Laurel Cove

by Sarah Turtle

Willa Barton has established herself as a successful author and screenwriter, residing in New York City, a stark contrast from her childhood upbringing in the small island community of Laurel Cove, Maine. Twenty years have passed since Willa’s best friend, Brynn, kissed her, which resulted in Willa accidentally causing permanent injury to Brynn. After being shamed out of town for destroying the future of Laurel Cove’s star athlete, Willa kept her distance; that is, until she receives a call that her father has passed away.
Willa’s plan is simple—she is only going back long enough to tie up loose ends for her father’s estate, sell his house, and attend his funeral. What she doesn’t account for are the past grudges that still exist, a love that was never completely lost, and prospects of friendship. Can Willa right past wrongs to fulfill a promise from the grave so her father can be laid to rest?
Words: 72,200
Genre: Romance

Genres: LGBT, Lesbian, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2019

About the author

Sarah Turtle spent the beginning portion of her childhood living in a small Maine island community, much like the setting in her debut novel, Laurel Cove. She moved around to other locations far from the East Coast, such as San Diego, but eventually came back to live in her home state of Maine. She just couldn’t imagine not being able to enjoy the rocky coastline of New England, or the cold winter blizzards that she loves more than anything.
When she’s not busy writing, Sarah loves going on bike rides, playing board games, video games, painting, and playing a variety of musical instruments. Faithfully by her side in all things, is her Jack Russell Terrier dog, Guinn.

Reviews

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

After the death of her father, Willa, grieving and guilt-ridden, returns to Laurel Cove. Laurel Cove is a small Maine Island community where everyone knows each other and nothing remains hidden. For 20 years, Willa was hiding from her past in New York City after the accident. After a shocking conclusion, everything changed. This is a mesmerizing debut novel with surprising twists and turns. A well crafted, beautiful written heartwarming romance. She is definitely an author to follow and hopefully this one is the first of many to come from Sarah Turtle.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one - but there again I'm a real sucker for women with a Disability Lesbian Romance so it was always going to be a great read. Are there any others out there I should be reading?

[Heat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked a lot about this book, but Griffin was not one of them. The fight at the end of the book was bizarre. Literally in the middle of beating the shit out of his sister and Willa, Griffin stops and starts listening to reason? And then the MCs basically justify all of his actions?

[Misha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have rated this higher if a few weirdly problematic things were not present. For example, asking anyone other than the person who is the paraplegic about their medical status is extremely strange behaviour to me. Additionally, there should be some content warnings about a physically aggressive man, and even in-story, this is a weird thing to just brush off. There was a really good story to tell here about guilt and betrayal but it didn't really get there for me.

[C. Mack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laurel Cove

It was a sweet read in many respects but a little unrealistic in others.
Overall I enjoyed it and would give it 3.5 stars.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a debut book, this was great. I loved the setting, and I give big bonus points for including a main with a disability. I wish more authors would do so. The dialogue was okay but could have been better. I also wish I could have spent more time with the mains together. While the book is about their connection, it was telling us about the connection instead of letting us see those connections. Second chance romances are perfect for allowing the reader to feel those previous connections, and I just feel like it wasn't as strong as I would have liked. I was pretty worried at 90% and I felt like the book still had a lot of loose ends to tie up. The ending was a bit anti-climatic and just wrapped everything up in a nice neat box... quickly. It was almost too neat for my liking. 3.5 rounded up because for a first go this was fantastic. I can't wait to read future books by this author. I could read a dozen books about romances on that little island.

[Az · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well the story is not the most exciting but more of a feel good story. Its difficult to face your past but often times it is necessary for a better future. This book tells a tale of doing just that with a sweet ending at the end and the friendship that was built along the way. I had a lovely time reading it. Thank You.

[Doug Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A multi-faceted story of second chances, disability, guilt, recriminations and addiction. There are a few too many things going on to adequately explore all of the issues; however, with a good cast of secondary characters the story works. A good read and the main characters are headed for their HEA.

[RNPride · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a debut book for this author and if I hadn't know that before I wouldn't have known it by reading it. It is a very well written, captivating story about finding love. The characters were well developed and well-rounded and I felt that I got to know them. I savor books when I read them so it's not normal for me to finish a book in just three days. But this book hooked me in so much I just didn't want to put it down. The storyline just flowed from the pages. It was heartwarming. It brought out various emotions from laughing to tears. I didn't want it to end. This was my first book by this author but it certainly won't be the last! I totally recommend this book and would love to see a sequel. If you are looking for a feel-good tale of lesbian love with a happily ever after, this book belongs on your must-read list.

I received the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy 'Hammie' · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book by this author I must say this book is outstanding. I couldn't put it down. Beautifully written, great characters, I was sad when it ended. I want more, more of this story or another book. I shall keep an eye out for this author, she has set the bar high. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I really enjoyed Laurel Cove. It’s a great story set in a great location. You can almost smell the salt water. A moving story about coming to terms with a devastating accident.

[Socks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really nice read! I enjoyed it a lot and I love that it wasn’t terribly angsty. It has heavy feelings without being weighed down by it, which is always a delicate balance. I loved the mains and the setting!

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

Beautiful and full of emotions story. With a different story and a nice plot. A lot of emotions and feelings about relationships and friendships.

[Calliope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book on repeat

I've read this book 4 times over the last couple of years. It literally hits on every emotion. Enough said.