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Moonlight Harbor #5
Sunset on Moonlight Beach: A Moonlight Harbor Novel
From
USA TODAY
bestselling author Sheila Roberts comes a sweetly poignant new novel in her irresistible Moonlight Harbor series.
Jenna Jones has been standing on the shore of the Sea of Love for too long. Even with two good men interested in her, she's been afraid to wade in. According to her best friend, Courtney, she should. The water's fine. Life is great! Practically perfect, if you don't count Courtney's problems with her cranky ex-boss. Maybe Courtney's right. It's time to dive in.
When tragedy strikes, everything changes and Jenna's more confused than ever. But this fresh heartache might help her figure out at last who she can turn to when times get tough.
Full of warmth and humor, Sunset on Moonlight Beach proves that every ending can be the beginning of a beautiful new story.
10 hours and 14 minutes
Jenna Jones has been standing on the shore of the Sea of Love for too long. Even with two good men interested in her, she's been afraid to wade in. According to her best friend, Courtney, she should. The water's fine. Life is great! Practically perfect, if you don't count Courtney's problems with her cranky ex-boss. Maybe Courtney's right. It's time to dive in.
When tragedy strikes, everything changes and Jenna's more confused than ever. But this fresh heartache might help her figure out at last who she can turn to when times get tough.
Full of warmth and humor, Sunset on Moonlight Beach proves that every ending can be the beginning of a beautiful new story.
10 hours and 14 minutes
Audiobook
First published April 27, 2021
487 people are currently reading
2460 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Roberts
109 books1,982 followersWith fifty books to her credit, both fiction and non-fiction, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller - and a fan favorite. Her books have sold over three million copies and have been turned into movies for the Hallmark, Lifetime and Great American Family channels. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she's not traveling, Sheila can be found hanging out with friends, playing tennis, and, of course, writing and reading. Sometimes she even remembers to post books she's read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 22, 2021
I Love the cover it makes me want to be on the beach.
A heartwarming story that melts your heart. It will make you laugh and cry. I loved the ending and hated to see it end.
A heartwarming story that melts your heart. It will make you laugh and cry. I loved the ending and hated to see it end.
April 27, 2021
3.5 Stars
small-town community…romance…family…grief
Thanks to #Netgalley @HarlequinBooks for a complimentary eARC of #SunsetOnMoonlightBeach upon my request. All opinions are my own.
Sunset on Moonlight Beach is #5 in the Moonlight Harbor series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. As we catch up on familiar characters, the focus in this story is on Jenna, her career as owner of Driftwood Inn. a tragic event in their family, and finally choosing between two men.
Although Sheila Roberts is a prolific and well-known author, I’ve only read her Moonlight Harbor series. inadvertently starting with #4 and then catching up with #1-#3 and finally this recent installment. Each one focuses on a different member of the family or the community. My favorite of the five is #4, Beachside Beginnings (maybe because I read it first?). What I have discovered in five books is that you can trust Roberts to deliver a light-hearted, heartwarming, solid story with likable characters and thoughtful themes (also closed-door romance and no profanity).
Roberts has a way of developing realistic and likable characters while delivering a page-turning story. Even though the story bounces around this time to catch us up on various characters, the story is easy to follow with one straightforward timeline. Her books are quick-reading, and I think I’ve read each one in a day. Because they are in the romance genre, we are given a satisfactory and HEA ending. I wish this one had given us more at the end, though. I wasn’t ready to quit!
If you love women’s fiction with likable, strong-minded, and independent women, you will enjoy this series. Each story has a woman you can root for. Side characters are also amusing and endearing.
Sunset on Moonlight Beach (and the series) is set in the small (fictional) coastal community of Moonlight Harbor in Washington state. Vivid descriptions of the beach, bonfires, the community, Driftwood Inn, and family events create a cozy and charming read.
In this series, Roberts includes strong and thoughtful themes of family loyalty, friendship, facing difficult situations, making decisions, rebuilding your life, small-town community, women’s issues, and healthy relationships (and in this installment, grief).
I’m recommending this series (especially #4) for readers who love light, engaging, and heartfelt stories with a side of romance and a HEA conclusion; for fans of Hallmark movies.
***SPOILER***
Trigger Warning: death of a beloved person, grief, (a trigger in #4 includes spousal abuse)
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com (where this review was first published).
small-town community…romance…family…grief
Thanks to #Netgalley @HarlequinBooks for a complimentary eARC of #SunsetOnMoonlightBeach upon my request. All opinions are my own.
Sunset on Moonlight Beach is #5 in the Moonlight Harbor series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. As we catch up on familiar characters, the focus in this story is on Jenna, her career as owner of Driftwood Inn. a tragic event in their family, and finally choosing between two men.
Although Sheila Roberts is a prolific and well-known author, I’ve only read her Moonlight Harbor series. inadvertently starting with #4 and then catching up with #1-#3 and finally this recent installment. Each one focuses on a different member of the family or the community. My favorite of the five is #4, Beachside Beginnings (maybe because I read it first?). What I have discovered in five books is that you can trust Roberts to deliver a light-hearted, heartwarming, solid story with likable characters and thoughtful themes (also closed-door romance and no profanity).
Roberts has a way of developing realistic and likable characters while delivering a page-turning story. Even though the story bounces around this time to catch us up on various characters, the story is easy to follow with one straightforward timeline. Her books are quick-reading, and I think I’ve read each one in a day. Because they are in the romance genre, we are given a satisfactory and HEA ending. I wish this one had given us more at the end, though. I wasn’t ready to quit!
If you love women’s fiction with likable, strong-minded, and independent women, you will enjoy this series. Each story has a woman you can root for. Side characters are also amusing and endearing.
Sunset on Moonlight Beach (and the series) is set in the small (fictional) coastal community of Moonlight Harbor in Washington state. Vivid descriptions of the beach, bonfires, the community, Driftwood Inn, and family events create a cozy and charming read.
In this series, Roberts includes strong and thoughtful themes of family loyalty, friendship, facing difficult situations, making decisions, rebuilding your life, small-town community, women’s issues, and healthy relationships (and in this installment, grief).
I’m recommending this series (especially #4) for readers who love light, engaging, and heartfelt stories with a side of romance and a HEA conclusion; for fans of Hallmark movies.
***SPOILER***
Trigger Warning: death of a beloved person, grief, (a trigger in #4 includes spousal abuse)
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com (where this review was first published).
April 25, 2021
Cosy, heartwarming, and cheery!
Sunset on Moonlight Beach is a charming, emotional tale that takes you into the life of the hardworking, wary Jenna Jones as she juggles a teenage daughter, a career she loves, an expensive ex, demanding family, a devastating loss, and her growing feelings for two very different men.
The prose is smooth and clear. The characters are endearing, amusing, and quirky. And the plot is a delightful blend of hope, heart, humour, tender moments, family, friendship, tension, attraction, chemistry, self-discovery, happiness, and taking chances.
Overall, Sunset on Moonlight Beach is another fabulous addition to the Moonlight Harbor series by Roberts, complete with engaging characters, an entertaining storyline, and the perfect, happy-ever-after ending.
Thank you to Uplit Reads for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sunset on Moonlight Beach is a charming, emotional tale that takes you into the life of the hardworking, wary Jenna Jones as she juggles a teenage daughter, a career she loves, an expensive ex, demanding family, a devastating loss, and her growing feelings for two very different men.
The prose is smooth and clear. The characters are endearing, amusing, and quirky. And the plot is a delightful blend of hope, heart, humour, tender moments, family, friendship, tension, attraction, chemistry, self-discovery, happiness, and taking chances.
Overall, Sunset on Moonlight Beach is another fabulous addition to the Moonlight Harbor series by Roberts, complete with engaging characters, an entertaining storyline, and the perfect, happy-ever-after ending.
Thank you to Uplit Reads for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2021
I disagree with most of the reviews I've seen on Goodreads. I picked this up to take with me on vacation. I thought it would be a fun, cheesy romance, and an easy beach read. Woof. Wrong.
Let's begin with the fact that I couldn't tell who was the main character until Chapter 2. Three women were given their own in-depth storylines. Jenna, the actual main character, her mom, Mel, and her friend (but not best friend? I couldn't tell), Courtney. Each of them, for at LEAST the first half of the book, split the story time almost equally. Jenna can't make up her mind about two men, and has to deal with that. Mel is coming to a crossroads in her life and has to decide what she should do next. Courtney has a blooming business, but wants to make sure she can still keep expanding.
Once the "tragic event" mentioned in the book's blurb happens, time is so liquid, a month or more can happen in the space of a chapter, or it could take up three, or the months could ask get bypassed in the space of a sentence. And Jenna's bitterness is annoying, frustrating, and completely transparent if you're a decent enough reader, and can pick up on foreshadowing in any way. The resolution to Jenna's bitterness comes WAY too late in the book, and her decision on who's going to be by her side is SO DANG RUSHED, it's ridiculous. The storylines of the book span 15 or so months, and the last 6 happen in the space of 50 pages or less.
I had problems with the overall vibe of the book, too. There were a few recurring issues.
- Every unmarried woman (including tertiary characters, not just secondary ones, or the backup main characters) in the book has a conversation about her happiness. Each one outright says "I'm happy," only to be asked "but couldn't you be HAPPIER?!" As though a woman cannot possibly be happy without a man by her side.
- There is apparently a NO SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE clause built into two of the three main characters' contracts. Or at least, it's unacceptable before they're engaged. Jenna barely gets a few kisses before she pushes her guys away and starts talking marriage. I find that kind of unbelievable. Yes, some people do hold that type of view, and it's respectable, and I hold no ill will about it, but at the same time, the way it's portrayed here feels more unnecessarily pious and distracting than anything. It's no deal-breaker for my enjoyment of a book, but it felt like it was a belief held specifically by the author and was intentionally crammed into an otherwise bland book.
- EVERY woman under 60 has an awful/abusive/cheating/terrible ex, including the teenage daughter. Most of them are ex-husbands. But absolutely EVERY man's ex is a wonderful, kind person who they love to this day.
- Dreams are the only thing that help the characters resolve their inner turmoil. There's at least a half dozen dreams detailed in the book, maybe more, and each one helps that main/semi-main character figure out her next steps.
- If you missed the first 4 books in the series, you're missing a lot of the backstory for the women in this book. I constantly felt like I wasn't getting the while story, and that I must have missed something with the rest of the series.
- Too. Many. Characters. Involved. There are times in the book that the author just LISTS the characters in the room, including early in the book, and expects the readers to not only know who they are, but remember their significance and relationships to the mains. Cut back please!
I know this has gotten long winded, and I'll just end by saying that this book really disappointed me. It wasn't light, it wasn't really fun, and I was trudging through it like I used to with required school reading. "How many more pages until the next chapter? The next page break? The halfway point? Am I almost done yet?" So, so disappointing.
Let's begin with the fact that I couldn't tell who was the main character until Chapter 2. Three women were given their own in-depth storylines. Jenna, the actual main character, her mom, Mel, and her friend (but not best friend? I couldn't tell), Courtney. Each of them, for at LEAST the first half of the book, split the story time almost equally. Jenna can't make up her mind about two men, and has to deal with that. Mel is coming to a crossroads in her life and has to decide what she should do next. Courtney has a blooming business, but wants to make sure she can still keep expanding.
Once the "tragic event" mentioned in the book's blurb happens, time is so liquid, a month or more can happen in the space of a chapter, or it could take up three, or the months could ask get bypassed in the space of a sentence. And Jenna's bitterness is annoying, frustrating, and completely transparent if you're a decent enough reader, and can pick up on foreshadowing in any way. The resolution to Jenna's bitterness comes WAY too late in the book, and her decision on who's going to be by her side is SO DANG RUSHED, it's ridiculous. The storylines of the book span 15 or so months, and the last 6 happen in the space of 50 pages or less.
I had problems with the overall vibe of the book, too. There were a few recurring issues.
- Every unmarried woman (including tertiary characters, not just secondary ones, or the backup main characters) in the book has a conversation about her happiness. Each one outright says "I'm happy," only to be asked "but couldn't you be HAPPIER?!" As though a woman cannot possibly be happy without a man by her side.
- There is apparently a NO SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE clause built into two of the three main characters' contracts. Or at least, it's unacceptable before they're engaged. Jenna barely gets a few kisses before she pushes her guys away and starts talking marriage. I find that kind of unbelievable. Yes, some people do hold that type of view, and it's respectable, and I hold no ill will about it, but at the same time, the way it's portrayed here feels more unnecessarily pious and distracting than anything. It's no deal-breaker for my enjoyment of a book, but it felt like it was a belief held specifically by the author and was intentionally crammed into an otherwise bland book.
- EVERY woman under 60 has an awful/abusive/cheating/terrible ex, including the teenage daughter. Most of them are ex-husbands. But absolutely EVERY man's ex is a wonderful, kind person who they love to this day.
- Dreams are the only thing that help the characters resolve their inner turmoil. There's at least a half dozen dreams detailed in the book, maybe more, and each one helps that main/semi-main character figure out her next steps.
- If you missed the first 4 books in the series, you're missing a lot of the backstory for the women in this book. I constantly felt like I wasn't getting the while story, and that I must have missed something with the rest of the series.
- Too. Many. Characters. Involved. There are times in the book that the author just LISTS the characters in the room, including early in the book, and expects the readers to not only know who they are, but remember their significance and relationships to the mains. Cut back please!
I know this has gotten long winded, and I'll just end by saying that this book really disappointed me. It wasn't light, it wasn't really fun, and I was trudging through it like I used to with required school reading. "How many more pages until the next chapter? The next page break? The halfway point? Am I almost done yet?" So, so disappointing.
April 16, 2021
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
Sunset on Moonlight Beach had all of the small-town charm, laughs and sighs–and romance of course!–that always draws me into a Sheila Roberts novel. And boy will readers be wowed with all the joy that was spread amongst the deserving people in this latest installment.
It’s always nice to lose myself in one of Sheila Roberts’ books. While I was sad that her Icicle Falls series had to end (*sob*) Moonlight Harbor has proven to be just as endearing and to have such diverse characters that I instantly feel at home every time. I will caution that you can probably read these books separately, but because it is a continuing story arc–especially for Jenna with her ongoing family drama and romance woes–it’s probably best to read these in order if possible. Plus, the stories are all so heartwarming that you’ll want to read them all anyway... Read More
Sunset on Moonlight Beach had all of the small-town charm, laughs and sighs–and romance of course!–that always draws me into a Sheila Roberts novel. And boy will readers be wowed with all the joy that was spread amongst the deserving people in this latest installment.
It’s always nice to lose myself in one of Sheila Roberts’ books. While I was sad that her Icicle Falls series had to end (*sob*) Moonlight Harbor has proven to be just as endearing and to have such diverse characters that I instantly feel at home every time. I will caution that you can probably read these books separately, but because it is a continuing story arc–especially for Jenna with her ongoing family drama and romance woes–it’s probably best to read these in order if possible. Plus, the stories are all so heartwarming that you’ll want to read them all anyway... Read More
April 30, 2021
Good story of love, friendship, family, and loss. The book takes place in Moonlight Harbor, a small beach town in Washington, full of ordinary people with real lives. This one centers mainly around Jenna Jones, one of the characters in the previous book (Beachside Beginnings), though her family and friends also have prominent roles.
After divorcing her husband, Jenna moved to Moonlight Harbor and took over managing her elderly great-aunt's Driftwood Inn. She poured heart and soul into bringing the vintage motel back to life, and it is doing quite well. Besides the motel, Jenna fills her time with her massage therapy business, raising her teenage daughter, and watching out for Aunt Edie. As if she weren't busy enough, Jenna also ran for and won a seat on the town council. There are only two real downsides in her life: the alimony she's stuck paying her ex-husband for another year and trying to make up her mind about the two men in her life, Brody and Seth.
Brody is the local real estate agent, handsome, charming, wealthy, and determined in his pursuit of Jenna. He's a nice guy, sensitive to Jenna's wariness about getting involved, and willing to be patient as she works through her fears. Seth is an ex-con who works as a handyman. He's a loner who avoids getting close to others, but he's there when Jenna needs him. Jenna spends most of the book arguing with herself about which man before making a decision. But what happens when she receives a devastating blow that upends her life again? From the outside looking in, I easily guessed why it happened that way, but Jenna was left in the dark. It all became clear at the end, but it changed her relationships with both men.
The book takes place over a year, and we get a good look at Jenna's life and the lives of her friends and family. Besides her man troubles, Jenna must also deal with her town council duties, including a problem with an exploding deer population. She gets accosted by people on both sides of the issue, and finding a workable solution is a challenge. I liked getting to know Jenna's family. Aunt Edie may be slowing down, but she's sharp as a tack. She has plenty of advice to give whether the recipients want it or not, but she also has a big heart. I loved the scenes where she cooks for everyone. Jenna's mother, Melody, is at a crossroads. The grocery store she works at was sold, so she's out of a job. I loved seeing her gather her courage and move from the house she's lived in for so long to Moonlight Harbor, where she's close to her family. She also faces the question of whether she's ready for a new romance after so many years as a widow. Jenna's sister, Celeste, wants to move down to be with the rest of her family but has trouble convincing her husband to take that step. There are a few scenes where she comes across as somewhat selfish but shows some growth by the end.
Jenna's friend, Courtney, also faces some significant changes in her life. She quit her job with her cranky boutique owner boss to concentrate on designing her own clothes. When that boutique goes up for sale, she dreams of buying it, but there are obstacles. I liked how her friends rallied around her when an unexpected twist put it within reach. She also has her handsome firefighter boyfriend in her life and a mother dropping heavy-handed hints about marriage and grandbabies. I liked Jonas a lot and had fun with the surprise he had for Courtney.
An unexpected loss devastates Jenna's family but hits her especially hard. A perceived betrayal complicates her grief and leaves Jenna questioning her judgment. I ached for her as her dreams for the future fell apart. There were times when I wanted to shake her for her lack of trust, but it also opened her eyes to feelings she'd ignored before. I wasn't surprised by either twist at the end of the book though I liked how they happened.
I've read the book before this, which I enjoyed. This one reminded me I want to read the others in the series.
#netgalley
After divorcing her husband, Jenna moved to Moonlight Harbor and took over managing her elderly great-aunt's Driftwood Inn. She poured heart and soul into bringing the vintage motel back to life, and it is doing quite well. Besides the motel, Jenna fills her time with her massage therapy business, raising her teenage daughter, and watching out for Aunt Edie. As if she weren't busy enough, Jenna also ran for and won a seat on the town council. There are only two real downsides in her life: the alimony she's stuck paying her ex-husband for another year and trying to make up her mind about the two men in her life, Brody and Seth.
Brody is the local real estate agent, handsome, charming, wealthy, and determined in his pursuit of Jenna. He's a nice guy, sensitive to Jenna's wariness about getting involved, and willing to be patient as she works through her fears. Seth is an ex-con who works as a handyman. He's a loner who avoids getting close to others, but he's there when Jenna needs him. Jenna spends most of the book arguing with herself about which man before making a decision. But what happens when she receives a devastating blow that upends her life again? From the outside looking in, I easily guessed why it happened that way, but Jenna was left in the dark. It all became clear at the end, but it changed her relationships with both men.
The book takes place over a year, and we get a good look at Jenna's life and the lives of her friends and family. Besides her man troubles, Jenna must also deal with her town council duties, including a problem with an exploding deer population. She gets accosted by people on both sides of the issue, and finding a workable solution is a challenge. I liked getting to know Jenna's family. Aunt Edie may be slowing down, but she's sharp as a tack. She has plenty of advice to give whether the recipients want it or not, but she also has a big heart. I loved the scenes where she cooks for everyone. Jenna's mother, Melody, is at a crossroads. The grocery store she works at was sold, so she's out of a job. I loved seeing her gather her courage and move from the house she's lived in for so long to Moonlight Harbor, where she's close to her family. She also faces the question of whether she's ready for a new romance after so many years as a widow. Jenna's sister, Celeste, wants to move down to be with the rest of her family but has trouble convincing her husband to take that step. There are a few scenes where she comes across as somewhat selfish but shows some growth by the end.
Jenna's friend, Courtney, also faces some significant changes in her life. She quit her job with her cranky boutique owner boss to concentrate on designing her own clothes. When that boutique goes up for sale, she dreams of buying it, but there are obstacles. I liked how her friends rallied around her when an unexpected twist put it within reach. She also has her handsome firefighter boyfriend in her life and a mother dropping heavy-handed hints about marriage and grandbabies. I liked Jonas a lot and had fun with the surprise he had for Courtney.
An unexpected loss devastates Jenna's family but hits her especially hard. A perceived betrayal complicates her grief and leaves Jenna questioning her judgment. I ached for her as her dreams for the future fell apart. There were times when I wanted to shake her for her lack of trust, but it also opened her eyes to feelings she'd ignored before. I wasn't surprised by either twist at the end of the book though I liked how they happened.
I've read the book before this, which I enjoyed. This one reminded me I want to read the others in the series.
#netgalley
July 5, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Even tho this is only the 2nd Book ive read in this series by Sheila, i have to say im really loving this series.
The Characters are so fun and interesting to read about. Jenna and Aunt Edie were definately my favorites.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Washington State while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 5 in this Contemporary Series!! Can't wait to read more by Sheila in the future!!
Review:
Even tho this is only the 2nd Book ive read in this series by Sheila, i have to say im really loving this series.
The Characters are so fun and interesting to read about. Jenna and Aunt Edie were definately my favorites.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Washington State while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 5 in this Contemporary Series!! Can't wait to read more by Sheila in the future!!
June 5, 2021
Moonlight Harbor is a really cool place to visit!!
March 19, 2023
Sunset on Moonlight Beach by Sheila Roberts
Moonlight Harbor #5
359-page Hardback +recipes
Genre: Romance > Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Adult Fiction
Featuring: 44-year-old Divorcée, City Council, Metaphoric Dreams, 4-year Pin, Time Warp, Recipes, Widowers, New Beginning Trope, Grieving, Holidays
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for suggestive language, innuendos, and adult content and language
Songs for the soundtrack: "Blue Bayou" by Linda Ronstadt, "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King and James Taylor, "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, "I’m a Believer" by The Monkees, "When I Get Where I’m Going" by Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton, "Oh Happy Day" by Edwin Hawkin Singers, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, "Amazed" by Lonestar, When "God Made You" by NewSong
My rating: ⭐️⭐️😡🗑
My thoughts: 📖 Page 44 Ch. 3 - OMG! This book is going to suck! Jenna's spousal support was 3 months, then 3 years and now it's 5 years? Where In the world does a guy get 5 years of spouse support from a wife who has full custody of their child it makes below-average income? Jenna and Brody have been stuck in 1st gear for 4 years and she's still thinking about Seth I'm ready to quit this book now. They were a couple in previous books but now they have just been casually dating for 4 years and she isn't certain if she wants to be serious. Sabrina and Tristan shouldn't have lasted that long, that relationship wasn't even legal. Also, she was team Brody but now according to this she's team Seth although she was oblivious to the sexual tension between Jenna and Seth. 2 chapters in and this plot is already trash. There I said it.
📖 124 Ch. 8 - This story is full of backtracking and rewriting history. Henry was talking about buying a house in Moonlight Harbor in book 3 but not it's an issue. The drama is very reminiscent of the sisters in book 2. I'm considering skipping this book, but I need the information to read book 6.
📖 244 Ch. 16 - 😡
I was thinking this was a 3-star read but nope.🙅🏾♀️ It went beyond okay to dislike. 👎🏾 I once said the formula in this series is the biggest jerk gets the girl, but now I'm convinced Jenna is the biggest jerk. She's selfish, hypocritical, indecisive, and an exploiter. I officially can't STAND Jenna! She's irked me this entire series but this book takes the cake. There are tons of inconsistencies, but whether you accept them or not the plot is very weak. If the next book is centered around Jenna it will be abandoned. I don't want to hear from Sabrina either.
Recommend to others?: I don't want to even think about it, so probably not.
Moonlight Harbor #5
359-page Hardback +recipes
Genre: Romance > Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Adult Fiction
Featuring: 44-year-old Divorcée, City Council, Metaphoric Dreams, 4-year Pin, Time Warp, Recipes, Widowers, New Beginning Trope, Grieving, Holidays
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for suggestive language, innuendos, and adult content and language
Songs for the soundtrack: "Blue Bayou" by Linda Ronstadt, "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King and James Taylor, "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, "I’m a Believer" by The Monkees, "When I Get Where I’m Going" by Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton, "Oh Happy Day" by Edwin Hawkin Singers, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, "Amazed" by Lonestar, When "God Made You" by NewSong
My rating: ⭐️⭐️😡🗑
My thoughts: 📖 Page 44 Ch. 3 - OMG! This book is going to suck! Jenna's spousal support was 3 months, then 3 years and now it's 5 years? Where In the world does a guy get 5 years of spouse support from a wife who has full custody of their child it makes below-average income? Jenna and Brody have been stuck in 1st gear for 4 years and she's still thinking about Seth I'm ready to quit this book now. They were a couple in previous books but now they have just been casually dating for 4 years and she isn't certain if she wants to be serious. Sabrina and Tristan shouldn't have lasted that long, that relationship wasn't even legal. Also, she was team Brody but now according to this she's team Seth although she was oblivious to the sexual tension between Jenna and Seth. 2 chapters in and this plot is already trash. There I said it.
📖 124 Ch. 8 - This story is full of backtracking and rewriting history. Henry was talking about buying a house in Moonlight Harbor in book 3 but not it's an issue. The drama is very reminiscent of the sisters in book 2. I'm considering skipping this book, but I need the information to read book 6.
📖 244 Ch. 16 - 😡
I was thinking this was a 3-star read but nope.🙅🏾♀️ It went beyond okay to dislike. 👎🏾 I once said the formula in this series is the biggest jerk gets the girl, but now I'm convinced Jenna is the biggest jerk. She's selfish, hypocritical, indecisive, and an exploiter. I officially can't STAND Jenna! She's irked me this entire series but this book takes the cake. There are tons of inconsistencies, but whether you accept them or not the plot is very weak. If the next book is centered around Jenna it will be abandoned. I don't want to hear from Sabrina either.
Recommend to others?: I don't want to even think about it, so probably not.
May 2, 2021
This is a beachy, emotional, lovely family story that brings to life real obstacles and heartbreak that many relationships and families deal with in their lives!
Jenna is a divorced mom who moved to Moonlight Beach with the support of fabulous Aunt Edie with her daughter to start over. She revamped the town’s Inn, works on town council, and has a massage business, talk about reppin’ successful women everywhere! The book is centered around her, her mom, sister, friends and two handsome but different men who she isn’t sure which she should be with, if any. When tragedy strikes her world falls apart and she ends up finding clarity after a ton of reflection.
While there is much romantic love involved, the family bonds (blood and chosen family) are truly beautiful in this book. It makes you thankful for those people who you know will do anything and drop anything to be there and support you no matter what.
I loved Jenna. She could be quite stubborn and feel sorry for herself at times, but in the end she wants what’s best for everyone and is confident in the things she needs to be happy! Everyone deserves happiness!
While there were a lot of characters at the beginning to keep track of, I loved that you got a sense of all the people in Jenna’s life, many of them in great detail. In particular I loved Courtney, Pete and Jolly Roger. 🦜
The small town beach vibe makes this a perfect read for this time of year going into the summer. I was dreaming of the fires on the beach and fun times with friends enjoying fireworks and good food!
I would’ve liked 🔥🔥 when it came to the romantic relationships but that’s just my preference. All in all a good read!
Ending with my favorite quote from the book which is very timely considering the current state of the world, and I think is relatable to anyone who is going through hard times that never seem to end:
“‘I just wish I had an ETA,’ Jenna said. If only life were that simple.”
Jenna is a divorced mom who moved to Moonlight Beach with the support of fabulous Aunt Edie with her daughter to start over. She revamped the town’s Inn, works on town council, and has a massage business, talk about reppin’ successful women everywhere! The book is centered around her, her mom, sister, friends and two handsome but different men who she isn’t sure which she should be with, if any. When tragedy strikes her world falls apart and she ends up finding clarity after a ton of reflection.
While there is much romantic love involved, the family bonds (blood and chosen family) are truly beautiful in this book. It makes you thankful for those people who you know will do anything and drop anything to be there and support you no matter what.
I loved Jenna. She could be quite stubborn and feel sorry for herself at times, but in the end she wants what’s best for everyone and is confident in the things she needs to be happy! Everyone deserves happiness!
While there were a lot of characters at the beginning to keep track of, I loved that you got a sense of all the people in Jenna’s life, many of them in great detail. In particular I loved Courtney, Pete and Jolly Roger. 🦜
The small town beach vibe makes this a perfect read for this time of year going into the summer. I was dreaming of the fires on the beach and fun times with friends enjoying fireworks and good food!
I would’ve liked 🔥🔥 when it came to the romantic relationships but that’s just my preference. All in all a good read!
Ending with my favorite quote from the book which is very timely considering the current state of the world, and I think is relatable to anyone who is going through hard times that never seem to end:
“‘I just wish I had an ETA,’ Jenna said. If only life were that simple.”
May 6, 2021
One of the things I most enjoy about Sheila Roberts' books is the community she creates. While each book in a series has a primary romantic couple, other characters and their own journeys are seamlessly interwoven throughout. Reading one of the books in her Moonlight Harbor series feels like I'm sitting around a campfire on the beach with my neighbors, sipping a cold beverage and catching up on all the latest happenings in their lives.
Jenna Jones has been a key character in Moonlight Harbor since arriving in book one, bitter and broke after being betrayed by her cheating, free-loading husband (now her ex). Moving in with her great-aunt, Jenna and her teenage daughter have slowly become part of the fabric of the small beach town. With the court-appointed alimony she's had to pay her ex for the past few years about to come to an end, Jenna is starting to finally look ahead at what she wants her life to be once she doesn't have to work two jobs and pinch pennies to support her lazy ex and his girlfriend. And part of that future is the possibility of trusting another man enough to enter into a new relationship. The problem is...which man will it be?
I've enjoyed watching Jenna evolve over the course of the series and have been eager for her to finally get her own happily ever after. She's sure earned it. Roberts doesn't give her an easy path though. There's heartache, another betrayal, loss, weaselly relatives, and the slow realization that the heart wants what the heart wants, regardless of obstacles in the way. It's a sweet, heart-tugging, humorous, emotional story about family, standing up for yourself, refusing to settle, and claiming your heart's desire that had me laughing, crying, and sighing with satisfaction.
Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review
Jenna Jones has been a key character in Moonlight Harbor since arriving in book one, bitter and broke after being betrayed by her cheating, free-loading husband (now her ex). Moving in with her great-aunt, Jenna and her teenage daughter have slowly become part of the fabric of the small beach town. With the court-appointed alimony she's had to pay her ex for the past few years about to come to an end, Jenna is starting to finally look ahead at what she wants her life to be once she doesn't have to work two jobs and pinch pennies to support her lazy ex and his girlfriend. And part of that future is the possibility of trusting another man enough to enter into a new relationship. The problem is...which man will it be?
I've enjoyed watching Jenna evolve over the course of the series and have been eager for her to finally get her own happily ever after. She's sure earned it. Roberts doesn't give her an easy path though. There's heartache, another betrayal, loss, weaselly relatives, and the slow realization that the heart wants what the heart wants, regardless of obstacles in the way. It's a sweet, heart-tugging, humorous, emotional story about family, standing up for yourself, refusing to settle, and claiming your heart's desire that had me laughing, crying, and sighing with satisfaction.
Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review
April 22, 2021
I just finished the last page of Sunset on Moonlight Beach and I’m sitting here in the warm afterglow with happy tears and a smile as big as the ocean. If there ever was a Moonlight Harbor and a Driftwood Inn I’d be making reservations right now! The characters have all won my heart over and over, even Pete. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged in the story and wanting to know how things would ever work out for any of the residents. Sheila Roberts knows how to write a heartwarming, heart grabbing story better than some I’ve read and that’s why I can’t wait for each novel to be published. A bonus is the yummy recipes you’ll find in the back of the book, mentioned throughout the chapters. I gain weight just thinking about them! Maybe Annie will get her story next?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are strictly my own.
April 14, 2021
A emotional journey with so much going.
A love triangle that has you rooting for the one you like best.
Main character is Jenna...she’s a single mom, does volunteer work and owns a business. So this busy woman decides to run to be elected to the city council and wins. Now her already busy life gets busier. Throw in dating 2 men plus, a ex she has to pay alimony too.
Nice story about starting over and overcoming what life throws at you.
Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
A love triangle that has you rooting for the one you like best.
Main character is Jenna...she’s a single mom, does volunteer work and owns a business. So this busy woman decides to run to be elected to the city council and wins. Now her already busy life gets busier. Throw in dating 2 men plus, a ex she has to pay alimony too.
Nice story about starting over and overcoming what life throws at you.
Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 2, 2021
This appears to be the last of the Moonlight Harbor Series. Jenna finally makes her decision in love and she becomes financially free from her deadbeat ex. Even her mom finds new love and just as all the good seems to be flooding into Jenna’s life, the bad starts to creep back in and life takes some twists.
Hate to say goodbye to these friends through this series of books, but thankful to have read their stories!
Hate to say goodbye to these friends through this series of books, but thankful to have read their stories!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2021
I love visiting Moonlight Harbor and catching up with all of my friends. This is an emotional story that will bring happy and sad tears. A few laugh out moments. It shows the true friendships that women share with a wonderful sense of community through thick and thin. Has strong bonds of family. I'm so happy the at Jenna finally has her HEA, that she well deserved.
This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. The perfect summer read.
This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. The perfect summer read.
May 10, 2021
A book that gives a happy ending to Jenna Jones but it takes awhile before that happens. Jenna must go through more heartbreak. The book includes recipes.
March 6, 2022
While this wasn’t my favorite in the series, it was enjoyable. Lot of heartache, heartbreak and love in this one. We finally get Jenna settled and married but lose a vital part of the family.
August 30, 2023
Good book but had a sad part.
If Jenna would’ve been thinking clearly, she would’ve understood why her aunt did what she did. Instead, she was full of grief and took it out in Brody. Sadly, that ended them. Hopefully they can still be friends.
If Jenna would’ve been thinking clearly, she would’ve understood why her aunt did what she did. Instead, she was full of grief and took it out in Brody. Sadly, that ended them. Hopefully they can still be friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
4.50 stars
Read with tissues and don’t read when you must go in public. You will get looks at your red rimmed eyes.
Read with tissues and don’t read when you must go in public. You will get looks at your red rimmed eyes.
October 22, 2023
This is another good book in the series.
May 2, 2021
We first meet Jenna Jones in Welcome to Moonlight Harbor and through out the series she has been torn between two men, Brody Green and Seth Waters. The time has come for her to make a choice but will confusion over an unexpected loss make her decision that much harder. What will Jenna do? You will have to read the book to find out, which I highly recommend. I love Sheila Roberts and the Moonlight Harbor Series.
May 6, 2021
A fun, lighthearted read to escape the daily craziness. I'm new to her work but will enjoy reading more Moonlight Harbor novels in the future. Sometimes we all need a sweet romance!
February 7, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It was full of laughter, happiness, and tears. The ending wasn't what I expected, I thought it was going to be another predictable ending but it wasn't. That's what makes it great about this book, the feeling of not knowing what is going to happen. My two favorite characters were Edy and her bird.
Edy always took care of others, she loved baking things, and cared about her family and the bird. The bird always asked for whiskey. I found that funny because it is an unusal thing for an animal to drink. Plus it repeated everything they said., I don't want to give to much information. I think people will enjoy this book
Edy always took care of others, she loved baking things, and cared about her family and the bird. The bird always asked for whiskey. I found that funny because it is an unusal thing for an animal to drink. Plus it repeated everything they said., I don't want to give to much information. I think people will enjoy this book
May 5, 2021
I enjoyed visiting Moonlight Harbor and checking with the residents there. I felt the storylines were very satisfying. Yes there were some sad moments but that's life! I had forgotten that Jenna and I shared the same birthday! So Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!
June 19, 2021
I have to be honest in saying that I have a bit of an unpopular opinion here. If you look at other reviews of this book, it is very well loved, so I encourage you to check out other reviews as well if you choose to pick this one up! But for me, this one just didn't excite me the way I wanted it to. I'm rounding up to 3 stars because I did find it entertaining enough to finish and I found myself rooting for a few of the characters. This is probably my own issue and nothing to do with the author, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me.
I found the story very choppy. Time seemed to slip by in strange increments and there were so many side stories with secondary characters that, at times, it was hard to keep track. I felt like I kept waiting for the story to pick up and it just never quite got there. A bulk of the story was a bit of a love triangle between main character Jenna and two men. But to be honest, I wasn't really rooting for either relationship and the way it ended was both predictable and rushed.
What I did like was the adorable fictional town of Moonlight Harbor! It sounds like the perfect, quaint little place to live! I love stories that take place in small towns and this book was great at describing the area. I was able to feel like part of the community!
There are a few trigger warnings such as death of a family member, grief and failed marriages.
Like I said earlier, please be sure to check out other reviews for this book because it definitely has an audience and the author is well loved! Overall, I just felt like I needed a bit more from this one.
I found the story very choppy. Time seemed to slip by in strange increments and there were so many side stories with secondary characters that, at times, it was hard to keep track. I felt like I kept waiting for the story to pick up and it just never quite got there. A bulk of the story was a bit of a love triangle between main character Jenna and two men. But to be honest, I wasn't really rooting for either relationship and the way it ended was both predictable and rushed.
What I did like was the adorable fictional town of Moonlight Harbor! It sounds like the perfect, quaint little place to live! I love stories that take place in small towns and this book was great at describing the area. I was able to feel like part of the community!
There are a few trigger warnings such as death of a family member, grief and failed marriages.
Like I said earlier, please be sure to check out other reviews for this book because it definitely has an audience and the author is well loved! Overall, I just felt like I needed a bit more from this one.
May 7, 2021
4.5 Stars: I am continuing to enjoy the Moonlight Harbor series. Although this is the fifth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you read them all so you get the full development of the characters and the town. This story focuses on Jenna, the manager of the Driftwood Inn that is owned by her great-aunt. Jenna was at a crossroads in her life when she arrived in Moonlight Harbor to help her aunt and she has made a great life for herself and her daughter. This story has a tragedy in her life, and some happenings that she is not expecting nor happy with. Jenna has been trying to decide between two men to move forward in her life and that happens in this story. Although it seems like a love triangle, it was written in a way that did not have me bothered by a trope that I don't especially like.
I enjoy Sheila Roberts easy style. This is a well written story, with great characters, and a happily ever after. It is a quick read, even thought there was a lot happening. The story is told in a linear timline, so it is easy to follow and at now time was I confused or lost in this story or series. Along the way, there is some angst as this is a story of family, friendship, survivors, romance, some secrets and second chances. I definitely recommend this story and series if you enjoy stories of romance, friendship, family and second chances. The audiobook narrated by Ann Marie Gideon was an enjoyable story to listen to. The expression, emotion and tone was right on and added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoy Sheila Roberts easy style. This is a well written story, with great characters, and a happily ever after. It is a quick read, even thought there was a lot happening. The story is told in a linear timline, so it is easy to follow and at now time was I confused or lost in this story or series. Along the way, there is some angst as this is a story of family, friendship, survivors, romance, some secrets and second chances. I definitely recommend this story and series if you enjoy stories of romance, friendship, family and second chances. The audiobook narrated by Ann Marie Gideon was an enjoyable story to listen to. The expression, emotion and tone was right on and added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
June 7, 2021
This is one of my favorite authors to read. This installment was a little heart wrenching for me at one point, When I read this book I felt as if I was sitting down with my old friends and catching up. I love that both Celeste and Mel are back with Jenna and the family is all in one place. I also liked Courtney's story line and how she is progressing. I look forward to the next book in this series.
May 9, 2021
Surprising
Reading this new book in the series felt like coming home.
So many surprises both happy and sad. I like how so many things wrapped up.
But saying that this book could be read as standalone without reading the other books in the series.
Very enjoyable read.
Reading this new book in the series felt like coming home.
So many surprises both happy and sad. I like how so many things wrapped up.
But saying that this book could be read as standalone without reading the other books in the series.
Very enjoyable read.
April 29, 2021
The title Sunset on Moonlight Beach may sound like an ending but sometimes an ending can be a new beginning. Fans of Ms. Roberts and especially the series will not be disappointed. This story picks up where Beachside Beginnings (#4 in the series) left off, that is Jenna is still vacillating between two good men, Brody & Seth. A lot is going on in Moonlight Harbor, Jenna has run for city council on a platform of building a convention center. Meanwhile, she’s dating Brody. Seth keeps pushing her to get engaged and marry the house peddler, Brody. She’s given up on Seth. Aunt Edie is still baking cookies for the guests, but is looking a little under the weather. Sabrina is on the precipice of graduating from high school. Pete (the mooch) still has back problems whenever there’s work to be done around the Inn. Jenna’s ex (the other mooch) is still getting support from her. Old friends appear with their own little dramas. Life’s good at the beach!
A friend of mine, who shares many of the same interests in books, recently read Beachside Beginnings (#4 in the series). I asked if she’d felt that she’d missed anything by not reading the first three books. She said no, she thought everything was explained nicely. So, there you have it, you do not necessarily have to read these in the order they were written.
I am an avid fan of books by Sheila Roberts, in fact, I’ve read nearly thirty of them. I think I started with Small Change followed by Bikini Season and Angel Lane in 2010. I would actually go on to read about ½ a dozen of her books that year because once I discovered this author, I was hooked. I was delighted when in 2013, Ms. Roberts was seeking street team members, I volunteered and was accepted. So, in the interest of full disclosure, I’m a Sheila Girl and have been since then. And finally, I’m proud to have gotten two mentions in this book from Ms. Roberts, the dedication and acknowledgements, you go Sheila Girl/Street Team! (My husband is still not impressed.)
Welcome to Moonlight Harbor [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 1]
Winter at the Beach [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 2]
The Summer Retreat [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 3]
Beachside Beginnings [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 4]
Sunset on Moonlight Beach [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 5]
A friend of mine, who shares many of the same interests in books, recently read Beachside Beginnings (#4 in the series). I asked if she’d felt that she’d missed anything by not reading the first three books. She said no, she thought everything was explained nicely. So, there you have it, you do not necessarily have to read these in the order they were written.
I am an avid fan of books by Sheila Roberts, in fact, I’ve read nearly thirty of them. I think I started with Small Change followed by Bikini Season and Angel Lane in 2010. I would actually go on to read about ½ a dozen of her books that year because once I discovered this author, I was hooked. I was delighted when in 2013, Ms. Roberts was seeking street team members, I volunteered and was accepted. So, in the interest of full disclosure, I’m a Sheila Girl and have been since then. And finally, I’m proud to have gotten two mentions in this book from Ms. Roberts, the dedication and acknowledgements, you go Sheila Girl/Street Team! (My husband is still not impressed.)
Welcome to Moonlight Harbor [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 1]
Winter at the Beach [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 2]
The Summer Retreat [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 3]
Beachside Beginnings [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 4]
Sunset on Moonlight Beach [Moonlight Harbor, Bk 5]
April 4, 2021
Sunset on Moonlight Beach
Sheila Roberts
April 27, 2021
Jenna Jones was starting out again with her daughter, Sabrina after moving to Moonlight Harbor. It’s a small oceanside town in Washington. She had divorced her ex-husband, Damien and decided to help her Aunt Edie refurbish the bed and breakfast that she owned not far from the shore. The Driftwood Inn would provide a home as well as employment. She took on the job with Edie’s word that the inn would be hers one day.
At the beginning of the story many of the rooms were complete and guests were staying. Jenna had just been elected to the city council. Sabrina was working at the inn as well. Things looked great except for her love life. Her mother Mel, lived near Seattle. It was a drive but she came over to the Harbor when she had time off work at the Safeway. She too was on edge. Her job as a checker was due to end in a month, 30 short days. She had to decide on finding a job or retire. Getting rehired was next to impossible at her age. Retirement and moving to Moonlight Harbor sounded good but then that meant leaving the home she and her husband had worked so hard to keep. All her memories were there. Being a widow was not easy.
Robert’s latest novel introduces us to Jones' family and friends along with many of the other residents of the beautiful little town. Tourists filtered through every spring, summer and fall. The tales of the locals are filled with comedy. Their shops and cafes provide for the brigade of seabirds but for the most part folks are just living their lives come see come sah. They stick together, help each other, and give support to one another.
Sunset on Moonlight Beach by Sheila Roberts will be published by Mira of Harlequin Books of Canada on April 27, 2021. I thank Harlequin for allowing me to enjoy the lives and tales of Jenna Jones and her family by reading and reviewing this novel via NetGalley. Please pick up a copy of this new rom-com. It will brighten your day.
Sheila Roberts
April 27, 2021
Jenna Jones was starting out again with her daughter, Sabrina after moving to Moonlight Harbor. It’s a small oceanside town in Washington. She had divorced her ex-husband, Damien and decided to help her Aunt Edie refurbish the bed and breakfast that she owned not far from the shore. The Driftwood Inn would provide a home as well as employment. She took on the job with Edie’s word that the inn would be hers one day.
At the beginning of the story many of the rooms were complete and guests were staying. Jenna had just been elected to the city council. Sabrina was working at the inn as well. Things looked great except for her love life. Her mother Mel, lived near Seattle. It was a drive but she came over to the Harbor when she had time off work at the Safeway. She too was on edge. Her job as a checker was due to end in a month, 30 short days. She had to decide on finding a job or retire. Getting rehired was next to impossible at her age. Retirement and moving to Moonlight Harbor sounded good but then that meant leaving the home she and her husband had worked so hard to keep. All her memories were there. Being a widow was not easy.
Robert’s latest novel introduces us to Jones' family and friends along with many of the other residents of the beautiful little town. Tourists filtered through every spring, summer and fall. The tales of the locals are filled with comedy. Their shops and cafes provide for the brigade of seabirds but for the most part folks are just living their lives come see come sah. They stick together, help each other, and give support to one another.
Sunset on Moonlight Beach by Sheila Roberts will be published by Mira of Harlequin Books of Canada on April 27, 2021. I thank Harlequin for allowing me to enjoy the lives and tales of Jenna Jones and her family by reading and reviewing this novel via NetGalley. Please pick up a copy of this new rom-com. It will brighten your day.
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