Bells on the Bay

Birch Harbor #5

by Elizabeth Bromke

Now a USA Today bestselling author, Elizabeth Bromke delivers another heartwarming story of family secrets, romance, and mystery.

A year ago, Nora Hannigan died. But she left behind a haunting legacy of untruths and mysteries. Now, her four adult daughters are ready to face the past and find happiness on their own terms.

Oldest Kate thought she’d put family drama behind her. But then a new commotion crashes onto the shoreline of her very own backyard, and she’s once again thrust into a small-town scandal.

Amelia just received the role of a lifetime. But will it get in the way of her goal? Or is it the one part she was always meant to play?

Megan’s life is finally perfect, and she’s even moving into her new house in the fields of Birch Harbor. But then she gets a call about her daughter. There’s a situation at the marina… again.

Clara is finding her way in her new job and with a budding romance, but then her beau makes a quiet discovery that might change everything…

Escape to Birch Harbor, Michigan and visit the Hannigan sisters, who live and love on the quaint shores of Lake Huron. Birch Harbor is a romantic women's fiction series and a family saga by the author of The Summer Society.

250 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2020

About the author

Elizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.

Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a year since Nora Hannigan, the family matriarch and keeper of many secrets, died and threw her daughters' lives into a tailspin. Not one of the sisters' lives is a semblance of what they were a year ago and in many ways that's a good thing. Life in Birch Harbor, Michigan is finally settling down for Kate, Amelia, Megan and Clara although they still haven't solved the mystery of their father's disappearance.

What a great ending for this series. I always devour these books because I think I'm going to stop after a certain chapter but then something happens and I can't just stop there--I need to keep reading. I thought several times I had figured out what had happened to Wendell Acton or who might be responsible for his disappearance, but I was wrong every time. I liked finding out more details about some of the other characters that have made appearances in the series, and we find out some that were thought to be good aren't and some that were supposed to be not so good, aren't so bad afterall.

I love that the sisters all got a happy ending or at least a happy-for-now ending. Kate has the Heirloom Inn and she and Matt finally get the happiness they deserve. Amelia is finally settled and no longer wants to be on the move, and she and Michael are so happy together. Megan and Brian's marriage is far stronger than it was a year ago when they were separated and their business is doing well. Clara has settled into her new position teaching at the high school and is in love. And all of the sisters can finally find peace because the mystery of their father's disappearance has been solved.

This series needs to be read in order starting with House on the Harbor as each book builds on each other. Each book also concentrates more on an individual sister so the reader gets to know and understand her better.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts expressed in my review are my own.

[Carol Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars generously rounded up. I enjoyed the books that preceded this one, but just could not stand the sisters in this. All so overly dramatic they drove me nuts. Took too long to tell this story of Wendell. I doubt I’ll read any more of these

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bells on the Bay is the 5th and exciting conclusion written by Elizabeth Bromke in her Birch Harbor novel series. This series is set in Michigan on Lake Huron. The characters are very likeable, strong, independent young women. They have struggled thru life because of their quirky mother but is she quirky or just determined to find her missing husband? As this series starts out Wendell Acton has gone missing and all evidence leads to him running off to get away. As this final episode plays out the mystery surrounding Wendell is revealed and it shocks the Hannigan sisters to their core. The author has done a wonderful job telling her story thru her characters and I hated to see it end.

There are four Hannigan sisters, Kate, Megan, Amelia, and Clara. However one of the sisters is not really a sister. Even though she has been raised as a sister she is a niece to two and a daughter to one. This makes for a very interesting read. Each of the sisters has their own cross to bare and how they each handle it with the assistance from the others is remarkable. You can't help but make these women part of your family.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. If I could rate the series I would give it five stars as well. Each book ends with a cliffhanger which definitely makes the reader want to read the next book.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Bromke for writing a truly wonderful heartwarming series which is filled with love, family, forgiveness, and starting over.

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth and final book about the adult Hannigan sisters, Kate, Amelia, Megan and Clara who, after their mother's death a year ago, have returned and settled back into life in the town where they grew up, Birch Harbor on Lake Huron.

Each volume should be read in order and concentrates predominately with one sister. Running though all the books is the mystery of why their father, Wendell, departed without warning so many years ago.

Wendell's disappearance is finally resolved when the complete family works together in a joint investigation.

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.

[Elise Derr Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Start at the beginning! ***
Book 1: "House on the Harbor"
Book 2: "Lighthouse on the Lake"
Book 3: "Fireflies in the Field"
Book 4: "Cottage by the Creek"

***

As new information continues to surface regarding the disappearance of Wendell Acton, his daughters finally make time to pursue the case together, even as life presses on for the Hannigan Sisters:

Kate is seeking stronger relationships between Matt and Clara, herself and Vivi -- while dedicating most of her time and energy to running the Heirloom Inn.

Amelia and Michael prepare for their wedding, but Amelia is still anxious that Michael will leave unexpectedly -- just as her father did.

Megan and Brian are living at Firefly Field. Their marriage is stronger than ever, but they do worry a little about sending Sarah off to college on her own. And Megan has big, important events to plan!

Clara still doubts whether her relationship with Jake can go anywhere, due to their age difference and her inexperience.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OVERALL:
A satisfying end to the Birch Harbor/Hannigan Sisters' saga, including finally solving the mystery of Wendell's disappearance! Much less family drama - more coming together and building relationships.

Content: Clean! Romance mostly implied. Continued development of romantic interests/relationships becomes more of a focus.

Language: mild profanity

Themes include family relationships, dishonesty, restitution, and extramarital pregnancies.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an exciting conclusion to the Birch Harbor series. I read this in the matter of a few hours, I couldn't put it down. Needless to say I was up a little past my bedtime, but 1am was there before I knew it. I was so absorbed. The characters in this series are heartwarming. They aren't perfect and that's why I love them. The youngest of the sisters, Clara the "baby" is whiny so to speak, the older sister Kate, is trying to make everything right for everyone, and the two middle sisters are just trying to find out who they are. Escape to life on the beaches of Lake Huron, into the lives of the Hannigan sisters and the men they love. You won't be disappointed! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author, Elizabeth Bromke, and this is my voluntary and honest review. I enjoyed this Birch Harbor series about the Hannigan sisters. Each book is a standalone but a mystery starts in book one and isn't solved until book five. Bells on the Bay is book five and I liked it the best since it did answer the question of what happened to Wendall, Nora's husband. I was happy to read that all the Hannigan sisters finally have the HEA romances they were seeking. I recommend this book as a clean romantic suspense with wonderful characters.

[M Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I'm into Elizabeth's books I cannot put them down. I keep thinking I'll stop at the end of the chapter and the next thing I know it's midnight. I get lost in the characters. Her characters are insightful and real-life. I'm always disappointed when I finish a book because I know I'll have to wait for the next one! Bells on the Bay was a great end to the series - but of course the Bells will keep tolling, as I said before. Great reads!!!

[Pam Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a wonderful journey of the Hannigan sisters. Their continued search for answers as to the disappearance of their father, Wendell Acton, takes up a lot of their time. The sisters each pursue their own lives and love interests. The story line was easy to follow. Will this mystery finally be solved. Will they get their long awaited answers. You will have to read this great book to see if the puzzle pieces finally came together. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Pam Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion. Do not read if you haven't read the series and plan too. Family drama of four sisters learning to be closer after death of their Mother. Each has had their own problems and all are learning to live a happier life with the help of each other. Yes the question of their missing Dad is answered. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. A clean, enjoyable family series.

[Kathie Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book in this series but unfortunately it was the last.
it really had a great ending and tied everything together.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth and final installment of the Birch Harbor series. I have enjoyed following the Hannigan sisters as they find their way and cope with their lives after their mother's death. This is such an exciting conclusion to the series. In this final book, we finally have the resolution of why their father Wendall left. I do warn you, though, to start reading this early in the day, because if you're like me, you will get caught up in the story and will not want to put it down until you are finished. This is a truly heartwarming story and has such real and endearing characters, that will take you on a wonderful journey. I would recommend,  however, to read the books in order before reading this conclusion. This series has provided a great set of touching,  family-oriented stories and I have enjoyed them very much. I'm sorry to see it end, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. I'm excited to see what Ms. Bromke will bring us next!

I was gifted an advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sandy]

This is the 5th and final book of Birch Harbor Series about the Hannigan sisters: Kate, Amelia, Megan and Clara. The sisters returned to Birch Harbor after their mother’s death.

The mystery of their father, Wendell Acton, disappearance years ago runs throughout the series. The mystery of their fathers disappearance is solved when the entire family works together.

The series should be read in order. I loved the series, it is a great read.

I received a ARC of this book from the author via Bookfunnel, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased

[wilma mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, enjoyable read

I have enjoyed all 5 books in this series. I love a series where you get to know all the different characters. Being a person who usually reads action packed crime fiction, the Birch Harbour novels, were a pleasant change. Would recommend these books, for the good storylines, of a family steeped in drama and change. Definitely be reading more from this author.

[Tandy Oschadleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC to review: I so loved walking this last leg of the journey with the Hannigan girls, as the threads of their lives detailed in the previous books in the series came together and each found her place in the world. An emotional, dramatic journey, akin to a strenuous hike up and down mountains which finally ends with a breathtaking panoramic view at the top of the final crest. Well done, Elizabeth!! Women's literature through and through!

[Dictionary101 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the other books in the series, this is a clean "chick-lit" book. No smut, no sex, no bad language. The sisters work to find out what happened to their father/grandfather while running their various businesses, tending romances, and dealing with lots of other things that happen in a small town on Lake Huron.

Also as with the other books, there are some factual and typographical errors, but the series is well worth the time spent reading it. Enjoy.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final end to this saga. Questions are answered and things heat up and settle down. One of my initial guesses about what happened to Wendell was correct, however, up until it was laid out, I still couldn’t be certain it wasn’t any number of other things! The mark of a great mystery.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and Entertaining

This is the conclusion of a 5 book series. It’s a great wrap-up of the ongoing mystery of Wendell Acton, as well as the heartwarming and charming stories of the 4 sisters and their loves. I enjoyed the entire series and am happy with how this book wraps up the story. I’m looking forward to the upcoming spin- off series!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

All good things come to an end, and so has my sojourn with the Hannigan family at Birch Harbor. I binge read all 5 books together as one sister's story led to another. I won't say anything more, since I know all the secrets now and you, reader who is reading this review, still have to find them out.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a long series and some books were more interesting and enjoyable than others. With that being said, I did enjoy this final book. Here you find out what actually happened to Wendall Acton (my hunch was correct). Seriously, for anyone who thinks their family has problems, they should read this series.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Sheila McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good final in this series. I'd like to read some of her other series now. Never read any of hers until this. Characters are good, just a little confusing at times, but good. You can almost visualize the mother figure! I'd say it's a pretty good read all around -- romance, mystery, etc.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Wendell

I really enjoyed this book, bringing the search for the Hannibal girl's father to a close. Although I thought some of the previous books dragged, this one kept me reading.

[Tina Culp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I liked how their connection with their mother became stronger. The women realized how much conflict and hurt their mother had to live the rest if her life. What a heart breaking ending to a great story!

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good series end as all the pieces of the puzzle of Wendell's disappearance fit together and the sisters get an answer. The sisters relationships all continue to grow and blossom.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Elizabeth. I absolutely love her style of writing and how she can capture such a great story

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mystery

[Pat Neumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this series very much. The Hannigan sisters had a road to go after their mother’s death. Learning many family secrets as their reinventing their lives. Heartwarming story about family.

[Kathie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series was very good, had 3 on hoopla audio. The Last 2 were regular print from Melcat.

[Regina Rainwater]

fun read.
this is a group of books. Best to read in order of written.
Regina

[Joyce Ziebell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a letdown ending to this series.