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Wild Harbor Beach #1
Love at Wild Harbor
One chocolate shop. Two fixer uppers. Three feisty sisters. One sweet love story to bring it all together.
Lily Woods never expected to start life over again at thirty. But when she opens a chocolate shop and buys a dilapidated beach cottage in Wild Harbor, she’s ready to begin a new chapter, spending her days and nights creating fabulous chocolate treats.
TV star Alex Briggs isn’t about to put his heart on the line. He’s finally landed his dream job as the host of a wildly popular home renovation show. Now he’s returning to Wild Harbor to flip a beach cottage, but he never imagined the project would land him next to the captivating girl who rejected him in high school.
Alex never recovered the piece of his heart he gave to Lily all those years ago. How will he keep his distance now that he can’t escape the girl next door?
Lily’s determined to fix up her beach bungalow on her terms, but Alex isn’t about to let her do it alone. Before Lily can stop him, Alex is on a mission to renovate her home and prove he’s the kind of man she can trust. But secrets from their past threaten to destroy their relationship before it begins.
Can this small town girl and big city star overcome their differences and find love again?
Love at Wild Harbor is the first novel in the Wild Harbor Beach series. These clean romances are set in Wild Harbor, a quaint small town full of happily ever afters.
Lily Woods never expected to start life over again at thirty. But when she opens a chocolate shop and buys a dilapidated beach cottage in Wild Harbor, she’s ready to begin a new chapter, spending her days and nights creating fabulous chocolate treats.
TV star Alex Briggs isn’t about to put his heart on the line. He’s finally landed his dream job as the host of a wildly popular home renovation show. Now he’s returning to Wild Harbor to flip a beach cottage, but he never imagined the project would land him next to the captivating girl who rejected him in high school.
Alex never recovered the piece of his heart he gave to Lily all those years ago. How will he keep his distance now that he can’t escape the girl next door?
Lily’s determined to fix up her beach bungalow on her terms, but Alex isn’t about to let her do it alone. Before Lily can stop him, Alex is on a mission to renovate her home and prove he’s the kind of man she can trust. But secrets from their past threaten to destroy their relationship before it begins.
Can this small town girl and big city star overcome their differences and find love again?
Love at Wild Harbor is the first novel in the Wild Harbor Beach series. These clean romances are set in Wild Harbor, a quaint small town full of happily ever afters.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2021
758 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Grace Worthington
23 books434 followersGrace Worthington is a three-time award-winning author who lives and breathes sweet closed door romcoms.
A former musical theatre gal and playwright, she brings that same energy, heart, and comedic timing to her stories, crafting witty banter and lovable characters you can’t help but root for.
She holds a master’s degree in psychology and human development and has also completed graduate studies in creative writing. Her inspiration comes from charming coastal towns and classic romcoms from the ’80s and ’90s.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.
A former musical theatre gal and playwright, she brings that same energy, heart, and comedic timing to her stories, crafting witty banter and lovable characters you can’t help but root for.
She holds a master’s degree in psychology and human development and has also completed graduate studies in creative writing. Her inspiration comes from charming coastal towns and classic romcoms from the ’80s and ’90s.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 19, 2021
Broken things fixed by Love.
Alex and Lily learned some powerful lessons. I can somewhat relate to Lily, especially when they said she always says the cup is half empty. Lily learned to trust God and the ones who loved her. The more she did that, the smaller the walls she put up became. Yay for another new good author!
Alex and Lily learned some powerful lessons. I can somewhat relate to Lily, especially when they said she always says the cup is half empty. Lily learned to trust God and the ones who loved her. The more she did that, the smaller the walls she put up became. Yay for another new good author!
June 13, 2021
Fate brings Lily and Alex back together again. They both lost a part of their heart years ago in high school. He's now a big TV star home for a short while to shoot a real estate flip. This was a great book overloaded with drama and emotion. Are they able to rekindle their love or is there too much baggage? A great read that is emotional and engaging. The characters are likable and the story line is entertaining. I read an advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 18, 2021
Frustrating
I really liked the story, I mean who doesn't like chocolate and making something beautiful out of something that has been neglected? The characters and family are good and warm. I had touble with Lily, wanted to slap her quite often! Was just too hesitant, for me. Glad it all works out in the end.
I really liked the story, I mean who doesn't like chocolate and making something beautiful out of something that has been neglected? The characters and family are good and warm. I had touble with Lily, wanted to slap her quite often! Was just too hesitant, for me. Glad it all works out in the end.
July 19, 2021
I got sucked into this story fast. The characters and setting were done so well. I was very invested in this story and found myself trying to will the MC into making the right decision. haha Thankfully this story ended so well. It even brought me to happy tears.
February 18, 2024
Quick read and cute, clean “romance” with good faith lessons and morals and without all the wordly drama.
February 26, 2023
fun romance
Though in spots the story line was a bit schmultzy…I really liked the author’s writing. Very nice love story with well scripted background. Was a nice read.
Though in spots the story line was a bit schmultzy…I really liked the author’s writing. Very nice love story with well scripted background. Was a nice read.
June 19, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sweet and clean romance from author Grace Worthington. Chocolate shop owner Lily and reality show host Alex are extremely likable characters who were best friends in high school, but missed the opportunity to get together as a couple. Years later they have a second chance when Alex comes back to town. There was some fun teasing and under-the-surface chemistry between the two, and extra help from Lily’s family and other townsfolk, who constantly wanted to push them together. I loved the slow build-up to the very satisfying conclusion, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 13, 2021
A lovely sweet romance dealing with a young woman, Lily, with a strong sense of family loyalty who chooses to live and work in her family hometown. A change of jobs, a disastrous romance and a family illness fuel Lily's lifestyle choices and there are more decisions to come. Lily's family, especially her sisters, try to help but Lily remains firm that she can do it herself. Throw in the return of Lily's former boyfriend, Alex, now a network TV star and Lily's life becomes slightly more complicated. With a little advice, from an odd source, solutions and happiness are found. I thoroughly enjoyed this short read. It was just what I needed as a break from some of the difficult, puzzling books I have been reading. I received this complimentary book from the author and am leaving a voluntary review expressing my opinion.
June 18, 2021
The name makes you think it’s a party beach. But it isn’t. The 2 main characters went to high school together. Back then they crushed on each other, until graduation took them to different places. She returns when she I inherits and then she has a place to live and a storefront to make chocolate candy. It wasn’t pristine so elbow work was needed. Before opening she meets her former crush. He is now a star on a remodeling show. The house to be remodeled is next door to her own very shabby cottage. How embarrassing. But then the best part of each of them shows up to help one another. Then the story gets really really good
June 14, 2021
This is my first book by Grace, but it won’t be my last. I loved the characters and the home town feel of Wild Harbor where everyone knows each other. Alex and Lily grew up together and Lily’s family was Alex’s second family. But Alex and Lily had a falling out at the end of their senior year. Now over 10 years later, Alex is back in Wild Harbor to make a TV show fixing up a beach house on the lake and Lily is trying to start a new business making chocolate truffles. They have both been hurt with past relationships and have built up walls around their hearts to protect themselves. Can they break down the walls for a second chance of love? Great story of healing and learning how to trust again. I received a free arc copy for my honest and voluntary review.
June 18, 2021
I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters in Wild Harbor. Lily is trying to launch a chocolate shop, help her family and maintain a rundown beach house. Alex is a successful home renovator coming back to his childhood home to shoot an episode at a beach home next door to Lily's. Sparks fly, but can Lily give in to her high school crush or will fear keep her from him. This is wonderful small town romance with characters you can't help but love. I can't wait for more from this author and this series!
June 16, 2021
Lily and Alex were childhood friends who never expressed their feelings for each other. Now Alex is back to tape his home improvement show and Lily is getting ready to open her chocolate shop. I loved the character of Joshua, he is very quirky but spot on with his advise. A heartwarming story of second chance.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Want to read
November 28, 2021One chocolate shop. Two fixer uppers. Three feisty sisters. One sweet love story to bring it all together.
Lily Woods never expected to start life over again at thirty. But when she opens a chocolate shop and buys a dilapidated beach cottage in Wild Harbor, she’s ready to begin a new chapter, spending her days and nights creating fabulous chocolate treats.
TV star Alex Briggs isn’t about to put his heart on the line. He’s finally landed his dream job as the host of a wildly popular home renovation show. Now he’s returning to Wild Harbor to flip a beach cottage, but he never imagined the project would land him next to the captivating girl who rejected him in high school.
Alex never recovered the piece of his heart he gave to Lily all those years ago. How will he keep his distance now that he can’t escape the girl next door?
Lily’s determined to fix up her beach bungalow on her terms, but Alex isn’t about to let her do it alone. Before Lily can stop him, Alex is on a mission to renovate her home and prove he’s the kind of man she can trust. But secrets from their past threaten to destroy their relationship before it begins.
Can this small town girl and big city star overcome their differences and find love again?
Love at Wild Harbor is the first novel in the Wild Harbor Beach series. These clean romances are set in Wild Harbor, a quaint small town full of happily ever afters.
Lily Woods never expected to start life over again at thirty. But when she opens a chocolate shop and buys a dilapidated beach cottage in Wild Harbor, she’s ready to begin a new chapter, spending her days and nights creating fabulous chocolate treats.
TV star Alex Briggs isn’t about to put his heart on the line. He’s finally landed his dream job as the host of a wildly popular home renovation show. Now he’s returning to Wild Harbor to flip a beach cottage, but he never imagined the project would land him next to the captivating girl who rejected him in high school.
Alex never recovered the piece of his heart he gave to Lily all those years ago. How will he keep his distance now that he can’t escape the girl next door?
Lily’s determined to fix up her beach bungalow on her terms, but Alex isn’t about to let her do it alone. Before Lily can stop him, Alex is on a mission to renovate her home and prove he’s the kind of man she can trust. But secrets from their past threaten to destroy their relationship before it begins.
Can this small town girl and big city star overcome their differences and find love again?
Love at Wild Harbor is the first novel in the Wild Harbor Beach series. These clean romances are set in Wild Harbor, a quaint small town full of happily ever afters.
March 6, 2023
I really love authors who create a world. I could just tell from the description that Grace Worthington was going to do that.
I also never know what kind of problem a author will create for her couple and I'm always surprised when its an abusive ex. This book tackles it without making it glamourous. Lily' s ex is text book guy who comes on as the perfect guy and then slowly turns very abusive. Lily is the girl who never thought this would be her life and is obviously gun shy about picking another man because that kind of stuff leaves you shaken.
And the other guy is Alex. The guy she loved in high school who was now a famous reality TV house flipper. Alex loved Lily and Lily loved Alex but neither knew it. Now Lily is opening her own chocolate shop and helping her Mom now that her Dad has issues.
So obviously with all of that how in the world could these two work it out? It almost doesn't because these two can't get out of their own way. Thank goodness for Joshua who runs a thrift/ salvage shop. He keeps pouring advice into Alex hoping something will stick.
It's a sweet story about taking risks and listening to your heart. I hope to read more from this wonderful series.
I also never know what kind of problem a author will create for her couple and I'm always surprised when its an abusive ex. This book tackles it without making it glamourous. Lily' s ex is text book guy who comes on as the perfect guy and then slowly turns very abusive. Lily is the girl who never thought this would be her life and is obviously gun shy about picking another man because that kind of stuff leaves you shaken.
And the other guy is Alex. The guy she loved in high school who was now a famous reality TV house flipper. Alex loved Lily and Lily loved Alex but neither knew it. Now Lily is opening her own chocolate shop and helping her Mom now that her Dad has issues.
So obviously with all of that how in the world could these two work it out? It almost doesn't because these two can't get out of their own way. Thank goodness for Joshua who runs a thrift/ salvage shop. He keeps pouring advice into Alex hoping something will stick.
It's a sweet story about taking risks and listening to your heart. I hope to read more from this wonderful series.
February 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I wanted to know more about the characters. I think the author introduced the tensions and the issues separating the two love interests. They were both scared to move ahead.
I think though, the author shows Lily having the harder time because of her frightening experience with her last boyfriend. The author even includes the scene whereby, Lily's ex has her as hostage. Alex comes to her rescue. How is it though that the author makes it seem as though Alex is the one that needs to let go of his past before they could go on. I really felt Lily should have been the one to move forward after the situation with her ex and she should have been the one being kinder to Alex.
Lily's sister is a reporter, the author could have used this connection to tell us what happened to Lily's ex, did he go to jail? I just felt because of these points, I needed to give 3 stars.
I think though, the author shows Lily having the harder time because of her frightening experience with her last boyfriend. The author even includes the scene whereby, Lily's ex has her as hostage. Alex comes to her rescue. How is it though that the author makes it seem as though Alex is the one that needs to let go of his past before they could go on. I really felt Lily should have been the one to move forward after the situation with her ex and she should have been the one being kinder to Alex.
Lily's sister is a reporter, the author could have used this connection to tell us what happened to Lily's ex, did he go to jail? I just felt because of these points, I needed to give 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
Love at Wild Haber by Grace Worthington is a captivating romance set in the enchanting locale of Wild Haber. The novel follows the journey of the protagonist as they navigate a budding romance and personal challenges within this picturesque setting. Worthington’s writing is rich with detail, creating an immersive experience that brings the charming environment and engaging characters to life. The story blends romance with themes of self-discovery and community, offering a heartfelt and enjoyable read. For those who love a romantic tale with a touch of scenic charm, Love at Wild Haber is a delightful choice.
January 9, 2025
I loved getting to know the world of Wild Harbor Beach in the first book of the series. Lily and Alex went to High School together and both went their own ways after High School. Alex's remodeling show has brought him back to Wild Harbor Beach where he gets to reconnect with Lily. The history of Lily and Alex has so much impact on their relationship. They both have broken pasts regarding relationship which makes their relationship sweet as they both heal and move forward with their new relationship. I love that Alex is willing to show Lily how someone should treat her and that Lily gives Alex a second chance. I look forward to reading the rest of this sweet romance series.
April 4, 2025
I recently found Grace Worthington's first books. She wrote an amazingly sweet beach romance series!
"Love at Wild Harbor" features Lily and her high school friend, Alex. Lily stayed in their small town to care for her father and open a chocolate shop, while Alex traveled the world to become a home renovation television star. Now that Alex is back in Wild Harbor, he'll face his toughest task yet - convincing Lily that he cares about her, and wants to make things work between them.
I loved watching Lily and Alex dance around each other, not ready to commit but more afraid to lose each other. It was an incredibly sweet story, and the ending brought tears to my eyes.
"Love at Wild Harbor" features Lily and her high school friend, Alex. Lily stayed in their small town to care for her father and open a chocolate shop, while Alex traveled the world to become a home renovation television star. Now that Alex is back in Wild Harbor, he'll face his toughest task yet - convincing Lily that he cares about her, and wants to make things work between them.
I loved watching Lily and Alex dance around each other, not ready to commit but more afraid to lose each other. It was an incredibly sweet story, and the ending brought tears to my eyes.
September 13, 2025
Sweet read
A charming small-town love story that hints at deeper emotional complexity, though it struggles to fully engage the reader. The protagonist's internal conflict with her long-standing romantic interest creates tension, but her repeated hesitations begin to feel repetitive rather than genuinely compelling. While the narrative attempts to explore themes of trust and past wounds, the character's motivations don't quite resonate with the depth they seem intended to convey. The story maintains enough intrigue to see through to its conclusion, but lacks the magnetic pull that transforms a merely adequate romance into an unforgettable journey of the heart.
A charming small-town love story that hints at deeper emotional complexity, though it struggles to fully engage the reader. The protagonist's internal conflict with her long-standing romantic interest creates tension, but her repeated hesitations begin to feel repetitive rather than genuinely compelling. While the narrative attempts to explore themes of trust and past wounds, the character's motivations don't quite resonate with the depth they seem intended to convey. The story maintains enough intrigue to see through to its conclusion, but lacks the magnetic pull that transforms a merely adequate romance into an unforgettable journey of the heart.
April 7, 2023
Lily Woods has her hands full with her Chocolate Shop, a run down beach home and helping her dad coming back after a stroke. Alex Briggs is a tv star for home improvement show who came back home to do a show. Lily and Alex were very close when they were young till he took another girl to the prom. But they haven't seen each other for eight years. Both have been through a lot. He gets the house next to hers to do and ask if he can do her home too. They start spending time together but they both are scared. Great read!😊😁
June 14, 2021
I have to say what a delightful read this was. Lily had been friends with Alex and harbored a secret crush on him. He left Wild Harbor and became a successful home renovator. When his television show decides to renovate a beach cottage, Alex returns to town. The house they’re renovating just happens to be next door to Lily’s own fixer-upper. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say if you enjoy small town romance involving friends and family, you won’t be disappointed with this book.
January 12, 2022
This is a very enjoyable, clean story. Lily has a fixer-upper beach cottage and is trying to get her chocolate business off the ground. Alex is returning to town when his television show decides to renovate the cottage next door. Great setting and characters and a wonderful story line. I loved it!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
March 11, 2023
We follow Alex and Lily who grew up together. They had a misunderstanding at the end of their senior year. Ten years later Alex is back in Wild Harbor to make a TV show fixing up a beach house on the lake and Lily is trying to make a success of her new chocolate shop. They have both had traumatic issues with past relationships and are having trouble starting new ones. Chocolate, home renovation, and second chance romance anyone?
June 18, 2023
Beautiful scenery, beautiful story
Beautiful love story, simple, true. Alex and Lily both come from broken backgrounds with walls up but what’s meant to be is worth fighting for. Throw in a jealous ex and a gold-digging co-star and you have one heck of a base for a great story.
I’d love to know more about the mysterious Joshua who usually knows more than he lets on and dispenses wisdom with grace.
Beautiful love story, simple, true. Alex and Lily both come from broken backgrounds with walls up but what’s meant to be is worth fighting for. Throw in a jealous ex and a gold-digging co-star and you have one heck of a base for a great story.
I’d love to know more about the mysterious Joshua who usually knows more than he lets on and dispenses wisdom with grace.
July 14, 2023
A great, clean inspirational romance
This was awesome! While the story itself is fairly typical, there were surprises in it, none of which I'm revealing. I will say I got into this story so much that I almost cried for poor Alex. But of course, it all worked out.
While faith in God wasn't a big part if the story, a certain character helped me see that God was there for his children. The author did a wonderful job. I look forward to more books from her.
This was awesome! While the story itself is fairly typical, there were surprises in it, none of which I'm revealing. I will say I got into this story so much that I almost cried for poor Alex. But of course, it all worked out.
While faith in God wasn't a big part if the story, a certain character helped me see that God was there for his children. The author did a wonderful job. I look forward to more books from her.
August 3, 2024
So much to love here. Beach houses, fixer uppers, chocolate shop, high school romance rekindled. Yet it fell flat for me because Lily is so unlikeable. She’s a tease. She’s indecisive. She’s ridiculously self involved. I can’t stand her. Alex, on the other hand, is wonderful. How I love fixer upper shows and guys who build things. He gets a 6. She gets a 2. She deserves a 1 but she came to her senses in the end. However, I love finding a new author to binge so I’ll keep reading.
June 29, 2025
chocolate!
Lily and Alex have high school history. Lily has had a bad experience with an abusive ex-boyfriend which colors her perception of herself and other men. She is working to get a chocolate store going. Alex is a successful TV star who has come back to town to do a show. How all this gets tangled up then untangled makes a good story I enjoyed. Family and friends have good parts inthe story, too.
I got the book free with newsletter sign up.
Lily and Alex have high school history. Lily has had a bad experience with an abusive ex-boyfriend which colors her perception of herself and other men. She is working to get a chocolate store going. Alex is a successful TV star who has come back to town to do a show. How all this gets tangled up then untangled makes a good story I enjoyed. Family and friends have good parts inthe story, too.
I got the book free with newsletter sign up.
March 4, 2023
LOVED it!!
I LOVE finding a new author.
This was a recommended book, but, I LOVED it!
LOVE her writing style and LOVED her characters. She writes in a such a descriptive way that you can picture EXACTLY what and where everything is happening!!
I’m looking forward to Book #2!!😉❤️❤️
I LOVE finding a new author.
This was a recommended book, but, I LOVED it!
LOVE her writing style and LOVED her characters. She writes in a such a descriptive way that you can picture EXACTLY what and where everything is happening!!
I’m looking forward to Book #2!!😉❤️❤️
May 10, 2023
Experiences affect how we feel about committing to others
A great story about two people who grew up as close friends. They went their different ways due to a misstep. When they ran into each other after years apart, can they let go of their fears? Can people tear down walls built to protect themselves from others? Will they let experiences continue to control them?
A great story about two people who grew up as close friends. They went their different ways due to a misstep. When they ran into each other after years apart, can they let go of their fears? Can people tear down walls built to protect themselves from others? Will they let experiences continue to control them?
June 21, 2023
A nice read
I enjoyed this lovely romance story about Lily and Alex, who have known each other for years. It is a story of forgiveness and love and the importance of putting the other first. Lily blames herself too much for her past relationship and lets her woundedness get in the way of trusting again.
I enjoyed this lovely romance story about Lily and Alex, who have known each other for years. It is a story of forgiveness and love and the importance of putting the other first. Lily blames herself too much for her past relationship and lets her woundedness get in the way of trusting again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews