What do you think?
Rate this book
Shell Cove #1
Beachcomber Motel
Jules Whittier is starting to regret the promise she made to her grandmother on her deathbed. The motel is even more dilapidated than it looked like in the pictures and it turns out that renovating it includes working with her estranged cousins Maddie and Gina—the same cousins who caused her to fail at running the last motel. But there’s no getting around the stipulations in Gram’s will, and Jules needs to make a success of the Beachcomber, not only because of the promise she made but also to prove to herself that she’s not a failure.
Nick Barlow doesn’t understand why anyone would want to renovate a dusty old hotel in a town that has no tourists, but when Jules comes in asking for the loan, he’s smitten and can’t get the application off the printer fast enough. Things are dull around Shell Cove and he’s looking forward to doing business with his new client... until his grandfather, the bank president, gives him a dire warning about Jules and her family and then refuses to approve the loan.
Maddie Montgomery has made a promise to her grandmother, too. She needs to help Jules and Gina reconcile. But, as she soon finds out, that might not be the only reason Gram sent her to Shell Cove. The town needs her special brand of optimism and organization to keep it from dying out completely.
Gina Gallagher’s life has hit rock bottom. Her real estate tycoon husband has disappeared after cleaning out both their business and personal bank accounts. When her grandmother makes her promise to learn to find joy in the little things and help out at the Beachcomber, she has no energy to refuse. Right now she has nowhere else to stay, but she doesn’t plan to keep her promise for long... until her stay at the Beachcomber yields some unexpected surprises.
None of them really wanted to come to the Beachcomber, but could the old motel be the exact thing each of them needs?
Nick Barlow doesn’t understand why anyone would want to renovate a dusty old hotel in a town that has no tourists, but when Jules comes in asking for the loan, he’s smitten and can’t get the application off the printer fast enough. Things are dull around Shell Cove and he’s looking forward to doing business with his new client... until his grandfather, the bank president, gives him a dire warning about Jules and her family and then refuses to approve the loan.
Maddie Montgomery has made a promise to her grandmother, too. She needs to help Jules and Gina reconcile. But, as she soon finds out, that might not be the only reason Gram sent her to Shell Cove. The town needs her special brand of optimism and organization to keep it from dying out completely.
Gina Gallagher’s life has hit rock bottom. Her real estate tycoon husband has disappeared after cleaning out both their business and personal bank accounts. When her grandmother makes her promise to learn to find joy in the little things and help out at the Beachcomber, she has no energy to refuse. Right now she has nowhere else to stay, but she doesn’t plan to keep her promise for long... until her stay at the Beachcomber yields some unexpected surprises.
None of them really wanted to come to the Beachcomber, but could the old motel be the exact thing each of them needs?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2021
1139 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 10, 2021
I enjoyed the story of three sisters inheriting an old motel that needed a lot of tender love and care. As they worked on the motel they worked on themselves and their problems in life. I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the next book.
June 21, 2021
Great story of a sad event leading to a positive result.
I love a beach story. This one began with sadness and ended with happiness. My kind of story. Good read.
I love a beach story. This one began with sadness and ended with happiness. My kind of story. Good read.
Read
March 8, 2023What a heartwarming story. Very well written with a great cast of characters that draw you into the story. Loved every minute of the story and had a hard time putting the book down.
May 4, 2021
Really like this new series! Three cousins thrown together against their will, but willing to work together. Each with different backgrounds and personalities make for a very interesting book. It was easy to read. Looking forward to book number two!
May 10, 2021
Great story!
There has not been one book by Meredith Summers that I haven’t loved! This was no exception. Three cousins left a small hotel by their Grandmother with a challenge to bring it back from the dead, along with the Oceanside town where it is located. A truly lovely story!
There has not been one book by Meredith Summers that I haven’t loved! This was no exception. Three cousins left a small hotel by their Grandmother with a challenge to bring it back from the dead, along with the Oceanside town where it is located. A truly lovely story!
May 29, 2021
Beachcomber Motel
The story was great and the characters kept me inspired to keep reading!! The story proved that see should enjoy the simple things in life!!!
The story was great and the characters kept me inspired to keep reading!! The story proved that see should enjoy the simple things in life!!!
April 10, 2025
Absolutely adorable! So cozy and while there wasn’t a ton of “action,” I did enjoy the plot and characters.
April 16, 2021
A wonderful and heart-warming book. What a way to start a new series!
When their grandmother leaves 3 cousins a defunct beachside motel with the stipulation that they have to try running it, or it will be sold and proceeds given to charity. Can the 3 get over past grievances and rebuild not only the hotel, but their once-close bond?
Set in the quaint, little seaside town of Shell Cove, Maine. This endearing, clean Women's fiction will leave you feeling just a little lighter and happier.
No murder or mayhem, just good friends, old and new, working together to help each other and the town.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!
When their grandmother leaves 3 cousins a defunct beachside motel with the stipulation that they have to try running it, or it will be sold and proceeds given to charity. Can the 3 get over past grievances and rebuild not only the hotel, but their once-close bond?
Set in the quaint, little seaside town of Shell Cove, Maine. This endearing, clean Women's fiction will leave you feeling just a little lighter and happier.
No murder or mayhem, just good friends, old and new, working together to help each other and the town.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!
April 9, 2022
Warm and inviting
“Jules couldn’t go back on her promise, even if there were a few snags in the plan.” Snags, like her two cousins, with whom she has fallen out. She is going to have to find a way to get along!
It was a wonderful story! I loved the hope factor, hope for a better future. It was really good, well-written. Full of depth without getting too heavy, although there sure was tension, fighting. Maybe not as lighthearted as the books that I often choose, a bit more serious, but every now and then I’ll choose a different genre. I knew I couldn’t go wrong, because I’ve love love loved other books by this author (under a different pen name). And I wasn’t disappointed! The result was a heartwarming story!
Multiple POVs make sure you get all sides of the story, although it also made it all feel just a bit fragmented. It makes it just a bit harder to get deeper into the mind of the characters. Having said that, I did feel all the feelings that the characters were feeling, so that was well done. I think I bonded with Maddie the most, at least at first. But I also took to Jules, although she did judge a bit too quickly at times, especially Nick. Gina, she was a bit harder, but by the end of the book she had already grown on me. And maybe already become my favorite character, because she had the most learning to do, but she did it! It was great to see her finding purpose in her life and a sense of selfworth.
Grudges, sadness, healing, hope, warmth and friendship; this book had it all!
“Jules couldn’t go back on her promise, even if there were a few snags in the plan.” Snags, like her two cousins, with whom she has fallen out. She is going to have to find a way to get along!
It was a wonderful story! I loved the hope factor, hope for a better future. It was really good, well-written. Full of depth without getting too heavy, although there sure was tension, fighting. Maybe not as lighthearted as the books that I often choose, a bit more serious, but every now and then I’ll choose a different genre. I knew I couldn’t go wrong, because I’ve love love loved other books by this author (under a different pen name). And I wasn’t disappointed! The result was a heartwarming story!
Multiple POVs make sure you get all sides of the story, although it also made it all feel just a bit fragmented. It makes it just a bit harder to get deeper into the mind of the characters. Having said that, I did feel all the feelings that the characters were feeling, so that was well done. I think I bonded with Maddie the most, at least at first. But I also took to Jules, although she did judge a bit too quickly at times, especially Nick. Gina, she was a bit harder, but by the end of the book she had already grown on me. And maybe already become my favorite character, because she had the most learning to do, but she did it! It was great to see her finding purpose in her life and a sense of selfworth.
Grudges, sadness, healing, hope, warmth and friendship; this book had it all!
March 27, 2025
Beachcomber Motel (Shell Cove #1) by Meredith Summers
I recently had the pleasure of listening to Beachcomber Motel by Meredith Summers, and it was an absolute treat from start to finish. This charming audiobook takes listeners to the picturesque town of Shell Cove, where three cousins are tasked with reviving their grandmother’s old, run-down motel. The premise alone hooked me, but it was the lively, relatable characters and the delightful plot that made it truly memorable.
The cousins, each with their own unique personality and strengths, must learn to work together to restore the motel and bring life back to their town. Their efforts not only breathe new life into the business but also help the local economy, with a heartwarming twist involving a baking contest that attracts tourists from all over. The sense of community and collaboration was uplifting, and the characters’ growth throughout the process was both touching and entertaining.
Narrated by Hollis McCarthy, the audiobook was a joy to listen to. McCarthy’s ability to bring the characters to life with distinct voices made the experience even more engaging. Her narration captured the warmth, humor, and charm of the story, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the unfolding events.
Beachcomber Motel was my first book by Meredith Summers, and I was so impressed that I’m already diving into the Lobster Bay series, starting with Seaside Bookclub. If you're looking for an uplifting, feel-good story filled with great characters and a town on the rise, I highly recommend this audiobook. It’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about family, community, and finding the heart of a small town.
I recently had the pleasure of listening to Beachcomber Motel by Meredith Summers, and it was an absolute treat from start to finish. This charming audiobook takes listeners to the picturesque town of Shell Cove, where three cousins are tasked with reviving their grandmother’s old, run-down motel. The premise alone hooked me, but it was the lively, relatable characters and the delightful plot that made it truly memorable.
The cousins, each with their own unique personality and strengths, must learn to work together to restore the motel and bring life back to their town. Their efforts not only breathe new life into the business but also help the local economy, with a heartwarming twist involving a baking contest that attracts tourists from all over. The sense of community and collaboration was uplifting, and the characters’ growth throughout the process was both touching and entertaining.
Narrated by Hollis McCarthy, the audiobook was a joy to listen to. McCarthy’s ability to bring the characters to life with distinct voices made the experience even more engaging. Her narration captured the warmth, humor, and charm of the story, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the unfolding events.
Beachcomber Motel was my first book by Meredith Summers, and I was so impressed that I’m already diving into the Lobster Bay series, starting with Seaside Bookclub. If you're looking for an uplifting, feel-good story filled with great characters and a town on the rise, I highly recommend this audiobook. It’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about family, community, and finding the heart of a small town.
April 9, 2021
This is a nice story that I would classify as a Sweet Romance, or maybe a Chicklit.
Three cousins are left a motel from their grandmother, with the stipulation that they have to try and make an honest go of the building that had been closed for about 20 years or it will go to a charity.
The three ladies had tried to run a hotel for her previously, and that venture failed spectacularly, causing a rift between two of the cousins. Join Jules, Gina, and Maddie (the mediator and optimist of the group) on this, the first adventure towards rebuilding the trust and friendships they had when they were younger.
With the individual problems all three brings to the table, They will have to learn to work together or they are guaranteed to fail again.
Meredith Summer, also known as Leighann Dobbins, is one of my favorite mystery authors (cozy and traditional). She brings the experience and ability to weave a story with over 60 books under her belt.
Three cousins are left a motel from their grandmother, with the stipulation that they have to try and make an honest go of the building that had been closed for about 20 years or it will go to a charity.
The three ladies had tried to run a hotel for her previously, and that venture failed spectacularly, causing a rift between two of the cousins. Join Jules, Gina, and Maddie (the mediator and optimist of the group) on this, the first adventure towards rebuilding the trust and friendships they had when they were younger.
With the individual problems all three brings to the table, They will have to learn to work together or they are guaranteed to fail again.
Meredith Summer, also known as Leighann Dobbins, is one of my favorite mystery authors (cozy and traditional). She brings the experience and ability to weave a story with over 60 books under her belt.
September 28, 2025
When I need a change from my regular reading genre, I pick up a book by Meredith Summers. Her women’s fiction is uplifting. Welcome to Shell Cove! This community cares about people.
I love stories about strong women. The three cousins must work together together in order to inherit the hotel. The will stipulates it cannot be sold for a year and if it does not become a viable motel, again, it goes to charity not the women.
There is angst, heartbreak, and a touch of romance with older members of the community getting involved.
I highly recommend this book and this series. It is a standalone book. I listened to this book on Hoopla from my local library. It was narrated by Hollis McCarthy who did a wonderful job.
I love stories about strong women. The three cousins must work together together in order to inherit the hotel. The will stipulates it cannot be sold for a year and if it does not become a viable motel, again, it goes to charity not the women.
There is angst, heartbreak, and a touch of romance with older members of the community getting involved.
I highly recommend this book and this series. It is a standalone book. I listened to this book on Hoopla from my local library. It was narrated by Hollis McCarthy who did a wonderful job.
January 21, 2022
This is the first in a series set in the quaint town of Shell Cove. Have you been to a town that was once on the major highway that is now by-passed by a bigger road? It is not pretty. Such is Shell Cove. In steps the granddaughters of Rena, the owner of the Beachcomber Motel. The motel was left to the girls with request to make it profitable again. This story sets the stage and starts the character develop of the girls each with their own personality and their own problems. This book focuses on Jules, a former manager at another motel owned by her grandmother. Give this book a read. You'll be like me anxious to get to the second book to see what's in store for these girls and Shell Cove.
April 7, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Shell Cove. I had been in a reading slump, started reading this first book of the new series and couldn't put it down. The beach town sounds inviting and it was fun to meet the towns people and watch them help to revive their town after the highway had came through and drew business away from them. 3 cousins find their way back to each other after their beloved Grandmother leaves the Beachcomber Motel to them. I look forward to diving into each of the cousins lives in the coming books in the series.
April 16, 2021
Beachcomber Motel is the first book in the Shell Cove Series by Meredith Summers.
I really enjoyed this womens fiction book.
I really liked the family dynamic between the three cousins who were left a failing motel in Shell Cove, Maine. I loved the description of the setting and the small town.
This was a fantastic story with well developed characters that left me wanting more.
I can't wait to read more in the Shell Cove Series.
I really enjoyed this womens fiction book.
I really liked the family dynamic between the three cousins who were left a failing motel in Shell Cove, Maine. I loved the description of the setting and the small town.
This was a fantastic story with well developed characters that left me wanting more.
I can't wait to read more in the Shell Cove Series.
May 25, 2021
Really simplistic
While I like the premise of fixing up an old motel, the idea that an entire town can be transformed into a Disney set in a week stretches credulity. Also that nothing ever goes wrong and everyone is lovely. A small town on the Maine coast would never be abandoned like that - the fact that the highway goes around it would be a plus, not a fatal blow. I wish the book had more depth and believability.
While I like the premise of fixing up an old motel, the idea that an entire town can be transformed into a Disney set in a week stretches credulity. Also that nothing ever goes wrong and everyone is lovely. A small town on the Maine coast would never be abandoned like that - the fact that the highway goes around it would be a plus, not a fatal blow. I wish the book had more depth and believability.
January 11, 2023
It's nice to read a wholesome book about 3 granddaughters (2 sisters & their cousin) and their attempt to revitalize a dormant beach motel. I love how they interact with the townspeople, especially the welcome wagon and end up revitalizing the town. It is a predictable story. But the charming main characters are written well. I like that there's the potential for romance as well. Overall, quaint beach towns are wonderful to experience in books and life.
November 24, 2022
What an adorable book, I will begin to read Starfish Cottage #2 after doing this review and using the bathroom. Such fun to read about the lives of Maddie, Jules and Gina. I have read Saving Sandcastles #1 through #5 and look forward to #6 Seaside Bookclub. Meredith Summers is an enjoyable author!
August 24, 2024
Beach combed Motel
Loved it. What a perfect beach or anytime read. An uplifting story that inspires a community that's off the beaten path. The characters are friendly, encouraging, inspiring and the community needs an facelift to become what it once was. You'll be cheering them on in this heartwarming and inspiring story. Enjoy
Loved it. What a perfect beach or anytime read. An uplifting story that inspires a community that's off the beaten path. The characters are friendly, encouraging, inspiring and the community needs an facelift to become what it once was. You'll be cheering them on in this heartwarming and inspiring story. Enjoy
June 5, 2025
A great beach read!
Maddie, Gina and Jules have inherited a motel from their late grandmother. It’s in slight disrepair, just as their relationship is, but they must stay and get the motel up and running within a year or all inheritance goes to charity. Can these three cousins overcome past hurts and learn to work together again?
Maddie, Gina and Jules have inherited a motel from their late grandmother. It’s in slight disrepair, just as their relationship is, but they must stay and get the motel up and running within a year or all inheritance goes to charity. Can these three cousins overcome past hurts and learn to work together again?
April 27, 2021
Great read
Loved that the girls finally put there hands together and became family again, and that life serm to be working out for them pluss I like too that sandcastle was in there to loved that serial too. If you read it you should read this serial as well.
Loved that the girls finally put there hands together and became family again, and that life serm to be working out for them pluss I like too that sandcastle was in there to loved that serial too. If you read it you should read this serial as well.
January 7, 2022
!Loved how the cousins reconnected
So happy that their grandmother left the motel to the three girls. They were great with their different talents coming together to have something special
So happy that their grandmother left the motel to the three girls. They were great with their different talents coming together to have something special
August 12, 2022
Really Good Book
The Grandmother was trying to reunite her gra her grandchildren who had had a past failure. In this case they found out that they hidden talents and they were able to run the motel, and begin new lives too.
The Grandmother was trying to reunite her gra her grandchildren who had had a past failure. In this case they found out that they hidden talents and they were able to run the motel, and begin new lives too.
December 16, 2025
The new look
This was a cute small town story of revamping not only the motel but the whole town. The three girls inherited a motel that needed a lot of work as dud the while town. It's a nice fun read .
This was a cute small town story of revamping not only the motel but the whole town. The three girls inherited a motel that needed a lot of work as dud the while town. It's a nice fun read .
April 21, 2021
When a grandmother leaves a hotel to 3 estranged cousins, can they save it?Can they rebuild a relationship? Being part 1 of a series I can't wait for book 2!
August 2, 2021
Easy read
A sweet, easy summer read. A bit predictable but good book nonetheless. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
A sweet, easy summer read. A bit predictable but good book nonetheless. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 14, 2021
Another excellent read
These stories are great to read as I stay at home to avoid covid 19! Thank you Meredith Summers .
These stories are great to read as I stay at home to avoid covid 19! Thank you Meredith Summers .
December 10, 2021
Great story and easy to read.
A very positive and clean book. Good imagination in the story line. Highly recommend to make you feel good.Great read.
A very positive and clean book. Good imagination in the story line. Highly recommend to make you feel good.Great read.
February 14, 2022
very sweet book
Good story and character development. It didn’t keep me riveted but I did enjoy it and have already downloaded the next book in the series.
Good story and character development. It didn’t keep me riveted but I did enjoy it and have already downloaded the next book in the series.
April 16, 2022
1 of 3 I absolutely loved this book. I'm hoping the next 2 are just as good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews