The Lakeside Inn

Return to Sapphire Bay #1

by Leeanna Morgan

Penny Terry loves her job as a property development manager in one of Seattle's biggest construction companies. When tragedy strikes, she returns to Sapphire Bay to say goodbye to her grandmother and comfort her parents.

The last thing Penny or her sisters expect is to inherit the house her grandma called home. But there's a catch, and it could change their lives forever.

Wyatt Johnson didn't move to Sapphire Bay to be harassed by four females and a dog of unknown pedigree. But when the Terry sisters become his neighbors, any chance of completing his latest collection of paintings disappears under a blast of plaster dust and never-ending banging.

When Penny needs his help to solve an old family mystery, they're drawn into a web of secrets unlike anything Sapphire Bay has ever seen.


This novel can easily be read as a standalone. Each of Leeanna's series are linked so you can find out what happens to your favourite characters in other books. Happy reading!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2021

About the author

Leeanna Morgan is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in New Zealand surrounded by green hills on one side and the ocean on the other. She enjoys going for long walks, especially if she can convince her husband and two children to go with her!

Leeanna writes contemporary romances set in Montana. Her books contain all of the things that are important to her; good friends, family, a strong sense of community, and a happy ending.

Reviews

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✨ rating from me.

I really enjoyed this wonderful book!! It's a story of sisters trying to get along with each other and live together for a year in order to inherit their beloved Grandmother's house 🏡. All four sisters are very different from each other. Peg, the main female character is the feisty one!! Peg is actually a sweetheart and I really liked her. All the characters are well developed and believable.

Wyatt is a famous painter looking for a retreat form the world after he loses his wife in a car crash. He moves to this lakeside home, which happens to be next store to Peg and her sisters house!! In a short time, Wyatt and Peg develop feelings for each other. Do they ever admit their feelings or keep them hidden? Can the sisters really live together for a year or lose the house? I'm not telling!!! Read this fun story of love, dedication to each other, family and friends giving to a small community that is in need of repair from brokenness.

I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone in need of a light hearted read!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story look forward to the rest of the saga.

[Gerda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was a nice read, but had several inconsistencies.
The grandmother bequeathed her large house to her four granddaughters who had to live there for one year in order to inherit it. How come she had such a big house, apparently the sisters' mother was an only child? The young women were scattered all over the USA and persuing their carreers, how should they support themselves during that year? I don't believe a grandmother who wanted to keep a house in the family and unite the girls would not try to alleviate the decision.
On the other hand the parents got "enough money to buy a house for themselves" so when the sisters had to scrape together the money to remodell the house into a bed and breakfast why didn't they give them a loan. Later it is mentioned that the daughters took out a big loan, so what is it big loan or scraping together savings?
Barbara is still working as a marketing consultant, Diana is divorced, her trade not mentioned, Penny gave notice to her beloved job and designs the remodelling, Katie is an usuccessfull author with an agent but no contract, the reader learns nothing specific what each sister will do once the inn is running. Apparently it is easy to cook for up to 12 guests not only breakfast but also dinner, cleaners are not necessary....?
I would like to know the sisters' age and succession. I think to remember Katie had been an unsuccessful author for the last 10 years, so that would make her 32? Is she oldest, youngest, in between?
Leeanna Morgan incorporates too many side-plotlines with the wellcome center, the tiny house development, the painting... the romance falls short.
The only interesting plotline was the finding of the letter, unfortunately the chest was not investigated more thoroughly, probably saved for the next three books.

[Paige Bennion · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved

Loved the sweet story of the lakeside inn, it had romance and mystery and kept me intrigued to know what was going to happen next. If you need a good love story and some mystery this is a great book to read.

[Kathy Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, but I was disappointed in all the loose ends.

[Susan DeVries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to read the next one!

[Gaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF after 2 chapters. So bland. So much telling, little showing. This feels like a little girl is telling the story as she's moving her Barbie dolls around--there's no depth or life to it.

[Tenille · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not exactly a page turner

There's virtually no chemistry, not only between the love interests but not even amongst the supporting cast. Nothing feels authentic, and the plot... Well aside from a few decisions to be made, there isn't a plot to speak of.

Very little of note happens in this story.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

underwhelming

Not much more to say other than it was just a book to read. Quite underwhelming. I wouldn’t recommend it.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lakeside Inn: A Sweet Small-Town Romance: The Return to Sapphire Bay Book 1 is by Leeanna Morgan. This begins a new series for Leanna. This seems to be a great romantic series. There is no language issues nor graphic romance scenes. It is set near Flathead Lake, Montana; but in a fictious town of Sapphire Bay. Sapphire Bay is a small, quaint, bustling tourist town right on the lake. There are some cabins for rent. Sapphire Bay also has a tiny house area for those who are homeless and yet looking for work or who work somewhere in town.
Penny Terry and her three sisters have received a cute house on the lake from their grandmother. There is a stipulation that the four girls live there for twelve months before it becomes theirs. If they chose not to, it goes to the church. Penny has a great job and condo in Seattle. Diane is newly divorced and has come to stay. Barbara has a job in social media and can work from anywhere as long as she had Internet. Kate, the youngest, lives in L.A. and is a writer looking for someone to publish her children’s books. However, she does not want to leave L.A. While waiting for her to make up her mind, the others start renovating the house into an inn while they wait for her decision.
Wyatt Johnson is renting the house next to the girls. He is a artist and is finishing the portraits and landscapes for an exhibition in Berlin. His friend Ethan has drafted him into helping create a mural on the side of three garages between the church and the tiny house area in an attempt to get the people in the tiny homes and the community working together.
On her grandmother’s death bed, she asks Penny to see if she can discover who her father was and what really happened to him. What will that uncover?

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the last three years, Penny Terry has been working alongside the senior property development manager at one of the largest construction companies in Seattle. Now that her colleague is preparing for retirement, she's applying for his job.

But as Penny waits for news about the role, she learns that her beloved grandmother Betty is dying. She quickly returns to Sapphire Bay, the small town she grew up in, so that she can say goodbye.

Before Betty passes away, she tells Penny that she has left her house to her and her sisters Diana, Barbara and Katie. She also entrusts Penny with a family heirloom and a mystery to solve.

At the reading of the will, the four sisters discover that the house has only been left to them conditionally. In order to inherit it, they must agree to live together in Sapphire Bay for a year.

For Diana and Barbara, it's an easy decision. It's a more challenging choice for Penny and Katie, who believe that staying in Sapphire Bay will prevent them from pursuing their dreams.

But Wyatt, their handsome new neighbour, might change Penny's mind. A widowed artist, he has temporarily moved to Sapphire Bay at the suggestion of his friend Ethan, wanting to escape the pain of his past.

Can these four sisters solve the mystery of their family legacy? Will they decide to stay in Sapphire Bay and can they find purpose there? And when Wyatt is offered the opportunity of a lifetime in Berlin, can Penny convince him to turn it down?

An easy and enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys stories about small towns, close-knit families and a little bit of romance.

[Laura Levada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny Terry e suas 3 irmãs amam muito sua avó, quando ela falece, elas tentam atender aos seus últimos desejos e as exigências de seu testamento para manter a casa de seus avôs na família, e para isso terão de abrir mão de suas vidas em outras cidades e morar por um ano na casa e em Sapphire Bay, todas juntas.

Wyatt Johnson é um renomado artista, após uma tragédia em sua vida ele se muda para uma pacata casa na beira do lago em Sapphire Bay, mas toda paz acaba quando as 4 irmãs Terry se mudam para a casa ao lado, atormentando sua paz e a bela Penny seu coração.

Eu amo uma história de cidade do interior americano, e a chamada sugere ser tipo Virgen River, da Robin Carr, série que amei. Bom! Tirando se passar no interior americana, e ser em cidade pequena, o resto não se parece em nada. Os estilos de escrita são bem diferentes, esse foi bem... corrido... não compacto, isso, essa é uma palavra bem melhor. Porém por ser compacto, a autora da uns saltos, camuflados, mas ainda saltos na história que eu fiquei, "Oi!! O que aconteceu, perdi algo?!"
Vejam bem, não é ruim, mas também não é bom, é o tipo de historia "mais ou menos"
Um detalhe que gostei muito e manteve meu interesse , foi a busca das irmãs por mais informações sobre o seu bisavó, e as descobertas delas, foi interessante.
Vou ler o próximo livro, porque fiquei curiosa com a história da próxima irmã, eu li a sinopse e gostei, espero que seja um pouco menos compacto que esse primeiro livro.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lakeside Inn is the first book in the Return to Sapphire Bay series. This is a wonderful book about family, finding love after loss and unexpected new beginnings. This is Penny and Wyatt's story.

Penny Terry is back home in Sapphire Bay after her beloved grandmother passes away. She and her sister's inherit her house, but only if they all stay for one year. Penny has a life back in Seattle so staying here for a year is not in her plan. Now she and her sister's need to make a decision that will change all of their lives.

Wyatt Johnson moved to Sapphire Bay after the loss of his wife. He is a famous artist who lost his way until a good friend suggests he move to the quiet town to work on his next collection. The town doesn't know he is famous and he prefers it that way. All is quiet until Penny and her sister's move in to the house next door. They may be just what he needs to bring enjoyment back into his life.

This story is developed around a mystery found in Penny's grandmother's house. A key, a painting and a lovable dog bring all of these people together. I really enjoyed this story. Penny and Wyatt are just what each other needs to help them move forward in their lives. They work together along with her sisters and along the way they fall for one another. This story has good characters, an interesting storyline and a good ending. I can't wait to read the other books in the series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a sweet story that opens with a sad event and a mystery.
I found the book great as a light read. It requires little thought to follow and is rather formulaic. It is pretty straightforward.
Some of the areas are unwxplained or unlikely IMO. The letter, for example, is supposedly tied to a comment that as long as the key in a small, enameled snuff box was in her possession, the family and its heirs had everything they needed. The letter wouldn't have been worth that much in the grandmother's era, so either the tie in should have been explained better or there should have been something of roughly equal and discernable value named. It is worth a lot in the 21st century and to some extent in the 20th century, but only if it was genuine, and at the end of the story they don't know if it is.
Although billed as a series of standalone novels, I have a feeling they continue in the rest of the series with the same characters and themes, making it a series rrquirimg a larger intro in every book explaining the happennings of the previous books, which can get tedious. Just call it what it is, a series, & be done with it.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny Terry works as a development manager in one of the top construction companies in Seattle. After losing her grandmother she returns home to pay her last respects.

Her sisters Diana Barbara and Katie have also returned for their grandmother’s funeral.

Soon after they all learn they’ve inherited their grandmother’s home. The will stipulates that they have to live in the house for twelve months before they can inherit it. If they don’t move in, the house will be donated to The Connect Church and they’ll use it as a boarding house for people who can’t find other accommodation.

With busy jobs in the city the sisters have to find a way to relocate to Sapphire Bay.

After losing his wife Wyatt Johnson packed everything he owned and moved from Chicago to Montana to the small town of Sapphire Bay.

Somehow Penny and Wyatt wind up as neighbors. The Terry sisters manage to renovate their grandma’s house and Bed and Breakfast.

But as a flicker of romance lights between Penny and Wyatt, could their circumstances lead to true love?

Would recommend this small-town romance.

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the Sapphire Bay series and it was a lovely, pleasant read. A family saga with a bit of a mystery and a little romance. I would actually like to read book 2 to find out what they all do next.

************************

Penny Terry loves her job as a property development manager in one of Seattle's biggest construction companies. When tragedy strikes, she returns to Sapphire Bay to say goodbye to her grandmother and comfort her parents.

The last thing Penny or her sisters expect is to inherit the house her grandma called home. But there's a catch, and it could change their lives forever.

Wyatt Johnson didn't move to Sapphire Bay to be harassed by four females and a dog of unknown pedigree. But when the Terry sisters become his neighbors, any chance of completing his latest collection of paintings disappears under a blast of plaster dust and never-ending banging.

When Penny needs his help to solve an old family mystery, they're drawn into a web of secrets unlike anything Sapphire Bay has ever seen.

[Sandra Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. It is what I'd call an innocuous book, with no bad language, no murders, no sex, just nice, people with normal-people issues, who discover people they can relate with and develop growing relationships. The main characters, Penny and Wyatt, both have their baggage when they meet. I won't tell you what happens, but you can probably guess since this is dubbed a romance. There are also interesting "other" characters. The premise is the inheritance of a beautiful, large home of "Grandma," who dies near the beginning of the book. She is much loved and mourned. Her four granddaughters inherit the house with the caveat that they must live there together for a year, or the house is donated to the church. Grandma in her wisdom knew what these women needed. And so the story spins out. I liked the book.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read The Lakeside Inn as an e-copy and found it an easy read , with a few twists to keep me reading to the last page . 4 sisters inherit their Grandmother's house at Sapphire Bay, but only if they agree to live in it for a year. They are all scattered around America but all decide to abide by her wishes and live together , renovating the house to enable them to run it as a Bed and breakfast . Quite a good story line , the setting for the book is idealic and the characters have a strong sense of family so anyone looking for a relaxing read will find this a worthwhile read . An artist in the house next door supports the sisters venture , and he is soon enveloped into their quest to find more of the historical background of their forebears and savors the muffin treats the girls bake daily.
I would certainly be keen to read further books in the series

[Rexine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story. Well written with characters who have their own identities yet are forever tied together by their family bond which cannot be broken. Each woman has their own story full of trials & successes. They are reunited through the death of their maternal grandmother & the inheritance of her house. The unbelievable discovery of a letter written in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln to his son Todd that was hidden in dresser had the entire town excited. Horse on earth work that letter went up in Montana. The Smithsonian is studying the document to verify if it is authentic. The presence of a famous in hiding artist brings a friend to the women & romance to Penny. The cliffhanger I suspected was coming did not appear which made me extremely happy. Can’t wait to read #2.

[Anita]

'The Lakeside Inn" by Leeanna Morgan was a happy read for me. In less than 24 hours I finished it and determined to read the second book in the series "Return to Sapphire Bay." With excellent grammar, syntax and spelling, she wrote the "happy ever after" story of four sisters who inherited their grandmother's lakeside house, only if they live together in it for a year. Each gave up her job and social life and moved to Sapphire Bay, where Penny had an unpleasant meeting with Wyatt, a famous artist hiding from his admirers. All he wanted was to be left alone, but the noise from their remodeling the old house interfered with his painting.
I have read several of Leeanna's books and always enjoy her professionalism and the quality of her writing.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting new series

Definitely not The Protector series. While it's a good book it lacks a little something. I like the characters but to.some.degree there isn't enough back story of follow through on their story. The "love part i know will follow through on the continuation of the series but like Penny's prior life in Seattle. We don't hear much about Wyatt's family.
While it is a fair read I will continue to read the series because they are a neat family of sisters and I will like seeing where the story goes.
Let it be known I enjoyed it but I have my favorites in other series.

[Cheryl J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time thinking Mabel was so stupid to put the letter on Facebook, They all seemed to be not bright enough to delete the post. And Penny couldn’t believe the picture Watt painted would go to Berlin and not hung in their house, worth a 100,000 picture, really. Penny says if Watt loved her he wouldn’t have gone to Berlin, how selfish is she. She won’t go to his opening in Berlin but he should up for the opening for the bed and breakfast. I really think parts of this book needs to be rewritten. I had to check when this book was written!

[Jenny C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story and I fell in love with Sapphire Bay and the close knit community. Flathead Lake come across in the book at a piece of heaven filled with tranquility. The story was wholesome, I loved all the characters, loved the beautiful family unit, the three sisters were lovable and I resonated with the sisterhood they shared. The friendships forged with such a lovely community was such a beautiful story and the love discovered with such a special, kind artist was priceless! I look forward to reading more books by this author!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four sisters inherit their grandmother's home when she passes away. The usual scenario unfolds ...they must live in the house for a year before deciding what to do with the home or the it will be donated to the church.
Their grandmother spoke to Penny before her death and wanted her to find out what happened to her grandfather. The search for information parallels the renovations of the house. And of course, their is a romance thrown in.
I enjoyed this book and have already purchased the sequel.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The right incentive?

We love every visit to Sapphire Bay but for Penny this one is bittersweet, she knew it would be the last time she saw her grandmother but she didn't know just what plans her grandmother had for her!
Watching Penny and Wyatt find peace and acceptance in Sapphire Bay is almost as heartwarming as watching them fall in love, the bonus is we get to catch up with all our favourite residents and meet more new ones for future books!

[Kim Loomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphire Bay has a lot of surprises.

What a wonderful book! It has been a while since I ready anything other than magical mysteries and had forgotten how much find it was to discover how many simple things can change the lives of a family and town. I laughed and I cried over this book and now I will have to read the other three books to find out what happens to each of the other sisters this story featured and the adventure that the four of them have embarked on.

[Maggie T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaeanna Morgan builds a united community in this stand alone series starter. Every character's personality develops through the interactions with each other. The dialogue and scene settings are cleverly written. I became the 'fly on the wall'. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep me interested. Come to Saphire Bay to meet Penny, Wyatt, her family and friends. Plan on reading the entire series.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. If you are looking for a romance book to read this isn’t it. The writer did a good job if she is a new writer. The story was a little bit interesting but had no romance other than saying the characters were interested in each other. I have read way to many books, usually romance or romantic suspense. This seemed like something more that an innocent teenager would read who has no experience in love or relationships. It was very sweet and ended happy.

[Judith Spence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only bc I didn’t read it

I am giving this 3 stars bc I read the first chapter only. When a book mentions church and religion this many times in the first chapter it needs to be listed under Christian reading, not romance or whatever. From what I did read the writing was pretty juvenile, maybe not 5th grade but definitely high school.