A Bright New Beginning

by Holly Stevenson

Welcome to Bright Harbor, the charming coastal town where anything is possible.

Charly Westfield’s typically monotonous life just got a whole lot more complicated. When not working as the manager for Bright Harbor Inn, she’s busy pursuing a degree in interior design, helping plan her sister’s wedding, and dating a guy from Seattle whom she’s quickly falling for. Everything is going well—until her brother’s best friend, Nick, returns home from an extended fishing trip to Alaska. Charly pined for Nick for over a decade, and now that he’s back and finally seeing her as more than his brother’s little sister, her heart is a jumbled mess of confusion.

After a disastrous incident with her boss, Abbie wants to move away from Bright Harbor. She’s done waitressing and done with small towns. The big city and a new career are calling to her. She fully expects her best friend Noah to support her dreams the way he always has, but his reaction to her plan is anything but encouraging. They have a falling out, and the strain in their friendship coupled with some devastating family news throws Abbie’s world for a loop.

As Charly and Abbie each face the unexpected, they rely on the friendships they’ve formed through their monthly movie night get-togethers. Through laughter, secrets, and tears, the women learn the value of belonging to a true sisterhood. One that will help them navigate through whatever storms come their way.

Get whisked away to Bright Harbor! This satisfying page-turner is filled with friendship, self-discovery and sigh-worthy romance.
Don’t miss out on this heartwarming story. Preorder your copy TODAY!

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2021

About the author

Holly Stevenson loves to read, eat out, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends. As a former flight attendant, she has plenty of traveling hours under her belt, but never tires of exploring new places. Holly has a weakness for any combination of chocolate and caramel. She rarely sleeps in, preferring the early morning quiet to accommodate her incurable writing addiction. She is blessed to live with her favorite people: her husband and four kids, in a house overlooking the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story that grabbed my attention right away with its three love triangles and likable, believable characters. I especially enjoyed Charly and Nick's storyline which I was looking forward to since book one in the series. I burned the midnight oil because I couldn’t put it down! Even the town of Bright Harbor is somewhat like a character with its festivals and strong sense of community giving it a personality. I want to join the Chicks and Flicks gals for some girl talk and go for a walk on the beach. I can’t wait to hear more from Bright Harbor. Highly recommend! I was entrusted with a copy of this book by the author and this voluntarily-given review contains my honest opinions.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun additional book in this series. This book was fun to read, it had stories of two different couples going on. Both couples were "friends". It was fun to read as each person realized the feelings they had for the other and was willing to take the risk of moving forward.
Charly had been in love with Nick for a lifetime. Nick never returned interest, until he did, but Charly had a boyfriend and needed to figure out what step came next.
Noah has liked Abbie for a while, but she as a crush on her boss and is trying to find a job out of the small town. After finding out her boss is dating her sister she is devastated. But she took a chance and sang at a concert and now has a whole new adventure to pursue. Noah as always will be right there to support her through it all. She realizes that there is more to Noah than just a friendship.
Hopefully there is another book out soon with Ivy's story!
I was given an ARC of this book. I left this review voluntarily , all opinions expressed are my own.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has not one but two romances featuring amazing capable women who just can't see that they are with/pining after the wrong guy! It is one of those things no one can tell them though, they just have to learn to see it for themselves. I liked that this is about so much more than just finding the right guy too though. Charley is starting a new career while having trouble letting go of the old one, and Abbie is dissatisfied with her life in her little sister's shadow, but is the path out she sees really the right one for her?

This can be read as a standalone, but these young women are pulled together by far more than Chicks and Flicks. Their lives are intertwined and so are their stories. This is book 2 in the Inn at Bright Harbor series and as such picks up a few threads from book one, and leaves a few others to be continued in later books of this series. It is mostly Charly's story and Abbie's story, but also the story of their friends and family and cozy small town. This is an honest and voluntary review of an ARC.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bright New Beginning
By Holly Stevenson
Main Characters: Charly and Nick, Noah and Abbie
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
I think this author does a great job with her character development and that makes you want to read all about them. Charly has been in love with her brother's best friend Nick for 10 years but Nick looks at her like a kid sister. And Noah has been in love with his best friend Abbie for a while but she only has eyes for her boss. I loved their journeys with heartache and finally, love. This was the 2nd and final book in the Bright Harbor series.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet small town romances are the best. In this story we get to know more about Abbie, her musical talents and her almost degree in computer science. Her heart thinks it wants her boss Justin but she can't get his attention the way she wants. Charly is a special character too, working at the Inn with her Mom, starting her own interior design business and helping her sister plan her wedding. Her heart wants her to want Troy but Nick's appeal is pretty strong. I enjoyed how strong men stepped up and shared their feelings and won the girls. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and more interesting characters.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charly Westfield is ready for a new beginning but her future doesn't appear bright. Instead of celebrating new possibilities, a face from her past threatens to make her world more complicated.

While Abbie is busy waiting tables, she dreams of the future. She loves to sing but from the security of her childhood home. Abbie's best friend is her biggest cheerleader but is he hoping to spell LOVE instead of friendship?

Holly Stevenson creates a world where her characters are at the crossroads of their lives. Will they make the right decisions or are they stuck in the past afraid of failure? I enjoyed the sweet story and awarded it a 3.5 rating.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good to follow Charly's and Abby's stories! We were introduced to each of these ladies in the first book, and it was awesome to learn more about them. I loved the character development of each lady. I love that each of them have hidden or new talents that they were sharing with Bright Harbor. I also loved that they each got to have their friend / crush let them know of their feelings for them, even though each of them had experienced heartache. I can't wait to see where they go from here.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such fun returning to the small town of Bright Harbor and catching up with old and new characters. I liked how the Bright Harbor Inn's family was a big part of this story. The romances and the festival in the small town were a lot of fun to read about. I especially enjoyed reading about Charly and Abbie. I liked that the epilogue tied up a few loose ends and I really hope there will be more books in this series because I want to know more about a couple of the characters. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Crissy Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent continuation to the series!
Holly Stevenson does it again with Book 2 in The Inn at Bright Harbor series! Her writing style pulls you in and makes you feel like you're right there with this dynamic group of friends. Her imagery and descriptive language will make you fall in love with Bright Harbor! This book is a must read but you gotta read the first book to really fall in love with the characters and get the background of Nick and Charly’s story. A HEA to cheer for and the preface of the next couple’s story. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bright New Beginning

This was a really good book. Charley and Abbie are friends that are at a point in their lives where change is happening. Charley has had a crush on her brothers best friend for years and now that he has broken up with his longtime girlfriend Charley is in a relationship with a wonderful guy that lives in Seattle. Abbie has a crush on her boss. She has graduated with a degree in computer science but her interest lies in music. What will the winds of change bring to their respective lives?

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet love and life story. Charly is been in love with her big brother best friend’s Nick for ten years. She is now in a relationship with Troy but can’t fight how she feel about Nick. Can they have a chance at love? Noah and Abbie had been best friends since forever but it feels as if something is changing between them even if Abbie has a crush in her boss. Are they mean to be together? Bright Harbor is a wonderful place to live.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, it is so well written that it grabs you from the start. Ivy is home to plan her wedding, Charly’s boyfriend Troy is coming for festival, Abbie has unrequited feelings for her boss. Each book in this series just gets better and better. Good balance of description and conversation. Nice clean sweet book to while away an afternoon.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tandy Oschadleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC to review: this 2nd instalment in the series was just as delightful as the first. I love how Holly gives her readers a mini window into the characters' heads so you feel like you know them and are getting a wider pespective! And naturally, now it's on my bucket list to taste a dirty diet coke!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read that hooks you on the first page. It's a sweet romance that leaves you with a smile. I loved it and hope there is more books to come in this series.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in Bright Harbor. It is a small but friendly town. There is definitely romance in the air. Worth the read!

I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Karen Klink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Hoping there's a continuation of the lives of the people in this book. I feel like there may be kind of left me waiting for more.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story: I enjoyed the journey of Charlotte's romance and the beginning of Abbie's career and life. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I would highly recommend it.

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute addition to this quaint seaside town. You’ll want to know all the endings of everyone’s HEA.

[Shellbelle19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Such a fast fun read!! Loved the characters and couldn’t put the book down! I need the next one ASAP!

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was certainly a book. It pretty much went where you thought it would. ;-)

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved going back to Bright Harbor and catching up with previous characters as well. Really enjoyed reading about two characters and their pursuit of love - basically two storylines. Charley and Nick - felt for Troy - and Abbie and Noah - so hope they are the next book. The camping scenes were some of my favorite. Happy ending for a couple of characters.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Wow, folks have we discovered a gold mine of talent in our hometown or what.”

“The point is, I think I’ve always been in love with you, and I waited too long to tell you.”

Returning to the small town of Bright Harbor and all its charm was very refreshing. Being the second book in the series, it focuses on what’s happening with Abbie and Charly who are really good friends. I really enjoyed seeing how all the relationships played out in this story.

Charly has been working at the inn with her mother focusing on starting her interior design business while helping plan her sisters wedding. She’s been pinning for her brother’s best friend Nick for many years but he only sees her like a sister.

Abbie has always been her sisters shadow. She’s been waiting tables but she’s got bigger dreams of becoming a singer. She’s just afraid of making that big jump of making her dreams come true. Abbie is in love with her boss Justin and doesn’t ever notice that Noah has been in love with her.

These two friends have a lot going on but if they’d only see what’s there right in front of them they’d see what blessings they truly have. Sometimes we get so focused on the bigger things that we forget the smaller things that also mean a lot to us. What will it take for Abbie and Charly to see their bright new beginnings?

I really enjoyed this second book in the series from the Chicks and Flicks get togethers to discovering what is a dirty coke. The author did a fantastic job with describing the imagery and perspectives of each relationship. It made me feel like I was a part of this small town community. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.