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Misty Harbor #1
Catch of the Day
Misty Harbor, Maine, is awash in eligible bachelors—and as the only single gal in town, newcomer Gwen Fletcher is surrounded by potential suitors. The trouble is, she's got a restaurant to renovate, and the carpenter she's hired seems bent on avoiding her. What Gwen needs to do is convince wary Daniel Creighton she's not here to land a husband—and that it's high time he stopped pining after the one that got away.
Jilted Daniel's aversion to romance makes him the lone local guy who isn't after gorgeous Gwen. Still, lured by her renovation project, he can't resist lending a hand when she gets in over her head with a couple of overzealous admirers. Next thing he knows, small-town gossip has the two of them destined to sail off into the sunset together—and it dawns on Daniel that he's fallen for Gwen—hook, line and sinker.
Jilted Daniel's aversion to romance makes him the lone local guy who isn't after gorgeous Gwen. Still, lured by her renovation project, he can't resist lending a hand when she gets in over her head with a couple of overzealous admirers. Next thing he knows, small-town gossip has the two of them destined to sail off into the sunset together—and it dawns on Daniel that he's fallen for Gwen—hook, line and sinker.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2002
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186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 11, 2010
If you are in the mood for a cozy contemporary romance, then author Marcia Evanick has created a great series to feed your brain!
When Gwen Fletcher decides to move to Misty Harbor to fulfill her dream of opening her own restaurant, she didn't realize she would be finding a town in short supply of single women. She quickly finds out that not only does she have a chance of creating a wonderful restaurant for people to dine at, but she also has become the talk of the town with the single men that are overflowing the town. With every single man in town trying to win her affections, she has a hard time trying to get her business up and running.
When Gwen hires single man Daniel Creighton, the attraction that builds between the two is inevitable. Daniel though does not want to start a relationship. He has a job to do and that is what he plans on doing.
This was basically a predictable romance that you know with every page how it is going to turn out. The author also likes to weave other stories into the book to set it up for more books in the series. This made it hard to fully enjoy the romance of Gwen and Daniel. Once you start getting towards the last half of the book though, you realize that all the stories she has weaved together also fit together as one.
I enjoyed the book, I just wished we could have had more romance between Gwen and Daniel instead of the rush to get them together as a couple. Predictability and rushed plot made this book not as appealing as it should have been. I still want to read the next book in the series though just so I can see how the author plans to expand the stories of the other side characters.
A good book for a rainy day to keep your craving for sweet romances going, but not one you should expect any surprise endings for.
When Gwen Fletcher decides to move to Misty Harbor to fulfill her dream of opening her own restaurant, she didn't realize she would be finding a town in short supply of single women. She quickly finds out that not only does she have a chance of creating a wonderful restaurant for people to dine at, but she also has become the talk of the town with the single men that are overflowing the town. With every single man in town trying to win her affections, she has a hard time trying to get her business up and running.
When Gwen hires single man Daniel Creighton, the attraction that builds between the two is inevitable. Daniel though does not want to start a relationship. He has a job to do and that is what he plans on doing.
This was basically a predictable romance that you know with every page how it is going to turn out. The author also likes to weave other stories into the book to set it up for more books in the series. This made it hard to fully enjoy the romance of Gwen and Daniel. Once you start getting towards the last half of the book though, you realize that all the stories she has weaved together also fit together as one.
I enjoyed the book, I just wished we could have had more romance between Gwen and Daniel instead of the rush to get them together as a couple. Predictability and rushed plot made this book not as appealing as it should have been. I still want to read the next book in the series though just so I can see how the author plans to expand the stories of the other side characters.
A good book for a rainy day to keep your craving for sweet romances going, but not one you should expect any surprise endings for.
February 18, 2023
2023 bk 68 - I enjoyed this story when I purchased it shortly after publication and still find the story holds up in today's world - many years later. Sadly it isn't in ebook format, but paperbacks can still be found. While the romance hinges around to people with sorrow in their hearts, it is also the story of many of America's small towns. The town is dying because young women are moving off to the big city and while the population swells in the summer due to tourism, it is the young people (18-35 year olds) who are needed to keep the town going. When the matriarch of the community makes connection with a young chef over lobster recipes and the town's restaurant sits empty - well - chef meet your new home. Gwen immediately impresses all with her dedication to getting her new business open, her lists, her friendly manner, her hiring of the locals to work. It's when she meets her new carpenter that the sparks begin to fly and we learn more of their back story. A fun romance with more to come.
October 31, 2018
A sweet little romance. Our heroine is lured to Misty Harbor, ME to finally achieve her dream. She wants to open a restaurant. In our story the town on the ocean has lots of hot men but few eligible women. (This is fiction, ok? We have to set aside reality) She hires a carpenter to rehab the building she’s renting for her culinary masterpieces. Out of all the wife hunting men she hires the one man not interested. Until he tastes her cooking and gets to know her. Cute story.
February 12, 2023
This is a series that I read when it first came out 21 years ago and I remember how much I enjoyed it. When I was cleaning out my books I decided to reread this series and I'm glad I did. Right away I remembered why I loved Catch of the Day. I was also a bit shocked that it held up so well after all this time. Sometimes you read a book from twenty years ago and think about how dated it is but really it wasn't. If I hadn't known how old I might not have picked up on it right away. Sure, there are a few clues as you read the story but as a whole, it holds up.
You'll love both Gwen and Daniel. They both deserve love and happiness. Daniel's past has made him slightly closed off towards women. Sure, he has a right to be upset but not give up on romance totally. His grumpiness is kind of sexy and you can see his good heart right away. He loves his family and it shows in the book.
Gwen is a fun character that makes me wish I could cook like her. I spent most of the book hungry. She spends some time feeding Daniel and his grandfather. They get to taste-test her food. See, hungry. I love her relationship with her sisters and parents. She moves away but is still very close to them. I also love how fun it is that all the single men in town trying to woo her. They come out of the woodwork what with there not being too many single ladies in town they have to work fast to romance the ones that are.
As I've mentioned this story holds up pretty well and is still very enjoyable to read. I liked it enough that I read the next two books in the series. Both are Gwen's sisters. If you are looking for sweet, well-written small-town romances this is one you'll enjoy.
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September 14, 2022
Gwen Fletcher is finally making her dream come true and opening her own restaurant Catch of the Day. A foodie friend suggested a property in a small town in Maine as the perfect spot, Gwen agreed, and now it's time to make the dream come alive. First up? Find a competent carpenter to help her get the restaurant into shape. As Gwen is making a list of what she needs done and by whom, in walks an older man who wanted to be the first to welcome her to Maine. His name is Jonah and he knows the perfect carpenter...his grandson Daniel Creighton. As other needs arise Jonah and his buddy Clarence seem to have all the answers. Cleaner/painter? Hunter would be perfect for that if he'll take the job, which he does. Taste-testers? Why they would be honored to try and critique dishes for Gwen. As her dream takes shape, and opening day looms, Gwen and Daniel find themselves spending more and more time together and employer/employee becomes friends and then more. But old hurts throw a monkey wrench into Gwen and Daniel's blossoming romance. How it resolves is, yes, predictable...but so sweet I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone.
This author had me in stitches; I got the strangest looks from people around me when I laughed out loud. Something about her writing just connected for me. It felt real, was humorous without being trite, and made the characters and situations jump of the page. Despite having a couple weeks off in the middle of reading it, I could dive back into the book and feel right at home and vividly remember what was happening.
This author had me in stitches; I got the strangest looks from people around me when I laughed out loud. Something about her writing just connected for me. It felt real, was humorous without being trite, and made the characters and situations jump of the page. Despite having a couple weeks off in the middle of reading it, I could dive back into the book and feel right at home and vividly remember what was happening.
June 29, 2017
Light read - happy ending, comedy romance. This works for listening while commuting in my car since heavy, intellectual could be distracting, right? But don't expect any kind of enlightenment. Still, it wasn't bad.
March 19, 2023
This was a nice Saturday read for me. The story was simple, predictable even. However, the characters were likable. I did think that the main characters fell in love quite quickly, but their romance seemed genuine. I look forward to reading some of the other books in the series.
January 23, 2018
Grr...not as good as I remember.....even though it was in audio from my local library : )
May 24, 2019
A wonderful tale of misconceptions, new beginnings and letting go.
September 30, 2019
Meh, its okay. No real conflict. Side stories weren't really fleshed out.
January 25, 2020
Cute story. Apparently a series; may have to try to find others
December 3, 2022
It’s a little outdated, but such a good love story that you don’t have to think too hard about. Perfect read when you have a lot going on
March 4, 2024
I'm searching for a book that I read, set in Bar Harbor, Maine that I read awhile ago. I thought this might be it, but it's not. The search continues...
June 3, 2024
This is such a cute, cozy romance. I really enjoyed the story and loved that it is set in Maine! It gave that small town feel.
April 18, 2009
Marcia Evanick reminds me a bit of Debbie Macomber. The book is about the town, not just the couple. This is the first in her Misty Harbor series, so we are introduced to a number of the people in town.
This is a sweet and cute book. Nothing too deep, but romantic. Daniel and Gwen are a cute couple that are perfect for each other, even if they avoid it for half of the book. Most of the book is about them avoiding their feelings and not wanting a relationship. Gwen is focused on getting her restaurant running and doesn't have time for a man, even though every eligible bachelor in town is stopping by with a gift (everything from dead fish to chocolates). Daniel just isn't ready for rejection and he watches her reject man after man and doesn't want to make a fool of himself.
Yes, this book is a little corny, but I like a corny ready now and then. Perfect for when I am looking for something easy and sweet.
This book is followed by Christmas on Conrad Street about Gwen's sister, Sydney.
This is a sweet and cute book. Nothing too deep, but romantic. Daniel and Gwen are a cute couple that are perfect for each other, even if they avoid it for half of the book. Most of the book is about them avoiding their feelings and not wanting a relationship. Gwen is focused on getting her restaurant running and doesn't have time for a man, even though every eligible bachelor in town is stopping by with a gift (everything from dead fish to chocolates). Daniel just isn't ready for rejection and he watches her reject man after man and doesn't want to make a fool of himself.
Yes, this book is a little corny, but I like a corny ready now and then. Perfect for when I am looking for something easy and sweet.
This book is followed by Christmas on Conrad Street about Gwen's sister, Sydney.
October 21, 2012
Gwen Fletcher is a middle child from a family of overachievers. She's also a 26-year-old chef that is opening her own restaurant in Misty Harbor- a town she just moved to. She's hired Daniel Creighton to fix up the building. Daniel is not just a 29-year-old carpenter/fixer-upper but a craftsman. He works wonders with wood.
Because of a misunderstanding from years before, Daniel is leary of relationships but is still attracted to Gwen from the start. Her cooking is just the beginning.
Gwen realizes that there is something special about him and wants more but neither knows how to communicate their tension and desire to each other. I liked the fact that they didn't just jump into bed. Their feelings grew. There are also lots of interesting side characters that I would love to see developed in other books.
Why not 5 stars? Something about the last 25 pages fell short of explanations. Still, it was an enjoyable read if you are looking for a nice contemporary romance.
Because of a misunderstanding from years before, Daniel is leary of relationships but is still attracted to Gwen from the start. Her cooking is just the beginning.
Gwen realizes that there is something special about him and wants more but neither knows how to communicate their tension and desire to each other. I liked the fact that they didn't just jump into bed. Their feelings grew. There are also lots of interesting side characters that I would love to see developed in other books.
Why not 5 stars? Something about the last 25 pages fell short of explanations. Still, it was an enjoyable read if you are looking for a nice contemporary romance.
October 3, 2011
As far as romantic books go, it held up it's end of the bargain...but it was such a beginner's bargain. Granted, it was a Christmas gift from my mom, from probably about 10 years ago. If I'd read it then, I may have thought more of it at the time than I do today. But it was a sweet & cute book - made me chuckle a few times...& it definitely had you involved with the opening of a business (main character opens up her dream restaurant in Maine, called 'Catch of the Day')...but it left much to be desired in depth & story arc. What the author took 19 chapters to accomplish, I feel that others may have been able to cover in half that while involving the reader more. But then maybe I spend too much time reading in-depth fantasy novels. ;)
October 20, 2021
Gwen, the underachiever (so she believes) in her family, pulls up stakes, moves to Misty Harbor Maine, buys a run down restaurant and turns it into Catch of the Day. An upscale restaurant is needed in Misty Harbor as much as single women are needed. While renovating her dream, Gwen has to fend off every available bachelor in town except for one; the one she wants. Daniel is the carpenter Gwen hired for the renovations to her restaurant. He is one fine man with skilled hands and a past that he is not willing to share with Gwen. Maggie is the disgrace of town after breaking Daniel's heart 5 years ago, but now she is back in town. She is not looking for a second chance with Daniel, she is only looking for a place to raise her young daughter in peace.
July 6, 2015
Misty Harbor is an interesting small town in Maine with a surplus of men. Gwen moves here to open her dream restaurant.
What I enjoyed:
* The small town feel. It was realistic as not everything was perfect.
* Tons of supporting characters that will most likely be getting their own stories
* Multiple story lines. Gwen and David were the main, but Hunter rejoining life was a great background story.
What could have been better:
* Not sure why Gwen had such an inferiority complex as her family seems amazing
What I enjoyed:
* The small town feel. It was realistic as not everything was perfect.
* Tons of supporting characters that will most likely be getting their own stories
* Multiple story lines. Gwen and David were the main, but Hunter rejoining life was a great background story.
What could have been better:
* Not sure why Gwen had such an inferiority complex as her family seems amazing
January 15, 2012
I really liked this contemporary romance. It's the first in a series so I hope to find the rest. I used an Audible credit for the audiobook. Great narrator. There's one spicy hot scene (which honestly, I didn't need to hear, lol) so be forewarned.
Otherwise, Marcia Evanick's small Maine coastal town characters were lovable and funny. What's not to like when food and the Maine coast are combined in a novel? I think the author did a fantastic job on laying the groundwork for a new series (back in 2002). Recommended to fans of contemporary romance (and small Maine towns!).
Otherwise, Marcia Evanick's small Maine coastal town characters were lovable and funny. What's not to like when food and the Maine coast are combined in a novel? I think the author did a fantastic job on laying the groundwork for a new series (back in 2002). Recommended to fans of contemporary romance (and small Maine towns!).
April 25, 2008
When Gwen moves to the small town of Misty Harbor, Maine to open a restaurant, she isn't prepared for her status as the town's only bachelorette. She is attracted to carpenter Daniel Creighton, but he is the only man who has not asked her out.
A comical, humorous romance that has serious undertones when dealing with a Vietnam veteran and single mother. Recommend. Audio version available through netLibrary.
A comical, humorous romance that has serious undertones when dealing with a Vietnam veteran and single mother. Recommend. Audio version available through netLibrary.
October 10, 2009
Completely picked this up by accident. I thought it was one of Janet Evanovich's contemporary romance books, and I didn't even really look at it until I was home from the library. Since I had it I just decided to read it anyway and I really liked it! It was a really cute story and it was funny. Although the plot line was pretty predictable, it was a nice light quick read that kept me entertained. I would read this author again, and this time it would be on purpose lol.
May 19, 2011
This was a great read. I enjoyed the relationships between the heroine, Gwen, and the other people living in town. Ms. Evanick did a wonderful job of populating her Misty Harbor, ME with some memorable and quirky characters.
The relationship between Gwen and Daniel was sweet. They were good together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have ordered the next 3 in the series. Can't wait to discover more of Misty Harbor.
The relationship between Gwen and Daniel was sweet. They were good together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have ordered the next 3 in the series. Can't wait to discover more of Misty Harbor.
August 22, 2008
I think the book started out very promising, and then I came to realize that the author was going for what the reader probably wanted to hear and most of the twists in this book ended up being very predictable.
The last line was downright cheesy.
I was looking for a new author to get into, but I think I'll pass on this one.
The last line was downright cheesy.
I was looking for a new author to get into, but I think I'll pass on this one.
June 16, 2010
I'd give this one 3.5 stars only because of the ending. There were some unresolved issues between the main characters, which one character resolved in the book, but the other one knew nothing about before the happy ending. Overall, I enjoyed listening to this book, but her endings could be a bit more extensive and the loose ends need tying up.
June 17, 2012
This was a rather sweet tale of following one's dreams and coming back to life after extreme circumstances. I felt like the author's depiction of small town life was pretty right on, showing both the community and the judgmental nosiness that runs rampant. The humor of the situation could have been more pronounced, but it was still enjoyable.
Read
December 5, 2012Reading this because it was written by Marcia Evanick, the mother of my son's sweetie. Unfortunately, I'll never get to meet her and discuss writing because she passed away in July from ALS. Marcia, in this book anyway, had a charming way of using every day activities like grocery shopping or making pies crusts to add warmth to the story and depth to the characters.
October 12, 2019
Excellent start to a new series! This book had everything I want from a small town romance. Interesting characters that you come to love, descriptions of the town and what makes it tick, and finally a slow burn romance where you get to see the hero and heroine’s relationship develop. Added bonus was watching the heroine start her restaurant from scratch.
July 15, 2017
I love the Misty Harbor series - it's the ideal light vacation read. Such vivid descriptions that you feel as though you're really there, such loveable characters, and in this book, so much delicious food!!
March 16, 2018
I love this story and the whole series. Although, the stories all have their individual problems the series as a whole is refreshing nice and community oriented. Whenever I want to be uplifted I reread this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews