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The Off Season #4
Home to the Harbor
Friendship, healing and love are all waiting on the Chesapeake Bay.
Despite the charms of Pleasant Shores, coming home is a last resort for William Gross. The few happy memories he has here all revolve around Bisky Castleman, and she’s still every bit as kind and strong-minded as he remembered. But William is reeling from loss, and seeing Bisky with her daughter is a painful reminder of his mistakes.
Between running her family’s fishing business and being a single mom, Bisky finds her days are full. Yet there’s always been room in her heart for William, her one childhood friend who never teased her about her height or her toughness. Through their shared volunteer work with local teens and rescue dogs, their feelings deepen into something much stronger. But is their growing bond strong enough to heal the past and forge a new beginning…together?
Despite the charms of Pleasant Shores, coming home is a last resort for William Gross. The few happy memories he has here all revolve around Bisky Castleman, and she’s still every bit as kind and strong-minded as he remembered. But William is reeling from loss, and seeing Bisky with her daughter is a painful reminder of his mistakes.
Between running her family’s fishing business and being a single mom, Bisky finds her days are full. Yet there’s always been room in her heart for William, her one childhood friend who never teased her about her height or her toughness. Through their shared volunteer work with local teens and rescue dogs, their feelings deepen into something much stronger. But is their growing bond strong enough to heal the past and forge a new beginning…together?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2021
93 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Lee Tobin McClain
175 books527 followersNew York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 2, 2021
Home to the Harbor by Lee Tobin McClain is the fourth book in her The Off Season series.
Fisherwoman, Bisky Castleman, is about as far as you can get from the average female. At 6’ 1”, she’s a big girl and thinks it’s a turnoff to men. She’s just hanging out, doing what she’s always done in her small hometown when she sees her childhood best friend, William Gross.
William left town decades before but is back now. He’s not happy to be back in his hometown, but he doesn’t really have a choice in the matter.
Bisky asks for William’s help with a volunteer project she’s starting, and he reluctantly agrees. Bisky and William are becoming awkward with each other because they’re feeling things they shouldn’t feel for “just a friend”. If they don’t figure this out, they could lose a lifelong friendship.
Lee Tobin McClain delivers another 5 out of 5 star read in this standalone series. We learn a little more about the town of Pleasant Shores and its charming residents, especially Bisky Castleman and her daughter, Sunny, who were introduced in previous books in the series, but have complete backstories here. The writing is superb, with an engaging plot and interesting twists. The changing elements of the seaside scenery are smoothly and smartly used. This is a heartfelt story and yet another excellent installment in a great series. I completely enjoyed it and recommend this heartwarming novel to all lovers of second chance romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Fisherwoman, Bisky Castleman, is about as far as you can get from the average female. At 6’ 1”, she’s a big girl and thinks it’s a turnoff to men. She’s just hanging out, doing what she’s always done in her small hometown when she sees her childhood best friend, William Gross.
William left town decades before but is back now. He’s not happy to be back in his hometown, but he doesn’t really have a choice in the matter.
Bisky asks for William’s help with a volunteer project she’s starting, and he reluctantly agrees. Bisky and William are becoming awkward with each other because they’re feeling things they shouldn’t feel for “just a friend”. If they don’t figure this out, they could lose a lifelong friendship.
Lee Tobin McClain delivers another 5 out of 5 star read in this standalone series. We learn a little more about the town of Pleasant Shores and its charming residents, especially Bisky Castleman and her daughter, Sunny, who were introduced in previous books in the series, but have complete backstories here. The writing is superb, with an engaging plot and interesting twists. The changing elements of the seaside scenery are smoothly and smartly used. This is a heartfelt story and yet another excellent installment in a great series. I completely enjoyed it and recommend this heartwarming novel to all lovers of second chance romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
October 20, 2024
Adorable couple, great series and a fun read.
February 2, 2022
I am continuing to enjoy reading and listening to Lee Tobin McClain's The Off Season series. Home to the Harbor is Fisherwoman, Bisky Castleman's romance. Bisky is a big woman standing 6' 1". She has gone through life being called names and treated like one of the guys. She runs her family fishing business as well as raising her daughter, Sunny. William Gross was her friend growing up, one Bisky always had feelings for, but he just saw her as a friend. William left Pleasant Shores years ago never planning to return, but life doesn't always go the way you plan. William is a teacher who teaches college prep classes to at risk students. When his daughter is killed in a home invasion and his marriage falls apart, he takes a leave of absence from his job and returns to Pleasant Shores to heal in the Healing Cottage. He runs into Bisky and through their shared volunteer work with local teens and rescue dogs, they begin to feel more than just friendship. Will they both be able to get over their past, their hurts and their self-conceived notions to act on those feelings.
I always liked Bisky in the other books and was quite happy that she got her own story. She is a strong, independent, single mother who never realized how much she had to offer others. When William began to pay attention to her, she couldn't believe it was more than friendship. I really liked the storyline about rescue dogs and stopping the dog fighting that was going on. Once again the younger generation had their own story going on, sneaking around and putting themselves in danger, albeit for a good cause. I love that there are familiar characters in the story that I have met in the previous books. It makes my trip to Pleasant Shores feel like a place I would love to visit. This was another well written and plotted story that was about family, friendship, forgiveness, healing, rescue animals, volunteering, finding your niche and standing up for what is right. I did a read/listen with this book and enjoyed the narration by Tanya Eby. She uses expression and tone to add emotion to the story. She has an easy voice to listen to and does a great job with the various voices, including the male ones. I do recommend this audiobook to those who enjoy a sweet, small town romance.
I always liked Bisky in the other books and was quite happy that she got her own story. She is a strong, independent, single mother who never realized how much she had to offer others. When William began to pay attention to her, she couldn't believe it was more than friendship. I really liked the storyline about rescue dogs and stopping the dog fighting that was going on. Once again the younger generation had their own story going on, sneaking around and putting themselves in danger, albeit for a good cause. I love that there are familiar characters in the story that I have met in the previous books. It makes my trip to Pleasant Shores feel like a place I would love to visit. This was another well written and plotted story that was about family, friendship, forgiveness, healing, rescue animals, volunteering, finding your niche and standing up for what is right. I did a read/listen with this book and enjoyed the narration by Tanya Eby. She uses expression and tone to add emotion to the story. She has an easy voice to listen to and does a great job with the various voices, including the male ones. I do recommend this audiobook to those who enjoy a sweet, small town romance.
May 1, 2021
Home to the Harbor by Lee Tobin McClain
Friendship, healing and love are all waiting on the Chesapeake Bay.
Despite the charms of Pleasant Shores, coming home is a last resort for William Gross. The few happy memories he has here all revolve around Bisky Castleman, and she’s still every bit as kind and strong-minded as he remembered. But William is reeling from loss, and seeing Bisky with her daughter is a painful reminder of his mistakes.
Between running her family’s fishing business and being a single mom, Bisky finds her days are full. Yet there’s always been room in her heart for William, her one childhood friend who never teased her about her height or her toughness. Through their shared volunteer work with local teens and rescue dogs, their feelings deepen into something much stronger. But is their growing bond strong enough to heal the past and forge a new beginning…together?
This is Bisky Castleman and her teenage daughter Sunny's story.
This is Bisky Castleman and William Gross's story.
“THAT’S A WRAP on oyster season.” Bisky Castleman tied her skiff to the dock, fingers numb in the March morning chill, then turned toward the wooden shed that connected the dock to the land. She hung up her coverall on the outside hook, tossed her gloves in the bin and sat down on the bench to tug off her boots. “You coming?” she asked her sixteen-year-old daughter, Sunny.
“I’m coming, I’m just dragging.” Sunny hung her coverall beside Bisky’s and then flopped down on the bench beside her, letting her head sink into her hands. “Some kids get to chill out during teacher work days.”
“Some kids get to chill out during teacher work days.”
“I appreciate your coming out dredging and culling when most of your friends were sleeping in.” Bisky slung an arm around her daughter and tugged her close for a quick side-hug. “Come on, I’ll make pancakes and then you can take a nap.”
AS WILLIAM WALKED the familiar and yet strange road toward the home he’d successfully escaped almost twenty years ago, he heard a man’s shout. “Look out, boy! I told you not to play by those...”
William cringed, an instant flashback to his childhood here: his father’s yelling and the likely painful aftermath. He snapped back to the present and turned in time to see a huge pile of crab traps teetering near a boy of five or six, who was poking at a small crayfish on the dock. The child didn’t even glance up.
William bolted toward the child and swept him up just as the big wire boxes crashed to the ground.
I highly recommend reading.
Home to the Harbor by Lee Tobin McClain is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review.
Friendship, healing and love are all waiting on the Chesapeake Bay.
Despite the charms of Pleasant Shores, coming home is a last resort for William Gross. The few happy memories he has here all revolve around Bisky Castleman, and she’s still every bit as kind and strong-minded as he remembered. But William is reeling from loss, and seeing Bisky with her daughter is a painful reminder of his mistakes.
Between running her family’s fishing business and being a single mom, Bisky finds her days are full. Yet there’s always been room in her heart for William, her one childhood friend who never teased her about her height or her toughness. Through their shared volunteer work with local teens and rescue dogs, their feelings deepen into something much stronger. But is their growing bond strong enough to heal the past and forge a new beginning…together?
This is Bisky Castleman and her teenage daughter Sunny's story.
This is Bisky Castleman and William Gross's story.
“THAT’S A WRAP on oyster season.” Bisky Castleman tied her skiff to the dock, fingers numb in the March morning chill, then turned toward the wooden shed that connected the dock to the land. She hung up her coverall on the outside hook, tossed her gloves in the bin and sat down on the bench to tug off her boots. “You coming?” she asked her sixteen-year-old daughter, Sunny.
“I’m coming, I’m just dragging.” Sunny hung her coverall beside Bisky’s and then flopped down on the bench beside her, letting her head sink into her hands. “Some kids get to chill out during teacher work days.”
“Some kids get to chill out during teacher work days.”
“I appreciate your coming out dredging and culling when most of your friends were sleeping in.” Bisky slung an arm around her daughter and tugged her close for a quick side-hug. “Come on, I’ll make pancakes and then you can take a nap.”
AS WILLIAM WALKED the familiar and yet strange road toward the home he’d successfully escaped almost twenty years ago, he heard a man’s shout. “Look out, boy! I told you not to play by those...”
William cringed, an instant flashback to his childhood here: his father’s yelling and the likely painful aftermath. He snapped back to the present and turned in time to see a huge pile of crab traps teetering near a boy of five or six, who was poking at a small crayfish on the dock. The child didn’t even glance up.
William bolted toward the child and swept him up just as the big wire boxes crashed to the ground.
I highly recommend reading.
Home to the Harbor by Lee Tobin McClain is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review.
April 10, 2021
If you’re looking for a beach read, look no more. This gifted penner of prose takes us back to the shore in the latest standalone of The Off Season Series. The off-season setting will cool you down while the deep sentiment and emotion will warm your heart as the Victory Cottage welcomes its latest resident.
William Gross grew up in Pleasant Shores, leaving a lot of bad memories behind when he escaped at sixteen years old. The one light in his dark childhood was his best friend, Bisky Castleman. Bisky grew up working in her family's fishing business, but she was always ready with a smile, and her family welcomed William with open arms.
Bisky has her hands full with her teenage daughter and now running the fishing business singlehandedly, but when she sees her best friend from years ago, she has more than enough room in her life to welcome him back. He's not the same boy she grew up with, and he carries around a grief that's palpable. She knows platitudes are empty, but maybe just being his friend can help him heal.
I have yet to read anything from this talented lady that's anything less than spectacular, and this sweet romance is no different. These characters are perfectly flawed, innately human, and have layer after layer. As each layer is peeled back, we see deeper and deeper into their hearts, and before I realized it, they had found their own special place in my own heart.
Bisky and William both have things to work out in their lives, and their struggles, healing, and self-actualizing are some of the most honest and authentic I’ve read in romance. There's also a subplot that may be troubling for some readers, but it's balanced beautifully with the themes within the subplot, and throughout the book, of forgiveness and redemption.
If you’re looking for a phenomenal, heartfelt story that puts a satisfying HEA bow on real-life issues, you’re sure to be head over heels for this wonderful second-chance!
William Gross grew up in Pleasant Shores, leaving a lot of bad memories behind when he escaped at sixteen years old. The one light in his dark childhood was his best friend, Bisky Castleman. Bisky grew up working in her family's fishing business, but she was always ready with a smile, and her family welcomed William with open arms.
Bisky has her hands full with her teenage daughter and now running the fishing business singlehandedly, but when she sees her best friend from years ago, she has more than enough room in her life to welcome him back. He's not the same boy she grew up with, and he carries around a grief that's palpable. She knows platitudes are empty, but maybe just being his friend can help him heal.
I have yet to read anything from this talented lady that's anything less than spectacular, and this sweet romance is no different. These characters are perfectly flawed, innately human, and have layer after layer. As each layer is peeled back, we see deeper and deeper into their hearts, and before I realized it, they had found their own special place in my own heart.
Bisky and William both have things to work out in their lives, and their struggles, healing, and self-actualizing are some of the most honest and authentic I’ve read in romance. There's also a subplot that may be troubling for some readers, but it's balanced beautifully with the themes within the subplot, and throughout the book, of forgiveness and redemption.
If you’re looking for a phenomenal, heartfelt story that puts a satisfying HEA bow on real-life issues, you’re sure to be head over heels for this wonderful second-chance!
June 4, 2021
Readers who enjoy stories that connect to real-life enjoy the novels of Lee Tobin McClain. Her new novel, HOME TO THE HARBOR, the latest in The Off Season series, features a single mother and her daughter. Sunny is an independent teen who has to make a choice: to act and maybe get in trouble, or to do nothing, and maybe be sorry. Her mom, Bisky, like all of us, has concerns of her own but pretends—to herself, to her women friends old and new, and to a very special old friend—not to. While getting to know Sunny, readers will chuckle and nod their heads, then groan and mumble, “Oh, no—kids!” Meanwhile, the adults in the story create their own dramas with strengths we wish to have and weaknesses we all recognize. But, as Bisky and her oldest friend, William, face problems together, they discover that the good and the not-so-good go hand in hand, but that all can be faced with fortitude, heart, and good company. Find all this, plus my personal faves—dogs and kids of all ages—in HOME TO THE HARBOR. I especially recommend this small town romance with its unconventional mom, her spunky teen, and their special, very tall, guy.
August 12, 2021
Another in the Off Season series, in which Fisher Bisky Castleman is intent on raising her 16-year-old daughter in the home she's never left when she encounters William Gross, the boy all grown up from the bad boy she knew as a young teen. They'd been good buds back then, but he's here to take a break from his college teaching job after the death of his daughter, the same age as Bisky's daughter.
While Sunny want to do dog therapy, the person in charge doesn't think she's capable. An adult is who she wants to hire, but Sunny persists and even helps William with a rescue he reluctantly takes in. Both dogs have wounds that suggest they escaped a dogfighting ring, but no one knows for sure--until Sunny and her friends decide to try to find out for themselves, if only to rescue the dogs.
Surprise awaits everyone, especially William, when Bisky discovers where the kids have gone one night, thus placing them in serious danger and not just from the dogs. But will Bisky and William allow themselves a chance at love that everyone else seems to think they deserve?
While Sunny want to do dog therapy, the person in charge doesn't think she's capable. An adult is who she wants to hire, but Sunny persists and even helps William with a rescue he reluctantly takes in. Both dogs have wounds that suggest they escaped a dogfighting ring, but no one knows for sure--until Sunny and her friends decide to try to find out for themselves, if only to rescue the dogs.
Surprise awaits everyone, especially William, when Bisky discovers where the kids have gone one night, thus placing them in serious danger and not just from the dogs. But will Bisky and William allow themselves a chance at love that everyone else seems to think they deserve?
April 4, 2022
This is a "feel good" book. Everything takes place in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay. William has come home to heal from an incredible loss. When he arrives, he immediately sees his childhood friend, Bisky. They were always very close friends, and her family took him under their wing and made him a part of their family to escape his ugly family life. This was his home at one point, but it was never a happy home. The only bright light from his past and this place was Bisky. This is a story of love, forgiveness and healing and learning to give of yourself to others less fortunate which in turn will help heal your heart. The characters are very likeable. Bisky's daughter, Sunny, has a heart for others and God's creatures, especially dogs. It is a sweet story which will restore your faith in humanity. However, there is a particular portion of the story that will enrage you, if you are a dog lover, but you will also see that some people will protect the innocent at all costs, so the story works itself out. You will leave the book feeling good about what you have read.
April 26, 2021
HOME TO THE HARBOR
...Lee Tobin.McClain
Bisky and her daughter Sunny, running a family business from the waters in Chesapeake Bay. A friend walking by telling of a new resident coming for Victory Cottage, would they take over the dog therapy volunteer program. William Gross a childhood friend has come back to Pleasant Shores, twenty years, still hearing yelling of his father. He needed healing from losing a daughter, and maybe his teaching job.
A hug from Bisky, he couldn’t get that close, feel that much.
While Sunny had plans she wanted to organize for the dog therapy and to help get it up and running. . To bring a dog home, to have something of her own. A story that touches one with not only the dogs also for Bisky, Sunny and William needed healing, rescuing and new beginnings.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
...Lee Tobin.McClain
Bisky and her daughter Sunny, running a family business from the waters in Chesapeake Bay. A friend walking by telling of a new resident coming for Victory Cottage, would they take over the dog therapy volunteer program. William Gross a childhood friend has come back to Pleasant Shores, twenty years, still hearing yelling of his father. He needed healing from losing a daughter, and maybe his teaching job.
A hug from Bisky, he couldn’t get that close, feel that much.
While Sunny had plans she wanted to organize for the dog therapy and to help get it up and running. . To bring a dog home, to have something of her own. A story that touches one with not only the dogs also for Bisky, Sunny and William needed healing, rescuing and new beginnings.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
April 27, 2021
Just as I did with all the other books in this series, I fell in love with the characters. I had “met” Bisky in the previous books, and it was good to get to know her and her daughter better. I loved how Bisky and William’s childhood friendship grew into something more. This book also shows the importance of accepting yourself for who you are and having people love you for that. It also shows that you have to let go of blaming yourself for something that wasn’t your fault. I liked how the author handled William’s unexpected reunion with his father. I would recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions are mine.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions are mine.
June 27, 2021
You will enjoy returning to Pleasant Shores where William Gross is the newest resident at Victory Cottage, a respite cottage for victims of violent crimes and their families. I enjoyed how William who grew up as a dock kid in Pleasant Shores reconnects with his childhood friend, Bisky Castleman, who is now operating her family's fishing boat. William's teenage daughter was killed but Bisky's daughter Sunny is able to use dog therapy to connect with him. There is excitement as Sunny and her friends work to take down a dog fighting ring. I recommend Home to the Harbor to anyone who enjoys the seacoast. I received an advance copy of Home to the Harbor from the author. This is my honest opinion.
March 31, 2021
Small town community. Engaging characters. A developing relationship with bumps in the road. These are all signs of a successful novel, which is Home to Harbor. William is a wounded soul who comes back to a town with bad memories. Bisky is there to rekindle their friendship and more. I thought the buildup for their romance was a tad bit too slow. I actually liked Sunny the best. She personified at typical kid at that age. The ex added an interesting angle to the story. All in all it’s a solid read with a happy ending. Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the early read.
October 11, 2022
Bisky has always seen herself as not feminine enough for several reasons. She works at crabbing and is very tall. Her friend, William, is back in town grieving from the murder of his daughter which he feels responsible for. Bisky and William were good friends back in high school and it feels natural to renew this friendship. Both people have issues to work through. This can definitely be read as a stand alone book. I have read several others but not always in order. I love this town and happily ever afters and this book does not disappoint.
March 30, 2021
In this book you will read about the loss of a child and the struggles that come with the loss. Brisky and Sunny are very special people. Sunny’s love you dogs is truly wonderful. Lee will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens with these amazing people in this story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story.
April 27, 2021
Bisky gets a chance at love when her old friend William comes back to town. But they each have their own issues to work out before they can risk falling in love. Bisky's daughter Sunny and her friends work together to solve a mystery, which has personal consequences for one of them. I love the small Bay town feel of this book. It's like visiting old friends and family. I received a copy of this book from the author. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 12, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! Childhood friends meet again and fall in love but both have sorrow to overcome and both are working to help the young people in their area better themselves! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance!
April 23, 2021
This is a great second chance romance set in a lovely beach community. If you like romance families and dogs this is the book for you.I was honored to receive a copy from the author who never disappoints with her stories.
May 25, 2021
I loved this whole story My mind had Bisky looking and sounding different from the picture I got from the first books she was mentioned in. With this story she became much more real in looks and speech I can't wait for the next book in the series of Off Season
July 12, 2021
Really enjoyed all the books thus far in this series. The story of Bisky and William is really good. Pleasant Shores is the town of second chances. See why William came back and does he and Bisky get a second chance.
May 23, 2022
This was a page turner. I loved this story.
This is a heartfelt story that is in a small town setting, dealing with grief and loss, remarkable characters, romance and taking down a dog-fighting ring and much more.
This is a heartfelt story that is in a small town setting, dealing with grief and loss, remarkable characters, romance and taking down a dog-fighting ring and much more.
April 1, 2021
Love how the story developed. A story of childhood friends, Brisky and William who discover love when they met again after a period of time. I like how the story develop and you can really feel the pain that William has losing his daughter. It is hard on him seeing Brisky and her daughter Sunny. It was rather a surprise to read story of William’s ex wife. I would not have expect the character to be so contrast to William’s position as a lecturer. Refreshing 😍
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April 1, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
The Off Season (Book #4)
Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
The Off Season (Book #4)
April 27, 2021
LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Childhood friends, helping each other, and the community, find love in each other.
Childhood friends, helping each other, and the community, find love in each other.
April 29, 2021
An entertaining and well written romance. Home to the Harbor is a great addition to the series. Love Ms. McClain’s books.
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May 17, 2021Very nice.
May 30, 2021
A wonderful story to read of love and friendship. This is the story of Bisky and William who are lifetime friends. Each book gets better and better.
September 12, 2021
I loved this and can’t wait to read more of this series!
March 2, 2022
Hallmark type book but okay read. Bisky runs family fishing business and William comes back to their hometown.
May 11, 2022
Absolutely love this author
February 14, 2023
Another great sweet read!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews