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Seabury #1
Welcome to Seabury
Welcome to Seabury - where everyone knows everyone, the average tourist hasn't got a clue it even exists, and that's just how the locals like it!
Kate Hardy really doesn't like change. Why would she when life's pretty much perfect as it is?
She's lived in the gorgeous coastal town of Seabury all her life - well, apart from that three-month blip in London - but she doesn't like to think about that.
Now she's back where she belongs - running her tiny seafront cafe, The Sardine, with her rescue dog Stanley at her side, and the occasional romantic (though decidedly brief) visit from a certain gorgeous French fisherman.
But when the local gossip-vine starts buzzing with the news that New York Froth is coming to town, it's not just the super-snazzy coffee chain that's got Kate on the hop - Mike Pendle, its rude, grumpy owner, seems hell-bent on demolishing her life - one nightmare encounter at a time.
Is The Sardine safe? Will Kate manage to weather this summer storm? Or will the waves of change washing over Seabury prove too strong for her to swim against?
A summery read full of friendship, fun and laughter! For fans of Holly Martin, Polly Babbington and Heidi Swain.
Welcome to Seabury is the first novella in the Seabury series - and part one of Kate's story.
Kate Hardy really doesn't like change. Why would she when life's pretty much perfect as it is?
She's lived in the gorgeous coastal town of Seabury all her life - well, apart from that three-month blip in London - but she doesn't like to think about that.
Now she's back where she belongs - running her tiny seafront cafe, The Sardine, with her rescue dog Stanley at her side, and the occasional romantic (though decidedly brief) visit from a certain gorgeous French fisherman.
But when the local gossip-vine starts buzzing with the news that New York Froth is coming to town, it's not just the super-snazzy coffee chain that's got Kate on the hop - Mike Pendle, its rude, grumpy owner, seems hell-bent on demolishing her life - one nightmare encounter at a time.
Is The Sardine safe? Will Kate manage to weather this summer storm? Or will the waves of change washing over Seabury prove too strong for her to swim against?
A summery read full of friendship, fun and laughter! For fans of Holly Martin, Polly Babbington and Heidi Swain.
Welcome to Seabury is the first novella in the Seabury series - and part one of Kate's story.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2021
326 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Beth Rain
51 books152 followersBeth Rain has always wanted to be a writer and has been penning adventures for characters ever since she learned out to stare into the middle-distance and daydream.
She currently lives in the (sometimes) sunny South West, and it is a dream come true to spend her days hanging out with Bob – her trusty laptop – and scoffing crisps and chocolate while dreaming up swoony love stories for all her imaginary friends.
Join Beth in Seabury if you fancy dipping your toes in the waves, head to Little Bamton for some quintessential English village action, or take a trip down the river to Upper Bamton if standalones involving a spot of wine and wool are your thing!
Beth’s writing will always deliver on the happy-ever-afters.
She currently lives in the (sometimes) sunny South West, and it is a dream come true to spend her days hanging out with Bob – her trusty laptop – and scoffing crisps and chocolate while dreaming up swoony love stories for all her imaginary friends.
Join Beth in Seabury if you fancy dipping your toes in the waves, head to Little Bamton for some quintessential English village action, or take a trip down the river to Upper Bamton if standalones involving a spot of wine and wool are your thing!
Beth’s writing will always deliver on the happy-ever-afters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 30, 2024
Kate owns a cafe called The Sardine in Seabury, a picturesque town where she enjoys a happy life with her dog Stanley, and close friends. However, when she hears about a big franchise cafe opening in town, she becomes anxious about the future of her business. To keep her livelihood safe, she comes up with some fresh ideas.
Although the characters were okay, they seemed a little unrealistic. However, that is not the reason for my bad rating. The situation with Mike and the dog was blown out of proportion, as some people may be scared of dogs for various reasons, and being scared of a dog does not automatically make someone a psychopath. The other issue was that Kate hired a minor without asking for any details or seeking permission from their parents. As a business owner, she should have done a thorough check.
However, it was a quick read and I listened to this as an audiobook and that was the only reason I finished this. If I were actually reading this, I would have not finished it. Normally, I don't like audiobooks but the narrator did a decent job and I didn't have to pay a lot of attention to understand this. So anyone looking for a quick and easy read that requires zero attention and effort, this ticks those boxes. I do have the next in the series so I may end up listening to that audiobook when I don't need to pay any attention but we'll see.
2.5 stars
Although the characters were okay, they seemed a little unrealistic. However, that is not the reason for my bad rating. The situation with Mike and the dog was blown out of proportion, as some people may be scared of dogs for various reasons, and being scared of a dog does not automatically make someone a psychopath. The other issue was that Kate hired a minor without asking for any details or seeking permission from their parents. As a business owner, she should have done a thorough check.
However, it was a quick read and I listened to this as an audiobook and that was the only reason I finished this. If I were actually reading this, I would have not finished it. Normally, I don't like audiobooks but the narrator did a decent job and I didn't have to pay a lot of attention to understand this. So anyone looking for a quick and easy read that requires zero attention and effort, this ticks those boxes. I do have the next in the series so I may end up listening to that audiobook when I don't need to pay any attention but we'll see.
2.5 stars
March 28, 2022
Easy read
Great story for summer reading. Feels like you are sat in the sardine with all the characters. Looking forward to the next stage of the journey.
Great story for summer reading. Feels like you are sat in the sardine with all the characters. Looking forward to the next stage of the journey.
December 19, 2023
fofa a história DELA pq o casal só tem seu início no final e eu não devo ler o próximo livro
June 15, 2024
I'm loving Kate and seabury. Beautiful place with wonderful characters dealing with life. My only regret is I read book two before book one.
May 19, 2025
brilliant Audio book
July 2, 2024
2.25 stars • stuff your kindle day (september 2023)
a quick read set in a coastal town café, wholesome. if dogs as central characters are your thing, this may be for you.
but like, how do you hire someone (especially a minor???) and NOT KNOW HER LAST NAME?
* an ok read
* it didn’t change my life, but enjoyed reading it nonetheless
* odd choices, could not connect with writing style
* if i never picked this book up i would still be completely the same person
a quick read set in a coastal town café, wholesome. if dogs as central characters are your thing, this may be for you.
but like, how do you hire someone (especially a minor???) and NOT KNOW HER LAST NAME?
* an ok read
* it didn’t change my life, but enjoyed reading it nonetheless
* odd choices, could not connect with writing style
* if i never picked this book up i would still be completely the same person
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
Good read
Good read for any age up to eighty plus. Will read the rest of the series when I can. Excellent book.
Good read for any age up to eighty plus. Will read the rest of the series when I can. Excellent book.
January 15, 2023
disappointing
Too much of a quick pace, dashing along without depth of characters. Could have been more of twists in the tale
Too much of a quick pace, dashing along without depth of characters. Could have been more of twists in the tale
February 17, 2023
Welcome to Seabury by Beth Rain
Blurb
Welcome to Seabury - where everyone knows everyone, the average tourist hasn't got a clue it even exists, and that's just how the locals like it!
Kate Hardy really doesn't like change. Why would she when life's pretty much perfect as it is?
She's lived in the gorgeous coastal town of Seabury all her life - well, apart from that three-month blip in London - but she doesn't like to think about that.
Now she's back where she belongs - running her tiny seafront cafe, The Sardine, with her rescue dog Stanley at her side, and the occasional romantic (though decidedly brief) visit from a certain gorgeous French fisherman.
But when the local gossip-vine starts buzzing with the news that New York Froth is coming to town, it's not just the super-snazzy coffee chain that's got Kate on the hop - Mike Pendle, its rude, grumpy owner, seems hell-bent on demolishing her life - one nightmare encounter at a time.
My Opinion
This is a lovely book to read and is so short it is possible to finish in an afternoon. This is the first book I have read by Beth Rain and is the first book in the series but it will not be the last book I read. I am already planning my next visit to Seabury.
Kate is determined to be positive even when everything is going wrong for her. Kate runs 'The Sardine' and worries about how she will keep her business going when a large coffee chain comes to town. A great introduction to the author and the series.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
Welcome to Seabury - where everyone knows everyone, the average tourist hasn't got a clue it even exists, and that's just how the locals like it!
Kate Hardy really doesn't like change. Why would she when life's pretty much perfect as it is?
She's lived in the gorgeous coastal town of Seabury all her life - well, apart from that three-month blip in London - but she doesn't like to think about that.
Now she's back where she belongs - running her tiny seafront cafe, The Sardine, with her rescue dog Stanley at her side, and the occasional romantic (though decidedly brief) visit from a certain gorgeous French fisherman.
But when the local gossip-vine starts buzzing with the news that New York Froth is coming to town, it's not just the super-snazzy coffee chain that's got Kate on the hop - Mike Pendle, its rude, grumpy owner, seems hell-bent on demolishing her life - one nightmare encounter at a time.
My Opinion
This is a lovely book to read and is so short it is possible to finish in an afternoon. This is the first book I have read by Beth Rain and is the first book in the series but it will not be the last book I read. I am already planning my next visit to Seabury.
Kate is determined to be positive even when everything is going wrong for her. Kate runs 'The Sardine' and worries about how she will keep her business going when a large coffee chain comes to town. A great introduction to the author and the series.
Rating 4/5
October 23, 2023
There’s no shame admitting that a good cozy is an enjoyable read. They’re not always as simple and easy as they seem, which is probably why there are so many bad ones out there. On the basis of this one book, Beth Rain has the knack. I’m not sure this justifies binge reading the rest of the series but I liked this one.
Seabury is an off-the-beaten-track village where everyone knows everyone and is largely spared large volumes of tourists and the attention of developers who want to bring change. The protagonist Kate Hardy doesn't like change and thinks her life is pretty much perfect as it is. She’s back home after a brief, disastrous marriage in London and wants nothing more than to run her tiny seafront café and walk the beaches with her rescue dog.
She isn’t averse to an occasional romantic visit from her French fisherman, occasional boyfriend and is content for things to stay just as they are. However, when the rumour machine is right in predicting that a snazzy New York coffee venue is coming to town, she begins to worry that her life is going to change whether she likes it or not.
She immediately develops a dislike for the new shop’s owner and, at the same time, she receives threats from her soon-to-be ex-husband. Like any good cozy it has engaging, interesting characters, a bit of romantic tension and real fears, although not of the life-threatening kind. It’s a short book, more of a novella than a full novel, which means it can be an easy, quick remedy if you’ve gone through a few literary struggles one after another.
Seabury is an off-the-beaten-track village where everyone knows everyone and is largely spared large volumes of tourists and the attention of developers who want to bring change. The protagonist Kate Hardy doesn't like change and thinks her life is pretty much perfect as it is. She’s back home after a brief, disastrous marriage in London and wants nothing more than to run her tiny seafront café and walk the beaches with her rescue dog.
She isn’t averse to an occasional romantic visit from her French fisherman, occasional boyfriend and is content for things to stay just as they are. However, when the rumour machine is right in predicting that a snazzy New York coffee venue is coming to town, she begins to worry that her life is going to change whether she likes it or not.
She immediately develops a dislike for the new shop’s owner and, at the same time, she receives threats from her soon-to-be ex-husband. Like any good cozy it has engaging, interesting characters, a bit of romantic tension and real fears, although not of the life-threatening kind. It’s a short book, more of a novella than a full novel, which means it can be an easy, quick remedy if you’ve gone through a few literary struggles one after another.
January 27, 2022
Some lovely scenery, characters that you can engage with, and a well written story. Stanley is by far the star for me. His attempts to swim out to have play dates with the dolphins and hatred of baths was just right for a dog like him (I’ve known a couple).
The story goes at a fairly slow but steady pace to start with and then everything seems to happen in the last 10 minutes of the book. Although as this is the start of a trilogy (something I didn’t realise when I bought this book) not everything is fully resolved. Despite that this is a book you could read as a stand alone. In fact I’ve just spent the last twenty minutes debating with myself as to whether I can be bothered to read the second instalment. I still haven’t concluded that debate.
The plot is fairly predictable, and has many of the traditional romance tropes. Most of these I’m fine with but I am getting bored with the spiteful and vindictive woman who seems to hate the main character for no reason. I felt you pretty much knew how the story was going to go after the first 10 to 15 minutes. Except,that as I didn’t realise this was a trilogy, I thought it would all be wrapped up in one book not three.
All in all a well written book that if you love gentle romance then you’ll love it. For me I don’t know why but it didn’t grab me as much as something set in such a beautiful area, with well written characters should. I don’t know why but it didn’t.
The story goes at a fairly slow but steady pace to start with and then everything seems to happen in the last 10 minutes of the book. Although as this is the start of a trilogy (something I didn’t realise when I bought this book) not everything is fully resolved. Despite that this is a book you could read as a stand alone. In fact I’ve just spent the last twenty minutes debating with myself as to whether I can be bothered to read the second instalment. I still haven’t concluded that debate.
The plot is fairly predictable, and has many of the traditional romance tropes. Most of these I’m fine with but I am getting bored with the spiteful and vindictive woman who seems to hate the main character for no reason. I felt you pretty much knew how the story was going to go after the first 10 to 15 minutes. Except,that as I didn’t realise this was a trilogy, I thought it would all be wrapped up in one book not three.
All in all a well written book that if you love gentle romance then you’ll love it. For me I don’t know why but it didn’t grab me as much as something set in such a beautiful area, with well written characters should. I don’t know why but it didn’t.
August 7, 2023
A lovely book with interesting characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Amazon synopsis:
Kate Hardy really doesn't like change. Why would she when life's pretty much perfect as it is?
She's lived in the gorgeous coastal town of Seabury all her life - well, apart from that three-month blip in London - but she doesn't like to think about that.
Now she's back where she belongs - running her tiny seafront cafe, The Sardine, with her rescue dog Stanley at her side, and the occasional romantic (though decidedly brief) visit from a certain gorgeous French fisherman.
But when the local gossip-vine starts buzzing with the news that New York Froth is coming to town, it's not just the super-snazzy coffee chain that's got Kate on the hop - Mike Pendle, its rude, grumpy owner, seems hell-bent on demolishing her life - one nightmare encounter at a time.
Is The Sardine safe? Will Kate manage to weather this summer storm? Or will the waves of change washing over Seabury prove too strong for her to swim against?
Amazon synopsis:
Kate Hardy really doesn't like change. Why would she when life's pretty much perfect as it is?
She's lived in the gorgeous coastal town of Seabury all her life - well, apart from that three-month blip in London - but she doesn't like to think about that.
Now she's back where she belongs - running her tiny seafront cafe, The Sardine, with her rescue dog Stanley at her side, and the occasional romantic (though decidedly brief) visit from a certain gorgeous French fisherman.
But when the local gossip-vine starts buzzing with the news that New York Froth is coming to town, it's not just the super-snazzy coffee chain that's got Kate on the hop - Mike Pendle, its rude, grumpy owner, seems hell-bent on demolishing her life - one nightmare encounter at a time.
Is The Sardine safe? Will Kate manage to weather this summer storm? Or will the waves of change washing over Seabury prove too strong for her to swim against?
March 13, 2024
Welcome to Seabury, where everyone knows everyone, and the average tourist has no idea this place even exists. And you know what? That's exactly how the locals like it! A fun and laughter-filled summer read with lots of friendship!
Kate Hardy isn't a fan of change. She's been living in the beautiful coastal town of Seabury forever - well, except for that short stint in London - but she tries not to dwell on that. Now she's back in her element - running her cute little beachfront café, The Sardine, with her trusty rescue dog Stanley by her side, and occasionally enjoying a short-lived fling with a stunning French fisherman.
When word on the street is that New York Froth is coming to town, it's not just the fancy coffee chain that has Kate on edge. Mike Pendle, the grumpy owner, seems determined to ruin her day with each encounter. Will all the changes happening in Seabury be too much for Kate to handle?
Kate Hardy isn't a fan of change. She's been living in the beautiful coastal town of Seabury forever - well, except for that short stint in London - but she tries not to dwell on that. Now she's back in her element - running her cute little beachfront café, The Sardine, with her trusty rescue dog Stanley by her side, and occasionally enjoying a short-lived fling with a stunning French fisherman.
When word on the street is that New York Froth is coming to town, it's not just the fancy coffee chain that has Kate on edge. Mike Pendle, the grumpy owner, seems determined to ruin her day with each encounter. Will all the changes happening in Seabury be too much for Kate to handle?
July 26, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this short, sweet romance. It is well written and very engaging, with wonderful characters and setting, a good storyline and some interesting plot twists.
I loved Kate and her best friend Stanley the massive dog she lives with at her cafe in Seabury. She is so determined and positive, despite so many setbacks. Then there are the people you just love, Ethel, Sarah and Charlie and those you really don't, like Veronica and Kate's soon to be ex-husband! Add in the new cafe owner and Pierre Kate's French part-time lover and you have a fantastic cast of characters.
This is part one of a new series by Beth Rain and it is a quick, easy read. Although it is a little predictable, I know many people like that in a romance and it doesn't deter from the story at all. I look forward to reading part two and finding out what happens in Seabury!
I loved Kate and her best friend Stanley the massive dog she lives with at her cafe in Seabury. She is so determined and positive, despite so many setbacks. Then there are the people you just love, Ethel, Sarah and Charlie and those you really don't, like Veronica and Kate's soon to be ex-husband! Add in the new cafe owner and Pierre Kate's French part-time lover and you have a fantastic cast of characters.
This is part one of a new series by Beth Rain and it is a quick, easy read. Although it is a little predictable, I know many people like that in a romance and it doesn't deter from the story at all. I look forward to reading part two and finding out what happens in Seabury!
December 1, 2022
I listened to this in audiobook format and I found it was very well narrated and I really enjoyed the storyline.
A new author to me and this book introduces you to the village of Seabury, a small seaside village with all its inhabitants.
We meet Kate and her loyal companion Stanley a very large and affectionate dog that she takes with her each day delivering sandwiches and snacks in her old but trusty trike "trixie" from her small but perfectly formed cafe "Sardine " but when a newcomer Mike from New York Froth is set to open up a new coffee shop is her own business going to cope with the competition? In this tightly knit community will Kate manage to find the strength to carry on with her business and also her life, especially when people are not as they seem.
A lovely and enchanting read which will appeal to fans of Jessica Redland, Cathy Bramley and Jenny Colgan.
A new author to me and this book introduces you to the village of Seabury, a small seaside village with all its inhabitants.
We meet Kate and her loyal companion Stanley a very large and affectionate dog that she takes with her each day delivering sandwiches and snacks in her old but trusty trike "trixie" from her small but perfectly formed cafe "Sardine " but when a newcomer Mike from New York Froth is set to open up a new coffee shop is her own business going to cope with the competition? In this tightly knit community will Kate manage to find the strength to carry on with her business and also her life, especially when people are not as they seem.
A lovely and enchanting read which will appeal to fans of Jessica Redland, Cathy Bramley and Jenny Colgan.
June 18, 2025
A book which kind of had a few different stories going on. Kate runs her own small café The Sardine in the seaside town of Seabury. She’s going through a bad divorce, is trying to keep her business afloat plus juggling her love life. But just as things start to go well her ex comes back and threatens to ruin all she holds dear. - Nicely written, feel-good story which I enjoyed. I did think at times that the character Kate came across as a bit of a hometown snob (i.e. if you’re not from Seabury you’re an ‘outsider’ and treated as such). I also didn’t realise that this book would continue with the next one as it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. Did I love this enough to carry on with the next book? I’m not sure.
July 30, 2021
Well what can I say, another brilliant book by the lovely Beth Rain.
From the characters to the scenery and all that's in between I loved it. I felt like I was part of their lives and that I lived in the village of Seabury.
Beth writes brilliantly and with the Little Bampton series I felt like I was part of the story because the way its written really involves you, Seabury is just the same and I loved it.
There are some lovely unexpected moments and I'm a sucker for some romance. If you like romance and strong female character to make you smile and feel empowered, you'll not be disappointed.
From the characters to the scenery and all that's in between I loved it. I felt like I was part of their lives and that I lived in the village of Seabury.
Beth writes brilliantly and with the Little Bampton series I felt like I was part of the story because the way its written really involves you, Seabury is just the same and I loved it.
There are some lovely unexpected moments and I'm a sucker for some romance. If you like romance and strong female character to make you smile and feel empowered, you'll not be disappointed.
August 4, 2021
The thing I love most about picking up a Beth Rain book is knowing that it’s going to be amazing. Beth has quickly become one of my favourite authors over the last 9 months and each book gets better and better.
Welcome To Seabury was everything I thought it would be, it has wonderful characters, a close knit community, a lot of humour and a little bit of drama. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series!!
Welcome To Seabury was everything I thought it would be, it has wonderful characters, a close knit community, a lot of humour and a little bit of drama. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series!!
January 22, 2023
Charming little read. Perfect if you’re looking for something short, cosy and with low stakes.
A bit too predictable and simple overall for my taste. There’s definitely other books that are similar but that feel a bit more fleshed out. However, this was the only one available immediately on my library app and it did definitively scratch the easy-cheesy-romcom itch. I would possibly reach for the second book if I found myself in a similar situation again.
A bit too predictable and simple overall for my taste. There’s definitely other books that are similar but that feel a bit more fleshed out. However, this was the only one available immediately on my library app and it did definitively scratch the easy-cheesy-romcom itch. I would possibly reach for the second book if I found myself in a similar situation again.
January 21, 2025
The only issue I had a lot of issues with was with the overuse of the eclimation point. It was used in every sentence, even multiple times in a sentence. No one's that excited or making that big of a statement. It was overused, and it became my focus, unfortunately.
It was a cute story. Loved Stanley. Of course, I love animals in books.
This story seemed to drag. It didn't really suck me in, and I kept putting it down.
It was a cute story. Loved Stanley. Of course, I love animals in books.
This story seemed to drag. It didn't really suck me in, and I kept putting it down.
August 2, 2021
Loved my introduction to Seabury and Kate and Stanley’s story. Great characters which I want to read more about and fabulous cake descriptions. A lovely book which I read in one sitting and left me wanting more. Can’t wait to savour the next sweet treat of a book ❤️
August 30, 2021
Ended to soon
Lovely gentle story. The characters are friendly and likeable, leading through the story. Just as you are beginning to really become interested in what happens next it ends, already looking for the next Seabury tale.
Lovely gentle story. The characters are friendly and likeable, leading through the story. Just as you are beginning to really become interested in what happens next it ends, already looking for the next Seabury tale.
July 27, 2023
Listened to this on audio after the author gifted me a copy. A delightful story which I really enjoyed. The narration was spot on. Cannot wait to return to Seabury and The Sardine. Have already downloaded the next installment.
September 9, 2021
Another great book by Beth Rain. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. 🥰
September 19, 2021
Pleasant book. A quick read.
September 27, 2021
A lovely story about Kate and her cafe her lovely dog and a rival new cafe owner.
November 8, 2021
Totally fell in love with Seabury! Kate & Co live the best life and an amazing first book in the series. Straight into the second!
November 13, 2021
Lovely book with good characters but even though there are follow up books, the abrupt ending let it down.
December 28, 2021
Good book for a quick reaD
Stanley the dog won me over, and Ethel and her cakes, can’t wait to find out how the lovebirds are getting on.
Stanley the dog won me over, and Ethel and her cakes, can’t wait to find out how the lovebirds are getting on.
January 5, 2022
Great, easy read during Covid isolation
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews