What do you think?
Rate this book
Marigold Island #2
Beachside Beginnings
Return to Marigold Island and visit Lydia, Angela, and their family and friends!
The Beachside Inn is up and running, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. In fact, things are busier than ever! After months of preparation, Angela and Lydia are finally hosting their first guests—including Patrick, who needs a place to stay while he hunts for a new house.
Tourist season is ramping up, and the Summer Sand Festival is right around the corner. Grant and Lydia are spending more time together, letting their budding relationship grow as they both begin to move on from the losses of their past.
Angela is thrilled to see her friend so happy, and she’s happy, too. She knows ending things with Scott was the right decision, even if she misses having a romantic partner in her life. And she finds herself bonding with Patrick as they both navigate the ups and downs of divorce. Despite how awkward she used to be around him when she was a teenager with a crush, he’s surprisingly easy to talk to.
But even as she starts to wonder if her friendship with Patrick could turn into something deeper, Scott shows back up in her life, promising to do better and asking for a second chance.
Will Angela return to the past or embrace the new beginnings she’s found on Marigold Island?
Meanwhile, Brooke decides to adopt a furry friend, and Hunter has a big audition for a film role. Travis is finally starting to think he might like to settle down, although he’s not exactly excited about the dating apps Brooke helps him sign up for. And an unexpected health issue sends Phoebe to the emergency room.
It’s a summer of changes and challenges, but with laughter, love, and faith, anything is possible.
Come dip your toes in the crystal blue waters of Marigold Island, a fictional island town tucked in next to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. This heartwarming and uplifting women’s fiction will take you on a journey of healing, friendship, family, faith, and love.
Perfect for fans of Caroline Brown, Pamela Kelley, Rachel Hanna, and Susan Mallory.
The Beachside Inn is up and running, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. In fact, things are busier than ever! After months of preparation, Angela and Lydia are finally hosting their first guests—including Patrick, who needs a place to stay while he hunts for a new house.
Tourist season is ramping up, and the Summer Sand Festival is right around the corner. Grant and Lydia are spending more time together, letting their budding relationship grow as they both begin to move on from the losses of their past.
Angela is thrilled to see her friend so happy, and she’s happy, too. She knows ending things with Scott was the right decision, even if she misses having a romantic partner in her life. And she finds herself bonding with Patrick as they both navigate the ups and downs of divorce. Despite how awkward she used to be around him when she was a teenager with a crush, he’s surprisingly easy to talk to.
But even as she starts to wonder if her friendship with Patrick could turn into something deeper, Scott shows back up in her life, promising to do better and asking for a second chance.
Will Angela return to the past or embrace the new beginnings she’s found on Marigold Island?
Meanwhile, Brooke decides to adopt a furry friend, and Hunter has a big audition for a film role. Travis is finally starting to think he might like to settle down, although he’s not exactly excited about the dating apps Brooke helps him sign up for. And an unexpected health issue sends Phoebe to the emergency room.
It’s a summer of changes and challenges, but with laughter, love, and faith, anything is possible.
Come dip your toes in the crystal blue waters of Marigold Island, a fictional island town tucked in next to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. This heartwarming and uplifting women’s fiction will take you on a journey of healing, friendship, family, faith, and love.
Perfect for fans of Caroline Brown, Pamela Kelley, Rachel Hanna, and Susan Mallory.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2021
5073 people are currently reading
332 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 80 reviews
June 29, 2022
Great summer read
July 5, 2023
Beachside Beginnings by Fiona Baker
Marigold Island #2
5h 41m narrated by Meg Price, 193 pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Featuring: Massachusetts, Island Life, Widowers, Divorcees, Innkeepers, Overcoming Obstacles, Family, Pastries, Author
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏖
My thoughts: Marigold Island is a fictional island between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, with a small-town charm. My only complaint was that the restaurants didn't have names in this book. This story has 2 main romances and 3 backburner romances; all are slow-cooker, so I expect I have to finish the series to get into serious matches. The book was fun with the antics of guests of the inn, but the romance is lukewarm, and the ending was sudden. I'm going to have to use Kindle Unlimited to finish this series and try others. I can't find the author anywhere else for book 4 and beyond.
Recommend to others: Yes. These are additive.
Marigold Island #2
5h 41m narrated by Meg Price, 193 pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Featuring: Massachusetts, Island Life, Widowers, Divorcees, Innkeepers, Overcoming Obstacles, Family, Pastries, Author
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏖
My thoughts: Marigold Island is a fictional island between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, with a small-town charm. My only complaint was that the restaurants didn't have names in this book. This story has 2 main romances and 3 backburner romances; all are slow-cooker, so I expect I have to finish the series to get into serious matches. The book was fun with the antics of guests of the inn, but the romance is lukewarm, and the ending was sudden. I'm going to have to use Kindle Unlimited to finish this series and try others. I can't find the author anywhere else for book 4 and beyond.
Recommend to others: Yes. These are additive.
July 20, 2025
Loving this series, book 2 Beachside Beginnings did not disappoint. Total find a Library Book sale, for of the books were there at the same time don't even look like they were read score!
The story continues as the Beachside Inn is up and running, Angela and Lydia are exhausted until they realize and hire help. Brooke gets more serious about opening her own bakery and Travis may have met someone in person rather than a dating site. A health scare, a new romance blooms can't wait to see what happens next!
Highly recommend if you are romantic at heart so far no steamy love scenes, no mystery, but fun reading!
The story continues as the Beachside Inn is up and running, Angela and Lydia are exhausted until they realize and hire help. Brooke gets more serious about opening her own bakery and Travis may have met someone in person rather than a dating site. A health scare, a new romance blooms can't wait to see what happens next!
Highly recommend if you are romantic at heart so far no steamy love scenes, no mystery, but fun reading!
August 8, 2023
New Beginnings
Lydia and Angela took a chance on their dream and things are working out. Business is good. They’ve hired help so they’re not as stressed out and can focus more on the business side of the Inn. Brooke’s pastries are a hit at the Inn so she is focusing more on her dream of opening her own Bakery. Lydia and Grant are growing closer. Things are looking up on Marigold Island.
Lydia and Angela took a chance on their dream and things are working out. Business is good. They’ve hired help so they’re not as stressed out and can focus more on the business side of the Inn. Brooke’s pastries are a hit at the Inn so she is focusing more on her dream of opening her own Bakery. Lydia and Grant are growing closer. Things are looking up on Marigold Island.
May 19, 2021
Excellent!
Wonderful series! I needed a respite from tense police procedural so looked for s cozy for a more relaxed feel. Many of these are just silly with little substance. This series is interesting, well written, and has depth to the story! Read the first 2 books in less than 2 days, enjoying the main characters more and more. Nice length to each story so been situations and relationships can develop. Connecting essence between books so I suggest reading in order for the most reading satisfaction!
Wonderful series! I needed a respite from tense police procedural so looked for s cozy for a more relaxed feel. Many of these are just silly with little substance. This series is interesting, well written, and has depth to the story! Read the first 2 books in less than 2 days, enjoying the main characters more and more. Nice length to each story so been situations and relationships can develop. Connecting essence between books so I suggest reading in order for the most reading satisfaction!
April 9, 2024
Other than generic boring characters with predictable storylines, the promotion of ageism and sexism was intolerable. How old is this author? Does she know any women in their 60s? Does she think we all sit around knitting and fretting, stumbling in the sand without a man or a younger person keeping us hydrated and upright?
One star because I didn’t notice any misspelled words.
One star because I didn’t notice any misspelled words.
January 22, 2024
The second book in the series shows the inn getting established and a chance for new beginnings for its owners.
"The Beachside Inn is up and running, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. In fact, things are busier than ever! After months of preparation, Angela and Lydia are finally hosting their first guests—including Patrick, who needs a place to stay while he hunts for a new house.
Tourist season is ramping up, and the Summer Sand Festival is right around the corner. Grant and Lydia are spending more time together, letting their budding relationship grow as they both begin to move on from the losses of their past.
Angela is thrilled to see her friend so happy, and she’s happy, too. She knows ending things with Scott was the right decision, even if she misses having a romantic partner in her life. And she finds herself bonding with Patrick as they both navigate the ups and downs of divorce. Despite how awkward she used to be around him when she was a teenager with a crush, he’s surprisingly easy to talk to.
But even as she starts to wonder if her friendship with Patrick could turn into something deeper, Scott shows back up in her life, promising to do better and asking for a second chance." synopsis copied
"The Beachside Inn is up and running, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. In fact, things are busier than ever! After months of preparation, Angela and Lydia are finally hosting their first guests—including Patrick, who needs a place to stay while he hunts for a new house.
Tourist season is ramping up, and the Summer Sand Festival is right around the corner. Grant and Lydia are spending more time together, letting their budding relationship grow as they both begin to move on from the losses of their past.
Angela is thrilled to see her friend so happy, and she’s happy, too. She knows ending things with Scott was the right decision, even if she misses having a romantic partner in her life. And she finds herself bonding with Patrick as they both navigate the ups and downs of divorce. Despite how awkward she used to be around him when she was a teenager with a crush, he’s surprisingly easy to talk to.
But even as she starts to wonder if her friendship with Patrick could turn into something deeper, Scott shows back up in her life, promising to do better and asking for a second chance." synopsis copied
April 29, 2021
Lydia and Angela's hard work has paid off and the Inn is open for business, unfortunately for them they didn't realise all the stress and hard work getting the Inn ready would be the easy part. I just loved seeing the women including Brooke grow into their own and shrug more of the past off, they are learning to lean on each other more and that they don't have to carry all the burden themselves and I must saying having their own business lady catch ups is so sweet and great as everyone shares their highs and lows of running a business. You get loads of laughs (I will never look at a shower head the same when I travel) as well as sweet moments along with stressful and heartbreaking moments and then you have the awesome achievements and hints of what's to come which has you turning the page and counting until the next book!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2022
Book 2 is a great continuation of the new beginnings stories from Book 1
Lydia and Angela have worked very hard to make more improvements to the Inn. A 5 star rating from a travel blogger has really increased business. Hiring Kathy to help at the front desk has given them a better work life balance. Lydia's and Grant's relationship has continued to grow into love for each other. Her daughter, Holly returned from a summer in Spain with a new boyfriend who will be continuing his studies in the U.S. Angela and Patrick have supported each other through their divorces and are beginning to acknowledge that they have feelings for each other. Marigolds Island is truly a place to heal and embrace new beginnings and The Beachside Inn is once again a place to relax and enjoy a slower paced life.
Lydia and Angela have worked very hard to make more improvements to the Inn. A 5 star rating from a travel blogger has really increased business. Hiring Kathy to help at the front desk has given them a better work life balance. Lydia's and Grant's relationship has continued to grow into love for each other. Her daughter, Holly returned from a summer in Spain with a new boyfriend who will be continuing his studies in the U.S. Angela and Patrick have supported each other through their divorces and are beginning to acknowledge that they have feelings for each other. Marigolds Island is truly a place to heal and embrace new beginnings and The Beachside Inn is once again a place to relax and enjoy a slower paced life.
June 10, 2021
Beachside Beginnings: Uplifting Women’s fiction : Marigold Island Book 2 is by Fiona Baker. Angela would have never thought she and her son would be on an island near Martha’s Vineyard running an inn with her best friend from childhood, Lydia. Her sister Brooke is also on the island preparing to do the morning pastry baking for the inn. She has been practicing while they have been renovating. They are close to opening and are rushing to get all the last-minute things done. Will they be a success or not?
July 10, 2025
Great beach read!
Best friends Angela and Lydia have opened the Beachside Inn. This is their new beginning.
Tourist season is starting and the Summer Sand festival is starting.
Angela decides to divorce her husband as he was cheating and continued to do so despite wanting a second chance.
She and her son Jake are doing well without him.
Her friend Lydia has met a man, Grant, who is a local contractor and seem to be doing well together.
Angela's sister Brooke is housesitting for a movie star who is away filming.
Family, summer fun and moving forward with new adventures.
Best friends Angela and Lydia have opened the Beachside Inn. This is their new beginning.
Tourist season is starting and the Summer Sand festival is starting.
Angela decides to divorce her husband as he was cheating and continued to do so despite wanting a second chance.
She and her son Jake are doing well without him.
Her friend Lydia has met a man, Grant, who is a local contractor and seem to be doing well together.
Angela's sister Brooke is housesitting for a movie star who is away filming.
Family, summer fun and moving forward with new adventures.
December 4, 2025
Syrupy Sweet
The second in the Marigold series but didn’t do it for me. Everything was too nice. Too perfect. Bland. I was hoping for some conflict so you could root for a character. I literally skimmed this book, flipping through the pages just looking for something to sink my teeth into. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. I usually love the cozy beach reads with happy endings. But there was no hint of mystery or of flaws in the characters or plot. I was hopeful after book 1, but alas book 2 was a disappointment. Will not continue the series.
The second in the Marigold series but didn’t do it for me. Everything was too nice. Too perfect. Bland. I was hoping for some conflict so you could root for a character. I literally skimmed this book, flipping through the pages just looking for something to sink my teeth into. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. I usually love the cozy beach reads with happy endings. But there was no hint of mystery or of flaws in the characters or plot. I was hopeful after book 1, but alas book 2 was a disappointment. Will not continue the series.
October 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this second book in the Marigold Island series. I especially like series where I can see the development of major characters and the progression in their lives. The Beachside Inn is the perfect background for the story. All the work that goes into establishing a business is very interesting. The romances between Angela and Patrick and Lydia and Grant are sweet. Family and friends are significant. I highly recommend the entire series.
September 5, 2023
Another solid piece
This author has done a fabulous job creating her characters and setting. So far, each story focuses on the two women, Angela and Lydia, but brings in so many characters from the world.
This story gives us more on Brooke, Angela's sister and we get a glimpse more of her brother, Travis. Each story appears to be a day in the life kind of story, though obviously more than a day. We see life happen to and around the main characters and it flows very well.
This author has done a fabulous job creating her characters and setting. So far, each story focuses on the two women, Angela and Lydia, but brings in so many characters from the world.
This story gives us more on Brooke, Angela's sister and we get a glimpse more of her brother, Travis. Each story appears to be a day in the life kind of story, though obviously more than a day. We see life happen to and around the main characters and it flows very well.
January 14, 2024
Ok I’ve had it with this series.
The whole plot is either them eating and describing the food in immense detail for no reason or it’s them trying to fall in love in the most basic/predictable ways possible.
It’s cute but I cannot imagine it going on for 6 MORE BOOKS !!??
Just make the books longer to begin with ..?? I’m overall so confused by this author’s approach and can’t keep reading about Brooke’s pastries every other page. !!!!
The whole plot is either them eating and describing the food in immense detail for no reason or it’s them trying to fall in love in the most basic/predictable ways possible.
It’s cute but I cannot imagine it going on for 6 MORE BOOKS !!??
Just make the books longer to begin with ..?? I’m overall so confused by this author’s approach and can’t keep reading about Brooke’s pastries every other page. !!!!
February 2, 2022
Uplifting read
This is the second book in the series and I love the way both books are so uplifting. Unlike many other starting over books the author does not throw monkey wrenches into the story to create unnecessary drama. If you want to read feel good books this is the series for you.
This is the second book in the series and I love the way both books are so uplifting. Unlike many other starting over books the author does not throw monkey wrenches into the story to create unnecessary drama. If you want to read feel good books this is the series for you.
February 12, 2023
A great read
Lots of fun and laughter inside these pages. A continuation of the story of Angela and Lydia, after losing husbands, one from divorce and one from death. A gorgeous island setting, excellent characters and sub plots made this a book a joy to read. Can be read as a stand alone, too.
Lots of fun and laughter inside these pages. A continuation of the story of Angela and Lydia, after losing husbands, one from divorce and one from death. A gorgeous island setting, excellent characters and sub plots made this a book a joy to read. Can be read as a stand alone, too.
March 3, 2023
Like old friends.
I like these people , they seem like your reading about old friends, in a letter.
I would recommend this series of books to everyone who love a good clean romance about people you can totally relate to.
I chose the rating of 5 star, because the story is relatable, the characters are easy to like, and you want to keep reading the book.
I like these people , they seem like your reading about old friends, in a letter.
I would recommend this series of books to everyone who love a good clean romance about people you can totally relate to.
I chose the rating of 5 star, because the story is relatable, the characters are easy to like, and you want to keep reading the book.
September 25, 2023
Feel good stories.
I've just finished book two in her series, ready to start the third, immediately. In this world of daily chaos, it's nice to escape into a dream world. Her writing makes it more than possible to lose yourself in the stories. It's comforting to be look into the lives of others, even if they are fictional. Thank you, Ms. Baker!
I've just finished book two in her series, ready to start the third, immediately. In this world of daily chaos, it's nice to escape into a dream world. Her writing makes it more than possible to lose yourself in the stories. It's comforting to be look into the lives of others, even if they are fictional. Thank you, Ms. Baker!
February 8, 2024
Building lives
I loved how all the different lives were being changed and how the little inn was responsible for most of those changes. You could really relate with the characters and what they were each feeling. I hate that it was over. There was so much more I wanted to know. Can't wait to read the next one!
I loved how all the different lives were being changed and how the little inn was responsible for most of those changes. You could really relate with the characters and what they were each feeling. I hate that it was over. There was so much more I wanted to know. Can't wait to read the next one!
October 25, 2024
A True to life , Feel Good Series
I enjoy this author for her realistic characters but with a light touch. You get wrapped up in their journey and can't wait to see what happens next. Even though you know who is absolutely going to end up together it is still enjoyable seeing it flourish.
I enjoy this author for her realistic characters but with a light touch. You get wrapped up in their journey and can't wait to see what happens next. Even though you know who is absolutely going to end up together it is still enjoyable seeing it flourish.
April 23, 2021
The story continues
I truly enjoyed the continuing story of Lydia and Angela. I like seeing them get a second chance with Grant and Patrick. I look forward to the next book in the series. If you like feeling like part of a fictional family you should read this book.
I truly enjoyed the continuing story of Lydia and Angela. I like seeing them get a second chance with Grant and Patrick. I look forward to the next book in the series. If you like feeling like part of a fictional family you should read this book.
June 21, 2021
Fresh Beginnings
I was once again I was sweeper away to beachside Inn. I love the feel of this place and people that's captured my heart . It's like coming home to friends and family .
I was once again I was sweeper away to beachside Inn. I love the feel of this place and people that's captured my heart . It's like coming home to friends and family .
April 27, 2022
Great read
Marigold Island book 2 of this series, Biginnings is another great read. It the start and Grand Opening for the Beachside Inn. Read about Lydia and Angela's personal and business life. You will love there family and friends.
Marigold Island book 2 of this series, Biginnings is another great read. It the start and Grand Opening for the Beachside Inn. Read about Lydia and Angela's personal and business life. You will love there family and friends.
June 7, 2022
Life after divorce
A sweet story about two friends who joined together in their sorrow to renovate an old inn that had good memories for them. I recommend this book to anyone who has loved and lost a dear spouse and found a way to live again.
A sweet story about two friends who joined together in their sorrow to renovate an old inn that had good memories for them. I recommend this book to anyone who has loved and lost a dear spouse and found a way to live again.
September 12, 2022
Beachside Beginnings
I enjoyed this book immensely. The characters are realistic and down to earth. The storyline has just enough twists and turns to keep the readers interest. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a light romantic novel with a little substance!
I enjoyed this book immensely. The characters are realistic and down to earth. The storyline has just enough twists and turns to keep the readers interest. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a light romantic novel with a little substance!
February 20, 2023
A great beach read!
I really enjoyed Marigold Island, even though I started the series in the 2nd book in the series. The characters are well thought out and the storyline is smooth that I just got caught up with the place and people.
I really enjoyed Marigold Island, even though I started the series in the 2nd book in the series. The characters are well thought out and the storyline is smooth that I just got caught up with the place and people.
January 5, 2024
Nice beach read book. Not a high stress book like a murder mystery. Basic theme is about starting over and making wise decisions to begin a new chapter in life that will be better surrounded by friends and family for support. A nice feel good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
Great lighthearted read!
If you are looking for an entertaining, feel-good series this is it! The characters are becoming friends and I’m excited for the next book to see what happens!
If you are looking for an entertaining, feel-good series this is it! The characters are becoming friends and I’m excited for the next book to see what happens!
April 19, 2025
Continues to deliver!
So good in these troubling times to feel like another welcomed guest in this wonderful place. One can almost taste the amazing baked goods & feel the warm, soft sea breezes!
So good in these troubling times to feel like another welcomed guest in this wonderful place. One can almost taste the amazing baked goods & feel the warm, soft sea breezes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews