story was all the characters. Not only did we get to read about Lia and Noah's story but the background characters were lovable. Abby, Grant, Micah, Ashley, and Prince were just fabulous. I loved that Hope Ramsay gave all these characters a true story that could intertwine and mold into one story. It was original and refreshing.
The familial aspect was another reason why I adored this book. Family was so important to the characters, but it doesn't mean it didn't come with bad memories. Some of these memories were so relatable and honest, that gave it a realistic feeling to the story.
Overall, this was a great read about moving on from your past, the importance of forgiveness, and opening up oneself to love.
I give Summer on Moonlight Bay 5 stars. It was one of my favorite reads this summer. When I read the acknowledgments at the end of the book, I fell more in love with the story. I could feel the pain, love, and dedication that Hope Ramsay wrote with. I highly recommend this book to everyone who appreciates the ups and downs of falling in love, small-town gossip, and loves pets.
The story begins with us meeting a woman who just left the Navy to settle down in a quaint town. Lia has lived a certain lifestyle for 15 years and is looking for a change. She heads to Moonlight Bay, a town she always heard about. On her way to the small-town, she rescues a dog after it was hit and left abandoned on the road. She meets the infamous Noah Cuthbert.
Noah is a charming vet that is smart, attractive, and stubborn. He grew up in Moonlight Bay but has made it his mission to stay away from the town in his adulthood. He reluctantly visits to take his mom and sister back to his home. When he is called in to the vet clinic to help an injured dog, his plans change.
The chemistry between Noah and Lia is electric. They don't get off of the right foot, but once they start seeing each other for who they truly are there is mutual respect. Lia doesn't have a place to stay so offers up her organizing talents in exchange for a place to stay. This is just temporary since she is looking for a job at the local church with her best friend and new Reverend Micah.
The journey Lia and Noah go through is complicated especially with all the local gossip. To see them open up and speak their truth was moving.
One of my favorite parts of this story was all the characters. Not only did we get to read about Lia and Noah's story but the background characters were lovable. Abby, Grant, Micah, Ashley, and Prince were just fabulous. I loved that Hope Ramsay gave all these characters a true story that could intertwine and mold into one story. It was original and refreshing.
The familial aspect was another reason why I adored this book. Family was so important to the characters, but it doesn't mean it didn't come with bad memories. Some of these memories were so relatable and honest, that gave it a realistic feeling to the story.
Overall, this was a great read about moving on from your past, the importance of forgiveness, and opening up oneself to love.
I give Summer on Moonlight Bay 5 stars. It was one of my favorite reads this summer. When I read the acknowledgments at the end of the book, I fell more in love with the story. I could feel the pain, love, and dedication that Hope Ramsay wrote with. I highly recommend this book to everyone who appreciates the ups and downs of falling in love, small-town gossip, and loves pets.
July 22, 2019
Hope Ramsay blew me away with book 2 in the Moonlight Bay series. Summer on Moonlight Bay was the perfect small-town romance with a great set of characters. The story was vulnerable, uplifting, and charming.
The story begins with us meeting a woman who just left the Navy to settle down in a quaint town. Lia has lived a certain lifestyle for 15 years and is looking for a change. She heads to Moonlight Bay, a town she always heard about. On her way to the small-town, she rescues a dog after it was hit and left abandoned on the road. She meets the infamous Noah Cuthbert.
Noah is a charming vet that is smart, attractive, and stubborn. He grew up in Moonlight Bay but has made it his mission to stay away from the town in his adulthood. He reluctantly visits to take his mom and sister back to his home. When he is called in to the vet clinic to help an injured dog, his plans change.
The chemistry between Noah and Lia is electric. They don't get off of the right foot, but once they start seeing each other for who they truly are there is mutual respect. Lia doesn't have a place to stay so offers up her organizing talents in exchange for a place to stay. This is just temporary since she is looking for a job at the local church with her best friend and new Reverend Micah.
The journey Lia and Noah go through is complicated especially with all the local gossip. To see them open up and speak their truth was moving.
One of my favorite parts of this story was all the characters. Not only did we get to read about Lia and Noah's story but the background characters were lovable. Abby, Grant, Micah, Ashley, and Prince were just fabulous. I loved that Hope Ramsay gave all these characters a true story that could intertwine and mold into one story. It was original and refreshing.
The familial aspect was another reason why I adored this book. Family was so important to the characters, but it doesn't mean it didn't come with bad memories. Some of these memories were so relatable and honest, that gave it a realistic feeling to the story.
Overall, this was a great read about moving on from your past, the importance of forgiveness, and opening up oneself to love.
I give Summer on Moonlight Bay 5 stars. It was one of my favorite reads this summer. When I read the acknowledgments at the end of the book, I fell more in love with the story. I could feel the pain, love, and dedication that Hope Ramsay wrote with. I highly recommend this book to everyone who appreciates the ups and downs of falling in love, small-town gossip, and loves pets.
The story begins with us meeting a woman who just left the Navy to settle down in a quaint town. Lia has lived a certain lifestyle for 15 years and is looking for a change. She heads to Moonlight Bay, a town she always heard about. On her way to the small-town, she rescues a dog after it was hit and left abandoned on the road. She meets the infamous Noah Cuthbert.
Noah is a charming vet that is smart, attractive, and stubborn. He grew up in Moonlight Bay but has made it his mission to stay away from the town in his adulthood. He reluctantly visits to take his mom and sister back to his home. When he is called in to the vet clinic to help an injured dog, his plans change.
The chemistry between Noah and Lia is electric. They don't get off of the right foot, but once they start seeing each other for who they truly are there is mutual respect. Lia doesn't have a place to stay so offers up her organizing talents in exchange for a place to stay. This is just temporary since she is looking for a job at the local church with her best friend and new Reverend Micah.
The journey Lia and Noah go through is complicated especially with all the local gossip. To see them open up and speak their truth was moving.
One of my favorite parts of this story was all the characters. Not only did we get to read about Lia and Noah's story but the background characters were lovable. Abby, Grant, Micah, Ashley, and Prince were just fabulous. I loved that Hope Ramsay gave all these characters a true story that could intertwine and mold into one story. It was original and refreshing.
The familial aspect was another reason why I adored this book. Family was so important to the characters, but it doesn't mean it didn't come with bad memories. Some of these memories were so relatable and honest, that gave it a realistic feeling to the story.
Overall, this was a great read about moving on from your past, the importance of forgiveness, and opening up oneself to love.
I give Summer on Moonlight Bay 5 stars. It was one of my favorite reads this summer. When I read the acknowledgments at the end of the book, I fell more in love with the story. I could feel the pain, love, and dedication that Hope Ramsay wrote with. I highly recommend this book to everyone who appreciates the ups and downs of falling in love, small-town gossip, and loves pets.
August 7, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I easily fell into Lia and Noah’s romance, and completely enjoyed returning to the world of Moonlight Bay. SUMMER ON MOONLIGHT BAY gives us another visit with the quirky, sometimes grumpy, always entertaining residents of the seaside small town of Moonlight Bay. A place where some never want to leave and others cannot get away fast enough.
Lia found what she’d been searching for by coming to this small town. Even if her future job wasn’t exactly in the bag, she could still begin settling down and enjoying a life that no longer involved moving. Being in the Navy you got used to moving around a lot, now it’s time for a home to stay in, a forever place to plan a future. Noah, on the other hand, couldn’t get out of this small town fast enough and is only home to convince his mother to move to the big city to be closer to him. His mother deals with MS and while his concerns might be real she has no intentions of leaving her home. And both can be extremely stubborn.
One injured puppy is going to bring Lia and Noah together – with results that neither could have ever expected.
If you enjoy having your emotions fully engaged in the Romances you read, then you’re going to love SUMMER ON MOONLIGHT BAY. There are plenty of emotions to cover just about everything from frustration to absolute joy. Lia and Noah have a chance at happiness, at that forever place they’ve both wanted but to make that a reality they have to face the past, make peace with events beyond their control and take the risks that loving someone involves. I liked them both for different reasons, each has issues that needed to be dealt with, and both will make mistakes along the way. But at their core is a growing love that can get them through anything – if they take that risk of giving their hearts over into someone else’s care. It’s a huge risk, but worth it in the end.
I also enjoyed the bonus story Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson – that has its own separate review.
I’d not hesitate to recommend SUMMER ON MOONLIGHT BAY to any reader who loves a really good story, a few complications along the path to love and a small town you’ll want to move to – like now. Enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I easily fell into Lia and Noah’s romance, and completely enjoyed returning to the world of Moonlight Bay. SUMMER ON MOONLIGHT BAY gives us another visit with the quirky, sometimes grumpy, always entertaining residents of the seaside small town of Moonlight Bay. A place where some never want to leave and others cannot get away fast enough.
Lia found what she’d been searching for by coming to this small town. Even if her future job wasn’t exactly in the bag, she could still begin settling down and enjoying a life that no longer involved moving. Being in the Navy you got used to moving around a lot, now it’s time for a home to stay in, a forever place to plan a future. Noah, on the other hand, couldn’t get out of this small town fast enough and is only home to convince his mother to move to the big city to be closer to him. His mother deals with MS and while his concerns might be real she has no intentions of leaving her home. And both can be extremely stubborn.
One injured puppy is going to bring Lia and Noah together – with results that neither could have ever expected.
If you enjoy having your emotions fully engaged in the Romances you read, then you’re going to love SUMMER ON MOONLIGHT BAY. There are plenty of emotions to cover just about everything from frustration to absolute joy. Lia and Noah have a chance at happiness, at that forever place they’ve both wanted but to make that a reality they have to face the past, make peace with events beyond their control and take the risks that loving someone involves. I liked them both for different reasons, each has issues that needed to be dealt with, and both will make mistakes along the way. But at their core is a growing love that can get them through anything – if they take that risk of giving their hearts over into someone else’s care. It’s a huge risk, but worth it in the end.
I also enjoyed the bonus story Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson – that has its own separate review.
I’d not hesitate to recommend SUMMER ON MOONLIGHT BAY to any reader who loves a really good story, a few complications along the path to love and a small town you’ll want to move to – like now. Enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
August 22, 2019
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Summer on Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsay is the second book in the Moonlight Bay series, set in the fictional town of Magnolia Harbor, South Carolina. I have a slight obsession with small town romances. I love the recurring characters and quaint settings, the nostalgic feel (even if it’s set in today’s time), and beauty/gossip of living in a small town. This particular book follows two vets, a veteran and veterinarian, one returning home to move his mother and the other searching for a permanent place to call home. Poignantly written, Summer on Moonlight Bay touched my heart and left me smiling.
Lia DiPalma is a lost soul. She’s spent her life wandering, first with her mother who never put down any roots, and more recently with the Navy. Having left after a bad judgment call that cost someone else everything, Lia carries guilt with her in every step. When she learns that her former CO is now the pastor at a church from his hometown, she decides to follow him there in the hopes of taking a job as his secretary. Lia takes a detour when an emaciated puppy needs her help which leads her to a clinic in the same town and a reluctant vet.
Noah Cuthbert returned to Magnolia Harbor for one reason and that’s his mother and her failing health. He’s determined to pack her and his baby sister up and move them back to Charleston with him. She has other plans. When his grandmother calls him about a puppy hit by a car, his mind flashes back to his pup, taken when he was a boy. He can’t say no when he knows that he could help. After, his mother makes a deal with him. She’ll go at the end of summer if he will work at the clinic while they find a new vet for it. He agrees, but he doesn’t plan on falling for the clinic’s new manager, Lia.
My favorite part of this book is the build-up to Noah and Lia’s romance. It’s a slow-burn, and the author builds to its climax beautifully. Noah and Lia carry a lot of regrets and guilt. Noah’s relationship with his father and younger brother is strained, and Noah blames himself for that. He refuses to offer forgiveness to his father, and it eventually builds to a head. Lia’s past with her own brother and mother affect her today. She’s insecure and a drifter. She’s never stayed in one place long enough to make friends. But in Magnolia Harbor, without the Navy, Lia finds herself building a home and relationships. I love the character growth for both Lia and Noah throughout this story. It progresses naturally, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think they were real life people.
Overall I really enjoyed Summer on Moonlight Bay. Lia and Noah’s story will tug at your heartstrings, but ultimately leave you satisfied. And Magnolia Bay!!! I love this little town. The Peace Makers, the St. Pierre family, Rafferty’s, and the softball game….all these details make Magnolia Bay a town that could really exist anywhere in the Southeast. I found myself feeling right at home with Jackie and his ghost, and the sweet treats from Ashley Scott’s kitchen made my mouth water. If you are looking for a sweet escape with a HEA, look no further than Moonlight Bay.
Summer on Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsay is the second book in the Moonlight Bay series, set in the fictional town of Magnolia Harbor, South Carolina. I have a slight obsession with small town romances. I love the recurring characters and quaint settings, the nostalgic feel (even if it’s set in today’s time), and beauty/gossip of living in a small town. This particular book follows two vets, a veteran and veterinarian, one returning home to move his mother and the other searching for a permanent place to call home. Poignantly written, Summer on Moonlight Bay touched my heart and left me smiling.
Lia DiPalma is a lost soul. She’s spent her life wandering, first with her mother who never put down any roots, and more recently with the Navy. Having left after a bad judgment call that cost someone else everything, Lia carries guilt with her in every step. When she learns that her former CO is now the pastor at a church from his hometown, she decides to follow him there in the hopes of taking a job as his secretary. Lia takes a detour when an emaciated puppy needs her help which leads her to a clinic in the same town and a reluctant vet.
Noah Cuthbert returned to Magnolia Harbor for one reason and that’s his mother and her failing health. He’s determined to pack her and his baby sister up and move them back to Charleston with him. She has other plans. When his grandmother calls him about a puppy hit by a car, his mind flashes back to his pup, taken when he was a boy. He can’t say no when he knows that he could help. After, his mother makes a deal with him. She’ll go at the end of summer if he will work at the clinic while they find a new vet for it. He agrees, but he doesn’t plan on falling for the clinic’s new manager, Lia.
My favorite part of this book is the build-up to Noah and Lia’s romance. It’s a slow-burn, and the author builds to its climax beautifully. Noah and Lia carry a lot of regrets and guilt. Noah’s relationship with his father and younger brother is strained, and Noah blames himself for that. He refuses to offer forgiveness to his father, and it eventually builds to a head. Lia’s past with her own brother and mother affect her today. She’s insecure and a drifter. She’s never stayed in one place long enough to make friends. But in Magnolia Harbor, without the Navy, Lia finds herself building a home and relationships. I love the character growth for both Lia and Noah throughout this story. It progresses naturally, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think they were real life people.
Overall I really enjoyed Summer on Moonlight Bay. Lia and Noah’s story will tug at your heartstrings, but ultimately leave you satisfied. And Magnolia Bay!!! I love this little town. The Peace Makers, the St. Pierre family, Rafferty’s, and the softball game….all these details make Magnolia Bay a town that could really exist anywhere in the Southeast. I found myself feeling right at home with Jackie and his ghost, and the sweet treats from Ashley Scott’s kitchen made my mouth water. If you are looking for a sweet escape with a HEA, look no further than Moonlight Bay.
September 4, 2019
After 15 years as a Chaplain’s assistant in the Navy, Lia is looking for a safe place to finally settle down. Throughout her childhood, Lia, her brother and mother continually moved from place to place, which has left Lia with no sense of belonging to anyone or anywhere. Now, Lia has come to Magnolia Harbor because the last chaplain she worked for spoke so lovingly of his hometown, making Lia anxious to check it out. Little does Lia know just how much the town and its citizens will grow on her once she arrives. Noah Cuthbert is a veterinarian who grew up in Magnolia Harbor and has returned to move his ailing mother to his home in Charleston and to see that his younger sister gets settled into college. Noah has no desire to remain in Magnolia Harbor, mostly because it brings back unpleasant memories of life there with his divorced parents and all the baggage the family has accumulated over the years. However, Noah is taken in by Lia and her take-charge ways as well as by her unassuming, loving personality—as is everyone else in Magnolia Harbor. However, staying on in the small town means that everyone, including Noah, his family, Lia and the other towns folk must confront and put to rest the secret demons as well as a mix of memories and events that haunt them all.
As is the case with her other books, Hope Ramsay delivers in this one. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship between Lia and Noah grow and blossom. It was also interesting to met up with the many town citizens who had a place and role in their present and, especially Noah, and past lives. The town provided a good glimpse of a small town and brought home why small towns are so popular among people today. Knowing your neighbors and being able to count on them, even when this involves some of the not so happy gossip and memories, is a great way to live life. It also showed just how the past and memories as well as friendships and reputations can convey a myriad of things, some good and some bad. This is a good addition to Hope Ramsay’s books and will appeal to her readers and anyone else looking for a good-feeling romance. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
As is the case with her other books, Hope Ramsay delivers in this one. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship between Lia and Noah grow and blossom. It was also interesting to met up with the many town citizens who had a place and role in their present and, especially Noah, and past lives. The town provided a good glimpse of a small town and brought home why small towns are so popular among people today. Knowing your neighbors and being able to count on them, even when this involves some of the not so happy gossip and memories, is a great way to live life. It also showed just how the past and memories as well as friendships and reputations can convey a myriad of things, some good and some bad. This is a good addition to Hope Ramsay’s books and will appeal to her readers and anyone else looking for a good-feeling romance. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
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