Love Blooms at Mermaids Point

Mermaids Point #3

by Sarah Bennett

Bestselling author Alex Nelson is slowly coming apart at the seams after a failed marriage and an abrupt change in career leave him at a crossroads in life. When an unexpected opportunity arises to escape to the idyllic village of Mermaids Point, he’s hot on the heels of his brother, Tom, who has recently moved there. Buying a rundown bookshop might be just his latest harebrained scheme, but Alex has never been one to do things by halves.

After spending her early years caring for her mother, Ivy Fisher is finally ready to start living her own life. But when the impossibly charming, impossibly good-looking Alex Nelson swoops in and snatches her dream out from under her nose, it really is the last straw. Forced by circumstances to spend more time with him, Ivy finally gets a peak of the real man beneath the confident exterior, and she likes what she sees.

But just when things are starting to come together for them, Ivy is reminded why men can never be trusted. Is Alex who he says he is, or is he using Mermaids Point as nothing more than research fodder for his next bestseller?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Chick Lit, Friends To Lovers, Family

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2022

About the author

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK.

Reviews

[Kim Coenen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Na het lezen van de twee eerdere delen van Mermaids Point van Sarah Bennett, wil ik graag meer lezen over dit leuke en heerlijke stadje. Zeker wanneer ik echt op zoek ben naar de lentekriebels, dan komt dit verhaal echt als geroepen. Ik heb goede verwachtingen en ik hoop dan ook van een mooi, leuk en fijn verhaal om lekker bij weg te dromen.


Na een mislukt huwelijk en een abrupte wending in zijn carrière ziet bestsellerauteur Alex Nelson Mermaids Point als de kans voor een mooie en nieuwe wending in zijn leven. Hij volgt zijn oudere broer Tom, die onlangs naar dit stadje is verhuisd. Hij besluit een oude en vervallen boekwinkel te kopen, misschien een ondoordacht plan, maar Alex weet van aanpakken.
Ivy heeft jarenlang voor haar moeder gezorgd, die onlangs is overleden. Nu is het tijd om aan haar eigen leven te beginnen, wanneer Alex Nelson de boekwinkel die zij op het oog had voor haar neus wegkaapt. Door omstandigheden blijven ze elkaar tegen het lijf lopen en daarbij komt Ivy er al snel achter dat er achter zijn zelfverzekerde buitenkant een lieve man schuil gaat. Wanneer de vonken lijken over te springen, wordt Ivy even keihard geconfronteerd waarom mannen nooit te vertrouwen zijn. Is Alex wel wie hij zegt dat hij is? Of gebruikt hij Mermaids Point alleen als inspiratie voor een nieuwe bestseller?


Het verhaal begint zoals elke keer weer, met een lange lijst van de verschillende personages en bewoners van Mermaids Point. Nu ik aan het derde deel van de serie begin, krijgen de verschillende personages steeds meer inhoud en krijg je van iedereen een steeds duidelijker beeld en gevoel. Daarbij is de lijst ook handig om even terug te blikken na wie ook alweer wie was.

Sarah Bennett heeft een hele levendige, luchtige en vlotte schrijfstijl, waardoor je gemakkelijk en snel helemaal in het verhaal en het dorpje Mermaids Points belandt. Ditmaal volgen we het verhaal van Ivy. Dit personage kennen we al uit de zijlijnen van de vorige delen, maar het is leuk om nu dit personage beter te leren kennen en haar verhaal te lezen. Alex Nelson is een nog onbekend personage en komt van buitenaf naar Mermaids Point. Beide hoofdpersonages zijn met gevoel en aandacht neergezet, waardoor je je als lezer goed in beide personages kan verplaatsen. Door het wisselende perspectief ontstaat ook een mooi spanningsveld tussen de twee personages.

Het verhaal heeft een mooie, leuke en fijne verhaallijn. Het is absoluut geen zwaar verhaal en het kent weinig diepgang, maar het is wel een op en top feelgood verhaal om even heerlijk bij weg te dromen en te genieten. Het verhaal van Ivy en Alex wordt mooi opgebouwd en krijgt langzaamaan een mooie vorm. Ook de twist in de verhaallijn was sterk, verrassend en was goed gedaan. Wel vond ik persoonlijk dat het einde te vlot en rap was afgewerkt, alsof er haastig een einde aan het verhaal moest komen en het weer helemaal goed was. Voor mijn gevoel ging dat laatste net iets te snel. Toch was het een fijn en goed einde, waardoor je het verhaal fijn afsluit.

Lentekriebels in Mermaids Point is het derde deel van de heerlijke Mermaids Point serie van Sarah Bennett. Sarah Bennett heeft een vlotte, levendige en luchtige schrijfstijl, waardoor je afdwaalt naar het idyllische dorpje en geniet van heerlijke dorpse taferelen en mooie liefdesverhalen. Ook dit deel is weer echt een mooi en fijn verhaal.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading: February 18th 2022


*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***



I first discovered Sarah Bennett's books last year, and I've been highly enjoying my time with her stories. I hadn't actually started reading the Mermaids Point series yet, but I couldn't resist the temptation to read Love Blooms At Mermaids Point anyway. Especially since past experiences have taught me that each book of the different trilogies focuses on a different character and it's quite easy to read them as stand-alones... The fact that Love Blooms At Mermaids Point also has a very helpful list of the different characters in play with a little bio for each one makes it even easier. A little warning though: reading one of the books will make you want to read the other two ASAP!

This trilogy is set in a small village called Mermaids Point, and it definitely has that small town community vibe where everybody knows each other and they all step in to help when someone needs it. It makes for a great backdrop, and the village itself sounds lovely. The added bookish element in the form of the bookshop AND a (secret) writer as one of the main characters is of course a huge bonus as I love a bookish element in my stories... And who doesn't love a bookshop cat?! I liked how big of a role Lucifer the cat played in the story and his appearance always brought a smile to my face.

The story itself is basically a 'friends-to-lovers' trope, and I could really appreciate how it was developed here. Instead of the angst and one of them not realizing the other was in love with them, we have two friends who slowly evolve into something more, and I much prefer the trope to develop this way... The fact that Ivy and Alex have great chemistry together and are likeable makes it easy to root for them. Both characters have their background and issues that make them hesitant to start something new... It was interesting to see their relationship develop over time.

Love Blooms At Mermaids Point isn't all sweet, because there are some heavy moments as well. In fact, the story starts with a funeral, and there are other elements including cheating and grief along the way to balance the more joyful moments. The ending of the story was a bit abrupt, but as a whole I ended up having a great time with this third and final book of the Mermaids Point series.

P.S. Find more of my reviews here.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Love Blooms at Mermaids Point, we meet Alex Nelson, brother to Doc Tom. He is a best selling author, who published a book under an alias, who is interested in purchasing a rundown bookstore in Mermaids Point. With his marriage in the past, he is ready to sell his home in the city and move. Ivy Fisher has spent years taking care of her mother and she recently passed away. Ivy is hoping to buy the same shop, but turn it into a place to refurbish furniture, make nick nacks and sell them. She and Alex are acquaintances, who decide they can share the building and operate both businesses. Ivy finds out that her estranged father never divorced her mom and he owns half the house. She will need to sell it as she can't afford to buy him out. This causes another problem, where will she live? As they spend more time together, Ivy begins to have feelings toward Alex, that is until she finds out that he has been keeping a big secret.

Mermaids Point is a small village on the coast, and it definitely has that small town community feel where everybody knows each other and they all step in to help and support one another. It is a great setting for this series. In this story we add one of my favourite elements, a bookstore and a secret author. I liked the characters of Ivy and Alex. They were friends and gradually became more than that. It was a lovely blossoming relationship that I enjoyed seeing develop. They had good chemistry and I enjoyed their banter. The family and friends all added to the story and were almost all likable. Of course, Lucifer the cat was an added bonus. He is the bookshop cat and plays a nice role in the story. The story itself is basically a 'friends-to-lovers' trope, and it was developed well. There was not a lot of angst, and the one problem when the secret is revealed is handled well. Both characters have their background and issues that make them hesitant to start something new, so it was interesting to see their relationship develop over time. Love Blooms At Mermaids Point isn't all sweet, as there are some heavy moments as well. There are themes of grief, infidelity, revenge, and betrayal as well, but overall it is uplifting and happy. I enjoyed this third trip to Mermaids Point and look forward to my next and final trip at Christmas time. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Samantha Tonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex's life is falling apart after a failed marriage, and he heads to the gorgeous village of Mermaids Point where he considers buying a rundown bookshop - a dream also shared by Ivy who's spent her early years caring for her late mother. Now she is looking to move her life forwards but will handsome Alex thwart her plans?

Another beautiful novel set in this glorious setting. Bennett is skilled at gently drawing the reader into a story that's carefully crafted to pull at the heartstrings yet leave you feeling warm and uplifted. Fuzzy feelings abound as each of them begins to put in place the foundations of their new lives and Bennett had me rooting for a happy ending that becomes under threat when you least expect it.

Cosy, heartwarming and moving, this story is as beautiful as its cover.

[Sheerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to be back at Mermaid's Point again in this lovely, cute, emotional, feel good story. I really enjoyed the book, and it left me feeling uplifted.

This time, Ivy and Alex's story is at the forefront. Ivy's Mum has passed away, and we are all right behind her as she tries to come to terms with this, as well as some upset from her Dad. Alex comes to help her, and we are then shown how the two of them get on.

It was nice to catch up with all the Mermaid's Point characters again, and I am now excited to read the next book in the series, to see what happens next. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ivy Fisher has never felt more alone. Her beloved mother has died of cancer and her father may live in the same small village but they haven't really spoken since he ghosted her and her mother one day to move in with his girlfriend Wendy.

Alex Nelson is moving back to Mermaid's Point to be closer to his brother (the local doctor) after the break-up of his marriage. He wrote a self-indulgent, barely-disguised account of his marriage break-up which the publisher then edited to make it even more bitter and spiteful. Now he has a contract for two more books in a similar vein but all inspiration has deserted him.

Alex decides to use the proceeds of his house sale to buy the local bookshop, something that Ivy was hoping to do until the truth about her mother's will emerges. But the two of them decide to go into business, with Ivy helping in the shop but also selling her knick-knacks, re-purposed furniture and hand-made clothes. After his disastrous marriage, Alex knows he needs to be less impulsive and to take things slow, but everything seems so right with Ivy .. until his secret identity comes back to haunt him.

This is the third book in a series and it shows, there is a definite feel that the reader has walked in a on a conversation and missed half the story. We don't see how Ivy and Alex first meet, or even why Alex is already half in love with her when the story opens. Similarly, references to Alex's brother's wife who died and his new romance all expect the reader to have some knowledge of the previous books. This can be read as a stand-alone but be prepared to be updated about a whole load of people you don't know.

This was a cosy, small-town romance featuring an evil cat called Lucifer and a bookshop fer crissakes, but I just have this niggling irritation that there's a bit of female misogyny creeping in, from the tittle-tattling gossip Bev, to the leopard-print and tango-tanned Wendy, and even Alex's ex-wife Jo who is needy, a snob, money-grabbing, and wears so much make-up it makes Ivy's face itch. In contrast ,I can't think of a single man (other than Ivy's no-good father) who is anything other than kind and generous. Even Ivy gets a bit of subliminal bashing (from me as a reader) because after Alex supports her through one personal crisis after another she promises to be there for him, no matter what, then bails when his identity is revealed.

Overall, maybe I found it all a bit twee and, dare I say it, I thought Alex was a bit wet.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the start of this book – and unusually actually found myself just a little tearful within the opening pages. Ivy has cared for her mother through the final stages of a long and debilitating illness, but it’s now all over and time for the funeral her mother had already planned in meticulous detail – and she’s not facing the day alone, as new friend Alex has taken it upon himself to be at her side, as well as all the support on hand from the wonderful community (almost her extended family…) of Mermaids Point.

She then, of course, needs to start her life again – but there are complications her mother hadn’t foreseen when Ivy’s father re-emerges, and it becomes clear that her financial situation and future security aren’t going to be quite as comfortable as she’d hoped for. She already knew there might have been some problems with her hopes to buy the town’s rundown bookshop, as she knew Alex was also interested in it too – but it would have been so perfect to be able to take on the business and sell her crafts there too. But there’s then an obvious answer – Alex can go ahead with the purchase, but she can have space within the shop to sell her wares, and they can run the business together.

Alex is running away from his former life – and a particularly painful failed marriage – and, like brother Tom before him, a fresh start at Mermaids Point is just what he needs. And as he and Ivy work together towards opening the shop, they begin to grow closer – they both rather need each other, and it looks (for a while) as if they’ll move forward smoothly towards their own happy ending. But Ivy doesn’t know about Alex’s success as an author, with a book that’s caused a bit of a sensation based around his marriage break-up – and when she finds out, and that he hasn’t told her about it, she wonders if she’s just being used as material for his next book and whether she was wrong about him all along.

Above all, this book is a quite gorgeous and beautifully developed romance – both Ivy and Alex (despite his secrets) are such lovely individuals, I enjoyed their every interaction and act of kindness to each other, and you can’t help but feel that they’re meant to be together. Their growing closeness is authentic and believable, as their friendship begins to become something more – and the conflict, when it comes, is particularly well-handled and you can see the problem from both their perspectives, wondering how on earth there can be any possibility of a happy ending.

Do you know, if the right house came up for sale, I’d rather like to move to Mermaids Point. While Alex and Ivy are always the focus of the story – and that’s why this book would work particularly well as a stand-alone read – there are plenty of opportunities to feel part of the warm and caring community the author’s created and developed, and (if you’ve spent time here before) to meet up with the wider cast who now feel like good friends. Spending time within the community just makes you feel good – and that makes spending time there such a pleasure.

This was my favourite book yet from the author – this series really just gets better and better. Highly recommended – and I’m now very much looking forward to Nick’s story…

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Sarah’s books for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but I hope to rectify that fairly soon. I have a particular fondness for the series set in ‘Mermaids Point’. I read and loved he first three books in the series and so when I heard Sarah was due to release a fourth book in the series, then I knew that I had to grab a copy and read it as soon as I possibly could. Well ladies and gents, I managed to get hold of a copy and I can definitely say that it’s a cracker of a read and then some. I adored reading ‘Love Blooms At Mermaids Point’ but more about that in a bit.
I was initially drawn to this book by the bright and breezy cover, which sounds very superficial. Looking at the cover both cheered me up and enticed me into the story. As soon as I started reading the story itself, I knew that I wasn’t going to be doing anything other than reading for the rest of the afternoon. I warmed to the lead characters from the start and I ended up feeling as though they were friends of mine, so of course I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out for them and whether or not they got the ‘happy ever after’ ending that they so deserved. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book quickly enough as I seemed to charge through the story. At one point I was turning the pages so quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. I became so wrapped up in the lives of the main characters and in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Alex, Ivy and the rest of the characters. I found ‘Love Blooms At Mermaids Point’ to be a delight to read from start to finish. A lovely story in a lovely setting with lovely characters.
‘Love Blooms At Mermaids Point’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing else from Sarah Bennett. Sarah has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Sarah’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story started in a sad way with the funeral of Ivy’s Mam but from then on the story proceeded at a gentle pace and took on more of an uplifting feel to it. Sarah clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid way in which she describes them. She describes them so realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Sarah makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I adored reading ‘Love Blooms At Mermaids Point’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sarah’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Ivy had to overcome a lot of heartache and they did so with grace and love.

Alex isn’t really riding high after the success of his book loosely detailing the breakdown of his failed marriage. Mostly he just wants to put it behind him and start over. A great opportunity presents itself in the form of an old bookstore in Mermaids Point. It will bring him closer to his brother, Tom, his new friends there, and hopefully it will give him the kickstart he needs. And maybe he can be closer to Ivy too.

Ivy’s world is also in shambles. Her mother just passed away and her affairs aren’t quite in the order that Ivy expected them to be. Alex offers her the chance to run his new store with him and sell her own wares there. With her father breathing down her neck, Ivy needs a new start just as desperately as Alex does.

Ivy is a strong woman. She kept going even after getting hit with so many disappointments all at once. Alex only knew about some of her struggles, but he supported her and made sure that she could rely on him. He never pushed for more and respected her boundaries. I really like these two together. They made each other better. It was also wonderful seeing all the old faces again and the way they all support each other.

This is book three in the Mermaids Point series. It will help to read the others first, but it’s not really necessary. I can recommend this if you like a sweet, clean romance where the characters have to grapple with difficult issues.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Mermaids Point this book is great
As two friends learn how to trust in fate.
There are upsets and hiccups along the way
But fingers crossed that love will save the day.

This is a lovely contemporary romance
About learning to trust and give love a chance
It starts with the funeral of Ivy's Mum
And the support given by Alex her chum.

Alex is a secret best selling author who
Is struggling to write his next book, too.
He's decided to buy a bookshop where
He hopes he can settle to a new life there.

Her Mother's death leaves Ivy upset
But there's worse news for her to come yet!
Her life is changing but she's unsure just how
And what on earth will she do now?

Secrets and surprises, family dramas, too,
All play a part in this lovely read I recommend to you.
The characters are brilliant and feel like friends
And the community is there for each other right to the ends.

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It's a great addition to his lovely series and this is my honest review.

[Saskia Boree · Rating 3 out of 5]

De lezer komt een aantal oude bekenden uit eerdere boeken over Mermaids Point tegen, in Lentekriebels in Mermaids Point. Lezers volgen Ivy en bestsellerauteur Alex Nelson. Sarah Bennett weet haar lezers er weer lekker vlot in te krijgen, ook al is de eerste intonatie wat aan de sombere kant. De emoties in het teken van rouw spat ervan af. Bepaalde ingrediënten in de verhaallijn zetten al een beetje de toon. Met name Alex heeft een diepgaands achtergrondverhaal gekregen. Later wordt er ook het een en ander duidelijk voor personage Ivy, waardoor ook zij meer achtergrond vergaard. Naast de heftige emoties die beide achtergrondverhalen met zich meebrengen, is er ook sprake van voldoende blije emoties. De algehele sfeer voelt tevens ook heel aandoenlijk aan. Even krijgen lezers het gevoel dat het eerder om de kat draait, dan om Alex en Ivy, en dat levert nog weleens wat hilariteit op. Er worden nog op andere manieren de nodige spanning in de verhaallijn aangebracht. Datgene wat Alex voor Ivy verbergt, krijgt een niet zo’n leuke wending wanneer zijn ex in de boekwinkel verschijnt. Alle spanning wordt in de laatste momenten van het boek geperst, en lezers zullen een zweem van wraak en jaloezie kunnen proeven. Verhaal wordt heel abrupt afgerond, en zowel het plot als het einde is heel voorspelbaar. Dat maakt het dan weer dat het daardoor wel een fijn tussendoortje is, waarbij lezers vrij weinig echt hoeven na te denken.

[Anjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, and I chose to read it because I really like the author’s writing style and characters. I also have enjoyed two other books in this series and was curious to see how this particular character’s happily-ever-after would unfold. I mentioned this in the very beginning because I went into this book with this bias, and it coloured my entire reading experience. I would actually recommend reading this separately or before the others because it does not matter much when it comes to ‘secrets’. Having already read about the others, I was not as awed by the story here.

The author has written in her usual interesting way; the people are three dimensional. Their issues come through, and the reader is actively left cheering for the lead couple. The problem was that the plotline of this story was already introduced in the previous work. Except for the addition of renovation work and the antics of a cat and a crazy ex, there was not much more added to the story.

Ivy is trying to get used to the new normal in her life. Her mother has been ailing for a while, and it was bound to happen sooner rather than later, but it is still hard. I felt for Ivy and could see her struggle. On the other end, Alex is trying to break through his writer’s block by doing something new. This is when their paths properly cross. Given that the entire cast is interlinked in one way or another, it is impossible for them to avoid one another. They work well together, and it was a pleasant read with the usual twists.

I would recommend it to readers of this genre and fans of the author, but my rating reflects where it stands on the series ranking.

[Federica · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read the previous instalments and the preview about Alex and Ivy's story that you can find in the Christmas novella (Christmas Surprises at Mermaids Point), I was so excited to read this new book in the series and it didnt disappoint at all!! Alex and Ivy might be my favourite characters so far, but it was also nice to reconnect with the others.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but i would suggest to read the whole series for maximum enjoyment,
Can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, well, Goodreads, it was indeed okay. The story is very cute and it’s an easy read but there’s WAY too many characters and also WAY too many irrelevancies and also the writing was just too descriptive and extensive at times. Kind of makes me question the ‘small British town’ stories that are so popular, or maybe this was just not entirely the one for me.

[Sarah the reading addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with heartbreak but blossoms throughout the book.

I love the ever-growing friendship between Alex and Ivy.

I've always wanted to own a shop and Alex and Ivy's shop sounds perfect. What better mix than books and handmade clothes. Reading and sewing are two of my favourite hobbies.

Really enjoyed this book. I've read books by this author before and I had a feeling I'd like this one too, I like Sarah's style of writing.

[Wendy W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Blooms at Mermaid's Point by Sarah Bennett is the third installment of her popular Mermaid’s Point Series. This is a series that is best read in order, but Love Blooms at Mermaid’s Point can be read as a stand-alone. I was thrilled to be back at Mermaid’s Point and completely enjoyed Ivy and Alex’s story.

Ivy’s mother just passed away after a long and debilitating illness. After years of caring for her mother, Ivy is now able to start her life on her own terms.
Her father is making trouble and she has to sell her mother's house and find a place to live on her own. Plus, her plans to buy the town’s bookstore hit a snag. Alex Nelson, bestselling author, and brother to the town’s doctor is planning to purchase the store.

Alex is at a crossroads in his life. Tired of the financial world of London, he decides to purchase a bookstore in Mermaid’s Point and continue writing. He has serious writer's block, as his previous book makes it to the bestsellers lists. When he learns that Ivy also wanted to purchase the bookstore, they make an agreement for her to sell her goods out of the store as well as his books. Working side by side to get the old dilapidated store ready, and stocking the shelves, Ivy and Alex start to have feelings for each other. But, will secrets cause distrust between the couple?

I sure enjoyed being back in Mermaids’ point and really enjoyed Ivy and Alex’s story. Working together to get the shop up and running allows them each to discover and appreciate each other. One of the small issues I had with the previous book in the series is the large number of characters. In this book, the author provided a helpful character list at the beginning of the book, which I found very useful and allowed me to remember each of the characters before I started reading. And I used it as a reference when I encountered a character that I forgot from the previous books.

I found that this book was much more of a stand-alone than her previous books as it concentrated almost exclusively on Alex’s and Ivy’s story, with just a few visits from the previous characters. The town of Mermaid Point is as much part of the story as the human characters, the idyllic life is masterly described and would make any reader wish they lived there.

I highly recommend Love Blooms at Mermaids Point to anyone who loves an optimistic and positive love story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

The literary equivalent of catching up over tea and cakes with your best friend, Love Blooms at Mermaids Point is the latest wonderfully romantic page-turner from the fabulous Sarah Bennett.

Bestselling author Alex Nelson cannot seem to catch a break lately. With the acrimonious end of his marriage and an abrupt change in his career having left him at a crossroads, Alex desperately needs some time out from his life. With his brother having moved to an idyllic town called Mermaids Point, Alex decides to take a leaf out of his sibling’s book and start afresh somewhere far removed from his current life. Taking over the local bookshop and immersing himself in running his new business is just what Alex needs, however, he hadn’t counted on finding himself drawn to one of Mermaids Points’ residents, who isn’t exactly laying out the welcome mat for him.

Ivy Fisher had spent most of her life caring for her mother. Now free to live life on her own terms, Ivy had great plans for her future – only for incomer Alex to come along and pull the rug out from under her feet by stealing her long-cherished dream from under her nose! As keeping Alex at arm’s length isn’t an option, Ivy has to grin and bear it and spend more time in his company than she actually wants. Although Ivy was predisposed to loathe Alex, the more she gets to know him, the more she realises that there is more to him than meets the eye! Could Ivy be falling head over heels in love with Alex Nelson?

As the two of them find themselves getting closer, unexpected revelations come to light that threaten to put paid to any hope they might have had of having any kind of relationship. Is Alex merely using her and Mermaids Point as inspiration for his next book? Can he prove to Ivy that he genuinely cares for her? Or is it all going to end in tears?

Sarah Bennett’s books never fail to hit all the right spots and she is at her enchanting and addictive best with Love Blooms at Mermaids Point. A gloriously romantic, highly entertaining and wholly engrossing charmer full of of gorgeous characters, delightful humour and emotional intensity, Love Blooms at Mermaids Point is feel-good escapism at its best.

A witty and heartwarming tale about second chances, starting over and unexpected romance, Love Blooms at Mermaids Point is another must-read for the fabulous Sarah Bennett.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE BLOOMS AT MERMAIDS POINT by SARAH BENNETT.

The story begins on the day of Ivy’s mother’s funeral. The whole village turn out to pay their respects and to support Ivy, including one less than welcome face.
Ivy is lost without her mother to care for. She also faces the prospect of losing the only home she’s ever known.
Where will life lead Ivy to now?

Alex, the younger brother of dishy Dr Tom, is a struggling author. He is moving to Mermaids Point for a fresh start and to hopefully own and run a book shop.
There are shadows from Alex’s past that are never too far away.

Since they first met, there has been an obvious spark between Alex and Ivy. Can they help each other to heal and maybe find love along the way?

It has been an absolute joy to take a trip back to Mermaids Point. I loved Alex and Ivy’s story, which evolved so naturally and with great tenderness.
It was also good to catch up with familiar faces and to see how life is treating them too.

There was some sadness and ghosts from the past to put to rest, but overwhelmingly this book is full of love and happiness. There are some laughs along the way too.
Lucifer the local cat, was a great addition to the story with all her antics and as always the knitting group who meet in the café were a hoot.

Sarah Bennett creates the most welcoming and warm sense of community in Mermaids Point. It’s a seaside village, full of good people who are all tied together by the strongest bonds of family and friendships.

This is a book that will take you away to a happier place. It will wrap you up in it’s cosy warmth and leave the real world far away.

Although this is book three in the Mermaids Point series, not forgetting the super novella that was squeezed in after book two, you can read this as a stand alone story. Seriously though, if you are new to Mermaids Point, go back to book one, Summer Kisses At Mermaids Point, and enjoy this delight of a series from the start.

So, Love Blooms At Mermaids Point…. It’s utterly gorgeous and will fill your heart with warm and fuzzies.
Five glorious stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With grateful thanks to #Netgalley and #Boldwood for a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Available in PB, Audio and Ebook - 16/3/22

Mermaids Point series,
1, Summer Kisses At Mermaids Point.
2, Autumn Dreams At Mermaids Point.
2.5 Christmas Surprises At Mermaids Point (novella)
3, Love Blooms At Mermaids Point.

[Esther Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Blooms at Mermaids Point by
Sarah Bennett Pub Date 16th March 2021
Bestselling author Alex Nelson is slowly coming apart at the seams after a failed marriage, and an abrupt career change leaves him at a crossroads in life. So when an unexpected opportunity arises to escape to the idyllic village of Mermaids Point, he's hot on the heels of his brother, Tom, who has recently moved there. Buying a rundown bookshop might be just his latest harebrained scheme, but Alex has never been one to do things by halves.
After spending her early years caring for her mother, Ivy Fisher is finally ready to live her own life. But when she finds out that her estranged father still owns a share in her mother's cottage, all her plans disappear before her eyes. It's the last straw when charming, good-looking Alex Nelson swoops in and snatches her dream out from under her nose. Forced by circumstances to spend more time with him, Ivy finally gets a peek of the real man beneath the confident exterior, and she likes what she sees.
But just when things are starting to come together for them, Ivy is reminded why men can never be trusted. Is Alex who he says he is, or is he using Mermaids Point as nothing more than research fodder for his next bestseller?
Sarah Bennett's stories never disappoint, and this one is no different. Love Blooms at Mermaids Point is a perfect addition to the enjoyable series. Love Blooms is the third book in the Mermaids Point stories or fourth if you count the festive short story Christmas Surprises.
The main Characters, Ivy and Alex, are great to get to know; brought together by circumstance, their true personalities shine, so much so, you find yourself rooting for them through their daily ups and downs.
Mermaids Point is a close-knit community, Ivy and Alex are joined in this story by a cast of wholesome, friendly, happy personalities like Sylvia and Andrew, Laurie, Jake and Nick, Philippa and Archie, Tom, Nerissa, Max, to name a few, and we mustn't forget Lucifer, the cat...
Combine all the above, shake well, and pour to uncover a delightful cosy story that will warm your heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment of the series and am looking forward to the next, which is out later in the year. I am delighted to recommend it.
This story could be read as a standalone, but personally, I would read the series from the beginning for maximum enjoyment.

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 3 Stars. I enjoyed LOVE BLOOMS but not as much as the other books in this series.
This series is my first time “reading” Sarah Bennett stories.

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS CUTE/OKAY; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

LOVE BLOOMS picks up with Londoner Alex Nelson, the younger brother of Dr Tom (bks 2 and 3) who at nearly 30 is concentrating on moving past his somewhat recent failed marriage and the depression that followed it. Alex’s career is also somewhat up in the air and he isn’t certain of his future direction. Alex has visited Mermaid Point to see his older brother, Tom at his new clinic with his new extended family a few times in the past (following Tom’s move to MP and his recent marriage). Alex decides perhaps Mermaid Point will provide the balm he so desperately craves.

Ivy, a native of quiet Mermaid Point in her mid/late 20’s, is reassessing her goals and dreams following the recent death of her mother whom Ivy assisted during her very prolonged illness. Ivy and Alex now have shared family in common. LOVE BLOOMS tells their story of endings, new beginnings and hope.

Comments ~
1) LOVE BLOOMS could be enjoyed as a Standalone title but the characters and their backstories are better understood if earlier books have been read.
2) I never really identified with Ivy. She’s been a secondary character in previous books and I’ve always found her rather unapproachable and too quick with her emotions rather than taking time to think situations out, causing misunderstandings (which could have been avoided). Ivy is what I consider a “drama gal”, but she doesn’t see it herself. Ha. Alex has his own issues but he isn’t quick to judge.
3) LOVE BLOOMS, a gentle Romance story, was an okay read - quick and easy (containing a few minor misunderstandings but no major angst - which I dislike). It entertained me as I worked outside but it wasn’t my favorite in the series.
4) Annabelle Indge is the voice artist for the complete series. She does a nice job with all the characters. I picked up the entire series in audiobook format on a past sale and have been enjoying these “easy listening” stories as I work outdoors. Just the last title to go - Happy Endings at MP.

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following a series means that you can get really involved in the characters lives as you see them pop in and out of the differing books. Last time I met Alex he was helping his brother, Tom the new Doctor at Mermaids Point settle in. He was at a crossroads in his life and could see that this little gem on the coast had healing properties. Even more so when he meets and flirts unashamedly with Ivy.

Ivy is having a tough time and her immediate future is all she can care about.

Time has moved on, Alex has made the decision to move to Mermaids Point and restart his life away from the city, away from the rash decision to publish a book under a pseudonym and also from his ex wife Jo. Buying a rundown bookshop seems like the perfect choice for Alex, it seems that rash decisions follow him everywhere.

Ivy is coming to terms with the death of her mother and the massive hole caring for her that has left. Now she can start to focus on herself. What she doesn’t realise is that the home, the life she has known is suddenly upended and she finds herself looking for everything home, job but most definitely not love.

However love has a funny way of finding you and that comes in the form of Alex, who can provide everything Ivy needs. Trouble is Ivy needs to see it first and Alex perhaps needs to be truthful about who he really is.

Being back in Mermaid’s Point is like returning home. The Morgan’s who feature strongly in the first couple of books are of course quite present in this novel, but it is very much the story of Alex and Ivy. You are on their side from the beginning and if I could have stepped into the book I would have certainly have shook both of them at some points, where the misunderstandings were just that.

Of course the path of true love never runs smooth and this relationship whilst off to a fast and fantastic start has to face some stumbling blocks. Some people don’t like this genre of fiction because it is making life to be too perfect, this is not true here. The author shows us life in all it’s ups and downs and realities most importantly and where doubts about people and trust issues can be affected by ones past. Both Alex and Ivy have that in abundance to resolve for them to be able to move on together of course.

Another strong read to this series of books and I highly recommend. Now if I could find my own Alex………

[Fay Keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Bennett's 'Mermaid's Point' series is the perfect antidote to dull winter skies! We join Ivy Fisher, the creative, passionate and caring seamstress and crafter as she navigates the complex aftermath of her mother's death, a tentative new business partnership and a developing new relationship, all against the picturesque backdrop of Mermaid's Point. Ivy's world is changing, but will all opportunities be good ones? And can she trust her heart after guarding it fiercely for so long?

Alex Nelson, the swoonsome younger brother of the equally gorgeous Doctor Tom (see previous novels in the series) is also facing a new start. After writing a runaway bestseller, Alex is now facing the gloomy prospect of penning a sequel, but his heart is no longer in 'The Heartbreak Kid' and he finds himself drawn in other creative directions. One of these directions leads him back to Mermaid's Point, where he finds himself in charge of an exciting new project, and an even more exciting new relationship. But will his past catch up with him?

As with the other books in this series, I absolutely adored this one. Sarah Bennett has a wonderful writing style, and two things really jump out for me. Her absolute mastery of dialogue makes me feel as though I'm in the room, sitting alongside her characters, and she gives them a depth and complexity that draws a reader in and makes them root for a happy ending, even when things seem so, so bad for them. Her dialogue is deft, and dances from the page in the most wonderful way.

Similarly, the chemistry between her two leads is absolutely electric from page one. It crackles and fizzes, and little details give away just how much their physical attraction mirrors their emotional one. It's an art to create physical chemistry so enticingly on the page, and Sarah Bennett's style is reminiscent of Liz Fielding at her finest. If the devil's in the detail, then it's not just Lucifer the bookshop cat feeling the spring heat!

This is a real page turner, with a brisk plot and a really emotional core. The community we've grown to love at Mermaid's Point is alive with love, laughter and vibrancy, and I can't wait for the next instalment!

[Cassidy Serhienko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Y’all, I’m officially a bookstagrammer. This is the first arc I’ve received via netgalley (still waiting for my Love on the Brain approval btw @netgalley), and this was also my first Sarah Bennett novel. Love Blooms in Mermaids Point is the third book in the Mermaids Point series but I personally think it’s fine to read it as a stand-alone. The other couples feature pretty heavily in the story and so I would definitely have had more appreciation for their cameos had I read the other books but I was by no means confused about the plot or who they were to each other and the community.

This was a really lighthearted read, which seems like an odd thing to say considering we have one mc who’s dealing with the aftermath of her mother’s passing and another who is shaking off a disastrous divorce, but Bennett somehow manages to make the book charming and fun. It’s a very easy-going read and I LOVED the setting.

Considering their mountains of baggage, Alex and Ivy decide that jumping into a serious relationship probably wouldn’t be a great idea. However, they’re very attracted to each other and are just entering into a joint business venture involving the local bookstore (you heard that right, a small-town bookstore complete with imperious cat), and so they decide to start a very ill-defined, friends with benefits but less casual relationship. Basically, they’re in a serious relationship but refuse to call it that. To be honest, Alex and Ivy (particularly Ivy) can both be prize idiots about the whole thing, but they’re both well-meaning and charming enough to pull it off. Considering their backgrounds I found it understandable why they would start their relationship this way when normally this kind of trope feels a little unrealistic. A little PSA: this book is very fade to black. I enjoy all variations of spice levels so I wasn’t let down by that but I thought I’d mention it for my smut-reader’s consideration.

The ending definitely wraps up a little quickly - the big climax is brought up and then resolved within a couple of chapters, and well it felt a touch rushed, I think it fit with the feel of the story. The issues that Ivy and Alex are dealing with are big enough to move the story along and I don’t think it needed big drama throughout to be interesting, so it worked for me.

Definitely a great book to read on a snowy day, Love Blooms in Mermaids point releases March 16!

Thank you to netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc!

[Kerry https://likeherdingcatsblog.wordpress.com Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Bennet is one of my favourite romance authors (she may have the most appearances on my blog) and the Mermaids Point series is definitely a firm favourite with me so I was so excited to be back again, visiting old friends (and a few newer ones).
The Mermaid’s Point series works in any order. Each novel has a focus on a different character but is linked by location and other recurring characters from previous books, so it doesn’t really matter what order you read in. The main benefit from reading in order is chronology as it does put things into a timeline, and you may find out how a previous book ended by where the characters are later in time. To be fair – you can’t stop at one anyway so you may as well just resign yourself to the fact that resistance is futile, and you will read them all.
This is Ivy and Alex’s story. Ivy has recently lost her mother and is trying to grieve whilst thinking about taking over the bookshop. Alex is struggling after coming out of bad marriage and is spending time in Mermaids Bay whilst considering a new business venture. Can they both heal their broken hearts, or will other things come between them?
I loved Ivy and Alex. I loved how Alex was dealing with his own issues but knew Ivy would need a firm hand and some support. Alex and ivy had strong chemistry between them and I enjoyed the journey of their growing relationship from friends who realised they felt more than just friendship for each other. They are both sweet characters and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. It was so much fun seeing recurring characters too and finding new bits of information out about how their lives were going.
I felt completely welcomed back to Mermaids Point with open arms and it’s just like belonging to a community. I love the place! It sounds so picturesque and quaint and it is definitely somewhere to visit.
I also adore books about bookshops!
I had a great time visiting Mermaids Bay again and I highly recommend you escape there yourselves for a while.

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Blooms at Mermaids Point is a wonderful English romance that will have you feeling so warm and cozy.

When I say I was excited for this book to come out, I need you to picture how excited kids get when they find out they are going to Disneyland. That was the level of excitement that I had for this book. Sarah did not disappoint me at all! I adored everything about Love Blooms at Mermaids Point, and I ended up re-reading it again right away. Before you read this book, I would recommend reading the other books in the series or at least Second Chances at Mermaids Point and Christmas Surprises. These two books introduce you to Ivy and Alex and give you their backstories that you will need to understand what is happening in this book.

I love the world of Mermaids Point; it centers around this charming coastal English town and the community of people who live in it. When I started this book, I had a sense of coming home. It was wonderful seeing familiar faces and spending time just hanging out at Laurie’s Cafe or walking the streets. Sarah has done a great job making sure that each book in this series is fresh and exciting. If you are a fan of stories centred around bookstores and renovations, you will enjoy this book. I know I am a sucker for a good reno book; I just love watching characters breathe new life into spaces.

I loved the plot in this book! It had everything that I hoped for. There was laughter, romance, moments (especially at the beginning) where I was tearing up, and enough twists to keep me interested. I felt the direction Sarah chose to take with Ivy and Alex’s story stayed true to these two characters and the community of Mermaids Point. Sarah also does a beautiful job setting up readers for the next book in this series.

Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2022/03/...

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

We begin with an ending, and end with a new beginning.

When first we meet Ivy, she's reeling from great changes in her life...not great as in wonderful, either. We see her at her lowest, her heart in hibernation, and her feelings on display for the world...but thank heavens for the small town she lives in. Small towns walk a fine line because everyone knows everyone and is in everyone's business, but when one of their own is wronged or in despair, they come together in spades to help, support, and show they care. Such is the case for Ivy...including some unexpected attention from newish arrival in town, Alex. He's easy on the eyes, is debating the purchase of a bookstore (be still my heart!) and is there for her, and only her, on this dreary gray day, but that's something she hasn't had outside of her departed mother for a very long time. It's hard to trust in the best of times, let alone the worst. Then again, Alex has his own trust issues which come to the surface at the worst possible time (of course!), but in the end, they'll come to realize just how strong they both are to not only pull themselves up by their bootstraps, but allow someone else to truly see them.

This was a novel filled with heartache, despair, surprises, endings, and new beginnings in so many ways. It shared the emotions we all feel at some point in our lives and the myriad of ways we can cope, but inadvertently reveals the promise of a new day, the chance to change our own stars, and the strength that comes from not only knowing ourselves, but sharing that with others. The author has created a wonderful community that reacts and acts much as you'd expect them too as things progress, even including a little well deserves retribution for the town gossiper, but she also manages to remind us that in all things, it never hurts to be kind. A great read for Women's Fiction fans, as well as Contemporary Romance readers.


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own

[Jenn Webley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fan of this series, I couldn’t wait to get stuck into Love Blooms at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett. I needed a cosy, fun contemporary romance and knew that this would be just that. It’s that is the third book in the amazing Mermaids Point series, but you could read it as a standalone, although I really do recommend the other books too.

This is a series that is uplifting and this visit did leave me feeling happy and content. I love a book that has a strong sense of community like this, where characters support each other and are there for one another when things go wrong.
Crafty and creative Ivy is carefully dealing with the grief of losing her Mum. Although they knew it was coming, it has left Ivy feeling sensitive. When her world changes even more, she needs to find security so she can move forwards.
Alex, brother of local doctor Tom, is in need of a fresh start; he wants to go in a new direction, and he wants to settle in Mermaids Point. When he finds an exciting new venture, he jumps straight in, but is he thinking with his head or his heart?
When Alex provides Ivy with everything she needs, even if temporarily, will she accept? It will mean letting down the walls she has built and putting her trust in someone other than herself.
Such great chemistry between these two characters, it jumps off the page. I really like both characters, so this pairing is perfect in my eyes. I like how independent Ivy is, but I do see how a great guy like Alex will be a reliable and caring source of support for her.
Wonderful dialogue, fun characters and brilliant writing by Sarah Bennett, as always.
A romance filled with tension, drama and a naughty cat called Lucifer!
Highly recommended.

[Jo Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third full book in the Mermaids Point stories from the pen of talented author Sarah Bennett (there was also a novella at Christmas), and I have to say, Mermaids Point is definitely one of my favourite fictional locations, and I really wish it was a place I could go to. The community spirit is a wonderful element of these stories, and just like the characters living in Mermaids Point, reading this series is an enveloping hug of love, acceptance and community, and an absolute joy to read. Although you could read this as a standalone, you would be cheating yourself out of the beauty of reading the series in order, which I can highly recommend.

In this book, we get the story of Alex and Ivy, and this was a story I had been waiting impatiently for from the moment they met earlier in the series. As characters, the chemistry between Alex and Ivy sizzles deliciously, but as with life, things do not always go to plan, and there were some issues that cause the path of true love to run not so smoothly.

I loved the location of the bookshop that Alex buys (how I wish I could buy a bookshop!), and the way in which he immediately brings Ivy on board given their corresponding visions of what the shop could be for the community. I also adored the feline addition to the story, the appropriately named Lucifer!

The storyline involving Ivy’s feckless father and his girlfriend Wendy (the other woman), was an interesting storyline, although let’s just say my opinion of him from the outset didn’t change as the story progressed.

Love Blooms at Mermaids Point is a wonderful addition to this delightful series, and I can’t wait for the next book to come later this year!

[Henriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this story and couldn’t stop reading it, while at the same time not wanting my time at the Point to come to an end. I am not sure my review can even do this book justice, so perhaps you are better off not reading my review and just grabbing this book to read instead.

This book is the story of Ivy and Alex, so although the characters we met in the previous books reappear, it can be read as a stand-alone, but quite honestly I would recommend reading the whole series. You won’t regret it!

Ivy is so lovely and a bit quirky and she makes everyone smile, so when she’s going through a hard time everyone is there for her. Ivy’s friend and then love interest Alex is also lovely. In previous books I thought maybe Alex would be a bit of a bad boy…. the wild uncle, counteracting the calm and sensible Tom (his brother, the male main character in Autumn Dreams, see link above) but that was not the case at all! Alex was not only eye candy but also super nice! What a pleasant surprise! The bad element or rather the trouble came from another character, but you will have to read the book yourself to find out who I am talking about.

This story had the ups and downs expected when reading a romance novel about friends to lovers and the community setting in Mermaids Point with all its lovely characters just made it that much better!
Highlights:
- lovely warm community at the Point
- everyone looks out for one another
- a bookshop to renovate
- funeral, grand re-opening of the bookshop and a wedding.
- family trouble... mainly Ivy's father causing trouble again and again
- Alex and his writing, can he keep it a secret much longer?
- a naughty cat named Lucifer!
- Romance.... friends to lovers, but will that jeopardize their friedship and their business?