Coming Home to Merriment Bay: Part Four: Starry Skies

Coming Home to Merriment Bay #4

by Emily Harvale

Part Four of this heartwarming four-part serial about finding the strength to put the past behind you and to reach out for a future filled with happiness and love.

Cat is reeling from the unexpected events of Christmas and as Merriment Bay prepares to toast in the New Year, she’s facing choices she never thought she’d have to make. Her head and her heart are pulling her in very different directions.

Bailey is sitting by Viola’s bedside, regaling everyone with tales from the past but is there any chance he’ll get to see a smile on the lips of the woman he still loves?

Having realised she has made mistakes, will Mary finally tell Cat what she really wants to know?

And what will the New Year bring for Kyra? Will she fulfil the plans she made before she came to Merriment Bay?

When distressing events end more than one person’s dream, can Cat find the strength to fight for the Love she deserves? Sometimes it takes a crisis to make someone realise what they truly want. And Cat has decided what – and who – that really is. But is she too late?


This is Part Four of a new, four-part serial. The parts are:
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part One: A Reunion
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Two: Sparks Fly
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Three: Christmas
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Four: Starry Skies

This is a novel told in four parts. It forms Book One in Emily Harvale's Merriment Bay series which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read alone, but several characters appear in both series.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2019

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally know the secret, that clever tease Emily Harvale had enticed, baited, and taunted me with her intriguing and classified paternity issues and cliffhangers. Not only had she tickled my curiosity and continued to taunt, tantalize, and nettle me for three more installments; she also had me completely fooled as my theory was in error, thank goodness as it would have been a bit icky. I sighed contentedly after concluding this satisfying HEA with a vexing itch mercifully scratched.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ Emotional, Heart Warming, The Perfect End to a Perfect Series!

Starry Skies is the Forth and Final Part of The Coming Home to Merriment Bay Series, and wow what a series it's been! I've loved every single instalment.

You do need to read each part in order as each part follows on from the previous one, and you really don't want to miss anything it's too good!

This part ties up all those lose ends and secrets are revealed. It's the perfect end to a perfect series.
But be prepared it's an emotional yet heart warming instalment that will give you many feels.

I'm not going to go into the plot as I don't want to spoil it for anyone just starting out reading this captivating story.

I have simply adored each and every one of the characters, even those who I didn't really warm to straight away.
I've loved the romance suspense between Cat and Amias.
The adorable bond between Cat and her Daughter Kyra, and them moving back to Merriment Bay to be closer to Granny Viola, in turn healing the rift between all the women. Just simply melts my heart!

Once again Emily has written another Gem of a book that is captivating, emotional, heart warming, filled with Love, drama and a few lil twists.
I really hope Emily gives us another instalment soon as i really wasn't ready to say goodbye to Merriment Bay just yet!

If you are looking for a new series to read that will melt your heart, full of secrets, Family dramas, romantic suspense, a good dose of humour and emotion then you have to read The Whole Coming Home to Merriment Bay Series..... You won't be disappointed!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.





My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect ending to this delightful series. Emily Harvale sure knows how to spin a tale and tug at my heartstrings. This book hit me right in the feels! Emotional, whimsical, and charming! This book ties up all the loose strings from the previous books and does it in a beautiful heartfelt way. We finally find out if Granny Violet and Bailey rekindle there long burning flame. Best of all we finally get to see if Cat and Amias figure things out. Over 18 years of will they? Won’t they? Two smart people acting foolishly, I’m sure everyone reading this wanted to knock their heads together! I thought the conclusion to the story was perfect and I loved the backdrop of New Year’s Eve, perfect time to finally get it together. I hope this is not the last book in the series I’m sure there is more fun to be had in Merriment Bay.
This book in emojis 😢 😩 😍 🥳
*** Big thanks to the author for my copy of this book ***

[Melike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in the four part novella series. I enjoyed all of them and will read more of the author’s books in the future.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I thought that this was a great story and another great mini series from this author!

There were ups and downs along the day and it was a great story with genuine and believable characters, I was left on a bit of a cliff-hanger after reading book 3 and I dropped the book I was reading to pick this one up as soon as it landed on my Kindle!

I thought that the characters were all really well developed and I loved their interaction as the book progressed and the secrets started to come out. This is a series that needs to be read in order as all the books flow on from each other (it is a whole story that is broken down in to parts). This was the perfect ending and I can't wait to see what she releases next now.

It is 5 stars from me - the whole series was really enjoyable - very highly recommended!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the fourth and final part of the Merriment Bay series and what a finale!

As soon as this book landed on my Kindle, I had to read it. I had to know whether Granny Viola was going to wake up and were her and Bailey going to get their happy ever after. Not just them either, also, more importantly, Cat and Amias.

This final part actually surpassed my expectations. I still wanted to bang Cat and Amias’ heads together, but their story also made me laugh and smile. The timing of year brings a little bit extra to this story. Not only could I easily visualise it all, it just made it all that more important that peace and happiness prevailed before the year is out.

Not only did I smile and laugh but I cried, a lot. I won’t say why but boy does some parts make for a highly emotional read. I had to keep stopping and taking deep breaths before I could carry on. It will have you holding your loved ones that little bit tighter that’s for sure.

Coming Home To Merriment Bay – Part 4: Starry Skies was just the perfect end to what has been a truly wonderful reading experience. It is a meaningful and charming read that I didn’t want to end. This one really pulled on my heart strings and I know it will stay with me for a long time to come.

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Pattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun reading! Xx

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever author is this Emily Harvale who made me cry even as she put the laughter back on my lips.

A long month long journey was this when I got to the end of the story of the characters of Merriment Bay. I got the most perfect finish of a book where love won. Every word written by the author showed me the emotions of the characters. Some of them touched my heart. Live life completely without regrets.

There were moments which made me cry yet I was thankful to that scene. It showed me something beyond our control, and the purity of love that could overcome all odds and beliefs. The characters had come a long way, their bonds were stronger. This family had love in their hearts at the end.

Emily Harvale has written many books, but it has been this series which has been the most captivating. Some magic spun in her words caused my heart to overflow with love. There was warmth in this series and an extra something, maybe a Christmas cheer, which made it zingy.

The characters came home to Merriment Bay, and I found a home in this brilliant author’s words. It is not the length of the story, but the depth of it which makes it invigorating. And I have to say, this author had a deep warm heart to write about the characters realistically without making the story too sappy.

Do I really need to say more?

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is part four to a four part book series, although all four parts also form book one of the Merriment Bay series. Meaning you can read this story in four parts or all together as one full book.

I have absolutely loved this series and this final part four was no exception to that, it was full on enjoyment, plenty of drama and fair few emotions of all types happening throughout the story. I’ve so enjoy following all of the characters on their journeys, and my heart went out to Cat, she certainly had a tough time with Amias, although if only Cat was honest and upfront about her feelings to him, they could have saved on so much time. There was definitely communications issues between.

There was so much that I loved about this part of the story, too many to mention here, but one thing I did love was the reference and feature of a Spitfire plane and how it was featured for the scattering of ashes, just beautiful and memorable.

Normally I would be sad that this series has come to an end, but happily it hasn’t ended as I’ve still got books 2 and 3 to read which carries on this series. So looking forward to loosing myself in book 2.

[Grace J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting finale to what has been a fabulous series!

Once more we return to Merriment Bay to catch up with the lives of Cat and her family. With Granny Viola still in hospital and Bailey and his grandchildren visiting from Canada, they have more than enough to worry about. Then there's the question of Amias; still in the background, still hiding his passion for a relationship with Cat . . .

This has been a fantastic, feel-good series - made all the more appealing by the cross-action with the author's Wyntersleap books. Emily Harvale is a favourite author of mine; she writes such readable books, all with great characters in immensely different settings and I always jump at the chance to review her latest. If you enjoy a light, easy read but with plenty of substance, which always ties up all the loose ends and leave you with a warm, cosy feeling then this is an author for you! I adored everything about this, and hope to follow the rest of the Wyntersleap series as they become available. Definitely a full five flashing stars!

[Carole Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant loved all 4 books need a 5th

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, we are finally at the last part of the Merriment Bay mini-series! Entitled Starry Skies, this book wraps up our visit to all of the Devon ladies, Cat, Kyra, Mary and of course Granny Viola. The story leads on nicely from Part 3, and ties up all the loose ends which have been created from the rest of the series. I have enjoyed this series and loved all the new characters we have met. Obviously, I won’t talk too much about the plot as I wouldn’t want to spoil the other books if you haven’t already read them, but it’s safe to say that this instalment certainly left me with tears in my eyes and a warm feeling in my heart!

Right from book one, I have been hooked into this story. It’s full of likeable characters, a beautiful backdrop of the fictional Merriment Bay and plenty of family relationships! I loved the will they, won’t they relationship between Cat and Amias and of course, how heart-warming (and heart-breaking) was Granny Viola’s storyline. Each instalment of this series has had its own dramas, leaving you wanting more at the end of each book, and this final instalment is no different. I’d love more stories about what happens to all the characters now, and really hope this is the author’s plan!!

This book does need to be read as part of the series to fully understand the story, but if you are looking for a heart-warming, feel good read, then look no further than these four novella sized books to get stuck into!! I’d definitely recommend them!!

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that ‘Reading Survival’ kit I mentioned in my review of Part 3? Well, I have never been so glad for tissues in my life!

I was warned by certain sources (EH *winks*) that they’d be needed, but I (naively) thought it wouldn’t be that bad (Silly, silly Laura *shakes head*). Cue eye roll, coz let me tell you it was snot-hiccup-sob central *palms face*. Loin girding indeed! (Funnily enough, according to my mother I need help *snorts*)

All joking aside though, my heart was full to bursting with the ending of CHTMB. It felt like Christmas had come early. Nothing beats that feeling at the end of a story where you’re simultaneously filled with the warm and fuzzies, but you don’t want to say goodbye. Cue sappy grins and sighs.

Cat, Kyra et al have become like friends in recent weeks as I’ve followed their adventures.

The author did have one final doozy of a revelation up her sleeve for the finale! Clever, clever EH!

As my reviews for this series can attest, the struggle has been real reading real-time (are you all fed up with me yet?). But you wanna know something? I wouldn’t change a thing.

So, which EH series should I start with next? Wyntersleap? *nods* I was hoping you’d say that...

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great final part to the Coming Home to Merriment Bay series and it managed to tie up a few loose ends, answered some questions and left an opening for new stories for the characters. Emily's writing flows along with a consistency between the different parts and her characters act true to the natures she has created for them.

Family ties continued to dominate the story and proved to be important to both Cat, Amias and the visitors from Canada. There was a real feeling of coming to terms with the past for several of the characters. I did find that Cat's daughter, Kyra had a self-possession and interesting streak of maturity for someone so young and as she adapted to life in Merriment Bay, you got to see it as she did as a newcomer. I am looking forward to getting to know more about the stories I am sure are hiding there.

In short: A five star series.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, for one, thought that this tied things up nicely enough. We get our happy ending in several ways, including new love discovered, old flames rekindled, and long awaited reunions. The secrets unleashed leave their mark, but not enough so as to be forever scarring. Grudges are held, but not the depth that true love lies buried. Familial bonds are strengthened despite the less than fortunate circumstances they find themselves in, while a reaffirmation of following one's dreams and one's heart is reestablished, which goes a long way in reminding us that while there may always be tomorrow, it's best to not let the "present" of today pass us by.

Also, this novel-in-series approach makes it more "digestible" for those that find it SUPER hard to carve out some reading time in their day, while still delivering a story full of heart, drama, and charm.


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, we are finally at the end of this four-part serial that is as heartwarming as it is charming!

Life-changing events happened in part 3, and now Cat, along with some other characters have to figure out where to go from here. Cat is going to have to rely on her strength and resilience to move forward and put the past behind her if she truly wants to find happiness.

Will she find peace with her mother, and will she ever find happiness? Will it be Ben or Amias?

I have adored this series, along with the characters. Harvale brought the little village of Merriment Bay to life. I hated to tell all the characters whom I have come to love good-bye. I do hope Harvale will give us an update on her characters and let us know how Cat’s relationship with her half-siblings is going. If you love chick lit with some romance, you can’t go wrong with this writer.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb conclusion to this lovely series of short stories. I have loved reading these books and eagerly awaited the release of the next instalment.

The stories feature a lovely selection of characters and as the stories unfold you get to see more of the personalities of those who Cat & Kyra hold most dear.

I will miss reading about Cat and the misadventures of her heart as she gets used to life back in Merriment Bay.

[Mrs A J Geeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Emily Harvale!

This wonderful story continues in detail all the storylines of the previous 3 books, it leaves some unanswered questions so here’s hoping for more books from Merriment Bay so that we can enjoy in more detail the characters we already love and maybe meet some new ones along the way... well done Emily Harvale you had me hooked from the time I picked it up just like all your other books!!!

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have given all parts a 5* review but waited for the last one before writing why.

This mini series has it all, from making me smile and laugh to shedding a tear. Secrets are revealed throughout the books and I have loved getting to know the individual characters and how they connect to each other.

I couldn’t stop reading them so that in itself shows how well Emily has wrote this series.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

I enjoyed reading this book, although the ending was a bit abrupt for me. However it was nice that the two main characters finally got together. I would like to see more of Cat's story and rest of her new family. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really good romance.

[debbie holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment,I read it in one hit ,I was so upset when it looked like cat was going to get with Ben ,but thankfully all worked out well ,I loved the hospital scene at end
Can’t wait for the next book

[linda. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Emily does not disappoint, couldn't put it down & can't wait for book2, Emily has you laughing,crying,frustrated & for me always a happy ending ,a real feel good read she writes from the heart.FIVE stars from me.

[marilyn goldthorp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming home to merriment bay

Another great book read unfortunately the last in the series i will now start on the winter house books ok hope they are as enthralling but I should imagine they will be.

[vicki longhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Can't believe I've finished this book. I loved this series can't wait for the next instalment.
Love all the characters so happy with the ending. Thank you

[Karen Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as always

Part 4 and it’s as good as all the other parts in the series fingers crossed there is still more to come in this series love it

[Tracey Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing end to the story, but I want more! Brilliant as always Emily!!

[Tracy Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Loved this series, I don't think Emily has written a book I've not loved.... you'll need your tissues, but a happy ending to a fantastic series xxxx

[Louise Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

A cracking end to the series. Looking forward to reading the next book in Merriment Bay. Thank you Emily, you never disappoint!!

[Amanda Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t stop!

Devoured the whole Merriment Bay series in one night. Fell in love and am so sad it’s over! I need more!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The secrets out!
I love these little novellas & most certainly will be adding the Wyntersleap books by Emily to my 'to-read' list!