The View from Coral Cove

Coral Cove #1

by Amy Clipston

When a jilted romance novelist escapes to a small beach town, the last thing she expected to find was the start of an even better love story.

In the wake of a broken engagement and the death of her last surviving family member, romance novelist Maya Reynolds moves to the haven of Coral Cove, North Carolina, to take over her great-aunt’s toy store. Some of her grief is immediately eased by imaginative eight-year-old Ashlyn Tanner, who talks her into adopting a kitten and inspires Maya to create a princess tea-party room in the store.

Ashlyn’s dad, local veterinarian Brody Tanner, is quickly smitten by the newest resident of his hometown. As a single parent, he sacrifices a lot in order to give Ashlyn the world, so a romantic entanglement with Maya is not a distraction he is looking for.

As the three develop a deepening bond in the seaside town where Maya experienced some of her happiest childhood memories, clouds cast a shadow over Maya’s hope for the future: an impossible deadline looms over her next novel, a long-held secret by her late mother about Maya’s absent father comes to light, and Brody’s resolve to avoid romance seems unbreakable.

But together, they just might discover that sometimes happy endings happen outside the pages of Maya’s novels too.

 

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2022

About the author

Hi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.

Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)

Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)

Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)


An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)

An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)

An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)

An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)

Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)

Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)

Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)

Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)

Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)

Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston is a 2022 Thomas Nelson publication.

When the last member of Maya’s family passes away and still nursing a broken heart, she decides to shake some things up in her life. First, she plans re-locate to Coral Cove, North Carolina to run her great-aunt’s toy store.

She still plans to continue her career as a romance author, but finds that the upheaval has left her with a stubborn case of writer’s block.

On a more positive note, meeting eight-year-old, Ashlyn Tanner, who is very persuasive in convincing Maya she needs to adopt a kitten, and Ashlyn’s dad, Brody, the local veterinarian, who is also recovering from the pain of loss and heartache, give Mara some new motivation and inspiration.

As their friendship blossoms, Maya makes a startling discovery about her father, that sends her a quest to the find the man she thought had abandoned her at birth…

This is a charming story about healing and new beginnings. The characterizations are marvelous- especially Ashlyn who was a scene stealer on occasion.

I loved watching the characters grow and develop, admit mistakes, turn wrongs into rights, and find strength in each other.

The pacing is just right, as is the dialogue. The tension is also well scripted, without too much angst or heaviness.

Overall, a very nice, sweet, clean romance with a lovely and heart- warming happy ever after!

Will read this author again!

4 stars

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking broken engagement, coupled with the death of her last living relative, send romance novelist Maya Reynolds to Coral Cove, North Carolina. Maya spent many happy times there when younger with her mother and great Aunt CeCe. Now Maya plans to run the toy store she has inherited from her great aunt as well as work on her latest contracted novel. The deadline is looming. But then a kitten and an eight year old girl. Ashlyn Tanner, disrupt her life in ways she never imagined. It also brings into her life Ashlyn’s father veterinarian, Brody Tanner. There is an instant attraction but Maya is not ready to trust any man after the drama with her ex fiancé Kyle, And Brody is not looking for a permanent relationship as he is totally focussed on providing for his daughter. But life has a way of changing plans.
From its gorgeous cover this book had me engaged from the start. I adored everything about it from the relationship between Ashlyn and her father, as well as the way Ashlyn and Maya bonded. Watching Brody with his daughter makes Maya wistful and envious since she never knew her father, as he left her mother was she was pregnant. Maya does not even know his name. But on her death Aunt CeCe has left a name. Does Maya want to follow it up and find her father!
All three of the main characters were likable, although there were times when I felt like banging Maya and Brody’s heads together. But that just shows how much I cared about them and how involved I was with the story.
Ashlyn is a sweetheart and there is the addition of numerous feline and canine characters which add a lot of interest. The plot with Maya’s father was an interesting part of the plot too. A charming book and I highly recommend it.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional story with likable, realistic characters that I was pulling for. Maya Reynolds' family included her mother and great-aunt. She lost her mom a few years ago and now her aunt. As a romance writer, she can live anywhere so she moved from Charlotte to Coral Cove on the coast to run her aunt's toy store. Her fiancé just broke up with her and her writing has stopped. She has always felt unwanted by a father whom she has never met. Her mom just said he left them. Now, she has discovered a letter from her aunt explaining about him. Could she find him with the little information she has? All she has ever wanted was a family.
Brody Tanner is a local veterinarian with a delightful daughter, Ashlyn. They met Maya when a rescue kitten escapes a rescue cat adoption event and winds up in the toy store. Brody and Maya are attracted to each other, but both have been hurt by past relationships. Plus, Brody's main focus in Ashlyn. However, Brody and Maya agree to be friends and become very close.
Maya is on an emotional roller coaster as she creates a new life running the toy store while trying to find her father, her future, and believe that she is lovable. Brody is afraid of relationships but is he willing to pass on a possible relationship with Maya. Great read for those who love romance fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE VIEW FROM CORAL COVE is a heart tugging story filled with grief, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! I really prayed that Maya would be able to convince Brody that he wasn’t damaged and deserved to be loved and happy once again. Amy Clipston isn’t afraid to write about subjects that tug at the readers hearts. Brody is raising his niece as his daughter. His sister, who was Ashlyn’s mom, has passed away. Maya is instantly attracted to Brody, but assumes he is married. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don’t mind crying in front of strangers! I’m so excited to continue catching up on all of Amy Clipston’s previous books.

When I hear that Amy Clipston has a new book coming out, I run to it. THE VIEW FROM CORAL COVE is exactly why! Maya’s only family were her mother and her great Aunt, CeCe. Maya’s mother passed away about 3 years earlier and she never knew her father. When her aunt passed away she left Maya her toy store where Maya spent many of her summers when she was a child. She also leaves her a letter that holds A few clues to her past. Maya finds herself questioning everything she knows about herself and her mother and their past. All the characters and animals are very likeable in THE VIEW FROM CORAL COVE except Maya’s ex boyfriend, Kyle. He is a liar who broke Maya’s heart and a first class jerk.

Amy Clipston has created a wonderful story filled with beautiful families and characters. She is so amazing at what she writes, no matter if it’s Amish or contemporary fiction. Her descriptions of each setting had me feeling as if I were right there in the toy store giggling with the Maya, Brody, and Ashlyn. THE VIEW FROM CORAL COVE was a quick read for me because I had a hard time putting it down once I started. I found myself cheering for Maya and hoping she could get Brody’s walls to come down. I love the way she never gave up on him no matter how hard he pushed her away.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect beach read that you won't be able to stop reading.
Sure that Coral Cove, North Carolina is the perfect escapist location to heal a broken heart novelist Maya Reynolds is in for a lot of surprises.
Coral Cove holds so may great childhood memories for Maya and when she inherits her great-Aunt's toy shop she knows it's her second chance opportunity at starting over and being happy.
A found note reveals long lost family secrets in this small town romance and feelings of betrayal.
The characters are ones that you could see yourself having as neighbors and becoming friends with.
Maya's character starts off unsure of herself with a lack of confidence but as things improve her confidence returns with her being a self assured woman.
The book is so tender and sweet, very emotional and you are definitely in for some fun surprises.
My heart was stolen by a lovely little girl and a rascal of a clever calico kitten. Read and see how they get things rolling with a sweet romance. Hard to put down and even better than the first book in the series.

Pub Date 10 May 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the writing. I liked the characters too.
The plot and the conflict were frustrating and a bit boring.
At least it was a quick read and I'm out of my reading slump!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be a wonderful story to sit down to any time of year, however, it really felt right to be reading this book just before summer begins. The View from Coral Cove would be a fabulous story to take with you on vacation and is an excellent beach read!

Brody, Maya, and Ashlyn were characters that I couldn’t help but connect with immediately. I really felt for Maya, arriving in Coral Cove with a broken heart and grief over her great aunt’s passing. I enjoyed reading about the way she plunged into life in Coral Cove and the way she worked to try to help her great aunt’s store to prosper.

I felt for Brody, too, even as I hoped he would be able to overcome his hesitancy toward committing himself to someone after a bad experience in his past. He was a really great guy, who loved his daughter and wanted the best for her. He was also a great friend to Maya and it was sweet to watch as their friendship began to grow into more.

The author created a beautiful setting and a story where I felt as if I was experiencing everything with these characters. I felt their highs and lows and wanted only the best for them. And I loved the epilogue!

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to get back to Coral Cove to visit with these characters! These characters felt real and relatable. They worked, they talked, they shared, they had good and bad days. A nice example of relationship building from friendship to something deeper.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all this book! Better have a box of tissues beside you is all I can say! So so good! I couldn't put it down! Clipston is so very good at what she writes no matter if it's Amish or contemporary fiction. I just love her stories. This book will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to reach through the book to hug these amazing characters because of all they've been through. Family, love, trust and then throw in an excellent friendship well its all there. Coral Cove sounds like an amazing place! I am glad I was able to "visit" through this author's wonderful description of the place. 5 stars for sure. I highly recommend My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Estrada · Rating 3 out of 5]

The View from Coral Cove follows a young woman who moves to the small town of Coral Cove after a failed engagement and falls in love with a local veterinarian and his daughter. As Maya juggles writer's block and trying to locate her estranged father, she finds her place in this close-knit community.

I loved reading a romance that features a single parent and highlights the strength of a found family. Clipston has a knack for developing absolutely lovable characters, and she did this especially well with Maya's love interest's daughter, Ashlyn.

Overall, the pacing was wonderful and the romance was sweet and reminiscent of that of a Hallmark film. For those looking for a more wholesome beach read, this will likely be the perfect fit for you as you lounge poolside.

Anyone who is a fan of Nicholas Sparks' writing will fall head over heels for Amy Clipston's latest release!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston takes us to Coral Cove, North Carolina where Maya Reynolds has relocated. Her favorite memories are the summers she spent with her Aunt CeCe. Her great-aunt has just passed away leaving her toy store to Maya. Maya, a novelist, can work from anywhere. It is a good time for a fresh start since her fiancé broke up with her and has moved to England. Maya is in the Barbie aisle when a kitten rushes in and jumps in her lap purring away. A little girl soon follows along with her handsome veterinarian father. Eight-year-old Ashlyn Tanner convinces Maya to adopt the calico kitten. Brody is attracted to Maya, but he is determined to be a good father and keep his focus on his daughter. Maya is attracted to Brody, but she is afraid of getting her heart broken again. Maya has writers block and a looming deadline. She is going through an old photo album when Maya discovers a letter from her Aunt CeCe. Maya has always wondered about her father, but it was something her mother did not wish to discuss. In the letter, her great-aunt reveals the truth. It sends Maya on a search for her father. It is going to be an eventful summer in Coral Cove. The View from Coral Cove is a charming tale about new beginning, healing, friendship, trust, and love. I thought The View from Coral Cove was well-written with developed, realistic characters. Amy Clipston provided beautiful descriptions of Coral Cove. I could envision the beach town with its quaint shops and friendly residents. I would love to live in Brody’s home with its beautiful beach views. I thought the dialogue was realistic. My favorite character was Ashlyn. She is a scene stealer. Ashlyn is a precocious little girl. Brody and Ashlyn run a cat rescue. They regularly hold cat adoption events with plenty of help from Ashlyn (who can resist). The romance is the slow burn type since both parties have had their hearts broken and are scared to trust their hearts to someone. I enjoyed watching the characters develop as the story progressed. Maya has insecurities because she was told that her father did not want her. I thought the author handled this issue very well. The View from Coral Cove is a sweet, wholesome romance. This book would make a great movie (toy store owner, handsome vet with cute little girl, a lovable kitten, and a beach town). The View from Coral Cove is the perfect novel to read while lounging on the beach or by the pool. I loved the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story. The View from Coral Cove will leave you with a smile on your face. The View from Coral Cove is a heartwarming tale with a beautiful beach, a charming child, an attractive veterinarian, an enchanting toy shop, an obstructed writer, and a matchmaking cat.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
Enjoyable bonk. I really like characters in this emotional story...that really pulls at the heart strings

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya is still reeling from her broken engagement, which her fiancé called off with no explanation. She moves back to a place she had been happy as a child, her great aunt’s toy store in a small town. Though now a successful writer, she plans to run the store which she has inherited with her great aunt’s death. She chances to find a lost kitten at her store, which is followed by a little girl looking for the kitten, who is followed by a father looking for his little daughter. Yeah, readers know where this is all headed. It’s an interesting journey, as Maya finds a way to put her broken engagement behind her and move on with her life. She also must come to grips with a letter left to her by aunt, exposing a secret about Maya’s mother that directly affects Maya. The new man in her life is also working through some problems of his own. And we haven’t heard the last of the errant fiancé, either! Whew! It’s a lot to put in one book, but Amy Clipston manages it with delightful results. The story is well written and quite entertaining, and the characters are well developed and likable, especially the young girl.

[DianFlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who can resist a lovely, small-town beach read—with parades, fireworks, quaint shops, delicious seafood cuisine—and friends helping friends? Not me...that much is for sure!

Maya Reynolds is the perfect book heroine—a young, beautiful, smart, successful, independent woman—but in her personal life she seems to have no common sense or self confidence at all. She listens far too much to others' advice and totally ignored my exasperated forehead palming and warnings. Sigh... And speaking of small-town fireworks, there were plenty between Maya and the sizzling hot veterinarian, Dr. Brody Tanner! The physical chemistry between them was absolutely undeniable.

Yes—wonderfully realistic, imperfect characters, precious secondary characters, and a beautiful setting makes 'The View From Coral Cove' a sweet, memorable read. Although labeled as Christian fiction there was nothing overtly spiritual in this novel, however, it was squeaky clean. Recommend to all lovers of contemporary romance beach reads!

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston (2022)
Coral Cove #1
8h 40m narrated by Madison Lawrence, 352 pages

Genre: Clean Romance

Rating as a movie: PG

Featuring: Loss of a Loved One, Fictional Beach Town in North Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Grief, Brokenhearted, New Beginning Trope, Author MC, Writer's Block, Toy Store, Inheritance Trope, Veterinarian, Single Dad, Dual POVs, Cat - Calico, 8-Year-Old, Soon-to-be Tricenarian, June, Adorable Business Names, Kinship Adoption, Carolina Rebellion (mentioned), Fourth of July, Family Secrets, Dog, Disney, Soon-to-be Tricenarian, Trust Issues, Community, August

Songs for the soundtrack: "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" by Samuel Francis Smith, "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith, "Happy Birthday To You" by Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill

Books and Authors mentioned: Peter Pan by Ted Sears, Erdman Penner, Bill Peet, Winston Hibler, Joe Rinaldi, Milt Banta, Ralph Wright, and Bill Cottrell [based on] Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie; The Little Mermaid by John Musker and Ron Clements [based on] The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen; Beauty and the Beast by Linda Woolverton [based on] Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve; Aladdin by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio [based on] "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" from One Thousand and One Nights; The Lion King by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton [based on] Kimba the White Lion by Osamu Tezuka;

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🪀🐈👧🐕🏖

My thoughts: 📱16% 1:23:03 Chapter 5 - I love this story already I'm going to have a fantastic reading week.
📱46% 3:59:25 Chapter 12 - I'm probably going to have to backtrack tomorrow.

This story was great. I can't wait to jump into Book 2

Recommend to others: Yes. This author hasn't let me down yes. The storylines are excellent, the characters are well developed and she always leaves me feeling happy.

Coral Cove
1. The View from Coral Cove (2022)
2. The Lighthouse at the Cove (2025)

Memorable Quotes: Looking up at her two favorite people in the whole world, Maya grinned. Oh, she didn’t have a father, and sometimes that made her feel bad, but Mom told her what really counted. You have a wonderful family, Maya. That’s because Aunt CeCe and I both love you so very much. We’ll always want the best for you, and we’ll always be here for you. No matter what.

When Kyle told her he’d accepted the job of a lifetime overseas, he also said she couldn’t go with him and not to wait for him. She was about to suggest they simply postpone their wedding if that was what he needed when he asked for his ring back. That request relieved her of any notions of romance right then and there. Thankfully, her editor agreed to extend her deadline to July. Since then, Maya had only tinkered with the general outline. She hadn’t managed to come up with any ideas to flesh it out. At least not any good ideas. Then when Aunt CeCe passed away a week ago, she’d been dragged into a new undertow of shock, grief, and confusion. Her patient editor agreed to extend the deadline again—until mid-September. That still didn’t seem like enough time, but she had to make it work. After all, writing was a career she loved. At least she had loved it before

The girl’s brow pinched. “I was trying to find the kitten.” Then she smiled and nodded toward Maya. “But look, Dad. I think she’s found her new owner.” “What do you mean?” Maya asked. The dad’s face lit up with a handsome smile, and a dimple appeared on his chin. “I see that. She seems to have adopted you, miss.” “Me?” Maya shook her head. “Oh no, no, no. I’m not looking for a pet. I just moved in here, and I have so much to do. I can’t possibly add caring for a kitten to my list.” The girl walked over to Maya and leaned down. When she rubbed the kitten’s chin, she purred louder in approval. “But cats are easy. You don’t have to walk them like you do dogs. They pretty much take care of themselves. You just have to feed them, give them water, and scoop out their litter box. Right, Dad?” “That’s true.” The man joined his daughter. He had to be at least six feet tall. Considering their similar T-shirts, Maya recalled the tent and crowd outside the pet store, and the pieces came together for her. “Are you running a cat adoption day at the pet store?” she asked him.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disillusioned author, a commitment-shy single father, and a beautiful small-town setting are the promises of a great story but throw in an adorable little girl and a kitten, and you're guaranteed a winning read! In her newest book, Amy Clipston displays her special talent for creating characters we'd all like to know, placing them in realistic situations, and then helping them work their way to a happy ending. These are the keys to satisfying fans of contemporary romance, and The View from Coral Cove is definitely satisfying!


Clipston poignantly shares Maya Reynold's varying emotions as she faces grief and loneliness, and her uncertainty about finding her long-absent father. She also paints a vivid picture of Brody Tanner's reluctance to allow Maya into his heart. Their slowly developing attraction is a joy to savor, but it is the special connection between Maya and Brody's daughter that is especially touching! Who wouldn't love this little girl who is also hungry for a family?


If you're looking for a great beach read, grab a copy of The View from Coral Cove. It is a heartwarming story of friendship, hope, and a chance to begin again.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

The View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston is a sweet romance story. Maya, a writer, has just inherited a toy store from her aunt and moved to Coral Cove to run the store. Dr Brody Tanner is the local veterinarian with his daughter Ashlyn. They are two kind people who have been burned in past relationships. As readers we watch them navigate a relationship with each other.

This was the gentle read that was just what I needed. I felt like I was hanging out with old friends as I read the story. I loved the variety of characters in the story and their interactions with each other. I loved the small town beach setting, the sweet romance, and enjoyed watching the characters grow. The author has written a small town romance that has depth and personality. I recommend this great read.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was sweet. Instead of the female lead being unsure about a commitment it was the man. I appreciated the story line about the unknown father and the addicted sister. I wish the child had been younger because she seemed to act younger than an eight year old. The shared grief between the two characters was both their common ground and their conflict.

[Baylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Enjoyed this one way more than her previous book. She’s a great writer and storyteller but some of her characters aren’t my favorite. Overall it was a good little summer read.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story. Lovely characters who give love a chance. I loved the setting - Coral Bay. I enjoyed the inheritance and what Maya did by putting her stamp on the business. I loved the father daughter reunion and how Leonard not only gained a daughter but a whole family and the next generation.
I look forward to reading another book by Amy Clipston.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I have to mull over what I want to say in a review, it's because I am having a hard time finding the right words to express my opinions. I've been stewing over this one for three days, and I'm still having a hard time with it.
Amy Clipston is best known for her Amish fiction, which she writes quite well. This is not Amish fiction and the story itself is not really in Amy's wheelhouse.

Maya has inherited a toy shop from her Aunt CeCe in Coral Cove, North Carolina. She is moving on the heels of a bad break-up with her fiance, Kyle. Among the first people she meets in Coral Cove are Brody and his rather precocious daughter, Ashlyn. An instant rapport with Ashlyn captures Maya, and to a degree, initiates a friendship with Brody.

What I wish had happened in this book:

Maya created a princess room for tea parties for little girls' birthdays. What about the boys in Coral Cove? Could she not have also made a room for boys' parties? She was needing to create more income for the store and she missed half of the children who would have helped her with her income woes.

Maya's and Brody's relationship seemed to grow organically except that Maya still seemed stuck on Kyle. Brody seems to be a rebound relationship and when Kyle shows up, Maya's feelings flip flop so much as to give the reader whiplash trying to keep up. I wish Maya's feelings for Kyle had been fully resolved.

The story is a typical formulaic romance, with fun parts to keep the reader engaged. The sad thing is that this is not Amy's best offering. Three stars.

Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Clipston ranks up towards the tip top of my favorite authors list! I love all of her Amish reads and her contemporary romance books are incredible! This one is SO sweet! I love the characters and the sweet, clean way she writes and develops them. I also foresee a potential book #2 with a certain “Gayle” and a father…but alas, no spoilers! Grab a copy of this one - it is excellent and will keep you guessing!

[Katie Scarlett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book has a very thin plot and about zero romance. The protagonist Maya is just not that interesting and also comes across weak and desperate at various points. I was concerned at the very badly written prologue, which is supposed to be a flashback to Maya’s childhood, as it was pretty bad but I assumed she just couldn’t write children well, however that’s not true because Ashlyn is a cute character which just makes the awful prologue more confusing. Brody is a good man who has had his heart broken and is not very trusting anymore. Unfortunately he’s so closed off that there’s zero romance to be found here. Most of the plot seems to be about frankly boring bits of Maya’s life running a store and her new family revelations which is just not what I expected or very interesting. I did not realize this was a contemporary Christian romance but it is a very clean book, although perhaps Maya being so changeable in her emotions is a strange fit for this category, there’s actually nothing at all in the book about religion either. This was just too boring and uninteresting for me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The View from Coral Cove caught my attention from the beginning. We are introduced to Maya as a young girl (in the prologue) and then the story begins with adult Maya.

This sweet story is a journey of healing and self-discovery. Maya is on a roller coaster of emotions and events. She doesn't always make the wisest choices and toward the end, I got really annoyed with her for a while. I was emotionally invested in her journey and was fussing at her, LOL!

Brody and Ashlyn have also had their fair share of hardships. This has caused Brody to put walls up around his heart, and while he likes Maya, he's not sure she is worth tearing those walls down for.

I loved the characters in this story. They are well-rounded and realistic. They are easy to connect with and I enjoyed their story. There are quite a few things going on in the story but they come together seamlessly. I loved the small town of Coral Cove and the wonderful residents.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys clean romance stories. A perfect beach read or cozy read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kay Defreese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I practically read the whole book in one day. It was so good that I could not put it down. I have read that Amy Clipson ususally writes Amish fiction but I read very little of Amish fiction and have read none of her Amish fiction. I did read her last contemporary novel and enjoyed it but I think this one is a little better. All the characters and critters were likeable in this book except Maya's ex boyfriend Kyle and he was a first class jerk. The little girl Ashlyn was just adorable. She and a frisky kitten were responsible for Brody getting introduced to Maya. Maya took an instant liking to the little girl and she loved Maya. I did get frustrated with Brody the majority of the book. He was hurt in the past by a girlfriend so was gun shy in committing to a relationship with Maya. He wanted to take things too slow. He was that afraid of getting hurt again.

I really did like this book and hope Amy Clipson continues to write contemporary romance novels.
"Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me a digital copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya Reynolds has lost her great-aunt CeCe and she had made the decision to move to Coral Cove and operate her aunt's toy store. By losing her aunt, Maya has lost all of her family, and even though she has a fantastic best friend, she longs for marriage and family.

This longing for marriage and family has been made worse by her fiance dumping her to move to the UK for a job. He just leaves her in the lurch with no explanation at all.

She meets Ashlyn and her dad, Brody Tanner, the local veterinarian when a kitten escapes from the local cat adoption center across from her place, and after Ashlyn convinces Maya to adopt the kitten who she names Tinker Bell, the three of them are inseparable.

Maya wants her HEA and she is hoping that it will be with Brody as she spends time with him and his daughter, but he hasn't told her everything, and this is upsetting to her. Also, Maya discovers that her Mom who passed a few years earlier didn't tell her everything, namely who her father is and maybe she will have a chance at getting to know the father she never thought she had.

Very much enjoyed this, I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this one! Recommended.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and clean romance.

I really liked Brody and Ashlyn. I thought the addition of Ashlyn was very sweet and she was a very likeable character. Also, I loved the tea parties idea for the toy store. I thought that was cute idea.

The only thing I didn't really like about it is that the author is CF author and there wasn't any faith content. The MFC could have really used some faith for her inability to be content while single. She really went off the deep end a little at the end of the book when her gets re-engaged to her ex fiance just because she wants a family and children. I'm very glad that there were other characters in the story who tried to talk sense into her. Marriage isn't something you should ever rush into, especially if you know that the man you want to marry is questionable.

Otherwise, this is a cute story that I did enjoy. The writing is very good and I am interested in reading more of this authors contemporary works.

[Melina P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, hopeful, heartfelt romance. Clean and storyline flowed well.